Today's Obsessions

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• 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn …
• Top 8 Acne Products for Girls …
• 9 Tips to Make Sure You Stay Together …
• 7 Things You Need To Know About Germs …
• 8 Inspiring Things to Learn From Different Religions …
• 9 Cool Things to Do During the Holidays …
• 9 Tips To Save Money On Your Wedding …
• 7 Winter Sweaters I Love …
• 7 Great Contact Lens Cases …
• 8 Tasty Winter Treats …
• 7 Things about Julia Stiles you Might Not Know …
• 9 Tips to Prevent Workout Injuries …
• 7 Techniques on Caring for a Ball Python …
• 7 Tips on Keeping Chickens Safe from Predators …
• 8 Ways to Get Over an Addiction Problem …
• 7 Best Homemade Holiday Treats …

5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 11:05 AM PST In business, networking is important. Even if you have a job, maintaining and cultivating professional relationships should never cease. Social networking goes beyond merely connecting with friends. There is also an online platform specifically geared towards business professionals, too. Think of LinkedIn as a way to showcase your achievements and experience – an online resume of sorts — highlighting so much more of your personality than the impersonal and bland nature of a resume. The site is a great tool for finding a job if you are unemployed or looking for new work. Here are five tips to get the most out of LinkedIn. 1. Complete Your Profile Your profile page contains everything that someone needs to know about you – both personally and professionally. When complete, you have a summary of your experience, professional goals and even a picture that puts a face with the person behind the profile. Be sure to add your full list of qualifications, education and complete work experience. 2. Network Locate past and current coworkers, colleagues, classmates, career counselors, mentors, as well as any educational contacts, such as professors. Search for employees that work in your self-described "dream job" company and regularly maintain contact. Use the "people you may know" feature often to find even more suggestions. Then, once these people are added to your network, keep in touch! 3. Use Groups It's one thing to join groups, but you need to be active in them as well. Look for communities specific to your industry and actively participate, including ways for your network to keep in contact with YOU. A blog link with posts is a great way to drive traffic to your site, as well as showcase your online portfolio – potentially gaining future work, for instance, if you are a freelancer.

Top 8 Acne Products for Girls … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST Teenage girls go through enough craziness and hormonal changes without having to worry about acne problems too. If you are one of us who suffer from bad acne, here are some tips that you might try to help clear it up once and for all! 1. Proactive Proactive works for many, but not for all people. The chemical makeup that makes this work for some users has the opposite affect on others. Still, though, since they have a 60 money back guarantee, you can always try it out, and send it back if it doesn’t work for you! 2. Clear Skin Max I’ve heard good things about this acne treatment. It is a five-step system, and you must follow it for good results, but I say anything is worth having clear skin! Clear Skin Max comes with a 180-day money back guarantee! How cool is that? 3. Acne Laser Treatment This is the “new thing” that many people are doing these days. Not only will it clear up any acne, but it also takes care of any acne scars from the past! It’s a little pricey, but then again, once you add up all the money mom and dad will spend on medications for clear skin, it may be cheaper to do the laser treatment!

9 Tips to Make Sure You Stay Together … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 09:58 AM PST I am going to give you 9 tips to make sure you stay together. I know, many of you will probably say that the title needs to be different, perhaps 9 things a relationship needs. Either way, your relationship needs them and they will help keep you together – so continue reading my tips below … 9. Be Nice to Each Other Image source: prettyfoods.tumblr.com Be nice to one another. Instead of getting onto your partner for the things he or she has not done – tell them how thankful you are for what they have done. This is one of those things where you cast those negatives to the side and look at all of the positives. Try doing this for 24 hours and see how you like it. Then, try it for the rest of your life. 8. Keep that Date Night Image source: blushmelove.tumblr.com Yes, yes, date night may sound corny if you are married – but it's really not. There is nothing that you should be ashamed of with date night. Maybe you could make every Friday a date night. 7. Communication Image source: tumblr.com In any relationship, communication is always the key. If you do not keep communication alive and going, then your relationship could die down. In order to keep it growing, you will need to keep communicating with each other.

7 Things You Need To Know About Germs … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 09:40 AM PST Germs are everywhere whether you know it or not! During the busy season of Christmas peoples hands have touched everything, including the toy packages you are picking up and looking at. Who else has touched that same box? Here are a few things to keep in mind this season about germs, and how to protect your self for flu bugs, stomach viruses, and other germs lurking around. 1. The Door Knob We all know thousands of hands touch the doorknob and handle. I've seen people cough, and then reach for the store door! I've seen people go through a series of sneezes and immediately open the mall door. And I have seen kids wipe their running nose with their fingers and then proceed to open the door right in front of me. I like to carry "Germ Wipes" and use them to open all doors. I also carry Germ X and use it frequently while out shopping. 2. The Food Bar How many fingers have touched that serving spoon in the Mac and cheese bowl at the food bar? I try and hold the handle of the ladle as close to the spoon as possible. And always use Germ X or wash your hands before you begin eating. 3. You can be a Carrier I was talking to a friend on Sunday and she told me she has been around people at work with the flu. Although she never came down with the flu her self, she carried the germ home to her children. It is possible to carry a germ and your immune system is strong enough to fight off the germ. But be careful around children who may be exposed to the germ through you.

8 Inspiring Things to Learn From Different Religions … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 08:55 AM PST My parents were quite religiously liberal people and they never forced me to honor any specific tradition. However, they never stopped me from honoring a tradition I felt I needed to, either. They had four rules: 1. Always be the best person you can be. 2. Respect yourself and respect others 3. Find your own path, use your own qualities to move on it and don't walk over dead bodies just because it seems easier. 4. NEVER judge something or somebody you don't know. So, it's safe to say that they did incorporate some religious beliefs in me, right? After all, all religions in the world basically stand on these legs – morals, qualities and your own ability to think straight and tell right from wrong. So, none of them can be bad, just misinterpreted by bad people. But let's see exactly what is there to learn: 1. Islam – Moral values There are many positive things to learn from this religion but I have to mention the moral values because it's amazingly strange and sad in the same time for a religion that's so peaceful to be so misinterpreted and used for goals that go against everything Islam stands for. Did you know that Islam is against racism? Drugs, alcohol and gambling are sins too and so are murders, fraudulent activities and thefts. During Ramadan, one should not smoke and stay away from everything evil including spreading gossips and even hearing gossips! 2. Christianity – Forgiveness, sacrifice, hope Christianity teaches us to forgive people and offer them a helping hand even if they didn't do anything to deserve it. We often blame God for the bad things that happened asking why he chose our family, our country or us and why he doesn't stop all the wars, killings and injustice. However, one of the most inspiring things about this religion is that it teaches people that after the rain the sun will come out. Tells them to never give up hope and will to carry on and do good things. There is a reason for which everything happens and sometimes we must sacrifice one thing for the sake of another, greater good. Like Jesus sacrificed himself for the sake of humanity.

9 Cool Things to Do During the Holidays … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 08:52 AM PST Spending the holidays in peace is what it is all about. There are many things you can do during the holidays and I am going to tell you 9 cool things to do during the holidays. Are you ready? 9. Go on Vacation Photo Credit: Laura Mary Yes, this is definitely a cool thing to do during the holidays and it is something that many families do. If you are able to afford it, then you should look into your next holiday. Perhaps you would like to go to Florida for the holidays? 8. Spreading the Cheer Photo Credit: JunkByJo Yes, spreading the cheer during the holidays is a great activity. How are you going to do this? You can join in with a group of people and go around town sounding Christmas carols. If you have a love for spreading holiday cheer, then this is a great way to do so. 7. Visit the Nursing Home Photo Credit: AndreJenny Sure, you may not have any relatives or friends in the nursing home, but there are elderly people in there that do not have any family and friends visiting them. By going to the nursing home during the holidays, you will be making a lot of people happy. You might even make some friends and want to continue returning.

9 Tips To Save Money On Your Wedding … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 08:48 AM PST If you have a friend or a relative that’s already been married, chances are, you know how expensive weddings can be! What starts out as a small, intimate gathering suddenly blows up into a huge, formal affair that ends up costing way more than you ever intended! I am in the process of planning my own wedding and I’ve discovered this for myself! However, it doesn’t have to be quite as expensive as you might think. There are many different ways to save money! Here are 9 tips to cut the cost and still get what you want! 1. Buy a Secondhand Dress Photo Credit: Sebastien LABAN There’s no need to buy the most expensive designer dress. Before you order a designer dress, look in second-hand stores. Many brides donate theirs after their wedding and you can get it for a steal! Remember, you can always have it altered by a tailor if you don’t like one or two things about it. Another option is to see if your mom or grandmother would like to let you wear her dress! 2. Use Artificial Flowers Photo Credit: Keith Kerr I really wanted to have real flowers at my wedding, but after I checked out prices, I was more than willing to go with artificial flowers! If you have a friend or family member who is talented at arranging flowers, skip the florist and have your loved one help you pick out and arrange flowers one day! You can do your own centerpieces too! 3. Have a Friend Take the Pictures Photo Credit: Cristiano Carli So many people are getting into photography lately, you should probably know at least one person who would take the pictures for you! Don’t expect them to do it for nothing, you should at least tip them, but if you can save, then by all means go for it! You could probably even have a friend video the wedding and skip hiring a videographer.

7 Winter Sweaters I Love … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 08:48 AM PST Here in Michigan, winter is definitely on its way, with chilly days and freezing snow-flurry nights. What better way to combat the cold than with a cozy, super-soft sweater? I've been searching my favorite online store, ModCloth, and have found so many cardis and pull-overs I just have to have! Here are 7 winter sweaters I love… 1. Alpine Classic Cardigan Price: $49.99 at modcloth.com I adore this sweater! It's thick enough to keep you cozy on the coldest on winter days, and the length hits you at mid-hip for a flattering line. And look, there's even a place for your favorite lip balm, with two pockets, one on each side. I'd wear this with black leggings and grey shearling boots. 2. La Creme Glacee Sweater Price: $47.99 at modcloth.com There are so many ways to wear this soft, pretty sweater: wear it with patterned leggings and funky ankle boots with a shimmery shell, or with skinny jeans, calf-boots, and a sparkling cocktail ring and statement necklace. I love the versatile color and the braided rope belt… 3. Storytelling Cardigan Price: $74.99 at modcloth.com This is the sweater I've been searching for, cozy and warm but stylish and chic. The hem? Fringed. The sleeves? Roomy and comfortable. The styling? Boho but somehow classic. The color? Slate grey with twists of denim-blue threads woven through. The result? I want one!

7 Great Contact Lens Cases … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 08:32 AM PST I love wearing contacts instead of glasses, but there is one thing about wearing glasses I miss: the cute carrying cases. Sure, I can still use a cute case for m sunglasses, but have you seen how boring and utilitarian most contact lens cases are? I've been searching for a new case for my contact lenses, one that's a little more stylish, or at least more interesting, and here's what I've found. Here are 7 great contact lens cases. 1. 3-Tier Eyeglass & Contact Lens Case Kit Price: $9.95 at amazon.com This contact case may not look like much from the outside (boring!), but inside, it's perfect for a gal with a slight form of OCD (like me!). It has two compartments, one for glasses, one for contacts, and the side for contacts comes with everything you could possibly need: a case, two vials for solution, and mirror, and even a pair of tweezers. The somewhat hinky faux leather comes in two colors, sleek black and racy red. 2. Contact Solution Contact Travel Case Price: $12.95 at amazon.com This may be the most high-tech, convenient contact lens case ever. Simply fill the container with your favorite solution, and at the press of a button, it fills the case with fresh solution for up to two weeks. It's been TSA-approved, so you can pack it in your carry-on, and it comes in four bright colors. 3. KABACLIP Contact Lens Case 3-pack Price: $11.99 at amazon.com I love this case! It's a 3-pack of brightly-colored lens cases that attach to your bottle of solution, which is so handy. The cases just clip to the neck of the bottle, and are marked so you'll never mix your right and left contacts.

8 Tasty Winter Treats … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 06:08 AM PST I just can't stop looking up holiday desserts and treats! Now, it's all about treats that will evoke the holiday spirit at little gatherings, parties, and get-togethers. Most of the delicacies in this post are somehow tied to the holiday season, so I hope you get as excited about these 8 tasty winter treats as I am! 1. White Hot Chocolate Photo Credit: ~ Sandy ~ A take on a classic, there are dozens of different ways you can make or get your hands on a cup of white hot chocolate. Festive as well as delicious, this is a great treat to serve at parties or to just make for your family. It has its own distinctive flavor, but is still full of chocolate goodness. 2. Winter Cookies Photo Credit: Broken Road Farm Sugar cookies are so popular during winter and the holidays, because you can decorate them in so many ways. You can make them into trees or mittens or ice skates, or into your favorite holiday characters. At my house, we can't let the winter go by without making at least half a dozen batches over a three month period! 3. Snowy Macaroons Photo Credit: Coconut Recipes Macaroons make a great holiday treat. All you have to do is get a little inventive with the chocolate dipping, as you see here. Can't get any better than that, right? Wrong! Follow up this step by covering the still warm chocolate with shaved coconut and you'll have a fleet of snowballs!

7 Things about Julia Stiles you Might Not Know … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 04:37 AM PST Julia Stiles was born on March 28 of 1981, so that makes her four years older than me. She first started her career in New York City theatre troupe. She has played in many different movies. One of my favorites is "10 Things I Have About You." She also plays in the Showtime series "Dexter." 7. Escape to the Beach Photo Credit: Shameel Arafin Does Julia Stiles seem like the beach type of girl to you? Well, she is. In fact, she loves to escape to the beach. In fact, she finds the beach to be a peaceful place. I am with you on this one Julia, the beach is a very peaceful and amazing place to go. 6. Her Blanky Photo Credit: ★Lu★ As far as I know, she isn't embarrassed to admit this one. Everywhere she travels, she is sure to take her blanky along with her. Hmmm – that's okay – if you feel comfortable with your blanky, then so be it. 5. OMG It's a Pigion! Photo Credit: williamhanchey That's probably what you would hear if Julia Stiles was around and a pigeon popped in front of her. She has admitted to being terrified of pigions.

9 Tips to Prevent Workout Injuries … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 04:15 AM PST Exercise is a necessary part of our daily lives. Exercise provides so many physical, mental, and emotional benefits that you cannot really overlook it once you've experienced the good it brings. However, despite all the positive things that exercise can give you, it still poses some risk of physical injury. If you are not mindful of your attitude and habits, you can seriously harm yourself. Thankfully, workout injuries can be prevented. Here are nine tips that can make your workouts injury-free. 1. Know Your Fitness Level Photo Credit: Saturated Addict Before taking on any form of exercise, you should first consider your fitness level. This is to determine what exercise you need to do to achieve your fitness goals. Your fitness level will also help you know if your body is capable of handling the demands of a workout. 2. Proper Fuel and Adequate Hydration Photo Credit: Deirdre B To work properly, your body needs to have the essential vitamins and minerals. When you exercise, you put your body under physical stress so make sure that you are getting the nutrients to fortify your body. You lose water and electrolytes during exercise so make sure that you are properly hydrated. 3. Proper Equipment and clothes Photo Credit: kimmiepievt Make sure that you have the proper equipment and clothes for your chosen exercise. Using the proper equipment ensures a smooth and problem-free workout experience. The proper equipment can even enhance your workouts. Investing in the proper clothes is also beneficial as it can help prevent blisters and chafing.

7 Techniques on Caring for a Ball Python … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 03:57 AM PST These 7 techniques on caring for a ball python cover the basic needs of a pet python. Pythons are fascinating creatures and fairly easy to care for. They also have very few requirements, which make them a somewhat inexpensive pet to maintain as well. Proper care of your ball python will help it to live a full and happy life. These beautiful snakes can live to be as old as 50 years, but the average tends to be closer to 30 years. 7. The tank should be large enough for your snake to grow into Photo Credit: quantumdtell Young ball pythons will fit perfectly in a 10 to 20 gallon tank, since they aren't very active. Once they become full sized adults, this small tank should be changed to a 30 gallon one. Be sure to cover the top with a secure screen of some sort. These snakes are very good at finding ways to escape from their aquariums. Cages definitely aren't as feasible as aquariums, due to the fact that they are often easier for young snakes to find their way out of. 6. Bedding should be placed on the bottom of the aquarium Photo Credit: quantumdtell There are many different types of bedding suitable for snakes. You can purchase Astroturf, shredded newspaper, or bark. While Astroturf can be a bit more expensive, this type of bedding can be washed and reused. Newspaper and bark both have to be discarded once they become too soiled. Pieces of Astroturf can be washed in a mild soap solution and then sanitized with a mixture of bleach and water. 2 tablespoons of bleach can be added to a full gallon of water for sanitization purposes. 5. Give your python something to climb on and hide in Photo Credit: mhaithaca Snakes don't simply lay around in the grass or leaves all day long. Ball pythons enjoy climbing branches and having a dark place to hide. Large smooth branches can be purchased at a local pet store. Most of the time the sticks are wide and smooth, I've seen people use pieces of clean drift wood too. As for the hiding place, this should be large enough for the python to fit into, but small enough that the snake feels secure. They like to wind themselves up into a coil and wedge into small spaces.

7 Tips on Keeping Chickens Safe from Predators … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 02:44 AM PST Chickens don't really have what it takes to defend themselves against wild animals. These little guys depend heavily on the assistance provided by us humans. My chickens and I have a good relationship worked out; they supply me with eggs and I supply them with nourishment and protection. Here are 7 tips on keeping chickens safe from predators on your property. Each of these tips should be useful, no matter what area you live in. 7. Put chickens in a coop at night Photo Credit: PokyTom Having a secure place for your chickens to hide at night will prevent them from being preyed upon by larger animals. Most animals that are known to attack chickens prowl around the barn yard when it's dark outside. If the chickens are inside a small building without any holes to the outside, then they will be protected from any wild animals that might be lurking about in the dark. 6. Install motion lights Photo Credit: cdcarter Most nocturnal animals are scared off by motion-sensory lights. Once these lights suddenly turn on, most wild animals will run away. These lights can serve as a warning that something is out near the chicken pen and enable you to possibly get a glimpse at what is stalking your chickens. Some animals are a bit bolder than others and the light might only work a few times. 5. Get a guard dog Photo Credit: wogolin Dogs are great at causing a scene and scaring off unwanted animals. Of course, outside dogs work best to keep varmints away from the chicken coop. My dog spends her evenings making circles around the chicken pen. I have yet to decide if she's actually keeping watch or looking for a way into the pen itself. Either way, her presence is helpful in keeping the chickens safe and sound during the night.

8 Ways to Get Over an Addiction Problem … Posted: 26 Dec 2010 12:19 AM PST Whether you are dealing with an addiction to drugs, sugar, Facebook, or hoarding of objects, the following 8 ways to get over an addiction problem might prove useful. I know not all of these tips will be helpful for every type of addiction, but most of them are fairly universal. There is a difference between a habit and an addiction. However, some of these tips could help you cope with a habit so that it doesn't turn into an addiction in the future. 8. Admit there is a problem Photo Credit: Doc macaSTAT It's often hard to admit that you have an addiction to something. This step can be a difficult one to make, but is essential in getting the help you need to overcome your addiction. Being in a constant state of denial will only make it harder to try to shake the item or action you are addicted to. Sometimes it takes a friend to point out the fact that an addiction actually exists before it can be acknowledged by the addict. 7. Take your time Photo Credit: αвву (has better things to do <3) You won't be able to overcome your addiction quickly, which is why it is considered an addiction. People who try to quit cold turkey tend to lapse right into the addiction within a short amount of time and sometimes it is worse than before. It's hard to maintain a clear head when you try to get rid of an addiction quickly. This is also why a 12-step program consists of 12 steps and not just one. 6. Start an exercise program Photo Credit: neynge Exercise is a great remedy for a lot of issues, both physical and mental. Setting up an exercise routine can help take your mind off of your addiction, plus you will be gaining health benefits too. If you need something more rigid than an at-home program, sign up at the local gym so that you get out of the house and into a new environment. Being out of the house can be a huge help in overcoming an addiction, since many addictions take place in one's own home.

7 Best Homemade Holiday Treats … Posted: 25 Dec 2010 12:13 PM PST I love a homemade gift. This is because I know the person who made the gift put a lot of time and effort into the gift they choose for me. Homemade treats takes time and you may put a lot of work into these gifts, but in the end, they are worth it! Here is a list of 7 easiest treats to make and give away, this holiday! 1. Santa Truffles Use pre-made truffles and dip them in melted chocolate. Dab a small amount of pink frosting, flatten mini marshmallows to use for the beard. Cut a red fruit slice in half to use for the hat and mini vanilla chips for the trim. Use a mini red M&M for a nose and mini chocolate chips for the eyes. 2. Reindeer Truffles Again, use a pre-made truffle and dip in melted chocolate. Use mini pretzels for the antlers and a red mini M&M for the nose. Mini chocolate chips make perfect eyes. 3. Candy Trees Crush a handful of peppermint candy canes. Use a Christmas tree candy mold and place the peppermints in the bottom. Cover with white, melted chocolate. When hardened, remove from mold and place in a mini tub filled with red and green M&M's.

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