Today's Obsessions |
- 7 Books Every Writer Should Own …
- 8 Reasons Why Family Is Not Always Best …
- 7 Tools to Manage Your Life …
- 9 Movies That Make Me Laugh …
- 5 Things to Try this New Year …
- 7 of My Favorite Holiday Candies …
- 8 Awesome Ways to Ring in the New Year …
- 12 Goodwill Outlooks For January …
- 9 Tips on Staying Fuller, Longer …
- 12 Natural Beauty Remedies …
- 8 Hottest Places to Have Sex …
- 7 Ideas for a Fun New Year’s Eve Party …
- 8 Skankiest Moments of the Year …
- 10 Stunning Party Dresses Under $50 …
- 8 Good Recipes for Christmas …
- 8 Activities to Do During Christmas …
| 7 Books Every Writer Should Own … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 11:05 AM PST  As a "freshie" freelancer, I have learned a lot about the industry through reading – whether that be a story about another writer's path to success or the specific way to tailor content (or a query) to a publication and its audience. And being that I spend nearly 15 of my 24 hours each day staring at a computer screen, it is a pleasant reprieve to read a book – or use one for reference in my line of work. The eyes need a break sometimes, you know? Here are seven books that I think every writer should have on his or her bookshelf. 1. Dictionary and ThesaurusTechnically, these are two references, but are oftentimes found bound together – in fact, I much prefer the dual-research guide to locate synonyms AND be sure I'm using the correct replacement by easily locating the definition of the word on the same page. A dictionary and thesaurus go hand-in-hand, and as a writer, you need them both. 2. StylebookChicago or Associated Press, MLA or APA – do you know which style your publication or research mandates? If you are a professional, you should. And this reference book will tell you the standards in place for proper names, numbers, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviation and even the preferred spelling of certain words. Being a grammar tyrant, the AP Stylebook is my most valuable freelancing reference. 3. Writer's Market guideIf you want to sell what you write, you need the updated edition of Writer's Market. Well over 3,000 listings of publishers, magazines, writing contests, trade journals and book agents are included (it's a BIG book!), and the most recent edition contains every existing publication, its submission standards and payment for your articles. After scanning your copy, there is no reason for you NOT to find a proper publication for your articles. |
| 8 Reasons Why Family Is Not Always Best … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 11:04 AM PST  Although it's said that blood is thicker than water, I know many people who have concluded that it simply isn't true in all cases. Certainly, ideally our family would be there to support us (and vice versa), but sometimes there just isn't a positive relationship – and when there is, family members may still not be the best people to turn to. Here's why… 1. Thicker Than Water?
Photo Credit: Gabriela Camerotti Just because you're related doesn't mean you will get on. People envy me because I have a close relationship with my sisters, but that didn't happen automatically. It developed over time, and required an effort on both sides. 2. Bad Job
Photo Credit: peasap I don't think it's too drastic to say that some people should never have become parents. Genuine cruelty cases may be in the minority, but certain parents do a poor job of caring for the children they brought into the world. Some of my friends have been badly let down by the very people who should love them most and understandably want little or nothing to do with them now. 3. Jealousy and Favouritism
Mothers can be jealous of daughters, especially if they resent their daughter's youth. A sibling may undermine another. Parents can show a preference for one child over another, or even exclude one from their favour. No one should feel like the odd one out in the family … |
| Posted: 31 Dec 2010 10:58 AM PST  Life in modern times is without a doubt is busier and more complicated than life in any other time in history. We move quickly through our days, trying to accomplish as many things as we can. I'm sure you know what I am talking about as I am sure that you have been or are caught in this web of tasks and to-dos. Life can get really confusing if you don't find a way to organize your thoughts and activities. Thankfully, there are tools to manage your life and create productivity out of chaos. 1. Remember the MilkRemember the Milk is an online tool that lets you create lists of the tasks you need to accomplish. You are able to categorize your tasks into different lists, as well as set priority and repeat tasks. You can receive and send tasks to other Remember the Milk users. You can add tasks through email or Twitter. Tasks can also be shared among a group of people. If you have a web-enabled mobile device, then you can access Remember the Milk while on-the-go. For iPhone users, you can get the App for free. You can also use it with your Twitter, Google Calendar, Gmail, and iGoogle account. You have the choice of signing up for a free or Pro account. 2. Google ApplicationsIf you like having organizational tools on one account, then you will certainly love the array of tools Google has for you. Google Calendar is an application that can help you organize your tasks and activities. Google Reader helps you organize your blog subscriptions into folders. You can also keep track of the people you follow. Google Bookmarks helps you organize and keep track of your bookmarks. If you want to save specific information from web pages, then Google Notebook can help you with this. This lesser known app allows you to paste and organize information clippings into one location. You can even add your own comments and notes. Google Documents gives you the ability to create, edit, and organize files – documents, spreadsheets, drawings, presentations, forms – online. You can even share and send the files to other people even if they don't have a Google account. |
| Posted: 31 Dec 2010 10:35 AM PST  I was really hard to narrow down my list of favorite funny movies, but here are 9 movies that make me laugh. I'm sure there are plenty more that you might find funnier and it's so hard to recall every hilarious movie I've ever seen. I hope you enjoy the list! Feel free to mention a few of your favorites in the comment section too. 9. GhostbustersThere are so many excellent aspects of this movie that make me smile; the Stay Puff marshmallow man, Slimer, and the Ectomobile, just to name a few. Not to mention the fantastic crew of actors in this classic film. I grew up watching Dan Akroyd on SNL and I've always been a big fan of Bill Murray. I remember seeing this movie in the theater and loving it. I was excited when Ghostbusters 2 came out, but didn't like it nearly as much as the first one. 8. CaddyshackI'm not much on sports movies, but I wouldn't consider this to be much of a sports movie. There is a lot of golfing going on, but it isn't done in a very serious manner. I think that is why I liked it, not to mention the antics between Bill Murray and the gopher going on throughout the entire flick were hilarious. This is one of the first movies I remember seeing a motorized animal stealing the show. 7. GooniesWhen this movie came out, I was about the same age as the kids in it. I think that's the main reason I liked it, not to mention the idea of locating lost treasure of pirates. I'm sure a lot of adults enjoyed this movie because it made them remember their child hood and how imaginative they were back then. My kids seem to enjoy this movie as much as I did. We always get a good laugh out of quoting the parts we find funny. |
| 5 Things to Try this New Year … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 10:29 AM PST  1. Zen GardenThis is actually something I’ve always wanted to do. Again, the “not having enough space” part stops me. If you don’t have this problem, you should check out the link. 2. Twitter TactHow about inviting less trouble online? Let’s learn from what Chris Brown did recently on Twitter. 3. Out of Body ExperienceThis is an interesting topic. If you have always wanted to learn what astral projection is, check out the link. It might just inspire you to explore this strange activity/phenomenon. 4. AccessorizeThis is one of my fashion-related new year’s resolutions, actually. This year, I will try to do more hair accessorizing since I’m already thigh-deep in my tights obsession. Pun intended. 5. Budget FashionAnother fashion-related resolution is to be a better budget fashionista. Check out the link to be inspired. We are interested to know what new things you’ll want to try this new year. Tell us by leaving a comment or two! Top Photo Credit: euart |
| 7 of My Favorite Holiday Candies … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 10:14 AM PST  Name any holiday and I can list off my favorite candies for that specific date. Easter? Jelly beans. Halloween? Snickers minis. But, oh, Christmas! There are so many candies and sweets I love during the holidays! Where do I even begin? Here are 7 of my favorite holiday candies… just don't ask me to choose only one! 1. Candy Canes
This is the ultimate classic Christmas-time candy, and it's easy to see why — they're festive, pretty, and bright, and now they're even available in a range of flavors, from traditional peppermint to sour lemon! Use them to decorate your tree or as a tasty treat… or both! 2. Hershey Kisses
So far, I haven't tried a type of Hershey's Kiss I haven't loved. These are one of m favorite candies all year long, but I specially love the green and red foil-wrapped ones for the holidays. They make great stocking stuffers, cookie toppings, or candy-dish fillers. 3. Terry's Chocolate Orange
This is a Christmas classic, my favorite to find in the very bottom of m heavy stocking. Whack it, unwrap it, and enjoy the lush chocolate with a hint of orange. I limit myself to one section each day, and it lasts until the New Year… so yummy! |
| 8 Awesome Ways to Ring in the New Year … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 09:55 AM PST  Are you tired of ringing in the New Year the same old way? There are tons of different things you can do. They can be done with your families, your friends, your significant other, or some combination of the three. Why not bring in the New Year in a brand new way? Here are some ideas to help you start thinking: 8 awesome ways to ring in the New Year! 1. Family PortraitsWhat better way to remember the old year and celebrate the new one? Mind, this could be done with friends as well, or with friends and family, but it’s a great way to remember and even immortalize the holiday. You can make it a traditional picture or just a candid shot that everybody receives a copy of, but either way, snapping the shot right at midnight can be really memorable. 2. Time CapsuleI find this idea intriguing, and it will work in so many different cases. You and your spouse or significant other can create a time capsule filled with memories of your relationship, to be opened up at a distant anniversary. You and your friends can put in memorabilia covering the span of your friendships. You and your family can put in an item for each year you’ve spent celebrating together – the possibilities are endless. 3. Group ResolutionsNew Year’s resolutions are often made to be broken, you know? But making group resolutions can be a great idea. Not only is it fun, but those resolutions are harder to break because you’re in it together with other people, whether it’s friends, family, or both. |
| 12 Goodwill Outlooks For January … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 09:40 AM PST  We all make New Years Resolutions, don't we? And we all try and keep those resolutions, right? Hmm… I am hearing a few coughs and sputters right about now! Cheer up! This article is not about resolutions! Nope, it is all about some good will outlooks for the start of a brand-new year. It is al about looking out your window at a brand-new day! What is a goodwill outlook, you ask? Keep reading to find out… 1. Your FamilyMake time for your family this year. Put some extra attention on the importance of closeness, togetherness, and laughter. Time goes by way to fast to hold on to grudges. Exit your own world long enough to center on your family. Enjoy them! 2. Don't Trust EveryoneIf this is the time to for new beginnings, it is time you learn not to trust everyone you meet whether it is on the Internet, or in person. Don't be caught on the short end of the stick. Remember, not everyone plays fair. 3. Keep MovingMake this year a time to think about yourself for a change. This is not intended to be a pun after my first point, but there a few out there who forget they have needs as much as their kids, husband, family, and friends. Say "no" every now and then, treat your self to that special outfit, and sleep in every so often. Go ahead. You deserve it! |
| 9 Tips on Staying Fuller, Longer … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 09:27 AM PST  Do you know what I hate? Eating a meal and then being hungry again an hour later. This is especially troublesome during the holiday season because there is always so much food in the house! I know you see all those super weight loss cookies and food bars on TV that are supposed to take up space in your stomach and keep you full, but forget that. Here are 9 health tips on how to stay fuller for a longer amount of time. 1. Keep Up with Carbs
Photo Credit: gunnar3001 Carbohydrates are an important part of your diet. You can keep them in your diet and still eat healthy. Just stay away from bad carbs. Good carbs, however, will sate your appetite for longer. Potatoes are a great choice. 2. Chew gum between mealsUnless you're one of those people who frequently swallows gum (ahem, guilty), it's not going to actually make you full. However, chewing gum between meals can be helpful because it can signal to your brain that something flavorful is in your mouth. Sugarless gum is best: it's better for your teeth and it will create more saliva. That will also make you seem fuller longer. 3. Drink Water with Your MealDrinking water with your meal is a great way to start. It's much better to drink than soda, or even juice, tea, or wine. Save those things for before the meal, or after. Water is thought to be more filling, even if it's just a way to trick your stomach. This method works if you're eating a proper portion of a healthful meal. |
| Posted: 31 Dec 2010 09:26 AM PST  As the holidays approach, there is a hint of excitement in the air! For some of you however, there may be more dread then excitement. There’s the in-law’s, the parties you have to host, the gifts you have to buy that no one ever seems to like, the decorations to put up…and all the extra stress you have to cope with. The good news is, there are a few things you can do to make this holiday season easier on you and every one around you! And they really work! Tried and true. So, here you go, 12 tips for a smooth ( and sane! ) holiday season! 1. Save $$$ On DecorationsHaving a party at your place? Don’t feel the need to rush out and buy all new decorations! Make do with what you have! For a totally new centerpiece with a modern vibe, grab some of your old ornaments and spray them with silver, gold or glitter spray paint. Then pile them into a huge glass bowl for a fresh new look! Another thing to remember- a little greenery and red velvet ribbon goes a long way for decorating doorways, windows and mantles. And candles always look festive and bright! 2. Crank Up The TunesWhether that party is in full swing, or you are at home alone wrapping gifts, play christmas music in the background. Nothing gets you into the spirit quite like the jolly sound of jingle bells! If you have digital cable, just turn it to the holiday music channel. You can even unplug the the video output cord from your cable box so the screen stays dark if you prefer. If that’s not an option for you, keep a stack of christmas CD’s on hand or create a playlist on your ipod. You’ll be ready to go in no time! 3. Skip The Huge Dinner BuffetIt doesn’t matter whether it’s a few friends coming over for a quite celebration or your family who invited themselves over for dinner. Don’t feel the need to slave over a stove all day when you’ve got a million other things to do on your checklist. Instead of a huge buffet, offer hors d’oeuvres little finger foods. Keep it simple. Crudites with hummus and crostini topped with Brie and apple slices, a vegetable tray and fruit platter and festive christmas brownies will be just fine. |
| 8 Hottest Places to Have Sex … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 09:13 AM PST  This is not your average post on 8 hottest places to have sex. In this post, you are not going to find any public bathrooms listed. You're not going to find anything that is related to a bed. In fact, I'm not listing anything that involves going inside. These are the 8 hottest places to have sex in the outdoors, so get ready … 8. In a Hammock
I don't know why, but this one definitely sounds opinion. There's just something about hanging in a hammock while you're spicing things up. This is great if it is a hammock in your own back yard. 7. In the Woods
Even better would be in the woods after it rains. I have always enjoyed the woods. It's such a peaceful area. It is also a very romantic area. 6. In a Barn Full of Hay
Shh, try not to wake up the livestock! This always sounded like a hot place to go at it. There's just something about sneaking out to the barn and rolling around in some hay together. |
| 7 Ideas for a Fun New Year’s Eve Party … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 08:58 AM PST  While we're all still prepping for the Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, and Kwanzaa holidays, New Year's Eve is sneaking up on us. Since my boyfriend and I host a New Year's Eve party every year, I've started planning ours, and after considering the parties we've had and attended in the past. I've come up with a list of ideas for the type of party we'll host this year. I'm so excited! Here are 7 ideas for a fun New Year's Eve party… 1. Rock Band
Last year, we hosted a Rock Band party, and it was a riot! We provided the XBOX, the game, and some munchies (hot wings!), and all of our friends came prepared to rock out! We had so much fun, we're doing it again this year. 2. Swanky Soiree
When I was younger, I hosted an annual fancy-dress party on New Year's Eve dubbed the Swanky Soiree. We drank champagne, ate baked brie, and looked gorgeous. The girls always enjoyed this party more than the boys, so it might work better if it's a girl's night rather than a couple's thing. 3. Ball Drop
No matter how much we love Dick Clark, he's not going to live forever, so if you've always enjoyed the classic "ball drop" on TV, you might want to consider throwing a Ball Drop party this New Year's Eve. Pass out noise-makers and funny hats and do the count-down and big kiss with your friends. This may be the last chance you have to do it! |
| 8 Skankiest Moments of the Year … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 08:52 AM PST  The year 2010 will soon be coming to a close and a lot has happened throughout the year. Some bad and a lot good, for me. However, as I was watching the celebrities do what they do, I have noticed that there have been some skanky moments of the year. In fact, there have been too many skanky moments. Of course, skanky in my opinion may not be skanky in your opinion, so read my 8 skankiest moments of the year right now … 8. Lindsay Lohan
Everything about this girl, this year, seems to scream skanky! Hmm – when she went forward to ask the judge for leniency, she had f*ck you written on her nails – couldn't she of showed some respect to this judge? 7. Charlie
I'm sorry to include you on this skanky blog posting, but I couldn't help myself. In 2009, towards the end, you went out with domestic abuse and now, towards the end of 2010, you're getting in trouble for trashing a hotel with a porn star. Now, if this is not skanky, then I do not know what is! 6. Danielle Staub
A disturbing sex tape. This is a sexy moment of the year and I do not feel like going into this one. It disturbs me. |
| 10 Stunning Party Dresses Under $50 … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 08:47 AM PST  A dress is undoubtedly the most practical item ever! It fits great even if you gain a few pounds, does wonders in those periods when you feel like a watermelon (yup, you know what I'm talking about) and there is almost no color coordination, mixing and matching involved. No love handles either so that's a huge plus! But let me show you these 10 fab party dresses I found online, in hope that some of you may be eligible for free shipping and in need of a good party dress idea. 1. Embellished Capsleeve Dress
2. Marching band style dress
3. Rosette One Shoulder Dress
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| 8 Good Recipes for Christmas … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 02:34 AM PST  I find that I spend a lot more time in the kitchen during the Christmas season. If I'm not baking some type of dessert just for the heck of it, then I'm creating something tasty and different for dinner. I like to experiment with new recipes during the holidays. It seems like this is the time of year when I have more time to spend indoors, plus the kitchen is the warmest part of the house during the chilly month of December. Here are 8 good recipes for Christmas that you might like to make for your family gathering this year. 8. Holiday Rice KrispiesThere are so many recipes for holiday Rice Krispies treats. I've rolled warm Rice Krispies into balls of different sizes, combined a couple of them together and then decorated them so that they resembled a snowman. Another idea is to cut the treats into smaller than usual squares and decorate them to look like miniature packages. It's very easy to draw a bow with frosting on top of each little 'package'. 7. Cheese PineconesDon't grimace at the name; they aren't really cheese-flavored pinecones! Beat together a stick of butter, 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, 3 tablespoons of milk, can 2 tablespoons of dry sherry. You can also use 5 tablespoons of milk if you don't want to use any sherry. Use an electric blender to mix everything well. An eighth of a teaspoon of ground red pepper can be added if you like spicy foods. From the mix into 3 equal portions that are oval shaped and stick sliced almonds into the mix at an angle. If you layer the almonds evenly on top of one another, the effect looks just like a real pine cone. 6. Shaped Puff AppetizersBreak out the festive cookie cutters for this appetizer. This is a recipe for a quick snack that only takes minutes to prepare and bake. Thaw out a sheet of puff pastry and cut out desired shapes. Brush each shape with olive oil and sprinkle with cheese, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried dill, crumbled basil leaves, or some capers. Bake the shapes for 5 to 7 minutes. They can be served at room temperature or fresh out of the oven. |
| 8 Activities to Do During Christmas … Posted: 31 Dec 2010 02:29 AM PST  My family is very good at coming up with things to do during the holidays, especially at Christmas time. Here are 8 activities to do during Christmas that my family partakes in. Maybe this list will give you some ideas on ways to keep yourself and your loved ones entertained this year. Please feel free to share any ideas on additional activities that you think others would enjoy as well. 8. Build snowmenThis is going to be an activity that requires the right type of snow. However, if you live in an area where snow isn't available at Christmas or if you seem to be enduring a green Christmas this year, then see if you can come up with some alternatives. Take an old tube sock – preferably a white one – and put some stuffing in the toe of the sock. Tie off this filled section of the sock and add some more stuffing. Once this part is tied off, add a bit more and place a tie at the top. You should now have a tube sock that looks like three white balls stacked on top of one another. The ribbed portion of the sock can be folded down to resemble a top hat and the rest of the snowman can be decorated with markers. You can sew on actual button eyes for a bit more detail too. 7. Wrap presentsI've gotten together with my little sisters to wrap presents for the rest of the family and it always makes the task more enjoyable. It's not that I mind wrapping gifts. In fact, I rather enjoy it. However, sitting in a room with my sisters, chatting away, and being surrounded by laughter is always more exciting than wrapping presents all on my own. 6. Trim the treeMy dad would always be in charge of getting the tree when I was little. He would either go to the store and purchase one or cut one down off of our property, depending on if we lived in town or in the country. We would wait to decorate it though, until everyone in the family had arrived. It was great fun to pull out all the old ornaments and swap stories about who purchased which ornament or who gave a particular one to the family and when. Decorating the tree together is a great bonding experience, plus it's hard to be cranky with all the laughter going on. |
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