Sabtu, 26 Februari 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


7 Tips on Tiling Floors …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:43 AM PST

7 Tips on Tiling Floors …

I plan on tiling my floors sometime this year. I am not sure when it will be, but I think it will be soon. We recently went and looked at some floor tiles at the local Home Depot, which are pretty neat. However, mostly, you will find the best ones on the Internet. Places like Home Depot tend to not to carry a huge selection on the floor, but you will find it online. I have been reading how to tile floors, which I have done it a couple times already – so I am going to give you 7 tips on tiling floors right now …

7. Lay String

When you first start, you need to lay string between the two central points of two opposite walls. This way, you will know the best starting point. The line that you put should be as straight as straight can get. This will be used in order to line your tiles agains.

6. Basins, Pipes and Toilets

When you are putting the tiles around basins, toilets and pipes, all you have to do is cut them with a craft knife or a Stanley knife so that they will fit. It worked the last time I tiled my bathroom floor.

5. Ceramic Tiles

For those of you that are laying ceramic tiles, you should lay them on concrete or suspended floor that has been covered with plywood.

7 Reasons Social Networking Sites Need to Chill …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:20 AM PST

7 Reasons Social Networking Sites Need to Chill …

Social networking may well be taking over the world. I’m not trying to complain too much, because it’s not like I’m not all over Facebook, all the time. But some things are just a little too much, and I kind of wish they would stop and/or go away, even though I know they won’t. That’s cool, that’s what venting is for – so here’s my rant on 7 reasons social networking sites need to just chill out a little.

1. Cell Phones

It’s not enough that everyone’s permanently attached to their computers so they can constantly check out every status update on Facebook and every new Tweet from Twitter. Now, pretty much every new cell phone allows you to connect to the two most popular social networking sites – not to mention sites like YouTube and Twitter. And again, I can’t really complain too much because I just synced my cell up with my Facebook so when I’m out, everyone can know what I’m out doing!

2. Changing the Language

How r u? R u ok? Btwn u & me I h8 nt spk. All right, I admit that if I’m in a hurry, or am trying to save space, I use net abbreviations to save space. But when it starts to infiltrate cards and letters and emails I receive, I sort of have an aneurysm. I have this feeling that, soon, we won’t see any whole entire words on the internet at all – and we’ll need decoder rings to understand anything.

3. Forcing Interactions

This is a shout out to Facebook, and I think I’ve complained about it before – everyone has! It’s like, Facebook, you know my ex boyfriend? He’s my ex for a reason. And it makes me paranoid when you suggest him as a friend, because then I know I’ve probably been suggested to him as well, and now I can’t help wondering how come he hasn’t sent me a friend request since you’re forcing me down his throat. Sure, I know I haven’t asked him to be my friend either, but he’s crazy. Why isn’t he giving me the chance to ignore him?!

9 Celebrities that Make Me Laugh …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:19 AM PST

9 Celebrities that Make Me Laugh …

The following 9 celebrities that make me laugh are just a short list of some of my favs. Of course, there are tons of comedians who can put me in stitches, but I decided to stick with actors instead for my list. It's very difficult to put these celebrities in any specific order, since I adore so many. I don't know what I'd do without comedies to watch!

9. Ardal O'Hanlon

Photo Credit:  angrianan.com

I've watched all three seasons of Father Ted over and over and over again. I never get tired of the antics of Ardal's character in this series. He plays Father Dougal McGuire. If you aren't familiar with this particular series from British television, then I highly recommend checking out at least a few episodes. I've seen quite a few other movies that Ardal has been in and he's always hilarious. I guess it might have something to do with him starting off as a stand-up comedian.

8. Sandra Bullock

Photo Credit:  fanpop.com

Sandra has made some excellent comedies over the years. I can't think of one that was bad. I loved both of the Miss Congeniality movies, as well as Love Potion Number 9, The Proposal, All About Steve, and While You Were Sleeping. I not only enjoy watching the movies she is in, but I think she's an excellent actress as well. I enjoy her serious roles as much as her comedies, but I do prefer a comedy over a drama any day!

7. Tim Hawkins

Photo Credit: chcchurch.org

Alright, so I did slip in one comedian. I've only recently come across this guy. My aunt sent me a link to one of his stand-up routines just last week. It can be found on YouTube and it's called Tim Hawkins – Old Rock Star Songs. I've since watched as many of his recorded routines that I could find and he is hilarious! I highly recommend looking him up and passing on his links to others. They are an excellent pick-me-up.

Top 10 Amusement Park Rides …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:10 AM PST

Top 10 Amusement Park Rides …

I love amusement parks. The crowds aren’t that great and the lines are awful, but the shows are wonderful, the food is delicious, and the rides are phenomenal. I’m going through another phase where I’m terrified of roller coasters, but that’s sure to change as soon as I’m on one again. And after checking out the top 10 amusement park rides, that might happen sooner rather than later!

1. Expedition GeForce

This ride is located at Holiday Park in Hassloch, Germany. It’s considered to be one of the scariest rides in the world, and it’s also one of the biggest roller coasters in Europe. Like the name suggests, it hits 4.5 Gs and goes a crazy 75 miles per hour. You even get to be weightless!

2. Splash Mountain

This iconic ride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is still a favorite. Adults and children alike clamor to go to Disney World just so they can go on the rides, and this is the one about which they get the most excited. It starts out so calm and soothing and then … not so much.

3. Superman: Ride of Steel

This roller coaster, jewel of Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, is crazy. It’s crazy! It has a 221 foot drop! There are also several crests that take you to zero gravity, leaving you to feel like you, too, are faster than a speeding bullet – at least until the ride stops. Then reality hits, and your stomach is likely to drop.

7 Great Things I Had a Chance to Experience as a Dog Owner… …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:08 AM PST

7 Great Things I Had a Chance to Experience as a Dog Owner… …

I could bet my life on the fact that my little shih tzu doesn't even consider himself a dog! But, seriously, sometimes I think the only thing left for him to do is start talking. Not that he can't talk now, in fact, he knows exactly how to demand food, ask if he can play with the things that are not his toys and announce that he's ready to go upstairs to sleep and invite my mom a.k.a his sleeping buddy to join him. But things don't end here and there are plenty of other stuff I'd like to share with you today…

1. His first winter

Isn't there anything cuter and funnier than a puppy during his first "official meeting" with that strange white thing we call snow? Since my doggy was born in March, it took him almost a year to come in contact with this unidentified, surprisingly cold matter and that was love at first sight. He was a little bit surprised at first, trying very hard to shake the snow off his paws but making a few steps had convinced him there is nothing to be afraid of. He loves snow, especially deep, fresh, soft one and we often call him “our little bunny” because one of his favorite winter games is jumping around like a little bunny – the deeper layer of snow, the better!

2. His human habits

No family meal can happen without or furry family member. We are sitting on our chairs and he is sitting on the floor, next to my dad's chair. We never taught him tricks or anything, he learned to sit on his own, watching us do the same. Nobody has to tell him to sit, he just knows – when the whole family is sitting, he's sitting too! And he can stay in that position for hours, especially if there is a handy piece of furniture close by for him to lean on. So cute!

7 Benefits of Red Wine …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:02 AM PST

7 Benefits of Red Wine …

Red wine is what the French women credit for their beauty, even at an older age. So we know red wine has anti-aging powers, but what other powers does it possess?

1. It Lowers The Risk Of Heart Attack

Studies show that drinking a mild amount of red wine a day lowers risk of heart attack in middle aged people by 30 – 50%. For women, the recommended “dose” is only one glass, men get two. They say it can help to prevent additional heart attacks to those who have already suffered one.

2. Helps Cholesterol

Other studies have shown that drinking the recommended amount of red wine every day help your cholesterol! Red wine raises the HDL (which is good cholesterol) and lowers your LDL (bad cholesterol) by preventing it from forming.

3. It Prevents Blood Clots

Alcohol is a natural blood thinner, so of course, red wine reduces and prevents blood clots. Just be sure not to drink too much! Some have associated bleeding problems from drinking too much red wine, as it’s most potent among wines!

8 Hobbies You Can Start This Summer …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 10:55 AM PST

8 Hobbies You Can Start This Summer …

Starting a new hobby is always exciting and especially so during summer time. Craft shops are full of materials and tools to start off your next interest so you will never be short of what you need. The only thing that could be stopping you is deciding what hobby to begin pursuing. Here are 8 suggestions to set you on your way.

1. Chocolate Making

If you are a fan of intricate kitchen work, then chocolate making is for you. Pick up slabs of cooking chocolate from your nearest supermarket and get to work on this rewarding past-time. You can make chocolate truffles of different shapes and flavors. You can work on different wrappings and packaging so that the next time you go to a friend's home, you have some beautiful creations to present.

2. Blogging

If you like writing then blogging is definitely an excellent idea. It's super easy to get started. Just think of your favorite topic and start writing away. There are a number of sites that will host your blog for free leaving you with nil expense as you pursue this hobby.

3. Cooking

Whether you are culinary enthusiast or never stepped in a kitchen before, cooking is a wonderful and rewarding hobby for any person. You can join a cooking class or simply pick up a beginner's cookbook. Then spend your summer impressing your family with delectable and divine creations.

Top 7 African American Super Models …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 10:47 AM PST

Top 7 African American Super Models …

I don't see many posts on here with this type of stuff, so I figure that it is about time someone puts something up here. I don't like to zone out one race, but I want to start creating blogs like this. Perhaps next week I can do top Arab supermodels. Right now, I am going to tell you the top 7 African American super models. I know there are thousands of beautiful super models out there and it is going to be hard to pick only 7, so bear with me on this one.

7. Beverly Peele

Photo Credit: gossiponthis.com

Beverly Peele managed to show her face on over two hundred and fifty magazine covers during her career. This was during the 1980's and 1990's, when models were more glamorous than actresses in Hollywood. She was features in ads by Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren and Versace. She also showed up in music videos for George Michaels "Too Funky" video and Heavy D & The Boyz. She spoke on the Tyra Banks show to warm the girls about the pitfalls and dark side of modelling.

6. Naomi Sims

Photo Credit: style-tips.com

Naomi Sims is no longer with us. She died of cancer at the age of 61 in 2009. I feel as if my list would not be complete without including her – she is known as the first African American supermodel and she was a beautiful one at that. She was a great businesswoman that worked her way up to the top with a beauty line. She also had a couple of books that she wrote. She was the first African American woman to appear on "Ladies Home Journal." In 1969, she was on the cover of "Life" magazine.

5. Veronica Webb

Photo Credit: wwd.com

Veronica Webb is definitely a beauty. She was the first African American super model to deal with a major cosmetic line during the year 1992. The cosmetic line was Revlon. During the year 1998,she published her book called "Veronica Webb Sight: Adventure in the Big City." She was the co host during the first season of "Tim Gunn's Guide To Style," which aired in 2007 on Bravo.

7 Tips on Dealing with Money Issues in a Relationship …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 10:40 AM PST

7 Tips on Dealing with Money Issues in a Relationship …

Letting money come between you and your honey is never a good thing. There are too many good things in life to enjoy, so why bother fighting over money? These 7 tips on dealing with money issues in a relationship might give you some ideas on how to go about handling finances as a couple. It can be difficult to learn to share the task of taking care of your finances when you were previously the only one in charge. Learning to deal with money in a civilized manner doesn't have to be as difficult as you might think.

7. Keep financial discussions business-like

If you can keep emotions from getting in the way of talking about finances, then it will make your discussions go a lot smoother. Conduct weekly finance meetings about where you both stand as a couple. Go over bank books, receipts, or anything else necessary to make sure you are both on the same page. These meeting should be handled in a business-like manner to avoid any rise in emotions. Present the facts to one another, jot down any changes or adjustments that need to be made, and get on with life.

6. Agree to not make large purchases without consulting each other first

I've seen too many friends erupt into some pretty hairy fights over spur of the moment purchases. I'm not talking about a pair of socks or something small like that. I've had friends who fought over the purchase of a television that one of them made while the other was unable to be reached for discussion. If you know you are both tight on funds or have planned out a strict budget, then you should stick to the rule of not making a large purchase on your own.

5. Discuss financial investment plans as a couple

Investing in stocks, bonds, or playing the market in any way is best done as a couple, since usually investments are made with money that comes from both individuals. The only exception to this might be if you have already made an investment before getting into your current relationship. Even opening and additional savings account should be discussed, just to avoid any surprises later and possible anger that could arise from this lone investment decision.

8 All-Natural Anti-Aging Snacks …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 10:08 AM PST

8 All-Natural Anti-Aging Snacks …

Girls, we spend a fortune on lotions and potions to keep us looking young, and apparently, most experts believe almost none of them works! Diet, on the other, plays an important role in preserving firm, fresh skin. A few quick additions to your daily menu can really make a difference, ladies. Here's a list of tasty snacks to help you maintain that youthful glow …

1. Berries

Berries make a delicious, fresh summer snack, and, girls, they’re packed with anti-aging potential. Rich in antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals, berries also help our bodies to make collagen, the substance that keeps skin looking elastic and plump.

2. Hydrating Veg

Foods rich in water, such as cucumbers, celery and watermelon and peaches are full of healthy vitamins and also hydrate the skin, helping to fill out those wrinkles. Brew yourself up some fresh green tea to complement your H2O filled snacks; it's packed with antioxidants and really helps to maintain moisture in the skin as well.

3. Spinach

Spinach is a super-healthy leafy green, and it's simply bursting with anti-aging agents. It helps to keep eyes clear, and in addition, contains vitamin B9 which aids the body in the production of healthy red blood cells.

7 Cat-Eye Sunglasses to Coo Over …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 10:03 AM PST

7 Cat-Eye Sunglasses to Coo Over …

Retro-inspired accessories are making a big fashion comeback. If you're not willing to go all out in retro, you can always add small touches to your outfit. Cat eye sunglasses are just one way to get in on the trend. Not only are they stylish, but they can dramatically change your entire look. Channel your inner glamour girl and get yourself a pair!

1. Betsey Johnson Cat Eye sunglasses

Betsey Johnson Cat Eye sunglasses
Price: $65 at urbanoutfitters.com
Betsey Johnson knows how to make a statement, and these sunglasses definitely do just that. The brown mottled colour is simply fantastic and the shape is truly glamorous. This is a very modern take on the cat eye trend. Wear them anywhere and everywhere. They are 100% UV protected so not only are you being sun safe, but looking stylish while doing so!

2. Forever21 F2535 Sunglasses

Forever21 F2535 Sunglasses
Price: $5.80 at forever21.com
These cat eye sunglasses from Forever21 are wild! The leopard print design is outrageously bold. I really love the solid, thick, cat eye frames. If you're feeling daring, pair these sunglasses with an array of mixed and matched prints. These are definitely suited for those wanting to make the biggest kind of statement.

3. Forever21 F8951 Sunglasses

Forever21 F8951 Sunglasses
Price: $5.80 at forever21.com
These are a sleek and sophisticated take on the cat eye trend. I really love the soft, curved frames. The black colour means that it's perfect for wearing every day. I think that these would make such a great wardrobe staple. And at such a great price, there's no reason not to add these to your collection!

8 Reasons I Love Reconnecting on Facebook …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 09:52 AM PST

8 Reasons I Love Reconnecting on Facebook …

As much as I complain about Facebook, it really is great. I mean, it’s an awesome way to keep in touch with family members you don’t get to see all the time, and with friends you haven’t seen in forever. No matter what its annoying traits, the social network does have a lot of positives, especially when it comes to getting in touch with people you used to know. Here are 8 reasons I love reconnecting on Facebook, just for a start!

1. Finding Old Friends

Old friends pop up everywhere on Facebook. They might be recommended or you might see them posting on a mutual friend’s wall. You may not want to find all of them, necessarily, but odds are that you’re really happy to reconnect with many of them. And with Facebook, you can easily get caught up, whether you keep it on the site or take it offline – you know, into the real world.

2. Making New Friends

What I enjoy is making friends with people I used to know but wasn’t necessarily close to before. For instance, I recently reconnected with my old stand partner from band, and promptly decided that we were going to be BFFs. Freddie, also known as Leroy, and I weren’t not close in high school, but we only had the one class together and it’s hard to talk when the both of you either have your noses buried in books or are blowing away on trombones. There were minor chats while we emptied our spit valves, but now we randomly bug each other on AIM and it is full of awesome sauce.

3. Keeping them at a Distance

Facebook, frankly, also makes it easy to keep those casual friends at a distance. You may not want to spend a lot of time emailing back and forth or talking on the phone, but you don’t want to totally ignore them either. So, a comment here, a like there, a wall post somewhere else – you can continue to keep your friendship nice but casual, which is always a plus.

9 Great Websites That Waste Your Time …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 09:02 AM PST

9 Great Websites That Waste Your Time …

Let's face it; we waste A LOT of time on the Internet. Here are some of the best ways I've found to utilize that wasted time whether it's at work, class, on the couch, or driving down the road.

9. People of Wal-Mart

People of Wal-Mart
We've all seen the crazies at the Wal-Marts in our respective towns. Well, here's a website dedicated to nothing but those people who make our shopping visits unforgettable.

8. Bored Games

Bored Games
Some of the games on this website are like drugs. You seriously won't be able to stop. I highly recommend, for example, that you stay away from Zombie Soccer.

7. Newgrounds

Newgrounds
This website is great because the content is generated by users and games only stay within view as long as they're being played so you rarely have to worry about getting sucked into old or boring games. Alien Hominid actually started here and was what lead to Xbox 360's popular download, Castle Crashers.

7 Gorgeous Curtains from Anthropologie …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 04:07 AM PST

7 Gorgeous Curtains from Anthropologie …

One of the simplest ways to change the look and feel of a room is to add, remove, or change your window treatments. I have a thing for curtains lately, using them instead of my boring vertical blinds to bring color and light into my home. I'm always on the lookout for new ones now, since they're so easy to change, and I've found some gorgeous ones I'd love to have. Here are 7 beautiful curtains from Anthropologie.

1. Breeze-Blown Bouquet Curtain

Breeze-Blown Bouquet Curtain
Price: $138-$198 at anthropologie.com
These light-as-a-wisp curtains are made to waft in the breeze, with three soft cotton tiers featuring red or yellow posies (two on each panel) and a tunnel at the top for hanging. They're ideal for summer, since they're so lightweight, and would look marvelous in a neutral-tone room. They come in one length: 108 inches.

2. Toorie Curtain

Toorie Curtain
Price: $78-$108 at anthropologie.com
If you're looking for a curtain that's a little heftier, then give these a go! They're made of a creamy wool/cotton blend with tonal, orangey-red, or navy blue pom-poms at the edges to add a pop (or rather, a pom) of color. Hang them at your window by the tunnel top. These come in four lengths: 63, 84, 96, or 108 inches.

3. Midnight Courtyard Curtain

Midnight Courtyard Curtain
Price: $78-$108 at anthropologie.com
These gorgeous linen curtains are also available in four lengths, and feature a delicate but large batik print in either navy or tan, ideal for a sun room or just a summer-time bedroom. Use natural sun-washed wood finials and tie-back hooks to complete the "tropicali" theme.

7 Ways to Incorporate 1930′s Fashion into Your Look …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 03:03 AM PST

7 Ways to Incorporate 1930′s Fashion into Your Look …

The 1930s were a time of frilly feminine fashions, all in the details, like lace, buttons, and the like. If you love the look, you might be finding it difficult to find pieces that you can identify as 30s-inspired to add to your wardrobe… some look too 20s, some are too 40s… but I can help! Here are 7 ways to incorporate distinctly 1930s fashion to your look!

1. Ring of Desire

Ring of Desire
Price: $12.99 at modcloth.com
This beautiful brass ring is deco-inspired, ideal for adding just a touch of 1930s appeal to your wardrobe. I'd wear this with a slinky LBD and a tiny, shiny clutch, or with skinny jeans and a loose tunic. It's available in a size 7 or 8, which ought to fit most women.

2. Croquet Champ Top

Croquet Champ Top
Price: $52.99 at modcloth.com
What a sweet blueberry-colored top! It's made by Jam, and features dainty detailing at the yoke, along with a pretty bow. I'd wear this with an a-line skirt, patterned tights, and vintage-inspired heeled oxfords to complete the look.

3. Gal Capone Hat

Gal Capone Hat
Price: $39.99 at modcloth.com
There are so many ways to wear this adorable straw bowler, you'll soon find it to be a wardrobe staple, worked into the rotation at least once a week. Wear it with tweedy high-waisted trousers and a plain white blouse, or with a vintage-inspired floral-print frock and patent Mary Janes.

8 Gorgeous Maillots …

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 11:21 PM PST

8 Gorgeous Maillots …

Think of all the reasons you'll have soon to wear a swimsuit — spring break, mid-winter vacation, winter holiday, weekend getaway — and then take a look in your dresser at that old out-of-date swimsuit. Girl, it's time for something new! Grab your favorite sunglasses and sandals, and head to your nearest Anthropologie store (or their website)… here are 8 gorgeous maillots.

1. Bathing Beauty Maillot

Bathing Beauty Maillot
Price: $278.00 at anthropologie.com
Truly, this maillot flatters every body type, flaunting the curves you have (with underwire support) and skimming over the spots you're not so fond of. It comes in three fabulous colors — red, navy, and dark grey — and would look marvelous with a sheer linen cover-up and retro-inspired sunglasses.

2. Capture Gaze Maillot

Capture Gaze Maillot
Price: $144.00 at anthropologie.com
Capture the gaze of all of the other pool-side sunbathers (with your sunscreen, of course) in this beautiful bandeau (with detachable halter strap). It features strategically placed white stripes on a black background, high cut legs, and a sleek shape. I'd wear this with bright yellow accessories…

3. Drawn to the Heart Maillot

Drawn to the Heart Maillot
Price: $138.00 at anthropologie.com
Adorned with a singular seashell, each of the swimsuits in this line by Tori Praver are sweet, romantic, and oh-so-flattering! Note the detachable halter strap, ruching at the sides, and choice of colors: mint green, dove grey, and black.

7 Bizarre Gifts From My Cats …

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 12:12 PM PST

7 Bizarre Gifts From My Cats …

Anyone who has cats will have experienced that delightful moment when they realise that their beloved moggy has dumped a dead mouse on the doorstep/rug/pillow. What they may not realise is that puss thinks it is doing them a favour. To him, we are hopeless hunters, and therefore he is showing his concern for our welfare by bringing us the food that we cannot provide for ourselves. Some cats don't stop at birds and mice though …

1. Leaves

My big cat has a distinctive vocabulary, and I've learned to recognise the miaow that means 'I've brought you something and it's on the doormat'. Obviously, her instinct to take care of her hopeless human is so strong that she is compelled to bring me gifts – even if all she can find is a leaf that's blown onto the terrace.

2. Cockroaches

I nearly died the first time my cat brought me a dead cockroach – which wasn't actually dead (it was once I whacked it with a broom though). Subsequently I discovered that cats are actually extremely efficient cockroach killers, which is very useful when you live in a hot climate. And if the cat doesn't get them, the broom will.

3. Socks

Now, this is an extremely useful service performed by my cat. Invariably, when I bring in the laundry I fail to notice that I've dropped a sock en route. My lovely feline does notice, and when she finds a dropped sock she picks it up and brings it to me. Now if she could only match up the odd socks …

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