Minggu, 27 Februari 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


7 Tips on Playing Super Mario Wii with a Partner …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 11:44 AM PST

7 Tips on Playing Super Mario Wii with a Partner …

Super Mario Wii is a blast! I wanted this game so bad when it first came out, but had gotten rid of my Wii, because back then, there weren’t many games that I liked on it. Then, would you know, as soon as I got rid of it, tons of games I wanted to play came out. Then, lucky me, the Wii I found came with 10 games and one of them just so happened to be Mario! This system and 10 games only cost 150.00 – that’s a great deal. I am going to give you 7 tips on playing Super Mario Wii with a partner …

7. Dying

When your character decides that it is time to die in multiplayer mode, as long as your partner does not die at the same time, a bubble with you char inside it is going to appear. You can shake the Wii remote in order to get closer to your mate so that you can pop the bubble and start playing again.

6. Float to a Safe Spot

When doing this, make sure your partner knows that you are doing it, because if you do it at the same time, it’ll go back to the world menu – When you have problems getting over an edge, just push the ‘A’ button and you will enter into a bubble, then you can float over to the safe spot. Then, when you’re done, your partner can do the same thing, if they are having problems.

5. Stay Together

It is important that the two of you stay together and move at the same pace. If one player is lagging behind or always dashing ahead, the other player will not be on screen much. I know, players may get confused and mixed together, but this is only fair. You should also keep in mind that the game has a timer for each stage.

7 Inspiring Thoughts for Those Going Through a Breakup …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 11:21 AM PST

7 Inspiring Thoughts for Those Going Through a Breakup …

It's hard being on the sour end of a breakup. Doesn't it seem easier when you are the one doing the breaking up? I know there are some relationships that end with a mutual decision, but not all of us are so lucky. When you're the one who's being dumped, it's hard to think that anything good will happen from that point on. Never fear! There is still light at the end of the tunnel! Here are 7 inspiring thoughts for those going through a breakup. Please pass them on if you know someone else who might also benefit from the.

7. Even though this relationship has ended, it doesn't mean that life has

I imagine you'll have more encounters in the world of love than just this one. Life can and will go one, whether you want it to or not. Don't let the best parts of life slip by you. Take a hold of what you have and what you know how to do and go for it. There are so many things that life has to offer and this relationship was only a very small part.

6. You learned something from this experience that will make you a better person

This situation might not seem like anything positive could ever come from it, but you'll find out someday that you did learn from this experience. Who knows, it might take months or even years before that light bulb comes on and you say, "Ah ha!". A couple of past relationships actually led me to where I am now and also to my husband. If I was still in one of those previous relationships, I wouldn't be enjoying the wonderful family that I have now.

5. There were plenty of good times for you to remember for the rest of your life

These sweet memories might not seem very pleasant right now. Later on down the road you'll remember things that happened and smile on them. Even if you are no longer in a relationship with a person, this doesn't mean you have to hate all the memories you both created together. I can recall plenty of hilarious moments from past relationships that still make me smile.

7 Ways Teen Dramas Have Changed …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 11:13 AM PST

7 Ways Teen Dramas Have Changed …

When I was a very little kid, I used to watch the original Degrassi. When I was a slightly older kid, it was always about the original Beverly Hills 90210 – which, at the time, was seriously innovative, because there weren’t any teen dramas in the U.S., really. I feel kind of old and depressed that, in addition to their being tons of teen dramas now, both Degrassi and Beverly Hills 90210 have been remade – but whatever, age is relative, I am young and eternally cool, and here are 7 ways teen dramas have changed.

1. Drama Is Pretty

There are no ugly teens on teen dramas anymore. Even the awful teenage villains are pretty. There used to be tons of ugly people. Granted, 90210 started changing that, but there were still some unattractive folks on there. The original Degrassi was full of them. What happened to ugly people? Since when is drama pretty?

2. More Cliques

Today’s teen dramas have a lot more cliques. I blame this on Mean Girls. I mean, the honest truth about high school is that while there are cliques, the groups are more fluid. You’re at least civil with the people in most other groups, you’ll talk to each other in class or the hallways or something. On TV it’s like you get your throat cut if you’re caught talking to someone less popular than you.

3. Sex Sells

Donna Martin retained her virginity for many, many seasons. At the time, this seemed old fashioned. These days, I think it would actually be innovative. A girl who wants to remain a virgin? And manages to do it, and still stays popular and well liked? What?

8 Top Dating Websites …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 11:11 AM PST

8 Top Dating Websites …

Internet dating has come a long, long way. It’s no longer considered this taboo, secret, shameful thing to meet someone on the internet. You don’t have to feel naff about looking through online personals or, gasp! Checking out dating sites on the internet. People do it every day – and now people really are getting married from it. If you need to spice up your dating life and meet new people, maybe taking a look at these 8 top dating websites will help you.

1. eHarmony.com

eHarmony ranks number one on a lot of lists. The big thing about them is that they match on compatibility, of course, using a questionnaire that covers lots of details. The contact between potential mates is tightly controlled, which may be helpful because you can make sure the guy or girl you’re talking to isn’t just frankly after an easy lay or something.

2. Match.com

Match.com is also hugely popular. Although it began in 1995, it didn’t really pick up steam and find its niche until a few years ago. You have to pay, of course, but it seems to work. Lots of users provide high recommendations – and I mean real people, as opposed to the "couples" you see on the commercials for this site and others.

3. Chemistry.com

Chemistry.com is considered a sister site to Match.com, except it addresses the controversy that plagued other dating sites pretty frequently. In other words, just because you have an alternative lifestyle, you won’t get rejected from the site. Again, a questionnaire is designed to help people learn as much as possible about each other, and they are matched based on personality rather than looks.

7 Tricks to Remember When Posing For Photographs …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 11:10 AM PST

7 Tricks to Remember When Posing For Photographs …

Weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, vacations or outings with friends – some moments of your life deserve to be "frozen" on a photo and remembered for years to come. And you just have to look great on those photos, girl! Some of them might be going on Facebook where a friend of yours is a friend with your ex (don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about). Lol! If you are willing to spend 2 minutes of your life on lining up to get your picture taken, spend another 30 seconds on making it a great one you'll want to keep and say "Damn, I was such a babe!" when you look at it 30, 40 years after. Here's how:

1. Keep that neck looking good!

Photo Credit:  sereneskye

Chin up, girl! Don't let the camera snap a "Is there a hole I could hide in?" version of you! If you chose to be in the picture, make it a darn good one. Lowering your chin and/or twisting your neck in an awkward position will make your neck look short, stubby and wrinkled, plus you might look like you have double chin. Be a ballerina, move your head gracefully and let the camera snap a photo of you in your "I'm royalty!" pose.

2. Cross those legs

Photo Credit:  Artistic Feet

If you happened to be sitting when somebody decides to take a photo of you, remember to cross your legs. Tightening those muscles makes your legs look thinner and more toned as opposed to that two-soggy-meat-loafs-splattered-on-the-couch look. Don't get me wrong, that has nothing to do with weight, relaxed muscles are responsible for this effect. However, when legs are crossed, your whole body looks much better – hips look wider and your gorgeous hourglass shows. And one more trick – if you want your legs to look not only slimmer but longer too, don't cross just them at a 90 degrees angle but tilt them a bit instead.

7 Home Jobs That You Can Explore This Year …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 10:56 AM PST

7 Home Jobs That You Can Explore This Year …

If you're a mom who wants to spend as much time with her kids as possible but still would like to pursue some sort of career, you need a home based job. Thankfully there are a number of ideas that can get you started so all you need to do is figure out what you like to do. Here are 7 home jobs that you can explore this year.

1. Freelance Writing

If you have always liked writing then freelance writing is a wonderful idea. You can start a blog, work for a newspaper or magazine or take up web content writing. You can work completely from home utilizing any free time you have when your kids are asleep or at school to develop your work. It is a mentally stimulating activity, which allows you to pursue something you are good at.

2. Chocolate Truffle Making

Making chocolate truffles is an excellent hobby that you can convert into a career. Use the Internet to learn how to make different flavors and then as you get proficient, reach out to supermarkets, flower stores or place a few Internet ads. You will find a ready market if your price is right and packaging attractive.

3. Catering Service

For those who are efficient in the kitchen, a catering service is a wonderful idea. You can make it as elaborate or simple as you like, including plates, glasses and bearers or just providing food. You can take orders as per your convenience and once you build your clientele, you will find customers constantly returning for more.

7 Foods to Make You Smarter …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 10:51 AM PST

7 Foods to Make You Smarter …

Do you ever have those days where you just feel like your brain has totally taken a vacation? Or found yourself wondering why you're having trouble remembering the names of your pet fish? Chances are ladies, your cranial crisis may be diet related. Apparently, certain foods promote effective neural activity, and eating right can help improve things like memory and concentration. In an effort to be incredibly helpful, here’s a list I’ve compiled of 7 foods to make you smarter…

1. Oily Fish

I know that name sounds kind of gross girls, but I promise it's not as bad as all that. Trout and salmon are examples of oily fish, and not only do they taste great but they're rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which facilitate super-effective neurochemical processes.

2. Avocados

This super versatile vegetable is fantastic in everything from sushi to salad to bacon sandwiches (!) and it's full of essential fats into the bargain. Also rich in Omega 3, avocado is tasty, packed with vitamins and fantastic food for thought. And spicy guacamole is a great way to enjoy a summer-fun food any time of year.

3. Starchy Veg

Vegetables like carrots, pumpkin and squash are great brain snacks. They're chock-a-block with nutrients and a healthy source of carbohydrates, giving you all the energy you need to stay alert. Alertness without the tumble after a serving of caffeine? Fantastic!

8 Facts on Elephants …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 10:49 AM PST

8 Facts on Elephants …

You never realize just how amazing an elephant is until you are up next to them staring at them eye to eye. These are amazing creatures that I will continue to be mesmerized over. Of course, I'm amazed over all animals, but some more than others. In the blog posting below, I am going to give you 8 facts on elephants …

8. Their Weights

African elephants can weigh up to 14,000 pounds. Wow, that is heavy! There are around 420,000 African elephants spread out over thirty seven African countries. They are native to the Savannas, dense forests and a variety of other habitats.

7. Versatile Trunks

Elephants have trunks that are versatile. Their trunks are unique among the other living mammals. Their trunks serve as their nose and their upper lip. They also use their trunks to greet other elephants. If you watch a female elephant, you will see them touching their babies with their trunk. They can draw up to four gallons of water in those trunks before they squirt it in their mouth. When they sense danger around, they raise up their trunks to smell. They also use them as snorkels when they are crossing water.

6. Ears

They have some awesome ears! They use those large, yet soft and sensitive ears to cool their body off. Flapping those big ears helps to cool the blood that is flowing through them. It's also neat, because you can identify the elephant according the their ears, which are unique.

8 Fad Diets …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 10:41 AM PST

8 Fad Diets …

People have been searching for the ultimate diet for decades. They are looking for a quick way to lose weight, which is what each of the 8 fad diets listed below promise. Not only do fad diets promise a dramatic drop in weight, but they also severely limit the types of food that can be consumed, and there's never any mention about consulting a doctor before beginning the Wonder Diet. I'm sure you've heard of most of these fad diets, but don't fall for them. The results are only temporary and the diets often aren't teaching you to have better choices in nutrition.

8. Cambridge Diet

This liquid diet only supplies you with 400 calories per day. Having such a severe restriction on calories can cause a loss in nutrients. To compensate for this loss, supplements of vitamins and minerals, as well as fatty acids are added to the daily intake of liquid. The Cambridge Diet was very popular in the early 1980s, but has since slacked off a bit. Anyone on this diet is basically gaining the weight loss benefits starvation provides, while protecting muscles from deterioration with the right amount of protein.

7. Zone Diet

Dr. Barry Sears, a biochemist, is the creator of this diet. The formula used for every meal consists of 30 percent fats, 30 percent protein, and 40 percent carbohydrates. Some people find this diet too complex to follow, while others find it to be one of the most perfect diets around. There are very few reports about people feeling hungry or fatigued while on this diet.

6. 3 Day Diet

This is one of the shortest fad diets around. While weight loss often does occur, most people gain the weight right back after returning to their normal eating habits. People usually lose weight because of the sudden drop in calories, most of which is from water loss. There are a number of menus to follow, so it's hard to say if one is healthier than others.

7 Reasons Why I Love Target …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 10:11 AM PST

7 Reasons Why I Love Target …

I’ll be honest: for better or for worse, I used to shop primarily at Walmart. Or, rather, I used to shop at the Super Walmart – but that was way back in the Detroit days. Upon moving to Massachusetts, I discovered an astonishing (and yet somehow refreshing) oddity: there are no Super Walmarts in the whole state! What? Where am I going to find shoes and food and cookware and lamps all under one roof? The answer is Target. MA does love its Target Stores, and here are 7 reasons I’ve come to love Target, too.

1. Affordable Prices

Target and Walmart are pretty even when it comes to prices, but I don’t know, on some things, Target is even cheaper. That’s a primary reason I shop there, because who doesn’t love saving money? And the best part is that Target’s prices are competitive all the time, so you never have to spend a lot, no matter what you’re there to buy.

2. Awesome Sales

That means that Target’s sales are twice as amazing. I love sales, and have been known to purchase things I don’t even need because the deal is so crazy good. What? Don’t judge me! But seriously, I do love taking advantage of a sale, and it’s just an added bonus that Target’s sales are typically on items that I really can use and do need.

3. Amazing Clothes

Target has got some seriously nice clothes. I mean, I never even realized. I never shopped at Walmart for anything except, you know, bras, underwear, tank tops, and things like that. I just happened to really take a look at Target’s clothing selections once and promptly fell in love with just about everything. They have so many pretty things! It’s not my primary clothing store, but if I see something cute, I’ve got no qualms about getting it – plus it typically won’t fall apart after a single run through the washer.

7 Tips For Identifying Vintage Clothing …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 10:06 AM PST

7 Tips For Identifying Vintage Clothing …

These days, vintage is a fairly generic term. Anything 'vintage' is seemingly on-trend, so the term gets thrown around quite a bit. In general, any item of clothing produced between the 1920s and 1980s can be considered vintage. The following tips should help you identify true vintage pieces.

1. Ask Questions

Photo Credit:  Ibai Acevedo

Inquire about an item's origin, if possible. If you have inherited an item from a family friend or relative, ask about previous owners to gauge an approximate time of purchase. If buying from a store or dealer, they may be able to tell you specific details about its origins.

2. Check the Care Label

Photo Credit:  Fontourist

Checking the care label can help narrow down the date that an item was made. For example, care symbols were introduced in 1971, so if you spy these on the label then the item was made after 1971. In the USA, fabric content labels date back to 1960. While they may not be able to provide specific dates, checking labels is still a useful method.

3. Assess the Sizing

Photo Credit: Fontourist

For women's wear, standard sizing scales have changed greatly and continue to fluctuate. One of the reasons for this is that the proportions of many garments have changed over time. The prevalence of vanity sizing is also another reason. For example, a size 14 in the 1950s is comparable to a size 6 in today's measurements.

10 Worst Inventions Ever …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 09:17 AM PST

10 Worst Inventions Ever …

We have come a long ways from Stone Age Man to become king of the planet. We have evolved and invented our way to the technologically advanced planet of today. Let's take a look at 10 of the worst inventions ever.

1. The Hydrogen Blimp

Yes, hydrogen is lighter than air and yes, a blimp filled with hydrogen can become airborne and fly. And yes, hydrogen does explode when exposed to a spark or open flame. One only need remember the Hindenburg to know this was a bad idea.

2. Pay Toilets

Someone came up with the bright idea that patrons should pay to use public toilet facilities. Pay toilets became the bane of urban public toilets users; what if you didn't have correct change or what if the door opened when your allotted time was up? This was an extremely unpopular idea that did not last long.

3. New Coca-Cola

This newer, sweeter recipe Coca-Cola only lasted 3 months on shelves. Even though blind tests showed that its taste was preferred over that of classic recipe Coke, it flopped completely on the market. It only goes to show you don't mess with loyal consumers.

7 Amazing Smoothies You Can Make at Home …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 09:05 AM PST

7 Amazing Smoothies You Can Make at Home …

I hate bananas – yet, it is a ubiquitous item in many smoothie recipes. What's a healthy female to do? We need our potassium, and the banana is one of the best sources. I found several options – and while some of these blended concoctions do contain the fruit, the additional ingredients often mask its horrible consistency and bland taste.

Here are seven of my favorite smoothies that you can make easily at home:

1. Kimi Breakfast Smoothie

Come to me, kiwi! Sure, a kiwifruit is not near as easily pealed as a banana, but creating this breakfast smoothie makes the final reward worth the energy. Use either yogurt or a soy alternative in this recipe, depending on your dairy likes or needs. And for substance (if that's your kind of smoothie), as a user suggested, add a handful of oats.

2. Tropical Pina Colada Smoothie

Yes, I know – the banana! Thankfully, the coconut milk's natural sweetness balances the taste of this tropical Pina Colada smoothie. Pineapple, apple, and oranges are all required ingredients for this fruity morning natural recharge. Add mango for an even bigger tropical punch.

3. Ginger Winter Green Smoothie

I keep on-hand a good stock of frozen berries for when I go into one of my smoothie moods. This Ginger Winter Green is perfect with blueberries, which are a well-known super food (read: antioxidant). And not only is ginger a natural digestion aid (good for any lingering nervous stomach in the morning), it is a good source of fiber, vitamins E and B6 and potassium. Who needs bananas? And no worries; you won't taste the spinach.

7 Best Financial Apps for the iPhone …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 03:06 AM PST

7 Best Financial Apps for the iPhone …

I love my iPhone and my iPod Touch… they're not just for phone calls and music, though, are they? No way! They're both loaded with all kinds of cool apps, from games to travel stuff to financial tools, allowing me to do almost anything while on the go. I can do my taxes, do my banking, calculate tips, and even pay for eBay items, just to name a few… if you're wondering how, keep reading! Here are the 7 best financial apps for the iPhone (according to me)…

1. Chase

Chase
Price: FREE at itunes.apple.com
If you bank at JP Morgan Chase, then you can use this free app to do almost everything imaginable, from checking balances, transferring money, paying bills, and even making deposits with checks. It's easy to use, secure, and (perhaps most importantly) so cool!

2. Bank of America

Bank of America
Price: FREE at itunes.apple.com
If Bank of America is your bank of choice, then this is the financial management app you'll want to download. It's free, and lets you do all the things you can do from home — check balances, find ATMs, and make transfers. The app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

3. TurboTax Snap Tax

TurboTax Snap Tax
Price: FREE at itunes.apple.com
File your taxes using your iPhone by simply taking a photo. No, I'm not joking, and yes, it really is that easy… and the app is free! To file both your Federal and State tax returns is only $14.99, too… this is far and away my favorite tax-time app!

7 Marvelous Monogram Décor Items …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 11:27 PM PST

7 Marvelous Monogram Décor Items …

There are a lot of new home décor trends I just don't get, but there's one I absolutely adore — using monogram items to flaunt your initials and make a space truly your own. It's hard to find unique monogram goodies, though, so when I do find them, I'm delighted. If you agree, and also love the trend, keep reading! Here are 7 marvelous monogram décor items.

1. Wire Initial Hook

Wire Initial Hook
Price: $7.95 at anthropologie.com
This wall hook is the epitome of style at the right price, for what other décor item can you find that's only $8 and looks this amazing? It's made of iron wires wrapped around and around by hand to give each piece (and each letter of the alphabet) its own unique appeal. Each one measures 8 inches tall… wouldn't these be great in a mudroom, so everyone has a hook for their coat and bag?

2. Alphabet Hooks

Alphabet Hooks
Price: $12.00 at anthropologie.com
These vintage-inspired brass and ceramic hooks are ideal for giving everyone their own space, or for spelling out an instruction (mine would say "TIDY"). You'll need to provide your own shiny hardware, to match the metal, as well as your own literary, or at least monogrammed, inspiration.

3. Zinc Letters

Zinc Letters
Price: $18.00 at anthropologie.com
Such a chic deco design, ideal for adding a little retro glamour to any room of your home. Bear in mind, since these 8-inch letters are made of zinc, they may leave dark marks on your hands or walls when hanging them, so take care… and be sure to wash up when you're done!

8 Most Blissful Moments …

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 12:14 PM PST

8 Most Blissful Moments …

Ever had one of those moments where you just feel SO happy? You must have done! It's a wonderful feeling, and is often provoked by something really simple. There are some things you just can't buy, or that cost very little, but give you one of those blissful moments. How many of the following have you experienced?

1. I Love You

Is there anything to beat that feeling when someone says 'I love you' and you know they really do mean it? Whether it's from a partner, or a child, hearing those words makes you feel happy, secure and wanted. And being able to say it is lovely as well – we don't tell people we love them nearly as often as we should.

2. Baby Snuggles

I can still remember holding my niece not long after she was born, and the smell of the moisturising lotion that had been used on her. For years afterwards I used that lotion as hand cream because it smelt gorgeous and reminded me of that 'baby cuddle' feeling. Aren't they just beautiful to snuggle into?

3. Cat Lap

Cats may not smell quite as pleasant as a newly-washed baby, but it's a lovely feeling when they jump onto your lap (even if they know how to anticipate the moment when you're just about to get up and do something). It's especially lovely when they do it for the first time, as you know they trust you, and stroking a purring cat is so relaxing.

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