Senin, 28 Februari 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


7 Tips on Keeping Your Floors Shiny …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 11:46 AM PST

7 Tips on Keeping Your Floors Shiny …

Watching the sun shine on the shiny floor in my office is something I enjoy doing each day as I am writing my articles. There is nothing like having a shiny floor in your home. The question is, how do you keep those floors shiny? Luckily, I have a husband who knows a lot about keeping floors shiny and he has shared some of his tips with me. Below, I am going to give you 7 tips on keeping your floors shiny …

7. Oil Based Cleaners

For hardwood flooring, you should not used oil based cleaners. This is because those cleaners tend to leave an oily residue behind, which completely gets rid of the sine. The residue is only going to make cleaning difficult, because of the oils. If you use them, you could end up creating a mess.

6. Vinegar

For hardwood floors (do not use this on waxed floors), you could clean with a drop of vinegar mixed in with water. This always seems to bring the shine out in floors. Again, this tip is for those floors that do not have wax on them. Use a capful of vinegar to one gallon of water.

5. Floor Cleaners

If you find that your hardwood floors have dull spots and is not shining, this could be because you are not using the right type of cleaner. The floor cleaner can affect your flooring in different ways, this includes the durability of the floor as well as the appearance. Choosing a cleaner that comes from the manufacture will help prevent mottling.

7 Things That Drain your Energy …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 11:13 AM PST

7 Things That Drain your Energy …

Kids can drain the energy right out of you. Just watching them makes me wonder where they get all of that energy from – perhaps they are sucking mine? Just kidding. Right now, I am going to give you 7 things that drain your energy …

7. Stress

I believe that stress is a big energy drainer. When you feel stressed, you will not have much energy. It is important that you find a way to get rid of that stress you have.

6. Mess and Being Disorganized

When I am disorganized and have a mess around me, I have a big energy drain. I always say the mess is taking my energy and it is true – many people feel this way. If you are not organized and you have mess around you, I guarantee that once you get everything organized and cleaned up, you will feel much better. Just try it and see how you feel afterwards. It’s a bit like having your thoughts organized. Then, it won’t be such a headache when you do want to do something.

5. Procrastination

Leaving everything undone and incomplete in your personal life is a real energy drainer. Believe it or not, procrastination is pretty toxic. If there is something that I know I have not done, it will continue to run through my mind, until it is done – this spends a lot of energy. The solution here would be to stop procrastinating and just do those things.

7 Helpful Diet and Wellness Tools at MyPyrmid.Gov …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 11:03 AM PST

7 Helpful Diet and Wellness Tools at MyPyrmid.Gov …

It's not easy to maintain a healthy weight. We know as part of any healthy lifestyle, we need to stay active, and watch what we eat, but how? Where can we go to get all of the information we need on diet, nutrition, and fitness? There's one website with all of the tools, information, and calculators you need, from menu plans to calorie calculators, and best of all, the site is free. Where is this magical website, you ask? It's MyPyramid.gov, and to get you started, here are 7 of their helpful diet and wellness tools.

1. MyPyramid Plan

Find it here: mypyramid.gov
Wondering how much dairy you ought to drink in a day? Or how many calories you ought to consume? Use this handy calculator tool to develop a plan made just for you. Enter your age, sex, weight, height, and level of physical activity, and the tool will tell you exactly how many calories you ought to be consuming, and how much of each food group to include each day. What a perfect place to start!

2. MyPyramid for Preschoolers

Find it here: mypyramid.gov
This is the same tool as above, only designed with a toddler's needs in mind. This plan will help you teach your child healthy eating and exercise habits for a lifetime. We all want our children to grow up happy, so let's get started when they're little!

3. MyPyramid for Moms

Find it here: mypyramid.gov
If you're pregnant or nursing, your fitness and nutrition needs are different, and this tool helps you plan healthy levels of both. This tool also helps with a guide for pregnancy weight gain, dietary supplements, and food safety warnings, then nutrition guides and weight loss tips for nursing moms.

7 Tips to Keep Body Odor in Control …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 10:56 AM PST

7 Tips to Keep Body Odor in Control …

If you are a victim of consistent body odor, you are probably in need of a few suggestions on how to keep it in control. Body odor is an embarrassing and often times hard to get rid of condition, one that might result in adverse affects on your interpersonal relationships, work prospects and other factors. Here are 7 tips to keep body odor in control.

1. Keep your underarms hair free

Whether or not you expose your underarms, you need to keep them hair free. Hair attracts and retains bacteria, which cause unappealing odors if left to remain for a time. If shaving does not appeal to you, consider other alternatives like waxing. This keeps the hair off for over 2 to 3 weeks at a stretch, leaving you odor free for a good amount of time.

2. Wash twice a day

If you are generally the kind of person who sweats a lot, then you need to wash your underarms at least twice a day. A shower in the morning and evening should do the trick and maintaining this lifestyle can help you get rid of the odor causing bacteria that is plaguing your life.

3. Dry yourself completely before dressing

This may seem obvious enough but many people put on their underwear before fully drying themselves after a shower. This causes dampness and attracts bacteria, which once again cause unappealing and disgusting odors. It is important to thoroughly dry yourself before wearing any garment in order to avoid embarrassing consequences.

8 Relaxing Celtic Songs to Listen to …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 10:43 AM PST

8 Relaxing Celtic Songs to Listen to …

I've liked Celtic music for as long as I can remember. I don't think my parents listened to it when I was little and I don't remember at the exact age I heard my first Celtic song, but I have quite the collection now! I've scanned through the play list on my long list of music I have on the computer and came up with 8 relaxing Celtic songs to listen to when you get the chance. They are all great for when you have had a stressful day or just need to quiet down before bedtime.

8. Erin on the Rhine – by Nuala Kennedy

I tend to find Celtic songs that are sung by men to be a bit more soothing. There's something about most women's high voices that make me enjoy the song less. However, this tune is rather enjoyable, despite the high female voice accompanying the relaxing tune.

7. Amarantine – Enya

Enya seems to offer an excellent combination of songs in her native tongue and in English. This one is sung in English and has a very gentle rhythm to it.

6. Myrdhyn's Last Spell – by The Celtic Harp Orchestra

I really like the instrumental Celtic music the most, especially when it consists of the harp, penny whistle, and drums. This is an excellent song! Some might consider it to be a bit more up beat than the slower songs people like to relax to, but it makes be relaxed and very happy when I listen to it.

8 Wackiest Vending Machines …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 10:19 AM PST

8 Wackiest Vending Machines …

Aren't vending machines just great? Seeing one of these magical machine always cheers me up as they are usually placed in those areas in which you look around and say, "Okay, who do I have to kill to get a soda out here?" But, did you know that vending machines these days aren't filled with sodas, chocolate bars, ballpoint pens, potato chips and disposable toothbrushes only? In fact, new vending machines are there to replace fast food joints, rent-a-car agencies, jewelry shops and even shoe shops! So, take a look at these strange and yet, quite useful vending machines and tell me what you think.

1. "Let's Pizza" vending machines, Italy

This cool gadget will make, bake and top your pizza in 3 minutes and the coolest thing about it is that you can actually see the pizza being made. It can't replace the real deal, that's for sure, but it is something worth seeing. So, the next time you're waiting to board a plane in Milan and you don't have enough time to stay a couple of days and see the Italian pizza chef twirl the dough around, stop by this vending machine.

2. "Gold to go" vending machines, Moscow, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Bergamo

In case you're worried about your currency and the fact that its value may drop during your flight, you can always exchange cash for gold! These strange vending machines were introduced in May 2010 and they instantly became a hit. Monetary fluctuations don't have to be the only reason to stop by this machine, though, because for $50 you can get a tiny, nicely wrapped, 1 gram gold bar which, you must agree, isn't a bad gift at all!

3. Purple vending machine, Mondrian South Beach Hotel, Miami

This luxurious, stylish vending machine is equipped with high class merchandise only! If 24 karat gold handcuffs are what it takes for you to relax and agree on a night of good-cop-bad-cop role play, don't be surprised if he comes back with them after only a couple of minutes. Fur vest? No problem! This vending machine has it all – including an option to rent a Cadillac DeVille or buy a condo!

7 Tips on Getting a Pay Rise …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 10:10 AM PST

7 Tips on Getting a Pay Rise …

Girls, once you've been in a job for a while, and you still haven't got a raise, it's natural for you to start feeling a little antsy. Studies show that very few of us are actually willing to ask our bosses for a pay rise, and, ladies, that is where the problem lies. If you want a salary hike, you need to request one directly and because that sounds hard, I've put together a list of 7 handy hints to make this tricky business just a little bit easier.

1. Arrange a Meeting

Tell your bosses that you'd like to schedule a performance review with them to talk about your career trajectory and compensation. Try to secure a meeting about a week in advance as this gives you plenty of time to prepare.

2. Do Lots of Homework

Research pay packages in your industry thoroughly before you present your case to the board of your superiors. You need to show that you've done all your homework, and that your argument is grounded in well established evidence.

3. Don't Be Greedy

If you've had a pay rise in the last year or so, then chances are you aren't actually due for another one. An attitude of entitlement will get you nowhere in situations like these, ladies. You need to show that you play fairly by the rules, and that according to the system, you deserve an increase.

8 Tips For Caring After Vintage Garments …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 10:08 AM PST

8 Tips For Caring After Vintage Garments …

With the trend for vintage becoming increasingly popular, it is important to look after your garments properly. This will maximise the amount of wear that you get out of each item. Vintage fabrics will only become more delicate, so it is important that you care for them. Below are a few tips to take into consideration.

1. Check For Faults

Photo Credit: I Love Dandelions Vintage and Antiques

Assess any weak seams, frays or beginning of holes before washing your garment. Machine washing could further deteriorate your garment. If your garment is showing signs of wear or any faults, repair the damage or consider hand washing the item. In most cases, hand washing is the most preferable option for vintage clothing.

2. Only Clean When Necessary

Photo Credit:  poshyarns

Avoid over-cleaning garments. Too much cleaning can weaken the fabric and cause fading. Only wash an item when it is absolutely necessary. A dose of sunshine helps in killing any germs (although avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as this can deteriorate the fabric).

3. Air Garments Inside-Out

Photo Credit:  eleanor ryan

In most cases, hanging the garment inside out and airing it for a few hours will do the trick. Hang your clothes inside out before washing them. This will allow odours to escape and any perspiration to dry out. Avoid leaving your clothes in hampers before washing them as this can cause clothes to grow mildew.

7 Sexy Texts to Send Your Partner …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 09:45 AM PST

7 Sexy Texts to Send Your Partner …

Texting is pretty much everywhere. Everyone does it, in part because it’s an easy way to communicate. It’s also a great way to be sexy with your partner. Now, I’m talking about long term partners here. Flirty texts are great for the guy or girl you’re just starting to go out with, but when you’re really serious with someone, you can get a little more risque – for instance, you can try one of these 7 sexy texts to send your partner.

1. To-Do List

"I have one more thing for you to put on today’s to-do list: me." Ah, a pun, an invitation, and a flirt! You see, you don’t have to get all kinds of X-rated to be sexy, you can be subtle, too. Well, all right, maybe that’s not exactly subtle – but your lover will definitely think it’s sexy!

2. NSFW

The NSFW, or Not Safe for Work, tag is one of the best warnings for some steam – or some oddities, depending on what you’re sending. However, let your partner know that you’re thinking about some very NSFW scenarios while you’re at work – and share them if you like, but be as subtle as you can because teasing is half the fun!

3. Getting Off Work

Like say, there are tons of fun puns you can use when you’re sending sexy texts to the one you love. For instance, let your partner know when you’re, you know, getting off … work. Okay, not really. Send him or her something like, "Getting off in 15 minutes. Are you going to be here too?" See, double entendre. Very nice.

Top 10 Nintendo Games …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 09:29 AM PST

Top 10 Nintendo Games …

As a child, I played Nintendo for hours. Literally hours. So much of my youth was misspent of video games that I don't even want to estimate the number of hours, but it was worth every second. I still love video games, and since is the first system I ever had, so in honor of my first, here are my top ten games.

10. Punchout

This one is pretty repetitive, but it wasted of lot of me and my friend's time. There's just something satisfying about knocking down King Hippo's pants that never gets old.

9. Castlevania

The mother of all Castlevania's. You run around a castle, while obtaining magical powers in order to defeat Dracula. This is basically every kid's dream.

8. Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers

This plaform let you place through various levels as everyone's favorite rodents on your way to defeating Fat Cat in the end. I can still hear the 8-bit music at I type…

7 Awesome Wedding Invitations …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:47 AM PST

7 Awesome Wedding Invitations …

Ah, wedding invitations. If you aren’t careful, they can get quite expensive. What I’m thinking about doing, however, is finding a great looking wedding invitation for an affordable price – yes, even if I have to go to Target. You see, there are other things on which I’d rather spend money, other avenues where I really want to go all out. Here are 7 awesome wedding invitations that don’t cost a fortune – but look like they do!

1. Damask

Damask
Price: $24.99 at target.com
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love damask! And it’s likely going to play a large part in the theme of my wedding. You always want your invitations, like your thank you cards, to match or at least complement the theme of your wedding. With a choice like this, the invitations are classic yet edgy in black and white, and stylish without being over the top.

2. The Vintage Look

The Vintage Look
Price: $39.99 at target.com
Vintage is really in for weddings. People are going for an antique vibe, whether it’s straight vintage or a more edgier, retro appeal. In the case of the former, something as simple as this brown and ivory styling can look fantastic. The pattern keeps it from being boring, a hazard you risk with brown, but here it’s not a worry.

3. The Simple Side

The Simple Side
Price: $24.99 at target.com
Some couples prefer to call attention to the wedding itself, rather than the invitations, in which case something plain and simple will suffice. Here’s a tip though: if you’re going to choose something modern but rather undecorated like this, do try to incorporate a color. Here it’s wine, but you can choose any color – just try to stay away from straight black and white if you want to go this way.

7 Pretty Note Cards …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:39 AM PST

7 Pretty Note Cards …

Call me old-fashioned or hopelessly outdated, but I still love to send, and receive, notes to and from friends and family in the post. I especially love using clever, beautiful note cards, adding my own short message or greeting inside. But pretty, whimsical note cards can be hard to find, so I've made a list for you to choose from, should you decide to jump on my note-sending bandwagon! Here are 7 pretty note cards…

1. Friends of the Forest Cards

Friends of the Forest Cards
Price: $18.00 at anthropologie.com
This boxed set of note cards features all of my favorite woodland creatures, from the humble grey squirrel to the wise old owl and the might brown bear, all correctly labeled and posing with their friends. Each card in the set of 8 comes with a matching envelope.

2. Cover Story Postcards

Cover Story Postcards
Price: $25.00 at anthropologie.com
Technically, these are post cards, not note cards, but they're so charming and clever I had to include them anyway! Each of the 100 cards in this boxed set features a classic title from Penguin Paperbacks, in their original vintage covers, ideal for sending bon mots to your fellow bibliophiles.

3. Folk Flora Note Cards

Folk Flora Note Cards
Price: $18.00 at anthropologie.com
Looking for an eco-friendly way to send greetings to your pen pals? Give this set of eight note cards a look, each printed using water-based inks on Forest Stewardship Counsel-certified paper by the Rifle Paper Company. Each card features a brilliant, folk art-inspired floral design, and comes with an envelope.

7 Heart Healthy Recipes …

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 08:15 AM PST

7 Heart Healthy Recipes …

Having a husband who had two heart attacks and a bypass before the age of 40, I'm always looking for recipes that are considered Heart Healthy. I've found quite a few on the Mayo Clinic website and there are a few other recipe sites that are designated to people with heart issues. Low salt content is what I first look for, then after that it's the amount of fat, cholesterol, and sugar; in that order. I looked through all of my recipes to find 7 heart healthy recipes to share with you. These are tasty and good for you, even if you don't have a heart condition.

7. Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

Photo Credit:  Marie310

My husband is a big snacker, so I constantly have to make sure he hasn't snuck in something loaded with salt. He loves Chex Mix and I've found other snack mixes that are lower in sodium and not as bad for him. This snack mix recipe is rather spicy, which seems to hold his attention well. Take two cans of chick peas and rinse the beans. Once they are drained and patted dry you'll have to heat them in a skillet for about 10 minutes. Be sure to lightly spray the skillet and keep the heat around medium. Pour the beans on a sprayed baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes at 350. You'll have to turn them often to make sure all sides are roasted. Add the beans to 2 cups of Wheat Chex or another type of cereal with the wheat waffle-shaped pieces in it. Add two cups of dried fruit of your choice. I like to mix raisins and apricots or raisins and pineapple, since these are about the only dried fruits my husband seems to like. Mix together a half of a teaspoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of honey and of low-salt Worcestershire sauce. Pour this concoction over the cereal and fruit mix, toss gently, and bake for 15 minutes more at 350.

5 Things Explained…

Posted: 28 Feb 2011 03:36 AM PST

5 Things Explained…

1. How Voodoo Can be Good, Too

When you hear the word voodoo, you probably think of evil things right away. But do you know that there are things to like about this practice?

2.  How to Look Red Carpet Ready

Let’s say you’re going to attend an event that just happens to have a red carpet. You will want to look prepared for getting photographed. These are the products you need.

3. What You Want to Know about Roses

Here are some interesting things that you might want to know about roses. I can’t grow anything but I sure found these cool!

4. Why Galliano Was Suspended from Dior

Apparently, he was arrested. Dior also has strict rules regarding proper conduct. I say good for them!

5. What Men are Really Like

Okay, this will not really give you answers. What you will get are MORE questions. If you happen to know some answers, we’d love to hear ‘em!

Have you read anything online lately that explained something one way or another? Tell us about it!

Top Photo Credit: KhayaL

8 Garments To Borrow From Your Boyfriend …

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 12:16 PM PST

8 Garments To Borrow From Your Boyfriend …

Boyfriends are good for quite a few things – fixing things, carrying heavy shopping and well, one or two other things. At this chilly time of year though, they really come into their own. Because men have lots of lovely warm oversized clothes you can borrow. Try the following items to keep you toasty until spring.

1. Jumper

Photo Credit:  NotHip

There's something so wonderfully comforting about snuggling into your boyfriend's oversized sweater. Even though the hem will be somewhere around your knees (if you're as short as I am) and you'll have to fold the cuffs up, the extra-large size seems to trap heat and keep you lovely and warm.

2. Scarf

Photo Credit: Hanjosan

If it turns cold when you're out with your boyfriend, and you've forgotten your scarf, the solution is simple. Borrow his. If he's a gentleman he won't mind getting cold so that you can stay warm.

3. Socks

Photo Credit: meknits

I nearly always wear men's socks in winter. They may not be that long on a man, but they certainly are on me! In fact, they're knee-length, so my legs stay nicely warm. Just make sure that he has washed them before you pinch them (a simple smell test will suffice).

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