Today's Obsessions

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• 7 Places to Find a Great Partner …
• 10 Reasons I Can’t Wait for Summer …
• 8 Fashion Trends I Predict for the Next Decade …
• 7 Reasons Why It Feels Good To Be a Grownup …
• 7 Organizing Tips for Your Bathroom …
• 10 Newspapers with Strange Names …
• 7 Fantastic Fashion Photography Books …
• 8 Things to Do When You’re in the Elevator …
• 7 Reasons to Practice Good Hygiene …
• 7 Steps to Set up a Home Office …
• 7 Good Non-Alcoholic Drinks …
• 7 Gorgeous Candlesticks …
• 7 Tips for Decorating a Studio …
• 7 Bad Text Situations …
• 8 Lovely Ideas …
• Gottfried Steps Over the Line…
• I Gotta Feeling…

7 Places to Find a Great Partner … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 12:02 PM PDT Some people are totally happy single, and that’s great. However, for those Singletons (I just reread Bridget Jones, what?) who want to find their Mark Darcy (or their Bridget, you know), the dating world can be hard. Meeting someone can be incredibly hard as well. You just have to know where to look, though. Now, these 7 places to find a great partner may not work perfectly for you, but maybe you can share some of your own tips, too! 1. The Internet Oh yes. You’ve seen all the commercials, I’m sure. I’m not sure if the information’s accurate, but those dating site commercials are saying that something like, what, one in three or one in five couples now met on the internet? Whatever the statistic, a lot of people are meeting on the internet. Some meet on a long distance basis, while others meet using services that match them up to people in the same area. Either way, this isn’t nearly so naff as it used to be. 2. The Library I’m a book nerd, so this is a natural choice for me – or would be, if I was looking. Meeting someone at the library can tell you a lot. I mean, you know the person is interested in some kinds of books, after all, and I generally appreciate anyone who, in turn, appreciates the spicy, lovely mystique of a library. 3. Bookstores This is sort of in line with #2. Bookstores can be great meeting places, because you instantly have things to talk about. I used to actively fantasize about being curled up on a comfy bookstore couch reading a novel, only to look over the top of it and spy a pair of soulful eyes staring back at me. And you never know – it could happen!

10 Reasons I Can’t Wait for Summer … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 11:48 AM PDT As if I haven’t been complaining enough about the cold weather lately, let me make myself completely clear: I can’t wait for summer! As I write this, it’s almost warm outside – I mean, it’s like 40 degrees. And my excitement dims as I realize how sad it is that 40 degrees seems warm. New England is ridiculously hot from June through September, but I still can’t wait for summer – and here are 10 reasons why! 1. The Sun I miss the sun so much. I mean, it’s out right now, but I know it’s just teasing me. I hate being hot, but that’s what air conditioning is for, and besides, this part of Massachusetts has the best sea breezes in life. I’m just tired of grey, gloomy skies, all full of clouds and the threat of snow. 2. Swimming Swimming is by far my favorite activity. Sure, in the winter it’s all well and good to swim in indoor pools, but I prefer being outside. With outside pools, I love the mingled scents of chlorine, suntan lotion, and sunshine. At the ocean … oh, you just can’t beat swimming in the ocean, and I can’t wait until I’m able to again. 3. Walking Yeah, okay, I can go out walking now, and I’ll be able to do so in spring as well. Except that, for the last month or so, all the sidewalks have been pretty much coated in ice. Besides, I love being able to walk with the dogs and the Better Half in evenings during the summer, when the heat calms and sunset is coming on and everything is golden and glowing and gorgeous.

8 Fashion Trends I Predict for the Next Decade … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 11:30 AM PDT Fashion is an important indicator of where the world is heading. We have already witnessed the great leaps fashion has taken in the previous decade. Let's look at where I think fashion is heading in the upcoming decade. Here is a list of fashion trends I predict for the next decade. 1. More unisex clothes As more and more women enter the workforce and compete with men at almost all levels, I think that there will be a surge of unisex clothes to reflect this trend. These clothes will no doubt be stylish, but they will also be extremely comfortable and easy to work in. 2. Ethnic and traditional One of the fashion trend I predict for the next decade is a huge influx of ethnic and traditional designs, patterns and materials. There is a huge movement towards traditionalism in the world today and I believe that fashion trends will reflect that. 3. More Asian influences Just as we see Asian economies get stronger and stronger, our interest in the Asian culture and way of life grows bigger. This interest could well lead to a huge Asian influence on our fashion.

7 Reasons Why It Feels Good To Be a Grownup … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 11:12 AM PDT Being a grownup and having all those responsibilities and troubles that go hand in hand with living a life of an average person pretty much sucks at times. I often wish I could go back to being six again with only one concern on my mind – will my mom let me stay outside and play despite the fact that it's getting dark outside. Teenage years were also cool, liberal parents, partying every weekend, no curfew and all I had to do is make sure I have good grades, stay out of trouble and be honest about where and with whom am I going out with. Good memories indeed but, although I like to remember them and even wish I could go back and relive some of them, there's nothing that makes me more motivated to keep moving forward than knowing who I am now. Yup, being a grownup does have its good sides…plenty of them. So here's what I like most about it: 1. Better relationship with siblings When we are kids we kind of see our little brothers and sisters as the "little screaming brats that popped out of nowhere and stole out spotlight". Older siblings are also a loathed category as they always boss us around. Luckily, when you grow up, you realize how cool your siblings really are and embrace the fact that, although they have their "crazy bugs", they are the closest family members you'll ever have. 2. Financial independence Not having to ask your parents for money feels great, you have to admit that. I mean, is there anything better than being able to say, "Come on, mom, I'm taking you out for lunch." You finally have enough money to buy all those birthday presents you couldn't afford when you were a teen and you don't have to beg your parents to buy you that gorgeous pair of shoes you obviously don't need. You can pay your own phone bills and, as a financially independent person, you always have a choice between moving out and being totally independent or staying at home and showing that you're not a kid anymore by chipping in when it's time to pay the bills.

7 Organizing Tips for Your Bathroom … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 11:05 AM PDT Is it easy to find things in your bathroom or does it take forever to dig through all the drawers and cabinets in order to find what you want? Bathrooms are frequently the most cluttered room in the house and as such, the hardest to navigate. Isn't it about time you did something about the bathroom; something drastic like organizing it and making things easy to find? It isn't really all that difficult to organize the bathroom; here are a few helpful tips to get you started. Here are 7 organizing tips for your bathroom. 1. Boxes Obtain two boxes sufficient in size to hold everything from the bathroom. Collect everything from shelves, drawers, cabinets and countertop; everything includes toothbrushes, soap, prescriptions etc. Don't leave anything in the bathroom. 2. Sort Mark one box as "KEEP" and the other as "MAYBE". If there is room in the boxes for you to sort, do it. Otherwise, dump everything from the boxes and sort appropriately as you fill the boxes. 3. Toss Toss any products that have passed their expiration date. Throw out old make-up as it is a prime source of bacteria. Dispose of old prescriptions and OTC medications; pharmacists suggest crushing the medication and throwing it in your garbage; flushing it may allow it into an aquifer. Toss any old razors and scissors that may have become rusted. Basically, throw out anything you don't use or don't need.

10 Newspapers with Strange Names … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 10:42 AM PDT When I saw that the iPad had released a new daily news service called The Daily (yawnsville!) it reminded me that my local hometown newspaper used to be known as The Gusher. Strange really, as it was actually called The Daventry Weekly Express and one thing it didn't do was gush with news. Not much happened in Daventry so it was usually just news of the latest weirdo pinching underwear from the washing line (happened to my mum) or the Scouts' next table top sale. Anyway, being the trivia hound that I am, it got me wondering what other strange names for newspapers could I find. Here are some of the results. 1. Tombstone Epitaph This is my favourite. Some wise guy obviously thought this one up. 2. Unterrified Democrat This is the newspaper of Linn, Missouri. Are terrified democrats allowed to read it and what do Linn's Republicans, terrified or otherwise, read? 3. The Arran Banner Well, what do you know? This newspaper is named after a potato. It's the weekly journal for the Isle of Arran, Scotland and is named after one of the potato varieties developed by local man Donald McKelvie in 1927.

7 Fantastic Fashion Photography Books … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 10:42 AM PDT Every time you open a fashion magazine, you will be confronted with bold and beautiful imagery. Fashion editorials are not only a way to showcase the latest designs, but also the burgeoning talents of many a fashion photographer. Several photographers have created a niche for themselves in the fashion world. Here are some fashion photography books to look into. 1. Unseen Vogue by Robin Derrick and Robin Muir Price: $27.68 at bookdepository.co.uk The contents of this book span almost a century. Images were drawn from the vast archives of British Vogue magazine. The book presents hundreds of never before seen images. These include out-takes, first attempts, and sometimes even controversial photographs. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to see the inner-workings of a fashion bible. 2. Pictures by Tim Walker Price: $125.02 at bookdepository.co.uk Tim Walker is one of my favourite fashion photographers. His photographs are full of beauty and whimsy. Most of the photographs in this book were taken for Vogue magazine – the British and Italian versions. This book is a must for any fashion lover! 3. Another Fashion Book by Jefferson Hack Price: $85.02 at bookdepository.co.uk This book showcases the photographic archives of AnOther magazine. AnOther magazine has always blurred the boundaries between fashion and art, and this book captures this relationship perfectly. Featured photographers include Horst Diekgerdes, Terry Richardson, and Willy Vanderperre. It is the first volume in a series of collectable books. I can't wait to see more!

8 Things to Do When You’re in the Elevator … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 10:30 AM PDT A ride in the elevator can save you a long trip up flights of steep stairs. Many people find the ride enjoyable and may cheerfully strike up a conversation with others in the same cramped space. Elevators make some people nervous and they try to keep their minds occupied during the ride. Next time you take a trip on an elevator, use the opportunity to be productive with these quick little tasks. Here are 8 things to do when you're in the elevator. 1. Cell Phone Maintenance It only takes a few seconds to clean out those old contacts and messages from your cell phone. Elevator time is perfect for eliminating useless or outdated information or adding new contacts. Taking advantage of elevator time to do cell phone maintenance enables you to enjoy an up-to-date, uncluttered contact list. 2. Plan Your Day Many of us rely on our PDA or other devices to get us through the day in an organized manner. Time spent riding on an elevator is well spent when you use it to update your planner. Once in a while use the time to clean out old entries to make way for new entries. 3. Imagine Nothing is more relaxing than simply closing your eyes and indulging in a sweet daydream. Next time you are stuck on a long elevator ride, let your imagination run to the Bahamas and soak up a quick dose of summer sunshine. A long ride enables your imagination to treat you to a nice trip on the high seas on a luxurious cruise ship. De-stress yourself; use elevator time to daydream.

7 Reasons to Practice Good Hygiene … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 09:22 AM PDT Okay, so the other day, in public, there was this woman who smelled horrible. It's harsh to have to smell someone who has not taken a bath in what smells like months. I never understood why people are like this – it just doesn't make sense. Do you not realize how bad you smell? Do you no feel horrible when you have bad hygiene? Right now, I am going to give you 7 reasons to practice good hygiene … 7. Disease Prevention You should learn how to wash your hands regularly in order to prevent the spread of disease. Wash your hands before you handle food, wash your hands before you leave the restroom and wash them after you handle food – this will help with disease prevention. 6. You Will Have a Nice Smile If you do not practice good dental hygiene, then you are not going to have a nice smile. If you want to have a nice smile, then you need to practice good dental hygiene. Plus, this could stop you from the aches and pains of a cavity. 5. The Smell Come on, if you do not practice good hygiene, then you are not going to smell so sweet. By practicing good hygiene, you will smell much more pleasurable. I know many of you agree with me on this one.

7 Steps to Set up a Home Office … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 09:05 AM PDT More people are working out of their homes than ever before. On one hand, there is a huge boom in home based businesses and on the other, the internet has provided many with virtual jobs. If you too are considering working from home, here is a guide that outlines the steps to set up a home office. 1. Choose the right space The right space for your home office depends mainly on the kind of work you are doing as well as your living situation. If you are expecting clients to visit you or if you have a large family with children, you will surely need a separate room. On the other hand, if you live alone and are working online, your requirements will be different. 2. Layout of the office Choosing the right layout is one of the most important steps to set up a home office. Consider your job and whether or not you will have clients visiting you. You can choose between an L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped or parallel arrangement of your work space. Choose the one that gives you enough surface area so that you can keep everything you need within reach. 3. Choose office furniture Another of the important steps to set up a home office is to furnish it appropriately. Not only do you need to house all your office equipment and reference material, if you have clients visiting you, you will need to make it look elegant and professional. Considering your own comfort is also important.

7 Good Non-Alcoholic Drinks … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 09:04 AM PDT Who says you need alcohol to have a tasty drink? I've made tons of excellent drinks that don't contain alcohol and found them to be very enjoyable. I also like being able to share them with my family. The 7 good non-alcoholic drinks I've provided for you below are simple recipes. Feel free to substitute your favorite fruit juice for any in the recipes that you don't like and name your own drink! 7. Acapulco Gold ½ ounce grapefruit juice 1 ounce whipping cream 1 ounce coconut cream 3 ounces pineapple juice Shake and enjoy! 6. Lemon Daisy ½ ounce simple syrup ½ ounce grenadine syrup ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice ½ cup 7-up ½ cup soda water Mix and pour over ice before serving. If you want to make your own simple syrup, combine 2 parts sugar to 1 part water and bring to a boil. Stir mixture until all sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool before using in drinks or storing. 5. Elephant Charger 1 ripe banana 1 ripe peach 2 ounces orange juice 2 ounces milk ¼ cup raspberries 2 scoops vanilla Run banana and peach through the blender. Add orange juice, milk, raspberries, and ice cream to peach and banana mixture and blend well. Pour into tall glass and serve while chilled.

7 Gorgeous Candlesticks … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 08:03 AM PDT One of my current favorite décor pieces is candlesticks, and I cannot stop myself from buying them, or at least coveting the ones I find that I adore. Naturally, all of my favorite online shops have gorgeous ones right now, and I can't help but imagine how they'd look grouped on my mantel or along the top of my bookcase, or on my vanity… here are 7 gorgeous candlesticks… 1. Chroma Candlestick Price: $28.00 at anthropologie.com Handcrafted by South African artist Mick Haigh, then glazed in a rainbow of vivid colors, these candlesticks would look amazing scattered across a mantel or coffee table. Each stands nearly ten inches tall, and is made of stoneware. I adore the rich blue and deep red, but all of the colors are gorgeous! 2. Country Cottage Candlestick Price: $16.00 to $24.00 at anthropologie.com Available in three sizes and made of mellow olive wood, these candlesticks are made on a woodworking lathe, by hand, so no two are identical, though they're all beautiful. They range in height from 5½ to 8 inches, and would look so pretty with almost any color tapers, but especially cream or dark red. 3. Society Taper Holder Price: $18.00 to $24.00 at anthropologie.com These curvy crystal candleholders come in three sizes, measuring from 4½ to 7 inches tall. They're so elegant and glamorous, and would be ideal to cast a gentle glow during a romantic dinner! Mix and match and use all three sizes together, or line up three of the same height to create visual interest.

7 Tips for Decorating a Studio … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 07:05 AM PDT My best friend just rented a studio, an airy, bright one-room loft in downtown Detroit, and she loves it, but she was having a hard time figuring out exactly how to make it obvious which living space was where. Without traditional walls, how does one make a partition a living space into useable chunks without defeating the whole purpose of an open floor plan studio? We did some research and lots of experimenting, and I'm pleased to report that her studio is now beautifully, creatively decorated, with the right amount of privacy, all on a budget. After months of getting it right, I'm delighted to offer 7 tips for decorating a studio. 1. Use screens IKEA PS Plank Room Divider Price: $99.90 at ikea.com Even if you want to preserve the openness of your studio, you're going to want a little privacy for changing clothes, if not for sleeping, too. One way to get that privacy is using foldable screens. You can use them when you want privacy, then fold them away when you want more of an open feel. This one's gorgeous, too… so unique! 2. Use window, wall and floor coverings IKEA Alvine Rug Price: $159.00 at ikea.com One way to divide an open floor plan into different living spaces without erecting obvious walls is to use different rugs, wall art, and window treatments to make them. Use the same pattern or colors to set up subtle partitions and groups, as well as clever furniture sets, which we'll talk about more next. 3. Set up groupings IKEA PS Håvet Chair Bed Price: $299.00 at ikea.com How many different living and use spaces do you want? Probably a dining space, a sleeping space, a media space… all of these from one big, open room. Think about how you want to group your furniture, as well as the accessories (from above) to create the various spaces you want. Don't use the obvious back-to-back arrangements. This will look obvious and stunted. Use more organic, useful groupings, and play with them until you feel it's just right. And when possible, combine spaces by using convertible furniture. For instance, this chair changes into a sleeper, ideal for a sitting area and a "guest room" space.

7 Bad Text Situations … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 06:09 AM PDT Ladies, I'm sure we've all received some shockers in our time, or worse, sent a few texts we've really regretted. Bad texting situations can become horribly awkward with unfortunate repercussions that it's hard to live down. There are certain situations in which it's safer not to texts, ladies, so I've put together a guide to help you realise when it's time to put the phone down. 1. When You're Drunk I'm sure we've all sent a fair few drunken messages by now ladies, so we should know that it's not a good idea. Whatever it is you so desperately need to tell your ex, or your mother, or even your worst enemy, trust me, it can and should definitely wait until the morning. 2. When You're Angry Angry messages are almost as bad an idea and drunk messages. Remember that a text won't disappear into the ether like the spoken word; you might be able to deny you said something but you can never argue that you didn't write all those bitchy things. You're not rational when you're about to lose it – if you've got something to sort out with a friend or partner, talk to them when you've calmed down. Don't send mean messages that you'll just regret later. 3. As a Serious Apology If you've really screwed up, texting just isn't going to cut it I'm afraid, ladies. Sure, if you forget to get milk, or didn't feed the hamster before you went to work, a quick text to let someone know is ok. But if you've just accidentally made out with your friend's boyfriend it's simply not good enough. Put the phone down, ladies, get in the car, and apologise in person: it's the only way.

8 Lovely Ideas … Posted: 15 Mar 2011 06:02 AM PDT Spring is the best time of the year to turn over a new leaf. Many people try to start the year out right with the New Years Resolutions. To me, it is hard to do because I think you are so hyped up over the holidays that many resolutions are based on emotions. By the time spring rolls around, our feet seem to be back on the ground and reality has set back in. So here are 8 lovely ideas to inspire a new you this spring… 1. Smile A simple smile is a nice way of being nice! It’s simple and easy to do, but it can mean the world to a person who is having a bad day! So, “smile a while and give your face a rest…” 2. Talk If you see someone who is clearly having a bad day, engage them in a light conversation, starting with something positive, like the fact that they look nice, or how the weather is so bright and cheery. As they begin talking, if the opportunity presents itself, let them know you have seen they’re not quite their self today, and if they need to talk later, you’re there for them. You never know how much help you can be to someone simply with a brief conversation. 3. Be Courteous If a friend or coworker drops their things, be courteous and help them pick their things up. Don’t be nosey and read messages, but try to be a blessing to them. Open doors for others, and allow others to go ahead of you. This is basic courtesy we were taught when we were kids, but many today seem to have forgotten their manners!

Gottfried Steps Over the Line… Posted: 15 Mar 2011 05:28 AM PDT Insurance provider Aflac has fired comedian and duck-voice actor Gilbert Gottfried over insensitive comments he posted  on Twitter about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Aside from being cruel and insensitive, the Gottfried’s remarks got him fired because Japan is where Aflac does most of their business. Gottfried doesn’t do the annoying duck-voice in Aflac’s TV commercials in Japan, but his careless, thoughtless remarks were still unacceptable to the company, and Gottfried has since removed them from Twitter. In a statement to the Associated Press, Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said, “There is no place for anything but compassion and concern during these difficult times.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

I Gotta Feeling… Posted: 15 Mar 2011 03:21 AM PDT What do Sean Biggerstaff, Eva Longoria, and Will.i.am have in common? Aside from being a few of my fave celebs, they also share a March 15th birthday! “Desperate Housewives” star and super-hottie Longoria and Will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas both turn 36 today. Sean Biggerstaff, who plays Oliver Wood in the “Harry Potter” movies, is 28 — perhaps a little old to be just graduated from Hogwarts, no? Happy birthday to the three of you… I hope you have another happy, successful year!

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