Senin, 21 Maret 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


7 Spa Treatments You Can Do at Home …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 11:34 AM PDT

7 Spa Treatments You Can Do at Home …

For the majority of women, getting a professional spa treatment may seem like heaven on earth. Whether you are a working woman, professional woman or stay at home mom, we all dream of the spa experience. A massage and a good soak can cause your worries to flee. Honestly, though, in today’s poor economy, it’s almost impossible to afford a spa appointment, much less add on a manicure. Why not treat yourself to a spa treatment at home? Here are 7 easy spa treatments for pampering yourself without leaving home.

1. Paint your nails

Image source: data.whicdn.com

This may sound ridiculously simple, but a little color on those digits will put a smile on your face… and it’s very, very easy to do this at home. Soak your nails, then apply your favorite varnish, top coat, and lotion… so relaxing!

2. Take a bath

Image source: data.whicdn.com

Not just any bath, take a WONDERFUL bath. Light some candles, put your favorite salts or bubbly in the water, put on some soft, relaxing music and enjoy! Let the heat and the music waft your worries away. You might even want to try sipping a glass of wine or a cup of hot tea while you soak…

3. Play with mud

Photo Credit: romanlily

There are all kinds of facial mud masks available at reasonable prices. A mud mask does wonders for inflamed pores, and acne. Not sure you like mud? Try another at-home mask, maybe one with avocado or berries.

9 Reasons Your Diet May Fail …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 11:13 AM PDT

9 Reasons Your Diet May Fail …

Diets always start tomorrow. Are you one of those people who start a diet only to give up a few days later or you stick at it, lose weight but then pile it back on as soon as you stop dieting? Dieting is very often not just a case of eating low fat or low-cal foods; it's about a change of food lifestyle and maybe stopping a few habits you perhaps didn't realise actually contribute to poor weight management. Here are a few reasons why your diet might not produce the results you want.

1. Meal Skipping

Contrary to what you might think, missing meals doesn't mean that your body uses up fat stores. In fact it actually starts to conserve them and the normal bodily processes have to slow down to compensate resulting in reduced functionality. Breakfast is important because it kick starts your metabolism so your body can start consuming calories.

2. Planning

Well you've all heard – fail to plan, plan to fail – and not having a goal for your diet can contribute to lack of success. Plans need to include how much weight you want to lose, in what time frame, what sort of regime you want to follow even down to what foods you need to buy.

3. Fad Diets

They do exactly what it says on the tin. They are fads. If they were medically sound they wouldn't be the latest trend. A diet is not a designer accessory. They may work for a week or so but most diets that claim huge weight loss in a short period of time do so by generating a large fluid loss, not fat, which will be regained as soon as you resume normal eating. Choose a diet that reflects your taste, budget and lifestyle.

7 Beautiful Christening Gifts …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 11:07 AM PDT

7 Beautiful Christening Gifts …

Even more than I love weddings, I adore christenings. The parents are so thrilled, the grandparents and godparents are so happy, and the baby… well, the baby is usually bored, or asleep. But it's such a sweet, happy occasion, one that ought to be marked with a gift as special and delightful as the little one herself. Here are 8 beautiful christening gifts.

1. Tiffany Hearts® Pendant

Tiffany Hearts® Pendant
Price: $100.00 at tiffany.com
This tiny cut-out heart is such a sweet christening gift, made of bright sterling silver. We gave this as a christening gift to my sweetheart's only niece, and it' tiny, even smaller than it appears on the site, so we know she'll wear it until she's a young lady… what a sweet gift from baby's father! It hangs from a 16-inch chain, and is so dainty…

2. Tiffany Tots Alphabet Boxes

Tiffany Tots Alphabet Boxes
Price: $200.00 at tiffany.com
Designed at the Tiffany studio is Paris, these tiny Limoges porcelain boxes are hand-painted with the baby's initial and a smiling, adorable animal to match. The box is small, measuring only 2 inches across, with a small catch and a hinge, so you can store baby's tiniest treasures, like her earrings and such.

3. Elsa Peretti® Open Heart Fork and Spoon

Elsa Peretti® Open Heart Fork and Spoon
Price: $275.00 at tiffany.com
This tiny spoon and fork set features Elsa Peretti's most famous design, her open heart. It's curvy and sweet, and looks darling perched atop each utensil. What a thoughtful, and useful, christening gift! When baby is grown, perhaps she'll use them for her children…

11 Things to Consider When Choosing a Gym …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 10:39 AM PDT

11 Things to Consider When Choosing a Gym …

A gym membership is both an investment and a serious commitment. It is an investment you make for your health and you invest in terms of time, effort, and of course money. You are also making a commitment with yourself to exercise, to be more active, and to be healthy. These days money is hard to come by and gym memberships are not always cheap. That is why it is extremely important that you take time to carefully choose the gym you join. Take note of the eleven things to consider when choosing a gym.

1. Location

The first thing you need to consider is the location of a gym. Location is important because it can contribute to your motivation to exercise. You are more likely to exercise at a gym that is 10-15 minutes away than at a gym that requires an hour-long commute.

2. Fees

Before signing up for anything, determine the fees you have to pay. There are many payment schemes and plans that a gym might enforce. You should also know the methods and schedule of payments. It is important to take note of any promotions and discounts offered. Don't be afraid to ask questions to clarify things you don't understand.

3. Contract

If a gym requires you to sign a contract, then make sure that you read the terms before signing anything. You need to know what you are getting into. What happens if you terminate the contract? What happens if you become injured or ill and can't use your membership? Can you workout at their other branches or are you limited to the one you sign up with? Make sure that a contract also protects you and not just the company. Again, don't be afraid to ask questions.

7 Commercials that Get on My Nerves …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 10:37 AM PDT

7 Commercials that Get on My Nerves …

There’s no getting away from commercials, sadly. They’re always there, they’re always going to be there, and the majority of them are so incredibly annoying they kind of make you want to cancel your cable and trade your television in for – I don’t know, whatever you could trade a television in for, really. Commercials are obnoxious and they take up time and space – but since they’re not going anywhere, I can at least complain about them. Here are 7 commercials that get on my nerves like whoa.

1. The KIA Soul Commercial

I thought this was … weird but catchy the first time I saw it. However, once I’d seen it ten times in one day, I was just creeped out. I was starting to notice which hamsters had really fat butts and which had horrible teeth. This is just … it’s still weird, but now it’s annoying weird and it makes me glad I don’t have a hamster anymore.

2. Jimmy Dean Sausage

There are a lot of variations of this commercial out there. Some of them feature rainbows and leprechauns (and I don’t understand why). This is as good an illustration as any. It’s the repetition that gets on my nerves. Advertisers think they’ve come up with something really clever, so they cram it down your throat until the actual sight of sausage makes you ill. And I love sausage, so that makes me sad.

7 Playful Party Decorations …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 10:26 AM PDT

7 Playful Party Decorations …

Party decorations are serious business. They help set the mood of your party and can help create the desired atmosphere. However, parties are ultimately about having fun and this should be reflected in your decorations. Below are a few to get you started.

1. Domo String Lights

Domo String Lights
Price: $20.00 at urbanoutfitters.com
Impress your friends with these kooky critters. I love the Domo character, and these come in assorted colours. They're sure to brighten up a party, in more ways than one. They come in a string of 10 and would be perfect for both indoor and outdoor parties.

2. Keep Calm Party Banner

Keep Calm Party Banner
Price: $14.00 at urbanoutfitters.com
This banner says it all, really. Playing on the popular "keep calm and carry on" motto, this banner tells you how to party best. The glittery cardboard lettering is my favourite feature. String this up on your wall to reassure your guests that the party is going strong.

3. Sequin Party Ball

Sequin Party Ball
Price: $9.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
This is a quirky take on the more traditional mirrored disco ball. It's made from plastic and metal, and can be easily wiped clean. Hang one up as a centrepiece, or create a bizarre other-worldly environment and hang multiple balls from the ceiling.

7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Bikini …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 10:14 AM PDT

7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Bikini …

For most of the northern hemisphere, summer is just around the corner. Girls everywhere are fighting off those winter pounds, thinking about indulging in a preparatory spray tan and starting to shop for that ideal bikini. Finding a swim-suit that works for you is about both comfort and aesthetics, and it can be a really difficult task. To help you achieve beach-readiness I've put together a list of 7 steps to finding your perfect bikini …

1. The Shape of Things

To begin with, it's important that you buy a swim suit that suits your body. The wrong shape will detract from your best features and might end up being really uncomfortable as well. Those among you with larger breasts, for example, should beware of classic, unstrucutred halter-neck styles; opt for a suit with an under-wire and added support or you'll soon find your neck and lower back are taking strain.

2. Terrible Transparency

Image source: 3.bp.blogspot.com

It's a common misconception that lined white bikinis aren't see-through. Ladies, they are. As soon as you go into the sea in that snowy swim-suit, it becomes totally transparent and you might as well just head for the nearest nudist colony. Unless you're really ok with everyone seeing you naked, girls, avoid white bikinis. Yes they look fab against tanned skin (when they're dry), but even this doesn't make them worth the risk of exposure!

3. The Pale Factor

Image source: data.whicdn.com

Most of us shop for bikinis before the summer has actually started. This means that we're usually a little on the pale side. It's important to factor this in when you're trying on potential bikinis. Everyone looks better after a little bit of sun, girls, and it's important to remember this when you're weighing up the pros and cons of a swim-suit.

7 Facts on Bunny Rabbits …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:57 AM PDT

7 Facts on Bunny Rabbits …

I can still remember when I received my very first bunny. My dad brought her home for me as an Easter present. I named her Dixie. She was a cute little Dutch miniature rabbit and lived in the house until we got a mate for her the following Easter. I have since learned a lot more about rabbits and thought I'd share these 7 facts on bunny rabbits with you.

7. Their teeth never stop growing

This is why they are always gnawing on things. If they don't continue to eat their hard food or have something to wear their teeth down on, they eventually won't be able to open their mouth. When rabbits are sick it's very important to take them to a vet right away. If they don't begin eating within 24 hours, their teeth become too long and they can't open their mouth wide enough to eat.

6. They can be litter box trained just like a cat

Dixie was a champ at using the litter box. She eventually had to have her own box to do her thing in because she kept chasing the cats out when they tried to use it. They are creatures of habit. We kept Dixie in a cage with a litter box and once she began to use it regularly, we opened the cage door and she would come back to use the box. Eventually we took the cage away all together and left the box in the corner of the room.

5. Does only feed their babies an average of 5 minutes each day

Apparently rabbits are even fast at feeding! I couldn't believe that it only took 5 minutes a day for a doe to feed her kits. No wonder I never see the mama in the box with her babies.

8 Great Products for Nails …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:49 AM PDT

8 Great Products for Nails …

Judging from your comments, I'd say most of you, my ladies, prefer natural nails. Am I right? Well, we must keep them looking great then and, thanks to Sephora and its huge selection of different care and styling products, we can finally do our manis and pedis perfectly, in the comfort of our own homes. So, here are 8 products I like:

1. Dior Fortifying Nail Treatment

Dior Fortifying Nail Treatment
Price: $23.50 at sephora.com
This nail treatment will help your nails grow faster and become stronger, which is pretty much everything you could ever hope for. Right? Well, wrong. It also conditions the cuticles and makes them soft, silky smooth. So, say good bye to painful, bleeding cuticles and brittle nails. Plus, you won't have to remove your nail polish in order to apply this little thingy because a simple thing like nail polish can't stop it from delivering its nourishing properties!

2. Sephora by OPI 3 in 1

Sephora by OPI 3 in 1
Price: $14.00 at sephora.com
This is a definite must have for all of you ladies who, like me, hate having 5 different top coats, base coats, strengtheners and God knows what. I totally love 3 in 1 products because of their effectiveness and simplicity. This one, by OPI, is designed to give you all the benefits of a regular treatment for stronger nails, help your manicure and pedicure last longer and give them a glossy, resistant top coat.

3. Healing Eucalyptus Cuticle Oil

Healing Eucalyptus Cuticle Oil
Price: $12.00 at sephora.com
Now, here's a little something to help you get your nails back in shape after a period of total chaos. Yup, I often forget to groom my nails too and, although my nail cuticles aren't very problematic, I just hate the way they look and feel after what seem like an eternity of neglect. Well, I could sure use a pen like this one to help me do my nail-grooming routine. It's easy to use and very practical so I could simply massage it into the cuticles and nails for a quick fix.

8 Ways To Ease The Recession …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:46 AM PDT

8 Ways To Ease The Recession …

Personally, I don’t think we’re in much of a recession. If we truly were in a recession, we would be seeing much fewer restaurant diners and more beans and cornbread family meals at home…clothing stores and malls would be closer to shutting down because their customers would decrease…less items like flat screen TV's and blu-ray players, digital cameras would be bought. We haven’t really had any reduced economic activity – therefore, we aren’t in a recession. However, for those who want to believe we are, here are some tips to easing their woes.

1. Stop Spending So Much

Simple as that. We complain we haven’t any money when the charity knocks at the door or when we’re applying for food stamps, and yet, somehow, we have the money to purchase a new blackberry or iPhone. Honestly, I’ve sat and watched people apply for food stamps as they talked on their blackberry! Something sounds a bit off with that, doesn’t it? Just think of how many meals you could have bought with the money you paid for your blackberry.

2. Find Necessities

Weigh your options. Which is more important, your house payment or that new camera you’re wanting? We don’t need all the luxuries of life when we can’t afford the basics of life. When you go to the grocery, go in and come out with only your necessities.

3. Cut Down

Are there any parts of your phone bill your can cut out to cut down on the cost? Take the time to go through your bill, and if you’re not using a part of your plan, toss it. You’re throwing money away. Other places you can do this is with your television programs – are you paying for channels you’re not watching?

7 Things It’s Okay to Do Around Guys …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:11 AM PDT

7 Things It's Okay to Do Around Guys …

Sometimes, girls are under the impression that she should not do certain things around guys. Who said that it is not okay to do those things? Mind you, you should only do these things if you feel comfortable with yourself. In the blog posting below, I am going to give you 7 things it's okay to do around guys.

7. Burp

Hey, after a guy finishes his food, doesn't he burp sometimes? Then I believe it would be okay for you to burp – that is, if you feel comfortable doing it. Personally, this is not something that I would feel comfortable with doing in public. What I am saying is that if you burp, it does not make you any less of a girl. If the guy cannot accept you for those bodily functions, then he probably isn't worth it.

6. Cry

Crying is something that humans do. Yes, even men cry. If you were to cry around a guy, even if the two of you are not dating, then you should not feel ashamed of it. This is just a way for you to show your sadness, so don't fight those tears just because you are in the presence of a guy.

5. Play Games

Girls, it is okay to play video games around guys. Although, he might just take you up on the offer and challenge you to a duel – don't go easy on him. If he does challenge you to a duel, make sure you show him exactly what you are made of.

5 Lists to Look Over …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:02 AM PDT

5 Lists to Look Over …

1. Worst Chick Flicks Ever

Have you seen the movies listed here? Do you agree that they are the worst chick flicks ever? Hmm I actually liked Bride Wars…

2. 2012 Possibilities

What will happen a year from now? Do you really think that the world will end? Melanie gave us 5 things that COULD possibly happen; all very interesting.

3. Weight Loss Tips

There are only five on this list; they are easy to do and you can do them RIGHT NOW. What are you waiting for? Get moving!

4. Hair Color Emergency Fixes

Got a hair color emergency? Fret not, here are cheap fixes for you. From ugly roots to dull hair, this link got you covered.

5. Getting Rid of Ants

Oh how I hate ants so! This link has given me great ideas on how to get rid of them. The best part is that most of these tips will not cost you a fortune.

We love lists here at All Women Stalk (in case you have not noticed). If you have a list for us, let us know!

Top Photo Credit: _Max-B

8 Reasons Why I Like Living Alone …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:43 AM PDT

8 Reasons Why I Like Living Alone …

Living alone has its charm and should not be underestimated. There is something supremely liberating about not having to answer to anyone and living your life exactly how you want to. Whether you have a roommate, partner or spouse, the decision to live alone has a number of benefits. Here are 8 reasons why I like living alone.

1. No putting up with loud music or late night TV

Sharing your home means sharing the airspace as well. Your roommate has a right to live life as he enjoys it even if it annoys you to death. When you live alone you will never get annoyed with your roommate blasting his insane music or watching late night infomercials. The airspace is all yours.

2. You can be as clean or messy as you like

When you're on your own, no one is going to nag you about how untidy you are. You don't have to pick up after yourself and put away your things. Conversely if you are a clean freak you don't have to put up with your messy roommate's behavior. You will finally be at peace.

3. Freedom of dress

Sharing your home or apartment with other people means that you can't step out of your room naked when your underwear is in the dryer. No, you have to throw on your shorts and t-shirt and then step out. Isn't it then purely liberating to be able to wear as little or as much as you want when you live alone?

7 Ways to Wear Turquoise …

Posted: 21 Mar 2011 06:18 AM PDT

7 Ways to Wear Turquoise …

I've recently discovered that wearing the color turquoise makes me almost as happy and warm as wearing yellow, so I've been wearing a lot of it this winter. I've also noticed it makes my eye color really pop, and what girl doesn't want that? It's hard to find goodies to wear in the right color turquoise though, so every time I find something in just the right hue, I have to add it to my wish list… and here are the items that currently reside at the top! Here are 4 ways to wear turquoise…

1. Teal Good Time Boot

Teal Good Time Boot
Price: $139.99 at modcloth.com
Oh my gosh, these boots by BC Shoes are cute! I love the western feel and the cut-out pattern, and the texture of the leather uppers… and of course, the color, somewhere between turquoise and teal. I'd wear these with opaque tights (to peep through those cut-outs) and a short skirt or a long tunic…

2. Proudly Posh Heel

Proudly Posh Heel
Price: $54.99 at modcloth.com
I must have these heels! They feature a teal heel and a proud peacock feather design swirling across the upper and centered on the toe. They feather is so detailed, and it looks so realistic! The heel measures a walk-able but sexy 2 ½ inches so you'll look as graceful and elegant in them as the peacock feather on them. I'd wear these with my above-the-knee LBD and an armload of sliver bangles.

3. Be Teal My Heart Cardigan

Be Teal My Heart Cardigan
Price: $44.99 at modcloth.com
This is exactly the shade of turquoise that reminds me of the summer sky, cloudless and bright, holding the promise of sunshine and fun! So I'd love wearing this long-line wool-blend cardi, with its button-front closure and front patch pockets all winter long, to brighten even the greyest day and remind me that summer will be here before I know it!

7 Ways to Survive a Zombie Attack …

Posted: 20 Mar 2011 12:33 PM PDT

7 Ways to Survive a Zombie Attack …

I think I've seen enough zombie movies to make me well informed on the best way to survive an invasion by these deteriorating beings. Here are 7 ways to survive a zombie attack, just in case you think there might be one in your near future.

7. Have plenty essentials stored away

Canned goods, flashlights and batteries, an emergency radio, a first aid kit, bottled water, and anything else you will need to not only survive if you can't make it outside, but also to keep you safe while fending off the zombies.

6. Get a gun and have plenty of ammunition for it

Oh, and it will be helpful if you actually know how to use the thing! In all the zombie movies the key seems to be to aim for the zombie's head. They might be the walking dead, but they can't see where they are going if you blow their heads to bits. I know, gross image, sorry.

5. Know the shortest route to key destinations in your area

If you need supplies and have to go out into open spaces where zombies might be lurking, you're going to have to spend as little time out there as possible. Make yourself a map of the most direct routes you know of to get to all the important places in town. You might even want to make it legible enough that someone else would understand it if they needed to borrow the map,

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