Jumat, 01 April 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


10 Ways to Handle a Horrible Mother-in-Law …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 11:03 AM PDT

10 Ways to Handle a Horrible Mother-in-Law …

Most women are blessed with wonderful mother-in-laws. However, an unfortunate few find their mother-in-laws to be unbearable. For those who find themselves dealing with a stressful mother-in-law situation, here are some helpful tips. Here are 10 ways to ahndle a horrible mother-in-law!

1. Separate Yourself

You may find it necessary to remove yourself from the situation to give yourself time to think things through and decide on a plan to come to terms with your mother-in-law. Be up front with her and let her know you that you need a “time-out.”

2. Don’t Take it Personally

Your mother-in-law's behavior is most likely not personal; some mother-in-laws would never be satisfied with their son's choice. Because you love your husband, try to quietly put up with her.

3. Make Up Your Mind

Don't give up your power to your mother-in-law; make your mind up that regardless of how horrible she is that is will not impact your home and your ability to be a great wife and mother.

8 Hints That It’s Time To Look For A New Job …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:55 AM PDT

8 Hints That It’s Time To Look For A New Job …

With the current economic crisis, it seems that hundreds of people are applying for each job vacancy. So if you are lucky enough to have a job, you are made to feel that you should be grateful for being in employment, no matter how poorly paid or how difficult the circumstances. However, there are some situations when you may want to consider moving on. After all, it doesn't hurt to look …

1. Dread

If that Monday morning feeling occurs every day, and you invariably dread going to work, then something is very wrong with the job. If you can't do anything about whatever is causing the problem, then it's best to consider changing jobs.

2. Health

Sure, we all need a job in order to pay the bills, but your health is the most precious thing you'll ever have. So if you are working far too many hours, colleagues are making your life a misery, or for any reason your health is being affected by your work, then it's definitely time to move on.

3. Deadbeat Colleagues

There's one in every workplace – the worker who doesn't actually want to do any work. They're conspicuous by their absence when something needs doing, their tendency to take long breaks, and their excuses to get out of anything remotely demanding. Don't waste your time carrying someone else – it won't be appreciated.

7 Techniques for Making the Perfect Cup of Tea …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:49 AM PDT

7 Techniques for Making the Perfect Cup of Tea …

Tea is such a soothing drink. It can soothe a bad mood, it can warm you up when it’s cold, and it can comfort you through any number of situations. The problem revolves around making the perfect cup of tea. Is there such a thing? Of course there is! In fact, these techniques for making the perfect cup of tea are all you need to know!

1. Pick the Right Tea

Your first important step in making the perfect cuppa involves choosing the right tea. You might like it loose leafed, you might like it in bags. You might prefer it from Sri Lanka or India or China. Either way, based on your preferences, make sure you choose the best of the best.

2. Use the Right Teapot

The teapot you use is important in the perfect technique as well. Most "tea experts" are enthusiastic in their vouchers for a ceramic teapot, because it tends to hold the heat better, which leads to better brewing. Of course, fans of other teapots have their own endorsements, so you might just want to choose what feels right to you.

3. Use High Quality Water

Okay, I’m not saying you have to use bottles of sparkling, magical spring water from the hidden Rainbow Mountains in Unicorn Land or anything like that, I’m just saying don’t use water that tastes weird. If you do that, your tea is also going to taste weird, and that takes away from the experience. Regular bottled water will do if your water does taste strange; you don’t have to find the kind from Rainbow Mountain.

7 Ways To Beat The Monday Blues …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:41 AM PDT

7 Ways To Beat The Monday Blues …

After a lazy weekend, there is nothing more depressing than a miserable Monday morning. So many of us experience Monday morning blues and if we let it consume us, it can actually ruin our entire week. We need to get out of the rut and embrace Mondays just as we would Fridays. Here are 7 ways to beat the Monday blues.

1. Dress up

A great way to get over your depression is to doll up. Take out your sharpest outfit, the one you would wear when you want to impress a new client; or slip on your hottest shoes. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that makes you look and feel fantastic and watch as the blues fade away.

2. Indulge yourself in some way

Find a way to make Monday something to look forward to. For example, maybe Monday can be the day when you pack your favorite lunch or prepare your favorite breakfast. There is no need to do that on weekends, as you are already happy on those days. Save the indulgences for the Monday blues.

3. Turn on the stereo

Music can really improve your mood. Turn on that stereo for some pick me up tunes and allow yourself to get into the music. Very often the radio jockeys have something interesting to talk about or joke about so let them into your mind. You will find yourself forgetting all the reasons you were miserable.

8 Reasons We’re Obsessed with Celebrities …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:37 AM PDT

8 Reasons We’re Obsessed with Celebrities …

I confess, I am totally obsessed with celebrities. A lot of people are, but why is that? Why do we care? There are actually a number of reasons, and they’re widely varied. A lot of times, if you disagree with something a celebrity has done or just don’t like someone famous, you get a lot of people giving off retorts like, "Oh, you just don’t like so-and-so because you’re totally jealous." Is that really the reason? Here are some of the main reasons we’re obsessed with celebrities, so let’s see if that’s true.

1. They Inspire Us

I don’t know about you, but there are some celebrities I’m totally obsessed with because they inspire me. Johnny Weir, for instance, is a huge inspiration, as is Josh Kilmer-Purcell. Of course, there are different degrees of obsessiveness, and this is one of the positive ones. Naturally you want to follow the exploits of someone you like.

2. They Frustrate Us

Some celebrities are just frustrating, though. They have the potential for success, for the entire world, and through their acts and escapades, they just keep through it away. It’s easy to get obsessed with celebrities who frustrate you, because you want to see what they’ll do next.

3. Escape

Of course, celebrities also allow people to escape from their own lives. I like watching the Fabulous Beekman Boys, for instance, because I wish I could live on a farm – even though I probably wouldn’t if the reality presented itself. Still, if you ever pay attention to what a celebrity does because you wish you could live that life, you understand.

7 Most Famous Paintings of All Time …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:22 AM PDT

7 Most Famous Paintings of All Time …

Paintings were one of the first pieces of art created by man. Today, they are among the most expensive ones and considered as one of the best form of safely investing your money. Billions of dollars are spent every year by art collectors wanting to own some of the most famous paintings of all times. Here is a list.

1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci

The enigmatic smile of an unknown lady is by far the most recognizable and one of the most famous paintings of all time. Although the identity of the lady in the picture has been recently discovered, it has not diminished the popularity of the painting. Leonardo Da Vinci painted this picture over a period of almost 20 years during the Renaissance period in Florence. It is currently displayed in the Louvre in Paris.

2. The Last Supper by Vincent Van Gogh

A mural painting that decorates the back wall of the dining hall at the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this famous work of art was created by Vincent Van Gogh in the 15th century. It depicts the scene of the last supper had by Jesus Christ where he proclaims that one of his disciples was about to betray him.

3. The Creation on Adam by Michelangelo

One of the most renowned work of art during the Renaissance and one of the most famous paintings of all time, this painting was created by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. This picture depicts the scene when God breathed life into Adam.

7 Things only Women can Get Away With …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:09 AM PDT

7 Things only Women can Get Away With …

Being a girl is great, don't you think ladies? There's so much cool stuff only we can get right in the everyday world. Don't get me wrong; there are a lot of perks to being a guy as well, but I'm not sure any of these compares with the fabulous footwear we girls can pull off! Just for fun, I've put together a list of 7 things only women can get away with…

1. Lacey Lingerie

While I'm not an advocate of Agent Provocateur on a daily basis, every now and then cotton briefs get a little boring. Sexy knickers and balconet boosting bras are so much fun, girls, not to mention gorgeous to look at. And only we can do them justice; somehow, lingerie just doesn't look right with added chest hair!

2. Heels

Manolo, Jimmy Choo, Laboutin … where would we be without our trinity of favourite footmen? Slimming, sexy and seriously hot, fantastic heels are one of the major perks of being a girl. Imagine if all we could put on our feet were sneakers and brogues! Quelle horreur!

3. Make Up

I'm not a fan of heavy make up ladies, but I do acknowledge that there are days when I literally couldn't leave the house without it. While we can cover up zits and dark circles, and perk up sleepy eyes with liner and mascara, boys just have to deal. I know, right; sucks to be them?

7 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Whitening Procedure Done by a Pro …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 10:03 AM PDT

7 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Whitening Procedure Done by a Pro …

A road to having a gorgeous pearly white smile can be a rocky one, especially if you haven't decided on whether to use DIY whitening kits or leave the whole teeth whitening procedure to your dentist. Now, since I'm also considering visiting my dentist and giving my teeth a little makeover, I'm going to give you my reasons to get your teeth whitening procedure done by a pro, too.

1. Comfort

Chemicals used in teeth whitening procedures aren't tasty, that's for sure. Some even cause a very unpleasant burning sensation so I'd definitely suggest letting a pro take care of your teeth. A dentist will make sure your gums are protected and that will reduce, if not totally prevent, those strange, unwanted sensations.

2. No surprises

Teeth bleaching procedure is not as easy as it seems, in fact, if you have ever bleached your hair, you know how unpredictable this can be. Persistent stains, discolorations caused by the use of some medicines and even teeth fillings can stand in your way of having a celebrity smile. DIY teeth whitening procedures can give you a great smile, do absolutely nothing or bleach your teeth to the point where your fillings seem as subtle as a wolf, trying to hide in a herd of sheep. This last scenario will, of course, make a paying a visit to the dentist's office a must do, so you'll not only spend your money anyways but suffer a lot of stress and embarrassment. Why not skip all that and visit a pro who will know how to treat your teeth and give them a flawless makeover they deserve?

3. Low risks

DIY teeth whitening procedures and methods can be a risky thing indeed. Over-the-counter solutions and homemade recipes can contain abrasive elements and harmful chemicals and, although using them just once or twice can't cause much harm, continuous use will probably damage teeth enamel. Teeth whitening procedure your dentist uses does involve stronger chemicals but is done in controlled environment with professional tools and gives you a long lasting sparkly smile you won't have to "retouch" in a week or so.

7 Arty Prints For Your Home …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 09:51 AM PDT

7 Arty Prints For Your Home …

A good artwork can liven up an entire wall. It can also add a lot of personality to your home. Original artworks can be hard to come by and rather expensive. As an alternative, try decorating with canvas prints or printed posters. Below are just seven arty prints for your home.

1. Open Window, Collioure, 1905 Art Poster Print by Henri Matisse

Open Window, Collioure, 1905 Art Poster Print by Henri Matisse
Price: $23.99 at amazon.com
This image, originally an oil painting my Henri Matisse, is full of life and colour. It's an iconic image and is a prime example of the Fauvist style of painting that Matisse is famous for. The abstract imagery just draws you in. This print deserves to be placed somewhere for all to see.

2. Drawing Art Poster Print by Pablo Picasso

Drawing Art Poster Print by Pablo Picasso
Price: $31.99 at amazon.com
This print features drawings which are typical of Pablo Picasso. His Cubist style is clearly evident in this print. The lines are almost amateur in nature, but that's what makes this image so striking. Framed or unframed, this print would make brighten up any room.

3. Gun Art Print Poster by Andy Warhol

Gun Art Print Poster by Andy Warhol
Price: $15.00 at amazon.com
This is quite an eye-catching print. The original image was designed by iconic pop artist Andy Warhol. The quite serious subject matter is almost offset by the ludicrous shade of pink. This poster is digitally printed on archival photographic paper. If your home décor is quite bold, this print would fit right in.

8 Secrets to Preserve Youthful Looks …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 09:48 AM PDT

8 Secrets to Preserve Youthful Looks …

I know beauty is only skin deep, heard that a million times. But come on, we all want to look younger than we are at any given time, don't we? So I have 9 secrets here for you to conquer ageing and to keep you looking beautiful for as long as you wish to be.

1. Give your eye area special attention

The first thing people notice about your face is your eyes. The skin around the eyes is especially delicate and asks to be looked after with care. Don't think your moisturizer or sun block is okay for your eye area? Get out there and hunt for a suitable under eye cream and an eye make-up remover. Massage the eye area with olive oil to make it more supple and crows-feet will keep their distance.

2. Hands age more visibly

Dry chapped hands tend to look much older because the skin on the back of our hands is very thin and wrinkles quickly. Pamper your hands to oil massages before a shower to keep them well hydrated through the day. Work a hand cream into the hands half an hour before you step out to prevent dust from caking them.

3. Eat more anti-inflammatory foods

Brightly colored vegetables and fish oil are anti-inflammatory in nature. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables. If you are not a fish-eater you can simply take a couple of fish oil capsules every day. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory components works wonders not just for your looks but your heart and immune system as well.

7 Deadliest Computer Viruses …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 09:45 AM PDT

7 Deadliest Computer Viruses …

Keeping my spyware and various types of anti-virus protection current for my computer is a must for me. I can't imagine the thought of having to replace my computer for a reasonable price. I find it much easier and cheaper in the long run to install virus protection to fend off any online virus that can harm my computer. Here are the 7 deadliest computer viruses I found information on.

7. ILOVEYOU

Originating in the Philippines, this virus could copy itself many times and hide among the folders on the recipient's hard drive. It could also form new files to the person's registry keys, replace files with itself, and send itself via email to friends of the recipient or through chat. It was also capable of stealing passwords and then emailing this information to the hacker's email.

6. Nimda

Read backwards the name of this virus spells Admin. In 2001, this virus propagated very rapidly. It infiltrated the Internet quickly and targeted Internet servers. This viral worm was able to create a back door into the operating system of the infected PC. The hacker behind Nimda would then have access to functions on the infected computer and overall full control of the entire machine.

5. Storm Worm

2006 brought about the Storm Worm virus. The virus would come disguised as an email with the subject heading '230 dead as storm batters Europe'. There are actually many names for this Trojan horse program. Hackers would use this virus to gain remote control of computers and then send span across the net with the infected computer. Sometimes the heading would be changed by different hackers, but it was still the same virus.

Carrie Ann Inaba Says Yes!

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 07:23 AM PDT

Carrie Ann Inaba Says Yes!

This week, Carrie Ann Inaba has been sitting in for Kelly Ripa on “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” and yesterday, she got the surprise of her life! Her boyfriend, accountant Jesse Sloan, came on the show and proposed, live on the air!

Earlier in the show, Carrie Ann, host of TV’s “Dancing with the Stars,” disputed rumors that she and her boyfriend were engaged, then, towards the end of the show, Sloan appeared with a 2.5 carat princess-cut solitaire and popped the question. How romantic!

Sloan struck the traditional pose, on bended knee, and asked her to marry him like this:

 "You're an inspiration, you're beautiful, you're wonderful, you're everything to me. Will you marry me?"

How could a girl resist? She didn’t… she said yes! 

Stay tuned for more details… and congratulations, Carrie Ann!

Happy Birthday, Jenny… Sort Of…

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 05:20 AM PDT

Happy Birthday, Jenny… Sort Of…

Today is the birthday of Ali McGraw, the actress whose pivotal, tragic role in the movie “Love Story” made the name Jennifer so incredibly popular during the early 1970s. It’s true — me and half my friends are named Jennifer!

The gorgeous McGraw turns 72 today. Today is also the birthday of the absolutely marvelous Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle, who is 49. I love her… Britain’s Got Talent, indeed!

Happy birthday, Ali and Susan!

Photo Credit: Tony Vaccaro

7 Hot Accessories by Alexander McQueen …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 12:55 AM PDT

7 Hot Accessories by Alexander McQueen …

Some designers are so cutting edge, so incredibly chic, I don't consider myself hip enough to pull them off — but I can dream, can't I? And when I do have these day-dreams, I always imagine myself wearing something by Alexander McQueen. His accessories are stylish and unique, with enough funk and panache for a group of girls, not just one. Here are 7 hot accessories by Alexander McQueen.

1. Alexander McQueen Skull Cocktail Ring


Price: $280.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
This ring makes quite a statement, eye-catching and interesting. It features a grinning skull with a charming bee accent, and glittering Swarovski crystals for eyes, teeth, and more. Choose from gold-tone finished brass with either red or clear crystals.

2. Alexander McQueen Koi Tail & Cherry Blossom Ring

Alexander McQueen Koi Tail & Cherry Blossom Ring
Price: $295.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
This statement ring by Alexander McQueen features a single koi fish, splashing in a cherry blossom-covered pond and a small signature skull. It's very detailed, incredibly realistic, with sparkling Swarovski crystal accents and a gold-tone finish.

3. Alexander McQueen Lace Skull Ring

Alexander McQueen Lace Skull Ring
Price: $280.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Pre-order this gorgeous cocktail ring right now, and enjoy it all spring and summer long. The ring features on very ornate, beautiful skull, made in Italy of heavy brass with bright crystal accents. Wear this with a demure LBD and a pair of gold chandelier earrings for a gallery opening and prepare to steal the show!

5 Great Ideas to Check Out …

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 12:55 AM PDT

5 Great Ideas to Check Out …

1. Create Your Own Mulch

Not only will this be good for your garden, you’ll be able to save a lot of money, too. Check out the link for great tips.

2. Enter a Fab Giveaway

Marian is giving away a beautiful Alba Mea dress by All Saints. Methinks y’all should join because this dress is spring pretty.

3. Get into the April Fools Spirit

An April Fools well spent is one full of pranks that none of your friends will soon forget. If you’ve run out of ideas, check out the list College Candy made for us.

4. Best Send Off to Marriage

Have a girl friend who is getting married soon? Throwing a bachelorette party is a must. If in need of fab ideas, we are here to help you.

5. Have Summer-Ready Body

Stay tuned to A Mom in Red High Heels because through her blog, we will be learning the best ways to have beach-ready bods.

We are always hungry for fun ideas here. If you’ve read a post or two today with ideas that are simply fantastic, we’d love to hear about it!

Top Photo Credit: Raymond Larose

7 Doctors You Must Visit …

Posted: 31 Mar 2011 12:13 PM PDT

7 Doctors You Must Visit …

With only 24 hours in each day, it is hard to get everything done sometimes. It is easy to get so wrapped up in our work and our families that we tend to forget about our own health. The only time we stop and think about going to see the doctor is when we get really sick and can no longer do the things we want to. No matter how busy your schedule is, there are 7 doctors you need to visit.

1. Optometrist

We often forget to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor until we start getting nasty headaches or we can no longer see the stop sign on the street corner. The reality is that our eyes are constantly changing and that we should have them checked out at least once a year. If your vision has not changed, than all you will have lost are a few minutes of your time. If it has gotten worse, the optometrist will set you up with a new pair of lenses that will allow you to see the world more clearly.

2. Gynecologist

No woman likes to go to the gynecologist, but it is a very important appointment. The Pap smear only takes a few minutes and can reveal so much about your health. The sooner problems are detected; the sooner they can be dealt with, decreasing the chances of you developing a serious health problem down the road. During this appointment you should discuss if you are experiencing worse cramping during your period and if you should change your current form of birth control.

3. Dentist

The dentist does more than just clean your teeth. They are also looking for oral indicators that could indicate that you are starting to develop a serious health problem. It is not unusual for a dentist to suspect certain types of cancer or diabetes before you do. In addition to making sure you get in to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning, you should also schedule an appointment if you are experiencing pain, sensitivity, or are having difficulty chewing.

7 Ways to Stay Organized for College …

Posted: 31 Mar 2011 11:59 AM PDT

7 Ways to Stay Organized for College …

I'm completely OCD about organization at work and home, but for some reason, it was a lot harder for me to get, and stay, organized at college. It took me a few semesters to get it right, but now I'm the organization princess, and aside from not having the frustration of losing things and forgetting assignments, my grades have improved — bonus! If you're a college student, or are going to be one soon, keep reading! Here are my tips, 7 ways to stay organized at college.

1. Get a buddy in each class

After a couple of weeks, it's a marvelous idea to make a friend in each class, someone you know will take notes and collect homework and such if you happen to miss a class. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses (or friend each other on Facebook) so you can alert each other when one of you will be gone. This way, even if you miss a class, you'll still be organized, with all of the info you'll need come exam time.

2. Keep a cheat sheet

On this cheat sheet, write down each class, when and where it meets, the instructor's name and contact info, and which text you use. Keep this sheet in your planner, and keep it all semester. I can't tell you how many times I've had to dig through a hundred folders and notebooks looking for a piece of information on a sheet like this… now I make one the first week of each term, and I'm much more organized.

3. Write it all down!

It may sound terribly old-fashioned and low-tech, but I recommend using a paper day planner. Use it, religiously, to keep track of project due dates, homework assignments, and exam dates. In the very front pocket is the perfect place for your cheat sheet, from above. For some reason, writing things down helps you remember them, even if you don't refer to the planner again — though I'm sure you will, even if you keep a calendar on your phone or laptop.

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