Kamis, 14 April 2011

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


7 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:49 AM PDT

7 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure …

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys, leading to heart attack, stroke, and a host of other serious health problems. If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it can be frightening, but take heart — in most cases, it can be lowered simply by making healthier lifestyle choices. While some of these changes are difficult to make, some are simple, and all are rewarded by a longer, happier, healthier life. Here are 7 ways to lower your blood pressure.

1. Quit smoking!

Did you know that using nicotine can increase both your blood pressure and your heart rate? That's in addition to all of the horrible things it can do to the rest of your body. If you have high blood pressure and you smoke, it's just one more reason to quit!

2. Follow the DASH diet

The DASH diet (which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) includes foods that are proven to help lower blood pressure, foods that are rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Remember, studies have shown that, in order to gain the full blood pressure lowering effects, you can't just get these nutrients from a supplement — you have to get them from foods like low-fat milk and cheese, plenty of whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Avoid sodium

In addition to following the DASH diet, you can lower your blood pressure by eating less salt. It's amazing how much sodium we consume, and cutting back will help lower your blood pressure. If you're worried about being stuck with tasteless food, don't. There are so many salt substitutes and other seasonings, you won't miss it!

7 Cutest Sets of Personalized Stationary …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:43 AM PDT

7 Cutest Sets of Personalized Stationary …

In a world where we use technology for almost everything, it is rare to receive a hand written letter from someone you love. Still, there is something special about getting a letter in handwriting rather than by email. It is a tangible way to know someone cares and it is quickly becoming a lost form of communication in our world. Take some time this week to write a letter to someone in your life, whether it is your grandmother, your friend, or your spouse. To make the letter writing experience even more enjoyable, invest in some adorable personalized stationary. Here are the 7 cutest sets of personalized stationary that you can use when you send letters to those you love.

1. Conquer to World Note cards

Conquer to World Note cards
Price: 48.00 at thestationerystudio.com
Use this stationary to send a letter to your girlfriend. If you are a shoe enthusiast, this style is perfect. Personalized with your name, each card displays the quote "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."

2. Simple Floral Flat Note cards

Simple Floral Flat Note cards
Price: 109.00 at thestationerystudio.com
For a clean look, choose these simple floral note cards designed by Chloe B. Your set includes 25 cards with 3 different floral colors: aqua blue, lime green, and rich mocha. These simple cards could be used for any occasion. Write thank you notes or send an encouraging letter to a friend that is struggling.

3. Madison Black Note cards

Madison Black Note cards
Price: 66.00 at thestationerystudio.com
Are you the timeless Audrey Hepburn type? Then you are going to love this set. With a classic black and white damask print, these cards are gorgeous! Personalize them with your name in the middle and every letter you send will look perfect.

7 Unlikely Style Icons …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:43 AM PDT

7 Unlikely Style Icons …

Style isn't just about catwalk androgyny and haute couture. It's tied up with personality, character and individuality. I've done a little reading and put together a list of 7 unlikely style icons who don't quite fit the pre-defined fashionista mould, but whose trademark quirky looks have, at one point or another, made them unexpectedly prominent names in the world of fashion.

1. Helena Bonham Carter

Image source: data.whicdn.com

This unconventional actress is often slated for her bold, theatrical attire, but in 2010 she made Vanity Fair's 'Best Dressed' list. Reportedly, Helena laughed when she heard she'd been selected, and I have a feeling a lot of you out there aren't fans of her outfits – which are often unusual to say the least – but I think Helena is fabulous: absolutely individual.

2. Tilda Swinton

Image source: files.list.co.uk

This striking English actress is a favourite with avante garde designers, and is also the face of Pringle. She is famous for her bold red carpet outfits, and her trademark, understated style. Neither waif-like in build, nor in her early twenties, Swinton is an unusual icon and utterly fabulous.

3. Emma Watson

Image source: data.whicdn.com

Okay, so this one is perhaps not quite so 'unlikely,' but when little Emma made her debut in the first Harry Potter film, who would've thought she'd become the style goddess she is today? She's the face of Burberry and now Lancôme, and has worked as a designer on numerous collaborative projects.

7 Phenomenal Gadgets for Beauty …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:33 AM PDT

7 Phenomenal Gadgets for Beauty …

There are lots of gadgets and tools women use to highlight and improve their beauty. Makeup, haircare, skincare – you name it, and there’s probably a gadget for it. Some of them are duds, it has to be said, and to buy them proves to be a profound waste of money. However, there are also a number of phenomenal gadgets for beauty out there – and these are just a few of them.

1. Exfoliating Brushes

Exfoliating Brushes
Price: $29.99 at amazon.com
Exfoliating brushes are getting a lot of press these days, and with good reason. These electric brushes make it easy to get deep down in the whole exfoliation game. The best part, of course, is that you can do it yourself, in your own home. Some of them don’t work, that’s true, but if you just check out user reviews, you’ll easily be able to find something perfect.

2. Oscillating Foundation Brushes

Oscillating Foundation Brushes
Price: $34.00 at amazon.com
Some of the most phenomenal gadgets for beauty right now have to do with makeup, like oscillating foundation – or, rather, foundation brushes. Right now, Lancome is definitely in the lead. That might seem like a lot to spend on foundation, but the premise is that this will allow you to apply your makeup much more smoothly and evenly – and, presumably, you can use the brush with any foundation.

3. Pulsating Mascaras

Pulsating Mascaras
Price: $9.99 target.com
Oscillating mascara is another big seller, and a lot of women now swear by it. You can make your lashes to die for long with a gadget like this, which can ultimately save money, especially if you rely on false eyelashes or things like that. You just have to be really careful, I would imagine.

7 Colour Blocking Tips …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:13 AM PDT

7 Colour Blocking Tips …

The summer months are the perfect time to play with colour. One such colourful trend that has been quite popular on the fashion runways is colour blocking. Whether you are wearing one bold colour from head to toe, or mixing and matching colours from opposite ends of the spectrum, colour blocking is a guaranteed head turner. When done right, it can look absolutely chic. Below are a few colour blocking tips to help get you started.

1. Choose Your Colours Wisely

To avoid becoming an eyesore, it's best that you choose complementary colours. To do this, it might be worthwhile consulting a colour wheel. Start with basic colour combinations such as blue and red or blue and orange. That said, don't be afraid to try out some unconventional colour combinations. Sometimes you just might be surprised at what colours work well together!

2. Go Bright and Go Bold

For maximum impact, choose vibrant colours. Think bright shades of pink, yellow, and green. Bright colours will make more of a statement. Pastel and paler colours can appear washed out, and will lessen the impact and overall effectiveness of the colour blocking trend.

3. Experiment With Patterns

Try wearing clothes with patterns such as large stripes or polka dots. This way, you are wearing a garment that has effectively already been 'colour blocked'. It's almost a short cut to the colour blocking trend. If you're feeling bold, try pairing a striped top with a bright block bottom.

8 Telephone Numbers to Always Remember …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:06 AM PDT

8 Telephone Numbers to Always Remember …

There was a time when we were proud of the many telephone numbers we had at the tip of our fingers. Those were the days before the mobile phone. Once mobile phones came around, there was no need to memorize phone numbers anymore and many of us lost the skill. However, here is a list of 8 telephone numbers to always remember.

1. Home phone number

It is important to always remember your home phone number. If you are in an emergency situation, but do not have your phone or enough battery power on your phone and need to get in touch with your family, you will need to remember the landline number to be able to call it.

2. Office phone number

For the same reason as above, if you need to call your office in an emergency situation and are unable to use your mobile phone, you will need to remember the office landline number to be able to call them.

3. Your spouse/partner's phone number

If you are married or you are in a domestic relationship, it is highly likely that you will want to call this person first if you find yourself in an emergency situation. That is why it is important to remember the phone number of this person.

8 Ways to Cut Cell Phone Cost …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 09:50 AM PDT

8 Ways to Cut Cell Phone Cost …

With the price of gas, electricity, food, and other basic necessities, it's important to cut out as many extra costs as possible. Cell phones are one item that nearly everyone has; whether it's out of necessity or more of a luxury. These tiny pieces of technology can easily become a very expensive part of life. If you find most of your pay check going towards your cell phone bill, then take a look at the following list. Here are 8 ways to cut cell phone cost out of your budget.

8. Stick to only one line

Each line you add onto your original phone has charges included. Many phone companies try to entice you into adding an extra line – for a friend or a child – because the cost will be a mere 10 dollars a month. The phone company usually neglects to remind you that not only will the fee of 10 bucks be added onto your original bill, but there will be additional charges from basic use of this 'cheap' phone addition.

7. Make sure you aren’t calling out of your range

Roaming charges can be horrendous! If you tend to travel out of the immediate area regularly or between states, then make sure the phone company knows this. Get a nationwide plan to avoid any additional fees from being added on whenever you make a call out of your home coverage area.

6. Don’t purchase the multi-media package

The multi-media package on a cell phone includes regular phone calls, as well as internet services. Sometimes these also include being able to send photographs and text messages out to friends and family. Having a basic phone plan will eliminate a lot of the extra money wasted on internet service. You might have to wait until later to check your Facebook page, but I think you'll survive.

7 Amazing Beaches You Should Visit …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 09:42 AM PDT

7 Amazing Beaches You Should Visit …

Different beaches have different appeal. Some have miles of white sand and blue waves gently rolling in. Some have huge waves crashing against rugged, jutting rocks. If you are someone who likes beaches in all their beauty and glory, check out this list of 7 amazing beaches you should visit.

1. Las Islas Cies, Galacia, Spain

Although it is the Mediterranean beaches that first come to mind when someone mentions Spanish beaches, this beach along the Atlantic is definitely one of the amazing beaches you should visit. It has turquoise blue waters, lovely campsites, tall pine trees and great restaurants serving delicious seafood.

2. Tayrona National Park, Columbia

Here you have the spectacular view of wild sea waves crashing against large boulders. The adjectives wild and untamed come to mind immediately. The beach is mostly uninhabited, but you will find a few travelers, mostly backpackers, enjoying the scenic beauty from hammocks tied to tree trunks.

3. Porto da Barra, Salvador, Brazil

This beach is one of the few beaches in Brazil that face the west. What this means is that you can glimpse some stunning sunsets from here. The beach itself looks idyllic with a small hill besides it that has a fort and a church sitting atop. The whole view of the beach is picture postcard perfect.

Happy Birthday, Little Miss Sunshine!

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 09:31 AM PDT

Happy Birthday, Little Miss Sunshine!

Today is Abigail Breslin’s birthday… happy birthday, Abigail!

Though she’s only 14, Breslin has starred is so many fabulous movies, like “Little Miss Sunshine,” “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Signs,” and (my fave) “Zombieland.” She’s so talented, able to play a range of roles… including a voice-over role in Johnny Depp’s new animated movie, “Rango.” Later this year, she’ll star in a rom-com called “New Year’s Eve” with an entire Who’s-Who list of actors, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Sienna Miller, Katherine Heigl, and Hillary Swank. Then next year, she’s slated to appear in two MORE movies, “Innocence” and “The Wild Bunch.”

Happy birthday, Abigail… you’re a busy bee, but take time out to celebrate today!

7 Ways to Know He’s Flirting with You …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 08:32 AM PDT

7 Ways to Know He's Flirting with You …

Sometimes, girls take a guys respect and turn it into flirting, when really, he is not flirting. Sometimes, girls don't realize the guy is flirting, when really, he is flirting. Therefore, I am going to give you 7 ways to know he's flirting with you …

7. He Looks You in the Eye

When he is talking to you, he looks you in the eye. When you first make eye contact with you, he may slightly part his lips. Be careful, because eye contact alone doesn't mean he is flirting with you. There has to be some other signs here.

6. He Laughs at Your Jokes

He gives this cute little laugh at your jokes. It seems that he is really into you and is listening to everything you say.

5. He Always Has a Smile

He is always smiling at you. In fact, you can't recall a time when you didn't see him smiling at you. For example, if you are a cashier and he comes in your line, he will stand there while he is waiting with a smile on his face.

Keira and Scarlett’s New Men!

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 06:21 AM PDT

Keira and Scarlett’s New Men!

While some of us may have thought Scarlett Johansson’s new man, Sean Penn, was just a rebound, we might be wrong! And Scarlett’s not the only one with Spring Fever this year — Keira Knightley seems to be in love, too!

This past week, Keira was spotted getting cozy with her new sweetheart, James Righton, in a sunshine-y park. Don’t they look sweet together? I think they make a cute couple!

After Scarlett Johansson’s marriage to Ryan Reynolds broke up last year, and Sean Penn’s marriage to Robin Wright broke up around the same time, the couple have become something of an item. I assumed they were just having a rebound-romance, but apparently, they’re much more serious than that. According to UsWeekly.com, Scarlett has moved into Sean Penn’s house! I know he’s much older than her (24 years older!), but I think they have a chance to be happy… she seems mature for her age, I think.

Whose new love has a better chance at blossoming this spring, Keira’s or Scarlett’s? Or both?

6 Things to Love About Having an Artist Boyfriend …

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 05:55 AM PDT

6 Things to Love About Having an Artist Boyfriend …

Show me a guy who can draw and I will admit to the beginnings of a crush in my artist-loving heart. It’s not a surprise then that my boy is an artist (illustrator, painter, photographer). There are many things I love about having an artist boyfriend. I listed 6 here:

1. Romance

A singer boyfriend will write a song for you or dedicate a song to you while they’re performing. A painter boyfriend, if particularly good with portraits, will want to draw you. He will fill sketch pads with your face. He will want to dedicate a solo exhibit to you. If he’s a photographer, he will want to take a gazillion photos of you. They will not be random photos, too. They will be incredibly good and frame-worthy. There is something very sweet about being someone’s muse, you have to admit.

2. Gifts

Photo Credit: Stéfan

A painting for your birthday and perhaps a silver pendant that he made himself for Christmas. With an artist boyfriend, you will be showered with gifts that are made with love. Store-bought gifts are fine and all but nothing says love than something that he made himself. Being an artist, he will also know other talented people who sell items that are made with love. He will have an endless supply of unique and beautiful gifts to give you.

3. Moods

There are times when you want to be left alone and an artist boyfriend will understand this fully. They can relate, in other words. Whether they are experiencing a creative block or they are too hyped with inspiration to speak with anyone, some artists would want you to leave them alone. And that’s fine because they will not hound us when we don’t feel like speaking with anyone, too.

Givenchy + Converse = Cool New Shoes!

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 05:21 PM PDT

Givenchy + Converse = Cool New Shoes!

Today, Givenchy announced their first ever design partnership with classic tennis shoes maker Converse. How exciting!

Converse already offers the option to design your very own pair of Chuck Taylors, but if Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci is designing a pair, why bother? His trademark Goth-inspired fetishes, including crosses and leopard-print, are sure to be included, making these tennis shoes more than your basic kicks. I mean, have you ever seen tennis shoes this cool? They’re incredibly chic, and will be hard to find — unless you live in Japan. That’s right. These super-cool, ultra-chic Givenchy Converse are only going to be sold in Japan. The shoes will launch at three Givenchy stores in Japan in two weeks, on April 27th.

What do you think? Would you love these Givenchy-designed Converse, or are they just not for you? Do share!

Photo Credit: Givenchy

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