Today's Obsessions

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• 9 Uses of Vinegar …
• 10 of My Favorite Glee Covers …
• 8 Signs A Friendship Has Run Its Course …
• 8 Strange Animal Habits …
• 7 Reasons Why You Need To Learn To Say ‘No’ …
• 9 Cool-Sounding Words to Add To Your Vocabulary …
• 8 Gifts Your Man Doesn’t Want …
• 10 Ways to Cool Off on Summer’s Hottest Days …
• 8 Pretty Pairs of Readers …
• 8 Signs You Are an 80′s Child… …
• 7 Tips on Recycling …
• Philosophy Launches Limited-Edition Summer Grace…
• Ford: Fashion for a Cause!
• Happy Birthday, Jennifer & Victoria!
• Actor Nicolas Cage Arrested in New Orleans

9 Uses of Vinegar … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 11:24 AM PDT Before the ingenuity of science and chemicals and synthetic materials, natural products or products easily processed by hand were used in every aspect of life. Things that we now use purely as foodstuffs were very popular household remedies. The properties that made these items right for the uses they were put to haven't disappeared, we just have moved on and believe we have better solutions. Here are 9 uses of vinegar. (You can use any type of vinegar but remember that brown vinegar can stain certain materials) 1. A is for acid If you love plants like azaleas, rhododendrons and gardenias but can't grow them successfully because your garden soil is too alkaline, you can increase soil acidity by adding a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water. 2. Puppy Puddles One of the great uses of vinegar is to eliminate pet urine stains and odour from carpet. Firstly blot up the urine with a soft cloth and rinse the area several times with lukewarm water. Mix equal parts vinegar and cool water then apply to the affected area, blot up, rinse and allow to dry. 3. Tooled up This is a use for vinegar you can share with your partner. Vinegar can clean the rust from tools, bolts, widgets and spigots. Simply leave the rusted item in undiluted vinegar overnight then rinse clean. Dry thoroughly to avoid rust growing back too quickly.

10 of My Favorite Glee Covers … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 10:50 AM PDT I kind of gradually became a Glee fan, mainly because, every Tuesday, the Better Half stopped everything to sit down and watch it. Over time, the camp of it drew me in – and, okay, mainly it was Chris Colfer’s doing. I love that kid; Kurt is my favorite, and may well replace House as my TV boyfriend, in spite of logistics, because this is my fantasy! But anyway, the music is one of the things I love best. I’m sure you’ll notice the overwhelming presence of Kurt in my favorite Glee covers, but you can understand that, right? 1. "Defying Gravity" So, I cheated. This is totally Chris Colfer’s solo version. I – okay, I hate the character of Rachel Berry with all of my soul, but I do think Lea Michelle has a gorgeous voice. It’s breathtaking. It’s just … these are my favorite Glee covers! And I want more Kurt! 2. "Blackbird" See? As I write this, Kurt is singing one of my favorite ever Beatles songs right now. It’s like serendipity! Really, although he was singing about the Warbler bird, hearing him sing this song made me cry. I’m kind of embarrassed. The BH laughed at me. I don’t care, it’s moving! This instantaneously became one of my favorites.

8 Signs A Friendship Has Run Its Course … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 10:47 AM PDT Strange as it may seem, I believe it can actually be harder to end a friendship than it is to end a relationship. Somehow we are conditioned to admit that some relationships are not meant to last, and yet find it almost impossible to view a friendship in the same way. However, sometimes it's better for us, or even for both parties, to accept that a friendship has run its course. Here's how you can know when that time has come. 1. One-Sided Are you always the one who makes the calls, arranges to meet up, and suggests outings? That can get pretty tiring. If all the effort is on your side – or indeed if you are the one who never makes contact – perhaps it's time to ask yourself if this is really an equal friendship. 2. User Then there are some 'friends' who have an even more one-sided view of the concept. In other words, they are flat-out users. They're always coming to you when they need money, or have a problem, but you never see them at any other time. And they certainly aren't anywhere to be seen if you're the one who needs help. 3. No Reason Have you ever wondered why you are friends with someone? Even if a friend isn't the kind of person that you can call on in an emergency, they can still be worth keeping in your life. Perhaps it's not a deep friendship, but they're good company and you enjoy meeting up. However, if the negative outweighs the positive, and you can't think of a good reason to stay in contact with them, then the friendship might just have expired.

8 Strange Animal Habits … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 10:21 AM PDT Animals are weird. They're adorable, funny, entertaining, giving, and intriguing, but they're also weird. I've always been intrigued by what animals do when they're eating, sleeping, mating, or hunting. In their natural habitats, most animals are ten times more interesting than every reality show on TV combined. So, let's take a look at some really interesting and strange animal habits – and why they do what they do. 1. Dolphins with Insomnia I'm a huge fan of dolphins; I've always loved them. It turns out I may have been bonding with them on a really deep level, because we have something in common. No, no blowholes – we're all insomniacs! I consider this a strange animal habit just because it honestly never occurred to me. I know many animals don't sleep a lot, but in addition to keeping one eye open and half their brains wide awake, mother dolphins, along with their newborn calves, don't sleep at all for several months after the baby's born. 2. Bees and their Balls Many strange animal habits occur when they're mating. These habits are instinctual – but that doesn't mean they don't get pretty odd. After reading this, you might rethink that whole "birds and bees" analogy when it comes to explaining sex. Why? Because bees lose their testicles when they mate, that's why. When a drone mates with the queen, their penises snap off inside of her, thereby acting as a plug to keep the sperm inside – but that's not the worst. During copulation, their balls also explode. And boom goes the dynamite! 3. Frozen in Time Many animals go into hibernation cycles during the colder months. That's not odd at all. However, I didn't realize that frogs hibernate as well – and that's not the weird part. When animals hibernate, their heart rate slows down exponentially, and their body temperatures drop as well. Frogs do it one better. They can actually be completely frozen, their hearts can stop, and their breathing can cease – and they still survive!

7 Reasons Why You Need To Learn To Say ‘No’ … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 10:21 AM PDT Learning to say 'No' is just as important as learning to say 'Yes'. Very often, we end up being too accommodating and lose the ability to say 'No' even when it is the best thing to do under the circumstances. Here are 7 reasons why you need to learn to say 'No'. 1. When your schedule is too full When you already have a number of responsibilities to take care of, it is absolutely fine to say 'No' to new ones. It doesn't imply that you are not helpful or that you will never take on anything new ever again. It just means that you are aware of the limitations on your time and energy. 2. When you are not qualified for the job If you feel that you do not have all the required skills to accomplish a task, it is better to say 'No' to doing the task right at the start. The earlier you let people know that you are not up to accomplishing a task, the better they will be able to make alternate arrangements. 3. When you have no experience If you are asked to do something that requires experience and skill that you do not possess, it is better to say 'No' to the task rather than do a bad job. You never know what you may be risking by taking on a job that you do not have the experience to do.

9 Cool-Sounding Words to Add To Your Vocabulary … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 10:18 AM PDT Every day is a good day to learn a new word or two, especially if a certain language is not your mother tongue and, as such, requires extra work. Now, the ones speaking English since birth aren't off the hook either as there will always be some cool sounding words you've never heard of before. Those words might come handy one day and using them in the right place and the right time could earn you different titles like, charming, witty, funny, interesting or all of the above. Well, today, I'm listing these 9 cool sounding words I personally find funny and usable in hopes that you'll find them as interesting and worth-knowing as I do: 1. Bamboozle Definition: To trick somebody into doing something. If you, like me, know nothing about cars and decide to get a used one, the salesmen could probably bamboozle you into getting a piece of junk nobody else would. But don't worry; you can bamboozle somebody, too. Bamboozle or get bamboozled, the choice is all yours to make, but definitely add this word to your vocabulary because it sounds really interesting. 2. Cowabunga Definition: Word used to describe excitement. Why use, "Wow!" or, "Whoa!" when you can use, "Cowabunga!"? Now, if you used to be a fan of Ninja Turtles and Michelangelo, you're probably smiling right now, trying to remember all the situations in which he used one of this interesting catchphrases and cool sounding words like "Cowabunga, dude!" 3. Nebula Definition: Nebula is something cloudy but its real definition actually depends of the context in which it is being used. Yup, girls, this word doesn't only sound nice, it actually has more meanings and applications than all other cool sounding words here. You see, when an astronomers mentions nebula, he's referring to a cloudy mixture of gas and dust floating around the stars. To a doctor, nebula is a cloudy spot that should be treated and you can even use this word to describe that white powdery spot you'll have if you use spray-on medications and powders. Nebula phobia is the fear of fog while something nebulous stands for something cloudy, vague or imprecisely defined.

8 Gifts Your Man Doesn’t Want … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 09:54 AM PDT Buying a gift for your boyfriend can be super tricky, ladies, as I'm sure you've all discovered at one time or another. No matter how well you know your man, no matter how long you've been together, chances are you'll still find yourself agonising over what to get him for his birthday. I've done some research to help you out, girls, and put together a list of 8 gifts your man doesn't want. 1. Exercise Equipment Unless your guy is a professional weightlifter, trust me ladies, he doesn't want a set of dumbbells. This kind of gift sends a pretty awful message, and even though men insist they don't read 'deeply' into things, chances are, a present like this is going to cause offence. 2. A Tie Literally the worst present ever. Again, unless he's a real tie enthusiast or collector (and, be honest, what are the chances that he is?) a tie is not going to make him happy. This gift is impersonal, work-related and basically unacceptable even as a last resort, so when you get to the tie section, girls, make sure you keep on walking. 3. Joke Gifts Getting your boyfriend something cute and funny to open alongside his proper present is absolutely a good idea. But, ladies, make sure that's not the only thing you get him. No one wants a novelty apron for Christmas. Get him something thoughtful that reflects how much you value your relationship.

10 Ways to Cool Off on Summer’s Hottest Days … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 09:44 AM PDT If summer's heat wave leaves you feeling like you could melt, there is no need to panic. You can escape from the heat and still have a little fun in the process. With a little creativity, you might even find that the hottest days are your favorites because they offer an excuse to do something new. Here are 10 ways to cool off on summer's hottest days. 1. Dive in the pool Nothing can cool you off as quickly as a dip in the pool. Summer is the perfect time to spend a lazy day in the pool practicing your back stroke. Invite a few friends over and play a game of pool volleyball. Make a party out of it! 2. Run through the sprinkler Do you remember how you coped with summer heat as a kid? Most of us would spend hours running through the ice cold water of the sprinkler in our front yards. Ditch your sense of dignity and recreate this childhood memory! 3. Enjoy some ice cream Summer heat gives you the perfect excuse to savor your favorite ice cream. Grab some Ben and Jerry's (I highly recommend Chunky Monkey!) and enjoy a treat. Calories don't count in the summer time anyway. Right? Right?!

8 Pretty Pairs of Readers … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 09:09 AM PDT Sure, I have contact lenses for wearing every day, but at night, when I'm curled in bed with a good book, a warm cat, and a cup of tea, I want my readers. But I'm vain, and don't want to wear readers that look like something my grandmother would wear, so I've been searching out a few pairs that are chic, stylish, and still comfortable to wear. Here are 8 pretty pairs of readers… only a couple of which my grandmother would even consider wearing. 1. Iris Readers Price: $28.00 at anthropologie.com Choose from black and grey graphic, or classic tortoiseshell brown, either way, these pretty readers will highlight the golden flecks in your eyes, while helping you see the words that march across the page you're reading. They're available in three magnifications: 1.25x, 1.50x, and 2.50x. 2. Fine Line Readers Price: $28.00 at anthropologie.com I prefer a more subtle frame, so I love these! They're made of light-weight, wafer-thin brown or navy blue plastic and acrylic, with a chic shape and sophisticated design. Choose your desired magnification from a range of five: 1.00x, 1.25x, 1.50x, 2.00x, and 2.50x. 3. At Lengths Readers Price: $28.00 at anthropologie.com These dark green or bright gold readers are thick and chunky, but incredibly chic. They're slightly elongated, with rectangular plastic frames, and come in a range of five magnifications.

8 Signs You Are an 80′s Child… … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 08:42 AM PDT I grew up in the 80s and was at the age that I remember those years very well. There were so many fascinating gadgets, games, movies, trends, and oddities that truly defined the 80s. Here is a short list of 8 signs you are an 80′s child. See if you identify with any of these! 8. You remember when Pacman came out and how cool it was I remember wanting to go eat pizza at this one particular restaurant when I was growing up, just because of the Pacman video game in the back room. It was amazing! A good friend of mine had an Atari game system and we’d play Pacman until our hands were sore. 7. Your wardrobe once included acid wash jeans or parachute pants Who can possibly forget about parachute pants or acid wash jeans? If a shirt didn’t match one, then it had to match the other. I showed my son my pair of parachute pants when he was in middle school and he looked at me with an appalled expression. "You wore THOSE in public?!" 6. ET got you hooked on Reese's Pieces I remember not only wanting to eat Reese’s Pieces candies after watching the movie ET in the theater, but also dressing up like ET while I was eating them. Yes, my mom made me an ET costume, complete with glow in the dark paint on the fingertip and around the red satin heart she appliquéd onto the chest of my ET costume.

7 Tips on Recycling … Posted: 17 Apr 2011 08:37 AM PDT I love the fact that just about anything is able to be recycled in this day and age. I also no longer have to sort out the number 1 plastic containers from the number 2s and the green glass from the brown. Even if you don’t live in an area where items to be recycled are picked up directly from your home, you still might be able to use these 7 tips on recycling. 7. Get the entire family involved Trying to handle the recycling all on your own can become quite a chore. The larger your family is, the more items there will be to sort through for recycling. Kids are never too young to learn the process involved in recycling items. Teach them the basics and they will be thrilled to help out. 6. Post a list of what can be recycled A number of websites provide a list of items that are able to be recycled. If you have a recycling center in your area, the center should be able to provide you with a list of all the items they accept and in what condition these items will be accepted in. If you have very small children, place a picture of the recyclable item above the receptacle is supposed to go in. This will make it easier for even the youngest child in the house to get the container in the correct bin. 5. Locate various pickup points for random recyclables Cell phones, batteries, ink cartridges, eye glasses, old paint, used car oil, and many other oddities can be recycled by certain centers. Larger cities have a specific drop off point for items.

Philosophy Launches Limited-Edition Summer Grace… Posted: 17 Apr 2011 05:22 AM PDT Millions of us already love Philosophy’s line of “Grace” scent products, and this week, they released a new limited-edition scent called “Summer Grace.” Can you think of a better way to celebrate the warmer weather than with this new scent? It’s inspired by sunshine, all warm and floral, with hints of fruits and greens… to me it smells like fresh cut grass and wildflowers, but it’s light, not overpowering, just what a summer scent ought to be. The line-up of Summer Grace is a spray fragrance, 3-in-1 scented shampoo, bubble bath and shower gel, and a firming body lotion so you can get a layered scent effect, one that ought to last all day.

Ford: Fashion for a Cause! Posted: 17 Apr 2011 04:54 AM PDT This tee shirt is more than just pretty — it’s fashion for a very good cause. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this tee, so gorgeous it was featured on America’s Next top Model, will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The limited-edition “Picture Perfect” tee is offered at the FordCares Warriors in Pink store, and it’s available in a range of sizes, so we can all wear one! It’s never been easier to support a worthy cause while looking fabulous! There are dozens of other fashion goodies at the site, too, from neckties to hoodies, so there’s bound to be something for every warrior you know.

Happy Birthday, Jennifer & Victoria! Posted: 17 Apr 2011 04:33 AM PDT Today is the birthday of not one but two gorgeous, powerful women! Happy birthday to Jennifer Garner and Victoria Beckham! Garner is 38 today, and Beckham is 36. Garner’s latest movie, a remake of the Dudley Moore comedy “Arthur,” is in theaters now, with Russell Brand in the title role. Her next movie, “Butter,” is due out in November of this year, along with “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” soon after (it’s filming now). What’s in store for Beckham this year? She’s expecting a new baby, of course, and this time it’s going to be a little girl! Happy birthday, Jennifer and Victoria… here’s to another amazing, joyous year! Photo Credit: Big Pictures

Actor Nicolas Cage Arrested in New Orleans Posted: 17 Apr 2011 04:20 AM PDT One word of caution to modern celebrities: no matter where you are, if you act out in a drunken and disorderly fashion, the world will be tweeting about it within seconds. That’s exactly what happened in New Orleans last night, where Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage was arrested after a scene with his wife (and probably lots of beer). Cage was been booked on charges of domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace and public drunkenness. He was released on $11,000 bond this morning. The charges stem from a loud, drink-inspired argument with his wife in front of a house he insisted they were renting, but which, according to her, was the wrong house. Cage grabbed her arm, then began yelling and hitting cars to find a taxi. When they arrived on the scene, police officers tried to calm him down, but he then began arguing with them. While I’m sure this isn’t the first time someone’s gotten into an argument in the French Quarter, when you’re a celebrity, it’s going to make the news. And chances are, there will be an unflattering camera-phone photo or worse, a mug shot, to go along with the story.

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