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4/29/2010

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions



8 Beauty Crimes We Commit Without Knowing …

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 10:28 AM PDT

Okay, so we know that sleeping with make up on isn't fantastic for the skin, and we should probably not squeeze our spots… but what other beauty crimes are there? I've been reading up on what I should and shouldn't be doing, and I was really surprised at what I do that I'm not supposed to… oops! Here are the top eight beauty crimes we commit without knowing… let's see if we can raise awareness!

1. Moisturizer Overload


Photo Credit: bitca

Moisturizer is good for the skin, right? I lather myself in the stuff, it makes me all soft… but too much isn't good for you. Instead of looking rosy and soft, you'll look greasy, shiny and sweaty, and your make up won't apply properly… oops! To use the right amount, avoid putting it over your T zone, or limit yourself to using a fingerful.

2. Conditioner Chaos


Photo Credit: laurenlemon

I love having soft and shiny hair, so I always use conditioner. I'm guilty of using a bit too much though, as you are only supposed to use a small amount. Using any more leaves your hair looking lank and lifeless! Make sure you don't apply it to your roots, and try to only use it every second shower.

3. Hairdresser Hell


Photo Credit: JenniPenni

Hairdressers might know hair, but they don't know you personal style, so don't let them decide what to do. Have at least an idea on the type of style and length that you want, or you risk a cut that you hate, and a few months worth of hats!

8 Great Orange Accessories …

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 06:35 AM PDT

Orange is the color of autumn, some may say, with pumpkins and maple leaves and such. But I disagree! I say orange can be for spring or summer too, for sunshine and fun! Wear a little orange to bring out the colors in a bold-print floral dress, or to add spice to a black-and-white monochrome outfit. How? Here are my picks, eight gorgeous orange accessories!

1. Burnt Orange Bohemia


Price: $44.99 at modcloth.com
This bag combines so many hot trends all in one place! I love the funky pattern, done all in studs, and the color is so incredible! The bag's slouchy, roomy design is relaxed and would look fantastic paired with messy waves and your darkest, skinniest jeans or a flowy boho skirt.

2. Vintage Mini Tulip Clip


Price: $10.00 at shanalogic.com
Use this pretty barrette to clip your bangs back or keep stray tresses in your ponytail or updo! It's made by Sprout Studio of three pretty vintage resin beads and a metal hair clip. I love the combination of orange and yellow, perfect for calling attention to your shiny hair and pretty face!

3. Magic Eye Dust in "Cleopatra"


Price: $12.00 at shanalogic.com
Does eye dust count as an accessory? I think so, especially if it's this gorgeous Lime Crime eye dust! The color is amazing, rich, and deep, a brazen copper-orange hue. For best results, use a foundation or base before applying, and remember, a little of this stuff goes a very long way!

5 Things That Can Help You Relax Today…

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 06:32 AM PDT

1. Try Your Luck

Why don’t you enter a giveaway and see if you win something? Don’t get too stressed out about not winning, though. The important thing is you did something fun. Do not focus on the possible disappointment.

2. Ogle At Pretty Bags

Better yet, look for cheap but pretty ones and buy the prettiest bag or clutch you could find. Something in a lovely spring color will be great.

3. Go Out with the Girls

Having a girls’ day or night out is bound to make you less stressed. In fact, I think this is EXACTLY what I need right now. So I booked myself a dinner date with some girlfriends tomorrow night.

4. Wear a Pretty Dress

Nothing like wearing a pretty dress and feeling like a princess to chase stress away. Even for just a teeny moment. But wearing a pretty dress could lead to brighter things, such as meeting a cute boy, so this is definitely recommended.

5. Indulge

Go ahead and give in, have a serving or two of your favorite dessert. This banana pudding goodness looks TOO good not to make.

8 Gorgeous Pink Accessories …

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 06:25 AM PDT

My very favorite color in the whole world is pink — hot pink, pale pink, bright pink, you name it. And since most of my wardrobe staples are black, white, and grey, I love pink accessories, too! This season, pink is an on-trend color, so I'm in heaven! Here's a list of my eight favorite pink accessories…

1. Twinkle Toes T-Strap


Price: $27.99 at modcloth.com
These sweet pale pink flats combine so many hot trends all in one place! The t-strap is sexy, the gold studs are right on trend, and the color is perfect for celebrating spring! Pair with a pale blue denim romper, a flowy peasant skirt, or anything else in your closet that could use a pop of pretty petal pink!

2. That’s the Way Love Goes Jacket in Musician


Price: $59.99 at modcloth.com
This modified bomber is all sleek femininity with in a lush pink hue! I love the stretchy banded waist and cuffs, and of course, the sweet cotton-candy pink! I'd wear this on chilly spring days (or chilly summer nights) over a pretty floral-print dress… or I'd try this with a pair of light skinny jeans and bamboo wedges…

3. Bitty Button Earrings


Price: $8.00 at shanalogic.com
Are you looking for a tiny pop of color? Wear these sweet, tiny pink buttons and dazzle with demure subtlety and distinct indie style. They're dinky, delicate, measuring approximately 6mm with silver-plated posts and butterfly-style backings. Wear your hair in pretty loose waves and let these peek through when you toss your head and smile…

10 Things Every New Parent Should Know …

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 03:24 AM PDT

As a parent, I have many tips up my sleeve. If you are already a parent, you probably see that some things are not so easy and babies do not come with an instruction manual. I am writing a blog on 10 things every new parent should know to help you out. Feel free to voice your opinion after you have read the blog.

10. How do I find the perfect Birthday present for under ten dollars?


Photo Credit: mirefugio20

Plan ahead of time and grab a game or toy whenever you see one on sale, even if there is not a Birthday coming up. Stocking up ahead of time is going to save you energy, money and time. You could also think cheap, yet fab. Creative ideas such as action figures, craft kits and plastic watches will be adored. For those older kids, a good book will do. Surf the web and I am sure you can find some good stuff.

9. How do I find a reliable babysitter?


Photo Credit: TeeRish

I am not going to beat around the bush on this one, some people are just not right. They abuse children in ways we cannot think of and they still call themselves babysitters. How do you know your child is not falling in the wrong hands? It would be best to find a babysitter that is reliable. Ask friends, neighbors and pediatrician's offices for recommendations. Narrow your search to those that have at least three years of childcare experience as well as CPR training. Check their references and set up interviews. Pay attention to their behavior. Do they look you in the eyes? Do they listen to your questions? Answer them thoughtfully? Do they seem in control? Are they resourceful, reliable and the chemistry is right? If you are not able to pay a good family member such as your parents to watch the children, then it is best to follow these guidelines. Again, you do not want your child to fall in the wrong hands. On an ending note, think about a nanny cam!

10 Great Photo Display Ideas …

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 03:18 AM PDT

My grandmother proudly displays all of her photos of us grandkids in her living room in matching gold frames. It works for her, all across the bookcases and ledges, but it just doesn't work for anyone else. Matching or identical same-sized frames are no way to display different photos, especially with so many other creative options! If you haven't looked around in the shops in a while, then you might be missing out on some great photos display options, like these!

1. Pier 1 9-clip Window Wall Frame


Price: $28.00 at pier1.com
I have this hanging in my foyer right now, loaded with photos of my boyfriend's and my own children in black and white. This is such a creative and unique way to display snaps, and it has such a rustic feel! The little clips make it easy to swap out photos, and you can get really creative with how you orient the photos, too… mix portrait with landscape, and small snaps with large.

2. Pier 1 Triple Photo Wall Frame


Price: $20.00 at pier1.com
If you have a series of three photos that just go together oh-so-perfectly, then this is the way to display them! This pretty black iron frame hangs delicately on the wall, and holds three 4" by 6" snaps. It matches just about any décor, and can hold more than just photos, if you choose…

3. Pier 1 White Open Wall Frame


Price: $25.00 at pier1.com
Is it a vintage farm-house window frame, or so much more? This shabby-chic frame holds up to four photos of your loved ones with style to spare. It's pretty antiqued look and scroll pattern go well with any light and airy décor, even in your office!

Top 7 Must Have MAC Products…

Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:17 AM PDT

MAC is one of the hottest make up brands out and with so many products to choose from it's hard to get them all! Here are some of the MAC must have products!

1. MAC Paint Pot


Price: $16.50 at macys.com
This pigmented eye color can be used as a base before you apply eye shadow. It helps your eye shadow last longer and hold its color. I use Painterly Paint Pot, which is a fantastic neutral color, so it can be worn under any shade of eye shadow… perfect!

2. MAC Pigment


Price: $19.50 at maccosmetics.com
Pigments are loose powder eyeshadows. They provide intense color to your eyes. Pigments can be used to create intense colorful looks, and it’s perfect for doing the smoky eye effect!

3. MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer


Price: $16.50 at maccosmetics.com
I have tried at least 5 different concealers, and I must say this is the ultimate concealing concealer! It's very light and provides excellent coverage. This can be worn under or on top of foundation.

Marc Jacobs New York Rocker Bag…

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 11:34 PM PDT

Don’t get me wrong. I love my LBD’s. In fact, on days when I can’t find anything to wear, I thank God for LBD’s. But when you wear these dresses as often as I do, accessorizing them differently each time becomes important. So how about this Marc Jacobs New York Rocker bag for one of those times?

What’s So Fab about It: Repeat after me. We are girls and we pledge our allegiance to all things shiny. The blue and silver sequins and the gold chain make this Marc Jacobs bag ultra special.

Where Would I Wear It: To a fabulous A-list party, of course! But until that happens, a normal night out with my friends will suffice.

How Many Tall Lattes It’s Worth: 198

Where to Look 4 It: net-a-porter.com

The Marc Jacobs New York Rocker bag is a must-have for every glamorous fashionista. Are you one?

10 Most Recent Celebrity Fashion Faux Pas…

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 01:27 PM PDT

For every celebrity dressed in fabulous couture that makes you sigh wistfully, there’s bound to be a celebrity that makes you go “What were they thinking!”. From blinding colors, patterns and bizarre new styles, here are some recent celebrity fashion faux pas that will leave you dumbstruck!

1. Nicole in a Tuxedo Dress

Long gone are the days when Nicole strutted about in gorgeous Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Balenciaga gowns. At the 45th Annual Academy Awards, she wore a black L'Wren Scott Fall 2010 mini tuxedo dress. I’m not saying it’s ugly (okay, maybe a little) but it sure is disappointing. I want the old Nicole back!

See all photos

2. Ashley Olsen goes one size too big

I generally adore the Olsen twins’ casual indie style but this outfit just makes Ashley Olsen look like a homeless person. Maybe she should learn a thing or two from boyfriend Justin Bartha.

See all photos

3. Ashley Olsen loves salmon

I don’t mean to pick on her but really? Salmon baggy pants? I’m sure it’s comfortable as hell but so so ugly. Is it just me?

See all photos

12 Things About Emergency Contraceptives You Should Know …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Thanks to the complicated past of Plan B (a very popular emergency contraceptive), there are a lot of misunderstandings and myths about emergency contraceptives. Below, I am going to give you 12 things about emergency contraceptives you should know…

#12

First of all, you should not confuse Plan B or any of the other emergency contraceptives with RU-486, which is used in a medical abortion. They are two different things. RU-486 contacts a synthetic steroid known as mifepristone, which intercepts the body's production of progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy. Plan B does not have anything to do with progesterone.

#11

Emergency contraceptives delays or inhibits ovulation. It is effective if the process of implantation has started.

#10

You should only consider emergency contraceptives – in the case of emergencies – as a last resort. This means, you should only turn to it if your standard contraception malfunctions or you have been involved in a nonconsensual intercourse. You should think of emergency contraceptives as a fire extinguisher.

#9

If you take an emergency contraceptive right after sexual intercourse, then it will be more likely to work. This is why women and teens should have an E.C. on hand.

#8

Teenagers need to have a prescription in order to get something such as Plan B. You should consider getting a prescription in advance so it will be available when you need it.

#7

Besides Plan B, another type of emergency contraception is Copper TIUD. This is an intrauterine device that can be implanted five days after you have had sex.

7 Tips For Buying Vintage Clothing …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 10:09 AM PDT

Everyone loves the vintage look, right? And with charity shops on every street corner, it's easier than ever to find somewhere to root through to find your hidden treasure. But how do you know what would look vintage and chic, and what should be left behind? I've been doing some research, and here are my top seven tips for buying vintage clothing…

1. Size


Photo Credit: JoulesVintage

Don't be put off if you find something you love but it is the wrong size. The chances of finding gorgeous things in the perfect size for you is very slim, so instead find the things you like, and customize them to make them fit!

2. Wash by Hand


Photo Credit: aqui-ali

Don't send your vintage items to be dry cleaned, as the harsh chemicals could ruin the piece. Wash by hand using a very gentle detergent, so you can ensure you are as gentle as can be!

3. Time is of the Essence


Photo Credit: geo3pea

Find out when your charity stocks up, and call in as close to that time as you can. Also research vintage fairs in your area, and make sure you are there when they open. The best pieces will go fast, so it's worth your time!

7 Must Try Products from Gerovital Plant …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 07:03 AM PDT

The quest for beauty and perfection is a never ending journey. If you’re anything like me, you will give most things a chance at least once. The newest to catch my interest is GerovitalPlant.com and its vast range of Gerovital products.What exactly is Gerovital? Developed by Romanian biologist Ana Aslan in 1952, Gerovital is mainly known for its fantastic anti-aging capabilities. From bodycare to eyecare to all things skin and hair, Gerovital Plant is your answer to it all and these are my picks for 7 must try products from them.

1. Aslavital Hand and Nail Cream

aslavital-hand-and-nail-cream
Price: $9.95 at www.gerovitalplant.com

I’m all about pampered, beautiful hands. Then again, what woman isn’t? Try the Aslavital Hand and Nail Cream for soft, fabulous hands and strong nails. Use everyday and let the cocao butter, squalane, soya, marigold and vitamin E work their wonders!

2. Aslavital Restructuring Anti Cellulite Milk

aslavital-restructuring-anti-cellulite-milk

Price: $22.50 at www.gerovitalplant.com

If I had three wishes from a genie, I would definitely use one to eliminate cellulite from the surface of the earth. Till then, I’d leave it to the almost healing powers of Aslavital Restructuring Anti Cellulite Milk. The Laminaria Algae extract stops accumulation of fats inside tissues, Vitamin E fights the bad effects of free radicals and the trace elements improve circulation and tighten areas affected by cellulite.

3. Gerovital Acne Stop Purifying Anticeptic Lotion

gerovital-acne-stop-purifying-antiseptic-lotion-

Price: $11.66 at www.gerovitalplant.com

Any product that fights my old enemy, acne is a must buy. The lactic acid and sodium lactate clean pores and moisturize skin and the Boswelia Serrata extract helps keep nasty acne at bay to give you smooth flawless skin!

8 Pretty Blue Accessories …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 06:18 AM PDT

Most of my wardrobe is grey, black, or white, which doesn't sound very spring-y, does it? So it's time for me to update my closet with some color, and what better way than some pretty blue accessories? I wasn't sure where to start, so I've done some digging, and these are the best of the blues!

1. Floral Essence Heel


Price: $124.99 at modcloth.com
What's not to love about this bright blue shoe? Let's see, there's the color (oh!), the tulip styling (oh my!), the pretty floral detail at the toe (love it!), and the floral pattern at the heel… wear these with absolutely anything in your closet… like a demure floral dress, denim romper, skinny jeans…

2. Kissin' Seahorses Tote


Price: $16.00 at shanalogic.com
So cute! These smitten little seahorses are ready to help you lug your school books, vintage vinyl, groceries, and more. This pretty blue tote is big enough to carry just about anything (it measures nearly 14" by 11" by 5"), and it's made of sturdy cotton. Perfect!

3. Robot Love Necklace


Price: $16.00 at shanalogic.com
Artist Lynette May has a cult following now, people who adore her "robot with scattered hearts" illustration, and now he graces a pretty silver-tone cameo. The pendant dangles elegantly from an 18" silver chain, ready to hang close to your heart… this would make such a sweet gift for someone you love… or even to keep for yourself to add a little blue to your wardrobe…

8 Funniest Cartoon Families …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 06:12 AM PDT

I don't watch a lot of television, only two or three hours per week, but I love cartoons. Especially cartoons made for grown-ups, with animated families! They're hilarious, and so true-to-life! Granted, my father's not yellow and my mother doesn't have a four-foot blue beehive hair-do… but the Simpsons, and most other animated families, are pretty realistic. Here's my list of the eight funniest cartoon families… enjoy!

1. The Simpsons from "The Simpsons"


Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, even Grandpa and Marge's sisters, Patty and Selma, make up the Simpsons family. We'd loved watching their weekly animated series for a record-setting 21 seasons. They're the perfect picture of an average American family in an average American town… but they're all a little skewed, but somehow endearing for all their faults — Homer's complete lack of social skills, Marge's over-the-top sweetness of temper, Bart's endless stream of pranks, Lisa's frustrated brilliance, and Maggie's… well, isn't she the one who shot Mr. Burns?

2. The Griffins from "Family Guy"


Though the Griffin family is clearly inspired by the Simpsons family, they're different enough, and the plots on the series are different enough, to still be incredibly entertaining. The dad, Peter, is as much of an idiot at Homer Simpson, the mother, Lois, is as nurturing and loving as Marge Simpson, and their three children are parodies of the stereotypical teenagers… and the baby, Stewie… I'm not sure where he picked up that British accent, but I love it! It makes his re-telling of his maniacal plans that much more hilarious!

10 Tricks to Look Skinnier …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 03:19 AM PDT

Many of us have a common goal and that would be to look healthy and slim, especially during those summer months. After having two babies, I have personally gotten creative at how to go about looking slimmer, until I can reach that ultimate goal. For those of you who are like myself, carrying around some extra pounds, you can benefit this information. Below, I am going to share with you, my 10 tricks to look skinnier…

In the fashion world, you have lots of rules, such as not wearing a brown belt with shoes that are black or not wearing white to someone's wedding. Even when you are trying your hardest to follow those rules, there is a whole new set of fashion laws that you should follow when you are trying to camouflage those extra pounds.

10. Wear dark colors


Photo Credit: Amanda♫

Have you tried on the color white lately? How did you look? Argh, not good! Well, get rid of those light clothes and go for the dark clothes. You will be surprised at how much slimmer you look by wearing black!

9. Wear a knee-long dress of a solid color


Photo Credit: CrzysChick

If you are tall, then you can wear a long dress, which will not only elongate the look of your body, but make you appear skinnier. If you are short, then a knee length dress could make you look taller. Avoid ankle length at all costs.

8. Patterns take away from those pattern areas


Photo Credit: the workroom

Diagonal stripes, optical illusion patterns and zig zags can really fool the eye and take away from those problem areas. However, it is important that you avoid those vertical and horizontal stripes, because those can make you look heavier than you really are.

8 Best House-Warming Gifts …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 02:54 AM PDT

I used to always bring the uncreative bottle of wine to each house-warming party, and though the hosts would always accept the bottle with grace, I felt more than a little lame. Then I did a little digging and came up with a standard set of incredible house-warming gifts, all of them sure to please. This is the list I refer to whenever I have a house-warming party to attend, and the gifts are always a hit!

1. Numi Flowering Tea Gift Set


Price: $29.97 at acaciacatalog.com
If the new home owners are tea lovers, this is an ideal house-warming gift! The set includes nine tea "blooms," stitched together with fine cotton thread. Just drop one "rose" into the clear glass pot, pour in boiling water, and watch as it slowly blossoms. Each bloom can be used up to four times. So pretty and unique!

2. Pottery Barn Snowglobe Cocktail Shaker


Price: $14.99 at potterybarn.com
This is so cool! If the happy new home owner stocks a bar, then this is a perfect gift! The double-walled shaker is filled with glitter and confetti, so when it's shaken (not stirred), it looks like a snowglobe! If you truly want to impress, add a bottle or two of a favored liquor, too!

3. Alphabet for Life Plaque


Price: $29.95 at signals.com
This is the alphabet they ought to be teaching in school! From A (accept differences) all the way to Z (zealously support a worthy cause) and everything in between, this plaque reminds the happy home owner (and all of their guests) what life is really about. My favorite? J, for "jettison anger."

Top 10 Colognes to Buy Your Boyfriend …

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 01:54 AM PDT

I love for my boyfriend to smell good! Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory, so you ought to buy him a cologne you like… check out these 10 colognes to purchase for your boyfriend…

1. Usher – VIP


Price: $50.00 at drugstore.com
I bought my boyfriend this cologne for Christmas, and every time he puts it on, I can't stay away from him! The scent is so refreshing, not too strong, and he doesn't need to spray much of it. It's a great everyday cologne.

2. Sean John – I Am King


Price: $38.00 at drugstore.com
I Am King is a good day to night cologne. It’s light, fruity scent will still have your guy smelling and feeling masculine! It is not an overpowering scent even if he sprays it all over…

3. Armani – Code


Price: $57.00 at macys.com
This is a very sensual scent! It can be worn day-time or night-time. I guarantee your guy will love it! What I like most about it is the sleek bottle design…

Lanvin Tiered Silk-Gazar Dress…

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 11:30 PM PDT

Sigh! The Lanvin Tiered Silk-Gazar dress. I swear I had a dream about a dress like this once. This is fantasy meets Sex in the City meets joyous orgasm in my head.

What’s So Fab About It: The sheer dream-like quality it has to it. Whether you’re talking about the silk gazar, the ruffled layers or the satin waist belt, the Lanvin Tiered Silk-Gazar dress is all about sheer opulence.

Where Would I Wear It: I never could quite imagine a long wedding dress on myself considering my puny legs, which is why for all practical reasons (including the fact that I want a beach wedding), I think this wedding dress is perfect for me!

How Many Tall Lattes It’s Worth: 1,653

Where to Look 4 It: net-a-porter.com

All I have to do now is save and the Lanvin Tiered Silk-Gazar dress can be mine! Do you have any bright saving tips for me?

All Women On Board With This: Plenty of Sex May Prevent ED!

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 09:00 PM PDT

Here's an interesting bit of news:

Frequent sexual intercourse may cut down on a man’s chances of developing erectile dysfunction, Finnish researchers report.

“This is the same as any other part of the body. It’s what we in vascular surgery refer to as the ‘use it or lose it’s concept,” said Dr. Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, an associate professor of urology at UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School Hackensack University Medical Center. “Sexual activity will promote maintenance of normal erectile function down the line.”

The report was published in the July issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

-Live Science

ED or Erectile Dysfunction, is one of the most common sexual disorders in men. 1 out of 10 men in the US, or a total of 30 million men -are suffering from ED. Also, the likelihood of this medical condition increases with age, and it starts for those who are aged 40 to 65.

Sure, we may already have Viagra and other medical solutions for such a problem -but it's great to know that all our hubbies and boyfriends have to do is "exercise those muscles" to cut down their chances of developing ED.

What do you say, ladies, does this sound like GOOD news or what? ;)

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