7 Ways to Get a Fast Response, 7 Men To Look At When You Need Motivating

---

• 7 Men To Look At When You Need Motivating…Drool!…
• 7 Ways to Get a Fast Response …
• Top 7 Contraceptives …
• 8 Gorgeous Redheads …
• 7 Useful Small Appliances for the Kitchen …
• 5 Totally Terrific Totes for Summer…
• 8 Recipes That Taste Great and Are Healthy Too…
• 8 Beauty Treatments of the Future…
• 8 Absolutely Beautiful Wedding Dresses …
• 8 Floral-Inspired Accessories …
• 12 Top Tips on Losing Weight after Having a Baby …
• 7 Reasons You Aren’t Losing Weight …
• 7 Scariest Stephen King Novels …

7 Men To Look At When You Need Motivating…Drool!… Posted: 21 Jun 2010 10:13 AM PDT Sometimes, thinking about being skinnier just isn't enough to make me want to work out, or not have that gorgeous triple-chocolate gateaux. I've tried everything…even photoshopping a picture of me to make me super-fat! Nothing was working until I found these sexy men…now I just have a peek at these gorgeous guys, and I'm ready to work out! 1. Joe Calzaghe   Photo Credit: wilfy2007 Well, boxers aren't famed for their good looks, but there is something about Joe that makes our hearts race…whether it's his super cute smile or that accent, he can make women melt. He's dedicated to training every day, and so far, has an unbeating record…and of course the fact that he works out topless doesn't hurt! 2. Simon Cowell   Photo Credit: Mattcs426 Most of the women I've asked added Simon to their list…I'm not entirely sure why! Is it his slightly-evil-but-a-bit-cute persona, or is it imagining what he'd criticize? I'm sure I wouldn't want to be undressing in front of him! Whatever it is, Simon certainly makes women work extra hard. 3. Ronan Keating   Photo Credit: Keith Kelly Ronan is always a hit at my pilates and yoga classes, both for his silky Irish voice and his great body! His wife always looks fantastic too, so if you dream of stealing Mr.Keating away, try using a picture of her as motivation. It works fantastically for my mum!

7 Ways to Get a Fast Response … Posted: 21 Jun 2010 10:11 AM PDT The hardest thing for me to do is wait. I send an email and I want a response now! I call someone, I want him or her to answer, or return my call, now! I'm sorry I just don't like waiting! When you are in a hurry, and waiting is not an option, there are a few things you can do to get a quicker response. Here's what to do! 1. Let them know you need it now   Photo Credit: jayneandd Set a dead line in your email. Simply state you need an answer by this afternoon, or in the morning. That way, people are more prone to answer right away. 2. Use specific Words   Photo Credit: j0L0 Don't use words like, "I'm just…" or "If it's not a problem…" Be specific and ask for a direct answer. People are more likely to respond faster. 3. Use the right words   Photo Credit: enderby49 Don't use the words "urgent" or "please help" and don't use exclamation points. These are classic ways spammers send out mail. A great alternative is the word "important." Type it into the subject line and use it sparingly.

Top 7 Contraceptives … Posted: 21 Jun 2010 05:59 AM PDT Contraceptives, or birth control, can be a touchy subject. You have a lot of questions, and may not have anyone you can ask. No worries! I did a lot of research after my last daughter was born, so I could pick the birth control that was right for me. Here's what I learned: 1. Abstinence Just saying "no" is the absolute only 100% effective form of birth control. While some girls think it's old-fashioned to wait to have sex, it's becoming more popular, and not for ultra-conservative religious people. Celebs like the Jonas Brothers and Selena Gomez have taken chastity vows, prompting their fans to follow suit. 2. The IUD Years ago, IUDs were considered dangerous and passé. Now, with improvements in effectiveness and safety, an IUD is one of the easiest and most effective forms of birth control. No taking a pill every day! The device is implanted during a doctor's visit, lasts for 5 to 10 years, then can be removed or replaced in a second visit. Side effects include spotting between periods. If you decide you want to become pregnant, once the IUD is removed, you can conceive right away. 3. The Pill My personal choice for birth control. The Pill has been used for decades as effective birth control, but it is also used in low doses to regulate periods, control acne, and to lessen the discomfort of PMS and PMDD. To get the Pill, you will need a prescription from your doctor. Some women find it a hassle to take a pill every day, but for me, it's the perfect choice. Until you find the right pill and the right dosage for you, side effects may be spotting between periods and nausea. If you decide you want to have a baby, you can conceive almost immediately after stopping taking the Pill.

8 Gorgeous Redheads … Posted: 21 Jun 2010 04:18 AM PDT I love red hair – I've often thought about changing my color. Red is stunning, and I think all those lucky enough to be blessed with it should be proud! Here are some fabulous redheads – some are natural, some have chosen red locks, but all look great. 1. Elizabeth I The original feisty redhead, Elizabeth started a fashion craze at court that led to ladies dying their hair to imitate the Queen. Photo Credit: little_miss_sunnydale 2. Rita Hayworth A stunning actress for whom the phrase 'a glorious mane of hair' must surely have been invented. Photo Credit: sourpatchdarling 3. Karen Gillan The new Doctor Who assistant is another redhead, following on from predecessor Catherine Tate, and makes me want to hit the dye bottle every time I see her on screen. Photo Credit: VJnet

7 Useful Small Appliances for the Kitchen … Posted: 21 Jun 2010 02:53 AM PDT I love cooking, and I'm always on the lookout for a new small appliance for my kitchen to make cooking or food prep easier. Naturally, I've been looking for something new for the past few weeks, and here are some of the great appliances I've found! 1. Calphalon Waffle Maker Price: $99.95 at crateandbarrel.com Is there any better way to impress your mother-in-law or your own kids than with fresh homemade waffles for breakfast? It doesn't have to be difficult, either, not with this sleek stainless steel waffle maker! You can make four at a time, and it's so easy to use, they won' stick or burn… yay! 2. Cuisinart Classic Toasters Price: $59.95 to $79.95 at crateandbarrel.com Two slices, or four? Choose the number that you and your family will need for toast, bagels, waffles, and more… both toasters feature the same cool retro-inspired design and a handy cord wrap. I love all of the settings, too — you can brown or burn as you like! 3. Kitchenaid 5-Speed Metallic Blender Price: $149.95 at crateandbarrel.com How will you make smoothies or margaritas without a blender? And this is a fine blender indeed, with sleek shiny steel and a convenient carafe… and five fantastic speeds! The cool design isn't just for looks, either… it's leak-proof, too! No mess!

5 Totally Terrific Totes for Summer… Posted: 21 Jun 2010 02:47 AM PDT 1. Whale Love Here is a handmade beauty that will go well with several of your beach outfits. And who can refuse a cute whale design? 2. Zigzag Summer Looking for something with a fun pattern for stashing your sunblock, beach book, change of clothes, and perhaps a sun hat in? This Missoni beach tote looks great! 3. Ruffles in the Heat For those who are of the crafty inclination, this pattern for a ruffled tote will be perfect. How cute is the fabric used here? Head on over to check out the tutorial. 4. Beach Colorful If you are looking for something fun and flirty, this Aldo tote is definitely for you. I like the buckle and metal details. 5. Custom-Made Cuteness Courtesy of LL Bean, you can have your very own custom-made beach tote. I am thinking along the lines of sea-blue straps or anything in loud pink.

8 Recipes That Taste Great and Are Healthy Too… Posted: 21 Jun 2010 02:42 AM PDT Why is it that the best tasting recipes are always the most unhealthy? Doughnuts, pizza, Sunday Lunch… most of my favourite foods have far more calories then I need, even if they do taste great, so I've been researching recipes which taste great but are good for you, too. And I've been pleasantly surprised! Here are my top 8… 1. Chicken Breast With Mushroom Cream Sauce I love this recipe! My boyfriend loves chicken, and so do I, but he really dislikes all 'greens', including mushrooms. He didn't complain about this, though, and ate it all! It only takes 30 minutes to cook, meaning its great even after a busy day, and its got a great mix of carbs and protein which make it very healthy too. My tip? Add some thyme, and you'll really make the flavours pop. 2. Spicy Pecan-Crusted Chicken This tastes amazing. The chicken is tender and so good for you, but its the added flavours that set this apart. With a mix of zesty orange flavours and buttery pecan, it tastes divine, and the breadcrumbs give it a great texture too. Served with salad and mashed potato it makes a healthy and filling meal, and contains only 281 calories and only 15g of fat… it'll be a family favourite in no time. 3. Honey Soy Broiled Salmon I'm not really a fish person… unless its wrapped in batter and from the Chip Shop, I'm not interested! My future in laws love salmon, though, so I've been testing out recipes to wow them with next time they visit, and this is the best salmon I've ever tasted! The honey and soy sauce is a great marinade too, and mixes sweet, tangy and salty mix which tastes divine. The finishing touch? Toasted sesame seeds, brown rice and peppers. What a meal! It's only 234 calories each, with 13g of fat, and a whopping 23g of protein. Divine!

8 Beauty Treatments of the Future… Posted: 21 Jun 2010 01:55 AM PDT Ever wished the boffins and beauty experts would invent something to solve your beauty problems? Here is my list of products and inventions that I would love to see on the market. 1. FringeFlat I scare myself when I get up, look in the mirror, and realize I have been sleeping on my front again. It sticks up in sections as if I have been electrocuted. Oh, for a spray that would make it go flat in seconds. Photo Credit: *amy&kimball 2. The Body Drier Why has someone not invented this yet, so we can save all that faffing about with towels, trying to dry the bits that are hard to reach and wobbling on one leg as we dry our feet? Photo Credit: night photographer 3. BagsBeGone This product would instantly banish eye bags and dark circles. Yes, I've heard the tip about pile cream too, but really … would you? Photo Credit: snippy.snippy.crab.kris tine.

8 Absolutely Beautiful Wedding Dresses … Posted: 20 Jun 2010 11:58 PM PDT I love weddings! Since my daughter is about to become in engaged, wedding dresses are a big topic around our house. I've been shopping around, and have found a few stunning dresses you might like. Even if you are not in the market for a wedding dress, aren't they fun just to look at? 1. Smiling Dress 2010 Price: $197.00 at newformaldresses.com Elegant and streamlined, the modest cap Sleeved A-line dress has a chapel length train. Made from Taffeta, it has appliqué and lace. The back is absolutely gorgeous!! 2. Bonny Bridal Style 016 Price $918.00 at christinagowns.com Strapless gown featuring beaded lace. Semi cathedral train flows from a tulle skirt. Dreamy! 3. Private label by G –Style 1382 Price $1,323.00 at bestbridalprices.com Created from soft satin this dress comes strapless and has a v shaped insert in the center of the bodice. Beaded embroidery is scattered around the skirt and down the cathedral train. An utterly elegant dress, this dress is magnificent!

8 Floral-Inspired Accessories … Posted: 20 Jun 2010 03:53 PM PDT Florals are very on-trend this season, with pretty prints and bold graphics all over clothing and accessories… if you're looking to add a little heavy petal or floral romance, read on! Here's my list of 8 floral-inspired accessories! 1. Silvered Dogwood Cuff Bracelet Price: $32 at anthropologie.com Not all flowers are brightly hued, boastful, and proud… some, like these silvery dogwood blossoms, are delicate, elegant, and demure… why not add them to a little black dress or bland beige work suit for a little floral-inspired flair on the lady-like, graceful side? 2. Vernal Festoon Necklace Price: $58 at anthropologie.com A riot of sunny, vivid colors for wearing anytime, all summer long. Pair with dark, flowing skirts and a sheer blouse, or with an otherwise bland, neutral work suit. Or wear it with your best Little Black Dress to an outdoor late-June wedding… it's rather like bringing your own posey… 3. Wee Flower Pot Posts Price: $24 at anthropologie.com In mid-winter, no-one would ever guess your passion for the garden, but come summer, the tell-tale green under your carefully manicured nails give you away. So do these delicate, vintage-inspired post earrings, in three sea-side, garden-gorgeous hues (cream, coral, or turquoise).

12 Top Tips on Losing Weight after Having a Baby … Posted: 20 Jun 2010 12:51 PM PDT I cried when I had to wear my maternity pants home from the hospital after my baby was born. I thought I would be able to squeeze into my old jeans… but no way! So as soon as I got home, I began my quest to lose the baby weight. Within four months, it was gone, and although I never did wear those old jeans again, I fell in love with my new body. Here's my advice on how to lose those extra few pounds you gained when you were expecting. The first one is the easiest! 1. Nurse instead of bottle-feeding New mothers who breast-feed their babies, rather than bottle-feeding, lose their baby weight much faster, especially in the first six weeks. But not only is it better for your after-baby body, it's better for your new baby, too! 2. Don't gain it in the first place Most women do NOT need to gain a lot of weight while they are pregnant! Don't use your pregnancy as an excuse to eat everything you can get your hands on. Talk to your doctor about how many calories you need to consume while you're expecting, and how much weight you should gain, and STICK TO IT. 3. Get your rest If you're sleep-deprived, you'll be more inclined to eat foods that you shouldn't, just to try and perk yourself up. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Doing the dishes or folding the laundry can wait!

7 Reasons You Aren’t Losing Weight … Posted: 20 Jun 2010 12:24 PM PDT Losing weight is hard work, and just getting started and sticking to the plan takes a lot of motivation. So when you've stuck to it, keeping yourself on course, and you don't lose weight, it's horribly demotivating. It just doesn't make sense. There are some diet problems which can cause you to retain that weight, though, and here are the 7 most common… 1. You Buy Bulk Food   Photo Credit: challiyan I often look at my shopping, and add in some oranges and other healthy fruit because I know I should eat them. All this does is cost me money. They arrive, get put away, never get eaten and are thrown away. The way around this? To go to a market. Feel the oranges, choose your own vegetables. It'll create an anticipation to eat the food, and you'll be much more likely to use it in a meal, which means less snacking! 2. You Don't Want Grains   Photo Credit: photobunny Convincing yourself to eat foods that don't appetise you can be hard work. You will more often then not just have a few mouthfuls, and then leave it, causing you to be hungry and snack later. Solve the problem by telling yourself the nutritional benefits of each ingredient. What is doing for you? This really works! 3. You Rely On Pre-Made Foods   Photo Credit: burlie Pre made foods will always contain excess fat, sugar and preservatives, to keep it tasting right when you buy it. Learning to make these foods yourself could save you a lot of calories! I've learnt how to make soup from scratch, so I can add ingredients I like, and keep an eye on the calorie contents. I also use it to eat before big nights out, so that I don't bloat. It makes a healthy-yet-excellent detox!

7 Scariest Stephen King Novels … Posted: 20 Jun 2010 12:16 PM PDT Who doesn't love reading a good thriller once in a while, loaded with suspense and scary bits? Don't read them when you're home alone at night, though — suddenly every little creak the house makes or whisper of the wind will sound maniacal, which is, I think, exactly what the king of suspense and horror himself, Stephen King, wants! If you love suspense, and being scared silly, but haven't read any of King's books, what are you waiting for? Here's my list of the 7 scariest Stephen King novels, all of which are guaranteed to frighten you! 1. It Price: $8.99 at amazon.com This is my all-time favorite Stephen King novel, scary as hell, with a cast that you'll never forget. In one half, they're pre-teen outcasts who band together to fight the evil that's killing local children. In the other half, they're adults who've all forgotten what they did, and how. The villain is entirely credible — I hate clowns! 2. The Stand Price: $8.99 at amazon.com So epic! This book is amazing, and on such a grand scale! What would happen if a deadly virus wiped out 99% of the world's inhabitants? Here's what Stephen King thinks, and it's gruesome in parts, starkly honest, and completely frightening. 3. The Shining Price: $10.88 at amazon.com Sure, the movie was scary and gory, but the book is even better! The hotel is haunted, or is it possessed? A family is snowed in to care for the hotel all winter long, but then things start to go terribly wrong… but where do you go? What do you do? The scene on the playground before snow falls, with the animal topiaries, is the best! So scary!