Today's Obsessions

Posted: 28 May 2010 11:54 AM PDT

There are various schools of yoga, but I prefer the relaxed Hatha yoga, since I'm lazy. So any form of exercise that involves spending most of the time lying or sitting down is okay by me. Here are some of the poses I most enjoy practising.

1. The Cat

My favourite pose. Ever watched a cat stretch? Seen how it arches its back high? Cats know a thing or two about relaxing, and this pose is just wonderful for gently exercising the spine.
Photo Credit: David Kozlowski

2. The Tree

I like this pose because I can get my foot up high. Yoga is, as my old teacher used to repeat, non-competitive. Still, I used to enjoy the feeling of smugness as my foot reached higher than anyone else's. Tee hee.
Photo Credit: sunsinger

3. The Bridge

Not really too difficult to work out how this got its name. A lovely upwards stretch.
Photo Credit: SunSpriteRaven

8 Best Trainers …

Posted: 28 May 2010 11:49 AM PDT

Good trainers can mean the difference between an effective, powerful workout, and a miserable, blister-inducing one. If you're wearing the wrong shoes, or shoes that fit incorrectly, you might as well stay home! Not sure which trainers might be best for you? Start with my list of the eight best trainers, then try them all on in different sizes to get the right pair for you!

1. Nike T-Lite VIII

Price: $50.00 at nike.com
If you're looking for an all-around reliable shoe that gives you cushioning and support for your work-out, then start with this sturdy leather shoe. It's stylish, to be sure, but it's also durable, with a rubber outsole for traction and Nike's Considered Design for perfect performance as well as a much smaller impact on the environment.

2. Nike Free Trainer 7.0.IV

Price: $85.00 at nike.com
This glittering little shoe fits and feels like a slipper, very lightweight yet durable and supportive. They're designed to give support, comfort, and traction, but to be feather-light — which is why the uppers are made of mesh and leather.

3. Nike Zoom Quick Sister+

Price: $53.97 at shop.nordstrom.com
The all-around best high-tech Nike trainer available, in my view! This shoe offers a low profile, with a mesh upper and very springy sole. It's also equipped with Nike+ technology, so you can add the Nike + iPod sport kit… cool!

15 Celebrities Who Lost and/or Gained Weight for a Role…

Posted: 28 May 2010 09:02 AM PDT

Being an actor may fill your head with thoughts of expensive things, multi-million dollar mansions, jet-setting to exotic places, and rubbing elbows with famous people but acting is HARD WORK. How hard? Well, this list is proof. If you want to be an actor and you want to show dedication to your craft, you should not say no to weight loss or gain. Just make sure you do it right and the script is worth it.

1. Renee Zellweger

Renee gained weight to play the adorable Bridget Jones. I actually thought she looked great with all the extra weight. Perhaps she can find a middle ground between her Bridget size and her size now?

2. Brad Pitt

Brad had to go tight and fit to play Tyler Durden in Fight Club. Then he had to bulk up again for Troy. I have read many articles saying that a lot of men often confess they want Brad’s Tyler body when they are thinking of gym or weight goals. If I were a guy, I’d want a similar body, actually.

3. Christian Bale

Have you guys seen him in The Machinist? Jeez, he was insanely thin in that movie! He must have been scary to look at in real life.

4. 50 Cent

Oh wow, have you guys seen these new photos? He has been heard saying that he is serious about his acting career and what could be better proof than this?

5. Robert De Niro

To play Jake La Motta in Raging Bull, Robert gained more than 50 lbs of muscle. But he also seemed to have gained a lot of fat to play an older and less fit version of the boxer. Now THAT is dedication.

10 Bizarre Places to Get Married …

Posted: 28 May 2010 07:19 AM PDT

I have been reading a lot of magazines and last week, when I was blogging about the top 10 best places to get married, I had a thought. What about writing about the top 10 bizarre places to get married? Surely, there are some strange people out there who have gotten married in some bizarre places. All "normal" people will find this fun to read. Those thrill-seekers can get some ideas! So, let's break out the parachute and get ready!

10. Bungee jumping facility

Photo Credit: PatrickSchulte
Yes, this one is popular, yet, it is still bizarre. How about tying the knot before you jump, one hundred and sixty feet in the air? We have seen ceremonies on a platform, with friends and relatives suspended right with them. The guests can be strapped into their chairs with dresses, tuxedos, and the whole nine yards!

9. Fast food restaurant

Photo Credit: avlxyz
We have heard of couples tying the knot at McDonald's where they met. In one particular wedding, the restaurant didn't skip a beat as customers continued placing their orders and eating. The bride stated that she could not have imagined a more romantic wedding. Any opinions on this? We have also heard of a couple typing the knot at Taco Bell. What was strange is that this particular couple met on the Internet and already had the same last name. I guess that is a good reason to get married at Taco Bell?

8. A clown house?

Photo Credit: PS-OV-ART Patty Sue O’Hair-Vicknair, Artist
This is a bit creepy, but once you get past the makeup, it's not all that bad. This, of course, is assuming that you are not terrified of clowns. There was a couple who got married at Alberta Street Clown House. Naturally, both of them love everything about clowns and decided that this would be the perfect place for them to tie the knot. Their guests dressed up as clowns, too.

7 Healthy Snacks to Snack on at Work…

Posted: 28 May 2010 03:09 AM PDT

Working 8 to 9 hour days, 5 days a week can be hard! Somedays you take a lunch, but some days lunch never comes… But you don't have to starve waiting for lunch time, try these healthy snacks that will get you through those long hours at work!

1. Almonds

Photo Credit: j.towbin ©
This is my favorite snack of all time at work. Just one handful can satisfy hunger! Almonds are also healthy and full of protein and iron. You can eat these throughout the day to curb your appetite! I eat a handful between breakfast and lunch.

2. Carrots

I just love crunching on carrots! They're good at keeping your teeth strong and it is said that they help with eyesight. If you’re not a fan of carrots, try dipping them in a little ranch dressing… yum!

3. Small Salad

When you've just gone too long between breakfast and lunch and lunch isn't for another half hour… A small salad is very healthy add croutons, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sliced carrot — it's almost like a full meal and it will hold you over until lunchtime! You can also eat it with your lunch and it will keep you satisfied until dinnertime…

10 Reasons Why I Love Barcelona …

Posted: 28 May 2010 12:33 AM PDT

I’ve lived in the Catalan city of Barcelona for three years now, and I love it. When I decided to move here, I picked Barcelona for no better reason than having a friend here. She, however, promptly got a job elsewhere. It was still a great choice on my part, though, as I adore the city for so many reasons. Here are some of them.

1. The climate

They have summer here. Coming from the UK, this is a major advantage. Barcelona has months of unbroken sunshine, without the fierce heat of the south. Being able to see that blue sky is a real boost to the spirits, compared to the grey skies of the UK.
Photo Credit: carlos_ar2000

2. No snow

I just can't see the point of the stuff, since I don't like skiing, and snow is almost unknown in Barcelona. Except on March 8th this year, when I was stuck in the house for, ooh, hours, as the city experienced its first snow on the ground in nearly 50 years.
Photo Credit: VeraCiria

3. The shops

Unlike many cities, Barcelona has not fallen victim to high street uniformity. Yes, there are chains, but independent shops and boutiques are everywhere. Plus the staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Photo Credit: Mònica Co

8 Ways to Learn to Love Yourself …

Posted: 27 May 2010 11:37 PM PDT

It's often said that you cannot truly love someone else until you love yourself. Yet this seems a hard, often impossible task. People are critical of themselves in a way that they wouldn't dream of inflicting on another person. Well, now it's time to sweep that attitude away, and learn to love yourself. Here's some tips on how to do so.

1. Accept your personality

Yes, anyone can 'improve' and develop throughout their life, but be happy with who you are. You're a unique individual, and that should be celebrated.
Photo Credit: leighanna.webb

2. Whatever your body shape and figure, be happy with your natural size

Don't feel inadequate because your breasts are too small, or you're not as slim as other women. Ladies, we're not from a factory, we're all different!
Photo Credit: Human Mozaïk Humaine

3. Feeling shy and inadequate?

You're as good as anyone else. Fake confidence and it will soon feel natural. Other people won't know that it's just an act.
Photo Credit: Annemarie Vriends

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