teamsugar -- Connect. Share. Enjoy.

I just shaved my legs with baby oil...

Miss Tat — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:27:50 -0800

And I must recommend it!
I just took a regular bottle of baby oil and mixed it with scented oil from brambleberry.com, just for a little extra ooh, aah
a few squirts into warm/hot running bath water, soak in it for a few minutes (yummy!) and shave your legs with nothing but the bathwater.
The razor clogs up a bit more, so you have to tap it, rinse it, change it (whatever everyone does) more often than normally, but I have the smoothest legs on the planet!
Kind of like hers. Yup!

Well maybe not like Wonder Woman's..... hehehe

Just a quick tip I thought I'd share, is all
Hope you're all doing OK!

Having a bad day

miss-britt — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:15:55 -0800

Today i woke up, had like a two hour talk with my mom and just about anything.

I realized that i don't have misquiote bite, it has to be that i have bed bugs or whatever they are called in my bed. So now that's a new thing i have to worry about. If you have any tips on how to get rid of them. Stop the itching. please let me now.

Idk, what's going on with me though, i started talking to my sister and i just started bawling. I guess i just need a good cry.
So i leave you with this.

The Main Ingredient to a Happy Healthy Relationship

Jenysie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:49:51 -0700

My husband and I have been having marital problems for around a year now, and just recently we were on the verge of divorce...I mean the words were spoken....feelings were hurt....even the word "hate" was thrown around....My husband would never hit me, however I think it would have hurt less than for him to tell me that he "is no longer in love with me anymore! So I started looking for help right away, because although at the time I didn't like my husband very much, I still loved him and I didn't want our marriage to end! So I studied a lot and learned so much! We are now very happily married, and I wanted to share the secret of our success with those of you who are where I was! You can save your marriage, or even if you are not married yet, but in a relationship that isn't going so well, you can fix it! I share all of my tips and secrets in The Main Ingredient to a Happy Healthy Relationship I urge you to take a few moments to skim over it and see if it's what you need in your life. If you can put any of the advice to use. If you are on the verge of divorce and don't know how to back-track to the time when you both were so happy I beg you pllease read this before you do anything too terribly drastic!

PART 9: I'm Intrigued To Know...

Tabloid — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:07:27 -0700

How much do you tip a hairdresser?

ING Savings Tips

Morenasobuena — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:37:32 -0700

Just ran across these tips in my email and thought I would pass them along...

Group Therapy: guy advice...im clueless :(

a nn a — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:39:11 -0700

We went out on one date so far and we text each other everyday and there are plans for a next date which he had setted up suggesting we should get something to eat and "spend more time together next time" ...when would it be a good time to ask a guy if he is seeing other people and hinting that you don't want him to see other people and how would you go about it? i really like him so i don't want to scare him off or anything...

Making Frozen Bananas

justanerd1975 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:17:39 -0700

YUM frozen bananas!
Tips from Food Network I wish I had known the last time I attempted to make some:

Poke the banana with the stick before you peel it, so the banana won't break

Freeze the bananas on sticks on a cookie sheet in the freezer 15-20 minutes, then...

double dip in melted chocloate

Lay the bananna on your plate full o' desired topping and don't roll it, but instead bring the topping up to the banana and press it in on sides,top, and all around ....

then hand out to eagerly awaiting kids or friendies!

Yummy toppings they suggested, beyond nuts and sprinkles(or jimmies) :

Crumbled Oreo's
&
Flaked,sweetened coconut

My Ideas.....Mini MnM's, chopped pistachios, crushed coarse sugar cone, chopped reid cherries or raisins, crushed plain ruffles chips, chopped crystallized lemon or orange rind or ginger .... I wanna try 'em all!

tips to enjoying oral sex

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:10:22 -0700

I started dating a new guy and things in and out of the bedroom are great. Well, for the most part. I've never been with a guy who enjoys giving oral, but this new guy absolutely loves it. I know I shouldn't be complaining, and I'm not I guess I'm just embarassed. First off I have very sensitive skin and whether I wax or shave I get awful bruises and ingrown hairs (sorry tmi) and secondly I guess I'm just not use to it but I can't seem to enjoy it. Any tips?

sensitive skin leaves me embarassed

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:06:16 -0700

Tip Stiffers a website for delivery drivers

Cakes371 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:16:41 -0700

TipStiffers.com is a website that allows delivery drivers to mark houses on a map that don't tip. With the gas prices so high right now not tipping is a pretty big foul. The website is much like rottenneighbor.com as it is completely user generated. The website is completely aimed at delivery drivers though making its targeted audience smaller. The goal of the website is to change how people think of tipping and help out delivery drivers who are getting stiffed more now than ever with higher food costs.

Online dating psycho's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch out!!!!!!!!

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:45:26 -0700

Ok, so I officially quit online dating.....not really....buuut, there are some crazy people out there!!! I was messaging this guy and we sent about 2 messages back and forth each (2!!!!!!), and then I realized that he didn't really seem to be looking for a long term relationship (which is what I want...he pretty much said whatever happens happens, whether that be just sex or long term...w/e.) So, I just didn't respond to the last message he sent me, I know I know, I proooobably could have handled that a little better, buut, after a while he sends me this message that says: "What great communication skills you have. No wonder you're single."

WTF!???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????

Yeah, no wonder he's single if he insults people every time they don't show enough interest in him to suit him.

So I just needed to vent about crazy people! ha! But if anyone has any tips on good ways to let a guy know I'm not interested anymore after we have talked a little bit, feel free to share....b/c apparently I need them! :/ hahahahahahahahahhahah........

Useful (But Crazy) Beauty Tips That Work

lovely bones — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:53:55 -0700

(From Cosmopolitan.com)
"1. Powder Your Roots
If your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn’t shower.

2. Scent Strands With Perfume
Spray a light shot fragrance into the bristles. Run it through strands from roots to ends and your hair will smell amazing throughout the day.

3. Cure Calluses With Vaseline
Slather on the petroleum jelly, and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses overnight.

4. Spot-Treat Smudges
Dip a cotton swab in eye-makeup remover, and trace it along your lids to erase any slip-ups or goofs when there’s not time to redo your whole look.

5. Fix a Flushed Face
If you turn red and stay that way after exercising (like seriously red for hours, even though you’re healthy and hydrated), take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce redness.

6. Soften Your Bod With Avocado
Take a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be sooo soft- avocado is a natural moisturizer.

7. Super-Glue a Nail
Instead of tearing off your nail when it breaks, put a tiny dab of Super Glue over the split, and paint a generous layer of your favourite nail-polish shade over it. Go for an opaque option (like red, purple, or coral) to camouflage and seal the crack.

8. Use Makeup Remover on Stubborn Lipstick
Don’t try to rub red lipstick (which makes it smear across your mouth-not so sexy). Instead, take a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in makeup remover, and just dab to erase the dark stain fast.

9. Tame Brows With Eye Cream
Pat any kind of rich eye cream over brows to help keep them hydrated and banish those icky white specks that looks like dandruff.

10. Buff With Baking Soda
If you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.

11. Brush On Hair Spray
For the final step of your blow-dry, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through strands from roots to tips. This way, your do isn’t so plastered and stiff but still holds volume and shine.

12. Boost Body Lotion With Baby Oil
If you’re craving shiny legs that aren’t greasy, blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.

13. Dab essential Oil on a Hangnail
Put apricot oil, the kind found in health-food stores, to protect cuticles from turning rough and raggedy.

14. Quell a Cold Sore With Cream
When a cold sore is coming on, dab a bit of thick moisturizer, like Aquaphor, over it to prevent it from getting worse.

15. Freeze Your Eyeliner
If the tip of your eyeliner pencil crumbles and smears on your lids, store the liner in the freezer for 15 minutes before use so the tip is firm and goes across your skin smoothly.

16. Use Toothpaste on a Zit
Use just a pea-size amount. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil so the pimple won’t get more clogged, then wash off.

17. Heat Up Your Curler
If you have stick-straight lashes, try blasting your metal eyelash curler with a hairdryer for a couple of seconds to heat it up so your lashes bend more easily. And use waterproof mascara. The formula dries faster than other mascaras, so it sets the curl more effectively.

18. Use Soap Without Water
You know those fancy bars that are actually too pretty to use? Toss them in your underwear or tee-shirt drawers to make skin smell delicious.

19. Groom Brows With a Toothbrush
Mist an (unused!) toothbrush or eyebrow comb with hair spray to help flatten and tame unruly brows.

20. Put Diaper-Rash Cream on Dry Spots
Slather on a thick layer of diaper-rash cream to heal cracked elbows and feet.

21. Lubricate Your Lashes
An easy way to draw attention to your eyes without putting on a pile of makeup is to comb petroleum jelly lightly through the tips of eyelashes to get sexy, subtle sparkle.

22. Steamroll Flyaways
Spray on hair spray, then roll the can over your strands. The round bottle fits the curved shape of your head, locks in the spray, and flattens out frizz.

23. Spike Lotion With Bronzer
If you don’t have time to book a self-tanning session, mix a few pumps of body bronzer with regular hand lotion and pat it on your legs for a gradual dose of sexy, beachy colour.

24. Air-Dry Your Curls
Let your hair dry indoors before going out in the cold. The curls will be really bouncy and piecey-perfect.

25. Press a Tea Bag on Splotches
If your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for some reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.

26. Shave With Conditioner
Ran out of shaving cream? Do double duty by coating your stems with a thick hair conditioner. It softens the hair so it’s easier to shave off and makes legs feel amazingly silky.

27. Amp Shine With Vinegar
Mix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.

28. Exfoliate Your Pits
If your underarms start to look dry and flaky, an easy trick is to exfoliate them with a gentle face scrub to keep that skin pretty when going sleeveless.

29.Customize Your Body Lotion
Instead of shelling out for an expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on- the scent will last for hours.

30. “Brush” With Mouthwash
If you’re too wiped out after a late night of partying to clean your teeth, rinse with water and mouthwash, then use a dry toothbrush on the area where your teeth hit your gums.
31. Make an Egg White Mask
To revive tired, dull skin without hitting the spa table, try this: Crack open an egg in a bowl, separate the yolk, and use the egg whites to make a face mask. The proteins help to heal and restore skin’s moisture. Leave it on for five minutes, and rinse off.

32. Dry Sensitive Skin With T.P.
Instead of drying your face with a scratchy towel, pat with toilet paper- it’s ultra-soft on delicate skin (and bums!)."

Accessories Tip #5

pinkroxmysox82 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:58:47 -0700

A vest or jacket is an accessorie.
Means:
Think outside the box for accessories! Like today for work I was going to wear a plain black T-shirt for work, but I added a white and black vest that is adorable that I got from JC Penney. I look adorable. Everyone has so far commented on my look. I added the right shoes that match my outfit. That is accessorizing! Take my advise and try it out.

Theme Party Idea #3

pinkroxmysox82 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:05:04 -0700

Here's theme party idea number 3!

Karaoke Party

Everyone enjoys watching others sing, whether they're good or not!

Invitation Ideas\
-Attach invitation to a child's play microphone and send in padded envelope

Attire
-Ask the the guests to dress in sequince suits, tacky suits, etc., like on American Idol and Star Search

Ambiance
-Create a marquee for your entrance using a poster board saying the order of people who are auditioning and Christmas bulbs
- Hang enlarged copies of sheet music
-Hang CD's and glittery stars using fishing line
-Display real instruments like drums, etc,
-Create a real stage and put folding chairs in front of it for the guests

Amusements and Activities
- Rent a karaoke machine
- Interview the "celebrities" before the sing
- Encourage as many guests as you can to sing. Usually after others go on the guests will "preform" too
- Invite the guests who don't want to sing to act as judges
who give out prizes for best, most bizare etc.
- Videotape the performances and show them at the end of the audtion
-If you are a computer geek, you can make copies of the videos, add titles and captions and info like on American Idol and send them to your guests

Edibles
- Serve bags of popcorn and oversized drinks
-Later, serve light dinner or dessert buffet

Theme Party Idea #2

pinkroxmysox82 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:27:06 -0700

Here's theme party idea number 2.

Winter Beach Party

For thise who live in the midwest where it dips into pretty low temps!

-Turn the temp in your house to about 78F
-Roast marshmellows and hot dogs over the fire in the fireplace in your home
-Get a big plastic tub and fill it with ice and cold beer and soda
-Decorate the house with palm fronds, palm trees and travel posters with warm beach destinations, (Florida, Carribeans etc.)
- Play Carribean and Hawaiian music
- Party like it's summer!

Emotions Don't Control Your Eating

pinkroxmysox82 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:22:19 -0700

When you are depressed like in TV Shows, you may pig out. If you are mad or sad you probably will eat. If you are bored, your going to roam over to the kitchen fridge and look for a carbby snack. Keep control of your emotions so that you aren't tempted to eat and start to stop your diet, get fatter snd lose friends because of emotion and the actions you take because of those emotions.

Accessories Tip #4

pinkroxmysox82 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:49:59 -0700

Purses are accessories too!
MEANS:
A purse is an accessorie. Don't drag that same old purse to work every day. You show off that purse to anyone who sees you in public. Get a NEW CUTE one. Get a Coach purse. Flash it around the first couple days. Let everyone know that you can be fashionable too!

Accessories Tip #3

pinkroxmysox82 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:37:00 -0700

Make your accessories POP!
MEANS:
If you are wearing a plain pink shirt, wear a blue, purple and pink necklace. Show off your accessories. Look your best!

What's the weirdest thing you've ever done for weight loss?

callmecheezcubes — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:46:14 -0700

Hi...I don't think I've introduced myself...but I'm a newbie here. So...Hi!

Anyway...

Ok. Admit it.
We've ALL been there!
If it's some crazy fad diet or creepy kinds of cardio---we've all done something totally weird to lose weight and feel great.
What's yours?

I will go first!

I am really convinced lately that "Attitude is everything" when it comes to weight loss...so I bought weight loss hypnosis CDs and put them on my iPod. I play them when I fall asleep at night. LOL....go ahead, you can laugh. Totally. Lame.

Don't really know if it's working---but I'm keeping up with my diet--that's for sure!

But I know I'm not alone, right? I hope? What's your weird weight loss secret?

Let's hear about it: one-color-food diets, tribal-moon-shoe dancing, tony little infomercial products....whatever!

Discuss....

Accessories Tip#2

pinkroxmysox82 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:16:27 -0700

Here's #2!
Never buy too cheap accessories!
MEANS:
Don't buy cheap accessories that look tacky. Try to make them look better or don't even where accessories then if they don't match your outfit or what you are looking for. MAybe you have to change your outfit! Please comment below on how helpful these tips really are.

Accessories Tip #1

pinkroxmysox82 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:04:36 -0700

Here's tip #1!
#1 Don't over do it!
MEANS:
Don't clash stuff. Never wear more than 2 rings (kinda looks a little strange 2 me). Dont put on 5 different necklaces (unless it goes or they came together). Make sure purse, necklace, bracelet, etc. all matches with your outfit.

iGo Green

poprockz99 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:56:57 -0700

I posted a similar blog of this on myspace. Not that many people payed attention to it though. I really wanted people to be informed of what is going on in the world. I seriously think that the world is going though a climate crisis..or global warming, something like that. On the news yesterday it said that it was going to reach 90 degrees by the end of this week. I was like are you serious? So here is some information on how you can start going green and if you already are that's awesome!

(Start.....tralalalalalalala)

*Check with your Utility (Electricity) Provider for various rebates to switch to energy efficient electrical equipment or electronics.

*You may have rebates for energy efficient bulbs to replace your existing bulbs.

*You can get rebates to install a whole-house fan

*You can get rebates to switch to an energy efficient appliance (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, air-conditioning units, water heaters)

*You can get rebates to have a whole-house fan installed.

*You can get rebates to install a Solar heating systems

*You can get rebates for improving your attic insulation

*If your Utility (Electricity) Provider supports it, sign up for them to use electricity from Green sources.

*Program your thermostat to run your central air-conditioning and heating systems based on when you are present at home and the expected temperatures.

*Reduce use of the clothes washer/dryer and dishwasher by trying to accumulate loads.

*Reduce junk mail coming to your home by signing up with the Direct Marketing Associations "do-not-mail" lists to not receive solicitations in the mail (yes you can do this -- check here). Better still, sign up at greendimes who will do this for you and also pursue other mailers to stop them from sending you mail. Also sign up with the credit-reporting agencies to stop receiving credit-card offers. Some of the mailers also have numbers you can call to stop receiving flyers.

*Reduce use of your printer. If you need to print and can work with smaller fonts, use software to print 2 or even 4 pages per sheet. Either software that came with your printer or the application you are using or other off-the-shelf printer software can do this.

*Shower faster!

*Install water efficient toilet flush systems.

*Don't keep the tap running when brushing your teeth or shaving.

*Reduce the temperature setting of your water heater.

*Walk to neighborhood stores instead of driving. Reduce driving overall.

*Take up cycling to work or use public transport.

*Use public transport to events in your city.

*Inflate your car tires to the right pressure and check them periodically.

*If you have it, use your cars cruise control feature.

*Switch to a smaller car.

*Always buy Energy Star certified appliances, electronics and other electrical items.

*Use a LCD monitor instead of a regular cathode-ray tube (CRT) computer monitor.

*STOP using bottled water in your home for daily needs.

*Use eco-friendly detergents and cleaners for your house.

*STOP all those packaged snacks.

*STOP drinking sodas entirely.

*Reduce TV watching.

*Reduce computer use.

*Switch off the electric supply to small electronics (sound systems, vcrs, dvd players, tvs, computers, etc) so that they don't draw phantom power.

(End........awww man!)

Of course there are more things you can do to make the world a better and less polluted place to live. I got this information from; http://www.grok2.com/go-green.html.

21st Birthday

Sun, 18 May 2008 14:21:11 -0700

What are some good tips on staying safe on my 21st birthday?

How to put on the perfect pout

mysweetyroom — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:34:06 -0700

Smudge-proof your lip color by following there five simple steps.

Things You’ll Need:

* lip pencil
* creamy lip balm
* lip brush
* toothbrush
* lip liner

Step1
Smooth the Surface -- To help lipstick go on smoothly, coat your lips with a creamy lip balm and use a soft toothbrush in a back-and forth motion to gently exfoliate your lip. Moisturize with lip balm daily.

Step2
Outline with lip liner -- Trace the V at the top of the Cupid's bow with a lip pencil; extend the lines from each peak to the corners of your mouth. Blend the color inward with your fingertips to soften any harsh edges. Repeat on your bottom lip.

Step3
Banish bleeding -- To prevent the color from feathering into fine lines around your mouth, fill in your lips with a pencil. The wax and oil in lip liner help the color stay put longer than lipstick alone.

Step4
Apply lipstick -- Relax your mouth so it falls slightly open. Starting at the corners of your top lip, use a lip brush to apply color and then shade in the rest; repeat on your lower lip. Then press your lips together to blend evenly.

Step5
Keep it where you want it -- For long-lasting color, blot your lips gently on a tissue, reapply the lipstick from sticking to your teeth, pucker up around an index finger, and then draw your finger out slowly. This will remove any excess product from inside your lips.

Print Selection on a Mac with Clipmarks

berichard — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:37:13 -0700

For the longest time after switching to my Macbook Pro, I was baffled by the lack of a "print selection" option. I just figured out a way to get the same kind of effect when printing something off the internet. Firefox extension Clipmarks allows you to select a portion of text, images, or anything else on a website and print only what you've selected.

How to:
After you've installed the extension, press the clipmarks button on your firefox toolbar (it should be just to the right of the location bar). Then begin clipping by clicking on pictures or paragraphs that appear in an orange outline as your scroll over them. If the orange lines aren't appearing, try refreshing the page (I had this problem). You can also select whatever you want without the restrictions of what becomes outlined in orange by simply highlighting a an area of text.

After you've clipped everything you want (it will now appear in green boxes within the orange outlines), click on the "click here when done clipping" button on the clipmarks toolbar. As the menu drops down, select "print clip." A new window will pop up giving you the option to title your clipmark and to add notes if you wish. When you've finishing adding notes, click, "print clip" and your normal print window will come up. Choose your printer and voila!

Hope you found my little tip helpful!

Brianne

How to Cook with Meyer Lemons Year-round

amusesbouche — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:11:31 -0700

It always saddens me when I can no longer find fresh Meyer lemons at my grocery store or the local farmer's markets. Peak Meyer lemon season is November through April, so when April arrives, I hoard these sweet, round, orange-yellow fruits of passion, making everything I can think out of them: Meyer lemon limoncello, Meyer lemon granita, Meyer lemon custard, and the list goes on, until I am completely tired of everything Meyer lemon.

This season, I've discovered a whole new way of life, thanks to one simple trick: Simply juice the lemons, and then pour the juice into ice cube trays. Not only does this preserve the flavor of freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice, but the ice cube-sized portions are easy to use in marinades, sauces, salad dressings and desserts.

Thanks to this bright idea, I'll be able to enjoy the fruity benefits of Meyer lemons all year long -- in healthy moderation.

Photo Source: Kate F_, Girl Reporter

Motivation

fashionhore — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:27:25 -0700

I have been really struggling to stay motivated and keep on my running track this time around. Anyone have any tips that helps keep them motivated for their run?

Waking Up Beautiful

cosmogirl — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:40:15 -0700

We all want to be beautiful. Am I right? Not in a vain sort of mirrior, mirror on the wall sort of way. Just natural, happy, vibrant, fresh-faced young beauty, and what girl doesn't deserve that?

Here are some tips:

1. Drink water: You've heard it before, from some of your favorite, natural celeb beauties and I'll say it again. Drink up! For a twist on the pure stuff add a squeeze of fresh lemon in the mornings to boost your metabolism.

2. Make-up and skin care. Scary words I know. Most of us (well I know I do) freak out when it's time to buy new make-up or skin care. I know it's fun to see all the new products out there but it can also be pretty daughting. Don't you agree? I'm always worried about what make-up I should use. Should I go with all natural or just for show sort of stuff. I'm not really that big of a make-up person so I think I'm better off going with the natural products. The Simple line is one of my faves but for all you make-up loving girls out there I know (and me not even being an obssessor) there's only one three letter word out there you should trust: MAC. So stock up. It's a celeb fave, everyone one from Paris Hilton to Rachel Bilson is in love with their eyeshadows and blush so get shopping! Skin care: Okay this one's a biggie. I recommend the natural, one of a kind stuff in boutiques and spas. I'm not sure if you get it over there in the States but try this: L'occitane skin care. It's an Italian brand and it changed my skin! I love the milky warm texture of the moisturisers and the cucumber and witchazel toners are lovely.

3. Exercise. I know scary. I'll help. Exercise is probably one of the most important things when trying to boost your beauty. (body beauty that is!) It helps release the bad toxins, flushing out your system which is extremely vital in remaining a glowing, fresh faced complextion and sweating it out once in a while can help in maintaining a confident, positive, healthy out-look on life!
I try to keep my exersise regime as minial as possible. But that doesn't mean I don't work at it. I try to aim for at least 3 times a week but in those three times a week my sessions usually go for about 30-45 minutes. I always start with a good stretch. Then a 10 minute jog to get my blood pumping, then I do a 30 minute run rest for five mintues and then another 30 minute run. I go some and do some skipping and a warm-down that consits of more stretching and a ten minute walk.

Enjoy!

Cosmo xx.

Tips for Greener Living

Bluebunny_14 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:51:43 -0700

With Earth Day just around the corner the green movement has been as strong as ever! With our responsibility to protect the environment at the forefront of our minds, here are some easy tips to make your life just a little more green…
1. Shop smart. Save time and gas by shopping online!
2. Reuse your water bottle, or better yet get a refillable water bottle.
3. Buy in season.
4. Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs and you will save 300 lbs. of CO2 per year!
5. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
6. Turn up the AC and turn down the heat. This will save 3% in your heating and cooling costs and 2,000 lbs. of C02 per year!
7. Car pool and try to use public transportation whenever possible.
8. Ride a bike, walk, jog, or run.
9. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.
10. Go paperless. Consider reading your newspaper and magazine subscriptions online. Switch to electronic banking and credit card payment, too. You can also go paperless at work. Distribute company information and post company material online.
11. Do full loads of laundry and set the rinse cycle to “cold.” Not only will your clothes last longer, but you will save 80% on energy and an estimated $60 per year!
12. Recycle.
13. Reuse. Plastic food containers make good crayon and marker holders. Use padded envelops more than once. Buy your toddler or preschooler’s clothes from a thrift shop and give away those that don’t fit to friends.
14. Limit the length of your showers. Even better, take a “navy shower,” shutting off the water while soaping up and shampooing.
15. Don’t run the water when brushing your teeth.

Source

http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22355/28177-50-green-tips-earth-da...

Getting Started on TeamSugar, What Next?

CestlavieSJP — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:48:41 -0700

I'm totally loving the TeamSugar community and am just wondering if anyone has any tips on how I should get started here. I've figured out the Twitter-like "Chatter" tool and put the basics in my profile, but there is so much here I have to admit to be slightly intimidated. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do next?

Sun, Sand and Self-defense: New things to do on your vacations

nomadbea — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:24:47 -0700

With the equality of the sexes more evident that ever before in the spheres of politics, economics, and in the workplace, it seems to be a great time to be a woman. Women of today enjoy more freedom and privileges compared to the many generations before them.

However, all is not as sunny as it seems. Crimes against women have been on the steady rise too. Just yesterday, I read in the news of a 13 year old girl who was raped in Detroit. Reuters recently reported on a Bosnian Serb indicted on the rape of 2 Muslim women. Just as the world is opening more doors for us, it is proving to be a more dangerous place too.

Women shouldn’t stand idle while all this is happening! If they are earning enough to buy nice houses and go on nice vacations, then they should think about investing in ways and means to protect themselves!

The next time you go on a luxury vacation, why don’t you consider a destination where some effective self defense methods hail from too. Aside from getting a well-deserved break, you’ll also walk away from your vacation with a good amount of exercise, and something that could potentially save your life. If you don’t know where to go, here are some suggestions:

1. Brazil - the streets and beaches of Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro are rife with fun, flavor, color and all things that we love about the Latin culture. However, not many people know that Brazil is also the home of Capoiera. Capoiera is a mixture of dance, martial arts and acrobatics that originated from the African slaves. Its aesthetics are so unique and draw on its rich African heritage.

2. Israel- Many consider visiting Israel for the Holy land tours- trips that take one to Jesus’ homeland. Israel is also the homeland of Krav Maga. Krav Maga is a self-defense system that utilizes hand-to-hand combat. It applies “real life” context to its movements in the sense that it employs just the minimum practical movements to defend oneself from attack. It is the self-defense method used by the Israeli Security Forces.

3. China- While the great wall and the upcoming Olympics are great reasons to visit China, they are not the only ones. Karate, arguably the most famous self-defense method hails from China. It developed from Southern style Kung Fu and is a striking art, involving punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes.

4. Thailand- A very popular destination for those who want a taste of the “real Asia”, Thailand offers wonderful shopping, great food and beautiful beaches. Thailand also includes in its offerings Muay Thai or more popularly known as Thai Boxing. Thailand’s national sport uses a series of punches and kicks which targets the “8 points of contact”. It is so effective that the military even employ it as their form of defense.

5. Japan- With the Yen in a not-so-good state, It’s the perfect time to head to Japan to enjoy a taste of the Hariijuku street life, while partaking in authentic sushi and wagyu beef. The dropping Yen has also made the art of Ninjitsu more affordable. Ninjitsu, in laymen terms is “Ninja training”. This martial art follows the way of the Ninja, with rapid and fluid hand and foot movements.

These destinations are just a miniscule taste of what the world has to offer. Each country actually has its own native and specialized form of self-defense. It is only up to you to ask and look.

The next time you go on vacation, come home with more than just a nice tan. Come home with a means of protecting yourself and your loved ones as well.

View more photos and see the original text here

Are you dating a player?

idawson — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:56:32 -0700

I am not sure how much I agree or disagree with the content in these types of articles but they are pretty entertaining. This is in the dating section of the MSN network and written by Dustin Goot, a freelance writer.

Here is the full text of the article (follow the link):

http://msn.match.com/msn/article.aspx?articleid=8717&TrackingID=516311&B...

If you do not want to read the whole thing, here are the Top 5 signs you are dating a player:
5 signs you could have a player on your hands ....

1. He’s bold.
2. He declares his feelings right away.
3. He always plans romantic dates.
4. He has lots of acquaintances, no close friends.
5. He’s a thrill seeker.

In contrast, here are 5 signs you have an upstanding guy:

1. He’s goofy.
2. He remembers personal details and events.
3. He treats his mama right.
4. He can mingle.
5. He says, “I love you.”

Overnight Beauty

bellaressa — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:35:47 -0700

Our skin loves nighttime, and who can be surprised? When we're tucked in and snoozing, our face, hands, and feet are protected from the sun, wind, and other environmental stressors. Plus, most of the biological activities that repair and restore the body (including the skin) take place while you're at rest, says David Leffell, M.D., professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale University's School of Medicine and author of the book Total Skin— hence the term "beauty sleep." But for true overnight miracles, give nature a helping hand. Here, 19 ways for you to be a sleeping beauty.

Zap Zits

Pimples may disappear like magic if, before retiring, you treat them with a product containing an antibacterial ingredient (bacteria can cause acne) and a sebum controller like zinc, says Kansas City, Missouri, dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., associate clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. (Try Bio Jouvance Clarifying Iris Extract or Repêchage Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Serum.)

Soothe Irritation

To reduce redness, makeup expert Jane Iredale recommends dusting on a loose micronized mineral powder with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties and won't clog your pores. (Try Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Mineral Veil or Jane Iredale Amazing Base.)

Reduce Facial Lines

A cream or serum with vitamin A or retinol will help counteract fine lines, says Dr. Leffell, and since it can make your skin sun-sensitive for a few hours, it's best used at night. (Try Dr. Brandt Skincare "A" Cream Night or Philosophy Save Me.) To treat deeper wrinkles, ask your dermatologist about a prescription for Renova, Retin-A or Avage, a cream that recently received FDA approval. Use every other night to reduce the chance of irritation.

Protect Your Face

On the nights you're not using vitamin A, try a cream or lotion with antioxidants, which help fight off skin-damaging free radicals. Since you're most exposed to these particles when you're out in the sun and fresh air, nighttime is your best bet for a fix, says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D. (Try Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream or Clarins Line Prevention Multi-Active Night Cream.)

Hydrate Dry, Rough Feet

Rub on a foot cream, then pull on cotton socks to hold the moisture in. (Have trouble sleeping in socks? Cut off the toe ends so your feet can breathe. Your heels will still reap the benefits.)

Get Silky

Plagued by dull or flaky skin? Instead of vitamin A, use a glycolic acid cream to slough away the dead skin cells, which will help increase moisture retention. Check the label: You're not looking for straight glycolic acid, but rather its salt compound form, which will be listed as glycolic acid compound or glycolic and ammonium glycolate. The compound has been buffered to make it less acidic (i.e., less harsh) than glycolic acid — plus it's time-released, so it works all night, says Dr. Kunin. (Try M.D. Forte Facial Cream I.)

Defeat Major Skin Flaking

If your skin's still alligator-rough after regular glycolic acid use, try an at-home microdermabrasion kit with a buffing tool and cream. (Try DermaNew Total Body Experience.) Follow with a moisturizer containing a gentle emollient like dimethicone or beeswax. (Try Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme for your face or Lanacane Medicated Body Lotion for your body.) The dermabrasion will exfoliate your skin thoroughly, letting the moisturizer penetrate deeply.

Prevent Puff

Do you retain water in your face and eye area? Lisa Okesson, national training manager for makeup company Shu Uemura USA, suggests this old Hollywood secret: Sleep on your back and use a slightly elevated firm pillow to help prevent fluids from pooling in your facial tissues at night. (Try Dr. Scholl's Memory Foam Contour Pillow, which has a "lip" that props up your head.)

Smooth Crepey Lids

Heavy creams can cause whiteheads to form on the thin skin of your eyelids. For that area, many doctors like Neova Eye Therapy, a light gel with a GHK copper peptide to help rebuild collagen. Or wear the lightweight Talika Eye Therapy Mask while you sleep — it releases natural wrinkle-fighting ingredients.

Moisturize Your Undereye Area

Hate the taut feeling of too-dry skin but find soothing eye gels too greasy? Dab on TheBalm Time Balm. A concealer created to be worn day or night, it manages to feel superlight while delivering a slew of hydrators, including beeswax, soybean oil, and panthenol.

Save Chafed Elbows

Slip on (and sleep in) Bath & Body Works Gel-Bow Moisturizing Gel Sleeves. These ultrathin gel-lined sleeves force-feed olive and jojoba oils into that ever-scruffy area.

Salve Sore Fingertips

Washing your hands (and dishes) can leave the tips of your digits cracked. Apply a small amount of ethyl cyanoacrylate — a.k.a. Krazy Glue — over the crack or split to seal your skin, says Dr. Leffell. It'll peel off naturally over the next couple of weeks as the new skin grows in.

Fortify Brittle Nails

Let the strengthening properties of hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium — found in OPI Original Nail Envy Nail Strengthener — penetrate throughout the night. It's clear, so you won't end up with smudged color come dawn.

Relieve Chapping

For raw, dry hands, try a foot cream instead of a hand cream, says A-list manicurist Kristi Marie Jones. (Try pH Beauty Labs Totally Nutty Shea Butter Heel Cream.) You'll be better able to tolerate the heavier consistency at night.

Treat Foot Cracks

Apply Polysporin antibiotic ointment to seal cracks on the bottom of your feet, says Dr. Kunin. Top with Epilyte lotion (available at drugstores) to soften the sides of the cracks so the skin is better able to heal.

Get Rid of Calluses

Soak your feet for a few minutes in lukewarm water, then massage in Carmol 20 or AmLactin 12 percent cream or lotion; both over-the-counter preparations contain ingredients to soften your soles' thick keratin layer, says Dr. Leffell.

Hydrate Flaky Lips

Dry lips seem to crack the most at night, says Iredale, making lipstick application uneven and cakey in the a.m. Chapstick OverNight Lip Treatment claims to repair damage while you sleep — and after trying it, we agree! It left our lips supersoft.

Whiten Your Teeth

Don't have time for whitening trays or strips during the day? Crest Night Effects — which contains packets of whitening gel and disposable brushes for painting the gel on — is formulated to be worn during snoozetime for 14 consecutive nights. Don't worry about saliva washing it away; the gel isn't water soluble.

Repair Cuticles

"Paper absorbs the natural oils from your fingers, leaving cuticles ragged," says Jones. During the day, hands are too busy for repair work, so try this before bed: Rub a cuticle cream (oils may dissipate too quickly) around your nail bed. (Try Orly Cuticle Therapy Creme or Sally Hansen New Cuticles Cuticle Renewal Cream.)

Tips for Homecomings

hausfrau — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:38:15 -0700

The lovely DubsGF inspired this post.

Homecomings are great days filled with anticipation and excitement, they can also be stressful and frustrating... Here are some tips to help out with the big day!

1: Go to your Return and Reunion Brief

The military has these for a reason! You will get a lot of information about what to expect as far as dates, times, as well as the location, whether or not there will be refreshments or activities for kids, what to expect from your spouse in terms of temperment, where to seek help if you need it, and you will get conact info of the people who are in the know! This is a free service that spouses can attend. Attend it!

2: Try not to stress

He won't care if the bathroom is surgically clean. And he probably won't notice your freshly highlighted hair. Do your best to do what you think he will appreciate, like looking nice and the meal he loves most, but don't worry if the house doesn't look perfect or if you don't get everything done. He's going to be so happy to be with you and be home, everything else won't matter.

3: Be patient.

Everything is subject to change! When my hubby came home last they were supposed to be here at 9pm, then at 6pm, then 8pm, when they finally rolled in at 10:15pm I thought I was going to pull my hair out! Everything can change based on weather patterns, air traffic, you name it. Just make sure you have the phone number of someone in the know and your cell phone is on!

4: Give it time.

It could be awkward in the beginning readjusting to life together again. Don't force it. Things will unfold naturally. Intimacy is emotional as well as physical. Just give it time and let it pan out. You have probably changed as has he, give yourself time and flexibility when getting to know each other again.

5: Expect him to be tired.
He will be. And stinky too most likely. He will probably also be stressed. He's been working nonstop for months on end, it might take a while for him to wind down. Give him time and don't press him about what he did or saw over there, let him lead you in discussions about that. His sleep cycles will be off, so don't be surprised if he can't sleep or sleeps all day. If after many weeks of this, he seems to get more irratible or seems to be isolating himself, then it may be time to seek help.

6: ENJOY IT!

This is your day too! You earned it! You slaved waiting by the phone and putting together care packages, watching after the kids, eating cereal for dinner cuz you're too tired, going to event after event to stay busy and you kept a positive attitude! Get some spouses together to go shopping for a new outfit or plan a spa day, whatever! Bring your camera and soak up every minute of that first hug, you deserve it!

Did I miss anything? Add your tips in the Comments!

The Do's and Don'ts of Slow Cooking

ALSW — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:28:02 -0800

This article comes from Woman's Day Magazine and I thought it gave some pretty good advice.

Do spray the inside of the crock with a nonstick cooking spray before every recipe to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Do cut root vegetables into small cubes no larger than 1-inch squares to ensure they cook in about the same amount of time as the meat.

Do layer root vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker beneath meat and poultry, as they cook more slowly.

Do fill the insert with solid ingredients first. Place the insert in the base, and then slowly add liquid to avoid splashing and heavy lifting.

Do brown meat on the stovetop before adding it to the slow cooker to add a deeper, richer flavor and color.

Do check food for doneness at the time suggested in the recipe for a minimum amount of cooking.

Do add tender vegetables, pasta, seafood, dairy products and fresh herbs in the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking.

Do transfer leftovers to refrigerator or freezer storage containers within two hours after they finish cooking.

Do put fresh herb sprigs in a cheesecloth bag, then remove and discard the bag and the cooked, blackened herbs before serving.

Do precook ground meat and sausage to render out the fat before the meat is added to the slow cooker.

Don’t preheat an empty crock before adding food, unless specified in the directions.

Don’t use an extension cord—you’ll risk overturning the pot.

Don’t place frozen foods directly into the slow cooker unless a recipe specifically calls for it, as it throws off the heating of the contents.

Don’t use the slow cooker insert in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Don’t fill the cooker more than three-quarters full, as heated contents will expand, or less than half full, which will cause food to cook too rapidly.

Don’t add strongly flavored vegetables like broccoli until the end of the cooking cycle, so as not to flavor the entire pot.

Don’t stir or turn the food unless a recipe specifies that you do so.

Don’t add seasonings at the beginning of the cooking cycle. The flavor of dried herbs and spices will concentrate and fresh herbs will break down and dissolve.

Don’t wash the hot stoneware with cold water—it could crack the crock.

Don’t use abrasive cleansers or tools that might scratch the slow cooker’s surface.

Who taught you to put on makeup?

i am awesomeness — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:10:18 -0800

I have never before worn makeup, I just wasn't interested in it. I'm lazy enough, I don't need something else to add to my morning routine lol. The only thing that kind of interested me was eyeliner and mascara, but since I wore glasses, there was no point in putting on eye makeup. Now I have contacts, and I'm thinking about taking the plunge. What I'm wondering, was who taught you to put on makeup?

Also, I have no idea about what brands or colors or shades to buy, can anyone please recommend good brands and maybe a website that shows me how to put on makeup? Has anyone ever gone to Sephora and had one of the consultants help you pick out makeup? I know that they're probably a good bet because they're experts but I'm scared that they'll pick out really expensive products and I'll kinda feel forced to buy them. Thanks so much everyone for answering and voting! ^___^

Baby Shower Tips. HELP PLEASE!!!!

miss-britt — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:55:13 -0800

My dear dear friends is pregnant and is due in late April. She recently told me her good friend bailed out on throwing her a baby showering, so i decided why not. The problem is.... I've never thrown a party on my own, let alone a baby shower.

Here's what i've come up with so far.
She's having a girl and my friend has always been into pageants and always dreamt about becoming Miss America.

So i decided i would throw a little princess theme, give everyone little tiaras and have the cake say 'Future Miss America' or something like that. well.... that's all i got.

If you pop girlies have any ideas you can throw out, along that line or games. Please, it would be greatly appreciated.

Im gonna be a Bride...

AllStared — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:19:50 -0800

Hi hello everyone!

Im new here, so I dont know what I can do.
Looking around, but would like some tips?

I know Im silly, but I feel I need to tell the world, I want to scream:
Im getting married this summer!

xoxo
Johanna

64 Uses for Vinegar

Shiloh Jolie Pitt — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:18:00 -0800

http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=973779

1. Kill grass on walks and driveways. Pour full strength on unwanted grass.

2. Kill weeds. Spray full strength on tops of weeds. Reapply on any new growth until plants have starved.

3. Increase soil acidity. In hard water areas, add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water for watering acid loving plants like rhododendrums,gardenias, or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use.

4. Neutralize garden lime. Rinse your hands liberally with vinegar after working with garden lime to avoid rough and flaking skin. Clean pots before repotting, rinse with vinegar to remove excess lime.

5. Deter ants. Spray vinegar around door and window frames, under appliances, and along other known ant trails.

6. Keep car windows frost free. Coat the windows the night before with a solution of three parts vinegar to one part water.

7. Polish car chrome. Apply full strength with a soft cloth.

8. Soak new propane latern wicks in vinegar for several hours. Let dry before using. Will burn longer and brighter.

9. Clean milking equipment. Rinse with vinegar to leave system clean, odorless, and bacteria free without harmful chemical residue.

10. Remove skunk odor from a dog. Rub fur with vinegar.

11. Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on an area to discourage cats from walking,sleeping,or scratching on it.

12. Keep dogs from scratching ears. Clean the inside of the ears with a soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar.

13. Keep away fleas and mange. Add a little vinegar to your pet's drinking water.

14. Keep chickens from pecking each other. Add cider vinegar to their drinking water.

15. Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand 5 minutes to thicken.

16. Tenderize meat. Soak in vinegar overnight.

17. Freshen vegetables. Soak wilted vegetables in a quart of cold water and a tablespoon of vinegar.

18. Replace a lemon. Substitute 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.

19. Firm up gelatin. Add a teaspoon of vinegar for every box of gelatin used to keep those molded desserts from sagging in the summer heat.

20. Boil better eggs. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to each quart of water before boiling eggs, keeps them from cracking.

21. Prepare fluffier rice. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water when it boils.

22. Make wine vinegar. Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of dry red wine.

23. Debug fresh vegetables. Wash leafy greens in water with vinegar and salt. Bugs float off.

24. Scale fish more easily. Rub with vinegar 5 minutes before scaling.

25. Dampen your appetite. Sprinkle a little vinegar on prepared food to take the edge off your appetite.

26. Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting. Douse with vinegar. Will soothe irritation and relieve itching.

27. Relieve sunburn. Lightly rub white or cider vinegar on skin. Reapply as needed.

28. Conditions hair. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to your rinse to dissolve sticky residue left by shampoo.

29. Relieve dry and itchy skin. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your bath water.

30. Fight dandruff. After shampooing, rinse with a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.

31. Soothe a soar throat. Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow. For another great gargle: 1 c. hot water, 2 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. vinegar, gargle then drink.

32. Clear up warts. Apply a lotion of half cider vinegar and half glycerin.

33. Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.

34. Feel good. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, with a bit of honey added for flavor, will take the edge off your appetite and give you an overall healthy feeling.

35. Deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour a cup down the drain once a week. Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.

36. Eliminate onion odor. Rub on your fingers before and after slicing.

37. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards. Wipe with full strength vinegar.

38. Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.

39. Cut grease and odor on dishes. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to hot soapy water.

40. Clean a teapot. Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the teapot. Wipe away the grime.

41. Freshen a lunchbox. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the unchbox over night.

42. Clean the refrigerator. Wash with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.

43. Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.

44. Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through a minute.

45. Clean and deodorize jars. Rinse mayonnaise, peanut butter, and mustard jars with vinegar when empty.

46. Clean the dishwasher. Run a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.

47. Clean stainless steel. Wipe with a vinegar dampened cloth.

48. Clean china and fine glassware. Add acup of vinegar to a sink of warm water. Gently dip the glass or china in the solution and let dry.

49. Get stains out of pots. Fill pot with a solution of 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be washed away.

50. Clean the microwave. Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.

51. Dissolve rust from bolts and other metals. Soak in full strength vinegar.

52. Get rid of cooking smells. Let simmer a small pot of vinegar and water solution.
53. Unclog steam iron. Pour equal amounts of vinegar and water into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright postion. Then uplug and allow to cool. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water.

54. Clean a scorched iron plate. Heat equal parts vinegar and salt in a small pan. Rub solution on the cooled iron surface to remove dark or burned stains.

55. Get rid of lint in clothes. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

56. Keep colors from running. Immerse clothes in full strength vinegar before washing.

57. Freshen up the washing machine. Periodically, pour a cup of vinegar in the machine and let in run through a regular cycle (no clothes added). Will dissolve soap residue.

58. Brighten fabric colors. Add a 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.

59. Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.

60. Remove tough stains. Gently rub on fruit, jam, mustard, coffee, tea. Then wash as usual.

61. Get smoke smell out of clothes. Add a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.

62. Remove decals. Brush with a couple coats of vinegar. Allow to soak in. Wash off.

63. Clean eyeglasses. Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.

64. Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.

How to walk in heels

notoriuskitty — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:48:40 -0800

I have a few pairs of super cute heels, but I cannot walk in the for the life of me! I know practive makes perfect but, any tips?

How to Break the Bad-Boy Habit

justingirl1989 — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:56:18 -0700

Have you gone out with more than one bad boy in the last year? Are you in an on-again off-again relationship with a bad boy? If so, you may have a bad-boy habit that needs to be broken. Set yourself free from that bad boy with these five steps:
1. Write a list of all the bad things he has done to you. Women tend to get short memories when it comes to all the terrible ways bad boys treat them. They don't want to think about it. But if you decide to break the bad-boy habit, you need to force yourself to think about it! Write down a list of all the downright mean things he has done to you.
If he cheated on you and lied about it, write it down.
If he stayed out until 3 a.m. without calling you, write it down.
If he stayed out until 3 a.m. without calling you, write it down. Anytime he made you cry, write it down. Here is the best part -- put the list up on the wall next to a picture of him, so you associate his face with all the awful things he has done to you. He doesn't seem so attractive now, does he?
2. Stop having sex with him. A lot of times women will keep bad boys in their life way too long. This prevents you from meeting other people. And if you do meet someone else, you are not going to give him a fair shot. By continuing to have sex with the bad boy, you are prolonging the chemistry you feel for him. And then you wonder why you don't feel attracted to the nice guy who just asked you out. It's because you've got all your hormones wrapped up in Mr. Bad.
3. Realize that nice isn't boring. Nice guys often get the label of being boring, and the problem is it's not true!
The truth is that the bad boys are the boring ones because they are so predictably bad.
The truth is that the bad boys are the boring ones because they are so predictably bad. It's easy to predict that if you get back together with him for the third time, he is going to flirt with other women right in front of you. It's easy to predict that he is going to make you feel unattractive and miserable in a day or two.
There are no surprises in this type of relationship. Yet, the nice guy is liable to surprise you with a DVD of your favorite movie when you are sick or a fabulous compliment when you are feeling down. Now, that's exciting!
4. Ask yourself why you keep going for the bad-boy type. If you keep allowing yourself to get involved with bad boys, there is a reason and you need to start to dig deep for it. Maybe you have become addicted to drama.
Maybe there is abuse in your background so you keep going toward what is familiar to you.
Maybe there is abuse in your background so you keep going toward what is familiar to you. Maybe you are not sure what the qualities are that you should be looking for in a man. Take time to self-reflect about it, educate yourself about it, and think about seeing a therapist to help you along the way.
5. Remember bad boys really are bad! For some women, the idea of the bad-boy type has an allure. For a split second it may seem sexy and fun. What they don't realize is that bad boys are going to treat you bad and it's not sexy or fun! There is a big difference between the bad-boy fantasy and the reality of having a relationship with one. The actual relationships are harsh and mean and they don't change. Stop falling for the fantasy. Instead, fall for a real, good guy!

..IM SORRY BUT IM ADDICTED TO THEM..IM TRYING
THOUGH..LOL

source: i-village.com

TIPS TO THROW INEXPENSIVE HALLOWEEN PARTY( A MUST READ FOR HALLOWEN CELEBRATERS!)

justingirl1989 — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:18:24 -0700

Throw a frightfully wicked Halloween shindig that will spook your guests, not your wallet.
You can host a horribly good Halloween party with tips from our ghoulishly great experts. And here's a treat: you can do it cheap!

Halloween décor is now second only to Christmas as a home-decorating industry, reports the American Greetings Corporation based in Cleveland, Ohio. What's more, pumpkins, greeting cards and other party staples will account for billions in sales, says the National Retail Federation in Washington, D.C.

Let the Halloween festivity planning begin!

Masquerade madness
If you want to carry out a spooky theme party at low-cost, Diane Warner, author of "Diane Warner's Big Book of Parties," suggests that you let your costumed guests be the main attraction, and keep the lights dim. Indulge in some inexpensive decorations such as jack-o'-lanterns lighted with black and orange candles. Buy a spray can of fake spider webs, a string of small white Christmas lights, and fake spiders.

At the entryway of your house, Warner suggests placing your fake spiders in a Web made of the Christmas lights. For your dimly lit living room, she recommends spraying it with fake spider webs and dispersing the jack-o'-lanterns.

If you want to go hog wild, how about a haunted house, a retro disco or a hippie Halloween party?

For the haunted house, Wendy Moyle, co-owner of Shindigz.com, suggests using eerie music, lining the walls with black gossamer material, hanging glow-in-the-dark spider webs, setting up the entrance with mock cemetery gates and black mylar curtains, and creating a maze with the furniture.

For a flower-power flashback, Moyle says decorate with tye-dyed ghosts, skeletons wearing bandanas, and darken the room. Instead of decorating with scary things, hang glow-in-the-dark peace signs, and use a few black lights for a trippy sort of trick.

Double, double, toil and trouble
A creepy presentation of your Halloween food and fixins' can add to the decorative atmosphere of your party.

Concoct a cauldron of witches brew: Rinse a rubber or latex glove inside and out, then fill it with a red juice or punch, secure it closed and stick it in the freezer. Once frozen, cut the glove off and peel it from the ice hand. Then put the ice hand in your punch bowl. For the foamy, bubbling brew, Warner suggests combining pineapple juice with scoops of orange sherbet. Top the look off with the frozen hand.

To add a foggy spin on a witches brew, Jyl Steinback, author of the "Fat Free Living" cookbook series, recommends taking a black bowl and filling it with a cider or orange-tinted champagne and dropping in some dry ice.

If you plan on serving a buffet-style meal at your party, make your tabletop come alive. Warner suggests making a ghost or skeleton tablecloth. To make a ghost, take a white sheet, fill it with crushed tissue paper to give the ghost a head, arms and a puffy body and cover the table with it. Then place the buffet on the ghost: one dish on the face, one on each of the ghost's hands, and the main dish in the center of the ghost's midsection. Or make your tablecloth with a skeleton. Buy a five or six-foot long paper or plastic skeleton. Lay the paper skeleton on the table, and set the food dishes on top or put the plastic bones among the buffet spread.

When it comes to food presentation, Moyle suggests serving nothing but black and orange colored food -- anything from grilled cheese sandwiches on pumpernickel to carrots sticks to olives. Other ideas that Moyle suggested include using Styrofoam tombstones lined with cellophane as food serving trays. For the food table, she suggests a black table cloth on which you place patches of fake green grass, then dot it with mini-tombstones and fake cobwebs.

It's The Great Pumpkin
Don't forget the million-and-one uses for our favorite gourd, the pumpkin. Hollowed-out pumpkins are great as a means to serve dips or soups, Moyle says. She adds that carving out mini-pumpkins (called Jack-be-littles) and using them as candle holders is a great way to make a great centerpiece for the table. Moyle also recommends taking dead tree branches, spray painting them black, and inserting them into a hole made in the top of a pumpkin, then hanging ghosts from the branches.

It's a dead man's party
If your costumed guests are acting like zombies, get some party games going to bring them back to life. Have a pumpkin carving/decorating contest or even a tombstone decorating contest, Moyle suggests.

Warner points out that guests who go through the trouble of concocting a Halloween getup should be rewarded with a costume contest, judged by either the host or the other guests.

Now there's no excuse not to get yourself and your "crypt" decked out in ghoulish garb for Halloween.

Fun with IMovie: Brian and I explain the beauty that is Sugarloving

Allison — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:51:22 -0700

We made this video in 30 minutes... and it shows! I promise my face is not that stretched in real life. Also, the chimp noises were his idea.

Sugarloving... give hearts to the ones you love!

Allison — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:28:34 -0700

Hi All!

I’m the new producer at Sugar. It’s awesome to see so many people submitting links on sugarloving, so I wanted to explain more about sugarloving and how important “hearting” is.

Sugarloving, as you may know, is based on Digg. What makes Digg such a unique website is that it’s entirely user-driven. Every link on the site is submitted by a user and it’s the users who determine what shows up by “digging” the articles they like the most. It’s like American Idol for websites! (Well not exactly, but you get the point.)

The only thing about Digg is that what ends up on top can be kind of… dry. Here’s some of the top ten hits from yesterday afternoon:

-Ancient Flying Vehicles
-Ten Features that should be embraced by game designers
-The Most Amazing Trees in the World (Pics)

Don’t get me wrong, I saw the tree pictures and they were, in fact, amazing. But imagine if it were only Sugar users hearting and submitting links?? “The Office does Abba” video would be on the homepage right now.

So heart the ones you love by clicking on the heart icon, then watch them go to the top of the list so everyone else can check them out! Be sure to send what you submit to your friends. Who knows? We may have a sweepstakes in the works for who gets the most hearts… ☺

-SugarShops

New pug puppy...any tips?

guineapiggin9 — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 17:23:16 -0700

Hi guys!! Since it appears that all of you in this group have pugs I have afew questions for you all. I just a got a pug puppy named Angus. He's 11 weeks old and BEYOND CUTE. I love him already, but he is my first dog. I was just wondering if you had any tips on training him or anything else that you think might be helpful for training my new baby. Thanks!
Angus in al of his adorable glory (notice that he is chewing a shoe lace)

Seasonal solutions for preserving your pumpkin and others

Shiloh Jolie Pitt — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:54:18 -0700

From ReadyMade magazine

I'm getting married - Need some tips!

haute77 — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:12:30 -0700

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone about to get married that you wish you had known?

I'm getting married next Saturday and I'm really looking forward to it.

10 Color Tips for Nails

youngheart222 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:07:04 -0700

Here are some simple tricks to get perfect colored polish for your toes and fingers:

1. Moisturize cuticles. Cuticle oils penetrate the skin bed best.

2. Prep nails by filing. File nails in an oval shape just like the curve of your nail base. Square tips could make your fingers look chubby.

3. It's important to wipe nails with a nail polish remover before applying polish even if you aren't wearing polish. Why? Oils left on the nail (like the hand cream or lip balm) will keep polish from sticking.
But don't clean nails with cotton balls. Why? They'll leave little fuzzies on your nails. A better option is to use a makeup sponge.

4. Wrap the tips of your nails with polish. When applying polish, be sure to bring it over the front edge of the nail and slightly under the tip. This helps prevent chipping.

5. If the polish chips, it's best to remove the paint from the nail and start over. If you don't have time, dip your finger in nail polish remover and smooth over the chipped area and re-apply a topcoat.

6. Smudged your polish while painting? Try this trick: dip your finger in nail polish remover and use it to smooth the surface, repainting with a topcoat.

7. The secret to keeping nails from smudging: Dry time! Surfaces will feel dry to the touch after 10 minutes, but don't be fooled. It actually takes an entire hour for nails to completely dry.

8. When a nail breaks, the best thing to do is to cut it off. But here's a trick if the break is low down (& painful, undoubtedly): cut a tiny strip of gauze from a teabag, place it over the tear & the paint over with polish.

9. To maintain a fresh polish, add a fresh layer of topcoat every other day.

10. How long should your manicure last? Experts say one to 2 weeks. A pedicure should last 2 to 4 weeks.
A couple of expert tips:
- Want to ensure your nails are the right shape? Line each finger up with its opposite, cuticle-to-cuticle.
- Fingers stained from nicotine, berries or too dark polish? Take a whitening toothpaste
- Two thin coats are better than one thick coat. You'll find it dries faster.