There’s always been something rather satisfying in receiving a card in the mail (that’s right, remember good old-fashioned snail mail?). Invitations sent via e-mail or Facebook, while convenient, just haven’t been able to carry the same amount of thoughtfulness and personalized touch. Until now—Paperless Post takes the e-invite into a civilized age, letting you design and send custom invitations and announcements expediently online.
Created by siblings Alexa and James Hirschfeld, the site cleverly allows subscribers to choose among a dizzying array of card styles, fonts and design flourishes that perfectly mimic the heft and look of elegant stationary, complete with envelopes that open with a click. In addition to feeling good about your carbon footprint, you’re also easily able to monitor as recipients receive their invitations, and manage their replies. Who says you can’t bring formality and manners into the 21st century?
Add one hour of sleep to your schedule, and you could drop up to 14 pounds this year. New data from the University of Michigan shows that you'll likely eat 6 percent less if you replace 60 minutes of awake time (when you may snack) with an hour of shut-eye. And a Harvard study that tracked around 68,000 women found that those who clocked only five or fewer hours of rest a night had a 32 percent greater chance of gaining more than 30 pounds over a 16-year period than those who got seven hours of sleep.
Drink Water, Lose Weight
You've heard it again and again — H2O, at zero calories, is the best diet drink. But if you're still hooked on high-cal beverages, check out these numbers: Researchers who tracked 240 overweight women found that those who replaced sweetened drinks with water lost five more pounds, on average, than those who didn't. Why these sips add up: A can of Coke is 146 calories; a cup of grape juice, 154 calories.
Laugh It Off
A fit of giggles doesn't just boost immunity and cut stress levels, it burn calories too. Researchers from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee locked up 90 people in a room to watch comedy clips on TV, and found that those who laughed used 20 percent more energy than those who didn't laughed. Laugh for 10 to 15 minutes a day, and you could burn off 2.2. kilograms a year.
Listen to Lose
Exercising to the right song can help you get fitter, report researchers from Brunel University in England. They found that music helped participants work out longer. The key is to find tunes that get you going (think James Brown's "I Feel Good"). Once you sit down to eat, however, silence is best. A study from Georgia State University showed that people munched more when music was playing.
Healthy Glow
Get glowing with an all-over self-tanner. Darker Skin can give you the appearance of shaving shaved-off 5 to 7 pounds by slimming problem areas like your belly and thighs. Bonus: Self-tanner also masks stretch marks and cellulite.
Portion Patrol
Tired of cooking? We hear you. But consider this before you order a takeout: A recent study showed that restaurant meals have at least 60 percent more calories than dishes prepared at home. Portion size may be a factor. In a survey of 300 chefs, many of the cooks copped to serving 12-ounce-or larger-steaks (the recommended portion is 3 ounces), and one to two cups of pasta (one serving is half a cup.)
Chew on This Slowly
If you always rush through meals, watch out. A study from the University of Rhode Island showed that women who raced through a pasta lunch in nine minutes ate 646 calories. Those who took their time (about half an hour) consumed almost 70 fewer calories. And not only did they eat less — they felt fuller.
Oprah's Energy Policy Reserve. Restore Take - Off Sundays....
Energy is the essence of life. Everyday you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and want it takes to reach the goal, and maintaining the focus, That means asking yourself, Is what I'm doing part of my overall plan-and can I release the energy I'll need?
* OPRAH WINFREY. LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE (2005)
~ Different cultures have similar notions of a vital energy from people draw life. It's called 'Chi' in Chinese, 'Ki' in Japanese, and 'Bayu' in Balinese. Norman Vincent quoted a foremost scientist on this universal energy: "The most powerful energy one can generate is prayer. Prayer, like radium is luminous and self-generating form of energy.
Are you and yoursis forever battling it out over precious space in your room? Here's how to keep the peace.
It's something we've known since kindergarten: sharing is good! But it isn't always - easy - especially if you ave to share a room with a sibling. Solve these common rommie dilemmas with a few nifty tricks!
Sitch (Situations)
Sitch: SPACE HOGGING
solution: DRAW THE LINE: Divide the room in half. You don't literally have to paint a line on the floor, just use a rug to mark your territory.
sitch:VARYING INTEREST
solution: COMPLEMENT YOUR SPACES: You may be a girly girl while your roomie's an edgy chick, but your room doesn't need to look like one big mess! Pick prints that reflect booth styles but make sure to use similar hues. Another trick is to put your choice movie posters (no matter what genre in indentical frames.
sitch: CLUTTER MAGNET
solution: KEEP IT SEPARATED: Assign one type of storage box per person to make sure your things don't get mixed up. And gently remind her to keep her knicknacks hidden away in boxes
sitch:NO PRIVACY
solution: DIVY (DIVIDE) IT UP.: When buildin a wall isn't an option, go for the next best thing - a divider that you can set when you need some "me" time. The bonus? You can fold it right back up when you want to hang out with your sis or roomie.
There’s just nothing to be gained from drinking soda. Think about it -- people don’t hesitate to drink what is basically a bubbly brew of water, sugar (mainly high fructose corn syrup or HFCS), food coloring and assorted chemicals, packed with calories and lacking in nutritional value. Carbonated soft drinks are the single largest source of calories in the American diet, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, providing about 7% of our total calorie intake. In addition to staining, eroding and decaying our teeth, soft drinks are associated with an increased risk of obesity, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and possibly osteoporosis. Now there is a new health problem to add to that list -- kidney damage
MORE SODA = MORE SUGAR = MORE RISK
In a study of 9,358 adults (mean age 45), women who reported drinking two or more sugary sodas within the last 24 hours were nearly twice as likely to have albuminuria -- excess levels of a protein in the urine that is a possible sign of kidney damage. More research is needed to determine if the association with kidney damage is due to sugar in general... HFCS in particular... or some shared lifestyle characteristics of soda drinkers.
Here’s what we know so far...
The widespread use of high fructose corn syrup -- popular with manufacturers because it is cheap, sweet and extends shelf life -- has been prevalent over the same time period there’s been a significant rise in diabetic end-stage renal or kidney disease. The body processes HFCS differently than regular table sugar, and in so doing may cause harm to the kidneys.
Mercury has been detected in many products containing HFCS. Mercury is involved in the manufacturing process for most commercial HFCS -- and mercury is a risk for kidney disease. (Too read more on this new identified hazard, see Daily Health News, April 27, 2009 : Dangerous Treats: Mercury In Sweets Made with High Fructose Corn Syrup)
Other ingredients in soda, such as phosphorus in colas, may contribute to kidney stones, which are a risk factor for chronic kidney disease.
Men did not have this problem (more research is needed to learn why). Neither did people of either gender who drank diet soda, which is one reason why investigators believe HFCS may be responsible. Results of this research were published in the October 2008 issue of PLoS ONE.
DRINK WATER According to researcher David Shoham, PhD, MSPH, of the Loyola University Health System in Illinois, in order to protect your kidneys, in order to protect your kidneys, your best bet is to simply drink water instead of soda. Soda just isn’t worth it.
Source(s):
David Shoham, PhD, MSPH, assistant professor, department of preventive medicine and epidemiology, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Illinois.
BOTTOM'S LINE, DAILY HEALTH NEWS (JUNE 2009)
Too read more about Water and Soda (Coke), and some facts and trivia about the two, go here:
Water VS. COKE http://myworldly-life.blogspot.com/2009/05/water-vs-coke.html
There are no shortcuts to healthy living, but a busy person can always do the next best thing...
It's no mean feat to be the poster girl / boy for All Thing Healthy when you're plunked in the chaos that is school (high school, college, etc) In between rushing to finish your homework, splitting time among family and friends, and being active in your clubs, you're lucky if you're able to devote any time to a good fitness and wellness plan. However there are always ways to stay on top of your health - quick alternative doses that cost next to nothing.
Real Thing: Hit the treadmill a day. Next Best Thing: Sneak in your Cardio - wherever, whenever.
Get your heart pumping every day by getting off the couch. It isn't too difficult - the places you frequent often offer great oppurtunities for cardiovascular activities. Take the stairs instead of the mall escalator or exert more effort during your next PE class.
Real Thing: Drink eight glasses of water a day. Next Best Thing: Down water regularly.
Recent findings have shows that eight glasses of water isn't the optimum amount - it's more of a figure that reminds people to stay hydrated.
Listen to your body and down some more H2O when you're thirsty and on a regular basis. You know you're getting enough water when your pee is a very pale yellow.
Real Thing: Sleep eight hours day. Next Best Thing: Take a nap / siesta.
Napping is a great picker - upper after burning the midnight oil! A 20 - to - 40 minute nap is enough to give you the extra jolt of energy you need to last the day. Schedule your nap any time before 4 pm so you won't have a hard tome hitting the pillows come night time.
Real Thing: Build muscle through strength training. Next Best Thing: Train sans the complicated weights and machines.
A lot of exercises are dosable with stuff you already have.
Stack up encyclopedias to make a bench for step-ups that'll target your butt and legs.
Strengthen your calves by setting the balls of your feet on a thick book and slowly rising your toes.
Real Thing: Eat healthy dishes. Next Best Thing: Go for the lesser Evil.
You can't always avoid canteen / cafeteria foods.
Work around it by choosing grilled instead of fried, or eating yogurt instead of ice cream. It's all about making the healthier choice.
Strawberries, blueberries, peaches-your favorite in-season fruits taste awesome, but they're also beauty products in disguise. Here's why!
Besides keeping you healthy, summer fruits deliver major beauty benefits, according to experts. According to dermatologist Jeannete Graf, "Brightly colored picks in season now contain high levels of nutrients that improve your skin, protect your hair, and even undo some UV damage,". You can also amp up the results you get from eating these natural beauty boosters by applying them to your body with DIY masks and scrubs. The antioxidants help peel away dead skin and add moisture to hair. Don't have time to mix up anvthing? Slacker' Just kidding. We offer store-bought substitutions that do the trick too.
BEAUTY BENEFITS
1) Finner Skin (Strawberries)
Supernutrient: Vitamin C. According to Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, " Vitamin C is essential for the production and formation of collagen, the skin's support structure." Unlike some antioxidants, your body does not produce C on Its own, so it's key to pack it into your diet.
Best summer Source:A cup of whole strawberries (about 8), says nutritionist Jackie Newgent, author of Big Green Cookbook. Pop them in your mouth whole (if you slice them, eat fast since vitamin C breaks down when exposed to air). Or make a crushed-berry cooler: Blend a cup each of strawberries and ice. Pour into a glass, and garnish with mint.
Fresh beauty fix:
Try a vitamin - C treatment to tighten pores sun spots every few weeks, says Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas.
Puree a handful of strawberries, the juice of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup plain soy yogurt (It helps fade brown patches).
Let in the fridge for 30 minutes, then apply to your face and neck. leave on for half an hour, and rinse off.
Follow up with SPF since applying C makes you ultrasensitive to harsh rays.
Store-bought swap: Rub on a vitamin C serum nightly. Try Avon Anew Clearly C Seum.
2) A Glowing Complexion (Blueberries)
Supernutrient: Vitamin E. It reinforces your skin's natural barrier, helping to keep it hydrated and dewy. In the summer, you might think you have more than enough dew on your face, but sweating actually depletes your internal H20 levels, so it's important that your skin stays replenished to avoid flaking.
Best summer source: A cup of blueberries has tons of antioxidants, including some hydrating vitamin E, says Newgent. Mix them into your yogurt in the morning or sprinkle over a grilled-chicken salad along with a handful of almonds (a great source of vitamin E)
Fresh beauty fix
Seal in moisture with a fruity blueberry mask once a week.
Put 2/3 cup of blueberries in a blender, and mix for a few seconds.
Add in the juice of 1 lemon, a handful of sliced almonds, 1 tablespoon full-fat plain yogurt, and 1 tablespoon honey.
Continue to blend until everything turns into a medium-thick paste.
Remove from the blender, and transfer to a small bowl.
Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes; it will be easier to app
ly on your skin after it's chilled. Spread the mixture evenly onto your face and neck, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off.
(Note: Do a patch test on your arm first to make sure your skin isn't reactive or allergic to any of these ingredients.)
Store-bought swap: Slather on Rouleau's Tripple Berry Peel with blueberries, once a month
3) Strong Hair and Nails (Avocado)
Supernutrient: Essential fatty acids.These help your body produce healthy oils-the kind that keep your hair strong and your nails from turning brittle. (And as an extra peril, these good fats moisturize skin too.) Without an adequate supply, your body chums out an irritating form of sebum, which can clog hair follicles and slow the growth of nails, explains hair doctor Philip Kingsley.
Best summer source:Half an avocado, make a delicious guacamole dip: Dice the flesh of half an avocado, and mix with a small handful of diced red onions and a dash each of minced jalapeño, Iime juice, and sail.
Fresh beauty fix:
Try this weekly luster-enhancing remedy: Combine 1 mashed avocado (1/2 for short hair), I egg Yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Work into damp hair. and leave on for 30 minutes, then shampoo.
For nails, combine 1/4 avocado,1 egg white. 2 tablespoons oatmeal, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, Apply to nails and cuticles for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Store bought swap: Burt Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment
4) A Smoother Body (Peaches / Apricots)
Supernutrient: Vitamin A. It promotes cell production and tum over, ridding dead skin so your body feels more supple. Research shows it may also reduce damage caused by overexposure to the sun.
Best summer source: One to two peaches or apricots. Look for ones with a deep orange flesh and skin to get the most vitamin A. Dice up a couple, sprinkle with lemon juice, and toss on top of grilled fish or poultry.
Fresh beauty fix:
Whip up a weekly body scrub to slough off built-up skin.
Puree 2 pitted peaches.
In a bowl, mix puree with 1 tablespoon olive oil and enough brown sugar to make a thick paste.
Lightly scrub all over, and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water for instantly polished skin.
Store Bought Swap: Caress Daily Silk Body Wash with Peaches
5) Fewer Breakouts(Tomato)
Supernutrient: Lycopene. It helps fend off zits and redness by reducing inflammation that can lead to pimples and clogged pores. Adding more to your diet can actually deliver clear·skin results comparable to those of anti acne Rx's, says Dr. AleKiades-Armenakas.
Best summer source: A large tomato. The deep red fruit, particularly the skin, is a tasty way to get lycopene. Site the whole, fully ripened fruit, and top with a little balsamic vinegar and basil for an appetizer. Or chop and saute with olive oil and garlic to create a pasta sauce-the nourishing fat along with the heat of cooking help make the l lycopene more available to the body.
Fresh beauty fix:
Do a weekly tomato mask.
Place thin tomato slices over your face, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices seep in.
Follow up by slicing another tomato in half and rubbing the smooth side of both halves in small circles over the skin, Rinse with warm water.
The Iycopene declogs pores and acts as a natural astringent to eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
Store bought swap: Massage in a YES to Tomatoes Total Treatment Facial Mask,
Want to get skinny, by eating the right food, visit this site: The Comfort Foods That Make You Skinny : http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Comfort-Foods-That-Make-You-Skinny
After having hubpages, as my second blog... i decided to make a new one in blogspot.. a blog where i will put mostly about my studies, thoughts on politics, and etc.. I have also placed there the various essays and papers i submitted in class.. there are more to come.. I want to share my ideas... My third blog is here: http://xstudentbluesx.blogspot.com/.....
I will posts my thoughts on health, fashion and beauty, computer bitz mainly here on Melting Pot of Ideas...
OMG...Got, so much ideas, i do not know where to put it...My blog, (MELTING POT OF IDEAS) here is a bit crowded with ideas of fashion, health, computer...But i still love it...
If you want me to post something else or have an request, like a download of something...just comment here.. New ideas are appreciated...
To check out my other blog, go here: http://xstudentbluesx.blogspot.com/...
Get lean and mean with just 15 minutes of exercises everyday!
1)Arms
WORKOUT: HAMMER CURL FOR BICEPS
GRAB: Two full 500 ml water bottles
Hold a water bottle in each hand with your palms facing each other. Bend your arms at a 90 degree angle.
Keep your elbows close to your body as you slowly curl the weights up to your shoulder.
Slowly lower weights back to your starting position. Do three sets of 15 repetitions (reps).
2. ABDOMINALS
WORKOUT: BICYCLE CRUNCH (TONES ENTIRE TUMMY) GRAB: a mat
1. Lie flat on mat and place your hands behind your neck. Lift legs and bend at a 90 degree angle.
2. Slowly move your legs in a bicycle motion; as your left knee nears you, bring your right elbow close to it - as if to meet it. When it' your right knees that moves close to you, reach your left elbow to it.
Do two sets of 30 reps. Count entire motion (left and right) as one repetition.
3. Arms
WORKOUT:TRICEP EXTENSION
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold weights with both hands. Raise your arms over your head.
Keep your elbows in the same positions as your lower your arms behind your head as far as you can - or until the weights touch your back.
Slowly return arms to starting position. Do three sets of 15 reps.
4. Butt
WORKOUT: SQUATS (TARGETS BUTTOCKS AND THIGHS) Grab: a chair
Stand straight (in front of a chair with your feet shoulder width apart - don't lock your knees, keep them them soft.
Tighten your butt and tights as you slowly dip your body down (as if to sit on the chair). Right before your butt touches the seat, lift your body back up to starting position (keeping muscles tight.)
Do three sets of 15 reps.
5. Legs
WORKOUT: LUNGES(TONES ENTIRE LEGS)
Stand with feet slightly apart. Take a step forward with your left leg and bring your right knee down until it almost touches the ground.
Return to starting position and repeat on the other side.
Tips on how to stop stress-induced imperfections from taking over with these easy-to-do remedies.
These tips are very useful...I am very busy in school, so sometimes i usually get eye bags, and pimples because i stay late at night.. and sometimes i do not have time to pamper myself..But with these tips, i could minimize their appearances, and etc.. I am glad i started following this...
1. EYES
Studying late into the night can wreak havoc on your peepers (eyes). A good night's rest and some eye drops are sure remedies. But instead of stopping there, try a lightening treatment for your eyes.
After you wash your face, gently massage a whitening cream onto the under-eye are for maximum comfort and care.
TRY: L'Oreal White Perfect Eye
2. SKIN
Thinking about your paper's looming deadline? Don't let anxiety rule the roost and cause a tiny zit to evolve in a volcano. An acne-fighting skincare regimen is great. But why not try a good concealer with healing properties as well?
Dab the product directly onto the pimple and watch your zit disappear into oblivion.
TRY:Tea Trea Oil Cover Stick, BodyShop
3. HAIR
High levels of stress due to project deadlines can cause your hair to act just like combination skin, becoming extra oily at the roots and dry at the ends.
Washing hair everyday may do the trick, but why not care for your hair with a regimen specifically for the problem? Spray your roots with a scalp-healing treatment to get your tresses back in shape.
Try:Biolage Oil Oil Control Treatment
4. LIPS
Cool weather and less humidity tend to dry out everything, including your pucker. Everyday application of regular lip balm is a fine habit to keep.
But why not indulge in an intensive lip treatment to fully condition your pout and make it ultra-kissable? Dab on this balm at night and first thing in the morning. You'll be glad you did!
Start busting those thought bubbles by seeking the answers to these important life questions.
One of the realities of growing up is being concerned with the bigger picture. You begin to think about your goals and your relationships with other people on a larger scale. You have a lot of questions on your mind, but are you asking the right ones? Grab a pen and paper and answer the questions below to help you do some soul-searching.
1. What am I good at?
Insecurity comes from prioritizing other people's expectations of you rather than being confident in yourself. You may lose your individuality while struggling to please other people all the time.
BUST IT! Make a list of what you're good at and what you're not good at. Learn to develop your strengths and accept your weaknesses. On a scale of 1 to 10, you may be a 3 in sports, but a 10 in music. Worrying about your weaknesses might minimize your strengths, so focus on your 10s instead to maximize your potential.
2. Whose opinion matters?
Whenever you encounter a dilemma, who do you turn for advice? Friends may be good listeners, but have your thought of turning to Mom?
BUST IT! Develop a healthy, open relationship with your mom, your older sister, or an older relative. Think about it, they are once teenagers like you and might have gone through similar experiences. It's easy to underestimate older people's advice, but hear them out. Instead of seeing them as cops out to spoil the fun, develop a friendlier relationship with them.
3. What keeps me from doing something?
Scared of making mistakes or being criticized for your work? Fear will get you nowhere. A lot of unhappy people have let fear rule their lives and end up never realizing their full potential.
BUST IT! Courage is not the absence of fear, but action in the midst of fear. Remember a person is not a failure for doing so many things that did not work out. She only fails when she has stopped trying. Consider mistakes as lessons learned. Even the most sucessful people have failed on their way to sucess..
4. Why am I so stressed?
Schoolwork, soccer practice, long exams .... the list goes on. If you're too busy to take a step back, how can you pinpoint what's bothering you?
BUST IT! If your daily activities cause you stress, then take time to think about what you want to change. Are you still taking those piano lessons your mom insist even though your heart isn't in them? Do you need more "me" time and less gimmicks? Complaining will just waste your energy. Only change can relieve stress!
5. Who are my real friends?
Remembering the people who've been with you through thick and thin will not only give you and idea of who to call when you've got a problem, but will also prevent you from taking them for granted.
Bust It! Develop friendships with people who give you space to be yourself and room to make mistakes. Stick to those who accept you for who you are, yet encourage you to change for the better. Sorrounding yourself with people who believe in you will push you on the road to success.
6. What makes me happy?
Had a bad day? Don't dwell on negative aspects when times get rough! Dwelling on sadness can keep you from focusing on the good things in your life. And most of the time, the situation is not as bad as you think.
BUST IT! List down all the simple things that make you happy - hearing you favorite song on the radio, receiving encouraging texts from friends and family, or even a nice cold iced tea on a hot summer day. It's good to keep a list to remind you to be thankful for the good things you have - things you usually fail to appreciate. A grateful attitude makes a whole lot of difference.
7. Who inspires me?
Knowing what you want in life and having role models give you more purposes. You being to see things on a broader scale and learn to customize your choices according to your life goals.
BUST IT! Learn to choose your role models. Find inspiration in their sucesses and how they made it to the top. This way, it makes realizing your dreams easier to achieve. If other people have made it, can't you?
8. What do I need to change?
Who does'nt want to become better? If you find yourself frequently stressed or irritable, it means you need to change something.
BUST IT! Re-examine your habits. Do you get things done on time? What makes you impatient? Then start new habits to improve your disposition. It may takes a lot of time and effort, but it's better than being a humbug. Remember. Change can start from little things you do everyday.
9. What do I need to let go off?
Go through life without the excesses that weigh you down! More than material things that you need to take out of your closest once in a while, it is usually emotional baggage that you need to let go off to live a happy life.
BUST IT! Who needs emotional baggage? Learn to stop holding off grudges against people have offended you. If you want real change in your life, why npot be the first to reach out and forgive.
10. How can I can be confident?
Confidence is not a feeling you get. It may seem like other people have it easy being confident in the things they do, but everyone has his or her own share of insecurities and fears, no exceptions. It's simply a matter of how to deal with it.
BUST IT! Can't let go of fear? Then do it even though you're afraid! It doesn't matter if you're scared or uncertain of yourself. It may take awhile, but that's how you practice confidence! Each time you decided to take a step out of your shy zone and simply get things done is a step closer to a more confident you!
Don't let the busy season stop you from looking your best. We give you, a week of fast, easy-to-do-looks...
Monday: Event day ~ If you are attending a couple of events today, and want to to stand out and make an impression..
How to: Make an impact by playing up your eyes in a fun, tinsel palette. Apply the silver eye shadow on your top lids. and draw on black eyeliner to prevent the colors from washing out your eyes...
Tuesday : Agency Visit ~
How to: Lining your eyes with a green eye pencil instantly gives you an artsy, bohemian looks. The best part is there's no need to be too precise because the chunk tip is perfect for smudging.
Bright red lipstick can get your date-ready in a snap!
Top it off with gloss to prevent your lips from cracking.
Avoid getting lipstick on your teeth by sticking one finger in your mouth and pulling it out while puckering your lips around it.
Thurday: Casting Call
How to: Layer and blend easy-to-apply creme eye shadows in a great color pallete. These are crease-resistant, plus, they glide on smoothly and stay on all day. Sweep all over your fingertip for a soft, warm glow.
Friday: GET-TOGETHER
How to: Update your look with one of the hottest trends this season: winged eyeliner! Simply draw on black liquid liner in short sweeping motions and extends just past the outer corners of your eyes.
Saturday: Shopping
A day of running doesn't require full-on makeup! Wear a lightweight, sheer foundation to keep you looking fresh. A high SPF (preferably a minimum of 15) can protect your skin from the sun's harsh UV rays.
Sunday: Reunion
How to: Spread cream blush over the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers. Dab a bit of blush on your lips to match the color of your cheeks.
Giveaway of the Day - free licensed software daily
Giveaway of the Day gives you a different commercial software application, free of charge, every day. Yes, there's a catch, but it's a simple one: each program is made available for only 24 hours, and you have to install it the day you download it.
The software will be available for download for 24 hours (or more, if agreed by software publisher) and that software will be absolutely free. once you download and install it, it's yours to keep forever (or at least until you reformat your hard drive).The software you download doesn't expire after 24 hours.
To check the softwares available for today go here: http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/
I have read an article in Reader's Digest about some ways of how to channel our outrage with the government. The article basically is about how the leaders in America have let it people down.. The article contains ways on which people could use there voice in other countries, to fight for their rights or to let the government know about them.
I think the ways Michael Crowley wrote in Reader's Digest could also be used by people in other countries to make their voices be hear.
The only way to get your country back on its feet for regular folks to speak up.
Here are five ways to channel your outrage.
1. Speak up.
When ordinary citizens don't use their voices, special interest groups and their expensive lobbyists fill the void. That means we all have an urgent obligation to follow how our members of Congress are voting and let them know how we feel about it. Sure, the sausage making in Washington can sometimes be hard to understand. But technology is making it easier than ever to decipher and monitor the machinations of the backroom deal cutters and help keep them honest.
One website, congress.org, lets you sign up for updates on how your representatives and senators have voted and what key votes are coming up. It also offers ready-made forms you can use to e-mail them your opinion.
The nonprofit Sunlight Foundation posts the text of major bills, like the stimulus plan, as well as information on special interest contributions and a map of where congressional earmarks go.
But you can go further than this. Why not talk directly to your representatives in Congress? Most hold regular open meetings with constituents and allow time for you to ask questions and raise concerns. Call your representatives and senators and ask when the next one is scheduled, then go speak your mind to someone with true power.
2. Fight the spin—fact-check.
Get ready for masses of misinformation to fill the airwaves. Our country is weighing major changes in a number of areas, ranging from health care to energy policy. Special interests have billions of dollars at stake, and many of these issues are the subject of fierce political infighting.
Expect everyone from partisan loudmouths to well-funded lobbyists to dominate the discourse in the media and to shell out millions to bend public opinion to their will.
Be wary of pundits—on the right and the left—who act like they have all the answers. Be especially skeptical of advertising that doesn't make clear who's paying for it and what their larger agenda might be. If you see a tough ad about legislation on television, use Google as a weapon: See what key facts might have been left out and then decide for yourself. We can't afford to be passive anymore.
3. Be a watchdog.
Don't just let the politicians know how you feel. Tell them what you're seeing.
Washington recently passed a $787 billion stimulus bill, which offers unprecedented opportunities for waste, fraud, and abuse. The Obama administration has pledged to be the most transparent in history, so look to see if it follows through. Keep an eye on recovery.gov, the official website for information on the stimulus bill. Citizens Against Government Waste tracks abuses and is a tough critic of government spending. And monitor local news sources to see how the money is being spent.
If something looks wasteful to you, contact your elected officials or watchdog groups like the Project on Government Oversight, which specializes in monitoring federal contractors. You can even keep up with the work of the special oversight panel Congress has created to monitor the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the $700 billion financial industry bailout it passed last October. The panel's website, cop.senate.gov, lists its reports and public hearings and features a page where regular Americans hit by the financial crisis can tell their stories. If Washington knows millions of eyes are watching our money, it's much less likely to get wasted.
4. Keep it local.
Although the massive stimulus bill originated in Washington, hundreds of billions of dollars in stimulus spending will be handled by state and local governments, far from the eyes of the White House and Congress. As readers of this column know, statehouses and local government bodies are often rife with corruption. We can't afford to let a few favored contractors get sweet deals or stand by as dollars are wasted on stupid pet projects that don't create jobs.
Fortunately, it's easier to have an impact on the local level. So contact your state legislator and ask how your tax money is being used and what he or she is doing to ensure that big-business excesses aren't repeated in your home state.
5. Join with others.
A group of concerned citizens can have more power than one voice. Even a dozen people calling or, better yet, visiting the local office of a congressman or a city council member to discuss a specific issue can make a big impression. If you care about an issue, start a group on Facebook and invite others to join, swap news and tips, hold events, and take specific action.
It's not just politicians who will take notice of a committed group of concerned citizens. You can get the attention of corporations. One way is to check in with the some organization, which can connect you with state and local groups that are working on issues—electricity prices, hidden credit card fees—that hit home for you and your neighbors.
There's no silver bullet. But the only way to get your country on its feet without compounding our problems is for regular folks to speak up, get involved, and make it clear that we won't stand for the culture of greed anymore.
Keeping Them Honest
Wost the website that magazine gave is for USA...If you lived from another country, and you want to channel your outrage on your dislike about the government in your area, follow the 5 ways, and look for some organizations / groups that will help you know more about how your country performs, may be it through the passed laws, bills, and etc...Don't just know what's happening in your country, make yourself part of it by action. From Reader's Digest - June 2009
Iced tea is more than just cool, especially if it's freshly made green tea. Brew some up to get:
HELP WITH YOUR WEIGHT. Overweight or obese exercisers burned off three more pounds and 7 percent more belly fat when they drank green tea instead of another beverage with the same calories, according to a new multi center study.
PROTECTION AGAINST CANCER. Regular drinkers were 12 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than nondrinkers, according to research in 6,928 Chinese women.
REDUCED RISK OF STROKE. A UCLA review of nine studies found three cups a day cut the risk of stroke by 21 percent (black tea was protective too.)
HEALTHIER GUMS. In a study of 940 men, the more green tea a man drank, the less likely he was to gum disease.
Numbers That Count: 25% Increase in the number of snack calories people consume when they sleep 5 1/2% hours a night instead of 8 1/2 hours...
The Single Girl's Bible "According Cosmpolitan January 2009"....
Have a Blast on New Year's Without a Date
Choose the right group to celebrate with. If you have friends who act really exclusive with their significant others (think tons of PDA), don't hang with them.
Plan you own-get together, whether it's cocktails at your place or mellow movie night where you and some pals forgo the requisite (and often overrated) festivities.
If you want to party hard, try to arrange to attend more than one bash. You'll be exited knowing you won't be stuck should one gathering turn out to be a dud for unattached chicks.
Decide ahead of time what you'll do when the ball drops and couple's start kissing. Call your best friend or sister who is celebrating elsewhere or uncork a bottle of champagne at the start of the countdown.
Convo Starters
Getting the cold shoulder isn't just saying. Being socially excluded can actually make people feel chilly, according to new research.
A study found that when puppies play, males often let the females win. The opportunity to play is more important to them than winning is, plus acting like a gentlemen may encourage females to choose them as a mate later.
Get a Heavy Bag Down From the Overhead Bin
Step 1: Grab the handle of the suitcase with your right hand, and pull it hallway out of the compartment so that it's balanced on the edge of the bin and tipped slightly toward you. At the same time, take s small step back and lean backward a bit. This ensures that your legs - rather than your back - are supporting the majority of the bag's weight.
Step 2: Slide you left hand under the bottom of the suitcase, and slowly lower it onto the closest aisle seat (wait for one to be vacated)
Step 3: Readjust your feet so they're hip-width apart and parallel to each other (to give you stability.) Bend your knees as you lift the bag and lower it to the ground.
How to Score a Great Table at a HotSpot
Tell the host it's a special occasion like a birthday.
If it's in your budget, preorder a nice bottle of wine - you'll look like a big spender
Dress up
Solo Ritual Stuart
Once a month on say a Friday afternoon or evening, stop by a local salon for a blow-out. You'll instantly feel more gorgeous, and it will set off the weekend on the right food...
The Pleasures of Sleeping Naked Alone?
It's a treat to be able to stretch out, so take advantage of the entire bed - savor the sensation of the soft pillow and smooth sheets... The physical acts of stripping off layers is mentally and emotionally freeing too. So concentrate on letting go of stress. It won't be long before you discover that the more solo time you spend in the buff, the more comfortable you feel in your own skin..
If you run a windows computer, you'll know like many others than after a while your system will in no doubt start running slow. Most people will restart their computer to remove idle processes. But if there is a simpler way, why restart every time windows decides it doesn't like you today?
1. Right click on an empty spot on your desktop and select New Shortcut.
4. Give your shortcut a nice name like Clear Memory.
5. Click Finish and you're done.
Now whenever your computer starts running slow, click this shortcut to clear out your memory and get your computer running at a normal pace again
It's great when you haven't rebooted in a few days or so.
*Also check your task manager, using alt + ctrl + del, to find out which program is using more memory...sometimes, when i close a program, i check my task manager, because there are some programs that still runs even you close them..You can end the process of the program, but please be careful because some processes in the task manager, are system / windows files..those programs that are safe to close, are not labeled as system, it is either labeled the name of your computer, like pc user, user 1. etc...
A Banana a day, keeps the doctor away! This is interesting.After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.
It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in Vitamin B that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking & Tobacco Use:Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassiu! m and ma gnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress:Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes:According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, 'eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts:Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit.
Posts
