April 21, 2013

AdSense

Have I told you my sister is a genius? Besides that, she pins the coolest things on the Pinterest.  For example, take her Common AdSense.

But she is the creative type.  I am so not.  I tend to err more on the practical side of life.  Though I do love beautiful ads in my "dirty" magazines or on the enormous billboards of my fabulous city, etc.  The one ad campaign I absolutely adore is Kenneth Cole Reaction.  Very clever.  Very bold.  Very effective. 








http://kennethcole.tumblr.com/

April 20, 2013

RANDOM QUOTE: Bob Marley



So excuse me, if I refuse to settle for anything other than perfect.  :P

April 14, 2013

RANDOM TIP: what not to wear

I have discovered a library a block away from my flat.  Needless to say, I have been reading a lot lately.  So much - they should give me frequent reader miles.  Among such books as "Pride and Prejudice", "The Catcher in The Rye" and "1984", the latest book I have read was "what not to wear" by Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine.  Do recommend.  Belong are some of their tips that resonate with me the most.

  •  Nehru jackets are for men only.
  • Chuck out the clothes that don’t suit you – even if you think of them as old friends.
  • Plunging necklines are only for perfect décolleté undamaged by the sun or age.
  • Backs are sexy alternative (to no boobs), so keep them shining and exfoliated.
  • Any panty line on the rear is revolting.
  • Put on an outfit that you feel most confident in and work out why you like it so much. What does it cover and what does it reveal?
  • Never wear baggy sacks.
  • Deep V-necks cinch in the waist.
  • Thick belts around the hips make the waist appear smaller.
  • All things double-breasted must be chucked out.
  • Tailored coats left undone create the appearance of waist.
  • Always wear your hem to the ground when wearing trousers with high heels.
  • If you can’t walk in your high heels, they won’t give you confidence.
  • No skin tight shiny fabrics.
  • Make sure clothes skim rather than cling.
  • Don’t wear your belts too tight.
  • The only time you can get away with a lot of gold is when it’s in your mouth.
  • The longer the distance of flesh to the boobs the longer the neck will look. The more flesh you show on your cleavage, the longer your neck will look.
  • Black and brown shows should never be worn with pale outfits.
  • Style is wearing something one else has (ever worn). 
The book is filled with many many more.  Please visit your local library.  :)


April 2, 2013

RANDOM TIP: Nutrition

I know I am always thinking about these kinds of things.  Especially after birthday celebrations.  :)  So hopefully, my research will be helpful to you too.

TrainingPeaks: A Calorie Is Not a Calorie
http://home.trainingpeaks.com/articles/nutrition/a-calorie-is-not-a-calorie.aspx

WHFoods: How Does Digestion Work
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=faq&dbid=16

LIVESTRONG: Calories To Eat
http://www.livestrong.com/calories-to-eat/


Yeah, it got deliciously sinful today.  >:)

February 3, 2013

RANDOM FACT: Body Fat

Yesterday at the gym I had my body fat measured.  I don't know how accurate that thingy is, but I am at 13.7% body fat. It made me curious about what it really means. According to current health guidelines, essential fat for women is 10 to 13%.

Should we focus more on the level of body fat, rather than the number on the scale, in our weight loss struggles?
 
 
Source:
 

January 30, 2013

Lucky January

1. Tone-on-tone dressing
2. Metallics (clothes, accessories and make up)
3. Graphic prints
4. Statement jewelry
5. Ultra bright colors (try a moto jacket in neon pink pg 49)
6. Classic manicure (aka red nail polish)
7. Eyeliner
8. Shiny hair
9. Mixing patterns: bold stripes and florals almost always complement each other.
10. Statement heels or flats
11.  Layered look (and they mean llaayyeerreeddd!)
12. Lucky suit - no matchy-matchy!
13. The snood is back!

Dang, you have to be super careful, when reading fashion/style magazines.  I call them "my dirty magazines" - must pick out the gem ideas from all the garbage and clutter.  But these DKNY shoes are literally in every magazine this month.


Source: Lucky magazine, January 2013

January 27, 2013

OMG! I am a turophile!

I love cottage cheese.  It's one of my favorite foods.  At any giving time I have two or three different kinds in my fridge.  Theoretically, I eat it because it is a great source of lean protein, since I lift practically every day.  In reality, I eat it because I just can't get enough of the creamy goodness. Normally, I strive for portion control and only eat a couple of teaspoons at a time. But on Sunday mornings I allow myself to indulge - cottage cheese is the only thing I eat for breakfast.  And I eat as much I want.


I am not exactly sure why cottage cheese has some kind of stigma attached to it in US.  But I know that you should definitely eat more of it.  It doesn't hurt that some varieties are calcium fortified, which is great for your bones.  In addition, cottage cheese it a very versatile food.  It pairs with so many other flavors and can be used in many dishes. These are a couple of my suggestions.  What's yours like?

  • Chocolate syrup
  • Raisins 
  • Dry cereal
  • Orange juice concentrate
  • Brown sugar and cinnamon
  • Instant coffee
  • Pudding
  • Fruit
  • Jam
  • Salsa
  • With chopped spinach, thawed
  • On peanut-buttered crackers
  • As stuffing in crepes
  • In pastries
  • In a salad 
  • In a lasagna (just don’t tell you husband)
  • On baked potato
  • In dips
Source: 

January 26, 2013

January Shape Facts

  • Violets are "the flower of modesty because its blooms are hidden in the leaves; violets possess a powdery scent that's popular in perfumes". pg. 16
  • 47% of readers spend 2 to 5 hours on social media EVERY DAY! pg. 20
  • People who regularly slather themselves with sunscreen aren't more prone to being D-deficient than those who don't.  pg. 41
  • The risk of skin cancer jumps 75% when people use tanning beds before age 30.  pg. 44 (Well, I'm screwed!)
  • 49% of women who cite crow's feet as their top wrinkle concern. pg. 44
  • Overhydrating can take a toll on skin by flashing essential vitamins and electrolytes our of your bloodstream. pg. 44
  • When applied to skin, yogurt hydrates and promotes the good bacteria, such as S. epidermidis, while minimizing the bad ones, like pimple-promoting P. acnes. pg. 46
  • Women think about their wrinkles 5 times a day on average. pg. 46
  • Only 6.3% of women lift weights. pg. 59
  • 12% of gym-goers enroll in January. pg. 60
  • Women who cycle through their weight loss are just as likely to shed pounds later as those starting a program for the first time. pg. 79
  • 33% of women admit to eating in front of the tube. pg. 80
  • Those who turn over food packages to look at the nutrition labels weigh an average 9 pounds less than those who don't. pg. 80  (Don't just look at it - read it, people!)
  • Working out first thing in the morning may help control your appetite.  pg. 80 (I second that.)
  • People who down four or more cups of green tea a day are 16% less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than nondrinkers are.  pg. 85
  • 57% of Americans wash their hands for only 5 to 15 seconds. pg. 97
  • One  study found  that a light box (that replicates the sun's beams, sans the harmful UV rays) treatment boosts both mood and cognitive performance; another showed it can improve motor skills.  pg. 98
  • Obesity epidemic is spreading... More than half of all dogs and cats in the US are now overweight - compared with 3/4 of humans. pg. 98
  • Acupuncture significantly relieves discomfort from osteoarthritis, migraines, and chronic back, neck, and shoulder aches.  pg. 100
  • Caffeine ups your energy level and athletic performance. pg 101
  • Each year, about 22,280 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer; about 15,500 will die of it. pg. 102
  • The average desk is host to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. pg. 108
  • 62% of office workers regularly eat their lunch at their desk. pg. 108
  • Visual clutter limits your brain's ability to process information, which makes it harder to focus. pg. 108
  • Employees who decorate their work space are happier, healthier, and 32% more productive when those who don't. pg.108
  • Excess abdominal fat has been linked to higher triglycerids, pre-diabetes, and inflammation. pg. 114
  • 68% of men and 59% of women believe in love at first sight. pg. 116
  • Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a number of health problems, including weight gain, decreased immune function, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. pg. 140
  • 34% of women make or receive at least 11 phone calls and send or receive more than 11 text messages daily. pg. 140
  • Using an iPad for two hours before bed suppressed levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles, by 22%. pg.140
  • 9% of pet owners share their bed with them.  pg. 141
  • Nearly half of Americans are oblivious about their credit score. pg. 162
  • 80% of credit reports contain mistakes.  pg. 162
  • The best time to shop for electronics is in March. pg. 165
  • Katy Perry has had seven number-one hits in the last two years. pg. 176
Source: Shape magazine, January/February 2013

http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/killer-5-minute-abs-workout

January 23, 2013

Da Perfect Woman?

I love to read.  I read a lot.  At any given time I am reading something. For example, right now I am reading a very curious book - "Why Do Men Love Bitches" by Sherry Argov. I have never had a "self-help" book captivate me this much.

One thing I really like thus far is her definition of the societal label "bitch".  A bitch is "an empowered woman who derives tremendous strength from the ability to be an independent thinker".  Sherry also provides ten characteristics that define a bitch:
1.   She maintains her independence.
2.   She doesn't pursue him.
3.   She is mysterious.
4.   She leaves him wanting.
5.   She doesn't let him see her sweat.
6.   She remains in control of her time.
7.   She maintains a sense of humor.
8.   She places a high value on herself.
9.   She is passionate about something other than him.
10. She treats her body like a finely tuned machine."

Throughout the book Sherry also uses other expressions to define her perception of a "bitch":

  • kind yet strong;
  • a strength that is ever so subtle;
  • will stand up for herself;
  • knows what she wants, but will not compromise herself to get it;
  • flowery on the outside and steel on the inside;
  • uses her femininity to her own advantage;
  • plays fair;
  • has the presence of mind to not be swept away by romantic fantasy;
  • remains cool under pressure;
  • knows when to pull back and stop giving;
  • she is a mental challenge;
  • has an edge;
  • lives by her own standards;
  • places high value on herself;
  • capable of holding her own in a relationship. 

Hmmm... I don't think I mind being a bitch at all.


January 20, 2013

2012 Great Male Survey

Lately I've been working on a small piece for work - a survey.  In partnership with SurveyMonkey.com, of course.  Thus, I have been doing a lot of research on surveys in general.  This is a curious one. 

http://www.askmen.com/specials/great_male_survey/

Apparently, males have evolved.  Who knew?