Drop 5 Lbs! Quickly

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.

24-Calorie Treat

If you're craving sugar, try an almond stacked on top of a dried apricot — it tastes like a cookie. Really.

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.

Stay-Skinny Pasta

How to indulge without gaining: Cook the pasta al dente, so it's firm to the bite. Why? The longer you boil noodles, the more the starch breaks down, which raises the pasta's glycemic index. This causes your blood sugar level to rise faster — and may increase your junk food cravings too. Studies show that when you cook spaghetti for five minutes, its glycemic index is 38; after 20 minutes, it shoots up to 61. But even al dente cooking doesn't mean you can eat piles of fettucine Alfredo every night. And high-cal pasta sauces are still off-limits.

30-Second Exercise Trick

Now you can work out less — and get more fit. A recent study from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, showed that about a half-hour of sprint cycling (alternating speeds by pedaling quickly for 30 seconds and then at a slow pace for four minutes) is as effective as an hour and a half of moderate pedaling. The key is the series of 30-second power bursts.

You Snooze, You Lose

Add one hour of sleep to your schedule, and you could drop up to 14 pounds this year.

Laugh Off 40 Calories

It's no joke! A study from Vanderbilt University showed that you can burn up to that many calories by laughing genuinely for 10 to 15 minutes.

Bye-bye Baby Weight!

To shed post-pregnancy pounds, turn off the tube and head outdoors, say researchers at Harvard Medical School. They tracked 902 new moms and found that for every hour of TV watched daily, a mother’s risk of retaining baby weight increased by 24 percent; for every hour of walking daily, it fell by 34 percent.

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Romantic Date Ideas

Skip the dinner and a movie and get close with these unique date ideas.

Go to the Beach
Frolic on the sand at a local beach.Play touch football near the water, and talk about your favorite summer vacation trips.

Botanical Garden
Smell the roses at a botanical garden. Wind your way through manicured lawns and groves of blossoming trees, taking the time to sit near the fountains. Sip cups of tea at the outdoor café, and enjoy the romantic scenery.

Cornfield Maze
Get lost together in a corn maze. It might take hours for you to find your way through, but who cares! After you get out, warm him up with a cup of hot cider and some cuddling.

Beer Brewery
Suggest a brewery tour and he'll think you're the coolest girl in the world. By the time you're ready to taste-test, he'll already be drunk on love.

Comedy Club
Laugh together at a comedy club improve show. Be prepared to play along if the actors pull you on stage at some point in the evening. Your date will think you're easygoing and fun, and he won't be able to stop talking about the girl with the wonderful sense of humor.

Amusement Park
Spend the day running around an amusement park. Find time to chat as you wait in line for rides, and share a bag of cotton candy at the dolphin show. As a cheesy memento, offer to buy the photo of you both screaming as you plummet downhill on the big roller coaster.

Aquarium
Filled with angel fish, tiger sharks, and ancient sea turtles, no place exudes romance more than an aquarium. Stroll through the hushed, darkened rooms, pointing out your favorite creatures, and he'll notice how beautiful you look, illuminated by the glow of fish tanks.

Learn to Dance
Sign up for an hour of swing dancing lessons. Even if he's not light on his feet, he'll enjoy grabbing your waist and twirling you around. Stay for the all-couple dance session afterward to get more practice — or as an excuse to keep touching each other.

ractice Your Golf Swing
Book an hour or two at the driving range. If you really end up hitting it off, play a game of nine holes and grab a drink at the clubhouse for even more one-on-one time.

Go Bungee Jumping
For the ultimate dating adrenaline rush, get your blood pumping by going bungee jumping. Ask for a double harness, and cling to each other as you soar through the air...just resist screaming in his ear. Once you survive the experience, plan your next extreme date: skydiving.

Race Go-Karts
Race around a track in go-karts. Take turns behind the wheel to prove you don't "drive like a girl," and have fun trying to knock cocky teenage boys off course. If you're really feeling frisky, suggest driving your own cars for the ultimate Speed Racer showdown.

Check Out a Jazz Club
Groove to sensual sounds at a jazz club. Sip martinis at a table for two, and tap your toes to trumpet solos and the thumping of a stand-up bass. You'll feel sophisticated and relaxed, and he'll be mesmerized at your beauty by the glow of candlelight.

Fly a Kite
Take a kite to the beach or a local park for an afternoon spent with your heads in the clouds. First, work together to get the kite up, then brush hands as you pass the handle back and forth. If the wind won't cooperate, head to the swing sets and catch some air there.

Hit Up a Karaoke Bar
Sing your hearts out at a karaoke bar. Down a couple of drinks for courage while you peruse the song list. Belt out a crowd-pleasing favorite together, and then judge everyone else's performances à la Simon Cowell.

Go to the Spa
Your hot metrosexual will enjoy an hour of pampering at the spa just as much as you. Suggest a polish-free mani and pedi, then stroll down your town's main street, window shopping along the way. Stop at a sidewalk bistro for cappuccinos and biscotti.

Stroll Through the Park
Keep it simple with a stroll through the park. Pick out your favorite frozen treat from an ice cream vendor, and get to know each other, while you people-watch from a park bench. Find a Little League team to root for, and share favorite memories from your childhood.

Go Rowing
Glide around a lake in a rowboat. Take turns mastering the oars, and try not to capsize your tiny craft. If you're feeling brave, recreate the "Kiss the Girl" scene in The Little Mermaid...minus the singing fish.

Sail Away
Rent a sailboat and take to the water. Play first mate to his captain by shoving off and rigging the mast. Then let him steer you to a secluded alcove, where you can drop anchor and enjoy the ripple of the waves — and each other's company.


Romantic date ideas, best first dates, best date ideas, first date ideas, date night ideas, unique date ideas
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Posted in: Food and Drinks,Others,Pamper,Tips

Beauty Myths: Fact or Fiction? Part 2

Myth: Coconut oil is an effective skin hydrator.

Fact. Coconut oil contains natural moisturizers that will help breathe life into dull skin. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, then steer clear!

Myth: Olive oil can be used to make an at-home cleanser.

Fact. Believe it or not, olive oil really can be used to make a quick at-home cleanser — but only for normal complexions. Mix a quarter cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of brown sugar and dab onto dry or flaky areas to exfoliate the dry skin.

Myth: Split ends can be reversed.

Fiction. Unfortunately, once split ends happen, the only way to get rid of them is by getting a haircut. Also, try to limit the use of heated tools and appliances (hair dryers, flat irons, etc) for shinier, healthier locks.

Myth: Avocados can make a great skin mask.

Fact. Sounds weird, but it works! Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with a little bit of lemon juice. Apply this mask to your face and neck for an over-the-counter toner/firmer.

Myth: Certain cleansers can make your pores smaller.

Fiction. Pore size is genetic, so although there are tons of products out there claiming to shrink the size of your pores, they don't work to minimize pores permanently. What they can do is temporarily make your pores appear smaller.

Myth: Toothpaste can zap a zit.

Fact and fiction. Toothpaste contains ingredients that can dry out the skin, ultimately drying out/clearing up pimples. While this is true, drying out the skin can also cause irritation, so the benefits are short lived.

Myth: Matching eye shadow will make your eye color pop.

Fiction. Actually, contrasting your eye makeup with your eye color is what will really stand out. Here are a couple recommendations based on your eye color:

Green/Hazel: Plum, deep browns, and light golden hues

Blue: Smoky charcoals, chocolate, and bright berry tones

Brown: Soft pinks, natural beige, and shades of bronze

Myth: Teeth whiteners can damage tooth enamel.

Fact. Make sure you follow the directions line by line when using teeth whitening products. If these products are used improperly or too frequently, it can result in permanent damage to your teeth.

Myth: I pluck one gray hair, multiple gray hairs will grow back in it's place.

Fiction. This isn't true — which is good because some of us were starting to worry! While plucking gray hairs won't make more grow back in its place, it's not a good habit to get into since it can damage the root.

Myth: Consistently wearing dark nail polish can turn your nails a yellowish hue.

Fact. This was tough news to take since dark nail polish is definitely in this season, but not to worry — this yellowing is temporary, not harmful, and can also be avoided! Before painting your nails a deep dark hue, paint on a layer of clear base coat to protect your nails from any discoloration.

Myth: Sleeping on your back may prevent wrinkles.

Fact. After hearing this, we're never sleeping on our sides again! The American Academy of Dermatology says that sleeping in certain positions may result in "sleep lines." After time, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so flip over and get your shut-eye on your back.

Myth: Brushing your hair 100 times every night will increase its shine.

Fiction. We wish! Brushing your hair too much actually increases the potential for pulling out strands of hair. Instead, just brush your hair when drying or styling it and use a shine spray.

Myth: Cutting your hair will make hair grow faster.

Fiction. While we wish this one were true, it seems your hair will grow at its own pace (usually about half an inch per month) no matter how many trim-ups you take. Don't do away with trimming your hair altogether though, since it will look much healthier without the split ends!

Myth: Beauty products have an expiration date.

Fact. That's right — just like groceries, your beauty and hair products have a shelf life, too. The expiration date depends on the beauty product. Here are a couple common ones:

Mascara and Liquid Eye Liners: 3 months

Liquid Face Makeup, Cream Eye Shadow: 6 months

Powder Face Makeup, Powder Eye Shadows, Pencil Eye Liners, Lipstick, Lip gloss: 2 years

Myth: You don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day.

Fiction. The sun's damaging UV rays are still in full effect even on a cloudy day. In fact, the cloud cover sometimes gives a false sense of security, since some think that cooler temperatures and less sunshine can’t lead to skin damage.

Myth: Ignoring a need for glasses can lead to wrinkles,

Fact. Ignoring the need for glasses means more squinting, right? And more squinting leads to...you guessed it wrinkles. In fact, any repetitive facial movement can lead to wrinkles so wear your glasses and sunglasses!

More Myths

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Posted in: Lip Gloss,Skin Type Solution,Tips

Beauty Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Myth: Chocolate makes you break out.

Fiction. Chocolate won't cause a breakout, but it is true that a poor diet can irritate your skin, so try to limit your chocolate cravings!

Myth: Cucumbers will help de-puff your eyes.

Fact. Cucumbers can do the trick — and so can anything that's cold and can be easily applied to your eyes. The coldness restricts blood vessels which reduces swelling and puffiness. Just make sure to limit the application to about five minutes for optimal results.

Myth: 8 hours sleep can help me lose weight.

Fact. Obviously we're not eating while we're sleeping, but in addition, not getting enough sleep can prevent us from burning as many calories as we should throughout the day...so get back in bed and rest up!

Myth: Your cell phone can make you break out.

Fact. Okay this is gross, but...apparently cell phones are premiere breeding grounds for germs. Some experts say the average cell phone has more germs than toilet seats — yuck! Make sure you take a clean cloth to your cell phone screen every so often to help get rid of any breakout-causing germs!

Myth: Waxing or shaving will make my hair grow back thicker.

Fiction. Contrary to popular belief, shaving and waxing will not make hair grow back thicker. Actually the hair is a bit shorter than normal, therefore seeming thicker and coarser while longer hair appears more fine.

Myth: Pumping the mascara wand helps to apply mascara better.

Fiction. This is a big no-no as far as mascaras are concerned. The only thing you get when you pump the mascara wand is extra air and bubbles in the mascara tube which dries it out and decreases its lasting power. If your mascara is running low but it's not time to toss it, just slowly twist the brush as you remove it to pick up more of the product.

Myth: Sharing makeup with your friends is like trading germs.

Fact. As much as you'd love to try your friend's new lip gloss, makeup applicators and brushes pick up entirely too much bacteria. Just pick up your own makeup, and make sure the makeup stores you buy from clean the products they use to test on customers.

Myth: Popping a zit is fine if only done once in awhile.

Fiction. Please try your hardest to leave your skin alone — especially during a breakout! Messing with a zit will spread oil and bacteria to the clean parts of your skin. Plus, popping a zit will undoubtedly aggravate your pores and won't leave you with the fresh-looking skin you were after in the first place!

Myth: Obsessive face washing can eliminate acne.

Fiction. Over-washing your face will dry it out and remove natural oils, which will put your face into over-oil production mode. Stick to washing your face twice-daily, once in the morning and once at night.

Myth: Drinking tea can make my teeth look yellow.

Fact. Red and white wine, soda, tea, and coffee can all contribute to the yellowing of tooth enamel. If you just can't give up your morning tea or latte, try to sip through a straw when possible to minimize contact with your tooth enamel.

Myth: Drinking lots of water will keep my skin healthy.

Fact. Drinking water will definitely keep you hydrated and healthy and those benefits apply to your skin too! Next time you're craving a soda, reach for a tall glass of water instead — trust us, your skin will thank you!

Myth: The best place to apply perfume is on pulse points.

Fact. Applying perfume to pulse points is the best way to make your scent last all day. Fragrances react with heat, so spritz your perfume on your wrists or the back of your neck and you won't need to worry about re-applying.

More Fictions and Facts

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Posted in: Lip Gloss,Skin Type Solution,Tips

Spring Makeup Trends for Every Age

Spring Makeup Trends for Every Age. Give your brown shadow and neutral lipstick a break. This season is all about bright, vibrant colors. Here, tips on how to pull it off.

20s: Hot Pink Cheeks

20s: Matte Skin

30s: Statement Lips

30s: Dramatic Liner

40s: Metallic Eye Shadow

40s: Strong Brows

50s: Plump Lips

50s: Glowing Skin

spring makeup new makeup trends spring and summer, makeup

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Posted in: Skin Type Solution,Trend

Heidi Klum Covers 'Marie Claire' April 2010

Heidi Klum rocks an understated, cheerful Anthony Williams dress on the April 2010 cover of Marie Claire.

Williams credits Klum for giving him inspiration for the dress: “Heidi’s pregnancy was happening right before our faces! he laughs. I thought, this woman is not sacrificing fashion at all. She is 100 percent full frontal ‘I am pregnant, I am fashion, and I am fierce.’ I was really inspired by that.”

Check out Heidi’s cover spread at MarieClaire.com

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Posted in: Celebrities say,Magazine Scan

Tabu's photoshoot with Dabboo Ratnani

Tabu's photoshoot with Dabboo Ratnani *Exclusive Pics*

 

 

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Posted in: Bollywood