BuzzSugar

Buzz News Roundup, 5/19

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:36:26 PDT

For the fourth year in a row, Kenny Chesney won the award for entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard reports. He is now tied with Garth Brooks for the record.
Sigourney Weaver will star in and produce a film for Lifetime called Prayers for Bobby, writes Zap2It.
ComingSoon reports that Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon will star together as parents in a family drama titled The Greatest.
According to Hollywood Reporter, RDF USA has obtained the rights to the old game show Queen for a Day, with plans to pitch an updated version to networks.

Producer Stephen Byrd is planning to make a film version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with the all-black cast currently starring on Broadway, writes Variety.
Billboard has the news that Neil Diamond's album Home Before Dark takes the top spot on the U.K. Billboard charts.
According to an AOL poll, Carrie Underwood is the most popular American Idol, with Kelly Clarkson coming in second place, writes Hollywood Reporter.
Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackoff will join the cast of Nip/Tuck, Zap2It reports.
According to Variety, Cillian Murphy and Eddie Redmayne have joined the cast of White Male Heart.

Source

Earn More Money By Changing Up Your Office Space

LearnVest — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:15:07 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Most of us spend about 40 hours per week at work - in other words, the majority of our waking hours.

And nearly all of those hours are spent sitting at our desks. It’s a definite problem - and not just because we’re missing happy hour or quality couch time at home.

There’s no shortage of discouraging research pointing out the evils of a sedentary lifestyle and claiming that sitting will actually shorten our lives.

But, conversely, making a few tweaks to the way you sit - and the space you sit in - all day has been proven to make you a happier, healthier worker, busy earning your killer salary.

And, scientists say, the happier you are, the more you tend to earn.

In an effort to make the time spent at our desks as productive (and as profitable) as possible, we’ve combed the research for the easiest, most effective tips to soothe your mind and body when trapped in a cubicle . . . or corner office.

Just follow these four steps.

1. Make It Comfy

When we say “comfy,” we mean “ergonomic.” It’s an unfriendly word for a friendly concept: basically it means “intended to provide optimum comfort and to avoid stress or injury.” Friendly, right? Besides, an awkward workspace can lead to major health issues, including disorders in your joints or tendons, so a little tweaking of your cubicle can go a long way for your well-being. Line up your body correctly by following these two principles:

Your feet should be flat on the floor and your elbows should be even with your desk. This can be achieved either through adjustable chairs or - if chairs are a hot commodity at your office - a combination of step stools and pillows.

Read on for more tips.

Adventures in Ingredients: Indian Bitter Melon

Camilla Salem — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:10:57 PST

To me, Berkeley Bowl is a sacred place worthy of a weekly pilgrimage. Perhaps the ultimate food-lover's grocery store, this massive Berkeley, CA, food emporium carries a huge selection of goods from around the world, and at great prices. I consider it a must stop for friends visiting the Bay Area, so why not share my adventures?

The most remarkable part of the store is probably the produce, which is clearly labeled to identify where each item comes from. The international and bulk sections offer never-ending inspiration, the meats and seafoods offer countless options and price points, and I always find myself mesmerized by fruits and vegetables from around the world that I've never seen before.

Case in point: Indian bitter melon. I grabbed five or six of these a week ago in an effort to learn about new exotic foods. Knowing nothing at all, I selected these purely based on the fact that they seemed sort of reptilian and would be fun to photograph. As the days went on (and as the bitter melon sat in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator), I became more hesitant, not sure what I was thinking.

Finally, I braved up, opened my computer, and did a little research. As it turns out, Indian bitter melon, or karela, is a commonly cooked vegetable in Indian cuisine. It's described all over the Internet as an "acquired taste," and apparently soaking it in salt water helps to remove some of the bitterness. I found recipes for stuffing and sautéing with various spices. The health benefits of this strange vegetable are plentiful, particularly in managing diabetes, and typically, I can convince myself to like anything if it's good for me.

To find out what I did with these and what I thought of them, keep reading.

Bacteria Is Not Bliss: How to Keep Your Yoga Mat Clean and Germ-Free

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:36:17 PST

We're knee-deep in cold and flu season and although practicing yoga is a great way to strengthen your muscles and your immune system, doing Child's Pose with your face pressed into a dirty, germy mat is a surefire way to sign yourself up for a case of the sicks. You can protect yourself by keeping your mat clean with these tips.

Bring a towel to class to absorb your sweat, and also wear long pants. The more sweat you can absorb and not allow to pool on your mat, the cleaner it will be.
Choose one side of your mat to practice on. That way, one side always stays clean and only the other side comes in contact with the germs on the floor.
Before you practice, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid passing germs onto your mat. Then after class, roll up your yoga mat and place it in a mat bag or tote to protect it from outside germs.

Don't let your mat make you sick. Keep reading for more essential tips to keep your mat germ-free.

Tales From the Fit Community: Unintentional Naked Yoga

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:03:22 PST

Here is a hilarious yet totally embarrassing hot yoga story from reader FunSally, who shared her wardrobe malfunction in our Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

This is a little story of my first hot yoga class. I was surprised to see mostly men there and, out of a class of 20, only three other women. I was already sweating before we even got started. It was really hot, and it wasn't long before sweat was dripping off me. My mat had a pool of my sweat on it, and I was really having trouble not slipping as I did my moves. For one move, I was sitting on my mat, and we reached for our big toes, spread our legs apart as far as we could, and rolled onto our backs.

I was feeling really exposed. When we stood up again and turned to the front of the room. I saw myself in the mirror. I couldn't believe it. My white Danskin was just that - a skin. I was embarrassed that my shorts and top were totally see-through. It was as if I was doing the class naked in front of everyone; everything was in full sight. My nipples were bare, my ass was completely visible, and my lower lips were open and on full display for the entire class to see. I was so shocked to see that every time I turned around. The men around me all smiled and seemed to be loving the show.

I was so humiliated. Finally when the class was over and I had to turn in my mat, my instructor smiled and ask me how I liked my first class. I told him I was so embarrassed. He told me not to worry about it and that it happens to a lot of first timers. I left the building still wet and exposed. I will never forget the moment when, as I was leaving, all the men said, "It was nice to see you."

Are you worried about experiencing a major wardrobe malfunction during a hot yoga class? Read our tips on how to avoid dressing for an unintentional naked yoga class after the break.

How to Give Your Thanksgiving Plate a Healthy Makeover

Michele Foley — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:17:40 PST

Mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie: Thanksgiving is the day that many of us eat anything (and everything) we want. With the average Thanksgiving meal running 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat, it can be hard to manage the day when you're watching your weight or counting calories. To make the day healthy, enjoyable, but still indulgent, here are a few tips on creating a Thanksgiving-day plate - especially when you're not in charge of the cooking - that won't blow your calorie counts for the day.

Use a Smaller Plate
Studies show that food intake is related to plate size. We're taught to fill our plates and eat every last morsel from them; very often we finish our food before that "full feeling" even has a chance to reach us. Prevent mindless eating by using a smaller plate at dinner (aim for a plate that's between eight and 10 inches); if your host doesn't have a smaller plate, don't feel the need to entirely cover the one you are using or have to finish everything you served yourself.

Think About Portions
The last thing you want to do is to feel like you are depriving yourself on Thanksgiving, so don't. Instead of telling yourself certain foods are off limits, just be smart about your serving sizes. Avoid making huge piles on your plate; instead give yourself a small taste of everything with an emphasis on whole grains, veggies, and protein. Need a little more guidance? Follow these tips for getting portions under control.

See five more tips for creating a healthy Thanksgiving plate after the break!

OnSugar Blog: 5 Must Haves For a Clean, Stylish, Happy Baby and Mommy

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:15:36 PDT

Lots of moms and mommies-to-be like to think out loud, and Nicole Pearl, the Beauty Girl is one of them. She recently posted about her favorite products for baby and mom on her The Beauty Girl blog.

It's only Tuesday and it's already been a big week of celeb news: Kim K's divorcing and Jessica Simpson's having a baby! Breakups suck, but personal experience proves they make you stronger. Babies, on the other hand, are the biggest gift of love. I can't believe my little man Rex is already 8 weeks old! I admit, the past couple of months have been grueling between the sleepless nights and never-ending bouts of spit up. But they've also been the most rewarding, magical moments of my life.

Jessica's announcement got me thinking about how far I've come as a mom. Like, I went from not knowing what a breast pump was to being able to put the parts together in the dark. And the full five minutes it once took me to change a diaper has been shaved down to seconds. In just two months, I've become fluent in baby from gadgets to products. I still have a lot to learn, and I've been grateful to all the moms who have shared their tips with me. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward. I've listed a few of my favorite finds (more installments to come!). Hopefully these will come in just as handy for baby Simpson and all the future tots-to-be.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash: After washing Rex's hair and body with this, he smells just like a baby should - fresh, clean and yummy all at once. I've been sent a lot of baby bath products from a bunch of different companies and will report back on the others as I give them a try.

Kicky Pants, Ralph Lauren and Splendid onesies: A onesie is the baby equivalent of a dress. Just slip it on and the look is complete. From preppy to hipster, I love dressing Rex up in stylish looks, and I've fallen in love with the fashions from these three brands. Kicky Pants onesies come in fun prints and are made with a bamboo fabric that's so soft, I wish they made clothes for adults. Rex may as well be a model for Ralph Lauren because every other thing he wears is RL baby. From the most precious white nightie to a velour jumper, there's a wealth of adorable options, especially for boys. Splendid wins for creating mini versions of fashions that you'd wear yourself. Like the brand's adult line, the clothes are comfy and cute. Check out Rex in the lower photo with his teddy. He's rocking a Splendid hooded onesie.

Baby Aquaphor: I oil Rex up from head to toe every night. I keep a tub by his changing table and a tube in my diaper bag. I swear by this ointment. It's kept his pretty baby face acne free, has fended off diaper rash and stopped the first signs of cradle cap in its tracks.

Keep reading to see the rest of The Beauty Girl's recommendations.

A Guide to Fall-Friendly Dried Flowers

Diana Nguyen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:14 PDT

With all of life's weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, a floral arrangement can carry sentimental value you're just not willing to compost. Instead, dry out your special flowers and turn them into lovely home accents. Dried flowers, although beautifully macabre, don't have to be a dark Halloween centerpiece or potpourri, there are many creative, yet Fall-friendly, ways to transform plant remnants into something everlasting. Check out my guide to drying, transforming, and reusing yesterday's flowers.

4 Ways to Dry Flowers

Air dry - Air drying is the most common and easiest way to dry florals. Tie a small bundle of flowers together with twine or ribbon. For the best results, one bundle should consist of one or similar-size flowers; large flowers work best when dried by each individual stem. Hang the bundle or stem upside down from hooks, rods, hangers, etc., in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Tip: cutting off the leaves before you hang will expedite the process.

Water dry - It may seem counterproductive, but placing stems in a few inches of water and letting the flower absorb the water will eventually dry the plant to the point of your desired crispiness. This process works especially well with hydrangeas, hybrid delphiniums, and acacia.

Oven dry - I know it sounds weird, but flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums dry well in well-ventilated convection ovens. Allow the stems to dangle between small slots on a rack, and just be sure to keep the temperature under 100 degrees. The process will take several hours, but keep a careful eye on the oven!

Microwave dry - The most tumultuous of all the techniques, heat those succulents up via your household microwave. Place them on a paper towel (and don't overlap) and nuke them up on medium high for one minute. If the flowers are still moist, change the paper towel, wait 10 minutes, and repeat the process. When cooled, store in a covered container.

For more tips on preserving your special memories,

Breaking Down Breaking Bad: The 5 Biggest Moments From the Season Finale

Becky Kirsch — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:30:06 PDT

Breaking Bad went out with a bang once again, as the fourth season wrapped up in a very explosive way this week. The finale is very tidy, which makes sense, since creator/writer Vince Gilligan was preparing for the possibility of using the episode as a series finale as well.

I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't checked it out yet, but let's talk about the biggest moments of the episode (right up to that very last frame) when you

Foxy Knoxy: 8 Things to Know About Amanda's Crazy Case

Annie Scudder — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:50:59 PDT

"The nightmare is over," explained Deana Knox, after an Italian jury decided to overturn her sister Amanda Knox's murder conviction today. The bad dream continues for the family of the victim, Meredith Kercher, but after a generally shady legal drama filled with shaky evidence and sensational statements made in the press and the courtroom, many onlookers believe justice has finally been served for 24-year-old Amanda Knox and her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito. The pair will be free to leave prison now, after spending four years behind bars for Meredith's murder. As the bizarre case continues to capture the attention of people around the world, here are some of the details you might want to know.

Who was the victim? "Meredith has been completely forgotten in all of this," the sister of the victim lamented at a press conference before today's verdict. On the night she died, 21-year-old English exchange student Meredith Kercher had decided to watch The Notebook and eat pizza with her English friends before heading home. Known to those close to her as "Mez," Meredith's family described her as "a lovely, intelligent person," and she had earned a degree in European studies.
Why Foxy Knoxy? Many murders happen every day without catching the attention of international media. Amanda Knox's youthful good looks brought her the tabloid nickname "Foxy Knoxy" (originally given to her for her sly performance on the soccer field) and many strong opinions based not on the evidence, but the public's perception of her.
Was she Jessica Rabbit or a she-devil? It's not just the press who paid attention to Amanda's looks. In court she's been called a "she-devil," a "witch," and a "femme fatale" by the prosecution, and her attorney called her an "angel face" similar to Jessica Rabbit. He said, "Jessica Rabbit looks like a man-eater, but she is a faithful and loving woman," he continued, she "is not bad, she's just drawn that way."
Who is Rudy Guede? Following the murder, Ivory Coast immigrant Rudy Guede, an acquaintance of Meredith, fled Italy. His fingerprints and DNA were found in Meredith's room and on her body, and he was convicted of the murder and sexual assault after being granted a fast-track trial. He originally said he had sex with Meredith and then came out of the bathroom to find a strange man standing over her with a knife, but later changed his story to fit the prosecution's, saying it was Raffaele and Amanda participating in a sex game gone wrong. He is now serving his prison sentence, and some protesters outside the courthouse today chanted, "Shame, shame. They condemned the black man."
What about the dark sex games? The prosecution alleged that Amanda and Raffaele killed Meredith in a drug-induced orgy, and the fact that Meredith dressed as a vampire the night before her death - as it was Halloween - fueled rumors that Amanda had a thing for witchcraft. In fact, the prosecutor in Amanda's case, Giuliano Mignini, had used this reasoning before, reopening a previous murder investigation on the theory that the killer was a satanist from a cult.
How was her sexual history used against her? Much was made of the fact that Meredith had become upset with Amanda for leaving a sex toy around their flat. There were also mentions in the press of Amanda's "visible cold sores" on her lips. And when she went out with Raffaele to buy underwear after being locked out of her crime-scene flat, it was considered an insensitive reaction to the murder. Footage of them shopping for the thong underwear, recorded by the store's cameras, was played across the TV and Internet. Amanda's sexuality was meant to somehow prove her guilt.

Find out more about her bizarre behavior and the bad evidence below.