BuzzSugar

What to Download: New Music on iTunes

BuzzSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:30 PDT

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: Not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores, including iTunes. So I take a spin through each week's iTunes music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download. Here are today's selections:

A little rock: I added this album from The Walkmen to my list of must haves for August because I'm a fan of their dark, boozy rock - but I know they can be an acquired taste. The new album, You & Me, has already won me over with singles like "In the New Year" and "Postcards from Tiny Islands." This album might not be the biggest deal of the year but I remain a fan and am definitely adding this to my iTunes library.

Earth to music lovers!: Yippee! New Dandy Warhols is finally here and their sixth album Earth to the Dandy Warhols is getting some mixed reviews. Rolling Stone says the album is a "misstep" while the Guardian calls it their "most self-assured set yet." What to make of such diverging opinions? Well, it will always be difficult for them to top "We Used to Be Friends" in my heart but we've all agreed that "World The People Together (Come On)" is great, and this other new track called "Love Song" is totally sweet (I think I hear banjo!). So, we'll have to judge for ourselves but honestly, I'm already sold.

Two more singing ladies, so

A refreshingly mature voice: If you've ever been even the slightest bit ~~addicted to~~ charmed by a Rhianna song in the past, you will probably enjoy Karina. I just happened to stumble across her debut album and for someone so young her music is good, and it's not just about, you know, sneakers. Songs like "16@War" are danceable and lyrically interesting. I also might listen to "The Love We Got" secretly. . .maybe. . .OK fine, I bought it and I like it.

Sad and pretty: Yeah, it's lonely and a little sad, but the music from Juliana Hatfield's new album is also really pretty and wonderful. It's exciting to have her music here and available for my bus-riding. We already got a peek at "This Lonely Love," and I'm now digging "Remember November" because I have Novembers I hope certain people also remember. . .

Music Video: Juliana Hatfield, "This Lonely Love"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:30:17 PDT

Technically, this Juliana Hatfield song is kinda sad and lonely (hence the title, of course), but the chorus is so catchy I've taken to happily belting it out along with her when I listen to it. I think "This Lonely Love" has a spot waiting for it on my commute playlist.

The video isn't particularly inspired, but it certainly gets across the aloneness of this lonely love, as we watch Hatfield walk around by herself on streets and near trees and on the beach. "This Lonely Love" is on Hatfield's upcoming album How to Walk Away, which is available for download now and will be officially released Aug. 19. To check out the video,

Source

What It Takes to Buy a Home

Kiplinger — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:14:47 PDT

Do you have what it takes to buy a home? Consider this exhaustive guide from Kiplinger.

Tired of renting? It could be a great time to buy your first home. In many cities, home prices have bottomed, and rents have risen. Mortgage rates are still superlow. In fact, homes haven't been as affordable since 1971. On the downside, in many cities, buyers have fewer homes from which to choose and more competition for the best houses.

In Austin, TX, newlyweds Mark and Ariane Corcoran bought their first home in March. They were renting in a popular downtown neighborhood, where they paid $1,200 a month for a 500-square-foot loft apartment, when they inherited enough money for a down payment. When they began shopping, they expected to buy a classic 1930s Austin bungalow. They found lots of prospects online but drove by most of them. "Agents are really good at taking photos that exclude what they don't want you to see, like the used-car lot out back," says Mark.

They put in an offer on a $225,000, 800-square-foot home. But after the home inspection, they realized that it needed $20,000 to $30,000 in renovations and repairs and that they'd quickly outgrow it. They walked away during the state-mandated rescission period (during which a buyer can back out for any reason and get back any earnest money deposited).

Ariane identified their next prospect within an hour after the listing appeared online. It was a newly built, 1,600-square-foot home with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a yard for the dogs. The builder asked $270,000, the couple offered $260,000, he countered, and they paid $268,000. They put down 20 percent to avoid private mortgage insurance and snagged a 30-year fixed rate of 3.75 percent from a credit union. Their monthly mortgage payment is $1,524.

Before you take the plunge, consider the answers to questions often posed by first-time buyers. Read on for what to ask yourself.

An Everyday Athlete Is Still an Athlete

espnW — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:59:39 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Risa Isard

On June 23, 1972, Title IX was signed into law, leveling the playing field for female athletes. To mark the 40th anniversary, espnW explore the impact of this landmark legislation.

You might not know me, but chances are you know someone like me. I'm that girl who grew up playing hoops in the driveway with my dad and brother every night after dinner. The one who played rec soccer for 10 years, starting out on a boys team. The one who persuaded her middle-school gym teacher to let her run the monthly timed mile against boys, then wrote her target time on her arm - in permanent marker. The one who took field day just a little too seriously.

The one who is thankful every day for Title IX.

Counting down the best of the past 40 years

Growing up, I wasn't an elite athlete, but I had passion to spare. I ran, jumped, threw, and kicked on a daily basis and eventually I found my calling in high school track and cross country. I was good (I earned seven varsity letters), but not good enough for the next level.

So when I arrived at Duke nearly four years ago, I found myself wondering something that had never crossed my mind before: was I still an athlete?

Answering that question was no easy task. As I read about various elite athletes, I recognized our shared pasts. Like gymnast Jordyn Wieber, I used to pull old cushions into the middle of the family room and do cartwheels, somersaults, and front handsprings. Like many WNBA stars, I was the only girl in neighborhood basketball games. I lacked their natural ability, but I came to realize that we are connected through dreams and experiences. We all began by thinking of ourselves as athletes and scheduling our lives around sports at a young age. That doesn't just go away.

Read on for more.

4 Coffee Break Tips to Boost Your Energy (It's Not Just About Caffeine!)

Self — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:15:34 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Are the words "coffee break" kind of an oxymoron to you? Probably so if you are just guzzling your grande while you are still at your desk and barely even looking up from your work. While it's true that caffeine can provide you with a jolt of energy, taking an actual break to enjoy your coffee could be the key to getting a better energy buzz from your cup of joe.

The folks at Gevalia introduced me to the idea of fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break that Swedes take two times per day to enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack. Self has reported that taking a true coffee break can leave you feeling happier and more sociable. I thought the idea sounded interesting and I gave it a try for myself and found that I felt more energized from the combination of stepping away from my work and drinking the coffee than I normally do from just downing my java on the go. Read on for some ways you can enjoy a fika of your own.

Countdown to the Big Day: How to Hire a Personal Trainer

Leta Shy — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:50:46 PDT

You're hiring a caterer, florist, and wedding planner, so why not also enlist the expertise of a personal trainer? If you're trying to lose weight for your wedding, having a trainer can be one of the best ways to help you reach your goals. But since you're on a timeline, it's important to ensure you're getting what you need from your training sessions. Here's how to hire the right personal trainer before you walk down the aisle.

Start early: Personal trainers can help you get results fast, but they're not miracle workers. Waiting too late to lose the weight can add unwanted pressure, which can make workouts stressful and ineffective. To ensure you have enough time to lose weight the healthy way, celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson recommends that future brides start shopping for a trainer at the beginning stages of their wedding planning (like when you start looking for the venue).
Know your goals: Your personal-training package will start with an initial assessment of your fitness level, but you should have an idea before you begin your trainer search of what you want to get out of your sessions. Are you already a pro on the elliptical but want to know how to get your arms in strapless-wedding-gown shape? Do you need your trainer to recommend a healthy eating plan to complement your time in the gym? Knowing what you want in a trainer helps you both ask the right questions before designing your fitness regimen.

Read on for three more tips for picking a personal trainer.

Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Prom-asaurus"

Becky Kirsch — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:30 PDT

It's prom time again on Glee, and this year's festivities contain just as much drama as last year's, plus infinitely more dinosaurs. That's right - Brittany decides to exercise her presidential rights in order to celebrate the peace that apparently once existed between cavemen and dinos. It doesn't make much sense, but it does give Brittany the opportunity to prance around in a Flintstones-esque getup to Ke$ha's "Dinosaur."

It wouldn't be prom without a heated race for king and queen, and the usual suspects have their eyes on the prize: Quinn, Santana, Kurt, and Brittany. Only Quinn uses questionable methods in hopes of winning the crown, but once again, there's a shocker when the envelopes are finally read. It really feels like we're inching closer to that bittersweet Glee graduation, so let's recap the episode when you

Can I just say how much I loved all of the performances this week? OK, "Dinosaur" isn't about to be added to my iPod, but the slate of pop songs is otherwise wonderful. Rachel, Kurt, and Blaine harmonize beautifully on "Big Girls Don't Cry," while "Love You Like a Love Song" and "What Makes You Beautiful" are perfect current choices for the prom. The clincher of course is "Take My Breath Away," which serves nicely as the prom king and queen dance. Overall, I was feeling it.
With NYADA no longer in the picture, Rachel decides to shift her focus away from her shattered dreams and on to her prom and her wedding. That is, until she learns that Finn and Quinn are campaigning together for prom. It's easy to see both sides of the equation: Rachel doesn't want her prom night ruined by another girl, but Finn wants to help his friend who's had a rough year. Rachel doesn't give in though, and decides to throw her very own anti-prom party. It might have been a good idea if anyone besides Kurt, Blaine, Puck, and Becky showed up.
Quinn starts making major strides at therapy with Joe's support, and decides to show off her walking skills at the prom. In the meantime, she shamelessly uses her condition to sway voters, much to Finn's chagrin. He's sent over the edge when he catches her on two legs during the prom, and is particularly mad at himself for putting Quinn's feelings first. Finn nearly gets into a brawl with Joe after aggressively demanding that Quinn come clean to all the people that voted for her, but ultimately storms off instead.
Finn sets out to bring Rachel and co. back to the prom, which is well timed since Rachel just so happens to be showing off her perfect prom dress at that very moment. It seems like everyone's happy, until Santana learns that Brittany won't win prom king and is bitter about the whole prom court situation. Quinn has earned the most votes anyway, but she takes no pleasure in the victory - and tells Principal Figgins that Rachel was a write-in winner. It's a very sappy, very Glee moment, but it's a refreshing change of pace after Kurt winning prom queen last year as a cruel joke. Rachel's genuinely shocked, and once she realizes she's not in her own version of Carrie, she enjoys her moment in the sun.
There are major strides for the rest of the kids as well: Becky finally gets her crown, Puck fulfills his lifelong dream of spiking the prom punch, and Blaine conquers his fear of going gel-free. Like I said, big accomplishments.

How did you feel about the second helping of prom - and which prom episode do you prefer?

Photo courtesy of Fox

How to Avoid Gaining Weight While Dating

FitSugar — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:41:52 PDT

Being in a relationship is so exciting that spending so much time together can cause your healthy lifestyle to fly out the window. You may even adopt some of your partner's unhealthy habits. That can add up to some extra pounds on the scale, so here are some tips to prevent weight gain while dating.

Remember that eating an extra 500 calories a day will make you gain a pound in one week, so be conscious of how much you're eating. Just because your guy has three slices of pizza, that doesn't mean you should too. Guys need more calories, so remember to eat appropriate sized portions, even when dining together.
You don't have to eat just because your partner is. Guys tend to inhale their meal, and then an hour later they're eating again. It can be tempting to join in if food is in front of you, but don't nosh unless you're truly hungry.

Keep up with your regular exercise schedule. When you're in a relationship, you don't want to sacrifice the things that are important to your own well-being, so make time for your 20 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Get up early before work or steal away during lunchtime so you don't feel like it's taking away from time spent with your loved one.
Or better yet, exercise together. Meet at the gym after work, play tennis or racquetball, take salsa dance lessons or a Vinyasa yoga class, or join a dodgeball team.
Spend more time being active together instead of sitting on the couch. You don't have to be really athletic, but you can tour a museum, take a walk in the park, hike in the woods, or go for a bike ride.
Sign up for a healthy cooking class together so you can both learn new ways to make delicious dishes that are full of nutrients but not full of saturated fat, cholesterol, and empty calories.

How to Help Your Guy Through Family Drama

Laura Marie Given — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:00:14 PDT

When your other half is struggling with family issues, it can be tricky to find your place. You want to help without being intrusive, you want to console without making him uncomfortable - so what are the boundaries? Every relationship is different, of course, but here are a few tips on how to offer support without crossing a line:

Open the lines of communication. It may seem like a no-brainer, but the quickest way to offer your support is to ask what he needs from you. Find out whether he wants to talk or ignore the issue, then respect his needs. If he says that he needs a bit of space, step back for a little while and wait until he comes to you.
Know your boundaries. Even if your partner regularly complains about the same family member or the same messy relationship, it's simply not your place to echo those sentiments. Chances are he's already feeling extra sensitive, so he may not respond well to your unsolicited opinion.
Choose your words wisely. A good rule of thumb: Offer your thoughts only if (and when) he seems open to them. This isn't to say that you need to walk on eggshells around your guy, but you should try to be kind and considerate when you share your perspective. Practice compassion and know that the people involved are people he cares about.
Listen now, follow up later. Sometimes people vent and only need you to act as a soundboard - without trying to solve the problem. Avoid trying to fix any issues right away. Instead, sit and listen, then check in later to see if he needs anything else from you.
Dream up distractions. Your partner may need to focus on something other than family issues, so get creative with your date ideas and try to keep things fresh. Do something new, be adventurous, and remember that not everyone likes to talk things through. Sometimes, diversions are the way to go.

Tribeca Takeaway: Take This Waltz

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:56:41 PDT

The Tribeca Film Festival is in full swing in New York City, and Take This Waltz was among the many we were excited to check out. The film stars indie staple Michelle Williams as a woman whose magnetic pull to a neighbor makes her question whether she is truly happy in her marriage.

Who's behind it? The film was written, produced, and directed by Sarah Polley, whose most recent directorial work is 2006's Away From Her. Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby, and Sarah Silverman star.
What's it about? Margot (Williams) has been happily married to Lou (Rogen) for the past five years. They tell one another they love each other so much that they detail ways in which they'd kill the other (usually with kitchen appliances), and they're supremely intimate in every way except on a sexual level. Despite their evident love, the couple isn't communicating on a very basic level, making Margot feel as though something is missing. In a series of chance encounters abroad, she ends up meeting Daniel (Kirby), who is mysterious, dark, handsome, and everything her professional chicken chef husband is not. The two have an unexplainable magnetic pull to one another, and when they return to their respective homes, they realize they're neighbors. It's unlikely, but hey, it's fate. Margot and Daniel begin spending time together, but they're plagued by Margot's existing, yet failing, connection to her husband.

For my thoughts on the film, just keep reading.