BuzzSugar

Soapbox: Why You Should Watch "Significant Others"

BuzzSugar — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 06:30:44 PST

We all have TV shows that we champion long after they've been canceled, and one of mine is "Significant Others." Just to be clear, I'm not talking about the Jennifer Garner series of the same name that Fox canceled in 1998. This show, which aired for two seasons on Bravo in 2004 and 2005, featured a cast of unknowns and an almost entirely improvised script about troubled couples in therapy. It's still one of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV.

I've been looking for an excuse to write about it, so I was thrilled to discover all six episodes of the show's first season on DotComedy, NBC's answer to YouTube.

In case you missed it the first time (don't worry, almost everyone did), "Significant Others" focuses on four couples: Ethan and Eleanor, the overgrown indie kids who don't know how to deal when Eleanor gets pregnant; James and Chelsea, who got married after a weekend fling and discover they just piss each other off; Bill and Connie, who are stuck in a passionless marriage and split when Bill starts having an affair with Connie's sister Ginny; and Alex and Devon, whose biggest issue is their belief that they have no issues. It's often awkward, occasionally poignant and totally hilarious, so

read more The fast-paced show flips between scenes of the couples in the therapist's office (the actual therapist is never seen nor heard) and in their daily lives. A friend of mine called it "squirm comedy," and it can be truly uncomfortable when, say, James starts asking random guests at Chelsea's gallery opening how many people they've slept with. But it's the kind of show that grows on you. Sure, the characters can veer into caricature, but they're funny - I love that Ethan takes his Game Boy to Eleanor's ob/gyn visits, and the second season episode in which Bill first introduces Ginny to his friends and they toast to things like "loyalty and sisterhood" gets me rolling on the floor every time. I wouldn't say "Significant Others" sheds light on what love and marriage are really like these days - for everyone's sake, I hope it doesn't - but it's a pretty good look at the worst-case scenario. And if nothing else, it will definitely clarify what you're not looking for in a mate. If you get hooked, you can also Netflix the boxed set of both seasons, which came out last year on Valentine's Day (perfect!). Source and Source

A Doctor Dishes: Which "Superfoods" Are Worth the Cost?

LearnVest — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:00 PST

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

Most people you speak to these days are trying to stretch every dollar as far as possible - even the ones they spend buying apples and oranges.

Food prices are expected to increase yet again this year, and food manufacturers are making portions smaller without reducing prices. Not surprisingly, a recent Rasmussen poll found that 93 percent of adults report paying more for groceries now than they did a year ago.

So how can we supercharge our grocery dollars and get them to do overtime for us?

Yes, some foods are obviously a better nutritional deal than others (think apples vs. potato chips), but there’s another class of foods that blows the rest of the field away in terms of nutrients and health-protecting qualities: superfoods.

Superfoods can help prevent diabetes and heart disease, repair damage to your body’s cells, and more. But before you go piling them into your cart, know that some superfoods are better nutritional bargains than others. As a doctor and a mom, I’ve sleuthed out which ones are worth the extra cost in terms of their long-term health benefits. Below is the scoop on which ones may help you age better, ward off cancer, and more.

What to Know Before Buying Superfoods

Before we dive into what to buy, there are a few important things to remember about consuming these foods:

Eating foods fresh and in their natural state, especially fruits and vegetables (rather than in pill or powder supplement form), usually allows us to absorb the greatest amount of their nutrients. The way a superfood is processed or cooked can significantly lower its antioxidant content.
If the superfood can’t be eaten fresh, look for easy and appetizing recipes containing it. No matter how “super” a superfood may be, if you don’t know how to cook it, you’ll probably let it go to waste.

Are Superfoods "Good Buys" If I’m Shopping on a Budget?

Read on to find out.

Hollywood's Cutest Celebrity Couples!

Brittney Stephens — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:22:08 PST

Relationships come and go in Hollywood, and while some stars are just beginning a new love affair others have stood the test of time with their significant other. Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are adding to their family this year while Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are taking things slow. Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have been together over a decade and new couple Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield have plans to spend the Summer together while promoting their blockbuster The Amazing Spider-Man. Click through to see some of our favorite couples, and don't forget to check out all of our Valentine's Day coverage across the network including romantic gift ideas and sweet treats.

Hot Stars on Their Real-Life Romances

Tara Sharp — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:53:52 PST

With Valentine's Day around the corner, love is in the air, and more and more hot stars are getting vocal about their girlfriends and wives. While we love seeing our favorite sexy actors get romantic onscreen, but it's even more aw-inducing when they gush about their real-life significant others. See some of the sweetest quotes from celeb eye candy over the years on their one and onlys!

The Pros and Cons of Office Romance

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:15:37 PST

Dating a co-worker can be a thrilling and wonderful thing - that is until the relationship falters. Here are seven pros and cons of dating (and breaking up with) a co-worker so you know what to expect before you decide to get involved.

Pro: Forbidden love can be hot and passionate.
Con: You might have to keep your relationship a secret from co-workers. If the office does find out, it can quickly turn into a awkward situation, and if you do eventually break up, it can become even more unpleasant and humiliating.

Pro: You have an insider's understanding of their work ethic and how they communicate with others. You can talk openly and honestly about current projects or co-workers.
Con: You might not agree with their business decisions or attitude towards co-workers.

Pro: You have the rare opportunity to see each other when you are the most energetic, motivated, and sharp.
Con: If you get in a fight or break up, you'll have to conceal your personal feelings toward one another at the office.

Read on for more pros and cons.

Football-Watching Etiquette: 5 Blunders to Avoid

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:25:03 PST

For those of us women who didn't grow up watching every single NFL game religiously, sometimes it's hard to understand the phenomenon of football tube time. But with the Super Bowl today, even the most antisport ladies can end up at a game-viewing party. And you don't want to unintentionally do one of these football-watching blunders. Guys (and football-loving girls) hate it when we do these things, so avoid some major conflict with your friends and significant other by following our guide to football-viewing etiquette.

Rose Marshmallows For Your Valentine

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:35:49 PST

Rather than share chocolates and champagne with your significant other or girlfriends on Valentine's Day, pair your bubbly with rose marshmallows instead. Making these fluffy, pillowy marshmallows can be a heart-pounding experiment that requires a little speed, yet the light, melt-in-you-mouth pockets are foolproof if you are prepared and have read the recipe several times.

If you are in a festive mood, use themed cookie cutters for adorable heart-shaped marshmallows. The scraps can easily be cut up into bite-sized pieces that are equally as enjoyable. For an even more decadent treat, dip the marshmallows in white chocolate fondue. Are you ready to add luscious, homemade marshmallows to your culinary repertoire?

Click here to view the recipe.

5 Harmonious His-and-Hers Spaces

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:35 PST

Decorating for Valentine's Day can extend beyond the pink and red cut-out hearts. If you live with your significant other, this can be a great time for you to reexamine your shared spaces and consider reorganizing and redecorating your "side of the room" to showcase your design preferences. Just because you share the same closet or bathroom doesn't mean you can't add a few personal twists. Here are five his-and-hers shared spaces to inspire your Valentine's Day redesign.

Love Don't Cost a Thing: 10 Free Valentine's Dates

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:05:14 PST

You and your significant other don't need to blow the bank to have a memorable Valentine's Day nor do you need to stay home and Netflix all seasons of 30 Rock. These 10 free date ideas will keep you active, allow you to explore something new and different together, and provide you both with priceless memories.

Shop Our Sweet, Chic Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:02:26 PST

It doesn't matter if you've got a significant other or best friend to shop for, or if you're just looking to spoil yourself - Valentine's Day is the perfect time to snap up that pretty little something that you or your beau has always wanted. From yummy chocolate chip cookies to sexy lingerie, we've rounded up 20 perfect presents to inspire your gift-giving and wish list-making. Click through now to see what we're planning to give (and hoping to get) this Valentine's Day.