December 2007

Holiday Gift Guide - Comfy Robes and Slippers. [Aging Fabulous]

I love to get bathrobes and slippers for Christmas. A robe is always on my list and my Mother always gets me a new pair of slippers.

If anyone is reading this, here is my wish list for robes and slippers, which make great choices to give as well.

Victoria’s Secret Cozy Little Things Long Robe - $35.50 

Old Navy Performance Fleece Robe -$12.25

Target Fleece Print Robe - $14.99

Uggs Scuffette Slippers - $60.00
 

Dearfoam Microfiber Plush Thong Slipper - $18.00

Source: Holiday Gift Guide - Comfy Robes and Slippers. [Aging Fabulous]

Classy and Chic with a Saffiano Patent Tote [The Latest Luxe]

When it’s time to sport a toned-down look that still exudes plenty of class, black patent leather is a top choice.

The Saffiano Patent Tote from Salvatore Ferragamo is a simply designed bag with double handles and silver trimmings.  An interior zip pocket holds all of your valuables with plenty of security, and there’s even space for the cell phone and iPod.

A comfortable size for carrying in hand or under your arm, this one’s perfect for those days when cool and chic is the flavor of the day.

Salvatore Ferragamo Saffiano Patent Tote:  $1,190 available at Neiman Marcus 

bag, designer, designer handbags, fashion, handbag, handbags, salvatore, style

Source: Classy and Chic with a Saffiano Patent Tote [The Latest Luxe]

“What Is The Appropriate Etiquette For Indicating That One Is Romantically Inclined Toward Another?” [Pot Psychology]

It’s time for another installment of Pot Psychology, the advice column in which everyone’s problems are solved by inhaling copious amounts marijuana. (Did we mention? Don’t do drugs!) Got a burning question? Send it to tips@jezebel.com with “pot psychology” in the subject line.

Dear Slut Machine, I have a crush on my guy friend’s roommate. I’m tempted to tell my friend that I heart his roommate, but I’d rather handle my own business. How do I go about showing his roommate that I’m interested without using my friend as a middle-man?

Orchestrate a situation (without making it seem like an orchestration) where you guys are all together at a time you think you will all get drunk. Like, drunk drunk. It’ll work itself out from there. If they don’t drink, then I can’t imagine them being fun to hang out with, so you should just fuck the roommate and then peace on them both. If you don’t drink, then maybe you should, if you’re having problems like this. Happy holidays!

Dear Slut Machine, There is a young gentleman whose company I enjoy greatly; he seems favorably disposed toward me, as he tends to compliment my pink hair and biker boots. However, I fret over the possibility that I have given him the wrong impression of me. I typically see this particular gentleman at dinner parties hosted by our respective churches. I generally am somewhat more ladylike in these situations than usual, as my clergywoman has expressed disapproval of the f-bomb and I do so like to please her. I have also been somewhat less ebullient than I ordinarily am over the past few months; my father has been ill and I have been worried. Also, as a respected pillar of the community and president of one of the organizations which host these events, I feel the need to keep the conversation flowing between all attendees. As a result, I fear that I may have inadvertently given him the impression that I was uninterested in what he had to say when we last saw each other a fortnight ago by jumping into another conversation…or four. I do have a definite tendency toward being overly self-protective and trying to avoid having others know of my crushes, which may have been the reason for my pointless exercises in ignoring the gentleman whom I think of quite constantly when we’re not in the same room. What is the appropriate etiquette for apologizing for these indiscretions and subtly indicating that one is romantically inclined toward another? Further, any suggestions as to how I might get him away from the formal environs of church without having 15 other college students going, “Ooooooooooh!” about it and gossiping?

Oh my God. OK, if you are a respected pillar of the community, what in the hell are you doing asking me for advice? I don’t do well with pillars, people who go to church…I saw the word “clergywomen” in there somewhere. Also, I had to use the dictionary at one point when reading this. All of this indicates to me that you’re too smart to be asking these questions, and too much of an adult to follow any of the advice that I could possibly give you on this. I have to tell you that the church thing is what throws me off the most, because I feel like anything I could tell you would involve a lot of sinning–and maybe a broken law or two.

But listen, do you remember that retarded book that Paris Hilton wrote, Confessions of an Heiress? (The subhead for it was something like “tongue-in-chic” if that gives you any idea about it.) Anyway, she actually gave a tip on how to live that I found strangely useful and kind of wise. “Tell people what they want to hear, and then do what you want.” So that’s what you should do. Act like Paris Hilton. Act like someone that is not a respected pillar of the community.

Dear Slut Machine, What’s the right response when a close friend asks you what you think of their potential or new or soon-to-be-ex boyfriend/girlfriend? Regardless of what I think, it seems like I’m always put on the spot to say exactly what she/he wants to hear.

Yeah, you have to say something nice. There has to be something nice to say about the person. And if you don’t like him or her, don’t say so, just pick an unimportant thing about them that’s positive and mention it. Like, “His coat is cool.” That way you don’t look like a jerk, but you’re also not endorsing the person. Don’t ever say something negative, unless it’s like so important, like you found out the person is a murderer or whatever. Learn from the mistakes of Lauren Conrad.

Dear Slut Machine, How do I nicely, and without sounding like my mother, tell my boyfriend that his table manners suck?

Start by saying, “Yo, what the fuck?” Then say, “It would be cool if you could act cool when we’re at dinner.” Then say whatever else and finish with, “Seriously, dude.” I bet you wouldn’t sound like your mom if you put it that way.

Source: “What Is The Appropriate Etiquette For Indicating That One Is Romantically Inclined Toward Another?” [Pot Psychology]

Xbox 360 sending out disruptive 2.4GHz vibes?

Details are sketchy at the moment, but some IT folks at Morrisville State College have tracked down a strong and disruptive signal being emitted from Xbox 360s, which messes with WiFi and possibly other 2.4GHz radios such as Bluetooth headsets. The signal is put out even when the console is turned off, as long as it’s plugged in, since the 360 is continually looking for controllers to hook up with. Research is ongoing as to how much interference the 360 is actually causing, but apparently the signal is jumping all over the 2.4GHz band. Of course, 2.4GHz devices have always had a bit trouble with interference, but further research will tell if the 360 is taking things too far.

[Via Joystiq]

Source: Xbox 360 sending out disruptive 2.4GHz vibes?

How to Put Outfits Together When You Suck at Putting Outfits Together [Just a Formality]

So you want to look fashionable and stylish, but you don’t quite know what goes with what or how to get that polished look.  So how do put together just the right clothes with just the right shoes, with just the right, etc.?

Answer:  You let the experts do it for you.  Then you buy the stuff, put it on, and take full credit for coming up with it yourself.

The internet makes it easy to shop this way with things called lookbooks.  Lookbooks are pages of outfits planned by people in the fashion industry.  Once you find an ensemble you like, click through and you’ll find links to individual pages where you can purchase the various pieces you need to create the look.  Here are 4 sources for look books… 

1. Arden B. (ships to United States)
2. Chick Downtown (based in United States)
3. Marciano (ships to United States)
4. Shopbop (ships worldwide)

Need something right away and don’t have time to shop on the internet?  No problem.  Just look at what the mannequins are wearing in the store windows for wardrobe inspiration.  That’s usually where they put their best looks in order to draw people into the store.

If you got to this article by some other means than the official website, please visit justaformality.com to view the homepage (and more articles like this one).

   

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Source: How to Put Outfits Together When You Suck at Putting Outfits Together [Just a Formality]

Sur La Table: Expensive, Accidentally Sexy Cookware [Today In Catalogs]

Yup, it’s a second Today In Catalogs. (We couldn’t resist). Now up: Sur La Table, the culinary/cookware retailer that likes to think of itself as the “Art And Soul Of Cooking.” We just got the holiday edition of the catalog, and after taking a quick glance, began to notice that the company is shilling kitchen items that could easily be confused for sex toys. (So it’s all the funnier that Sur La Table is a fave of Oprah, and on a few occasions, her audience members were even “treated to gift bags filled with products” from the company.) After the jump, our dirty minds assign different, ahem, uses to upscale cookware.

Cuisanart Smart Stick Stainless Steel Hand Blender or Electric, rechargeable vibrator with clit tickler and vulva-caresser attachments!

Crystal decanter or G-spot stimulator glass dildo!

Cookie press or Suction pump (for him)!

Barware set or Over-sized bullet vibe with various attachments!

Crystal decanter or Double-penetration glass dildo for anal and vaginal insertion!

Holiday spatulas or Holiday spanking paddles!

Source: Sur La Table: Expensive, Accidentally Sexy Cookware [Today In Catalogs]

White Women To Oprah: You Chose One Black Man Over Millions Of Us [The World In Black & White]

Did you hear? Oprah Winfrey has officially endorsed Barack Obama, which is great! Unless you’re one of Oprah’s many female fans who are white… and Hillary supporters. There are a lot of women who were really hoping a woman would be president. Because, finally, a woman has a chance to win. And Hillary may have had a better shot with Oprah backing her. But Oprabama is in full effect, and now there’s a thread called “OPRAH IS A TRAITOR” on the message boards of Oprah’s own damn site. Politico blogger Ben Smith notes that the post has “4,988 comments, with thousands more under other posts.” CNN reports that the commenters are upset that Oprah has seemingly chosen Obama because he is black, charge she adamantly denies. “I get a little… I guess the word is ‘offended,’” Winfrey said on Good Morning America Wednesday.

“To think that I would be supporting someone just because of their skin would mean we haven’t moved far from Dr. King’s speech in 1963, where he said we should be judged by the content of our character not the color of their skin.”

Unfortunately, her statement didn’t go over well with some: “For Oprah to do a Martin Luther Kingish, our time has come speech was shocking to me,” one comment read. “It didn’t even sound like her. She DEFINATELY [sic] chose a black and white platform whether she admits it at all. I for one will be watching Ellen.” Oprah has power, this has been proven. She’s obviously an amazing woman, a role model and an icon. Politically, does she have to choose between her gender and her skin color? Why are people who claim to adore her making her feel as though she has failed them? And, as a woman who (one would think) wants other women to succeed, has she failed them?

Oprah Getting Backlash From Some Fans For Obama Support [CNN]
Anger at Oprah [Politico]

Source: White Women To Oprah: You Chose One Black Man Over Millions Of Us [The World In Black & White]

Bag the Habit

It seemed reusable shopping bags were all the range in Tokyo when I went… they came in all colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. Coming from a country that emphasized “green” living, it wasn’t too surprising. All public waste baskets separated recyclable trash, streets were full of hybrids… I even saw a few smart cars. Anyhow, it was hard to resist picking up a few of these bags for myself and for gifts. They were usually pretty cheap and come in the most innovative little cases.

(Left, $8 at bagthehabit.com)

Getting into the habit of using a reusable bag can replace 300 to 700 plastic bags a year. These bags are typically much larger than a conventional plastic bag and much stronger too… so they can hold up to 3 times the amount of groceries a Ralph’s bag will. The best way to remember to bring the bag with you is to keep it in your purse, car or what I do: keep your coupons inside so you’ll HAVE to bring it to the grocery store. In addition to using it to tote groceries, I use my turquoise BAGGU (Below, $8 at baggubag.com) to bring food to work, toiletries/clothes to the gym and just random items that collect in my trunk that need to be transported back to my apartment from time to time.

« Holiday Gifting: Mum | Home

Source: Bag the Habit

Fat-Free = Weight Loss? [Burning The Scale]

I know so many people who go shopping at the grocery store and pick up Snackwell’s, skim milk, “light” sour cream and cream cheese, etc. The “fat free” craze has taken America by storm. Experts rationalize that if what you’re consuming has less fat, you’ll automatically lose weight - fat has 9 calories per gram, whereas carbs and protein have 4. Makes sense, right?

Not so fast. For one thing, just because something is fat-free doesn’t mean it’s low in calories. One thing that food manufacturers do is try to compensate for the lack of fat by adding salt and sugar. When you buy something fat-free, it’s automatically higher in sugar. This may seem innocent, but here’s a quick look at what extra sugar does in your body:

Contrary to popular belief, your body doesn’t store fat as fat. It stores sugar and carbs as fat. When you eat extra sugar and/ or carbs, it stimlates the production of insulin in your body. The insulin signals your body to store fat.

This will give you an idea of how type 2 diabetes is developed and why many have success cutting back on their carbs as well as simple sugars. Remember - fat-free doesn’t equal weight loss.

Claire

Source: Fat-Free = Weight Loss? [Burning The Scale]