BellaSugar

How to Host a Stylishly Vintage Bachelorette Party

partysugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:50:28 -0700

Throwing a memorable bachelorette party is tricky. The event should be festive and fun, but not gimmicky and gross. There's a fine line between elegantly tongue-in-cheek and over-the-top tacky. Does anyone really want to wear a headband with a giant dildo in public? I don't think so. Recently I went to a wonderful bachelorette party that succeeded in celebrating the bride-to-be in a traditional yet sophisticated way. It was delightful, so I took pictures to share the experience and ideas with you! The soirée was inspired by 1950s housewives and retro glamour. Here, you'll find all of the little details that made this party fabulous.

View Slideshow ›

Weekend Workout: Get on the Ball

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:50:55 -0700

Using an exercise ball to do strength training exercises can be really challenging, so not only will you become stronger, but you'll do so in less time. Having to stabilize your body makes you use more muscles, so it doesn't take many reps before you begin to feel the exercise working. So grab an exercise ball and a pair of dumbbells and try these three moves. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three rounds.

Single Leg Squats

Chest Press

Plank to Pike

Looking for more workouts? Try these Weekend Workouts.

How-To: Keep Your Household Safe and Sane on the Fourth

casasugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:32 -0700

While the Fourth of July can offer a lot of fun with friends and family, there are also some obvious hazards, from barbecue burns to out-of-control sparklers. There are many ways to keep your house, and your loved ones, safe on the Fourth, with a little common sense and prep work. Here are my suggestions:

Keep a fire extinguisher close by. If you're using a barbecue or a fire pit, chances are good that you may need to use it.
Make sure you have a Summer first aid kit on hand, especially if you're outside or in the sun.

Want more tips? Then read more.

If you or your kids are using sparklers or firecrackers, a burn kit is a must have!
Is your dog afraid of fireworks? Check out PetSugar's advice for mellowing your pooch out.
If you're hosting party guests, stock your bathroom with extra toilet paper, soap, sunscreen, and hand towels.
Stop stains before they can set in on your favorite picnic tablecloth or blanket. Find out how to treat red wine and grease stains, and avoid sullying your linens!

No Equipment Necessary: Side Arm Push-Ups

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:55 -0700

I am always looking for quick ways to work my arms, and this move is great for those commercial break moments as well as downtime between sets of leg work at the gym. The side arm push-up tones triceps, deltoids, and the outside of your chest. Keeping your core engaged will also work your waist. Nice bonus!

Learn the details.

How-To: Upcycle Wine Bottles

casasugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:30:52 -0700

While I'm a fan of the vino, I hate to see the beautiful bottles that my favorite wine comes in end up in the recycling bin. Luckily there are many ways you can upcycle these bottles for use around your home and garden.
Source

View Slideshow ›

No Equipment Necessary: Lying T Dancer

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:45:06 -0700

You can increase the flexibility of your spine, abs, shoulders, and hip flexors, all in one move. I picked up this move, the lying T dancer, from American distance runner and Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan. Start slowly moving from side to side to really feel the stretch, then quicken your pace in order to get your heart rate up.

If you're curious to know how to do this move read more.

Lie on your belly and extend your arms out in T position, so they are perpendicular with your body.
Press the top of your left foot into the floor and lift your right leg up, bending your knee and reaching your toes toward your left hand. This takes a lot of flexibility in your spine and hip flexors, so don't worry if your foot doesn't come close to your hand.
Then bring your right foot back to the starting position. Lift your left foot off the floor, bending your knee, and reaching your left toes to your right hand.
Come back to the starting position. This completes one rep. Do three sets of 10 to 15 reps.

Strike a Pose: Twisting Extended Side Angle

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:53 -0700

Standing poses not only strengthen your legs, but they make you feel powerful and calm. One of my favorites is Extended Side Angle because it opens the hips and stretches the sides of the body. Here's a variation that involves twisting the torso, so it also opens the chest and shoulders and strengthens your core.

Sanskrit Name: Jathara Utthita Parsvakonasana
English Translation: Twisting Extended Side Angle

Want to know how to get into it? Then read more.

Begin in Warrior 2 with the right knee bent.
Lower your right forearm so it's resting on your right thigh.
Reach your left arm around your lower back. If you can, wrap your fingers around the front of your right inner thigh.
Stay for five or more breaths and then try the other side.

How to Copy Files to iTunes Without Saving to Your Hard Drive

geeksugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:22 -0700

This weekend I wanted to copy some movies that I had ripped with Handbrake to my Apple TV, and to do so, I had to copy the movies to iTunes first from my external hard drive.

No big deal, except that usually when you copy things to iTunes, the files also automatically save to your internal hard drive - a huge pain if you have limited drive space there.

Luckily, I discovered a very simple tip to avoid an unnecessary new file being created and stored. As you're highlighting and dragging the file, just hold the option key as you're dropping into iTunes. The file will be referenced in iTunes and not copied to your actual hard drive.

Source

10 Ways to Californify Your Crib

casasugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:00:30 -0700

In the July issue of SELF Magazine, the mag's associate features editor, Cristina Tudino, hooked up with Los Angeles interior designers Kristen Buckingham and Tracy Hutson to share their easy ideas for creating a cozy-chic pad that will bring the sunshine outside into your home. As Tracy and Kristen prove with their quick and easy tips, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to add a little of the Golden State to your home.
Source

View Slideshow ›

Steal the Spotlight: French Braid to This Silly Story

bellasugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:31 -0700

French braiding may be second nature to some of you, but have you ever tried to explain it to someone else . . . without visuals? While not everyone will instantly catch on, I've written down a cute tale that was told to me when I first learned this style. It's story time. Read on for an easy way to remember which hair goes where (and a step-by-step photo demo).

View Slideshow ›