8 Perfumes to Try in 2013

By Jennifer Knightstep

 

This year, why not be bold and shake up your personal style a little bit, with one of these old classic or brand-new perfumes to try? It’s amazing how much a new scent can change your outlook, your mood, and your style! A trip to the perfume counter can be a little intimidating – all those perfumes! – but I can help narrow the field a bit. Here are 8 perfumes to try in 2013. Some you may already know and love, but some may be new to you. Let’s go!

1. Marc Jacobs Daisy

It took me a long time to figure out what the vintage-y floral tone was in this, one of my very favorite perfumes to try, and I finally gave in and checked the product description on the Marc Jacobs website. It’s violet! Fresh, sweet-smelling violet sets the tone for this feminine, ultra-girl perfume.

2. DKNY Be Delicious

This has been one of my favorite perfumes since its release. It smells sweet and light and crisp, with strong apple tones – which makes sense, since it was inspired by New York City, the Big Apple! There are many variations, but this one is my favorite of the line.

3. Lancome La Vie Est Belle

 
I agree: life is beautiful! This perfume is beautiful, too, advertised as the first perfume “gourmand,” made with a blend of iris and patchouli for a unique, somewhat startling scent. It’s unusual, but in a very good way… it’s sure to get you noticed.

4. Prada Candy

The first word that comes to mind when you smell this perfume is “bold.” It’s not at all demure or subtle; it’s a strong scent, one that’s fun and interesting and (as the name implies), sweet. It contains a range of tones, including caramel, musk, vanilla, and benjoin. If it’s too strong for you at first, give it time – it dissipates quickly.

5. Philosophy Field of Flowers Peony Blossom

This new perfume in the Field of Flowers line is all about spring – it’s fresh, light, and so pretty! Aside from the obvious (peony), this perfume also contains hints of Mandarin Honeysuckle, and though the product description on the Philosophy website doesn’t list it, I caught the scent of grass, too.

6. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

 
In a word: lush. This floral explosion is entirely delightful, with a base of patchouli and layers of complex floral scents, including Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, and Ballerina Freesia. I love the clever bottle, shaped like a grenade (bomb, get it?), but still pretty enough for your vanity.

7. Coach Poppy

If you love the Coach Poppy printed handbags, you’ll love this perfume! It’s very complex, with a seemingly endless list of tones and scents, like cucumber flower petals, mandarin, baby freesia buds, jasmine, rose petals, cedarwood, bleached sandalwood, vanilla, and whipped marshmallow. Every time you wear it, you’ll notice something new.

8. Chloe Eau De Parfum

This is a classic perfume for a reason! It’s exotic yet simple, with a fresh, sweet scent. Tones include pink peony, freesia, lychee, magnolia, lily of the valet, rose, cedarwood, amber, and honey. If you’re just not sure if any of these other perfumes is right for you, give this one a go… I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t like this one.

I love Be Delicious, but I also adore some of the new perfumes, too! Which of these perfumes is your own favorite? Or is there another scent you’ve tried recently that I should add to my list? Let me know down below!

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10 Adorably Romantic Winter Date Ideas

By Jennifer Knightstep

 

Winter date ideas are something to be thinking about now that fall is in full gear, so do you have a list of ideas yet? No? Then keep reading! Here’s my list of 10 adorably romantic winter date ideas… so grab your favorite boy, and maybe a pair of mittens, and enjoy!

1. Ice skating

This is one of my favorite winter date ideas! I love the idea of warm cocoa, holding hands, and floundering around the ice. Even if you’re not the best ice skater, don’t worry — it’s still a lot of fun, and what could be better than having your guy catch you?

2. Coffee date

Winter is the perfect time for a coffee date… the hot, sweet or spicy drinks, and some coffee shops even have a fireplace and soft, squishy couches. Even if you’re not into coffee, there’s still hot tea or chai or cider, or just steamed milk.

3. Cooking class

Think of all of the holiday parties coming up this winter and you’ll understand why I suggested taking a cooking class together! Won’t it be fun?

4. Holiday party

While it may be too soon to bring your sweetie to a family holiday party, it’s probably not too soon to bring him along (or go along with him) to friends’ or co-workers’ holiday parties… and as a bonus, you might get to see your guy dressed up (and he’ll get to see you dressed up, too!)…

5. Photo shoot

Yes, it’s cold, but the scenery is so gorgeous in the winter, so why not plan a romantic winter date that involves the majesty of nature, you and your sweetie, and a camera? This would be a lot of sun, wouldn’t it?

6. Charity event

Prove to your sweetie what you’re really made of by planning a romantic winter date at a charity event, like a ball or a silent auction… you get the idea. Again, it’s often a chance to get dressed up, and see him in a different light.

7. Volunteer together

Along with charity events, another romantic date idea would be to volunteer together. Work at a animal shelter, read to children, take meals to the elderly, or teach an art class at a local women’s shelter… pick something that interests you both, and it could be a lot of fun!

8. Hot tub!

This may be the ultimate romantic winter date — hot tubbing! Get a room, one with a hot tub, and enjoy… make it an event with candles, chocolate body paint… you get the idea…

9. Ice sculpture show

Not far from where I live, there’s a town called Plymouth that prides itself on its annual ice sculpture contest and show. Most of the sculptures are amazing, and it’s such a fun romantic date idea! Bundle up and have fun!

10. Warm weekend get-away

I know I’ve been expounding on the benefits of winter dates, out there in the icy cold, holding hands and keeping cozy together… but… honestly, would anything be nicer than a weekend getaway somewhere warm and sunny? I think not.

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8 Magnificent Love Tips for a Cancer

By Heather Jensen 

 

I’ve always been fascinated with the sign Cancer and what love tips for a Cancer are out there. Did you know that Cancers are prone to mood swings? Did you know that they need to feel super secure in their relationship and life? These are just a few of the love tips for a Cancer that everyone should follow!

1. Prone to Mood Swings

Cancers are one of the biggest signs for mood swings. They can be up and then they can be down, but that’s the best part about them! Girls and boys, one of my very first love tips for a Cancer all revolves around being there for their mood swings. You’ve got to be there for the ups and downs. You’ve got to be there when they switch their mood and decide that they hate then love you again.

2. No Casual Affairs

What goes hand-in-hand with the mood swings is the fact that Cancers can’t have casual affairs. It is makes them feel out of control and a bit less secure. They want a relationship that is stable, a relationship that is worth it.

3. Intensely Loyal

Cancers are also extremely loyal. In fact, this is one of the most loyal signs out there. They may wait a while to find their soul mate, but once they do, they don’t ever want to let that person go. They know that if they settle for someone that isn’t for them, their insecurities will get the better of them.

4. Tons of Imagination

Cancers are known to be super curious and to have a ton of imagination. If you’re looking for a kid at heart, at someone that is always going to have fun, that’s exactly what this sign is all about! A date should include a bunch of fun activities and have a lot of imagination to it!

5. Very Emotional

While a Cancer might be prone to mood swings, you’ve also got to know that they are super emotional too. They feel really deeply and they fall in love really deeply too. So if you are lucky enough to get a Cancer to love you, it’ll last forever and they will become attached. Remember though, you’ve got to be able to deal with the mood swings to really get to the heart of this sign.

6. Needs to Feel Secure

A Cancer has a lot of insecurities, so they need to really feel secure in their relationship. They want to feel as though they are being taken care of. They need someone that is willing to give them the world and be able to make sure that their world doesn’t fall in on itself. It’s a tough job, but it’s so worth it!

7. Natural Lovers

Cancers are actually natural lovers and good ones! Although they are emotional, they can channel those emotions in the best possible way, especially behind closed doors. If you want a good lover, not a fight, the Cancer is the best sign for you! All they want to do is take care of you!

8. Hard Exterior

Finally, Cancers are people that have a stubborn and rough exterior, but their insides are super soft and gooey. You’ve just got to break through the shell, that’s all. Take your time, get to know the Cancer, they will come around. It might take a while, but just keep at it!
So, these are all of my love tips for a Cancer, do you have any others that you want to share? What other traits does the Cancer have? Give ‘em up!

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1 TRICK TO FLATTEN YOUR BELLY IN 2013

(Consumer Health Discoveries)

Green Coffee Maxx and Liposom are the latest buzz in the "battle of the bulge". With millions of people praising this so called "miracle pill" that you take as a supplement to lose weigh, it has been getting a lot of attention since it was recently featured o The Dr Oz show. Surprisingly many people who struggle daily with their weight have yet to hear about this powerful combination. Those that have heard of the Green Coffee Maxx diet are confused about what it is how to use it and how to avoid falling for ineffective formulas and downright scams.

According to Dr. Lindsey (The guest host on the popular Dr. Oz show) Green Coffee Maxx works in more than one way, "The first way is it goes in and causes the body to burn glucose or sugar, and burn fat, mainly in the liver...The second way, the most important way, is it slows the release of sugar into the blood stream. So when you don't have sugar building up in the blood stream, you don't have fat building up because sugar turn to fat...When the two are combined together, you get this synergistic effect that  basically burns and blocks and stops fat, but it also is natural and safe".

(Green Coffee Maxx has sold out in most stores. As Of Friday February, 22, 2013. It's Still Available Online)

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HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH FOOD SCENTS

 

By Cecilia Harsch -( livestrong.com)


Dr. Alan Hirsch, a researcher with the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation as well as Dr. Rachel Herz a professor at Brown University Medical School, have both conducted research on how the sense of smell can effect weigh loss. Research found that certain food scents can trick the brain into thinking you have eaten more than you have, giving you that full feeling before you overeat. It take at least 20 minutes before your brain realizes it is full, so using food scents can trigger the brain sooner, stopping you from eating too many unnecessary calories, and helping you to lose weight.

Step 1

Shake edible, calories-free crystals onto your foods. The crystals come in different scents, such as raspberry, strawberry, cocoa and banana. When sprinkled on your foods, the scent and taste of the crystals tricks the receptions in your brain, making you think you are full.

Step 2

Sniff aroma pens or tubes filled with scents, such as banana, peppermint or green apple. Smell the scents whenever you become hungry to help trick your brain into reducing your appetite and controlling binge eating.

Step 3

Wear a patch infused with the scent of vanilla on the back of your hand. The scent of vanilla triggers your mind through your sense of smell to remind you to stick to your diet. The premise behind the patch is to associate the smell with how much you want to lose weight.

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7 Popular Love Myths

By Jelena Jovanovic

 

Love Myths are sometimes silly, sometimes overly romantic, overly optimistic or way too depressing … So, why do we believe in them? Don’t look at me – I’m not a psychologist although I do have a few theories of my own. Mom and dad, Disney and, now, romantic movies– these love myths are pretty much something we’re born with so giving them up completely is like the most unromantic thing to do. Well, regardless how unromantic it sounds, the truth is this – you are the one in charge of your love life! And, if you check out this list of most popular love myths, you’ll understand exactly what I mean:

1. We Only Get Once Chance to Love

Once chance – one love, now excuse me but I really have a hard time believing this. What happens if the person you love doesn’t love you back? But, let’s explore other options as well like, oh… I don’t know… all those people in your past that may have loved you but never had the guts to tell you that simply because you’ve made it very clear the feeling is not mutual. What about those people whose loved ones were taken away from them? Yes, falling in love again isn’t easy but it’s not impossible either so I simply refuse to believe once chance is all you get.

2. Love Is a Spark

Wait, strike that! Love is a big bang, fireworks… you know – The whole, “ I saw him and I immediately knew that’s the man I’m going to marry!” Well, I’d hate to ruin it for you, ladies, but this is just one of many love myths the movie producers would like us to believe in. Sometimes that whole shebang happens with the wrong person and sometimes the real fireworks happen later, when you realize your boyfriend happens to be your Mr. Right as well. Congrats to all of you who actually managed to score both and for all of you who might be questioning your love simply because it didn’t start with the big bang… don’t worry! If there’s something the movies have though us it’s that not all great stories begin the same way!

2. Love Is a Spark

Wait, strike that! Love is a big bang, fireworks… you know – The whole, “ I saw him and I immediately knew that’s the man I’m going to marry!” Well, I’d hate to ruin it for you, ladies, but this is just one of many love myths the movie producers would like us to believe in. Sometimes that whole shebang happens with the wrong person and sometimes the real fireworks happen later, when you realize your boyfriend happens to be your Mr. Right as well. Congrats to all of you who actually managed to score both and for all of you who might be questioning your love simply because it didn’t start with the big bang… don’t worry! If there’s something the movies have though us it’s that not all great stories begin the same way!

3. People Who Are in Love Never Fight

Next one on my list of popular love myths is something I like to call “Disney Syndrome” – a common misconception about love and the way people in love should act. “…and they lived happily ever after…” sure sounds great and it is something you can achieve if you always keep in mind it won’t be smooth sailing all the way through. It can’t be, it simply can’t because we are all just human beings which means that somebody will eventually get up on the wrong foot one morning. What are you supposed to do in that situation? Start packing? Scream “I’m breaking up with you”? Of course not! You sit together and talk things out, you find a solution or you compromise and see where that takes you.

4. Jealousy Is a Different Name for Love

But, my yapping about love myths won’t end here, so prepare for the magnificent number 4 – something at least one (if you’re lucky) of your ex boyfriends/ girlfriends has tried to pass as completely normal – Jealousy as… well… let’s call it a different way to say “I love you”. Let me be completely honest here– we are all at least a tiny bit insecure and which means experiencing this feeling is completely natural. Justifying it with love, in my opinion, isn’t as it gives this wonderful emotion a bad reputation. If you love somebody you’d want that person to be happy, not only with you but in general which also involves family, friends and, of course, career or school and, when irrational jealousy starts interfering… well, that’s not love, isn’t it?

5. Love Is Saying “I Love You” Often

Don’t start laughing just yet, as you’d be surprised to know how many people think this is one of the love facts rather than love myths! I can’t deny, I ask my fiancé if he loves me and I tell him I love him often, as well, but there are more than just words to back that up. Actions count waaay more and if you really want to find out if your boyfriend/girlfriend loves you, you should pay attention to those.

6. Love Is Passion, Romance, Attraction

Well… not exactly true which could, of course, explain why people suddenly “grow out of love” once their relationships loses its initial “thrill”. All these things fade out sooner or later leaving more room for different, deeper and longer-lasting emotions such as devotion, respect and caring.

7. It’s meant to happen

“They are a match made in heaven! It’s fate!” – this line is often used to describe happy couples and make all “less happy” others feel like they’ve done something to piss that “fate” off. Well, let me tell you something – it isn’t really fate. It’s being in the right place at the right time and following your gut. And, ladies and gents, that’s just the start – the rest of it is hard work! Every relationship has its ups and downs, every happy couple has been through some hard times, they had to compromise, talk, tune in with each other… that’s just the way things go.

You can’t get everything served on a silver platter.
You know… if all these love myths were indeed true, there would be no reason to go out and socialize. We could just sit inside all day, ordering pizzas and random home appliances sold by our local TV Shop companies. Why not? If things are really meant to happen, the faith will eventually send us Mr. Right dressed as the mailman or a pizza delivery boy! LOL! Do you believe in these love myths, ladies and gents, or you prefer taking matters into your own hands?

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7 Positive Things to Take from a Break-up

By Ellie Gibbons 

 

Positive things to take from a break-up, you say? I don’t think so! What good can possibly come out of a break-up? Well, I didn’t think anything could – but time and perspective will soon make you think differently. Let’s be honest – everyone knows break-ups are just horrible, whether you’re the dumper or the dumpee. But, as with everything in life, it’s always possible to look for the positives, or at least the lessons you’ve learnt. So, here are seven positive things you should take from a break-up.

1. FREEDOM

You might not see your freedom as one of the positive things to take from a break-up at first, especially if you didn’t really want to be free. But try to think of it at first as a weight off your mind – no more worrying about the other person, no obligations or responsibilities! Then, as time goes on, think about how much fun you can have; more time to spend with friends, dating, meeting new people – it’s like a whole new lease on life!

2. BE REALISTIC

You may be feeling really down in the dumps since your relationship ended, but have you really thought about why it ended? And I don’t just mean blaming yourself and thinking of all the things you wished you did. Simply put, if your relationship had really been as good as you maybe thought it was, then it wouldn’t have ended. As time heals, you’ll become more and more aware of the problems you may not even have realised were there.

3. DON’T FEEL GUILTY

This is just for those who had to take the sorry role of the dumper – people normally assume that, if you’re the one doing the breaking up, it’s easy. But it definitely isn’t; you’re fully aware that you’re going to be hurting a person you once loved, and most likely still care about, and that’s awful. But there’s no point berating yourself for it – relationships break down, people fall out of love, that’s life. Carrying on a relationship you don’t want to be in is more hurtful than breaking it off – for both of you.

4. FRIENDS

I know it’s always friends first, your girls before your guy etc ., etc., but let’s be honest – when you have a boyfriend, you probably don’t see your friends as much, simply because you have to split your time between them and another person. But it’s after a break-up that you realise how lucky you are. After my break-up, I realised I really do have wonderful friends, and I’ve had so much fun with them since – and am always looking forward to more!

5. FRIENDS WITH AN EX?

Some people may say that you can never be friends with an ex – but just because you’re breaking up, it doesn’t mean you have to lose that person from your life forever. If you didn’t want the relationship to end, it’s not a good idea to be friends straightaway. But, in time, once you’ve moved on, perhaps you can still have that person in your life – just in a different way.

6. DON’T BLAME YOURSELF

As I mentioned before, we have a tendency to blame the end of our relationships entirely on ourselves and the things we did wrong, at least at first. But, as the saying goes, it takes two to tango; and I’m pretty certain your partner wasn’t perfect. Take the time out to think about what you really want from a relationship, and the kind of person you want to be with. Then, next time you consider making a commitment, you can be sure it’s what you want.

7. LESSONS

This is the most important thing to take away from a break-up. Think of everything you’ve learnt during the course of your relationship. When I look back, I know there are things I would change about the way I acted – but now I know, I won’t be repeating the same mistakes in future relationships. See each break-up as a lesson taught, (suffered) and eventually learnt.

Break-ups are one of the least pleasant life experiences we go through. No matter what you read, or what people tell you, when it happens, it’s still going to feel rubbish. But remember you aren’t alone; you were happy before and you’ll be happy again. What are your tips for getting over a break-up?

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