* ARE YOU A BARBIE GIRL? *

Who says playing dress-up has to end at childhood? Think about it, have your dreams really changed all that much? We’re still pining for our very own dream house, hot car, and of course, the perfect man. Here are some great ways to let out your inner Barbie Girl.

Make-Up: Get those doll-like looks with MAC Cosmetics line of Barbie Cosmetics called “Barbie Loves Mac.” The collection includes very bright plasticized colors in pinks, buttercup yellows and girlish greens in pink-on-black packaging for lips, cheeks, eyes, skin and nails.

Hair: To be like Barbie, you’ve got to have luscious locks! That means lots and lots of voume. Try a volumizing shampoo/conditioner combination and top off with volumizing mousse or hairspray. If you want to really amp up the voume, try clip-in hair extensions!

Clothes: Barbie is always dressed to nines, so you need to be too! To really channel Barbie check out Mattel’s “Barbie Luxe” clothing line for adults. The line also includes handbags, so your accessories will just be like Barbie’s too.

Shoes: To truly be a Barie Girl, you’ll need the perfect set of pumps! Our pick for some great doll-like heels are these great pink sparkle pumps by Gloria (http://www.bakersshoes.com/product.aspx?c=274&p=176010). Snazy!

Allright ladies, there is your beginner’s guide to being just like Barbie. Now go grab Ken and take a spin in your pink corvette!



CL

"I Will Never EVER Drink Again!"

We've all been there. You just couldn't resist that one (or four) delicious looking apple-tinis? Here are some tips that may make your morning a little brighter. Hair of the Dog
What about the “hair of the dog that bit you” – drinking more of the previous night’s poison? Some claim this popular antidote is a sure-fire way to feel better. But others say it only delays the inevitable and will make you feel worse, no matter how much better you feel in the short term. If starting the morning with a drink triggers a gag reflex, try a Virgin Mary. The tomato juice in this vodka-free Bloody Mary is high in fructose, which will help your body metabolize the alcohol in last night’s cocktails more efficiently.

Have Sex
With your beer goggles gone, he might not look as hot as he did last night. However, the best help for your hangover could be lying right next to you. Sex releases endorphins, which reduce hangover symptoms. Plus you’ll burn off a few of last night’s liquid calories. Skeptical? Try it anyway!

Sweat It Out
If your body can handle it, drag yourself out of bed, lace up your sneakers and go for a run (or walk). Exercise increases circulation and ushers those toxins out of your body. But don’t push yourself too hard. Strenuous exercise is apt to dehydrate you further and make you feel worse. However, a brief, brisk walk can get your blood going and speed the removal of toxic wastes from cells and tissues. You’ll probably feel more like lying on the couch all day, but you’ll be stuck there a long time if you don’t try to get moving.

Take Your Vitamins
Alcohol reacts chemically in your body to deplete your stores of vitamins A, B (especially B6) and C, which can intensify hangover symptoms. Look to B vitamins (especially B6) to help your body metabolize and get rid of alcohol that’s hanging around and causing problems. Prickly pear extract, found at health-supplement stores, may relieve dry mouth and nausea by reducing inflammation caused by cogeners (impurities found in low-quality alcohol).

Painkillers, Please!
You’ll be tempted to pop pills to ease the pain, but be careful what you take. Avoid acetaminophen, found in over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol. When taken with alcohol or to nurse a hangover, it can cause liver damage. Ibuprofen doesn’t mix well with alcohol either. It can cause stomach irritation and bleeding, especially when you continually use it to treat hangovers or take more than the recommended dosage. So, what can you take? Try aspirin for your headache, but only if you’re not too queasy!

It's Time To Par-tayyy!! JELLO SHOTS!

..:*Watermelon Jell-O Shots*:..
Sour Apple Schnapps – Fantastic flavor, tastes exactly like a Jolly Rancher candy.
Tequila – Complex, tangy flavor, has a bite to it.
Midori – Sweet, more of a generic melon flavor.


..:*Orange Jell-O Shots*:..
Peach Schnapps – Use for a Fuzzy Navel effect. Sweet and mellow flavor.
Tequila – Tangy and spicy, the orange really smooths out the tequila.
Captain Morgan’s - Sweet and spicy, would be good for the holidays.
Amaretto – Tastes like a creamsicle or Orange Julius.
Malibu – Very smooth, pleasant coconut aftertaste.
Southern Comfort – Sweet with a bit more alcoholic bite and edge than schnapps.


..:*Lime Jell-O:*"..
Absolut Citron – Crisp and lively citrus flavor.
Tequila – Plain tequila and lime is the quick and dirty way to make a “margarita” shot.

Prepare these shots by dissolving 3 oz. Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, then adding 8oz. (1 cup) of cold liquid – straight alcohol, a mixture of liqueur and vodka, or alcohol and cold water. For flavored liquors (Absolut Citron, Malibu, Captain Morgan’s) use 1 cup of liquor. For strong tasting, high proof liquors (tequila and rum) use a mixture of 4 oz. liquor and 4 oz. cold water.

..:* THE BAD GIRL'S GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH *:..

New research shows that some seemingly naughty behaviors can actually be beneficial. Here, which vices to indulge.

Scientists have already given their blessings to guilty pleasures such as nibbling chocolate (it's high in antioxidants) and sipping wine (red vino is heart-healthy). Now, studies are finding upsides to other so-called bad behaviors. Some things-like smoking or an addition to cookies and cream-we'd love to endorse, but these naughty habits can feel good and be good for you.

Getting Pissed Off Can Keep Stress In Check
A little anger may be a tonic for your mind and your body. For example, new studies suggest that riled-up people make better decisions. And researchers at Carneige Mellon University found that anger-as opposed to fear or anxiety- can prompt your brain to release less cortisol, the powerful stress hormone linked to problems like obesity, bone loss, and heart disease. "Traditionally, it has been difficult for women to express anger effectively, because we're 'supposed' to act nurturing and sensitive," says Julie K. Normen, Ph.D., author of The Positive Power of Negative Thinking. So let your ire out. Just don't go overboard; chronic rage is unproductive.

Downing Coffee Could Cut Your Caner Risk
Coffee's most exalted attribute--energy boosting caffeine--has nothing on its real health superpowers. Studies show that drinking daily joe may minimize your risk for Parkinson's disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Why? Most chronic diseases are related to inflammation, and coffee is chock-full of anti-inflammatory compounds, says Shelley McGuire, Ph.D., an associate professor of nutrition at Washington State University. Coffee also has more antioxidants than almost any other food. Sip one to three high-octane or decaf cups a day, but make sure you steer clear of fat traps such as whipped-cream-topped lattes. "If you're piling on calories, " warns McGuire, "you're probably wiping out the benefits."

- By Jennifer Johnson, Women's Health

MOJITO SLUSHY!

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh lime juice, about 4 to 6 limes
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves firmly packed
2 limes zested
1/2 cup light rum
8 cups crushed ice
Mint sprigs & lime wedges for garnish Directions: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and water. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is clear. Set aside to cool. Put the sugar syrup, lime juice, mint leaves, lime zest, and rum into a blender and blend until smooth. Add the ice and blend until slushy. Spoon into glasses; garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime slice.

Cheating Hearts

by Stephanie Laurtizen

“Cheating is anything your partner does that he/she wouldn’t do in your presence” –Tasha Cunningham, author of So The Bastard Broke Your Heart, Now What?
“Cheating is also about intent,” says Cecily Knobler, a relationship writer and author of She’s Crazy He’s a Liar – Now What? “It doesn’t have to be just sex, making out, or kissing.” If your partner is collecting phones numbers with plans of drunk dialing those people when you’re not around, that could be considered cheating too.
Don’t let a guy pull a Jesse James on You! Straying. Indiscretions. Sleeping Around. No matter what you call it, cheating is a harsh reality. When your lover has another, it’s time to stop being angry-and start getting even- or better yet- moving on!

Hey, It's OK! ...

...to laugh so loudly that everybody stares.

...to spend a whole happy hour making up names for that band you all are totally going to start.

...if the erotic appeal of toe-sucking completely baffles you.

...to not have the kind of dad who plays golf, wears a tie, and serves as your personal ATM. (Hear that, greeating card people?)

...if you have a "type." The heart wants what it wants. Also, the loins. They want what they want too.

...to tell him you need more than a drawer at his place. Please: counter space in the bathroom, room in the closet, and a spot for your soy milk. Let's be real.

...to have a couple of holdover phrases from high school that you just can't get rid of. Sweet!