GeekSugar

Website of the Day: Make Me Super

GeekSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:27:35 PDT

I know I've posted sites like this before, where you can put your head in a dancing body like we did with Elf Yourself, but trust me when I say, Make Me Super takes the cake! Upload a pic of yourself, use the easy head resizer to get it just the way you want it and bam! Make Me Super will whip up a sweet vid of you getting your super hero on. . . It's magical and will have you LOLing. You can share the video with friends, upload the super-hero pic of yourself, or buy hilarious paraphernalia with your super self all over them!

To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group,

I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group.
Click the pink "Share" menu on the top left side of the page.
Choose "Blog" and “Regular Post.”
Give your story a “Title.”
Fill in the “Body” with a link to your favorite website and the reasons why you love it.
Click “Next."
Choose the audience for your story to “Website of the Day” in the drop-down menu
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this photo was "Website of the Day").
Change channel to “Technology and Gadgets.”
Fill in tag field with relevant tags.
Click “I’m done” to submit content.

So join the Website of the Day group and share information about all your favorite sites! Yours just might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

Easy Ways to Get More From Your Food Budget

LearnVest — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:15:48 PDT

Go the extra mile with your food budget with these tips from LearnVest.

For years, many people - my husband, mom, sister and even my son - told me to stop wasting so much food.

Throwing away half a piece of chicken here or a handful of grapes there never seemed like such a big deal to me. If I was full or no longer in the mood for that particular food, then I had no problem tossing it.

That is, until I experienced a bad case of sticker shock during a recent trip to the supermarket. The cost of bread, eggs, fish - basically everything I was purchasing - had increased. And, according to the USDA, we can expect prices to rise even higher this year.

As I forked over my money and left with only a handful of bags, I realized just how important it is for me to pay more attention to what I spend on food . . . and to confront how much of it I shove down the garbage disposal.

Unfortunately, I'm not the only one with wasteful ways. In 2010, 33 million tons of food was thrown away, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Obviously, wasted food means wasted money, but figuring out how to make your grocery budget go further can be a challenge.

To keep more food in your fridge (and more money in your pocket), try these expert tips.

1. Ward Against Freezer Burn

Those large bags or packages of frozen veggies or meat come in handy when you have a large family, but "each time you open a bag of frozen food, air gets in and will cause freezer burn within two to three weeks," says consumer saving expert Andrea Woroch. Freezer burn will dry out the meat and make it less tasty. Woroch suggests going small.

Read on for more.

Buzz Blabber: The Vampire Diaries Finale is a Shocker

Lizzie Fuhr — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:05:00 PDT

We're still reeling from the season finale of The Vampire Diaries, and it seems like lots of people had strong opinions about what this means for the show. But there were plenty of other topics that were making waves as well. Fifty Shades of Grey is still making headlines, and everyone gave their two cents on who should take on the coveted role of Anastasia for the film. And while we're sad to see Cougar Town leave ABC, it's been picked up for another season on TBS.

The season finale of The Vampire Diaries has a wild twist

"I have to say that I like the idea of the reveal of Elena beginning her transition into a vampire, and I like the obvious twist has on which side she will lean in the perennial triangle. I don't think I am very keen on Elena actually *being* a vampire. It completely changes the whole dynamic of the show. I'll be really interested in seeing what they do with this going forward." - kaykayelle
"I think she will remember meeting Damon first. When Caroline turned she remembered everything that Damon had made her forget, so hopefully Elena will too. That is the only reason that I see for her telling him maybe if I had met you first." - dbaker6196
"I personally am not quite ready for Elena to be a vampire quite yet. It seems she really is though. Couldn't Stefan have saved both Matt & Elena at the same time from the car in the water? He is a vamp after all, doesn't he have super strength?" - mannylove

To check out who everyone thought should be cast Anastasia in Fifty Shades of Grey and more, just

Everyone's got ideas about who should play Anastasia in Fifty Shades of Grey

"I have to say, after seeing Dark Shadows, I'm convinced Bella Heathcote is perfect for the role. Perfect look, great acting skills and had me thinking 'She IS Ana!' for the whole time while watching the movie!" - glimmerbunny
"Emmy Rossum to play Anastasia . . . She has those eyes and that mouth." - Maria0803
"I think Alexis Bledel is a great match for Ana because she's a natural beauty and someone who could play an intelligent innocent woman, but I'm not sure if she has the wild side." - Carmansen

Fans are relieved that Cougar Town isn't dead yet

"Moving to TBS PENNY CAN!!"- Jasmine2683737
"So excited that TBS has picked up Cougar Town for Season 4!!!!!" - nickpirce
"Six seasons and a movie!" - Jason2680875

Photo courtesy of The CW

The Vampire Diaries Season Finale "The Departed": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:38:06 PDT

Season three of The Vampire Diaries has come to an end, folks, and forgive me if I am still sitting here with my jaw wide open. The finale is eventful, to say the least, and like seasons past, we saw the deaths of a couple of characters - along with the red herring deaths of a couple of characters. Oh, and by that I mean that something super crazy happens in the final moments of the episode that we'll be talking about all Summer.

I can't really talk about too much before the break without spoiling everything, so let's get to it. Dry your tears over that fact that there won't be any new episodes of The Vampire Diaries for a few months, and let's get to the final good, bad, and bloody of season three after the jump.

How to Get Statement-Making Hair at Home

Allure — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:25:00 PDT

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

When supermodel Coco Rocha tweeted that she was already in hair hours before the Met Gala, we knew we were in for something big. But it wasn't her side-swept waves or even her vintage Givenchy pantsuit that had style bloggers drooling - it was her My-Little-Pony pink extensions. Rocha is certainly not the first celebrity to go pink - or noncelebrity for that matter. But there's something to say when your hairstyle is shocking enough to distract photographers from the Met's notorious fashion set - or at least Anja Rubik's leg.

While many of us can't afford Givenchy-anything (let alone a celebrity colorist on speed-dial), mimicking Rocha's look at home is surprisingly easy and affordable. If you're ready to take the plunge, rather than try it out for a few days, follow these tips from Rick Wellman, owner and color director of the Patrick Melville Salon & Spa in New York City, when you read more.

5 Tried and Tested Tools For Learning Spanish

Nancy Einhart — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:15:19 PDT

Studying a foreign language could make you smarter. According to a new study from the University of Chicago, people make more rational decisions when thinking in a foreign language, because it forces us to use the more analytical side of our brains.

If you're looking to learn a language, you could certainly do worse than Spanish. It's the third most-spoken language in the world, and Hispanics make up more than 16 percent of the US population. So, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, here are five tools I've found super helpful in my quest to learn Spanish as an adult.

App: Larousse Spanish-English Dictionary ($4.99) The free Spanish-English dictionary apps I tried left a lot to be desired, and this $5 app is well worth the price. It quickly translates almost any word from my phone, and it also has tons of verb conjugations - a must have for beginners! Plus I can do my homework on the go.
Podcast: Discover Spanish (free) This series of 10-minute Spanish lessons is great for travelers, because it teaches commonly used phrases while also explaining a bit of the grammar, so you're more likely to remember. It's also a great supplement to in-person Spanish lessons. After a while, I found the hilarious music and overly enthusiastic host "Johnny Spanish" quite endearing.

Three more Spanish tools after the break.

The Vampire Diaries "Before Sunset": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:56:52 PDT

I didn't really expect things to get that crazy on The Vampire Diaries until next week's season finale, but wow, this week is full of intensity. There are a few big fights, a little bit of vampire torture, and though Alaric is the villain of the episode, the group is victorious in taking down another of their foes amid the chaos. Bonnie gets to use her witchy skills, but she's not the only lady who's channeling her girl power this week; Elena gets pretty tough, not just relying on a Salvatore brother to save her this time.

We're gearing up for next week's finale, and though there's some obvious setup for the next episode, there's a pretty big event that happens this week. And as usual, there's also an ample amount of great moments and funny lines. So, to get to the good, the bad, and the bloody, just keep reading.

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:29 PDT

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts"
Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring"
Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting by watching your favorite TV show, listening to a new audiobook or CD, running next to a chatty friend (just make sure to keep your gaze forward), or "racing" an unknowing treadmill runner. If none of that seems appealing, bring your runs outdoors. The beach or the woods are full of natural obstacles to keep you on your toes, and the fresh air and scenery are sure to lift your spirits. Choose a different location every time to keep workouts exciting, and bring your dog along. It's also fun to track your workouts using a heart rate monitor, GPS watch, or an inexpensive running app like one of these.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with other running complaints.

Natalie Coughlin: An Olympian Who Loves Food as Much as We Do

Camilla Salem — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:30:37 PDT

What do backyard chickens and 11 Olympic medals have in common? Natalie Coughlin, that's what. The gold medalist and world champion is gearing up for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, while cultivating a healthy interest in all things food-related. From growing vegetables in her own backyard in Lafayette, CA to her highly effective method of kitchen organization, Natalie gives us the scoop on her experiences with food.

YumSugar: You raise chickens in your backyard and you consider yourself an urban farmer. What do you grow or produce yourself that you're most proud of?

Find out her answer and so much more when you keep reading.

Buzz Blabber: More Delena, Please

BuzzSugar — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:05:14 PDT

With a series premiere, a hotly anticipated makeout session, and a super creepy viral video all hitting the airwaves this week, it seems like everybody had something to say. BuzzSugar readers were all about Damon and Elena's passionate kiss (if only there were more!) while another sexy gent, Michael Fassbender, infiltrated our desktops in a viral video for Prometheus. Take a look to see what you said about these hot topics and the first episode of Girls!

You're all for the big kiss on The Vampire Diaries

"Just finished watching the episode, and everything else seems so insignificant compared to that makeout session! I just knew it from the moment they held hands in the bed, so much sexual tension. If only Jeremy wasn't there or hadn't interrupted, I wondered what would have happened." - nessa17
"Great episode. Great kiss. Finally! I can't choose between Damon and Stefan either. I'd love to see Elena stay with Damon, but I also miss the good ol' Elena and Stefan days when they were making out everywhere, and they seemed so happy. Can't wait until next week when Elena has to tell Stefan about her trip. And, I'm scared for the finale. I know it's going to be an excruciating cliffhanger." - likethedirection
"Great episode. The kiss kept me shaking for a while. Delena forever and Mama Original is mean and scary. Rose is Delena's angel." - LucyWithDiamonds

See what else you chattered about after the jump.