GeekSugar

The Air-Tight Splash Pack Case

GeekSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 04:00:53 PDT

Here's a simple solution for those of you who want to take your iPod or cell phone to the beach, but are worried about getting sand or water near your beloved (and pricey) devices.

The Splash Pack DriPod by Allsop is an air-tight case that will basically waterproof your iPod, headphones or digital camera. I was relieved when I saw it on Chip Chick because you can control your iPod while keeping it nice and sealed without having to remove it from the case. Unlike other hard plastic covers which often make it impossible to use the scroll wheel!

The DriPod also comes with a heat-sealed headphone jack, a lanyard so you can easily carry your gadget and it can be submersed under three meters of water. This size fits iPod nanos and small phones. Larger packs are also available. Priced at $20.

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10 Ways to Reduce Swollen, Puffy Eyes

Anna Monette Roberts — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:24:58 PDT

Have you ever woken up with your eyes feeling heavy and are shocked to discover they're twice their normal size? Allergies, too much salt or alcohol, lack of sleep, crying, and even makeup can attribute to swollen, puffy, and red eyes. While it may take hours or even a few days for them to return back to normal, take these 10 steps to help shrink the swell. Remember, even though it's tempting, don't rub your eyes! It will only make the irritation and redness worse.

Don't underestimate water. Splash your face with cold water as you wake up to help calm puffiness, then drink a few glasses to hydrate yourself.
Remove any and all eye makeup using cotton swabs and eye makeup remover. Makeup caught in the tear ducts and waterlines will continue to cause inflammation and potentially infection unless you remove it.
Dip a cold rag or cotton balls into an ice bath. Apply to the face for five-10 minutes.
If you can think ahead, keep an ice pack or gel face mask in the freezer. Place on your eyes for 10 minutes.
Chilled chamomile, mint, ginseng, or black teabags sooth and tighten up the skin around the eyes. Set them over the eyes until the teabags are at room temperature.

Click here to read more.

6 Ways to Enjoy Cocktails Guilt-Free

Health — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:43:21 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

By Tina Haupert

For me, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without enjoying a festive cocktail or two. But unfortunately most of these drinks are heavy on calories and fat, which isn’t good when I’m trying to maintain healthy eating habits.

Instead of just sipping seltzer and missing out on all of the party cheer, I follow a few simple tricks to keep the holiday cocktails from showing up on the scale.

Start With Some Bubbly
Sorry, not champagne! On a night when I know there are a few drinks in my future, I like to start off with a glass of no-calorie seltzer (or still water). The bubbles from the carbonation give my stomach a full feeling, which helps me slow down and think about my food choices as the night progresses.

If I pace myself, I have better control around all of the delicious holiday goodies. Plus it's no surprise that the calories in cocktails quickly add up, so I also like to alternate seltzer between rounds.

Diet Tricks the Pros Tell Their Friends

Order It With Extra Ice
I like to order my cocktails with extra ice, since melting cubes dilute the drink. This creates more liquid, so I can sip longer without increasing my calorie intake.

Occasionally, I'll order my drink on the rocks, which takes me longer to consume than a mixed cocktail. Sometimes it lasts so long, I don't bother with a refill, which saves me calories in the long run.

Keep reading for more tips!

6 Tricks to Save on Winter Spending

Emily Co — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:56 PST

Winter can be an expensive season with all the gift giving, and your bank account may look worse for wear during this time. Don't worry, there are plenty of smart strategies you can take to lower your Winter bills. Here are some money-saving tricks to keep in mind this cold season:

Invest in a programmable thermostat. Save energy and money by programming the thermostat to control the heating and cooling when you're away from home or asleep. And these don't have to be expensive investments - there are programmable thermostats available for about $35.
Insulate your home. Figure out if your home can improve on insulation by conducting an inspection. The US Department of Energy website has good tips on DIY home inspections. Save energy and money by installing what works best for your house, from installing windows and doors that fit better or plug and caulk cracks and holes. Be sure to do your research online first, before attempting to make these changes on your own.
Consider a space heater. Using a space heater instead of central heating can save you money. If you only need to heat up one or two rooms, you'll save more money and energy using a space heater than central heating.

Read on for more tips.

Jessica Alba Talks Pregnancy, Travel Tips, and Her Summer Reads as She Plays Host For Rimowa

Lindsay Miller — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:34:59 PDT

Jessica Alba glammed up with a mani-pedi yesterday afternoon as she prepped to host the opening of the Beverly Hills Rimowa store last night. The actress looked radiant in bold blue eyeliner and a look by Lanvin at the luxury luggage brand's party, which also drew the likes of Brad Goreski, Amy Smart, and True Blood star Joe Manganiello. We spoke with the soon-to-be mother of two, who told us she's been working to juggle pregnancy while caring for her toddler, Honor. The duo are back in LA following a girls' getaway to Cabo, where Jessica showed off her baby bump in a bikini and splashed in the water with her daughter. Jessica's career keeps her jet-setting for much of the year, so she also shared her expert travel tips and revealed the item she and Honor both require when they fly. Jessica said:

On how pregnancy is different the second time around: "I'm chill. I was freaked my first time going into labor. Like, what if I panic? What if I just freak out and I don't know what to do? It's a little bit harder on the body because my daughter still wants to be picked up. Ever since my belly popped, she really is on me!"
On why it's important to have a nice suitcase: "For me, a great luggage is like a great pair of shoes because I use my luggage so much. And I'm that girl that actually uses the lifetime warranty on my luggage because my zippers break all the time and I sit on my luggage. It never fails, no matter how big the luggage or how many pieces I have, I have to sit on my luggage to close it. It's nice to have something that's literally indestructible, and there's nothing like this brand . . . I also like that it's chic and it's understated, and it's like a mixture of masculine and feminine. You get that little bit of shine, but it's still quite sturdy."
On how traveling with kids changes things: "It's two suitcases you have to sit on to close!"
On her travel essentials: "Eye cream. I have a blanket that I travel with . . . it's so dorky! But I travel with it on the plane all the time, and Honor has one too, actually."
On her packing tips: "I use these bags inside my luggage that take out all the air, and keeps everything separate. And then when something gets dirty, on one side is clean and one side is dirty. It keeps everything compartmentalized and organized. And I pack in outfits. If I have three days and three nights, I literally have the entire outfit together, so I don't have to think."
On her favorite Summer read: "I just got a new one that I just started, that's a little depressing, called Room. But I just finished the Patti Smith book [Just Kids] and it was great."

Reese Witherspoon and Her Family Return Home From Their Hawaiian Getaway

Lauren Turner — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 12:36:48 PDT

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth packed up and headed to the airport in Hawaii with Ava and Deacon yesterday. The family of four arrived back in LA hours later and hopped into a waiting car outside of LAX. Reese, Jim, Ava, and Deacon spent the whole week on the island of Kauai, and they were spotted splashing in the waves, soaking up the sun on the beach, and eating out with friends during their stay. Reese Witherspoon wore a bikini that showed off her stomach tattoo and she also tried her hand at surfing.

2011 Independent Spirit Awards: Eva Mendes

BellaSugar — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:54:34 PST

On a red carpet that's full of waved and curled hairstyles, Eva Mendes broke away from the pack, sporting this straight and full-of-body 'do. In keeping with the carefree approach, Eva chose a paint-splash dress in bold, bright colors. A pair of double-strapped turquoise heels brings it all together for an extra dash of color. Are you impressed by Eva's multicolored ensemble?

Vote on all of our Independent Spirit Awards polls here!

5 Must Dos For Hiking in the Rain

Michele Foley — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:10 PDT

Even in the Summer, rain happens; but, don't let that stop you from going on a hike. With some careful planning and the proper gear, you'll be set to enjoy a hike in the rain wherever you may be. Always check the weather before heading out, and if rain seems imminent, follow these simple hiking tips to keep you safe and dry.

Wear waterproof and moisture-wicking clothing - Having a top layer of waterproof clothing is essential when hiking in the rain. A good waterproof jacket and pair of pants are what will keep you from being a cold, weighted down, soggy mess. To keep warm, wear a layer of moisture-wicking clothing under your waterproof gear. I'm a fan of a wool; in the off chance that your bottom layer gets wet, wool dries fast, and even when wet, it will keep you warm. To keep your head and face dry, pick a jacket with a hood or wear a wide-brimmed hat. When buying hiking gear, make sure the label reads waterproof - you'll end up soaked if you hike in gear that is merely water-resistant.
Wear waterproof shoes that have sticky rubber soles - Given that you'll be splashing around on wet trails and walking through puddles and small creeks, you want to wear shoes that will keep your feet dry. Look for hiking, approach, or trail running shoes that are waterproof and have sticky rubber soles. A specialized sticky rubber sole helps add extra grip to the bottom of your shoe, which proves especially helpful in uneven terrain.

See more tips on hiking in the rain after the break!

Whitney Port Hits the Beach in a Fun, Floral-Print Bikini

Lindsay Miller — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:31:50 PDT

Whitney Port made a splash in Miami this afternoon, wearing a bright, floral-print bikini as she swam in the warm water. The designer and reality star has been enjoying some time in Florida during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's 2012 Swim Week. Whitney has been hosting parties, checking out some of the runway shows, and catching rays in a rotating wardrobe of two-pieces. Whitney wore a white Mara Hoffman bikini over the weekend before stepping out in her bold swimsuit today. She showed off an enviably fit frame, and the reality star recently shared some of her workout tips with fans. In fact, one of Whitney Port's fitness secrets is packing in a few push-ups before going out on the town, which she says gives her a big energy boost.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Become the Latest Royals to Visit America

Annie Scudder — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:36:18 PDT

Prince William and Kate Middleton have touched down at LAX! This marks Kate's first visit ever to the USA - although Kate's already met America's first couple, President Obama and Michelle Obama. We can expect to see more PDA and matching outfit moments between the royal newlyweds as William and Kate enjoy a long weekend in California packed with a polo match, red-carpet BAFTA event, and charity work. After arriving from Canada this afternoon, Will and Kate will head to a business event with US business leaders. And tonight, they're the guests of honor at a cocktail party hosted at the British Consulate.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are the latest in a long list of royals to take a tour of America; Prince Harry came in 2009, Princess of Grace of Monaco visited way back in 1956, and Jordan's Queen Rania has also paid a visit, just to name a few. And this isn't the first time William has come stateside either, although this will be his first time he's coming to the US in an official capacity. In 1993, William visited Florida's Disney World with his mother Princess Diana.

To see more photos of Will and Kate's arrival, and a bonus shot of a young William on Splash Mountain, click through!