GeekSugar

The Hard Shell of Pinkness

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:30:01 PDT

If you're like me and think Colorware is pretty adorable but balk (and by balk I mean loudly declaring "Aw, hell no!") at the prices, then I have a great alternative. InCase has been making its hard case for a while now - and now the hard case comes in pink! It not only protects your MacBook like a case when you're toting it around, but you can use the computer when it's on too, so the white MacBook really does becomes your blank canvas!

I think it's just as cute as Colorware, and it's only 50 bucks. Incase seems pretty in favor of pink gadget accessories lately, but I think the hard case is the cutest. Don't fear the pink.

View 3 Photos ›

What We're Sweet On: Lipstick That Does It All

Miriam Lacey — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:10:27 PST

Usually we consider ourselves lucky if a lipstick looks good on us and doesn't make our lips dry like the Sahara. Perhaps our standards are a bit unusual, but we've been doing this a long time. Even hard-eyed beauty editors, though, know a cool find when they see it, and Lola Duo lipstick ($22) is exactly that.

It's a typical columnar lipstick, but each side is a unique shade that works on its own or layered together. Our favorite shade is Strawberry/Cream, a pair of pink shades that are both pretty by themselves, and turn into a soft, sheer berry shade when you mix them.

We also love the little mirror that pops out of the case when you open up the lipstick. Sure, it's a little gimmicky, but it's super handy and perfect for doing a last-minute makeup check or re-applying after food. All around a great little find, and well worth having in your beauty arsenal.

From the Fit Community: Leave Your Phone at Home When You Work Out

Fit Community — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:25:08 PST

FitSugar reader JessicaSmithTV wants you to know: you're hurting your workout when you bring your cell phone into the equation. She shared her three reasons you should stay cell phone-free at the gym in our 10 Pounds Down! community group.

1. It’s hurting your workout (and could cause you to get hurt)

If you can text or talk on the phone during any part of your workout, you aren’t working hard enough. Exercise requires a mind/body connection (yes, even the time you spend on the treadmill) and your cell phone seriously disrupts the communication signals between your mind and your body.

Even if you think you are the most talented texter, or multitasker to ever walk the earth, don’t kid yourself - many studies have shown cell phone distraction as even worse than being drunk – so if you wouldn’t run that mile, take that spin class or do Pilates totally wasted, then your phone shouldn’t be out during your workout. Not paying attention during exercise is dangerous and can cause you to hurt yourself - in a big way. Not to mention, it slows you down! Even if you stop to text in between exercises, you are slowing down your flow - and your heart rate. Not a good way to get results.

Read more reasons for keeping your cell phone at home after the break.

Adventures in Ingredients: Indian Bitter Melon

Camilla Salem — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:10:57 PST

To me, Berkeley Bowl is a sacred place worthy of a weekly pilgrimage. Perhaps the ultimate food-lover's grocery store, this massive Berkeley, CA, food emporium carries a huge selection of goods from around the world, and at great prices. I consider it a must stop for friends visiting the Bay Area, so why not share my adventures?

The most remarkable part of the store is probably the produce, which is clearly labeled to identify where each item comes from. The international and bulk sections offer never-ending inspiration, the meats and seafoods offer countless options and price points, and I always find myself mesmerized by fruits and vegetables from around the world that I've never seen before.

Case in point: Indian bitter melon. I grabbed five or six of these a week ago in an effort to learn about new exotic foods. Knowing nothing at all, I selected these purely based on the fact that they seemed sort of reptilian and would be fun to photograph. As the days went on (and as the bitter melon sat in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator), I became more hesitant, not sure what I was thinking.

Finally, I braved up, opened my computer, and did a little research. As it turns out, Indian bitter melon, or karela, is a commonly cooked vegetable in Indian cuisine. It's described all over the Internet as an "acquired taste," and apparently soaking it in salt water helps to remove some of the bitterness. I found recipes for stuffing and sautéing with various spices. The health benefits of this strange vegetable are plentiful, particularly in managing diabetes, and typically, I can convince myself to like anything if it's good for me.

To find out what I did with these and what I thought of them, keep reading.

iWant: Hatch & Co Skinny iPad 2 Case

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:42:54 PST

It's not often that I crave a keyboard for my iPad 2, but this hot white leather Hatch & Co Skinny iPad 2 Case ($75) is hard to resist.

This ultrathin case comes with a Bluetooth touch keyboard (no buttons, just slim raised edges), smart keys to control volume and language, and a smart cover so your iPad goes to sleep when you're done working as to save the battery. The case's battery lasts up to two weeks on its own (six weeks on standby), so you won't have to worry about constantly finding an outlet.

It's a hot little number, and one that I could definitely see myself toting on work trips. Get a better look for yourself in the gallery!

The Best and Worst Girl Scout Cookies

Shape — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:33:58 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to certified trainer, fitness blogger, and wellness coach Jennipher Walters for some help!

While it's hard to call Girl Scout Cookies health food exactly, some varieties are certainly easier on your waistline than others. In order to help you decide which boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to order this year (because, honestly, it's hard to say "no" to those little girls!), here's a list of the best and the worst Girl Scout Cookies when it comes to serving size, calories, and fat. Obviously, not ordering or eating Girl Scout Cookies is the best way to avoid overindulging, but hopefully this information comes in handy in case you do have a craving or a box arrives on your doorstep!

Keep reading to see which Girl Scout Cookies are the best and worst after the break!

Anonymous Hacks CBS, Universal, Heading For Facebook Next?

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:15:58 PST

Internet hacktivist group Anonymous blocked traffic from CBS.com and deleted all of its files last night during Operation Global Blackout, a hackathon that began shortly after file-sharing site MegaUpload was shut down, and has its sights set on Facebook as its next target. In a YouTube video released this morning, the group (or an affiliate group) asks users to help take down the world's biggest social network at 12 a.m. on January 28th.

Your Facebook profile most likely holds tons of your most precious photos and videos, and like your computer, you should back up all that data just in case. Here, I'll tell you how to download all of your Facebook content - from wall posts to photo galleries - for safe keeping.

Download Your Data From Facebook
You can download a copy of all of your Facebook data right on the social network. Just head to Account > Account Settings > Download a Copy of Your Facebook Data (this link will be in the bottom left-hand corner of the Account Settings window). Included in the download is your contact info, photos, videos, notes, and wall posts as well as chat conversations, friend lists, events, and comments made on your wall posts. If you do choose to back up your Facebook data (it's recommended!), then be sure to keep it in a safe place, like a password-protected file on an external hard drive.

10 Things You Do to Save Money That End Up Costing You More

Wise Bread — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:15:37 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Wise Bread story here on Savvy!

Have you heard of the expression “penny wise, pound foolish”? It’s something I heard a lot growing up, from my parents, and it can have multiple meanings:

You are very careful with small amounts of money, but throw caution to the wind with large amounts. This is akin to someone who eats from the dollar menu every day but then blows a hundred dollars every month on a gym membership that’s never used.
You do things to save money now, only to have those savings cost you more farther down the road.

The second definition is what I’m focusing on today, because it’s a lot easier to fall into the trap of saving money only to have it bite you later on. Here then are 10 things that you may be doing to save money that could actually cost you a lot more in the weeks, months, or years to come.

RELATED: The Case For Expensive Shoes

1. Avoiding Regular Checkups With the Doctor, Dentist, or Optician

It’s something I did in college when money was tight. “Aah, who needs to pay money to a dentist to have him tell me I should floss more?” Well, after leaving the dentist alone for a few years, I paid the price. Avoiding the regular cleanings and checkups left me facing a hefty bill later on when I needed a bunch of costly fillings. I was lucky that I didn’t need root canals or replacement teeth. Now I have a dental plan that covers free checkups twice a year, but even if you don’t, get to the dentist and doctor for health checks. It’s a lot better to pay a co-pay now than pay for major surgery later on. And worse still, it could even cost you your life, especially as so many conditions can be treated if they’re caught early enough.

Read on for more.

Ga Ga or Gag: iPhone Cases For Toddlers

Nicole Abbott — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:43:27 PST

This is a tech world! Our kiddos are growing up in the digital age, where everything in our lives is digitized - and the truth is that many toddlers are able to manage technology with much more ease than their grandparents. And what is a toddler's coveted tech toy of choice? Mama's iPhone.

Since tots love iPhones so much, many companies have jumped at the lucrative opportunity to manufacture tech products that cater to both moms and tots - case in point, iPhone cases for toddlers. The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case ($20), Infantino's HappiTaps Beary Happi Character Cover ($20), and Woogie 2 ($20) also have toddler iPhone apps to go along with the smartphone cases. While the lovable Stitch iPhone case ($20) makes a cute hard cover that protects your phone from the trenches of toddlerhood.

We want to know what you think about this new tech trend. Will you be rushing out to get one, or do you think iPhone cases for toddlers are a waste of money?

5 Reasons You're Late - and How to Avoid Them

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:16:09 PST

Punctuality is a crucial part of professionalism and making positive first impressions. While we've heard some ridiculous excuses for being late, tardiness is usually caused by something more mundane. If you regularly find yourself racing the clock, take a step back and assess what's causing you to run behind.

Alarm problems. Either it didn't go off, you set it for the wrong time, or you slept right through it - whatever the case, turn around your alarm troubles by spending some extra time planning your sleep schedule. Make sure you're getting seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night and guarantee a smooth morning by setting two or three alarms. Struggle to get out of bed in the morning? Place your alarm on the other side of the room so that you're forced to get up to turn it off.
Getting ready gets chaotic. Where's your purse? Your keys? Did you leave that shirt at the dry cleaner? These stressful moments are easily avoidable. Prep for your morning the night before and make a list of everything you need to grab before heading out the door. And be honest with yourself - if it takes you 15 minutes to do your hair, don't allot five.

Keep reading for more tips on timeliness.