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Beauty Buzz: The Skinny on Yerba Mate

By Kirsten|July 14th, 2009|Beauty Buzz|

As we all know, there is no quick fix for losing weight (well, at least not one that doesn’t involve scalpels and lasers). However, there are things they may aid in your battle with the bulge. One of these little tricks is an old South American tradition that is as easy as switching from coffee to tea.

South Americans are known for being fit and sexy. One reason for this, other than genetics, could be attributed to a daily ritual involving drinking a tea made from a species of holly called yerba mate. The leaves are collected, dried, steeped in hot water and then sipped from a dried gourd through a bombilla (fancy straw).

So what is all the fuss about? Well, yerba mate gives you energy like coffee and other caffeinated drinks, but without the jittery feelings and a more sustained effect. Researchers have also found that yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (including A, C, E, and B’s), and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc) as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and yes– what you’ve been waiting for– a thermogenic (burns fat). Additional benefits include mental clarity as well as acting as a mood enhancer.

While people still drink yerba mate the traditional way (a la gourd and bombilla) you can also purchase tea bags for easy brewing. Like other teas, it can be sweetened with sugar or honey (I prefer mine with a little lemon). So if you’re willing to give up your morning coffee, I really can’t see the downside. It’s cheaper than Starbucks.

xx,

WhyDid

I’m Baaaack…

By Kirsten|July 13th, 2009|Uncategorized|

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After a brief hiatus (ever heard of the quarter life crisis?), I am back and in full effect. As I spent some quality time on the terrace perfecting my tan (always with SPF, people), plowing through some “summer reading”, and sipping on some summer cocktails, I also did a little deep thinking. There comes a point in every young woman’s life where she begins to reassess all aspects of her life- her relationships, her career (or lack thereof), and where she’s headed. While I won’t get into the nitty gritty personal details of my own quarter life crisis, I will leave you with this:

“Just because they make it in your size, doesn’t mean you should wear it.”

I realize that sounds like a pretty straightforward statement, but let’s go a little deeper here. Not only am I suggesting that wearing something unflattering for your figure is a bad call, but also that just because you “can” do something doesn’t mean that you should. For example, they say the reason that men cheat and dogs lick their balls is because “they can.” Well, in my book, neither of these are particularly appealing or socially acceptable. My point is, don’t do something that doesn’t feel right. It may or may not “fit” but how does it look? Hows does it feel?

Just something to think about. Carry on.

xx,

WhyDid

Every Dog Has Its Day

By Kirsten|June 18th, 2009|Uncategorized|

smitty

Okay, so this has absolutely nothing to do with fashion except for the fact that, in my opinion, a dog is your best accessory.

While chatting on the phone with my mom yesterday about the new batch of puppies on their way, I realized something. Everyone should have a dog. Well, actually, I’ve always thought that, but taking it one step further, everyone who is unemployed should have a dog. See, there are several reasons to back up my theory and I think by the time you have finished reading this, you will agree and if you don’t have a dog already, you’ll be ready to head to the local shelter.

First of all, this comes to my attention after strolling by “Groom-o-Rama” in the the West Village several months ago where there is a sign that reads, “20% off of all puppies.” Um, if that doesn’t break your heart, you probably don’t have one. Even the little pups are being affected by the lagging economy. Me being the sucker that I am, always go in to see the little furry fellows. There are some there that are almost full grown.

Secondly, in case you didn’t get the memo, I’m currently unemployed (I prefer “funemployed”). I don’t think my dog has ever been happier. We get to sleep in and snuggle, I play with him all day, and he’s gone on more walks in the last month and half than he has in the last two years (aka his whole life). When I do have to go to appointments or places that aren’t “dog friendly” he is totally heartbroken. I don’t know what’s going to happen when I actually go back to a full time career. Let’s be serious, it certainly hasn’t hurt having him here to talk to and keep me company. He’s great for bouncing ideas off of.

It is scientifically proven that people with pets are happier and who doesn’t need a little boost of happiness when they are unemployed? People with dogs are even more physically fit because you have to take your dog out for walks. Dogs are also great conversation starters. You never know who you will meet. Could be a hot male dog owner or even your next employer.

And finally, a lot of the reason people hold off on getting a pup is that they don’t feel they have enough time to train them properly. Well, now that you’re unemployed, you have all the time in the world! You will have the best behaved pooch on the block!

In my book, dogs are not luxuries, they are necessities. My dog has brought me countless hours of joy. While there are some expenses that come with a pet, they are worth every penny. Now that’s a sound investment.

So now that you’ve seen the light, check out the ASPCA and Humane Society for tips on adoption and your local shelter.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Go Commando

By Kirsten|June 15th, 2009|Why Did You Wear That?|

vpl1

Summer is the time of year where ladies love to bear it all. We’ve perfected our spray tans and spent hours in the gym to get our glutes in tip top shape. In all honesty, we’ve earned it. However, there are tricks to making our barely there outfits work without being utterly offensive.

One of the biggest offenders all times of the year is VPL (visible panty lines). We all know what this is (for heaven’s sake, even my Dad knows what VPL stands for). I would hope by now, that everyone knows you need to wear a thong if you are wearing tight pants or a tight skirt. Taking it one step further, sometimes a thong alone doesn’t cut it. With very sheer or clingy fabrics, sometimes the outline of your thong will still show giving you unnecessary lumps and bumps. You might be tempted to just go sans panties, but rather than show us your Paris/Britney, I have another solution. Enter the Commando Tiny Thong. Lots of places have introduced seamless, no-show panties, but these are the original tried and true. Having worn these myself, I can vouch that you will not see even the tiniest seam, not even under a body skimming chiffon dress. They have several variations of these panties, I prefer the Tiny Thong (it’s the least amount of fabric, obvi).

Another offender? Illegal use of bra straps. I am totally cool with showing a beautiful bra under a see through blouse, or having a bit of your lacy bra pop out, but ONLY when done appropriately and intentionally (a la Carrie Bradshaw). Not only are there tons of bras out there to allow you to re-configure your straps, there are also now gadgets that are meant specifically for hiding your straps. Hollywood Hook Ups are a great option (a lot better than my MacGyver tricks involving safety pins and rubber bands).

NOT SEXY:

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Having a royal nip slip can also put a damper on your summer evening out. To avoid this, just grab some double sided tape to hold your drapey blouse in place. I like Matchsticks because they are in cute pink packaging that you can just pop in your purse.

USE TAPE ON A TOP LIKE THIS:

larok2024326050_prod_zoom_front_v1_m56577569831591856_sx201_ TO AVOID A MOMENT LIKE THIS:

Here Comes the Bride…

By Kirsten|June 12th, 2009|Gift Guide, Uncategorized|

bridal_shower

It’s wedding season so you probably either know someone who is getting married or you, yourself, might be getting married (God bless you).

Anyway, one of the most fun parts about an upcoming wedding (for the ladies) is the bachelorette party/bridal shower. However, it tends to be tricky getting a cool gift for the future Mrs. that doesn’t involve the words “penis shaped…” Here are some gift ideas that the bride might actually contemplate keeping.