Amanda's Confessions

A new study shows that women spend on average $13,000 on make-up during a lifetime!  If these results really are true, women place a great value on makeup! The study found that 70% of women won't leave the house without applying something to her face, with 68% saying cosmetics make them feel more confident. One in five women surveyed said their boyfriends have never seen them without makeup, even in bed! OK, we get it. Makeup is important to us. But, perhaps some of that $13,000 could be put to better use.

It's that time of year again. I HATE when the time changes... It makes my 3am wake-up call terrible! Maybe this article will help you out: 

With as many as 75 percent of Americans already citing sleeping problems, this 60-minute deficit is no small matter. In fact, it can make you fatigued and less alert. It's no wonder that car crashes increase following the time change, according to a University of Michigan expert. The good news is that resetting your clock this Sunday doesn't have to make you feel out of sorts. Use these tips leading up to and all throughout the season to feel healthy happy, energized, and rested.

Shut down

Tempting as it is to surf the web in bed, your laptop's glow may prevent you from falling into a deep slumber. And recharge your cell phone or iPod in another room so its lights don't disturb you. Don't want to give your electronics the boot? At least shut them down an hour before snooze time. 

Tuck yourself in

Creating a prebedtime routine is key to easing yourself into dreamland. It is especially important when you're trying to go to sleep a little earlier than usual, which is a smart move before the time change. Cue up relaxing music 45 minutes before you tuck in for the night. Take a warm bubble bath for 10 minutes and read a boring book once you're under the covers, as hitting the books before bedtime will help bring on the zzz's. Nerves keeping your eyes open? Jot down worries in a journal to clear your mind. 

Resist the urge to sleep in

Not maintaining a consistent wake-up time disrupts your body's clock. Rather than linger in bed because it's "really" only 7 a.m., juice up with a 15-minute afternoon nap later in the day, if you're still dragging.  

Take a time-out

Reserve 15 minutes to meditate or do a series of stretches first thing in the morning. A few minutes of mellow quiet will lower stress.

Eat a smart breakfast 

Fuel up with foods that are high in protein and fiber; they metabolize slowly and give you hours of energy. Choose scrambled eggs with vegetables, whole-grain toast and a glass of milk; almond butter and bananas on whole-wheat toast; or a refreshing berry-yogurt smoothie and three whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter to feel energized on Sunday—and all season long.

Exercise for energy

Although it may be difficult to lace up your sneaks when you're feeling draggy, breaking a sweat can actually help you ditch drowsiness. Boost your energy with a bike ride or outdoor run; the fresh air relieves the blues and feelings of fatigue. 

Take a bite out of exhaustion 

Eating every three to four hours ensures an energy boost, so grab crunchy apples, celery, snap peas and nuts. Snack on a handful of trail mix with antioxidant-rich goji berries. 

Fit in some fun

Losing yourself in something you enjoy is key to feeling happy and revitalized. Share lunch with a friend who makes you laugh, visit the zoo or another place you enjoy, or just laze on the porch with a good book. You'll feel relaxed and ready to relish the beautiful spring days ahead.

Jessica Simpson debuts her new song with Ryan Seacrest. It's about her new show Price of Beauty that will air on VH1!

Top 10 Weight Loss Tips that work in 60 Seconds of LESS?

 1. Mix a juice spritzer
Combine your favorite juice (half of your usual amount) with plain or sparkling water. You can cut up to 85 calories per glass--and lose 5 pounds or more a year.

2. Walk while you talk
Burn calories while you talk on the phone: Do the laundry (68 calories), set the table (85), or water plants (102).

3. Study the wrapper
At a quick glance, that candy bar appears to contain 220 calories. But a closer look may reveal that it (or a bottle of juice, bag of crackers, or bag of nuts) provides two or more servings--which more than doubles those calories.

4. Sip green tea before a walk
The caffeine frees fatty acids so that you burn fat more easily. And the polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) in green tea appear to work with caffeine to increase calorie burn. (If you have high blood pressure, skip this tip.)

5. Pack a lunch
Dining out more than 5 times a week may make you eat more--nearly 300 calories a day--than if you dine out less frequently.

6. Dip your bread
Use olive oil in place of butter. It's healthier and may also help you eat less. In a recent study, dippers ate a total of 52 fewer calories, on average, than those who used butter.

7. Sprinkle flax on cereal
High-fiber ground flaxseed can help curb your appetite and eliminate calories. Add it to yogurt or muffin and bread mixes--it's available in health food stores.

8. Schedule a blood test
About 1 in every 12 women (most of whom don't know it) has an underactive thyroid, which can slow down her metabolism.

9. Supersize your H2O
Buy the big bottle when it comes to good-for-you stuff such as water: You'll drink more.

10. Eat a chunky salad
Chop carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or other veggies instead of shredding or slicing. It takes more effort to munch bigger pieces; you'll do more chewing and eat less during the main course.
 

 Brad Paisely fell during his concert last night and was brought to the hospital.



He was a trooper and thanked the audience.  He was released this morning. Then he sent this picture via Twitter: 

 

We've seen nerdy marriage proposals and geeky things before, but this has to be the best, and geekiest, wedding invitation yet: a bride and groom created an 8-bit wedding invitation that makes the guest play a video game in order to get the details on when and where the wedding is being held.

Players can act out either the bride ('Darina') or the groom ('Niko'), who are described at the beginning of the video game as a person who 'talks a lot and very fast, is an amazing singer, and a 1337 kick boxer' and 'does not talk quite as fast, quotes Star Wars, and is mostly harmless,' respectively.

Too Funny Not to Share! Can you imagine going to a hotel and having them offer you HUMAN WARMERS? I know Fargo gets cold, but this is what my fiance is for :) How do you explain this to the hubby....So, yeah my sheet were cold so I decided that I would have a couple people come snuggle for a few! AWKWARD!

Attention Ladies: BEWARE! This is soooo GROSS and a Total EEEWW Factor, but we all need to know :) 

 Your favorite lingerie shop might be reselling USED underwear. In a "Today Show: Secret Filth Exposed!" segment, reporters purchased underwear and bathing suits from eight popular retail stores, removed the tags and even stained them with baby oil, and then tested which stores would take the items and put them back on the shelf. Although the practice isn't necessarily illegal, there could be health implications. Check out this super-gross, but super-important clip.

Taylor's New Fearless Video! 

My favorite Super Bowl Commercials! 

Michael Jackson will be remembered by  a group of inmates!  MJ’s choreographer, Travis Payne taught the inmates all the steps to "This Is It"

OMG! Seriously? I itch for her....I am soooo grossed out! Ladies, I know it's winter but REALLY? Who does this? I love ya Monique but, Venus/Schick needs to be your friend! Does she dare lift her arms up.....WOW!

Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman sing a duet....Good Stuff!

I just gained respect for Brett Favre! 

I love the Kardashians, but Kim this is NOT GOOD! Experience the Voluptuous New Scent ;) 

Because you know how much I love Farmville! HAPPY FARMING FOLKS!

Something that never crossed my mind, but has forever changed me! Washing my clothes after buying them.  I ran across an article called "What's Hiding in Your Clothes" that talked about all of the germs and heavy contamination that is found in clothes. 

Whenever I buy clothes I get so excited and wear them the next day and don't even think about washing them.  After reading this article I don't think I can even try on clothes without under body armor.  I will post the link below, but please note he may change your life forever :) 

Kidding, but it will make you rethink not washing your clothes and will make you be very blessed that we have a great immune system! 

Click Here to Read More: http://cocoperez.com/2010-01-10-whats-hiding-on-your-new-clothes

Every year I make a New Year's Resolution along with everyone else and it's usually to lose weight and start working out.  I usually start strong and fall off about a week into the workout.  But, not this time!  I signed up for a membership at Go Far Woman and have been working out just about everyday.  I worked out a few times last week and then did a couple of classes.  I was soooo sore after the first 3 days and did not want to go back.  I wanted to go back but, I wanted a wait until I didn't feel sore. 

This is where the problem usually starts for me.  I workout then I get sore then I quit for a week and then try to get back into and then quit again.  It's just one big mean cycle. But, to make a long story short I finally found a workout facility that I truly enjoy!  Over the weekend I got a sneek peak at some new classes and fell in love with them. 

One of the classes is called Group Groove.  Let's just say that I worked out for an hour and it felt like 15 minutes!  It was sooo much fun.  Whenever you can do a work out class to Beyonce "All the Single Ladies" life is good. 

So, I got passed the first week of working out and it's down hill from here.  I invite everyone to come out and try it.....Go Far Woman on 32nd Ave!!! I may even go as far as getting a personal trainer!

Update: My new ranking is 7.56!

On Monday, I signed up for Beautifulpeople.com...WHY? Because over the weekend they deleted over 5,000 profiles because people were not HOT enough to be on the site.  So, I decided I would try.  Before you can even register you must post a picture.  I got through that process and then it took a day to validate my profile.  From there I had to wait for 24 hours to get ranked by people. 

Today I received my ranking and out of 10 stars.... I am a 5.12 rating :(  Must not like a head shot perhaps I should have been like the rest of the "lovely ladies" and place a cleavage shot!
Anyways, immediately following my ranking email I started getting request and guys were hitting on me....

So, we thought we would share what men are like and what is really on the minds of these men!  I will be sharing below my conversations and updating this regularly.

GOAL: To see if they guys are only on here for one thing and too see how quick they start getting inappropriate!

VICTIM #1   JOE, 27 BANKER

This video is great!  Dierks takes the not-so Polar Plunge!  Well, at least for those of us in the upper midwest!  There is no ice on the lake and the sun is shining... He should come here!

The news broke yesterday that Taylor Swift and Taylor Launter had split.  Here are a few of the rumors: 

US Weekly claims Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner have broken up. A source says, “It wasn’t really developing into anything, and wasn’t going to, so they decided they were better as friends. There was no chemistry. He liked her more than she liked him. He went everywhere he could to see her, but she didn’t travel much to see him.”

The National Enquirer claims Taylor Lautner broke up her because she dislikes his healthy lifestyle. A source says, “Unlike Lautner, Swift is anti-diet. Her favorite restaurant is the Cracker Barrel. Her favorite dish is their biscuits and gravy — something Lautner wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole! Lautner is very athletic and health-conscious, so he eats mostly low-fat protein like skinless chicken breasts, egg whites and vegetables and fruits. Picking restaurants for date nights has turned into a huge headache and always leads to a squabble. The only food option they can agree on is sushi." 

I think that Taylor Launter used Taylor Swift!  I know that he was Jacob in Twilight and everyone loves him for that role.  But, ever since his late appearance on Saturday Night Live I have been skeptical.  Let me remind you that Mr. Launter was almost NOT casted in last Twilight move due to his appearance.  They didn't think he was buff enough.  But, he worked it out and now landed a movie role as MAX STEEL!  

I think he used Taylor's fame to get ahead and always knew he liked her just as a friend.  But, the good news is Taylor will get some good songs out of this break-up (at least another album of heartbreak and love). 
 

THREE WAYS TO HELP THE WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE FEEL LESS STRESS

Guys, the woman in your life is stressed out! According to the Boston Consulting Group, almost nine out of 10 women say they feel over-worked and under-appreciated. Here is what men can do to help:

• Do one of her chores. In a study that compared the amount of time couples spent doing housework, women outperformed men at a rate of three to one! A recent poll done by Shape magazine showed that the majority of women would prefer unexpected cleaning help over a surprise bouquet of flowers.

• Encourage “girls night out.” The best relationships are supported by a strong social circle. Spending time with girlfriends helps women maintain a feeling of independence. Plus, they get some time to relax and do some much-needed venting.

• Get emotional. Research shows that the single most damaging thing a man can do in his relationship is withdraw. You don’t have to make any dramatic changes. They say that spending just ten minutes chatting with your sweetheart about her day – and yours - makes a big difference.

Guys, it’s that simple. Do a little extra housework, encourage girls night out, and spend some time really talking to your wife or girlfriend. You’ll make her less stressed, and we all know that when mama’s happy, everybody’s happy.

 

And this this why we love Taylor & Taylor Together!!! 

The Hormone Guide

Women will understand this!  Men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands. This is a handy guide that should be carried like a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other.

DANGEROUS  

What’s for dinner?

Are you wearing that?

So what are you so worked up about?

Should you be eating that?

What did you do all day?

SAFER

Can I help you with dinner?

You sure look good in brown!

Could we be overreacting?

You know there are a lot of apples left.

I hope you didn’t over do it today!

SAFEST

Where would you like to go dinner?

WOW, look at you!

Here’s my paycheck!

 Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?

I’ve always loved you in that robe!

ULTRA  SAFE

Here, have some wine!

Current Pet Peeve: People being Late!  Shouldn't be a pet peeve anymore since I grew up with a mother who is late to everything and could quite possibly be late for her own funeral.  I am not sure how people are okay with being late.  My mom is extreme and is anywhere from 1 to 2 hours late for things.  I hate being 5 minutes late for something.  To me if you are there 5 minutes prior that is on time.

Anyways, to make a long story short my wedding dress came in and I wanted my mom to come with me and pick it up.... I told her to be here at 2pm (Which I knew would mean she would be here around 3 or so).  She called me at 2:30pm and still had not left the house (which is and hour in half away).  She finally got here at 6:30pm.  Needless to say.....We didn't get my dress! 

Do you have anyone in your life that is ALWAYS LATE?  If so, how do you deal with it? Let me know!!

Behind the scenes with Taylor Swift in an interview with T a New York Times Style Magazine. 

 The spotlight has been focused on Tiger Woods and his alleged affairs for the past week.  I must say when the reports first came out about his accident and the first rumor about him cheating were revealed I was appalled.  I thought it was another media stunt to boost ratings and for people to sell magazines.  I was disgusted at the thought of these people giving these home wreckers hundreds of thousands of dollars to talk about something that may or may not have happened.  When these things happen everyone seems to forget about his wife and children and come out with accusations that can ruin a family. 

But, when the voicemail surfaced that he contacted mistress #1 and the other mistress cancelled her press conference I was sick!  It's one of those things that you try to see the best in someone even for their faults.  But, it's hard to have the same respect for someone as an athlete or a public figure after knowing what they have done. I have mixed feelings about the situation and hope that Tiger and his wife can work things out in privacy of their own home. 

The other topic about this situation is him being a role model.  He is in fact a role model for athletes.  Some say his endorsements should not be affected by his recent controversy because he is still in fact an amazing athlete, while others say he is no longer a role model and people should not support his actions by making him the face of their products.  What are your thoughts? 

Here is Tiger's official apology:  “I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.

“Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. [My wife] Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.

“But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don’t share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one’s own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions.

“Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it’s difficult.

“I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.”

I think we can all think of a million excuses that we have used to not work out…I think the main one for most people is not having time….. Well, that’s not an excuse anymore…Here is a list of exercises you can do while sitting throughout the day!

Stuck in traffic. You can do some isometric exercises —Place your hands on the wheel at 9 and 3. Give the wheel one long squeeze for 10 beats, then release. After a few reps, move your hands to 10 and 2, which will engage different muscles groups, and repeat. You can also squeeze your glutes and abs while stopped at red lights. “Make it a game,” and it’s supposed to relieve stress so you’re less likely to flip someone off!

At your desk. “Sit on an exercise ball,” instead of a desk chair.  Not only will this improve your posture, balancing on the ball activates your abs and quads.

Around the house. Sometimes, you just can’t make it to the gym — bad weather, sick kids, a new “Grey’s Anatomy.” Use a step or a raised fireplace ledge to do raised lunges. To increase the difficulty, add weights (soup cans or water jugs, for instance). You can also do jumping jacks, jump rope and jog in place for cardio.

1. Mix a juice spritzer
Combine your favorite juice (half of your usual amount) with plain or sparkling water. You can cut up to 85 calories per glass--and lose 5 pounds or more a year.

2. Walk while you talk
Burn calories while you talk on the phone: Do the laundry (68 calories), set the table (85), or water plants (102).

3. Study the wrapper
At a quick glance, that candy bar appears to contain 220 calories. But a closer look may reveal that it (or a bottle of juice, bag of crackers, or bag of nuts) provides two or more servings--which more than doubles those calories.

4. Sip green tea before a walk
The caffeine frees fatty acids so that you burn fat more easily. And the polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) in green tea appear to work with caffeine to increase calorie burn. (If you have high blood pressure, skip this tip.)

5. Pack a lunch
Dining out more than 5 times a week may make you eat more--nearly 300 calories a day--than if you dine out less frequently.

6. Dip your bread
Use olive oil in place of butter. It's healthier and may also help you eat less. In a recent study, dippers ate a total of 52 fewer calories, on average, than those who used butter.

7. Sprinkle flax on cereal
High-fiber ground flaxseed can help curb your appetite and eliminate calories. Add it to yogurt or muffin and bread mixes--it's available in health food stores.

8. Schedule a blood test
About 1 in every 12 women (most of whom don't know it) has an underactive thyroid, which can slow down her metabolism.

9. Supersize your H2O
Buy the big bottle when it comes to good-for-you stuff such as water: You'll drink more.

10. Eat a chunky salad
Chop carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or other veggies instead of shredding or slicing. It takes more effort to munch bigger pieces; you'll do more chewing and eat less during the main course.