Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Office Desk - An Occupational Hazard
 'I do NOT want to sit down!' - This is the mantra I repeat to myself as soon as I get into work every day. I am sick and tired of sitting at my desk! When I was in school, I never really envisioned myself working hard for my degree so that I could spend countless hours behind a desk working on my office-chair-butt-mold. I had dreams of exotic places and new faces and interesting work spaces. Yet, the reality remains...I sit at a desk all day. From nine to five I bathe in the unnatural glow of a computer screen...slumped in my office chair...wishing I had a window.Far less romantic than my youthful dreams - but I can't really complain because at least I have a job. So...since complaining is out of the question and apathy really isn't my style, I've begun my quest for the perfect at-work solution. There are about 992 million Americans out there who, like me, work in jobs that are considered 'sedentary' - this has led to a 60% increase in weight gain over the last couple decades (According to the National Bureau of Economic Research in MA). Which, in turn, can lead to all sorts of problems - joint pain, fatigue, and even 'desk rage'. Many workplaces out there realize that healthy and happy employees generates growth, stability, and fresh ideas. So, they've tried making healthier cafeteria food, giving away free gym memberships, or even paying employees to lose weight. (Personally...I am all for that option!) Unfortunately, my own job didn't come with any of these 'perks'. So, I've been searching for something that would keep my body from fusing to the office chair. Behold my fabulous finds!... Pros: Cheap: for about $30 you can get your own 75cm exercise ball to serve as your desk chair. Great for building lower back and core strength - which improve posture and alleviate back pain. Cons: Not very attractive and may even be unacceptable at the office. Balance: if you don't have any of it than this is not for you. Options: If you don't mind spending the extra bucks, you can buy an exercise ball chair - the ball fits on a rolling chair. Check them out at Target and WalMart. The Active Sitting Disc or Wedge:  Pros: Inexpensive - About the same price as the exercise ball. Can be put on top of whatever desk chair you already have. Cons: Not as multipurpose as the exercise ball. Range of movement is less limited so core strengthening isn't as pronounced. Options: Check out these options here. The Treadmill Desk:  Pros: Low impact movement that works the legs and core strength. Burn calories. Cons: Expensive to buy premade. Have to have a treadmill. Could be treacherous to your health if you accidentally step off. Options: If you need the whole nine yards and want a desk that is seemless, then check out Steelcase's Walkstation. But if you don't have an extra 5 grand to spend on a 'new desk'...or if you're feeling industrious, are at least a little bit handy, and you already have a treadmill waiting to be transformed into you very own walkable workstation, this $49 version might suit you just fine. Labels: Fashion and Beauty, Health |
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Dreaming in Disney
| I've been stumbling across these beautiful pictures over the past week and as I was 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over them, (and finding more and more - to my delight) it seemed to me that they were all reminiscent of something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. DUH! They were all famous Disney movie moments! Once I figured it out, I couldn't believe that I didn't even realize they were all part of a series of photographs! (Well, once I saw the Snow White one...it got REALLY obvious) This series is called 'Disney Dream Portraits' and they are done by the one and only - Annie Leibovitz. If the name doesn't ring a bell then look her up and you'll be sure to recognize some of her work. These three are my favorites: Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella  Rachel Weisz as Snow White Jessica Biel as Pocohontas Other photos feature Drew Barrymore as Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast', Julianne Moore as Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid', Giselle Bundchen as Wendy from 'Peter Pan', Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony as Jasmine & Aladdin from 'Aladdin', and the list goes on...Apparently, Disney has yet to 'release' these pictures to the public. So, since there is no official website that I can point you to in order to check out all these beautiful images on your own, I would recommend trying a little bit of Googling. :o) Happy hunting! Labels: Photography |
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Beautiful Boudoir
 Room: Female Only Zone - a dressing room or a single gal's bedroom.Style: This room is channeling Old Hollywood glamour and a love for all things sparkly! To Do It: Pick things with curves and those little scrolling details...but be careful not to overdo it. Don't be afraid of having too much white...this can be punched up with color later. Also, glass and floral arrangements play a major role in this room. Ready to get inspired for your own boudoir? Let's get started! Here's the break down: Color Board 1. Colors: off-white, silver, black, dove grey, and creamy peach. This room is meant to be gorgeously girly and glamorous…reminiscent of old Hollywood. A light dove grey on the walls, silky fabrics on the bed, accessories that sparkle, and some lovely floral pieces are what make this room work. Furniture 2. Camille Iron Bed from Pottery Barn. Full or Queen: $899.99 3. Avenue Six Hourglass Chair from Sears: $299.99 4. Venetian Mirror Table from Target: $99.99 5. Fire Sense Traditional Electric Fireplace from Sears:$349.99 6. Allesandra Writing Desk from Target:$479.99 Lighting 7. TOSTARP white pendant lamp from Ikea: $19.99 8. Capiz Shell Floral Pendant Light from Target: $399.99 Accessories 9. Klaussner Woven Antique White Metal Mirror from Sears: $159.99 10. Floral Arrangements from Sears and Target – Klaussner Calla Lily Vase ($199.99) & Garden Flowers in Bowl ($129.99) 11. Enchanted Eve Glitter Candles on Silver Holders from Sears: $49.99 - $59.99 each Labels: Home Design |
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Girls With Curls
 So, as a girl with curls...is it possible to have a funky, updated, and totally chic 'do' with those unruly ringlets? I have been wanting to chop my own 'bumpy hair' (this is what my son calls it) and have gone on an all-out excursion for the perfect curly cut. These pics to the left are just a few of my finds.I think it is worthy to note that with the exception of the bottom right pic, all these lovely ladies have more wavy than curly hair...my quest for cropped curls continues... Which is your favorite? I must say that I'm really partial to the blonde...since her hair is about as curly as mine and I think she looks fantastic! Labels: Fashion and Beauty |
Friday, July 18, 2008
Movies That Matter
 THE DARK KNIGHT[Friday: July 18] Today was opening day for "The Dark Knight", sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins"...but, of course, you probably already know that. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
Set in New Orleans during the Jazz era, this movie will be a throwback to the old 2-D movies Disney is famous for (before they got in bed with Pixar and dreamed about talking toys!) with a generous portion of musicality and imagination. So, why does this movie matter? It should be obvious...BECAUSE I LOVE DISNEY MOVIES!! I'm a randomly-burst-into-song-and-dance-routine kind of person. I grew up with a certain love for the Disney classics like "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty And The Beast", and "Aladdin". And this newest installment promises to be another favorite for all little girls (and the not-so-little-anymore ones as well!). However, there is the tiniest bit of controversy over this film already. Originally, Tiana was named 'Maddy' and she was to have the role of 'chambermaid' before reaching princess status - this upset certain people. So, she is no longer going to be demoted to slave status (which apparently the name 'Maddy' and occupation 'chambermaid' would have done) and is now being toted as a heroine named Tiana. Oh...and did I mention the prince is white? Okay, did nobody watch "Pocahontas" or "Cinderella"? These concepts aren't exactly 'new' in the Disney repertoire. But, of course, in an effort to show the utmost sensitivity to all who would watch their films, Disney is doing it's best to make this film as PC as possible. My only real 'beef' with all this is the fact that they let go their original composer, Alan Menken - an Oscar winner and amazing original artist who composed award winning songs for other Disney princesses, in favor of Randy Newman, Disney's Pixar composer who doesn't have the same sensational Broadway-type drama to his music like Menken. (sigh) So...what do you think about Disney's decision to go back to 2-D and add a new princess?
According to the IMDb, in June of 2009 we can all look forward to Dune Entertainment's release of "The A-Team". A movie remake of the 1980's TV show featuring four Vietnam vets framed for a crime they didn't committ. Of course, this time around it will be four Iraq vets who are rumored to be played by Bruce Willis (Col. Hannibal Smith), Woody Harrelson (Capt. H.M 'Howling Mad' Murdock), and Ice Cube (Sgt. Bosco 'B.A.' Baracus). I guess they don't have any good prospects for the character Lt. Templeton 'Face' Peck. But I would like to take just a moment to nominate Jason Statham. Not to typecast him or anything, but since Statham played a similar role as 'Handsome Rob' in "The Italian Job" (which I highly recommend if you haven't seen it), I think he'd be a beautiful addition to this movie remake. Or perhaps Ryan Reynolds...because I WILL be seeing this movie and it wouldn't hurt if I got to see Reynolds shirtless just once more... Any thoughts as to whom you would suggest director John Singleton (director of "Shaft") use to play 'Face'? Any thoughts about the current picks for the other A-Team members? I personally can't see Ice Cube living up to Mr. T's standards as B.A. - but I'mi sure there will be a lot of action to make up for it!! Labels: Movies |
