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Dear Poll: Do You Check Out Your Astrological Compatibility?

DearSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Most everyone I know loves reading horoscopes, though some people take them more seriously than others. Sometimes, the predictions and star-sign characteristics can be eerily accurate, but do you buy into the idea of astrological compatibility? I have one friend who, whenever she starts dating someone new, rushes over Astrology.com or somewhere to run a romantic compatibility report. Do you ever do this?

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Great News From Nike

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Nike President and Chief Executive Mark Parker recently announced that by the end of the year, ALL Nike running shoes will become compatible with the Nike+ iPod Sensor.

If you're not familiar with this neat little gadget, allow me to tell you about it. Basically when you buy the Nike+ iPod Sports Kit for around $30, and you get a little receiver that plugs into your iPod Nano (it doesn't work with other iPods), and a sensor that you can put in your shoe.

The sensor fits underneath the foot pad in the sole of your Nike+ iPod compatible sneaker. As of right now, Nike doesn't make many different styles of those sneaks, so I've just been attaching the sensor to my New Balance laces with this weatherproof holder from RunAway.

When you run or walk with the Nike+ iPod, your Nano will calculate and store your pace, distance, and calories burned. I use it every time I go for a run. Then when I plug it into my computer to charge, my running data gets sent to Nike.com. I can visit their website whenever I want to view my running history, to set goals, and assess my progress. It's great motivation.

It sounds like by the end of the year, we'll be able to choose from a lot more styles of the Nike+ iPod running shoes. Does this mean they'll be cheaper too? I hope so because right now they'll run you between $75 - $100.

Giveaway of the Week! method Fabric Care Set

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:04:12 -0700

Thanks to our generous friends over at method, we're hosting a series of sweet giveaways. Every week for the next four weeks, one lucky CasaSugar reader will win a set of method eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products.

This week, we're offering a fabulous Fabric Care Kit: a set worth $52 that includes four packages of method Dryer Cloths, made from renewable plant oils, and four bottles of HE Compatible Laundry Detergent, a concentrated formula that works in high-efficiency washers.

To enter this week's giveaway, simply leave a comment in the comments section below by 5 p.m. PDT / 8 p.m. EDT Friday, August 24. We'll announce the winner next Monday, Aug. 27, when we post the next method giveaway. Please, only ONE comment per person; duplicate comments will be discarded. You must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you're not a member, please register here. For the rules and regulations, click here.

Another Cute Stocking-Worthy iPod Dock

GeekSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:45:21 -0800

I know, I know, it still might seem a bit early to be thinking about Christmas gifts, but after posting one cute iPod dock that would make a good stocking stuffer, I had to add this funky option to the list.

The Boombox Dock Speaker ($18) is compatible with most iPods and the iPhone, and is less than three inches long. It's totally retro and inexpensive - I love it!

Got gift-giving on the brain, too? Check out some geeky gift suggestions I've already posted for moms, dads, and moms-to-be.

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Indoor Cycling Just Got Better: Schwinn Training Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:52 -0800

Winter rain and snow means it is indoor cycling season: I'm talking about spinning. Equinox has filled its Cycling Studio with new spin bikes by Schwinn. The bikes are pretty dang sweet.

I rode one during 45 minutes of Sports Cycling, and the ride was smooth and comfy with so many different hand grips available - the handlebars are tilted for ergonomic placement. The tension on the fly wheel is created by magnets too, ensuring that all the bikes in the room create the same tension across the board. Best of all the bikes have console computers, which not only work with most heart rate monitors, but also measure miles per hour, cadence, distance, and watts. The pedals have cages, if you don't have cycling shoes, and the pedals are compatible with road bike cleats as well as mountain bike cleats - very versatile.

These indoor cycling bikes will arrive at Equinox gyms starting now throughout early Winter. They are exclusively at Equinox for the time being, but these bikes can only spell upgrades for most gyms. Tell me, do you spin?

New iPhone Slingbox Apps Won't Work With Older Players

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:02:48 -0700

With word that I'll soon be able to connect to my Slingbox via my iPhone, I feel like I'll have the world in the palm of my hand. I mean, first TiVo apps, then Netflix and now Slingbox? I'll be a one stop media shop. Then reality hit in the form of a news release: the older (read: my) Slingbox models (including the Slingbox AV, and Tuner) won't be compatible with the new technology that comes along with the iPhone Sling app.

Not all hope is lost though. Sling is offering a $50 rebate for you to upgrade from your old box to one of the new models including the Slingbox Pro, Slingbox Pro-HD, or Slingbox Solo, which will easily and happily connect to your Slingbox iPhone apps. So soon, you can set, record, and watch your TV shows from anywhere, even on your iPhone. Awesome.

You Asked: Are We Compatible?

DearSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I have been with my boyfriend for two and a half years. We now live together and both work full-time jobs, do well financially, love to travel together, plan the future (marriage, home, kids) and according to our friends, we are a great couple. I'm 24 and he is 26 and we are happy, however I've been feeling more frustrated lately about certain things. We disagree about spending money. While we do have a joint account that we use for rent, bills, and groceries, we have separate accounts for our own needs. He doesn't spend much and does not see the value of anything material - he thinks shopping for expensive things is ridiculous and feels we can do more with our money than purchasing beautiful handbags, shoes and accessories. I love fashion and shopping. I have no debt and I pay my credit cards in full. There are times I need to rein in my self-control when I see something out of budget, but I never shop beyond my means.

Another area is health. I am definitely careful about what I eat and have maintained a healthy weight since high school. I love chocolate, the occasional fries, and indulging when going out. He's the opposite. He wants to eat the healthiest foods at all times and never eats fried or fatty foods when we go out. If I cook something too high in butter or too salty, he asks if I will cook with less next time. He also pushes me to exercise so I can stay healthy. I take two to three workout classes a week, and I feel that is enough for me.

Overall, he just wants me to be the best I can be. He's a very smart person with three degrees from Stanford and a great job. He loves his family, he's a good friend, and he truly does care about me; it's just that he is critical without realizing that what he says makes me feel pressure to be perfect. He really sees it as helping me, and always asks me to help him be better in any way.

I want this relationship to work. I've thought about breaking up, but I break down just thinking about it - I love him a lot and I know he loves me too. Is there any way to make this work? What should I do? - Feeling the Pressure Pamela

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Feeling the Pressure Pamela,

I don't blame you for questioning your relationship. As we all know, no one is perfect, so when you're dating someone that wants you to be just that, it can feel incredibly overwhelming, even leaving you critical of yourself for no good reason. Everyone has different opinions on materialism, but the fact of the matter is you're entitled to do whatever you please with your own money. If you're paying your bills on time, and not dipping into your shared account or retirement funds, I don't see what the problem is. Treating yourself to nice things, if you can afford them, is perfectly normal if you ask me.

My concern here, Pamela, is your boyfriend's issues with control. It's very clear from his strict eating/working out regimen that he's disciplined and he's trying to push you to be the same way. Giving into your vices every once in a while is healthy - that's what makes life fun!

If you want this relationship to work, he must understand how you feel and what it is that makes you tick. Having such a controlling boyfriend will only lead to greater problems down the road so it's imperative to get to the bottom of these issues sooner than later. If your likes and dislikes stray too far from one another, this relationship just might not be the right fit. While love is extremely important, compatibility is really what it takes to have a successful relationship. Good luck.

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Do Tell: Are You and Your Friends Socially Compatible?

DearSugar — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When you initially make friends with someone, it’s almost always because you have something in common and enjoy each other’s company. But as time flies by and life changes, sometimes the things that brought you together and the activities you enjoyed doing together change.

I’ve distanced myself from a few friends over the years whose lifestyle was no longer conducive to my own - they still want to party every night, and I like to be in bed at a reasonable hour. It’s amazing how changes in social life can make a difference in a friendship. Ladies, do tell: do you find this to be the case with your friends, too? Are you and your friends socially compatible still, or not so much?

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iSymphony i-Pod/ MP3 Compatible Boombox

GeekSugar — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 09:02:48 -0700

When I first saw that this iSymphony Boombox was iPod compatible, I assumed that you could dock your iPod directly on it. Unlike standard docks, the top lid of this boombox opens so you can lay your iPod and a CD in the top of it- kinda like the music version of a DVD/VCR combo. Featured on 7Gadgets, the player is said to hold almost any MP3 device and comes with an AM/FM stereo. It definitely is one of the more stylin' portable 'ghetto blasters' I've feasted my eyes on. Choose from sleek black or chic white. Priced at $58 each.

The First Microsoft Retail Store Finally Opens

GeekSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:44:52 -0700

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced their plan to open a retail store, and yesterday was the day! The Scottsdale, AZ store drew an initial crowd of around 500 people who waited in line for the opening, including some die-hard fans who spent the night. Just before opening, employees handed out gift bags to the first customers in line, including a $25 gift certificate and tickets to an Ashley Tisdale concert at the store later in the day. The store opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

The new store is outfitted with Microsoft's high-tech Surface Tables to help customers find what they're looking for. Giant screens decorate the walls in "gaming zones" where customers can test out their favorite video games, including Rock Band and Halo. The store sells several brands of Windows-compatible laptop in addition to Microsoft software (including the just-released Windows 7 operating system), and Xbox consoles and games.

The next store is scheduled to open on Oct. 29 in Southern California.

To see more store photos, just read more.

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