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Will You Give Certain Ingredients a Second Chance?

partysugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:50:17 -0700

Today over on the Atlantic's food blog, there's an interesting article about giving anchovies a second chance. In it, Ari Weinzweig points out that "so many people's first experience with these little fish was by being offered outstandingly bad versions of them that they form their entire opinion from that understandably negative impression." I agree with his point of view and feel that certain polarizing ingredients should be given a second chance. For example, my father hates asparagus, but I'm certain it's because when he was younger he was served a gross preparation of asparagus. I've been begging him to give it another try, but he won't budge. How about you?

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DearSugar's Second Date Dos and Don'ts

DearSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Once you've conquered the first date, a second date is inevitable if you both felt a connection. But with that second date comes an element of pressure that wasn't there the first time around - now you have to really figure out if you like each other! To help you get through it, I'm back with a few suggestions on how you can master your second date - enjoy!

Don't

Do keep everything in perspective - just because it's your second date, it doesn't necessarily mean it'll be the greatest date of your life, and that's OK.
Do show your true colors and start to reveal a little more about yourself while still keeping some things to the imagination.
Do bring some humor to the table - show your goofy side too.
Do ask those burning questions you want answers to - now is the time to get to know him.
Do be intimate if it feels right.

Don't lie or fabricate your stories.
Don't forget your manners. While you want to be yourself, remember, you're still trying to impress him.
Don't play all your cards at once - keep him on his toes.
Don't talk too far in the future - you don't want to scare him off.
Don't drink too much.
Don't feel pressured into being intimate if you're not ready.
Don't feel bad saying no to a third date if it turns out that there's no spark.

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On Our Radar: Angels Costume Sale

FabSugarUK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:16:20 -0800

If you're looking for a great costume in London, then look no further than Angels which is an Oscar-winning wardrobe supplier! Last year the store had it's first ever clearance sale and it attracted enormous queues of fashion lovers all hopeful to bag a unique bargain. They've decided to do it again to sell over 250,000 items dating from 1900 onwards.

Expect there to be a lot of military items (very Balmain) with prices fixed at £20 for all coats and helmets and £10 for caps. The sale will take place on Saturday 28th November from 8.30am to 5pm at 3 Boundary Road, Wembley, HA9 7ND. Happy Shopping!

Speak Up: When Are Second Opinions Necessary?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

To most folks the inner workings of the body are beyond our comprehension, which is why we put so much trust in doctors. When it comes to my health, I like to gather as much information as possible, which when dealing with big medical issues means getting a second opinion. Not every one thinks alike though. I have a friend who experiences terrible menstrual cramps, and after birth control pills did nothing to alleviate her pain, her gynecologist recommended a hysterectomy. It sounds like an urban myth, but she was told it was her only option. While my friend, who wants to have kids some day, hasn't had the surgery, she also hasn't sought a second opinion. With health care costs spiraling out of control, and so many rules about seeing a specialist out of network, getting a second opinion these days can be rough. How do you feel about getting the second opinion - is it a good idea, or a stalling technique? Have you seen a second doctor and received totally different advice, treatment, diagnoses? Speak up and share the details in the comment section below.

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Mommy Dearest: Give a Second Hand Gift at Shower?

LilSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:00:52 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

I've got a baby shower dilemma. My cousin's baby shower is in two weeks and I'm pretty close to her. She's not a picky person, and often shops at second hand stores. I'm getting her a bunch of stuff, but considered going to the second hand store for the cradle she wants. It costs $500 for a new one, but this reputable store has it for $150. I mentioned this to a friend who told me that she felt a second hand gift was very tacky and while it'd be ok to give it to my cousin before or after the shower, it was inappropriate as a shower gift. I know my cousin would appreciate it, and was going to use the cradle as the box for the other gifts. What do you think?

- Shopping at Second Hand Store

To read the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Shopping at Second Hand Store,

It sounds like you know your cousin best and since she already shops at second hand stores, I don't see anything tacky about you buying her the cradle there as long as it's in good structural condition for the baby's safety. The idea of using it as a box for additional goodies sounds like a darling presentation for a generous gift. If your cousin wants a brand new cradle for her child, she can always spring for one herself. Let's let the lilsugar readers weigh in.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Class Act: Ashtanga Yoga's Second Series

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Do you remember this pose? It was one of the yoga challenges called Crow pose. It's part of Second Series in Ashtanga yoga, known as Nadi Shodina, which means nerve purification. It involves a lot of hip openers, backbends, and arm balancing poses.

Just as in Primary Series, you'll do Sun Salutations A and B, standing poses like Triangle, and then move onto the poses in Second Series. It takes 1 1/2 hours to complete and by the end, you'll feel amazing.

Depending on who you talk to, some Ashtanga yoga instructors think you need to master Primary Series before moving onto Second Series. I don't agree. Primary Series is all about forward bending, and Second Series has a lot to do with back bending. I am a firm believer that your body can benefit from all yoga postures, and you shouldn't be restricted from doing any - you should be encouraged to try them all.

Also, if you are constantly bending forward and stretching the back of your body, you'll need to strengthen those muscles too. You need the poses in Second Series to counterbalance the poses in First Series and vice versa. The two Series' complement each other brilliantly.

Want to know more about Second Series? Then read more

Second Series is so much fun. You get a chance to try out some more advanced poses like Crow, Forearm Stand, Bow, and Leg Behind the Head. You never know what your body is capable of doing unless you try.

After you finish a Second Series class, your body will feel different. Since it involves a ton of backbending poses, you'll feel a sense of lightness and love from stretching through and opening your chest.

Fit's Tips: I recommend trying Second Series 100%. It's challenging and you'll strengthen and increase flexibility in the muscles of your entire body. Locate an Ashtanga Yoga studio near you and find out if they offer Second Series classes or workshops. You can also check out David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga Second and Third Series DVD for $24.95.

Check out some pictures of poses from Second Series. Just so you know, these aren't in order.

View 7 Photos ›

The How-To Lounge: The Second Date

DearSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0700

The first date is nervewracking and exciting, but it’s also a no brainer - you either like him or you don’t, and that’s that. But when it comes to the second date, there’s a bit more pressure. Obviously something appealed to both of you enough to make a second date worth it, but now it's time to find out if there's a potential romance at stake. While the first date is all about making a good impression, the second date is about seeing if there’s any compatibility. To check out some tips for having great second date, read more.

Keep your expectations realistic. Focus more on getting to know him than having the date of your life.
Be prepared to reveal more about yourself, and I’m not just talking about how you got the scar on your chin. Let him see who you are and what makes you tick. If you’re a steak and potatoes girl, skip the typical date-night salad and go all out. If you love a little comedy, don’t be afraid to poke a little fun. It’s all about establishing your style and making sure it meshes well with his.
Ask some of those burning questions. You know that rule about not discussing old relationships during the first few dates? Well, I disagree. Anybody who goes on and on about their old flings obviously still needs some closure, but finding out if he just got out of a five-year stint or if he’s never been in a serious relationship is important information!
Keep an open mind. If he feels any kind of connection with you, it’s likely that he’ll start revealing more about himself. Even if you find out something that you’re not thrilled with, give him the benefit of the doubt - it is only the second date.
If you think he’s a great guy but nothing more, don’t feel badly about passing on the third date. The glory of the second date is that you can make a more informed decision without hurting his feelings if you don’t want to take things any further.

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Bella Bargain: Buy One, Get One Free at Miss Jessie's

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:09 -0800

Just in time for gift-giving season, Miss Jessie's hair care is offering an amazing deal: buy one item, get another free. The product line offers styling solutions for curly, kinky, and wavy hair, including the cult-favorite Curly Pudding. Through Dec. 31, you can choose a second item of equal or lesser value for nada. So if you're stocking up on hair care for yourself, or you're thinking of a more affordable way to give the gift of gorgeous hair, you're all set. Don't forget to check out our Beauty Bargains group for even more deals and steals.

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0800

It's Tuesday, so you know what that means - new DVD releases just in time for the Thanksgiving break! I've already shared some fresh music picks, but here are three movies to add to your Netflix queue for the weekend.

Funny People

Adam Sandler plays a comedian who tries to turn his life around and befriend a past love (Leslie Mann) after being diagnosed with a blood disorder; Seth Rogen steps in as his idealistic assistant. Both men turn in solid performances in Funny People, and there are laughs, even though this is way more serious than director Judd Apatow's previous work. One of my complaints in the theater was that it was much too long, but that's the good thing about DVDs - you can always hit pause and go back later.

The single disc version includes a gag reel and a feature commentary with Apatow, Rogen, and Sandler. (Normally I don't watch with the commentary on, but in this case, I might just tune in for their wise cracks.) The special two-disc collector's version is loaded with extras, including a 13-year old Seth Rogen doing stand-up!

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Two more DVD releases to check out when you read more.

Four Christmases

I love Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, and while they don't necessarily have any sparks in Four Christmases, they still serve up a cute comedy. The pair star as a couple stuck visiting four sets of relatives around the holidays - his mom, her mom, his dad, her dad. And while it's not the funniest or most charming film that either actor has done, I still had a few laughs, especially thanks to the supporting cast of quirky characters (Jon Favreau and Kristin Chenoweth in particular). Even if it doesn't stack up against the classics in my holiday movie faceoff, it's worth trying if you're looking to get into the spirit of the season.

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Angels and Demons

Tom Hanks fans have Angels and Demons to look forward to. The actor is incredibly long-winded in the follow-up film to The DaVinci Code, but at least he's no longer sporting that ridiculous bouffant hairdo. This time, Robert Langdon tries to save the Vatican from an ancient group known as the Illuminati. Personally, I was bored by the first half when I saw the film in theaters, but the second part is actually fun - so if you catch it at home, you may want to fast forward a bit to get to the good stuff.

Special features include behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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Was Your Second Pregnancy Harder Than Your First?

babysugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:00:17 -0700

I always assumed a second pregnancy would be easier than the first as nerves seem to get the best of novice mamas-to-be.

To my surprise, expectant friends are having a tougher time on their second go round.

One woman has a severe case of placenta previa, which is preventing her from traveling, exercising or having sex. On top of that, the umbilical cord is straight down the middle in a precarious position.

Concerned with the baby in her belly AND entertaining her 18–month–old son, this second pregnancy has been more worrisome than the first.
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Was your second pregnancy tougher than the first?