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Ashley Reveals Fitness Secrets Amidst Romance Rumours

PopSugarUK — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:59:34 -0800

Ashley Greene wore a red trouser suit as she arrived at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City last night for her appearance on Late Show With David Letterman. With New Moon finally released, the cast are starting to wind down, but Ashley's still doing the final rounds of screenings and TV appearances. She has revealed her fitness and diet secrets for the film, and rumours of a secret romance are now doing the rounds. Ashley was apparently spotted with Kings of Leon's Jared Followill "holding hands and making out" at his recent birthday party in NYC. If you can't get enough of Ashley then you'll be pleased to hear we'll get to see her on our own shores, as she is heading to London in a few months to film The Apparition.

Remember to check out my interviews with the cast and review of New Moon!

To see more pictures of Ashley, just read more.

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LG Unveils Its First-Ever Netbook

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:44:41 -0800

I'm sensing a trend here. Just recently we heard about Dell computers developing an Android handset, and now LG Electronics - a company mainly known for its cell phones and televisions - has sexy new slim portable hard drives and its first-ever netbook! Note to self: companies are branching out into all gadget areas!

The LG X120 has already debuted in other countries, but it's said to be making its way to the US before the holidays. What's so great about this netbook compared to all of the others on the market? Well, it only weighs 2.8lbs (which is on the lighter scale of netbooks), it features a 160GB hard drive, a 10.1-inch screen, LED backlighting, and it comes in stylish white. Not to mention, it fits most budgets, coming in at $180 with a 2-year AT&T data plan.

Oprah's Getting in Bed With HBO

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:30:39 -0800

Well, kind of. The days of Oprah Winfrey's talk show may be numbered, but don't expect her to disappear anytime soon. Just a few days after her big announcement, the media mogul already has a project with HBO in the works - and she's kicking things up a notch. Her company Harpo films is working to develop a steamy hour-long pilot about a woman who abandons her family in LA to explore her sexual fantasies and desires.

Erin Cressida Wilson is on board to write, which seems fitting since she also penned the S&M-themed flick Secretary. Oprah will be one of the executive producers.

HBO has never shied away from racy shows (True Blood, anyone?) - but it still feels kinda strange to see Oprah's name attached to a project that's centered on overtly sexual storylines. Then again, it's not like Winfrey will be the one starring in it, and I'm always game for something new from HBO.

Get a Sneak Peek at The Fantastic Mr. Fox

babysugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:30:20 -0800

Word is out - The Fantastic Mr. Fox is, well, fantastic! Our girls at Buzz wrote a glowing review and gave it 4.5 stars. A movie fit for kiddos, the Wes Anderson flick is sure to be just as big a hit with the older audience as it is the wee ones. Based on the Roald Dahl book, Anderson takes his quirky filmmaking skills and applies them to his new medium - animation. The creativity sparks young imaginations and the hilarity leaves the audience smiling from ear to ear. While robbery is not the lesson to be learned by innocent minds, cherishing individuality is a noteworthy theme in the family film.

Check out the exclusive video and tell me if you think you'll take your tots to the theater for The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Have You Ever Sewn a Slipcover?

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:00:07 -0800

Slipcovers are certainly a more affordable alternative to having your furniture reupholstered. But ready-made slipcovers rarely fit well, and store-bought slipcovers (say from Pottery Barn) can cost a small fortune, too. So if you've got sewing skills, sewing your own slipcover is a smart alternative. Unfortunately, the tedious task is not for the easily irritated. Have you ever sewn one?

Source: Flickr User So Sylvie

Stop Hating the Gym and Start Loving It

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:50:43 -0800

If you are dreading moving your workouts indoors due to falling temperatures, let me help you learn to love, or at least tolerate, the gym. Here are some common reasons people hate hitting the gym, and solutions to help you overcome the hurdles.

I hate the gym because . . .	The solution
It's too expensive.	Go price hunting. There are so many different types of gyms that offer various services, so find one that fits your budget. Instead of paying $90 a month for a gym that has cardio machines, a weight room, classes, a pool, and a yoga studio, figure out what's most important to you and just pay for that. A gym down the street from me is only $10 a month for cardio and weight machines. Not bad at all.
It's too far away from my home.	If you can't find a gym close to where you live, try to find one close to where you work. That way you can head over on your lunch break or after work.
The cardio machines are boring.	Find a way to make them more enjoyable. I like to download audio books or podcasts onto my iPod. Listening really helps pass the time. Switching to different machines in one workout also helps beat boredom. Or try competing with a stranger.

To learn more ways to start loving the gym, keep reading.

Fitness Tips For the Well-Endowed

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700

A good friend of mine was talking about trying to lose weight, and I suggested we go for a run together. She shook her head and pointed to her chest. "Not with these girls," she said. I realized that many women swear off running and working out because they're well-endowed. Being full on top shouldn't stop you from anything, so here are some tips.

Support your "girls" with a good sports bra. There are great companies like Moving Comfort and Title Nine that cater specifically to women who are a bit more busty. Bras range in price from $30 to $60, but it's well worth the dough. They'll not only cover up your cleavage, but they'll prevent excessive bouncing, which as you know, can be very uncomfortable.

For a couple more helpful tips, read more.

Wear a sport top that has a shelf bra attached to it - yes, wear it over your sports bra. Often, a sports bra alone won't do the trick for high intensity activities such as running and jumping rope.
If your large chest causes back pain, which in turn makes your back hurt even more when running, choose a type of cardio exercise such as hiking, bike riding, swimming, or speed walking that requires less jumping movement.
Work your core. Since you have extra weight in your upper torso, you'll need a strong back and abs to support it. Do some elbow planks and back strengthening moves at least three times a week. This will help prevent back pain.
Since a bigger chest can also cause poor posture, try yoga and Pilates to learn moves that will encourage you to lengthen your spine.
If you're too self-conscious about bouncing at the gym on the treadmill, just up the incline on the machine and walk uphill instead. Not only will it get your heart rate up without running, but it'll also tone your thighs and buns beautifully.
If you're self-conscious about people ogling you while exercising, choose less crowded areas to work out. Fitness classes are great since most participants are too busy sweating to look around the room. Woodsy trails and bike paths are also good options since they're usually less populated, and you can do your thing without seeing too many people. Working out with a group of friends outdoors may also help you feel like there's less attention on you.

If you have any more tips, please share them in the comments section below.

FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:50:03 -0800

You can go easy on the butter in your mashed potatoes when you use Yukon Gold spuds.
New Moon star Nikki Reed says hiking with her boyfriend is her fitness secret.
How well do you know the calorie counts of Starbucks's holiday drinks?
Worried about falling off the healthy wagon? Here are eight ways to get back on track.
I'm curious to know how many days a week you work out.
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz firmly believes in taco night and baby weights.
If you're starting to strength train, check out this guide to beginning weights for lifting.
Learn just how long you need to exercise in order to burn off a slice of T-day pumpkin pie.
I have some great gift ideas for the healthy cook in your life.
Learn a bit more about the fat-burning zone.

GeekSugar's Gift Guide For Your BFF

GeekSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:20 -0800

Your BFF is not only by your side when you adopt a new tech treasure, but she's also there to send a supportive text when you just can't get your home network to function properly. Give your best girlfriend a gift that not only shows off her impeccable taste, but one that fits her geeky lifestyle as well. Check out my picks for your BFF right here!

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The Blind Side: An Unexpected Delight

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:42 -0800

It's not that the trailer for The Blind Side isn't compelling; the problem is that it combines Sandra Bullock's twangiest, most-over-the top lines with a heartrending song, which makes it seem schlocky. That's exactly what I expected from the movie, but I have to admit that I was wrong - to my surprise, I found it to be a sentimental gem that's actually quite restrained.

The Blind Side is the true story (based on Michael Lewis's book) of NFL player Michael Oher, who grew up in Memphis's projects with his drug-addicted mother and landed in and out of foster homes. He ended up in a fancy private school and in the home of a wealthy family, the Touhys, led by tough-talking Leigh Anne (Bullock). The weaving of Michael's newfound life in the movie is effective, with sweet bits of humor and just enough emotion.

To see what I liked about the film, just read more.

The movie is full of many surprises: first, it looks like it's going to be mainly about football, but it's not all sports. There is proper attention given to Michael's life before he's taken in and the development of the relationships between the Touhy family members and Michael.

Another nice thing is how smoothly Bullock slides into her role. It's not just her wardrobe and hair that transforms her into the high-maintenance Southern matriarch; her manner as the tough mom who's not completely comfortable showing emotion is very natural - not what I'd expect from the laid-back actress.

Quinton Aaron is also impressive as a sad-eyed orphan turned well-adjusted student and son over the course of the movie. It's not an incredibly complex performance, but his teddy bear presence is irresistible. The supporting players are equally as enjoyable: Tim McGraw, whom I didn't expect much from, is charming, while the Touhy children win you over with their affection for their new brother. The late addition of Kathy Bates (whose role is basically an extended cameo) is hardly needed to bolster the movie, but she adds a nice touch as well.

At two hours and six minutes, the movie is a little too long; director John Lee Hancock seemed intent on fitting in nearly every detail of Michael's journey. Then again, at the end you're rewarded with the payoff: footage and photos of the real-life Touhys and Michael. It's an emotionally satisfying ending to a movie that makes no apologies for being so uplifting.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.