Living in the shadows of pricey comfort

5 People You Don't Want To Watch On TV

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:21:56 -0700

The news will not be complete without seeing a little of them. It’s like a reality soap opera that has been incorporated with the daily updates of everyday life. We watch them make a fool out of themselves. We say that they are disgusting and giving everybody else the wrong impression of a healthy life. If we only have the power to get rid of them….

1. Lindsay Lohan – We always think that she will be as sweet as she has been in her roles as a little child star. We have loved her freckles and smiles. We know somehow that she will become one of the most successful Hollywood stars. However, all we see of her now is a repeating trip to rehab, not to mention her appropriate partying.

2. Paris Hilton – It’s not an excuse to be an heiress. Not all elites have been brought up with a sense of righteousness. We always think that rich people have to behave because they have kept their honor. Too bad, not this girl. We have enough of her sex tape, haven’t we?

3. Amy Winehouse – We watch her become more and more of an addict everyday. We are definitely beyond words on how she has managed to make it okay to screw life with cocaine. We even seen her doing it for real. We also feel sorry for her because she really has an exceptional musical talent. We want to see her clean her act and get on stage and sing again without the drugs.

4. Pete Doherty – The person we think that could beat Amy Winehouse at being a drug addict. It makes us very scared when he hangs out with some other celebrities, because we know that they are going into a drug party or whatever it’s called these days.

5. Britney Spears – We have loved her. We have hated her. And then, we have started to be sorry for her. We want her to resurrect her career, because we always love her performing on stage. We even believe that she will be the next Madonna. But eventually, she has managed to fail us all by putting on a crazy act.

Somehow we think that it is just a publicity stunt for all of them. We have enough. It’s really hard to make the media stop showing how screwed up they are. I guess it is up to us. We just have to turn off the television.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

4 Ways to Survive Malaria-risk Destinations

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:55:30 -0700

Traveling a little farther than you have originally planned might require you to be safer health-wise. There are many vaccines that your country’s health department recommends before you get somewhere else. However, Malaria is the most common especially traveling to destinations such as South America and Southeast Asia.

Malaria is often transmitted to humans through a bite by an infected mosquito, particularly the female Anopheles mosquito, known as a dusk-to-dawn biter. The infection is also transmitted through blood transfusion with an infected blood, or with a shared needle. A mother could also pass the infection to her unborn child.

Malaria is considered an endemic or constantly present throughout the sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, Oceania, Haiti, Central and South America, some parts of Dominican Republic, Mexico, and North Africa. Within these areas, Malaria cases can increase significantly depending on the epidemic level. The thing is that, most of the wonderful and new resorts are often prone to Malaria.

Mosquito Alarm

How to prevent Malaria during travel?

1. Get vaccinated before traveling to endemic areas. Antimalarial drugs are only prescribed; consult your health provider so you could get your vaccine base on your travel itinerary and medical history. Common antimalarial drugs include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine.

2. Avoid mosquito bites. Malaria is always transmitted between dusk and dawn. Take precautions like staying inside as much as possible during those times. If staying outdoor, make sure that you wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants and even a hat. Always apply insect repellant to the exposed skin.

3. If you get sick during the travel, consult a medical professional immediately. Malaria can be very fatal. If you develop a fever or flu-like and professional help is impossible within 24 hours, take some self-treatment drugs. However, you still have to get to the doctor as soon as possible.

4. Traveling with kids to Malaria-risk places. Get your children vaccinated 4-6 weeks before the travel. Each age has a specific dosage, so take time to let the pharmacy fill your children’s prescription.

Take note that the symptoms of such an illness are non-specific. It requires a blood test to have an accurate diagnosis. When travelers with a fever are coming from a luxurious destination or not (within three months from their departure), they are considered a medical emergency. They should be investigated as soon as possible. Hence, the tests have to be repeated within 12 to 24 hours if the symptoms persist.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

How To Make Excuses When You Forget Someone's Name

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:04:19 -0700

Have you ever run into somebody that you met before but eventually you forget his or her name? I do and it happens to me all the time. I mean, I’m not bad with names. Let me spell it clear here – I don’t forget people, I just choose to forget. Of course, I have a little requirement to remember a person. First, he or she has to tell me his or her real, if not complete, name. Second, if I only know of somebody by his or her nickname, consider it a short term memory data, which I often erase once in awhile.

So when I bump into someone I previously met or know him or her by nickname or worse yet by his or her face, I smile. Yes, I just smile it all away. I often play safe in a conversation that does not include name-calling. If I’m interested to know the name, well I might ask outright with another smile. This time, it has to be a cute smile. But if I’m not interested, I still smile and make a good excuse to get going.

I don’t want to be rude, which is why many smiles are my many excuses. Nobody can resist a nice and kind smile.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Your Top 10 Modern Fairy Tale Movies

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:02:03 -0700

Penelope. A modern interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. However, the beauty is the beast and she needs to marry someone royal to break the curse. Penelope is the beauty with a pig nose and ears. Frankly, she doesn’t really look that bad as those blue blood bachelors appear to be so afraid of her. Although it’s a twist of the classic story, the movie has a modern feel of love’s status quo – giving up and letting go and then eventually finding love again as fate’s declaration.

Enchanted

Enchanted. Lots of colors, dancing and finding prince charming. This film is a combination of two or more fairy tales. You’ll figure out Cinderella, Snow White and somehow Sleeping Beauty. There is also a crossover between reality and cartoons. Although there is the whole usual love story hullabaloo, there is a impressive comparison of the stepmother character. While the princess is being destroyed by her stepmother, she actually becomes a stepmother herself, but of course, the good kind.

A Cinderella Story

Cinderella Story. No doubt about this movie being a new version of Cinderella. However, it is teenage Cinderella. It does not lose the elements of the original story, but it has some teenage dilemmas like going to college and crushing on a boy and definitely the prom.

What a Girl Wants. A Cinderella-ish story, or as far as the stepmother and stepsister are concerned. Generally, it does not have most of the original story. The emphasis is more on the father-daughter relationship – reconnecting or something like that. It’s not really about being with prince charming, but it is about being with daddy.

Aquamarine. Love and fish tails. Another version of the Little Mermaid. Same old, same old except the princess has found true love in a different way. Not with a prince charming, but with friends who take care of her while she has to prove to her father that love exists indeed. A quiet teeny bopping wet film, but it’s all worth it.

The Prince and Me

Prince and Me. Not really based on some old fairy tale stories, but there is the prince charming and the girl who has swept him away. The movie has real possibilities. Anybody could still continue to hope that “someday her prince will come.”

Princess Diaries. The fairy godmother in this film is actually the grandmother. Don’t you just wish that somehow an unknown relative will give you everything you could imagine in a great life? This movie shows the complete picture of how to be a royalty, which is not all dress-up and tea parties. It literally shows the social graces and processes of becoming and being a princess.

Ella Enchanted. Another knitted story from classic pieces. This movie is more on Sleeping Beauty and being lucky enough to be gifted with goodness. However, that certain spark of goodness has made everything a little challenging. It’s story of a funny and honest misadventure of a princess.

Sidney White. A breakthrough and almost literal story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This time, it is about a girl who conquers college with her seven geeky friends. It’s actually about college Greek system and its divide. Another title that would fit this movie is “Snow White goes to College.”

Ever After. This is the most enchanting modern interpretation of Cinderella. It is almost the classic. Perhaps the story is modified a little, especially with the great costumes and music.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

The Age To Be Britney Spears

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:29:14 -0700

Miley Cyrus is slowly becoming Britney Spears

Have you seen her almost naked pictures lately? At fifteen and doing stunts like that make Britney Spears look less than a disaster. Miley Cyrus at 15 and flashing this and that!

Britney Spears has been 15 once, but she managed to keep herself teeny bopping like every girl and parents expected her to be.

Miley is indeed the new teen Britney, but hopefully not so soon to be the train-wrecked Britney. It seems that little Miley is heading that way. The next thing you knew, she'll be flashing what's down there. I mean, she has already teased up and show a little bit of her boobs, right?

This is really sad. Disney is not really doing something about it. If I've been the company, I would've fired her asap. But of course, I would not do that. She brings in the big bucks after all.

This girl needs to be saved, if not punished for being so naughty. She is not really sending the right message to little girls out there. If more girls pop on TV like her or Britney, I would never bring a healthy child in this world.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

When stars bet on their presidents

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:28:50 -0700

The U.S. Election is the new Sunday Night Football. Everybody is giving the whole fuzz on it and anticipating the results. Couldn't blame such a fact since the elected president will be the one responsible for the whole country. Even the Hollywood stars are making statements on who are they supporting. Somehow they become huge fans of their presidential bets.

Obviously, the election is a battle between democrats, although the republicans are still holding on to their presidential candidate. It's Hillary Clinton against Barack Obama. So, who are the ones backing which U.S. presidential wannabe (at least between the two)?

Hillary.jpg

The lady presidential candidate has garnered more than enough support. If only the stars could donate more than $4,200 (allowed donation amount), they’d be more than willing to shell out portion of their fat bank accounts. She gets the support and endorsement of:

1.   Owen Wilson
2.   Chris Rock
3.   Bette Midler
4.   James Caan
5.   Billy Crystal
6.   Candice Bergen
7.   Christie Brinkley
8.   Chevy Chase
9.   Hugh Hefner
10.   Marla Maples

Barack.jpg

On the other hand, Barack Obama, who is vying to be the first African American president, is backed up by:

1.    Michael Douglas
2.    Steve Martin
3.    Lorne Michaels
4.    Paul Newman
5.    Elisabeth Shue
6.    Jennifer Aniston
7.    Jackson Browne
8.    Morgan Freeman
9.    Tom Hanks
10.    Dennis Haysbert

Of course, both of their lists still run long until the final countdown.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

How to bronze your face

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:37:52 -0700

Queen Latifah's Bronze

It’s the summer and you can make it brighter by looking like the glowing sun. All you have to do is toss some real shinny bronze make up on your pretty face. Bronze make up has been on the top of anyone’s summer list since the 1960s along with the popularity of getting a fair tan. Oh yeah, the look is still hyping up especially this time of the year. Nothing has changed except for the evolution of make up and its application.

What you need to get that look:

1. Bronzing powder – Loose or compact, it’s your choice. It usually gives a matte finish with a natural and shine-free look. Apply it over foundation or wear it alone especially on the cheeks.

2. Brush on beads – This is another version of powder that you rub on your face and cheeks. They highlight the areas that the sun often kisses. These beads contain pearl pigment that achieves such look.

3. Shimmering eye shadow – They accentuate the eye areas with a certain glow.

4. Sun gel – If you don’t like foundations, this is for you. Wear it with powder on top or rub on some beads. This gel doubles as a moisturizer.

5. Nude lipstick – Most people prefer this color because it’s so natural. But if you want more radiance, I suggest the bronze shades. They look more elegant. But then again, it’s up to you.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

The low down of hybrid cars

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:56:31 -0700

The Anatomy of A Hybrid Car

This car is the answer to the everlasting price hike of gasoline. What is a hybrid car anyway? Just like a dog from two different breeds, a hybrid car uses two sources of power, which directly or indirectly provide propulsion power. Most hybrid cars out there are gasoline-electric hybrids. However, A French Car Company has recently released its diesel-electric hybrid.

Why do we need to drive this car? Well, it’s not really about selfish reasons, like it’s the latest in car technology and you got to have it. The truth is this car will help reduce the Carbon Dioxide that is the major cause of pollution. Vehicle exhausts contribute significantly to global warming. We have to care about the environment and keep Earth alive.

In terms of mileage this car is very efficient, since it drives slower and maintains a constant speed. It does not allow the driver to waste energy when speeding up and instantly slowing down. It also avoids abrupt stops. It has the ability to stop slowly with its generator, rather than rely on the brakes to do all the stopping. Remember that sudden stops mean huge energy loss.

The most in demand hybrid cars in the market are the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. Hybrid cars can cost a little more than the usual cars. But hey, they save a lot of energy.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Top 3 Summer Fragrances

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:48:23 -0700

When it comes to summer fragrance, technically, we are talking about a lasting smell. Although all perfumes should be enduring, summer smell should stand out more particularly when the sun is hitting so high. Remember that not all fragrances are summer-friendly. For example, when you stay out too long during the day, your perfume can be not that nice anymore as you sweat under the sun.

Here is my top fragrance picks for this summer (mostly every summer):

l'eauparkenzo pour femme

1. L' EAUPARKENZO POUR FEMME - Honestly, I have a hard time buying this one. I just couldn't remember the name. It's too French-y. But, this mixture of lotus flower, cool mint and pink pepper just makes my sunny days extra special. Although Kenzo has a specific fragrance for the summer, I prefer this again and again.

tommy girl summer cologne

2. TOMMY GIRL SUMMER COLOGNE - This fragrance is a combination of lilac, honeysuckle and lime blossom. Although its debut on the market dates back to 2006, This version of summer smell is proven especially when you're out on the beach. Believe me, I still smell so good even after I soak up the sun.

pacific paradise by escada

3. PACIFIC PARADISE by ESCADA - It's really fruity and floral, very feminine. A creation of Philippe Romano, the fragrance is actually a three-note smell. The first note consists of apple, banana, coconut, lemon and lime. The second note includes banana, sugar cane and sunflower. Finally the third note, which is amber, musk and sandalwood.

The main ingredient of most summer fragrances is the fruity smell. Even if you don't buy the designers perfumes, you can take the alternatives. Just stick with something fruity.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

The illuminations of Spring 2008 Fashion

nobody@vox.com(reneena davidson) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:11:23 -0700

Bright bright colors and lots and lots of bright incandescent colors fill the 2008 Spring Fashion runways. The texture and material are flowing making it very comfortable but stylish during the day, even the evening calls for these bold colors. In fact, they are the first part of every designer's collection. Relatively, this season's style is highlighted with fun in flow, length and pattern.

Here are some of the designs in primary colors.

The flow. The collection features breathable designs for the day, which is easy for the female form to flaunt itself even if it's hot outside. Although the designers make them a little translucent for those who would like the beach, they always make sure that elegance always stand out. Fashion today make it a point that a dress has the ability to cross from one occasion to the other. You can wear these babies with your favorite stilettos for some luncheon, or pair them up with high suede boots for a little trip to the mall.

easy flow sun dresses

The length. Now the length part is either inches above the knees or inches below the heels. It's so big actually with pregger celebrities. Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani are so into them right now. The lengthy dresses hide the big bump good without subtracting glamor that almost inevitable during pregnancy. Eventually, they have to stay as pretty fashionistas especially with the papparazzi around all the time. Believe me the design works miracle, they even look like wearing an evening gown in the day. How cool is that?

classy evening designs

The pattern. Ruffles. Ruffles. Ruffles. Yes, they are resurrected. They can be just on one side arrange in a slant way, or they can be all over the place like waves on a stormy day attached to the body through a stylish dress in very bright colors. They really spell fun and frolic especially on the red carpet. With the flow of the light material used in the collection, ruffles have never been justified until now. Of course, the bold colors help a lot, perfect for that formal din din without that old school black dress.

belts on little dresses

The accessories. Belts are a must if certain formality is required, like the office or a cutting-a-deal meeting. But, belts can also make those tiny dresses special with a little drama they offer. The huge layer, if not thick, necklines are the second accessory detail of the spring collection. They can be necklaces or the heavy part of the design, which more likely to be made of Swarovski crystals and metallic beads.

They are just so beautiful that you want to wear them all. Just like spring itself, colors make the season glorious for everybody not just in the fashion world. They don't make colors for nothing. If you can't get the real designer clothes, they are always rip offs around the corner that cost a little less but look as good. Just remember that the important part of fashion is how you wear them. It's not really about the price or the designer, unless you want to wear them inside out and show off the tag.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend