Thursday, March 31, 2011

Glee: The Music Presents 13 Warblers Songs - Enjoy! - Sponsored Post

Glee: The Music Presents 13 Warblers Songs - Enjoy! - Sponsored Post
Glee: The Music Presents The Warblers. 13 songs including "Teenage Dream" "Raise Your Glass" 2 unreleased tracks

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Ultimate Kissing Quiz - Sponsored Post

The Ultimate Kissing Quiz - Sponsored Post
Kissing is great! It's done all over the world as a sign of love, but where did it start? Take the Ultimate Kissing Quiz!

Rebecca Black Working on Debut Album After "Friday" Success

Here's a young lady with Venusity! Rebecca Black isn't letting the haters get her down. No matter what anyone says, this 13 year old star is going for her dreams. She is an inspiration to all budding artists!

Rebecca Black Working on Debut Album After "Friday" Success

Who will win the Top 20 Countdown? - Sponsored Post

Who will win the Top 20 Countdown? - Sponsored Post
I'm watching @BritneySpears.They're counting down her Top 20 videos right now on FUSE TV.Turn it on!
RT if you love #Britney

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Saturday, March 26, 2011

How well do you know @JustinBieber - Sponsored Post

How well do you know @JustinBieber - Sponsored Post
Do you know @JustinBieber? Take this quiz NOW!! If you have Bieber fever like my girls, you should ace this one!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef and Cabbage and Chrysanthemums

Happy St. Patrick's Day Venusity! I'm wearing my silly sequined green hat while I write today. Did you know what big business corned beef and cabbage are today? Everyone want some and people are making a bundle off these popular St. Paddy's Day eats. Green mums are another hot commodity.

I have my corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot with a loaf of rye bread waiting. Looking forward to that Bailey's coffee after a hearty meal tonight. Top o' the mornin' to all...

St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef and Cabbage and Chrysanthemums

Check Out Craigslist a "Cesspool of Crime" According to Competitor

Is it really a cesspool of crime? I recently got a great Tony Little Gazelle through Craigslist and I'm working out everyday. It is a troubling thought and you must use caution when buying or selling on a website such as Craigslist.

I will also be listing a few things on Craigslist in light of spring cleaning. We need the cash and the space and Craigslist is a convenient way to list good stuff you don't use anymore.

Craigslist Competitor States They Are "Cesspool of Crime"

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Red Tibetan Mastiff Sells for $1.5 Million

Talk about luxury items! A red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash sold for a cool $1.5 million to a wealthy China buyer. Why is this pooch so pricey?

Of course, we think it has Venusity to adopt a pup from a shelter. But the Tibetan Mastiff certainly is a regal breed. Dog lovers and breeders pay up to $7,000 for one of these beauties.

Red Tibetan Mastiff Big Splash Sells for $1.5 Million

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Weekend Girl Talk: Daylight Saving Time 2011 and St. Patrick's Day Plans

Daylight saving time 2011 means more evening hours to take walks and spring into fitness.  We all asked, "What time is it?" upon waking up.  I remember to change the kitchen clocks last night, so the current time (that's New York time)  right now is almost 2 pm.  It felt like we slept too late but we really lost an hour!

With weekend girl talk in mind, does daylight saving time have an impact on your health?  A Huliq article discusses the impact daylight saving time 2011 could have on your health including sleep deprivation and heart risks.  We decided to take it easy and sleep in late.  This afternoon, we are spring cleaning in honor of daylight saving time 2011.  By tonight, we should be back on schedule and well-rested.

We have to get the house clean for St. Patrick's Day on March 17 so the work started today.  Last night, I bought the corned beef and cabbage to make in the crock pot.  I am trying my own recipe and will share it next weekend (if it works out well).  I have parent-teacher conferences all afternoon on St. Paddy's Day, so the crock pot will hopefully save the day.

Shape has a great article entitled, "Saint Patrick's Day: Top 5 Festive Low-Calorie Drinks."  My Irish side loves to imbibe on St. Patrick's Day but it defeats my fitness efforts to consume calorie-rich Bailey's.  Shape's suggestions sound tasty and low calorie, a perfect combination.

I'm glad spring has almost sprung now that we're past Daylight saving time.  I am looking forward to longer evenings for walking . Of course, the spring also brings plenty of rain which can keep you indoors.  Last week, I discussed buying a Tony Little Gazelle from Craigslist.  I got it and we love it!  No impact on your joints and it feels good.  I just turn on the music and get going. 

I had one years ago and it really helped me shed pounds and stay fit.  I can't wait to get into that sweet little bikini from Victoria's Secret, so I'm definitely motivated to workout!

Are you tired from daylight saving time 2011?  Did you start getting ready for St. Patrick's Day?  How are your fitness efforts coming along?  Enjoy this beautiful weekend - what's left of it!

Check out this simple and fabulous corned beef and cabbage recipe in a crock pot - think I'll try this one rather than experiment:

Monday, March 7, 2011

Reactrs - new way to tweet - Sponsored Post

Reactrs - new way to tweet - Sponsored Post
Do more than retweet - add a "reaction" to your tweets so people can know where you stand.

Reactrs is a new way to express how you feel about the links and news you share in Twitter. Reactrs does this by making it very easy to add sentiment to your tweets. When you add a "reaction" to your tweets using Reactrs, you'll get people talking about news in a whole new way and add your personal touch to links you share.

It'll make you more interesting than just retweeting. The tweets you generate on Reactrs contain your take about the news you share, and a link where connections can view your sentiment, retweet it or add their own. Imagine sharing a link and then having your network vote on different reactions to that news. Reactrs provides a place for that conversation to happen. The best content, buzz and community sentiment across links shared on Reactrs are also highlighted, so you can see what reactions are trending.

When you have Venusity, retweeting simply isn't enough!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Saturday Girl Talk: OPI Gel Nails, Victoria's Secret and Mom Power

Weekends were made for kickin' back and chillin' out. For many of us mommy bloggers, writing is what relaxes us the most. During the week, I strive to deliver news, info and product updates with Venusity. Instead of cutting out on the weekends, I've decided to engage in a little girl talk on Saturdays. Every Sunday, we'll spotlight a famous mom with Venusity (check the top of the blog for the definition).

Earlier this week, I mentioned my new Victoria's Secret swimsuit sitting around to inspire me to lose weight. I also talked about how awesome OPI gel nails are and promised to explain why. Finally, I was going to pick up a Tony Little Gazelle to boost my fitness efforts but that went belly-up. Yes, I'll tell you more!

First of all, the Victoria's Secret swimsuit was a STEAL. I bought it during the semi-annual sale, a clearance you really should not miss. I prefer their cotton underwear to any other brand because they are thin so you don't see them through jeans (even if you choose the mommy brief style). Also, they breathe so you don't develop those nasty infections (we've all been there and don't want to go back.)

But I digress. Let's talk about the swimsuit. It's a bikini with a skirt. Most of my mom friends say bikinis are not for mothers over 40. I disagree. If you work hard to stay in shape, a bikini is for ANY age.

Of course the days of wearing a thong with a triangular top are over. Like anything else, you need to use a bit of decorum as you get older and have kids. The bikini top is a Miracle Bra so it offers ample coverage and support. Since I wear a D-cup, this is essential or everything is hanging out all over (not what you want happening when you take a tribe of children to the beach).

The bottom is skirted and comes to the area right at the belly button. It is a flattering cut because your whole tummy isnt' hanging out and the skirt hides those thigh imperfections that are SOOO hard to get rid of.
When I drop 10 pounds, I can't wait to try it on again. If I lose 20, it will really be striking. I chose a fuschsia color so it's very girly and attention-grabbing.

Now let's talk gel nails. Created by OPI (I just LOVE their product), it is a gel layer applied over your natural nails. They are not like acrylic nails and no tips or glue are applied. A special heating machine is used to seal and dry each coat of gel. The gel comes in various colors and also doubles as the nail polish. With gel nails, you do not choose a polish. Rather, you select from a wheel of colors.

It takes about an hour to do them and a half hour to remove the old set. Your fingertips are wrapped in cotton soaked with acetone and foil. In a few minutes, the gel is wiped away then the gel nail process begins. The gel is brushed on in several layers including primer, color and top coat. In between coats, your hand is put in a special OPI gel nail drier.

When your nails are done, they are completely dry with no additional dry time required. It is amazing! No more squished nails and they shine far more than regular manicures. The gel nails last for three weeks for me so it saves a lot of time.

As a busy mom with Venusity, I want nice nails but don't want to spend an hour every week to get them. Now it just takes an hour and a half every three weeks and my nails are always fabulous. This stuff never chips! You will see the growth coming in at the bottom, which is why you need a new manicure. When your half moons are showing, it's time to schedule a spa appointment!

Finally, let's talk about Tony. I found a Gazelle for a great price at Craig's List and was ready to pick it up today. I really want it because I had to leave one behind years ago when we moved into this house. The truck was full and it would not fit in my little sports car.

I find myself facing the same quandary today. My husband's truck muffer was replaced last week and now it's spitting gas?! The mechanic won't be in until Monday so I had to email the lady I could not make it today. I swear, I'm buying a truck the next time I get a new vehicle! Once again, my little sports car isn't up to transporting it.

However, I will not let it discourage my fitness efforts. I will take a walk later with the kids. I also found a sweet pair of weights at Marshall's on the clearance shelf for under 5 bucks. My old lead weights (yes, from the 80's, I hate to admit it) were making my hands black and smelly. Now I use these to stretch after writing for awhile and hope to get rid of those unwanted "wings" by summertime.

If the lady is nice, she'll let us pick up the Gazelle next week. I refuse to lose hope!  By the way, I missed out on registering for the local Zumba dance class this month but got into another one - Irish step dancing!  How perfect with St. Patrick's Day around the corner.  Next week, I'll tell you how my first Irish step dancing class went.

How is your weekend going? Are you strugging to keep your Venusity, too? Let's talk!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

O.P.I Limited Edition Katy Perry Mini Pack - Sponsored Post

O.P.I Limited Edition Katy Perry Mini Pack - Sponsored Post
Katy Perry HOT mini-pack of OPI nail-polishes. Get the glitter while it lasts!  I love OPI, it has total Venusity.  Add the hottest possible Katy Perry-inspired colors with sparkle and it's a must-have item.

The OPI Katy Perry collection from OPI gives you four mini bottles, each holding 1/8 ounce.  Fabulous colors match the names of Katy Perry songs such as The One That Got Away, Teenage Dream, Last Friday Night, and Not Like the Movies.

As glamorous as Katy Perry herself, these unusual colors shimmer with shaes of plum, silver, pink and blue.  OPI and Katy Perry are a perfect combination.  These colors will rock your nails for the spring!

Have you checked out the OPI gel manicure yet?  Okay, I'll be back with more info about Victoria's Secret swimsuits (gotta tell you about mine) and the OPI gel manicure soon.  Be back later!

Zumba Dance Your Way to Fitness

Zumba dance is the buzz word in fitness circles everywhere.  From the community gym to the local library, everyone is turning to Zumba dance moves to get fit for the summer.  My gym introduced Zumba dance recently but we had to pay extra to gain access to these highly coveted classes.  I decided to try Zumba dance for free at my local library to see how I liked it.

In my early 20s, I loved to go to Cuban clubs in the city to dance all night to the pulsating Latin beats.  Going to Zumba dance class at the library brought me back to hot nights at the clubs outside NYC.  The music brought you to your feet and made you want to move.  Salsa, samba, merengue, cha cha...it's a combination of all your favorite Latin dance moves to music that keeps your body going.

While it doesn't feel like exercise because you're having so much fun, it's an amazing workout.  The perspiration will be dripping down your back after a 45-minute class.  You will feel the burn in your legs, arms and hips for a couple of days after your first Zumba dance lesson.  But that won't discourage you from going back for more.  The good feeling you get from Zumba dance is addictive and you'll want to do it again and again.

I was surprised to discover Zumba dance has been around since 2001.  Alberto "Beto" Perez of Colombia was a fitness instructor who created Zumba dance by accident.  One day he forgot to bring his music and used some traditional Latin music he already had.  An ad lib turned into a lucrative business and fabulous fitness tool!

Is Zumba dance for you?  Get off your duff and find out!  There are low cost and even free Zumba dance classes popping up everywhere.  You can also buy a DVD and try it out at home first if you feel shy or reluctant.  Curves recently added Zumba dance to their program, so you might want to check that out if you are also trying to shed some pounds.

No matter how you decide to try it, you are sure to love Zumba dance!  Now get ready to develop some Venusity for that summer bikini body!  (Yes, I already bought my summer inspiration bathing suit from Victoria's Secret.  More about that tomorrow.)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Charlie Sheen on 20/20 - Is He Picking up Where Hugh Hefner Left Off?

Charlie Sheen on 20/20 last night made me wonder if he is picking up where Hugh Hefner left off.  Now that Hef is finally tying the knot with a much younger babe (he's almost 90), Charlie Sheen on 20/20 is bragging about his live-in goddesses, drug use and Adonis DNA.  Is this the kind of guy you want your daughter to bring home?

I'll admit it, I fell victim to Sheen's charms.  I was a dedicated "Two and a Half Men" fan.  Who can resist a nerdy divorced father with a chunky son and the benevolently drunk uncle who takes them into his Malibu home?  I certainly couldn't.  But last night seeing Charlie Sheen on 20/20 made me see the situation as less than funny for the first time.

Charlie Sheen on 20/20 looked like an unmade bed.  His hair was tousled, his eyes were wild and he was general disheveled.  His usual polished exterior was disrupted, along with his image.  Days of partying with porn stars, taking drugs, going to home rehab and eventually causing the cancellation of the rest of the season of "Two and a Half Men" was bound to do some damage.

Despite the fact he passed he recent online drug test, few believe Sheen is clean.  Popeater reports he admitted last month he was, "bangin' 7-gram rocks and finishing them because that's how I roll. I have one speed, one gear ... go!"

Alright, you certainly don't want this guy to be the father of your children.  But wait,  he is already a daddy and an example to little ones.  What does Charlie Sheen on 20/20 say about this?  "I'm not gonna worry about it, or I can say, 'Hey, kids, your dad's a rock star...' They'll realize how cool Dad is!"

Clearly you don't have to be a rock star to be a foolish drunk.  Charlie Sheen on 20/20 also discussed his famous father Martin Sheen, stating, "I don't care whether he's my dad or the guy down the street or somebody that like, fell out of the sky. No interest in that. I don't care if he's my dad. Back off with your judgment!"

It's difficult not to judge your son harshly when he is living with what he refers to as two "goddesses."  His women have illustrious resumes that include porn films and advocating marijuana.  Meanwhile, Sheen alleges he has cleaned up his act.  As a parent, I can see why his father is concerned.  Further, would you really want to be Denise Richards or Brooke Mueller?

Now Charlie Sheen is a polygamist living with two "goddesses," Natalie Kenly and Rachel Oberlin (better known by her porn name Bree Olsen."  Charlie says they are the women he loves and they completed the "three parts of my heart."  In return, the girlfriends claim they all love and care about each other with no partying going on.  The world might be losing Playboy Hugh Hefner, but now we have Charlie Sheen.

What about Sheen's twin sons?  The girls claims they are mother figures and Kenley indicated when asked if they were good influences, "Oh absolutely. All you can do with children is love them. And we love them and we're not doing anything to be harmful to their routine or undermine anything else going on."

It's scary to think what these boys might see and then consider to be right or wrong.  Their mother certainly has a big job on her hands to protect them.

While I always enjoyed his unique humor, even that fell flat for me last night.  I watched a re-run of "Two and a Half Men" that showed Alan trying to juggle two women and Jake getting drunk at a mall with a friend.  Charlie handles it all then lets them know it's not easy to be a drunken womanizer like him.  Honestly, it's the last example I would want for my son.  Suddenly the show didn't seem quite as funny when I thought about watching it with adolescents.

Charlie Sheen on 20/20 claims chivalry is not dead and he is quitting his lifestyle to answer to a higher call.  Oddly enough, he also states, "I am on a drug, it's called 'Charlie Sheen.' It's not available cuz if you try it once you will die. Your face will melt off and children will weep over your exploded body."

Further, Sheen is talking about taken action against CBS for canceling the remainder of the season of "Two and a Half Men."  He feels their emotion and ego put them in a radical breach that will cost them serious money beyond the cost of canceling the show.  Meanwhile, Sheen and the cast and crew are out of work.

I was sorry to see Charlie Sheen on 20/20 last night.  He claims he is "bi-winning" rather than "bi-polar."  After watching, I felt more concerned and repelled than reassured and enlightened.   What did you think of his appearance?



(c) Stacey Mamasaid March 2011 All Rights Reserved