FitSugar

Road Rage 2.0: Bump.com

GeekSugar — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 07:30:22 PDT

Even though most people agree that certain types of technology and driving don't mix, when it comes to being on the road, there are ways to take advantage of tech. Case in point: a driving-centric dating site. Now there's another site aimed at drivers, though this one seems more likely used as a way to take out your frustrations on another driver. Bump is a new site and iPhone app devoted to helping drivers communicate.

To use it, register with the site, including your license plate number and state. Then, if you'd like to send a message to another driver, simply enter her license plate and state. If the driver's registered with the site, she'll receive your message. Find out more about the site (and why I think it's a bad idea) after the jump.

Irritated About Bumps on Your Arms?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PDT

As long as I've known my best friend, she's been complaining about these tiny red bumps on the backs of her arms. She thought they were some kind of acne, like what you get on your back when you workout, so she went to her dermatologist to find out.

It turns out that it was a common condition called keratosis pilaris - a complicated name meaning bumpy skin. Actually 50% of people have it, so if you don't have it yourself, you probably know someone who does. It can be on the backs of your arms, your tush, and your thighs. The dead skin cells that are supposed to just flake off, get plugged up in the hair follicles. They look like tiny red or white pimples that have a dry, sandpaper feel. They don't hurt or itch, but they can make you feel self-conscious about baring your skin.

What can you do about these bumps? Use a good moisturizer twice a day - one containing salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy might be your best bet. You can also take hot showers, let the skin soak a little, and then gently exfoliate using loofah gloves. A dermatologist can also prescribe a topical retinoid cream (made from vitamin A), which may help promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicles from getting plugged in the first place. Whatever you do, I'm sorry to say that it takes constant maintenance - if you stop, the bumps will come back. Since they're harmless, I wouldn't worry about them too much.

Source

Sty In My Eye

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:15:00 PST

"Oh my - I'll try not to cry but there's a sty in my eye."

I used to say that all the time when I was in junior high; my hey day of sharing eye liner and mascara. One too many styes made me wise up and use my own make-up.

What exactly is a sty, anyway?

A sty is an acute infection or inflammation of the secretory glands of your eyelid. The gland gets blocked, the oil produced by the gland backs up and forces itself out through the wall of the gland. This forms a little annoying and unexpectedly painful bump on your eyelid.

Bacteria can infect the blocked gland, causing it to become even more irritated and inflamed. If it gets really bad, the infection can cause the white part of your eye to get red, and sometimes the outside of the eye and cheek can become red as well.

The actual bump appears with a whitish or yellowish spot (kind of like a pimple). Multiple styes can form on one lid and they will disappear as soon as the blocked gland is relieved.

Want to know how to prevent the evil sty in the first place? Then

Don't share make-up (including eyelash curlers and eye make-up brushes). It's a great reason to get rid of your old make-up and buy new stuff.
Remove eye make-up completely every night before going to bed.
The obvious - Try not to touch or rub your eye unless you've just washed your hands.

If you do get that frustrating little sty:

Apply warm compresses (with your eye closed) to the infected area for about 15 minutes to help with the drainage.
Very gently wash your eyelid with warm water and nonirritating soap like baby shampoo (again - keep your eye closed).
Very important - Do NOT squeeze or puncture your sty - it may get even more infected.
Ditch the eye make-up and eye creams you were using because they may also be infected.
If you're a contact lens wearer, you may want to switch to your glasses until it goes away.

Runway-Inspired Spring Maternity Looks

LilSugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:03:27 PST

With New York Fashion Week underway here in Manhattan, we went on a search to bring stylish mamas-to-be the most trend-forward finds in Spring maternity wear. Flaunt your fabulous figure, and remember, your baby bump is your best accessory!

8 Surprising Things That Can Swell During Pregnancy

Kate Stahl — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:41:54 PST

We've all heard of swollen feet during pregnancy - a not-so-surprising side effect considering they're supporting all that extra weight - but your feet are not the only body parts that can retain fluid while you're expecting. We've all seen a pregnant woman who looked so fluid-filled you kind of wanted to stick a pin in her to see if she'd pop (or maybe you were one of those women?), but water retention can hit less obvious places as well.

Jessica Simpson recently went to Twitter to talk about her swollen lips, saying it might be the first stage of "pregnancy face," a side effect that Bethenny Frankel dealt with by massage and putting bags of frozen veggies on her face. "I’m a swollen beast. My face exploded . . . I look like a chipmunk,” she tweeted while expecting daughter Bryn. Keep reading for 10 less talked-about body parts that can make for an often uncomfortable, and sometimes unsightly, pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Lil Links: Postpartum Sex Tips For New Dads

Rebecca M Gruber — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:32:50 PST

A dad's guide to postpregnancy sex - Parenting
5 things not to say to divorced moms - The Stir
Bobbi Kristina was Whitney Houston's pride and joy - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Lily Aldridge debuts her baby bump - Celebrity Baby Blog
3 simple exercise routines to get expectant mamas going in the morning - FitPregnancy
Mom gets fired for asking to pump at work - The Bump
Can you cheat at potty training? - Momformation
New Barbie wears your face on her stomach - Yahoo! Shine
7 creative birthday party ideas for under $7 per guest - LearnVest
Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton is inspired by her kids for a children's fashion line – Child Mode

5 Things to Know About Joy Williams of Grammy-Winning Duo The Civil Wars

Tara Sharp — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:48:00 PST

If you didn't know who Joy Williams was before tonight, we guarantee you will be hearing a lot more about her in the months to come. Joy's one half of folk duo The Civil Wars with Johnny Depp lookalike John Paul White, and the first-time nominees won two Grammys tonight: best folk album and best country duo/group performance for their 2011 album Barton Hollow. They are also one of the performing groups to hit the Grammy stage tonight! Here are five things you should know about this woman who rocks (including her Taylor Swift and Adele connection!):

Hailing from Santa Cruz, CA, Joy was 17 when she signed a recording contract with Reunion Records, balancing a singing career with finishing up high school. She began her career as a contemporary Christian music artist before leaving Reunion and founding Sensibility Music with her husband. Then one of her first songs on her own label, "Charmed Life," appeared on the season finale of Grey's Anatomy in 2009.
Joy's been married since 2004, and it's not to her Civil Wars partner. Joy's happily paired up with her manager and Sensibility Music cofounder Nate Yetton.
In 2009, Joy formed The Civil Wars with John Paul White, whom she met at a songwriting session in 2008. Their first studio album, Barton Hollow, was released in 2011 and debuted at No. 1 on iTunes's album sales chart and at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. The band even opened for Adele's 2011 North American and UK concert tour.
Joy, 29, and her husband are expecting their first child in June. Joy announced the pregnancy on Twitter Friday, saying, "My baby bump & I will see you on the red carpet."
Fellow singing starlet Taylor Swift gave Joy and The Civil Wars a helping hand when she included the band's song "Poison and Wine" on her official iTunes playlist, saying, "I think this is my favorite duet. It's exquisite." And now Joy and Taylor have a song together for The Hunger Games soundtrack called "Safe and Sound." The music video debuts tomorrow!

Check out photos of Joy and The Civil Wars at the Grammys now!

Glamorous Ladies Michelle, Viola, Christina, and Kristen Step Out For the BAFTAs

Lauren Turner — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:18:57 PST

The 2012 BAFTA Awards were a glamorous affair in London today. Best actress nominee Michelle Williams led the pack in a gorgeous H&M bespoke gown while Christina Hendricks, who is presenting, chose a one-shoulder black L'Wren Scott. The Help's Viola Davis brought a pop of color in a pink Valentino, and presenter Penelope Cruz followed suit in strapless red Armani Prive. Kristen Wiig, up for best screenplay for Bridesmaids, chose white, as did We Need to Talk About Kevin's Tilda Swinton. Jessica Chastain made her latest award season appearance in a metallic Oscar de la Renta gown and Harry Winston jewels, and Meryl Streep went with Vivienne Westwood for the big night. Elsa Pataky covered her baby bump in navy as she posed alongside husband Chris Hemsworth, who is nominated for a rising star honor. Don't miss all the red-carpet arrivals at the BAFTAs, including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Jon Hamm, Michael Fassbender, and more! Also, be sure to vote on your favorite BAFTA looks.

Fab's Top 10 Celebrity Looks of the Week: Style Stars You Haven't Seen at NYFW

Hannah Weil — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:22:47 PST

Now that we're in full swing, it's hard to see this week as anything but New York Fashion Week. But outside the city - and before the start on Thursday - these celebs are hard at work showing off their own worthy style. Brooklyn Decker stepped out for the Super Bowl in cool-girl Proenza Schouler, Lily Aldridge showed off her baby bump in a sweet LWD and red heels, and Liv Tyler gave us an ultra-chic take on the tux trend. As always, the top 10 supply a whole week's worth of styling inspiration - click through to see the rest of our favorites.

Lil Links: Is Khloé Kardashian Lying to Herself About Her Infertility

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:34:04 PST

Khloé Kardashian's comments about not being pregnant are revealing - The Stir
Sweet Valentine's Day crafts to create with your kids - Parenting
Kristin Davis shows off baby Gemma Rose - Celebrity Baby Blog
What's the deal with breastfeeding and Facebook - Momformation
Kristin Cavallari debuts her baby bump! - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Everything you wanted to know about your placenta - FitPregnancy
Signs you're ready for baby number two! - The Bump
Valentine gadgets for the man in your life – Tecca
Video of child without clothes in snow sparks outrage? - Yahoo! Shine
Valentine's Day gifts for your kids - Real Simple