FitSugar

Get Physical: A Hilarious Game of Badminton

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PDT

I don't know what it is about playing badminton, but that game is just so funny to me. I love the dinky racquets, the flimsy net and of course the shuttlecock (I call it a birdy) - it seems to have a mind of its own!

The game is pretty simple. All you need is 1 net, 1 birdy, 2-4 rackets, and 2-4 players. After you set the net up, you try hitting the birdy over the net, and your opponent hits it back to you.

Badminton is actually an Olympic Sport, so there are specific rules that go along with the game. I think it's more fun to see how many times we can volley back and forth before the birdy touches the ground.

This game is great for all ages since it's easy and fun, there isn't much equipment, and you don't have to worry about seriously getting injured. It does require some hand-eye coordination skills, moderate leaping, acute agility, and lightning speed to run and hit the birdy over the net. I'll tell you though - I end up working my core muscles more than anything from falling to the ground and laughing so hard, but that's just me.

Fit's Tips: You can purchase a badminton set (Amazon, $24.95) that comes with a carrying case so you can bring it along the next time you go to the beach, park, or a BBQ. That way you can fit in a little exercise in between all the eating and drinking.

Want to see a picture of the badminton set? Then

Grammy Awards: Lady Gaga Dons a Sheer Gown and Metallic Bustier, Accessorizes With a Gold Scepter

FabSugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:30:06 PST

She didn't walk the red carpet, but that didn't stop Lady Gaga from making a statement inside the show. The singer's revealing custom Versace sheer gown and tough metallic bustier are on par for her typical over-the-top aesthetic, especially when you add in the show-quality accessories - including a sheer netted mask and a gold scepter in hand. One observant person on Twitter compared her look to Jafar from Aladdin. How do you rate Gaga's Grammy look?

Vote on all of our Grammy Awards polls here!

Grammy Awards: Lady Gaga

BellaSugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:20:11 PST

Lady Gaga wouldn't let her fans down on a night like the Grammys, and her hair and makeup were just as avant-garde as you'd expect: a mask of black netting, blond hair with a bold black stripe, strong brows, and statement-making red lipstick. Are you excited about what the Lady served up this year? Vote on all of our Grammy Awards polls here!

Personal Finance Advice From a Billionaire

Emily Co — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:01:01 PST

Of all the people to take advice from, perhaps we might be able to learn a thing or two about money from billionaire Mark Cuban. In a Business Insider interview, Cuban says he encourages people to angel invest rather than buying stocks. Angel investing is when individuals (generally those with high net worth) provide capital to someone trying to start a company in exchange for part ownership of the start-up. Cuban says the angel investing will work if " . . . you stick to what you know and can add value to. If you can't add value, don't do it. What's insane is thinking the stock market will always go up and the needs of your life, house, car and medical won't crush your investment approach."

Besides the bit of investing wisdom, the Dallas Mavericks owner shared some personal finance advice that he gives to his athletes.

I tell everyone the same thing. Pay off 100 percent of your debt. Use the transactional value of cash to get an absolute return on your savings (buying something in bulk to save 40 percent on something you know you need is a guaranteed return of 40 percent. You can't get that anywhere in market). And don't invest in things you don't know.

The Non-Football Fan's Guide to Enjoying the Super Bowl

Emily Co — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:05:02 PST

Last year, an average of 111 million viewers tuned in to watch the Super Bowl. Many of you non-football fans will be attending some sort of Super Bowl party, so to prevent yourself from being the wallflower, read these tips that might make your Sunday a little more fun.

Read up a little on the star players. Before you know what you're getting into, read up a little bit on the teams and the star players. I found this nice cheat sheet by Rumpus.net that features minibiographies of some of the stars. Once you've read up on them and know who's who, memorize several of their numbers so you know who you're following.
Learn key football terms. Yes! Touchdown! Wait . . . does that mean we won? To better follow along what's happening and to prevent confusion about the football terms being thrown around by commentators, try to learn what the terms mean. The Bleacher Report has a basic list of football terms for those who need the breakdown.
Pick a team. Now that you've read up a bit on football, it's time to pick your team! You can pick it based on the star players, the team your friends are rooting for, or any other reason you choose. Once you have a team in mind, your competitive nature might start showing, and that's when the fun really begins.

Read on for more tips.

Can You Cash in on Facebook's $5 Billion IPO?

Emily Co — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:15:10 PST

Everyone's buzzing about the Facebook IPO, and after hearing about how many billionaires and millionaires the IPO will create, you might think that it's your chance to make money off this cash cow. But first, you need to educate yourself.

What's the deal about IPOs?

Facebook used to be a private company, which means its shares were not sold to the public. Once a firm goes public, it's on the stock market and it sells a part of itself to outside investors who can afford it. The term for going public is also known as an IPO or initial public offering.

Why would a company go public?

A company that sells shares to outside investors can stand to raise a lot of money. Current estimates of the Facebook IPO are at $5 billion. Companies can do a lot with the capital raised - they can use it to pay down long-term obligations, fund new opportunities, and even acquire competitors. Further, initial private investors who wish to exit can now sell their shares to public investors.

Read to find out about buying Facebook shares.

Artist Cecilia Paredes and Her Wonderful Wallpaper Camouflage

Elka Karl — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:00:32 PST

Peruvian-born sculptor and artist Cecilia Paredes literally loses herself in her artwork, whether she's camouflaged herself as an animal in a work like "The She Deer" or painted herself into her wonderfully busy wallpaper photographic works. Her wallpaper series, completed between 2007 and 2010, are personal favorites of mine, displaying a wit and cheeky sense of humor, as well as a sensuousness, that's infinitely compelling. All of her works explore the concept of identity, and how we are sometimes absorbed by our surroundings, whether consciously or unwittingly.

Keep clicking to take a closer look at these works, and head to ArtNet to learn more about purchasing Cecilia Paredes's work.

Shop the Complete KARL by Karl Lagerfeld Collection

Marisa Tom — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:10:40 PST

Now, you can shop and check out the complete KARL by Karl Lagerfeld 70-piece collection; in fact, we even styled up some of our favorite items into one model-worthy look for your early bird perusal. But before you get right into the action, here's what you need to know. Lagerfeld's newest line, aptly titled "Karl" will be available exclusively on Net-A-Porter today at 10:30 a.m. EST. If that weren't exciting enough, you should know that this covetable lineup of goodies falls under "affordable luxury," with prices ranging from $35 to $1350. We spotted sleek leather moto-inspired jackets, silver-metallic infused blazers, athletic-minded vests, and ultra tailored silhouettes. Keep reading for our Karl highlights then click through to see the complete lookbook. Also, let us know what you think of our FabSugar-styled look!

No Karl line would be complete without Lagerfeld's distinctive touch. You'll find the designer's profile subtly emblazoned onto a metal jacket button or pant leg.
We're crushing on the chic assortment of accessories. You'll be treated to a plethora of must-have detachable collars, and for all our shoe lovers out there, Karl does not disappoint with his Spring '12 offerings.
Be on the lookout for a snakeskin-textured leather jacket. It's the perfect combination of biker chick-meets-sophisticated lady and we can already think of a handful of ways to pair it with feminine separates and edgier dresses.

Photos courtesy of KARL at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Leonardo DiCaprio Breaks Into the Coffee Biz

Susannah Chen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:04:17 PST

Have a hard time getting up in the morning? Well, you've got more than just coffee to look forward to. Thanks to a new line of coffees, the best part of waking up could be Leonardo DiCaprio in your cup.

Today, The Great Gatsby actor announced he's partnering with La Colombe Torrefaction to produce a new coffee line, Lyon. Its entire net profile will benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to promote sustainability for the planet. "Raising awareness on the most pressing environmental issues of our time is more important than ever," DiCaprio said in a statement. "I am thrilled to be a part of this new project with La Colombe that will help aid the shift to a truly sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants."

Starting today, the coffee will appear online and on shelves in Williams-Sonoma stores across the country, as well as select Whole Foods Markets. Will you try one of Leo's new coffees?

Labor Pains: 7 Ways to Ease the Pain of Labor

BabyCenter — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:37:43 PST

We're excited to share this post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we will be bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this post from Nancy Johnson Horn about tips for easing labor pain.

I remember going into labor over 6 years ago with my first child. When my water broke 11 days early I couldn’t remember a thing, other than "pick a focus point on the wall" and breathe.

But there’s more you can do to make labor go a little smoother. Recently, I spoke to Hope Garland, an Affiliated Bradley Instructor, www.blossombirth.net, who recommended these amazing tips. So, if you’re weeks or days away from childbirth - don’t panic, just print out (or bookmark it on your smartphone) this post so you can reference it when you go into labor.

Pack in the protein: If you were about to run a long marathon, would you eat only ice chips? No. You need to eat a protein-rich meal. It will give you the stamina needed for labor (plus many hospitals won’t let you eat once you check in anyway). Make a plan to either keep something in the fridge/freezer/cupboard or know where you can go to get your marathon meal.
Don’t fight gravity: Remain upright as long as possible. Walk around or sit up, but don’t lie on your back. (Yes, that’s really me in the pic, before I found out I should be walking around.)
Hydrate thyself: Pack (and use) a water bottle. If you properly hydrate yourself during labor, you’ll increase your energy output by as much as 30%. Also, if you can keep drinking water, you may not need an IV that will really restrict your mobility. That’s when the ice chips and clear liquids can also help.
Breathe using your abdomen: Normal abdominal breathing increases relaxation, which you’re really going to need. Chest and patterned breathing may fool your body into stress mode, and you don’t want that.
Take a virtual chill pill: You’ve got to stay relaxed. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. If music helps, bring a preloaded playlist on your iPod, locate a focal point in the room and breathe. Banish as much negative energy as possible. While it’s not easy, stay as relaxed as you can through contractions – it will let your body do what it’s supposed to do.
Move around during labor: There are a variety of positions for labor. Try to change positions so you’re not in one place for too long. Speak to the nurse about how you can be monitored and still move around. Bring slippers for those lovely grippy hospital socks so you can walk the halls.
Make sure you have support and loving encouragement: Having your husband, partner, or trained birth partner can make a big difference. That support will do more for you than any amount of medication!

Do you have any tips to make labor a little easier? What did or didn’t work for you?

More great stories from BabyCenter.com:
Quantity or quality time: Which matters more?
Five reasons you need the Origami Stroller - now!
The three greatest dangers for baby are . . .
Seven ways to spread the love this Valentine's Day
What do you say to pushy parents?

Source: Flickr User bradleygee