Monthly Archives: May 2011

Hip Hop Benefit Song For Haiti

New York based rapper Cormega, who is not of Haitian descent, is lending a helping hand to Haiti. Better known as MC-Cor, Cormega will release a benefit track dedicated to the people of Haiti on his upcoming album, Cormega Raw Forever.     The song, I Made a Difference, was originally set to be released via iTunes on May 18 in honor of Haitian Flag Day, but a recent partnership with Sony/Red Distribution will push the release date to June 14. The deal will allow for more promotion of the song including the creation of a ringtone.   Work on the song began after Cormega’s June 2010 trip to Haiti. The track features verses from Redman, Stic Man (Dead Prez), Lil’ Fame (MOP), General Steele (Smiff & Wessun), and intro by DJ Whoo Kid. “I hope that people feel the song,” Cormega said to HipHopdx.com, “I hope the people of Haiti know they ain’t alone.” All proceeds from song will go to J/P Humanitarian Relief Organization.   Listen to the track below and don’t forget to purchase it on iTunes on June 14.

Pocketbook Friendly House Cleaners

Vodka, vinegar and coffee filters get the job done. Save money in a tight economy by switching expensive cleaning products for common household items like vodka and vinegar which do the job just as well, and sometimes better.     Vinegar cleans ceramic floors, kitchen counters, bathrooms and a host of household appliances. Try vinegar on the tough brown stains left behind on coffee pots to see the miracle cleaner in action. Rid the house of potent cooking smells by simmering a small pot of vinegar and water on the stove. Clean windows with paper coffee filters to avoid streaks. Wash your whites with hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach. Not only will hydrogen peroxide get the job done, it’s also gentler on your beloved wardrobe. Baby wipes are another great stain-fighting solution and are gentler than your average store-bought stain-remover. In a pinch, vodka works as a facial toner as well as any drug store product as the leading ingredient in vodka is alcohol which is known for cleaning and tightening pores. Remove burnt and hardened food from post and pans by boiling baking soda and water in the pots and pans.

Personal Finance 101

Don’t overlook the benefits of these basic money tips. In these rocky economic times, we need to make the most of what we’ve got. But sometimes the most basic financial essentials can be forgotten. Gain control of your financial future by following these tips from Personal Finance 101 – the class you may have slept through in high school.     tip 1 Always maintain health insurance. Suffering an uninsured illness is the quickest way to debt. tip 2 Finance a car for three years or less. If you can’t afford the monthly payments of a three-year plan, you can’t afford the car.   tip 3 Maximize 401k opportunities with your employer by investing your salary up to whatever amount your employer will fully match – often about 6 percent. tip 4 If you must divorce, try mediation first to avoid costly attorney fees.   tip 5 Arrange to pay your mortgage biweekly instead of monthly. This is an easy way to pay 13 months ofpayments in 12 months without really noticing. This trick will help you pay off a 30-year mortgage in 18 to 21 years. bonus tip Need to earn some extra cash to set your finances straight? … read more

Shoe lovers, perk up your feet with these bright hues

From the top designers to bargain shops, retailers are brightening up shoe displays with colorful pumps and wedges fit for the balmy months ahead. Two of our favorites include the high-end Lava Lamp by Ruthie Davis and the more affordable Stylin by Nine West.       The Lava Lamp, double platform peep-toe pumps with multi-rubber strap, by Ruthie Davis are designed to keep all eyes on you. These pumps are inspired by the psychedelic 1970s, which explains the bright colors and funky name. These pumps will brighten up an outfit that would otherwise go unnoticed.   If you’re looking for a more affordable shoe that embraces the same style given by Ruthie Davis, try Stylin by Nine West. This color block sandal is a less extreme showcase of color with a less extreme price. If colorful shoes aren’t your thing, they also come in a black and nude mix.

Kick up Valentine’s Day with these tricks

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Couples all over are thinking of ways they can spice up the romance between them and their loved ones. Interestingly, the essential ingredients to kick up your love life can sometimes be found in your home.

Tips for stay-put summer makeup

Summer is great for swimming and sandy toes but what about make-up? Eyeliner runs into creases and foundation? Pffft…forgetaboutit.     If you’re planning a beach day and make-up is a must than the number one thing you need in your life is a primer. Spread a light layer of primer over the lids of both eyes to preserve eye shadow all day long. In addition to giving your eye make-up longevity, a primer also makes the colors really pop.   A primer can also be used under foundation for long-lasting facial make-up. After you apply primer and foundation, finish off the look with a pressed powder. This creates flawless skin that lasts all day and provides a great base for blush.   Another concern on sunny days is oily skin. The sun will definitely dry out your skin so always moisturize. Look for foundations and moisturizers that have SPF to help prevent sun damage. And in a pinch, you should always have blotting sheets on-hand to soak up sweat and oil.   Makeup sponges are another good option for soaking up oily skin. Throughout the day I can be seen slipping my red sponge from my make-up case and … read more

Is One Ever Enough

Are we truly made for monogamy? Well apparently, some researchers don’t think so. In their book, “Sell at the Age of Dawn” authors Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha argue that a societal obsession with monogamy is not only unrealistic, but also harmful.     The authors say humans are unnaturally wired for monogamy and suggest that two-person marriages evolved out of agriculture for economic reasons.   No doubt, many people who would rather bum this book than admit such a theory could be true, but Ryan and Jetha present evidence worth considering.   In defending their controversial argument, the authors cite research showing more American women leave their marriages than want to because of societal pressure – these women believe they must leave their husbands to redeem themselves to society when the husbands cheat.   But regardless of whether or not one agrees that monogamy is natural, evidence like this proves that relationships are simply complicated.   Perhaps sex and love are not always the same, and if we learn to separate the two, maybe we could increase the chances of our relationships lasting longer. Perhaps spouses should reconsider divorce after infidelity, then again, Cinderella never had to share her … read more

Don’t Let Stress Get the Best of You

With gas prices rising and warm weather off too far in the future, life can seem bleak.     We asked psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Boisture how to deal with stress and she gave us her top three suggestions.   Exercise Data and literature support that cardiovascular exercise combats the body’s response to stress. Exercise increases serotonin, known as the happy hormone, and helps the body relax. Plus, the physical changes to your body are undoubtedly a mood-booster. Deep Breathing Exercises “In stressful situations we tend to breath with our shoulders. Abdominal breathing helps to calm you down,” Boisture said. Place your hand on your belly button and watch your hand move in and out with your belly to assure you are breathing correctly Talk to Someone about your stressful situation. Whether it’s a friend, relative, or a therapist, seeking support helps us escape.   Deep breathing gives the mind time to think, Boisture said. We start assuming the absolute worst scenario in a stressful situation, if we stop for a moment, we give ourselves time to think more reasonably and help our bodies more easily cope with a stressful situation.

Fruit of the Season

It’s recommended we eat 5 servings of fruits or vegetables everyday, but how many people actually do that?     We asked a fruit expert to tell us what the best produce picks are for this time of year, so here are some fruits that both your mouth, and body, will enjoy.   Blueberries, red grapes, and minneolas are the ideal choice for early spring, according to Lambert’s Marketplace, a Boston-based produce and flower market. Luckily for us, these delicious fruits are also chock-full of nutrients.   Minneola, also known as honeybells, are a cross between tangerines and grapefruit. They’re recognizable by their “neck” which sticks out like a belly button. Minneolas are free of fat, saturated fat and sodium.   Blueberries contain a high level of antioxidants, which includes Vitamins A, B complex, C and E.   Red Grapes are a great source of vitamins C and K, manganese, and antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants in grapes may lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease and cancer.   Want to fill your mornings with some of the season’s best produce? Try a Minneola Breakfast Smoothie as seen on Food.com.   Minneola Breakfast Smoothie   1 minneola, peeled … read more