Bringing Out The Spice In Me

10 Things You May Never Be Able To Change In You Man

2008-08-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

A relationship can get pretty confusing especially since men and women are so drastically different. Want to make your relationship work? Here are some facts about men that you should know!

1. Didn’t I say ‘I love you’ just a minute ago?
While women insist on saying those three little words far too often, it somehow isn’t that important to most men. Accept it. It doesn’t mean he loves you any less! Watch his actions. That should communicate louder than his words.

2. You look great honey!
If you don’t want a standard response, don’t ask a standard question! It throws men off as there’s no right answer. You’re going to disbelieve him anyway. So save him the panic attack and ask your kids instead.

3. I wasn’t staring at her!
Boys will be boys. You can’t complain if your guy notices your pretty office receptionist. If she’s pretty, he will notice! That’s his primal tendency. You can’t change what comes naturally to him and there’s no need to be overly jealous about it.

4. You’re not ready? It’s late!
Well, he did say the movie starts at 7. He doesn’t understand about being fashionably late. His idea of entertainment is not waiting in the car while you do up your hair. Try and respect his time. After all you could be spending more time together.

5. That’s a nice dress
Men love it when you take their advice on fashion. Why? They feel good that you’re dressing up for them and not to impress other women… or MEN! If he likes you in lilac, then by all means buy lilac. Despite how much you think it’s a waste of money (KANJE!!). He will appreciate the thought.

6. Are you bored?
He may be talking about cars or a new pc game he is crazy about, and you wouldn’t know a thing about it, but look interested. It’s the least you can do for all the hours that you’ve tortured him with beauty talk and gossip about the girls at college!

7. You’re simply stunning!
Wouldn’t you want to hear those words from your man? Then, don’t let yourself go! He wants to be the luckiest guy in the room when you both walk in as a couple.

8. I’m not thinking anything…
Don’t bombard your man with questions just to find out how he’s feeling. He may not know what’s going on inside him. Sometimes, giving him a little space will help him sort things out peacefully. Although this may be extremely very tough, just try ladies.

9. Yes, I’m wearing this!
Don’t ask your man ‘Will you be wearing that?’ just after he has dressed up. Isn’t it obvious? If you want him to dress better, then choose his clothes before he puts them on. It will certainly save you both a lot of time!

10. Let me just fix it!
Men do not appreciate the ‘guessing game’. If you’re got a problem, tell him. He will want to find a solution that’s quick and fuss-free.
Men are wonderful creations if you know the inside secrets of how to deal with them on a daily basis. Hopefully these tips will cement your relationship for a long future!

STOP !! 10 things HE wouldn't want to hear from you (important)

2008-07-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

10. 21 questions while watching an actual game.
As much as we are passionate about clothes, accessories, shoes and bags and men have no idea why we’re obsessed with it, the same thing goes for them. Sports (or computer games) is something that they’re all crazy about. So when watching a football match with your boyfriend, don’t go into 21 questions mode just keep silent even when you have no clue what’s going on.

9. “It’s just a game!”
Refer to entry number 10. *winks* =p

8. “We need to talk.”
For them, this sounds like a threat and immediately puts them in defensive mode. Try something more subtle, like “Honey, did you “ This way, the approach will be more direct, you won’t sound like you’re looking for a fight and you won’t have him running out of your apartment faster than a speeding bullet.

7. “Nothing’s wrong.”
I’m writing this with a big sigh men are not mind readers and even we’re boiling up about something they did that’s so obviously wrong they’re always clueless about it. So instead of giving them the look and telling them that nothing’s wrong when something obviously upsets you just tell them straight out. Don’t make ‘em guess either, his answer will just worsen things.

6. “Size doesn’t matter.”
No matter how well endowed your man is to your eyes at least, telling him that size doesn’t matter will make him feel like he doesn’t ‘measure up’. It’s better to not say anything.

5. “Which outfit do you like better?”
As long as you end up looking great in his eyes, getting into a fight about his answer to this question is pointless. Ask a girlfriend instead they’re more likely to come up with a more respectable answer.

4. “Let’s just be friends.”
If you’re still in the dating scene, telling a guy that you want to be friends would give him false hopes so this line is a no-no.

3. “I know, I sound like my mom.”
Just the thought that we’d end up looking like our moms (no matter how pretty she is) would give a man the creeps. So don’t tell your man that you sound like your mom while you’re squabbling over something even if you do sound like her.

2. “Do you think she’s pretty?”
If you’re feeling insecure when he as much as looks in the way of a hot, sexy woman with a more perfect body shape as compared to you, don’t ask him this question. You won’t like both answers anyway. If he tells you that ‘you’re the only pretty woman in my eyes’ or some stock response, you’ll just think that he’s lying and still feel insecure anyway.
On the other hand, if he admits that she’s hot (which he probably will not) you’re all getting all worked up now, right? So the moral lesson? Don’t ask the question! Just pretend that he did not peek at the tramp!

1. “That’s cute,” or “You’re cute!”
Research shows that if there’s one thing that men hate: it’s the word 'cute'. You can call a puppy that he gives you as a gift as cute. But don’t ever, EVER tell him that he’s cute. Or that his sports hero is cute.
Saying these things to your man is bound to drive him nuts so just zip it!

Is There Really Such A Thing As A Low-Fat Ice Cream ?

2008-07-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Aside from diamonds, ice cream and chocolates are also a girl’s best friend. A really sinful, calorie-rich, diet-bursting pint of chocolate ice cream can do wonders for me.
When I’m PMS’ing, when my boyfriend and I had a fight, when I’m watching a romanti movie by my lonesome or when I’m mulling over the fact that I (still) do not know what to do with my life - that ice cream container in the freezer is there as a pick-me-up.
But what the heck would it do to your diet if everytime you’re feeling the blues, you have to feel all guilty because of the calories that you’re consuming?
Fortunately, there ARE low-fat ice cream brands which taste just as good - minus all that fat. The scoop on low-fat ice cream is that they are bursting with flavor, they have a rich, velvety texture, and the best part is - you can enjoy its full, ice-creamy taste without the fat!

Here are some mouth-wateringly creamy, low fat ice cream brands that you can try:

* Marks & Spencer Healthy Option, Zingy Raspberry Revolution (115 calories/100 grams)
* Waitrose Seriously Creamy Passionfruit Iced Dessert(139 calories/100 grams)
* Ben & Jerry’s Jamaican Me Crazy Sorbet (105 calories/100 grams)
* Yeo Valley Organic Frozen Creamy Yoghurt (140 calories/100 grams)
* Skinny Cow Completely Mintal (170 calories/100 grams)
* Asda’s Good for you Vanilla Dairy Ice Cream (155 calories/100 grams)

Tattoos -----> Skin Carving

2008-07-22T05:26:00.001-07:00

Tattoos have always been something that appealed very greatly to me. A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. But this has taken a whole new turn as the young and may i add DARING teenagers of our modern era have started a new craze called,

"SKIN CARVING"

(a few vivid images to capture your attention)

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-07-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar ( firmly packed )
1 cup shortening (or butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the first five ingredients.
3. After creaming the first five ingredients add the last four and make sure everything is mixed together well.
4. Drop by tablespoonfuls on to cookie sheets and bake for 9-10 minutes.
5. For M&M cookies: Replace chocolate chips with M&M plain baking bits.

Bobs and Bangs

2008-07-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Since its that time of the year again for me to make my visit to the hair salon, I've been doing a little reasearch of my own on trendy hair styles, highlights and so on so forth. And after much reading and analysing i've decided to type out this post.

Precision cut bobs are huge this year, coupled with smooth, sleek styling, a blunt fringe and heaps of shine. Your bob should be carefully crafted to accentuate your unique facial structure, or highlight a long, beautiful neck.
Bob hair styles range from ear level to shoulder skimming and are best for straight or slightly wavy hair. If you wear your bob with straight hair, you would be able to create that glamorous look. BTW, bangs go great with bobs, but only opt for the bangs if it works with your facial structure.

Rihanna with her sleek bob.

Katie Holmes looks extremely sexy and simply fab in her chic bob

If your hair is a bit curly, your bob will have that fresh youthful look. And if you’re feeling a little more groovy, incorporate a mod feel into your bob, just like gorgeous Jessica Alba did.

3 Easy Indian Recipes

2008-07-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of dhal, chutney and biriyani. Most Indian dishes are elaborate as they involve herbs, spices and lots of passion! If you can’t figure out all the spices just buy a readymade pack. It makes the job so much easier !

Raita
This yogurt-based delicacy is a favorite in India as it helps to beat the Indian summer ! Not only is it quick to prepare but it compliments almost any meal. Here’s how it’s made. Beat 1quart of natural yogurt till it is smooth. Then add a pinch of salt and some sugar to it. Grate one large cucumber and let out the extra water. Add this to the yogurt and sprinkle with half a teaspoon of mint, chili powder and ground cumin seeds. All these add to the extra flavor and now it’s ready to serve ! Yes, it’s that easy !

Fruit Lassi
Here’s another one for all those hot sunny days. Add two cups of yogurt, one cup of ice water, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of rose water to a blender and blend well. Take a fruit of your choice (preferably ripe bananas or mangoes) and blend it along with the previous mixture of yogurt. Sprinkle some almonds on top and decorate with some mint leaves. Now you have a great drink to sip on while eating those spicy meats.

Tomato Chutney
This tasty treat comes from down south(haha..down south u guys, DOWN SOUTH). It’s a perfect side accompaniment to rice or chapatti. Further it can be bottled and refrigerated for months! Grind 84 gms of mustard seed into powder form. Chop 224 gms of ginger and grind it in 1pt of vinegar. Cut 112 gms of garlic finely. Cut 56gms of chillies lengthwise in half. Chop 2 kgs of tomato and keep aside.
Heat the oil well till it smokes. Then cool it a bit and add 28 gms tumeric, 84 gms cumin powder and 56 gms chili powder. Mix it well with the oil. Add the tomatoes, some vinegar, 0.5 kg sugar and 56 gms salt. Cook till the oil floats up to the top. Cool the mixture and bottle it for future use.
There you have it ! Three easy recipes from Indian cuisine that is best done at any time.

5 Secret Rules For A Fairy Tale Relationship (Shhh..! Keep It To Yourself)

2008-07-17T05:51:00.001-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I hoped someday a Prince Charming will come into my life and we will live happily ever after. And he did ! but the fairy tale has not quite started right away(hard times huh love)..
What I did not know was that between the first kiss and the "happily ever after" there are certain things a woman should learn in order to get the fairy tale rolling
It can take months or even years to discover them, so I thought I would just share this happy relationship secret with you, so that you guys do not waste too much of your time and tears on something that would have never worked.

Anyways, back to the secret, here it is (hope it helps) - the (drum roll please)

5 Secret Rules (in my opinion) A Woman Should Religiously Follow In Order To Make Your Fairy Tale Come True

Secret Rule #1 :

Shower Him With GENUINE Compliments

They say women like compliments. What they do not say aloud is that men LOVE them. And there is nothing to be ashamed of! When it comes to compliments, we all go weak in the knees…
Where do you start? Well, I am sure your man is great, so there should be thousands of things you can compliment on. Just go with the flow and compliment on whatever he does!
Something simple like “You always make the best toast, hunn” or “What a great idea to eat here!” will be enough to light up your man’s face. And the best part, is that we actually think that, so basically you just need to say it aloud.
Not only the compliments will make your man happy, but they will also serve as a nice way to change your man’s behavior.

For example, my boyfriend is a heavy smoker, instead of nagging him about this habbit, I would just say: “You haven’t smoked for 4 hours, love, wow, I did not know you had such a great will-power!”. And guess what? He would always last for another couple of hours without a cigarette to impress me, and i hope one day he would finally kick that habit !

Secret Rule #2 :

Always, and I Mean- ALWAYS support your man

No matter how crazy his ideas are, support your man. Wether it’s something small and insignificant (like a destination for a picnic) or something big (like his desire to change his ambition), you should always be there for him.
The thing is that there are NO right or wrong choices, they are just choices, you will never know what’s best in a long run anyway. No matter what he decides to do, just believe that he can do it. It’s your support that makes it all possible ! You know that every great man in history had a great woman by his side who truly believed in him. So, be one too !

Secret Rule #3 :

Take Real Good Care Of Him

With all love and respect to men (and I DO mean it), they are not “designed” to take care of themselves (I love you despite this fact Baby). They forget to eat regularly, they forget to shower and change/wash/put away their clothes, they are so involved in doing more significant things that these little details just skip their attention.
Men might not say it, but they absolutely need our help organizing the household. Either by yourself or with hired help - it will be truly appreciated either way.

Secret Rule #4 :

Learn To Cook Something

I know, I know, there is plenty of restaurants and professional chefs(Ah Fong rite Love) who can cook anything you and your man like. But that’s not the point. Here is what is:

All men without exception like to eat well. I know my baby does, and I am sure your Prince Charming does too. And what makes your home the best place to go back to from work is… a nice home prepared meal!
It can be something simple or you can cook only some part of it and get the rest from a restaurant (like I do :)), but the whole “at home dinner” experience is something you two should definitely try! Your house will feel like “home” once you guys do it.

Secret #5:

Always Stay Pretty and Polished

Remember when you first started going out and you were trying to look your best every time he saw you ? Just carry on doing it !
In general men feel happy just looking at a pretty woman, it’s how they are wired. So, just make sure you still are an eye-candy to your man. Try to look polished every time he comes through the door. Say “no” to old sweaty T-shirts, hair in a dull bun and a shiny face, opt for something more adventurous. And please do not underestimate sex and intimacy in long-term relationships - I've heard about many couples splitting over that. Just try to be as inspiring sex-wise as you used to be at the early stages of your relationship, or better yet, become even sexier! =p

Sheding All That Excess Weight

2008-07-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

The reality is that there is no product in the world that can produce fat loss while we are eating and drinking excessively, and when moving only slowly from couch to car to office chair. We need a program of sensible diet and exercise that will support the products we utilize to help our weight loss.

Here’s a list of things to do :-

(1) Lots of vegetables and fruits
Increase healthy protein intake. This is how you build lean muscle tissue, which in turn speeds up your metabolism. Examples are fish, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, beans, and soy products.

(2) Fiber-Rich foods. They will fill up and they make they are satisfying. In this category are: peas, beans, bran cereals, potato skins, nuts and seeds, oatmeal, bulger wheat, 100% whole wheat baked goods, fruits and vegetables.

(3) Minerals. Calcium and other minerals are you “secret weapons” against body fat. They are found in low-fat dairy products, small or canned fish, soy tofu, green vegetables, nuts, seeds, bran cereals, and calcium fortified orange juice, and avoid processed, salt-loaded foods.

(4) Eat fish and beneficial fats. Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid in some fish, oils and nuts is a good fat. Eat moderate amounts of salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and other oily fish.

(5) Soybeans, nuts, pumpkin seed are also excellent sources for Omega-3.

(6) Reduce harmful fats – saturated and trans fats. These are not only high in calories; they are

also loaded with harmful fatty acids that cause disease.

(7) Always eat an adequate breakfast for several reasons: it will speed up your metabolism earlier in the day and when you skip breakfast, it makes it harder to control your appetite later in the day.

(8) Cut back or eliminate alcohol. It is high in non-filling calories. Ideal consumption is one glass of beer or wine a day.

(9) Stay away from junk carbohydrates – sugar and white flour are diet killers in all but the smallest amounts.

(10) Gradually reduce your calorie intake because extreme and sudden dieting causes your body to conserve, not burn calories, and it slows fat loss.

Remember!

Remember that being obsessed with counting the calories that you consume will only work if you know exactly how calories are being used up by your body. When you eat a big fat, juicy burger, for example, there is no need to burn off ALL those calories in one super-intense exercise session. Your body does need to retain some calories to serve as a fuel to the normal functionalities of the heart and the lungs.

Don’t Say It ! Top Ten Lines A Woman Would Never, i Repeat NEVER Want To Hear From Her Man

2008-07-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

In the ever-complicated world of the man-woman relationship, there are a few ‘unwritten’ rules which need to be followed. Men should learn that when they say the absolute wrong thing, or they may just find themselves sleeping on the couch the whole night through.

Here’s a list of the top ten lines that a man should NEVER say to a woman:

10. “What did you do to your hair ?”
This is a statement which just goes to show how clueless some men are sometimes. Even if a new hairstyle or haircut does not particularly flatter us, we just want you to notice that we’ve gone to a lot of trouble for that new hairstyle. A stylist did it, it was expensive, and we felt great leaving the salon. Just tell us that you like our new haircut. End of story!

9. “They both look the same to me.”
Okay, it is a fact that women are more obsessive than men when it comes to picking outfits, or silverware, or moving a piece of furniture from one side of the living room to another. You probably couldn’t care less -but we want you to have at least an input about what you think so that you would’ve contributed something.
Ecru and beige may look the same -but they’re not. Tell us what you think, and pick one. Even if we end up not following your advice anyway.

8. “Do you really need another pair of shoes?”
The same thing applies to bags -or clothes. It may seem like an obsession, but women need to look good and keep up with the latest trends. So just go with the flow even if you don’t understand the logic behind it -and never tell us that we don’t need a new pair of shoes.

7. “Is it the time of the month?”
Emotional outbursts or not, it’s just plain rude for guys to immediately assume that just because a woman is acting a certain way -that it’s the time of the month. PMS leads us to ache in certain places that men may not know about, or have food cravings -but it’s not always the reason behind how we act.

6. “Do you really think you should be eating that?”
If you don’t want to get the “I can’t believe you just said that” stare, this is something that you should never say even when she’s gobbling up that pastry that she said she’ll never eat again.

5. “You’re acting just like __.”
Telling us that we’re acting just like our mom, your mom or worse -your ex-girlfriend is definitely a no-no. Do you want us to think that we remind you of your ex, which you shouldn’t even mention in the first place? And telling us that we’re acting like your mom or our mom? That’s just plain wrong..!

4. “You didn’t tell me that you have a cute/hot girlfriend.”
No matter how secure you think women are about themselves, it’s always shaken up by the time that you notice or mention in passing -even jokingly -how hot you think one of our friends are. We wouldn’t trust you to be around them, either.

3. “It’s really up to you.”
Even when it seems to be a pretty insignificant matter -we want you involved in the decision making process. Telling us that it’s up to us just sends a message that you don’t care.

2. “I love you.”
These three big words should not be uttered during a fight -even if you look at the magic words as a last resort to end the discussion immediately and jump to the make-up sex.

1. “Relax!”
Even when you can clearly see that we’re freaking out about something, telling us to relax means that you think we’re being crazy and unreasonable. Even if we are -the word “Relax” will just further stoke the fire of our anger - do you see where I’m going with this? =p

So, if you want to keep your head out of the water -learning these 10 lines that you should never say to your wife or girlfriend will help tilt the odds in your favor.