brassiere camaraderie

Add-OnA pair of stick-on cups to go with a low-back evening garment completes your wardrobe. Keep these handy.
Branded
Tired of wearing bras that never seem to fit? Part of the reason could be that you are unwittingly buying fakes. Unorganized sector with a lot of cross-selling can result in you really needing a 34A actually walking off with a 32B instead.
Cotton
Avoid the cotton is a ‘healthy’ cliché. Super soft lingerie in breathable micro fiber fabrics rules the racks as opposed to the traditional cotton varieties. Cotton soaks up the sweat and holds it close to the skin, whereas the new materials available today absorb body moisture and breathe it out.
Diaphanous Top
Showing off a bra is an art in itself. Acquire this skill. While a matching bra and camisole can double up as a great outwear option, a transparent top worn over a printed bra would test your adventurous side to the limit. Go for it; be proud of wearing this accessory.
Fit
The front and the back of the bra should be on an even plane. If the bra is riding up, it is a clear sign that it is ill-fitting. Besides, the breast should fill in to the cup comfortably and should not be spilling over. There should be no red marks on the shoulder.Gym BraSome gym bras have a special shock absorber which makes it ideal for workouts. Try and source these for your fitness regimes. These bras are especially with an extra lining for minimum bounce and are known to reduce the movement of the bust by about 70%.Multi-Wear BraA strapless or multi-wear bra is a must-have. Remember, we love to wear our spaghetti straps and off-shoulders.
Padding
Bras without seams and with a slight padding prevent the nipples from jutting out – a hazard, women have to live with.
Size
Bra sizes are measured in cup and band sizes. And there is no way out but to get yourself measured by a bra-fitter. Get over your diffidence, and get yourself measured. It is your body after all. It is better to get yourself measured every six months, as the body shape keeps changing. Wearing the same size bra for the past 10 years is insane!
T-Shirt Bra
A T-shirt bra is very important. You don’t want to wear an over-accessorized bra if you are sporting a tight T-shirt, for example’ the detailing will show through.
Under-Wiring
Under-wires are another point of contention mired in the world of underwear. A lot of women are uncomfortable with under-wire bras, which are otherwise great to hold the bust in shape. The reason is simple. Under-wires hurt a lot of women simply because they are wearing the wrong size. Also, the metal used to under-wire bras can be of dubious quality. Take care while choosing your under-wiring.ZebraAnimal prints have become a rage. Prints are great. However, how you can mix and match will say a lot about you – inside out. Subtlety is a virtue!

possibilities in life

There are only 2 possibilities in life.
Either you take on the world,
Or the world will take on you.
Better make the first possibility - a reality.

4 ways to find out how 'green' a product really is

SPENDING A LITTLE extra on "green" products may make you feel better, but it may not have as much of an earth-friendly impact as you hope.
Those alluring labels claiming items to be "all natural," "eco-friendly" and "organic" are often inaccurate, inflated, unsubstantiated or otherwise misleading, says Brian Clark Howard, editor at TheDailyGreen.com, a green living site. (TheDailyGreen.com is published by Hearst Corp.; SmartMoney.com is a joint venture of Hearst and Dow Jones, which is owned by News Corp.) Such deceptive practices even have their own term in the eco-world's lexicon: greenwashing. And unfortunately, it's fairly rampant.
In 2007, specialty researcher TerraChoice Environmental Marketing studied 1,753 environmental claims on 1,018 products found at major retailers. All but one carried claims that could be proven false or that were potentially confusing for consumers.
"When you use your money to buy an environmentally-friendly product, you think you're doing something to help the environment, not preserve the status quo," says University of Oregon professor Kim Sheehan, co-founder of GreenWashingIndex.com, a partnership between the university and Texas-based researcher EnviroMedia Social Marketing that evaluates ads making green claims. Among the worst offenders are auto makers and energy companies, she says, but few industries are altogether clean.Now, with consumer spending on the decline, retailers are even more desperate to boost sales and many see jumping on the green bandwagon as the perfect solution. After all, nearly 90% of shoppers consider the health and environmental impact of products when deciding what to buy, according to Consumer Reports. "Hearing [an eco-friendly] claim is enough to make many consumers choose one brand over another," says Sheehan. It can be profitable, too, with 70% of shoppers willing to pay up to a 20% premium for a product or service that claims to be eco-friendly, reports Mambo Sprouts Marketing, a market researcher specializing in organic and healthy living products.
The resulting tidal wave of green products entering the market has spurred the Federal Trade Commission into action. The agency is reviewing its outdated green marketing guidelines, which haven't been revised since 1998. "Advertisers are always trying to put the best light on things," explains FTC spokesman Frank Dorman. While some greenwashing is done with the intent to deceive, sometimes there's simply just a difference of opinion about what items qualify as "natural" or "earth-friendly," he says. In either case, consumers need better protections. Through May, the FTC will debate everything from the standards of "carbon neutral" to the meaning of "sustainable." Proposals for the new guidelines are expected to be out later this year.
Until those new rules are in place, consumers need to exercise a level of skepticism regarding eco-claims. Just scanning the product's label won't give you a clear indication of its legitimacy, says Elliot Laws, senior counsel specializing in environmental issues at Washington, D.C.-based law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLC. "It's going to take a little homework."
Here are four tips to help you assess just how green the product you're buying really is:The more details, the better.

A label that says "recycled" is fine, but one that states "100% post-consumer recycled content" is far better. The more detailed the claim, the less likely it is that the company is hiding not-so-green practices behind vague wording. "It's not fair to expect consumers to become scientists in the supermarket," says Joel Makower, executive editor for GreenBiz.com, which analyzes green business practices. Precise wording makes it easier for you to verify the claim, or compare the product against its competitors.
Learn the lingo.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the use of "organic" on food packaging, while the FTC has set out specific guidelines for items labeled as "recycled." However, regulation pretty much stops there. Terms like "natural," "cruelty-free" and "nontoxic," have no standard definition, guaranteeing very little when found in advertising, says Sheehan. Others are irrelevant, like "CFC-free." (Chlorofluorocarbons were banned almost 30 years ago — no product contains them.) Before you shop, check out common label language using Consumer Reports' free eco-label tool to see which words are worth looking for.
Dig deeper.

Many of the most important environmental innovations are happening behind the scenes, and may not be touted on product packaging, says Makower. Check corporate web sites for new initiatives that may make an impact. Anheuser-Busch, for example, has repeatedly redesigned its beer cans since the mid-'60s to use less aluminum. Considering that aluminum production is a major source of greenhouse-gas emissions, the innovation carries considerable clout, says Makower. "But they're not going to put a Green Seal on Beck's or Bud."
Seek certification.

"Everyone wants to have 'eco-friendly' applied to their name, but a label is only going to be meaningful if it has specific, transparent criteria," says Howard. Look for certification seals from a reputable, independent third-party organization — say, USDA Organic for pesticide-free veggies, or FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council) for sustainable paper products. (See chart below for more examples.) These logos guarantee that the product bearing such seals meets set standards, with ongoing reviews to ensure compliance. Be wary of "certification" provided by the company itself, or by its affiliates, he warns.
Even legit seals confirm only that the product has met minimum criteria, points out Gregg Steiner, president of GreenLifeGuru.com, an eco-consultant. You'll still need to shop around to make sure you're getting the best product for your money. Some Energy-Star-certified clothes washers, for example, are more than twice as energy-efficient as others. A certified USDA organic cleaner, on the other hand, may have a shorter shelf life than other eco-products because it is made from all food-grade ingredients with no added chemicals.
Seals Worth Seeking Out

Here are a few of the reputable big names, and what you're getting with a seal-bearing product:Energy Star
Where you'll spot it: On thousands of devices, from refrigerators and ceiling fans to windows, TVs and holiday lights.
Who backs it: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
What you're guaranteed: The device bearing the Energy Star seal has met energy-efficiency standards for its product category. Room air conditioners, for example, must be at least 10% more efficient than their conventional counterparts and include energy-saving features like timers or low-energy settings. Energy Star devices must also bear a tag that explains just how efficient the unit is — and what kind of annual savings that translates into for buyers.Fair Trade Certified
Where you'll spot it: Agricultural products including coffee, tea, sugar, rice and flowers.
Who backs it: TransFair USA, an independent nonprofit serving as the U.S. representative of the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, a global network of fair trade groups.
What you're guaranteed: Products with this label were produced and traded in a way that meets set economic, social and environmental criteria. That includes living wages for workers, direct trade with farmers to secure a fair price, and farm practices that protect the local ecosystem.FSC Certified
Where you'll spot it: Wood and paper products.
Who backs it: Forest Stewardship Council, an independent international organization dedicated to forest management.
What you're guaranteed: Trees used in the manufacturing of these products were grown and harvested in a way that does not unnecessarily deplete forest resources, affect the surrounding forest's ecological processes or deplete the local economy.Green Seal
Where you'll spot it: On thousands of products and services, including paint, paper, cleaning services and hotels.
Who backs it: Green Seal, an independent nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that tests and evaluates green products.
What you're guaranteed: Green Seal performs scientific testing on the product (often with the aid of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and other academic research institutions) that ensures it to be at least as efficient as comparable items — if not more so — while maintaining a low environmental impact from design to production to disposal. Household cleaners, for example, must not be toxic to aquatic life and must have a recyclable package, among other criteria.USDA Organic
Where you'll spot it: On agricultural products including fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as some packaged goods and nonfood items (like cleaning products and cosmetics) that are made with all food-grade materials.
Who backs it: U.S. Department of Agriculture
What you're guaranteed: The item was grown and processed in a way that did not use pesticides or added chemicals. Meat and poultry must meet the additional requirement of being antibiotic free. Processed foods may only bear the seal if at least 95% of the content is organic.

Source: www.smartmoney.com

who are these people? - teens on tv

As if it’s not difficult enough to get through life, what with surviving parents and younger brothers and sisters, passing exams, getting and keeping friends, looking and behaving in a manner that’s not stupid, now you have to do all of this against the backdrop of the perfect teens you see on TV.Appearance

They never have zits, are all above average looking, never carry one extra kilogram, despite the fact that they are constantly shown munching hamburgers and hardly ever do any exercise. They never have bad hair days, are always dressed in the latest expensive fashions and always manage to look cool even if they’re throwing a tantrum.
They wake up in the morning looking cute, not puffy and grumpy and they never develop a boil on their nose before a big date.
Their families

These families fall mainly into two categories: either the laugh-a-minute type or the serious and concerned pillar-of –the-community type, who have serious discussions with their kids about moral issues and things like pollution and sexual choices. The parents, often childhood sweethearts, are always still in love with each other, unless it’s a comedy in which they go for each other’s throats, while the live audience rolls in the aisles. (What’s a dead audience anyway?)
Their brothers and sisters are also cute and sweet, even when they’re being irritating -nothing like the brats that you have to deal with on an ongoing basis. You are convinced your younger siblings were placed on this earth to turn your life into a complete misery. And you somehow always get the blame for what they do wrong, but they don’t listen to you.
Their behaviour

TV teens always think of the right thing to say while they are still in the situation, unlike you, who thinks of the perfect comeback three weeks later while clearing out your cupboard. Wit and wisdom roll of their tongues like a waterfall and the word ‘Ummm…’ is never heard.
They never blush. They either have a quick comeback, or they manage to look deeply hurt in such a way that whoever was nasty to them looks like the villain of the piece. They have also all specialised in looking dark and sultry and mysterious and unpredictable. They never sulk, only brood in self-righteous anger. They never slam doors and swear, but they weep in their darkened bedrooms, where their parents come to apologise to them.
Their parents reason with them and never say things like, “You can come down to supper if you’ve stopped sulking”.
Their schools

Their teachers mostly bear no resemblance to what you have to look at every day. The teachers mostly care, are remarkably tolerant of rudeness, and often actually care enough to be nasty, to get involved in personal matters of the students and to mark assignments instantly and fairly.
They don’t ever seem to spend a lot of time studying, yet always pass tests, often top of the class. Whatever they turn their hands to, they can do well.
They get chosen for sports teams and school plays, unless their not being chosen is the theme for this week’s sultry brooding session.
Their classmates are always beautiful, varied and interesting, the only exceptions being the really nasty ones. And the nasty ones always get what they deserve. You, on the other hand, are still being bullied by the person who tripped you up in Grade 5.
Their love interests

There always is one. There’s always someone in whom they are interested, someone who is interested in them, someone they’re just dumping, or have just dumped or been dumped by. In real life, months can pass without any of these things happening.
The love interests are almost always attractive and interesting, but often with a dark and painful secret, which almost, but seldom completely, scuttles the relationship. There is always a third or fourth person lurking, whose main aim in life appears to be to torpedo the budding romance.
And then, there is always the misunderstanding. She sees him with another woman, who turns out to be his sister. Or someone tells him she has the morals of an alley cat, which turn out to be nothing more than jealous spite. But all of this provides the opportunity for much weeping and wailing and general gnashing of teeth.
And have you noticed that they always, even in big cities, happen to run into the person in question.
Their financial status

Their families always have loads of money. Their furniture always looks brand new – no wear and tear or scuffmarks – and their kitchens always look like something out of an advertising brochure. Their lounges contain every imaginable gadget, but you hardly ever see them watching TV.
They almost always have their own rooms, often their own TVs and telephones.
They often manage to keep a car going on what they earn flipping hamburgers twice a week. Their social lives are hardly ever curtailed by a lack of money and when it is, their parents are always obliging with a loan, which you never see them pay back.
Conclusion

If all of this is making you feel inadequate, relax, you’re in good company. If you have zits, parents who shout at you and are often unreasonable, no transport, a shared bedroom, dragons for teachers and definitely a to-do list as far as your appearance is concerned, take heart in the fact that you at least have a foot in the real world.
Change and growth in your life does not happen in hour-long episodes, but is an ongoing process. And you are also clever enough to know that there are some problems in this world for which there are no easy or immediate solutions.

So give yourself a break.

Source: www.health24.com

matrics - start your own business

Very few South African school leavers are absorbed into the formal economy. In fact, every year, there is a smaller number of people who manage to find jobs. Not everyone has the money to go and study further.

So what now?The reality is that many youngsters simply end up sitting at home doing nothing. And unfortunately there is some truth in the old saying that the devil finds work for idle hands.
But there are quite a few other possibilities. One of them is creating a job for yourself. Right, but that’s easier said than done. Or is it?
The most important thing to remember is that you need to take a careful look at your community, or one close by and offer a service that people will support.
Offering to fix electrical appliances in an area where few people have electricity, or babysitting services in an area where most of the occupants are elderly, will both result in disaster.
Ideas on generating an income for yourself.

Making beads.

There are bead shops in all big cities in South Africa. The biggest one in Cape Town is called the Bead Shop and is in Long Street. It has a wholesale outlet two doors up of you want to buy in bulk, which is cheaper on the long run. There is also a branch in Mellville Johannesburg.
Here you can buy beads of every description at very cheap prices. In fact, if you spend R50 – R100, you can set up a small business. In the ship there are pamphlets to show you how to put clasps onto bracelets and necklaces and how to make earrings. A small string of beads which you can easily sell for R10, could cost you as little as R1,50 to put together.
They sell everything you would need to start your own small jewellery manufacturing business. Take a look at what your friends like and start production. Campuses and flea markets are good places to sell your products. Remember two things – don’t be shy and make what people want, even if you think purple and yellow don’t go well together.
Teach extra lessons.

If there was a subject you were particularly good at in school, your services could be in demand. Teach extra lessons after school.
Keep your rates reasonable and get people to sign up and pay for a month or term in advance. Limit the size of the group to 4 or 5 otherwise individual attention could become a problem and after all, that is what people are paying for.
Start a carwashing or poolcleaning business.

These are two jobs most people hate to do or simply don’t have the time, so would be prepared to pay others to do this.
You also don’t need any equipment of your own, apart from a cleaning agent, a bucket and a cloth to start off with this. Start with your neighbours and put pamphlets in postboxes for a few blocks around.
If you do a good job, people will tell their friends about you and business will start coming in by itself.
Become a dogwalker.

Many people are too lazy or don’t have the time to walk their dogs, but they feel guilty about it – guilty enough that they will pay someone else to do it.
A number of dogs on leashes can be taken at the same time, so the job need not take up your entire day. Find a nice park or open piece of land where you can take them. Speak to a vet before you embark on this, as they will be able to give you handy tips on dealing with a group of dogs.
Give computer lessons.

Many people have home computers with which they struggle. Not only do they not know how to do the basics, but they have not discovered the joys of the internet. If you know how, use this knowledge to make some money.
Advertise your services by means of photocopied pamphlets, library noticeboards and by word-of-mouth.
This will not cost you anything, because you will be working in peoples’ homes.
Babysitting and homework supervision.

Combine these two services. If you could make this a regular thing, parents could be freed up to pursue some other activities while they know their kids are not only being looked after, but that their homework is being supervised.
Contact the local schools to advertise your services.
Candles and soap.

Check on the Internet on how to make these. These, especially if they are original and attractive, are always in demand for presents.
Start small and check carefully what the market wants, before you invest more than R100 in equipment and materials.
Things to remember
- Every single contact with a customer is important, as a satisfied customer is your best advertisement possible. Be polite and accommodating and remember that the customer is always right.
- Don’t be shy. Push your product and take it to places where you think people might be interested.
- Tell everyone you know about what you are doing.
- Be nice to people like school secretaries and vet receptionists, as they could recommend your services. When they do, thank them – and take them a chocolate!
- Never give credit to anyone, but insist on immediate cash payment, otherwise you could lose money.
- Advertise your services on community noticeboards at supermarkets and in community newspapers.
- Doing a job well is your passport to more opportunities. Nobody is going to recommend you if your work is shoddy, you are unreliable or unpunctual or you break your promises.
- Many parents expect a contribution to the household once a child leaves school. If you are unable to pay rent, remember there are lots of things you can do around the house and garden which would actually save them money. Show your willingness and pitch in wherever you can. After all, they are paying for the roof over your head.
- If you don’t have access to a landline, buy a secondhand cellphone and buy a pay-as-you-go card. Then people will be able to contact you if they want to use your services. Just beware of the high cost of making calls from a cellphone. Rather use a public phone to do this – it will cost you a quarter of the price.
(Susan Erasmus, Health24)

Source: www.health24.com

mistakes men make in bed

You've got her as far as your bedroom. What could possibly go wrong now? Many things - read these and find out why she never phoned or returned your calls.
Not shaving.

Like love, stubble hurts. When you drag your chin across her face or thighs, she might not be moaning from pleasure, but from pain.Blowing in her ear.

There’s a big difference between erotic whispering in someone’s ear and huffing and puffing as if you want to blow the house down.
Twiddling her nipples.

Nipples are sensitive and should be treated gently. They should not be treated like radio dials.
Ignoring the rest of her body.

A woman is made up of more than two breasts and a vagina. Pay attention to the rest of her.
Not disposing of used condoms.

This is the responsibility of the person who wore it.
Not kissing first.

Foreplay starts with passionate kissing. Don’t skip this part – she will feel neglected by your apparent haste.
Attacking the clitoris.

Be gentle and don’t use direct pressure. This could be both uncomfortable and painful.
Stopping for a break.

Women cannot pick up where they left off. In this respect they are different from men. If you stop, she will go back to square one very quickly.
Taking your pants off first.

There are few things less attractive than a man in only socks, a shirt and underpants.
Going too fast.

Remember this is not an Olympic event. There is no need for you to pump away like a hydraulic power tool. Build up slowly – and you both might have more fun.
Asking if she has come.

You should be able to tell, shouldn’t you? If you can’t, assume that she hasn’t.
Nudging her head down.

All women hate this. There is an element of desperation involved here when men do this. For women, it’s a very short step from being dragged to a cave by the hair. If both of you enjoy oral sex, this will happen by itself. Don’t involve an element of force.
Taking pictures.

Her first thought will be “Who do you want to show them to?”
Giving love bites.

Gentle suction on the sides of the neck can be highly erotic, but love bites can be painful and lead to infections. Who wants to wear scarves and polo necks in the middle of the summer?
Squashing her.

Just remember that most men weigh more than women do. If you lie too heavily on her, she might stop breathing.
Talking dirty.

This might make you sound like a desperate sex caller on a payline. Listen to her first – if she doesn’t talk dirty, don’t.
Don’t thank a woman for having sex with you.

It makes you sound desperate and like a charity case. She won’t be back for more.

Source: www.health24.com

so what do you want to do one day

This question is a particular favourite of relatives with moustaches, (and yes, they include aunts) at family gatherings.
But knowing what you want to do is not easy. Very few people feel any kind of certainty about their future profession when they are still young. Even though you might have announced proudly when you were five that you wanted to be a be a fireman or a ballerina, you may very likely have changed your mind in between.
So how on earth does one decide what you want to do one day?Think of the things you enjoy.

If you really enjoy one or two subjects at school, investigate which professions they could lead to. In any particular field there is a wide variety of possibilities. If you really like music of any description, you could, for example, become a DJ, a rock musician, play in a symphony orchestra, work for a radio station or become a sound engineer. Bottom line, is that if you can find a way to make a living from something about which you are passionate, you are likely to be happy in your work.
Think of the things you can do.

Be realistic. Each person has different talents – choose one where your talents are an asset. Certain professions have specific requirements: there are no jockeys that weigh 102 kgs, or rocket scientists with average IQs, or ramp models that are short, or actors that are really shy and retiring. Choose something where you fit the bill, otherwise you are only setting yourself up for a series of disappointments.
See a career guidance counsellor.

These people are trained to help you choose a profession, and they should also be able to give you information about different courses available. Aptitude tests can also point you in the right direction. Guidance counsellors can also give you information about careers you might not even have known about, like food styling, horticulture, adventure sports coach or furniture restoration.
Think of your financial requirements.

What sort of lifestyle do you want to have? If the jetset lifestyle is important to you, you might have to get qualified in something that is difficult, such as chartered accounting. If you are looking for something that will pay the bills, but it's more important to you to feel that you're assisting others than to have wads of cash, you could settle for the helping professions.
Think of where your chosen profession is practiced.

If you want to be a mining engineer, you are not going to find a job in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. If you like city nightlife, farm manager is not going to cut it for you. Similarly, most journalists are centered around the big towns and cities. Professions such as teaching, law, nursing, computers and business will take you more or less anywhere – from small town to pulsing metropolis.
What sort of training is involved?

This is important as, training costs money. If you can get qualified to do something in six months with which you can earn a decent living, why study for six years and run up a student debt of thousands? Studying is expensive and if your parents are unable to pay your fees, consider the shorter courses.
What does this person do every day?

It's all very well to say you want to be a veterinary assistant, but have you got any idea what this person's daily task consists of? It is always a good idea to spend a day 'workshadowing' someone just to get an idea of what it's like. You might have unrealistic expectations or glamourised notions with regards to what a policeman, or a web designer or an art restorer or a restaurant manager does every day.
Take a look at what's needed in the country.

There is little point in becoming a teacher or an architect, or whatever, if they are being retrenched left, right and centre. Choose a profession for which there is a demand in the country at the time you have to make a choice. So whether you want to become a church minister, an events organiser, a builder or a psychologist – take a look at where there is a shortage. If you don't do this, you might very well have difficulty finding a job.
Choose a profession that travels.

With the exchange rates being what they are, many young people are going overseas to work for a few years to get some capital together and also to pay off huge student loans. Many teachers and nurses are doing short stints overseas to fill their coffers. Check whether your chosen profession's training is internationally recognised.
Don't be pressurised by parental dreams.

If your mom always wanted to be an engineer, but never got round to it, don't feel obliged to fulfill her dreams for her. You don't want to be stuck in a profession you don't enjoy, decades after the people you tried to make happy are dead and gone. And even if they're still very much alive, surely they would rather see you happy than frustrated?
(Susan Erasmus, Health24)

Source: www.health24.com

10 bad gift ideas for christmas

The gifts we give others say quite a lot about how we see our relationships with them. Can't think of anything to give someone? Chances are you also don't have all that much to say to them. But there are gifts, which would be better not to give.Recycled gifts.

Last year you got something you didn't like, stuffed it into a drawer and now you are passing it on. Chances are the new recipient will also not like it – and who knows, it might find its way back to you next Christmas.
Very expensive personal gifts.

These include things like jewellery. You could find yourself spending R1000 on a ring for your loved one and they don't like the particular style, shape, colour of what you bought. Ask someone what they like before you spend so much money. It is better to spoil the surprise than to waste thousands.
Three of a kind.

Right, you've got three sisters and little time to traipse around the shops looking for individual gifts, so you end up buying three of the same thing. Thing is, they're all round the same Christmas tree, and once the first one has opened her present, the surprise is gone for the other two. By all means buy three similar things, but identical is not a good idea.
Noisy toys.

On Christmas Day, most families gather in large groups – often in not very large houses. Giving a three-year-old a drum might just spoil the whole day for everybody. Same goes for plastic trumpets and very squeaky plastic animals. Cheap plastic toys also usually don't survive the rough-and-tumble of Christmas Day. Rather go for something solid and wooden – and quiet.
Last-minute gifts.

By the evening of the 24th of December, the shops are empty, and what remains on the shelves, is either ugly, or extremely expensive. You could find yourself having to fork out a fortune for something which is not ideal, or particularly wanted.
It's-the-thought-that-counts gifts.

This usually means the present is dead horrible or definitely unwanted. Or a last-minute affair, just so you don't arrive empty-handed. Sometimes it is better to arrive empty-handed than with something that is so obviously a last-minute thing.
Chocolates.

Always a bad idea. Most people are only too aware of how much weight they are gaining over Christmas, and receiving a further temptation under the tree only makes them even more depressed. Furthermore, when someone receives chocolates, there is subtle pressure on them to open it and share it out, so they don't actually receive a gift at all.
Socks and handkerchiefs and underwear.

These are personal items that people like choosing for themselves. Unless you have very definite instructions on exactly what someone likes, don't go down this road. Rather give a gift voucher and let them choose for themselves.
Sale books and CDs.

These can sometimes be a great success, but only if you keep in mind what someone's tastes are. If you come across Shakespeare's collected works for a mere R49,99, don't give it to someone who has never read anything more taxing than the sports page of the newspaper. It will remain unread and unappreciated. Your grandfather will also quite likely remain unimpressed with Depeche Mode, regardless of whether it was a bargain or not.
Break-the-bank gifts.

Before you consider buying someone a very expensive gift, try and find out more or less what they plan spending on your gift. It is embarrassing if you give a potential girlfriend three CDs and she gives you a pair of socks.

– (Susan Erasmus, Health24)

Source: www.health24.com

sexsomnia - your midnight itch

Sexsomnia is a sleep disorder not commonly reported mostly due to embarrassment in admitting the problem, and ignorance.
A counterpart of sleepwalking, sexsomnia is defined as making sexual advances towards a person while he/she is asleep. A rare medical condition, it’s a disorder in which a person doesn’t realize or remains amnesic about his/her behavior. The person in sleep is very demanding, even a little violent and aggressive and not ready to take ‘no’ for an answer. The person suffering from this problem doesn’t realize that he/she has sought sex, sometimes unintentionally.
Also known as “sleep sex”, this disorder usually causes problems in relationships. People are not aware that it is a medical problem, and they are afraid that they would be judged for their behavior. The patient also suffers from guilt and fails to understand that he/she could behave in such a manner when the partner informs him/her the next day.
Sexsomnia can be cured if triggering factors like depression, stress and sleep deprivation are addressed. People usually become aware of this problem when they hear about it being referred to in court cases. Apart from the persons who are suffering, partners also find it difficult to share it with others as they fear that they would not be believed. It is common to hear about people walking, eating and talking in sleep, but this kind sexual behavior is relatively unknown.

household therapy

Toothpaste
Dries out spots
Models have known for years that if a nasty, red pimple appears on their face the day before a shoot, the best cure is to zap it with a blob of toothpaste.
Toothpaste contains an anti-bacterial agent to kill plaque, so the theory is it may kill the bacteria responsible for spots.
But be careful if you have sensitive skin. It can cause irritation.

household therapy

Tomato KetchupRemoves Green From Blonde Dyed HairIt corrects highlights gone green from swimming pools.
Apparently, hair turns green due to oxidation chemicals in the pool and the tomato sauce acts as an antioxidant restoring normal hair color.
Apply ketchup all over the hair and massage it in, leave for 20 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.

household therapy

Soda Bi-CarbWhitens TeethBaking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a naturally occurring mineral that is a great cleaner.
Simply sprinkle a teaspoon on your toothbrush and clean teeth as usual.
The gentle abrasive action will polish your teeth, removing dirt and stains, and giving you fresh breath too.

household therapy

Mayonnaise
Emergency Skin CleanserApply a layer of mayonnaise as you would a normal cleanser, massage it in and then rinse thoroughly.
The vegetable oils and egg yolk are supposed to soften the skin while the lemon juice has astringent properties to clean and tighten pores.

household therapy

BeerHair Shiner And De-frizzlerThe malt and hops in beer are packed with protein, which coats the hair, adds volume and smoothes damaged cuticles.
Beer also contains vitamin B, which helps condition hair, while the natural sugars create shine.
Shampoo and rinse hair as usual, then pour a bottle over it. Work through and rinse with lukewarm water.

rear admiral

Get your bottom in shape before you dare to wear a swimsuit.

Here’s how…
Thanks to the female hormone estrogen, all women are prone to carrying fat on their lower half. On the plus side, this is much healthier than storing fat round the middle, like men do, which increases the risk of heart attack.

But that's not much consolation when you want to fit into your string bikini – whether swimming in your building's pool or having a dip during your summer holiday.

The good news is that though it might be a trouble spot, you can beat your bum bulge. Try our simple countdown plan and you'll get a trim and toned behind in just four weeks...

Beach bum meal-planner

A great bottom starts with the right foods. You're aiming to keep muscle tissue while losing fat.

• Eating protein with every meal helps repair and build the muscles you're exercising.

• Together with a low-GI diet – eating wholegrain foods that release energy slowly – and limiting refined sugar you'll keep your blood-sugar levels stable. This makes you feel fuller for longer and less likely to snack.

• Eating plenty of zinc-rich foods, such as eggs and chicken, can also help prevent stretch marks, which are very common on the bottom.

• Also, restrict salt, as too much can encourage water retention.

Getting a beautiful bottom

While your diet and exercise plan shifts kilos and tones your glutes, you can get to work on beautifying your bot. The best way to glowing, smooth skin is to exfoliate, moisturise and fake a golden glow.How often

You need to follow this regime every morning from now until you hit the beach.

• Before you shower in the morning use a body brush on your thighs and bottom. For best results buy a short-handled body brush, which gives you more control, and use circular strokes.

• Apply a rich body lotion to your hips, thighs and bottom every morning.

Beach bum exercise plan

• Any cardio exercise that burns fat – and specifically works the legs, such as running, cycling and walking – will have an impact on your bottom.

• The key to a buff backside is to mix three cardio sessions a week with three of toning moves that effectively target the 'glutes' – the big muscles in your bottom.

Your bum-blasting cardio

Pick your favourite from these activities and complete three 20-minute sessions per week.

Swimming: The breast stroke leg movement is the best bottom-buster as it really targets the muscles and forces them to work hard. The more you swim, the better toned your bum will become.

Yoga: This ancient discipline is a brilliant all-over way to strengthen and streamline your bottom, keeping it lifted and firm.

Cycling: As Jennifer Aniston says: "Cycling's really great for clearing my head and it's really good for my butt, too." If you can't cycle outdoors, a spinning class at the gym is just as effective.

Source: www.mumbaimirror.com

how to convert urine into drinking water

One of the easiest ways to obtain potable water is by distilling urine – although many people are understandably reluctant to pursue this method until it becomes a matter of true survival.
Since a dry and waterless world is not far away, let us get information on this life-saving technique.
Step 1
First, a large hole must be dug into the ground to expose as much moisture-laden soil as possible.
A clean receptacle should be placed in the center of the hole.
The next step may sound completely distasteful but it is essential when distilling urine for survival.
All future urine should be deposited in the freshly excavated area around the receptacle, BUT NOT IN IT.Step 2At sunset, a large plastic sheet or tarp should be placed over the excavated site.
The corners of the sheet can be secured with large rocks; the sheet itself should not touch the sides of the hole, but remain suspended several inches above it.
Step 3
The area of the sheet directly over the receptacle should be held down with a rock or can to form a focal point of condensation and distillation.
During the heat of the day, solar rays should begin distilling urine from the ground and the water vapor should collect on the inner surface of the plastic sheet.
Step 4
Solid minerals and other contaminants usually found in urine are too heavy to evaporate.
As a result, only the trapped water vapor should eventually condense on the plastic sheet and drip into the receptacle as potable water.
CHEERS!
Distilling urine may not be a person’s first choice for creating drinking water.

But the same results can be achieved with human tears which will be abundant when there is not a single drop of water to be found.

cheating partner

Is Your Partner Cheating?

Catch Your Cheating Partner

By : Madmasti Editorial

It is true that you are a miserable person once you suspect that your partner is cheating on you.

It is important to bear in mind that you don't tell your partner of your suspicions until you gather a concrete proof. You don't tell about your plans or otherwise he/she will be more careful so it will be impossible to catch him/her.

You never confront him/her until you are absolutely sure. You just don't assume that he/she is being unfaithful but take some actions which might give you some clue.

Note down the most frequently used phone number

You may look for the details of the phone number you don't recognize and note the details of the call made/ received. Take for instance, a phone number which is on regular use (particularly the call which was made while he/she was commuting or when you were not around). Note down this number. It might be come handy.

Make a call from a pay phone

You could call the number which looks suspicious from a pay phone so that you are not identified. Call out this number and don't say anything, try to recognize the person's voice who answers. Mostly it is found that he/she is seeing someone known to both of you.

Search the pockets

If you are able to get hold of his/her credit card, wallet or manage to search his pockets to trace purchase of any gift which has not been bought for you (check the specifications like the date and the kind of purchase and tally with list of gifts you have received).

You might find some bills

You might be able to find some clue from any restaurant, hotel's bills. Keep this in your custody which might be useful in using as a solid proof.
The odometer reading

Check his/her vehicles Odometer to take readings before and after his trip to verify the distance he/she has covered, this will help you co-relate with your estimated calculations, and you might be able to work out where he could have been.

Clue from the deleted mail folder

You might be able to pick some clue from his/her deleted mail folder. You might be lucky to find some of the deleted e-mails which he/she has deleted recently.

Be alert

Always listen carefully to what he/she speaks avoiding asking any questions or he/she might not talk about the same thing again.

See if you find any perfumes

Check his/her pockets or belongings to see if you find any perfumes etc which does not belong to you.

Suddenly buying new clothes

If suddenly you find he/she is buying new clothes, it could be a helpful sign that he/she is seeing someone.

Monitor recently visited websites

You can monitor recently visited websites which could be the websites of vacation resorts for a travel which you are not aware of.

If you happen to prove that he/she is cheating on you, make sure you are prepared emotionally to bear the truth.

Sit cool and think you can and should save your relation or not.

Bear in mind you might end up in handling with a difficult situation.

Source: www.madmasti.com

things women wish you knew

Here’s something to send an untimely chill down your spine - your partner is hoping you’ll read this article.
Face it, women are different to men – you may already have noticed. So it’s predictable that some of the things blokes do in bed will drive women wild, while others might just irk them a bit. Here are a few, and what you can do about them.Hygiene

Even if you believe your trouser furniture is clean, a shower before bed never hurt anyone. She might even get into hot water with you. Being clean is a basic courtesy, whether you’ve spent the day by the pool or mopping out the lion’s cage. Don’t make a big ceremony of it. Just say, “I’m going to have a shower before bed,” or ad lib it. The same goes for your hands and any other part of you that you plan to put inside her. Clean hands and immaculately trimmed and scrubbed nails are mandatory.
Trying to be a stud

Women can be very sensitive about this: Mr Lover Man goes through his whole seduction routine, stimulating her squishy bits and coaxing her toward an almighty orgasm. Yet she gets the feeling he’s making love to A Woman, rather than to her. Try focusing on her. Calling her by her name is good, especially if you pronounce it correctly.
Foreplay starts with the clothes on

Warming up to a sweaty, naked encounter can start hours, even days beforehand and actually being considerate and nice can pay dividends. Some blokes can pull off the whole smouldering, bad-guy image, but a lot of the time they end up glowering, Healthcliffe-like, at themselves in the mirror of some bar. The bottom line: don’t stand her up for lunch and then expect to arrive at her place and be greeted by a seductress in something lacy.
Hitting the same bases

Beware of slipping into a schedule: kiss, breasts, kiss some more, penetration. Once a women feels you’ve fallen into a habit, the thermostat goes off. Remind yourself of all the other nerve endings in splendid array around her body. Even slender girls have plenty of skin and all of it has really useful nerve endings.
Keeping quiet

Even if you’re not the most articulate of men when you’re in the sack, try to at least emit the occasional appreciative sound. And if she urges you to talk to her during those intimate moments, you’d better learn to.
Being too rough

We’ll put it down to enthusiasm, but no woman likes to have her breasts twisted off or her vagina prodded with claw-like fingers. You’re dealing with soft, pliable tissue here. Go softly. If you’re doing it correctly, you’ll know, and if she wants more pressure or roughness she’ll probably tell you.
Finishing too soon

For some men this becomes a dreaded habit that warrants therapy. For most, it can be fixed with a little self-help. Masturbate until you’re about to have an orgasm, then stop. Repeat this several times before finishing off. Regularly working at this will help to delay your reaction and you ought to be able to control it better. Until you get that right you can rely on the rest of your formidable arsenal of stimulation to provide your partner with all sorts of pleasure. You can give her an orgasm with cunnilingus or your fingers, or take her up to the very brink before introducing your penis.
Lasting too long

Some men would give a kidney to have this problem, but it can be very little fun for women who just wish the guy would finish up. For some men, this is a result of plenty of frenzied, hurried masturbation, which has left the penis desensitised. It can be cured by leaving the member alone for a few weeks. With no masturbation, there’ll be some return of sensitivity. After that you should masturbate gently, or by using only your fingertips, not squeezing like you’re trying to throttle a python.

- (William Smook)

Source: www.health24.com

how to ask a woman on a date

Our relationship expert, Hillier Marshall, advises us on the ideal way to ask a girl out. Helpful advise to ask a woman on a date anytime, anywhere!
Step 1The keyThe key to successfully asking a woman out on a date is to make yourself interesting and fun to be with. Take the pressure off and forget about the 'dating' aspect, asking a woman out isn't committing to marriage. It's just a way of spending time together and having fun. Think positively. Be open and let your natural charm and personality show through.
Step 2
Prepare
Erase the sentence 'Do you want to go out with me?' from your vocabulary. It's too much of a make or break line. Instead practice saying something far more relaxed such as, "Maybe we could meet for a drink sometime?". It's more grown up, it's casual, and you're not begging her to do you a favour. She gets to express her interest in you without pressure
Step 3
Find the right time
Ideally select a time when you are face to face. This way the conversation will flow naturally and you will be able to read her signals. This will give you clues about how the conversation is going and whether she is into you. If casually meeting with the object of your affections face to face to difficult to orchestrate, then make a phone call. This is a good option but does mean you can't communicate as freely as you can in person. Avoid asking someone out by email or text. Not only does it scream chicken but is also impersonal, she won't be able to see what a great guy you are.
Step 4Get the conversation goingApproach your amore with a smile and a cheerful greeting. If you have only met once or twice before remind her of your name and mention where you met. Make it clear that you are pleased to see her. Start the conversation by talking about that last meeting and use this as a launch pad to move onto other topics. Remember that nothing is so flattering as someone wanting to know all about you, so ask lots of questions and remember to listen to the answers. Be amusing, woman always go for men that make them laugh
Step 5Body language
A lot of advice on body language is too complex for practical application. All you need to do is remember this- look into her eyes! If she returns your gaze it's going well. If she avoids eye contact she's not that into you. Other positive signs are: fiddling with her hair, exposing her neck or making physical contact with you.
Step 6
Drop in the line
Once the conversation is flowing hit her with the line. "Maybe we could go for a drink sometime?".
Step 7
If she says YesResult. Be ready to back up your line with a suggestion, be it drinks, lunch, or doing an activity together. Keep it casual. If this initial date goes well you can move onto a dinner date or evening out. Seal the deal by confirming a time and exchanging numbers
Step 8
If she say NoNo harm done, carry on the conversation. Don't take it personally or bear a grudge, it just wasn't meant to be. You never know, your confidence and attitude may make her regret her decision.
Step 9
If she is non committal
This is an initial rejection but she doesn't want to hurt your feelings. Carry on the conversation and give her your number. If she changes her mind she will know how to reach you.
Step 10Move on
Whatever the result be proud of yourself. If she said no don't take it too hard, you are probably just not her type. Its always better to give it a shot and be rejected than spend your life thinking 'what if...?' If she said Yes, excellent. Have a look at VideoJug's http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-prepare-for-a-date to ensure that the next stage goes just as well.

Source: www.videojug.com

20 small ways to save the planet

LOOKING FOR SIMPLE — and cheap — ways to save the planet this Earth Day? We've got 20. Follow just a few of these tips, and you'll earn a green star.
1. Clean Out Your Mailbox

The average American receives 11 pieces of unsolicited junk mail each week — accounting for 100 million trees cut down annually, according to the Center for a New American Dream, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible consumerism. Reducing your junk mail is easy, click here for instructions on how to do it. It takes just a few minutes of your time.
Impact

Cut the amount of junk mail you receive, and each year you'll save two trees and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 92 pounds.

2. Look for the Energy Star Label

This government-run program puts its stamp of approval on products that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines. It's become a given to look for the Energy Star label on big appliances like refrigerators, where the distinction means one model is at least 15% more energy-efficient than the federal standard. But you'll also find the Energy Star label on smaller purchases, including DVD players, dehumidifiers, battery chargers and cordless phones.
Impact

You'd pay the same — $30 — for a cordless phone, whether it had the Energy Star label or not. But according to Energy Star estimates, the energy-efficient version would save you $84 in energy costs each year, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 578 pounds.

3. Solar Charge Your Gadgets

Keeping your cellphone, iPod, PDA, digital camera, laptop computer and other portable electronic devices charged is a full-time job — for your electrical outlets. So long as they're plugged in, battery chargers keep drawing power, even if there's no device to charge (or the battery is already at full capacity). Get your gadgets off the grid with a SolarStyle SC002-Charger FK ($56). Its seven connectors can adapt any of your devices. Just plug 'em into the checkbook-size device and place it in a sunny spot.
Impact

By Energy Star estimates, if Americans switched their estimated 230 million portable electronic devices to more energy-efficient chargers, each year we'd prevent the release of one million tons of greenhouse-gas emissions. Someone switching over three devices — say, a digital camera, a cellphone and an MP3 player — would personally reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 pounds.

4. Flush Out Wasteful Habits

Most toilets use 3.5 gallons of water per flush; low-flow models use just 1.6 gallons. Make your porcelain throne run like one that's more energy-efficient by placing a gravel-filled gallon milk jug inside the basin. That causes the basin to fill more quickly, and with less water.
Impact

A filled gallon jug displaces a gallon of water in your tank. You'll save one gallon of water with every flush. Assuming you flush twice a day at home, that's 730 gallons over the course of a year.

5. Pick Organic Cotton

It takes one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce enough cotton for one T-shirt, according to TreeHugger.com, a site dedicated to promoting sustainability. Go a greener route — without giving up brand names — by looking for organic cotton at your favorite retailer. A pair of women's Levi's eco skinny jeans goes for $65; conventional pairs range from $48 to $182. In March, Gap began offering organic cotton tees for men. At $16.50 each, they're priced the same as other plain T-shirts offered.
Impact

Buy one organic T-shirt, and that's one-third of a pound less chemicals making it into the soil. Jeans? Depending on the cut, that's at least a whole pound less.

6. Supercharge Your Coffee

Picking the right brand of coffee can be as energizing for the planet as for your brain. Peace Coffee sells only beans that are organic, fair trade and shade grown. Put plainly, they support small farms that don't use chemicals or clear the land of trees to make room for more coffee plants. You'll pay $10 to $12 per pound. For an extra jolt, try the new "Sow the Seeds" blend of beans from Ethiopia, Colombia and Sumatra — $2 of the $12 purchase price go to conserve farmland in the Midwest.
Impact

For the same price per pound as conventional blends from Starbucks, Peet's Coffee & Tea and others, you're getting the added benefit of supporting sustainable growing methods.

7. Say It With (Organic) Flowers

This Mother's Day, show Mom how sensitive and caring you are. You didn't just remember to send flowers, you also helped the planet at the same time! Organic Bouquet, a national delivery service, sends eco-friendly blooms fresh from growers. A 35-bloom bouquet of organic stargazer lilies is $60. Bonus: A free reward program lets you earn one point per $1 spent, with points redeemable for discounts of future orders.
Impact

Prices are competitive with, and often beat, those of other national flower delivery services. (Those stargazer lilies, for example, are $70 at ProFlowers.com.) You'll simultaneously save $10 and promote eco-friendly growing methods.

8. Offset Your Emissions

Each time you drive, fly or switch on your kitchen lights, you're using energy — and producing harmful greenhouse gases as a result. In this case, every little bit hurts. A family of four that drives two cars, spends $274 a month on electricity/gas; one cross-country flight for that family produces a whopping 53,766 pounds of harmful emissions annually, according to estimates from Terra Pass, a company that invests in clean energy projects.
But you can make less of an impact without giving up your car. Several companies, including Terra Pass and Driving Green help counterbalance emissions with contributions to projects producing clean energy (say, building wind-power turbines) or reducing emissions (harnessing harmful methane gas for energy production).
Impact

Driven 12,000 miles annually, a 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 emits 13,200 pounds of carbon dioxide. A $48 Drive Green pass counterbalances that amount in clean energy production.

9. Fly Emission-Free

Picking the right airline is another way to reduce the harmful carbon gases produced during flight. New airline SilverJet is carbon neutral, which means it offsets the greenhouse gases emitted during flight by investing in projects that produce clean energy. A fee to offset carbon emissions is built into each fare. British Airways offers, but does not require, a similar fee add-on. Depending on the distance between your departing and arriving airports, the fee could be as little as $10.
Impact

A round-trip ticket from New York to London Sept. 1-8 would cost you $993 on either British Airways or Continental Airlines. But only the British Airways fare includes a $20 fee to counterbalance the 2,957 pounds of greenhouse gases emitted during the trip.

10. Try "Wet" Dry-Cleaning

Nearly 95% of dry-cleaners use the chemical perchloroethylene, or "perc," to clean your clothing, notes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The problem? It's a known carcinogen, and a common soil contaminant when it leaches into the soil from dry-cleaning facilities. Alternative dry-cleaning methods that use water or liquid carbon dioxide are no more expensive, and much better for you and the environment. OXXO, a Florida-based chain that uses environmentally-friendly solvents, has begun expanding nationwide. You can also search for your nearest wet dry-cleaners here and here.
Impact

Not only will you reduce your exposure to a toxic chemical, but you'll also be preventing the release of more harmful perc into the soil.

11. Recycle Your Electronics

Instead of kicking your old dinosaur of a computer to the curb, take the time to dispose of it properly. Electronics account for 4% of all solid waste, according to the EPA. A hefty portion of that is the lead, mercury and other hazardous materials found in circuit boards. Even the plastic cases of some devices can become toxic over time. Happily, most sanitation departments and electronics manufacturers have recycling programs in place. Hewlett-Packard's Recycling Center, for example, charges $48 to dispose of a desktop computer, but gives you a $50 coupon on your next purchase. For more tips, click here.
Impact

By EPA estimates, properly disposing a desktop computer keeps about three pounds of hazardous materials (from the computer's components) out of landfills.

12. Cool Down

There's a big difference between a hot shower and one that's scalding. You can prevent the latter and save energy by lowering your hot water thermostat to about 120 degrees, notes Consumer Reports' Greener Choices. Bonus: Less heat will escape from the boiler, which means you'll spend even less on cooling your home during the summer.
Impact

Lowering your boiler from high to medium heat can chop your bill by as much as 10%, according to Consumer Reports. For someone spending $300 a month, that's an annual savings of $360. You'll also reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 2,474 pounds.

13. Click Here to Do Good

Add some oomph to your charitable donations by making every mouse click count. From search engines to shopping portals, there are plenty of free ways to send a little more to nonprofits in need. Link to the Barnes & Noble web site through iGive.com, and you can send 2% of your purchase to the Sierra Club (or any other of thousands of eligible nonprofits). Conduct your web searches through GoodSearch.com (instead of, say, Google) and generate 10 cents each search for Action for a Clean Environment. For more sites to try, click here and here.
Impact

In March 2006 alone, 2.3 million free click-throughs on The Rainforest Site generated enough contributions from advertisers and other sponsors to save 616 acres of rainforest. An individual clicking through every day for a year could fund preservation for 4,161 square feet.

14. Eschew Plastic Bags

Paper or plastic? If you really want to make an impact, "neither" is the right choice. Although producing plastic bags uses 40% less energy than paper ones, they also take 12,000 times as long to decompose, according to the EPA. The best solution is to provide your own bags, be they reusable totes or plastic picked up during an earlier shopping trip. Plenty of grocers give discounts for reusing bags. At Whole Foods, you'll save five cents for every bag you provide; ShopRite knocks off two cents per bag.
Impact

If every person in New York City used one fewer plastic bag each year, it would reduce waste by five million pounds and save 22 barrels of oil, according to the EPA. You, individually, would save 0.02 ounces of oil for every plastic bag reused, refused or recycled.

15. Eco-Renovate Your Home

If you've been putting off buying a new water heater or replacing those old windows, this year is the year to make it happen. Not only will eco-friendly home renovations give your home a facelift, but done right, they also reduce energy bills and qualify you for a tax break next April.
Impact

Buying an energy-efficient water heater would net you a tax credit of up to $300. It would also cut your annual utility bill by about $64 and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 440 pounds.

16. Stay at an Eco-Resort

OK, so you're not the camping type. That doesn't mean you can't have an environmentally friendly — and luxurious — vacation. At the four-star El Monte Sagrado in Taos, N.M., for example, your room includes a private patio, gas fireplace and hot tub. But the resort is also geothermally-heated and solar-powered. Wastewater is purified and used to irrigate ponds on the property.
Impact

Say you were looking for a beach-front villa at an all-inclusive resort on Andros Island in the Bahamas. You'd pay $495 per night at Emerald Palms, $430 per night at Tiamo Resorts. But only the latter uses 100% solar power. A solo traveler would save $65 a night and promote sustainability on the island.

17. Check Your Tire Pressure

Improving your gas mileage is beneficial to your wallet and the environment — you'll spend less on gas, and your car will emit fewer greenhouse gases. The simplest way to improve your mileage is to check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by 3.3%, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.
Impact

For the expense of a quarter or two at the local gas station, someone driving a 2007 Ford Focus 12,000 miles annually would save $35 in gas and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 254 pounds.

18. Blend Home Heating Oil

Staying warm and increasing your home's energy efficiency during the winter don't have to be mutually exclusive propositions. One way to do both is to blend your petroleum home heating oil with biodiesel made from animal fat or vegetable oil. You'll pay more at the outset — a blend of oil and biodiesel is usually just two to three cents more than regular oil alone, according to the National Oilheat Research Alliance, a trade group. But making the switch doesn't require any additional home modifications, and you'll reduce your carbon emissions by 20%. To find a supplier, click here.
Impact

For a household that spent $1,118 to heat their home last winter, switching to a mix of home heating oil and biodiesel reduces greenhouse-gas emissions by 1,537 pounds. They'd see their bill go up $14.

19. Rent a Hybrid

The benefits of saving energy and using less gas aren't limited to owning a hybrid vehicle. They're just as helpful to the world — and even more so for your wallet — when you're renting. While some rental companies have a few hybrids (Enterprise, for example, offers the Toyota Prius), EV Rental offers only environmentally friendly vehicles. They have counters at airports in 12 states, as well as in 12 countries abroad, including the United Kingdom, Mexico and Costa Rica. (For the latest in hybrids from the New York International Auto Show, click here.)
Impact

Say you're driving 500 miles over the course of a weeklong rental in Phoenix. Renting a Toyota Prius from EV Rental would reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 143 pounds, compared with a Chevy Aveo from Alamo Rent-A-Car. (You would, however, pay $100 more for the weeklong rental; $64 when you factor in fuel savings.)

20. Skip Bottled Water

In 2006, Americans spent a record $11 billion on bottled water, according to the Earth Policy Institute. Hydration is good, but all those bottles require a liquid fuel of a different kind to produce — 1.5 million barrels of crude oil. Go bottle-less and fill up a reusable container with filtered water from your sink. For $125, the Aquasana Water Filter hooks up to your tap and provides up to 30 gallons of filtered water an hour.
Impact

By switching to a water filter or drinking from the tap, someone who drank a $1.50 bottle of water a day could save 2.3 liters of oil annually — not to mention a whopping $547.50 ($447.50, after purchasing the filter).

Source: www.smartmoney.com