TresSugar

You Might Want to Rethink That Title

GiggleSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

It's unfathomable how this title could cross the desks of editors, designers, and publishers without someone mentioning its other interpretation to poor Eleanor. But no one did, and there she is, standing tall and proud on the cover, waving her hand in the air like she just don't care. You can find the book on Amazon, where you'll also find a featured picture (see below) of a quilt casually tossed onto a chair. Tossed from where and off of whom is the question . . .

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I Want One!

GiggleSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

This is one of the cutest things I've ever seen: a Muppet quilt! I cannot imagine how long this took, but, giving the amazing outcome, I bet the brilliant chick that did this had a blast. Click here to see close-ups. I bet she's gonna be offered big bucks for this, but who could ever part with it?

Product of the Day: Hunky Cowboy Fabric

GiggleSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

"Hunky cowboys in jeans, boots, and hats on a backdrop of desert landscape, cactus, and a red pickup. Imagine a quilt and matching curtains out of this?" Wow. I just did. And I advise you not to follow my example. This is fabric, people - fabric.

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Messy Room? A New Study Says You May Be a Liberal

CitizenSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:14 -0700

A controversial new study hints it may be possible to look at a room and figure out how that room's inhabitant is voting. Set to be published in the Journal of Political Psychology the study asserts that empty pizza box is "behavioral residue" that points to "distinct cognitive inclinations" that sends liberals in the direction of ambiguity and intellectualism, and spins conservatives toward order. These inclinations "drive the way one leads one's life and displays one's life in their living and work spaces," says one of the study's authors. Here are the differences they've found - see if you buy their findings:

Conservatives:

Right-leaners often have spaces filled with calendars, postage stamps, laundry baskets, irons and sewing materials. Fun! Darning socks time!
Their bedrooms and offices are well-lighted.
They decorate with sports paraphernalia and flags - especially American ones.
The study's authors say, "Conservatives have a need for order, for there not to be ambiguity. There you see that expressed by being more orderly, having more cleaning supplies, needing to have everything lined up and organized so that one feels one's environment is predictable and therefore safe."

Curious about that messy room? To find out their findings on liberals, read more.

Liberals:

Lefties have spaces that are colorful and filled with books about travel, ethnicity, feminism, and music.
They have music collections covering folk, classic, and modern rock.
While they're rocking out to the above collection, they're looking at their art supplies, movie tickets, and travel memorabilia.
The study's authors say, "It's pleasurable for liberals to think more. They gravitate toward art, to things that are not as concrete."

Do some of these conclusions sound. . . stereotypical? Not everyone is on board with the science behind the conclusions. Political scientist Evan Charney, a fellow at the Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy at Duke University, says,
"Confirmation bias has flooded into this [area of] study. I'm a liberal but I don’t believe liberals are superior people or that there's an obvious correlation between personality and political ideology. [The studies] take the most value-laden language and treat it as if you're talking about a left-spinning or right-spinning neutron. They are invariably going to reflect the value assumptions of a society-in this case, academic liberals."

Conservatives, are you home making a McCain/Palin quilt in your brightly lit room? What do you make of this? Good science?

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Ask E. Jean for DearSugar: How Can I Set The Mood?

E Jean Carroll — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Dear E. Jean,
I’ve been seeing a sweet guy for almost two-and-a-half months. He’s a virgin, I’m not. I’m wondering how I might set up a romantic evening for him and his first time. We both have very busy schedules and never have a lot of time together.

We’ve talked about doing this, and he’s said that he wants me to be his first. But WHEN? I’m getting impatient! I want to know how to get him away from work and give him a night he’ll never forget. Can you help me? - Waiting impatiently

To see E. Jean's answer read more

Waiting, my Wankette,

LORD! Threatening to “give” your innocent lamb “a night he’ll never forget” is enough to petrify the most dissipated sex punk.

Best to take your time. Introduce him to kissing, touching, stroking, palpating - above and below the equator. If he’s embarrassed about his physical dimensions/prowess, going slowly will build his confidence and his studliness (unless he’s simply not hot for you - or gay).

Then one day, when he least expects it, rent a fireapple red convertible and whirl him away for a Sunday in the country. After a little high speed driving and a slow stroll down a nature walk, stop at a quaint Inn for a late lunch. And if you happen to decide over desert to take a room - well, so much the better. You can “make him a man” on a quilt! Nothing scary about a quilt.

Or, hell. If you’re too busy, just send the nervous little bugger to me. I’ll whip him into shape with my daily top-secret “pre-coital” calisthenics. Then, while he is still twitching with anticipation, I’ll Fed-Ex him back to you.

P.S. I offer this service to women around the world. Send ALL your panic-stricken, discouraged, and moderately frozen fellows to me!

To see more advice from E. Jean visit Elle magazine and AskEJean.com.

The How-To Lounge: A Better Night's Sleep

DearSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Our bedrooms are a more important place than we tend to give them credit for - they’re where we completely rejuvenate ourselves for the next day, night after night. While I’m not of the mindset that your bedroom needs to be some kind of untouched sanctuary, I do think that a few touches in or around your bed can do a lot for a good night’s sleep. And, I know if I don’t get enough sleep, I’m an emotional wreck so if you want to see how to create the perfect sleeping spot, just read more.

Mattresses can be really expensive, but having a good one can not only affect your sleeping habits, but also your physical health from your neck to your toes.
A great set of sheets and plush comforter goes a long way when it comes to feeling cozy in bed. You don’t need 1000-thread count either, just pick something well made that feels good to the touch. As for the comforter, I personally love a down comforter with a soft duvet cover, but that much fluff can be overwhelming, so choose a light quilt if that better suits you.
Temperature is a huge issue for many women when trying to fall or stay asleep. Over the course of a night our internal thermostat can fluctuate from chills to hot flashes, making deep sleep seem impossible. Combat this issue by keeping a fan in your room and an extra blanket at the food of your bed.
Creating a relaxing atmosphere will definitely help get you in the mood to sleep. Buy a more muted lightbulb for your bedside lamp, and try to keep the floor around your bed completely cleared away.
Create a ritual you can do every night to get your mind and body ready for sleep. Whether it’s watching TV, reading a book, or getting in some intimate time with your partner, come up with something that will trigger the sleep response from your body.

If these tips still don't help or if you think you might have insomnia be sure to see your doctor to discuss some possible solutions. Sleep is important so take it seriously!

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Eat Your Heart Out HBO

GiggleSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:50:00 -0700

I want me some of Conan's cable box. From "The Way-Too-Honest Home Shopping Network" channel to "The Too Demanding In Bed" channel, it offers the finest in home entertainment without all the fluff, special effects, or realistic plot lines. I'm already sold, so where do I sign up? (Truth be told, I really want that quilt made from the twenty ugliest quilts in the world, and where else am I gonna get it?)

Sue Likes Surprise Parties

GiggleSugar — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Sue likes surprise parties. She really likes them. She likes them almost as much as she likes gaudy pink pearls and quilt crazy sweaters - and that's saying a lot. Lucky for Sue, there's a party in the works. It's gonna have balloons, a cake, even a few people here and there. Sue's so excited, she can't contain herself. She really can't contain herself . . .

Beat Those Winter Blues

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

It's totally normal to be a little depressed in the Winter. It's gray, the sun sets before dinner, and the cold weather can make you never want to leave your house. For some people, Winter can cause a serious condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Symptoms can include feelings of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, social withdrawal, loss of energy, appetite changes, and oversleeping. Here are some ways to help beat the winter blues:

Purchase a sun lamp. Even artificial light can boost your spirit and inspire a sunny disposition.
Open your blinds and curtains to let what little light is outside shine in.
Have a bunch of houseplants or fresh-cut flowers in your home and workspace to remind you of Summer.
Practice yoga in a heated room. It feels great to be able to wear a tank top and sweat in the middle of Winter. Plus all the stretching will increase circulation and create endorphins to enhance your mood.
Find a way to embrace Winter. There are a bunch of different activities that involve snow so see which one appeals to you. You can ice skate, snowshoe, ski, snowboard, cross country ski or go sledding. Instead of pushing away Winter, if you can find a way to enjoy it, you'll be much happier.

Want to see what else might help? Then read more

If cold weather is your mortal enemy, you can embrace Winter by staying indoors too. Find a hobby that you love, so you won't feel sad, lonely or bored if you're stuck inside. You can knit, quilt, scrapbook, play an instrument, bake, read, write, or do something else you love.
Take a vacation and go somewhere warm. It'll give you something to look forward to and a few days in the sun will make you feel happier.
See a therapist. Talking about your feelings with a professional can be beneficial. They might also recommend going to see a psychiatrist if they think medication might be necessary.

Dear's Advice: Keep in mind that there are only a few months until Spring!

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Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:30:00 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

"Next time we go wine tasting, can we please do it on a Saturday instead of Sunday?" I typed to Sandra from the office Mac.

"I am super exhausted and have a wine hangover!" "Maybe if you hadn't DRANK so much Kammie," Sandra said. "I can't believe you got drunk from a wine tasting. What was that all about anyway?"

I knew I should've told her yesterday that I had seen Marcus from across the room. He wasn't alone; he was with a girl and what looked like a toddler, too old to be his that was for sure. He had everything I had ever wanted with him, but it was what he wouldn't give me.

L-O-V-E. They were four single letters that meant nothing without one another and everything when put together. Sure he had cared about me, but I cared about the barista that made my iced non-fat vanilla latte too, but that didn't mean I wanted to spend my life with him. The fact that he was clearly playing for the other team didn't help that fact either.

Kammie sighed and started to type back her usual tirade about men and how she was going to join a convent if her love life didn't pick up in two weeks. In the middle of a paragraph, she stopped and started to re-read what she had just written. With a sense of purpose, she highlighted and deleted the self pitying e-mail and typed "Give me a break. It was free wine! Anyways, it's lunch time now. How about we try the new retail diet? It's guaranteed to make your waist line AND your bank account shrink at the same time."

"Oh yeah. Where?" Was Sandra's quick reply. "Hush on Union Street at noon." I typed back. I've been dying to check out the new boutique since it opened in August. I'm sure I'm going to have to max out at least one credit card, but I'm dying to get my hands on a new DVF dress and some wide leg pants before winter gets here.

Now, back to work. Why couldn't I get this bank statement to balance? Maybe because I had a headache so bad I can't see the numbers straight. Why did I have to drink so much?!? I head to the kitchen to grad some Tylenol from the drawer, only to find that someone took the last one and put the empty bottle back in the drawer. I guess I'll .just have to wait on that. I grab a citrus Italian sparkling water from the office fridge and an oatmeal muffin and head back down the hall.

Tabatha, the office gossip, is heading towards me, giving me that I know something that you should know look. "Kammie, you will not believe who I just overheard saying that she saw you drinking a lot yesterday at Stone Villa Winery."

"Somebody else from the office was there? Oh sh*t," I squeaked. "Can you please tell me who, I am really hungover as you now know and I want to eat my muffin sooner rather than later."

"Laney Ridgeway," Tabatha said. "She was there with her fiance and her daughter." "Wh-who's her fiance?" I ask remembering that I saw Marcus with a slightly familiar face. "Marcus Ambrose. He works on the other side of 46th and 7th street I think at that new agency," said Tabatha.

"Yes, I'm familiar with that agency. Thanks Tabatha, that's juicy. I gotta go now." I didn't want to give Tabatha any ideas that might fuel her motor mouth. I took off down the hall and was totally engrossed in my thoughts when I turned the corner and ran right into Laney Ridgeway looking like she had just stepped out of the pages of a magazine.

"Why?" I screamed in my head as she shifted to the side to avoid colliding with me. "Hi Laney. How are you? New bag?"

Laney took in my limp, unwashed hair, and the wrinkled shirt I had picked up off the floor five minutes before running out the door this morning and frowned slightly. I squirmed under her gaze and literally just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. She looked down at the gorgeous, quilted Versace bag in her hand and nodded curtly.

"Yes, my fiance bought it for me as a surprise. In fact, I think you two know each other. He seemed to recognize you last night at the wine tasting."

"He what?!? I mean, I didn't even know you were there last night. What a surprise! I'm sure he was just mistaken. People always mistake me for other people." Laney narrowed her eyes. "Don't you want to know his name in case you actually do know him?"

Saved by the bell.. My Blackberry chimed just in time. "Ready? I'm downstairs," Sandra had sent to me. "Gotta go! Bye!" I half-heartily told Laney, or should I say Snotty McBoyfriend Stealer. Okay I know she didn't "steal" Marcus but the smug self-pleased look in her eyes told me she knew we had history.

Alone, finally, I looked into my reflection on the elevator doors and felt like my heart was being wrenched out of my chest. As my sad face disappeared as the elevator doors opened, I was staring into the face of none other than Marcus Ambrose.

He was there picking up Laney for lunch. We did a little dance trying to get off and on the elevator, and sheepishly said our goodbyes.

Once I got off the elevator, I walked through the crowded lobby out into the fresh air. I needed that after the last 45 minutes took me for a ride. Sandra was walking towards me from the cab. "What the hell took you so long Kam?" Sandra asked. "Get your butt over here, otherwise this cab ride will cost us about as much as we want to spend today."

"Sandra you will not believe who I just ran into and what I just heard. It was crazy up there for a bit. Tabatha told me about Laney being at the wine tasting with her fiance and her fiance turned out to be Marcus, who I saw at Stone Villa yesterday," I said in one breath.

"WHAT? Do we need to walk to get the whole story? Should we be shopping? Let's get out of the car, find a cafe, order heavily caffeinated drinks and talk about this. Driver please stop at the next cafe, Starbucks, whatever comes first," Sandra said.

"OMG do I need a latte with a shot of espresso," I said. "Sorry about the shopping San, I know you were looking forward to it. How about this weekend?"
"Honey, when you have gossip like this, shopping can wait. And besides, this way you have to buy me something in return for listening to your life story," Sandra said.

"Ma'am, I got you Starbucks; that's be $24.50 ladies," the cabbie said.

After talking to Sandra over our Starbucks lunch, I felt much better. What could I do about it anyway? I went back to the office and ducked into my office quickly, so nobody could see me. I needed to refresh and get this whole mess off my mind so I could do my work and get the hell out of here.

I turned on my monitor and noticed that I had received a new e-mail since this morning. It was from an unfamiliar address. I didn't have time to mess around with personal matters, and the subject line didn't seem very business-like: "What is Going on With You?"

I was about to crack a folder open to start research for the new company ad we just received moments ago when my phone rang.

"Kamron Smith," I said. "Hi Kam. What is going on with you?" Jim said.

I knew instantly that I could safely delete that e-mail because it was from Jim, "my office buddy" who was 2 offices down, but always decided to call me instead of dropping in to chat. "Jim, you realize that we are 2 offices apart and can just come in anytime. I don't think either of us have anything to hide."

"I know, the secret phone calls are just too thrilling to me though. Nobody knows who either of us are talking too," Jim breathed. "So what is wrong with you? I saw you this morning not looking so hot and really frazzled."

"Oh, Jim, why worry your pretty little head over these issues? You know you don't have to pretend to care right? It's only sex between us, not emotion," I said you under estimate me, Kammie. I care about you much more than you give me credit for. So what's up?" Jim was so convincing sometimes.

"You do not. Anyway, I just found out that my ex is marrying Laney Ridgeway and after a night of drinking too much at a wine tasting, I just wasn't ready for that." Why did I feel safe confiding in Jim? He was so easy to talk to.

"Well, you are better off without him, and she probably deserves him. You know, I heard that she isn't even sure who the father of her kid is? Okay, so let me take you out tonight and you'll forget all about what's-his-name?" Jim said.

"I can't possibly go out tonight, I feel like I've been hit with a garbage truck." I sighed. Jim was very firm in his reply. "Then I'm coming over and we'll order in and get cozy on your couch and watch a movie."

I agreed and hung up with Jim. Only three hours to go until our "date." Until then I needed to focus on this research project.

The afternoon seamed to drag on. Finally it was 4:50 and I shut down my computer and tidied up my desk. Just as I leave my office I catch a glimpse of Jim getting in the elevator. I decide to take the stairs. My Blackberry rings, it's Sandra. "Hey Kammie, do you want to grab a bite at the new Italian restaurant on Lincoln?" " Sorry hun, I just need to go to bed. How about tomorrow?" I know I should not have lied, but I don't want her to know about Jim just yet. "Oh, of course. I'll talk to you later." Sandra hung up. As I entered the parking garage noticed a letter tucked under my wiperblade.

"What was up with all of the notes and e-mails today," I said under my breath. The envelope was addressed to Kamren. Nobody who would tuck a letter under my wiper would call me Kamren. The note read:

I'm sorry for the awkwardness at your office today. I didn't think I would see you since I have been coming to pick up Laney every Monday for lunch since we've been together. I should've told you before you had to see us together or heard from someone else about us. P.S. was the wine really that good yesterday? I didn't think so, but we never could agree on much, could we? Cheers, Marcus.

Where does he get off ending his letter with a cutesy little comment like that, I thought. I threw the letter in the backseat as I turned the key to start my car. Speeding out of the parking garage, I finally see daylight. This afternoon was drab, perfectly matching my mood and look. Suddenly, Pearl Jam is blaring from my phone as it vibrates and rings.

"Hello?" I say. "Kamren, hi. How are you?" "I'm doing ok, but who is this?" "Oh, um, Marcus. I guess I thought you would remember my voice or still have my number programmed or something." "Oh, no. I just cleaned house when I got a new phone; I took out of the numbers that I don't use anymore," I said.

No, I took that out of my phone and my memory when you took out my heart you bastard, is what I really wanted to say.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" I sarcastically said. "I just wanted to call and make sure you were okay. You looked....well you looked miserable when those elevator doors opened up." "Gee, thanks. You sure know how to charm the ladies," I said ,while silently cursing life." "You were the best girlfriend," Marcus suddenly blurted out.

I was shocked and nearly hit one of those annoying bike messengers. The silence dragged on and I asked "Why are you telling me this now? It's been almost a year since you broke up with me."

"I - he truth is, I feel guilty. I still have dreams about you and in them you're always yelling at me and calling me a bastard. I know I really hurt you and you didn't deserve it one bit. I had some things I needed to get over in order to move on and I just wasn't ready to let go of them during our relationship. You were a fantastic girlfriend and I'm sorry I didn't trust you enough to give you everything I had."

I was shocked. There was not a single thought floating in my head for a good 10 seconds. I was finally hearing everything I had wanted to hear. Did I really want Marcus back? No, but it hurt so deeply when he ended it and despite all the "independent woman" messages we're barraged with every day, I felt like somehow I was to blame for how things ended up. What is it about matters of the heart that can take a perfectly confident woman and reduce her to a quivering, self-pitying, puddle?

"Kamren, are you still there?" Marcus stammered. "uuummm...yeah...I'm here." I took a deep breath and tried to pull myself together. Why!!! Why, why, why???? My head is racing with a zillion thoughts. "I don't know what you want me to say," I tell Marcus as I try and keep an eye on traffic as I inch along. Please I silently beg, please just let me get home. I am going to need a long hot bath to be able to deal with Jim. "I am not sure either..." Marcus sighs heavily.

"You called me and unloaded all this on me and you cannot even tell me why!!" Cause I am supposed to know how to fix everything!! Why do men do that? Why couldn't he have just stayed lost in my past??????

"Marcus, I appreciate your honesty, but I am finally moving on and I think it would be best for everyone involved, especially your fiance, if you just forgot my phone number like forgot yours. Good luck Marucs, and good bye."

I hung up the phone and felt a huge sense of relief - and surprisingly excited about my date with Jim!