TresSugar

6 Ways to Be Alone During the Holidays

Mandy Harris — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:35:23 PST

Spending time with family can be the best - and worst - part of the holidays. Cramped quarters, conflicting personalities, and childhood baggage mean tensions can run high, especially when you don't have any time to yourself. But with a little creativity, you can find ways to squeeze in alone time, and avoid a yuletide meltdown. Here are a few:

Offer to be the errand-runner: If you're craving a little time to yourself, speak up when your mom mentions she's out of sugar. Even a few minutes in the car blasting music (or just sitting in silence) can be enough to pull you back from the brink.
Go for a walk: Can't take another second of togetherness around the fire? Suggest a brisk after-dinner walk. True, you usually can't get away with doing this one all by yourself, but even the most grating of family members can be more palatable outdoors in the crisp air. And if all else fails, walk fast.
Put on your dishwashin' gloves: Offering to take on clean-up duty is a double whammy. You'll earn brownie points for pitching in, and since only so many helpful hands can tackle a sink of dishes, you'll get a little QT with just you and the suds.

Need more ideas? Keep reading.

7 Tips For Being the Best Gift Giver

Colleen Barrett — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:46:41 PST

Like most things, all you need to know to be an amazing gift giver can be found in the words of 30 Rock's Jack Donaghy. "Gift giving is the purest expression of friendship," he tells Liz Lemon. "I'm going to think about what I know and like about you and that will lead me to the perfect gift. And you do the same."

The problem is we don't always know the people we're buying gifts for as much as we'd like, so I've rounded up some advice that will make you the best gift giver under the tree. After all, competition is what the holidays are all about.
Get the tips below.

Bathroom Graffiti: The Best Writing on the Stall

TresSugar — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:37:16 PDT

I have never written on a bathroom wall. I have never thought to write on a bathroom wall. Though it's probably just a handful of prolific scribblers, I feel like the minority. I'm practically immune to it at this point and rarely bother to read the unsolicited advice and conversations found on public's most private walls. But a few watchful Flickr users have taken the time to read - and document - the best writing on the stalls.

10 Unsexy Costume Ideas

Tara Sharp — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:41:49 PDT

From Smurfettes to Sponge Bob, there are no shortage of sexy Halloween costumes out there. But if the thought of yet another year freezing your butt off in some barely-there rendition of a cartoon character or naughty fill-in-the-blank has you dreading the Oct. 31 fright fest, all hope is not lost. I've gathered together 10 of the least sexy Halloween costume ideas for all you nonconformist ladies out there. Ready to get all (not) hot and bothered? Click on!

European Traditions: Import or Keep Out?

Annie Scudder — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:40:00 PDT

I never knew how oppressed we were in the US until I drank a beer walking down the street in Berlin. It seemed unreal that I could drink in public - and I was only 19!

Earlier, I asked you all to share the European ways of life you'd like to see stateside. I rounded up your answers, and now it's time for us all to vote on each tradition: would you import it or keep it out?

Famous Frenchmen - Le Hottie or Le Nottie?

Annie Scudder — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:09:41 PDT

With their romantic accents, cultivated style, and sultry stares, Frenchmen have an extra je ne sais quoi. In honor of Bastille Day, I rounded up some of my favorite famous Frenchies so we can debate, just like the French love to do. Check them out and vote: le hottie or le nottie?

Classy Ladies: 20 Actresses Who Are College Grads

TresSugar — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:24:31 PDT

School's out for Summer. As kids and college students alike enjoy sun-kissed freedom, these famous women may reminisce about their school days. A chance to be normal is a common reason for celebs to put their careers aside and start college. What's not the norm? Graduating. Check out these 20 actresses who have.

Play Battle of the Books and Win Big Bucks

TresSugar — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:00:40 PDT

In TrèsSugar's Battle of the Books faceoff, we've pitted some of the most influential books against each other. Pick which one you'd rather read, and we'll find out what's top shelf.

Finding titles to add to your Spring reading list not incentive enough? We'll be giving away a $500 grand prize each month - you must be logged in, and you'll be entered once every time you play. (Check out the official rules here.) What are you waiting for? Get choosy!

The Evolution of the Wedding Dress

Tara Sharp — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:57:18 PDT

If you're a bride this wedding season, you know that as soon as you have the ring on your finger, it's time to start thinking about the dress you'll wear on the big day. But do you know how today's bridal fashion traditions came about? From cultural and religious influences to color symbolism, walk with us through the history of the wedding gown.

A Vintage Day at the Beach

TresSugar — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:49:33 PDT

I don't know what it is about old beach photos - maybe it's that, beside the swimsuits, not much changes - but I love looking at them. To get excited for Summer, check out these old beach photos that date back to the turn of the 20th century.

Source: Flickr User Elisabeth Moore