TresSugar

The How-To Lounge: Letting Go of the Little Things

DearSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

If you’re anything like me then you probably have a tendency to let the little, everyday stresses build up into big overwhelming worries that nag at you all the time. Learning to let go of the little things will not only save you a daily headache, but allow you the time (and energy) you need to tackle those bigger problems that life just loves to throw our way. Luckily I’ve figured out a few methods to make sure those little worries and irritations don’t overcome you. To see them read more.

As soon as you’re hit with something stressful, remind yourself that worrying about it won’t make it go away. It may be impossible to put it out of your mind entirely, so focus on what you can or need to do in order to solve the problem.
Keep things in perspective. Don’t let your tendency to fret about something blow it out of proportion. In most cases you can say that you've dealt with and made it through worse things.
Give it time. The sensation of panic is an initial reaction that you can avoid simply by holding off on reacting at all. The longer you have to process something, the less daunting it will seem.
Relinquish your control by reminding yourself that some things are just out of your hands. It truly is impossible to control everything, so don’t waste your energy trying to.

Talking it out with a friend is always a great quick fix to get it off your mind too!

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What Kind of a Bachelorette Party Do You Want?

DearSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I've been to a handful of bachelorette parties, some relaxing and some wild and crazy, but my favorite one had a little bit of both. Picking the location of your bachelorette party takes a lot of consideration, especially when factoring in a bunch of different women's preferences. If I were to plan my own, it'd be someplace warm so we could be poolside by day, but also someplace fun so we could be painting the town red by night. While I think that's a pretty common criteria for a bachelorette party, some women vote for a weekend getaway in the snow or opt to rent a house somewhere discrete and have a very mellow retreat. So tell me ladies, even if you aren't currently engaged or married, what kind of bachelorette party do you want? Do you want to relax or go all out?

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

You Asked: How Do I Blow Him Away?

DearSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My fiancé is coming home in a week from being gone for a year at school in another state. I want to surprise him with the best night he's ever had. It needs to be completely unforgettable, but I don't know what to do. Obviously something sexy will ensue, but how do I start it? Dinner? Wine? What can I do to totally blow him away?

- Enticing Tisha

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Enticing Tisha,

It can be overwhelming to see someone who you haven't see in a while: Expectations run high, and there's added pressure, so I think it's a good thing to start slow and rev up. Set the mood with soft lighting, great music, and of course, you, in something cute.

Beginning with food and wine is a great idea, but instead of cooking a lavish meal, which can be very stressful, come up with some easy appetizers - cheese, crackers, cured meats, and fruits are great when served elegantly. Once you guys have reconnected, it's time to turn up the heat! Use some sweet-smelling massage oil and give him a complete rubdown from his shoulders to his toes or pull him into the shower for a steamy rinse.

When he's completely relaxed (and totally excited!) it's time to take it up another notch. Surprise him with a sexy new piece of lingerie. If he's into the more sultry look, choose something black or red, and make up your eyes to match. If he's all about classic beauty, find something light pink or off-white and tousle your hair. I'm sure that from there, things will pretty much take care of themselves! Above all else, it should be fun and stress-free, so only do what works for you guys!

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Four-Handed Massage = Body Bliss

DearSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:00:00 -0700

What's better than getting a massage from a professional masseuse? Not much, but how about two people massaging you at the same time? I honestly don't think it gets any better than that.

It's the ultimate treat for your mind, body, and spirit. Massage therapy enhances the function of your joints and muscles, improves circulation, relieves physical and mental fatigue and stress, and increases flexibility.

With a Four-Handed massage, two pairs of hands will glide over you with rhythmic well-choreographed motions. One therapist leads the movements while the other therapist mirrors those moves on the opposite side. It sure does sound like the perfect way to de-stress after a long week!

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De-Stress With Calming Chamomile

DearSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:00:00 -0700

After a long or difficult day at work, I like to come home and totally forget about it all. Sometimes that's not easy, and I need a little help de-stressing.

Chamomile always does the trick. Its relaxing properties have been used for hundreds of years. A study conducted in 2005 also shows that drinking chamomile tea can alleviate cold symptoms and menstrual cramps. Drinking the tea also increases levels of glycine. Glycine is an amino acid that's been shown to act as a nerve relaxant, which is why it seems to act as a mild sedative.

There are tons of wonderful products that incorporate the taste and smell of chamomile. Here are some of my favorites.

Moroccan Chamomile Apple Blossom Soy Candle	Organic Chamomile Tea
Aura Cacia Relaxation Bath Salts	Lavender & Chamomile Silky Massage & Bath Oil
Nature's Gate Chamomile Shampoo	Nature's Gate Chamomile Conditioner	French Chamomile with Sweet Orange & Lavender Lotion

Foot Massage Anyone?

DearSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Spicing things up in your love life doesn't always have to involve taking off your clothes - you may just need to take off your shoes and socks.

Whether you are the giver or the receiver, both people benefit from a foot massage. Of course the receiver will experience less stress and pain relief, increased circulation, and unexplainable pleasure, but the giver reaps the benefits too. It's a very caring, and nurturing act that's sure to deepen the connection you feel with the other person.

Want to know how to give an incredible foot massage? Then read more

I like to begin my foot massages with a bubble bath. Take a few minutes to scrub every part, paying close attention to the heels and in between the toes.
Remove their feet one at a time and softly dry them off.

Now we're ready for the good part. Pour some scented lotion or massage oil into your palms and rub them together. Do one foot at a time, holding your partner's foot with both hands. Using your thumbs, begin long, slow, firm strokes from the toes all the way to the heel. If you don't apply enough pressure (or way too much) you'll end up tickling your partner, so communicate with them about what feels good. Repeat several times, rubbing every part of the bottom of their foot. Then do the same to the top of your partner's foot.
Now cup one hand under your partner's heel, and grasp the ball of their foot (just below the toes) with your other hand. Begin doing ankle rotations in one direction and then the other, to loosen up the joints and relax the muscles in the feet. The ankles bear the pressure of the whole body weight and helping to ease tension here is tremendously relaxing for the spine, hips and shoulders.
Next grasp your partner's arch with one hand, and with the other, begin massaging each toe individually. You can also carefully "pull" the toes. Beginning with the big toe, grasp it between your thumb and first finger, and grab onto it at the base and begin sliding your fingers down to the top of the toe. Repeat this again, but this time with a rolling motion.
After that, your partner will love arch presses. Hold the heel of their foot with one hand, and with the other hand, using the heel of your palm, push hard as you slide along the arch from the ball of their foot to the heel and back up again. Repeat this exploring the entire sole of the foot.
You can end the massage with the same stroking motions on the sole and top of their foot that you did at the beginning.
Gently place your partner's foot down, pick up the other foot and repeat all the previous steps.

Dear's Advice: I prefer using lotion infused with essential oils instead of oil since it's a lot less mess and grease.

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Dear Poll: Who Would You Want to Join You at the Day Spa?

DearSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:00:00 -0700

I love pampering myself, especially on a weekend when I don't have to rush, but my kind of pampering isn't the same kind of pampering as what the celebrities do, that's for sure! So ladies, if you could be the spa guest of any Hollywood heavy weight this weekend, who would you want to get massages with, get a mani/pedi with, drink cucumber water with and just have there with you?

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What's MORE Relaxing?

DearSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0700

I love any and every kind of massage. There is something so satisfying about closing your eyes and letting somebody touch you, and not having to do a thing but enjoy it.

When it comes to intimacy with a boyfriend, getting touched in a loving and nurturing way is both a huge turn-on and a way to get me completely relaxed. While I have a hard time choosing between a foot massage and a back massage, what I want to know is which do you find more relaxing?

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Relaxing Teas

DearSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:00:00 -0700

After a long day at work, I love to come home and and unwind with a nice hot cup of tea. In the morning and during the day, I choose uplifting green teas for the caffeine, but when the sun is going down, I sip relaxing flavors to help me relax. I make sure to choose herbal teas since they are naturally caffeine-free.

Here are some of my favorites...

Chamomile Tea	Sleepytime Extra
Organic Peppermint Tea	Tension Tamer	Organic Lemon Lavender Mint Herb Tea Choice Organic Teas

Relaxing Music to Melt Away a Stressful Day

DearSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

When 5:30 rolls around, and I've had majorly stressful day at work, I want nothing more than to leave work, forget about my frustrations and unwind.

People de-stress in different ways depending on their mood. Sometimes I love going for a run by myself, meeting a friend for a drink, or slipping into a hot bubble bath. Sometimes I'd rather get a massage, write in my journal, or call my mom to vent.

Then other times I crave the peaceful tranquility of my home. I can be all alone, turn on some relaxing music, make myself a nice dinner, and soak in the serenity. Here are some of my favorite CDs. Be sure to share your favorite relaxing music in the comments below.

Kerala Dream	Above the Sound of Gravity
Yoga Lounge	Soulweaver
Rhythms of Peace	Etherea