TresSugar

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Down If You Don't Have Weekend Plans?

DearSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

My girlfriend just called to ask me what I was doing tonight and I excitedly said nothing! She couldn't have been more shocked and told me that if she didn't have plans on a Friday night, she'd automatically be depressed. Of course, she was exaggerating, but her reaction got me thinking. Truth be told, there have been times that I've gone out of my way to find a partner in crime to paint the town red with, but other times, the couch and a long bath is what takes precedent. Of course, it depends on my mood, but overall, tell me, do you feel blue if you don't have weekend night plans?

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The How-To Lounge: Making the Most Out of Your Weekend

DearSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I think we all can agree that when you work or go to school full time during the week, the weekends become sacred. But even so, sometimes the dread of going back to work or exhaustion from the week makes it hard to take advantage of the weekends properly. I know I’ve been guilty of this once or twice before, so check out my advice for making the most out of your weekend, read more

Don't dwell on Monday! Monday is going to rear its ugly head no matter what, so you might as well enjoy the time you have before it rolls around again, and deal with Monday when it comes.
During the week, keep a running list of all the things that fly through your mind that you can’t get to because of work. It can be anything from errands to the title of a movie you’ve been wanting to see. First thing Saturday morning pull it out and start getting things done.
Make plans for Friday night, no matter how tired you are. It doesn’t matter what you do, just do something to keep yourself from getting stuck in a weekend rut.
Do one thing just for you. Go out and get your favorite espresso drink or settle into a great book for two undisturbed hours. Taking time out to rejuvenate yourself will prep you for a fun night, and help you bear the thought of a long work week ahead.
Get outside even if it's only for a bit. Fresh air works wonders, especially if you're stuck in doors the rest of the week. Take some time to enjoy nature - walk to the little park down your street or go for a long hike with your BFF.
Try beginning either Saturday or Sunday with a physical activity. If you like to work out, hit the gym in the morning. If that’s not your thing, just trying taking a walk or cleaning your room. Getting stuff done first thing helps pave the way for a productive day.

Most importantly, have fun - whatever your idea of fun may be!

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How to Combat the Sunday Night Blues

DearSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 10:16:41 -0700

Everyone loves the weekend! We look forward to them just as soon as they end, making plans as early as Monday in hopes of making the week fly by faster. If you're like me and have ever suffered from the Sunday night blues, here are some helpful ways to beat those feelings of depression when the weekend comes to an end.

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Most people get depressed when the weekend starts winding down, you're faced with the reality of having to go back to the "real word" whether it be work or school, which is not a fun realization for anyone!
While you might feel alone, the feelings of depression on Sundays, or whatever day your weekend ends on, are normal. Almost everyone feels the effects of the weekend blues from time to time so you shouldn't feel alarmed or too hard on yourself for feeling blue
Limit the time you allow yourself to feel sad. Dwelling on the inevitable will only make you feel worse
Although you are bound to be exhausted come Sunday night, do something active to stimulate your body, mind and spirit. Hit the gym, go for a walk, even window shop...anything to keep your mind off the anxiety you might be experiencing
If you are prone to Sunday night blues, make plans. Have a standing dinner date with girlfriends, or host a Sopranos party. Bring your friends together to make use of your entire weekend
Schedule phone dates with out of town friends on Sunday nights. Catch up and relive the fun parts of your weekend by swapping stories
The weekends are so great because they give you something to look forward too, so make midweek plans as well. Dinner dates, exercise classes, even seeing a movie will give you something to look forward to throughout the week
If Sundays make you feel overwhelmed about your busy work load ahead of you, get a jump start. Map out your work schedule, go through your e-mails, and get prepared for Monday morning. Writing out a to do list will help make your work load seem much more manageable
Sunday nights are a great time to do something nice for yourself. Go to the spa, get a massage, get your hair done (a lot of salons are actually open on Sundays), or get a manicure/pedicure, anything to make you feel good about yourself to put that extra pep in your step

I hope these tips are as helpful for you as they are for me. If you have any other tips you would like to share, please comment below!

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Do Tell: What Does a Perfect Sunday Afternoon Look Like to You?

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Mondays are rough; you’re tired from the weekend and still have a five day work week to deal with. The worst part is sometimes Monday woes put a dark cloud over Sunday afternoons. Sure, it’s still technically the weekend, but with Monday lurking right around the corner all you really want to do is crawl in bed and wish it was Friday night again. I’m being a little dramatic, but you get what I mean. I have quite a few remedies to cure Sunday blues but lately my favorite things to do are pretty simple: a leisurely walk or cuddling up with a DVD, followed by a lavish and classic Sunday night dinner. So, do tell, what’s your perfect Sunday afternoon?

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Say What? Mullet Contestant Convinced We Love 'Em

TresSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0700

"It always gets made fun of, but I think people secretly love the mullet."

- John Jayne, a contestant in a mullet contest held over the weekend in Des Moines, IA. He was among 20 contestants vying for a blue ribbon and an airbrushed painting of the infamous mullet-sporter in Joe Dirt, starring David Spade. Mullets were lovingly measured by judges from the Iowa School of Beauty. (Alas, Jayne did not win.)

Source: IMDB

Depressed? Ecotherapists Say, "Go Take a Hike!"

TresSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:30:00 -0700

Although some depressed people think they should see a psychotherapist or get meds prescribed (or both), psychologists from the burgeoning field of eco-therapy have a simpler prescription: go outside and mingle with nature.

We humans, they argue, evolved to interact with nature and the outdoors, but beginning with the Industrial Revolution two centuries ago, we've largely become alienated from that world. Now that more than half of the world's population lives in cities, and those lives are increasingly taken over by computers and BlackBerrys (or iPhones), some people don't go outside at all except to travel from their homes to their offices. In fact, eco-therapists say that when their patients' begin writing in a nature journal to record how much time they spent outside, their records are pretty pathetic: most people spent less than 15 to 30 minutes walking to and from their cars!

I went on a long weekend in Yosemite recently, and although I'm not the type who loves not bathing for four days - it was wonderful not to get one email or phone call. Instead, I slept soundly from hiking so much and woke up looking at mountains, trees, and woodland creatures. We don't all need to go camping to cure the blues, though. Researchers have found that simply taking a walk outside every day could have the same effect as an antidepressant in treating moderate depression. I believe it.

10 Americans Not Born in the USA

TresSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Bruce Springsteen made sure that those of us who were Born in the USA felt special, but what about Americans who put in the extra effort to become naturalized citizens? There's nothing more patriotic than jumping through immigration hoops so you can proudly wear red, white and blue! As you kick off this Independence Day weekend, take a look at 10 well-known people who are also naturalized American citizens! USA! USA! USA!

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Ask a Librarian: Tomboy Has Never Been on a Date

TresSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:59:08 -0700

Conventional Wisdom is a different kind of advice column. Your questions will be answered by people from all walks of life rather than by advice experts. Today, a librarian will offer some common sense advice. You can submit questions here.
Today's Question:
After turning 23 a few weeks ago, I started to wonder what was holding me back from finding Mr. Right. It's not that I haven't been on a date for a few weeks, or that I just keep dating a string of loser guys, it's that I have never been on a date. I didn't even have dates to high school dances. I've never even been told I was pretty/cute by a guy so that may have something to do with it. At a time in life where the majority of my friends are in relationships and are getting engaged/married, I'm all alone.

I'm starting to wonder if perhaps I am too shy to find a guy to like me, or if once I get over my shyness that my tomboyish nature forces me into the "friend zone" all of the time. (I was an only child raised by her father who treated me like a son.)

I've been told that I'm funny and smart, but I think my love of sporting events and rock concerts, knowledge of cars, and love of all things nerdy scares guys away. Do you have any advice for me so I can stop being seen as the sisterly type, and start being seen as dateable? I'd really like to find a nice guy soon. Thanks a lot for your help.

- Undateable Tomboy

To read a librarian's advice, read more.

Dear Undateable Tomboy,

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “tomboy” as “a girl who behaves like a spirited or boisterous boy.” You are 23, and it’s time to start acting like a woman, not a girl. Don’t worry right now about meeting Mr. Right; you just want to meet some misters. People have told you that you are smart and funny, but guys can’t get to know the real you because they don’t see you as date material.

Let’s talk about your outward appearance, which is what attracts a man in the first place. The first thing you should do is find a good stylist and get a great haircut. Sounds superficial? Sorry, just do it. A haircut that suits you can do more than anything to improve your appearance. Next go to the makeup counter in a department store, do a mini-makeover, and buy some products. I’m talking at least a modicum of eye makeup and some lip gloss. Accent your best facial features.

Look at your wardrobe. Anything that appears oversized, place it in the back of your closet for one month. Go to the store and buy some items that are slightly trendy, and get shoes to go with the clothes. If you don’t have a clue, ask the sales people to help you; it’s fun for them. By the way, I am a feminist who does not buy into the “beauty myth,” but consider this an experiment. (Do you want a date or not?) There is strength in looking your best, and it will give you the confidence boost that you need more than anything else. And smile, a friendly welcoming smile. That is the most attractive thing you can put on your face.

Be up front and tell your friends you are ready to meet some men. Be persistent, remind them - and, that goes for your male friends. Ask them if they know anybody to fix you up with. It might even put the idea into the head of one of your old buddies to ask you out. What about you suggesting a casual movie date to a new acquaintance, someone you meet at a party or work?

You like sports. Join a coed softball, volleyball, or kickball team. There is a lot of camaraderie on these teams, more men than women, and they tend to socialize after the games or on the weekends. Please do not wear baggy sweats.

And no more excuses about how an interest in cars and sports scares away guys. In reality, many men would love to share their interests with their girlfriends. That would definitely be a value added that you would bring to the relationship.

You sound like a very lovely young woman who does not deserve to be lonely. You will find someone who will be thrilled to have you in his life and in his arms. The challenge is to have men notice you, so that they can get to know the real you. As a librarian, I can attest that people do judge a book by its cover. I remind you that you are very young, and have plenty of time. So while you are waiting for your dating life to kick in, go to the library, check out a copy of Emma or Something Blue, make a cup of tea, and curl up on the couch.

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5 Things to Look Forward to This January

DearSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

I've already been bombarded by friends telling me that they're suffering from post-holiday blues, and to be honest, I'm feeling it a little too. When it's dark and cold outside it's easy to get down, but there are some really fun things we can all look forward to this January. Check out my list below and if you think I've missed something, add your thoughts in the comments section - the more things to look forward to the better!

Even if you're not a sports fan, football playoffs are a fun excuse to get out of the house and meet new people, especially if you're single!
Most of us have a long weekend to look forward to just two weeks away - Martin Luther King Day falls early this year, Jan. 19.
Weekends away during the Winter can be just as fun as any Summer vacation. Bundle up and hit the slopes (or the lodge) and enjoy the snow while you can.
Most of us know someone with a January birthday, so blow it out this year! It's easy to hermit after the holidays so don't let your friends get the short end of the stick - make it a big celebration and get back into the swing of things before you get stuck in a rut.
If you need another excuse to celebrate, plan an inauguration party and watch history being made with close friends and family.

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Obama and McCain Compete For Unlikely Swing State: Arizona

LibertySugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0800

Barack Obama hasn't been directing many resources to Arizona all along, but the campaign still thinks they have a good chance of winning McCain's home state. The last candidate to lose his state was Al Gore; Tennessee didn't go blue for its native son.

This past weekend the Obama camp asked supporters to donate money to help expand efforts in "new battlegrounds" including Georgia, North Dakota, and Arizona. But with surely enough money to get started before new funds came in, Obama began airing ads in Arizona on Saturday. In addition, Howard Dean is spending his last day before the election campaigning in McCain's home turf.

As of now, polling shows McCain ahead in Arizona by anywhere from five points to as close as one point. During the last few days before the election both candidates have been campaigning hard in states their parties lost in 2004. Do you think there could be some surprises tomorrow?

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