Fisher Price Recalls

Fisher-Price is recalling more than 10 million tricycles, toys and high chairs over safety concerns in the U.S. and Canada.

150,000 of Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles were sold in Canada and the agencies are aware of 10 reports of children being hurt. Six of them required medical attention.

The trikes — some of which feature popular characters like Dora the Explorer and Barbie — have a protruding plastic ignition key near the seat that children can strike, sit on or fall on, leading to injuries.

Fisher-Price is also recalling the Healthy Care, Easy Clean and Close to Me High Chairs, after 14 reports of problems. Seven children required stitches, and one suffered a tooth injury. One of the incidents was reported in Canada. About 125,000 of the chairs were sold in Canada.

The pegs on the back of the high chairs can be used to store the tray, but children can fall on them, resulting in cuts and other injuries.

The two other Fisher-Price recalls were:

— Baby Playzone Crawl & Cruise Playground toys, Baby Playzone Crawl & Slide Arcade toys, Baby Gymtastics Play Wall toys, Ocean Wonders Kick & Crawl Aquarium toys, 1-2-3 Tetherball toys and Bat & Score Goal toys. About 125,000 were sold in Canada.

The valve of the inflatable ball on the toys can come off and pose a choking hazard to children.

— Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway toys, 20,000 of them sold in Canada. The wheels on the purple and green cars can come off, posing a choking hazard. There have been two reports of a wheel detaching from a vehicle but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers can visit the company's website at www.service.mattel.com for more information on the dates of sale and model numbers for the recalled products.

Book Reviews

Recently read... (* is how many stars out of 5 I give the book)

****The Hanged Man... About convicts who have psychic powers and the government funds a project for these convicts to use their abilities to screw with the world. Then they escape and go after the project leaders. Plus a bit of romance added in. There's always something going on that keeps you interested. If ya love suspense, psychic abilities, and tarot, then this is the book for you!

***Hollywood Divorces... Involves huge stars, directors and people behind the scenes with all their intertwined love interests. It's jam packed with exactly what we think goes on in celebrities lives and I'm not gonna lie, I almost shed a tear at the end... but I won't give anything away!

*****One Fifth Avenue... From the writer of Sex n the City, of course I was going to love this book. It's about the people who live at One Fifth, a movie star, a screen-play writer, a book writer and his wife who turns to blogging, and legends. With so many people to follow, there's lots to read, but it's quite entertaining. The book was sitting on a shelf beside the salsa (which was the only thing I was looking for in the grocery store) so I picked it up thinking it was fate, and turned out it was!

Prediction For Most Popular Halloween Costume

Thanks to the abundance of train-wreck celebrities, disasters and political calamities, there are other worthy alternatives this year to going as Captain Jack or a slutty nurse.

Halloween is more than a month away, but some early predictions are pegging an oil-splattered jumpsuit, with the words “Bad Planning” as the logo.

Also...

Most crowd-pleasing

•Steven Slater. How to do it? Flight attendant uniform, double-fist beer all night and unleash expletive-laced tirades on anyone who gets in your way.

•Katy Perry: Giant lollipop, low-cut dress and oversized costume tata's. Elmo stuffed into the cleavage.

Most predictable

•Any member of the Jersey Shore cast (double deductions for Snooki or The Sitch.) Extra points for fake tanning to a perfect shade of orange.

•Lady Gaga in a meat dress, kale bikini or any other food product.

Most conceptual

•The unemployed statistician: Sensible shoes, a giant calculator and a stack of copies of the long-form census to hand to everyone you meet.

•The double-dip recession: Dress up in a homemade stock market chart and spend all night around the salsa.

•Eyjafjallajökull: You’ll need mad papier-mâché skills to recreate the Icelandic volcano in all its glory. Sporadically throw handfuls of dirt at people throughout the night.BAHAHAHAHA!

8 Friends You Should Have

Numerous studies have proved that friends keep ya healthy... from beating obesity to depression, they're fabulous for you. So here's 8 important types of friends to have.

1. Childhood Friend because they will always remind you of who you used to be!

2. New Friend, they have no pre-conceived notions about you and can introduce you to new things.

3. Workout Friend, for those days you don't want to get off the couch, but really should!

4. Spiritual Friends help you out of the self-pity party.

5. Younger Friend to satisfy your "nurturing side."

6. Your Partner's Friends because the more a couple's friends and family commingle, the happier the marriage.

7. Your Mom, sure you have your differences, but she'll always have your back!

8. And one you should NEVER skimp on, is the friendship you have with yourself! :)

New fitness trends

It seems these days, people are looking for new and fun ways to stay in shape. Most of us ladies are also looking for something sexy and feminine to do. While in Moncton I have noticed there's a slew of things to do to keep fit, from pole dancing, belly dancing, hot yoga and many other forms of dancing to participate in. But at home videos can be just as much fun!

A new fitness craze is Kama Aerobics, it's fun and sexy... a fusion of belly dance, yoga and pilate movements. You’ll tone your core, your buns and your inner and outer thighs all at once! A half-hour of this fluid workout, you'll be reaching for that towel and water bottle. It helps you to embrace your sensuality and sexuality and be confident in it. From pelvic thrusts to hip swivels, it’s all designed to engage and hone the muscles we use in childbirth and in achieving orgasm.

Also an old turned new fad, is Hula Hooping. Take one hoop, move your hips forward and back (not round and round as most of us tried as kids), add a sense of play, laugh and voilà!—you’re burning calories. The adult versions are heavier and larger—about 42 inches in diameter—and made of irrigation tubing. It’s the weight that ensures more control and ultimately more fun. Once you’ve got waist-hooping down to a science, try to walk around, move your arms and even add a hoop onto your regular aerobic workout.

Lastly, The Dailey Method is dance inspired workouts that take the micromovements of Pilates that target your core, spine and pelvis, combine them with the muscle-burning and elongating techniques that transform mere dancers into prima ballerinas, all done to pop music. It helps you to lengthen out, sculpt your arms, slim your hips, and shrink your waist.

Spray on T-Shirt

What happens when this goes up your nose??

Bed Bugs, Signs and Treatment

Infestations are becoming so common that bed bugs could be the next worldwide pandemic, according to a report from the U.S. National Pest Management Association. Thankfully, these blood-eating insects aren't thought to carry disease -- but they can be hard to control.

Warning signs

Whether it's your home or your home-away-from-home, it isn't always easy to spot a problem. Here are the warning signs to watch for:

- Bites. Different people have different reactions, but bites often appear as raised, red bumps in a series of three -- "breakfast, lunch and dinner". Exposed skin is more convenient, but bed bugs will bite anywhere on the body. You won't feel the feast because their saliva contains anticoagulant and anesthetic chemicals.

- The bugs. Measuring around 1/4 inch, adult bed bugs have flat, oval shaped bodies with flat, broad heads to match. They have six legs and wings (although they can't fly), and they'll be bloated and dark red in colour after feeding. You're more likely to see them at night because they spend up to 90 per cent of their time in hiding.

- Eggs or egg casings. Look closely -- these hard-to-spot white, pear-shaped eggs are roughly the size of a pinhead and appear in clusters of 10-50.

- Fecal stains. They look like tiny black spots on your mattress or sheets -- like someone dotted the surface with a pen.

- Exuviae (shed skins). Bed bugs molt five times before they become adults, leaving behind evidence of their growth spurts.

What to do about them

If bed bugs move into your home, experts recommend consulting a pest management professional because pesticides can be difficult and dangerous to use, and they may not take care of the problem alone. Integrated pest management techniques -- which involve deep cleaning and inspection -- are also part of the plan. Regardless of whether you bring in the experts or decide to go it alone, you should:

- Vacuum the infested room. Yes, the entire room because bed bugs can hide just about anywhere -- including in closets and drawers, behind picture frames, under wallpaper and inside clocks and electronics. Use the nozzle or brush attachment, and try to get all of the eggs too. When you're done, dispose of the vacuum bag right away and inspect the attachments for bed bugs or eggs.

- Thoroughly steam clean your mattress. Beware that if there are tears and holes, the bugs may migrate to places you can't reach. If you do have to throw out your mattress, dismantle or destroy it so someone else won't take it home.

- Launder your linens and any other items that can safely go in the wash, like slip covers and pillows. Use the hottest water possible -- then put them in the dryer for at least 20 minutes.

- Turn on the hot or cold. For items that can't go in the wash, experts advise using heat or cold to kill them instead. Wrap items in plastic and put them outside on a hot, sunny day or freezing cold day for a few hours. If you go the cold route, make sure the temperature is below freezing and leave the item outside for longer (up to a few days, for instance).

- Get rid of clutter. Less stuff means fewer places for bed bugs to hide and breed.

- Deep clean. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may have to do some serious cleaning.

- Be patient. Sources say it can take up to two weeks to fully get rid of the problem. You can expect to see a few bugs during this time, but you don't panic unless you see a lot.

And we know you want to, but don't scratch the bites -- you could scar your skin or risk a secondary infection. Instead, treat them as you would other bug bites with an antihistamine or bite remedy. A medical professional should have a look if you have a more severe reaction.

What can you do to help stop an infestation?

- Conduct periodic inspections. Thoroughly examine mattresses, including the seams, the bed frame, any cloth furniture, cracks in wood, etc. Because bed bugs are night time critters, it may be easier to spot them with a flashlight in a dark room.

If your son or daughter is moving in to a dormitory, teach them how to conduct inspections as well.

- Clean house. In addition to keeping surfaces free of clutter, regular cleaning and vacuuming -- especially your mattress and cloth furniture -- can help deter the pests.

- Be cautious bringing home used items. Carefully inspect any furniture or used items you plan to bring into your home and ask the seller if it has been checked for bed bugs. Free stuff can be tempting, but items left on the curb can be especially risky.

- Cover your mattress and pillows. There are many different types of mattress covers on the market -- some of them plastic -- and you can cover the zipper with duct tape for a complete seal.

- Seal the cracks. Make sure the windows and the exterior of your home are sealed up to prevent other pests like birds and bats who can host and transport the bugs. If you live in an apartment, talk to your superintendant about sealing around ducts and pipes to prevent bugs from moving next door.

- Check out your accommodations. When you travel, inspect your room and bed for signs of the pests before you settle in. If you encounter a problem, contact the person in charge so the problem can be dealt with -- and you can be offered a new room.

- Keep your bags off the floor. Even if can't spot a problem, keep your luggage off the floor (use a luggage rack or dresser top) and keep your bags closed.

- Quarantine and clean. When you return from travelling, the worst thing you can do is put your suitcase on your bed to unpack. Unpack elsewhere -- like your garage, if possible -- and inspect your luggage. Don't mix your clothes in with your regular laundry, but wash them in hot water promptly. (If you know an item is clean and bug-free, you can pack it in zip lock bags to keep bugs from getting in.)

In addition, some experts recommend leaving pillows at home because they can be difficult to clean.

- Keep an eye on local news and health. Are bed bugs bad in your area? You may want to take extra precautions when you're out, like not setting your purse or backpack on the floor. You might not hear a lot about bed bugs because of the stigma and the threats to local businesses.

Remember, bed bugs can affect anyone, so having them isn't a comment on your cleanliness or housekeeping. If you spot any signs of infestation, don't be afraid to get help. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment.

5 fabulous burger facts

1- The Mongolians were the first to eat hamburgers

While his nomadic troops were riding to battle, they would keep scraps of lamb or mutton, formed into patties, under their saddles to tenderize the meat. When they stopped to make camp, the horsemen would cook the patties over open flames or eat them raw. The dish was taken to Russia, where it became “steak tartare.”

2- The Germans introduced the hamburger to America

From Russia, the dish made its way to Germany, where pork or beef was used in the patties. Then the burger found its way to America via the crew and immigrant passengers of the German Hamburg-Amerika shipping line. On board, the passengers ate a dish of ground meat that was spiced and stretched out with onions and breadcrumbs.

3- The average American eats 100 hamburgers a year

A staggering 14 billion hamburgers sold in the U.S. every single year

4- An Oklahoma farmer created the burger bun

There is a lot of debate over where in the U.S. the first hamburger, as we know it, was served, but there seems to be general agreement that Oscar Weber Bilby, a farmer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was the first person to serve one on a bun.

Although, there are records of German immigrants serving grilled, ground meat patties between slices of bread, Oscar was the first known to serve them on a bun. In this case, the yeast buns were made by his wife, Fanny. The hamburgers served at his Fourth of July party in 1891 were such a hit that he made a tradition of serving them every year. He opened a hamburger stand with his son, Leo, in 1933, and it still operates using the same grill on which those first Hamburgers were cooked.

5- Other cultures have their own version of the hamburger

In Xi-an, China, Rou Jia Mo are a hugely popular local delicacy. They are made of slow-cooked chopped beef or, more usually, mutton, served in a flatbread made of wheat flour and topped with a fiery hot sauce.

Found on Askmen.com

Bahahahaha! First it was bears, now it's parrots

Lorenzo the parrot is facing life behind bars in Colombia after being caught squawking on the police for a drug cartel. Every time a police officer came close to the traffickers’ headquarters, the bird was trained to scream in Spanish: ‘Run, run, the cat is going to get you!’ Police trying to shut down gangs behind the lucrative drug route to the U.S. couldn’t work out at first how they launched raids only to find that the birds had flown the coop. But detectives finally got wise to the parrot. They sneaked past the loud-beaked lookout to find a hidden stash of weapons and marijuana at a safe house in Barranquilla. Police also found two more specially-trained parrots.

Animal officials said police had handed over as many as 1,000 parrots, many from the same coastal region, that had been taught to act as lookouts.

Found on Daily Mail!

Apple releases the Sleep Science Alarm for your iPhone

Apple has created a futuristic alarm clock that comes with your own personal psychologist! It's features include:
- The ability to record your own voice messages to wake up to, like a positive saying (they say our brains soak up positivity while waking up and falling asleep) or a birthday reminder
- One Touch Torch, a light on your phone that will lead you the the bathroom without tripping on kids toys, dogs, shoes, whatever!
- A simulated sunrise! The phone lights up a few minutes before the alarm goes off, to naturally increase your cortisol levels and wake you up naturally

Over 30% of us have sleep disorders, and this app tackles that problem too, it follows your sleep stages and wakes you up at the perfect time... meaning you'll be most refreshed compared to sleeping longer.

The iPsychologist comes with a range of 'sessions' to help you excel at life. Amazing what one app can do! If you wanna check it out, it's available at the Apple App Store and through iTunes!

Germy germ cesspools!

Tis' the season for colds, bacteria, and viruses! So here's how to handle the germiest places

Public magazines
How to deal: Alcohol-based Hand sanitizer
I've always been creeped out by magazines in doctors offices, who knows why people are there?! Did you know cold and flu viruses can survive on dry surfaces for up to 48 hours, while bathroom reading material can carry E. coli which can survive on dry surfaces for months! Yuck!

Office keyboards
How to deal: Hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes/sprays
Studies have proven that some keyboards can be considered health hazardous and can carry more bacteria then a toilet seat! Most of the bacteria found on the keys are from the nose, mouth and gut, and thus do not pose too great a risk of infection. Shared keyboards, however, increase the risk of passing infectious microorganisms, particularly the cold and flu viruses.

The gym
How to deal: Vigorous hand washing with soap and hot water
According to a study on a buncha gyms, the cold virus was on 73% of weight-lifting equipment and on 51% of aerobic equipment. Thankfully, the same study found little to no trace of infectious bacteria.

Shopping Carts
How to deal: Paint thinner? LOL, just kidding! Grocery stores are beginning to offer complementary sanitary wipes, so use them!
A study done in 2006 found 2/3 shopping cart handles were contaminated with fecal bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella! Nasty! This is mostly because of diapered infants. Also, with kids riding in a shopping cart next to raw meat or poultry puts infants at greater risk for acquiring salmonella infection.

Bus Poles
How to deal: Don't touch them!
These are prime sources of disease transmission. Despite the label, unless you have open cuts on your hand or frequently touch your face while riding the rails, the risk of infection is still very low.

Canada's Worst Handyman coming to Moncton!

Know someone who botches most home improvements? We're talking worse than Tim the Toolman Taylor! Well the search for Canada's Worst Handyman is returning to Moncton!
The point of the show is to improve their skill sets by immersing them in Handyman Rehab with hands on challenges.
So if you know someone who puts holes in the walls instead of patching them, has shelves that can't keep items on or gets more paint on them then the walls, nominate them!
You have until the end of October to sign them up, with the 6th season starting in January.
To sign them up, you can email handyman@propertelevision.com or call 1-866-598-2591

Superstitions still high in 2010!

Whether it's chucking salt over our left shoulder, avoiding cracks in the pavement or not going under a ladder, superstitious beliefs continue to keep a strong hold over us.

More than 14 million adults regularly carry out everyday tasks they believe will bring them luck - or ward off bad luck.

4/10 avoid cracks in the pavement, dodge ladders, and knock on wood

1/3 believe putting up an umbrella in the house is unlucky, cross their fingers for luck

1/2 expect to receive seven years bad luck if they break a mirror

6/10 say they think superstitions are unlikely to come to anything, but carry them out anyway 'just in case'

Other superstitious actions include wearing lucky socks or pants, avoiding walking across three drains and saying 'pinch punch, first day of the month'.

Cameron Diaz wears a 'lucky' necklace given to her by a friend because she thinks it will ward off the effects of aging

For Luck,

Finding a four-leaf clover (32%), pick up a penny (28%), wishing on a shooting star (16%) saluting a lone magpie (21%), 1/6 reckon they're in luck if they meet a black cat.

TOP TEN SUPERSTITIONS:

1. Won't walk under a ladder

2. Salute a lone magpie

3. Throw spilt salt over your left shoulder

4. Put money in a purse or wallet

5. Don't step on cracks in the pavement

6. Avoid crossing people on the stairs

7. Won't put an umbrella up in the house

8. Won't walk across three drains

9. Won't put shoes on the table

10. Say 'pinch punch first day of the month' on the first day of the month

Survival Guide for Parents with Teenage Girls

Hey, I've been there, the teenage girl, with a mom who was going through menopause. It WASN'T easy! But after moving to college, my mom and I became the bestest of friends, seriously! Even when I was 23 and had to move home for a bit (I thought it was going to be hell) we actually made an awesome team! So know the phase doesn't last forever... Now I tell my mom sorry for all the things I said and did... and yes, she's ALWAYS right (even when I don't want her to be)!

So here's a Survival Guide if you're a parent to a teenage lady!

1. Remember you used to be a teen too
2. Invest in the best hair straightener for HER bad hair days
3. If she uses fake tan creams, buy cheap sheets, so it doesn't rub off on your beautiful egyptian cotton set
4. Get your hands on a gas mask for when perfume becomes important to her
5. Get used to the fact that you're ALWAYS wrong and old, and that's why you're wrong
6. Giving her make-up advice won't work, so be sneaky by giving her the right shades, or make-up magazines
7. Get used to no meals at the table
8. Keep your gym membership up to date, if you live in a house with more than one teenager. You'll need the strength to pull them apart!
9. Take a vow of silence - at least for when she has her friends round. It'll save you from the murderous glares
10. Being a friend to her friends on facebook is really their way to tie you into squabbles
11. Don't be afraid to get marriage counseling, the other significant other will be just a warn as you, and could blame you for your daughters actions
12. Finally,don't tell your teenager that you want to be the first to know when she becomes sexually active. She might actually take you up on it and tell you everything - and then you'll never get a decent night's sleep again.

Things, other than food, that can make ya pudgy

Stress
A recent study showed that 56% of stressed-out adolescents were obese! Stress makes us seek out comfort foods, and causes the body to store calories

Lack of Sleep
When your body needs energy, it asks for food. So if you're awake for 20 hours, you're going to eat a lot more than someone who's only awake for 16. Plus the metabolism slows down throughout the day, so being awake doesn't help that either!

Bills
This is a combination of stress and lack of sleep!

Chemicals...
Bisphenol A
This common chemical is a synthetic estrogen, which is used in a variety of plastics and in the lining of food and drink cans, can leach into foods (or directly into the bodies of babies chewing on teethers or toys) and 9 out of 10 people tested positive for it in their bodies! In humans, it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome in humans, possibly by interfering with a beneficial hormone. To avoid Bisphenol A, avoid No. 7 plastics, use a stainless steel reusable water bottle, limit your consumption of canned foods and drinks, don't microwave foods in plastic and look for products explicitly marked "BPA free."
PFOA and PFOS
Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate are the chemicals that make nonstick pans, grease-resistant paper and stain-resistant clothing, carpets and furniture withstand oils. Several studies have shown that the chemicals lead to lowered birth weight, but one showed that the initial drop in birth weight is followed by a rapid gaining of weight that is associated with obesity throughout life. To avoid these chemicals, think twice before buying stain-resistant and nonstick products (cast iron is one good alternative in the kitchen) and limit your intake of fast foods, microwave popcorn and other foods that may be wrapped in grease-proof paper.
Phthalates
These are found in soft plastics, fragrances and many other consumer products. The U.S. recently banned the use of several phthalates in children's products, because of evidence that early exposure affects the normal development of boys by reducing testosterone levels. One study showed that adult men with the most evidence of exposure to phthalates had fatter bellies. To get away from them, avoid No. 3 plastics, and scrutinize the ingredients of products for "fragrances" or the acronyms DBP, DEP, DMP, DEHP, BxBP or DMP — all of which signal the presence of phthalates.
Dioxins
Dioxin rains down after being emitted by smokestacks, tailpipes and fires, and it contaminates farms, leaving us to be exposed when we eat meat, dairy and fish products. One study showed that those who had been exposed to the highest levels of dioxins were five times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, that includes obesity, glucose intolerance and hypertension. To avoid exposure to dioxins, moderate your intake of beef, pork and dairy products, and choose lean cuts of meat to avoid dioxin stored in fats.
Pesticides
Among the suspects is tributyltin, which was used in anti-fungal boat paints and to kill pests on some food crops, and which may trigger obesity. On golf courses, workers who handled tricholorfon had an 85%-250% greater risk of developing diabetes, depending on how frequently they handled the chemical. Children born to mothers with higher levels of the pesticide hexachlorobenzene in cord blood were "significantly more likely to be overweight and obese" by the age of 6. To avoid these and other pesticides, avoid using insect and weed killers around the home, and avoid foods with the most pesticide residue.

Unusual Ways to budget!

It's back to school time which means you probably spent more than you budgeted... on school supplies, or you're a student working on a minuscule budget!
So here's some unusual budgeting tips!

Have Fewer Accounts and/or Cards
Trying to keep track of multiple bank accounts can land you in trouble. Some accounts come with rules about minimum balances, maintenance fees or the number of transactions allowed per period. Save the headache and maybe even fees, by cutting down the number of accounts and paying more attention to the few you have.

Buy in Bulk
Who would think paying more now could actually save you later? For items you use regularly, buying in bulk can actually save you money in the long run. For example, if bottled water is a staple in your household, then buying a case of 24 bottles today can cost you less than buying a bottle a day at the convenience store. Think about the items you can't live without and find out if they are offered in bulk to begin saving today.

Pay Bills at the Same Time
Many people do not want to pay all of their bills at the same time. Some try to stagger their payments to avoid dropping below a certain balance or to take advantage of float. The reality is that the money will be paid out anyway and float isn't what it used to be. You can adjust most of your due dates by calling your creditors. Paying them all at once can save time and confusion.

Treat Saving Like an Expense
Expenses are recurring items which have to be paid in order for services (i.e. electricity, cable and water) to continue. If you treat your savings like a bill, when it feels necessary to live, you're more likely to succeed at saving!

Use Cash
Credit cards are faster and easier to use, but when it comes to spending money, slow can be a good thing! Research shows people are more likely to spend less when they pay with cash. To those who think cash is outdated, think again. Cash never goes out of style. Plus, when the networks are down or the power goes out, merchants will only take cash!

Today is Scooby Doo day!

• The cartoon debuted on CBS September 13, 1969, and new episodes still air in syndication, making it the longest-running animated series ever.
• A CBS exec named the dog after hearing Frank Sinatra's nonsense line "Scooby-dooby-doo" in his hit song "Strangers in the Night."
• Scooby's human co-stars Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy were inspired by the "I Love A Mystery" radio show and the sitcom "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
• The show was originally titled "Mysteries Five And Who's Scared?" before bigwigs settled on "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?"
• The dog breed was chosen by a show artist, who was friends with the owner of an award-winning Great Dane.
• Scott Innes provided Scooby's voice for the movie. On TV, the talking Great Dane was voiced by Don Messick, who also provided the vocals for Bamm-Bamm of "The Flintstones" and Yogi Bear's buddy Boo-Boo.
• A young Dave Coulier was hired to supply various voices for the TV cartoon. Later, he starred with the Olsen twins on ABC's "Full House."
• Strict vegetarian Casey Kasem voices Shaggy on the TV and insists every snack his cartoon counterpart eats is completely meatless.
• Brainy Velma has never piloted the four-wheel-drive Mystery Machine van. At 15, she's not old enough to have a driver's license.
• In 1997, NASA scientists honored the series by dubbing a rock floating around Mars "Scooby-Doo."

Things to do in Greater Moncton this weekend!

Saturday

ATV Fundraiser - Held by the Havelock Boys and Girls Club
Registration 8-10am at 13 Cross St. with a 4pm start
$15 per hand with proceeds going to the club.
Prizes, door prizes, 50/50 and a BBQ!
Helmets are mandatory.
For more info call Jaunita 534-8298

Bid, Pig, 'n Boogie Fundraiser - for the Petitcodiac Preservation Association
Silent and live auction, pig roast, music, cash bar and more!
7-11pm at Riverview Lions Centre
$15 per person
Grab tickets at Campbell's Auto Sales - Riverview, or the Car Store - Moncton

Magnetic Hill Lions Club Breakfast - In support of Sick Childrens Fund
8-11am
Adults $6, under 12 $3, under 6 free... Family of 4 for $14

22nd Annual Tantramar Toys for Tos Motorcycle Run
Bikers are asked to bring a new toy or cash and arrive by 1pm at McDonalds in Sackville
1-2 Meet, greet and free burger
Ride starts at 2pm
Prizes, awards and more!
19+ concert starting at 8pm at Tantramar Civic Centre
For more info, www.thetoyrun.ca

Sunday

Joints in Motion - Hot Yoga Fundraiser!
At Barebones Yoga Studio, 16 Church St.
1-5pm, with classes running every hour
$10 for the first class, $5 for each class after
Bring a small food donation for participants after the classes.
Don't forget to bring a towel, water and yoga mat!

Toddler Statistics

According to a study of 3,000 parents of children aged one to four, here's some interesting toddler stats!

The following children bearing these names are more likely to throw tantrums, kick up a fuss and argue with their parents. Girls: Rose, Sophia, Victoria, Faith and Isabel. Boys: Corey, Jay, Bailey, Kyle and Kian.

However, there is hope for mothers and fathers with girls called Connie, Maddison and Rachel or boys named Finn, Christopher and Ewan as these are the best behaved.

The study also showed that 58% of girls and 56% of boys often throw tantrums. The average child, boy or girl, has up to three major strops a day - with the most popular time being mid-afternoon. Bedtime is the hardest time for parents with 30% of children throwing a tantrum.

While most outbreaks take place at home, the supermarket is the second.

1/20 parents feel able to laugh at the tantrum.

4% of mothers cry when their little one has an outburst.

6/10 parents say they know their children know exactly how to get their own way.

A Brilliant Gift!

This is the ultimate gift for those who like to burn the candle at both ends. A new necktie that contains an inflatable pillow. The Pillow Tie is available in over 60 'stylish' designs and looks just like a normal tie when deflated and worn with a suit. But it also holds a discreet air bag that can be blown-up in less than a breath. The tie does not even need to be removed from the neck. It can be deflated in seconds if the boss returns to the office and you want to appear busy. Pillow Tie can also be used to support your head against a train or tube window on the daily commute.

The Pillow Tie is available from Firebox.com and find-me-a-gift.com from October.

7 Sleep Stealing Foods

I blame it on the weather we've been having, but lots of us are getting restless nights lately. But food is also to blame... here's foods that keep ya awake.

Caffeine
Sure it's gotten you through countless all-nighters and pepped you up for that 8 a.m. Monday morning. But did you know that caffeine isn't actually giving your body any energy? Though caffeine does provide us with that feeling of alertness, it's just a stimulant.

Aged Cheese
Steer clear of Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and other hard cheeses, because the high levels of the amino acid tyramine are known to keep you up.

Spicy Foods
Who doesn't enjoy a spicy dinner every now and then? Unfortunately they don't feel so great come bedtime — especially if you're prone to heartburn, since lying down only amps up its side.

Processed or Smoked Meats
They actually contain high levels of tyramine and makes the brain release a chemical that makes us feel alert.

Alcohol
Even though it's a depressant, alcohol will, oddly enough, keep you up at night. "Many people use alcohol to help them relax, but it actually prevents your body from entering the deep stages of sleep.

Milk Chocolate
Most bars contains tyrosine, which is converted into dopamine — a stimulant, which causes alertness and restlessness and can keep you up at night.

Ginseng Tea
Herbal teas are great for sleeping, but steer clear of ginseng. It's been shown to act as a stimulant, and though some don't feel any effects from the tea, others experience insomnia and hypertension.

8 Things You Need to Get Rid of!

Hey, it's called a junk drawer for a reason. Say goodbye to these all-too-common space wasters.

1. Kitchen items you haven't used in a year or longer. If you've never used your 2nd blender, or the sandwich maker, odds are, you won't use them ever. Donate the bulky appliances and enjoy the extra space.

2. The entire contents of your junk drawer. Empty the drawer in a box, and if you use something from it, put it back in the drawer. At the end of a few weeks, throw the box out!

3. Clothes that no longer fit. Make more room for the wonderful clothes that do fit!

4. School work from high school or college. The material is most likely outdated, and the chances you'll refer to it again are slim. Save your favorite papers in an archival box, but toss the notebooks, texts, and handouts.

5. Baby gear. Safety standards change so quickly that car seats and cribs are generally outdated just a few years after they're manufactured. Plus, they take up a lot of room. Keep only if you're already working on baby number two.

6. Random receipts. If you don't know what they're for, or if they're for basic items that you don't need to record for taxes or expenses, get rid of them.

7. Half-used bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or makeup you tried only once. If you don't use it now, you won't like it in a few months' time.

8. Books you've never read, or books that you'll never re-read. Donate them and save space on your shelves for the books that speak to your soul.

Insanity at it's finest

While I believe driving slowly in school zones should be a no-brainer, I believe this is a little strange. If I was driving down the street and I saw this, I would probably slam on my breaks or veer, causing an accident infront of the school, instead of just slowing down to run 'the girl' over.

The bizarre 3D optical illusion is of a girl chasing after a ball and is painted on the road infront of École Pauline Johnson Elementary School in West Vancouver in Canada and will be accompanied by a sign which reads: ‘You’re probably not expecting kids to run into the road.’ (That's also not distracting!)
At a distance it just looks like a marking on the road but when the car is 30 metres away it appears to suddenly rise up from the road.

5 Ways Google Saves Our Relationships

Well at least we have google on our sides!

1. The "Undo Send" Mail Option

Whether you didn't finish your message, you regretted it after you sent it, or you sent it to the wrong person, you have about five seconds to click "Undo Send" to rescue your butt!

To get it: While logged into Gmail, click on "Settings" in the upper right. Then select the "Labs" tab and scroll down to "Undo Send." Select the "Enable" button, and then click on "Save Changes" at the top (or bottom) of the page.

2. The Shared Calendar

Who isn't busy these days? Why try to remember birthdays, deadlines, and special events... when there's something that can do it for you?? This calendar is great for groups of people, like families or co-workers. You edit the shared calendar from your own accounts, but you can also set specific events to Private so others can't see them.

To get it: Visit google.com/calendar, or simply click on the Calendar link on the top left of your page while logged into Gmail. It's also under the "More" option if you're on Google's homepage.

3. The Cell-Phone Reminder

If you live for your cell-phone, why not use it to remind yourself of upcoming events? From the Shared Calendar... it sends you a text message alerting you of a to-do that's approaching. You can set the SMS reminder farther in advance too.

To get it: When you create a new event in your calendar, select "Edit Event Details" and then look for the SMS Reminder under "Options." You'll have to verify your phone number first, though, under "Settings."

4. Chat Off the Record

By chatting "off the record," not only do you prevent the chat from being saved in your account, but it won't show up in their chat record either. It's like doing damage control before embarrassment strikes.

To get it: While in Chat, select "Options" in the bottom left corner of your Chat screen. Choose "Go Off the Record."

5. Mail Goggles

After a few cocktails, a late-night love note (or a ticked-off message) might seem like a good idea. But ya might regret that in the morning! If you enable this feature on your Gmail settings, you're required to answer some simple math problems before you can proceed with your e-mail message. Hopefully soon they invent this for cell phones!

To get it: While logged into Gmail, click on "Settings" in the upper right. Then select the "Labs" tab and scroll down to "Mail Goggles." Select the "Enable" button, and then click on "Save Changes" at the top (or bottom) of the page. Then select "Settings" again to edit which days and times you'd like Gmail to step in and double check that you want to send that e-mail. Otherwise, it defaults to Friday and Saturday night between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

How to cope with Empty Nest Syndrome

School is back in session! And for some of you, your kids have left the nest for school. While some parents are already picking out new paint for the new study or craft room, others gaze in their childrens room with a haze of tears and are left with Empty Nest Syndrome.
So here are some ways to cope:

• Plan Ahead: Bidding farewell to your child is a major life transition. Plan for it. This is a time to look ahead to the dreams you’ve delayed, the things you’ve always wanted to try or places you’ve yearned to visit. But at the very least, fill your calendar with work and volunteer obligations, and social engagements with your friends and spouse. Keep busy.

• The Importance of Friends: No one understands what it feels like better than someone who's going through it too, so gather up the folks who get it - friends who are going through or have gone through the same process. Go for coffee, go for a walk, throw an "Empty Nest Party" or whatever... be creative!
  

• Rekindle Romance: Romance can be torn down by years of exhaustion and kid-related obligations. So take the time, long before your kids leave and certainly in the months leading up to their departure, to nurture your marriage. Date your spouse. Reconnect. Take the time to rediscover why you fell in love in the first place.

• Rekindle Friendships: Throw a party, schedule a coffee date, renew old friendships with parents going through the same stage of life.

• Volunteer: You've spent the last decade helping others, and even if you started volunteering because a kindergarten teacher "guilted" you into it, you kept doing it because some part of you loved it. So translate that into another form: volunteer at your local library, museum or food bank; join a town committee; work for Habitat for Humanity; the list and the needs are endless. You'll be helping your community, keeping busy and meeting new people, many of whom are going through the same life transition.

• Nurture Your Extended Family: Parenting young children is an exhausting, exhilarating ride. Now, enjoy the extra time you have to enjoy your own siblings and reach out to extended family. (And if you still have younger children at home, remember that even younger siblings get the empty nest blues.)

• Rediscover Yourself: You’ve juggled work and home for decades. But it's your turn now. Pull out that list - surely you have one, if only in your imagination - and pick something. Salsa dancing? Penguin gazing in Antarctica? A master's degree? It's your turn.

Common Kissing Offences!

I am shocked that people in their 20's and 30's can still be bad kissers! Don't be afraid to tell people they're bad, or they'll never get better! Here are the 5 most common bad kissers...

The first sign of a bad kisser is the inability to respond to feedback. If you’re not getting a positive response, don’t be afraid to stray from a move that you thought worked on someone else. Bad kissers often make the mistake of hoping you’ll grow to like whatever weird thing they’re doing. This almost never works and almost always leaves your lover bemoaning your inexperience.

The Vampire Lip-Sucker
If you start sucking on, and then biting someone's lower lip, and they pull away, that means they don't like it! While a soft little nibble can be sexy, doing it 10 times in a row can leave your date looking like they got punched in the mouth.

The Speed Racer
Another common attribute of a bad kisser is out-of-sync kisses that don’t match the other person’s rhythm. Just as relationships are about finding a happy medium, kissers should try to conform to a mutual speed. If you're kissing faster then a techno beat, or you look like a pigeon... that's a BAD sign!

I Have A Tongue, Too, Thank You
This is someone who has a knack for filling their partners mouth with their whole tongue, which is completely uncomfortable for the recipient. We can't reciprocate if we can't move our tongue!

The Vacuum
This the opposite of the previous smoocher — they suck your tongue right out of your mouth and hold onto it. Again, completely uncomfortable! Unless you know exactly the amount of suction to exert and the duration to hold your partner’s tongue captive (hint: it’s not five minutes), you’re treading into Bad Kisser territory.

The Cheek Licker
Licking your date’s cheek will leave them either grossed out or laughing in your face. Licking people’s faces isn’t hot. (I don’t care if your gf/bf in freshman year loved it; she was one in a million.) When it comes to kissing, the tongue should make contact with two (and only two) places above the shoulders besides the mouth: the neck and the ear. But if you shoot for these erogenous zones, don’t overdo it. Wet willies and hickeys are for amateurs.

New TV Shows to watch out for this season!

Blue Bloods - Another cop show, but the dynamics of this new series sounds interesting: the idea is to explore the idea of masculinity through the relationships of an NYPD dynasty. A righteously mustachioed Tom Selleck stars as the force chief struggling to live up to the legacy of his father (Len Cariou), while Donnie Wahlberg gets the juicy role of his son, who is also an Iraq War veteran.
Starts: September 24, 2010

Boardwalk Empire - An HBO series, set in Atlantic City, during the Prohibition Era. Starring Steve Buscemi, who is in politics, but lives the gangsta life! The show is adapted from Nelson Johnson's book, Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City. The pilot episode was directed by Martin Scorsese and he is expected to continue to be creatively involved in the ongoing production.
Starts: September 19, 2010

The Defenders - Set in Las Vegas, involves a pair of defense attorneys (Jim Belushi and Jerry O'Connell) who go all out to help their clients, while keeping their personal lives in order.
Starts: September 22, 2010

The Event - Follows Sean Walker (Jason Ritter), a man who, while investigating the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend, ends up unraveling the biggest cover-up in U.S. history; a cover-up which shapes the very core of mankind as a whole, whose implications are lifechanging.
Starts: September 20, 2010

Men With Brooms - A new Canadian sitcom that's an adaptation of the 2002 film. Starring Brendan Gall, William Vaughan and the show's producer, Paul Gross, will narrate and make occasional appearances as Chris Cutter, his character in the original movie.
Starts: September sometime lol (We Canadians have our stuff together!)

Running Wilde - Billed as an "Arrested Development" reunion and stars Will Arnett. The role of an arrogant, developmentally arrested playboy fits Arnett like a glove. As the series opens, his character is pining for a childhood sweetheart (Keri Russell) whose liberal worldview clashes with his capitalist-raider ethos.
Starts: September 21, 2010

$#*! My Dad Says - A sitcom starring William Shatner, about Ed who is a very opinionated 72-year-old and has been divorced 3 times. His two adult sons, Henry and Vince, are accustomed to his unsolicited and often politically incorrect rants. When Henry, a struggling writer and blogger, can no longer afford his rent, he is forced to move back in with Ed, which creates new issues in their tricky father-son relationship.
Starts: September 23, 2010

Hellcats - A cheerleading teen drama, starring Ashley Tisdale and Matt Barr. It's based on the book Cheer: Inside the Secret World of College Cheerleaders by journalist Kate Torgovnick.
Starts: September 8, 2010

How colors are good for you!

A psychologist did a 15 year study, and came up with how colors affect us!

• Red energizes both the mind and body. To work more efficiently, keep a bright red object close by and look at it regularly. You'll get waited on sooner in bank lines and restaurants if you wear red because it's a bold color that demands attention.
• Green has a deep subconscious association with wealth. Look at a green lawn or tree leaves to help you generate money-making ideas. When applying for a loan wear green to your interview.
• Yellow stimulates memory. When trying to recall someone's name or where you put your keys, look at a yellow bandana or an unpeeled lemon. To retain information, write it on a yellow legal pad.
• Blue relaxes us. Look at the sky or at the ocean when you're dressed. Wearing a blue shirt or sweater makes others feel more comfortable around you.
• Pink has an amazingly positive effect on the immune system. To stay healthy or fight the beginnings of a cold or flu, surround yourself with pink.
• Gray is great for helping you get out of yourself. When personal problems threaten to overwhelm you, look at a charcoal gray cloth or object to slow your self-centered thoughts and make you more objective. Wearing gray can make you blend into a crowd.
• Violet is associated with confidence and personal power. Next time you have to take on a difficult task, especially one involving other people, look at a violet pastel painting or cloth. Violet will also help you command respect from those around you, but don't overdue it. A violet shirt or jacket is going too far. Better to sport a violet tie or scarf.
• White is the color of purity. Looking at clean white pillowcases, nice fluffy clouds or newly driven snow will help you fight temptation and resist bad habits. For reasons not completely understood, wearing white makes women sexually attractive to men, but women regard men who wear the color as less sexy and more brainy.

10 Easy Ways to Get Credit

1. Get a Secured Credit Card. The fastest, cheapest and easiest way to establish a credit history is with a secured credit card. Since there’s no risk to the lender because you’ve put up the cash to cover your balance, secured cards are great for new borrowers or people trying to re-establish credit after a bankruptcy.

Lenders usually want twice the credit card limit. So if you want a $500 credit limit, you’ll have to ante up $1,000. Once you’ve established your ability to manage the card – anywhere from six months to a year – you can ask for the security requirement to be dropped and your deposit returned.

2. Get a gas or department store card. These are often easier to get and can be good ways to establish credit. You must pay your bills in full and on time because the interest rates on these cards are often astronomical. But as long as you don’t miss a payment – which you never will, right? – it makes no difference what the interest rate is. Use these cards wisely and they can be a great credit builder.

3. Borrow for an RRSP. Borrowing money to contribute to an RRSP is a great way to establish a credit history. While the RRSP cannot officially be used as collateral for the loan, lenders know where to find their money so approvals come more easily and the interest rate won’t be horrendous. Make sure you only borrow as much as you can afford to repay in six months. How much you borrow doesn’t mean much; repaying the loan quickly without a misstep does. Don’t let anyone talk you into more. Once the six months are up, use the amount you were using to repay the loan as your month retirement savings contribution. Now you’re building up your assets, which will be good for your credit history too.

4. Get a co-signer. If you can find someone who loves you enough to put their credit history at risk for you, do it. Make sure the loan history is being reported in your name and not the co-signer’s.

5. Put up collateral. If you have something a lender can sell to get back his money, you’re more likely to get credit. Collateral comes in all sorts of forms: from the car you’re buying to those GICs you’ve got stashed away, if you have something a lender values, you’re in the money.
Of course, getting credit is only the first step to building a credit history. How you use that credit will be the real test.

6. Pay all your bills on time. Yes, including your cell phone bill, since some cell providers report to the credit bureau. Setting up pre-authorized payments is a great way to ensure payments are made on time.

7. Avoid applying for credit too often. Since repeated requests for credit may be interpreted as a sign that you’re in trouble and need a way to cover your butt, this will adversely affect your credit score.

8. Charge regularly and pay off in full. Responsible on-going use of credit will produce a good credit rating. Just having your card sit in your wallet does nothing to add positively to your record.

9. Don’t over-expose yourself. Having multiple forms of credit with small balances can add up quickly and become unmanageable.

10. Don’t use credit to pay off credit. Taking cash advances on one card to make payments on another means you’re in over your head. Cut back on your spending, pay off your debt and get back to the business of using credit to keep your record active and healthy, not to spend money you haven’t yet earned.

5 Latest Scams to Watch Out For

Skimming at the pump and ATMs

How it works: You use your debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM or pay at the pump when you fill up your tank. However, before you got there, criminals installed a small device in the machine to record your card's information and your PIN number. The crooks can then use the data to clone your card and withdraw cash from your account.

This scam isn't new, but it's been gaining popularity during the busy summer travel season, according to Consumer Reports . Thanks to their tiny size and Bluetooth technology, these nearly invisible skimming devices easily go undetected at the pumps and ATMs. It's easy for crooks to access terminals after hours when no one is looking.

How to fight it: Look closely before you perform a transaction, even at your own bank. If you see anything suspicious, alert the bank or gas station owner. Don't forget to shield the pad when typing in your PIN, and change those PINs every month or two to keep crooks guessing. If you're wary at the pump, pay inside instead.

Fake order confirmations

How they work: You receive an email from a well-known company confirming an order you supposedly placed for an expensive product. You may think someone has gotten a hold of your account or credit card information, and your first reaction is to follow the links to check your order history or to contact customer service to find out what's going on.

However, instead of solving the problem, you end up with a bigger one: a virus or other malware on your computer. These scams may also direct you to a spam website or phishing site.

So far, some pretty big names like Amazon.com and Zappo's have been spoofed in these schemes, forcing companies and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to issue warnings. The emails are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often use legitimate email addresses, links and graphics.

How to fight them: Like other potentially damaging spam emails, the best thing to do is delete them. Don't reply, don't click on any of the links and never give out any personal or financial information. If you're concerned, check your bank and credit card statements before taking action.

If you do open the message or click on something you shouldn't have, experts advise to run your anti-virus scan just to be on the safe side.

Facebook "dislike" button (and other viral scams)

How it works: Experts are warning there's no such thing as an "official dislike button." That doesn't mean you won't see prompts to download this rogue application, or posts claiming your contacts are using it. The application will access your profile and spread the scam to your friends, family and coworkers. You might even be asked to fill out a survey first - for which the crooks earn some cash.

According to experts, the dislike button is the latest in a series of viral scams that usually feature fraudulent links to shocking or funny content.

How to fight it: Experts advise caution when using any social media site. Ignore suspicious sounding ads, links and invites, even if they come from friends and followers. Beware of any generic updates in your news feed that seem out of character (like "OMG I just saw the funniest video. Lol.") or sound more like ad-speak than a legitimate status update. Be cautious about giving out your information or allowing any application you're not familiar with to access your data.

Fortunately, the consequences of this particular Facebook scam are more embarrassing than dangerous. If you are caught, go into your application settings and delete the application.

Grandchildren in trouble

How it works : The stories vary - it could be a car crash, an arrest, kidnapping or other disaster - but the premise is the same. The crook calls claiming to be grandchild who is in trouble and needs cash immediately. When seniors are caught off-guard and surprised, the impersonations can sound surprisingly plausible. Sometimes the caller has done their homework on social media sites for details to lend truth to their tales, other times they'll take cues from the grandparents, like asking "do you know who this is?" to get a name.

According to media reports, this scam has been spreading across Canada after becoming well-established in the U.S. Victims have been tapped for sums as high as several thousand dollars, and some were even approached a second time.

How to fight it : This scam typically targets seniors. If you know someone who may be at risk, experts advise to talk about the scam and how to react to a call. The best response is simply to hang up. If the call upsets you or you think it might be real, write down the details and call the grandchild's family to confirm his or her whereabouts. Chances are your loved one is safe and sound.

Acai berry products and other "free trials"

How they work : Superfoods are all the rage, and acai berries promise to help you lose weight, combat aging and even fight against colon cancer. The Internet is full of ads for free trials of these expensive supplements - so what have you got to lose? After all, they must be good because they appear on popular websites and they've got a picture of Oprah Winfrey or Rachael Ray, right?

Unfortunately, the products usually aren't what they claim to be - many contain additives, fillers, undeclared pharmaceuticals (like laxatives) and potentially harmful contaminants. Those free trials quickly turn into expensive monthly shipments that are difficult to stop.

These schemes have been around for a while, but they've become so problematic that agencies like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are openly saying they're scams. Currently, the FTC is toughening up its crackdown on these product providers.

How to fight them: Don't give in to temptation. If you want to try acai berry products, purchase them from a reputable store or business - but you might want to do your research first. While acai berries are a good source of anti-oxidants, there's no proof they'll help you lose weight or fight off specific diseases like colon cancer.

If you do plan to take advantage of any free trial, experts advise to make sure to read the details thoroughly and know what you're getting into. Pay by credit card instead of debit so you'll have the option of disputing the charges later on.

Perhaps we can't avoid all the scams out there, but we're better able to avoid them when armed with the right information. If you or someone you know is approached or caught by any scam, experts recommend reporting it so that others can be warned too. Crooks rely on people being too embarrassed to contact police or anti-fraud organizations about the crime.

Wacky Things Celebs Do To Look Good

Victoria Beckham - Geisha facial... sounds elegant! But it's better known as the bird poop facial. It incorporates the droppings of Nightingales and is believed to soften, brighten, and nourish dull-looking skin. As if that weren't enough, she apparently lathers up her hands and feet in lotion and tuck them into gloves and socks before bedtime. Talk about pain over beauty-how's she supposed to snuggle up to Becks like that?

Jessica Simpson, Gweneth Paltrow and Katie Holmes - Their beauty secrets are based on ancient Asian treatments. It involves Chinese Pu-erh tea and cupping, a blood detoxifying method that involves a vacuum seal leaving painful welts behind.

J-Lo - French beauty weapon Crème De La Mer is a favourite among celebs, but Jennifer Lopez takes her love to the extreme. It's rumoured that she slathers her body in the cream from head-to-toe. At $1,400 per jar, she is clearly serious about skincare.


Demi Moore - The age-defying actress admitted on The Late Show With David Letterman that she has used leeches to detoxify her blood. The treatment was part of a cleanse she tried in Austria and Moore insists it was for the best.

Jennifer Aniston - In addition to a tight fitness regime, news recently broke about Aniston's dietary restrictions. While the actress denies eating baby food, her trainer Tracy Anderson told Marie Claire UK that her client is eating puréed foods, which is basically the same thing.

Reese Witherspoon - The secret to her gorgeous, glowing skin is simple: sunscreen. But unlike most skincare savvy gals, Reese is rumoured to use Polypodium leucotomos oral supplements, which is extracted from an ancient fern plant, to give her UV protection an added boost.

Christina Aguilera - The 7-Day Colour Diet. The food plan allows you to consume one colour per day, so all-white foods on Monday, purple Tuesdays, etc., claiming you'll find an X-tina-like figure at the end of the rainbow.

5 Worst Skin Mistakes

Found on MSN

1. I'm too tired to cleanse (I've never said that... yeah right!)
The 2 minutes it takes to cleanse before bed helps ensure a fresh-faced look for years. Sleeping with dirt, oil, and/or makeup on causes acne and enlarged pores. To easily remove debris, keep no-rinse face wipes in your nightstand.


2. SPF is for summer (with 4 seasons, it made sense... no?)
Exposure to UVA rays, the primary culprit behind aging, happens all year long. And because they can penetrate glass, you're susceptible even when you're indoors. The number one way to guard against this and keep skin looking youthful: Every day, use a sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF 30 that's labeled broad-spectrum. For the best protection, choose one that contains either avobenzone, Helioplex, Mexoryl, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

3. Products are too pricey (isn't that the truth! But I do believe my skin is worth it)
To save, shop at drugstores. Studies show that mass products are as effective as (and sometimes more than!) more expensive lines. Look for active ingredients, not fancy labels. The most effective anti-agers include retinoids, AHAs, peptides, vitamin C, and hydrators such as hyaluronic acid.

4. My efforts are futile
It can take at least 8 weeks to see the results of many ingredients, so give products time to deliver their benefits. Another must: Incorporate new products slowly—one about every 2 months. Your skin needs to build up a tolerance to aggressive anti-agers. Going overboard can cause inflammation, which accelerates fine lines, brown spots, and sagging.

5. My skin is too sensitive
Getting rid of dead cells helps soften wrinkles and brighten skin, but aggressive scrubs can lead to redness and irritation. To slough safely, choose a chemical exfoliator, such as glycolic acid, or gentle cleansing beads. Avoid scrubs with an uneven texture, such as walnut shells. Exfoliate just once or twice a week; if you're using an OTC or Rx retinoid or AHA, it alone provides sufficient skin sloughing.