The IKEA Lamp

There is a good chance you have this lamp in your home. Why? Because it's cheap, sturdy, and stylish. Three things many consumers look for. Did I mention it's cheap?

You have probably seen this lamp in many homes. I like to say over 90% of people have this in their home (which may not actually be that far off...). I even noticed this lamp in my parents' house one day. You've probably seen it on TV or in a film, making an appearance in characters' homes. I now like to look in the background and see if I can spot it.

I have had my lamp for about four years and it is still going strong. I got it because I was a graduate student and it was very affordable. Luckily, it has been a really good long-term purchase.

The shade part is plastic, though looks glass. The stand is metal. It breaks down into pieces and is easy to put together (unlike some IKEA furniture). If you are looking for a cute and affordable lamp for your new place, check this lamp out (and try not to get lost in the store).

We don't need to wear bras???

What I can remember as being the one negative about wearing a bra, is to make sure you take it off at night or it will give you breast cancer. Remember this rumor, that has proven time and time again to be false? Well, turns out, wearing a bra, in general, is not good.

Not only does wearing a bra apparently not provide any benefits, but it may actually cause problems. A 15-year study was conducted in France and the results revealed that bras are just another annoying device invented by a man (see bikinis and high heels).

We thought bras helped fight sagginess? Nope. Apparently, we prevent ourselves from developing muscle tissue that provides support. This can actually contribute to saggy boobies.

Oh yeah, and if you have already worn a bra for decades, it is too late for you, so don't go ahead with your bra burning.

The researcher used 300 women ages 18-35...um, 35? That's it? At least the researcher acknowledged this sample may not be representative of the general population.

Victoria's Secret must be pissed. Now there is no need to buy their fifty dollar bras! Especially the ones with all this new technology that is suppose to enhance the bra experience (Although I still find VS bras to be my favorite). Maybe, retailers are behind the whole campaign of making women believe they need to wear a bra?

I still see some positives to bra-wearing though...

Uh, false advertising anyone? This, I'm not gonna lie, is my main purpose for a bra. If you are an A-cup, there really is no other need for a bra. They don't really jiggle or bounce or need to be kept in place. Mostly, you just need to lift them, so it appears you have a bit more than you actually do. :) But these are also probably the main ones that don't need a bra. Which brings me to wondering about how breast size affects the need for a bra...

Now, hold up. I read about this study, and was skeptical and had some questions. So, I went to try to find the journal article to read the details of the study. I couldn't find it! I looked all over for the actual journal article. Oh guess what, it hasn't been published!! The media articles written about the study say that it it does not mention breast size, which I think is one of the big limitations of the study. I wonder if this study will be published or if the researcher will conduct more..

So to summarize this research: a dude got to get up close and personal with ladies' ta-tas for 15 years. How difficult that must have been.

Now we're expected to flirt on the plane?

After some thought and consideration, I have decided that I do not like this new mile-high development.

Virgin America has announced that, while in-flight, you can send drinks, snacks, and messages to crushes that you develop on a plane.

Like in a that-person-caught-my-eye-and-I-want-to-let-them-know way.

The goal is to help you flirt. 

Now, I see the appeal. 

A lot of people have probably had flirty or missed-connection experiences on planes. But let's stop and think about the receiver of these flirty drinks and messages for a moment. What if you do not return their affection and they continue to send you things? In any other situation, you can pretty much distance yourself from the guy-who-can't-take-a-hint. But there's only so far you can go on a plane and usually it's not outside of your seat! 

Besides, who develops a full-on crush from just eyeing someone on a plane briefly? 

CREEPERS DO!

Also, they should probably expect more mile-high club attempts to develop as a result of this service. 

Jeans for the Shorties

As someone who is 5'1.5" (the half inch is very important), finding clothes that fit, without alteration, can be difficult. Particularly in the pants department (or trouser department, if you're British). A lot of retailers only sell their pants, particularly jeans, in one inseam length (or two, with the other length being Tall!). This is frustrating. I believe people of all heights enjoy pants (yes?). I don't like having to buy jeans and then pay more to have them altered. I've taken to working on my sewing skills so I can make at least inseam (with original inseam) alterations myself.

That being said, there are some retailers and brands that have their styles of denim in different inseam lengths. Typically long, regular, and short (Sidenote: Why is it called REGULAR size??). However, in terms of fit, some brands' petite jeans are better than others. It is sometimes easier to just buy pants that only come in one length because they will overall fit (except for length), while some petite pants will fit lengthwise, but the sizing of them is completely different. So when I find short-length jeans that fit, I'm in for life.

Now, a lot of premium-brand denim only have one to two inseam lengths, which is a disappointment and also has them miss out on customers. OR they will have only one or two styles with shorter inseams. OR their "short" inseam is not actually short (32" is not short length to me). This allows mid-range price point brands to succeed in making stylish and well-fitting jeans and getting the petite customer other brands are missing out on.

One of these brands that I have been a customer of for awhile is American Eagle. The sell most (not all) of their pants at different inseam lengths. Their short length has been perfect for me. No alterations necessary.They even have ankle-length ones that are made for the shorties! I have multiple jeans from them and they continue to be my favorite short- length retailer! I also appreciate how they have many different styles and stay up-to-date on trends so that I'm not stuck to a couple styles.

                                                                                               Photo Source: ae.com

My most recent pair is an example of a current trendy style/color. I got the jegging ankle in desert lavender from American Eagle. I love them!! What are some other good short-length brands?

WOTD

"Prevening"- Sheldon Cooper, BBT

The time between late afternoon and evening. For example, 4:30 pm.

Jack Carroll is hilarious!

I adore this kid.

My Hangover Cure

We've all been there. The "I hate my life" morning (or full day) after a night of fun. Hangovers can be the worst. It can take you too long to recover and can even be a struggle to get out of bed the next day. So I worked on finding something that helped me with my hangover. They may be rare for me, but when they do happen, I regret my previous life choices. This helps ease that regret a little (hopefully it's one of those nights where this is the only thing you regret).

Now, I'm not claiming this is the answer to all "a little too much" drinking or will magically make you feel like you did no drinking the night before. But it should allow you to actually get out of bed in the morning (which on days like those, can be your biggest accomplishment). The best part is you probably already have these items.

The most important part of this "cure" is to take it before you go to bed. It won't help much if you take it in the morning. Its "magical" powers work overnight. :)

The "Cure":

2 Advil pills
1 Vitamin B
2 Alka-Seltzer tablets (in water)

Step 1: I take the Advil and Vitamin B pill and then follow by drinking the Alka-Seltzer (you can use it to take the pills, but I like to get as much water in me as possible).
Step 2: Sleep.
Step 3: Wake up, feeling "not quite as fresh" as a daisy

This is what works for me. I noticed a huge difference the first time I tried these together before I went to sleep after drinking. It may work for you, or you may have to find your own "cure." Give it a try.

*Along with this, you should try to drink as much water as you can!!

"Get yourself some Alka-Seltzer..." (you know it)