Blog Posts by DivineCaroline

The Weird Gunk in Your Makeup—For Real
Although most ingredients are harmless, some substances in cosmetics do raise an eyebrow or two. Like formaldehyde, for example. Recently, California's Department of Toxic Substances Control found that even nail polishes that claimed to be free of the "toxic three"-formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene-contained the substances. (For the record, most major polish manufacturers have come out and said that surely their polishes were fine and they never lied. Ahem.)

But harmful carcinogens and unidentifiable chemicals aside, there's still weird stuff lurking in cosmetics. Stuff that's not necessarily toxic, but definitely strange. Stuff like this:


Crushed-Up Bugs
Carmine is a natural red dye. Natural equals good, right? Well good in the sense that's been around for a long, long time, but bad in the sense that it's made from crushed beetle shells. Yes, carmine (sometimes called crimson lake or cochineal) is derived from the crushed exoskeletons of tiny female beetles. Some people

5 Dating-Profile Clichés and What They Really Mean
In the world of dating, and especially online dating, it can be hard to separate the ones you'll click with from the ones with personalities that resemble un-buttered toast. It doesn't help that for some reason, listing interests in a text box often causes people to resort to clichés and platitudes that reveal nothing about their true selves. If you're inclined to message someone who astonishingly shares your "sarcastic sense of humor" and love for "exploring," beware. Those seemingly innocuous statements may actually indicate that he's a complete dullard. Here are some of the most common online dating phrases decoded.

Must Love Vulcans: Nine Niche Dating Sites

He writes: I'm very sarcastic.
What it really means: I'm not sarcastic at all; I only think I am.
The reasoning: Much like people who claim to be laid back and easy-going, anyone who has to point out what type of sense of humor he has, doesn't have one.

He writes: I'm looking for an easygoing girl who likes to have fun and

Going to a wedding this summer? Or three? Or sixteen? Seriously-sometimes summer can seem like one long parade of white tulle and rubbery chicken. But while wedding season can be a drain on your time and your budget, it can also be really, really fun!

Couples spend countless hours meticulously curating a wedding that will represent their delightful uniqueness and impeccable taste, so the very least we onlookers can do is analyze and speculate about what all these choices say about them. A vegetarian meal? Hippies. A church wedding followed by a country club reception? Have fun driving a minivan in two years. Bridesmaids in matching dresses, shoes, pedicures, manicures, hairstyles, and lipsticks? Umm, control freak?

That first dance that a couple makes provides a ripe opportunity for projection and speculation. If you hear any of these songs at weddings this summer, here's a completely, 100 percent, unassailably foolproof analysis of what it really means.

"At Last," sung by Etta James

9 Healthy Foods That Pack on the Pounds
Just because a food is healthy doesn't mean it's not fattening. In fact, some of the most nutritious foods come with serious calorie counts-with good reason. Considering calories are "energy," it makes sense that a lot of "natural foods" or "health foods" would be high in energy; After all, animals that eat them can be quickly and efficiently nourished. But since we're not squirrels storing nuts for winter-or even a rainy day-you'll want to watch your intake of the following nutritious foods, unless, that is, you are intending to gain weight.

1. Nuts and seeds
High in protein, "good" fats, and, in many cases, antioxidants, nuts are a spectacular addition to any diet, provided you don't eat too many. After all, ½ cup of almonds is about 410 calories, while the same amount of macadamia nuts is closer to 470 calories.

2. Dried fruit
Many dried fruits are dusted with sugar, which only escalates the already-impressive amount of calories in these dehydrated delicacies. But even with no

Slim for Summer: Sneaky Ways to Burn CaloriesBy the time June arrives, I'm ready to get outside whenever and however I can. My usual activities-whether I'm reading a book or fitting in a workout-are exponentially more enjoyable in the fresh summer air, beneath the warm sun (as long as it's not too hot, of course). All winter long, I trudge through my cardio routine, avoiding the rain and early nightfall by burning calories on the stationary bike and treadmill. But now, it's summer, and that means not only that we can get our hearts pumping outdoors, but also that we can do so by engaging in a variety of activities beyond the usual gym repertoire.

In search of something beyond the routine slog on the treadmill or the obvious outdoor run, I sought out some pastimes (and even chores) that don't instantly conjure up visions of exercise but actually offer legitimate calorie-burning opportunities.

The Best Running Surfaces: Why What's Underfoot Matters

In the Water
Sure, we've all heard that swimming laps and water aerobics will keep

Ties. Tool kits. "World's Greatest Dad" trophies. After kids have been out of the "macaroni-glitter-art-project" years, fathers tend to accumulate a lot of the typical Father's Day gifts.

Of course ties, tools, and trophies are all nice, but this year, don't resort to one of these cliché gifts. Get your dad something he'll really enjoy. No matter what kind of dad you have-sports nut or scholar, geek or golf fanatic-we've found something that will be perfect for him.

Father's Day Gift for the Metrosexual
1. For the Metrosexual
Some dads get manicures, and that's okay. If your dad is more into shopping and skincare than mowing the lawn, get him a personalized shaving set. This luxe razor/brush duo(complete with a stand) features imitation ivory handles that can be emblazoned with his initials. (Fusion Contemporary Shaving Set, $255, Theartofshaving.com)

Father's Day Gift for the Golfer
2. For the Golfer
Yes, golf gifts feel like tired standbys, but some dads really do like golf. If you've already given yours every single rangefinder, cart accessory,

Is Your Snoring a Warning Sign?
Snoring can be more than a nuisance or source of conflict in a relationship. It can be a warning sign of a serious problem or medical condition that, if ignored, could cost the offending sleeper his or her life. Following are five possible conditions that should encourage you to investigate the source of any loud sleeping in your household.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Also known as OSA, this clinical term describes what happens when the back of the throat relaxes and closes during sleep, causing obstructed breathing. The air that does get through causes a vibration within the throat that sounds like snoring. The notion of not getting enough oxygen while sleeping is bad enough. But as clarified below, the condition is also linked to higher risks of heart attacks and strokes for people with cardiovascular disease.

Rest Easy: Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep

High Blood Pressure
The yin to the above condition's yang, there is a higher prevalence of high blood pressure in people who

Summer's all about swimming pools and sunshine … so why would you even think about buying a winter coat?

Because they're incredibly cheap this time of year.

It's true-certain items are more expensive at certain times of the year, and less expensive than others. For example, if you buy a new car in October, you'll probably end up paying far more for it than if you buy it close to Christmas, or the following September. Because of fluctuating demand, new models, and pressure from holidays, there are great deals to be had all year long, as long as you're not tied to buying the latest, greatest version. If you're not, summer's here, and the time is right to buy these ten items.

Early Summer:
1. Cookwear
During wedding season, dishes and kitchen accessories are popular gifts. Luckily, cashiers don't ask to see invitations to prove you're not "gifting" yourself.

2. A Gym Membership
Many exercisers would rather be outdoors when the weather's nice, and by June, the pressure from New Year's