Blog Posts by The_Stir

Flickr photo by wonderferretQuestion: What is it with guys and boobs? Seriously. I don't get it. Are men really that enthralled with these two pieces of female flesh? If so -- why?

Answer: Ya know, there are some things in life that just aren't meant to be understood. The duck-billed platypus. In-laws. Celery. How Charlie Sheen gets work. So trust me when I say, yes, absolutely, men are really that enthralled with those two pieces of female flesh.

No, seriously. We are. Some more than others -- or at least more obvious than others -- but we are.

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As for the why, well, that's a trickier question, and one probably better answered by an anthropologist or psychologist or pathologist. There are as many theories as there are stars in the sky.

Some say the love affair begins when we breastfeed. Others say it's because we weren't breastfed. I've heard that it has to do with the fact that they're always visible but still hidden, and I've read that the

Flickr photo by digipamAbout a year ago, I finally did something I'd been curious about for years.

I got a Brazilian bikini wax.

And yes, it was every bit as awkward and frightening as I'd been led to believe.

You can read the intimate and awkward details of the experience in this column I wrote about getting a Brazilian wax.

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In short, though, I lay down on a table, exposed it all to a total stranger (who was one of the best in town, by the way -- I'm not going the bargain route when it comes to my hoo ha!), and endured hot wax being poured you-know-where and then ripped off. It didn't end until every last hair was gone.

Honestly, it sounds like some sort of ancient torture technique, doesn't it?

One year later, I haven't been back. Want to know why?

For one thing, I didn't think it looked that great. I felt especially naked and vulnerable when I was ... naked and vulnerable.

For another, when I read that I

Unique Vintage; $30Memorial Day cookouts may be a time to look casual, but you don't have to forgo style just because you're (wo)manning the grill.

In fact, you can go for the ultimate in style and steal Charlotte's Sex and the City 2 look with this Audrey Cupcakes hostess apron made by Jessie Steele sold at Unique Vintage. The little cherry cupcakes with pink piping brighten up a BBQ, and the bow detail is what makes it oh, so Charlotte.

Of course, you'll enjoy whipping up a batch of sweets indoors once the grill is scraped and put away as well.

Loving the apron as accessory over party dress.

Charlotte in Sex and the City

Bonus! You'll get 20 percent off the cupcakes apron for the hostess with the most-est when you enter "hostess."

Jessie Steele Vintage Audrey Cupcake Apron ($30) -- Unique Vintage

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Memorial Day Sales & Discounts!

What to Wear to See Sex and The City 2

Craving Grill Gadgets? Try the Steel Smoker.

Written by April Peveteaux for CafeMom's blog, The Stir.

Photo from ZazzleAt last, the secret to a happy marriage has been revealed.

And it's not hiding between the sheets.

It's in straightening them out. And emptying the wastepaper baskets.

And maybe pushing a vacuum cleaner around?

A new survey out of Britain's London School of Economics says the most successful marriages are the ones where husbands help clean the house.

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And you thought that sign in your granny's kitchen was just a joke. How do you think they made it 50 years?

It's purely anecdotal, but I've watched my friends whose marriages have crumbled -- their husbands were most often the Archie Bunker type, willing to come home from work, plop on the couch, and watch her wash the dishes, make dinner, throw in the laundry ...

Not to toot our own horns (OK, maybe a little), but our household is the exact opposite. I'll throw a load of laundry in; he'll fold it. I'll scrub the toilet; he'll sponge down the tub.

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Flickr photo by jasonlam

Moms, how can you get more mileage out of tonight's dinner? Cook a little extra and use the leftovers tomorrow night -- but in a whole new way.

We love this killer recipe for Shredded Chicken Tacos. The meat is full of spices and herbs and has amazing flavor. It goes great on soft tortillas with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and slices of avocado. And the best part? You can use the leftover meat and sauce in Chicken Taco Salads the next day!

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DINNER 1:

Shredded Chicken Tacos

• 6 chicken breasts
• 1 cup tomato juice
• 1 cup water
• 1.5 cup chopped scallions
• 2 Tb oregano
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• Oil

Coat a large pot with a small amount of oil. Brown the chicken in the oil for 5-7 mins and remove. On a cutting board, shred the chicken using two forks to pull it apart. Add back in the pot. Add tomato juice, water, scallions, oregano, chili powder,

Flickr photo by foundphotosljSummer is coming! Your teenager might already be fantasizing about lots and lots of couch and poolside lounge chair time; however, Chelsea Krost, 19-year-old national radio personality and teen advocate, has some ideas for teens who want to relax but also stay productive on summer break.

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"The best way to maximize your summer is to get some needed rest, recharge your batteries, and be ready to hit the ground running this fall," says Chelsea Krost.

Chelsea's essential DOs and DON'Ts for the most successful summer yet:

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DO find a summer job that suits you

Chelsea Krost
Before sending out your summer job applications, figure out what interests you. "If you get stuck with a job you hate, you're going to be miserable all summer," Chelsea advises. Interested in working with kids? Consider a job as a camp counselors or nanny. Enjoy competition? Many retail jobs

Photo by Splash NewsEver since Sarah Jessica Parker has played Carrie Bradshaw, she's become a style icon. And for great reason. Remember in the Sex and the City movie when Carrie is going through her closet getting rid of things? Oh, how I wish I was there!

Unless I'm around the next time Carrie is giving away clothes, I'm not going to have such fancy items ... but I can get her look for less.

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How pretty is this outfit -- white dress, gold clutch, and sparkly gold shoes ... I can get this Carrie look without spending a lot ...

Photo from Overstock

• Esley Women's V-Neck Drape Front Dress ($21.99)
• Liliana by Adi Women's Glittering Pointed-Toe Stilettos ($29.99)
• Beaded 'Moonbeam' Handbag (India) ($54.99)
  

All from Overstock. Those shoes are pretty spectacular!

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Now I just wish Carrie ends up with Aidan -- I think he's a better accessory

Flickr photo by ben.vancamp
Most mothers-to-be dread the idea of bed rest almost more than anything else in pregnancy.

Bed rest is prescribed for a number of pregnancy conditions, and though the vast majority of pregnancies are safe and don't need it, those who do can find it confusing. For instance, did you know that "bed rest" can mean a number of things?

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These include:

• Mild Bed Rest means stay close to home, decrease your activity level, and don't work out, but you can still generally move around.

• Home Bed Rest means generally stay at home, get help with other children or household tasks, and spend a few hours in bed each day.

• Strict Bed Rest is when you must remain in bed and get up only to go to the bathroom. This one very often comes with the added bonus of delightful sponge-baths since showering is verboten.

• Very Strict means you remain in bed on your left side and use a bedside toilet. Very often you