Lazy Girl Recipe: Guilt Free Burgers

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:50:07 -0400

It’s the season of barbecues and trust me, no one loves a good grill out like this girl. But…backyard bashes aren’t always the healthiest. Here are five light and tasty options for your party this weekend!

Sicilian Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers can sometimes come out a little dry, but with the capers tomato paste in this recipe, they’re sure to be a hit.

Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb lean ground turkey
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons currants
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 ciabatta rolls, split
4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Sliced tomato (optional)

In a bowl, mix turkey, tomato paste, currants, capers, basil, fennel seeds and salt. Form turkey mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Coat a grill rack or grill pan with cooking spray. Grill patties over medium-high heat until underside is well browned, about 7 minutes; flip and cook 5 minutes more. Top each patty with 2 tbsp Parmesan; close lid or cover pan. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°, about 2 minutes. Brush bottom of each roll with 1 tsp vinegar; top with 1 burger, tomato, if desired, and other half of roll.

421 calories per serving, 13 g fat (4 g saturated), 42 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 34 g protein

Vietnamese Tuna Burger
Bring a little Asian flair to your grill with these delicious burgers perfect for fish lovers everywhere!

Ingredients (Serves 4)
1/2 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp sesame oil, divided
1/2 tablespoon plus 1/4 tsp brown sugar, divided
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup broccoli slaw
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp fish sauce
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp light soy sauce
1 1/4 lb tuna steak, finely chopped
1/2 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
4 hamburger buns, split

In a bowl, combine vinegar, 1 tsp oil and 1/4 tsp sugar. Add cabbage, carrots and broccoli slaw; toss and set aside. In a second bowl, combine cilantro, mint, fish sauce, soy sauce and remaining 1/2 tbsp sugar. Add tuna and scallions; mix until combined. Form tuna mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Place panko on a plate; coat each patty with crumbs. In a large nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Cook burgers, flipping once, until well browned, about 4 minutes per side. Place 1 burger on bottom of each bun; top with 1/4 of slaw and other bun half.

477 calories per serving, 15 g fat (3 g saturated), 42 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 41 g protein

Black Bean and Corn Burgers
Put away those frozen veggie burger patties…these diy-burgers will blow you away!

Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed
3/4 cup corn, thawed if frozen
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chile in adobo
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp olive oil, divided
8 cups baby spinach
Pinch of nutmeg
1/2 avocado, mashed
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split

In a bowl, combine beans, corn, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg whites, chipotle, oregano and cumin. Form bean mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Cook patties, turning once, until browned, 5 minutes per side; remove from pan. In same skillet, sauté spinach in remaining 1 tsp oil over medium-high heat until wilted, 3 minutes; season with nutmeg and salt and freshly ground black pepper. In another bowl, mix avocado with sour cream and juice. Place 1/4 of cooked spinach on bottom of each bun, then 1 burger and 1/4 avocado mixture. Top with other bun half.

400 calories per serving, 14 g fat (4 g saturated), 58 g carbs, 12 g fiber, 18 g protein

Buffalo Chicken Burger
Your favorite app, now in burger form (and without any frying involved!)

Ingredients (Serves 4)
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1 lb ground white-meat chicken
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup blue cheese, plus more for garnish (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Tabasco Buffalo Style)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
4 large kaiser rolls, split
Iceberg lettuce (optional)
Carrot and celery sticks (optional)
Light blue cheese dressing (optional)

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine carrot slices with 2 tbsp water; microwave on high, stirring every minute, until very tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and let cool; mash carrots. Add chicken, egg whites, celery, breadcrumbs and cheese; mix to combine. Form chicken mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. In a second bowl, stir cornstarch into hot sauce until dissolved; set aside. Coat a grill rack or grill pan with cooking spray. Grill patties over medium-high heat for 6 minutes; flip and grill 4 minutes more. Brush patties with hot sauce mixture; grill until internal temperature reaches 165°, about 2 minutes. Place 1 burger on bottom of each roll. Garnish with cheese and lettuce, if desired. Top with other half of roll. Serve with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.

405 calories per serving, 15 g fat (5 g saturated), 38 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 30 g protein

Ranch Bison Burger
Bison is a very lean meat that tastes great in a burger. Can’t find it? It’s ok to sub lean ground beef!

Ingredients (Serves 4)
4 oz reduced- or lowfat sharp cheddar, divided
1 lb lean ground bison
1 small jalapeño chile, finely diced
1 teaspoon grated lime zest, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil cooking spray
4 sourdough rolls, split
Sliced red onion (optional)
Lettuce (optional)
Pickled jalapeño (optional)
Light ranch dressing (optional)

Cut 2 oz cheddar into 1/4-inch dice; grate remaining 2 oz cheddar. In a bowl, combine diced cheddar, bison, jalapeño, zest, chili powder, salt and pepper. Form bison mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Coat a grill rack or grill pan with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Cook patties 5 minutes; flip and top each with 1/4 of grated cheddar; grill until internal temperature reaches 160°, about 5 minutes. Place a patty on bottom of each roll. Garnish with zest and onion, lettuce, pickled jalapeño and ranch dressing, if desired. Top with other half of roll.

404 calories per serving, 8 g fat (4 g saturated), 40 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 39 g protein

{Recipes from Self}

Your question

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:16:47 -0400

I’ve been dating a great guy for almost a year. The only issue we have is that I get jealous and insecure when we are out for no reason. He has never given me any reason to doubt him; it’s just me. I’ve done it too many times and this is my last chance. Any suggestions on how to control these issues would be great.

------
From the Expert: Jenn Clark

I hear you, girlfriend, and I think most of us have been there. In fact, who among us hasn’t had to deal with issues of insecurity and jealousy? But even though it’s common with women, it will absolutely drive a man away. A good guy doesn’t want to get in trouble with his girlfriend – especially when he’s done nothing wrong. A good guy wants to keep her happy. And when he feels he’s unable to accomplish this, he’s likely to move on.

Assuming it is the truth that he has done nothing to cause your mistrust, you are right in saying that the issue is yours and not his. The first thing you need to do to overcome these feelings is acknowledge them – which you have done. So give yourself a big pat on the back for recognizing the problem and being mature enough to admit fault. That’s a lot more than many people do.

Now that you’ve been honest with yourself, it’s time to be honest with him if you haven’t already done so. Apologize for your behavior and tell him that you don’t want to hurt him and are committed to not letting your insecurities affect your relationship any longer. If he’s the guy you say he is, he will appreciate the apology. Further, it’s absolutely okay to be vulnerable and open in a serious relationship. In fact, it’s necessary. Letting him know that you are not cool with this part of you and that it’s something you are going to work on has the potential to actually bring the two of you closer together.

Next – and I don’t mean to be a kill joy here – I want to address the fact that these issues surface when you two are “out.” I’m guessing this means they come up when you are in a social environment (perhaps at a bar or a club?) and there’s the potential for drinking. Don’t get me wrong – I love a cocktail or two – but I do know that drinking alcohol can make us more sensitive. It can also cause impairment in our judgment, decrease our ability to think “rationally,” and increase the likelihood of getting into arguments. If your issues of insecurity and jealousy surface when you’re out at bars or clubs or other places where people are drinking and being flirtatious, this might be part of the problem. If this is resonating with you, I’d suggest limiting your intake of alcohol to just one or two drinks. That should help your feelings from escalating into something bigger than they are.

Here’s the most important thing, however: Once these ugly feelings rear their heads, you need to learn how to control them. The feeling itself is rarely the problem; it’s usually our reaction to the feeling that gets us into trouble. The next time you are out with your boyfriend and you feel yourself getting jealous or insecure, I want you to start by calling it out. Say to yourself, “I’m feeling insecure” or “I’m feeling jealous right now.” Put a name to your feelings. Then you need to nicely and politely remove yourself from the situation for a moment – say you need some fresh air or to go to the bathroom. Do whatever you can to put a break in the action and get away by yourself. (No need to bring a well-meaning girlfriend who may unintentionally fan the fire!) Once you are alone, take a few deep breaths and just r-e-l-a-x. Remind yourself that your old enemies “Insecurity” and “Jealousy” are trying to take up residence in your head. Banish them away by reminding yourself how lucky you are to have a great guy and that these feelings are not your reality. Take the time you need to get your rational thinking cap back on. After you feel better, get back out there and give your fabulous boyfriend a big kiss and a hug. Tell him how sexy he looks. Making others feel good usually goes a long way in making us feel better.

Your gut and your instincts are powerful things. They are good. If a woman’s gut feels insecurity because there’s something she should be insecure about, that’s self-protection. That’s a positive thing. But if we allow insecurity and jealousy to sabotage healthy relationships, that’s a bad thing and those feelings are not our friends. So my advice to you is to be your own friend and protect yourself and your relationship from those negative influencers. You are absolutely strong enough to overcome them.

XX
Jenn Clark is a relationship advice expert and author of the book “How to Be a Goddess (A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming the Woman Men Dream About…).” You can find it on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/jennx30somethingandsingle
Or on amazon.com at the following link: http://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Step--Becoming-About-ebook/dp/B006HBSWSS/r...

Daily Distraction: Punchfork

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:52:26 -0400

I am, to put it nicely, not a good cook. I am hopeless at knowing when meat is done. I constantly overcook veggies. But the worst part is that I just don’t know what to make. When you’re only cooking dinner for yourself or you and a partner, it’s not like you want to make some big elaborate dish or something like a casserole that will just go to waste. Thankfully, my husband and I can pretty much follow a recipe if we’re given one and the results have a 92% chance of being close to what they’re supposed to be.

But…all the cookbooks we have are kinds lame. Or too fancy for everyday. Which is why I love using blogs and Pinterest to find ideas from normal people who are going through real life and the same issues I am. So how do you put them all in one place to make grocery shopping and cooking easier? I found this great app called Punchfork that uses real-time social data from Facebook and Twitter to rank the most popular recipes around the web, from sites like Smitten Kitchen, Simply Recipes, 101 Cookbooks, good old Martha Stewart, The Pioneer Woman and more.

You can search by trending, most popular, diet preference, or new. And bookmarking your favorites or the ones you want to try creates your own little cookbook!

I love using it for ideas when I’m at the store and the app even provides categorized ingredient lists that make shopping easier. It’s also great when you have a bunch of random leftover ingredients and really don’t want to go to the store – you can just plug in what you have and it will find you something to make with them! Plus, it’s one of the prettier apps I’ve seen, which sounds silly, but it makes me want to use it more!

Check out Punchfork and download the app here!

Detox Your Way to Summer

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:20:13 -0400

Pools across the country are officially open for business this weekend. Can we all send up a celebratory cheer?!? And while I love lounging by the pool with my favorite glossy (and sunscreen, of course) I don’t always love how my diet makes me feel. Chips and cookies are probably not the best pre-lounging foods am I right? And after a long winter of heavy foods and a few extra treats, I need a kickstart this week to feel my best. But I’m so not a fan of shelling out big bucks on a juice cleanse or going on an extreme deprivation diet. Luckily there are ways to detox safely and naturally before we hit the poolside.

1. Stop Eating Junk Food
I know, this seems so obvious. But if you’re like me, this is probably the hardest to do. Foods filled with sugar and fat are a fast ticket to weight gain, irritability, and low energy levels. And nobody wants that. To make this happen, take a pause before you eat anything to make sure you’re really hungry and that what you’re about to shovel in is worth it. When you stop eating junk food, you quickly start to lose your cravings for it. In fact, if you can cut out the junk for 21 days, you might just lose the cravings for good. It’s only a few days of willpower!

2. Banish the Bloat
No one wants to feel puffy and gassy when they pull on their bikini. If you already eat pretty well, try cutting out foods like beans, artificial sweetener, alcohol (yes, bummer), and anything salty to flatten your tummy.

3. Hydrate the Right Way
Now is the time to get rid of the empty calories found in soda and alcohol. Focus on hydrating with water or metabolism-boosting green tea. If you think water is super-boring, check out these fun ways to add a little flavor. You can also try this secret from Jillian Michaels!

4. Keep it Fresh
Stick to all natural whole foods that are as close to nature as possible. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants of fruits and veggies will make you glow from the inside out as they help eliminate the toxins you let in over the winter. Not to mention, fresh foods help to maintain your energy levels and promote healthy sleeping habits, which help you stick to your beach body workouts!

And go the extra mile by…

5. Choose Foods with Detoxing Properties
You already cut out the junk for a few days and are picking fresh, whole foods, but you can go an extra step and pick foods full of natural detoxing powers. They decrease belly bloat, aid in healthy digestion, help to alkalize the body, and more, so you're sure to feel lighter after eating these good-for-you foods. Check out watercress, lemon, any dark leafy green, any fresh fruit (but especially berries), cabbage, artichokes (but not in a cheesy dip!), beets, ginger and garlic, green tea, oatmeal, and salmon.

Most Useful College Majors

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:47:50 -0400

A few weeks ago, we highlighted a list from Newsweek of the least useful college majors. As someone who has one of the degrees highlighted, it made me laugh a little. But it also made me wonder what the “experts” say are the most useful because if you're thinking about going back to school, I’m guessing that choosing a degree that's attractive to employers is a priority.

Am I right? Of course I am. If not, everyone would major in things like TV watching, shopping, and Angry Birds. But what degrees could lead to solid job prospects?

Here’s what I found (in no particular order):

Degree #1 - Health Care Administration
Want to earn a degree that will be in-demand with employers? Look into health care administration.

According to a Georgetown report called "Hard Times: College Majors, Unemployment and Earnings: Not All College Degrees Are Created Equal," the unemployment rate for experienced grads in this field was just 2.9 percent between 2009 and 2010. This figure is impressively low when compared to the March national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.

Degree #2 - Criminal Justice
When playing cops and robbers as a kid, were you always the cop? Well, if you want to earn a degree that employers are after, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice may be for you.

Until crime slows down, it's likely that the demand for public safety will lead to new openings for officers in local departments, notes the U.S Department of Labor. And while a degree is not always required to pursue a career as a police officer, many agencies do require some college work or a degree. Also: Because many of the crimes these days are things like identity theft, or data theft from a company, it requires a more educated workforce. The field is changing with the times.

Degree #3 – Accounting
Another degree to consider if you've got your eye on employment: a bachelor's degree in accounting. According to the Georgetown report, the unemployment rate for recent grads was just 4.8 percent, while experienced grads had an unemployment rate of 6.8 percent - still well below the national average.

An increased focus on accounting because of the scandals and crises, says the U.S. Department of Labor, will lead to a demand for accountants. That's good news for those thinking about going back to school for a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Degree #4 - Marketing and Communications
Are you a social [media] butterfly who's looking for a degree that could get employers' attention? You might want to think about earning a degree in marketing and communications.

Things like social media is what companies want knowledge in. It's the fastest growing part of marketing and people with knowledge about social media will be in great demand. Also, market researchers, many of whom have a bachelor's degree in market research and communications, will also be in demand.

Degree #5 - Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science
When a tech company like Apple is the most valuable company in the world, it probably comes to no surprise that an information technology degree is hot among employers.

How hot? According to the Georgetown report, experienced IT grads had an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent, while recent grads had a less welcoming 11.4 percent unemployment rate.

And this segment of the economy is going to continue to boom. IT grads who keep up with trends - like mobile communications, tabs and smartphone apps, and cloud computing - could enjoy low unemployment for a very long time.

Degree #6 – English
Having a degree in any kind of artistic or expressive field is the least likely degree to land you a job straight out of college (hence the common necessity for grad school). But of all degrees in the arts (art, film, music, etc.), an English degree is the most likely to get you a job in a company you didn’t create yourself on Ebay or Youtube.

Being the most literate art, there is demand for individuals who can communicate clearly on paper and there are myriad fields within communication that cherish such a skill (after all, not every skilled person can write well). A few examples are: public relations, journalism, advertising, and a variety of other positions that call for clarity of voice and powerful resonance.

Degree #7 – Engineering
If you’re into science and math, engineering is your field, girl. The engineering and engineering technology disciplines move scientific discoveries and advances from theory into the buildings, infrastructure and myriad products of our world.

From aerospace engineering to work in the biomedical, chemical, materials and electrical spaces, there are enough options to interest anyone. For the holy grail this degree equates to (especially for women who are a minority in this field), a handsome paycheck is a given.

Degree #8 – Education
This is a little controversial as I know it’s tough for teachers out there when schools’ budgets are being slashed (thus slashing jobs). But the world will always need teachers. And there is some stability in teaching: Most schools offer help in earning further education and will give you tenure once you’ve been in the school for a period of time.

Degree #9 – Law
The legal industry is one of the most prosperous in the country; think of how many cases are heard in court, how much golden-briefcased firms and practices appear on TV.

While noble in some regards- defending the little guy via the advantage of a superior grasp on the law- it can also be a slimy, corrupt industry that thrives on loopholes and well-choreographed lies. Whatever the path, it is a moral endeavor as much as it is a lucrative one; if you can’t find a position at an existing firm or practice, there’s always the possibility of opening your own. Whatever your oddly-specific speciality (e.g. asbestos, injury claims, media, etc.), there is always a niche, and the pertinent legal fees to accompany.

Degree #10 – Psychology
Psychology is both the most and least useful degree there is. It is usually the fallback degree for those “undecided” individuals who go to college to figure out what they want to do for a living.

For those who very purposefully pursue a degree in psychology, however, there are limitless possibilities for what they can do with that degree: social work, research studies, psychiatry/psychoanalysis. All are very useful occupations, ones that many people rely on, on weekly basis -- but please, don’t tote the degree around as an excuse for condescension and casual psychoanalysis (expect many failed relationships to follow).

Well, there you have it. Do you agree? Disagree? Still struggling to find a job even with one of these degrees? Share your story in the comments!

OMG: Camel-Toe-Proof Panties. Seriously!

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:15:18 -0400

Are you ready for this? May we now present Camelflage… "the original visual privacy undergarment." Yes, this underwear prevents camel-toe with a special insert. I’m sort of speechless…

They are designed to give you visual privacy with this special “flexible and breathable” insert so you know you are safe and secure. These aren't your ordinary panties, they were specifically designed to smooth out your feminine parts under tight clothing. Yoga and exercise pants, leggings, tight shorts, skinny jeans or even some work trousers can have a shorter inseam. As they say, “You have enough to worry about these days; the last thing you need to think about is your panties riding up during your cardio kick boxing class.”

Excerpts from Camelflage's conception, from the founder Shannon:

It all started one day in yoga class...

Cute tight little yoga pants, front row, right by the big mirrors for the whole class to check out my yoga poses, and something else...the dreaded..."cameltoe." That's where the idea for Camelflage was conceived. I looked at department stores, on-line for a solution for this problem. There was nothing.

So, I designed a patent pending women's panty that has a built in flexible, breathable, insert to smooth out her "Labia Majora" AKA "cameltoe." Covering the insert is a Sportek wicking fabric that pulls moisture away from your body and keeps you dry.

I am a wife, mother and now a "cameltoe" advocate! Helping women all over the world feel confident and smooth one Camelflage panty at a time!

As Gawker said in their recap, “Camel toe advocates worldwide salute you and the tensile strength of your undies, Shannon.”

Our verdict: OMG! It’s a great idea, though a little silly, non?

Would you wear Camelflage?

Little Life Lesson #52: What Money Can't Buy

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:49:42 -0400

It's good to have money and the things that money can buy. But it's good too, to make sure you haven't lost the things that money can't buy once in awhile. I read somewhere recently that "friends are more important than money" and it really stuck with me. It's so true and it's so easy when you're young and poor and broke to forget it. So call your girls tonight and give your guy and extra kiss just for being there!

QotD: May 21, 2012

Mon, 21 May 2012 23:41:55 -0400

The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest.

~Unknown

The 5 Stupidest Things to Fight Over

Mon, 21 May 2012 22:34:07 -0400

I’ve been married for about two years now, and while I am certainly no expert, we’re generally happy and doing well, so we must be doing something right. But listen: No matter how good your relationship is, it's tempting to engage your partner in a shouting match any time you or your personal space feel threatened. I mean, the least he can do is wipe the toothpaste off the sink, right? But is sweating the small stuff smart?

I tend to think that for most things, you just shouldn’t even bother. Now, I’m not advocating being a doormat here. If you don’t want to do the dishes every night, you shouldn’t have to. But here are five silly things that couples (yes, ok, even me) have been known to fight over but really aren't worth it in the long run. Take note of how to deal with these tips from expert Jamie Beckman so you can recognize when you need to take a deep breath... instead of blowing a gasket.

Socks
Wow, is he really leaving his boxers/PJs/jeans on the floor again? Don't fume. Kick his dirty socks under the bed (hey, you're not his maid), and try to forget about it — he likely didn't mean any disrespect. In a relationship, one person is always going to be the Oscar to the other person's Felix (aka, the neatfreak to the slob), so you might as well laugh about it.

Here's how to deal: Get one of those cool hampers with partitions that divide clothes by colors (relatively foolproof), and show him how it works. Then cross your fingers.

Maps
Trying to navigate a route together can seem harrowing at the time (even with Siri’s help), but resist the urge to lash out. Beacuse really, you'll eventually get there, wherever "there" is. And you probably won’t even be that late!

Here's how to deal: Roll down the windows for some air and try being silent. Not crying, not hyperventilating... just breathing. Your calm countenance will inevitably calm him down too.

Exes
Unless his or your old flames are actively trying to contact you or woo one of you back, obsessing over beaus/girlfriends past isn't worth your breath. Avoid bringing them up, and you'll avoid pointless fights. After all, there's nothing he can do about his past — and neither can you.

Here's how to deal: Repeat this to yourself: He chose you. And thank the good lord you aren't still with one of your exes — bullet dodged, yes?

Paint colors
Oh lord, when my husband and I painted our bedroom gray, you’d think we were redocrating the Taj Mahal . He liked this one and I liked that one and ugh, they’re all wrong! At the time, things like couch cushions and shades of gray seem important, but it’s just stuff. If your guy is hell-bent on recovering the pool table in bright-red felt or keeping his beloved moose head in your den, let him. At the end of the day, you can decorate around the offending item — an "urban woodsman" theme might actually be cool. Or you can ignore it, but picking your battles means you'll both end up happy in one way or another.

Here's how to deal: For every object he picks, you get to choose something of a similar size. An armchair for a writing desk or a wall of paint for a rug. You'll be making the decisions together, but you'll each get to put your own touches on the place.

Your television set
Fighting with your guy over the remote control is an old cliché, sure, but there are only so many Stanley Cup games you can take. Not that I’m speaking from experience here…Anyway, take a time out and focus on how it feels to spend time together rather than focusing on the screen. That'll bring you back to what's truly important.

Here's how to deal: Invest in a DVR, and grin and bear it. If you're not a hockey fan, for instance, ask questions about why he loves it and pick out exciting players to watch. Or just suck it up for twenty minutes and plan an impromptu make-out sesh during the two intermissions. Then introduce him to critically acclaimed TV shows that have a little something for everyone, like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Wire or Game of Thrones— all great for hunkering down and having a snuggle-tastic Netflix marathon.

So spill! What things do you not even bother to fight about anymore?

Your question

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:50:03 -0400

Okay, i'm in a bit of a sticky situation. I've been close to friends with a guy for around 4 months now. It started out as pure friendship, however our feeling grew and we gradually became closer. We see each other around 4 times a week, and I normally go round his house (i'm really close to his family) and we watch films. We sleep together, and we originally agreed that we would keep it casual, and remain friends. At weekends, if we have a few drinks, he ends up admitting that he'd like more to come out of what we've got, as in a relationship. The next day, he always changes his mind and says that he is not yet ready for a relationship. I have admitted to him that I do have feelings for him, and I would like more to come out of it. I know I shouldn't be annoyed, as I new from the beginning that he didn't want a relationship, however he is messing with my head by giving me mixed messages. I know that he doesn't want a relationship with anyone else either, however if he did start dating another girl it would break my heart. I have thought long and hard about it, and the only thing that I can think of doing to protect my feelings, is to stop seeing him all together to make sure I don't get hurt. The only problem with that though, is I also count him as my best friend so that would break my heart. Basically, my question that I would like answered, is what should I do? Should I wait around and carry on as we are? Should we remain friends with nothing sexual involved, or should I cut him out of my life all together? Please remember he really is a decent guy, and he has been honest about the situation with me since the beginning. Help!!! :o) x