HitBliss: better than hulu and netflix?

Online TV without commercials and without subscription fees?

There's a new competitor in the midst of Hulu/HuluPlus and Netflix: HitBliss!

Check it out/sign up here. It will download the application, which you install on your computer, then allow you to either create an account or simply log in with Facebook.

The best part - it doesn't have to cost you a dime if you take advantage of their system of earning money by watching commercials. Basically you can either pay to watch your shows commercial-free online, which in itself is a new privilege and a step up from Hulu and most other online streaming platforms... or you can use the HitBliss Earn feature to watch all the commercials you've been getting out of for a few minutes to earn cash you can redeem on your TV episodes and movies. In less than five minutes I'd made $5 just by watching a bunch of fun commercials for Dr. Pepper, Aflac, etc. You can decide which commercials you want to watch/skip and select brands you want to see advertised. HitBliss builds off of your suggestions and input. When you're not up for going through this, HitBliss also offers a lot of free show episodes as well!

HitBliss builds in even more benefits - for example, if you complete your account to provide more demographic info about yourself (gender, income level, education, etc.) you get extra points and get more rewards for watching fewer commercials. You gradually gain levels and unlock more and more benefits. A very cool new adaptation for internet TV and movie viewers!

summer reads: zab's picks

Freedom is near! The fresh, warm breezes of summer are starting to reawaken the world, and you can feel the sunshine energising your body and mind. Summer is a time for growth and relaxation and happiness, if you can afford it! Though many of us still have work, school or other obligations to occupy our summers, there is always some precious time to sit outside in the sun with some iced tea and a good book. Because this season has, since childhood, been the time for imagination and play, it is the perfect time for adult-you to relax and allow your mind to indulge in some good old stories.

In this post, I highlight my all-time favourite novels to enjoy during any season - but if you can, I highly encourage you to pick up one or all for summer reads! Just sneaking in a few minutes of reading here and there is an ENORMOUS stress reliever. Escaping into a fictional world has always been one of our favourite ways of dealing with the troubles of real life! These picks vary from timeless classics to modern French erotica (ooh la la!), so there will be plenty to spark your interest. Most of these novels are relatively light and passionate on the surface but reveal deep lessons about humankind underneath.They will supplant your summer with not only relaxation but learning. Enjoy!

My favourites (in no particular order because they are all equally fantastic):

1. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. I would say that Lolita is the most inappropriate influential novel ever written. Nabokov's novel tells the story of little Lolita, a tantalising, fascinating pre-teen dripping with sexual equivoque who draws in the helpless and much older Humbert Humbert. This book has become not only a classic but has defined an aspect of society that pretty much all others have deemed untouchable and not-understandable. I think that Lolita is the most intriguing character ever created, and Humbert Humbert's doomed obsession tells us a lot about humanity.

2. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. Truly a novel for summer, this lengthy but captivating work is filled with adventure, scandal, love, and grief. It is set in beautiful France and Mediterranean islands after the exile of Napoleon, and follows the life of Edmond Dantes, a young, sincere, and successful sailor whose life is plagued by jealousy and revenge. He is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires an incredible fortune, and sets about getting revenge for those who harmed him in the past. Dantes' life is full of astonishing twists, passion, danger, and sadness. This book is considered a classic and a masterpiece for a reason, and is surprisingly easy to read considering it was written in the 1840s.

3. Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence. Initially forbidden in many countries when it was published in 1928, this is one of the most classic novels of feminine awakening and independence. An upper-class British woman shakes away the shackles of society and searches for wholeness, particularly the cohesion of her mind and body. She becomes involved in a sexual relationship with a lower-class man, with whom she experiences true emotion and self-awareness.

4. The Awakening by Kate Chopin. The perfect summer read, for women in particular. Like Lady Chatterly's Lover, this short novel explores the process of self-realization of a bored, wealthy housewife and was likewise banned for some time. This novel is set on a resort island just beyond New Orleans, and describes the luxuriant but empty lifestyle of a woman who should want nothing. She seeks fulfillment through society liaisons, charming young men, and music but only slowly makes her way towards feminine independence.

5. Monsieur by Emma Becker. This book was written only a few years ago by a young Parisian woman. It vividly details the relationship between the author and an older surgeon/family friend. I love this book because of its honest sexuality and emotion, and Ms. Becker's heart-wrenching, relatable obsession with an man she can never be with. You can read my complete review of this novel here.

6. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. If you have not already read this book, do so immediately. Set in the stark Prague Spring, this story explores the fragility and strength of love. Tomas, an intelligent, successful, and attractive womaniser sleeps with many women but loves only his wife, the reserved and beautiful photographer Tereza. The story follows the interactions and development between Tomas, Tereza, and Sabina, Tomas' free-spirited lover. It explores the 'lightness' of life, the idea that each person has only one life to live, and that time is irreplaceably precious.

7. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Truly a modern masterpiece. This is a very difficult and emotional book, but it is also a necessary read. This novel follows the intertwined lives of two women living in Afghanistan as they face incredible pain, hardship, and love. Hosseini's writing abilities and depiction of humankind blows me away.

8. Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Another perfect summer novel. This work of art describes the 227 days spent by a young Indian boy lost in the Pacific Ocean with only an adult tiger for company. Terrifying, exhilarating, and touching, this story is beautifully told and focuses on humankind's place in the animal kingdom, how we are similar to and different from the animals.

9. Island by Aldous Huxley. Quite different from his most famous novel, Brave New World, this is the story of a journalist who is shipwrecked on the Pacific island of Pala and finds a clandestine perfect society. The people there indulge in leisure and contemplation, and everyone belongs to each other in a seamless, happy society. This book was actually written as the utopian alternative to Brave New World and its themes of relaxation, self-understanding, and learning are perfect for summertime.

10. Lord of the Flies by William Golding. You might be sensing a common thread here: the ocean, shipwreck, and developing an understanding humanity. This very short novel is the ultimate combination of these elements. A group of English schoolboys are stranded on an uninhabited island with no adult supervision and must form their own self-government, with disastrous results. This story delves deeply into the human psyche, in particular the battle between solidarity and selfishness. These abandoned boys confirm Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory that 'uncorrupted morals' will prevail when humans are in their natural, ungoverned state.

We highly recommend all of these novels - they include some of our very favourites. Pick out one, two, or all to fill the extra hours of your summer with some relaxation, contemplation, and adventure!

slim down with green smoothies or a juice fast

Let's just start by saying this: we don't condone juice fasts or diets that involve drinking all your meals. Not providing your body with solid food for an extended period of time is not healthy and overtime can result is all sorts of physiological and psychological side effects. However, a lot of recent research has touted the benefits of doing a short-term (we recommend 1-2 days for beginners) juice fast or green smoothie fast. We recommend reading this Livestrong article, which talks about the benefits of intermittent fasting for weight loss and lifelong health. For juice fasts you will need a juicer; for green smoothie-ing, a blender will be enough. Both juices and green smoothies are simply a convenient alternative to preparing a meal. They're quick and easy to make and can be taken on the go. They are satisfying, healthy, detoxifying, and can include whatever particular supplements your body craves.

The cheapest option is to blend/juice your own fruits and veggies. For beginners, we recommend that you start with simple blended smoothies. These are the fastest/easiest to make, and a blender is a lot cheaper than a good juicer. Also, because you're chopping up the entire fruit/vegetable, you're getting a solid dose of fiber. Your body will have a much easier time adjusting to a (short-term) liquid diet and will also feel fuller if you include this part of the plants.

You can start with Dr. Oz's 48-hour cleanse, which includes multiple juice recipes (some of which can be concocted sans juicer) supplemented with vegetables and healthy recipes (like quinoa with prunes). If you're willing to take on a bigger challenge, try a 3-day cleanse like Jason Vale's Super Juice Detox or this one by Freutcake.

If you want to buy pre-made and money is no option, you can get juice cleanse kits delivered to you! If you happen to live in California or NYC you have the option of simply picking up these cleanses, meaning you won't be shelling out $20-$50 for shipping. Always a plus.

• BluePrint has 2-day cleanses for $150.
• Pressed Juicery has a 12-juice package for $160.
• Juice Shop has a 2-day beginner cleanse that's $126 (you have to be in the San Francisco area).
• CoolerCleanse has a 3-day cleanse for $174.
• Red Carpet Cleanses cost $90 a day.
• LifeJuice is $60 a day.

When it comes to blending and juicing on your own, you have to make sure you have the proper equipment first. Blenders are the cheaper option by far: a decent blender will run you $20 to $60, whereas a truly decent juicer (one that extracts all the nutrients) falls in the $50 to $200 range. Check out Amazon.com for the best selection and prices. Once you've got the equipment, surf the web for recipes and stock up on fruits and veggies! Some easy beginner recipes can be found at Food Network or Eating Well.

We'd love to hear your favorite recipes - feel free to share them in the comments below!

our march/april in gifs

When Zab gets sick and can't figure out how to blow her nose:

Zab is spending the summer in London and Eli got into grad school in Sweden!!!!

When only we get the joke:

When someone we knew in high school runs into us and wants to exchange full life updates:



When Zab comes home to her new puppy Hades:



When we go to Art Cafe 26 to study and can't decide what to order:



The response we usually get when we go to each other for advice on whether or not we should do the right thing:



When we're dancing together at a party:

> How we think we look:



> How we actually look:

9 reasons you should be watching chicago fire

I don't understand why there has been so little hype for Chicago Fire. This show is fantastic. Currently it is the only show I regularly keep up with! So here are a dozen reasons you should catch up on this show before the first season ends on May 15, 2013:

1. It takes place in Chicago (my hometown)!! They actually film on location in Chicago, and the actors have been doing ride-alongs with real Chicago firefighters to get a feel for what the job is actually like.

2. It's produced by Dick Wolf. Ever heard of Law & Order? This guy does his research, and he's clearly worked hard to make Chicago Fire as realistic a show as possible. It's not only an accurate depiction of the daily goings-on in a CFD firehouse; it is also made up of the most delightful characters.

3. You will never be able to decide who your favorite character is. You will fall in love with all of them. From stubborn hothead Severite (played by Lady Gaga's boyfriend, Taylor Kinney) to baby-faced candidate Peter Mills, the group has an eclectic range of personalities. Some clash, but overall they all (miraculously at times) fit together into a family.

4. Eamonn Walker. I just found out today that he is actually British! You would never know it; he fakes a Chicago accent like a pro, and his character, Chief Boden, is one of the most badass individuals I've ever seen. He lays down the law, but is secretly a Papa Bear to the rest of the firehouse. He loves Halloween.

5. Speaking of foreigners, the dashing Lieutenant Casey is played by Australian actor (and singer) Jesse Spencer.

6. The show's two female leads (Dawson and Shay) pack a punch. The house paramedics, their job is just as intense and leads to a slew of edge-of-your-seat close calls.

7. Atli Örvarsson does the score. If you've ever seen the film Vantage Point or are a fan of Hans Zimmer (Örvarsson is part of Zimmer's production company), you'll appreciate the quality of this Icelandic composer's work.

8. Peter Mills, Dawson, and Lt. Casey. This love triangle will keep you guessing for the entire season.

9. They have a firehouse dog! Her name is "Pouch."

Last night's episode, "A Coffin That Small," was their best episode yet. It will make you bawl your eyes out, but it's truly worth it. Don't watch this episode without watching the preceding 18 episodes though! ;D They're only on season one, so it's not too late to catch up! All the episodes so far can be found on HuluPlus. Or catch new episodes Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

book picks: the dog stars & delicacy

In the past week I've finished two books, which is a pretty big deal considering senior year schoolwork and the like. The reason? These were both absolutely wonderful reads, impossible to put down once opened. They are similar only in their inherent theme of tragedy and adaptation. Beyond that, they could not be more different.

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller takes place in a post-apocalyptic USA, where mankind has been practically eliminated by an outbreak of flu (or something flu-like). The protagonist Hig lives in Colorado, carrying on with no one but his dog Jasper and his crazy wilderness comrade Bangley. Bangley keeps himself sane (or semi-sane) by focusing all his efforts on fortifying the hanger they call home, while Hig tries to retain a sense of his past life by channeling his energy into fishing, farming, cooking, and scouting the perimeter in a 1956 Cessna (with Jasper as copilot). When Hig hears a broken transmission come through his radio from another airport, he decides to go beyond his plane's point of no return in search of some fragment of his old life.

The best part of this book is it surprising capacity for humor. Dark humor mostly, given the circumstances, yet I still found myself laughing out loud at some of the things that came out of Bangley's mouth. Even after Hig leaves Bangley far behind, the latter sticks with Hig in his mind's eye. The thoughts and imaginings of Hig are beautiful, heartrending, and poignantly human. In fact, what this novel ultimately seems to be about is the often unacknowledged moments that make up humanity.

Delicacy by David Foenkinos is a romance, originally French but recently released in the US in English. However, for its protagonist Natalie, it is a pseudo-apocalyptic tale. She has just become a widow in a tragically sudden accident. Young and now without her beloved husband Francois, she finds herself the object of male obsession in her office. Her (married) boss is very direct in his confessions of love for her, but Natalie has locked herself away.

In a surprisingly charming twist, it is her geeky coworker, a Swede named Markus, who finally starts to melt her aloof exterior. Apparently the book was made into a film with Audrey Tautou as Nathalie. I haven't seen it, but it's definitely on my list after reading this delightfully sweet little novel.

new beauty must-have: cc creams

Let's face it: we don't really set aside time to painstakingly apply makeup every morning. Most of us barely have enough time to grab a bite to eat before we need to be out the door! BB Creams created a sensation when they came out: they were tinted moisturizer and food for your delicate facial skin all in one, covering imperfections and even providing built-in sunscreen.

And now they're rapidly becoming obsolete. New "color control" or CC creams have hit the shelves, and these all-in-one miracle formulas are doing even more than BB creams. Not only do they provide excellent coverage (for those of us who prefer tinted moisturizer to full-face foundation, CC creams are an excellent replacement for a complex multi-product morning ritual), they also work to reverse damage to skin cells, correcting everything from wrinkles to dark spots. Over time, well-designed CC creams will reduce signs of aging and nourish your skin, making it naturally more even-toned and brighter!

Olay CC Cream comes in three shades: Fair-to-Light, Light-to-Medium, and Medium-to-Deep. It can be found in common drugstores and is probably the best bargain at $17.59.

Clinique's Moisture Surge CC Cream is the best bang for your buck. At $35, you get to choose from nine different shades (three of which are the top-selling blends from Asia, where CC creams are already a well-established product) and you get the brightening, hydrating, and protecting power of a company with years of expertise in color-correction for skin. The only downside- it hasn't been released yet!

Smashbox's Camera Ready CC Cream comes in five different shades and emphasizes dark spot correction, something that the previous two CC creams don't particularly focus on. $42 at Sephora.com.

Peter Thomas Roth's CC Cream is another fantastic choice. It comes in three shades and is formulated with an Amazon superfruit called camu camu, supposedly a vitamin C powerhouse. This one probably does the most for your skin over the long-term, fighting free radical damage and nourishing it to undo multiple signs of aging. $48 at Sephora.com.

Chanel's CC Cream is the best, but at $80 it won't come cheap. Formulated with soothing cornflower water, it evens out skintone and does wonders for skin imperfections with extended use. It also has SPF 30 and has a lightweight, airy texture.

read this book instead of 50 shades of grey: monsieur by emma becker

Eli discovered this seemingly little-known erotic novel a few months ago, and it has quickly become one of our all-time favourites. Published in France just last year by 22-year-old Emma Becker, this extremely personal autobiography has attracted little attention but deserves the reputation that 50 Shades of Grey unjustifiably earned in recent years. Not only is Miss Becker’s novel very well-written, it describes the profound sexual and emotional obsession with men that almost every young woman has gone through. We girls have all wanted someone we couldn’t have, or become involved with someone who doesn’t love us in the same way that we love them. Emma’s doomed story of passion is relatable, fascinating, and brought me to tears.

Essentially, ‘Ellie’ (Emma’s alias in the novel) becomes sexually involved with a renowned, married surgeon much older than herself after discovering a common interest in erotic literature. Ellie becomes obsessed with this man (who she never names in the book, referring to him only as Monsieur). She describes him as a drug: she spends every minute without him quivering in anticipation of their next meeting. She lives only for the simplest communication with him, even just a short text message. The rest of Ellie’s life is a pretense that will disappear and show its emptiness as soon as her mobile lights up with his name. Monsieur becomes her only reality.

‘And then Monsieur, whom I hate… magically brings me to life, blowing on the ashes of my phoenix, his velvet tones, tender and amusing, simply saying, “Good morning, Miss Becker.”’

Many women have been in a relationship similar to Ellie’s, though perhaps one not quite as drastic or taboo! Many of us have experienced that attraction, even obsession, where our world seems to revolve around another person who has absolutely no idea how involved we are. This kind of relationship advances from hatred of that person (for being oblivious), to utter addiction, to self-hatred, to depression. This is a story that cannot have a happy ending.

However, I whole-heartedly recommend this book! Not only is Monsieur extremely sexually explicit, which is always a bit of fun, but it puts together the very best of my favourite erotic novels. This story is basically the creation of Catherine Millet from Lolita. Monsieur takes The Sexual Life of Catherine M. and puts you, a modern college student, in Catherine’s place. Ellie takes you through the intimate thoughts and emotions of moving from being merely ‘sexually active’ to becoming a deeply sexual being, finding yourself in the depths of filth and sodomy, and loving it, finding it beautiful beyond expression. Monsieur describes a side of women that is almost always hidden away, that little Lolita in us that truly wants to be defiled.

Not only this, but I absolutely fell in love with Emma (Ellie) Becker. I loved her eloquence (which is beyond her age), her bravery (or perhaps stupidity), and her fragility. I was vicariously able to live the life of this daring, unashamed, doomed girl through Monsieur.

‘Sex in his arms is a playground in which nothing, absolutely nothing, is forbidden… it’s like being drunk, the sense of release so deep that I can’t find words to express it.’


You can find Monsieur at bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com for less than $10. We highly recommend picking it up!

affordable spring 2013 fashion

Let's be honest - though we want to be fashionable, we don't want to wear the sometimes very strange styles that appear on the runways, and we definitely can't afford them! In today's post I'll mention six of this spring and summer's top trends and then list affordable, not-too-weird options for real women to consider. There's no reason why we can't wear the season's very latest fashions without looking out-of-place or spending thousands of dollars! Many of the items we list here are also timeless and will last quite a long time. The Express Minus-the-Leather Peplum Seamed Moto Jacket, in particular, is a favourite of both Eli and myself: for a little more than $100, this all-season jacket is a great investment. We both bought this faux-leather jacket from Express a couple years ago and wear it almost every day!

This season's trends include:

Express

Leather and Metal: These have been in for a while now: you certainly saw all the leather jackets and sequins in style this past year. They’re still in!! Lighter leather jackets, studs, sequins, and sparkles have carried through to spring and summer. Pairing a white or black leather jacket with a slim-fitting, studded dress for a night out in the summer will look fantastic and very sexy. On the runway: Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang. Affordable options: Express Minus-the-Leather Peplum Seamed Moto Jacket, $118.00. Charlotte Russe Studded Shoulder Body-Con Dress, $25.99, Mossimo Ona Patent Ballet Flat, $14.99. Mango Metallic Biker Jacket, $99.99.Urban Outfitters MINKPINK Fireworks Sequin Dress, $19.99. 

H&M

Elongated silhouettes: Classically and timelessly flattering. Pencil skirts and dresses will always look beautiful on a woman, and can dress up any casual outfit. Wear a pencil skirt with a blouse or one of these dresses out shopping, to lunch, or to dinner. On the runway: Jenny Packham, Victoria Beckham. Affordable options: H&M Dress, $39.95. Topshop Organza Insert Shift Dress, $130.00. Charlotte Russe Millennium Mid-Length Pencil Skirt, $18.99. Mango Monochromatic Dress, $79.99.

Topshop

Cutouts: Whether it’s showing a little tummy, an open back, having mesh cutouts, or missing chunks all up and down a dress, this is definitely in for summer – and it’s a good thing too! Being able to show even a bit more skin always helps conquer the heat. On the runway: Victoria Beckham, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, Versace. Affordable options:  Topshop Sporty Mesh Panel Dress by Boutique, $190.00. Charlotte Russe Clear Cutout Pointy Toe Pump, $30.00. Papaya Net Yoke Chiffon Blouse, $21.99. SABO Black Accomplice Dress, $46.00. Urban Outfitters Sparkle and Fade Chiffon Blocked Sweater Knit Top, $39.00.

Monochrome: Checks and stripes were brought to the forefront of recent fashion by the iconic Louis Vuitton autumn/winter collection this past year. This trend is continuing into the summer with more nautical black and white stripes on jackets, skirts, and dresses. See the Michael Kors striped suit below! On the runway: Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger. Affordable options: H&M Jacket, $39.95. Topshop Stripe Jersey Blazer, $90.00. Topshop Mini Quilt Biker Jacket, $110.00. Charlotte Russe Striped Top Knit Maxi Dress $19.99. Merona Ellie Genuine Leather Cap Toe Flat, $39.99. 

Michael Kors

Boy cut: Suits, tuxedo jackets, blazers. Full-length, wide trousers, especially in white and black.  Menswear is almost always fashionable for women – the mix of the petite feminine form and sharply cut, contrasting jackets and suits is timelessly sexy. On the runway: Armani, Hermes. Affordable options: Express Minus-the-Leather Blazer, $98.00. H&M Blazer, $19.00. Mango Textured Panels Jacket, $119.99. 

Flora and Florescents: Always a springtime favourite. Light, delicate florals and brilliant florescents herald in warm weather and look fantastic next to tanned skin! On the runway: Diane von Furstenburg, Chado Ralph Rucci. Affordable options: Express Stretch Cotton Skater Dress, $27.93. H&M Dress, $24.95. Charlotte