Fashion Hottie!

Chori Chori - From the Movie: The GURU

2007-07-28T01:54:00.000-07:00

Chori Chori

The Guru Does Grease Starring Heather Graham

Aishwarya Rai

2007-07-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

"Ever since I went to the Cannes festival, the media overseas really encouraged me to consider the possibilities of working in the West. Then I got a call from some people who worked in the business in America, who asked me to first obviously get an agent so that they could have direct access because that's the way they work"(Aishwarya Rai)

QUICK FACTS:

Aishwarya Rai (Aishwarya Bachchan)

Nickname: Ash, Aishu, Gullu

Date of Birth: 1 November 1973

Sign: Scorpio

Weight: 122 lbs.

City: Mangalore (Karnataka)

Country: India

Mother: Vrinda Rai

Father: Krishnaraj Rai (ex-merchant navy officer)

Siblings: brother Aditya Rai (merchant navy officer)

Children: no

Marital status: married

Husband: Abhishek Bachchan

Private life: dated Salman Khan but after the split Ashwarya has refused to work with him againHeight: 5' 7" or 1.70 m

Religion: a practicing Hindu

Likes: honesty, family, friends, dignity, strength of character, chocolates

Favorite food: not fussy about food at all

Favorite color: White and Blue

Her hero: A.B., Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor

Her heroine: Madhubala & Nargis

Other facts: trained classical dancer

Hobbies: she loves collecting watches

Occupation: bollywood actress / hollywood actress / fashion model

Debut film: Mani Ratnam's Iruvar

Languages: Tulu, English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu

Contact Information:Aishwarya Raic/o Creative Artists Agency9830 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, California 90212-1825 - USA

Aishwarya Rai was born in Mangalore, in the South Indian state of Karnataka, to Krishnaraj Rai, a marine engineer, and Vrinda Rai, a writer. Her ancestors are from the Bunt community of Mangalore. Her family later relocated to Mumbai. Rai has one brother, Aditya Rai, who is three years older than she is. Aditya is in the merchant navy, and has also co-produced a film with Rai in the lead.Rai's native language is Tulu; she also speaks Hindi, English, Marathi, Urdu, Kannada, and Tamil.Rai attended the Arya Vidya Mandir at Santacruz, Mumbai, then entered Ruparel College, Matunga, Mumbai. She was an A student and was on track to become an architect.

Rai began modeling on the side while studying architecture. She was a contestant in the Miss India 1994 pageant, which she lost to Sushmita Sen. Rai later went on to win the Miss World title that same year. She appeared in her first film in 1997.

Aishwarya Rai prefers not to talk to the media about her personal life. All the details mentioned in this section are based on what was reported by the media and have not been confirmed by Ms Rai, except as otherwise indicated.

Rai began dating Salman Khan, her co-star from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, after the filming of that movie. Their breakup a few years later generated a substantial amount of press attention.

Rai has been described by others in the Bollywood film industry as having traditional values and being "a paragon of age-old, dutiful Indian femininity".

As a practicing Hindu, she has described herself as having "immense faith in its gods", and when at home she attends the Siddhivinayak Mandir, devoted to Lord Ganesh. When not on the road, Rai lives in Mumbai with her parents.

Hush Puppies

2007-07-23T02:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, shoes! Not a dog we are talking about...

Hush Puppies put the philosophy of fun, comfortable, genuine style into every shoe they make – from work to weekend. In essence, Hush Puppies invented casual. When Hush Puppies, established in America in 1958, first introduced the soft suede Hush Puppies shoe, something amazing happened; the world discovered casual, comfortable style. This shoe was then introduced to Australia in 1964.

Because they combine advanced comfort technology with fun, contemporary styling, Hush Puppies fit perfectly into everyday life. So it’s no wonder Hush Puppies have become a worldwide favourite with footwear for the whole family.

The Hush Puppies trademark evolved from a trip into Tennessee by Jim Muir, Wolverine’s Sales Manager. After eating dinner at the home of a customer, he asked why the little fried corn-dough balls that were served with the meal were called “hush puppies.” The customer replied that “the fried dough was used to quiet their barking dogs.” Muir reasoned that “Hush Puppies” would be an excellent name for Wolverine’s new line of comfortable, casual pigskin shoes since there is an old saying that when feet hurt they are much like barking dogs. Thus, the brand name was born.

Practical Tips On Choosing The Right Perfume

2007-06-30T11:08:00.001-07:00

Perfume is considered to be one of the most must-haves for any status-conscious person in any society. Initially, it was being used by the upper-class society as a high-end accessory; but, later it became available even to the most common person in the society. In the modern age, the use of perfume has become virtually indispensable as it potentially adds to the personality of a person.

The history and background of perfume can be traced back to the ancient times of Egypt. The word `Perfume` has been coined by the combination of two Latin words such as `Per` (Through) and `Fume` (Smoke). The art of making perfumes took place in ancient Egypt but it was the Romans and the Arabs who improved it subsequently. There are many procedures being followed these days for making the modern perfumes but the most general process is extracting oils from flowers by distillation which was introduced by an Iranian doctor named Avicenna.

Usually, the exact formulae of making perfumes and fragrances are kept confidential by the designer houses; however, some perfume specialists are skilled enough to identify the ingredients, components and origins of the perfume and scents. At the present day, France is dominating the European perfume design and trade industry, and the `Perfumery` has become one of the most potentially profitable businesses in the world.

How to pick the right perfume?

Choosing the right perfume and fragrance has become increasingly difficult for the customers as the cosmetic market is being invaded by numerous new perfumes and scent brands each and every day. Now a days, perfumes and fragrances can be found in different flavors and ingredients. They are being manufactured and offered in bottles of different shapes and sizes according to the needs of the targeted customers. While visiting a cosmetic store, a customer often gets confused about what could be the right one for him/her. However, there are some guidelines if followed can help those confused customers remove their doubts and select the right perfume for them.

They are as follows:

Skin:

Try different perfumes and fragrances to know what suits your skin the best. No two perfumes are alike in fragrance, flavor and smell. Hence what suits the most, may not necessarily suit you. Do not just blindly follow the branded perfumes. It really pays to try different perfumes before you settle for one.

Smell:

Always go for a perfume that contains fresh smells and makes you attractive and impressive. Have your best friend (preferably female) give his/her views on the particular perfume you are trying. Often, it is the other person who can tell you what goes right with you.

Ingredients and Flavors:

Perfumes can be selected using different ingredients and flavors. They are different categories of perfumes such as woody perfume, fruit perfume, floral perfume, oceanic perfume, greens perfume and oriental perfume. Usually, each of these fragrances is suitable for a male or female depending on their personal preference. However, you can always go for one that best suits your personality and life-style.

Climate and Season:

While choosing a perfume, one should consider the climate and season. What goes best in the winter may not be even good enough in the summer. Hence, it is extremely important to choose the perfume that does justice to the climate and to your skin.

Moreover, perfumes should be selected as per the occasions and festivals too. For instance, a particular perfume may be just perfect for a birthday party you are attending, but when it comes to a boardroom meeting you have choose a different one.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

Author: Roberto Sedycias

Jesicca Alba

2007-06-23T10:18:00.001-07:00

Desirable Qualities In Diamonds

2007-06-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Precious stones in general are rare and a perfect one is rarely ever found. Gems for the most part are at a safe stock. The public is beginning to realize and want to understand the finer qualities of precious stones. Year after year the public is demanding greater excellence in quality and cutting.

The number one quality of a diamond as a jewel is its brilliancy. For example put fifty rings of equal size in a tray, the most brilliant will always gain the most attention. The stones brilliancy attracts the eye of the buyer. Sometimes a stone will lack brilliancy due to impurity of color, imperfections, or poor cutting. Stones that lack brilliancy even if extremely valuable, will not demand much attention. On the other hand a stone that has fire and life will fascinate and demand attention.

After brilliancy comes color. The color which usually demands the highest price is a bluish white. The quality of color was long ago termed Old Mine. Right after bluish white tints, the next is the purest white. Pure white colors were coined River goods. These goods are notable for their purity of color. For some unknown reason, stones of wet diggings are superior in quality, to those of dry diggings. After these come crystals which are divided into crystals and top crystals. Many jewelers pride themselves on carrying nothing less than crystals. After crystals come silver capes, capes, and by-waters each less valuable and brilliant than the next. There are stones that are very rare and contain two or more colors, which become very apparent depending on the position of light.

Pink and violet diamonds come next in the order of rarity. Orange and canary yellow diamonds come next, and there is a growing demand for them. Fine brown colors are also gaining a surge in popularity. A fine brown stone is very hard to find, and as the demand keeps rising, so will the price.

Besides brilliancy and color, cutting and perfection weigh heavily pay large dividends when the value of a jewel is in question. Cutting is an essential step in jewelry game because so much depends on it. When a worker cuts a stone their main concerns are weight, color, and brilliancy. The diamond cutters of yesterday cut mostly to preserve weight and color. Recutting a stone is often times an arduous chore, one must be careful as to not cut out considerable weight or color.

For each stone there are certain angles and arrangement of facets suited to its refraction, which embody the light falling upon it, and best assist the light falling upon it, and best assist the natural power of the stone also to reflect and disperse rays of light. For stones to be cut to perfect proportions an expert cutter needs to be employed. It costs more cut a stone to exact proportions than to cut the proportions to the stone. Perfect proportions are a must for optimal brilliancy. A diamond face up, should show an even distribution of light.

Flaws that do not hurt the brilliancy of the stone are immaterial, but they do however hurt the price. Upon inspection even an inexpert can discover them. Carbon spots, cracks in the grain, imperfect crystallizations, and holes and the surface are all serious objections and reduce the value considerably. Slight grain marks, needle-point bubbles, or specks, do not weigh in as much as brilliancy and color.

Description

Precious stones in general are rare and a perfect one is rarely ever found. Gems for the most part are at a safe stock. The public is beginning to realize and want to understand the finer qualities of precious stones.

By Mitch Endicks
About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular jewelry site JewelerWeb.com. He provides informative advice on buying rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches. The site also has information on diamonds,birthstones, gemstones, pearls, gold, sterling silver, and platinum.

Hilary Duff - This Is What Dreams Are Made

2007-06-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Now
Hey Now

Hey Now
Hey Now

Have you ever seen such a beauitful night?
I could almost kiss the stars for shinning so bright.
Then I see you smile and I go oh, oh, ohh.
I would never want to miss this.
'Cause in my heart I know what this is...

Hey Now!
Hey Now!
This is what dreams are made of.
Hey Now!
Hey Now!
This is what dreams are made of.
I've got somewhere I belong.
I've got somebody to love.
This is what dreams are made of.

(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)
(this is what dreams are made of)

Have you ever wondered what life is about?
You could search the world and never figure it out.
You don't have to sail the oceans no, no, noo.
Happiness is no mystery.
It's here and now.
It's you and me, yeah.

Hey Now!
Hey Now!
This is what dreams are made of.
Hey Now!
Hey Now!
This is what dreams are made of.
I've got somewhere I belong.
I've got somebody to love.
This is what dreams are made of.

(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey now)

Open your eyes.
(this is what dreams are made of)
Shout to the skies.
(this is what dreams are made of)

Then I see you smile and I go oh, oh, ohh.
Yesterday my life was duller.
Now everythings techni-color.

Hey Now!
Hey Now!
This is what dreams are made of.
Hey Now!
Hey Now!
This is what dreams are made of.
I've got somewhere I belong.
I've got somebody to love.
This is what dreams...
Dreams...
This is what dreams are made of.

(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey, hey, hey, hey)
Hey Now!
(hey, hey, hey, hey)
This is what dreams...
(hey now)
(hey now)
(hey, hey, hey, hey)
(this is what dreams are made of)
What dreams are made of.

The Tide Is High

2007-06-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

Atomic Kitten

Lizzie Mcguire the Movie: The tide is high

Angelina - The Tide Is High 1998

Blondie - The Tide Is High along w/ LYRICS

Paris Hilton Behind Bars

2007-06-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

Today Paris Hilton is still behind bars, a long way from the red carpet she strolled down a week ago at the MTV Movie Awards, and the subject of endless Internet chatter and questions about her fate.

Superior Court Judge Michael T. Sauer originally sentenced Hilton in May to serve 45 days in jail for violating her probation in an alcohol-related reckless-driving case. She surrendered to sheriff's deputies on June 3 and was booked at the Lynwood jail. She was released Thursday with an electronic-monitoring bracelet to serve the remainder of her sentence at home. Sauer ordered her to appear in court Friday and sent her back to jail to complete her 45-day term.

Bra

2007-06-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

Buying a bra isn't exactly the type of topic that women like to talk about that much. Studies have shown that 70-75% of all women wear the wrong size bra. Most women are wearing bras that are too small for their actual bust size.

If you have back, neck, or shoulder pain it could be directly related to your bra size (which is probably not the correct size). Even when you go for a bra fitting at a store that specializes in bras/panties it seems that professional fitters can get it wrong as well.

We found some excellent research done by Choice.com (an Australian consumer site) where they sent women into stores to get fitted by experts and 68% of them came out with poor fitting bras. They had wrong cup sizes, wrong underwire shapes, underbands that were either too tight or loose, and side wings that were not wide enough. There are some signs you are wearing the wrong size bra such as your breasts are literally coming out, the band is riding up your back, or the cups are wrinkling (they are too big). How should you measure bra size?

Keep reading below to find out what size bra you should be wearing and which styles are best suited for your body type.

Finding your exact size is the number 1 thing to do before purchasing any bra (no matter how good it looks). To properly measure your bra size take a tape measure and put it around your rib cage just under your bust. Then, measure around the fullest section of your bust and subtract the first # (rib cage measurement) from the 2nd # (bust size). The difference between the two numbers will give you a # that has an equivalent cup size:

0 - 1 1/2 inch = AA,
1/2 - 1 inch = A,
1 - 2 1/2 inches = B,
2 1/2 - 3 1/2 inches = C,
3 1/2 - 4 1/2 inches = D,
4 1/2 - 6 inches = DD (E),
6-7 inches = DD(F),
and 7-8 inches = G.

Eventhough you should stick with your appropriate cup size, you can change the style of bra that you wear since they do fit differently on your bust. There are also underband sizes (10, 12, 14, 16, etc) which can complicate the equation as well. The various styles of bras are push up bras, padded bras, demi bras, full coverage bras, sports bras, maternity bras, minimizer bras, seamless bras, nursing bras, and strapless bras.

There is not a lot of research that says if you wear no bra that your breasts will sag, but women with larger busts will definitely have back and neck problems if they go without the necessary support provided by a bra. Victoria's Secret sells mostly bras from their "sexy bra" line and they have made shopping for a bra fun for women and men. Bras are sold at most major clothing retailers like Macy's, Kohl's, Wal-Mart, Target, and other department stores.

The top bra brands are Bali, Playtex, Sheer, Vanity Fair, Wacoal, Calvin Klein, Chantelle, Maidenform, Goddess, Le Mystere, Warner, Olga, Lilyette, and Jockey.

Bras come in all colors - pink, white, black, red, purple, etc.

Each women has a unique shape so find a bra that fits your bust size and select a style that makes you feel comfortable. Down below we have tried to list the most popular bra styles with a brief description and where to purchase them at.

Training Bra:
Girls start developing breasts at all different ages, so as a parent it's up to you to keep the lines of communication open and take your daughter to get fitted for a training bra when that time comes. When girls first start wearing a bra, something like a sports bra or training bra should be sufficient to start with. These bras are available in small, medium, and large. As your daughter develops more, you will need to find a bra with cups.

Push Up Bras:
Women with smaller breasts have been sold on the push-up bras which add the look of cleavage by pushing your bust together. Lots of push up bras are padded, which helps enhance the bust line. Another variety of push up bras are called demi bras which don't cover the entire breast leaving the illusion of larger breasts. There are 2 websites we found that carry a large selection of push-up bras, demi bras, and padded bras - Barenecessities.com and Victoriassecret.com. Bare Necessities carries bras from Dolce & Gabbana, Jezebel, Calvin Klein, Bali, DKNY, and many more. Victoria's Secret will definitely liven up any womens bra collection with their wide range of push-up bras. The famous Wonder Bra was released some years back and was the one of the first push-up bras to really catch the attention of women (and men).

Plus Size Bras:
Having large breasts might seem like a blessing, but many women with larger busts suffer from back, neck and shoulder strain that can only get worse the older they get. Breast augmentation is a common surgery done on women with breasts that are too large for their body type. We understand that not all women want to go the surgery route, so there are plus size bras that should give you enough support to alleviate your health problems. Full figure bras are available on sites like Biggerbras.com and at websites like BareNecessities.com. They offer full cup bras, underwire bras, and plus size sports bras. We found sizes as high as DDD, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K on Biggerbras.com. They even have a section called "Oprah's Favorite Bras" which features the bras that have been mentioned on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Sexy Bras:
No company has done more for bras than Victoria's Secret. They have added style, color, and a sexyness to womens bras that brings in millions each year. The sexy bras that Victoria's Secret offers have lace, are see through, and are padded to enhance the look of the female bust. Sex appeal is what they represent and their Very Sexy line of bras has done very well. They sell very few plain white bras, most have floral patterns or combine hot colors (reds, pink, etc.) to create the right look.

Maternity/Nursing Bra:
If you are expecting a baby or have recently had one you realize how much your breasts will change during pregnancy and after the birth of your child. Your breasts will become larger during your pregnancy and remain bigger than usual if you plan on breastfeeding. Therefore, you will need to buy nursing or maternity bras. A nursing bra is designed so that the cups open and pull down so that you can have your baby breastfeed without too much hassle. Bare Necessities again has plenty to choose from for women who need bras while they are in the nursing stage with their infants. They carry Bravado, Elle Macpherson Intimates, Leading Lady, Goddess, and Bella Materna.

Mariah Carey

2007-06-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, music video director and actress. Her debut was in 1990 under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola and became the first recording act to have its first five singles top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following her marriage to Mottola in 1993, a series of hit records established her position as Columbia's highest-selling act. According to Billboard magazine, she is the most successful artist of the 1990's in the United States.[1]

Carey took much more control over her image and music following her separation from Mottola in 1997, and she introduced elements of hip hop into her album material. Her popularity was in decline when she left Columbia in 2001, and she was dropped by Virgin Records the following year after a highly publicized physical and emotional breakdown, and the poor reception of Glitter; her film and soundtrack project. In 2002, Carey signed with Island Records, and after an unsuccessful period, she returned to the forefront of pop music in 2005.

Carey was named the best selling female pop artist of the millennium at the 2000 World Music Awards,[2] and she has recorded the most U.S. number-one singles for a female solo artist (seventeen). In addition to her commercial accomplishments, she has earned five Grammy Awards amongst thirty-three nominations, and is well-known for her vocal range, power, melismatic style, and extensive use of the whistle register.However, some critics have said Carey's efforts to showcase her vocal talents have been at the expense of communicating true emotion through song.[3][4]

From: Wikipedia

LeAnn Rimes

2007-06-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

LeAnn Rimes

With her hit single "How Do I Live" from the Con Air soundtrack, LeAnn rocked the country charts and blew the industry away, all at the age of fifteen. She was last seen in the bar room romp Coyote Ugly.

LeAnn started singing at age 3, and has sold over 20 million records since. She was born August 28, 1982 in Jackson, Mississippi.

By age 7, LeAnn made her stage debut in a Dallas musical production of "A Christmas Carol". Later, she would sing "The Star Spangled Banner" to open Dallas Cowboys football games. By age 11, LeAnn recorded her first album on an independent label only available in local stores in Dallas: "All That" which featured her signature song "Blue".

This got the attention of Curb Records. In 1996, 14-year-old LeAnn recorded a major-label album. In 1997, LeAnn released "You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs" which debuted on 3 Billboard Magazine charts at the same time: Pop, Country, and Contemporary Christian (that had never been achieved before by a country singer).

That year, LeAnn released "How Do I Live" which would set a record by staying #1 on Billboard Magazine's "Hot 100" chart for 69 weeks. LeAnn starred in the TV-movie Holiday in Your Heart (1997) (TV), based on a book which she had co-authored. Capping a great year for the 15-year-old LeAnn, she won an American Music Award, 2 Grammy awards, 3 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 4 Billboard Music Awards.

In 1998, LeAnn won a Lone Star Film & Television Special Award for Rising Star Actress. In 1999, LeAnn released a namesake CD, offering her interpretations of 11 Country standards, including "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces" (originally recorded by Patsy Cline in 1960). LeAnn made a cameo in Coyote Ugly (2000) (the low budget movie that raked in big bucks) and she also recorded 4 Diane Warren songs, including "Can't Fight the Moonlight", for the movie soundtrack. An amazing career and, since she is only 18, I am sure there will have to be mini-bio updates in the future.

How do I,
Get through one night without you?
If I had to live without you,
What kind of life would that be?
Oh, I need....
I need you in my arms, need you to hold,
You're my world, my heart, my soul,
If you ever leave,
Baby you would take away everything good in my life,
And tell me now
How do I live without you?
I want to know,
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go,
How do I ever, ever survive?
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live?
Without you,
There'd be no sun in my sky,
There would be no love in my life,
There'd be no world left for me.
And I,
Baby I don't know what I would do,
I'd be lost if I lost you,
If you ever leave,
Baby you would take away everything real in my life,
And tell me now,
How do I live without you?
I want to know,
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go,
How do I ever, ever survive?
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live?
Please tell me baby,
How do I go on?
If you ever leave,
Baby you would take away everything,
I need you with me,
Baby don't you know that you're everything,
Real in my life?
And tell me now,
How do I live without you,
I want to know,
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go,
How do I ever, ever survive?
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live?
How do I live without you?
How do I live without you baby?

Anne Hathaway

2007-06-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

Solidly established her career as a professional actress despite her young age, Anne Hathaway certainly has soared to be one of the most celebrated stars of her generation. Taking little concern about commercial success, she has put her whole heart into acting and perhaps it was the major factor that enabled her to maintain the accomplishment she has achieved. “I love learning about new parts of myself through characters, and getting lost in people and learning how to breathe differently because all of a sudden you're this different person," so she explained. With her remarkable talent and skills she has polished through a series of enactments in theatres, she surely has the potentiality to rise as a high-profile actress in Hollywood film industry

Anne Hathaway

Cyndi Lauper "True Colors" and "Time After Time"

2007-06-02T01:59:00.000-07:00

And here is Phil Collins singing True Colors

True Colors
(Cindy Lauper)

You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small

But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

Show me a smile then,
Don't be unhappy, can't remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

Time After Time
(Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman)

Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,
And think of you
Caught up in circles confusion -
Is nothing new
Flashback - warm nights -
Almost left behind
Suitcases of memories,
Time after -

Sometimes you picture me -
I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me, I can't hear
What you've said -
Then you say - go slow -
I fall behind -
The second hand unwinds

Chorus:
If you're lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting
Time after time

After my picture fades and darkness has
Turned to gray
Watching through windows - you're wondering
If I'm OK
Secrets stolen from deep inside
The drum beats out of time -

Chorus:
If you're lost...

You said go slow -
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds -

Chorus:
If you're lost...
...Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time

Louis Vuitton

2007-06-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

Uma Thurman with Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton, a trunk-maker in Paris, since 1854, became a legend in the art of travel by creating designer luggage, designer handbags and accessories with the LV signature grey Trianon canvas. The Louis Vuitton company went on to become one of the world's most famous makers of luxury goods, particularly known for its designer luggage pattern - the beige-on-chestnut monogram "LV" design logo.

Thanks in part to a bronze medal at the 1867 World's Fair and a gold medal at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, the Vuitton name brand gained international recognition. After Louis died in 1892, it was his son, Georges, who took the company to new heights when he created the first designer label on a product (the distinctive "LV" monogram).

Today, the Louis Vuitton Company has expanded its luxury product line to include travel books, perfume, spirits, shoes, designer clothing and more. Louis Vuitton handbags became a subsidiary of LVMH group in 1987, a global corporation that deals in luxury products. In 1998, prominent designer Marc Jacobs joined the firm as Artistic Director.

VERTU, a Rare Breed of Mobile Phone

2007-06-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

The luxury unit of the world's top mobile handset maker Nokia, Vertu, has seen strong demand this year and is struggling to increase production to keep up, a senior official said on Thursday. Vertu targets wealthy customers by producing very costly mobile phones made from platinum, gold and diamonds. Three different cellphones will be released under the Constellation moniker, one covered in 18 karat gold (pictured here), and the other two in polished and satin steel. Luxury, baby!

The Signature Diamond Collection is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship and exclusivity. Made to order, they are for the elite who desire something precious that sets them apart. With this Collection, Vertu once again takes the concept of luxury and prestige to a whole new level of excellence.

Boom Boom Dance and Barbie Girl

2007-05-29T00:17:00.001-07:00

and...Dam Dadi Doo

Celebrity Hair Secrets

2007-05-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how celebrity’s hair always looks so perfect? That can be answered very simply…full-time stylist! Unfortunately, most us cannot afford the luxury of such staff but, the good news is we don’t have to. Some of the tricks that the stylist use are easy and can be done very easily at home. Here are some tips you can use to create picture perfect hair.

•Healthy hair is beautiful hair so start working on the condition of your hair as soon as you can. Optimally, you should allow a few months to insure your hair has that lustrous shine but, if you don’t have a few months, don’t worry.

Jennifer Aniston’s stylist uses Kerastase Serum Nutri-Sculpt on her hair because it immediately restores ends to a healthy looking finish and provides instant shine. Also, using an oil as a hair mask will help as well. Just rub a bit into the ends of hair or where it is dry and leave it in over night. Anne Hathaway uses Goodnite Hair Repair Serum. Shampoo out in the morning. Usually once a week is sufficient; however, if you are pressed for time consider doing it more often. Jennifer Lopez uses Lenonor Greyl Palm Oil and Jennifer Garner uses Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil.

• Next, consider a shampoo that will jump start the styling process. There are many shampoos and conditioners that contain styling products to help with enhance and hold curls, add volume, or even promote straightening of hair. Some good ones are Samy Fat Hair Thickening Shampoo and Redkin Fresh Curls. Sometimes you might even want to consider skipping a shampoo to allow the natural oils to build up (day old hair is often easier to style) or if you need to wash, maybe just wash the front and style it.

• For a sexy updo consider one that Cate Blanchett’s stylist used on her before a movie premier. Pull hair gently over to one side in the back and braid. Allow the layers and loose hairs to come out as you braid. Next, loop the braid back to the nape and secure with an elastic or hairpins. It gives the hair a nice twisted texture. If you have shorter hair but want to achieve this look, consider getting a fake pony tail. Make sure that the piece is an exact color match. You can find many great buys on-line or in salons. Affordable options can be found at hairpieces.com.

• Use headbands. Headbands offer a sweet sexiness and can be used with hair pulled up in a slick, classic look or in a loose more sexy updo. You can also use headbands with your hair down. This is a great look for a trendy girl.

• For sexy, rumpled, romantic waves like Gisele Bundchen, consider using this tip from a Nexus pro stylist. Twist towel-dried hair into several sections and pull them back into a low pony tail. Allow to air dry or use a diffuser, then shake it out and run a drop of hair wax through for separation. Kate Hudson gets this same look by twisting pieces of hair around various sizes of curling irons. Leave the ends out so as not to create a crimped look.

• Another really classy look is to leave your hair down and pull the top and sides back. You can do this with straight hair for a really sleek look or add some curl and make the top part that is pulled back a bit messy by pulling some pieces looser than others. Also, pulling it loose can add volume up top. Use a texturizing cream for body and separation. Rihanna loves Bed Head Manipulator texturizing cream.

• You can also consider hair pieces or wigs for more dramatic changes to your look if your hair isn’t the length you need to pull off a certain look.

The most important thing to remember is that practice makes perfect. You can easily get these looks but sometimes it takes a little practice as you tweak each tip to work best for your hair type.

For additional must know secrets visit http://www.verysupersexylingerie.com/

By Stephanie Elms
Stephanie is the owner of La Bella Amour Lingerie, the premier on-line boutique offering a full line of lingerie and a bridal registry. You can visit the boutique at http://www.labelleamourlingerie.com
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Attention All Men: Tips to Buying Sexy Lingerie for Her

2007-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Deciding on a gift for your wife or girlfriend isn’t always an easy feat. Deciding to get her sexy lingerie can make things even more complicated, but the good news is, there is hope! You don’t want her to hate it, and give her the wrong impression about your intentions; you want her to love your gift so much you’ll get to be the second person to unwrap sexy lingerie that day! With the right advice, you can pick out the perfect lingerie for the one you love, and with any luck, she may even love it too!

The first thing you need to bear in mind when setting out to purchase sexy lingerie is that it’s not for you. You need to think about the style that the woman you are buying for usually sports, and make sure that the lingerie you pick out is along those same lines. Make sure the lingerie is in a color that you’ve often seen her in as well. If the sexy lingerie you’re looking at is not something you can picture her buying or wearing herself, chances are, she won’t like it.

Another important thing to keep in mind when shopping for sexy lingerie is that you should never try to guess your woman’s size. When it comes making a woman feel uncomfortable, or even making her feel hurt or angry, buying her sexy lingerie in the size that she was a year ago, before she put on a little weight, is a sure way to do so. Unfortunately, sizing in the lingerie department isn’t as simple as small, medium, large. It’s actually a spread of numbers followed by letters from A to JJ, and that’s just for the top half.

The best way to determine the size of your misses is to dig through that top drawer of hers. Look for bras or panties that you know are fairly new (to avoid the previously mentioned problem of weight gain), and write down the sizes that are on the inside of the lingerie. Another hint to look for when perusing her skivvies is common colors or styles. A visual aid will help you when it comes to the actual shopping. By the way, you should be ravaging her underwear drawer after she’s left the house; not while she’s still there. And you should also put everything back exactly how you found it, trust me, she’ll notice!

So after you’ve done all you’re detective work and taken all your notes, you may then proceed to the mall, or shop online. Keep in mind you’re shopping for sexy lingerie, so you should avoid any labels that contain the words “control”, or “reduce”. Buying her something like this would not be sexy, and would most likely give her the impression that you think she’s overweight, or has areas she needs to work on. And I’m sure that’s not the type of gift you had in mind to give her.

Don’t be afraid to ask the sales women at the mall for some help or advice. They’re used to it are usually more than willing to help you out. If you choose to shop online, check out their specials or commonly purchased items, as they’re usually a good indication of what’s popular, and in most cases are a safe bet.

Last but not least, keep the receipt. If all else fails, and you tried your best, at least she can return it and get something else. If she feels like you made a genuine effort she won’t be mad, and she’ll be pleased with the thought and consideration you put into getting her the gift of sexy lingerie.

By Megan Mathews

Jet Li

2007-05-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

When the only people who could be considered comparable to you are Bruce Lee, Chow Yun-Fat and Jackie Chan, you know you're special. Jet Li is officially one of the greatest martial arts masters in China's history, a title he earned by winning five national titles during his teenage years. Even as he's approaching 40, there probably isn't a man on Earth who could kick his butt.

The name Jet Li is of the household variety in China, where he is the most popular movie star of his generation. At the turn of the century, his roles in such American blockbusters as Romeo Must Die and Lethal Weapon 4 made him famous on this side of the Pacific as well.

It was in an ironic twist that his mother enrolled him one summer, when he was a boy of eight, in a school today known as the Beijing Sports and Exercises School. As luck would have it, Li was sent to the wushu class, where he turned out to be quite a success and was asked to return at the end of the season. This boosted his confidence in himself, and under the expert supervision of coach Wu Bin, he acquired the nickname of “Jet” for his quicksilver moves.

He was selected the following year to perform at the opening ceremony of Pan-Asian-African-Latin American Table Tennis Championships, where he earned praise from the then premier Zhou Enlai. This was the first time he had left home, and he followed it up with a rigorous training schedule under Bin. Two years later, in 1974, he entered the National Wushu Championships. Here he became the All-around Champion, impressing the judges with his skill at spear and swords. This gave him widespread fame as a child prodigy in martial arts, and he continued his strenuous routine at the special martial arts school, which he had been attending ever since he was nine.

He began to train with twenty of the finest young wushu exponents in China, and was sent the same year on a diplomatic mission to America, when China opened diplomatic relations with the country. Here he displayed his skill on the lawns of the White House for President Nixon. This was part of the program of his ongoing participation in state functions under which he was chosen to represent his country in front of foreign dignitaries. He won the All-China Youth Championships upon his return from America, and despite serious injuries, won the National Games the next year.

By the time he was sixteen, he had won numerous accolades unmatched till date by anyone else, had won praise for his contribution to Sino-American relations, and experienced a close encounter with death while flying on a faulty plane. He was no longer the timid boy of his childhood, and lived up to his image as the "All-Around Wushu Champion of China,” by practicing Taiji, which involved the internalization of his wushu through philosophy.

He entered the silver screen in a movie that was the first to be released worldwide, Shaolin Temple, in 1981. It was an instant and stupendous success in Honkong, China and Korea, and propelled him to movie stardom overnight, breaking all known box-office records. His successive movies, Kids from Shaolin and Martial Arts of Shaolin, became hits merely on the strength of his name. He started off a kung-fu trend and kept on blazing a trail of success till his directorial venture Born to Defend in 1986, which did not do well at all.

His image took a hit and he was not taken into any remarkable roles for a few years, till Once Upon a Time in China in 1991, which was equally acclaimed by stars and fans, and was followed by successful sequels. This helped him establish himself as the one of the greatest Asian movie stars, and continued to charm his fans. When Quentin Tarantino showed an interest in him, Hollywood woke up to his potential, and he was cast as a villain in Lethal Weapon 4, where he proved his star qualities beyond doubt. He worked in movies like Romeo and Juliet, The One and Kiss of the Dragon, and has definitely arrived in Hollywood.

He was also cast in Hero and Cradle to the Grave. Though he has yet to find true Hollywood movie stardom, Jet Li is on his way, and he has superb talent and his age on his side. A Huo Yuanjia biopic and an untitled movie collaboration with Malaysian director Ronny Yu are currently on the cards, but if Jet Li has to crack Hollywood, more directors have to take notice of his undeniable good looks, killer charm, martial arts abilities, and star potential.

Fashion Makes Sense With Belly Button Rings

2007-05-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

Hollywood has a way of promoting fashion. When the showing of bare navels was restricted during the 1940’s, it came out with a great idea. They covered the navel with a jewel. Placing of the jewels in the navel was popularized by belly dancing pictures of the time. The result, people started to believe that a jewel in the navel is part of the middle-eastern culture. It is not. It was only a devise invented by Hollywood filmmakers to get around with the prohibition but the idea caught on and no one was complaining. The idea was ridiculously great. You can imagine until now the smug smiles on the faces of directors and costume designers of the era.

Like any good idea coming from Hollywood, placing accessories on the belly button has not been forgotten and has now evolved to be belly button rings.

Belly button rings today for the most part are considered necessary accessory to many as the length of shirts and blouses go up and the hip line goes down. The belly for many will look bare if it does not have anything to show on it except the bare navel, and so the belly button ring found its route to popularity.

Belly button rings come in so many varieties that are fun, pleasing and attention catchers. Belly button rings could be flashing, dangling, logo and pieces of artwork that are a gem designer’s craft.

Placing belly buttons rings will require piercing. Any piercing creates wounds and wounds could get infected. If you find therefore that belly buttons are necessary accessories, you have to first, know which materials should be used to adorn that belly and the procedures to take not to be on the sorry side.

The safest materials for belly button rings are gold (at least 14K), silver, surgical steel, titanium, niobium, rhodium etc. Avoid as much as possible the gold imitation, sterling silver and silver-plated ones as they could cause irritation that might lead to infection. Avoid base metal materials that are coated and covered which could easily break. Avoid those that could easily tarnish and corrode when it gets in contact with body fluids and those that may contain allergens. For people who are sensitive to metals, a special plastic called Tygon are good replacements for belly button rings.

To prevent infections, have your piercing done only by qualified practitioners. Doing the piercing otherwise could lead to problems like infection and body poisoning even with properly sterilized instruments. Nerve damage can also be a possibility when done by an amateur.

Pregnant woman may wear their belly button rings up to the fifth month of pregnancy or when the skin in the belly starts to stretch significantly.

Belly button piercing will take a while to heal depending on the individual. The first days after your piercing have the belly button captive bead ring removed by the shop where you got your piercing. When your belly button heals, ask the shop to replace the captive bead with the new belly button rings.

When inserting the belly button ring, it is important to wash your hands with anti bacterial soap for at least four minutes. While inserting the body jewelry, massage both holes with the finger that is pinching the skin adjacent to the belly button holes. When the belly button ring is secured, clean the belly button ring once more to reduce the chance of infection.

By Robert Thatcher
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides belly button ring resources on http://www.your-belly-button-ring.info/.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

Atomic Kitten

2007-05-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Popular group Atomic Kitten consists of Natasha Hamilton, Jenny Frost and Liz McClarnon -- better known as Tash, Jenny and Lil. Kerry Katona was one of the group's original members, but she left in order to make motherhood her full-time career, and was replaced by Jenny Frost in January 2001.

Popular group Atomic Kitten consists of Natasha Hamilton, Jenny Frost and Liz McClarnon -- better known as Tash, Jenny and Lil. Kerry Katona was one of the group's original members, but she left in order to make motherhood her full-time career, and was replaced by Jenny Frost in January 2001.

Liz McClarnon was also born in Liverpool, on April 10, 1981. The brains of the bunch, she would have pursued a law degree if it weren't for music. Also a huge football fan, her team of choice is Everton. The newest addition to the trio, Jenny was friends with the Atomic Kitten girls while she was a member of her former group, Precious, of "Say It Again" fame. Known as the clown, Jenny was born February 22, 1978, in Liverpool.

So how did Atomic Kitten come to be in the first place? Kerry Katona, one of the original pussycats, was a backup singer in a band near Liverpool, and wasn't completely fulfilled -- she knew she wanted a band of her own. She met Liz in 1998, and Natasha joined what is now known as Atomic Kitten, in 1999. The girls were inspired by the clothing label "Automatic Kitten" and wanted to go by that name, but they later changed their band name to "Atomic Kitten."

Kerry, Tash and Lil signed with Innocent Records in the summer of 1999 and blasted onto the scene with their hit single, "Right Now," off the album of the same name. Atomic Kitten quickly gained popularity and wide recognition in the UK, where their single "Something Spooky" was being used as the theme song for the kid's TV show Belfy Witches. They also had a sponsorship deal for a chocolate bar in Japan, where they were also a smash.

During January and February of 2003, Atomic Kitten toured around south-east Asia and visited countries like Singapore, Thailand and Korea.[6] Natasha decided to take her newborn baby with her on the tour as well.

The American market had been neglected up to then, therefore on April 2003 an album called Atomic Kitten was released, consisting of tracks from the first two albums. It was promoted by teaming up with Disney for The Lizzie McGuire Movie starring Hilary Duff, however the album only managed to peak at #102[7] and it was decided to focus on the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.

Their career was going well, however on January 23, 2004 Natasha decided that she wanted to spend time out of the group and spend more time with her son Josh. The group released a single "Someone Like Me / Right Now 2004" as a goodbye, but was reunited on Valentine's Day to release the charity single "Cradle 2005", a new version of the original on their album Right Now, which charted at No. 10. The proceeds of the single went to World Vision.

Atomic Kitten was featured on the soundtrack of Disney's Mulan II in 2005 which was their third time as a featured artist.

Atomic Kitten recorded a one-off single, "All Together Now (Strong Together)", in association with Goleo VI, the official mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2006. The track is taken from the official Goleo VI World Cup 2006 album and was released on CD and digitally in Germany, where the World Cup was held, on 16 June 2006.

However even though the single was listed by the HMV website for release in the UK many weeks prior to the competition, the single was taken off from schedule and deleted from the catalogue, due to the amount of competing football records that were being released at that time. The proceeds of the single went to SOS Children's Villages.

The girls reunited for a one-off performance of "Whole Again" at a benefit concert for the Michael Shields appeal which will be held at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on December 4, 2006.

Delta Goodrem

2007-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Delta Goodrem AKA Delta Lea Goodrem

Born: 9-Nov-1984

Birthplace: Sydney, Australia

Gender: Female
Race or Ethnicity: White
Occupation: Singer, Actor
Nationality: Australia
Executive summary: Australian TV actress and singer
Father: Denis Goodrem
Mother: Lea Goodrem
Brother: Trent (younger)

Delta Lea Goodrem is a multi-ARIA Award winning Australian singer-songwriter, pianist and Logie Award winning actress.

Signed to Sony at the age of 15, Goodrem rose to prominence in 2002 as a result of her role in the Australian television series Neighbours. She has become one of Australia's highest selling recording artists, her albums Innocent Eyes and Mistaken Identity both entering the Australian charts at number one with multi-platinum sales. Goodrem has to date, achieved seven number one singles and in mid-2005, embarked on The Visualise Tour, her debut concert tour of Australia. In 2003, at the age of 18, amidst her blooming career, Goodrem was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a form of cancer. She has since made a full recovery.

Delta Goodrem is the best Australian export since Kylie Minogue and Natalie Imbruglia. While her brand of music is not exactly manly -- after all she does claim her inspiration comes from Cline Dion and Mariah Carey -- we can't help but have a look every time she comes on TV. A statuesque beauty with a figure that could put supermodels to shame and a face that belongs on magazine covers, Delta is destined for greatness. Not only does she have a terrific singing voice, but she also sells records by the truckload. In fact, her Innocent Eyes album made it to the top of the Australian charts for over 19 weeks. Her presence on the show Neighbours has made her quite popular in her homeland, and she looks forward to acting in other productions, even if she admits that music is her first love. She has aspirations of becoming an internationally renowned superstar and the girl's got all the necessary equipment to make it happen.
personality & talent

Some celebrities get jaded when fame is at their doorstep, and often have trouble adjusting. Luckily, stardom is still very new to Delta. As a result, she has remained a good-natured girl, just the way we like 'em. And she has made it. After all, her album has produced four major hits in one year. Her impressive talent has been recognized by some of the greatest writers and producers in the industry, like Ric Wake (who worked with Celine Dion, J.Lo, and Mariah Carey), David Nicholas (INXS and Elton John), and The Rembrandts (Friends theme song), who have all worked with her.

Whether she's singing onstage, doing a photo shoot, signing autographs, or simply hanging out, Delta always looks good. She can often be seen wearing jeans and a blouse, and she has a way of making these clothes appear classier. The fact that she has been in front of the camera for over a decade must help tremendously, having learned the tricks of the trade at a young age.

Summer Fashion And Fun For The Beach

2007-01-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Look Good & Have Fun This Summer With The Perfect Beach Wardrobe

It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.

If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!

By: Sher Matsen

About the Author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International. Read more articles by: Sher Matsen Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Ashanti

2007-01-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Name : Ashanti

Full Name : Ashanti S. Douglas

Date Of Birth : October 13, 1980

Place Of Birth : Glen Cove, NY, USA

Height : 5'3"Birth

Sign : Libra

Occupation : Actress, Musician

"I didn't want to sing only slow songs and I didn't want to be spittin' rhymes. But Mary [J. Blige] put those concepts together. She cleared the way, and now I'm following my own path."

Ms Ashanti feature on Ashanti that includes her pictures, wallpapers, biography, filmography, accomplishments and some interesting facts.

Ashanti Douglas was born in 1980 in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York into a musical family. Her father used to sing and her mother is a dance instructor. Ashanti began to sing in a gospel choir at the age of 6. As she grew, her musical talent developed and with it, appearances followed.

She danced in a show at Carnegie Hall and in the Disney television musical Polly. It was in high school that she honed her songwriting skills and harnessed her talent for creating a story that people could relate to, song after song.

Ashanti "John Tucker Must Die". It is very funny. You should watch it.

Dressing Rich

2007-01-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

Look for quality:

You don’t have to break the bank to buy quality garments. Just look for items within your price range that have excellent cuts and classic colors. Tip: when looking to buy a quality coat, make sure the inner lining is well constructed- if this finishing element is well made, you can rest assured that the rest of the garment is too.

Avoid looking like a fashion victim:

One crucial element to dressing chic is to avoid looking like a walking billboard. More than one initial display of a designer name in one outfit makes you a fashion victim. Prominently displayed logos- real or knock-off, look cheesy and cheap. If you want to emulate a celebrity, think Gwyneth Paltrow, not Paris Hilton.

Pay attention to details:

Looking chic doesn’t have to be really expensive. Cheaper fabrics look more expensive if they are ironed. Change a cheap cardigan by replacing ugly plastic buttons with mother-of- pearl ones. Dressing chic is all about focusing on the details that make a garment stand out.

Pick clothes that flatter:

Chic clothes never bunch, hang, sag, or constrict your breathing. They should graze over your silhouette, highlighting and enhancing your figure. If it doesn’t flatter your figure, leave it on the rack. If it doesn’t fit well, it will NEVER look good.

Focus on fabrics:

There are lots of options for beautiful fabrics, even if you are on a budget. Rule of thumb: stick with fibers that can be found in nature. With proper maintenance they will keep their shape and wear beautifully. Keep an eye out for sales to get great deals on cashmere sweaters, and gorgeous silk tops for evening looks.

Update your shoe wardrobe:

A great pair of shoes really finishes an outfit, so make sure you appropriate footwear. A pair of black pumps is a staple that you can’t live without- they work great with a suit for work or with dark denim and a sparkly top for evening. Some other great shoes to invest in: a pair of classic boots, an open toed pump, and flirty flats. A great pair of strappy sandals for evening, and a stack- heeled boot for walking in should round out your shoe wardrobe.

Invest in classic pieces:

If you are going to hand over your hard earned dollars for an expensive designer piece, make sure it’s a classic that will transcend trends and last more than one season. Think Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Ferragamo for shoes, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes for bags; Dior shades.

It’s all about the attitude:

Whether your outfit cost 100 dollars or 1,000 dollars, the trick to looking you spent a fortune is all in how you wear those duds. Focus on good taste, confidence, elegance, and maintain an air of mystery, and no matter what you wear, you will always have what the French call a certain, je ne sais quois.

By Erica Salyi-Pannozzo, Assistant Editor of Think Fashion.com, an online shopping portal featuring over 60 designers including Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Roberto Cavalli.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

2007-01-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

Born February 21, 1979 in Waco Texas, Jennifer Love Hewitt was raised by her mother in the small town of Killeen. 'Love' comes from her mother's best friend in college, but her brother Todd gave her the "Jennifer" part. It was the name of a girl he had a crush on when he was younger. He said the name Love may not be cool when she grows up, boy was he wrong. She stands 5' 2 1/2" tall, and has the best smile ever. Family includes Mom (Pat Hewitt), a speech pathologist, Dad (Danny Hewitt), a medical technician, and her brother Todd. Her parents separated when she was six. Her first entertainment job as at age 3, where at a livestock show she sang "The Greatest Love of All".

When she was 4 she disappeared in a restaurant-dance hall, she was later found on the stage singing "Help Me make It Through The Night". By 5, she was taking tap, jazz, and ballet lessons, which led her to joining the Texas Show Team, which toured the Soviet Union and Europe. The talent scouts advised her that even at age 10 moving to LA would help her career and it did. Love quickly found commercial work and a role on Disney's "Kids Incorporated" where she met future co-star Scott Wolf. While doing Party of Five she took correspondence classes from Laurel Springs High School for Young Actors and graduated in 1998.

You may know her for her acting (which she was quite successful), but she has three solo albums as well. One of her goals after acting is to be a child psychiatrist. She founded and runs Love Spell Entertainment (her own production company!).

Love sent 3 dozen pink roses along with a 2-page letter to Gwyneth Paltrow the night before Paltrow won the Oscar in 1999. Paltrow sent a reply a week later, and Love framed it "it's my favorite thing". When the 2 actresses met for the first time at the 2000 Golden Globes, "she came up to me and gave me a hug for the flowers. I thought I was going to pass out. I was absolutely going to have a heart attack," Love said.

We hear she likes strawberries with whipped cream and chocolate. Her best friend's her Mom! Many TV appearances, Movies, loads of interviews, magazine articles, and her music is absolutely beautiful. Young, talented, Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Womens Flipflops - Stylish Footwear

2007-01-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

Flip flops aren’t what they used to be – and they aren’t just for kids and men anymore either. Womens flipflops have come a very long way in recent years. Womens flipflops are available in a variety of styles, colors and designs, and they have become a huge part of many women’s wardrobes.

Flip flops are even commonly seen in the work place these days! The designs of flip flops have become so flattering that they are now suitable to wear with dresses, skirts, slacks, and jeans. Of course, flip flops and shorts will always go well together! Flip flops come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Some have heels, and some are flat. Some have the traditional rubberized soles, while others are made of leather, wood, plastic, and a huge variety of other types of materials. When it comes to flip flops, anything goes, and all things are possible!

Flip flops are very flattering when worn with Capri style pants. In fact, it seems that the Capri style pants are what made flip flops more attractive to women. Designers were forced to sit up and take notice. They finally realized that women will not be content with the same old – ugly – style flip flops that were available for years in a one-size, one-style fits all fashion. Today, women want their footwear – even their flip flops – to be fashionable and stylish – and designers have answered that demand!

Many famous designers now have flip flop designs out on the market, and there are shoe companies that specialize only in flip flop sandals. Because each woman has an intricate style of her own, many of them even decorate their flip flops to make them even more stylish and unique.

Flip flops are not as cheap as they once were either. Of course, you can still find the old style of flip flops and purchase a pair of those for less than three bucks, but the more stylish – cute – flip flops cost quite a bit more. Some women even pay upwards of $100 for a pair of flip flops – and flip flops by famous designers go even higher!

Aside from the overall appearance of the shoe, many flip flop designers have taken more of an interest in comfort and support when it comes to flip flop designs as well. There are many styles of flip flops on the market today that feature arch support. The thong that goes between the toes is often made of the softest leather to keep the material from rubbing blisters between the toes as well. Comfort, support, fit, style, and design are all factors when new flip flops are made today!

Fit is something that was never important in the past when it came to flip flops. Women had a choice between small, medium, large, and in some instances, even extra large. Today, quality flip flops have actual shoe sizes so that women can get a better – more comfortable fit. This is revolutionary in the flip flop world – kids and men still have to settle for small, medium, large, and extra large in most cases, and their choices are very limited when it comes to flip flops.

Flip flops are seen everywhere you look – everyday. Women even wear flip flops in the winter. They are easy to slid into to step outside, or even to make a quick trip next door or to the store. Many women even use flip flops as substitutes for house slippers – because they are comfortable, and they serve the purpose without making a woman’s feet too warm.

We expect the flip flop to evolve even more in the future. The renewed interest that women have shown in these types of shoes will ultimately drive designers and manufacturers to give women even more of what they want – before the competition does. We definitely haven’t seen the last changes in womens flipflops! Keep an eye on the flip flop section at your favorite shoe store to see what the designers have in mind for us next!

By Trevor Mulholland
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Shoes-heaven.com provides you with information on the latest womens shoe fashion, womens flipflops and much, much more. For shoes, come to shoes-heaven.com! www.shoes-heaven.com/

Jessica Alba

2007-01-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

An American actress best known for her roles in the "Fantastic Four" movie and the TV series "Dark Angel", Jessica Alba's other film credits include "Into The Blue", "Honey", "Sin City" and "Idle Hands."

Jessica had the looks to make us believe she was a genetically-enhanced woman in the sci-fi hit Dark Angel, and has the body to make any guy want to go see a chick flick like Honey. Even though she's been away from the spotlight for a few years, Jessica has always been on our minds.

She says happiness is the perfect handbag.The 'Sin City' star - who has revealed her favourite holdall is a brown Italian lamb-leather Gustto Parina tote worth $625 - says women are never really dressed properly without a one.

She told the USA Today newspaper: "Aside from the sheer practicality of something you can carry your whole life around in, a bag really pulls an outfit together."A great bag can make an everyday outfit something special."Meanwhile, Jessica claims Hollywood is ruining her love life.The actress, who is dating Cash Warren, a former production crew member on her movie 'Fantastic Four', admits she struggles to successfully juggle work and her private life.

She said: "Being an actress and being in a relationship at the same time - I don't recommend it."The couple's relationship has reportedly become even more strained now Cash has started producing his own films.Jessica has just finished shooting comedy movie 'Good Luck Chuck' and 'The Ten', and is currently shooting comic book sequel 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'.

Taking Care of Your Leather Shoes

2007-01-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

You can make your leather shoes last as long as you want to keep them if you take care of them, but sadly most don’t know how. We live in a society now where it is much easier to just throw them out and buy a new pair.

Back in the day, most people owned only one pair of shoes and therefore had to take care of them out of necessity and they lasted for the life of the person! With the busy lifestyles of today many people just don’t take the time to care for their shoes properly and just take the easier albeit more expensive option of buying new ones instead. It really doesn’t take that much time or effort as well will show you.

When you first buy a pair of shoes you should always coat them with a weather proofing or sealer to prevent them from water and weather damage. The sealants usually come on a spray and you should use two to three coats to be sure they are covered properly. Be sure that the spray you choose has a waterproofing agent in it. Also, reapply the sealant every few months to guarantee protection and even more often if you use the shoes in harsh conditions.

Leather tends to shrink and get hard if it gets wet, so do your best to keep them dry. If your leather shoes do get wet, let them dry naturally unless you have done it deliberately to shape them to your foot. Your leather shoes will be much more comfortable if you keep them soft as they are intended to be. If your shoes do become hard you will need to use some wax or polish to make them soft again. Use clear shoe wax or even furniture wax and rub in lightly. If you buy expensive leather dress shoes, inquire at the store you buy them as to any special care they may need to keep them in perfect shape.

The best practice is to use natural products whenever possible to take care of your leather shoes. Harsh chemicals can be damaging to your leather shoes. If they are exposed to chemicals wipe them down as soon as possible with a cloth and warm water then dry and reapply a waterproof sealant.

The sock less Miami Vice look is still popular with some, but it is damaging to your shoes. Whenever possible where socks with your shoes, of course some leather shoes like sandals and many ladies shoes you would not want to wear socks. Overall, wearing socks will prolong the life of your shoes.

Always use a soft natural cloth and polish in a circular motion when you are polishing your leather shoes and rub the polish in well. You will not hurt the shoes and it will help to preserve them. Make sure to wipe way any excess polish as not to ruin your pants or socks from staining.
See, it really doesn’t take that much effort to make your shoes last.

By Gregg Hall
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get great deals on brand name shoes at http://www.brandnamefootwearonline.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

How To Spot Fake Designer Handbags

2006-11-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Designer handbags are all the rage and all women barring those that do not live in ordinary time would probably want to have one, a couple or a hundred if possible. Still, there is that question of price, price and price. Are there any other problems beside that?

With its really pricey price, there are a lot of designer handbags knock-offs being sold in the market today. In the Internet alone, there are literally hundreds of sites selling fake designer handbags at low low costs. Some scammers do not even tell that the designer handbags on their sites are designer knock-offs. And to be totally honest, some are so close in design and workmanship with the original that only a true designer handbag expert can tell if it is the real thing or the reel deal. So how can one spot the authentic from the fake without having the necessary years and years of experience with designer handbags?

Designing the design

Thank god then for the Internet as you can easily compare the original from the fake by just logging on to the website of the designer label and download the picture of the handbag that you want to examine. All of the websites carry close-up shots of the handbags that they carry so that it would be easier for consumers to spot differences in design, cut and even the color of the thread being used. Some websites will also carry tips that will further help you spot the telling difference.

Get to the Fabric

Remember that paying big bucks for handbag is not only paying for the brand name but also to the materials it used and the quality of its craftsmanship. Most handbags are hand-made, the beaded ones all the more so. Materials used to produce the designer handbags are top of the line and first class. As designer labels have strict quality control, you can be sure that you are getting the best for your money. This is one way to spot a fake. IF there is a problem with stitching or with any part of the designer handbag, then it might not be the real thing. Only those designer handbags that are perfectly done right down to the minutest details are the ones that you are sure of to be originals.

Don’t forget the details

While the basic cut, shape and size of the handbag may be identical with the original, small details like the lock, the zipper and even the inside pockets will be different. Sometimes the material itself will feel the same but the print will not. Make sure then that the prints are clear and cleanly printed. Also, Put special attention to cuffs, collar, buckles and other trimmings in the handbag that may point to a less than authentic finish.

Also, when buying make sure that you know the trademarks and symbols of designer labels as most designer knock-offs would not dare copy the exact trademark. Hermes handbags, for instance, should have the Hermes Paris stamp while the Versace, Hugo Boss and Dolce and Gabbana should have the Authentic labels inside.

Packaging has it

While the bag may be hard to examine, the packaging of the designer handbag can provide clues on whether the designer handbags are fakes or not. Be alert for things like labels, tags, identity cards and even dustboxes as they may sometimes reveal what the bag itself cannot.

By Joyce Dietzel

Joyce Dietzel writes articles for-guccie-handbags.com a website dedicated to all your top Designer Handbags
http://for-your-handbags.com/133.html
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Aprons: The Necessary Accessory!

2006-11-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

For employees who cook in a restaurant kitchen or work in the dining room waiting tables, wearing an apron is often a uniform requirement. While they serve the purpose of preventing grease or coffee spills from soiling work uniform pants and shirts, aprons are also a handy attachment to tote customer needs.

For a waiter or waitress, who usually wear just a half apron that wraps around their waists, it's important that the frock contain several accessible pocket compartments in which to carry necessities for the job. Not only is this convenient for the time-pressed server, but it will also impress a dine-in customer when the item needed is right at the finger tips of their attendant.
Items which should be carried by a waiter in their apron should include an ordering tablet, two or three pens, straws and matches. If feasible, extra condiments should also be allowed for as part of the supply load, like catsup bottles or packets and creamer and butter samplers. But be sure to protect liquid products from creating a mess within the apron--this happens to even the best of servers! Sometimes, in the rush to fill a demanding customer's coffee cup, leaning up against the counter or dining table causes a juicy explosion. It is best to keep those types of additives in a side pocket where they are safer.

Yet another issue that accompanies server aprons is the attached adjustable ties that are supposed to be secured on the back side of the waiter. As people come in all shapes and sizes, fastening these strings can be a side-show all in itself. Larger waisted people may have a difficult time tying a bow where the two ends meet because there simply is not enough material.

Thinner servers may have to wrap the ties around two or three times before accomplishing a bow to secure the apron. A possible solution would be for management to purchase aprons which will accommodate any shape or size or server to allow for a more uniformed appearance of their staff.

Color choices for restaurant cook aprons usually aren't that significant. The full cover aprons of the dishwashers, fry cooks and salad makers are rarely seen by the dining public. That is probably a good thing; chances are those hard-working employees in the back are wearing everything from sauces to sautés! Choosing a shade for the waitresses, waiters, hostesses and bus boy's aprons is a bit more unrestricted and allows for a creative presentation which compliments the décor of the restaurant dining room or color scheme of the table cloths and furniture.

Lastly, when choosing aprons for restaurant employees, select material that can easily be washed and sanitized and does not require too much effort for stain removal. Although employees are hard-working and dependable, they also have lives outside of the restaurant that may restrict time for uniform upkeep. If possible, provide at least two aprons to each server or cook.

By Josh Stone

Freelance writer for over eleven years. Chef Aprons Restaurant Aprons Dickies Nursing Uniform Scrubs
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

Funky Personalised Umbrellas

2006-11-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

Rainy days don't have to be gloomy days. Jazz up the winter months with a home-made personalised brolly. Express yourself and shake off those rainy days blues. Add pictures, phrases, names or symbols to your umbrella. You don't need any artistic skills, just a steady hand.

All you need is a computer with a printer, an umbrella, fabric paints, a lamp and some selotape.
Choose a plain umbrella to work with. Patterned umbrellas distract from the design and drown it any colour brolly will do, even dark colours such as navy or black.

The umbrella should be made from a nylon plastic and not PVC. The fabric paints used to decorate on the umbrella are not as effective on PVC umbrellas.

Adding a slogan onto the umbrella.To do this, write a slogan onto a word document on a computer. Make the font as large as possible and chose a font for your slogan. I chose the slogan "It's raining again..." Which I thought was appropriate and would be great for any Madness fan, and I chose font "Goudy Stout" A bold chunky font.

Print out the slogan when you are happy with it. Due to the size of the text the words may get broken up onto different lines, don't worry about this because they can be selotaped together.
Cut out the words leaving a good couple of cm's all around the text. Selotape the words back together as necessary. Balance the 'up' umbrella on the backs of two dining table chairs back to back but parted. Sit a lamp on the floor beneath the umbrella so that it shines up through the brolly like a backlight. This is so that you can see the text through the fabric of the umbrella.
Using the selotape, stick the slogan to the underside of the umbrella ink side up.

Using fabric paint trace around the text, filling in the appropriate parts in paint. Because the text is traced it is neat, all the same size and constant and looks professional.

The same principle can be applied to images. Find a simple bold picture in a Google image search, or photobucket.com. Hello Kitty is a great example. Print out the image and then trim off the excess paper.

Selotape to the under side of an umbrella panel, ink side up. Shine the lamp up through the paper and the brolly and trace the picture with fabric paints.

You could have a whole array of characters in a freeze around your brolly, the sky's the limit. Rainy days will forever be funky vibrant days!

By S. Roberts

S. Roberts write for www.santaspostbag.co.uk a free educational resource packed with creative things to do and make including traditional, religious & 21-century activities. Visit http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/christmas-funky-personalised-umbrellas.html to see photos. SantasPostbag is in association with www.bigboystoyz.com Together keeping Christmas magical.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

ARE TEMPORARY TATTOO DESIGNS FOR YOU?

2006-10-29T01:32:00.000-07:00

Getting a tattoo, as you have probably already guessed, is no simple decision. Once the tattoo design has been superimposed onto your skin, it is a permanent part of your overall appearance. Having a tattoo done isn't like going to the store and buying a t-shirt. If you don't like the t-shirt you buy, sure you can return it for something better, however when it comes to a tattoo, it's not so easy. You may choose - if you're brave enough - to undergo the necessary and painful laser surgery to remove the tattoo, however for most, a tattoo will stay for life.

Now that may all sound a little daunting, particularly if you aren't so sure you really want to go ahead and "get inked", however there is a solution for you: temporary tattoo designs.

What is a Temporary Tattoo Design?

The name itself is about as self-explanatory as you can get. A temporary tattoo design is a tattoo design you can apply to your skin and wash off! These are the ideal solution if you are reasonably keen on getting a tattoo, yet not quite sure if it's the way to go. With a temporary tattoo, you can choose a design that you really like, and apply it to your skin to trial the design. That way, if you find you don't particularly like the design or you don't like the look of the tattoo on your skin, you can simply wash it off.

Temporary Tattoo Application and Removal

Generally, temporary tattoos are simple to apply and painless. To apply a temporary tattoo, the film with the tattoo design on it is applied to the skin and after a time, the film is pulled away from the skin according to the transfer instructions. Typically, a temporary tattoo will last a few days, however sometimes the tattoo will still look reasonably good even weeks after the application. If you do not like the look of the tattoo or wish to remove it, you simply wash off according to the instructions - usually by using baby oil or a safe alcohol-based cleaner suitable for cleansing the skin.

Where to find Temporary Tattoo Designs

You're reading this article online right now, so you'll be happy to know that there are so many places online where you can browse a range of temporary tattoo designs, and purchase the designs you like. Rather than leave the hard work of finding good temporary tattoo design websites to you, we have taken the time to check out a number of suitable temporary tattoo websites well worth a visit:

* tattoofashion.com

This is a fantastic website with a huge variety of temporary tattoo designs to choose from. The designs are very realistic in appearance and easily categorized according to style, e.g. Chinese Tattoos, Maori Tattoos and Celtic Tattoos. There is plenty of information on the website about how to safely apply and remove the temporary tattoo you choose. You can inexpensively purchase temporary tattoos via the online store, and according to the website, all orders are dispatched in 24 hours with free worldwide delivery.

* tattoofun.com

This website clearly states that it is the largest temporary tattoo website online. There is quite a reasonable range of temporary tattoo designs to choose from, and again, the actual designs are categorized by theme and can be purchased quickly, via an online store usually for a few dollars. The actual tattoo paper is also sold in the online store, so users can print their own designs using their home computer.

* temptats.com

Another website for temporary tattoo designs that is worth checking out is Temp Tats. Again, this website has a huge range of temporary tattoo designs to choose from, all categorized according to style and also according to the area you wish to apply the tattoo, e.g. lower back, ankle. Each design typically costs a few dollars and can be purchased easily via the online store. You can also request custom designed temporary tattoos via this website, however the minimum quantity for a custom temporary tattoo order is 1000.

* bodygraphics.ca

Another temporary tattoo design website that has a decent design range is Body Graphics. Browse the design gallery according to style category and simply purchase the designs you like online in their store for just a few dollars per design. Custom temporary tattoo designs are also available, however the minimum order is 1000.

* tattoojohnny.com

Tattoo Johnny sells a product called Tattoo Test Drive via its online store. With each Test Drive pack you will receive one sheet of tattoo test paper and one clear transfer sheet. Choose from their huge range of tattoo designs and print onto the test paper. The Test Drive pack is available for just $3.89USD and you can download color drawings of a huge range of designs free via this website. Plenty of information relating to tattoos and temporary tattoos is available via this website, so it's definitely worth checking out.

So there are just a few of the temporary tattoo design websites worth exploring! Be sure to read the instructions carefully and have fun test driving your tattoos!

By Zac Parker

Zac Parker is one of the internet's well-known tattoo experts. With his website dedicated to tattoo designs, Zac helps anybody who is interested in tattoos and free tattoo designs. Make the right design decision when it comes to your next tattoo and check out http://www.tattoodesignphotos.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

10 THINGS A WOMAN MUST ASK THEIR PLASTIC SURGEON

2006-10-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

We understand that if you’ve been thinking about whether or not plastic surgery is right for you, you no doubt have dozens of questions. Many offices want you to come into their office for a “free” consultation. Often, you’ll have to take time off of work, fight traffic, park and sit in the waiting area. Chances are you’re going to be feeling a little uneasy and nervous about the whole process.

You may spend most of your time talking to a nurse or a patient coordinator. Then the doctor will see you.

We believe that one of the major factors to achieve the results you’re looking for is that you feel good about the doctor doing the procedure. The best way to get to know a doctor is to actually talk to the doctor BEFORE you take the time out of your busy day to commit to an office consultation.

Then, and only then, should you take the next step and schedule an office appointment, where the specifics of your procedure can be discussed.

Questions to ask your plastic surgeon:

1. When did the American Board of Plastic Surgery certify you? When are you required to recertify? If you are not required to recertify, will you take the recertification exam as soon as it is available any way?

2. Do you have hospital privileges to perform this surgery? If so, at which hospitals?

3. How many procedures of this type have you performed?

4. Where and how will you perform my surgery?

5. Is the surgical facility accredited were in the process of being accredited by a national or state-recognized accrediting organization?

6. What are the risks involved with my procedure?

7. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

8. Will I need to take time off of work? If so, how long?

9. How much will my procedure cost?

10. Are payment plans available?

VISIT http://www.breastimplantsusa.com/ TO FIND OUT MORE!
Breast Implants USA

Breast Implants USAhttp://www.breastimplantsusa.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

WHY YOU SHOULD DEMAND A PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALIST?

2006-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

By Tammy Garcia

Copyright 2006 Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery

What makes a doctor a plastic surgery specialist? Does it take special requirements, or is it an easy process?

It starts with education and training. If a doctor chooses to become a plastic surgery specialist, he should focus his education and skills on this specialty. The surgeon should have completed an accredited residency program in plastic surgery, and have a number of years of intensive training and experience covering the full spectrum of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

Typically, when a doctor chooses to become a plastic surgery specialist, he or she will also become board certified to enter the field of plastic surgery. Certification requires rigorous qualifications and strict membership requirements.

Once a doctor chooses to become a plastic surgery specialist, he must turn his training into experience. If he has performed your procedure dozens of times, he’ll understand every nuance of the surgery. You’ll feel more comfortable with the doctor, the procedure, and will be more relaxed during the entire process.

Because a plastic surgery specialist has a passion for what he does, he may also share this passion in various ways. Many of today’s finest doctors become active in the teaching community, training future generations of doctors to in turn become great plastic surgery specialists. They may train at hospitals or universities, or may offer specialized training at their own facilities. Some may even take their skills to a developing area, and train doctors to help patients in underprivileged areas.

Some doctors also choose to give back to their communities by setting up humanitarian organizations or not-for-profit groups that provide free plastic surgeries to children and adults in underprivileged areas. They care not only about the people in their home communities, but also people in need of their services around the world.

In 2004, over 14.7 million people in the United States had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. And that number is much larger if you consider people from around the world. As more people are becoming aware of the different procedures, and are comfortable with having the procedures performed, top-notch doctors will be easier to find and meet even the stiffest of requirements. The key is to find a personality that blends with yours; one you’ll be comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Above all, today’s top plastic surgery specialists offer you a wide variety of services that will help improve the way you live your life. If you have questions, set up an initial consultation to speak with a plastic surgery specialist. They should be able to answer all of your questions, and make you feel comfortable about the procedure, and the entire process. Your happiness will make all of the difference in a successful experience.

Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery offers you two of today’s top doctors that have what it takes to be considered as plastic surgery specialists. Dr Randolph C Robinson is double board-certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr Jeremy Z Williams completed extensive training in plastic surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD before returning to his native home, Colorado. Both are committed to providing you with top quality care, from your initial consultation to your full post-operative recovery. Visit them at http://www.parkmeadowscosmeticsurgery.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ATHLETIC SHOES

2006-10-28T03:34:00.001-07:00

You've finally had to throw out those cross-trainers. They've been your companions through miles of workouts and it breaks your heart to have to dump them. It's been so long since you've had to purchase a new pair, you don't know where to begin. Here's a short guide to help you decide which pair to buy next.

When shopping for athletic shoes, you should already know what sport you will be using them for. Will you be using them to train for a marathon, or will you wearing them to basketball practice? Running shoes are designed differently than, say, tennis or cross-training shoes, and choosing the right shoe can help your performance and help you to avoid injuries.

Athletic shoes fall into different categories. For example, there are sneakers which are appropriate for running on a track or road, and they are those models which are designed to give you traction when trail running. Likewise, tennis shoes are designed to allow the wearer to get the best traction while running and making those quick turns on the court. Baseball and soccer shoes, or 'cleats,' are usually spiked to let you run in soft grass and mud.

Once you've decided on which type of shoes you want to buy, it's time for you to try them on. It is important to try on the shoes, at the end of the day, when your feet are their largest. It may sound strange, but your feet swell during the course of the day, so if you want to get the best fit, you should try them on towards the end of the day. It is also very important to remember to bring the type of socks that you will be wearing with them, to guarantee a proper fit. When you have them on, walk around. This will give you a better idea as to whether they really will be comfortable or not. And remember, the shoe should not slip or slide on your foot when you are wearing them.

Purchasing your next pair of sports shoes should be fun and with a little bit of planning, they should last for a long time.

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery

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WHAT TYPE OF HANDBAG SUITS YOUR BODY TYPE?

2006-10-28T03:32:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, handbags have quickly become the most popular accessory on the market. There are thousands of styles and designs to choose from, which makes it difficult to find the perfect handbag. Many women are unsure of which types of handbags work best with the shape of their bodies and end up choosing styles which make them look large or out of proportion. In order to help you choose the right type of purse for your body type we have compiled a list of body types as well as which kind of handbag is best suited for each type.

Choose the category which best reflects your body type:

Tall and Thin

If you are long and lean, you will be able to get away with almost any form of handbag. Clutches, oversized handbags and shoulder bags will suit you fantastically, but the size of the bag needs to be considered. Oversized, large bags are going to look best on you, whereas smaller ones are going to make you look even taller than you already are. If you want to purchase a smaller handbag, make sure it fits snugly under your shoulders.

Short and Plump

Shorter girls need to pay very careful attention to the types of handbags they choose. Smaller bags tend to look best since larger ones will overpower you and make you look even shorter. Shorter purses (especially those which fit tightly against your body) will create height and make you look taller than you really are.

Curvy

If you’re lucky enough to have an hourglass figure you will want to accentuate your waistline. In order to do this, you will need to find a bag which hits just above the waist. This style and length is going to be most flattering. Medium sized bags work best to enhance your already gorgeous body type.

Plus Size

If you’re plus size you will definitely want to stay away from small bags, which tend to make you look bigger than you are. Bags with short straps should also be avoided. Try a style which is larger and slightly wider than normal sizes since they will make you appear smaller.

The type of handbag you choose will not only depend on your body type, but also on the outfit you’re wearing and what you are doing. Choose your handbags according to how you feel that day and what you think looks best on you. One handbag is never enough, so make sure you have a number to choose from. You wouldn’t wear the same pair of shoes everyday, so why carry the same handbag?

About the author:
Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com/ - a site that offers information about handbags, Louis Vuitton handbags, coach handbags and more.

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WHAT YOUR HANDBAGS SAY ABOUT YOU

2006-10-28T03:30:00.001-07:00

You can tell a lot about a person from the clothes they wear, but you can also tell a lot about a person simply from the handbags they carry. It’s hard to believe, but you can find out a number of things about a women’s personality just by looking at the type of handbag she sports. Below you will find a number of handbag styles and colors as well as what each specific type of handbag says about the owner.

Styles:

Under-the Shoulder – Handbags which are smaller and fit tightly underneath the shoulder indicate class and sophistication. A women working in an upscale office or someone of high stature would choose this form of handbag.

Big and Bulky – Big, bulky and oversized bags are casual and are often associated with younger individuals. These are used for individuals who carry a number of things (binders, books etc) and require a lot of space. Down-to-earth, lower-maintenance women would carry this type of handbag.

Designer – Designer handbags often cost an arm and a leg and therefore are usually associated with high-maintenance females. Females who are confident and require top of the line accessories will settle for nothing less than a name-brand designer purse. Guys – watch out for these girls, they tend to be a handful.

Cigar Box Purses – A women who carries a cigar box purse likes to be unique and stand out from the crowd. These women have minds of their own and cannot be told what to do. They are comfortable in their own skin and tend to be very independent.

Leather with Buckles and Zippers – Women who choose leather purses with lots of buckles and zippers are leashing out their wild sides. These women tend to act before they think and are always ready for a good time. The extra buckles and zippers tend to signify a “bad girl” image.

Colors:

Bright Colors – Bright colored handbags like pink, purple, bright blue and green indicate that the woman is fun, friendly and approachable. Women who are out-going and sociable will tend to choose these colors. This is the type of woman who will strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.

Black and Brown – Women who choose black or brown handbags tend to be more reserved and are often mistaken as being snobby or restricted. These types of handbags are often associated with down-to-earth women, who are shy at first, but open up after a while. They tend to exude a shy confidence, which is sometimes mistaken as someone who thinks she’s better than others.

The style and color of your handbag says a lot about you. Choose your handbag very carefully and remember you can choose more than one style. You may feel like being reserved one day and the center of attention another…it’s natural to want different things in life.

About the author:
Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com/ - a site that offers information about great designer handbags, Gucci handbags, prada handbags and more.

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COLOR TORIC CONTACTS - GOOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTIGMATISM

2006-10-28T03:26:00.001-07:00

If you have an astigmatism it doesn’t mean that you are stuck with wearing glasses. These days there are special contact lenses, called “toric”, developed specially for people with astigmatism. And it gets even more exiting - you can also wear color toric contacts. Find out what color toric contact lenses are available and which would be best for you.

The difference between a regular contact lens and a toric lens is that torics have two powers, (one for astigmatism, the other for short-sightedness or long-sightedness). Also the lens is usually heavier at the bottom, to prevent it rotating in your eye.

The material used for toric color contacts is the same as for ordinary contacts - they can be soft or RGP (rigid gas permeable). RGP lenses usually don’t come in color varieties, though, because the lens is smaller than your iris (the colored part of your eye). So in talking about colored toric contact lenses, we will discuss only soft toric lenses.

What color toric contacts are available?

For now the only widely available brand name colored toric contacts are Freshlook Colorblends by Ciba Vision. Freshlook Colorblends are opaque color contacts, which means that they are equally suitable for people with light eyes or dark eyes. Freshlook Colorblends toric offers you green, blue, gray and honey colors. See pictures of people wearing color toric contacts by Freshlook at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/color-contacts.html.

Some custom-made toric color contacts can also be made, at your request. Naturally, these would cost you a bit more. Most custom-made color contacts are traditional (annual replacement) lenses, while Freshlook Colorblends are monthly disposable lenses.

How expensive are toric colored lenses?

Unfortunately, all toric contact lenses cost about twice as much as lenses for long or shortsightedness. The reason is that the lens is irregularly shaped and is more difficult to manufacture.

Comparable to plain (no color) toric contacts colored torics are 25-30% more expensive. However, if you order your toric colored contacts online you can save significantly.

Is there any potential danger in wearing color toric contacts?

Toric color lenses don’t present any more danger than any other contact lenses. You just shouldn’t neglect to care for them properly. Always remember to wash your hands before handling your lenses. Every time you put your lenses out for the night use fresh solution. Don’t wear your lenses for too long - 8-10 hours is the limit, and never sleep in them.

Since you need toric contact lenses anyway, try color toric contacts. You would be amazed how different your face will look with a different eye color.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which gives you information about all types of contact lenses including colored contact lens pictures

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TOP 5 MOST OFTEN CARRIED HANDBAGS

2006-10-28T03:24:00.001-07:00

Handbags have become the most popular accessory on the market and there’s no reason to wonder why. There are so many styles and trends to choose from that it’s hard for a woman to choose just one handbag. Each outfit calls for a different type of handbag so it’s hard to distinguish which types are most popular. In order to help you determine which types of handbags are in style right now, I have compiled a list of the top five most often carried handbags. You do not have to choose one of these as the type of handbag you’re going to carry but use this as a guideline illustrating which are in fashion at the moment:

1. Shoulder Bag – A shoulder bag comes in many different sizes and shapes. They are usually larger, providing more space for essentials such as your wallet, books, makeup etc. Shoulder bags are meant only to be worn over the shoulder and provide a combination practicality and style in one handbag.

2. Handheld Handbag – Handheld handbags are handbags which are designed to be held in the hand and no other way. They are usually smaller and provide less space than a shoulder bag. The difference between this form of bag and a clutch is that a handheld bag usually has a strap or handles. These types of bags are best suited for shopping or cruising around town.

3. Back Pack – Back Packs are very popular bags which are most beneficial to students of all ages. Back packs have two straps which make them better suited for carrying since there is a balance of pressure of both sides of your shoulders and back (as opposed to just one with most handbags).

4. Tote Bag – Tote bags are very popular because they are casual yet very practical. These bags usually fall in the middle of the body, around the elbow. They are big and provide a lot of space for the user. They usually only have one or two compartments and are available with a number of images on them or a simple solid color.

5. Clutch - A clutch is a handbag which does not have handles and is meant to be carried in the hand. That said they are usually quite small and only provide enough space for the bare essentials which you will need. These bags can be casual or dressy and are often worn to parties or nightclubs because they are so small and efficient.

The handbag you choose will depend on your style and your personal preference. As a woman you will probably feel the need to change the style of handbag you carry on a regular basis. The style of handbag differs each day depending on where you are going and which type would be best suited for the occasion. Have fun with your handbag and let your personality show through the style you choose.

About the author:
Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com/ - a site that offers information about designer handbags, prada handbags, coach handbags and more.

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SHOPPING FOR PLUS SIZE EROTIC LINGERIE ONLINE

2006-10-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Being overweight no longer excludes you from wearing sexy lingerie and thanks to the internet shopping for plus size erotic lingerie has never been easier.

Often it is difficult to find larger sizes in brick and mortar stores and when you do it is a petite woman with a "perfect" figure is staffing the lingerie boutique - something that can make a Rubenesque woman feel self-conscious shopping for plus size sexy lingerie. There is no lack of exotic sexy plus size lingerie on the Internet. You can find a plus size teddy or garter set or a sexy plus size costume with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Wearing sexy lingerie can be a boost to your self-confidence and put a spark in your relationship. Knowing that you are wearing such sexy clothing under your regular clothes puts you in control of your body and your sexuality and if you drop hints to your mate in the morning about what you are wearing he will be eager to see you in (or out of) full regalia by evening.

When you shop online, you will easily find erotic sexy plus size lingerie to fit every size. Most regular stores do not have the space to carry a very wide selection of plus size clothing, but online retailers are better able to satisfy the needs of everyone because they can work with different manufacturers and drop shippers to find sizes and styles for every body type.

The lingerie size charts on most sites make it easy to understand the size you need. For example, when you want to order a plus size bra, the sites will often give detailed instructions on how to take your measurements to ensure you get the perfect fit.

The best thing about shopping for your plus size erotic lingerie online is that many times you will not have to pay extra for the larger size like you do in retail brick and mortar stores.

There has been tremendous growth in recent years in the plus size lingerie industry in both quantity and quality. Not too long ago there were very few choices for big beautiful women for looking sexy and now there are whole stores dedicated to large size sexy costumes and garters and more. Plus size women can now enjoy feeling feminine and pretty underneath their
everday clothing too.

About the author:
Copyright 2005 Katie Rose Intimates Sexy Costumes and Lingerie

Katie Rose is the owner of Katie Rose Intimates - a fine lingerie shop featuring fantasy clothing, leather and lace and intimate apparel in sexy, erotic, romantic and unique styles - with special attention for the plus size woman

ATTENTION WEBMASTERS and EZINE PUBLISHERS - Permission is granted to publish this article on your site or in your Ezine but ONLY if my bio paragraph is included and all links are hyperlinked. I would also appreciate a note letting me know that you are using it, although it is not mandatory, I just like to see where my work is being used.

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HOW PERFUMES MAKE YOU SEXY

2006-10-28T03:18:00.000-07:00

What attracts you to the opposite sex?

What makes a guy and a girl fall in love?

Is it the way they look?

Things they have in common?

A special connection?

Or is it the way they smell to each other?

Actually, the way you smell plays an important part in the mating game. It is true in the animal world. Like it or not, it is also true among people.

Ever heard about pheromones? Read http://www.womanht.com/perfume/best_pheromone_product.htm for the details.

That is the secret of sexual attraction.

In the animal world, pheromones attract member the opposite sex irresistably when the animal is in heat. Think about the female cat who attracts male cats in droves, who fight over her when she is in heat.

Among insects, a starving cockroach on the verge of dying from hunger would rather follow the source of pheromones with the hope of mating, rather than go for the food that would save his life.

Humans are not spared from the effects of pheromones either. That fuzzy feeling a woman gets near the presence of her special guy could well be due to pheromones. Likewise, men are attracted to a woman, by her looks, her personality, and the pheromones she produces.

Everyone has a million apocrine glands whose sole function is to produce a smell. These only become active upon puberty. Upon sexual maturity. A sex scent, if you will.

Did you know that in certain parts of the world, during village dances, girls would hold slices of apple in their armpits while they dance. Then, they would offer the sweat soaked apples to the guys they fancy.

Perfumes as we know them were first used by Egyptians to embalm the dead bodies of mummies. Later, perfumes were used before sex. To get both parties in a more romantic mood.

Jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang and a number of other aromatherapy oils used in perfumery are known for their aphrodisiac properties.

I remember reading an amusing incident about a guy who used sandalwood as a sore throat remedy. It has an interesting side effect. It increased his libido significantly. That means sandalwood perfumes featured in http://www.perfume-online.org/sandalwood.htm do make you sexier.

Patchouli has a sweet, very strong, musky scent that is considered very sexy. On its own, it is the kind of scent you either love or hate, as it can be overpowering, but when blended into a perfume with other notes, it gives the perfume a sexier feel.

Ylang ylang has a strong, womanly scent. Ylang ylang can be overpowering but when used lightly or in blends, it is said to put one in a romantic mood. Ylang ylang perfumes like the ones from http://www.perfume-online.org/ylang.htm are ideal for that romantic night out.

Jasmine perfume you can get from http://www.perfume-online.org/jasmine.htm has a very sensual fragrance. Jasmine essential oil itself exerts an effect on a female hormones. It is used in aromatherapy to balance hormones and to boost confidence. Jasmine is popular in perfumes as it has a strong erogenous effect on people.

Then there is musk which on its own, is a potent masculine scent. With other scents, it might be barely detectable yet it gives the perfume bouquet an air of mystery. Even the lightest, most flowery perfumes contain a trace of musk.

Perfumes are often used like pheromones, for that aphrodisiac effect. Look at all the perfume ads. They usually center around romance, or seduction.

Going a step further, perfumes, which you can get at http://www.perfume-online.org also make you feel good about yourself. Many women buy perfumes for the sheer beauty of the fragrances. Perfumes can make you smell wonderful. They can make your shower a luxurious experience. You set out to face the world, knowing you smell simply fabulous and that gives you that confidence which is really sexy.

About the author:
The writer created http://beta.blogger.com/'http://www.perfume-online.org/'to help you find your ideal brand name perfume at bargain prices, easily.

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COSTUME CONTACTS - MAKE YOUR EYES A REAL WOW

2006-10-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

Want to transform yourself into a werewolf, zombie or alien? Costume contact lenses can make the transformation a complete success. Find out what is on offer and how to get lenses that are safe and will make everybody's head turn.

What costume contact lenses are on offer?

There are two brands of theatrical contact lenses that offer you the best looking, high quality lenses - Crazy Lenses by Cooper Vision and Wild Eyes by Ciba Vision.. Both companies are major manufacturers of all types of contact lens, including corrective lenses, color contact lenses and theatrical lenses. So if you buy either Wild Eyes or Crazy Lenses, you can be sure you are paying for a high quality lens.

There are hundreds of costume lens styles available. Here are some:
• Cat's Eye - yellow, white, green or red, with a vertical black pupil just like a real cat
• White-out - makes your eye white, good for a zombie effect
• Black-out - makes your eye completely black
• Red Hot - for red vampire eyes
Spirals - red, yellow and white, create a crazy effect
• Fire - bright yellow flames on a red background, around your pupil
• Bloodshot - red blood vessels over white background, very scary

See Halloween costume contacts pictures at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/halloween-contacts.html

There are also many smaller companies and individual artists, who offer different designs for costume contact lenses. You can even get custom made lenses, with any design you like.

Costume contacts safety

You might have heard that Halloween contact lenses can damage your eyes. You shouldn't worry; though, because high quality lenses are absolutely safe; only improper care of them can cause problems. If you already wear contact lenses for vision correction, care for costume lenses is absolutely the same as for ordinary contacts.

If you are new to contact lenses, though, be sure to consult your eye doctor before you order yourself a pair of costume contacts. All contact lenses come with instructions on how to care for them. Be sure to read and follow these instructions - it isn't at all difficult.

Here it is, in a nut shell:
- don't wear your lenses for longer than 8 hours and never sleep in them
- only use contact lens solution to store and disinfect your lenses, never use tap water
- wash your hands before handling your contacts
- never wear a lens that is torn
- take your costume lenses off if they irritate your eyes
- never give your lenses to other people

How expensive are theatrical lenses?

A few years ago, costume contacts were a luxury item, costing several hundred dollars - but not any more! These days, if you order your theatrical contacts from a reputable online retailer, you can get an exciting new look for as little as $30-60.

Mass produced costume lenses like Crazy Lenses or Wild Eyes are the most affordable. Custom made, hand-painted and scleral lenses are a bit more costly.

Where can I get costume contact lenses?

Leading up to Halloween, you have probably seen these colorful boxes for sale everywhere - beauty salons, flea markets, even gas stations. However, it is not a good idea to buy your theatrical contact lenses from these places. Most of them sell no-brand costume contacts, so you can't know where they were manufactured or from what materials. Remember, the surface of your eye is very delicate, and using paints that are not designed for contact lenses (as is the case with the majority of lenses available on the streets) can damage your eyes.

There are two safe ways to get costume contacts. One is to visit an eye doctor, get a prescription and order them through your doctor's office. Another option is to order your costume lenses online from trusted contact lens retailers. This way, you can get the best price. As with most online orders, your contacts will usually arrive in about a week, so you should place your order in advance.

Like the idea of costume contacts? They are great fun and, with so many designs available, you can find a style to match your costume perfectly.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is color and special effects contact lens expert and a founder of http://beta.blogger.com/'http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/'where you can find information and photos of Halloween costume contact lenses

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SPECIAL EFFECT CONTACTS - BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION AT COSTUME PARTIES

2006-10-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

Theatrical contact lenses are favorites for costume parties. And for a good reason - nothing can make your costume seem more real than a pare of bright inhuman eyes. However, with so many special effect contacts available it is important to know how to select good ones.

All special effect contacts are soft contact lenses. This means that, with proper care and cleaning, you will hardly notice there is anything in your eyes. Most people can wear costume contact lenses without any problems.

What types of special effect contact lenses are on offer?

Theatrical lenses come in hundreds of exciting designs. You can get cat's eye contacts, red or black spirals, wolf eyes, bloodshot eyes, vampire, white-out, black-out or even an American flag design. The most popular and trustworthy brands of special effect contact lenses are Crazy Lenses from Cooper Vision and Wild Eyes from Ciba Vision.

See photos of people wearing costume special effect contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/halloween-contacts.html

As all color contact lenses, costume lenses can be produced digitally (printed by a computer) or hand-painted. As you would expect, the price of hand-painted contacts is much higher than mass produced, digital ones - usually upwards from $150. Hand-painted lenses are the most beautiful, and every detail is very clear.

However, don't assume that mass produced lenses are no good. They make an excellent addition to your costume for a Halloween party, or just for a fun night out at a club. On the other hand, if you plan to shoot a home movie, where your face will be seen large and clear, a pair of more expensive, hand-painted theatrical lenses would be better.

You can also order custom special effect lenses - an artist will paint any design you like. Naturally, though, custom theatrical lenses are the most expensive.

What effect would you like - just to change the color portion of your eye to something exotic, or to cover the whites of your eyes as well and make them look completely inhuman?

Most theatrical contact lenses only cover your iris, this way you can get an effect of cat eyes, wolf eyes, red-hot eyes or spirals. But there's another type of costume contact called scleral lenses. As the name suggests, this lens covers your entire sclera (the visible portion of your eye, including the white). Scleral lenses are more flexible in design, because they are not restricted by the circular shape of the lens and whites around. The effects that you have seen in Predator or Dune are achieved with scleral lenses.

However, scleral costume lenses are harder to manufacture, so they are always more expensive than the circular ones - but the effect is well worth it.

Can I wear costume contacts if I need vision correction?

The most popular brands, like Wild Eyes and Crazy lenses, come with or without visual correction. Crazy lenses also come in the most common size - diameter 14.2 and base curve 8.6. This means that they would suit the majority of people.

Most other costume contacts can be only be ordered in plano. However some companies, allow you to specify your prescription, especially when the lenses are custom made.

Make your costume really stand out with a pair of scary theatrical lenses. You will have great fun and be the center of everybody's attention.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is costume and color contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lens Guide, where you can find information and photos of color and special effect contacts

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT HANDBAG

2006-10-28T03:13:00.001-07:00

There are so many handbags on offer, how to select the one that would complement your figure and go with most of your outfits? See fashion expert tips.

What purse style would work best with your figure?

Never mind the current fashion: your handbag should first of all complement your figure. A tiny purse on a largish woman looks a bit silly. But even though large bags are in fashion now, don't go overboard, otherwise the bag will distract attention from your person.

If you are slim and tall, go for a round or square shaped purse. If you are not very tall, a bottle shaped handbag would look best. And, of course, a not very large backpack works perfectly for any figure.

Most handbags have adjustable handles, so make use of them. Large bags should never hang at the level of your hips: if necessary shorten the handle, so the bag comes to your waist line. And if you wear a backpack, it should not hang down over your backside: adjust the handles so it is just above your waist. This looks better, doesn't put as much pressure on your lower back, and forces you to keep a good posture.

What color should you choose?

These days handbags are very colorful. Of course, this means that you can no longer have just one bag that would go with any outfit you wear. However, if you wear a lot of blue, orange or green, a matching color purse would make your outfit complete. Fruit prints are currently ‘in', with the most popular being cherries, peaches and apples.

As far as prints go, a plain, one-color handbag is more practical as it is easier to match with your clothes. However, if you wear a single-colored dress, adding a bright, multicolored handbag might be a good idea.

Also each season of the year favors different handbag colors. All greens are very popular in spring, while red and orange are often seen in autumn. Winter favorites are white and all shades of blue.

And, of course, black is still a classic, which goes with any outfit. Brown handbags, too, are still popular although they are not very practical: a brown bag would only work with brown or beige clothing.

What are most fashionable purse materials?

Leather is always a classic, and it works for any situation and with any outfit. However, other purse materials are fashionable now. Fabric bags can look very stylish, as well as a mix of fabric and leather. Straw bags are simple, and create a great look for the summer. Moreover, since straw looks very natural, it works well with a summer outfit of any color.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is a fashion expert and a founder of http://beta.blogger.com/'http://www.allpurses.info/', where you can find fashion advice and tips about purses and handbags styles

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HOBO PURSES - FASHION IS NOW COMFORTABLE!

2006-10-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great, when what is currently in fashion is also comfortable and practical? Totes and hobo purses are this year's favorites. Find out how to select the best one for you.

A tote is an open-top bag that has straps or handles; you can wear it over your shoulder or carry in your hand. A hobo bag is a crescent-shaped bag that hangs from your shoulder. Both are large, so you can fit a lot of stuff in them.

You can get totes and hobo bags in just about any color. Bright-colored handbags are hot this year, but bear in mind that, if you have a large, brightly colored bag, it will attract attention. What I mean is that you don't want your bag to overpower your outfit or face. However, if you wear a plain outfit in a classic color, like black, grey or white, you can brighten it up with a green or orange purse.

The most popular materials are luxurious leather, leatherette, canvas, linen, tapestry and straw. Combinations of leather and fabric also look very stylish, but are more affordable than leather.

Hobo bags and totes also come with beautiful prints on them; totes that feature celebrities are particularly popular, just now. Animal lovers can get totes that have adorable pictures of pups or kittens on them. You can even order a custom made tote with a photo of your own pet - all you need is to provide a photo of reasonable quality.

Most of us think of a tote as a casual bag for shopping, but you can also get elegant, stylish varieties. If it is leather, suede, or a leather-fabric combination, a tote can be a good companion for a work outfit.

Most hobo bags are not expensive. If you do a little bit of comparison shopping online, you will find fabric and leather-like bags for under 50 dollars, and quality leather for under a hundred. That is, of course, for non-designer bags - but they are of good quality, all the same. If you are after Gucci, Fendi or Prada totes and hobo purses, though, expect to pay a few hundred dollars.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is a fashion expert and a founder of http://beta.blogger.com/'http://www.allpurses.info/', where you can find fashion advice and tips about purses and handbags

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COLOGNE SECRETS

2006-10-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

Two secrets about cologne

Here are two secrets many people don't know: 1. Women are a more attracted to smell than most men realize. 2. A person's sense of smell is one of the longest lasting memories we have. You may forget a face or a name, but you'll remember a smell for much, much longer. So finding a good Cologne is very important, especially if you are guy in the "dating scene."

How cologne is made

Cologne developers create their signature brands from nine scents, which are called "notes." Every cologne is made up of some combination of the following (which are listed from the lightest scents to the heaviest scents):

Citrus - very bright and light
Herbal
Fruit
Floral
Spice
Wood
Musk
Powder
Leather - very heavy and thick.

Polo Sport, for example, is primarily a dominant floral note while English Leather is a dominant leather note. Your father's Brut is a musk/powder combination.

How to buy cologne that is right for you

All too often, cologne is selected based on price, the shape of the bottle, and how it smells. But when you're shopping for cologne, you need to remember that your sense of smell can only detect three distinct smells before it gets overwhelmed and starts to report inaccurately to your brain.

Instead, you can shop for cologne much more easily: by pictures. Check out the advertising and see what kind of niche the cologne is marketing to: is it the rugged outdoorsman as advertised in an outdoor lifestyle magazine? Is it the active sports-lover in a magazine about basketball? Is it the suave urbane male in a men's fashion magazine? Cologne companies will market their brands to the type of person it is designed for. So if you are "going for a certain look," the marketing department of the cologne companies can help you select the right scent for you.

Just remember, it is not you that is going to be reacting to its smell. It's that beautiful woman who you want to enjoy it and with smell closely linked to memory, you want her to remember you for a long, long time!

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Cologne and Perfume a website providing information on Cologne

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MEN'S SUNGLASSES TRENDS

2006-10-28T03:07:00.001-07:00

Some trends come and go. Others stick around for a while. And some become a part of our cultural landscape. When considering a pair of sunglasses that are right for you, ignore the trends and ignore the hype. The right sunglasses for you, aren’t necessarily right for the next fellow. And vice versa. You get it.

Let’s explore some of the classic styles for men. Aviator inspired shades have been a popular style of glasses for men for generations. In recent times, they have become more of a fashion accessory than a practical item. But nonetheless, these glasses are as slick as they are functional. They come is various shapes, tints, and sizes and there is certainly a pair out there for you.

Aviators are a definitely a safe bet in men’s sunglasses. Another style that has made a comeback in recent times is the big-and-bold sunglasses. You know the ones. Think Big! These glasses could even be considered the offspring of the Aviators, just bigger and bolder! With the resurgence of everything 70’s, these glasses epitomize the extravagance and excitement of the time.

As they say, everything old is new again! Another style of sunglasses that is still popular is the wrap-around style. This style has been around for a quite a few years now, popularized by all your favorite rock stars and movie stars. Again, these are available in many shapes and colors.

For a better idea of what you are shopping for, trip down to your local sunglass shop and have a look around. Here are some guidelines to help in your quest for the perfect sunglasses. For those of you with oval shaped faces, most any style will suit you. Rectangular frames are ideal for those with round faces, and oval or round frames are best for those with square shaped faces.

But sunglasses are not just about style. Try to find a balance of style and function. You will also want to have lenses with good UV protection. And consider some form of lens protection for scratch resistance. What are you looking at??

About the author:
Nick Albert fancies himself as a fashion enthusiast. Known for his chic style and daring color use, Nick also works as a freelance writer for several fashion websites, including http://beta.blogger.com/'http://www.topsellingsunglasses.com'– a site that features information on all the latest Oakley sunglasses, Armani sunglasses, Versace Sunglasses and more.

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WHAT IS DIAMOND CLARITY?

2006-10-28T03:03:00.001-07:00

The clarity of a diamond is perhaps one of its most valuable selling points in the eye of the consumer. A diamond, that has flash and fire, will stand out even above others that are far larger.

That's because diamonds are basically prisms, which capture light and reflect it back and forth, before it leaves the stone. If you had two similar stones and were wondering which of them was the diamond, you could put a tiny light behind each one and see how the light passed through it. If you basically got the beam of light coming out the other side, the stone is not genuine. A diamond refracts the light so many times, that it would only emerge from the other side as a soft glow.

Clarity is considered to be how "clean" the diamond is. Diamonds can have minor inclusions, which are miniscule amounts of gas, liquid, and even minerals, all of which cause an interruption in the flow of light through a stone. Inclusions can be so small, they go unseen by the naked eye. Others may not be visible, especially in small stones, but if they are of the right type, or there are several of them, their presence will disrupt the passage of light to the point where the stone is dull, or looks cloudy.

Some of the finest diamonds in the world have an inclusion of one kind or another, but it does not detract from the overall quality, when considered together with the cut, color and carats.

About the author:
Love jewelry? Why not make it your career? Browse jewelry home business opportunities and connect with reps to ask questions at http://beta.blogger.com/'http://www.jewelrysalesbusiness.com'

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COLOGNE AND PERFUME - WHAT'S YOUR FRAGRANCE?

2006-10-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

There have been fortunes made in the fragrance industry. Cologne, perfume and other products can make a person smell good, but that's not all there is to fragrances. Take a look at some of the reasons people wear particular colognes and perfumes.

The name is sometimes the most important aspect of a particular fragrance. When a celebrity endorses or manufactures a line of perfumes, that's sometimes enough to make the perfume a success. In many cases, those names behind the products or emblazoned on the bottles make the fragrance popular regardless of the smell.

Some colognes and perfumes are popular because they are part of a particular line, the product of a specific company, or even packaged in a certain way. This is much the same as celebrity endorsements.

The marketing aspect can't be overlooked. As with any product, even colognes and perfumes without celebrity endorsements and those from companies that aren't well known can be promoted to success. Advertising campaigns can mean the difference when a consumer is about to choose a cologne or perfume.

For some people, the smell is all that matters. No matter what celebrities are willing to say this is a great perfume, or what awesome marketing campaigns are driving consumers to a particular product, there are those who will overlook all those for the smell that attracts their attention.

Research over the past few decades shows that fragrance has some particular roles in our lives, from promoting romantic tendencies to prompting memories.

For some people, perfume and cologne is all about self-image. There's nothing that makes a woman feel prettier, cleaner or sexier than an awesome fragrance. It's really no different for men.

You can trace the origins of perfumes and colognes back to the days when bathing was an irregular event. Then, the purpose was mainly to cover body odor though the decisions of which perfumes to use were also carefully considered. During times of economic depression, women have still found fragrances. Vanilla or other spices, when there was little money for luxuries like perfume and cologne.

The next time you're standing at the counter trying to choose a fragrance, take a minute to consider what's going to drive your decision.

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Cologne Resources a website providing information on Cologne

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HALLOWEEN CONTACT LENSES - SAFE FOR PEOPLE WHO NEVER WORE CONTACTS BEFORE?

2006-10-28T02:55:00.001-07:00

Halloween contacts can add a lot of impact to your halloween costume. People who wear corrective contact lenses often experiment with costume lenses as well. But if you don’t wear contacts on an everyday basis, would Halloween costume lenses be safe and comfortable for you?

What are Halloween contacts lenses?

Halloween lenses, also called costume or theatrical lenses, are soft contact lenses with a layer of color embedded in them. Top quality costume lenses are produced by the companies that also manufacture ordinary (corrective) contact lenses. To ensure that painted special effect lenses are safe, manufacturers use special paints that don’t irritate the delicate surface of your eye.

There are hundreds of different designs: cat’s eyes, snake eyes, spirals, white-out and black-out lenses, banshee, vampire red, and many more besides. See pictures of Halloween costume contact lenses at http://www.1-contact-lenses-consumer-guide.com/halloween-contacts.html

Most costume lenses are completely opaque, to hide your real eye color, with a clear center so you can see. A few designs, like white-out, which creates an effect of blind eyes, are completely opaque, though, so it is recommended to that you wear them only one at a time.

The majority of theatrical contact lenses are round in shape (like corrective lenses) and cover only your iris. However, there is also a type of lens, called scleral, that covers the entire visible surface of your eye. Scleral lenses are used only for special effects (not for correction) and usually cost a bit more than round ones. Sclerals are also more difficult to put in.

Are costume contact lenses comfortable?

Yes, if you select the lenses that are right for you. To make sure that your lenses are safe and comfortable, you should only go for quality brand name special effect lenses. Currently the most popular costume lenses on the market are Wild Eyes, manufactured by Ciba Vision, and Crazy lenses, from Cooper vision. Both brands are made from top quality materials, feel comfortable in your eyes, and come in variety of exciting designs.

Quality special effect contacts are comfortable for most people. In fact, if the lens is properly fitted, you shouldn’t feel it at all. Soft contact lenses don’t have any adjustment period and generally feel comfortable in your eyes straight away. However, if you don’t wear contact lenses every day, you might want to order your costume contacts in advance and wear them for a few hours each day, several days before the party.

Costume lenses might get a bit less comfortable as the day goes on. The reason is that they can’t be as thin as clear corrective lenses - the opaque color layer adds extra thickness - so the lens doesn’t let enough oxygen get to your eyes. It is recommended not to wear them for longer than 8 hours. And you should always take them out before going to bed.

Do I need doctor’s prescription to get special effect lenses?

It might sound silly, but you do. Corrective or not, costume lenses are medical devices, and even though most people can wear them without problems, you should consult your eye doctor and get a prescription. Also ask the doctor how to put your costume lenses in and take them out. All brand name special effect contacts come with clear instructions, about putting them in and taking them out, but it takes a bit of practice.

Where can I get Halloween costume contact lenses?

After getting your prescription comes the time to buy your lenses. You can order them through the doctors office, but this is the most expensive option. You would save a lot if you purchased your Halloween lenses from an online contact lens retailer instead. Just make sure that the shop is reputable and specializes on contact lenses, not just Halloween costumes.

If you are wondering if it is all too much trouble, I would say go for it. Without eyes to match, a costume just doesn’t look complete. And the care isn’t at all difficult - all it takes is a couple of minutes. Just follow the doctor’s instructions.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is a color contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide which provides you with information about all types of contact lenses including Halloween costume contacts, and colored contacts reviews and pictures

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS TO BE YOUR BEST!

2006-10-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

Success in the business world depends on two things: your abilities and your attitude. Now, your abilities are generally due to your education (both formal & non) and natural talent. However, your attitude and the way people perceive you may be altered with just a few seams.

For example, wearing the right clothes to an interview, meeting, or seminar can determine your success or failure in that arena. Many a person has gone into an interview with the perfect credentials for a job only to leave disappointed because he or she did not reflect the look and attitude that the company wanted.

How can Haute Couture help?

One way to create a distinctive personality is to purchase clothes made just for you. The French word haute couture represents just this idea. This phrase meaning high fashion is now synonymous with beautiful, distinctive, original clothing created in the best design houses in the world. Using the best designers, the best fabrics, and the best seamstresses, haute couture clothing will fit you perfectly and help you to give an air of confidence, composure, and success.

Do you want to be the most successful you can be? Do you want to create an attitude that encourages future employers to choose you and present employers to give you a promotion? Do you want people at all your events to recognize you for your abilities, style, and attitude? Then, you need to purchase at least one haute couture suite or main article of clothing.

In order to obtain one of these exclusive suits, you will need to make an appointment with the design house before visiting Paris. Each house creates model garments for their biannual shows, but sometimes these clothes are sent out of the country for shows elsewhere. Other houses will create a video of the shows so that serious buyers may watch either from the comfort of their home or in the design house while the model clothes are away.

After making your appointment, seeing these luxurious clothes, and choosing what you want, the design house will do a fitting to make sure that your clothes are perfect. After the first measurements when you choose the model, you must be prepared for a minimum of three more fittings. Adjustments are completed mis a plat, which means* that they take apart the outfit and put it back together before your next fitting. When you receive the final product, it will fit you perfectly, hiding any negative points in your figure and emphasizing all the good.

What about Haute Couture and men?

Business people all over enjoy haute couture. Especially men.

"Be Bold. Be Noticed. Be You," said Gregory Scott Reid, well-known speaker and three-time #1 best-selling author.

California native, Reid created this unique design when he realized that Men's fashion was primarily left unchanged. Each day he typically wore his shirt/tie/suit combination to the office and for special occasions. However, he questioned why he was spending exorbitant amounts of money on wonderful ties that he couldn't show off.

That is where his inspiration began. Reid teamed up with Haute Couture Fashion Designer, Kimberly Mac. Together they were able to take Reid's idea of cutting 'slits' into one of his dress shirts, and "weave" a tie through it, enabling people to not only show off more of the tie, but also creating an original look that was long overdue in men's fashion.

"Voila! The look for today's man," said Reid.

Original, first ever, never available before, Reid's shirts feature double pearl button cuffs and superior quality fabric in Jarkarta White, Skyline Blue and Midnight Black. This woven collar shirt, as seen in GQ, Ebony, FHM, SkyMall, Washington Post, 944, Skope and across the globe, comes to you from Mui Fina at MuiFina.com.

So stop worrying about the impression you are making as clients, employers, friends and family. People will be able to immediately recognize your new air of confidence and success with haute couture. More information on haute couture can be found at http://Amazon.com and at http://www.presssuccess.com/muifina

Dress for success and create your success!

*Source: "Haute Couture Fashion History" By Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com

About the author:
By Diana Barnum is a correspondent for Savvy Style News at: http://beta.blogger.com/. She can be reached at: (614) 529-9459 or mailto:diana@ohiohelp.net

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PLUS SIZE SEXY LINGARIE - TO LOOK AS GREAT AS YOU FEEL

2006-10-28T02:45:00.001-07:00

Many larger women don’t realize that today’s market offers just as much in plus size sexy lingerie as it does in petite sizes - you just have to know where to look. In fact, plus size sexy lingerie is no further than away than your computer. For an array of plus size sexy lingerie the best place to shop is online. Here you can choose from a wide variety of sizes to suit your needs.

Of course you do have the option of shopping at your local mall or your local boutique, but the selection that they carry in plus size sexy clothing is usually very limited and the prices very high. They are not geared for the woman that’s pleasingly plump, but rather for what society thinks is the norm - very small and very thin.

In the meantime, there are very many women out there that don’t fit this criteria, and are proud that they don’t. They have the wants and the need to feel just as sexy as the Twiggy’s of this world.

If you shop online, you will find a wide array of sexy clothing not only in lingerie, but in any thing else your heart desires. You will find that practicality and playfulness is combined in the designs to fill that want of feeling special. From a lift in the bust to a trimmer behind, some of this plus size sexy lingerie is a work of art and most of the fabrics on today’s market are truly effective and extremely comfortable.

The prices of the plus size sexy clothing are really affordable and plus size sexy lingerie comes in such a variety that you can buy the basics in plus size lingerie or indulge yourself in luxurious silks. Whatever your fantasies are, they can be fulfilled with the choices of sexy lingerie that are offered.

If you’re looking for plus size sexy lingerie it has never been easier to find. Even though there are a greater amount of obstacles that larger women encounter when looking for any plus size in anything, you will find that once you go online the world is at your feet and you can shop at your own leisure. Take time to stroll through the pages and see just how beautiful the sexy lingerie is.

No matter what your idea is of what you want it is there for you and in any fabric that your heart desires. You can be that woman on the front page of any magazine. Plus size sexy lingerie is swamping the online market and the best part is you don’t even have to leave your home to enjoy its benefits, Start a new trend and invite your friends to go shopping for sexy clothing with you – online. Your husband will probably be willing to help you shop for this kind of clothing.

Plus size sexy lingerie, indulge yourself.

About the author:
For a website totally devoted to Plus Size Clothing including Plus Size Sexy Lingerie visit Peter's Website Plus Size Clothing Ideas at http://www.plus-size-clothing-ideas.com/and find out about Plus Size Clothing as well as Plus Size Swimwear and more, including Plus Size Bras, Plus Size Dresses, Maternity Wear, Wedding Gowns and Shoes.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TATTOO

2006-10-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Cristi

If you are considering tattoos, keep in mind that they are a permanent part of your skin. Because tattoos are created with permanent ink being placed underneath the skin, they are a lifelong fixture unless you later decide to have them removed. Having a tattoo removed involves surgery, which is very expensive and carries it’s own risks. As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications. If you are thinking of getting tattoos, it’s best to make sure that you really want them in order to avoid having to later go through surgery just to remove them.

Tattoos can be very expensive depending on the size of the design. They can range from the tiniest of symbol to a large detailed image. Because tattoos can be priced very high, many parlors offer an unconventional, yet practical, way to purchase your design of choice. Many businesses offer a convenient layaway plan with the tattoos being created after the last payment is made. If you have the cash to pay upfront, you may be able to make an appointment and get the design imprinted on the same day as payment. Depending on the design and complexity of the tattoos that you select, the process can be brief or may last for hours.

When considering tattoos, it is important to do some research on the design parlor before hiring them. How long have they been in business? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with the local Better Business Bureau? If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend and what was their experience? It is very important to follow up with references and as much of a background check as you can possibly get before agreeing to have your tattoos created.

In your research, try to find out which businesses have the best history with make sure their equipment is clean. This is the most important thing to consider about tattoos because, if the business is not licensed or the artist is not a professional, there is no guarantee that their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is your biggest concern so, if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job.

Tattoos are colorful and can be an expression of art if done correctly. They often reflect a person’s lifestyle, name of a spouse or other sentiment. At the same time, they can cause a concern of infection.

If you decide that butterfly tattoos or star tattoos are right for you, be sure to follow the parlor’s instructions in order to maintain and preserve your tattoos.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

Watch the FASHION HOTTIE VIDEO about Body Piercing

http://fhvideo.blogspot.com

THE SYMBOLISM OF AN ANCHOR TATTOO

2006-10-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

Anchor tattoos were all the rage for sailors. It was often the symbol of a very experienced sailor. Anchor tattoo designs are one of the oldest types of tattoos. However with an interest in all things retro and chic these have come back into fashion. In fact in the tattoo field as a whole retro tattoo designs have been experiencing a resurgence. These retro tattoo designs have come back to life with new more vibrant tattoo colors, designs and placements on the body. This trend originated on the west coast mostly and has even become known as west coast tattoo style. Retro themes in tattoo designs are especially popular with the rockabilly group.

So what is the symbolism behind the anchor tattoo design? While the earliest forms of an anchor being used as a symbol harkens all the way back to the early Christians. They would often use the anchor as a hidden symbol for the cross. This was often used to show that they were Christian while escaping persecution from the Greeks.

The symbol much later became popular with sailors. This is a pretty obvious connection here being that sailor use anchors constantly in their work.

The anchor tattoo design has become a symbol for stability and a strong foundation. It can also mean a boyfriend, girlfriend or significant other in someone's life. You see a man might get an anchor tattoo to show that his girlfriend is the stability in his life.These have become increasingly popular for women to get and they often place them just below their collar bone on the right of left side.

So the anchor tattoo is a great tattoo with lots of symbolism and history behind it. If you are looking for something to remind you to stay grounded or want to symbolism a particularly stable or grounding relationship that you have then an anchor tattoo design might be something to look into.

Looking for custom Anchor tattoo designs Get a Custom Tattoo? Or visit our celebrity tattoo galleries at the Tattoo directory
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NAUTICAL STAR TATTOOS THE HISTORY, MEANING AND SYMBOLISM: WHAT A STRANGE MIX!

2006-10-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Chris Ryerson

The history, meaning and symbolism of nautical star tattoos is a hotly debated topic. Today many different groups have adopted the Nautical star tattoo as a symbol for their own movement and they have all ascribed their own meaning and history to the symbol. Thus has lead to a wide disagreement as the the meaning of the tattoo.

Historically most everyone agrees that Sailors were the first people to get nautical star tattoos. In fact the very word nautical relates back to sailing. So this connection has been pretty firmly established. Most people would agree the sailors were a pretty superstitious group historically and sailor lore abounds with superstitious and fantastical stories of life and death and being lost at sea. Early on sailors navigated by the stars at night and the north star became the symbol for finding ones way home. Once you know where the north star is you can point your ship in the right direction to get home. So the star became a symbol for finding ones way home or more symbolically even finding ones path in life. Therefore many sailors would tattoo nautical stars on their forearms as a good luck symbol in hopes of returning home.

However their modern day meaning is a more debated topic. Many believe that groups including gay and lesbians, punk rockers and those in the military have adopted the nautical star tattoo as a very important symbol. The diversity of these three groups has lead many to argue the meaning of their tattoos.

For the military the connection is pretty obviously point back to the early sailors and the symbolism and meaning is the same as the early sailors. Many military people get a nautical star tattoo as a symbol for finding ones path home safely. Of course this can also include more symbolically just finding ones way in life.

Here is a quote we found from a member of the armed services and his interpretation of the tattoo:

"I am in the United States Army, an MP who searched towns and villages for Al Quida and insurgents. I was in Iraq for 1 year. I have a red and black nautical star on my wrist. The reason I got it was because when I was out there, I felt it was a guide to guide me home to my family safely. I got it so that it would remind me that I am going to make it to see my son grow up. I am not gay, it doesn't matter what you believe it represents, it means something different for everyone. Out in the desert, I would look up at the stars and think about home. So anyone can think what they want to, that is what it means to me. "

Punk rockers have also adopted this as a popular symbol to have tattooed. The punk movement traces its history and use of the nautical star tattoo back to Sailor Jerry. Sailor Jerry is historically one one of the most famous tattoo artists ever. He was well known for his innovative and "cool" designs. Punks have taken this symbol and it has very much the same meaning of finding one way in life. Being the rugged individualists type Punks are drawing to the symbolism of true north and finding one own unique way in life. So the Nautical star has become a symbol for this. You see many punk bands that have full sleeve tattoos typically incorporate nautical star tattoos either on their elbows or elsewhere.

The lesbian and gay connection is the one that does not seem so obvious at first. Historically back in the 1940's and 50's when alternative lifestyles were not the norm and often women had to hide their alternative choices they would sport a hidden nautical star. Often they would get the star tattoo done on the inside of their wrist where it could easily be hidden by a watch during the day but shown off in the evening when out on the town. Today many lesbians where the nautical star tattoo to show their connection with their early pioneering sisters. Here is a little evidence to support my points.

(talking about the 1940's and 1950's):

"...During this same time period, the cultural push to be identified as lesbians- or at least different- all the time was so powerful that it generated a new form of identification among the tough bar lesbians: a star tattoo on the top of the wrist, which was usually covered by a watch. This was the first symbol of community identity that did not rely on butch-fem imagery. We can trace this phenomenon back to an evening of revelry in the late 1950's, when a few butches trooped over to "Dirty Dick's" tattoo parlor on Chippewa Street and had the tiny blue five-pointed star put on their wrists. Later, some of the fems of this group also go the idea one night and did it...The community views the tattoo as a definite mark of identification..."the Buffalo police knew [that] the people that had the stars on their wrist were lesbians and they had their names and so forth. That it was an identity thing with the gay community, with the lesbian community". The fact that the star tattoo was created by those who were firmly into roles, in fact by the group that was considered the butchy butches and their fems, suggest that the force to assert lesbian identity was strong enough to break through the existing traditions of boldness based in butch-fem roles. The stars presage the methods of identity created by gay liberation. In fact, the mark has become something of a tradition in local circles and has seen a revival since the 1970s."

This meaning of the symbol has of course created a lot of problems and arguments among the other two groups of bearers of nautical stars. Most puck and military people do not want to have a nautical star that points back to anything from the lesbian movement so many will say that there is no connection there and this is false.

Here is a quote from another armed forces member about the symbolism of the nautical star among the gay community:

"This "gay symbol" is a load of hooey that someone made up VERY recently. The nautical star tattoo has been around nearly as long as tattooing itself. The late Celts (or early Irish, depending on your view of World History) were said to have been the first to have the tattoos, although evidence of it being used on ships in Spain has been found pre-dating the Irish claim.

As a Marine, it's a very commonplace symbol amongst us if we have been part of a Boat Raid company, red for port, green for starboard on varying parts of the body. On ship, I saw about a million different variations on the Sailors I was was serving with, obviously harking back to the sailor roots."

Here is a quote from a punk rocker and his feelings about the symbolism of the tattoo:

"what idiots..even the military boys dont know what it really means....JUST SO YOU ALL KNOW!!!!!it was used by OLD sailors.. and the symbol represents North on a Map ...and it is the North Star the sailors would use it as a baring to get home....you can find it on Really really old maps and old navy vessels... Punk Rock.. well we use it because we can and because Sailor Jerry made the coolest tattoos who started putting them on everyone.. my grandfather even had one thus being used as a traditional icon"

It just goes to show that when the same powerful symbol is used over and over again over decades of time it can taken on very different meanings for different groups. So all of those that you see sporting a nautical star tattoo might not all have the same interpretation of its symbolism.

So do you have a nautical star tattoo or think about getting one in the future? Which meaning of the symbol will you get the nautical star for? As long as you know what the symbolism behind the star is for and you have gotten it for the right reason to either support the lesbian movement or as a symbol to finding your way!

Visit Design My Tattoos: Custom Tattoo designs by tattoo artists. Nautical stars to butterfly tattoo designsCheck out Celebrity tattoo galleries
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

TATTOO, ART OR DESTRUCTION?

2006-10-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Hege Crowton

Have you been considering or wanting to get a tattoo put somewhere on your body? It seems like tattoos are becoming the latest craze within the fashion world today and even housewife’s are getting them now a days. Does this mean you should get one or even allow your child to get one? Remember trends fade and change while a tattoo is permanent; therefore there are many things to consider before getting a tattoo.

For the longest time the only people who could be seen with tattoos were sailors and people who had been in prison. Sailors were getting different tattoos from all over the world while convicts were getting tattoos made in prison even though these were illegal.This was how the norm was for the longest time until tattoos started becoming popular among gang members to tell everybody which gang they belong to.

Because of how popular the gang and rap culture has become among today’s youth we also see an increase in tattoos among this generation. Whether this is right or wrong is up to each individual family to decide before going out to get a tattoo but remember just as times and fashions change so do you. In a couple of years from now you might end up being very sorry for that tattoo on your shoulder and having it removed can be both costly and painful.

If you do decide to get a tattoo you should be happy to know that it is much less dangerous today than what it used to be when they used the same needles over and over again. Regardless you should make sure you are getting a new or at least a sterilized needle before you let the artist work on you. Although it is safer to get a tattoo today it is always a risk in what ever you do.

Another thing to remember before getting a tattoo is that your body ages with time and a tattoo wont look anything like it was supposed to when your skin gets older. Instead of looking like that beautiful flower it was it will look like you just smeared ink all over your arm, not a very pretty sight. The more tattoos you have, the more ink spots you will end up with all over your body as time goes by.

These are all things you need to consider before you go and get a tattoo and unless you are one hundred percent certain that a tattoo is for you, you might want to reconsider. Fortunately there are other avenues you can take instead of getting a permanent tattoo put on. There are temporary tattoos you can get and they are just as awesome as the regular ones the only difference is that you are not stuck with the tattoo for the rest of your life.

A temporary tattoo can last for anywhere from a couple of days to several months and may be an alternative for you who are not certain that a permanent tattoo is the right thing for you. Wanting a tattoo might just be a fashion stage you are going thru and with a permanent tattoo you will be in trouble when this stage in your life passes. Before doing anything impulsive make sure what kind of tattoo you would want, a permanent tattoo or a temporary one.

Hege Crowton is an established expert copywriter.http://www.ispjv.com/http://www.submitcontent.com/Copyright 2006 http://www.tattoocontent.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

2006-10-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Author: Barney Garcia

People like to get tattoos when they are younger and sometimes do so for stupid reasons. Often, after ten years of so of having a tattoo, the person may decide they don’t want it any more. There are many reasons that a person may want to have a tattoo removed. Perhaps they have a named of an old lover tattooed on them, or they have a gang tattoo that there are no longer associated with. Some people have tattoos in places that will prevent them from getting a job they want. Some people might also have a tattoo that symbolizes hate or racism, and they no longer feel this way. Whatever the reason is, there are methods of tattoo removal out there.

Laser tattoo removal is one option for people considering the removal of a tattoo which is the most common method of tattoo removal. Laser removal involves targeting the tattooed area with pulses of concentrated light that will in turn break the ink fragments up into tiny particles which are then removed by you’re immune system. This process does not happen after one session, however, and the more treatment you have, the more likely the laser will destroy the ink. However, the more treatments you have also means heightened damage done to your skin.

Excess treatments can lead to blistering of the skin, painful sores on your skin, scabs and even scarring. Since technology has advanced so much, the risks of skin damage have become minimal and many experts say it is very rare for scaring to occur. However, there is always some risk involved. Laser tattoo removal can be quite painful, as some people have described it as feeling like being splattered with hot grease. Laser tattoo removal can also hurt your wallet though. Depending on the size and detail of your tattoo, you might need to have up to ten sessions in order to fully remove all of the ink. Each session costs in the range of $250 to $850.

There are many other options for you to consider before you decide if laser tattoo removal is right for you. No method is 100% effective and guaranteed, but many will get you the results that will satisfy you. Laser removal is one of the best treatments for removing a tattoo, but remember, if you have a large colorful tattoo, you may spend thousands of dollars on treatment and it will not even be fully removed.

Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ http://www.laser-surgery-spot.info/ and laser surgery spot
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COLORFUL JACKETS,ATTRACTIVE COAT, SEXY SKIRT, COOL PANTS ALL IN VERY EXCLUSIVE RATE!

2006-10-24T19:37:00.001-07:00

This is the world of fashion: the beautiful models, the runways, the photographers, and the clothes.Fashion is not only what we wear, it is also how we describe ourselves to the world. When youre deciding which fashion is for you, take the time to consider your figure and style and also how you want to be perceived.

Style.....! What comes in style ? Different patterns of dresses, new fashionable clothings and accessories . If youre wearing a leather apparel , you will be the one who has a 'great new look'. Leather fashion encompass a great collection of Quality Leather Apparel - leather jacket, biker, fur coat, vest, skirt,pants, halter, shorts and accessories with an outstanding service .

The hottest trend in the fashion industry is "LEATHER". The industry has emerged with trendy leather apparels and accessories for dashing men and women .

Try this approach: choose a leather style that you feel comfortable and confident in, accessorize it with a few tasteful choices (such as a nice bag) and enjoy your evening out.

Leather Apparels are commonly available in many different styles and colours. The Classic Italian Lambskin blazers, dyed fur collections in Jackets are very soft, comfortable, well fitting and can last longer. They are great to wear in cold weather because they can retain body heat and are wind proof as well. Fits in with the "cruiser" look and style.

Choose a leather apparel that flatters your individual figure : leather jackets, leather bombers, leather pants, leather bikers, leather cycle jackets, leather motorcycle jackets, leather coats, leather skirts, riding chap pants, leather handbags and accessories, leather vests, leather tank tops, leather shorts, leather hot pants, leather halter.

Get all at your door step in an compatable price.

About the author:
Rosly Stiwads
Shop for designer leather jackets, leather pants, leather coats, leather vests, motorcycle leather jackets, leather skirts and coats at Leatherpants http://beta.blogger.com/
roslyleather@yahoo.com
toll free no. 1-888-335-6123

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THE Cs TO A WEDDING RING SET

2006-10-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Society honors the tradition that following a couple’s engagement, the man presents the woman with a ring, bearing a solid commitment to each other with a forthcoming wedding. Upon all the fanfare and celebration of the woman’s engagement, how does the engaged man become glorified? He might receive a few pats on the backs from his buddies leading up to an eventual bachelor party, but unlike the engaged woman, he will usually not be seen sporting a ring on his left hand during the engagement.

It is on the wedding day that the new groom will finally bear recognition that he is no longer a bachelor, trading in his single hood for the new chapter in his life of marriage. It is also recognition that his left hand will finally grace a wedding band on his fourth finger.

Taking into consideration of the many types of wedding rings that people prefer, does the groom wear a wedding ring matching that of his bride? The bride may wish to have a yellow gold band to compliment her engagement ring, but the groom prefers a titanium band for his hand. How important is it to match your spouse with a corresponding wedding ring set?

Matching or not, wedding rings all comes down to what the couple prefers. Keeping in mind of a matching wedding ring set for the bride and groom will demonstrate two important aspects developed in a marriage.

Compliments: The bride may desire a white gold band to match her engagement ring, but the groom favors a yellow gold wedding band. Whatever is your preference, you will be happy with your choice. However, choosing a wedding ring set to match your spouse will signify unity. When you are together with your spouse, your matching wedding bands will compliment each other.

Coordinates: A great example of a coordinating wedding ring set is the Hawaiian wedding bands. On each band is imprinted the name of the spouse in an Old English type font and is surrounded by a Hawaiian floral design. Wearing your wedding band with your spouse’s name and having your name on their ring is a dedicated reminder of the commitment to your spouse and to your marriage.

About the author:
Harris Michael Jewelry, an Internet-based jewelry retailer, recognizes the popular demand for a wedding ring set.

For more information visit http://beta.blogger.com/

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HOW TO SHOP FOR COMFORT IN MENS FOOTWEAR

2006-10-24T19:22:00.001-07:00

Fit, durability and style are the key factors to look for when purchasing mens footwear. The top criteria, however, must be comfort. No one is going to wear fashionable shoes for long if they are not also comfortable. Shoes that pinch, bind or cramp your feet can make you miserable, and can also damage your feet.

Shopping for mens shoes should always focus on fit and comfort first, and finding a fashionable, stylish brand second. Quality shoemakers know this and offer a wide range of comfortable footwear options. Brands that are merely fashionable are not going to serve you well if they don't fit right.

Shopping for shoes that are comfortable and also look good is easier than ever. In order to get a proper fit, you should shop for shoes later in the day, when your feet are larger, and be sure that the brands you try on aren't too tight. You should be able to wiggle your toes. You shouldn't hold on to the old notion of foot size - your body changes, and you really should get your feet measured each time you buy shoes. Also, make sure that you get both feet measured, as sometimes one foot is larger. The shoes should fit the larger foot comfortably.

How Do They Fit?

For the most comfortable shoes, you should try them on with the same socks that you will normally wear with the shoes. Make sure you try on both shoes, and walk around the store a bit before purchasing. Buckle or lace up the shoes as you normally would during regular wear. Make sure they fit and bend in the same places that your foot bends. Don't buy leather shoes that are too tight and expect them to stretch out and be more comfortable once they are “broken in.” They should be comfortable when you try them on and walk.

An experienced sales person in a store with a knowledgeable staff can help you find the right fit and the right styles for your needs. They will be able to steer you toward brands that offer special features for your personal fit needs, such as arch support, and proper cushioning.

About the author:
Aaron Smith offers information and advice about mens shoes and footwear at the Top Mens Footwear website. Visit http://beta.blogger.com/for more information about mens shoes.

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QUICK GUIDE TO CHOOSING A PAIR OF SNEAKERS

2006-10-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sneakers are probably the most important items in a sports wardrobe. As interesting as it may be, you can’t jog in the same shoes you go to the office.

It‘s important to have at least one pair of sneakers handy each time you go out. Whether you plan going to the woods with friend or family, or simply you go to the local shop to buy something for the house, they are the first choice since they are light and very easy to put on.

How to decide which ones are for you?

That’s a simple task. Look for models that you really believe would look good on you. Once you have several pairs that you like, take a closer look at each of them. See if they are of quality, what material are they made of, the way the sole is glued.

Will they endure the kind of stress you are planning to make them have? If not, take them off the list. There’s no point in buying a pair of sneakers that will break after two weeks of use.

Next, consider if they will fit with the other clothes in your wardrobe. Usually, sneakers go well with most jeans and other casual pants. However, if you think you can wear sneakers with your business meeting suit, stop doing that! Drop it off your mind! There is no way you can wear sneakers with official clothes. Unless you deliberately want to shock people.

Once you’ve taken care of the above steps, all you need to do now is to know the best size. For that, it’s best to go to a local shop and try a couple of sneakers and see what the size in which you feel comfortable is. You can also look at your current shoes, but if you feel a bit discomfort, it’s ok to get a bigger size. Also, note that the sneakers you already own have passed trough the stretching phase, so their size might be a bit different.

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get yourself a good pair of sneakers.

About the author:
Eugen Lisov is the creator of http://beta.blogger.com/and http://beta.blogger.com/. Please feel free to check these websites as they offer lots tips on getting a great outfit and reviews of the best products to help you have a fashioned look.

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HANDBAGS A NECCESSITY

2006-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Handbags have been one of the necessities of life for women ever since recorded history began. It was important to have the items that one used often close at hand and articles found in a purse have ranged from ornate sewing scissors (17th century)to todays mandatory cell phone and credit cards.

Why is it that women carry their belongings around and men just have their wallets? My opinion is that the need to carry something to hold goods is a fundamental need rooted in the biology of females. Who is the main caregiver of the family from prehistory to the present? Yes, I know that traditional roles are gradually evolving but what person in the "traditional" family is the most responsible for taking care of everyone? In most cases, it it the woman who gets people organized and make sure everyone has whatever they need.
Biologically speaking, the female of our species takes care of her offspring and makes sure that all needs will be taken care of once the home is left. I believe that this has evolved into women carrying all that they need and what everyone else could possibly want in their handbag. To illustrate - when you go out with a male friend do you ask him for tissues, pen, or paper? No - you ask another female. Another nuturer is more likely to have some basic necessities than a male.

Am I saying that there is a basic "purse carrying" gene? No - what I am saying is that, biologically speaking, females are the caregivers of the world and have always had this role thrust upon them since the beginning of Homo sapiens. It is our destiny (both physically and psychologically) to make sure that the world is in order. We can't handle the entire planet but we do our best to organize our own particular sphere! Our "caregiving" instincts are attuned to others and, if we fight this destiny, there is a feeling of things not being "quite right" around us. So enjoy carrying your handbag and know that you are making the global community a better place for all!

http://www.handbags-manufacturers.com

About the author:
Yogesh Content Writer

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HANDBAGS A BLESS

2006-10-24T16:36:00.001-07:00

I need a new purse. Funny, how purses make me think of my grandmother and her sister, my great aunt. They called them handbags. Does anyone call them handbags anymore? Maybe your aunt does.

Handbags or purses or whatever you call them, that’s fine with me. I usually have only one at a time that I’m using. I tend toward basic neutral colors like black or brown. Sometimes I will buy a cream colored purse, but they get so dirty! I’m not worried about carrying my black handbag in July. I’m not trying to impress anyone. I just need a place to put my billfold, my brush, my lipstick, notebook and pen and stuff.

For some women, though, handbags are like shoes. They can never have too many of them. Some women have to have a different one for almost every outfit. It can be done, and easily, too. There are purses made from every sort of material imaginable to match anything you may wear from the most casual to the most formal outfit.

Blue jeans. You can find bags made out of blue jean material. Yes, it’s cute I suppose. I actually had one like that in high school. They’re sturdy and you don’t worry too much about how dirty they get. They were really popular in the 60’s and 70’s. They’re still around, too. So are canvas bags. In fact, some of those canvas grocery bags are just fine as everyday casual purses. Or you can go pay designer prices for something a little nicer. You can find a purse made out of all kinds of fabrics in many different designs to match your wardrobe.

Of course, leather is a standard for handbags. Leather can be dyed and decorated in a hundred different ways. If you don’t believe me, go to your local shopping mall and look around. They’re pink and purple and green! They have bows and sequins and designs of all kinds. Leather purses can be small and elegant or they can be large and functional. They do last a long time.

It’s up to you. You can collect handbags. When you’re done with them, if they’re still in decent shape, give them to Goodwill or your favorite charity. Someone else will be grateful for just one.

http://www.nonwovenbags.info

About the author:
Yogesh Content Writer

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LOOKING INTO A NECKLACE

2006-10-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

An ornament around the neck, the necklace is a visible representation of the individual.
You notice their necklace, and if you’re curious, you wonder if they wear it for decoration or sentimental value.

In elementary school, one of the popular trends of my former female classmates was sharing a friendship necklace with a best friend at school. This entailed two necklaces splitting a heart, with the left side titled “best,” and the right side of the heart saying “friend.” Of course, this popular trend made it difficult to distinguish who a classmate’s best friend was, but back in elementary school, it was basically just trendy to be spotted wearing the “cool” best friend necklace.

My elementary school days have long passed, and so has the desire for a friendship necklace. Over the years I would value wearing various necklaces for the sake of style and beauty, but eventually outgrew them as time wore on. There is one necklace that I have kept, given many years ago from my grandmother; a thin gold chain holding a kava bowl. Because of those things that I value now, I still wear this necklace because it displays what I am very passionate about; family and identity.

For the many reasons that individuals value their own personal treasures, I would like to share why I value this special necklace. Hopefully, you will be able to identify what your treasures are, whether they are displayed on a necklace or exhibited in another way.

Family value: My grandmother lives thousands of miles away from me and I have not seen or talked to her in four years. Wearing the necklace given to me by my grandmother is a sentimental reminder of a far-away loved one. When she gave it to me, she enlightened me of its importance. She advised me it was a necklace passed down from her ancestors, and that I was to preserve it and pass it on to future generations.

The visits with my grandmother are rare, but wearing the gold necklace on a special occasion helps remind me not only of my grandmother, but my whole family, the most important people in my life.

Cultural value: As mentioned before, the necklace is a gold chain holding a small kava bowl. The kava bowl symbolizes a cultural tradition shared in the South pacific islands. The drink, typically celebrated in a formal ceremony or with an intimate group, is ingested with the intent to provide a calm sensation to the body.

The tradition of drinking kava holds respect to an ancient tradition and is one of many expressions of the Polynesian culture, an identity in which I derive from. Although I was not raised on the islands, I am very aware and proud of my roots and delight in the continual learning of my heritage.

These two values are all encompassed in my kava bowl necklace, a jewelry piece that I beautifully display around my neck. Overall, necklaces are personal expressions of an individual’s passions and interests. For exquisite beauty or to display a family keepsake, wear your special necklace to help you reflect on your personal treasures in life.

About the author:
Harris Michael Jewelry's necklace selection also extends into the religious jewelry and jewelry sets. For more information visit http://beta.blogger.com/

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T- SHIRTS ARE EVERYWHERE SAYING EVERYTHING

2006-10-24T16:33:00.001-07:00

I am sitting in the food court of a very busy shopping mall on a Saturday with a pad of paper. What am I doing? Counting how many people are wearing t-shirts, what kind of t-shirt they're wearing, and about how old they are. This is my 4th Saturday conducting this survey at 4 different malls.

Before I began doing this "t-shirt survey" at the malls here in Dallas, I was expecting about 30-35% of the people would be wearing a t-shirt. Was I ever wrong. I had no idea just how popular t-shirts actually are.

First, who is wearing t-shirts? I counted a total of about 4,000 people over 4 weeks in this survey. In total, about 60-65% were wearing t-shirts - twice my expectations! There was a variance in the age groups. For those under 25-years-old, about 80-85% wore t-shirts. For those 25 to 40 years old, about 60% wore t-shirts. And, for those over 40, about 35% wore t-shirts.

While I expected the younger crowd to be wearing tshirts, what I was not expecting were those ages 35 - 50 wearing them. These are mostly parents, business people, and maybe a couple grandparents. Most of their tshirts were sports or college tshirts, or a brand name like Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, or Polo - nothing crude of obnoxious.

Second, what kind of t-shirts were they wearing? I rarely saw the same t-shirt twice. There were funny t-shirts, animal t-shirts, Christian t-shirts, patriotic t-shirts, and all kinds of novelty t-shirts. And, I wasn't surprised to see a few crude or offensive ones in the mix either.

Younger kids, those between 5 and 12-years-old, wore a lot of tshirts. That age bracket was closer to 90%. Most of them had some kind of "cute" picture or slogan (like a Disney tshirt), or something to do with sports. Most teenagers and college students wore tshirts that seem to match up closely with their identity.

More than anything, it became apparent that wearing a tshirt is a way to express oneself. Whether supporting a sports team, a university, or country, people wear tshirts to express themselves and make a statement. But, some people wear them just because it looks good, it's trendy, and they're comfortable. The t-shirt industry is a huge business. While I don't have the exact statistics, it made up 60% of the tops worn at the shopping malls around Dallas, TX over the last 4 weeks.

After arriving back home, what did I do? I went to my dresser, opened the drawer, and counted about 25 t-shirts of my own. I put on my alma mater tshirt and sat down to watch the baseball playoffs.

About the author:
===========

Sean Caudle is the founder of Fashion-Tees.com He also wears a lot of t-shirts. There are over 9,000 t-shirt designs at Funny T-Shirts

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EMBROIDERY IS THE EMBELLISHMENT OF CLOTH WITH DESIGNS

2006-10-24T16:31:00.001-07:00

Embroidery is an ancient variety of decorative needlework in which designs and pictures are created by stitching strands of some material on to a layer of another material. Most embroidery uses thread or wool stitched onto a woven fabric, but the stitches could be executed in, for example, wire or leather strands, and embroidery can be worked onto many materials. ...

An embellishment of a fabric or garment in which colored threads are sewn on to the fabric to create a design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine.It is A term applied to a hill or mount with several copings or rises and falls.

Decorative stitching on fabric. Generally involves non-lettering designs but can also include lettering and/or monograms. Evidence of embroidery exists during the reign of Egyptian pharaohs, in the writings of Homer and from the Crusaders of the 12th century. Evolved from hand work to manual sewing machines and from handlooms and schiffli machines with hundreds of needles to high-speed, computerized multihead machines.

Ornamental needlework or trimming using silk, cotton, metallic or other threads.

Embroidery is the embellishment of cloth with designs made by needle and thread; an art that stretches back to antiquity. Over the centuries, embroidery has been used to adorn everything from handkerchiefs to the most sumptuous state regalia. With the exception of leather, embroidery in India has been done on woven cloth of cotton, wool and silk.

In India, natural colors used for dying distinguishes the work done in India from the others. The Indian embroider never uses too many colors in any one piece. Each state in India has a style unique to its tradition. The satin stitch is used in Kashmir.
The darn stitch, which produces the 'bagh' and 'phulkari' stitch of Punjab is vibrant like the people of the state. The interlacing stitches of Kutch and Kathiawar are as beautiful as they are intricate. The 'kasauti' stitch of Karnataka too is popular due to its traditional value. The white on white 'chikan' work of Uttar Pradesh is breath-taking and requires a lot of skill. The silk embroidery done in Surat has exquisite patterns.

Indian embroidery uses many stitches as well as variations of basic stitches. The running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, feather stitch, interlacing stitch, satin stitch, cross stitch etc. are just to name a few. Indian embroidery exists in exquisite variations and vibrant colors, with each state having a unique style of its own.

Chikan

The chikan work of Lucknow is perhaps one of the most popular embroidery works in India. It has a certain grace and elegance, which ensures that it never goes out of style. The word chikan literally means embroidery. It is said to have been originally introduced by Nur Jahan, the beautiful wife of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir. It has since evolved and attained its glory and perfection in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The work became popular in a number of important cities of the Indo-Gangetic plain such as Delhi, Agra, Rampur, Banaras, Patna and Gaya. But the supremacy of Lucknow remained unchallenged.

The designs depend for its effect on the variety of stitches used and different grades of threads used to form the patterns which include, the lace like jali, the opaque fillings and the delicacy or boldness of outline and details. The most beautiful part of chikan work is the open work ground, an effect of drawn thread work is achieved without drawing out any. Tiny raised flowers done in what seem to be French knots are balanced by the flat stem stitch and large areas of open work to prevent either a crowded or too scattered appearance.

A variation of the chikan work is the bakhia or shadow work. Here the work is done from the back, the stitches completely covering the design in herringbone style. The shadow of the thread is seen through the cloth on the right side. To give a richer appearance, the designs are produced with tiny backstitches on the right side over the shadow. A similar effect is created by cutting out tiny flowers and leaves in the same material as the basic fabric and then applying them on the wrong side. The work is done so dexterously that the turned in edges of the cut pieces are scarcely visible from the front of the work.

The refinement of taste dictated that not even the seams should be straight. So the material of the kurtas were cut in waves along the sides. The stitches employed are back-stitch, chain stitch, and hemstitch forming an open work pattern, jali or openwork ground. The introduction of color in to the kurtas is a recent innovation.

Embroidery has been a craft for women, Banni, a small village in the Rann of Kutch is known for its artistic embroidery work. Small mirrors are interspersed to lend glitter and charm. The finest type of such embroidery work with small mirrors is called Abhla-Bharat. When a bride is sent to her husband's house, she carries with her some pieces of skirts and cholis exquisitely embroidered with minute details.

About the author:
For more information on free embroidery designs art please visit the free embroidery designs art resource center at http://beta.blogger.com/

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HIP HOP CLOTHING LINES

2006-10-24T16:29:00.001-07:00

Celebrities now such as Outkast, a fashion wear can be a must have. Likewise gainful for celebrities included within the clothing lines world, which is how come we are in possession of these most up to date hip hop clothing lines on the market like, FuBu. With very good class hoodies & great urban clothing show rooms such jewelery will not be declined! Ecko set the standard in the hiphop world, with a imaginative collective of urban designers unendingly working on offering its customers the best in the modern urban trends. These Johnny Blaze list of hoodies, will be advertized towards boys as well as men from ages 12-40. Because of the Wu Tang Clan launch, the make has revelled critical and commercial victory. Sean John has speedily aged from an urban label towards an global brand name. GGG Unit Sneakers are sneakers contrived and commercialised by the famous Reebok Kicks Company. Famously it was a trainer conceded to rap artist 50 Cent fallowing 50cents clique G Unit brought out their debut album Beg For Mercy. These sneakers are one of the most fashionable rap marks and projected for comport.

A Gorilla Unit list might 1st very first a restricted mens clothes clothing line as much as the spring & next uncover a wide for men only main line next summer. Though a childs clothing line also a womens line could be in long term plans, the list will not be be detained to fashion as GUnit watches. First off noticed by the hip hop icon Dr.Dre, and so debut of the Slim Shady LP, his up-to-date albumn on Shady Recording label, by now got major fans of hip hop interested in Marshall Mathers. Full to the brim of dazzling lyrical hits that explore deep into the head of a dangerously maddened but extremely special artist, the songs incorporates alot of the most unforgetable and haunting controversal lyrics ever put down. And the key reason for the large success of Slim Shady.

About the author:
http://beta.blogger.com/

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KNOW HOW YOU CAN CONCEAL YOUR HAIR LOSS

2006-10-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

For many people, thinning hair is a reality that they would rather deal without. No matter whether their hair loss is due to a medical condition, is hereditary or is stress related, many cope with trying to style limp, thinning tresses on a daily basis. For these people the thoughts of their ever thinning hair are constantly on their mind when they go out into public or attend a special function.

The billion-dollar hair loss industry has shown that when it comes to hair, people are willing to do just about anything to grow new locks or keep a hold on ones that are slipping away. From camouflage sprays and mousses to massage therapy and surgery, the amount of money spent each year on these hair loss products prove that people with thinning hair are serious about concealing the problem.

But what can you do when all of these alternatives have failed, and you cannot afford expensive solutions such as surgery? Is there anything that you can do to conceal your thinning tresses? The answer is yes. There is an amazing amount of things that you can easily and inexpensively do to make your tresses look thicker, and it all begins with the right hair stylist.

Often, thinning hair is the result of genes that have been passed on to your from your parents. Male Pattern Baldness, identified by hair loss centered on the top of the head and a receding hair line, is the most common, but it is also not uncommon for women to suffer from this condition. While it is rare for women to become completely bald, they can become extremely thin all over the head, and it only gets worse with age. Another thing that contributes to hair loss is physical health. Conditions such as Thyroid disease and heart disease can wreak havoc on a healthy head of hair. And the medications to treat these illnesses can also have a profound, negative effect on hair as well.

In many cases, these types of hair loss are irreversible and a struggle to deal with on a daily basis. That is why it is so important to find the right professional to keep your hair looking the very best that it can. By wearing the right style and using the right products, you can add a good bit of volume and virtually conceal any amount of hair loss. So, your first step in concealing hair loss is to find a professional stylist who knows how to work with thinning and fragile hair.

Once you have found a stylist that understands hair loss, you need to work closely together to achieve the best results. Often, this means a great deal of discussing your hair loss, your lifestyle and your styling needs. There are many tricks up a stylist's sleeve to make your hair appear thicker, but none of them will do you any good if you are unable to create the effect at home. So, be sure to speak up and tell your stylist if you feel that you are unable to get the desired results at home.

Here are just a few of the rules that stylists follow to camouflage hair loss.

Keep it short. Long hair styles tend to pull hair down close to the scalp, which can make it all too obvious that there isn't a lot of hair to deal with. On top of that, thinning hair often looks straggly and unkempt if it is kept too long. Shorter cuts, on the other hand, can give the illusion of thickness. There are multitudes of styles that are perfect for thinning hair so you will have a large variety to choose from. Be sure to choose a cut that compliments your facial structure and has a lot of movement.

Plump with hair color. Hair color is one of the few chemical services that stylists can use on clients with thinning and fragile hair without causing breakage. In fact, the process of coloring hair plumps up each individual hair strand and makes it appear thicker. In addition, using coloring techniques that infuse different levels of lowlights and highlights into your hair takes attention off of your scalp and onto your beautifully colored hair.

Style with soft curl and the right products. Soft curl and full-bodied styles gently lift your hair up from your scalp and give you the appearance of having thick, lush hair. Also a great help are hair thickening shampoos, conditioners and styling products. But before buying products that claim to make your hair thicker, be sure to get your stylist's approval. Many products on the market simply cause build up to make hair appear thicker initially, but that build up will cause a great deal of breakage and damage down the road.

As you can see from these few examples, there are many things that you can do to conceal your hair loss. And I'm sure that your stylist will have a few suggestions of his or her own.

About the author:
By Rose Lenk
Get more hair care articles and information at
http://beta.blogger.com/

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WHY CLASSIC STYLES OFFER THE BEST CLOTHING VALUE

2006-10-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

“I want to look good without spending a lot of money. What's the best way to use my clothing budget?”

This question - or variations thereof - regularly hits my inbox from readers all over the world. While we may not all speak the same language, there are a few things upon which we can all agree that make us take leave of our senses: rich chocolate, handsome men, and clothes that are too cute to leave behind at the store.

So what's a gal to do, particularly when she's been saddled with champagne tastes on a beer budget?

First, set down those glossy fashion magazines and back away from them slowly. They can be dangerous, particularly if you don't know how to use them. $700 pants? $500 shoes? Who can afford to buy these things? Not many! Look at what's popular, swipe some styling ideas, then go replicate the looks in prices that you can afford.

Secondly, start viewing any “must have” list with healthy skepticism. These are the latest trends that the designers are showing that will be dated by this time next year. Some will be cute, true, but others will only be cute on the models that show them. Once you learn what looks good on you and what doesn't, you'll be a lot less susceptible to buying what others say you “must have” each season.

Finally, invest in classic pieces that work well on your body. It's the single best way to get the most mileage out of your clothing budget, because you can wear classic styles for several years without ever looking dated. Top a classic base with a trendy accessory, and you'll look “au courant” without going in the red.

So what exactly ARE classic styles, and how do you know one when you see it?

Classics are styles that have been popular for years because of their clean lines and utilitarian features. While trends are instantly recognizable by length, pattern, or decoration, classics transcend time with their cut, style, and fabric. They can be worn alone, layered, dressed up or dressed down, and can be made to look current by adding something trendy.

Examples of classics include:

Jeans

Turtleneck

Cardigan

T-shirt

Sleeveless Sheath

Tailored Jacket

Crisp shirt

Trench Coat

Kelly bag

Penny loafer

There are some years when these styles are more popular and some years when they're less, but they continue to sell well because they fit a variety of body types and offer a simple, unfussy silhouette. Get them in basic, solid colors, and you can wear them for years to come.

But won't you get bored with the “same old thing?”

Only if you have no imagination.

The neat thing about classics is that they not only look great all by themselves, they serve as a wonderful backdrop to flashier pieces. Add a snazzy jacket, funky hosiery, or a great pair of shoes, and you'll be able to brilliantly showcase the new piece using your classic staples as a backdrop.

Your friends, family, and coworkers will think you spend a fortune on your clothes, when in reality you're merely adding a few “to die for” pieces each year. It's a clever way to expand your wardrobe choices without overspending your budget or over-cramming your closet.

So the next time you're in a quandary as to what to add to your wardrobe, opt for classics. They're clean, versatile, easy-to-wear, and make the most of your budget. Dressing well just doesn't get any easier than this!

=====================================

Have designer tastes but a discount budget? Diana Pemberton-Sikes has helped thousands of women create a stunning style on limited funds with her fun, fresh approach to fashion. Sign up for her popular weekly ezine at www.FashionForRealWomen.com .

About the author:
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is an author and image consultant whose articles have appeared all over the web. She's been quoted by several national and trade magazines including Prevention, Women's World, Weight Watchers, and the American Bar Association, and she has a monthly column in Show Me the Ozarks, a local magazine in Joplin, Missouri. You can visit her online at FashionForRealWomen.com .

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5 STEPS TO PERFECT HAIR

2006-10-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

Your hair is your crowning glory. Look after it and it will shine for all the world to see. You don't always need expensive treatments, or visits to a hair salon to manage your hair professionally. There's so much you can do yourself.

1. For shiny, healthy hair think first of your body's intake. Your hair is really just a reflection of what you are inside. A good balanced, nutritious and healthy diet will do more to make your hair shine than any shampoo or conditioner. And drink eight to ten glasses of water a day too; hair is 25% water, so don't let yours go thirsty!

2. Dry your hair after washing in the ambient temperature of your room after using an absorbent towel to soak up the excess moisture, but don't rub hard. If possible, don't use blow-drying, flat irons, curling irons or hot rollers. Artificial heating will leave your hair brittle and damaged in time. Be natural whenever you can.

3. Prevent unnecessary hair damage by using the right kind of hairbrush. Only comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb, combing from end to root, but avoiding touching the root. Detangling wet hair with a hard steel comb can create a lot of damage, so don't!

4. Remove trichoptlosis, or split ends, like this: take small sections of your hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. The split ends will stick out. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut into the twisted section, but not right through, to remove the damaged cuticles and leave a natural layered look. Cut roughly the same amount from each twist to balance the effect.

5. Hair loss can be slowed, or even reversed by applying a few simple tips, though they probably won't cure an underlying condition. Biotin can help to regenerate hair follicles: blend bananas with honey, yoghurt and low-fat milk, and drink it daily. Supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc and saw palmetto will help too, but eliminating stress and getting plenty of sleep may work just as well.

We are all obsessed with our hair, whether we are 9 or 90, male or female. Look after yourself first and foremost and your hair will reflect that care and attention. The Biblical Samson's strength lay in his fine flowing hair. Your hair reflects your strength too.

About the author:
Lucy Bryant is a hair specialist with her own website on all aspects of hair and hair styling: http://beta.blogger.com/She lives with her family in rural Vermont.

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HAIR REMOVAL: THE GOOD NEWS

2006-10-24T16:17:00.001-07:00

If you're 1 of the millions of people who have hair growing where you don't want it, today's good news is, you have a wide range of effective hair removal options available to you.

Reasons For Hair Removal

People's reasons for wanting hair removed run the gamut from medical necessity to "just because I feel like it." Many women include hair removal as part of their normal cosmetic routine. They shave their legs and underarms, pluck their eyebrows, and have pubic hair trimmed or removed to accommodate today's fashions.

Most men shave their facial hair, and men sometimes shave their body hair for cosmetic purposes, as well. To enhance their performance, their appearance, or both, many athletes -- particularly swimmers and body builders -- will undergo hair removal procedures.

Some people with hair growth disorders like hypertrichosis or hirsutism use hair removal procedures for medical reasons.

Temporary Or Permanent Removal

Hair removal procedures can be separated into 2 categories: temporary and permanent.

Temporary techniques work only for short periods of time, and are subject to the body's normal hair growth cycle. They include shaving, plucking, waxing, and a wide selection of creams. Most people use temporary hair removal procedures at home, but they can also be obtained in a spa or salon.

Permanent Hair Removal Techniques

The "Permanent" procedures outlined below seek to remove unwanted hair in such a way that it returns never or, at worst, over a long time period. These hair removal methods are normally performed by licensed hair removal specialists.

Electrolysis

With electrolysis each hair follicle is treated individually. A licensed specialist injects a needle into the hair follicle and induces an electric charge that destroys the follicle's ability to produce hair. This process can take months, depending upon the size of the area being treated. This is a somewhat painful process, and side effects can include scarring and infection. Costs for electrolysis can run as high as $3,000 for the pubic area or legs.

Laser

The laser hair removal process uses a small laser beam to destroy the hair follicles. This is a relatively painless method that works best on people with light-colored skin and dark hair. It is not recommended for anyone who is deeply tanned. It costs about $1,000 for removal of facial hair, and anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for removal of hair from the legs and pubic area. Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved process, to be performed only by a licensed and trained professional.

Photo Epilation/Pulsed Laser

This FDA-approved procedure uses a pulsed light beam to destroy the hair follicles. Photo Epilation/Pulsed Laser is especially effective for removing hair from sensitive areas, such as the underarms and the bikini area. Unlike laser hair removal, this method has no restrictions regarding hair color, skin color, or tanning. Depending on the area of the body to be treated, costs can run from $500 to $2,000 and up.

Removal of unwanted hair, for any reason whatsoever, is easier and more available today than ever before.

About the author:
Visit http://beta.blogger.com/to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a website at http://beta.blogger.com/

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

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KIDS PARTY WEAR

2006-10-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Kids want to look their scariest on Halloween, but parents can, and should, be wary of letting their children go out wearing masks that can make it difficult to see approaching cars and other dangerous objects.

Makeup is a safer, and more comfortable option, but many people are under the opinion that it's expensive and difficult to do.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

You don't need a fancy makeup kit to transform your child's adorable face into a spooky creature or critter this Halloween. In fact, most households probably already have most of the items you will need to create a "spooktacular" Halloween makeup kit.

Here are a few home-grown makeup tips to complete the perfect costume.

Facial Hair:

Use a wet sponge to apply cake mascara or dark eye shadow to create sideburns, mustaches, and other facial hair. Apply sparingly over the whole face to darken your child's complexion.

Create a bushy mustache or flowing beard from crepe wool (also known as crepe hair) or yarn. Unbraid and frizz it up a bit for best results. You can use a safe mixture of flour and water to apply the 'hair' to your child's skin. It will wash off easily at the end of the night.

Making Hair Disappear:

Make new eyebrows for your child by hiding the old ones with multiple applications of a thick paste made from facial soap and water. Cover the paste with foundation and draw new shapes wherever you want them.

Go Bald:

If you forgot to pick up a skull cap, the end of an old nylon can create a fairly good effect. Glue on some crepe wool or yarn to create a custom wig.

White as a Ghost:

Mix together white chalk with shortening from your kitchen cupboard, and apply to your child's face to give her a ghostly complexion.

Frankenstein Neck Bolts:

Paint Styrofoam packing peanuts with a black watercolor paint and stick to your child's neck with a flour and water mixture for a great neck bolt effect.

Wounds:

Mix lipstick and yellow and green eye shadow to create bruises.

For a festering wound, coat the area of the wound with baking soda, then use a spray bottle to very lightly spray with vinegar. If let dry, the bubbling sore will stay till washed off.

When the night is over, and it's time for your monsters to return to their less ghoulish selves, baby shampoo will remove the glue and makeup easily and gently.

About the author:
Morris gathers information about Asian Dress Materials
children formal wear.

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WOMEN PLUS SIZE CLOTHING STYLE GUIDE

2006-10-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

For an effective and easy shopping experience for a plus size woman we recommend the following advice. Hopefully this will give women a carefree way to buy clothes that are beautiful, stylish and look great.

Buy clothing that is comfortable and makes you look your best
Ditch the sweat pants and slacks and trade in for clothes that are just as comfortable and will accentuate curves and heighten style. Choose shoes that are comfortable and if you want wear shoes with a heel, as these will make the person feel taller and stand up straight which means a great posture too. Keep in mind the colors you prefer when selecting clothes. Take note of styles that flatter and fit your shape. Look for similar fabrics, styles and shapes when shopping. For a comfortable bra, get refitted when buying a good selection of new bras as the shape can change over time and different requirements may be sought after. Wear a boatneck style top to highlight your shoulders and neckline and will also contour the waist. Avoid this top is you have broad shoulders.

Large handbags are best when buying new accessories. They will flatter shape and carry your daily items easily. Strapless bags can stop the bag brushing the body if this is what is preferred. Avoid clingy clothes that will distort your figure and avoid baggy clothes for the same reason. Choose clothes that accentuate the bust with V-neck tops and also light fabrics are great for creating a stylish, breezy look. Create an interesting look by wearing tops and bottoms with the same shade of color but with different fabrics. This will create a clean lined look that will contour your body shape. Enhance the bust with bright color shirts and create curves around the hip with dark pants and skirts. Match shoes and pantyhose with the same shades of color for a great look with pants or skirts.

Contour your shape with clothing
Vertical lines can add shape and definition in the top half of the body. This can be done with a cute cardigan or blazer with undone buttons; this look will also lengthen your shape. Avoid horizontal lined clothes as this makes the body appear wider. Use vertical lined clothes to heighten the body. Balance the look of the body with skirts that are knee length or longer. With fashion in mind, avoid the latest craze of wide belts as they will cut the figure in half and distort the clothing. An undergarment will create smooth bodylines under the clothes and keep you warm.

Classic fashions for your wardrobe
A wrap styled dress is great for all body shapes and figures. They are sexy and very stylish as they wrap the body and accentuate the best features. Wrap skirts is very sexy and can be work night or day. Pants designed with bootleg cut in a dark wash are very versatile and can work any shape. For a flattering cut, bootleg or wide leg jeans or pants are recommended. Black is a great color for a coat as this color works with just about all other colors. Skirts with a quarter length cut are great for a formal occasion. Tailored jackets work great with dresses and pants. For a slim look, try skinny shouldered jackets. Accessories are great for adding style to an outfit. Try belts, jewellery and scarfs that will keep you warm and looking great.

Every wardrobe should have most of the following items for a great recipe for a very fashionable and classic look.
Two pairs of pants and two skirts; with one in a print or check and one in a solid color. Two simple tops with one in a solid color and one in the same print. Four tops in the colors which work best with the solids and one jacket in a solid color or simple cardigan. With all of these items in no time you will have a timeless and perfect look. Create a new and exciting look each day by mix and matching items. Keep the clothes to three basic colors if you want your accessories to match with your wardrobe. Choose quality clothes rather than quantity, this enables you to have a wardrobe that will last longer and include styles that will look great with years to come.

http://www.abbeyfashions.com

About the author:
Claire Calkin operates several websites featuring plus size womens clothing.

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2006-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Womens Plus Size Clothing Style Guide

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COLOR CONTACT LENSES

2006-10-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Decided to change your eye color with colored contacts and don't know which ones to choose? Find out what the color contacts market has to offer and which lenses will make your eyes look most striking and beautiful.

Color contact lens types

You can get disposable (1 day, 2 weeks or 1 month replacement schedule) color contact lenses as well as traditional (annual replacement) lenses. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Disposable lenses are healthier for your eyes. First, they are thinner so the lens lets more oxygen through to your cornea. Second, protein build-ups are less of a problem with disposable contact lenses - it doesn't have enough time to build up. And third, if you replace your contact lenses often, the risk of bacterial infection is much less. So from the health point of view, disposable color contacts like Freshlook or Acuvue 2 Colors are better. Disposable color lenses are especially recommended if you want to wear your color contacts every day for longer than 8 hours.

On the other hand, the best annual replacement color contact lenses are hand painted, while all disposable contacts are digitally printed. For a color contact it is very important not only to give you a brilliant vibrant color, but also to look natural. If you look very closely at your eyes, you will see that your iris isn't a solid color but has various colors and patterns. Some people have a starburst pattern, while others have tiny rays of yellow or black in a blue or green iris. These patterns and colors give your eyes a feeling of depth. Hand painted lenses, like Durasoft 2, include subtle details and varied colors. This helps to simulate depth and gives your eyes a very natural appearance.

As you can imagine, hand-painted color contacts are more difficult to produce, so they are more expensive. This is actually the reason they don't come as monthly disposables - very few people would pay 50 dollars or more for color contacts that only last a month!

Best color contacts for dark eyes

If you eyes are dark brown, blue or green your only option is opaque contact lenses.
Enhancement color lenses will only disappoint you.

The best options for dark eyes are:
- Freshlook Colorblends - opaque, monthly disposable lenses with bright, brilliant color and natural looking patterns. The most popular shades are Amethyst, Blue Sapphire and Green
- Acuvue 2 Colors Opaque - 2 week disposable color lenses that create soft looking color
- Durasoft 2 and Durasoft 3 Opaques - strikingly bright, yet natural looking, color. Durasoft is a hand-painted annual replacement contact lens. Durasoft 3 looks best, but it is expensive
- Illusions - also annual replacement, hand-painted color contacts. For a soft, light color chose Soft Green of Soft Blue. If you want a striking color, go for Violet, Deep Blue or Deep Green

If your eyes and skin are dark, be careful not to get a color that is very light. Light green or blue eyes won't look natural with bronze skin. Instead go for deep blue, green or amethyst.

Best color contacts for light eyes

If your eyes are light, you can wear both opaque and enhancer color contact lenses. To change your color select opaque contacts, because green enhancers over blue eyes, or vice versa, can give unpredictable result.

Recommended color contacts for light eyes:
- Freshlook Dimensions - monthly disposable contacts that don't change your natural color, but add depth and make your eyes appear larger
- Freshlook Radiance - also monthly disposables, which make your eyes appear bright and sparkling. Radiance comes in Eden, Moonlight, Sunrise and Autumn. The Radiance effect is really striking.
- Durasoft 2 for light eyes - annual replacement color lenses. The lens looks very natural because of the carefully painted pattern and blend of colors. You can get Aquamarine, Sky Blue, Jade Green, Violet Blue
- Illusions Soft Blue and Soft Green - opaque annual replacement color lenses that create beautiful, very light, natural looking color.

People with very light eyes should be particularly careful. Some enhancement color contacts tend to make light eyes look darker. The solution here can be quite unusual - go for opaque lenses that simulate light color, rather than enhancers. Soft Green or Soft Blue Illusions can be a good choice.

If you feel like you want to change something in your appearance, trying color contact lenses is a good choice. Get yourself a pair of brilliant color contacts and enjoy watching heads turn as you pass.

About the author:
Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide where you can find unbiased information about best colored contact lenses, and special effect contact lenses with reviews and photos.

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WHERE TO BUY DISCOUNT RAYBAN SUNGLASSES

2006-10-24T16:04:00.001-07:00

Designer shades are often an expensive investment, but can provide superb protection from the sun's dangerous ultra violet rays in addition to adding a snazzy touch to any wardrobe.

Instead of purchasing designer shades for an exorbitant amount of money, consider purchasing discount Rayban sunglasses for a fraction of the original price!

These great glasses can be found in traditional brick and mortar stores or through virtual stores and one of the best is SunglassHut. com .

Invest your time instead of your money in the search for the perfect pair of discount Rayban sunglasses .

When searching for your desired pair of Ray Ban shades, check out your favorite department or optical store for special sales and closeouts.

Usually, you will be able to find super deals on discount rayban sunglasses , especially if you look after the summer season when most brands of shades are on sale.

Wayfarer from Ray Ban

One of the most popular designs of shades is the Wayfarer , which can come with a steep price tag.

Ask around to find out which stores have the best rate on these designer glasses to ensure you receive the best deal around!

Ray Ban shades have been popular for many years, especially as they continue to appear in Hollywood movies.

This careful product placement in films like Risky Business, Top Gun, and both issues of the Men in Black movies have made the brand incredibly popular, and also incredibly sought after.

Turn to the World Wide Web and SunglassHut.com to find special deals on popular versions of this brand, including the classic Wayfarer .

Look to discount websites like SunglassHut.com to find great deals and a great selection.

Regardless where you decide to purchase your shades through the Internet, carefully know the source to ensure you are receiving authentic shades and not cheap imposters.

About the author:
Get the Sunglass you want at the prices you need. Go to SunglassesReviewed.com

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WHICH ONES ARE THE BEST GOLF SUNGLASSES?

2006-10-24T16:02:00.001-07:00

The best golf sunglasses take care of your style and protect your eys. Not only do they keep you looking good so you can impress everyone with your style.

The glasses also keep the sun’s glare out of your eyes and protect them from its harmful rays and keep the dust and grime, blowing around you, out of your eyes.

The big-names on the market include Oakley, Bolle, NYX, Arnette, and RayBan. These glasses tend to have pretty hefty price tag, unless know where to look and some good online shopping. If your new to golf and just dropped a few grand on clubs and a country club membership, you may not want to spend much on sunglasses.

Inexpensive glasses can be just as advanced, comfortable, and good looking as the high priced versions. They can come with lightweight polycarbonate materials so they are barely noticeable once they’re on your face. They can also come with special attachments to loop the glasses around your ears, so no matter how hard you hack at the ball, those glasses won’t fall off.

More importantly for your eyes’ health, the best golf sunglasses come with lenses that block 100 percent of the deadly ultraviolet rays from the sun. Look for glasses that block both UVA and UVB. The higher the nanometer rating, the better.

Depending on the weather conditions you'll want to consider the color of the lenses. Bright sunny days need a darker colored lense, maybe even mirrored or polarized.

Darker cloudy days can still be glary and hard on the eyes, a light grey or an amber lense would be perfect.

Best yet is to find a pair with interchangable lenses. Allowing you the ability to change the lenses as you need.

You’ll have more cash in your pocket to purchase balls, equipment, green fees, and, of course, frosty beverages from the drink cart.

At the same time you'll be protecting your eyes and you’ll look good doing it, too.

About the author:
Get the Sunglasses you want at the prices you need. Go to SunglassesReviewed.com

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USING COSTUME CONTACTS

2006-10-24T16:01:00.001-07:00

Looking for a change from your regular contacts? Want an option that will really have people talking? Costume contacts aren’t just available to movie costume designers anymore. Now even you can have eyes that look alien, or cat-like, or whatever you desire.

Thought many people think of purchasing costume contacts only to match their Halloween costumes, you can actually wear costume contact lenses to just about anywhere you can wear regular contacts! There are many costume contact lenses out there that are affordable and comfortable. However, buyers should keep in mind that some lenses use a toxic paint that can cause eye irritation. You should always go with lenses made from a major contact lens manufacturer.

If you want a contact lens that will really make you stand out, try scleral contacts. Unlike other lenses, scleral lenses cover the entire visible part of your eye to create a great effect. However, these lenses are much more elaborate and expensive. Like normal contact lenses, you should consult your eye care professional to fit costume lenses, even if your vision is perfect. A lot of people often ask if they can see while wearing these lenses, with the exception of certain white-out contact lenses, even if the lenses are opaque, a person can see. There are, however, even white-out lenses that can be seen out of.

There are several warnings about the dangers of costume lenses, but the blame does not lie with the lenses. Some users wear their costume lenses of several days at a time without removing them. They share their lenses with friends, or put them in without washing their hands. Costume contact lenses should be treated with the same respect that you would treat a regular pair of contact lenses. They shouldn't be shared and should only be worn for a few hours at a time.

In order to store them, all you need is simple saline solution (or eye drops for contact lenses) and a contact lens case, which can be found in your local pharmacy. Rinse out the lenses in the solution before you insert them in the eyes. Don't forget to wash your hands first! Soak the lenses in the solution inside your lens case when not in use. Also, it's highly recommended to change the solution at least once a week, if you don't intend to use them for long periods of time.

With the proper care, you can use costume contacts to become the alien you've always wanted to be - any day of the week.

About the author:
Amanda Baker writes for All Things
Pondered

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COLOR CONTACT LENSES - 7 THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING THEM

2006-10-24T15:59:00.001-07:00

Color contact lenses can really brighten your look and your life, but selecting the perfect pair is not as easy as it sounds. We will tell you everything you need to know about color contacts.

Are your eyes light or dark?

When deciding what color contact to buy, take into account the natural color of your eyes. If your eyes are light and you want to brighten their natural color, go for enhancement color contacts. Enhancers look more natural on light eyes. However, if your eyes are dark or you want a dramatic change, look at opaque color contacts.

What kind of change do you want - a dramatic effect or a slight change?

Some color contact lenses are brighter than the others. The brightest hues, like Freshlook Colorblends True Sapphire, are best for parties, when you are also going to have evening make up. For work, on the other hand, you might prefer lenses that aren't so vivid. These rules are not set in stone, of course, just make sure to consider how bright a lens you want before making your purchase.

Think about comfort as well as the look

Go for well-known brands of contact lenses, so your lenses feel as good as they look. You can get disposable (weekly and monthly) as well as traditional (annual replacement) color contacts. Which is best for you depends on how often and for how long you intend to wear your color lenses. If you are going to wear them every day and all day long, it is better to buy disposable lenses, like Acuvue 2 Colors or Freshlook. Replacing the lenses often won't let protein deposits to build up on them and the lenses will feel more comfortable.

On the other hand, if you only want to have those perfect blue or green eyes occasionally, annual replacement color lenses would serve your purpose.

You need a prescription to buy color contacts

All contact lenses, including color ones, are considered medical devices. So, whether or not you need vision correction, you will need a doctor's prescription to buy color lenses. Color contacts are not “one size fits all”, and even if you have perfect vision your eye doctor has to measure the base curve of your eye.

Most famous brands of color contacts are available in plano (no correction power) as well as with plus and minus powers. But if you have an astigmatism your choices are very limited; so far only Freshlook offers toric color contacts.

You can get free trial color contacts from your doctor

Most doctors can offer you a trial pair of color contact lenses. Of course, he or she won't let you try many lenses, so you should have some idea about brand and the color you want before you ask your doctor for a free trial pair. Many people are searching for free trial color contacts online. However, since color lenses are medical devices, the only place you can get them is an optometrist's office.

Compare the prices at several shops

You probably already know that the best way to save on color contact lenses is to buy them online. However, online prices differ from shop to shop. After you have selected the exact lens you want and visited your eye doctor for a prescription, check the prices for your lenses in several shops. You should also take the shipping charges into account.

Be prepared to care for your color lenses properly

If you already wear corrective contact lenses, you probably have guessed that color contacts would require similar care. If you want to buy non prescription color lenses purely for cosmetic purposes, you will still have to look after them properly. Don't be scared, this is not hard and take only a few minutes. When giving you a prescription, your doctor should show you how to put the lenses in, take them off, clean and store your contacts. If he or she doesn't, make sure to ask. Then all you need to do, is not to forget to clean your color contacts every time you take them off.

About the author:
Tanya Turner invites you to Contact Lenses Consume Guide to see reviews and consumer information about colored contact lenses . There you can also find pictures and advice about best color contacts and comparison of online contact lens retailers.

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HOW TO GET FREE COLOR CONTACT LENSES

2006-10-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it is possible to get a trial pair of color contact lenses absolutely free of charge? Find out how you can get a free trial pair - or even several pairs - of beautiful color contacts.

Large color contact lens manufacturers have to compete for your attention. Some of them are even willing to give you a free trial color contact lenses, hoping that you will like the lenses and stick with the brand. Currently, you can get free pairs of Acuvue 2 Colors and Freshlook color lenses.

Many people search for free color contacts online; unfortunately it is not this simple. All contact lenses - including color and special effect lenses - are medical devices, so you can't just order a trial pair and have them delivered to your home without having a doctor's prescription

However, there is a way to get a free pair. First, go to the official site of the contact lens manufacturer. There you will find a link that says “try for free”, or something like that. You will have to fill in a form, but the company will either mail or e-mail you a certificate, that allows you to get a trial pair of color lenses from your eye doctor. If it is an e-mail, you will have to print the certificate.

With the certificate in hand, make an appointment with your eye doctor, to get your prescription and a trial color lenses. Make sure to ask in advance if this particular doctor has heard of color lens certificates and can give you a trial pair.

Tip: print 2 certificates for different brands of color contacts and ask the doctors for two pairs so you can compare the comfort and look.

When discussing, with your doctor, what brand of color contacts would be best for you, make sure to go for a popular brand, which you can order from online contact lens shops. Some doctors tend to prescribe brands that you can only order through their office. While there might be a good reason for the arrangement, an optometrist's motivation can often be simply to monopolize your custom. Unfortunately, you would probably have to pay 3 or 4 times more than if you were prescribed a popular brand of color contacts, which you can buy online.

After you get your trial pair of color lenses, wear them for a few hours. Look in a mirror under different light conditions - you will be amazed how different your eyes will look under the sunlight, compared to interior lighting. You should try your new lenses for comfort as well as a good look - watch some TV, try reading a phone book (usually the smallest type) and see how well your eyes feel when you work with your computer. Typically, you can wear a trial pair for a few days.

If your trial lenses look good under different lights and feel comfortable, then it is time to order yourself a box of these lenses. When you buy color contacts online, the prices are quite affordable.

About the author:
http://beta.blogger.com/ published by Tanya Turner helps you chose best color contact lenses . It provides reviews, photos andcomparisons, of all types of color contact lenses.

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GIVING YOUR MOM A MOTHERS RING

2006-10-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

All growing up, you’ve noticed your mother wearing only one ring; her wedding ring. You may have noticed that she wears other rings for different occasions, but you’ve always seen her wearing her wedding ring. Amidst the exquisite beauty a wedding ring displays, her ring is symbolic of loyalty and commitment she has for her marriage.

A married couple may choose whether or not to bring in children to their home. Many women have expressed that motherhood is one of the greatest joys of life.

As a wedding ring denotes marriage, is there a ring to denote motherhood? Yes, but not to the same degree, as the idea of a wedding ring is more widely known and acknowledged than a mothers ring. However, a wedding ring and a mothers ring should be held in equally high regard, for they are important milestones of a woman’s role as a wife and a mother.

Here is why:
• Once you become a mother, you are always a mother. With that you should wear a mothers ring to acknowledge and be proud of this esteemed title.
• Like women wearing their wedding rings as a commitment to their husbands, mothers are entitled to wear their mothers ring as a commitment to their children.

Why you should give your mother a mothers ring…

I didn’t hear about a mothers ring until recently. When I browsed through a jewelry catalog, I saw a beautiful mothers ring that was certainly fitting for my mother. Past years of my siblings and I giving our mom a card or flowers for Mother’s day seemed so repetitive lately. This upcoming Mother’s Day I have the idea of honoring our mom with a mothers ring.

Open and personalized to a mother’s taste, a mothers ring can feature an extravagant jewel or be just a simple band. In contrast to a wedding ring, a mothers ring doesn’t have to be a financial investment, but can be very flexible in pricing.

For this upcoming Mother’s day, you will have several months to save up or at least think about what to give your mother. This time, think a bit outside of the obvious and consider giving your mom a mothers ring in May.

About the author:
Besides a mother's ring, there are many other jewelry items that display a woman's joy of motherhood equally well.

Visit http://beta.blogger.com/for more information.

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THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GOLD WEDDING BANDS

2006-10-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Three Things You Should Know About Gold Wedding Bands

When it comes to buying a gold wedding band, things can get confusing fast. What color gold do you want? What karat will suit your lifestyle?
Gold is the most popular choice for wedding bands, and very popular in dress rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches. Gold is easy to accessorize with, and it is durable. There are three things to consider when looking at gold wedding rings.

First, you should look at the karat number. A karat measures the proportion of pure gold mixed with other metal alloy to make up the final metal. There are several karats available for gold, but most men’s wedding bands employ 9-karat, 14-karat and 18-karat. Since an 18-karat ring has a higher proportion of gold than a 14-karat, the 18- karat will be more expensive. Although there are higher karats than an 18-karat ring, it is generally agreed that 22-karat and 24-karat gold is too soft to make men’s wedding rings.

Karat stamps do not indicate the durability and hardness of gold, however. When choosing your wedding band, it is important to consider your own lifestyle. How often will you wear the ring? Do you work with your hands? Could your ring be easily scratched or bent?
Metal hardness is measured by what is called the Vickers scale. The higher the Vickers score, the harder the metal. A 9-karat ring has a Vickers score of 120 and an 18-karat has a score of 125. The difference is so slight that 9-karat and 18-karat rings are much the same in terms of hardness.

Next, you should consider the color of the gold. Gold comes in several colors: yellow, white, rose, bronze, and lime. Wedding bands can also be made using two or three different tones of gold, creating a unique color.

Adding an alloy to the gold creates different colors. For example, rose gold is made using a mix of pure gold with alloys including copper. The copper provides the reddish color. Yellow gold forms from a mixture of pure gold and alloy metals such as copper and zinc, while white gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals (silver and palladium.)

Natural white gold has a gray tinge to it, which is covered up by adding a plating of rhodium. The rhodium also serves to make the jewelry harder, but it does wear off after about 12 to 18 months. You can get your jewelry re-rhodium plated at your local jeweler.

There are many options when it comes to choosing a wedding band, but ultimately you should be certain that the ring you choose is right for you and your lifestyle. After all, the ring is a symbol of your love and marriage, so it should suit you perfectly.

About the author:
Amanda Trevino is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing-More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To find more information about wedding bands, please visit International Jewelers.

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PEARLS: NATURAL OR MAN MADE?

2006-10-24T15:52:00.001-07:00

The fact that such beauty can occur naturally is what makes pearls so valuable. It's hard to put a price on something so singular.

Real pearls fall into two categories: natural and cultured.

Natural pearls are formed by oysters completely without interference from the human world. Real pearls are nature's miracle.

Cultured pearls are also formed by oysters, but they are prompted to grow by pearl growers.

Non-naturally formed pearls or man-made pearls are not created in an oyster shell at all. They are made in machines, and while they can be an attractive addition to one's jewelry box, the hold no value. Man-made pearls are also called faux pearls, fashion pearls, simulated pearls or manufactured pearls.

Man-made pearls are created from various materials including glass, plastic, ceramic, shells and they are normally varnished with a lacquer mixed with fish scales.

Any jewelry expert can tell right away if a pearl is real or fake. They can usually tell the difference by looking through the drill hole. But the average consumer has no way of really telling the difference. Some recommend the "tooth test". The "tooth test" is a layman's pearl authenticity test. You simply rub a strand of pearls across your front teeth. Real pearls will have a "gritty" texture, while fake pearls will feel very smooth.

But the only sure-fire way to determine the authenticity of a pearl, for those who aren't in the know, is an X-ray machine. An X-ray will be able to determine the difference between a real and naturally produced pearl and a pearl that was cultured.

Not everyone can afford a real pearl necklace. And while there is no question as to which one is better: real or fake, it really depends on your budget. There are some exquisite man-made pearls on the market to make any woman proud to display.

About the author:
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://beta.blogger.com/on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article

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BRIDAL LINGERIE CONSIDERATIONS

2006-10-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

You've seen thousands of photos, tried on dozens of gowns. But you may have missed some small items in your search for the perfect wedding-day look -- those essential unmentionables that go under the dress. Undergarments provide the foundation necessary for your outerwear to look how it's supposed to. They can change the way your dress fits, so you'll need to purchase them before your first fitting. Read on for the lowdown on lingerie.

BRA

The bra is the uberundergarment, that leading piece of lingerie to which all others play supporting roles. You'll need a good, supportive bra to lift you up as you walk down the aisle and keep you comfortable for hours of dining, dancing, and posing with relatives. Many bridal boutiques offer decorative bras that are as creative -- and nearly as costly -- as the gown itself. While some of these elegant brassieres have unique proportions that can be quite useful with the right gown, make comfort your priority: You don't want insufficient support or annoying wires cutting into your sides on your wedding day. And remember, you can slip into provocative, flimsy lingerie when you take the gown off.

Before you buy, ask about the store return policy. You'll likely want to try on a few different bras with your gown, so make sure that as long as you leave the tags on, the garment is returnable for a full refund.

Regardless of which style you choose, try not to have unrealistic expectations for your bra -- or yourself -- on your wedding day. If it's too uncomfortable to wear for a five-hour stretch on a normal afternoon, why suffer?

SLIMMERS

While old-fashioned girdles have long been out of style, you might try one of the several contemporary slimming undergarments that use Lycra or Spandex rather than stiff stays or ancient whalebone.
Make sure you take your bra, slimmer, stockings, and shoes to your fittings; a body-support garment will give a slightly different shape than just sucking in your gut, and changing your "support" down the road will affect the way your gown fits.

PANTIES

As with the bra and slimmer, choose panties that offer comfort over sex appeal. (There's just no way to discreetly rearrange a pair of creeping panties through a wedding gown!) If your gown has an unusually slinky cut or is made of very thin material, you may want to use pantyhose with built-in underwear.

HOSIERY

If you want to wear a fancy garter belt with hooks to hold up thigh-high hose, make sure you choose one that fits snugly around your waist -- and won't be seen through your gown! The pressure of the hose can pull an inexpensive, elastic garter belt downward, leading to wrinkly knees and an evening of endless attemts to hitch up your hose (a task nearly as hard to hide as panty-tugging).

A garter belt is a pretty superfluous item, given the variety of sleek and sexy pantyhose available. But some women feel extra sexy just knowing they're wearing one. If you go with a garter, you'll need to test it out to make sure you can bear the inconvenience.

Before your wedding, try on your gown -- with your undergarments -- under the watchful eye of a close friend. Once you're sure you won't show more than you intend to show, forget about it and have fun!

Getting the most out of your wedding day shouldn't be contingent on your lingerie, but it will definitely have an impact on your memories. Take a chance on your styles, and do it differently than all others. Make your day more special for bride and groom with the little details that are so memorable.

About the author:
John Barnes Writes for http://beta.blogger.com/. Lingerie Express carries a vast selection of bridal lingerie and underwear for all types of sensuous woman

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A MAN'S JEWELRY CAN BE EXTENDED TO ANYTHING

2006-10-24T15:48:00.001-07:00

When is it common to see a man wearing lavish jewelry around the neck, on the ears, or on the wrist? While there are some men out there who will flaunt their ice, you probably won’t see a man wearing lots of jewelry. In comparison to women, men are generally more modest in their jewelry wear.

But what about wearing jewelry on a special occasion, like on a groom’s wedding day? A man's jewelry might be especially highlighted then, featuring his wedding ring and maybe some cufflinks or a bracelet.

When I think about a man’s jewelry, the only thought that comes to mind is a wedding ring. Little did I realize that a man's jewelry is also extended to cufflinks and bracelets but also to key rings, money clips and tie bars and tie tacks. Items that I once thought were basic accessories are now reconsidered as a man’s formal jewelry.

Aside from a typical man's jewelry that comes in gold or silver form, a man’s jewelry doesn’t just include his wedding ring. In this article, a man’s jewelry will be defined as an accessory in which a man treasures and wears frequently.

Tie tack-My dad still has the eagle tie tack that my brother presented to him many years ago when he received his Eagle Scout rank. Not much of a jewelry fan, my dad will wear the tie tack for church as a proud display of his son’s recognition. For my dad, the tie tack is a sentimental treasure, and for him, it is his own personal jewelry.

Bracelets-You might not qualify this next item as ‘jewelry’ but it can be a man’s (or a boy, for the matter) fashionable accessory. In grade school, one of the ‘coolest’ things to wear was a slap bracelet, featured in various fluorescent colors and designs. I recall boys especially using these multipurpose bracelets not only to sport, but to also keep them busily entertained and occupied in class or at recess.

Key rings-A key ring as a man’s jewelry? A key ring holds what’s important to a man; the keys to his home, his car, job, or key chains that highlight a vacation or his personal interests. The frequent carrying of a key ring requires the man to find a suitable key ring to his taste. As little and maybe unnoticeable a key ring may be, as long as a man requires access to his many entries, he will be seen with his key ring. Better yet, let it be a fashionable key ring!

Now that you can stretch the definition of what a man’s jewelry can be, it can be just about anything so long as it’s what he values wearing.

About the author:
A man’s jewelry has never been so easy to find at Harris Michael Jewelry! For more information visit http://beta.blogger.com/

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9 EARRING BUYING TIPS

2006-10-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

The right earrings can be the finishing touch that turns an ordinary ensemble into the envy of every woman in the room. But the wrong earring can be a painful experience for both your ear and your fashion sense.

The good news is that knowing the difference between the right earrings and the wrong ones is easier than it seems. Here are some common sense guidelines to help you get started:

1. Choose a Great Design

Like other types of jewelry, earrings come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Although the style of your earrings will often be determined by the occasion, you shouldn't be afraid to branch out and try new designs. Experiment with an assortment of styles until you find the ones that are right for you.

2. Metals to Consider

Earrings can be comprised of a variety of precious and non-precious metals including gold, silver, and nickel-based alloys. When choosing earrings, it is important to note that certain metals have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. This is especially true of nickel-based metals, small amounts of which are found in stainless steel. If metal allergies are a problem for you, then you'll probably want to look for hypo-allergenic earrings made of either titanium or niobium.

3. Matching Earrings to You

Color is another important consideration in earring selection. A nicely colored earring should complement your eyes and facial complexion as well as your outfit. Experiment with an assortment of colors until you find ones that draw out your complexion and go well with the colors that dominate your wardrobe. Remember: You buy earrings to match your outfit, not outfits to match your earrings!

4. Gem or No Gem

The decision to wear an earring with a gemstone is largely based on occasion and personal preference. Small gemstones add an interesting sparkle for everyday wear, while larger gemstones should be reserved for special occasions. Another factor to consider is cost. For genuine gems, the bigger the stone, the bigger the price tag.

5. Is Bigger Better

When it comes to earrings, size matters. A good earring takes into consideration not only the size of the ear, but also the hair and face. If the earrings are too large they will draw undue attention to themselves and detract from your overall appearance. If they are too small, they will not be seen.

6. Remember to Check Weight

The weight of your earring makes a big difference in both comfort and appearance. The droop of an overweight earring looks bad and can be potentially harmful to the ear if it leads to ripping or tearing of the lobe.

7. Hoops and Dangles

In addition to size and weight, the length of the earring also needs to be considered. Although a longer earring can add a touch of elegance, it can also hinder your movement and easily become more of a problem than it's worth. When trying on longer earrings, make sure you can easily move your head from side to side without catching the earring on your collar or shoulder.
8. Should You Always Buy Pierced Earrings

Over the years, many women have been hesitant to wear clip-on earrings because of the perception that they are more easily lost than earrings that are designed for pierced ears. Even so, the two most important considerations in choosing a pair of earrings are comfort and appearance. If a clip-on looks and feels good, then there is no reason why you shouldn't buy them. Also, if the woman doesn't have pierced ears, clip-ons, screw-ons and ear cuffs are popular choices.

9. How Much Should You Spend

Earrings can range in price from a few bucks to thousands of dollars depending on the quality of metal and gems they contain. Most women prefer to spend moderately on the ones they wear everyday and spend a little more lavishly on a couple of pairs they reserve for special occasions. The important thing is that you are satisfied with the earrings you purchase, no matter however much you decide to spend.

About the author:
Create great gifts. Get your Free report: "10 Ways to Make Your Gift Extra Special" as well as find more jewelry and gift buying tips by going to http://beta.blogger.com/

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HISTORY OF STERLING SILVER JEWELRY CHARMS

2006-10-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Charms are also known as amulets and pendants. They are as popular today as they have been throughout recorded history. Ancient Egyptians wore bracelets with charms or amulets. They were used to protect against bad luck and evil forces. They began with religious symbols and became a part of everyday dressing.

Charms/jewelry were made of almost any material of value to people in their time. Many were made of precious metal. Others were made with gemstones inlaid in them or mounted with precious metals in the form of necklaces, crowns, staffs, and bracelets. Queen Victoria gets the credit for popularizing jewelry charms throughout Europe by wearing lockets or charms on her royal bracelets

America became enchante with Charms around the time frame of World War II. Soldiers returning from duty station brought with them various types of charms or pendants. Today popular charms are maded from Gold and Sterling silver. Other materials are still used in the making of charms.

Sterling Silver Charms today represent as many things as there are interests and personalities. Some charms or pendants represent the religious leanings of the wearer. They also represent the interest of the wearer such a musical instrument for a music lover, a pair of sneakers for a jogger, or ballet slippers for a ballerina. Imagination is the only limit for what a charm can represent. Silver charms are also used to commerate life events such as births, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or graduations.

Silver is a soft metal and its usage has been favored for centuries. It is used to make charms often related to religious worship. Silver has been a symbol of comfortable living. Sterling silver is much stronger than pure silver which is harder to work with when making pendants or charms. Sterling silver is approximately ninety percent silver. The last ten percent or so can be any one of the following: copper, zinc, or nickel and is more durable than pure silver but it still retains its inherent beauty.

Charms whether made of sterling silver or some other materials are often used to represent the person who wears or carries the charm. As has been mentioned however, they often represent the interests and personality of the wearer. During war particular items are given to the soldiers who are going off to fight. When a young teen-aged couple ’goes steady’ the young man generally gives the girl his ring or something of particular value to him. The girls might also do the same.
Charms have also been said to represent the particular spirituality of the wearer. Many people wear plain simple crosses while still others will wear the cross with the corpus - the body of Christ on it. Others wear saints medals. Lockets are worn with images of loved ones inside. Once used to ward against evil spirits, for good luck, and for protection in times of trouble charms have come to be an adornment for the wearer. Charm bracelets are gifts that keep on giving. A charm is often given for birthdays, graduations, a dance recital, or sports victory. They make wonderful gifts for young girls that will grow with them. There are charm necklaces as well.

About the author:
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes
Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

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A NEW FAD IN BRACELETS

2006-10-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

A bracelet is an article of clothing or jewelry, which is worn around the wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from cloth or metal, and sometimes contain rocks, wood, and/or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and identification purposes such as allergy bracelets and hospital tags. In the late 1980s, "snap bracelets", felt-covered metal bracelets that curved around one's wrist when gently hit against it, were a popular fad.

Nike and Lance Armstrong popularized the recent use of colored silicone rubber as a material for producing sports bracelets through the Yellow Livestrong band. Its success has led to the use of these 'awareness' bracelets as low cost tools for information campaigns and charity projects. These sports bracelets are also known otherwise as 'baller id bands', 'wristbands' or 'baller bands'.

The in-line thin diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of diamonds is called a tennis bracelet. According to Diamond Bug, in 1987 Chris Evert, the former World No. 1 woman tennis player and the winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, was playing in the U.S. Open. She was wearing an elegant, light in-line diamond bracelet, which accidentally broke and the match was interrupted to allow Chris to recover her precious diamonds. The 'tennis bracelet' incident sparked a new name for the item and sparked a huge jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets continued to be worn by various tennis stars like Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.

Although the term 'armlet' may be technically similar, it is taken to mean an item that sits on the upper arm. The origin of the term 'bracelet' is from the Latin 'brachile' meaning 'of the arm', via the Old French 'barcel'. Taken in the plural, bracelets is often use as slang for handcuffs.

Wristbands
Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist, made of any of a variety of materials depending on the purpose. The term can be used to refer to the bracelet-like band of a wristwatch, to the cuff or other part of a sleeve that covers the wrist, or to decorative or functional bands worn on the wrist for other reasons.

One common type of wristband is the loops of plastic or tyvek that are placed around the wrist for identification purposes (demonstrating the wearer's authorization to be at a venue, for example).

Silicone wristbands
More recently, wristbands, often made of silicone, are worn to demonstrate the wearer's support of a cause or charitable organization, similar to awareness ribbons. Such wristbands are sometimes called symbands to distinguish them from other types of wristbands.

One of the first charitable organizations to make use of silicone wristbands as a way of demonstrating support for a cause was the yellow Livestrong wristband created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. By early 2005, symbands became popular with many charities, such as Make Poverty History and the BBC's Beat Bullying campaign.

There is also another type of Wristband called Web band. It is an online version of the real wristband.

About the author:

For more information visit, Bracelets

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PROM HAIRSTYLES: TIME TO CHOOSE!

2006-10-23T01:32:00.000-07:00

Author: John Williams

Spring is in the air and that means one thing! Time for PROM! Among the decisions you will have to make is picking a hairstyle. There are several ways to wear your hair for the prom and the decision should be made according to the style of your dress, the statement you want to convey, and your hair’s length, color, and texture. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular looks out there.

Nature GirlCelebrity Nature Girls: Jennifer Aniston, Faith Hill

If you are a Nature Girl, you probably enjoy wearing your hair long, down, and naturally wavy. You may have subtle blond highlights framing your face, but basically you like your hair to look unfussy, carefree, and fresh. Jennifer Aniston is a great example of a Nature Girl because she always looks pretty without looking like she tried too hard. Her wavy sandy brown hair, light natural makeup, and simple clothing make her a stand out on the red carpet. Most guys find this style refreshing and appealing because the Nature Girl seems energetic, down-to-earth, and easygoing.

Drama QueenCelebrity Drama Queens: Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez

Drama Queens like to be the center of attention, especially at big events like the prom. If you are a Drama Queen, you’re probably well aware of it and proud of the fact! Your hair will be one of your main accessories at the prom and you plan to do it up to the max. In fact, you probably already have an appointment with a stylist to create an elaborate updo that you plan to decorate with faux jewels, pearls, and pretty barrettes. To enhance your beautiful hair, see if your salon also offers a makeup specialist to give your face a complementary look.

Romantic MaidenCelebrity Romantic Maidens: Alicia Silverstone, Keira Knightley

The prom is a great place to unleash your inner Romantic Maiden. If you love romantic movies and books like Pride and Prejudice and Romeo and Juliet, you can use that in your prom style. If you have longish hair, you may want to wear it up in the front and down in the back, with romantic tendrils pulled out around the face. Pretty blond or red highlights would look lovely with this style as well. Soft curls or natural waves will accentuate your romantic dress and accessories. Like Juliet, you can arrange dainty little flowers in your hair for a subtle romantic effect.

Glamour GirlCelebrity Glamour Girls: Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson

If you enjoy the glamorous look of the stars of the 1940s, you might be a Glamour Girl. This style is defined with big, bouncy curls, red lips, thick, black lashes, and diamond accessories. When Beyonce and Scarlett Johansson go out to movie premieres and such, they steal the show with their movie star looks. Part of their allure is their slightly mysterious smile. You can achieve this look by using large barrel hot rollers and studying pictures of World War II-era poster girls.

Royal PrincessCelebrity Royal Princesses: Princess Grace, Ashanti

If you plan to wear a tiara to the prom, you may be a Royal Princess. Tiaras, jewels, and princess-style dresses are part of the look of royalty. Beautifully coifed hair arranged in a Princess Grace-style bun shows off your pretty neck and much sought-after dress. Another variation of this look is a bejeweled high ponytail with hair wrapped around the elastic, like the main character in the 1960’s TV show I Dream of Jeannie.

Classic LadyCelebrity Classic Ladies: Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon

If you like the look of the Classic Lady, you might choose to wear your hair smooth and off the face with a fancy headband. Use hair spray or gel to keep flyaways down and hold hair in place. Reese Witherspoon, with her preppy, fresh-faced look and thick, classically styled hair is a good example of this style. If you have short hair, like Halle Berry, you can wear it in a chic, classic “flip.” For extra pizzazz, try a sparkly gel or wax to highlight the ends and the wisps of hair around your face.

Fun and Flirty FemaleCelebrity Fun and Flirty Female: Jessica Simpson

For the Fun and Flirty Female look, consider having your hairdresser give you cute corkscrew curls for the evening. This has a way of looking fancy and formal, yet also fun and flirty. Think of Jessica Simpson who seems to have this style down pat. She often shows off her thick blond hair in fun curls and flirty dresses. Don’t forget to add some sparkling makeup and a big smile to complete the look.

Cutting Edge ChickCelebrity Cutting Edge Chicks: Ashlee Simpson, Kelly Clarkson

If you love to rock and roll, you might be a Cutting Edge Chick. You can attain a bold look with a cool shag haircut featuring razored edges and interesting streaks of color to enhance your choice of dress and accessories. Like Ashlee Simpson and Kelly Clarkson, be sure to have fun with the look and not take yourself too seriously.

John Williams shares his thoughts on hairstyles along with other bloggers and cosmetologists at HairstylesWatch, a website which posts pictures of the latest hairstyles, along with tips on how you can look like the stars who wear them.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/

LATEST HAIRSTYLES - 2005 AND BEYOND

2006-10-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

Author: Michael Barrows

A lot of things go in to decide the latest hairstyles and in 2005, many hairstyle trends prospered, including an increased focus on celebrity hairstyles, driven by the popularity of celebrities such as Jessica Simpson.

But wearing the latest celebrity hairstyle is not always advisable. In fact, following the latest hairstyle trend is fine but you may often end up looking like you're having a bad hair day. One day, the latest hairstyle trend may be long flowing tresses while, the very next day, the bald look may be back in vogue.

Choose Your Latest Hairstyle With Care

So, before plunging into the latest hairstyle, make sure it fits in with your face shape, age and lifestyle. Choose a hairstyle with care, keeping in mind your personality as well as the latest hairstyle trends. For example, soft perms are very popular - a soft perm will give volume and bounce to the latest hairstyle, either as a curly hairstyle or a medium length hairstyle. But make sure it looks right for you.

2005 Prom Hairstyles

Reflecting the age-old battle between traditional sophistication and teenage freshness, 2005 prom hair styles were a blend of the classic hair dos and some funky modern hair styles. The 2005 prom hairstyles showed a lot of sophistication, ease, and beauty. Surprisingly, although curls were very much in evidence, one of the many popular 2005 prom hairstyles was the long and straight yet simple look.

2005 Hairstyles

Elsewhere, new hair styles for 2005 included hair of varying lengths, from curly and wavy to sleek and straight. The hat woven style was equally among the categories of the latest fashion in the hair segment. In general, in 2005, there was never just one hair style trend that was hot at any given time, reflecting the increased diversity and individuality in the sector.

Keeping Up-to-date With The Latest Hair Styles

So how do you keep abreast of the latest hairstyles? Well, its easy really:

1. Use the Internet - there are lots of great hairstyle sites, featuring lots of good resources, where you can check out the latest hairstyles, tips and techniques, and product secrets from professional stylists. Browse the latest hairstyles and see which one suits you most, then print it out and take it to your hairdresser.

2. Go to your hair and beauty salon - because hairstyles are constantly changing, stylists, barbers and cosmetologists must keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques. Here you learn about the latest hair trends, new hairstyles presented by salon professionals with advice on how to achieve them yourself.

3. Read magazines - subscribe to a good hairstyle magazine and you can't go wrong.
Latest Hairstyles - 2006 vintage

So what are the hairstyles of 2006? Well, the latest hairstyle is a combination of different lengths overlaid with textures to bring about an irregular or geometric look. Another very popular look is a sleek modern bob, which seems to have become a popular hairstyle with women who want to sport a sexy hairstyle.

But in 2006, its fair to say that anything goes. In truth, the latest hairstyle can be anything you want it to be - just make sutre its the right hair style for you.

Michael Barrows' website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit the latest hair styles website.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com/