Godiva Knows

I love POSH!

2011-04-30T07:33:00.001-05:00

I love saving money with POSH on a BUDGET.com!

Online shopping

2009-12-29T16:18:00.000-06:00

Be wary of post office boxes and sellers in other countries. It may be difficult to find the seller to resolve a problem later.
Know the total price. Make sure it includes all charges, shipping, handling, insurance and taxes. Coupons and other discounts should be properly deducted.
Make sure you are clear on what you are buying. Watch for words like "refurbished," "reconditioned," "close-out," or "discontinued."
Give your credit card, debit card, or bank account number only if you're using that account to pay, never to prove your identity.
Keep a record of your purchase. Keep track of what you ordered, when, the price, and how you paid (check, money order, charge, etc.). Also save any information the seller gives you such as product description, delivery date, cancellation policy, privacy policy, warranties, and order confirmation numbers.
Keep track of your order. If it's late, see: Your Rights: Shopping from Home.

Beware: Charitable Giving

Investigate before you donate. Some con artists use names similar to well-known charities or pretend to raise money for state or local law enforcement agencies.

Ask for written information, including how much of the money raised is actually used for charitable purposes.
Ask your Secretary of State if the charity is registered to solicit in your state.

Check the Better Business Bureau and others for information on charities: www.give.org, www.charitywatch.org, and www.guidestar.org. See also Youth Peddling.

Consumer Action.gov

Denim Tips

2009-12-19T16:17:00.000-06:00

Jean jacket: If you have a denim jacket that you’ve had for years, chances are that it’s stretched out, boyish, and boxy. Try taking it in and thinking of it in a whole new way. Wear it in place of a blazer or a fitted jacket.

Baggy trouser jeans: It seems that lots of denim favorites are loose-fitting, soft, and casual. These jeans are usually paired with flat sandals, flip-flips, casual boots, etc. Elevate them to new levels by pairing with heels, a skinny belt, and silky feminine layers of lace or velvet for an unexpected look. We are seeing lots of luxurious fabrics for fall — this is a great way to try them out. You will instantly feel more pulled together, and the jeans will transform into beautiful wide-leg trousers.

Denim dress: The ’80s and ’90s was our time to go denim-crazy! Perhaps you have a denim dress that just doesn’t inspire your style these days. Try to mix this with layers to create the illusion of a skirt. If it is a fitted dress, pair it with a blazer and a pretty tie-front blouse. You could even throw a long sweater over top and add a belt to nip in your waist.

Black jeans: Most people have black denim pants in their wardrobe. They are undeniably flattering and go with nearly everything. To take these to a new level, we recommend pairing them with an utterly chic top and unexpectedly sexy pumps — dress the whole look way up.

Denim shorts: Cutoffs, short shorts, Bermudas, you name it — jean shorts are all over the place this season. They are the ultimate casual go-to for hot temps. A great way to make them look more sophisticated is to pair them with a preppy fitted blazer, a bright silky top, and some daring strappy flats. This will pull the look together a bit more.

Light-wash blazer: A laid-back light-wash blazer looks striking over a sparkly blouse for evening — it’s alluringly nipped in but with casually rugged pockets.

Skinny jeans: Add a dreamy peasant top and killer heels to super-skinny jeans for a feminine bohemian look.

Pencil skirt: A denim pencil skirt usually looks best — not to mention, iconic — with a crisp feminine top and understated accessories.

Blue and black: There is nothing wrong with mixing black denim with blue! It comes together to look artsy and creatively stylish. Pair the combo with a classic white top.

Menswear vest: A snug denim vest gives shape to the flowy dresses that we all invested in last summer. Try to pair these together — you will look effortlessly cool.

For Lucky’s complete guide to buying denim online, go to Lucky online.

antioxidants

2009-12-09T16:15:00.001-06:00

With aging, all skin cells begin to produce excess amounts of free radicals--unstable oxygen molecules that, under ideal circumstances, are removed by naturally occurring antioxidants within the skin's cells.
In aging skin cells, antioxidants are in short supply. The free radicals generated are left unchecked and cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. These free radicals eventually break down a protein substance in connective tissue (collagen) and release chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin.
It is a combination of these cellular and molecular events that leads to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles, the AAD says.

As we get older, two components of our skin--collagen and elastin--degenerate, setting the stage for the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The breakdown of these components, accelerated by sun exposure and gravity, results in the sagging skin of old age.
Illustration by Renée Gordon. Source: National Institute on Aging.

Studies now show that products containing bioactive ingredients (those that interact with living tissues or systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin, giving consumers new choices for restoring their overall appearance.

Unlike drugs and medical devices, neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by the FDA before they are sold to the public. The agency only acts against cosmetic products found to cause harm after they are on the market.

fda.gov

Anorexia nervosa

2009-11-29T16:13:00.000-06:00

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, Anorexia nervosa is characterized by emaciation, a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight, a distortion of body image andd intense fear of gaining weight, a lack of menstruation among girls and women, and extremely disturbed eating behavior. Some people with anorexia lose weight by dieting and exercising excessively; others lose weight by self-induced vomiting, or misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas.
Many people with anorexia see themselves as overweight, even when they are starved or are clearly malnourished. Eating, food and weight control become obsessions. A person with anorexia typically weighs herself or himself repeatedly, portions food carefully, and eats only very small quantities of only certain foods. Some who have anorexia recover with treatment after only one episode. Others get well but have relapses. Still others have a more chronic form of anorexia, in which their health deteriorates over many years as they battle the illness.
According to some studies, people with anorexia are up to ten times more likely to die as a result of their illness compared to those without the disorder. The most common complications that lead to death are cardiac arrest, and electrolyte and fluid imbalances. Suicide also can result.
Many people with anorexia also have coexisting psychiatric and physical illnesses, including depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior, substance abuse, cardiovascular and neurological complications, and impaired physical development.
Other symptoms may develop over time, including:

thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
brittle hair and nails
dry and yellowish skin
growth of fine hair over body (e.g., lanugo)
mild anemia, and muscle weakness and loss
severe constipation
low blood pressure, slowed breathing and pulse
drop in internal body temperature, causing a person to feel cold all the time
lethargy

TREATING ANOREXIA involves three components:

restoring the person to a healthy weight;
treating the psychological issues related to the eating disorder; and
reducing or eliminating behaviors or thoughts that lead to disordered eating, and preventing relapse.

Some research suggests that the use of medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers, may be modestly effective in treating patients with anorexia by helping to resolve mood and anxiety symptoms that often co-exist with anorexia. Recent studies, however, have suggested that antidepressants may not be effective in preventing some patients with anorexia from relapsing. In addition, no medication has shown to be effective during the critical first phase of restoring a patient to healthy weight. Overall, it is unclear if and how medications can help patients conquer anorexia, but research is ongoing.
Different forms of psychotherapy, including individual, group and family-based, can help address the psychological reasons for the illness. Some studies suggest that family-based therapies in which parents assume responsibility for feeding their afflicted adolescent are the most effective in helping a person with anorexia gain weight and improve eating habits and moods.
Shown to be effective in case studies and clinical trials, this particular approach is discussed in some guidelines and studies for treating eating disorders in younger, nonchronic patients.
Others have noted that a combined approach of medical attention and supportive psychotherapy designed spe-cifically for anorexia patients is more effective than just psychotherapy. But the effectiveness of a treatment depends on the person involved and his or her situation. Unfortunately, no specific psychotherapy appears to be consistently effective for treating adults with anorexia. However, research into novel treatment and prevention approaches is showing some promise. One study suggests that an online intervention program may prevent some at-risk women from developing an eating disorder.

Footer
Some NIMH pages link to PDF files. Download Adobe Reader to view and print PDF files.

alpha hydroxy acids

2009-11-19T16:12:00.001-06:00

Cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are widely used with the belief that they correct the effects of aging by regenerating the top layer of skin.

A study sponsored by the cosmetics industry indicates that these products may make users more sensitive to sunlight and especially to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation component of sunlight. UV exposure can damage the skin and at high doses, especially over a long period, can cause skin cancer.

It is important to use sun protection, including a sun screen, if you use an AHA product, even if you haven't used the product that day. If the AHA that you're using contains a sunscreen, it is suggested that applying an additional sunscreen (SPF 15) product before going into the sun will be beneficial. Even though your AHA product may contain sunscreen, it is primarily a skin treatment product--not a means of sun protection. If you use the AHA at bedtime, be sure to apply an additional sunscreen product in the morning before going into the sun.

Products with AHAs are marketed for a variety of purposes: to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. It is important to follow the use instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended applications. It is not recommended that AHA-containing products be used on infants and children.

To find out if a cosmetic contains an AHA, look on the list of ingredients all cosmetics must, by law, have on their outer packaging. AHA ingredients may be listed as:

* glycolic acid

* lactic acid

* malic acid

* citric acid

* glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate

* alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate

* alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid

* alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid

* hydroxycaprylic acid

* mixed fruit acid

* tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids

* triple fruit acid

* sugar cane extract

* alpha hydroxy and botanical complex

* L-alpha hydroxy acid

* glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium (three AHAs).

Of these, the most frequently used in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid.

AHA products cause exfoliation, or shedding of the surface skin. The extent of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH (acidity), and other ingredients in the product. Most cosmetics sold to consumers contain AHAs at levels up to 10 percent. It is FDA's understanding that products with AHA concentrations of 20 percent or higher are used by trained cosmetologists for salon "mini-peels."

In studies conducted by FDA on the absorption of AHAs through the skin, the AHAs tested were readily absorbed into the skin at varying rates. The most rapid absorption occurred with AHAs having lower pHs (higher acidity).

fda

Cellulite

2009-11-09T16:12:00.002-06:00

Almost all females will get it.
Cellulite looks like visible dimples and is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and butt . It is caused by fat is stored in honeycomb-like sacks. When these sacks expand, they push up into the dermis, compressing connective tissue . You can't cure it, according to experts but, you can attempt to fight it.

Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin.

You can temporarily smooth lumps by stimulating blood flow to help eliminate fluids and by strengthening the walls of the "honeycomb" compartments. However, there aren't any miracle products, treatments, or medicines that can make it go away.

Treatments like liposuction and mesotherapy are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.

Smoking, lack of exercise, fatty/starchy foods, and sitting or standing in a single position for long periods have all been correlated with an increase in cellulite.

The most beneficial therapy is to control lifestyle factors. Controlling stress and anxiety are considerably beneficial.

How to Enhance Your Beauty and Looks

2009-09-30T15:19:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Ever wanted to become more natural and see how beautiful you really are? Here's how to enhance your natural beauty. All these will lead to a healthy mind, and therefore a healthy and beautiful body/face.

Steps

Visualize. You need to visualize the specific changes if you truly want to change your look. What will any improvements you make look like? Healthier hair? Streamlined body? Clearer skin? These changes are realistic and attainable. Stay away from goals you'll never reach.
Mirrors Boost Attitude! Look in the mirror and, ignoring your flaws, state different things that are gorgeous and unique about you; the colour of your eyes, your nose.
Do everything better. The way you use your beauty products will make all the difference in results.For instance, try to duplicate what you see and feel when your hair is shampooed at a salon. The product is always handled, never poured directly on hair.Add a massage to your scalp when washing. While rinsing, lift your hair away from your scalp for about two minutes until it squeaks.
Compliment yourself with make-up. Find your favorite facial feature and capitalize it. If your teeth aren't as white as they could be, don't wear bright lipstick. This will draw attention to the contrast. Instead, for example, wear a dark mascara. This will bring out the intensity/ beauty of your eyes.
Discover The Virtues of Vanity. Confident women enjoy experimenting as a way of relieving stress and boost morale. Women who care about how they look are fascinating to watch, and teach us about taste and glamour. Vanity is a positive virtue, allowing us to fix our heads as well as our looks. So get experimenting!
Look amazing. Rather than running around looking for beauty in pricey external products, discover within yourself. Make the most of what you have. You'll learn to like yourself and that will spark a light within.
Do One Thing For Yourself Everyday!Make yourself do it. It's the ultimate act of self-respect. Soak in the bubble bath or read an inspiring book. These little pleasures allow you to feel special. You can fake it if you, until you actually feel deserving of it. Whatever you choose, follow the action by writing down what you did and how it made you feel. Make it your own "attitude file". Include stories, quotes from friends and photographs that have made you feel good about yourself.
Project your beauty. Feel good, feel pretty and that's just what the world will see. If you feel ugly, that's what the people will see. Try to look as good as you can. There are ways to live in beauty without being obsessive about it.
Find Supportive Friends.What people say, whether intentional or not, make us feel good or bad about ourselves. Look for people who make you feel good when you're down. This person will give you compliment. If you've done something different or if you're wearing something new, they will notice it. Keep this compliments and they will build your self esteem.
Listen To Your Inner Voice. Each of us has a voice inside our head that will give us advice. This is like a therapist. It will guide us in the right direction. It will calm us down, cheer us up and even help us figure out why we're overeating or not bothering to iron our clothes. The problem is that we often don't take time we need to hear this important information. Schedule some quiet time in a leisurely bath or walk, or even while putting on your makeup. Treat this intuition as an inner cheering section.
Take A Break! Relax. At least twice a day, set aside five minutes to recheck your make-up, hair, posture and clothing. No matter how impeccably you started out your day, a touch is both necessary and warranted. Take some deep breaths to renew and restore your appearance.

Warnings

Don't compare yourself with someone you've seen on the TV or movie screen or on the cover of a magazine. Accept your uniqueness and capitalize on it. Remember, most of what you see is stage makeup, no one has completely flawless skin!

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Enhance Your Beauty and Looks. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Go from Introvert to Extrovert

2009-09-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

If you're an introvert, how do you balance the introvert and extrovert parts of yourself, such that you enjoy both types of activities equally, rather than looking forward to one and dreading the other? If you’re very introverted, you may undervalue the positive role people can play in your life.
It is very important to note that introversion is not a pathology to be fixed, but a natural and healthy personality trait. That said, it sometimes can be convenient for the introvert to foster the ability to emulate extroversion. This article seeks to help an interested introverted reader become capable of acting as an ambivert, or someone who enjoys social interaction and solitude equally.

Steps

Stop undervaluing extroversion. Spending time alone and with people may be equally important. You don’t have to give up the introvert activities you enjoy. In fact, when you balance them with more social activities, you may find them even more satisfying. After several nights of being around people, you might really look forward to a night by yourself to read, meditate, write, etc.
- Enhance your career - By networking, you have more job opportunities available to you, and you're more likely to get a position that gives you the experience and/or package you prefer. Whether we like it or not, there's some truth to the phrase "It's not what you know, it's who you know".
- Find your soulmate - If you have had trouble meeting someone who's compatible with you, then expanding your circle of friends is one way to increase the probability of meeting that special someone.
Envision the type of extrovert you’d like to emulate. If you find the extroverted people around you shallow and perhaps even annoying, why would you want to be more like them? You wouldn’t. Maybe your vision of an extrovert is an in-your-face salesperson who only wants to build a shallow relationship with you so they could sell you something. But you needn’t choose such a limited vision for yourself — you’re free to form your own vision of a positive way to be more extroverted.
Find the right social group for you. Why would you want to spend more time with people you don’t like? If acting more extroverted means spending more time with people you’d rather avoid, you’ll have no motivation to do it. Again, you’re free to form a social group that you’d love to be a part of. Consciously consider the types of people you’d want to have as friends. There’s no rule that says this has to be your peers or co-workers. Don’t be afraid to stretch beyond the most obvious peer group and hang out with people from different ages, neighborhoods, cultures, countries, etc. You might find the variety to be a lot of fun.
Develop your social skills. One reason many people shy away from social activities is that they don’t feel comfortable because they don’t know what to do, especially if the unexpected were to occur. Being able to start up a conversation with a stranger AND feel completely comfortable doing it is a learnable skill. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Embrace the fact that you’re out of your element, and don’t compare yourself to others. One approach you might find extremely effective is to ask the other person how s/he got started in his/her current line of work. 80-90% of the time the person will say something like, “Well, that’s an interesting story….” And you might genuinely like hearing these stories. A small amount of practice can go a long way to making the next time you meet someone a bit easier. Approach your social abilities the way a student would approach a class, or an athlete would approach a sport. Do your homework, give yourself assignments, and test yourself until you get it right:
Take your social life offline. Online socializing has its place in your life, but it can be a pale shadow compared to face-to-face communication. Voice and body language can communicate a lot more than text, and emotional bonds can be easier and faster to establish in person. You don’t have to do away with online socializing, but neither must you allow it to crowd out meeting people locally. Instead, see if you can use the Internet as a starting point for real life friendships. Many introverts have no trouble socializing online; in that environment they’re able to play from their strengths. But you can also use your strengths consciously as leverage to branch out into more face-to-face socializing. If you use forums, for example, you could focus on local ones and search for opportunities to meet up offline.
Join a club. It’s old advice, but it still works. The advantage is that you’ll find people who share similar interests, which makes it easier to build new relationships. One good club can fill your social calendar. If you join a club and find that it’s not right for you, quit and join something else. You may go through a number of local social groups that just don't resonate with you (too boring, too slow, too disorganized, too many alcoholics). But one good group is all you need.
- Join or start a book club. This is a great way to turn a solitary activity into a social one.
- Join a band. If you play an instrument or sing, find a group you can harmonize with. Not only will you meet them, but if your band gets really good, people will introduce themselves to you.
- Join Mensa. Having trouble finding people who can hold a conversation with you? This might be your ticket to friendship.
Think of relationships in terms of what you can give, not in terms of what you can get. If you seek to build new relationships based on mutual giving and receiving, you’ll have no shortage of friends. Identify people with whom you’d like to build a relationship, and start by giving. For instance, geeky knowledge is actually a tremendous strength when it comes to socializing because there are an awful lot of non-geeks who’d like to understand geeky stuff better, and you can explain it to them in ways they’ll understand. Think about it: What can you bring to a relationship that will be of benefit to someone else? When you figure out what that is (and it’s probably many different things), you’ll have an easier time attracting new friends into your life.

Tips

Being introverted is not the same as being shy. An introvert genuinely enjoys solitary activities more than social ones, whereas someone who's shy stays away from social situations because of fear and anxiety. If you're someone who wants to talk to people and socialize but feel paralyzed, or if you don't feel self-confident, you're probably grappling with shyness. Take a look at How to Overcome Shyness.

Warnings

While shyness and social anxiety are afflictions which can be addressed and overcome, introversion is a fundamental personality trait that is generally stable over your lifetime. You are unlikely to truly become an extrovert even with work.
Your desire to help people can kick start your social life, but don't let it define you; strive for mutually beneficial relationships, where both parties give and take, rather than one person doing all the giving. If you're the kind of person who has trouble saying no, you might want to read:
- How to Stop Being a People Pleaser
- How to Break the "Nice Guy" Stereotype

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

StevePavlina.com - Original source, shared with permission.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Go from Introvert to Extrovert. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Dressing in lines

2009-09-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

Because the eye follows a line, the faster the eye moves across the line, the longer and slimmer the line appears. If you want to appear as tall and slim as possible, you want as few breaks in line as possible. Anything that breaks or stops the movement of the eye along a line shortens and draws attention to the break.

Lines to take into consideration are the hairline, the neckline, the jawline, the brow line, and the lip line. How these lines interact and flow with each other and the lines created with what you are wearing will determine where the eye rests. You must determine where you want the eye to rest and use line to direct it.

Whether it’s in relation to your makeup, hair, or clothing, these ever-lasting rules will help you to look your best:

Diagonal and vertical lines slenderize
Round adds pounds
Horizontals add heft
Square evokes masculine
Oval evokes feminine

Balance, scale, proportion — the human eye is attracted to symmetry and balance. Studies confirm that even babies are more attracted to a face that is balanced and proportionate.

The eye is drawn to the culprit of disproportion. Imbalance creates disharmony, and wherever it is, we notice. Whether it’s your hair in relation to your face, your hips in relation to your shoulders, or your eyes in relation to your lips, balance in figure and features is a desired goal.

Color incites feelings in us all. Our eyes are drawn to color. Wherever you put color on your body, the eye will rest for a moment. It makes the most sense, then, to have color near and around your face, because that is where the attention should be.

Dempsey Racing Champions' Circle offers the top fund-raiser

2009-08-03T10:37:00.000-05:00



DEMPSEY RACING, LED BY PATRICK DEMPSEY, AND AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER TEAM UP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and Dempsey Racing, the Grand-Am car racing team led by award-winning actor Patrick Dempsey, have announced the creation of the Dempsey Racing Champions' Circle, a special new contest to drive fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

The Dempsey Racing Champions' Circle offers the top fund-raiser in each of the nine 2009 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events the opportunity to meet Patrick Dempsey and Dempsey Racing as special guests at the 2010 Rolex 24 at Daytona, Florida, as well as other special prizes. Competition is expected to be strong for this exciting opportunity, and significant funds will be raised for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. While the fundraising minimum for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is $1,800 per walker, many participants raise far more, and the Dempsey Racing Champions' Circle provides a new, one-of-a-kind fundraising incentive.

Dempsey hopes to help auction off his own racing suit, emblazoned with the Avon Walk logo, at one of the Avon Walks in 2009.

AVON ANEW CLINICAL Body Contouring Treatment

2009-07-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

Tightens, smoothes and lifts in all the right places. Lifts sagging and reduces crepiness. Nearly 100% of women showed tighter skin on abs, hips and thighs, plus more lifted buttocks.* Up to 93% showed firmer skin.* Up to 50% more lifted buttocks.* Up to 50% tighter skin.* INSTANTLY Skin feels firmer and more toned.** IN JUST 2 WEEKS 82% of women saw a more contoured-looking body.*** OVER TIME Reduces the look of excess skin on abs, hips, thighs and buttocks**; works like an invisible body shaper to minimize unwanted curves.** 5 fl. oz.

Be a Clinic insider!

2009-07-19T10:27:00.001-05:00

Be a Clinic insider!

I'm joining the weekend comment challenge!

2009-07-03T10:24:00.001-05:00

I'm working together with the other fans at Sited and Blogged to make 1000 comments over this weekend. You should join too!

FREE SELF TANNER FROM AVON?

2009-06-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

TheContestHub has a wonderful giveaway going on right now.
The winner will get $50 worth of AVON products including their self tanner spray and lotion. We love these products from AVON.

Check it out!

Tanning?

2009-06-21T13:07:00.001-05:00

Are you still sunning?
How to get a tan.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Use Sunscreen

2009-06-12T11:59:00.000-05:00

When To Apply Sunscreen

* Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being in the sun (for best results) so that it can be absorbed by the skin and less likely to wash off when you perspire.
* Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming or strenuous exercise.
* Apply sunscreen often throughout the day if you work outdoors, and wear hats and protective clothing.

How To Apply Sunscreen

* Shake well before use to mix particles that might be clumped up in the container. Consider using the new spray-on or stick types of sunscreen.
* Be sure to apply enough sunscreen. As a rule of thumb, use an ounce (a handful) to cover your entire body.
* Use on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, and the back of the knees and legs.
* Apply thickly and thoroughly.
* Be careful when applying sunscreen around the eyes.

What To Look for When You Buy Sunscreen

* Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UV-A and UV-B rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
* Read product labels. Look for a waterproof brand if you will be sweating or swimming. Buy a nonstinging product or one specifically formulated for your face.
* Buy a brand that does not contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) if you are sensitive to that ingredient.
* Try a sunscreen with different chemicals if your skin reacts badly to the one that you are using. Not all sunscreens have the same ingredients.
* Use a water-based sunscreen if you have oily skin or are prone to acne.
* Be aware that more expensive does not mean better. Although a costly brand might feel or smell better, it is not necessarily more effective than a cheaper product.
* Be aware of the expiration date because some sunscreen ingredients might degrade over time.

CDC

Amy from Chick Downtown

2009-06-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

From the Chickdowntown blog

As I’m sure you know by now, I love to shop. I can truly find something great at anywhere from a street vendor to eBay. I buy each and every piece for chickdowntown.com myself, so you would think I’d be all shopped out, but it never happens!! I have an insatiable appetite for all things fashion. While on a recent trip to Vegas, I felt like a kid in a candy store at the shops and I decided to take some pictures to share with you. I don’t need to be buying anything, I just really love to look. I get inspired by everything and love to incorporate it into our shoots and online merchandising. The windows were gorgeous and there were some amazing sales, check out some looks below from my all time favorite, Chanel. Also pay particular attention to the sign outside Manolo Blahnik…

How to Lose Weight

2009-06-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

You already know that to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. You've tried dieting, keeping a food diary, creating an exercise regimen, and perhaps even hypnosis. It's now obvious that the problem isn't with the technique, but with your willpower. Old habits die hard. If you're having a hard time maintaining your efforts over time, here are some radical ways to break away from the routine.

Steps

Focus on the tried and true. Ultimately, losing weight comes down to one key principle: Burn more calories than you consume. The steps that follow won't work if you have a thousand more calories coming into your body on a daily basis than you have going out. Lay the foundation for weight loss with these practices:
- Count calories and keep a food diary.
- Go on a diet.
- Cut down on sugar, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and saturated fats.
- Burn more calories by exercising: Run, walk, even exercise at the computer you are sitting in front of now.
- Raise your metabolism.
Downsize your kitchenware. The human mind works in mysterious ways. It turns out that using smaller bowls, plates, and containers can subconsciously influence how much you serve yourself. Even nutrition experts are victims of this phenomenon; when 85 of them were given a random mix of small and large bowls and scoops, those who got larger bowls served themselves 31% more ice cream, and added on another 14.5% if they had bigger scoops![1]
Put down the knife. By putting down whatever utensils you're using between every bite, you can significantly slow down your eating time, leaving your stomach a chance to feel full and reducing the likelihood that you'll go for seconds. Another technique that can have a similar effect is to take a sip between each bite. Numerous studies have shown that eating slowly results in eating less.[2] There's even a device you can get from a dentist that you wear to make your oral cavity smaller so that you take smaller bites,[3] and a fork that's so awkward to use that you'll get less food per bite![4]
Know the enemy Make a list of the food items that are your weaknesses. These aren't always unhealthy foods, either. Sometimes we fool ourselves into believing that as long as we avoid the "bad" foods, we're making progress. At least, that's what we like to think as we get up for our third serving of fruit salad, or finish a bag of pretzels in one sitting, saying that they're healthier than chips. Remember that too much of anything is bad. You probably don't need to keep a food diary to know your enemies. Common culprits include soda, bread, alcohol, and fast food. Whatever your weakness is, cut down on it. If you cut it out completely, you're more likely to binge. Buy only small packages of it and have it only once in a while. If cutting down doesn't work, you might need to go cold turkey.
Choose whole grains over a whole belly. If you switch out all of your refined grain food (white bread, food made with white flour) for whole-grain food (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal, whole-grain pasta, brown rice and barley) you won't lose additional weight overall. However, you will lose more weight in the belly area, which will make you look thinner--at least, that's what a Penn State study implies.[5] Not only will your slimmer profile make you feel better about your progress, but by losing the VAT (visceral adipose tissue) you're also doing away with a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, coronary vascular disease, and some types of cancer.[6] Check those labels and make sure that any grain-based foods you buy are made up of at least fifty-one percent whole grain.[5]
Limit your spending. Some people have an easier time controlling their wallet than controlling their diet. Go ahead, cut up those credit cards, and build up your emergency fund, if you haven't already (in its own account, and leave the bank card at home). Limit the amount of cash you have in your wallet, especially if you're subject to spontaneous fast food indulgences. When you go grocery shopping, have a list prepared, and bring just enough money to cover those items (this might take a few dry runs). The embarrassment of not having enough money at the register will keep you from throwing a few extra items in the shopping cart. If you don't do the grocery shopping, then offer to take on this monumental role. Your family or roommates might complain about the absence of junk food, but you'll be doing them a favor by stocking the kitchen with healthy stuff. They'll thank you...later...years later.
Set a digital watch to go off every two hours. Eat only when the watch tells you to. Spontaneous eating sessions (those times when you feel those hunger pangs, those cravings, and you scour the cabinets or the streets in search of satisfaction) are your weakest points. This is why all weight loss books tell you to avoid skipping meals. If you eat every two hours, you won't get so hungry that you gorge yourself when you do eat. You know how it goes: "Oh...I'm so hungry...the brownies are right there...I'd have to walk all the way to the deli to get a sandwich, but my stomach's churning...." Of course, if you eat the equivalent of a cheeseburger every two hours, that's a recipe for obesity, but again, you're more likely to retain self-control and stick to your diet when you don't have hunger pangs to cloud your judgment. It wouldn't hurt, however, to plan out what you'll eat (smoothie at 10, chicken salad at 12, a single piece of leftover cherry pie at 2, a slice of bread with peanut butter at 4, and so on).
- This has the added benefit of increasing your metabolism. Extending the time between meals makes your body go into "starvation mode," which will slow down your metabolism in response to the perceived threat of starvation. This is why fasting and skipping meals will only make things worse. In addition to having four to six small meals per day,[7] eating healthy snacks will also increase your metabolism.[8]
- Another useful way to think about this is to use a "hunger scale." Rate your hunger on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being so hungry that you feel weak and 10 being so full that you just want to curl up in bed and digest. Eat when you're at about 3, which is when you're just a little hungry, but not famished.[9]
Trade weight for cash. A 2007 study showed that the more you pay people to lose weight, the more pounds they drop over a three-month period.[10] If there's someone who keeps nagging you to lose weight, ask that person about paying you for every pound you lose. If your employer is self-insured, he or she might consider enlisting the services of a company that develops reward programs to encourage employees to lose weight.[11] You can also sign a contract that forces you to pay up for every pound you don't lose (or every pound you gain)[12] and whatever money you pay (or gain) can be donated to charity.

Video

Tips

Keep a fitness log: Get a blank piece of paper and draw about forty small squares or print a spreadsheet from Microsoft Excel a spreadsheet. Try to figure out your most common exercise-related activities and make two letter (or number) codes for them. Add a few more activities to get you moving. Set a date to complete all of your squares. Consider going over your log daily to fill in the squares, as you will not remember what activity you did three weeks from now. Make sure that your date goals are reasonable and timely.
For physical activity, try something different. Maybe you’ve stopped going to the gym because it's boring. Do something unique and preferably something that involves a long-term commitment and contract, such as swing or salsa dancing, swimming lessons, fencing, or martial arts. Choose a school or instructor you like--you're more likely to show up, especially if there's someone holding you accountable. The more expensive the contract, the more likely you are to stick with it...unless you're filthy rich, in which case you can hire a personal trainer.
If you are having a hard time getting started or maintaining an exercise routine, use Monday as the day to recommit. Instead of making it a New Year’s Resolution or something you start doing on your birthday, using Monday gives you fifty-two chances to get on track!

Warnings

Don't over exercise or lose too much weight. Check with your doctor if you are going to start a new and more healthy diet before you begin. Make sure you check your BMI for improvement and make sure you aren't losing too much weight (that's not good). Being underweight is also unhealthy and can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Keep a steady, slowly progressing weight loss status. It will benefit in the long run.
Consult your doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle if you have a medical condition that could be affected. Consulting your doctor can also help you rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to your weight.
Don't lose weight too quickly. The harder you push yourself, the higher the chance of relapse. Slow and steady wins the race.
Remember that being healthy overall is more important than losing weight. Preventing obesity should be like preventing diabetes or cancer or hypertension; you are preventing a disease. Never do anything unhealthful to lose weight. You don’t want to substitute one disease for another.
Avoid "fad" diets such as the cabbage soup diet, "carb-loading," boiled egg diet, etc.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

↑ Brian Wansink, Koert van Ittersum, and James E. Painter. September 2006. Ice Cream Illusions: Bowls, Spoons, and Self-Served Portion Sizes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 31(3):240-243

↑ Science Confirms Diet Tactic: Eat Slow, Eat Less

↑ Cite error ; $2

↑ The Diet Fork

↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400379/Whole-Grains-Shrink-Belly-Fat.html

↑ Whole Grains Shrinks Belly Fat

↑ Rev Up Your Metabolism

↑ Make the Most of Your Metabolism

↑ Kick the New Year Right With These 10 Diet Tips

↑ Eric A. Finkelstein, Laura A. Linnan, Deborah F. Tate, Ben E. Birken. September 2007. A Pilot Study Testing the Effect of Different Levels of Financial Incentives on Weight Loss among Overweight Employees. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. 49(9):981-989.

↑ An Economy of Scales: Paying People to Lose Weight Helps Drop Pounds and Health-Care Costs

↑ StickK

17. how to lose weight

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Lose Weight. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Why not buy glasses online?

2009-06-02T11:50:00.001-05:00

Designer Sunglasses

BestBuyEyeglasses.com features a wide variety of designer sunglasses from the world's most popular manufacturers. Collections from Gucci sunglasses and Ray Ban sunglasses are some of the many available on BestBuyEyeGlasses.com. Sunglasses should be both fashionable and practical, so let loose, express yourself and sport the latest pair from our cutting edge brands. All of our designer sunglasses are manufacturer originals and are guaranteed to adhere to the industry's highest quality standards, so you can be sure that what you see is what you'll get. BestBuyEyeglasses.com also offers free shipping, easy returns, and friendly customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help make your shopping experience great. BestBuyEyeglasses.com is the only site for your sight!

How to Avoid Eating When You're Bored

2009-06-02T10:27:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Are you really hungry? Or just bored? At times, we eat because we have nothing better to do. It's something a lot of us do without thinking. Here are a few tips to help you establish a new routine and new habits:

Steps

Make a hunger diary. Record your daily intake. Include a list of calories, if desired.
Recognize patterns of eating. Do they coincide with boredom? Is there a time of day when you are more likely to be bored?
Identify if you are actually hungry. Ask yourself, on a scale of one to ten, how hungry you feel. If the answer is seven or more, you should probably eat something. Otherwise, refrain from eating until you reach this point of actual hunger.
Satisfy feelings with other interests. Find other interests that are just as rewarding. Have fun with a friend.
Make an activity hat. Fill the hat with different activities and pull one out to do. This should relieve your boredom and the urge to eat.
Find an activity that occupies your hands. Try a manicure, needlework or typing. You can only do one activity at a time.
Concentrate on what you are doing. Force yourself to become preoccupied until the hunger subsides.
Go for a walk. This will take you away from the kitchen. Once your scene has changed, your cravings should subside.
Avoid buying certain foods. Identify the foods that you most commonly reach for and avoid having them in your home.
Avoid having food in your bedroom. Eat only at the dining room table. Stashed snacks can be a big temptation.
Choose nutritious food. Choose replenishing whole foods. Processed foods are deprived of natural vitamins and nutrients.
Schedule a small nutritious snack between meals. This may keep you from indulging at meals.
Eat celery or watermelon. They are mostly water, low in calories and can quench your thirst. You may burn as many calories as the celery contains just by chewing it. The sweetness of watermelon is very satisfying. They're both pretty healthy.
Drink a glass of water. Water is filling and may satisfy you for a period of time.
Chew a piece of gum. It's refreshing and low in calories. It may help to curb your appetite and actually burn a few calories.

Tips

Enjoy eating. Savor your food.
Formulating healthy eating habits takes time, planning and discipline.
Periodically adjust to a more realistic diet routine throughout your life:
- Give yourself a little freedom to indulge once a day or once a week. Try a small piece of chocolate or a smoothie.
- Exercise may require an extra snack or a few more calories.
- Calories may need to be limited later in life to prevent weight gain from a slower metabolism.
Consult with a dietician to formulate a plan suitable to your needs. Everyone needs professional direction now and then.
Overeating can be a symptom of underlying stress. Eating releases endorphins and provides for needed comfort. Weight gain and lack of control can lead to depression. Seek the help of a pyschiatrist, if needed.
Consult your physican with weight gain before it becomes a more serious detriment to your health.
Consult your physician with binge eating and other eating disorders.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid Eating When You're Bored. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Chick Downtown Coupon!

2009-05-31T10:45:00.000-05:00

Use this

7 FOR ALL MANKIND
HAW Bootcut
Price: $185.00

Very cool!

Great way to hide your razor

2009-05-22T10:57:00.000-05:00

SKIN SO SOFT Flower Shave Set
Suction cup. Includes a disposable razor--or holds any razor. Plastic.

Why didn't I think of this first?

Want beautiful hands?

2009-05-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

MOISTURE THERAPY Overnight Gloves
Step 1: Apply your favorite Moisture Therapy hand cream.Step 2: Slip on gloves. Wear for a few hours or overnight for softer-feeling hands.One size fits most. Machine wash. Cotton/spandex. Imported.

Use with MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Simple Skin Cleanser
Non-drying fomula helps retain skin's natural moisture after every bath or shower. Mild and noncomedogenic. Allergy tested. Dermatologist tested. Fragrance-free, dye-free. 13.5 fl. oz.

Avon Foot Works Moisturizing Heel Terry Sock

2009-05-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

Foot Works Moisturizing Heel Terry Sock
Infused with Vitamin E, Grape Seed, Jojoba and Olive Oil. Unique gel matrix technology softents dry, hardened skin. Easy to wear during an at-home pedicure or at the salon! One size fits most. Comfortable cushion terry, cotton, spandex. What a great idea!

Your aging skin....

2009-05-10T12:55:00.001-05:00

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), an increased understanding of the structure and function of the skin is helping to drive the development of products that reduce the visible signs of facial aging,

* With aging, all skin cells begin to produce excess amounts of free radicals--unstable oxygen molecules that, under ideal circumstances, are removed by naturally occurring antioxidants within the skin's cells.
* In aging skin cells, antioxidants are in short supply. The free radicals generated are left unchecked and cause damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. These free radicals eventually break down a protein substance in connective tissue (collagen) and release chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin.
* It is a combination of these cellular and molecular events that leads to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles, the AAD says.

diagram showing formation of wrinkle in the skin

As we get older, two components of our skin--collagen and elastin--degenerate, setting the stage for the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The breakdown of these components, accelerated by sun exposure and gravity, results in the sagging skin of old age.

Illustration by Renée Gordon. Source: National Institute on Aging.

Studies now show that products containing bioactive ingredients (those that interact with living tissues or systems) can benefit sun-damaged, discolored, and aging skin, giving consumers new choices for restoring their overall appearance.
Unlike drugs and medical devices, neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by the FDA before they are sold to the public. The agency only acts against cosmetic products found to cause harm after they are on the market.

fda.gov

Anti-Wrinkle Facial : Anti-Wrinkle Facial: Massage Techniques

2009-05-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

Facial Skin Care Tips : How to Give a Shiatsu Facial Massage

2009-05-04T13:18:00.000-05:00

PETA Save the Planet Shirt

2009-05-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

"If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat. That's the single most important thing you can do."
—Sir Paul McCartney

With PETA's new 'Save the Plant—Go Veg' shirt, you'll be able to encourage everyone to make the compassionate, environmentally friendly choice to switch to a healthy vegetarian diet. Get the word out that we all have the power to change the world, simply by changing what's on our plate. Save the planet—go vegetarian!

Made especially for PETA by Spiders & Caviar, each of these supple, limited-edition, couture shirts is handmade in downtown Los Angeles, California.

See it

Top Five Ways to Eat Green

2009-04-27T12:02:00.000-05:00

PETA:
Top Five Ways to Eat Green

Did you know that it takes up to 16 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of meat? And that the meat industry produces more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined? To put it simply: Meat's not green.

Whipping up yummy vegan recipes instead of meat-based meals is one easy and delicious way that you can help fight climate change. Who knew that saving the Earth could be so much fun?

Here are my top five tips for making your diet a little more green. Try 'em out for "Meat's Not Green" Week (April 20-26), for Earth Day, and year-round!

1. Go Faux. Grab plant-based faux meats instead of real flesh. Did you know that producing 10 ounces of pork yields the same amount of greenhouse-gas emissions as driving a car 3 miles does?

2. Eat Green, Literally. Load up on Earth-friendly veggies—fresh and local is always better—instead of animal products.

3. Grow Your Own. Have about a foot of extra space on a windowsill or patio? Use it to grow your own herbs. You'll save money, eliminate Earth-polluting packaging, and prevent the greenhouse-gas emissions that would otherwise result from transport.

4. Make Your Own. Skip packaged basics, such as veggie stock, that you can make at home. This will prevent some cans and boxes from ending up in landfills.

5. Shop in Style. Bring your own bags to the store instead of using the plastic ones that are offered. You can even win a free tote here.

Happy "Meat's Not Green" Week!

Perfume

2009-04-26T15:39:00.001-05:00

Be aware of the amount of fragrance that you apply. You may be accustomed to the smell and those around you may not be. There is nothing worse that being around someone who has put too much on. Also, be considerate of those who may be allergic to the smell of perfume.

Purchase perfume that is in a sealed container and from a reputable source. Old products may end up on a flea market table cheap but, it may not last as long or smell as good as it should. Generally, perfume has a three year life.

Store your perfume in a dry, dark and cool location. This will enhance longevity.

Illegal use of silicone

2009-04-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

According to the New York Post, Illegal use of silicone as alternative to cosmetic surgery may be on the rise

Fiordaliza Pichardo died a day after receiving a silicone injection.

In March, a day after receiving an injection, Ms. Pichardo, 43, died of what the medical examiner later determined was a silicone embolism in her lungs.

The city’s health department fears that the illegal use of silicone as an alternative to cosmetic surgery is on the rise. The city’s poison control center has received three calls in the last 10 months from doctors who have treated patients injected with silicone; Ms. Pichardo’s case was not among them. In the previous two years, there were only two such cases.

Health department officials say there may be other cases that have gone unreported, since doctors are not legally obligated to report silicone poisoning or even death, and since silicone is hard to detect through X-rays or CT scans. The department was planning Thursday to send an advisory by e-mail and fax to thousands of doctors advising them to watch for silicone poisoning cases.

Nationally, reports of buttock enhancement using silicone and similar thick liquids have surfaced from the Northeast to Miami, and the Food and Drug Administration is also planning to issue a warning on the dangers of such practices, Siobhan DeLancey, a spokeswoman, said Thursday.

The injections are popular among Latina women and transgender women, who may be unable to afford conventional plastic surgery and who tap into it through unlicensed practitioners working through word of mouth, city officials said.

Although side effects are fairly rare, silicone can migrate through the bloodstream, creating potentially fatal clots in the lungs, as it did in Ms. Pichardo’s case, said Dr. Nathan M. Graber, director of environmental and occupational disease epidemiology for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It can also migrate through tissues, leading to ugly lumps and chronic pain.

The injections are administered at home, in motel rooms, in makeshift offices or at “pumping parties,” where the guests take turns injecting one another, officials said.

msnbc....read more

Wedding Insurance?

2009-04-19T15:30:00.002-05:00

The Better Business Bureau is offering advice on purchasing coverage for the big day.

The BBB has had complaints filed about bridal boutiques and venues that suddenly closed up shop leaving engaged couples in a bind. According to Travelers Insurance, more than 40 percent of all Travelers' wedding insurance claims filed during the past two years involved unforeseen problems with vendors and venues, some of which went bankrupt in the worsening economy.

“Considering that the average wedding costs more than $28,000, soon-to-be newlyweds have a significant amount of money on the line and a vendor’s ‘Going out of Business’ sign can be far worse than rain on their wedding day,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Wedding insurance can provide peace of mind for a couple that their money will be recovered if a vendor or venue falls through at the last minute.”

To illustrate the seriousness of the situation, last summer, the BBB serving Charlotte received a flood of complaints from desperate brides about a local bridal shop, La Bella Sposa, which recently filed bankruptcy after deceiving many of its customers. According to complaints filed by brides, the shop took their money, ordered the dresses, but did not pay the designers, so the dresses never arrived. La Bella Sposa was allegedly taking orders for new dresses, but passed off the floor samples as original dresses. One jilted bride paid the shop more than $10,000 for a gown and 13 bridesmaid dresses, but the shop closed its doors taking her money with it two weeks before her wedding. Another bride was devastated to learn four days before her wedding that, while she thought her dress was undergoing final alterations, the bridal shop had allegedly sold the dress to another bride.

Aside from the gown, wedding insurance can provide a variety of coverage for many mishaps that might affect a wedding including vendor no-shows, foul weather, military deployment, and health issues affecting key participants. Most insurance won’t cover cold feet, however.

BBB offers the following advice on purchasing wedding insurance:
• Always research insurance companies first with BBB by reviewing BBB Reliability Reports free of charge online at www.bbb.org

• Shop for wedding insurance before paying deposits on any wedding services to make sure all expenses are covered.

• Comparison shop and pay close attention to the fine print. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance will cost between $125 to $400 depending on the amount of coverage. Like any insurance plan, there are limits on claims and deductibles that must be met.

• Avoid purchasing overlapping coverage. Some vendors might already be insured or coverage might be provided by the credit card company.

• Keep good records and all receipts for the insurance company in order to justify any reimbursements.

For more advice on planning a consumer-savvy wedding, go to www.bbb.org.

My Weekend Garden

2009-04-18T11:31:00.002-05:00

I'm waiting for the leaves to show.......

This is a tree from the back side of my property. It backs up to a small pond.
My gardening for the weekend may be limited because of other chores and commitments.

Participate in the weekend virtual garden walk.

How to Modify Your T Shirt

2009-04-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

If you've got a stash of ugly or oversized t-shirts in your closet, it might be time for a little fashion recycling. Even the freebie shirts that you get from events--the kinds that are three sizes too big and hideous--can be salvaged. If you're on a budget, you can hit thrift stores, garage sales, and online auctions and get some vintage shirts for a few dollars and do a bit of t-shirt surgery.

Steps

Make It Fit
If the t-shirt is in relatively good condition, you can easily tailor it so it fits you better. Use an existing t-shirt that fits you well as a model (as shown in the video) or measure it as follows:

Put the shirt on, inside out. If you find yourself altering a lot of clothes, you might want to Create Your Own Dress Form.
Mark the length you'd like the shirt to be with pins, chalk, or even a pen. Keep in mind that if the shirt is especially long, you can use it as a dress. If it makes an especially short dress, you can wear leggings or skinny jeans underneath for a casual, Bohemian style.
Mark the length you'd like the sleeves to be, if they're too long as they are.
Pinch and pin the seams at the sides to tighten the shirt. You'll want to use 3-5 pins, running from the armpit to the bottom. If you're going for a tight fit, you might want to use safety pins so you don't get poked as you're taking off the shirt. Try to pinch equal amounts of fabric on each side.
Pinch and pin the outsides of the sleeves, if they're too baggy.
Take off the shirt carefully.
Sew along the marks you made. For length adjustments, fold the fabric towards the side that will be against your skin to make a hem. For seams, just sew the fabric together, making sure it doesn't bunch up. You can do this by hand or machine. If you're not sure whether your markings will result in a good fit, use a long stitch that will hold the fabric together but will be easy to remove if the shirt doesn't fit well. Don't do any cutting yet.
Turn the shirt right side out.
Try it on. Mark where it's too tight, loose, long, or short. Repeat the above steps, tearing out any previous stitches before sewing new ones, until the shirt fits like a charm. If it fits well, go over the seams again with a stronger stitch. This would be a good point to use a sewing machine, if you have one, though it's hardly necessary.

Embellish It
These modifications will add a personal, DIY touch to your shirt.

Ribs:
- Lay your shirt sideways, so one sleeve faces up.
- Cut slits going halfway across from the top of the shirt down to the bottom. Make them close together, and cut off the strip in between two so that you have a row of holes.
- Repeat on the other side.
- If you want, you can do the same to the sleeves, back or front.
Side-tie:
- Lay your shirt sideways, so one sleeve faces up.
- Cut from the bottom of the shirt up on the side seam.
- Then, cut slits on both sides of your cut, about an inch or two long. Tie the slits together in knots or bows.
- Repeat on the other side.
Lace panel:
- Cut a vertical strip of fabric off the back of the shirt. Alternatively, cut out the entire back of the shirt at the seams.
- Place the cut fabric over the lace and cut the lace with one inch seams.
- Sew in the lace to replace the fabric that you cut out.

Decorate It

Reconstruct It

Turn a baggy shirt into a sexy bikini.
Reconstruct it into a baby romper. This makes a quirky baby shower gift!
Turn a pile of t-shirts into a quilt.
Make an oversized t-shirt into a hot little dress.
Turn t-shirts into pillowcases.
Sew a t-shirt into a hat for a newborn. Another quirky baby shower gift.
Turn a t-shirt into a sexy corset.
Make a t-shirt into a purse or a reusable grocery bag.
Turn the t-shirt into a tube top. Cut the entire top part of the shirt off (cut right under the sleeves). Line the inside of the top of the shirt with elastic, stretching it so that it fits. Sew the elastic on and make sure it stays stretched. If it's loose, it can't work. Check if it's too loose or too tight. Change your stitching around a bit on the elastic until you get the right feel.
Turn it into a halter top.

Advanced Techniques
Here's a video demonstrating some of the possibilities that are open to you if you decide to become friendly with your sewing machine.

Tips

When you're starting out, don't use shirts that are precious to you. Practice on shirts you don't really care about until you get the hang of it.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Modify Your T Shirt. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Burberry Classic Check B24 Lulu Handbag

2009-04-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

The Burberry Classic Check B24 Lulu Handbag is a stylish handbag. It features a diagonal classic check pattern, small flap with a magnetic closure, brown leather trimming, gold-toned metal hardware, and internal zip compartment as well as a brown canvas internal lining. The Burberry designer B24 Lullu bag is made in Italy.

Burberry is a British luxury fashion house, manufacturing clothing and fashion accessories. I'ts distinctive tartan pattern has become one of its most widely copied trademarks. Burberry was founded in 1856 by a 21-year-old former draper's apprentice. By 1870 the business had established itself by focusing on the development of outdoors attire In 1880 Burberry invented gabardine, a water-resistant yet breathable fabric, that is still used today.

About the handbag.......

Diagonal classic check pattern
Magnetic closure
PVC material
Leather strap
Gold-toned metal hardware
Brown leather trimming
Leather tab with serial number
100% guaranteed authentic
Authenticity tag
Dust bag
Made in Italy

alpha hydroxy acids

2009-04-12T12:51:00.000-05:00

Cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are widely used with the belief that they correct the effects of aging by regenerating the top layer of skin.

A study sponsored by the cosmetics industry indicates that these products may make users more sensitive to sunlight and especially to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation component of sunlight. UV exposure can damage the skin and at high doses, especially over a long period, can cause skin cancer.

It is important to use sun protection, including a sun screen, if you use an AHA product, even if you haven't used the product that day. If the AHA that you're using contains a sunscreen, it is suggested that applying an additional sunscreen (SPF 15) product before going into the sun will be beneficial. Even though your AHA product may contain sunscreen, it is primarily a skin treatment product--not a means of sun protection. If you use the AHA at bedtime, be sure to apply an additional sunscreen product in the morning before going into the sun.

To find out if a cosmetic contains an AHA, look on the list of ingredients all cosmetics must, by law, have on their outer packaging. AHA ingredients may be listed as:

* glycolic acid
* lactic acid
* malic acid
* citric acid
* glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate
* alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate
* alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid
* alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid
* hydroxycaprylic acid
* mixed fruit acid
* tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids
* triple fruit acid
* sugar cane extract
* alpha hydroxy and botanical complex
* L-alpha hydroxy acid
* glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium (three AHAs).

Of these, the most frequently used in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid.

AHA products cause exfoliation, or shedding of the surface skin. The extent of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH (acidity), and other ingredients in the product. Most cosmetics sold to consumers contain AHAs at levels up to 10 percent. It is FDA's understanding that products with AHA concentrations of 20 percent or higher are used by trained cosmetologists for salon "mini-peels."

fda

Jeans Can Run Differently in Size...as we all know

2009-04-11T12:22:00.000-05:00

These Brands are known to run small;

Diesel
Antik
7 For All Mankind
Citizens of Humanity
Abercrombie & Fitch
Hollister
Victoria Beckham for Rock and Republic
People For Peace
Versace,
Z-Brand
Big Star
Bebe,
Just Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli
Grass
D&G by Dolce and Gabbanna
and most couture jeans.

These Brands Tend To Run Truer to Size

True Religion (looks the best on all body types, but do note that 100% cotton styles-also known as rigid-run much smaller)
Blue CultJoe’s Jeans
Rock and Republic
Aeropostale
American Rag (Macy’s)
Anchor Blue
Arizona (JC Penney)
Juicy Couture
Genetic Denim
Notify
American Eagle
Sacred Blue
SO
Lucky
DKNY.

How to Find the Perfect Jeans for You

2009-04-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Shopping for jeans doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's a guide to helping you find the perfect pair of jeans.

Steps

Choose stores which make you comfortable, not those with unfriendly or unhelpful salespeople who make you want to leave quickly. It may take a while to find the perfect pair of jeans. Some stores that have good quality jeans are Pac Sun, American Eagle, and Lucky Brand, though you can find some other stores with a little searching.
Select many different styles, even if you think they may not be flattering, and bring them into the dressing room at the same time so that you can compare them.
Different cuts are a better fit for different bodies. Sometimes jeans will be a perfect fit in one place and too loose or tight in another. These jeans are not for you; they will not mold themselves to your body, especially if they are too loose.
Walk around. Are they easy to walk in? Jump up and down. It sounds a bit strange but are they easy to move in? Try bending or sitting down. Make sure the flesh of your backside isn't showing.
Check the price. Good jeans normally come at a price, but consider how much you are willing to spend. If the price is within your budget, take them to the checkout and enjoy wearing your perfect jeans!

Video

Tips

Try on many pairs -it's easier to get an idea of what looks good!
Try a lot of stores, as different brands may fit you differently. Also try online stores, for example : http://www.bb1classic.com/BB1-Denim-Centreville-Pant-p/cv018.htm
Choose a style that's right for your body type. A slim figure is well-suited to low-rise skinny, straight or boot-cut jeans. The latter two cuts are more flattering on muscular, athletic shapes. If you are pear-shaped, try low-rise boot-cut or flared jeans for balance. A higher-rise is recommended for curvier girls, as it better conceals love-handles. However, every figure is different and it really is best to try on many different cuts.
To make your butt look perkier, choose a jean with low-set back pockets that are closer to the center.
Some denim labels only produce jeans of one length. If the jeans are too long, consider getting them shortened at a tailor or a dry-cleaner.
The three most important attributes to look at are leg type, rise, and fitting.
While the rise and leg type are standard among all brands, different brands usually have different standards for fitting across seat, hips and thighs.
Some jeans run big in sizing, while others run small. That's why its a good idea to try on many pairs of them.
To balance broad shoulders buy bootcuts to stop you looking top heavy.

Warnings

Do not make the mistake of trying on only one pair of a style in your size - try at least two. Even when it says it is your size, it is often the case that one fits better than the other. After all, no two seamstresses are alike either!

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Find the Perfect Jeans for You. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

PETA: Cloris Leachman Says, 'Let Vegetarianism Grow on You

2009-04-05T12:14:00.000-05:00

Cloris Leachman has never looked better.

Cloris Leachman is a remarkable human being. Not only has this talented actor won eight primetime Emmy Awards (more than any other female performer), a Daytime Emmy, and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, she has also appeared in three Mel Brooks films, including Young Frankenstein, which may just qualify her as a comedic genius.

What do you do as an encore to an acting career like that? You hit the road with your one-woman show, write your soon-to-be-released autobiography, and then, at 82 years of age, you trip the light fantastic on the wildly popular Dancing With the Stars, where competitors half your age fall by the wayside. How does she do it? Easy: She chooses to eat vegetarian. Now Cloris is sharing the secret behind her vitality with her fans by posing in a dress made of cabbage for PETA's newest "Let Vegetarianism Grow on You" ad.

Cloris knows that choosing a vegetarian diet is the best thing that you can do for your health, because meat-eaters are 50 percent more likely to develop heart disease than vegetarians, and vegetarians have 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. That's not all. Studies have shown that vegetarians have stronger immune systems, making them less susceptible to everyday illnesses like the flu. Still not convinced? Vegetarians and vegans live, on average, six to 10 years longer than meat eaters do—active, exciting, busy years, if Cloris is any indication!

Take a minute to watch Cloris behind-the-scenes at the photo shoot. She sang and joked her way through the entire day, taking just a few moments to get serious with the story behind her choice to give up meat more than 40 years ago. Cloris wants you to know that it's easy to choose vegetarian alternatives. "Start learning about it. It doesn't have to be all of a sudden or a great huge education, but it's sort of a little journey that you make all your life." This is a journey that will lead you in one direction: to better health, a cleaner environment, and happier animals everywhere.

Join Cloris by taking the Pledge to Be Veg today. See how good you can feel in just 30 days!

Sign The Petition

FERGIE SHOES

2009-04-03T10:35:00.000-05:00

Fergie has launched her own shoe line self titled, Fergie. Great designs, easy on the pocketbook.

Fergie Women's Jonas Heel - Black
New $78.99

Fergie Women's Jonas Heel - Natural
New $78.99

Fergie Women's Molly Heel - Dark Brown

Ever wonder about consmetic's labels?

2009-04-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

The following information is a brief introduction to labeling requirements from the FDA's Cosmetic Labeling Manual .

The FDA regulates cosmetic labeling under the authority of both the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). These laws and their related regulations are intended to protect consumers from health hazards and deceptive practices and to help consumers make informed decisions regarding product purchase.

It is illegal to introduce a misbranded cosmetic into interstate commerce, and such products are subject to regulatory action. Some of the ways a cosmetic can become misbranded are:

its labeling is false or misleading,
its label fails to provide required information,
its required label information is not properly displayed, and
its labeling violates requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 [FD&C Act, sec. 602; 21 U.S.C. 362].

Does FDA pre-approve cosmetic product labeling?

No. FDA does not have the resources or authority under the law for pre-market approval of cosmetic product labeling. It is the manufacturer's and/or distributor's responsibility to ensure that products are labeled properly. Failure to comply with labeling requirements may result in a misbranded product.

Is it permitted to label cosmetics "FDA Approved"?

No. As part of the prohibition against false or misleading information, no cosmetic may be labeled or advertised with statements suggesting that FDA has approved the product.

What about therapeutic claims?

Be aware that promoting a product with claims that it treats or prevents disease or otherwise affects the structure or any function of the body may cause the product to be considered a drug. FDA has an Import Alert in effect for cosmetics labeled with drug claims. For more information on drug claims, refer to Is It a Drug, a Cosmetic, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?).

How should products be labeled if they are both drugs and cosmetics?

If a product is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug as well as a cosmetic, its labeling must comply with the regulations for both OTC drug and cosmetic ingredient labeling. The drug ingredients must appear according to the OTC drug labeling requirements and the cosmetic ingredients must appear separately, in order of decreasing predominance.Contact the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) for further information on drug labeling.

What labeling information is required?

The following information must appear on the principal display panel:

An identity statement, indicating the nature and use of the product, by means of either the common or usual name, a descriptive name, a fanciful name understood by the public, or an illustration .
An accurate statement of the net quantity of contents, in terms of weight, measure, numerical count or a combination of numerical count and weight or measure.

The following information must appear on an information panel:

Name and place of business. This may be the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. [21 CFR 701.12].
Distributor statement. If the name and address are not those of the manufacturer, the label must say "Manufactured for..." or "Distributed by..." [21 CFR 701.12].
Material facts. Failure to reveal material facts is one form of misleading labeling and therefore makes a product misbranded [21 CFR 1.21]. An example is directions for safe use, if a product could be unsafe if used incorrectly.
Warning and caution statements. These must be prominent and conspicuous. The FD&C Act and related regulations specify warning and caution statements related to specific products [21 CFR part 700]. In addition, cosmetics that may be hazardous to consumers must bear appropriate label warnings [21 CFR 740.1]. An example of such hazardous products is flammable cosmetics.
Ingredients. If the product is sold on a retail basis to consumers, even it it is labeled "For professional use only" or words to that effect, the ingredients must appear on an information panel, in descending order of predominance. [21 CFR 701.3]. Remember, if the product is also a drug, its labeling must comply with the regulations for both OTC drug and cosmetic ingredient labeling, as stated above.

For additional information, see Cosmetic Labeling and Label Claims.

Vegan Beauty Products

2009-03-30T10:28:00.002-05:00

Vegan skincare attempts to exclude the use of animals in skincare products.

Vegan products are usually made of natural plant and botanical ingredients from certified organic sources. Vegan products are usually 100% vegan (contain no animal by-products) and not tested on animals. They are free from parabens, formaldehyde/formaldehyde donors, petroleum by-products, alcohol, PEG & TEA and GMO materials.

Vegan Cleansers & Toners	Vegan Masks
Vegan Facial Moisturizers	Vegan Eye Creams
Vegan Bath Oils & Salts	Vegan Body Lotions & Butters
Vegan Body & Massage Oils	Vegan Body Scrubs
Vegan Body Washes	Vegan Bubble Bath
Vegan Hand & Foot Care	Vegan Body Care Sets

Spring Fashion 2009

2009-03-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

Michelle Obama to be honored

2009-03-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

The Council of Fashion Designers of America says that it will honor Michelle Obama with a special tribute from the group's board of directors at its annual awards gala in June.

"We wanted to acknowledge her in a serious way for her commitment to American fashion," said CFDA president Steven Kolb. A grant also will be established in her name to assist a young fashion company.

Meanwhile, three designers that Mrs. Obama has been known to wear — Narciso Rodriguez, Jason Wu and Thakoon Panichgul — also received CFDA nominations.

The ceremony is moving this year from the New York Public Library to Lincoln Center, which will also become the Fashion Week hub next year.

Hair and the Economy.....

2009-03-21T11:35:00.002-05:00

Can the economy affect our hair?

Kao, Japan's second-largest cosmetics firm, has conducted regular surveys of 1,000 women on the streets of Tokyo and Osaka over the past two decades, the Nikkei said. The result: women are cutting their hair again.

According to a survey conducted by Japanese cosmetics company Kao Corp., women tend to wear their hair long when Japan's economy is doing well and short when there is a slump, the Nikkei business daily reported,

As for Japan's future economic performance, the Nikkei pointed to expectations for a trend towards shorter hairstyles.

Until the early 1990s, when Japan's economic bubble burst, 60 percent of women in their twenties kept their hair long, the Nikkei said, citing the survey.

During the 1990s economic slump, short hair -- defined as above the collarbone -- became the dominant hairstyle for Japanese women. But since 2002, long hair has regained some popularity -- just as the economy started to expand, the Nikkei said.

alpha hydroxy acids

2009-03-21T11:19:00.000-05:00

Cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are widely used with the belief that they correct the effects of aging by regenerating the top layer of skin.

A study sponsored by the cosmetics industry indicates that these products may make usersmore sensitive to sunlight and especially to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation component of sunlight. UV exposure can damage the skin and at high doses, especially over a long period, can cause skin cancer.

It is important to use sun protection, including a sun screen, if you use an AHA product, even if you haven't used the product that day. If the AHA that you're using contains a sunscreen, it is suggested that applying an additional sunscreen (SPF 15) product before going into the sun will be beneficial. Even though your AHA product may contain sunscreen, it is primarily a skin treatment product--not a means of sun protection. If you use the AHA at bedtime, be sure to apply an additional sunscreen product in the morning before going into the sun.

Products with AHAs are marketed for a variety of purposes: to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. It is important to follow the use instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended applications. It is not recommended that AHA-containing products be used on infants and children.

To find out if a cosmetic contains an AHA, look on the list of ingredients all cosmetics must, by law, have on their outer packaging. AHA ingredients may be listed as:

* glycolic acid
* lactic acid
* malic acid
* citric acid
* glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate
* alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate
* alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid
* alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid
* hydroxycaprylic acid
* mixed fruit acid
* tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids
* triple fruit acid
* sugar cane extract
* alpha hydroxy and botanical complex
* L-alpha hydroxy acid
* glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium (three AHAs).

Of these, the most frequently used in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid.

AHA products cause exfoliation, or shedding of the surface skin. The extent of exfoliation depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH (acidity), and other ingredients in the product. Most cosmetics sold to consumers contain AHAs at levels up to 10 percent. It is FDA's understanding that products with AHA concentrations of 20 percent or higher are used by trained cosmetologists for salon "mini-peels."

In studies conducted by FDA on the absorption of AHAs through the skin, the AHAs tested were readily absorbed into the skin at varying rates. The most rapid absorption occurred with AHAs having lower pHs (higher acidity).

fda

Vanity sizing

2009-03-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

There is a trend in America in the fashion industry.

It's called Vanity Sizing and it's purpose is to make us feel good about our clothes size and return to the store to purchase more as a result. It's fashion's way of keeping up with the ever-growing American waistline.

Vanity sizing is a common practice for retailers. The reason is to make women feel thin by thinking they went down a size or two.

In 2003, a study that measured over 1,011 pairs of women's pants found that more expensive brands tended to be smaller than cheaper ones of the same nominal size.

Tips on Buying Denim

2009-03-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

Small butts- You may want to draw attention to your butt by purchasing jeans with back pockets or some kind of embellishment on the back side. Jeans with no back pockets are not good for anyone. If you see someone wearing them, they probably got a good deal. Small pockets work best for you.

Larger butts- Stay away from a lot of detail on the posterior side. Large and angled pockets can work for you.

Boy shaped bodies (ie no curves)- Look for denim with a fade in the thighs and below the butt. Your goal is to create curves.

Women with curves/muscles Bootcut jeans work best for you. Flares, but not too flared, can work for you too. Avoid skinny jeans. High waist will work great for you, unless you have a large bust or are short waisted. Use caution in these two cases.

Confused over sizing?

2009-03-15T10:53:00.003-05:00

There really is no standard around the world as to what size a garment should be and the measurements of the specfic size itself. This is why some manufactureres choose to use their own measurements for sizes and why you may wear 3 different sizes depending on where you shop.

Generally, between countries;

Women's Dresses and Suits
United States	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20
Europe (Italy)	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52
Europe (Scandinavia and Germany)	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
Europe (France, Spain and Portugal)	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50
Europe (UK and Ireland)	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22

Women’s blouses and sweaters
EU	40	42	44	46	48	50
UK	34	36	38	40	42	44
US	32	34	36	38	40	42

Over the years, North American clothing sizes have changed due to the changes in women's bodies. A size 12 on anold standard would today be described as a size 6, while a size 6 on the old scale would be what is today known as size zero.

Catalog Misses' Sizes: 5'5"-5'6" (165-168 cm) tall, average bust, average back
Dimension/Size	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20
Closest standard size	10	12	14		16	18		20	22
Est. height	5'4" (162.5 cm)	5'4" (162.5 cm)	5'4.5" (164 cm)	5'5" (165 cm)	5'4" (162.5 cm)	5'6.5" (169 cm)	5'6" (168 cm)	5'6" (168 cm)	5'6.5" (169 cm)
Est. weight lb (kg)	115 (52)	125 (57)	135 (61)	145 (66)	155 (70)	165 (75)	175 (79)	180 (81.5)	195 (88.5)
Bust	34	35	36	37	38.5	40	41.5	43	44.5
Waist	25	26	27	28	29.5	31	32.5	34	35.5
Hip	35.5	36.5	37.5	38.5	40	41.5	43	44.5	46

Catalog Women's Petite (Half Sizes): 5'1/2"-5'4" (153-162.5 cm) tall, lower bust, shorter back
Dimension/Size					18W	20W	22W	24W	26W
Closest standard size	12 1/2	14 1/2	16 1/2	18 1/2	20 1/2	22 1/2	24 1/2	26 1/2	28 1/2
Est. height	5' 1/2" (153 cm)	5'1" (155 cm)	5'1.5" (156cm)	5'2" (157.5 cm)	5'2.5" (159 cm)	5'3" (160 cm)	5'3" (160 cm)	5'3.5" (161 cm)	5'4" (162.5 cm)
Est. weight lb (kg)	125 (57)	140 (63.5)	155 (70)	170 (77)	180 (81.5)	190 (86)	215 (97.5)	225 (102)	235 (106.5)
Bust	36	38	40	42	43.5	45.5	47.5	49.5	51.5
Waist	28	30	32	34	35	37	39	41	43
Hip	38	40	42	44	45.5	47.5	49.5	52	53.5

Home Pedicure

2009-03-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

For whatever reason, and there are probably a few, you need a pedicure and like an hour ago. You don't have an appointment to get one, once again, for whatever reason(s).
So you have to do it yourself.

Here's how to give your self a decent pedicure.

Plan your strategy.
This means, gather your supplies. You'll need nail polish remover (if there is old polish to remove) , cotton balls, nail clipper, file, somewhere to soak your feet and something to soak them in, and whatever else you have to make it nice. Don't forget a towel to dry your feet.

Start by removing old nail polish.

Soak your feet in warm water. You can add to it a store bought foot soak or a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salt. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if you want to. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. The salts will soften up dry skin and calluses, while the olive oil moisturizes.

If you have it on hand, apply a foot scrub. Follow the directions on the container as far as how long you need to leave it on for. Use a foot file or pumice to thoroughly exfoliate calluses and other rough spots on the bottom of the feet.

Trim nails and care for cuticles. It is best to trim toenails by cutting across to prevent ingrown nails. Gently push back cuticles with an orange stick. Smooth out edges with a nail file.

Moisturize . If your feet are still wet, dry them off. Massage your moisturizer in long upward strokes, moving from your toes to your calves. Try to avoid the nails as it may hinder the ability of the polish to stick.

Finish with polish. Apply a base coat and two coats of your favorite polish, followed by a top coat. Let your nails dry for at least half an hour .

Hit the Dollar Store!

2009-03-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

Admit it. You've been there before. We all love a good bargain and who could beat a dollar store for that. Dollar stores are also haven for beauty essentials.

1. Basic tweezers. This can be your back-up pair- the ones you should keep in your car, desk drawer or purse.

2. Scrubbers. Excellent for exfoliating in the shower or bath.

3. Baby powder. For your summer sneakers if you don't want to wear socks or better yet, on your thighs to prevent thigh burn.

4. Cotton balls. For so much.

6. Make-up application pads. Great for applying base coat. Why splurge here?

7. Witch Hazel. Listen up. This is probably the best astringent available which is why many pricey products are based on it. Yep. $1 Witch Hazel.

8. Bubble bath. Hey for a buck you can have fun in the tub.

9. Travel sewing kit. Okay. This doesn't have much to do with beauty but, this is a very nice thing that we should all have.

10. Sunscreen. It may not be your primary one but, for $1 you can have a back-up in your car.

There you go. 10 great items from your dollar store.
Go have fun and save some cash.

More Bra Tips

2009-03-07T16:23:00.001-06:00

Bra problems?

If your bra frame or band is too big, does not snugly hug the chest wall underneath the breasts and is loose. When this happens it cannot support the weight of the breasts. This puts the burden of support on the straps, which are generally designed to adjust height of the bust. If the straps are tightened too much when the band is loose, the bra rides up in the back and the straps cut into the shoulders.

If the cups are too small then there is not enough coverage. What results is the breasts spilling out under the arm, or falling out the bottom of the cups when the arms are raised, or “pillowing” at the top of the cup which looks lumpy in tops. This does not look good with clothing and it does not feel good.

If your cups are too big when they are not fully filled out by the breasts. This makes the the bra cups wrinkle and create a noticeable, unattractive impression in the top of your clothing.

Remember- bras do wear out, get measured yearly, and take good care of your breasts.

March is Women’s History Month

2009-03-03T15:59:00.000-06:00

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.

About Women’s History Month

Before the 1970’s, the topic of women’s history was largely missing from general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978 and chose the week of March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The celebration was met with positive response, and schools began to host their own Women’s History Week programs. The next year, leaders from the California group shared their project at a Women’s History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Other participants not only became determined to begin their own local Women’s History Week projects but also agreed to support an effort to have Congress declare a national Women’s History Week.

In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cosponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution proclaiming a “Women’s History Week.”

In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. Since then, the National Women’s History Month Resolution has been approved every year with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Information from the National Women’s History Project

About This Year's Theme

Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet

In 2009, the National Women's History Project honors women who have taken the lead in the environmental or “green” movement. Rachel Carson, the founder of the contemporary environmental movement, serves as the iconic model of the theme, which recognizes scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, filmmakers, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious or workplace leaders, or others whose lives show exceptional vision and leadership to save the planet.

usa.gov

Get the right bra

2009-02-27T17:10:00.000-06:00

Bra sizes are made up of two components:
An even number that represents the back size (32, 34, 36, etc.) determined by the size of the torso.

To determine the back size
(torso measurement):

Bring a tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under the breast.
Add 5 to the measurement .
After 33 inches, only add 3 inches to the back measurement.

If the back size comes out to an uneven number, try the next size up.
If you are in-between sizes or you are having difficulty finding the correct fit, then if you go up in cup size come down in band size or if you go up in band size come down in cup size.

Cup size is determined by the size of the breast itself.
To determine the cup size

Bring a tape measure loosely around the fullest part of the bust .
Subtract the back size from this measurement.
This difference determines the cup size.

Keep the measuring tape parallel with the ground.

Make a Consumer Complaint

2009-02-23T17:08:00.000-06:00

So, where do you start when you have a complaint about a product or service you received from a company? A great place to go when you are having a problem is the Consumer Action Handbook (referred to as the Handbook), developed by the Federal Citizen Information Center. The new web site provides a wide variety of resources and information to lead you through the process of resolving lots of different consumer problems. The Featured Links and Consumer News on the home page and under each Consumer Topic will let you know the latest information about the topic you are interested in. The main sections offer detailed advice about what to do Before You Buy and After You Buy, information about Filing a Complaint, and a Consumer Assistance Directory, where you can find the most appropriate places to file your complaint and ask a question. The newly-redesigned site offers four helpful resource sections:

Consumer Topics, with information about specific products and services like automobiles, banking, credit, health care, housing, travel and more;
The Contact Information section contains just that for hundreds of companies and organizations you can get in touch with to report your problem or get assistance at the local, state, and national levels;
Under Resources you can find information for specific audiences like military personnel, teachers, and persons with disabilities;
And if you Want More Help click to find links to other helpful government sites.

USDA-Key Recommendations for the General Population

2009-02-15T17:56:00.000-06:00

ADEQUATE NUTRIENTS WITHIN CALORIE NEEDS

Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
Meet recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being, and a healthy body weight.
- To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week.
- For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration.
- To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain in adulthood: Engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
- To sustain weight loss in adulthood: Participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in this level of activity.
Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.

FOOD GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE

Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week.
Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched or whole-grain products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.

FATS

Consume less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol, and keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
When selecting and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat, or fat-free.
Limit intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids, and choose products low in such fats and oils.

CARBOHYDRATES

Choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often.
Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars or caloric sweeteners, such as amounts suggested by the USDA Food Guide and the DASH Eating Plan.
Reduce the incidence of dental caries by practicing good oral hygiene and consuming sugar- and starch-containing foods and beverages less frequently.

SODIUM AND POTASSIUM

Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately 1 teaspoon of salt) of sodium per day.
Choose and prepare foods with little salt. At the same time, consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation—defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

FOOD SAFETY

To avoid microbial foodborne illness:
- Clean hands, food contact surfaces, and fruits and vegetables. Meat and poultry should not be washed or rinsed.
- Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing, or storing foods.
- Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms.
- Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly and defrost foods properly.
- Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized juices, and raw sprouts.

Note: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 contains additional recommendations for specific populations. The full document is available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

YOGA

2009-02-12T14:54:00.000-06:00

The word yoga has its roots in the Sanskrit language and means to merge, join or unite. Yoga is a form of exercise based on the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses, or asanas, yoga creates harmony. Yoga is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions and is a tool that allows us to withdraw from the chaos of the world and find a quiet space within. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation in order to establish a healthy, vibrant and balanced approach to living.

Hatha yoga emphasizes asanas (practice of postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditation). It aims to balance different energy flows within the human body. As a form of exercise, hatha yoga consists of asanas or postures that embody controlled movement, concentration, flexibility, and conscious breathing.Yoga exercises are designed to ease tense muscles, to tone up the internal organs, and to improve the flexibility of the body’s joints and ligaments. The aim of proper yoga exercise is to improve suppleness and strength. Each posture is performed slowly in fluid movements. Yoga asanas (postures or poses) help condition your body. There are thousands of yoga poses, and in Sanskrit, these poses are called kriyas (actions), mudras (seals), and bandhas (locks).

Links;
Free online exercises from ezine

Free animated posture and poses

Yoga online learning center

How To Squeeze Into a Dress Before a Big Event

2009-02-10T13:02:00.000-06:00

PETA Superbowl Ad

2009-02-06T12:59:00.001-06:00

PETA's ad—which features a bevy of beauties who are powerless to resist the temptation of veggie love—was deemed too hot for the Super Bowl. NBC rejected the video because of concerns over "rubbing pelvic region with pumpkin," a woman "screwing herself with broccoli," and more!
'Veggie Love': PETA's Banned Super Bowl Ad

Watch out for used products

2009-02-04T13:54:00.000-06:00

Recalls may get products off store shelves but it is more difficult to get them out of people’s homes when they are resold at garage sales, discount or “dollar” stores, swap meets and on the Internet.

Many recalled children’s products are resold in online auction sites, often years after they were deemed dangerous. Even experienced and reputable sellers, may not know a product has been recalled. And it is difficult for online bidders to check for a recalled product since many listings do not include a serial number or manufacturer date. Use the resources below from the CPSC to thoroughly check out a product before you sell or buy.

Finding information on recalled consumer products

Consumer Product Safety Commission product recalls database
Sign up for CPSC alerts (also available in Spanish)
ATVSafety.gov – ATV recalls listed by manufacturer
Consumers should check out a manufacturer’s website for product information.

Reporting a problem with a product to the CPSC

To report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury or find product information, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission online or call the CPSC toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772 (English/Spanish) or 800-638-8270 for the hearing and speech impaired.

FDA and Cosmetics

2009-01-30T13:52:00.001-06:00

Cosmetics

FDA defines cosmetics as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) is the federal agency that regulates cosmetic products. Federal regulations prohibit the marketing of adulterated or misbranded cosmetics. Improperly labeled or deceptively packaged products are considered misbranded and subject to regulatory action. FDA has no authority to order a recall of a cosmetic, although it can request that a firm recall a product.

Some of the cosmetic-related products CFSAN (FDA) regulates include:

• Body cleansers
• Hair products

• Lotions
• Nail products

• Tattoos
• Toothpaste

A cosmetic is adulterated if:

it contains any poisonous or harmful substance which may cause injury to users under the conditions of use as stated in the labeling,
it consists in whole or in part of any bad or decomposed substance,
it has been prepared, packed, or stored under unsanitary conditions,
its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any harmful or poisonous substance, or if
it is or contains a color additive which is unsafe.

A cosmetic is considered misbranded if:

its labeling is false or misleading,
its label does not include all required information,
if the required information on its label is not adequately prominent and conspicuous, or
its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading.

Finding information on cosmetic product recalls

FDA issues general information about recalls through a weekly publication, the FDA Enforcement Report.
Visit the FDA website for recalls and safety alerts on cosmetic related products
Call CFSAN toll-free at 888-723-3366 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Reporting a problem with a cosmetic product

Report non-emergencies, including bad reactions to any cosmetic product to:

The nearest FDA district office. Their phone numbers are on FDA's Web site and in the Blue Pages of the phone book under United States Government/Health and Human Services.
FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) by phone at 301-436-2405 or by email at CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov.

Situations that do not require immediate action can be reported either to the appropriate consumer complaint coordinator or to the FDA office that handles the product.
Report an emergency that requires immediate action to:

CFSAN’s main emergency number, staffed 24 hours a day, 301-443-1240.
The FDA consumer complaint coordinator in your geographic area.

http://apple4meandyou.blogspot.com/
http://iamharriet.blogspot.com/

The Risks of Plastic Surgery

2009-01-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

Ten Plastic Surgery Risks You Need To Know according to Forbes

Americans spent $11.5 billion for 11 million cosmetic procedures in 2006--a 48% increase over the number performed in 2000, according to the National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Statistics.

Often people forgo the concern for risks for the idea of vanity. However, plastic surgery is surgery no matter how you define it.

"The human body makes no distinction when the scalpel hits," warns Dr. Richard D'Amico, president-elect of the American Society for Plastic Surgery (ASPS). "The difference with elective cosmetic surgeries is that patients generally start out being healthy."

Among the more common dangers: numbness, seroma and necrosis.
Temporary numbness or loss of feeling at the site of the incision is fairly common in face-lifts and tummy tucks, though it's rarely permanent.

Numbness after breast surgeries of any type is the most common. Loss of sensation in the nipple in particular occurs anywhere from 10% to 70% of the time, says Dr. Nahai, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) depending on the type of procedure. What's worst? Breast reductions, where the nipple and areola are totally removed and reattached as skin grafts.

Seroma is a collection of watery body fluids that occurs most often in tummy tucks. It's common enough that many surgeons take preventative measures by inserting a drain during surgery.

Necrosis refers to some tissue death from surgical manipulation. It may be inevitable after any procedure, though your risks increase dramatically if you're a smoker.

Hematoma, after any surgery, there is the possibility of excessive bleeding. a collection of blood, occurs more in men than in women because beard follicles in the face mean there are more capillaries--and therefore an increased blood supply in that area.

Infections are rare in plastic surgery patients, since most are healthy to begin with. When they happen, however, they can spread quickly and must be stopped immediately.

The rarest and most feared of side effects is, of course, death. Toxic levels of anesthetics have been known to cause respiratory failure in some patients. In some rare instances, high levels of topical lidocaine have led to death. In others, imitation Botox, or other imitation fillers not approved by the FDA, have left patients in comas for up to several years, and eventually dead.

What you can do to prepare.

Reduce Your Risk
Choosing the right surgeon is important. Be sure to pick a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Medical Association. Ask your doctor which types of medicine they hold certifications in, and check for yourself at the American Board of Medical Specialties Web site.

Any MD can claim to be a surgeon, but you should choose only a board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure. Some procedures can be performed by various other individuals (who are not MD's and do not have a medical facility and staff) such as dentists.

Also, verify that your doctor of choice has privileges to perform surgery in a hospital. A doctor may choose to perform certain procedures in a private office, but he or she should have credentials from a hospital's "credential committee." Having such credentials, says Dr. Antell, is as important as a doctor's board certification.

If your doctor chooses to perform surgery in a private space, make sure the facility is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Accreditation is "the gold standard," according to Dr. Antell--and many of these facilities are better than what you'll find in hospitals. Make sure there are registered nurses and an anesthesiologist on hand in case anything goes wrong.

How to buy new shoes

2009-01-20T12:56:00.002-06:00

We all need to be reminded about taking care of our feet. Here are some tips about getting the proper shoe fit.

We have all heard that shopping for shoes late in the day is best. This is because your feet are actually larger from being used all day long. You want to fit them when they are at their largest so that they are comfortable when you are actually wearing them. If you don’t shop for your shoes when your feet are large, you would most likely feel uncomfortable from them when your feet do swell late in the day.

Measure or re-measure every other year. Bring someone along to do it (remember to put your toes on the line, heels all the way back, and stand up straight) or ask a sales person.

A proper shoe fit will work for both your heel and toes. If your heel moves and down in the shoe while you walk, it may mean that the heel is too large. You may need to go down a shoe size and up in width.

Foot sizes do change with age. They also change due to pregnancy and childbirth.
.

Best of NYC

2009-01-08T04:29:00.000-06:00

Jewelry

From NY Mag

Einstein on Beauty

2009-01-04T04:24:00.000-06:00

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
The ideals which have lighted me on my way and time after time given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. . . . The ordinary objects of human endeavour -- property, outward success, luxury -- have always seemed to me contemptible.

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science.
Living Philosophies, 1931

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

Tree Made of Designer Handbags, Shoes

2009-01-01T10:28:00.000-06:00