Tummy Exercise Myths

Our bodies are genetically conditioned on how we lose or gain weight. Interestingly enough, the first place where we gain weight is the last place where we lose it. We cannot reduce only the part we do not like. Once we lose fat from our body, we lose inches everywhere even where we do not want to lose.

The problem with tummy muscles is that we do not generally exercise this muscle in daily life. It is not greatly challenged from climbing stairs, bending, stretching or walking. We, therefore, have to make a special effort to encourage it to come back into line. The movements have to be small and controlled and depend on the effort put in by the exerciser to get really good results. Secondly during pregnancy, as the baby grows inside the muscle (transverse) is pushed forward. A huge amount of stretching is going on and tends to leave the muscle loose and hanging forward after the birth. It is essentially the lack of strength left in this muscle which allows the tummy to sit in that rather round forward position Mothers would recognise from after birth.

In all cases it is the lack of exercise for this muscle which causes it to become loose and give the 'pot bellied' appearance.

• Myth No. 1: By doing some midsection exercises one can reduce 'love handles'.

Fact: You cannot reduce fat from a certain targeted area of your body just by using exercise alone. And the abdominal area is no exception. So if you want to get a flat stomach and to reveal your abs, losing the fat covering them is the way to go. And the only way to do this is to lose fat proportionately from your entire body by burning more calories than you consume.

• Myth No. 2: You have to do tons of crunches.

Fact: Overuse of crunches will only shorten your abs, pull your head forward and gives you a bad posture. To reduce fat in your bodies, you need to do cardio exercise and eat nutritious foods in reasonable amounts. In simple language 'burn more calories than you consume.' The cardio helps to burn that stored fat and the lower calorie diet forces the body to use the accumulated fat for energy.

In addition, the crunches and a total body workout (with weight training) helps the body to increase muscle mass. Muscles burn fat; fat does not burn itself so, the more muscle we have, the more fat our body uses for energy, so we lose weigh faster. If you only do crunches, you will develop your abdominal muscles and strengthen them. This will reflect in better posture and less back problems, but you will not be able to see your abdominal muscles because they will be covered with fat

• Myth No. 3: Exercise is more important that nutrition.

Fact: Diet is one of the key factor when trying to get a flat tummy. Plan your nutrition in advance, to avoid dietary downfalls. Focus on protein, green vegetables, fiber-rich fruits, and zero calorie drinks such as Green Tea and water. Avoid all sugar.

• Myth No. 4: You must do train your tummy every day

Fact:You don't need to do direct tummy training every day. Instead, train them twice per week and use non-conventional exercises such as Mountain Climbers and Stability Ball Jackknives to reduce the stress on your low back. Avoid the overuse of crunches and sit-ups in your training program. Instead, beginners, should focus on abdominal endurance with planks and side planks, and work up to more advanced exercises, but still avoid doing hundreds of crunches lying on your back.

Concentrate on increasing daily incidental activity. Reduce the use of labour saving devices like remote controls etc. Rearrange the house or office environment so that it is physically inefficient making movement mandatory. Try standing or, even better, pacing when chatting on the phone. Park further away from the entrance of a shop, and use the stairs instead of the elevator. ...source: www.womenfitness.net

Hair Tips For The Winter Months

We have learned how to help protect our skin in winter, but very few product lines show us exactly how to help protect our hair. A dedicated winter rescue for dry, static, flyaway hair seems not only wise, but also mandatory.

"Cold weather dries out hair more quickly because there is less humidity in the air," says Sarah Kemp, spokesperson for the Pantene Pro-V "Winter Rescue Renewal" regime. "This dryness, combined with the cold makes hair brittle and susceptible to breakage. Wind can tangle the hair and cause individual strands to rub together, potentially damaging the cuticle layer, weakening the hair shaft, leading to damage".

* Here are some pointers

Few little things that you can do to protect your hair. I have listed some of my favorites and I hope that they will help you... until the warmer weather sets in.

* Use the appropriate shampoo and conditioner.

Some fab winter hats, from chic caps to the return of the beret, are being showcased in this year's fall and winter fashion collections. But this must-have seasonal accessory can cause static electricity and rebellious hair. Using a nourishing shampoo and an enriched conditioner will help lock in moisture and reduce static.

* Use conditioning products before using heated styling tools.

A gel or mousse alone isn't enough to protect the hair. If you normally use a gel before blow-drying, apply a repair cream, heat-protecting cream or leave-in conditioner first. Use it sparingly, especially on the ends, but don't forget it. You don't want to make your hair heavy or gunky, but more importantly, you don't want hot rollers applied directly to the ends of your unprotected hair.

* Shower in cold water

It's tempting to take a long hot shower, but the extra heat can dry out your hair, making it more prone to damage. Rinsing your hair with cold water after shampooing and conditioning helps keep moisture in, giving your hair extra shine.

* Reduce your use of styling appliances

Winter cold robs hair of its vital moisture, leaving it dry, brittle and more susceptible to frizz and static. Blow dryers and curling irons can harm dehydrated hair, leading to further damage. Keep your use of these styling appliances to a minimum and every week give your hair a special moisturizing treatment.* Don't go out with wet hair!To avoid damaging your hair, you've opted not to blow dry… but now you should stay indoors until your hair is completely dry. Believe it or not, damp hair can freeze and break when exposed to cold winter weather.* Get your hair trimmed.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but it's not always easy to fit more frequent haircuts into a busy schedule. Dryness starts from the ends. If you normally get your hair cut every 10 weeks, get it cut in eight weeks. If you usually trim your hair every six weeks, get it trimmed monthly. ... source:www.theworldwidegourmet.com

Enjoy the winter! Brrrrr...

Adjusting Your Skin Care To Fit Your Age

How to optimize your skin care to fit your age? This issue raises both much interest and much confusion. Some experts declare that the need to adapt a skin care routine to fit a particular age is marginal because the essential physiology of the skin does not change all that much. Others assert that your skin care routine should account for every hormonal change in the body, especially those associated with aging.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. The core mechanisms of skin physiology are the same at any age. Yet, many things do change, including metabolic rate, cell turnover rate, hormonal levels, accumulation of damaged cells and molecular garbage, prevalence of inflammation and so forth. Taking those into account is likely to provide extra benefits.

 

• Byological Vs. Chronological Age

The age of your skin should be judged based on biological factors rather than simply your date of birth. Biological and chronological age are rarely very far apart but they are not the same. The rate of aging varies among people due to genetic and lifestyle differences. The variation in the rate of skin aging is particularly high (compared to other tissues) because the skin is more exposed to the environment. When optimizing your skin care, you can use your chronological age as a starting point but you should also take into account biological factors that may have affected your rate of aging. For example, if you are in your twenties but your skin has suffered a lot of sun damage, you may benefit from the anti-wrinkle treatments (e.g. tretinoin a.k.a. Retin A) that are otherwise best used later in life. If you are undergoing early menopause in your late thirties, you might benefit from topical estrogens and/or progesterone even though such treatment are typically contemplated in late forties.

• You Need The Basics At Any Age

A number of basic practices are essential for optimal skin care at any age. Skipping them is likely to undermine the rest of your routine. Make sure you protect your skin from avoidable damage, particularly sun damage. Establish a sensible basic daily routine matching your skin type. Then determine whether you need any age-specific steps .  ..source:www.smartskincare.com

 

Designer handbags - just one click away

Usually, in order to buy a clothing item, or even an accessory, you have to go through many boutiques, and spend a lot of money. Now, with the help of the Internet, you can buy the items such as handbags at lower prices, from the comfort of your own home .

There is no doubt that, at least one time in her life, every woman has dreamt to own a beautiful, perfect handbag, made by some famous designer. However, just a few of them can actually say that they have truly realized that dream. The majority of them have to settle with cheaper copies, something that resembles their dream designer handbags, or just with the dream of actually owning such expensive items.

Nevertheless, there are some other alternatives to buy all sorts of designer handbags at a very convenient price. The most simple and comfortable way is to order them online. This method does not require a lot of time. In addition, it is very convenient, because you do not have to go anywhere.

Usually, the shipping of the ordered products is free, depending on the location, and the payment procedure is very simple. You can pay either with your credit card or with cash when you receive the ordered handbags. Therefore, you do not have to put a lot of effort into buying such items. All you have to do is to order the ones you like the most and wait until we will ship deliver them to the address with which you will provide us.

What is more, the items from the latest handbag collections are available in just a couple of days after their official release. All handbags come with a certificate of authenticity that guarantees the fact that all products are designer handbags and not just copies. However, the available collections usually display the specific signature of famous designer's houses. Subsequently, you can consider you have made a reliable investment into quality accessories for your outfit. The point is that you can choose from an impressive variety of designer handbags that have the signature of famous designers such as Fendi, Gucci, Miu Miu, Chloe, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs or even Prada.

To make the offer even more attractive, there are daily discounts for different products. Moreover, even if the prices are lower then the ones you would usually find displayed by the regular stores, there are also different offers that vary each day.

The price of these products is so low because the shipping of such handbags takes place directly from the manufacturers, and the providers include special offers. This is an additional guarantee of the reliability if the accessories we are able to provide. Moreover, because of that, you can now buy your favorite handbags at incredibly attractive prices.

 

Of course, if you want to stay update with all the offers and discounts, you can subscribe to a newsletter. In this manner, you will receive, each day, an e-mail with news concerning new products, discounts and news about your favorite products. This is the easiest way to purchase your dream handbags, ata very convenient price, without compromising their quality or anything else, for that matter. There is no need to hesitate any longer. Accessorize your outfit with the appropriate designer handbag, purchased in considerably cost-effective conditions.  ...source:http://fileblogs.com

 

Winter Wedding Dress

The bride planning a winter wedding has a greater flexibility when it comes to choosing a winter wedding dress. Cold weather brides can choose to wear the same types of strapless or halter dresses summer brides wear, but they can also wear fur trimmed or long sleeved styles that would make summer brides uncomfortable.

 

COVERING UP

 

Many brides choose to wear summer styles for a winter wedding. Sure, strapless wedding dresses are all the rage right now, and they do look nice, but how can a bride enjoy herself when she's shivering? If you will be wearing a style that doesn't offer any protection from the cold, it will be in your best interests to wrap yourself in something warm. A white faux fur or velvet wrap, shrug, shawl or hooded cape looks stunning a top a white wedding dress. Some brides even go for color and choose a red velvet or velour stole to wear over their wedding dresses. Those who go with a long flowing cape, may choose to wear a hood instead of a traditional veil or headpiece.

 

WINTER WEDDING DRESS STYLES

 

There are some beautiful winter wedding dress styles to choose from as well. Many dresses come with long sleeves. A thick satin dress or one made of white velvet or velour would rival those summer styles and in fact, may even look more elegant and formal. A style with faux fur trim around the sleeves and collar will simply look stunning.

 

WHERE TO FIND

 

Since most brides are opting to go the strapless or sleeveless route, winter wedding dresses aren't as plentiful as their summer time counterparts. If you find pictures of winter wedding dresses in bridal magazines, you may want to call bridal salons in your area to see if they carry the dress. Many will order one for you if they don't have it in stock. You might also find a winter wedding dress online. Keep in mind however, that when you purchase a wedding dress online, you don't have the benefit of being able to see the dress in person. You can't examine it for flaws, nor can you try it on. Make sure you're able to return the dress within a certain amount of time, say thirty to sixty days, if it doesn't fit properly or has flaws.

You can also have a winter wedding dress made for you. If you have a particular style in mind, discuss it with your seamstress. She may either know of a pattern or be able to make a pattern for you.

 

DRESS IN SEASON

If you're getting married in the winter, why would you want to wear a summer gown? Dress according to the season by choosing a winter wedding dress. You'll look stunning as you walk down the aisle in stunning velvet or faux fur. Sparkly jewelry will add an "icicle" effect to your outfit. Best of all, you won't look like every other bride getting married during the winter months. ...article source:http://weddings.lovetoknow.com

 

 

Breast Enlargement for Big Breasts

The breasts are made up of mammary glands and fatty tissue. The pectorals muscles hold breasts. Your breast has a nipple at its center surrounded by a dark area, called the areola. As your body starts to develop during puberty, a small bump grows under the areola and nipple. As your breasts develop, the bud and nipple get bigger and the areola darker. Your breasts will attain their full size (natural breasts) in 3-5 years from the time your breasts start growing.

 

Every woman has a predetermined breast size. Some girls have small breasts and some big breasts. Your heredity is the most important factor in determining breast shape and size. Due to hormone imbalances as a result of poor eating habits, lack of minerals and vitamins, excessive stress and lack of exercise, you may have poor breast development during puberty. 

Your breast may become bigger if you gain weight, and your breasts may become smaller, if you lose weight. No breast enlargement cream or breast enlargement pill can change the breast size. However, some breast enlargement creams or pills claim to supply phytoestrogens isoflavone to regulate female hormones and show beneficial effects. 

Breast enhancement exercise is to keep your pectorals muscles that support your breasts in good shape. This will give your breasts a good cleavage, firmer shape and lift.    ....Article Source: breast-pills.be   Picture Source:denverbreast.com

Detoxification For Health & Wellness

Detoxification is something our bodies do on a daily basis. It is the process of eliminating toxins through the five eliminatory channels:

• Liver
• Colon
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Lymph
• Skin

 

 

In the world we live in today, with polluted water, air and food, our bodies regularly get overloaded with substances that do not support our body - toxins! Our bodies become overloaded and are over-burdened with eliminating toxins. So many undesirable substances stay our bodies.

Surrounding these substances with mucous and fat is one way our system tries to shield us from these invading substances. a good portion is stored in our fat deposits!

A detoxification program is a good way of assisting our body to eliminate and neutralize these harmful toxins.

Let us look at the 5 organs for detoxification:

• Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining normal metabolism and detoxifying the body.

• Colon

Disease begins in the colon. The colon is responsible for both carrying wastes out of the body and nourishing the body. Nutrients are absorbed in the colon. So if your body is storing toxins and excess mucous they will be stuck to the intestinal walls of the colon. Making it very hard for your body to absorb the required nutrients and eliminate the wastes traveling through the colon.

• Lungs

Your lungs are responsible for helping your body get the required oxygen it needs by processing the air we breathe. The lungs are one of the first organs to intake toxins. A cold is usually a sign that your body is trying to rid itself of toxins and waste matter that has built up to the point of overwhelming your immune system.

• Kidneys

The kidneys play an important role as a filter for the body as well. Water is vital to helping the kidneys do their job. The average person eliminates approximately 5 pints of water a day. Drinking adequate water is essential.

• Lymph

The lymphatic system carries a clear fluid which contains excess proteins, wastes, and other elements. This fluid called lymph surrounds the cells of our body to bring them nourishment and carry wastes out of the body.

Unlike the blood, the lymph does not have the heart to pump it through the body. It must rely on the movement of the body and stimulation.

• Skin

o End your cravings for habit-forming substances such as sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and drugs.

As mentioned earlier, the skin is the largest organ of the body.
There are several benefits of detoxification:

1. Increase your energy by removing toxins that wear you down.
2. Shrink your stomach to its normal size, making it easier to control the quantity of food eaten.
3. Boost your mental clarity by flushing away chemicals, food additives and preservatives.
4. Break your bad eating habits to achieve or maintain your desired weight.
5. Lose weight. A detox program is the first step to safe and effective weight loss.
6. Cleanse your digestive tract of accumulated waste and bacteria.
7. Purify all your major organs allowing you to function at your best.
8. Reduce cellulite, allergies, acne and obesity safely and naturally.

o What is a good Detox program?

A Good Detoxification program should be designed to help the body cleanse itself of toxins, mucus, and waste materials in the intestinal tract and liver, kidneys, and blood, thus helping your body function better. This not only restores new energy to your vital organs, but to the entire body as well.    Source: diet-article.com

Bad hair days

1. Heat damage

Caused by too much blow-drying and straightening. If you need to blow-dry your hair into style, try to wash it less often. That way you won't need to blow-dry as often. Towel dry your hair before blasting and invest in a deep conditioning treatment and use it fortnightly. Try wearing your hair back at least once a week to give it a break. Get your hair trimmed regularly to remove split ends, and keep the hairdryer at least 6 inches from your head when drying.

2. Horrible cut

If you didn't complain at the time and get them to fix it, you can do one of two things:
Accept it - wear it up/ back or under a scarf, hat or wig until it grows out,
Get it cut again - Go to another salon (if you are rich) or a model cut (if you are not) and get them to fix the cut for you.
Whatever you do, make sure the stylist does what you ask next time.

3. Home dying disaster

• It's gone green: or pink or any colour it shouldn't have. This is a job for the pros. If you've not got the cash for them then try getting an appointment for a model colour at a reputable hairstylist. They are usually free/cheap but do mention your problem when you ring up, as some may not help you. If it's chlorine that's made it green, ask your chemist for a chlorine removing shampoo, and try wearing a swimming hat in the future.
• My highlights are too obvious: Go to a salon and get them to put a colour wash/toner over your hair, or convert half the highlights into lowlights. In future remember to use a toner when highlighting.
• It's patchy: Put it under a headscarf, dash out to the chemists and buy some more, and apply with supervision - If you dye your hair yourself, it is advisable to have someone around who can check you've covered all your hair, or better still do it for you. This is especially vital when you have very long or very thick hair. In these cases it is worth buying two or three bottles of dye to make sure you have plenty to cover it all.
• The colour faded really fast: This is often because of prelightening the hair before dying it, and is especially problematic for reds and bright 'fun colours'. You sometimes find that semi-permanents hold best on bleached hair, and using a shampoo especially for coloured hair can help to retain the dye. As for fixing the fade, dye it again, but if you must use a permanent, make sure you condition your hair well afterwards and continue to do so.
• The colour isn't what I wanted: Ask your chemist for a colour-removing product which will take the dye out (but remember, they contain bleach). Alternatively you could try using a semi-permanent dye to cover up the problem and then try a permanent one when that one fades. If in doubt visit your hairdresser for advice or call the helpline on your hair dye box.

4. Poodle locks (bad perms)

• It didn't take: probably due to incorrect processing. Wait a few days, then go to a professional and get a hair analysis before getting a re-perm.
• I look like a poodle: Comb conditioner from roots to ends on frizzy tight curls ASAP, wait five minutes then rinse it off. Set your hair on large rollers and let it dry naturally. If this doesn't work, go to a salon that offers the reverse perm.

5. It just won't behave

There is no way it's going to look like you stepped out of a salon today, so either go for a hat or headscarf or do the following:

• Long: Smooth some de-frizz serum in it and pull it back into a tight ponytail, plait or bun depending on how bad it's being
• Short: Either throw some wax in it and carry off the ultimate bed head style or twist sections and clip them in place. If it's long enough you could plait it anyway you like.......source: thesite.org

Fashion New Year's Resolutions

Get Ready Now to Make Fashion Work for You All Year!

Learn some basic things you can do in your closet and at all the mall to get your wardrobe on track for the coming year.

 

 

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to look better, fashion is a great way to achieve that. Going through your closet, learning what works for you, and following through will help you feel better about yourself in the coming year. Here are some tips to follow to make your resolution a success.

1. Begin the work at home. Clean out your closet and drawers. Go through everything you own and separate it into what you will keep, what you will throw away, and what you will give away. Purging your closet will likely give you a lift – you are no longer saddled with clothes you never wear. When deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, ask yourself some basic questions:Do I love it? Does it fit me? Does it look good on me? Does it make me feel good about myself? Am I comfortable in it? You want to be able to answer yes to all the questions. You don't want clothes that make you feel self conscious or cause you to always be yanking at the hem line or itching your arms.
2. Once you have purged your wardrobe, organize your closet and drawers. Put clothes in logical groups. Sweaters in one section, summer shirts in another, winter shoes near the sweaters, and so on. And in your drawers, separate out your underwear from your bras and socks. It seems common sense, but many people simply toss in their clothes after washing and then struggle to find what they want when they are in the morning crunch time trying to get dressed.
3. After your home is organized, do some research to discover what looks best on your body type. Look at styles in fashion magazines and online, or go to a department store and enlist the help of a personal shopper. Identify what type of body you have (straight, apple, pear, hourglass) and then find out what cuts of fabric do the most for you. For example, women with broad shoulders should avoid wide-collared shirts or short puffy sleeves. This will help you while you are shopping to quickly limit down the choices.
4. After you know what styles look best on you, learn what brand names work best with your body. Some designers are more conscious of women with small busts, while others assume that your top is full. Don't waste your time browsing through clothing that will never look as good on you as someone else. And don't get down on yourself about your "flaws". Clothing is cut for different shapes and sizes. If one doesn't work for you, another will. No one person has a body that looks good in every clothing fashion.
5. After discovering the brand names that work for you, narrow down the stores that are most tailored to your style and age. While there might be a number of styles that suit you, they may not all suit your taste. Also, some clothing that fits you well may not be age appropriate. Looking too young or old for your age is usually distracting and not nearly as flattering as dressing in something that is more true to your stage in life.
6. Once you have all the above done, it's time to go shopping! Buy key pieces to have a strong foundation for your wardrobe. Basic pairs of pants and tops that not only look great on your body and also fit in your closet will start you off on the right foot this year, whether it's in four-inch heels or soft brown leather saddle shoes.

These tips can help you not just begin a new year but any time you want to make a fresh start with your clothing. (...source: suite101.com)

Check Out!  Design Editions: Gap's New Euro Must Have

 

Natural Skin Care

Healthy skin is the result of several factors: a healthy diet, right amount of exercise, good skin care practices, a positive outlook, and a relaxed mind. Lots of people at present are conscious of their health and are deciding on using the natural approach in dealing with their health issues. They are now making their own personalized products to treat and take care of their skin. They make use of organic materials to mix their own skin solutions. Actually, it is to their advantage that they are the ones to make them because at least they know what goes in it and how their skin reacts to those ingredients. There are several products in the market that causes an allergic reaction on the skin, and even costs really high. By creating your own product, you lessen the risk of allergy formation as well as save money.

Eating a healthy diet is also vital to having radiant skin. You should at least eat five servings of fruit and vegetable everyday to cleanse the body of toxins that may affect your metabolism. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables to choose from, each with their own contribution. If you are not used to eating these kinds of food, you can try to look for one that appeals to your palate.

Drinking water is also important to keep the skin healthy, supple and soft. Almost all natural skin care recipes require water for externally cleaning the skin and for regular consumption. It helps a lot when the required amount of water, about eight glasses a day, is followed. After using this therapy for several days, you will be noticing differences in the way your skin feels and how your body functions.

Drinking an herb based tea can help hydrate the skin and at the same time get your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. There are several examples of teas that greatly promote healthy skin and body function. The examples are black alder, used for skin eruptions, bergamot tea which cleanses the body system, burdock, dandelion, horsetail, nettles, oat straw, sarsaparilla, stevia, and yellow dock.

Herbs for the Skin and Hair:

• Black alder (for skin eruptions)

• Bergamot tea ( cleanses the system)

• Burdock

• Dandelion

• Horsetail

• Nettles

• Oat straw

• Sarsaparilla

• Stevia

• Yellow dock

Regular exercise enhances blood circulation necessary to maintain healthy skin. Most people find exercise to be a burden. Try to look for a type of exercise that you can enjoy doing since it will be easier for you to do it regularly. Exercise also relieves stress and helps in having a healthy mental disposition. These are the all ingredients you need for better looking skin.

Unique Wedding Themes: Black and Gold Wedding Theme

Consider a wedding with a black and gold theme to it. Stunning, dazzling and very elegant, it's a wonderful choice of colors with many decorating options.

Wedding Attire

Bride's Attire

There is no fast rule that says you have to wear white. In fact, up until the time of Queen Victoria, nobody wore white as a wedding dress! Instead, choose a beautiful satin gown in gold. Keep it simple and elegant. Accent the gown with simple gold jewelry and a gold tiara instead of a veil.

Bridesmaids

For contrast, have your bridesmaids wear black with gold accents, such as a draped sheer gold scarf or gold embroidery along the hemline. Gold and black ribbons woven into their hair would look gorgeous or have their hair sprayed with gold glitter hairspray for sparkle.

Groom and Groomsmen

Simple black suits or tuxedos with a black hanky trimmed with gold in their pocket (rather than a boutonniere).

Wedding Invitations
Black invitations with gold lettering would look stunning.

Wedding Decorations
With a black and gold color scheme for your wedding, you'll want to keep the decorations understated and simple. Accenting is the key here. Here are some ideas which you could use:

• Use tall black and gold helium balloon bouquets as decorations near doorways, food tables and corners of the room.
• Hang gold foil stars hung from the ceiling which will reflect the lights and "twinkle"
• Paint some bare tree branches in black and some in gold. Secure in sand filled pots. Add clear twinkle lights to the branches
• Drape the front of serving tables and the head table with gold colored tulle. Secure each loop at the table edge with a black and gold satin bow.
• Use candles on serving tables, desert tables, etc. for added ambience. If you can afford it, place round mirrors under the candles to reflect the light.
  

Table Decor and Centerpieces

• Use black tablecloths instead of white. Sprinkle the centers with gold colored confetti. If you can buy some fairly inexpensive tablecloths, you may even wish to draw a swirled star design in the centers with gold glitter fabric pens.
  
• For table centerpieces, you could use a clear or black bowl filled with water and add gold colored floating candles.
  
• For flower centerpieces, create an arrangement of lilies, spray roses, and freesia in all shades of yellow in a tall, gold colored vase.
  
• Place 3 black shiny metal or ceramic candle holders on a mirror in the middle of the guest tables and insert gold dripless taper candles of different lengths for a simple, yet elegant arrangement.
  
• Cut out black paper silhouettes of people or items to use as place cards. Write the guest's names on the place cards in gold glitter pen.
  
• Fill clear, uniquely shaped vases with gold and black colored sand in varying patterns. Place between two taper candles on the tables.
  

Wedding Favors

• Everyone loves chocolate. Present your guests with a small box of Godiva chocolates in a gold favor box wrapped with a black ribbon.
• Fill miniature black top hat and cane favors with mints or candies.
• Wrap 2 or 3 floating gold and black colored candles in tulle. Tie with gold and black curled ribbons.
  

Hair Extensions

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF HAIR EXTENSIONS

 

So you've got the all-new look, you've got the long gorgeous mane you've always wanted to have, and you're feeling like a total goddess thanks to your longer locks. But they're not going to stay beautiful unless you really make the effort to take care of them. Your extensions might not be your real hair, but that doesn't mean you should just neglect them. We've got hair extension care tips for you right here, so take the time to check them out.

 

 

 

 

First and foremost, you have to keep your hair clean. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner or better yet, ask your stylist what kind of products would work best your hair and your extensions. When taking a shower, it's recommended that you gradually wet your hair instead of putting on the full pressure of water on your head right away, which could cause a lot of tangling.

Going to the pool or the beach? Feel free to toss around your newly-lengthened tresses while you're frolicking in the sand or lounging around beside the pool. But when the time comes for you to take a dip, tuck your hair under a swim cap. Chemicals and saltwater can do great damage to your hair. Wash your hair afterwards in case some of these seeped into your cap during your swim.

Don't worry about putting your hair in buns, braids and ponytails. Your hair will still hold up when styled in different ways. Just make sure you use some good clips and bands which won't stretch out your hair.

If you're going to style your hair, remember not to use too much heat because it could turn your hair frizzy. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and let it air-dry afterwards. If you really must use a hair dryer, go with ionic dryers for best results.

An important reminder for you would be to stay away from coloring or perming your hair yourself. As always, consult your salon first and leave all treatments in their hands.

Following these simple tips will keep your extensions looking nice and natural. Best of all, you will get to keep your goddess-like locks for a longer period of time!

Also see:  Natural Bristle Hair Brush?

 

Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally - for a Soft, Supple, Glowing Complexion

As we age, exfoliation is vital for smooth, supple, healthy skin; however it is the one step that is commonly skipped in a skincare regimen.

Exfoliation

To loosen, remove and slough away dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. Our skin continually exfoliates itself, a naturally occurring process that slows down as we age. Administering a mechanical (sugar, salt, crushed nuts, luffa, pumice, etc.) or chemical (fruit enzymes, salicylic & glycolic acid, etc.) exfoliation helps to accelerate the process. This article will cover natural mechanical exfoliation.

Benefits

Exfoliating exposes the supple layer of smooth skin and promotes new cell regeneration. Usually, a single treatment will produce results; your skin will be soft, smooth and free of, or display less dry patches and rough spots. During and after a treatment the pores can be more thoroughly cleansed and skin is properly prepared and more receptive in receiving skincare products. Select an exfoliation product that fits your skin type; this may differ throughout your body.

Facial Exfoliation

Gentle natural facial exfoliation products may contain mild clays, soothing colloidal oatmeal, soft fruit seeds & powders, herbs and other non-abrasive ingredients. A natural exfoliating facial masque can be quite soothing for tender skin.

When choosing a cleanser or scrub, take care not to over work/scrub your face. Begin with wet skin and apply the product using a light pressure, moving around the face and neck in a gentle circular motion being careful not to tug or pull on the skin. Do not use around the delicate eye area.

Below the Neck

A good multi-tasking exfoliating product for the rest of the body is a sugar scrub, which can also be used for shaving your legs. Sugar Scrubs will not burn if you have any little nicks or cuts, as a salt scrub would. You would not want to use a salt scrub for shaving. The smaller the granules, the easier it will be on your skin and of the two, sugar is better suited for sensitive or delicate skin.

A natural scrub with an oil base not only exfoliates, but also conditions and moisturizes the skin, which eliminates the need to apply moisturizer afterwards. When choosing a natural sugar scrub, look for healthy ingredients including organic sugar, cold pressed oils and essential oils; avoid products made with fragrance oils. If you find the scrub you are using leaves you feeling more moisturized than you would like, simply give a quick wash after you have exfoliated. A bath mat is suggested when using oil based products.

Feet

While it is perfectly fine to use your body scrub on your feet, it is also okay to use a product with an intensified scrubbing action, should you have extra dry or harder skin there. Ground pumice, luffa and finely crushed nuts, such as walnuts or almonds are all good natural choices for feet.

Length of time between Treatments

Refer to the product label instructions, keeping in mind that they are common guidelines, every one's skin may respond differently to the same treatment. Listen to your skin, if it feels sore or raw after a treatment, stop using it immediately. People with sensitive facial skin may only want to exfoliate one or twice per month with a very gentle natural product. The rest of your body may do well with a weekly treatment, again if this is too often for your skin type, cut back to a couple times each month. Take charge of and personalize your own beauty care regimen, make sure that it suits you.

Design Editions: Gap's New Euro Must Have

Paris - One new line seemingly sure to be a commercial and critical success is Gap Design Editions, a capsule collection for the global retailer by French designer Pierre Hardy that was unveiled this week in Paris.

 

Part Asia Zen, part French chic, part little pain at the cash register for lots of panache, the mini collection is one good reason for inveterate North American shoppers to cross The Pond; Gap Design Editions, you see, is only available in Europe.

Gap had already launched Hardy's debut trio of women's looks for fall/winter 2007/2008, which hit retail shelves on November first in the UK. But this week in Paris, Gap presented a fuller collection of spring/summer 2008 models, which will retail for prices ranging up from 55 pounds Sterling, or $110 at current exchange rates.

The debut trio featured a low cut, slim line pointy slipper style ideas in black patent, gold Napa or two-tone leather; ballet flats with buckled cut-outs in hues like petrol blue or berry red; and super black patent leather platforms with square buckles, mid way between Edith Piaf and posh punk.

"Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing my creations. And I have to admit that does not happen every day of the week on the street. I would not have done this project just for any price. But I know the people who take care of design at Gap and I knew they would not distort my style," Hardy told FWD.

The fuller spring/summer 2008 selection seen in a Marais showroom expands to include some great Geisha looks in naïve floral blue fabrics with wooden sides, bulky wooden platforms with sturdy olive hued cotton straps and sea view villa owning rock star sandals in aged gold. All of them looked great and as if they cost twice the price: in a word, hip realism at a bearable cost.

"The idea was to respect my standards of quality, even at that price. In return, I integrated the price restriction and a certain realism, like not making too high heels… In the end, having limits proved to be stimulating," added Hardy, one of the world's most acclaimed shoe designers, who first grabbed attention in the Eighties, creating footwear for Christian Dior.

Oddly, though Gap initially announced that the new line would be named Gap by Pierre Hardy, the collection has ended up with the title Gap Design Editions.

Hardy also created some neat men's looks including very natty all white canvas and suede sneakers, Roman Ibiza sandals and classical gents Portofino aperitivo leather loafers – to be worn without socks, naturalmente.

Gap has previously collaborated with hipster designers like Roland Mouret, who created some rather swish looks for the retail chain. Gap also used Hardy in its European ad campaign, shot by Mikael Jansson, who focused on iconic Gap products worn also by Amanda Harlech, Iman and Coco Rocha.

Hardy, who has also designed men's and women's shoes for Hermes, launched his own label in 1999, adding men's shoes two years later, and opened his first Pierre Hardy store in Paris in 2003. Currently, Hardy is also responsible for the shoe collection of Balenciaga, whose show invitation is probably the most exclusive in the world of high-end runways.

How to Breastfeed

As natural as nursing is, it can prove difficult for some women. We show you how to get it right.

A mother nursing her baby -- it's one of the most beautiful images nature could create. It's also one of the simplest. Breastfeeding is so natural, in fact, that we've been doing it for millions of years. (Indeed, without it, the human race wouldn't have survived.)

But don't be fooled: For some women, the first few days or weeks of breastfeeding are a challenge. "Breastfeeding is natural, but it's a practiced skill, almost an art form," says Corky Harvey, R.N., M.S., a lactation consultant and co-owner of The Pump Station, a breastfeeding-support center in Santa Monica, Calif. "You could read a book about playing the flute and learn a lot about the instrument," she explains, "but you won't really learn how to play the flute until you actually do it." Breastfeeding is no different. As with learning to play a musical instrument, success comes from a combination of motivation, knowledge of essential skills, and practice.

 

latch: step a		latch: step b

And as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Use the photos here as your guide to the techniques and positions you need to know for successful breastfeeding.

latch: step c		latch: step d

The latch
Any good lactation consultant will tell you: Latching is everything. Here's how to do it:

• Position the baby on her side so she is directly facing you, with her belly touching yours. Next, prop up the baby with a pillow, if necessary, and hold her up to your breast; don't lean over toward her.
• Place your thumb and fingers around your areola (see step a).
• Tilt your baby's head back slightly and tickle her lips with your nipple until she opens her mouth wide (see step b).
• Help her "scoop" the breast into her mouth by placing her lower jaw on first, well below the nipple (see step c).
• Tilt her head forward, placing her upper jaw deeply on the breast. Make sure she takes the entire nipple and at least 1 1/2 inches of the areola in her mouth (see step d).

THE HOLDS

1. cradle
Position your baby on your forearm, her head in the crook of your arm. Support her bottom with your other hand. Pull her in close to you, belly to belly, with her ear, shoulder and hip in a straight line.

Cradle		Football

2. football
While useful for all women, this position is particularly helpful for mothers who have had a Cesarean section. Place your baby on a pillow, tucked close to your side. Rest your arm on the pillow to bring your baby's mouth up to your breast; support her head with your hand.

Side-lying

3. side-lying
This position is also helpful if you had a C-section or want to rest while nursing your baby. Lie on the side you will be breastfeeding on. Place your head on a pillow and draw your baby in close to you, using your arm to support her bottom. Use your other hand to bring your breast up to baby's mouth.