Archive for the “Fashion” Category
by Terry Stanfield
Parents of toddlers witness their children go from unsteady pre-walkers to confident children. Children grow tremendously from one year to the next and the foundation for lifelong learning is laid early during this time of growth. Five year olds have very different needs than toddlers as they begin to master the skills they have learned and understand more complex ideas.
There are some common behaviors that most five year olds share but remember no matter where your child is developmentally every child is different. Five year olds are naturally inquisitive and have a never ending appetite for knowledge. Here are six things you should know about your five year old and how to help them continue on their journey or learning.
Five year olds like to invent games and pretend, and still have very active imaginations and even imaginary friends. They will often change or make up rules as they go along and can invent very intricate scenarios to play out with their friends.
Five year olds develop deep and lasting friendships with other children and becoming “best friends” is something that is important to many children this age. Children this age may also exclude other children from play and name calling and other teasing may surface.
Even though many five year olds will begin to experiment with teasing, they also become more sensitive to feelings of others. They can empathize with others and are more likely to have their feelings hurt than younger children or become embarrassed.
Five year olds are also able to interact in larger groups and follow instructions as well as possess longer attention spans. They are better equipped to interact and cooperate in a class setting with many other students than younger children.
Five year olds have learned so much that they are often eager to show off their knowledge but become embarrassed by mistakes easily. With all their knowledge they can also be critical of others and quick to correct or offer their insight.
Most five year olds start school at this age and they are capable of remembering their full name, address and phone number. This is important information all five year olds should know when they start school.
You have watched your child grow from a tiny baby to a child with an insatiable appetite for learning. Parents of toddlers face new challenges as their children get older, learn new things, and master new skills.
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by Anne Michaels
Most of us have been dreaming of our wedding day since we were little. One of the most important parts of making that dream come true is wearing an amazing gown. Everyone wants to feel like a princess on their wedding day. Unfortunately, the reality of shopping for a wedding dress can make your dream feel like a nightmare.
Start early. This gives you plenty of time to select a dress that works well for you and to have alterations done so that it fits like a glove. Don’t forget to take someone with you whenever you try on dresses. After you’ve put on gown after gown, you may lose the ability to look at them with a critical eye.
Choose someone who you know will be honest about the way you look in a gown. They should be willing to tell you whether or not a dress is flattering on you, and to help find ones that are.
Collect pictures before you make an appointment, so you’ll have a good idea what type of gowns you prefer. It’s also a good idea to find out your figure shape and what flatters it before you go shopping. That will allow you to rule out types of wedding dresses that don’t look good on your shape.
Select a price range well in advance, and stick to it. Don’t let enthusiastic sales people talk you into a more expensive dress, or bring you gowns that are well out of your range. If you’re looking for a budget wedding dress, consider second hand stores, simple dresses, and online ordering.
Looks aren’t all there is to getting the perfect dress, either. Any gown you’re going to be wearing for most of the day should be pleasant and comfortable to wear. A wedding dress that pinches, itches, or rides up will be extremely hard to deal with after an hour or so, and you’ll have to wear your dress all day!
Remember to talk to your seamstress early on. She should know that you’re going to need alterations, allowing you to have yours done properly and without rush charges. This gives you the best chance of a good fit without breaking the budget.
Choose your dress according to the venue and season, as well. A long train may work well indoors, but it’ll pick up leaves and debris if you’re going to be married outside. Consider the heat or chill of the season and pick a dress that covers you accordingly - you’ll be a lot more comfortable.
Be realistic about sizing, too. Most of us expect to slim down and look great on our wedding day. However, our bodies won’t necessarily cooperate - if you’re planning to reduce before your wedding, pick a realistic size.
Remember that it’s much easier to have a wedding dress taken in than let out, and stop dieting after alterations have been made. That ensures a perfect fit on your big day.
Last, and most importantly - don’t let shopping for your wedding dress stress you out. If you’re not having fun trying on all the dresses out there, take a break. Your gown is supposed to make you feel beautiful, not tired and worn out!
About the Author:
Finding the perfect Australian Wedding Dress is not easy, so that’s why True Bride ( www.truebride.com.au) has put together an enormous Wedding Suppliers Directory. All wedding businesses are ranked by our brides, so you can find the dressmaker that’s right for you.
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by Jennifer Summers
There are a lot of mens hair products available to buy on the market today, and it is often not so easy to know which range you should choose, and which product from that range is the best one for your hair and the one you should be using. It is highly recommended that you use a high quality premium brand hair product for men as this usually guarantees good results. Here are the four best ranges of mens hair products you can find:
Pashana - * Pashana American Bay Rum Hair Lotion: Originally from the West Indies, traditionally uses aromatic oil distilled from Bay leaves soaked in pure Bay Oil and Rum. * Pashana Eau de Quinine Hair Tonic: Quinine, known for its curative properties, is derived from the Chinchona Bark found in South America where it is used as a local anaesthetic and in hair tonics and sunscreen preparations. * Pashana Eau de Portugal Hair Tonic: An excellent finishing product for normal to dry hair that also helps to invigorate the scalp, formulated from an original Portuguese recipe.
Dax - * Dax Vegetable Oil Shampoo: Another heavy duty product. This is the best available to get excess Dax out of your hair (with the exception of super-neat which is water soluble). * Dax Green and Gold: Dax Green and Gold is a specially formulated wax that is made from Beeswax and natural oils. Green and Gold offers a superior hold without the unwanted build up or drying of the hair. * Dax Wave and Groom: Wave and groom is effective on hair which is no longer that 2 - 3 inches long. It is formulated specially to bring out the natural wave pattern of short hair.
Black and White - * Black and White Lite Pomade: Black and White Pluko Lite is a versatile hair dressing that helps to keep hair manageable and textured all day. Provides light control and superior shine with natural conditioning oils. * Black and White Shampoo: Black and White Pluko Shampoo. Black and White shampoo is renowned for its quick removal of product build-up and cleansing of the scalp. * Black and White Pomade: Black and White Genuine Pluko is a versatile hair dressing that allows you to mould, sculpt and create texture.
Fudge - * Fudge Hair Shaper: Get onto the hard stuff with this strong hold multi-purpose styling tool that really goes the distance. Texturise, mould, piece or simply just shag it out any way you want for that totally ‘lived-in’ look. * Fudge Hair Putty: Travel first class all the way with Putty, the perfect sculpting tool for maximum moulding. Blow-dry it in for extra body and kick, or finish it off for absolute moulding power with a medium hold. * Fudge Matte Hed: Firm hold texturising paste. Get some flexible style to your head with firm hold Matte Hed. Work through your hair for definition and movement with extreme matte texture.
Using the right product on your hair will definitely help to give you the results that you are looking for. And when you choose a high quality premium brand range, you can be certain that the hair product will contain the best ingredients for helping you choose the style and look that you are after. You cannot go wrong with the four ranges listed above.
About the Author:
Jennifer Summers helps people achieve great looking hair on a daily basis. She is an excellent source of information on Mens Hair Care, regularly providing valuable and informative advice on using Mens Hair Care Products.
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by Terry Stanfield
Parents of toddlers often wonder how to raise honest and respectful children. Teaching toddlers honesty and respect starts at home with parent child interactions. If you want your child to grow up respecting others and being honest you will have to provide a strong foundation of positive behavior.
If you are worried that your toddler will not grow up with these traits, you should make sure you are providing a foundation or good behavior at home. Here are six parenting skills that will help you to raise your toddler with respect and honesty.
Because parents are such an important part of your child’s life you need to model the behavior you want from your toddler. If you are respectful to your child your child will see this behavior and model it.
Likewise, being honest with your child you will also rub off on them and give them a foundation to model their own actions on. When they see you being honest they will naturally be honest as they have never been exposed to lying.
You also need the skills to identify your toddler’s feelings. Many toddlers do not have the words to express themselves and acknowledging their feelings will not only model respect but empathy as well.
Not only should you treat your child with respect and honesty to model the behavior you want, but you should also treat others in the way you would like your child to treat them. This will teach your child that everyone deserves respect and honesty.
When your child experiences disrespect either themselves or sees it happen to someone else you should deal with it in an age appropriate manner. Explain why the actions were not ok and how the situation should have been handled in a way that they can understand.
Reward your child when they act appropriately, don’t just punish them when they are bad. Children respond well to praise and positive reinforcement and it strengthens the behavior you want from them.
Parents of toddlers face many challenges as their children become independent and seek attention in both positive and negative ways. Raising honest respectful children has become harder as our culture changes but a strong foundation of positive behavior at home goes a long way in developing the behavior you want from your child. Show your child the right way to act and reward them for their positive actions and your toddler will learn respect and honesty.
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by Tiffany Hart
The humorous thing about fashion for women is the model on the catwalk. Does anyone in real life weigh that little? Of course, not. When it comes to real life, clothing for plus size women is both necessary and flourishing.
Angelina Jolie once said she finally understood that men did not really like rail thin women, instead preferring curves and something real. If she feels that way, you certainly have no reason to be ashamed that you cannot fit into a size 1!
Hanging pantsuits seemed to be the standard bearer when it came to plus size clothing for women. Well, the good news is that is no longer the case. Outfits are dynamic now and can really emphasize your strong points if you keep some basic advice in mind.
Black is a favorite color when it comes to flash. It is not particularly flattering with the full figured look. It tends to create a bland, drab look because black pulls away skin tone. If you love black, try to only use it for your pants and skirts.
Pants are the clear winner when it comes to problematic clothing. Tight does not look good and easy fit versions are like wearing bags. Try a pair with a slightly tapered lower leg. They will make your legs look longer and elegant.
Simplicity is also definitely a better way to go with your outfits. Buying clothes with designs on them creates an appearance with disjointed emphasis. Whenever possible, try to go with solid looks that have minor highlights.
If you think I am nuts and like the graphics, we can agree to disagree. There is a rule to follow in this situation, however. Generally, you want to try to match the size to your height. If you are short, go with smaller graphics.
Here is the most important bit of advice I can give you. Be comfortable. Do not buy down a size thinking you will diet down to it. Accept yourself and get the correct size. If you do go down a size, it just gives you an extra opportunity to shop!
Full figured clothing options in general clothing stores are pretty limited. Here is where the internet saves you. The online options are great. A store like DivaBras.com offers plus size lingerie and free shipping. So do many others.
I am a full sized woman and hear me roar! I have beautiful curves and lots of personality. If you have plenty of curves, you should feel the same way. Now get out there and be fashionable!
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by Jonathan Zach
You know the old saying about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery? Well, when it comes to buying exquisitely designed, engineered, and manufactured Rolex timepieces, the imitators tend to veer more toward flatulence than flattery. In most cases, fake Rolexes are amateurish at best and it doesn?t require a jeweler’s loupe to spot the many flaws. Fake Rolexes often feature misspellings, an extra point on the famed logo’s crown, sharp or ragged edges on the case, bezel, and bracelet, and feel unusually light for a timepiece supposedly crafted from 14K or 18K gold or another precious metal.
However, bear in mind that there are vast differences between $50 fake Rolexes being sold by friendly, helpful fellows on city streets and $500 Rolex replicas sold by friendly, helpful jewelers whose ethics and motives are somewhat suspect. In recent years, counterfeiters have become increasingly crafty and better at concealing their forgeries. The best fake Rolexes are undetectable by anyone but an experienced jeweler who can remove the caseback and examine the watch?s inner workings.
Here are five probable (but not entirely foolproof) ways to spot a fake Rolex:
1. Lettering’In many replicas there are often obvious misspellings and letters that are not spaced with the precision found on authentic Rolexes. Blurry or poorly rendered letters can also mark a timepiece as a forgery; however, the lettering on the high-end fake Rolexes is faithfully reproduced and cannot be detected even with the aid of a magnifying glass.
2. Case Reference Numbers’The serial and case reference numbers on an authentic Rolex are engraved in exquisite detail and located between the lugs (the metal prongs that hold the bracelet in place) on the side of the case. The engraving on an authentic Rolex will reflect light and the spacing is very precise. On fake Rolexes, even the better fakes, the reference numbers are often etched into the side of the case with a corrosive substance and are somewhat dull in appearance. They also lack the clean, crisp appearance and fine lines of authentic Rolex engraving.
3. Second Hand Movement - An authentic Rolex features a second hand that moves smoothly in a continuous sweep around the face without any hesitation discernable by the human eye. A very close examination of this movement under magnification will detect eight distinct ‘ticks’ for each second?s progress. In cheap replicas, the second hand will hesitate and then advance to the next second due to the simplicity of the inner mechanism. Again, however, high-end fakes can replicate the continuous movement very well and therefore this factor alone is not a reliable method of determining authenticity.
4. Etched Logo on the Crystal - In 2002, Rolex began etching their logo precisely below the ‘6′ on the crystal on some, but not all, of their timepieces. This micro-etched coronet is difficult to discern with the naked eye and is best examined with a loupe for authenticity. Counterfeiters have since added this identifier to their replicas as well, but the etching is often not centered properly below the ‘6′ on the crystal, and the detail and proportions are incorrectly rendered.
5. Casebacks - Many forgeries are sold with clear casebacks so that the buyer can view the inner workings of the watch. Also known as a ?skeleton caseback, authentic Rolexes have never featured clear casebacks with the notable exception of some exquisitely rare promotional models they made in the 1930s.
With a few exceptions to the rule, Rolex does not engrave the casebacks, either, so this is another way to spot a forgery. Some ladies? models in the early 1990s featured minimal engraving in an arc and some authentic Sea-Dweller models also feature engraving in an arc saying, ‘ROLEX OYSTER ORIGINAL GAS ESCAPE VALVE’. The holograms found on the casebacks of authentic Rolexes are another clear way to separate the fakes from the genuine article, but unless the Rolex is seldom worn and kept in pristine condition, most of these holograms are removed by the owner for a more pleasant feeling against the skin.
Lower-end reproductions of Rolex watches are much easier to spot. However, spotting the higher-end fake Rolexes is much more difficult, especially with the exceptions to the rule by Rolex itself. As Rolex holds its place as a luxury staple, the stakes have risen in recent years and the counterfeiters have responded by making ever more faithful reproductions. The best way by far to ensure that you’re purchasing the genuine article is to buy only from reputable resellers of Rolex watches either online or in person.
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by Tiffany Hart
Fashion is a wonderful thing, but it really does not fit well into our daily lives. When you are hustling the kids off to school, your outfit is the least of your worries. The same goes for bras, with the exception of those special evenings.
With special events, we have to tailor our outfits to the general accepted code of clothing. Wearing a ballroom gown to a cocktail party would look very odd after all. The same can be said for bras in that certain ones are appropriate in certain situations.
The first issue to deal with is what is appropriate for the event you are attending and what impression do you want to make. Do you want people focused on you because of dramatic cleavage or not?
Before we get into that, the great duct tape debate has to be discussed. Do models in fashion magazine where duct tape to create particular bust line shapes? Yes. Should you? No. Duct tape is not good for the skin and not a real world solution.
I have very good news for you. There are many special occasions, but there is one bra that works with most. Yes, the convertible brassiere. From a one shoulder strap dress to an outfit with some serious cleavage, this is a great bra.
Unlike a convertible car, this bra does not come down per se. Instead, the straps that go over your shoulder are not only adjustable like a normal bra, but can be unclipped. This means you can reconfigure them to just about any style.
Before you get worried about support issues, it is vital to understand how a bra should work. It should provide your breasts with support from below like a shelf. It should not yank them up like a sling. In short, the straps can be moved about.
How cool is this bra? Assume you are going to a formal event and have a dress with one shoulder strap. With the convertible bra, you can remove one strap to match the dress layout and still get some stability.
This bra will even save you money. Assume you want to wear a strapless dress. You need a strapless bra, right? Nope. You can just remove both straps from the convertible bra. Remember, support comes from the bottom, not the top.
To say that the convertible bra should be in your closet is a minor understatement. From many women, it takes the place of most of their other bras.
About the Author:
Diva Bras is your online resource for sexy plus size bras and lingerie alike.
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by Candy Tyler
You’d probably love handbags from Paraguay. But you don’t really need to go that far to get the trendiest bag styles in town. You can always choose to get a classic Marc Jacob Blake bag or a quilted keeper.
Blake by Marc Jacob
Nothing speaks of class and elegance more than a Blake handbag by Marc Jacob. With this exquisite piece in your hand, you can get away with looking like a celebrity. The Blake bag has been around since 2004. It has been four years since but its elegant style is still something to die for. Blake by Marc Jacob is made only from real calfskin leather. This ensures that every piece is soft to the touch with each piece having a unique leather grain.
Blake by Marc Jacob isn’t the biggest of bags. It is however the perfect size for any lady who wants to be able to conveniently carry her things. Even if it isn’t too big, it really does hold enough space with three parts inside and two pockets outside. Marc Jacob’s name is on the buckles of each external pocket. Blake can come in green, pink, black and cinnamon among other colors.
Of course, authentic Marc Jacob Blake handbags are too beautiful not to copy. It is pretty obvious that there is a multitude of knockoff Blake bags out there. Unfortunately, it may be a bit difficult to tell the difference. Aside from possible differences in the texture of the material and the quality of the colors, you can also help spot knockoffs based on where you buy your Blake and for how much. Real Blake bags can cost around $400 to $1000 dollars. To protect yourself from knockoffs, always buy Blake from high end reputable stores.
Quilted Keepers
Another fashionable bag style is the quilted keeper. There are of course so many different quilted keepers to choose from. They can be made of fabric, leather or synthetic fabric. The designs also range from very informal to classic elegant. It is probably because of its wide range of styles and designs that make this style perfect for all occasions.
Informal fabric keepers are the least expensive of all. You can easily get one for below $50. These are the type of bags you can easily bring along when you need to go for a quick trip to the salon or grocery. It’s an entirely different story though when you need a keeper for a formal event or for promoting a sophisticated appearance.
Among the many top of the line leather quilted bags are those from Marc Jacob. Aside from being convenient to carry around, quilted Marc Jacob bags are absolutely elegant and refined.
There is no question about it. Quilted keeper handbags and Marc Jacob bags are the best ones to lug around. Just make sure you always buy from reputable stores to get only authentic styles.
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by Tiffany Hart
You have probably heard of the water bra by now, right? Even though this bra has been around for a while now, it is starting to gain a bit of new popularity thanks to new shapes, colors, and sizes. For most women, this invention is the second best thing to going under the knife.
Ask most women about their bodies and they want one thing. Yes, they want bigger breasts. Such is our society these days. Plastic surgery is the obvious solution, but the cost of getting an upgrade in size can be shocking.
Another downside with plastic surgery is it is more or less permanent. If you have an active lifestyle, large breasts are a negative. The water bra was created as an answer to this problem.
In a world of strange and odd names, the water bra is reassuringly straight forward. It is a bra with cups filled with water around strategic points. When worn, it enhances those points to give a fuller look with nice cleavage.
You are probably wondering why you should go with this instead of a basic push up bra. The reason is simple. A push up bra creates unnatural shapes for the breast. A water bra, on the other hand, creates a natural shape based on your natural bust line.
A quick internet search will provide you with more than enough options regarding styles and designs, so you can easily match your favorite pair of panties. While it is not recommended that you wear this type of bra every day, it is a miracle worker when you need just a bit more cleavage than you already have.
One final note. Water moves about as you well know. As such, water bras can fit very differently. Never buy one without trying it on. This is true even if it is a brand and size you already own.
Every woman is beautiful in her own way. We all have our good points and bad. If you are concerned about your bust size, the water bra can be an inexpensive, shapely option that can give you the look you desire.
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by Erik Gaulke
There are two types of hair extensions — the strand and the weft. Strands are supposed to look more natural (though wefts are fine if you can blend them), wefts do attach faster than strands. They are wide strips of hair that is attached at the top and flows down like real hair will do. Handmade wefts are the best kind you can get. They come in all natural hair colors.
The wefts you choose should be made of the best quality of hair you can afford. If you want to look your best, do not use synthetic hair. The “European” hair is good quality but virgin or “raw” hair is even better because it has never been subjected to chemical processing. Virgin hair is also the most expensive as it is harder to find.
To put in wefts, your hair dresser will lift up the top layer or “crown” of your hair and make corn-rows that traverse around your head, from one side to the other. When the top layer of your hair is pulled back down, you will not be able to see anything different.
How many cornrows there are depends on how many wefts you are going to use. The sizes of both the cornrows and the wefts should vary as does the natural way in which your hair grows. Depending on how long your hair is and how long you would like it to appear, the number of wefts and cornrows will differ. Wefts may also be used to “fill out” your hair rather than lengthen it.
When the job is finished, you can comb your hair over the extensions and consider your new extensions as part of your natural head of hair. This includes taking care of the extensions as carefully as you would your own hair.
Hair Maintenance
Wash and condition your hair as normal but give extra attention to moisturizing the hair in your extensions. Natural hair gets some oil from your scalp but because hair extensions are not growing out of your scalp (even if they appear to be), they are going to need more moisture. Wash carefully where the hair attaches to your cornrows to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up and causing an infection in your skin.
Wefts will not grow back if you damage them, so be extra cautious. Do not color or try to perm your hair extensions and don’t use a hot blow dryer or curling iron. Curlers are fine as long as they are not heated. Be sure to brush out any tangles before you get your hair wet and before you go to bed for the night. To get tangles out of your hair, start brushing from the ends and move upwards until they are all gone.
Depending on how fast your hair grows, hair extensions can “last” as long as a month. Some need to have it redone at in 6 weeks. Make an appointment to have your hair redone. Your stylist will take out the wefts and cornrows, inspect your hair and scalp for damage, and then re-braid and reattach your wefts to make it look brand new.
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