Sunday, May 30, 2010

Some Common Sense Tips to Keep You Safe

Whether you are out for the evening at a bar or club, or out speed dating some straight forward guidelines will help you to stay better protected. With a dramatic increase in date rape stories it is very important to stay safe.

Ideally whenever you go out for the evening make sure you go with friends. Plan how you will get there and back. If you are travelling by taxi, book ahead of time with a reputable firm and take a note of their number. Make sure that someone knows of your plans, what time you will be back and how you will be travelling. Telephone them if you are delayed or if your plans change.

Even though you may be out with friends, do not assume nothing bad will happen especially if alcohol is involved. The more intoxicated you become, the more your defences drop along with the ability to protect yourself. This is not to say do not drink any alcohol, simply do not lose control. Often things are said and done while under the influence of alcohol which would be completely out of character normally.

Once you arrive at your destination look for the exits and where the door staff are positioned. Devise a plan in advance of what you will do if there are any problems or if you get separated from your friends.

Do not leave any bags unattended and make sure they are tightly zipped so that your purse is not exposed. Also never have your name or address attached to any keys or in your handbag. Carry as little money as possible in a purse or bag - it is better to have it distributed within your clothing.

If your intention is possibly to meet up with someone of the opposite sex then know what you want sexually, set limits that you are happy with and do take care not to give out mixed messages. It is important to trust your instincts so avoid situations where you have any doubt. If you begin to feel uncomfortable, be firm and assertive. Remember that the other person may not know what you do, or do not want. If it is something that you do not want, reject the activity and not the person. Get out of that situation as soon as you begin to feel controlled or unsafe. Initially this may be by making noise and yelling. The other persons feelings are not your concern here, only your own safety. Also remember that saying nothing does not mean you are consenting in anyway whatsoever.

If you decide to invite someone back to your place for coffee and your intention is simply coffee make that very, very clear at the outset. Equally, do not be pressurised into inviting someone in for coffee. If they really like you and you want to wait, they should not mind.

If you do invite someone back and they refuse to leave when you ask, find an excuse to leave the room and telephone either a sober friend or the police. If you do not feel the situation warrants this, but that you would still like the person to leave, start developing some really bad habits such as picking your nose, talking about your stools or sexual diseases. Basically start talking about anything to put the other person off.

Even if you have met up with the other person before and feel secure with how things are developing, it is perhaps better to avoid secluded places at the start. Progress things at the rate with which you are comfortable.

Hair Styles

Cornrows, which can also be referred to as track braids or flat braids, are simply braids that lay flat against the head. Cornrows have been traced back to ancient Greece, although they have the most history in Africa. For men and women, cornrows say a lot about who you are as a person. For example, in some cultures women who wear cornrows are seen as being well cared for, but also coming from a strong family because of how long it can take to complete.

One assumption that many people make about cornrows is that only certain people can wear cornrows. This assumption is entirely untrue because anybody can wear cornrows. However, some people will have to take special steps when wearing cornrows to get the style to stay or look good. For example, white women or men who wish to wear cornrows will need to have at least 7 or 8 centimeters of hair to even wear cornrows, 10 centimeters is recommended if you want the style to last for any length of time.

Something else that is different for white people with cornrows is that they will need to add some kind of moisturizing gel or even a hair wax to their hair. The reason for this is to help the style hold, this way little tiny hairs are not able to pop out of the cornrows and make the hairstyle look bad. Another problem that white people need to address when wearing cornrows is getting their hair wet or going to bed. To help prevent the style from falling out or looking all crazy when swimming or showering it is best to wear some kind of cap, such as a swimming cap or a shower cap. At night, you can wear a silk scarf or something similar to protect the style.

It's Not So Bad Turning Forty!

The Joys of Turning 40

As I am turning 40 this weekend, I thought that it would be fitting to write something along those lines. Believe me all you twenty and thirty something's, it isn't as bad as it seems. Turning forty is great and I surprisingly, am amazingly calm and at peace with this process. I found this poem below floating around on the internet and found it rather fitting.

Fine Chardonnay!

It's hard to believe I'm 39.
But am I aging like fine wine?

They say 39 is the new 25
Could someone please tell that to my thighs.

My make-up free days are a thing of the past.
I just hope my concealer lasts.

What are these grey hairs atop my head.
Tell me Miss Clairol, should I go red?

These lines on my face are beginning to furrow
Soon they'll be deep enough for a rabbit's burrow

But joking and silliness aside
This has been a wonderful ride

So 40 I'm ready, bring what you may
I've decided that I'm a fine Chardonnay!

Ten years ago, when I turned thirty, it was a huge shock for me. Where did the time go? Didn't I just hit twenty one? I don't know if it is the fast paced world we live in, or perhaps we just get busier, and don't see how time slips past us until we reach various milestones in our lives.

Turning thirty was not a great feeling. I felt scared that I was getting old and I hadn't achieved all that had I wanted too. I started checking frantically for a change in my personal appearance, expecting that first wrinkle to suddenly pop out. Physically I still felt twenty one, but why was I already thirty?

Okay, so now as I turn forty, I find myself surprised to realise that I don't seem so worried anymore. I feel more settled than I did ten years ago, and so what if I have a few extra wrinkles/laugh lines, they add character, or so we tell ourselves. I feel more confident and at peace than I did ten years ago. I now have a beautiful, lively and healthy little girl that means the world to me, and I am happy at how my life has progressed. I am no longer as worried what people think and say about me, and have come to realise that it is better to have a few close friends than many acquaintances.

Okay, so there are some drawbacks, the main one being that my body has stiffened (and thickened) somewhat, and I can't do what I could at twenty. Being a teacher of dance and being surrounded by young healthy bodies every day, it tends to remind you that yours is fading slightly.

The other drawbacks - I actually can't think of any right now!

They say that life begins at forty, and I am beginning to see what they mean. Bring it on, I feel totally ready for the next decade.

Feminine Intuition

Are you struggling to survive in today's world while simultaneously ignoring your value, what womanhood is all about and have lost touch with your own inner knowing? It's time to stop believing what you have been told. The outside comments about who you are and what you are capable of. We'll probably hear a million myths in our lifetime, so today would be a wonderful day to release them from your beautiful mind. No one can tell you who you are. More importantly no one can tell you your purpose in life. Listening to others can lead to stagnation Just tap into your innate powers. When you stand in your true feminine power you can conquer the world like Xena Warrior Princess.

I made a decision to start tapping into my natural intuition. Please join me. My dear it's a known fact that you are very good at the intuitive process. You have that inherent ability to see things intuitively which otherwise is not possible by logical thinking. How many times have you wanted to kick yourself because you didn't trust your gut? I know I have several times and the only person I can blame is me because I doubted myself. When you doubt yourself its drop dead ugly if you ask me.

Stimulate your Individualism

Once upon a time women didn't worry about what other people thought. The women who walked the path before us probably didn't even know the definition of self doubt. They hadn't been taught to dismiss their feminine intuition. Our inherent sensitivity and abilities remain as they have always been. Do we no longer know that we know? If that is the case it's time to bring your intuition back. It's time to be still and ask for exactly what you want, you will receive the answer. Being intuitive might sound a little hokey but when you live from the inside/out it will render successful results so be bold & be a little risqué. Trust yourself!

If you have resistance remember, if you want different results in your life. You have to do something new. If you are looking for reason it won't come in this lifetime. Intuition is not concerned with reason. It's the part of your brain that defies logic. You have the opportunity to take it or leave it. However if you have the self-confidence & faith in your inner promptings you will allow the core essence of you to emerge.

As you go through your day, whether your work is physical or mental allow your intuitive power to come forth. Train yourself to know that your feminine intuition is one with you, has your best interest at heart, knows the depths of who you are and is absolutely thrilled to guide you and help you. You will attract more beautiful & happier experiences.

If you've lost touch with the power of your divine femininity it's time to bring the fierce & fabulous femme fatale back.

Holding the Nation in Tizzy Over the Women's Bill

'Indian Parliament Hullabaloo' was the name of the game that ministers in the Parliament dramatized, when the ruling party announced 33% reservations for women in Parliament. And it goes without saying that the Women's bill is a proud endeavor of the government in power - reinforcing its commitment to the nation - more so the dream of Congress President Sonia Gandhi who was hell-bent on passing the Women's bill come-what-may.

In spite of the violent and rowdy conduct and criticism demonstrated by the opposition parties inside the Parliament house, the Women's bill finally saw the light of the day and will eventually be written in the Constitution.

The 'Common-Man' asks many questions
Now doesn't all this look so good....what a rosy presentation made by bureaucrats, who assure 33% mandatory women representation in the Parliament house. Makes some women and men go Wow!!!

But but but.....with all the déjà vu created over the bill, there are many questions unanswered and the so-called aam-aadmi (common-man) needs answers to them; Does this bill guarantee discrimination among women at the grassroots level?; Does this bill justify the rules and laws on gender equality?; Isn't this bill doing injustice to a person who is more talented and fit for the job?

Additionally, Isn't this bill creating a divide among the elite women and the women from rural areas?; Isn't this bill giving easy entry for patni/ bahu/ beti (wife/ daughter-in-law/ daughter) of politicians (dead or live)?; How do Dalit, tribal and underprivileged women apply for these powerful ministerial positions?; Wouldn't this bill lead to men labeling women as minority and weaker sex?, among others.

Women left to still compete with women
Except for a few citizens, everyone is giving this bill a thumbs-up for its positive impact on women empowerment. But coming to look at it with a magnifying glass, we are simply making a hypocritical and superficial reform by simultaneously talking about gender equality and women reservations...all in the same breath.

A place of work, whether a corporate house, a religious place, Parliament house, a public sector company, must hire people for their hard work, talent, skills, competitive spirit and attitudes.....irrespective of their sex, religion, or family background. More so, because the Parliament House is an important and integral part of the Indian Constitution and sets laws for smooth functioning of this country. The Parliament indeed is a responsible house which takes care of a billion of India's population.

Simply because a women is a women, she shouldn't be given a job at a position of power. She needs to be absorbed based on the competitive advantage she possesses over her counterparts. This way she will gain respect from her male counterparts and she will be taken far too seriously, rather than being treated as someone who is elected through quotas. Besides this, a women selected based on her merits is more confident and this conviction will directly ooze out in her work.

Attitudinal reform a must
It is very important that we change the mindset of people towards women. Mere changing of laws will not solve any problem...in fact women will further be marginalized and will be considered backward. The root of this problem starts when the girl child (especially in villages and small towns) is deprived of her rights to education & health; and when an adult women is abused, raped, paid lower wages compared to her male counterparts; and the mother of all of it is when parents treat the girl child as a 'Bhoj' (an unpleasant responsibility). Discrimination begins from the time she is born and the prejudice continues until her death.

Reservations in Panchayats are worth the effort....because there women compete with people belonging to the same faith, speaking the same language and people who are as backward and underprivileged as she is. However in a cosmopolitan society that we live in, we need to give the right candidate the job, because if this is not done then we'll have women with political lineages occupying seats not really meant for them.

In the real world, detractors are waiting for women to falter and prove her wrong. And getting people without the right credentials onboard will result in women being tamed and subservient to the entire system.

Finally, let me leave you with this quote by Clara Boothe Luce, American playwright and politician, who advocates, "Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, 'She doesn't have what it takes.' They will say, 'Women don't have what it takes.'"

Lastly all I can say is that we need to first change the mindset and bring about an attitudinal reform, which consequentially will translate into smooth and successful implementation of laws.

Women Should Learn About Their Personal Care

Women's hygiene, a very important matter which needs to be addressed. A subject, which women need to learn about. I have been learning about the different types of women's hygiene available, and believe me, there is a lot that us women don't know. For example, did you know that there are about 13 different types of sanitary pads available?, Not only that but most places which stock women's hygiene also do maternity pads and incontinence pads.

See there are many things which women do not know about their personal care, like for instance, what suits them best. They do not know, what is good quality, what is not, the different types of tampons which will suit different women. Now, I'm a woman myself, and I am only informing all women about this, because I have just recently learnt so much, I believe that they should know as well. What is the difference between a maxi-pad and ultra-pad? For those who didn't know, don't feel bad because a lot of other women didn't either. I shall tell you.

Maxi Pads, are thicker than ultra pads and come in four different types, regular, super, slender and long.

The Regular Maxi Pads are contoured to comfortably fit the shape of your body and is suitable for medium to heavy flow.

The Long Maxi Pads are thick and extra long for extra protection especially when you are asleep and for extra protection during the night.

And for those that may not know, a Super Maxi Pad, is thicker than a regular to give more protection, for those with medium to heavy flow.

A Slender Maxi Pad, is thicker than a regular, however it is slimmer, for those with light to medium flow.

See you don't have to wear, the first one you pick up, read the label. What suits YOU best? Which would you prefer? We are all different.

Now, Ultra Pads come in regular, Super, Super plus, and long, also all of these may or may not have wings. Hunt around, find the one which you will be more comfortable with. Now I am not going to go into the ultra pads, because I guess that you can probably guess which one's are which. However I will say one thing, regular is ultra thin, super is thin, super plus is thicker than super, and long, is for night times and for extra protection when you need it most.

Also did you know that there are 5 different types of tampons on the market?

For those of you lucky ones, there is the regular either with or without the applicator, this is for light to medium flow, the applicator makes it easier to put a tampon in, however the non-applicator is more comfortable and can be 100% cotton.

There is the Super Tampons, which are for those with medium to heavy flow and these tampons also come with or without an applicator. There is also a Super Plus tampon which can come with a non-applicator, made with 100% cotton and is for those with medium to heavy flow.

You also have those pads that you can wear everyday, which just lets you have a sense of security and lets you feel safe. The Ultra Thin Liner, is exactly what it says, the Tanga panty liner, is for those who want to wear sexy under wear like thongs, or french nickers, without anyone finding out that you are wearing protection. You also have a breathable liner, which again is, what it says. It allows you to breathe by being made from 100% cotton. A curved liner will be perfectly contoured to your body.

Most places which sell of these above products also sell intimate wipes for you too feel nice and fresh when you need it most, incontinence pads, nursing pads and maternity pads.

So next time you go out to buy your personal care products, think carefully, is that one really best for you? Think about your personal care products!

Using Simple Kitchen Ingredients to Make Great Home

Using cheap ingredients to make simple, homemade face masks is lots of fun and they work really well, too. Home spa is fast becoming a revolution across the world as more and more people realize that they can bring the day spa experience home for a portion of the cost.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, mud or clay-based homemade face masks are the best option. If you have dry skin, you need to include things like glycerin, honey and oils in your homemade mask to get a better balance and also to help clear up those blemishes we all hate.

If you were to go to a day spas for these types of face masks, they might charge as much as $100. Natural beauty recipes are great for saving money, as well as keeping your face and body looking beautiful.

Yoghurt Face Mask(for normal skin)

A yoghurt based mask will cleanse and rejuvenate your skin. It's easy to prepare (just a few minutes), and the ingredients are as follows:

1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground

1 tbsp live, organic yogurt

A few drops of honey

All you need to do is add the yogurt and oatmeal to a small bowl and mix it together really well. Then, add a few drops of warm honey. The honey needs to be warm so that it will mix through the yoghurt and oatmeal evenly, otherwise you'll get chunky, sticky bits throughout.

When you apply your yoghurt mask, leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with some of warm water. Next, give your face a final clean with a warm washcloth and then apply some moisturizer.

Banana Face Mask (for oily skin)

Bananas can easily be combined with a few other things to create a mask just like they use in day spas around the world. The ingredients are:

1 banana, preferably ripe

1 tbsp honey

An orange or a lemon

Just mix the banana and honey together and then add two or three drops of lemon or orange juice (or any other citrus). Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth if you prefer.

Strawberry and Lemon Face Mask(for oily skin)

This one is difficult to make because I always start to eat the Strawberries before I get to the face mask part. Strawberries and lemon juice both contain natural astringents, making them perfect for home spa treatments. The ingredients are:

1 tsp lemon juice

2 egg whites

3 tsp honey

And of course- if you can stop yourself from eating them- 1 cup of strawberries

Mash or blend the ingredients together and then smooth it over your face. This is a great home spa recipe that you can leave on your face for 10 minutes then rinse.

It's that easy!

Homemade face masks that are full of natural home spa ingredients are so much better than expensive cosmetics that are usually all about the brand name and not much else.

Sizing Your First Corset

The corset has always been a quest to achieve feminine perfection of form. As near as modern knowledge can tell, the corset originated in Crete during the times of Ancient Greece. This predates the birth of Christ by 1000 to 2000 years. Women and young girls from Ancient Greece were also bound in leather or wool corsets to slim the body. Ancient Greeks were very interested in perfection of the human form. Their many statues were an attempt to achieve this visual perfection.

In Medieval times, women also wore corsets, though they were mainly reserved for the limited upper class. At this time they were called stays, and they were designed to flatten a woman's torso rather then accentuate her curves. The heavy religious atmosphere spoke out against physical desires, so corsets acted to lessen the male desire for a woman by lessening her physical appeal.

In the Victorian Period, some several hundred years later, corsets flourished in main stream culture as the epitome of female beauty. Anyone who was anyone was wearing a corset to look their best any day of the week. Often times even men were wearing corsets to encourage proper posture. In the recent past, we've seen corsets reappearing in our world from the depths of fetish obscurity.

The corset has a rich and very long history. People all over the world have been using the corset to achieve feminine perfection of form. With luck, this century old tradition will continue with your help.

Many companies are selling corsets and bustiers online, and more people are getting confused about what size they should be ordering. It gets even worse when you order your corset and it doesn't fit - the site doesn't accept returns on these items in most cases. Many times, going in to get sized in person isn't an option. I've had the wonderful opportunity to work in store helping people just like you find the right fit. It's easy to go into a specialty shop and try on corsets, but I know that isn't always possible.

For those of you who don't have that option, I'm here to help you make the right decision so you can buy a corset that will fit you properly the first time around. I've been wearing and making my own corsets for 5 years now. So, have no fear, I know my stuff.

There are many questions people ask when first considering purchasing a corset. These are the most common:

How do I measure my size?
How do I know if it will fit?

I am here to answer those questions for you. I will provide an easy step by step method for you to know for certain if you'll be buying a corset that will fit. The simple fact of the matter is that if you have the right measurements your corset will fit.

You will need:

- Sewer's Measuring Tape
- String or Yarn
- Paper and Pen

Step 1 - Don't lie to yourself. You have your own size, and there's nothing wrong with that. My caution is to see yourself, and your measurements, exactly as they are. Don't change anything. A corset that is too small can hurt when worn too tight, and a corset that is too big won't shape your body properly.

Step 2 - I'd like you to find your pen and paper. Make a list on your paper: bust, bra line, waist, lower waist, hips. If it will help you to visualize these areas feel free to draw a female torso beside your list. Total anatomical correctness isn't a must here.

Step 3 - Find or purchase a sewer's measuring tape and your string or yarn. A carpenter's measuring tape will give you more problems, and I wouldn't recommend them. Wrap the string around your waist and hold it loosely between your fingers. Now I'd like you to move around a bit. Bend from side to side until the string settles at your waist. Once it has, measure the string out. This will be your waist measurement. Jot it down on your list.

Step 4 - Often times it's easier to have a friend or relative measure for you. Have your measuring tape ready, and we're going to measure your bust line. The bust is the length around and over your breasts. Start at the front, and try not to let the measuring tape sag down. We want this to be as level as possible. When you're done, jot down your measurement beside bust.

Step 5 - Using your measuring tape, we're going to measure the area right beneath your breasts - the bra line. Again, take care to not let the tape slide down your back. When you're done, jot the measurement down.

Step 6 - The lower waist measure is more for larger women. If you're smaller set, you may skip this step. Do you remember about where your waist was? We want to measure about two inches below that, but we don't want to omit our bellies. I know it can be tempting, but if you're getting custom work done online, this measure can be very important. Jot down the number when you're done.

Step 7 - This is our last measurement. Find where your hip bones are, and just measure all the way around. Then just write down the number.

Step 8 - Guess what? You're all done. This is normally all you'll need to find a nice fitting corset.

Most sites will size their corsets primarily by waist. The mark of a decent site is one that will tell you the bust, waist, and hip measurements. As I've said before, you'll need all the measurements for custom work. Once you've found a site with a corset you like, all you need to do is check the sizes. Every site should have a size chart of some sort.

Generally speaking, your corset size will be 2 inches less then your waist measurement. If you're a larger woman, like myself, 4 inches less then your waist size should still make for a nice fit. Ideally, when you've laced up your corset, there should be 1-4 inches of your back still exposed.

I have a few more suggestions for you before we part company. First, shorter women, I would suggest staying away from the longer corsets out there. They tend to make us look even shorter. Taller women, you'd likely want to be looking into buying the longer corsets. For larger women, like myself, a longer corset is a must for covering our bellies. Shorter corsets can result in random bulging where we don't want it.

The worst thing you can do while tightening a corset is jerking forcefully. Do not let anyone helping you treat your corset in this manner. It will severely stress the seams, and it could also cause you harm. I know you may have watched some movies with people yanking on the laces and women bracing themselves against any manner of object. This isn't the way to lace a corset. Trust me, if you want your corset to last, treat it and your body, with some respect. Above all, enjoy your corset. It's a worth while investment.

Do Many Women Live Alone?

Living alone is not for everyone. I live alone and have actually always enjoyed it. Of course I have 4 dogs and a cat, so technically I can't say I live alone. But as far as sharing my home with other humans, I am too set in my ways and don't really want to change that. And yes, I believe there are a lot of women out there who live alone.

The reasons for women living alone vary. Some just never wanted to live with anyone. Several find themselves thrown into this situation by the death of a husband or live-in companion. Many women who have military husbands live alone for great lengths of time while their husbands are away on active duty. Some women have never lived alone and can't imagine ever having to. My mom, for example, never lived alone until my dad died. Then she had to teach herself how to do everything she had depended on him to do, such as get the oil changed in her car. She even found the courage to put her house up for sale, bought a manufactured home in a senior community and got everything sold or moved. She found a new inner strength and ability to do things she never thought she would have to do.

It's not easy to live alone,though, especially in these economically trying times. It would be much easier to have someone to share in paying the bills and buying groceries. But the benefits of living alone for me outweigh the advantages of the shared bill paying. Many would disagree and see very few advantages of living alone. But just speaking for myself, my home is my safe haven and place where I can be quiet and relax after spending the day around people. I don't have to talk to anyone, feed anyone (other than the dogs), entertain anyone or listen to anyone. I can be downright selfish in my own home.

Living alone for women is not always a safe thing to do,though. Even with four dogs, 3 of them would invite an intruder in and show him around the house, treating him like a long lost friend. But the 4th dog would be the one to defend me and probably reprimand the other 3 for not doing their job. So I feel pretty safe.

But if you don't have a dog or other alarm system in your home or apartment, it can be a dangerous place. Your neighborhood might be safe, but that one person from the other side of town or maybe that person who has been stalking you unknowingly, can ruin your peaceful existence. And then there's the hot summer night when you decide to leave a few windows open, not thinking anyone would take off a screen and climb inside. But it happens. And if you live alone, you need to be aware and take precautions.

If you live on the ground floor and you leave a window open at night, be sure it isn't open far enough for anyone to crawl through and make sure it latches in that position. If you don't have a dog, get some kind of alarm for your doors and windows. You don't have to buy a complete expensive home security system. There are many smaller alarms that are easily installed or even just hung on a door knob. You could even just get an electronic barking dog that could be set up every night or whenever you are not home. I'm pretty sure no one is going to enter a home that is guarded by a big ferocious dog, whether they can see it or not.

Living alone can be dangerous, but it doesn't have to be. However, you do need to be alert and notice everything in your environment when you are walking up to your door. Is anything out of place? Do you hear anything strange? Does something just not feel right? Trust your intuition. Notice everything around you as you open your garage door and drive in. Shut it before you go into your house. Use common sense and never let your guard down. Be alert, be safe, and spend a little money on some kind of protection device or alarm. It really could save your life.

5 Ways to Make it Through the Day With a Smile

There can be some days in your life or the weekday that you feel as though will never ever get over. They can be the most boring of days and you might feel like tearing your hair out in frustration over them. You would wonder how you go about wearing a smile throughout the day and sailing through it. Here are the five ways to do just that and once you have survived the day you will be able to look back at it and smile.

Think of the best moments of your life

The moment you feel frustration build up in you, think of the last holiday that you had or a time in your life when you were at your happiest. It could be the day at the park feeding the ducks, or a day rock climbing or a day when you didn't lift a finger and just lazed around in bed. The best moments are usually at the time of a holiday when you could relax, feel the waves lap at your feet and just while the time away. It could also be a time when you were gifted something that you least expected like a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.

Go for virtual shopping spree

A virtual shopping spree right from where you are seated is certainly going to get the broadest of smiles on your face. It does not matter if you don't have enough money in your wallet, remember it is virtual! You can go shopping and think of buying the next pair of fake Christian Louboutin shoes or the next dress for the new season. Shopping can always bring about the most wonderful of smiles and retail therapy never ever goes wrong. It works like instantaneous magic.

Email and text friends

Feeling close to your friends and catching up with them will always bring a smile to one's face. You will feel enlightened and cheerful when you are in contact with your friends and the time will pass by without realizing it and before you know it the day might be almost half done.

Catch up on all the office grapevine

Who doesn't like to be a part of the office grapevine and there can be nothing more interesting than catching up on what is happening in your colleagues' life. You might also get to know some gossip that will leave the smile on your face throughout the day.

Think of the weekend that is just round the corner and what are you going to do. If all of the above do not work then the last one is bound to. Think of the weekend and what your plans are for it. This will certainly bring the broadest of smiles possible on your face and you will be left smiling for the next few hours.

That is the end of the day and you have the smile still on!

Why Can I Not Fall Pregnant?

Why can't I get Pregnant?

You may have gotten to a point where you are thinking many things about your pregnancy journey... why can't 'I' get pregnant? Why has it been so easy for everyone else and I am having so much trouble? What is wrong with me? What is unexplained infertility anyway? What if I can't give him children? Will he leave me? What am I doing wrong?

All of these thoughts are very common for women who are trying to conceive and it may be taking longer than they expected or they have been trying for a number of years and as yet, no baby!

What is it that is keeping this from happening, especially for those women who have been diagnosed with 'unexplained Infertility' which, I have to say, has got to be the most frustrating diagnosis I have ever come across!!!

It has been well documented that the mind has an incredible amount of influence on the body. This has been scientifically investigated and yet Chinese Medicine has recognised the integration of the mind-body-spirit for thousands upon thousands of years. These aspects cannot be separated and they interdependent.

So when you are asking the question 'why can't I get pregnant?', you should also be asking the question, what am I thinking? what thinking is going on inside my head that is directly affecting my ability to conceive a child? What message am I sending to the cells of my body and how are they reacting on a physical level, at a cellular level?

We see many women at The Pagoda Tree who are diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility' and I am a firm believer that the key for them lies in recognising negative thought patterns and emotional blockages.

Wedding Beauty Ideas for women

Women envision their wedding event practically from birth. Understandably, all of them want to look as good as they possibly can for the occasion. Although many women arrange their hair or wear makeup every day, wedding hair dos and makeup warrant a specific treatment as the event can occur at many times and different places.

Here are a few wedding beauty tips that can really help make you feel like the most ravishing bride in the world:

• Get a facial at least 3 days prior to your big event. Your skin will shine with a beautiful glow. Plus, makeup applies better and looks healthier.
• If the wedding is scheduled during the day, consider coordinating your theme and your makeup in neutral tones.
• Use waterproof mascara. If you're prone to cry at some moments, it is suitable, of course, if your mascara or eye-liner will not create dark circles under your eyes.
• A professional makeup artist can be helpful to give the whole affair a cohesive feel, as long as you know that your reserve funds can can absorb the expense of a professional. If you're planning a summer wedding, your professional makeup artist can create a summer look for everyone - a big help if not everyone is aware of the perfect hues for a summer occasion.
• Know which skin type you have. This can help your chosen makeup artist determine whether you would benefit from oil-based or water-based products. The difference is in how the products will apply and stay on and it can change even the tone.
• If you are plagued by oily skin, learn about products that will work best for that, so it helps your face to not shine (literally) in the photos of your special day.

For your hair to look equally divine, read these ideas:

• Because of your hair's constant exposure in the wind, be it in the church or at the garden reception, fight frizz and dryness by making your conditioner work harder.
• Because it's not unheard of for the bride to have a small handbag, especially to the reception, you might want to keep a small comb to help you out with stray strands. Be careful though with your hair setting.
• Remember to ensure your eyebrows are trimmed as well. Brows add to your rest of the face to give a more groomed appearance.
• Encourage everyone to coordinate hair dos as well, so styles won't clash or look like they're guests at different weddings.
• For the groom and his entourage, remind them to get their hair cut for a more customary and 'wedding proper' appearance.

Wedding hair and makeup preparations shouldn't wait to be performed right before the big day. Keep in mind the effort you've expended choosing a place, menu and wedding gown. You need to pay the exact same attention to your hairstyle and skin, two common things your guests will notice. You will enjoy your special day as the most ravishing bride anyone's yet seen.

If you get overwhelmed, try not to let it get to you as affect your face and hair as well. Long before your wedding, keep eating healthy and do some fitness so you can expel any toxins your body may have stored - you will feel beautiful inside and out.

Treat Yourself!

Do you feel tired? Do you feel a bit down and depressed? Well that was me only a few weeks ago. I don't have a lot of time spare so when I did have time to myself I would then go to friends houses to catch up which meant that I was never treating my self.

As a present from my mother I received a pampering session and some nice fragrances. I must admit it did me wonders as I finally stopped rushing around and spent a little time on treating myself. I felt rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the year.

Since then I have appreciated that sometimes you need to listen to your self and when you feel like this spend time treating yourself and making this your number one priority. I feel that many people where like me and don't think to spend time looking after themselves.

I would recommend to anyone reading this article who is feeling a little low whether it's because of their job, family or money worries to consider treating yourself or taking time out to really rejuvenate and enjoy life. Life is too short to worry about spending time treating yourself as it is necessary to enjoy yourself.

Any woman or even men out there who feel stressed, take a massage or a detox. Spend an evening at a spa and I will guarantee you'll feel so much better.

I will never neglect my needs again and you should not either.

Must-Have Closet Basics For Women

Worried about what to wear for your first day at work? High school reunion or just a coffee date with your guy best friend? Worry not as these closet essentials will make you look simply stunning for less. What are closet essentials, you say? These are common items you can find in your department store-great pieces that don't necessarily have to come from high end boutiques.

The most common closet basics piece is a crisp white blouse. Like a blank sheet of paper, a plain white blouse serves as a canvas for you to accessorize and express your art with. Add on a beaded necklace or bangles and you're good to go. A crisp white blouse matches almost anything-from black slacks to jeans or a skirt, your white blouse will surely mix and match with every bottom you have in your closet.

The next closet basic piece you must have ready to wear is a pair of black pants. If you're a career woman just starting out with her first job, grab a few pairs of this amazing piece of clothing as you can mix and match colorful tops with it. Black pants or slacks are great for everyday use as it is simple, elegant and there's a plus to it-it's actually slimming. Boot cut black pants helps flatter a wide range of figures and its lowered waist accommodates a tucked in blouse to show off a slim waist or a decorative belt to accessorize your look.

There's a reason why the little black dress has become a staple for every woman-it's simple, elegant and very stylish. Whether it's for business or leisure, a little black dress is a quintessential for a woman to feel sexy and well-dressed.

To match that little black dress, every woman must have black pumps in their closet. Whether it's open peep toe pumps or sleek pointed closed shoes, black pumps not only add height, but also add style to your simple but elegant look. Department stores and shoe boutiques offer a wide array of black pumps that range from simple to elegantly dashing.

Another closet basic that needs no more introductions is a pair of sleek jeans. Jeans have been part of American culture for the longest time, providing great comfort and style for both young and old. Whether you're wearing a dressy pair for an evening night with friends or casual Fridays, a pair of jeans is definitely your best bet for looking great without sacrificing comfort.

As for accessories, a simple string of beads and a bold bangle is a great investment for your attire. A string of pearls would look great on a plain shirt while a bangle can highlight any kind of shirt, whether a dressy top or a simple tee. Browse through magazines and mix and match your closet basics to get the sleek look you want.

Leather Dresses

A leather dress is a perfect way to add a major edge on your looks. Leather is one material that can never go out of style. Especially with the reemergence of the rocker look in the fashion scenario, leather can be seen in different pieces of clothing, especially those sexy dresses. Leather dresses has always been an interesting puzzle when it comes to fashion trends. Leather dresses are also a hot commodity amongst many celebrities and fashion-forward women. The amazing designs available in dresses always create an attractive personality making you look even more appealing and magnetic.

The choice of your dress would depend on the kind of look you want. For example if you want to look incredibly sassy and chic, then go ahead and find a dress in which you can stay comfortable and utmost confident. Similarly, there can be nothing compared to a short leather dress. It is excellent to boost your confidence and give you a modern look. A short dress is something that you can wear to make a statement and prove that you are fierce, sexy women. Pairing a short dress with sexy pumps will add a touch of completeness in your looks. You can also wear some vibrant shoes to look even better.

A strapless dress works great in making you look sexier. This perfect dress can go great if you want to show your style. A strapless leather dress looks feminine and makes you feel fabulous. You can wear such a dress a party where you would want all the attention to be on yourself.

It is not important to choose a classic black or a brown leather dress. You can create a difference by going for a nice color such as the red, off-white, light green etc. Red seems like a great choice when it comes to wearing a leather dress. Not only wearing a red leather dress gives you an empowered look, it will also make you feel incredible and energetic. Red colored leather dress will also make you stand out.

A Cap sleeve leather dress can be a great choice if you need a casual look. Such a dress can make you appealing as well as casual. White leather dresses can also do wonders. It can be perfect to feel romantic. Leather dresses can definitely change the way you look.

How White Dress Portrays Plain Yet Fashionable Looks

If you are a woman, you would prefer to wear a dress of various colors since you may think that white dresses are too plain to portray stylish and fashionable looks. However, if you know how to choose dress designs and styles then you don't have to be bothered about your looks especially if you are to attend a very special event. White symbolizes purity and simplicity yet it can also portray fashion particularly if you fully know how to choose the perfect designs and styles of a dress that can greatly fit your complexion, size, and figure.

Thus, you don't have to choose a plain white dress. Of course, to be fashionable you have to choose a dress with great designs and color combination. Make sure that it can greatly fit your complexion and you have to extremely be certain that it has designs which are suited for the occasion that you will attend. For instance, you are attending your first prom and you prefer to wear white dress then you have to make sure to choose a design that will greatly complement to the night event that you will attend. It can be plain and simple as long as you are competent enough that you can perfectly carry the dress.

White dresses can fit almost all occasions, therefore women who think of these dresses as so plain and dumb are absolutely wrong. It's true that white dresses can be so plain yet it can extremely provide simplicity and fashionable looks for any woman. Generally, a style, color, and designs of a certain dress extremely relies on the one whose wearing it. Once you are choosing a certain dress, you have to make sure that it perfectly suit you since this is the great secret to portray stylish and fashionable looks regardless of the designs and colors.

Wear High Heel Shoes With Minimal Foot Pain

What a day. You can't wait to take your shoes off. Being fashionable can be painful, if you constantly wear high heel shoes. Beware of neuromas, bunions, "hammer toes", heel and arch pain which can become debilitating as you decide which high heels to wear.

Good news ladies! You may continue to wear high heel shoes with minimal to no foot pain if you take care of your feet.

Your feet are engineering marvels. They are the foundation to your body. Problems with your feet can also affect your knees, hips and back. Each foot is made up of three sections: forefoot, mid-foot and hind-foot. The forefoot involves your toes. The mid-foot is the middle section of the foot, and the hind-foot involves the ankle and heel.

Each foot is supported by three arches. Foot arches are the body's springs and shock absorbers. They propel your feet and absorb body weight and impact when you walk, run or jump. Daily wearing of high heel shoes restricts your feet and the associated articulations and deforms the transverse and medial longitudinal arches. The transverse arch runs across your the bottom of your toes, while medial longitudinal arch runs lengthwise along inside part of your foot.

High heel shoes change how your feet distribute body weight. Usually, there is an increased weight distribution to the second to fourth toes which collapses the transverse arch. Your body attempts to lift and pad the fallen transverse arch with calluses. Other scar tissues will also form underneath the ball of your toes. You'll often experience pain at the bottom of the second to fourth toes after hours of wearing high heels.

These shoes can also increase the tension in the medial longitudinal arch and concentrate abnormal impact to the ankle and heel. Arch and heel pain can be debilitating after a full day of in high heels.

The narrow, toe box common to most high-heel shoes often deforms the forefoot and causes neuromas between the third and fourth toes, bunions and hallux valgus and hallux rigidus to the big toe.

There are sensible precautions that you can take which allow you to continue wearing high heels with minimal to no foot pain. Wear heels that are two inches or less. High heels disrupt gait and posture for the entire body. Shoes that are greater than two inches significantly influence lower extremity mechanics and gait.

Stretching the calf muscles will reduce some of the tension and tightness in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis and calcaneal bursitis are common among runway models and ballroom dancers.

If you experience pain to your heel, arch or toe, get them treated before the problems become permanent. Conservative treatments should always be considered before any type of foot surgery. Conservative treatments are cost effective and less complicated.

A chiropractor who is knowledgeable in foot biomechanics and pathology can help you with your foot pain. Chiropractic adjustments restore ankle and toe articulations that are often restricted and hindered from wearing high heels. Mild form of hallux valgus and rigidux may be help with chiropractic adjustments. Deep muscle and soft tissue treatments such as trigger point therapy and Active Release Technique can relief heel, arch and toe pain associated to ankle and foot joint restrictions. Cold laser therapy not only reduces inflammation associated with neuromas, but it also relieves the burning pain.

The shape, size and arches of your feet are unique. Once your foot pain has resolved, custom orthotics for high heel shoes should be fitted for long term care. These customized, shoe inserts correct foot over-pronation and support the medial longitudinal arch. The high heel orthotics also have metatarsal pads that remove unwanted pressure to your second to fourth toes by lifting and supporting the transverse arch.

Working Moms - How Are You Encouraging Your Heart?

There is a leadership book by Kouzes and Posner, entitled "Encouraging the Heart" and in it, the authors talk about how small, simple acts of kindness and appreciation can go a long way in enabling people to feel motivated at work. It's a subject matter after my own heart, and I often speak to leaders and executives about this very thing.

As women and moms, we often forget about encouraging our own hearts. It's the easiest job in the world to feel motivated and encouraged when everything seems to be going your way...but what about those days when you're tired beyond belief? When you're juggling not one plate, not two, but 102? When you feel life is more of a battle than an adventure?

That's why I decided to create my own "Encouraging my Heart" book. Here's a picture of mine attached - on the front it says, "You are a woman of vision...creative, courageous, amazing and beautiful!" And inside I've glued fabulous emails from people who have encouraged me with their feedback (hey - one of YOURS might even be in there, if you've emailed me!) cards; post-it notes; I've scribbled down texts I've received from friends and clients which have buoyed me up; there are pictures or words ripped out of magazines; articles I've had published; positive comments people have made to me...anything which has given me a boost or a lift goes in there.

Then, on the days I feel less than energized - less than that woman of vision, who is creative, courageous, amazing and yes, beautiful - I take out the book and have a flick through it to remind myself of the great stuff that's going on in my life. Of the people, clients and friends I've helped and who in turn, have helped me.

Being "up" all the time isn't manageable, even for someone like me, who is naturally more energized and positive. That's not failure - it's called being human! However, there are times when I think we can all spend a little too long wallowing; feeling we're not making a difference; that we're not doing as great as we could be. That's the time to pull out your Encouraging your Heart journal and give yourself a quick fix of your unique amazing-ness! Even having a little one you can fit in a bag and keep with you at all times can make a real difference to flick through when you have a moment. It really doesn't take up much time and while we can often be our own fiercest critic, we can also be our strongest cheerleader, too.

Thank you for encouraging MY heart with all the feedback and emails I receive from you and see what you can do TODAY to encourage your own.

Essential Guidelines on Choosing White Dresses For Weddings

Wedding is one of the most important and memorable event for a certain woman. So, they have to look the best in their wedding day not to impress their husband-to-be but to make the most out of their very special day. Choosing white dresses can never be an easy task for a certain woman since there are white dresses that can be so plain. This is mainly the reason why most women do not prefer purchasing and wearing white plain dresses. When you are searching for white dresses that you would wear during your wedding then you can also consider personalizing it especially if you have knowledge and skills in sewing dresses.

On the other hand, if you think that you don't have that knowledge then you could just pick one that you believe can greatly suit you on your wedding day. As much as possible, you will have to search and purchase the dress with your groom-to-be. It is because of the fact that men are most of the times the ones who knows the perfect dress that can perfectly fits their women. It is fairly understandable that most women would want to surprise their groom-to-be but it's definitely nonsense because of the fact that surprises can have two different impacts to people. It can either be negative or positive. Now, can you afford to gather negative feedback especially from your groom?

Lastly, you will have to always consider the type of wedding ceremony that you will have. If it is civil then you would have to choose simpler yet stylish white dress rather than choosing a very pretty white gown if you will have a church wedding ceremony. White dresses can also be worn after the wedding ceremony and the formal program that usually happens in wedding celebration. In this case, you have to choose a white dress that is also suitable for the after party jamming that you will plan.

Stay at Home Moms Need Self Worth

Many stay at home moms love what they do and wouldn't trade raising their children full time for anything. Unfortunately many stay at home moms fall into a trap of pleasing everyone around them except themselves. The wants and needs of a stay at home mom get pushed aside while the same for her kids and spouse get dealt with immediately. Stay at home moms need self worth and if you are one, than you need to take action today and reclaim yourself.

4 Ways The Stay At Home Mom Can Improve Her Sense Of Self

1. Volunteering is a great way to connect with a community when stay at home moms need self worth. You can help a cause that is important to you all the while teaching your children about helping others in need.

2. Joining a community mom group, book group, some yoga classes or even a religious study group are all ways to help when stay at home moms need self worth. These groups are a great way to connect with other people, make new friends and find out about what others are doing in their spare time. Many times you will create long lasting friendships and a network of people that can help you get back on track to you!

3. Going out at least once a month is so important when stay at home moms need self worth. Have a date with you spouse (remember those?) or a girls night out. Give yourself a reason to look your best. Going out once a month can be a great mood booster. Try to plan ahead so you have something to look forward to and try really hard to keep the discussion about kids minimized.

4. If you are looking to be independent and successful at more than just motherhood you can consider starting a home business. I am not talking about selling cosmetics or kitchen ware (although these can be great ventures as well); I am talking about a business in the online world. When stay at home moms need self worth many times it is because they feel like they are not contributing financially to the household; they feel "kept". They also feel like they are loosing their skills or knowledge needed in the business world. Having a home business online is a great way to make a decent living while working around the times that are convenient for you and your children.

All stay at home moms need self worth and a life apart from their children. It does not make you a bad mom to want this. In fact, many moms who create some independence separate from their family are much happier with their lives. Try the above activities at least once a month and you will not only improve your spirit, but you will also be teaching your children about independence.

Are Women Really Smarter and More Capable Than Men?

So who is smarter Men or Women?

It is only in recent times that women have been given equal status in law to men. Even in the most advanced societies women have only been able to vote and make contracts for the past one hundred years.

Equal pay and management opportunities are still issues that are not fully addressed, but as a Mortgage Broker I see more and more couples seeking finance where the female is the main breadwinner, and some where the female commands an income several times their male partners.

So here are my observations that point to women [in general] being smarter than men.

Females are smarter as infants and children than males.


Girls learn to talk, articulate what they want, and get what they want sooner than boys. OK, most men may not see women as smart because they are better and more practiced talkers as a plus, but in communications, it gets the job done.
Girls know its smart to avoid conflict more than boys. Fighting may be a good way to dominant others, but not to get along. Girls understand that there are better ways to control and manipulate situations.
Girls are Stronger than boys. OK you may find this hard yo believe, but according to a test conducted many years ago, girls age for age were found to be stronger than boys. Boys may be more willing to use the strength they have, but are weaker than girls. I say that its smart not to use your strength against others.
Girls are about the same size as boys till puberty. Girls reach puberty sooner, and so have a growth spurt sooner than boys, so are bigger than boys till about 12 - 13 years old. Boys become bigger and stronger than girls only after puberty 13 and 14, and their growth spurt lasts longer and leads to greater strength. So girls get to be emotionally intelligent sooner.
Girls have more realistic aspirations than boys. Boys tend to have massive aspirations that change constantly as they get older. e.g., I want to be president or an astronaut when I grow up. There are not many of those jobs to go round. Girls tend to want to be mothers, doctors or nurses, or service and caring professionals. They are more practical and achievable goals.

Girls are Smarter as teenagers


Girls perform better at tertiary studies than boys. More girls enroll into tertiary studies than boys, and more girls finish tertiary studies. This means that women are now better educated than men.
Boys are more likely to get into trouble with the law. Boys like to show off and take risks and that means get noticed, sometimes for the wrong reasons.
Boys are more likely to cause motor accidents. Boys tend to be overconfident, and have a delusional believe in their own abilities and driving skills. Their brains seem to develop and mature slower than girls.
Boys are more likely to drop out of college than girls. Girls seem to be able to manage their expectations of college and see it through to the goal they set, getting a degree or diploma. Boys tend to switch more.

Women make better citizens than men

Men are more likely to commit crimes than women, and go to jail, and be repeat offenders. This dark fact suggests to me that women avoid making mistakes, avoid wronging others physically and learn by any mistakes that they do make.] Many men seem not to learn from their mistakes.

Women have many superior abilities and skills than men


Women have better vision than men. When it comes to sight, colors, textures and sense of smell, women have it over men. Their eyes are set wider apart which improves their peripheral vision.
Women are better drivers than men. They are more careful, considerate and have less accidents. Yes I know men will disagree with this one, but the figures don't lie.
Women are more dexterous and have better hand skills than men. Women can do light work better and faster than men. Maybe their muscles are finer than mens and can endure repetitive jobs better than men
Women are better at managing the family budget.Women fear not having food and shelter for their families, and manage their money better.
Women are more credit worthy than men. I haven't seen any actual figures on this, but from my experience as a Mortgage Broker men have more tendency to have unpaid judgments, bad credit and not tell their partners when asked about it.
Women are more successful at running a business. Scary but true. Women are Less likely to quit or fail or go bankrupt in business than men. They are probably better at planning, better with money, do whatever it takes, manage people better, are more patient in getting to success, and more likely to develop better customer relationships. That is just my opinion though.
Women can handle pressure better than men. Women can multi-task, and handle a lot of jobs simultaneously and take the pressure. I like doing one job at a time. If someone asks me to do something else before I have finished the task at hand, my standard reply is" What do you think I am, a woman? I can only do one job at a time" It usually gets a laugh and me out of another job.
Women live longer than men. Again, the figures don't lie. Women outlast men by about 4 years on average.

The Positive Male Traits

Fortunately men do have a lot going for them, and I will be the first to agree that the male's greater ability to invent, create, build, paint, and write with passion, points to men as the creative genius of the sexes that has brought us to the rich civilization that we now enjoy. I still can't say this will hold true in the future, but I suspect so. Men like their own company, and a bit of solitude more than women, and this I suspect is where the inventiveness is spawned.

And whilst these genius and creative characteristics only apply to a few men, these attributes show in most mens need to go fishing, pull things apart to figure how they work, and fix things, even when they are not broken.

So are Women really smarter than men? What do you say?

My belief is that the really smart man knows that his woman is smarter than he is, and cherishes the fact that she is smarter than he will ever be, and tells her so often.