I & Fashion, Fashion & I

Trendsetting Handbag Designers

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:56:00 +0000

The popularity of designer handbags is at an all-time high. Everywhere we look, from the high street to the nightclub, everyone is carrying a trendy new purse. It seems that we are often so preoccupied with our new handbags that we tend to forget about the people behind the designs. I started trying to develop a shortlist of my favorite designers, but I realized that I am in love with the work of far too many to list. The following are just a few of my favorites.

Chloe is, by far, one the greatest design houses in the world. I absolutely love their work! At times, I feel that some of the French designers are a little over the top…but where would true fashion be without their sense of creativity and innovation. Chloe has been a leader in the world of fashion, especially since the Stella McCartney assumed the helm. Her star power and understanding of classic design reinvigorated a company that was often lacking the cohesive aesthetic that truly binds a collection together. Make no mistake about it…Chloe is the new Gucci!

Vivienne Westwood has done more for British design that any other designer in modern times. In many ways, the entire punk genre owes her a debt of allegiance. Vivienne was just a young girl during the heyday of punk, when she met a fellow named Malcolm McLaren. For those of you not particularly well versed in your punk rock history, Malcolm was the manager of the consummate British punk band – The Sex Pistols. After dressing the Pistols for a number of years, she opened her own shop in London called Sex Boutique. Punks worldwide have adopted her design aesthetic, and the rest is history.

Monica Botkier is yet another brilliant designer. Her designs are held in high esteem by women all around the world. After spending the early part of her career as a fashion photographer, Monica Botkier has certainly spent enough time in the fashion world to know what constitutes a great handbag. She is able to strike the perfect balance between function and form, and her designs are some of the most sought after with fashionistas everywhere. Monica Botkier's designs are famous for their detailing, hardware, and innate sophistication.

Tips When Buying Ladies Handbags

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:50:00 +0000

Aside from shoes, bags are definitely the Achilles’ heel of every female homo sapien. Women go gaga over any kind of bag, and they even take pains in matching their bags with their shoes.

Buying a bag can be a major decision for every woman even though she may already have a dozen or more in her closet. Women can never have enough of bags.

Those who have money to spend are lucky because they can splurge their money on bags of all shapes, colors and sizes. However, for the budget conscious who are nevertheless smitten with bags, it is wise to decide which bag would fit an already existing wardrobe.

When buying bags, consider where it is going to be used so that you will not be easily swayed into buying any bag that catches your fancy. Ask yourself whether the bag will fit into your existing wardrobe. A wise dressed will always know how to mix and match her wardrobe with her bags, shoes and accessories to make her wardrobe more cost effective. Bags and shoes, when mixed and matched with different dressed, will give a new set of wardrobe to the wise dresser.

Be able to put a ceiling or a price range for your target bag so you will not be tempted into buying anything that costs more than you budget. Except of if the price is already a bargain and it can be mixed and matched to several clothing wear. This characteristic will of course make the price of the bag more cost effective in the long term.

Fashion victims would always look at magazines and follow the newest craze in bag designs and colors. Wise and elegant dressers will always go for the classic look. Going with a classic look will mean your bag will outlast the newest craze and it can be worn anywhere and anytime, for any occasion.

There are however a few rules that would have to be followed by a woman before buying a bag. A petite woman should avoid very big bags as this will tend to make her look more petite than she already is. Bags can also hide body imperfections so be sure to know which body parts you want understated before choosing a bag. If you want to avoid getting attention on your big hips then choose a shoulder bag. If you have big breasts or broad shoulders then a waste bag is for you.

Bags can come in all types like pouch bags, shoulder bags, tote bags, flap bags, evening bags and many others. It can also come in various materials like leather, satin, velvet, denim or nylon. There are as many bag designs and materials depending on the creativity of bag makers.

Bags are welcome gifts for every female. However, being able to buy the right bag for the right person can be difficult considering that each person has different tastes in bags. When doing this, it would be better to ask the person about her preferences in bags. If the person is close to you, then you would have more knowledge about her fashion style and occupation. This way, your gift would not end up at the bottom of her closet.

Purses

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:48:00 +0000

Women around the world consider a purse as a necessity. A purse has a lot more significance and importance than its function, which is carrying money and other items around in it. It is used as a fashion accessory and speaks volumes about the personality of the person carrying it.

In simple terms, a purse is a small and fashionably designed bag, used to hold money, keys, makeup and other items of daily use. Purses are also popularly known as handbags, although some argue that a handbag is larger in size. Purses evolved several centuries ago, and ever since, have been an essential fashion accessory. The first purses can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians, who used small pouches during religious ceremonies. Later, in the 14th century, purses were fastened to the waist with the help of girdles. During those days, purses were used as status symbols and were adorned with jewels and elaborate embroidery.

Through the 16th and 17th century, purses became more practical in design and were made of materials such as leather and cotton. Several purses had drawstring fasteners on the top to keep the contents safe. Embroidery, which became a craze in the 17th century, was used to decorate purses, which resulted in beautiful and unique pieces.

Probably the greatest achievement in the development of purses was the reticule, used in the 18th century. These were miniature purses that had no handles and were carried around in the hand. The reticules further developed into today’s chic purses, more popularly known as ‘clutch’ purses.

With several top companies producing purses in a dazzling array of designs and styles, the purse industry has become a multi-million dollar business. Today, purses vary not only based on their design, but also on the material used in their manufacture. From myriad colors and embroidery to sequins and diamonds, purses have come a long way and have added a substantial style quotient to our lives.

Rent-a-bag…the hottest new trend

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:44:00 +0000

I was surfing the net the other day, and came across an article that left me flabbergasted. As you all likely know by now, I am a designer handbag fanatic. There have been months where I have seriously considered bouncing my rent check in order to buy a purse I simply could not do without. Who am I kidding? I have bounced my rent to buy a new handbag! And I would likely do it again.

Well, it appears that my dilemma has come to an end. I was surfing the net the other day, and came across an interesting article. It was about the burgeoning industry of designer handbag rentals! Now I have heard of luxury car rentals and even designer wedding dress rentals, but I never imagined a day when I could rent the latest Chanel purse. Can you picture yourself going into Blockbuster Handbags and renting the purse you have been saving your money for? I know I can!

There is a company called Bag Borrow or Steal that, as far as I can tell, is the first of a kind. They have a wonderful website, and a business model like no other. It is very similar to Netflix or something to that effect, but you rent handbags instead of the latest DVD. Somewhat similar to renting videos, you pay annual subscription fee and you are given access to a collection of beautiful handbags to use on a temporary basis. The type of bag you are allowed to borrow is determined by your membership level. Memberships range from $19.95 to $174.95 per year. You can keep the bag for as long as you like, but it must remain in the condition you received it in. I wonder if they have an insurance plan.

After doing some research, I discovered another company that is offering something similar. They are called From Bags to Riches, and their service are slight different from the company mentioned above. Instead of charging an annual membership fee, this company allows you to rent on a weekly or monthly basis. The price of the rental is determined by the duration and type of bag you want to rent. This site organizes their collections by brand name, and monthly rentals range from $$19.90 to $79.80. They also offer their customers the option to purchase their rented purse, if they cannot bring themselves to return it. They know me so well, don’t they?

That's my bag, baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:42:00 +0000

Greetings and salutations, my loyal readers! Let me tell you a little story. I was out shopping with some friends last week (surprise, surprise) and I had the strangest altercation. My friends and I were at Sak's 5th Ave. to check out the latest designer handbags, and we are all raving over this incredible new purse from Coach. If you have read any of my previous work, you would know that I am Coach's biggest fan!

It was a beautiful purse! It had incredible vintage styling, and was constructed from the finest, most supple caramel-colored leather. I was literally drooling over this purse, as were my fellow shoppers. As I was inspecting the bag and admiring the awesome multi-colored liner, I could sense that somebody was peering over my shoulder. I turned around to discover another woman lusting after the very handbag I had in my hands.

At this point, I was both annoyed and afraid. I was annoyed by having a stranger invade my personal space, and scared by the crazed and maniacal look in her eyes. This woman looked like a junkie waiting for her next fix! In the past, I have written about my struggle with being a designer handbag junkie. It was, however, all in good humor and I did employ a certain amount of creative embellishment.

This woman, on the other hand, looked like she was about to attack me! I couldn't believe it. Fortunately, I had some friends with me. Otherwise, I suspect we may have had a catfight on our hands. Needless to say, I made a hasty escape with my new coach handbag. Later that evening, I sat down at my computer to write some new copy for the site and I had a really hard time forgetting about this woman. It got me thinking about the bigger picture, with regards to high end consumer items like designer fashion accessories.

Why are people so strangely obsessed with trivial items? Why do we place such value on inanimate objects? I am generally not one to consider designer handbags and fashion accessories trivial, because I am absolutely in love with them. But in the bigger picture that is reality, these are not important matters. Handbags are simply something I am interested in, and write about for my website. Sure, I have more bags than I could ever possibly put to use. But I am far from being fanatical about them! Well…most of the time.

Macrobiotic Diet Helps Balance Your Diet and Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Macrobiotics devotees believe that food, and food quality, affects our lives more than is commonly thought. It is thought to affect our health, well being and happiness. They focus on moving away from processed foods, and moving toward more natural and more traditional methods of food preparation. They claim it is better to choose food that is less processed, more natural, use more traditional methods of food preparation for themselves and their family.

Macrobiotics emphasize locally-grown, organically-grown whole grain cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between Yin and Yang properties, rather than scientific dietary guidelines. Macrobiotic diets follow the idea of Yin and Yang. Cereals, fruit, beans, nuts and vegetables, and rice make up the main part of the diet and are considered neutral and are naturally balanced in terms of Yin and Yang. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature or extremely Yang in nature are eaten very rarely if at all. Very Yin products include coffee, tropical fruit, sugar, soft dairy products, vegetables, alcohol and honey. Very Yang products include poultry, meat, firm dairy products like hard cheeses, and eggs.

The macrobiotic diet is high in natural, unprocessed foods, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. It is low in saturated fats, whilst providing the essential fats. Food should be organically grown and eaten fresh. The Macrobiotic lifestyle also governs how food should be prepared. No microwave should be used - rice must be cooked in a pressure cooker. Food should be eaten and chewed slowly, in a relaxed manner.

Low-fat high-fiber diets are also believed to play a role in preventing some types of cancer. And the macrobiotic emphasis on fresh, non-processed foods may be beneficial to those dealing with certain food allergies and chemical sensitivities. Followers assert that the balance and harmony of the macrobiotic diet and lifestyle create the best possible conditions for health. They claim that the diet yields many positive health effects, including a general sense of well-being, and some studies actually show that people on the diet have a decreased risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Peace of Mind towards Beauty Enhancement

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:06:00 +0000

Beauty is closely related to physical appearance. The shape of your body, the color of your skin, the shine of your hair, the clothes and jewelry that you wears are all factors used by the modern world to define the beauty of a person.

Many people have forgotten that beauty is composed of inner and outer beauty. What is inside a person’s heart and mind is manifested in the outside world. Beauty is the total impact of your views about a person’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attributes.

Inner peace is a key component for achieving true beauty and health.

Peace
Having peace of mind is another key factor in achieving beauty inside and out. Peace of mind gives a person much needed space to enable them to see the beauty of everything around them. The way a person views the world depends on their inner peace.

Meditation
Meditating helps in achieving peace of mind, tranquility, and serenity. Anyone can engage in meditation. You don’t need to be an expert in yoga to be able to meditate. You can sit on a chair, close your eyes and free your mind of the thoughts of the past and the future. Focusing on the present is what yoga is all about. You should feel the air passing through the nose, entering and exiting the lungs. Meditation takes practice, which should be done regularly.

Other than knowing than art of meditation, there are ways of achieving peace of mind. Listed below are some of them:

-Forgive those who have wronged you

It may sound like a cliché but this is one of the basic lessons that people often take for granted. Holding no grudges against people will be very helpful in achieving peace of mind. Unloading all of your hard feelings and accepting past events is a major key toward inner peace.

-Say “I’m sorry”

Saying “I’m sorry” for the mishaps and mistakes that we make is necessary when trying to achieve inner peace. Inner peace is not achieved through pride; it is achieved by respecting the people around you.

-Pray

Praying for wisdom and courage instead of material things is a fulfilling experience. Peace of mind speaks of the soul and not of the material world.

Achieving peace of mind is a way of improving one’s overall image. Beauty is a two-sided coin; both inner and outer beauty should be improved and neither should be taken for granted.

SPA To Enhance Your Appearance

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:54:00 +0000

A Relaxing Spa Experience Will Help You Enhance Your Appearance Inside And Out

Spas abound in all sizes and shapes and they all have one thing in common which is that is all are dedicated to providing personal health. To a certain degree, each addresses emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

You can walk out of a spa physically and emotionally sound and free from stress. Stress is the number one factor that affects not only your emotions and health, but your appearance as well. A day in a spa helps to release stress and allows for the release of all negative energy, both of which are necessary to attain a more tranquil body.

The best spa environment must offer the following:

• Clean surroundings

• Professional, courteous and friendly staff

• Credentials that are available when requested

Basic spa treatments include:

1. Therapeutic massage is the use of the hands on the on the muscles of the body to provide a soothing and relaxing feeling as well as several other health benefits.

2. A facial is a service offered in a spa that involves deep cleansing, skin analysis, massage, toning, moisturizing and "extraction" - which is the removal of impurities, particularly blackheads.

3. Body treatments involve cleansing by exfoliating with a body scrub or salt glow to cleanse the skin and remove the dead skin layers, resulting in a very soft and refreshed feeling.

Body scrubs are usually supplemented with either a hydrating or detoxifying body wrap. Algae, seaweed or mud products are used to detoxify as they increase blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. This improves your body's ability to release waste products. During the treatment, an oil or rich cream is applied to hydrate the skin to make it softer and glowing.

4. Spa manicures and pedicures and foot scrubs are available in some spas that have salons for hair styling and cutting services as well.

Before going to a spa, call and ask about the following:

• Ask about the services they offer. There are those that offer the basics such as facials, massages, foot scrubs, “manicures and pedicures”, and others that offer specialized bodywork, body wraps and much more.

• Ask about prices.

• Ask about the staff: are they certified or not? Can you see their credentials?

Your spa etiquette:

• Turn off the cell phone.

• Massage is generally done nude, however parts of the body that are not being massaged will be covered.

• Share the space with other spa customers respectfully.

• If there’s anything that displeases you, talk to the manager.

• Remember to tip 15-20 percent.

Relax and savor each spa moment and arrive 20 minutes before so that you have enough time to change and enjoy the sauna.

Treat yourself to a spa today! You deserve it!

Exercising During Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:25:00 +0000

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.

Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.

1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.

You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.

What Your Clothes Say about You

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:41:00 +0000

People often say that your clothes define who you are. Generally, you wear clothes to fit the occasion.

Some people wear clothes they feel comfortable in while others feel the need to wear stylish clothes that follow the current trends of the fashion industry.

No matter which of these categories you fit into, here are some basic rules of selecting different clothing styles to improve your appearance.

1. Clean and neat is acceptable; grungy and lousy ones are a no-no.

This applies to clothes for any occasion. Wash and properly iron and maintain your clothes so they do not have that worn-out look. This applies to each detail of your appearance as well.

Make sure that the accessories you choose match your outfit and make certain that you are well-groomed, from the top of your head to the tips of your newly-polished shoes.

2. Wear your clothes with an attitude.

You can look elegant even if you are just wearing jeans and a white shirt; this is where class and élan comes in.

Some people can look great even when they are wearing a sack-like dress.

If you are the type of person who can pull off wearing jeans to a black-tie affair without looking like a “fish out of water”, then you can probably wear anything you desire and still manage to look great.

If you are not naturally born with the appearance a super model, try to improve your appearance by paying attention to small details and trying out different types of clothes.

Ask for a friend’s or a professional opinion to ensure that you make the most of your attributes..

3. Make sure that your clothes fit.

From your underclothing to your blouse, pants, skirt, coat and shoes – never wear anything that does not fit well.

A smooth, tailored look will further enhance your appearance and make you look as if Ralph Lauren personally designed your clothes for you.

4. Go with trends but do not overdo it.

If animal print is in season, acquire one piece of that theme as part of your wardrobe and pair it with something that is more understated. Never wear a tiger-print blouse, shoes and skirt all at the same time. When it comes to trends - less is more.

5. Mix and match.

In your wardrobe, have one item of everything: do not buy multiple pieces of the same color and style of jeans or shirts. Variety will make your outfits more fun and interesting.

Remember that these are just fashion basics, but the basic rule is to wear whatever you feel comfortable in, experiment, have fun wearing your clothes with an attitude!

Enhance Your Appearance by Taking Good Care Of Your Teeth and Show off That Attractive Smile

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:33:00 +0000

For many reasons, people feel that there is a need to improve their smile. Some to improve career opportunities, some for self confidence, and others to develop and enhance their appearance.

For many individuals, an improved smile can literally transform their lives. An attractive smile plays an important role in a person’s self image. You can interact with your friends better and deal with colleagues and clients confidently when you know you have a beautiful smile.

Sad to say, but surveys show that about 50 percent of Americans are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, which affects their smile.

Good oral hygiene is vital to achieve a nice smile without having to worry about the condition of your teeth, or even bad breath.

How to effectively brush your teeth:

• Move your toothbrush in a circular gentle scrubbing motion. The outer surfaces of both lower and upper teeth should be thoroughly brushed, keeping the brush bristles slanting toward the “gum line”.

• Scrub all chewing surfaces. The bristles’ tips should clean the surface by using just a small amount of pressure.

• Tilt your brush vertically then use gentle “up and down” strokes when cleaning your “front teeth”.

• Remember to brush your tongue too.

• Always change your toothbrush when bristles become matted or splayed.

• Keep your toothbrush in an open and dry storage area between brushings.

Flossing

• Use about 18 inches of dental floss, wind it around your middle finger and hold the remaining floss with fingers of the other hand: then start flossing.

• While tightly holding the floss, begin with a very gentle rocking motion, being careful not to hit and injure your gums.

• When your floss reaches the gum line, arch it to form a “C- shape” next to one tooth then slide it in between the gum and the tooth work with a swaying motion, carefully scraping your tooth.

• Do the same for all of your teeth. Replace the floss as needed.

When shopping for dental care products, always look for the ADA “American Dental Association” seal of recognition to determine the product’s effectiveness.

Always purchase toothpaste that is rich in fluoride to prevent cavity formation. Read labels carefully. Use a mouthwash to prevent bad breath, for confidence any time you start a conversation.

Remember to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist at least twice a year to maintain a sparkling smile at all times.

Handbags Online

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:15:00 +0000

It used to be that women went to the store to buy handbags. Nowadays we can purchase handbags online and get a wider selection to choose from. If you are looking for hip, name brands, or traditional handbags then online shopping is the choice for you. Shopping online, one can see the Petite Sassy Handbags or the Large Petite Handbags that have pictorial designs, or else we can search the market for a more appealing style that fits our age group. The Internet retailers and wholesalers for handbags fit all styles and tastes. High quality brand name handbags can be seen online offering fashion that comes in all sizes, colors and shapes. While purchasing handbags online, often we can get better deals than shopping the traditional method. Many of the stores will offer a full refund if you are not satisfied with the handbag chosen.

Handbags can make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversary, Christmas, and so many other occasions for giving. Most women enjoy having a selection of handbags on hand for different dress wear and occasions. Others prefer smaller purses. Myself, I do not like carrying purses, but I would look pretty silly running around with a bulge in my pockets, so I prefer the smaller handbags. Generally black is the best choice of handbags, since black will fit with most outfits worn. However many appealing handbags come in a variety of colors. The blue jean handbags are appealing, but generally the style is only for outfits that match the purse.

The Belle Rose handbag is said to be one of most fashionable bags on the market. Belle Rose is a work of art, and is appealing, colorful, and light to carry. The handbag comes in a variety of colors also, and will fit the business appeal, sexy style, and traditional dress wear.

Some of us enjoy the appeal of cartoons. Cartoons seem to give us a sense of laughter. Betty Boop handbags are available on the market, and many stores provide licensed brands, which mean it is original. The handbags are stylish, entertaining, and combines a classic appeal with a modern taste. Regardless of the occasions Betty Boop handbags are great.

The Dian & Dion Handbags are a modern luxury bag for all occasions. Similar to the "Louie Vuitton" handbags, the purse provides quality and style. The Dian & Dion handbag is endurable and can make the perfect gift for all occasions.

Photos credit to:
www.bagsplus2000.com
www.druniquegifts.com

Flashy, Hot Handbags

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:08:00 +0000

They are flashy, hot and very in for the season. Metallic, sequence and don't forget the faux fur handbags. Just take a look at a crowd and you will see quite a collection of each of these three. They are not hard to spot and definitely make heads turn. Which head turning style do you like to carry this season?

Let's start with the flashiest of them all, sequence. They are everywhere and everyone is carrying them. They do seem to be a bigger hit with the younger scene. They come in an array of colors as well as sequence styles. Carry them with any outfit and they'll dress it up no matter what the look. Do be careful, the looks you get may only be on your handbag and not on you. If you want your great outfit to stand out, I don't recommend carrying one of these handbags.

Metallic is all the rage also. Just wait for the holiday parties and you will see an explosion of these. They come in many different colors but bronze definitely tops the list. There will be the gold rush in December for all those fancy outfits. Gold is being paired with black and also brown. That black little dress is going to look fabulous with the metallic evening bag and the big beaded necklaces.

Now don't forget the faux fur bags. Some stand out very much but not as much as the sequence and metallics. There are plenty of faux fur trimmed jackets, tops and boots out there. The faux fur handbag will set off the ensemble. Some are a bit on the wild side and others are just really neat looking. As long as they don't make a roar, these are the tamest out there of all three.

Having Fun With Colored Contact Lenses

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:40:00 +0000

Colored contact lenses are a great way to sharpen and enhance the look of your eyes. Unlike traditional contacts, colored lenses are a great way to show off your contacts, with colors that are completely fun. You can have a lot of fun with colored lenses - especially when you show them off to friends and family - who don’t know you have them.

All around the world, thousands and thousands of people wear colored lenses. Contact lenses themselves all the best alternative to glasses, with colors being the next best thing. Colors add flair and personality to contact lenses, giving people the chance to be different. When you add color to your lenses - you are telling the world that you are different.

No matter what color you are interested in, you can find colored lenses that match your preference. There are hundreds of different styles available, from kids to adults. You’ll also have several different manufacturers to choose from as well, which makes it easier than ever to get a pair of colored lenses that you can depend on.

Even though colored lenses are popular, there are several people who feel as if they will damage the eyes. Colored lenses work exactly the same as traditional contacts, and won’t damage your eyes as long as you clean them and take care of them. If you clean them like you should and soak them in solution for a few hours when you take them out, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Each and every colored contact has the color or design coded on the contact itself. When you wear a pair of these lenses, it is actually the color that has been coded into the contact that projects the colored image everyone sees when they look in your eyes. The color of the contact shines through, making it appear that your eyes are indeed the exact same color as your contacts.

Colored contacts work the same as other types of contacts. You simply use your prescription for contacts and select the color you want. If you are ordering them online, you’ll find hundreds and hundreds of different colors and images. There are more colors and selections available online - making it the best way to invest in your contact lenses.

If you’ve been thinking about adding some flair to your contacts, you should look into getting a pair of colored lenses. They will give you the vision you need, along with different colored “eyes” that can really mess with someone’s head. Kids love them as well, as they give them the chance to express themselves. From kids to adults - colored contact lenses are the ideal way to be different - and improve your vision at the same time.

Superfoods for a Super Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:24:00 +0000

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in your life. It can also be very taxing and exhausting for your body, mind and spirit at times. But by nourishing your body with these great superfoods, you’ll be energized, strong, and sharp, and ready to welcome your pending bundle of joy healthy and happy.

Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, thiamine, and niacin. Make a big batch of beans when you have time and freeze them in small containers. Be careful with canned varieties, as they’re usually higher in sodium and their nutritional value is a bit lower since they’re processed using high temperatures. Soybeans provide more protein than any other bean or legume, making them a staple either the vegan or non-vegan. Soybeans are rich in many nutrients, including calcium and iron.

Include plenty of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, and oats as they’re a great source of fiber, minerals, protein and B complex vitamins. Buy the least processed grain types you can find, since many of the commercially prepared grains have had the nutritional and beneficial germ and bran removed.

Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, watercress, and spinach are especially important while pregnant or lactating because they supply so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Dark leafy green vegetables also are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein which protect against many forms of cancer. Vegetables from the cabbage family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are wonderful sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They are also rich in phytochemicals that have anticancer properties. Dark green leafy vegetables and cabbage family vegetables provide important nutrients that help to promote a plentiful milk supply for your baby.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Be sure to eat flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain and nervous system development as well as your own health. Nuts and seeds can be eaten raw or toasted, and work great in a salad made of dark leafy green vegetables.

Lastly, it’s important to drink plenty of water, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest during this time. A well-hydrated, well-rested body recovers more quickly, and ready to take on the challenges that life with a newborn baby brings with it.

Vitamins Can Enhance Your Appearance

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:33:00 +0000

A fast paced lifestyle can take its toll on the health and appearance of anybody. Most do not get adequate sleep, nourishment, and exercise. This is one of the reasons why vitamins and supplements have become household names. An average American needs at least thirteen vitamins to keep the body in good shape and keep everyone going. But do these vitamins help to improve a person’s appearance too?

The following are the vitamins that can greatly improve a person’s appearance:

1. Vitamin E.

Perhaps the most popular vitamin that is often associated with beautiful skin is Vitamin E. It protects fatty acids and keeps oxidation inside the body cells. It also helps keep body tissues from breaking down.

According to US Recommended Daily Supplement (RDA), people who are 19 years or older require at least 15 milligrams of Vitamin E each day. Good sources of Vitamin E are eggs, tomato juice, apples, avocados, spinach, potatoes, turnips, etc.

Having a beautiful skin will definitely improve the appearance of a person. Achieving this is easy; it only takes knowledge about Vitamin E and the proper intake of it.

2. Vitamin C.

This is very essential to the body and its appearance; lack of it causes Scurvy. This disease causes inflamed and bleeding gums that result in tooth loss, slow wound healing, bumps on the legs and arms, and easy bruising.

Vitamin C comes from citrus fruits such as limes, grapefruit, and oranges. It can also be found in vegetables such as green peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

3. Vitamin D.

This improves the posture by protecting the bones and muscles. An adequate supply of vitamin D3 (also known as calcium) protects a person from Osteoporosis. Obtaining this vitamin from food alone may not be easy, and for this reason it is recommended to consider using supplements. The most common sources of Vitamin D are oysters, clams, etc.; fish such as salmon and sardines; eggs, beef liver, etc.

4. Vitamin B.

There are 8 groups of B-complex vitamins; these are B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or Niacin, B6 or pyridoxine, B9 or folic acid, B12 or cyanocobalamin, etc. They provide energy for the body and make skin healthy.

Vitamin B can be found in cereal, rice, meat, corn, nuts, cheese, meat, eggs, etc.

Vitamins, like food, are essential for keeping the body in good shape and improve its appearance. Getting them is as easy as ABC. Eating a well balanced diet combined with taking vitamins is the way to go.

Designer Handbags Are All The Rage!

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:19:00 +0000

Without a doubt, designer handbags are all the rage! Women seem to collect them the way young boys collect comic books. Without a doubt, there is a handbag to suit your many styles and moods, from sophisticated and chic to adventurous and playful. All designer handbags have unique traits that distinguish one brand from another. Designers purposely create unique symbols or details to accentuate the differences between themselves and other designers.

Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular and best-selling handbag designers. These bags are known for the high standards of quality and state-of-the-art craftsmanship put into each and every design. Elegant, but astonishingly innovative, Louis Vuitton guarantees perfection in his multitude of high quality products. Uniquely branded with a patterned design, Louis Vuitton handbags tower above the competition.

Chanel handbags are well known for their clean lines and top quality materials. The polished chain and bold brand symbol on every bag sets them apart from their peers. The clean lines and simple femininity of these designs makes them both accessible and functional for everyday use or a night out on the town. Chanel handbags are known for their classy designs, neutral colors, and their oh-so-popular brand power. A girl cannot go wrong with Chanel.

Coach handbags are known for their soft, supple, glove-tanned leather. In recent years, Coach designers have evolved to explore various shapes, styles, and materials without sacrificing the principles of classic design. At the same time, there is something uniquely American about these wonderful purses. Coach has developed into an easily-recognizable brand of superior quality handbags.

Burberry handbags are known for their distinctive plaid pattern. Their handbags come in various sizes and shapes, and there is sure to be one to please even the most distinguishing shopper. These purses are designed for a woman that is both strong and sophisticated. Burberry purses have become extremely popular in recent times, especially with younger girls looking to explore more traditional designs.

These are but a few of the designers producing quality merchandise for the masses. There are as many designers as there are purse styles, but you are sure to be pleased with anything produced by the designers mentioned above. They are the giants of the fashion industry right now. With the recent release of their latest designs, you can be the first of your friends to own one. Happy shopping, ladies!

What You Need To Know About Cosmetic Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:40:00 +0000

Everyone wants to be perfectly beautiful and to attain it, people discover to change all those flaws. Cosmetic surgery is one sure way to have a perfect beauty but one must be open to the outcomes and dangers of the surgery. One has to find a good surgeon that would perform the operations to avoid complications. Hematoma is one, it occurs when blood collects under the skin, looking at first like a huge black and blue mark. Nerve injuries are rare but they can occur in the forehead or cheek, making the face flaccid and without expression on one side. The patient can vomit and risk congesting the lungs, or fluctuating blood pressure can result in sustained bleeding. Many people suffer from depression after surgery, partly because of the long-term after-effects of the anesthetics and painkillers they take.

Implanting a highly purified form of soluble collagen just beneath the skin promises to change all that known as collagen implants, the new system came originally from research done at Stanford University, where scientist developed a new way of processing bovine collagen into an odorless, whitish substance with the consistency of soft paste. Silicone is another substance, which can be injected into fine lines to smooth them out.

The modern high-technology version of skin peels involves the use of chemicals such as salicylic acid, resorcin and –best-known- phenol and tricholoroacetic acid (TCA). They are designed to eliminate fine lines on the face and they work best on fair complexioned, thin- skinned people with fine wrinkles. TCA can be use to give only a light peel, taking off the outermost part of the epidermis. This is particularly helpful for removing uneven pigmentation when it is used in very light concentration, but it does little to alter the look of long-term wrinkles.

Similar to a peel, dermabrasion can go beyond it in that it affects not only fine wrinkles but also deeper acne scars and sunspots. It can be used to treat frown lines, smile lines, vertical wrinkles, naso-labial lines and fine lines around the mouth. Dermabrasion is often used after a chemical peel on areas of the face that need further treatment.

Port wine stains, strawberry birth marks and other disfiguring blemishes caused by abnormal concentrations of capillaries beneath the skin surface used to be a matter for concealment alone. The argon laser- a finely focused hot beam of light able to burn tissue at incredible speed and with exceptional precision can treat many of these disfiguration easily, painlessly and in the doctor’s office. The helium-neon laser is used cosmetically to improve the look of aging skin. It is not as dangerous as hot laser and tends to be used on specific points on the face many of which correspond to acupuncture points. This non-surgical lift consists of beaming these points with the laser light then directing it along facial lines on the forehead, around the eyes, facial lines and mouth.

CHOCOLATE – HEART MEDICINE

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Sat, 24 May 2008 03:39:00 +0000

An every day ratio of dark bitter chocolate could help prevent heart diseases, according to a study realized by a team of Swiss researchers. The Swiss researchers say that the anti-oxidants from chocolate could prevent the blood veins to become smaller and less wide.

The research team came to this conclusion after testing on a group of 20 volunteers, which were smokers without health problems. The subjects were asked not to eat any types of aliments rich in anti-oxidants such as apples, onion and cabbage and after that they were given 40 grams of different types of chocolate.

Two hours after consuming the chocolate, the echo-graph showed that black chocolate, with a cocoa percent of at least 74%, significantly improved the blood flow. Additionally, ulterior tests showed that the risk of encountering blood accidents and blockages has been decreased to half of the initial risk. However, white chocolate did not achieve similar effects. The researches that performed the study say that dark chocolate contain the biggest quantity of anti-oxidants for one gram than any other products like red vine, green tea or forests fruits.

Chocolate is indeed an aliment that has many anti-oxidant elements in it. But it also contains fats and glucoses in huge quantities. So, it can cause weight problems if excessively consumed.
The best thing to do is to adjust your chocolate portion to your actual weight and to the amount of physical effort you make everyday. Persons that are involved in a great deal of effort can consume chocolate without fearing weight problems. But the ones that don’t, like people working in offices, sitting all day on a chair and not doing any kind of sports are confronted with a big problem if they eat too much chocolate. If the organism doesn’t call for sweets, like it does when we are cold, tired or worn out, then the chocolate use should be reduced to a minimal portion a day.

Putting In And Removing Contact Lenses

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:13:00 +0000

If you are new to contact lenses, there are 2 things that you will need to overcome - putting your contacts in and taking them out. Even though you may have got in some practice with your doctor during your fitting exam, you’ll find things to be totally different once you step in front of your mirror at home and try to do it by yourself.

The first thing you’ll notice is that it can be tricky to put your contacts in. If you are putting them in for the first time, it can be a little tricky getting them in your eye. With a few days or a few weeks to practice, you’ll be more than comfortable with your lenses. Always keep in mind that no one is perfect, it takes all of us time to get good at it. Below, are a few tips that will help you with inserting and removing your contacts.

Putting your contacts in

Before you put your hands on your contacts, you should make sure that you clean your hands thoroughly, and that you dry them off. Once your hands are clean, sit the contact lens on your index finger. Next, place a drop of solution in the center of the lens. Now, use your other hand and pull down your lower eye lid with your thumb then look up with the eye you will be inserting the contact lens into.

Take your index finger with the contact on it and place it into your eye. Don’t close your eye immediately, rather leave it open for a few seconds to let the contact settle. After a few seconds, close your eye and your contact should be perfectly in place. If it feels uncomfortable, take it out and try again. It may take you a few tries, although the more you put them in the better you’ll get at it.

Taking your contacts out

Same as before, you want to make sure that your hands are clean and dry. When you are ready to take them out, look up with your eye then use your fingers to grab the contact by the sides and pull it out. You can normally get it out on the first try, with a little practice. Once the contact is out, blink a few times to clear your eyes. If it doesn’t want to come out, put some drops in your eye to moisten it up, then try again.

Contact lenses are a great innovation to vision correction, and they are easier to use than most people may think. Once you have worn contacts for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find that it becomes second nature to put them in and take them out. Once you have got the hang of it, you’ll be able to put them in and remove them in a matter of seconds.

Dream Your Life ------ Impossible is Just a Word

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:56:00 +0000

Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning homer? Who hasn't dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships?

Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that – dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic.

This is a sad turn of events in our life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.

But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher.

The most common problem to setting goals is the word impossible. Most people get hung up thinking I can't do this. It's too hard. It's too impossible. No one can do this.

However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.

Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Unfortunately for the bumblebee no one has told it so. So fly it does.

On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result? Broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.

If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream.

Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that that are ‘impossible for you to do.’

Now look at all the headers strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header - the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’

As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’

As you iterate through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all.

You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic.

Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned.

On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities.

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams, there has to be hard work and discipline. But take note that the 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily accomplished one.

Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.

So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the impossible has just become a little bit more possible.

Latest Fashion Trends in Unique Handbags and Purses

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:15:00 +0000

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you’re tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market is an exciting and exotic new world.

The variety of unique handbag and purse designs keeps getting bigger, better and more innovative all the time, but as with every kind of fashion accessory, interesting trends emerge with every new season. Here is a brief rundown of what’s coming in unique purses and handbags.

Cloth Purses
Cloth purses are very casual fashion items, so colorful fabrics and whimsical patterns are the strongest trend. If you love bold colors and striking contrasts you’ll have a great time shopping for cloth purses this season.

A cloth purse is mostly a spring/summer fashion accessory, so expect to see warm colors, and light breezy cotton or nylon fabrics. Fresh, summery patterned fabrics with flowers, fruits and ladybugs are always popular.

Also very fashionable is the clever and practical reversible cloth purse. You can literally turn the purse inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern, so you have two purses in one.

Monogrammed handbags
Monogrammed bags and purses never really go out of style, and this season we’ll see a huge range of colors, shapes sizes and styles.

A strong upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. Soft leather is a beautiful fabric for handbags because it’s durable, always very stylish, and it goes with everything. Sling handbags are very comfortable to carry, and perfect either for business or as a casual accessory.

Monogrammed tote bags
Tote bags are the most casual fashion accessory of all, and perfect for the beach, for picnics, or for a little shopping. Monogrammed tote bags are also great for kids to carry their school books or gym clothes, and having their initials or name printed on the bag means they won’t lose it.

Soft cotton canvas is the classic fabric for tote bags, and we’ll see an abundance of canvas tote bags this season.

The big trend for monogrammed tote bags will be big initials, printed across the whole side panel of the bag in big, bold colors. A single first initial of your first name as a monogram has a casual, whimsical kind of feel.

Dog purses
Everyone loves dogs, which is why the fashion for handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous dachshund, poodle, beagle, yorkie or dalmatian just keeps getting stronger and stronger every year. Dog purses are a great gift idea for anyone whose best friend is their beloved hound.

Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag, so your bag, like your dog, will be truly one of a kind.

Photo purses
Photo purses are simply ultra-cool, and the most individual and personal of fashion statements. You can have your own photo of anything you like printed onto a purse or handbag, like a special person in your life, your cat, dog or bird, or even your car.

A very trendy idea is to use a romantic old photograph of a relative as a model for your photo purse, so you can cherish their memory wherever you go.

Initial purses
Initial purses are a fashion accessory with a personal touch, and they make wonderful gifts. You can have just about any kind of purse printed, embroidered or embossed with a single initial or set of two or three initials in a wide variety of styles.

As for handbags, leather will be a big trend in the upcoming season for purses. We’ll see lots of small leather purses with a comfortable sling shoulder strap, elegantly embossed with two or three initials.

Cigar box purses
Cigar box purses are another strong trend for the coming year. They’re literally made from a wooden cigar box, fitted with a clasp and a handle, and embossed with an artistic or photographic image.

The most fashionable cigar box purses are decorated with advertising images from the glamorous 1920’s and 30’s. European advertising artwork from that period has a particularly elegant and alluring style, so we’ll be seeing a lot of Cinzano, Cognac and French Perfume labels on cigar box purses.

Hobo purses
Hobo purses can be cool and casual for shopping, or groovy and glamorous to go with evening wear.

Casual style hobo purses come in suede or leather, and soft colors like pastel pinks, beige, cream and white are very much in vogue.

A new look for hobo purses which is on the way in is a small purse in a gold or silver mesh fabric, or even ultra-glamorous sequins and rhinestones. These purses are a new take on the traditional evening purse, and make an eye-catching alternative.

Clutch handbags
Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they’re the perfect size to carry all those little necessities.

The big look for clutch purses and clutch handbags in the coming year will be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.

Can Gardening Help You to Look Good?

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:35:00 +0000

Gardening and other outdoor activities can enhance your body metabolism. Outdoor projects help you to be active and enjoy your family. You may do gardening with your family to keep you away from being isolated in the living room watching television.

Working in the garden can be comparable to exercising. This will keep you from gaining unwanted weight and will give you a physically active body. Many experts agree that outdoor activities like gardening are a way to keep you busy and active. A regular physical activity in the work area will help you achieve a desired body shape. Here are ways gardening can help you look and feel good.

1. You may work on your wind chimes; there are many designs to choose from. Give your garden a patio or deck design that will complement the whole environment on a windy day. A pleasant environment will make you happy and look good.

2. Tend your plants every morning. Use the different tools available when watering, potting, and cultivating the soil. This is a form of weight-lifting exercises, which is good for your health and metabolism.

3. Gardening can help you breathe fresh air. This outdoor activity will not confine you inside your house. Gardening gives you a reason to go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air that is needed to keep you healthy.

4. Gardens may appear stark without large green plants and beautiful flowers. Flowers have been proven to release people from depression. The flowers that you see in your garden will release stress and relax you.

5. The fruits and vegetables you reap from your garden are essential in keeping you healthy. Gardening will allow you to eat healthy foods and they promote a healthy lifestyle.

6. Gardening is a leisure activity that will allow you to avoid unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. Smoking and alcohol have been proven to make the skin dry and can cause diseases. Instead of wasting your time with these unhealthy habits, you can occupy your time by gardening.

Gardening is the best way for you to be actively working. You may not need to enroll in a weight loss program where you would be spending hundreds of dollars for the program. You can maintain your beautiful body figure as you work enjoyably in your garden.

Why wit is always beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:27:00 +0000

Society's obsession with beauty has made it the primary consideration among people of all ages and of any gender. They strive to attain improvements with clothes and other products to make themselves beautiful and they spend thousands of dollars on vanity products. There's nothing wrong with that, but……..

Man's proclivity for all things bright and beautiful is understandable because it is society's measure of success and popularity. However, there are many people who spend most of their time trying to be physically beautiful yet they forget to fill their minds with the right ingredients for intelligence.

It is easy to be beautiful but it takes a lot of hard work to become intelligent, even if you are blessed with the genes to be so. But why should you consider being smart if you are already beautiful?

Most people look at beauty in terms of a person's physical characteristics, but real beauty is beyond those long-lashes and those pouting lips. Real beauty is the total well-being of a person. It is the totality of a person in terms of his physical appearance and mental sharpness, his culture and experiences in life.

It may be a cliché but it is true that “physical beauty means more than a person’s “good looks”. A person's mind is part of his physique and what better way to make your physique attractive than to nurture your mind.

While beauty of the face and body is the first thing that attracts one person to another, it takes more than these two physical characteristics to be considered beautiful in the long run.

Men and women have become so concerned with physical beauty that they tend to forget that what really makes a person beautiful are the words and ideas that come from his mind and mouth.

Imagine having to just stare at a beautiful girl for days without being able to talk to her because she is not intelligent? Or having to endure looking at an Adonis-looking male for hours because he does not know how to carry on a conversation?

Enhancing one's physical appearance is an important factor that is necessary if we are to survive in this “rat race” which favors the beautiful over intelligence or the ugly. However, plain physical beauty with nothing between the ears will cause people to lose interest.

It is important to note that while physical beauty fades with age, a beautiful mind will always persist, no matter for how long, or no matter what it takes.

Meditate to Stay Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Just Me) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:41:00 +0000

It has been accepted by many societies that meditation brings about certain positive effects on a person’s well-being. Meditation has been known to improve energy levels and help a person achieve peace of mind. But another fact about meditation that is not well known to most people is that it helps a person improve his appearance.

Yes, meditation not only brings spiritual benefits but also physical well-being. It is associated with increasing melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that is important in supporting the immune system, slows down cell damage, delays the process of aging, and promotes restful and deep sleep. It is also associated with improving a person’s energy levels and inhibiting the growth of the dreaded cancer cells.

Melatonin is a substance that is produced by the brain’s pineal gland. The pineal gland has been dubbed the “seat of the soul” by the famous philosopher, Descartes. It is also taught by the Hindus that the pineal gland’s location is influential to the happiness of the person.

The researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center made some great discoveries about the effect of meditation on the production of melatonin. They observed that the people who were engaged in some type of meditation obtained higher levels of melatonin than the people who did not meditate. This finding was recently confirmed by a recent study which was published in the Biological Psychology Journal.

The section below contains some tips on how to meditate:

-Find a serene and quiet location.

The environment is very important in meditating. One must free himself from all distractions which can be brought about by the surrounding environment.

-Be comfortable

Once a good location is obtained, one can sit on a chair or sit on the floor with the legs crossed (Indian style) to start meditating. The head, shoulders, neck and back should be comfortable and no stress should be felt.

-Focus

Meditating involves being aware of oneself and your activities. You must free your mind of other thoughts which are related to the past and the future, and you must feel the present and be able to focus on the self.

-Feel the breathing

Feeling the air enter and exit your lungs is a good way to start meditating. It means that you have achieved the focus that is needed to go into a deeper level of meditation.

-Observe your thoughts

The mind tends to fly away when meditating, stay with your thoughts and observe the activities of the mind.

These are some tips on how to meditate. Meditation is not only good for the soul but also for your physical appearance. Try it!