Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

by: Adam Jackson

Laser hair removal is considered to be one of the safest methods for permanent hair removal. In this method, a low-energy laser is applied over the unwanted hair growing areas. The hair follicles in these areas will get damaged by the pulsating light emitted by the laser beam. The hair gets burnt out without damaging adjacent skin and tissues.

Usually a patch test will be performed on the clients to verify that the correct laser and intensity are being used. A qualified professional will do this patch test prior to the laser hair removal procedure.

The main benefit of having laser hair removed is that it can be performed on a large area of the body in one sitting. Moreover, this procedure doesn’t require anesthesia, as this operation can be performed with minimal discomfort. Simple local or topical anesthetic will be used on the persons who experience a higher degree of discomfort.

After completing several treatments, nearly 95 percent of unwanted hairs can be eliminated. Sometimes the hair growth is noticed in the treated area, which will be very coarse. The main advantage of this hair removal method is that it doesn’t require hospitalization, medications, needles or follow-up medical care.

Immediately after treatment with laser hair removal, mild reddening may occur at the place of treatment. This will go away within 24 hours. The laser treated hairs will shed within 1-2 weeks after laser hair removal treatment.

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Choosing A Perfume

Choosing A Perfume

by: Sara Blackmoore

The choice of fragrances and scents seems to grow wider every day, as manufacturers fight for our attention and try ever harder to distinguish their offerings from the competition. With such a selection to choose from, how does one even begin to know where to start when it comes to buying perfume?

Broadly speaking, all perfumes fall into one of six different categories based on their dominant top notes. Different categories will suit different people or occasions.

Earthy or woody type perfumes evoke smells of the forest, and are usually very refreshing. They often tend to appeal to the older generation, and may make ideal gifts.

Oriental fragrances use strong spicy scents, and are ideal for special social occasions, but be cautious giving them to anyone you don’t know well – these intense perfumes can be a very personal choice.

The so-called “greens” are much lighter than the orientals, and are well suited to more casual wear. Because they make a less dramatic assault on the nose, they are also safer to give as gifts!

Modern “oceanic” fragrances are becoming more and more popular, particularly among younger people who appreciate the intense but often quite unusual scents, which instantly bring to mind seaside scenes. Naturally these are an excellent choice in the warmer months when thoughts turn to holidays.

Spicy fruity perfumes are also a good warm-weather choice, and can be a good all-round choice for the woman who wants to wear something with some traditional base-notes but is a little different to the classic floral scents.

Finally, those classic floral fragrances are suitable for almost everyone and any occasion. But be wary of cheaper brands; this most feminine of all the main groups works best when the ingredients used are of high quality, and that means less expensive brands can smell exactly that.

Ultimately, choosing a fragrance is a very personal choice, and many women prefer to stick with what they know and buy the same thing year after year. But by trying different fragrances from the same group as your favourite smell, you may just discover a new gem.

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How To Enjoy Salon Conditioning Treatments At Home

How To Enjoy Salon Conditioning Treatments At Home

by: Jenny Andrews

We all know that professional hair-care products are best, but what happens if you can’t find something that you like or can afford in professional product lines? Are there any products that you can purchase from the department store that will not cause too much damage? You bet there is, but you have to be choosy and have an eye for detail.

When it comes to over-the-counter hair care products, pricy does not always equal high-quality. In fact, the most inexpensive shampoos are often your best bet. We’ve all seen those commercials that claim that a certain shampoo can make your hair shiny, thick and strong from within, but the reality is that there is no shampoo that you can put on the outside of your hair to change its internal structure. Shampoos and conditioners merely mask the problem until your next shampoo.

Knowing this, some hair care manufacturers have started using ingredients that coat the hair strand and remain even after you shampoo the next time. To the consumer, it seems like the product is working because their hair feels so much better. But what they are really feeling is the build up of these materials, and extreme build up is responsible for hair breakage, spotty color jobs, inability of hair to hold curl and a host of other problems.

This problem involving product build up is your number one concern when purchasing non-professional products. Granted, you might not be able to get a product that conditions as well as a professional product, but you’re not going to do any damage to your hair if you use the non-professional product. So, that means that you must keep your eye out for products that can build up on your hair and avoid them at all costs.

Avoiding hairsprays and gels that build up on your hair is fairly easy. You can almost tell that something is horribly wrong the first time you shampoo your hair after using the product. The tale, tale white gunk and flakes tell you so. But when it comes to spotting build up caused by shampoo and conditioners, the signs are not as obvious. The first thing that you should watch out for is the feeling that your hair has already been conditioned after you shampoo it. Most of the time, you will be able to feel a coating on your hair when your hair should be squeaky clean. You can also check for product build up by running the sharp edge of a pair of scissors down a section of hair. If a white gunk appears on the scissor blade, that’s build up.

Fortunately, most of the products that can build up on your hair are the more expensive products. These are the products that claim to work miracles and make your hair strong enough to be used as a tow cable. So, if in doubt, stick with the tried and true hair care products that contain only the essential ingredients.

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7 Tips for Choosing a Fantastic Make-up Mirror

Want to Dranatically Improve How Good You Look? 7 Tips for Choosing a Fantastic Make-up Mirror

by: Mark Stephen Thevenot

1) Lighted mirrors – good lighting is critical. Incandescent halo lighting is best. It produces low heat and soft light, is glare and shadow-free and makes facial details more visible.

2) Variable light - choose a make-up mirror with variable settings. Some mirrors offer 4 settings; day/evening and home/office.

3) Magnification – 3x to 8x mirrors are adequate for most makeup applications. I prefer two-sided mirrors with 1x magnification on the reverse side, but this a personal preference. Make–up mirrors in the 3x to 8x magnification range enable fine tweezing, detailing, blending and quantity control. Magnification strength up to12x is available, if you are interested in seeing individual skin pores.

4) Optical quality – purchasing an optically correct “OC” mirror is very important if you wear glasses or contact lens. OC make-up mirrors allow distortion free viewing without them. They are also great for putting on contact lens.

5) Hands free – some of us are nimble enough to hold a make-up mirror, apply eye liner and drive to work at the same time. However, a hands free mirror is generally safer and easier to use. Your make-up mirror should have a stable non-slip base and be height and angle adjustable.

6) Style – consider where your make-up mirror will be stationed, then make your selection based on functionality first and décor second.

7) Size does matter! – consider width, height and mirror angle. If choosing a wall mount, be sure it will fit on you wall and extend far enough to reach your face. If the mirror light requires 110V, you must select a hard wire or a cord model. Be sure you can access an electrical outlet. Vanity models should be height and angle adjustable so you will not have to bend over it or stack books under it. If you are purchasing makeup mirrors for your store’s cosmetics counter, think of your customers, including those in a wheelchair. Travel models should fold or include a case to protect the mirror surface and must be small enough to fit in your travel bag.

A fantastic make-up mirror can improve how you see yourself and how others see you as well. Choose wisely!

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Gift Ideas for Mom

Gift Ideas for Mom

Ah, what to buy for beloved mom for Christmas. Here's a list of gift ideas for mom that are sure to make her smile.

Okay, she is probably tired of getting bubble bath and so on. This year, you need to get her a unique gift. You can find these gift ideas for mom by searching for the product on any search engine.

1. Terry Velour Spa Wrap - In the bathroom theme, but so much more, the Terry Velour Spa Wrap is a great unique gift. The wrap is super soft, warm and is put on when getting out of the shower or bath. It has a velcro strap to ensure a snug fit and is a definite keeper with moms. You can expect to pay $40 for this unique gift.

2. Shiitake Mushroom Log - If mom likes to cook, she is going to love this very unique gift. The Shiitake Mushroom Log is exactly what it says, a wooden log on which she can grow gourmet Shiitake mushrooms for years. The log comes with instructions and starts producing mushrooms within 10 to 20 days. After the first crop, the log will continue to produce mushrooms every 8 weeks or so for years. A very unique gift that shows you put some effort into finding her a gift. The Shiitake Mushroom Log will set you back roughly $40

3. Picture Time - If you really want to make an impression, gather up your siblings and get a professional portrait done of all of you together. Next, get a custom made calligraphy card thanking Mom for putting up with all of your antics and always being there. A unique gift that is guaranteed to bring tears of happiness to her eyes. Prices will range depending on your location, so make sure to shop different photography studios. Also, make sure you see examples of their work so you can determine if you like the style.

4. Salsa Dancing Lessons - On occasion, moms need a little spice in their life. Nothing is spicier than salsa dancing lessons. Practically every metropolitan area has salsa dancing studios where mom and dad can learn the Latin dance style. Price range from location to location, but expect to spend $50 to $200 for two to four lessons. A very unique gift for mom.

5. Nomad Writing Journals - If mom likes to travel, the outdoors or just document family activities, these writing journals will be a hit. The journals come pre-organized for a variety of subjects such as travel, camping, hiking and bird watching. Each journal contains blank spaces for notes as well as cue areas to remind her to write down information such as places stayed, people met and their contact information and so on. The journals cost as low as $9 without waterproof case and $25 with case.

If you're looking gift ideas for mom, the above list should do the trick.

by: Rick Chapo

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The History and Evolution of the Sexy Thong

The History and Evolution of the Sexy Thong

by: Rick Freedom

The loincloth, worn thousands of years ago is likely to be the first undergarment worn by humans and it evolved into the thong over the years. Ironically, it was first worn by men in ancient times before it evolved into part of women’s lingerie in modern times. The Egyptians were one of the earliest people to wear this thong-like clothing. The earliest loincloths were made of leather and this was used until the introduction of fabric much later on. The famous King Tutankhamun was found buried with more than a hundred loincloths in his tomb.

Some people in ancient Greece, Rome and Japan also wore loincloths. In Japan, sumo wrestlers in particular are known to wear a loincloth when they are wrestling. In fact, right up to this very day, they still wear this.

In the middle ages, the loincloth was replaced by a large, loose outfit called ’braies’. This was usually made from linen and is much bigger than the loincloth. The braies is made with a covering at the front that could be buttoned or tied closed.

In modern times, historians trace the thong’s first public appearance to 1939 when New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia directed that the city's nude exotic dancers to dress more appropriately.

Fashion designer, Rudi Gernreich was credited with introducing the first modern thong back in 1974. The thong was worn for many years by exotic Brazilian dancers and was very widely worn during the festivals. These tight, tiny thongs grew in popularity during the 80s in South America and were used as swimwear at the beaches. Its popularity and influence spread to various parts of the world in the late 90s.

In the US, the sexy thong only gained wide acceptance in the 90s when exotic lingerie came into the mainstream. Today, the thong is one of the best selling styles of undergarment in the world. The size of the lingerie industry is said to be over US$2 billion a year.

The thong became so popular that there were even songs written about it. The most famous one was of course ‘The Thong Song’ by Sisqo under the Def Soul label. The Thong Song from Sisqo’s debut album ‘Unleash The Dragon’ was such a big hit that it reached number 3 on the US pop charts and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

Besides the sexy thong, there are also many different types and variants of exotic lingerie available in the market today. Some of the different types of lingerie available include the chemise, camisole, boy shorts, bustiers, corsets, teddy and G-string.

Many designers today have come up with very flamboyant and creative designs and the thongs today are very different from the designs of yesteryears. It is extremely minimalist, erotic and chic. Many women prefer the thong to other types of lingerie because they can wear tight pants without showing the panty line. Besides being extremely sexy, the thong is also comfortable to wear. You can find out more about sexy thongs and romantic dating ideas at http://www.1sexythong.com.

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How To Have a Fabulous and Memorable Prom Night

How To Have a Fabulous and Memorable Prom Night

Prom is a night for graduating seniors to celebrate their twelve plus years of school. It is one of the last few times that your class will get together and have a good time. It is a time when you realize that you are leaving high school behind and are growing up and becoming a young adult. It is a time for graduating seniors to make a great memory and here are some ideas to have a fabulous and memorable prom night:

1. Create a prom scrapbook. Fill a binder with mementos such as the price tag from your dress, your corsage, your ticket stubs— anything that has to do with prom night. Then decorate the outside of the scrapbook with a collage of your favorite prom pictures. Theme the scrapbook with the same theme as your prom.

2. Be organized with your prom planning. Have a checklist of everything you need to get done for prom including your dress, activities before and after and who you are going with. Also, plan your pre-dance dinner if needed well ahead of time. Prom night is a popular night for local restaurants, so reserve a table for you and your date at least a month prior to the event.

3. Be sure to rest before the big night. Having fun on prom night will use up a lot of energy. You will be stressed from all the preparations and with all the dancing you will be doing, you need to make sure that you get a good night’s sleep before prom and maybe even take a nap the day of prom. If you talked your parents into extending curfew on prom night, you will need all the sleep you can get beforehand. Believe me you will have more fun if you are not dead tired.

4. Most students find the prom a lot more fun if they go in a group. Couples can share a car, and several cars can go together and arrive at the dance at the same time. Or super size your prom ride by renting a minibus. Pass around a list and recruit your group. A ride this size costs less than a limo does per person. You will all arrive together and you can all sit together at the same table and enjoy each other's company all evening. Remember that the earlier you arrive, the better your chances will be of finding an empty table where you can all sit together.

5. You may want to get together at one person's house to take group pictures and have hors d'oeuvres. Throw kind of a pre-prom “mocktail party” with virgin drinks. This gives everyone an opportunity to get a good start on the evening. It will also give parents a chance to make a fuss over all of you and take as many pictures as they want. They will probably be having as much fun as you are.

6. Buy a bunch of one time use cameras and pass them around to your friends. Set a goal to use every last picture before the night is through. Hopefully, you will want to remember this night forever and this way you will get plenty of candid shots.

7. Dance away the night. Don’t be a wall flower on prom night. Get up and dance! If you don’t want to slow dance with your prom date, don’t let that stop you from having fun. Pull your friends onto the floor and dance in a circle.

8. Sometimes students don't spend much time at the dance, but just show up for pictures and leave. These are the ones that really miss out on the fun. This may be the last time you will be seeing a lot of the people you have spent the last four years of high school with. It may be the biggest party you will ever attend where you know so many people in attendance. Enjoy it and have a great time! You'll remember it when you look back years later, and it will be a good memory.

9. Take care of your belongings. Don't leave valuables on the table or in bathrooms. Even if you think you know everyone at the dance, it would be very sad to lose a camera or your money just because you were careless and left it sitting around unattended.

10. After prom is over, be playful and have fun. Some suggestions: After prom, go bowling or to a late-night arcade. There’s nothing like friendly competition to really get everyone laughing. Or go to a late night diner all dressed up and order fries and a milk shake; it’ll hit the spot and you’ll get lots of attention. You can even gather in a friend’s house or backyard or on the beach, take your shoes off, turn up the music and really dance. Even the most ordinary things become more fun when you’re dressed up! You’re only in high school once. You might as well enjoy your night and make it last as long as you can.

Prom is a wonderful way to celebrate with your class but please don’t make choices on prom night that you will regret later. Don’t drink or use drugs as both impair your judgment, can hurt you and are illegal. You want this to be a night you can remember in a good way not a bad one.

by: Patricia Kopp

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7 Tips For Boys On Reducing Acne

7 Tips For Boys On Reducing Acne

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of acne is certainly no exception.

Many people believe that boy's puberty and acne should not be seen as a problem but boys might disagree. Acne can have an affect on the confidence of the young man and makes this transitional time harder to live with.

Boys, puberty and acne can be controlled if you know what to do. When the boy starts showing signs of acne you can try changing his diet. Some folks agree that eating greasy foods or foods that contain chocolate may add to the problem of boys, puberty and acne. Although most experts disagree with this acne myth.

It is important for the boy to keep his face clean. There are many products on the market that can be used for cleansing if acne is a problem. Boys during puberty may find these products to be helpful.

Sometimes puberty and stress can combine to make acne even worse. Find the causes of stress and work on reducing or eliminating it. The acne itself can lead to stress and then you have a vicious cycle. A boy during puberty does not need the added stress of acne.

When you are dealing with boys during puberty it is helpful to know some things about acne. Here are some tips about boys during puberty who are experiencing acne.

Acne tip #1: Take the condition seriously. Acne outbreaks may not seem like a big deal to you but they may be a big deal to a boy during puberty.

Now that we've covered those aspects of acne, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Acne tip #2: Suggest a gentle skin cleaning regimen rather than severe scrubbing with harsh cleaners. A mild cleanser that can be used twice a day is all that is needed.

Acne tip #3: Ask a doctor or dermatologist for skin car advice. A health care professional will be able to guide you as far as a good cleaning program.

Acne tip #4: It is not a good idea to squeeze or pick at blemishes. This practice only makes the acne worse, and makes the scars last longer.

Acne tip #5: Try using acne skin care products that do not promote blemishes. There are skin care products that are labeled as non-comedogenic that should not clog pores.

Acne tip #6: If the boy is shaving try using different types of razors. Sometimes an electric razor is the best but for other boys a safety razor will be more comfortable.

Acne tip #7: If the acne is severe you may need a dermatologist to prescribe a medication for the boy during puberty. Sometimes a prescription is necessary to lessen the affects of the acne.

Boys during puberty need a lot of support and understanding. Discovering the best way to combat an acne condition will help a teenager during puberty so that he can deal with all the other changes that he is going through.

So now you know a little bit about acne. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

by: Daniel Lesser

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Jewelry Cleaning - The Cheap and Easy Way

Jewelry Cleaning - The Cheap and Easy Way

by: Ricky Alberta

There is no need to waste money on fancy jewelry cleaning solutions. You can save money by cleaning your jewelry at home using things you'll find in any kitchen or bathroom.

Cleaning Your Silver Jewelry

Use a soft bristle toothbrush with mild soap and warm water to restore the shine and brilliance of silver jewelry. Avoid immersing your sterling silver jewelry into jewelry cleaning dips, they should be cleaned by hand. Use a soft cloth to buff your silver jewelry for a nice, clean shine.

Cleaning Your Diamond Rings & Jewelry

Use a solution of six parts water and one part ammonia. Use a soft bristle toothbrush or toothpick to remove any dirt or particles from any crevices. Rinse well in water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Gold, Platinum and other Gemstone Jewelry

Use a solution of mild dishwashing liquid, like Ivory. Soak jewelry in this solution for a few minutes, then lightly brush away any dirt with a soft brush. Rinse with lukewarm water and air dry or buff with a soft cloth. Be sure not to soak any soft stones like turquoise, amber or lapis, as soaking can damage their polish. For particularly dirty gold jewelry, soak in alcohol or ammonia before cleaning.

Cleaning Pearls

A mild soap and water solution works well for cleaning pearls. Then wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Costume Jewelry & Rhinestones

Use a soft brush to sweep away any dirt and dust. Use window cleaner, like Windex, sprayed on a soft, lint free cloth to clean the stones surface. Also try alcohol on a q-tip to get in between small spaces.

With just a few minutes of care, your jewelry will be sparkling like new!

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Tips For Girls To Reduce Acne

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about acne. When you start sharing the fascinating acne facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

Tips For Girls To Reduce Acne

Girls go through a great deal of physical and psychological changes during puberty. These changes include body composition, fat distribution, menstruation, growth spurts, body and facial hair growth, body odor and skin changes. The body physically changes as the fat tissue increases in the hips, thighs, and breasts producing the typical hourglass shape of females. With all these changes going on, what effect does acne have on girls during puberty?

During puberty girls experience an increased likelihood and severity of acne from the increased oil secretions in the skin. Puberty is often a difficult time and acne only adds to the difficulty. During puberty girls usually experience increased irritability, mood swings, and feelings of low self esteem. Even girls who have been very sure of themselves may suffer from low self esteem when puberty sets in. These changes may be even more severe in the girl also suffers from acne.

The negative changes in girls during puberty are made even worse if acne is a problem. You can help deal with the changes when you know how to lessen the problems of acne.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Practical Acne Treatments For Girls...

Proper skin care is the first step in treating acne. The face should be gently washed with a facial cleanser. There are many skin care products on the market that may help with acne. To kill the bacteria that cause acne the cleanser should contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. Gentle cleansing is an important factor when dealing with acne. A common mistake is to clean the face too often and with harsh cleansers. Careful cleaning of the face twice a day is the best way to go.

There are some cosmetics that can be detrimental if you are trying to control acne so it is important to use non-comedogenic products. Non-comedogenic products are less likely to cause acne, blackheads or block the pores of the skin. Today there are many non-comedogenic products available, such as makeup, lip stick, moisturizers, and even acne medicated makeup.

The changes experienced during puberty can take a mental and physical toll on girls. The onset of acne certainly makes these changes even harder to deal with. It is a good idea to visit with a dermatologist if the acne can not be controlled with over-the-counter medications. A dermatologist will understand the changes that are associated with acne and will be able to offer advice and treatment programs. It's also important to be understanding and offer support to girls as puberty can be a difficult time to go through.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on acne.

by: Daniel Lesser

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Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion

Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion

by: Lorene Radenz

A great tan is associated with health and beauty. While a bronze look is desirable, especially in the summer or on holiday -- we all know the dangers of the sun's UV rays. Is a temporary tan worth the permanent sun damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer risk? Absolutely not!

You can save time and avoid these risks entirely with sunless tanning lotion. Today's self-tanners give you a deep golden tan, not the orange look of years ago.

Many new self tanning lotions are tinted and these are the ones I recommend. Not only do they give you an initial tan, you're more likely to apply the lotion evenly and avoid streaking.

First, take a shower or bath and exfoliate your skin. Pay special attention to your elbows, knees and any other rough spots. These areas will soak up the self tanning lotion and turn darker so you need to get rid of any dead skin.

Pat yourself dry and pin your hair up. Apply regular body or hand lotion to the dry spots you exfoliated. Allow yourself several minutes to completely dry.

You may choose to wear thin gloves to put on the self tanning lotion and avoid getting it on your hands, but applying it with your bare hands will probably result in a more even application. It's your choice.

Start applying the lotion from the bottom - up, bracing your foot on a chair or stool. Rub in lightly, you can always go back later and apply a second time.

Don't forget the areas that would tan naturally in the sun, the back of your legs, knees, arms, and neck. When applying to your face, remember to smooth it on your eyelids and into your hairline -- avoiding your eyes and hair. For people with sensitive skin, there are self tanning lotions formulated specifically for your face and will result in a more natural look.

If you will be wearing your hair up, don't forget to apply the self tanner on the back of your neck, and behind your ears to look more natural.

When you're finished, wash your hands thoroughly if you chose not to wear gloves, so your palms don't turn an unnatural color. Use a hand towel to dry them completely.

Before the lotion dries, it's more likely to tan what you're wearing too, so let yourself dry and put on some loose clothing. If you're going to be sitting on a cloth chair or couch, sit on a towel to avoid staining.

For a deep, dark tan before a special occasion, apply self tanning lotion before bed, and again in the morning. Before you go out, check yourself in the mirror for any streaks and correct them with a damp paper towel. Apply bronzing powder to your face and shoulders for a finishing touch, and hit the town!

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5 Tips For Choosing Gifts

We all love to receive gifts, whether it’s at Christmas or birthdays, or even a special anniversary. But in order to keep getting gifts, we have to give them to others too. And happily we like that part of the bargain almost as much as the receiving bit. Here are a few tips that may help you choose the right gift for the right person.

1. To help make up your mind you can easily read reviews of gifts you are considering buying at places like Amazon.com, Buy.com, Epinions.com, BizRate.com, etc. And of course, you can even purchase from there too.

2. Price comparison for gifts is easy if you’re switching between sites like Shopping.com, PriceGrabber.com and Cnet.com. The lowest gift price is out there. All you have to do is find it.

3. One problem with gifts that are wearable is getting the right size. You can overcome this by getting gift accessories, such as scarves, belts, hats, etc.

4. It’s obvious, but keeping an up to date list of the birthday, anniversary, etc, dates of your friends and relatives will mean that you’ll always know when it’s time to buy a gift. That way, you’ll probably receive more gifts too when it’s your turn.

5. Always think about the recipient of the gift. Your maiden aunt is unlikely to appreciate a year’s subscription to a risqué glamour magazine, and your young nephew probably doesn’t really want a pair of socks.

Gifts should not be just for Christmas and birthdays. There’s no reason why you can’t give a special gift to someone special just because you want to at any time of the year. It does wonders for a person’s self esteem, and it does wonders for you too: we all really love to give. I hope you can find the time to give to someone today.

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Does Your Bra Fit? Find The Right Size For Your Body?

Does Your Bra Fit? Find The Right Size For Your Body

by: John Barnes

Unless you know your proper bra size, you could be wearing the wrong undergarment. This can be more than just a mild discomfort: bras that are too tight or loose can lead to serious injuries to your neck and back. They can also cause numbness in your hands and fingers. Trying to work with the wrong bra will only leave you in physical pain. When you find a bra that fits correctly, you’ll feel – and look – better.

All the letters and numbers on bras might seem confusing. What’s the difference between A and AA? Are DD and E the same bra, but with different letters? The process is actually easy once you understand what the numbers mean. Fortunately, there’s a fast and simple way to decipher the “code” of the bra industry. Grab a cloth measuring tape – usually the type that a seamstress or tailor will use – and start measuring.

Step One:

Wrap the tape around the area just beneath your breasts. You should pull the tape so that it is snug, but not too tight. Now, subtract five from your measurement. This number is your band size; remember that for later.

Step Two:

Move the tape upward so that it covers the fullest part of your bust. Make sure that the tape is a little loose around your body. Check out your measurement. If you get an odd number, round up. Now, subtract from your band size number.

Step Three:

Now you have your cup size. Your number corresponds to the bra industry’s sizes like this:

AA = less than one inch

A = one inch

B = two inches

C = three inches

D = four inches

E (or DD) = five inches

F (or DDD) = six inches

Now that you’re confident that you have the right bra size, head to your favorite lingerie store and start browsing. You’ve eliminated one of the biggest problems that women face when purchasing these undergarments, so go shop with confidence.

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5 Ways to Entertain Your Kids When They're Off School but Your Home Business is Open

5 Ways to Entertain Your Kids When They're Off School but Your Home Business is Open

1. Put in a DVD/video. What is it about children that they can watch the same movie over and over again? Take advantage of this fact.

2. Barter with the parent of your child's friend. She can take them to a movie or watch them at her house for the day. Just be sure to return the favor on a weekend or day your home business is closed.

3. Check with your local YMCA or museums. Many of them offer special full or half day programs on school holidays.

4. Put them to work. Smaller children can certainly stuff envelopes. Older ones can possible handle data entry. Let them practice their alphabetizing skills with your orders. Either you will get clerical work done by your helpers or they will stay out of your hair so they won't have to help.

5. Hire a babysitter. If schools are closed, that means your high school aged babysitter is off for the day, too. Ask her to watch the kids for a few hours or all day. Then close the door to your office and ask her not to disturb you unless it is an emergency.

by: Megan Corwin

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How to Look Great without Spending a Dime

How to Look Great without Spending a Dime

by: Caterina Christakos

It’s important to develop a smile that delivers a balanced message between “I’m happy you noticed me,” and “I wasn’t born yesterday so don’t even think that you just won round one.”

In other words, you want a smile that is bright, alive, and attractive without making you look like a grinning idiot. And that’s easier to do than you might think.

A good smile is like a good makeup concealer; it can cover up a face that might not be as attractive as you wish it was, or it can draw attention away from some other part of your body that you don’t necessarily want him looking at for the moment.

Developing a good smile is just like developing any other character trait. It takes practice and here’s how you get it. Go into any room where there is a mirror and where you can be alone. Bedroom, bathroom, it doesn’t matter. Then stand in front of the mirror and smile. Smile wide, smile big, smile hard. Make funny faces and laugh at yourself. Think about funny things.

Notice the difference when you smile naturally over something humorous and when you force a smile to appear. Smile until your face hurts, take a break and then start smiling again.

Try to spend at least 30 minutes every day practicing your smile until you can paint it on your face with no effort at all.

If you can’t hit your stride and are unable to find a smile that “works” seek some help from people who smile for a living. Seriously, go to the magazine store, buy some glamour and Hollywood magazines, and bring them back with you to your smile room. Leaf through the magazines until you find a smile you like and then practice, practice, practice until that smile appears whenever you need it.

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Brief History of Italian Fashion

Brief History of Italian Fashion

by: Juliana de Angelis

Italy and Fashion have a very unique and special relationship, and when you consider such names as Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Armani, to name but a few, it's not difficult to see why. But if we look back into the history of Italian Fashion, (e.g. see also the article on Nina Ricci) we start to understand what gave Italy such a status in the Fashion World.

Count Giorgini started the 'Italian Fashion' craze in 1951, when he organised a fashion show to be presented to an International audience in Florence. He then continued to present other fashion shows at his palace, presenting new collections modelled by nobilty against a backdrop of fine arts and scenery. Nobilty would also model new collections at museums or exhibitions next to famous pieces of fine art. This all contributed to elevating the status of Italian fashion, and implanting in everyone's minds that Italian fashion gives you status, is very rich in quality,and almost 'fairytale' like.

In the 1970s and 1980s Milan made its mark as being the Fashion Capital of Italy, and the phrase Made in Italy became universally recognised as meaning 'high quality', and 'high fashion'. Many trade fairs are regularly held in Milan, and it regarded by many as the 'Fashion Capital' of the World.

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