- Menstrual Cycles And Ovarian Cysts

Menstrual Cycles And Ovarian Cysts
by: Hillary Templeton

In the post-menopausal group, I would say 50 percent of those are going to have a cancer risk associated with the cyst, and certainly as one gets older than 50, that increase goes markedly up. Certainly if a 75-year-old woman came in with any type of cyst, that should be looked into aggressively. So the problem in management really is when you have a prepubital girl who comes in and has a documented large cyst, you're going to operate. The post-menopausal woman is going to be followed very aggressively and most likely, she's going to be operated on. The key in management is, the challenge is, well how do you manage the reproductive age group? Which is the majority of where these cysts show up and we'll talk about here, that in a minute.

But I want to say something about the size of cysts. And a cyst depends on your definition. We've already said that a cyst is a fluid filled sac, but how big is it? Clearly it's any size, but most likely a cyst is going to be visible if it's about a centimeter. What is considered as a cyst that bears watching is usually something at three centimeters or greater. And if you have a cyst six centimeters, which is for the non-metric group, sometimes I have to check myself, the, it's about a little over two-and-a-third inches. If a woman presents with a cyst that's two-and-a-third inches, that bears definite watching and rather aggressive management. Indiana University trained Obstetrician Gynecologist, Christopher Freville suggests that certainly very large cysts have the necessity for more aggressive, aggressive management.

When you we have a woman with a cyst who has let's say something less than ten centimeters, it's just noticed. Unless we have substantial pain with that, and again that's one of the criteria we're looking at the age of the woman, we're looking at the size of the cyst and we're looking at the symptoms. Obviously if the woman's in excruciating pain, and we've got a documented cyst, well that bears investigating quickly, perhaps surgery, active imaging because it could be a complicated, complication of the cyst, which we'll talk about. If the cyst in most cases is say less than ten centimeters, and there are no severe symptoms pain associated with it, then most of these can be watched for a period of one to three menstrual cycles, so up to 90 days, come back periodically, have another exam and see if these resolve. Because most of them are going to be the functional cysts, the cyst associated with the period that we talked about in the first category.

Does that mean that you're monitoring them over two or three menstrual cycles that they could well reduce in size after that time?

Absolutely, many of these will go away spontaneously. But as part of the management process, it depends on what is the goal of the reproductive age patient. Again, we've already eliminated the children, they're going to be, they're going to have surgery, most likely. We've already - because there's no reason for a child under the age of 12 to have a cyst, we've already said that the woman over 50, if she has a cyst, say a six centimeter cyst and she's stopped her periods, we could watch her one or two cycles but most likely, it's not going to be a leftover renegade cyst, if it persists more than that, and she needs to have further testing beyond the ultrasound. She needs to have a surgery to actually go in a small incision can be made above the pubic bone a laparotomy and to remove it.

- Staying in Shape Over 40 - What You Need to Know

Staying in Shape Over 40 - What You Need to Know
by: Megan Hazel

Turning 40 can be a powerful and transient event even though many women believe that everything starts to change or even fall apart at 40. This doesn't have to be so! Women can stay strong and competitive, healthy and fit well over the age of 40. There may be some changes you need to make, but it is an important time for you to make these changes so that you can continue to stay in shape.

Some basic dietary changes can help you to supplement your workouts and keep you strong. Calcium, for example, has always been important in a woman's diet, but it is critical to start supplementing calcium now if you haven't already. Bone density begins to decline and if this gets really bad, it can lead to osteoporosis later in life. Ginseng is an herb that can help to give you energy when you start to feel fatigue, and some people swear it is what helps keep them young. Consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables is crucial to keeping yourself young. Not only is it very healthy for your body, it is quite beneficial for your skin as well. Natural foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are full of antioxidants, and these help keep free radicals from destroying that youthful appearance of your skin. Also good are salmon and other foods such as almonds, flax and fatty fish which provide a strong source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Again, this is good for your heart health but also for your radiant skin.

Staying in shape also means getting - or staying - physical, of course. You may discover aches and pains that you haven't noticed prior to turning 40. It's not because 40 is some magical age, but rather a useful timeline to gauge when women tend to start feeling less energetic, more rigid, or have tighter muscles than they used to. A fun and relaxing antidote to this is yoga. Yoga has been said to be the true fountain of youth! A good, long yoga session a few times a week or a simple practice of ten to twenty minutes daily can relax, tone and lengthen your muscles as well as your spirit. It also helps to de-stress your mind, which has been shown to have an effect on cortisol levels in the body. By reducing cortisol, you can help reduce the belly fat that may be more stubborn to remove these days. Any time of stress-relieving mechanism you use will help keep you young, but yoga is an especially good one.

If yoga isn't really your speed, pick something that is. Maybe you enjoy spinning, or a step class or kickboxing. Whatever it is, don't stop now just because you've reached that dreaded age. Keeping active now is just as important as it was when you were twenty, if not more so. If your aches and pains feel like they are preventing you from doing what you like to do best, it probably means you need to stretch more. Stretching can be a wonderful tool to keep you young and keep your muscles supple and strong. It can help prevent muscle tears and help you reach new levels of fitness by warming up the muscles and ligaments, but it can also just feel great after a nice, long bout of exercise. If you run or bike, be sure to stretch the calves and quadriceps muscles as well as the hamstrings. If you like to partake in a class at your gym and there is a lot of jumping involved, make sure to stretch the ankles as well. Simply adding ten or fifteen minutes of stretching to your daily routine can make you feel years younger if you are faithful about it.

Staying in shape doesn't just mean looking good or staying in good shape on the outside. Once you reach the age of forty, keeping up with regular doctor appointments becomes more important than it was in days past. Make sure to get a mammogram and screen for early detection of breast cancer. Make an appointment with your general practitioner for a complete physical. Consult with a dermatologist, and keep regular full-body skin checkups once or twice a year, which can help screen out skin cancer and suspicious moles that may crop up. If you used to see the eye doctor once every couple of years, cut that in half and see him once annually. Unfortunately, the eyes are quick to deteriorate as you age, and you will want to keep up with these check-ups for safety reasons, to be able to keep reading, and to check for signs of glaucoma and other age-related diseases.

Nobody said getting older was fun, but it does not have to be painful. The age-old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies to the aging process very well, and if you take these measures you too can age gracefully.

- Fashion Forward 2008 - The Top Hot Fashion Trends

Fashion Forward 2008 - The Top Hot Fashion Trends
by: Megan Hazel

You probably can't recall who said it, but whoever first uttered that fashion comes full circle every 30 years or so was not too far off. This season on the runway is reminiscent of the flowing 70s in both fabric and style. We are seeing much more of the long skirt and much less of the micro mini. Materials like silk and chiffon, which tend to flow and gather, are much more popular for Spring 2008 than fabrics like cotton or denim which tend to hold shape and stay stiffer in appearance. The word for the season is feminine, feminine, feminine! The exception to this seems to be in outerwear, where rubber is oddly back in style. Indoors, though, thin little belts, hats, and scarves are also popular and a throwback to the 70s as well as being womanly. Don't despair, though - some things from last season are still popular and can be recycled for this season. Accessories like metallic bags and clutches, as well as sequins and some of the longer pencil skirts can still be worn with confidence. Dresses with color blocks are still around as well, left over from last season and still cute. Headbands are still a popular accessory as well.

Sheers are in this year as a fabric style, which works well with the flow-y nature of the season. Pairing a sheer shirt over a camisole with denim jeans is a great casual look. In fact, a sheer scarf works with almost anything this season. Especially cute is the above-mentioned shirt and jeans with a little scarf and dressy sneakers. "Dressy sneakers" are another big hit this year, which will keep your feet happy as you get to be comfortable and stylish at the same time. Low-lying, patterned variety sneakers with ties that sport the best of brand names are the most popular for the young trendsetter.

Speaking of patterns, big bold prints such as tropical themes and jungle prints are back. For whatever reason, and it seems to happen every several years, tribal and jungle themes like leopard prints and zebra stripes make their way back to the runway. This year is no exception. Color is back, and black is out, at least for now. Last year, brown was the new black, and this year it is muted silver and grey that's all the rage when you want to opt for a non-color.

What about shoes, you ask? Pointy-toe pumps are back! Not that they ever really went out of style, but they certainly came second to the flip flop, the ballet slipper, and other such cutesy flat footwear, along with the rounded toe pump. Also noteworthy is what's in store for later on in the season. Fall 2008 promises to be chock full of the "bigger is better" theory. Bigger, chunkier heels, bigger, longer boots, and bigger and heavier accessories on the shoes themselves such as thick buckles and chains should be on your radar for footwear.

Of course, if we are going to talk shoes we must talk shades. Still popular, especially with the Divas, are the ever-present round and dark sunglasses that cover most of your face. The celebrities, of course, brought this trend to the forefront of fashion and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. Also popular though, is the blue lens which seemed to disappear for a while. This lens is more appropriate with a smaller frame than with the oversized shades discussed. The RayBan Wayfarers, so popular in the 80s, also seem to be making a comeback this year.

Last but by no means least, there could not be a fashion article written about what's hot for 2008 without mentioning jeans. Designer denim continues to be the hottest thing around. We all know that True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Buffalo, Seven for all Mankind and Lucky have become standard, almost run-of-the mill designer jeans. Even though they cost upward of $200.00, they are still the 'norm'. Slightly more pricey is Diesel, and this brand continues to be popular as well. Relative newcomers, though, are some of the names that were actually around long before these newbies even existed. Yves St. Laurent, Donna Karan, and some of the more elite designer's names are being plastered on the derrieres of the most discriminating fashionistas this season. As for jean style and cut, the zipper-ankle and straight-leg varieties that were popular in the 80s are making a comeback. Expect to see them on the legs of the trendsetters this fall.

This season proves to be an interesting and eclectic mix of 70s and 80s styles. This may seem contradictory, but the feminine nature of the season's styles pulls from flowing 70s fabrics and cuts and seems to just use a hint of 80s metal and accessory - and it's a hit.

- The Most Serious Health Concerns for Women and What You Can Do

The Most Serious Health Concerns for Women and What You Can Do
by: Megan Hazel

These days, it seems women have more health concerns than ever. Perhaps they are greater in number than ever before or perhaps we are just more aware of women's issues as women are more comfortable having them brought to the forefront.

One issue that continually does get the attention it deserves is breast cancer. The breast cancer statistics are alarming, and almost everyone you know has a sister or mother who has suffered from this deadly disease. If caught early enough, it does not have to be deadly. In fact, there are things you can do so that you don't get it at all. Every woman (young and old) should be checking their breasts monthly to detect for any strange lumps or any unusual signs. This can be done in the shower, with one arm raised and the other performing the checking task. Any doctor can show you the specifics on how to do this. If you do sense something suspicious, make an appointment with your doctor right away to have it looked at. The other thing you can do is be a conscious consumer; every day the FDA is coming out with new information as to what may be potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), from food additives to plastics to environmental hazards. Becoming aware and taking the time to be educated can make all the difference in the world.

Another major health concern for women is heart disease. This continues to be the number one killer of women, actually, and it doesn't just happen to those you would suspect. When people think of heart disease, most people think of the severely obese. However, women can suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, and clogged arteries from poor food choices, lack of exercise, and stress. Believe it or not, if you eat fast food on a regular basis and skip the gym in favor of drinks after a very stressful work day that ends at 7:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m., you may be in a higher risk category than your friend who remains calm, eats a lot of healthy food choices, and practices yoga a couple times a week. If you know you are in the first group, the best thing you can do for yourself is to start making small changes. If you can't get away from a stressful job or career, make sure to step away each hour and do deep breathing exercises, and stretch your body while at work. Go to the ladies room to do it if necessary! Try to make smarter food choices, even if it means just eliminating one of your ‘junk food meals' a week. If you're not big on exercise, start with a simple walk a couple times a week and go from there. The sooner you make these changes, the healthier you will be and the less at risk for heart disease.

A third issue for women and one that has been on the rise for quite some time is obesity. The "average" American woman has increased in size to a size 12 or even a size 14, with many women reaching far beyond that size. This can be unhealthy depending on your body fat percentage. While women can take some of the same steps as with heart disease discussed above, people who suffer from obesity may need to take more drastic measures in order to get their weight down. If you are obese, it is definitely time to get your diet in check so that you don't later develop heart disease, or adult diabetes, or a host of other problems from being overweight. Eating a lot of processed, artificially sweetened, or sugar and fat-laden foods is likely a habit, and one that needs to be nipped in the bud. Hand in hand with poor eating habits is exercise habits, and if you don't have any it's time to get some! It will be difficult at first, and you are likely to be winded and tired after a very short time of exertion. However, if you keep pushing through the challenging times you will soon see and feel the difference. You will notice you have more energy, as your workout time may go from ten minutes on the treadmill to fifteen to twenty. As you benefit from this greater energy, it will not only help power you through your workout sessions, but it will put a brighter spin on the rest of your life. You will find you have more energy throughout the day, and chances are you will continue to burn calories because of this. You will probably find an easier time making healthy food choices if you incorporate exercise into your fight against obesity as well.

Women's issues can be the same as men's issues or they can be different. The good news is, women's health concerns get discussed more than they used to, and this gives us greater power in awareness.

- Spring 2008 Fashion Styles: Top Twelve Trends

Spring 2008 Fashion Styles: Top Twelve Trends
by: Sarah Hathorn, AICI

Take a blend of many decades of style, add a dash of old Hollywood glamour, and you have the magic of the trends for spring 2008. This season the designers added modern twists to our favorite classic and timeless pieces. Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Princess Diana wore many of these sophisticated and classic trends: romantic, flirty, and colorful in design and mood. Here are my top twelve trends for spring. You may not love all of them, but I encourage you to select a few to add to your existing wardrobe to look more modern and fashionable.

1). Crayola Colors
This season the designers have added a lot of vibrant hues in saturated colors like bright yellow, grass green, royal blue, red, safety orange and fuchsia. These bright colors may be hard for everyone to wear. If you want to experiment with bold colors, start with a bright blouse or jacket and pair it with a pair of white pants or a skirt, which will tone it down a bit. When you wear bright colors like these, keep your accessories simple, so that the color becomes the focal point.

2). Pattern Punch, Creative Strokes & Floral
Dresses, jackets, tops and skirts will come in all sizes of patterns this season. The popular prints will have graphic, geometric and abstract motifs. You will see some beautiful new prints that look like creative brushstroke patterns off an artist’s canvas in a light whimsical scrawl or a blurred watercolor abstract. Romantic florals will dominate the season in medium to large prints. When selecting a print to wear in the professional business arena, remember to keep it in the small to medium range, and in a subtle color.

3). The Waist-Defined Dress
Springtime is all about dresses this year. The two most popular styles, which I adore, are the shirtdress and the sheath dress; both of which accentuate the waist area. I love these styles because they work well in a business casual work environment, and can go from day to night with a change to dressier accessories. The shirtdress is a tailored, stylish, and classic silhouette, with a collar that can be worn turned up a bit, and a button-down front, which when unbuttoned, can create a great V-neckline. A shirtdress with a sash or belt can compliment a waistline, or help to create one that is not prominent enough. This style of dress is flattering to many different body types. Many sheath dress styles can be worn without a belt but are shapely to your body and define a bit of waist. This dress looks professional worn with a modern or tailored jacket during the day, and worn with a great purse and clutch handbag for an after-hours event. For work this style of dress worn with a jacket conveys professionalism, expertise and feminity for women in business.

4). The Timeless Trench
The classic trench returns in time for the springtime weather and it is a great wardrobe essential that every woman needs in her closet. This season you will see a more modern version of the classic trench coat. The latest twists are brighter colors, lighter fabrics and shorter jacket styles, which look great with dress trousers. The timeless trench takes on a springtime, fresh look with softer fabrics and fun colors. This is also a great item to pair with jeans and sandals during those cool spring evenings to look stylish and chic.

5). The Feminine Blouse
The mood of the season is romantic and flirty when it comes to blouses. Beautiful soft blouses in pastels and prints with lots of feminine details like ruffles, pin tucks and tiny pleats. With the fine detailing on these blouses, keep jewelry to a minimum. This is a great must-have for every workingwoman, as this sophisticated and romantic item can modernize a classic suit and add a womanly flair to a basic tailored suit.

6). Out of Africa
Safari wear is a great timeless trend again this season. From the 1970’s era, you will see African safari jackets, khaki shirt dresses, and belted safari pant suits. In with this trend you’ll find great animal prints, like leopard and giraffe, in dresses and tops. To give this style a great head to toe look try pairing a safari outfit with some natural wood accessories and trendy wide strapped sandals with wooden soles and heels.

7). Full, Flirty Skirts
Skirt silhouettes will be full and stylish this season like the dirndl, the A-line, pleated styles and soft flirty skirts with a fuller silhouette. These styles will be in solid bold colors, color blocked prints, floral and artistic prints. A soft A-line skirt that gently drapes over your hip is a flattering style for many women, as it camouflages large hip areas. Any of these styles worn with a modern jacket, a twin set or a soft feminine blouse makes for a winning combination to keep in mind for a business casual workday.

8). High-Waisted Trousers
This is a hard trend for many women to accept since we have, for years, had to become accustomed to the low-rise pant. This trend started last fall and we are definitely starting to see more dramatic waistbands rise to new levels. The styles that illustrate this trend are the sailor pant or wide-legged pant. While this trend may not work for everyone, if you have a defined waistline, this can really show off your small waist area. You will look curvy, but womanly. When you wear a higher-waist pant be sure to balance it with a form fitting top on your upper torso, making your legs appear slimmer and longer. If your body type doesn’t look great in this trend – skip it, as there are a lot of pants options this season.

9). Global Chic
This season the designers traveled the world and went outside the box to get inspired for new patterns, shapes and accessories to give that “melting pot” allure to dressing. You will see a large ethnic influence like apparel with embroidery or intricate Bali-influenced prints. In jewelry you will see tribal beads, stones, chunky wooden carved necklaces and natural wood pieces. When you wear a piece of this global look, incorporate it with some other pieces in your wardrobe. Perhaps add a dramatic necklace or bracelet from a faraway place to finish a look on a safari ensemble, or casual jean outfit.

10). Shoes – Architectural Heels and Bold Colors
Shoes this season will be very structured with lots of architectural details on the heels and artfully designed platforms. The structured high wooden heels and soles on sandals will look natural and earthy when worn with dresses and skirts. At the other end of the spectrum is color. You will see pops of color in a modern mix of color blocking on shoes like bright pinks and yellows mixed with black. If you decide to wear some colorful shoes in vivid colors, let them be the focus and keep the ensemble simple and elegant.

11). Shades of Gold: Metallic Jewelry
Necklaces, bracelets and earrings this season will be in new shades of metallic gold. Rose gold is the new modern gold to wear. If you are warm in coloring, adding rose gold accessories will make your current wardrobe more contemporary. This shade of gold looks beautiful with many of the beautiful neutral colors coming out this spring and summer.

12). Stacked Bangles and Cuffs
In the bracelet category you will see cuffs in various metallics, and bold color in Lucite. Stack up your arm with some fun bangles in different shapes and sizes. This is a fun item to wear to add some style to a dress or if you are wearing a short sleeve or sleeveless blouse. Do be careful if you are in the workplace that you don’t overdo it. Perhaps go for one cuff bracelet so you aren’t jingling all over the office.

I hope that you find at least two to three trends that you are willing to try to incorporate into your existing wardrobe. If you add a few of these into your classic-trend ensembles, you will look stylish and chic for every occasion.

- 3 Romantic East Coast Destinations

3 Romantic East Coast Destinations
by: Megan Hazel

Would you like to take your significant other to a romantic destination? If you can afford to take an extra day or two to do more than just dinner, there are a great many East coast destinations all within a couple hours of each other that are wonderful in the winter.

Although it can be blustery cold in late fall and winter, New York City can be a very romantic place for couples. Many couples could use a relationship refresher, and what better way to get back to basics than with a romantic spring-time stroll through Central Park or a horse-and-buggy ride instead? Close by is Rockefeller Center, where, in the late fall and winter, you can ice skate on the open-air rink below the flags of the world and all of the sightseers on the street. Top this off with a cup of steamy cocoa or some hot, sweet peanuts or almonds from the street vendor and you have a very romantic, enjoyable afternoon for not a lot of money.

Of course, New York hotels do not come cheap and a wonderful dinner that evening is a must. If you enjoy being downtown when you visit New York, the Soho Grand is a simple, boutique hotel that is even pet friendly should you need to bring a non-human significant other. It will not be cheap, but the room does come with a complimentary pet goldfish upon request! The Tribeca Grand is its sister hotel, and if you choose to stay in this area you can visit Robert DeNiro's restaurant while you are in the area. Another unique and romantic suggestion is to dine on a yacht. New York's harbors boast wonderful dining aboard ships that sail around the island of Manhattan while you feast. What a memorable dinner that would be! The typical visitor to New York would, of course, make sure to see a show on Broadway after dinner or after their day out and about on the streets of New York. Certainly, there is plenty to choose from if you decide to choose this city that never sleeps for your getaway.

Another wonderful but completely different East coast destination is the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. Only two and a half hours from New York City, the Poconos offers beautiful scenery and plenty to do either during the spring and summer months or during winter. Depending on the town, it is full of quaint little shops and big manufacturing operations that offer everything from antiques to chocolates to candles. If you enjoy taking scenic rides and shopping ‘til you drop, this could be just the perfect destination.

If you are more of an outdoors type, the Pennsylvania Poconos offers some very good skiing to keep you active through both day and night. Some of the resorts offer lodges with fireside dining and lovely villas to come home to after a full day of snow and sun. Some of the villas come with their own private hot tubs, and we know how romantic a hot tub can be!

Perhaps you would rather have everything included in your short time away? There are a number of romantic, all-inclusive resorts in the mountains of Pennsylvania that have made the Poconos a favorite with honeymooners on the East coast. Caesars Pocono Resort and Cove Haven are just two of the resorts that offer secluded, top-notch room selections. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you can even book a room with its own private swimming pool! If you don't want to go quite that crazy, most rooms come with fireplaces and heart-shaped Jacuzzi tubs, room service and complimentary champagne, and some have saunas and round, mirrored beds as well. It's all about togetherness at these resorts, and they cater to the couple. What more can you ask for from a romantic destination?

Another top destination for romance on the east is the New England shore towns. Believe it or not, the shoreline can be extremely romantic even during the winter months. The towns are no longer full of the music and festivities of the summer, and long gone are the young and loud partygoers. Instead, you are left with the quiet calm of the locals, many of whom operate bed and breakfast inns throughout the year. You can still enjoy an amazing seafood feast in the later fall and winter months; the difference is that it is prepared in front of a fireplace at a bed and breakfast, rather than al fresco at some seaside cabana. While the latter is fine when you are sunning with family and friends, it can be quite relaxing and romantic to enjoy a bowl of hot chowder and fine sea fare at dinner, prepared in someone's home with the utmost care, knowing that a four-poster, warm quilted bed awaits you in this old farmhouse by the sea when you are ready to retire.

No matter which city or resort you choose, you really cannot go wrong with any one of these romantic East coast destinations.

- White Gold

White Gold
by: Sarah Cobler

White Gold began gaining popularity in the early 1900’s as an alternative to platinum. Platinum was steadily becoming more fashionable, but because of its rarity many could not afford it. Then, during World War II the government put a ban on the use of Platinum for any non-military functions and the demand for White Gold skyrocketed.

The most common alloys added to gold to produce white gold are nickel, palladium and silver. Most white gold jewelry is also given an electroplated rhodium coating to intensify brightness.

Throughout this process, white gold retains many of the benefits of gold. It won’t tarnish and due to the metals added, it is stronger than its yellow counterpart.

Recently, palladium has replaced nickel as the common alloy in white gold. It seems that a small percent of the population-approximately 12-15%-has an allergic reaction to nickel causing skin irritation and rashes. It is now required by law that jewelry pieces containing nickel be labeled “nickel-containing.”

- A Look Into the Captivating World of Jewelry Watches

A Look Into the Captivating World of Jewelry Watches
by: Korbin Newlyn

The common wristwatch has become so much more than simply information time devices, as they are carried around with us practically everywhere that we go and at times run our lives as well. The majority of us own at a minimum two watches, first since they're affordable (some start with a price as low as $10) and second due to the fact that there are so many various occasions which demand a suitable watch a match.

Why Invest in a Jewelry Watch?

For men the only consistent piece of jewelry that they own is a watch, and it is very reasonable that they would invest in various types to be prepared for the different occasions that come up. This is kind of similar to what women do with their jewelry.

There are numerous occasions that call for a jewelry watch, such as an anniversary, a wedding, or perhaps a formal dinner. A jewelry watch doesn't have to be made out of a pure precious gem, though it is fairly safe to say that the majority of women would not object to that. In the majority of cases the jewelry is very elegant and subtle. For instance, there are designer jewelry watches made for men such as Rolex, that utilize full cut, high-grade diamonds on the dial instead of numerals.

Of course there are numerous jewelry watches that are available that are fully covered with gemstones. Even the strap can be made of precious metals such as platinum or gold. The primary purpose of jewelry such as these is hardly for keeping track of time. Most of the time these are used simply as an additional piece of jewelry in itself.

One of the primary reasons you should invest in a jewelry watch is that it is a piece of jewelry first and foremost. Hence, the majority of the time it doesn't lose its value on the market. If anything it tends to become more valuable as time goes by.

Maintaining a Jewelry Watch

It is a critical step for you to insure your jewelry watch when you buy it for any eventuality that may happen. Depending on the designer brand of the watch that you purchase, you will need to follow strict service directions that are provided with it. You'll only be able to take it for servicing to an authorized dealer of the brand or back to the same store if at all possible.

Extra care will be required if your watch has actual gemstones on or inside of it, particularly if they are located on the outside of the watch. You will need to take into consideration the information that is given to you on how resistant to gemstones are (their hardness factor), as this information will likely restrict your activity in a considerable way with the watch you bought.

For instance, a diamond has the highest hardness on the Moh's scale (a total 10 out of 10) and only the use of another diamond has the ability to scratch it. Nevertheless, an emerald on the other hand is very brittle, and if it gets hit you may cause internal fractures of the stone itself.

Cleaning of these gemstones is yet another maintenance that has to be done on a regular basis to keep your watch a sparkling as it is meant to be. After all in the end it is a jewelry watch and it should show its beauty with every change.

- The Mystifying and Powerful World of Japanese Fashion

The Mystifying and Powerful World of Japanese Fashion
by: Korbin Newlyn

Many would say that fashion is an expression of the culture and soul, hence every nation has a unique reflection of its own history as well as traditions in one way or another.

Japanese fashion is no exception to this sentiment. This article will go into a few details of how it has changed throughout the years while always remaining intact in its traditions.

The Past and the Present

One of the most traditional and common Japanese fashion outfits is the Kimono; it is still worn today in more modern designs, it was also embraced by the Western nations because of its sensuality as well as elegance.

Throughout the years Japanese fashion saw very few changes but throughout the years the Kimono was a dominant part of the classic collection and consistently a part of their lives in one form or another. Another kind of Kimono is the Furisode which is worn by young women in their twenties; in Japan the age to legally drink and smoke is twenty and in order to celebrate the parent frequently offer their daughters a Furisode.

Then the Houmongi takes the stage. This is another kind of Kimono that is worn by married women and similar to the Furisode the parents will give their daughter one when she is married.

The formal Kimono is known as Tomesode and is typically worn by married women to social functions such as marriages. Additional variations include the Mofuku which is the funeral Kimono for Japanese fashion and the Uchikake is the wedding Kimono.

Last but certainly not least the Obi is the oldest form of the Japanese fashion as they are no longer in production today and rarely will you find someone wearing this type even in Japan.

Modern Japanese fashion generally has several categories in addition to some that are not related to clothes. The Japanese fashion known as the Kogal is translated in Japan to people who enjoy displaying their higher income by wearing expensive jewelry or clothes.

The Gangoro Japanese fashion is designed for those people who began changing their hair color and then you have the Lolita as the Gothic Lolita Japanese fashion, which is being represented by the innocent and sweet dressed (Lolita) all the way to the other extreme type referred to as punk fashion, which is known as Gothic Lolitas.

The Eternal Fashion

The world of classic fashion is eternal throughout the world and Japanese fashion has their Kimonos to prove it. The use of colors also plays a large part in the world of Japanese fashion as well as their culture as it is directly correlated to the event. Fashion not only reflects and defines an era and a place in time but also the character and personality of the person who is wearing it

- Boots Fashion - 4 Things You Need To Know To Keep Up With The Latest Trends

Boots Fashion - 4 Things You Need To Know To Keep Up With The Latest Trends
by: Korbin Newlyn

As the seasons change in the winter months come upon us, most people are not surprised that many people are exchanging their stilettos for warm boots. However, fashion does not need to be sacrificed just because you are exchanging your shoes for something that is warmer and has more support.

You will find that there are numerous professional boots available to keep you in style. However, there are certain attributes that make a boot fashionable. To be in trend with boots fashion, a boot should have the right material, color, length, and should be worn the proper way.

Material

A warm material should be the first thing to consider when looking into session. You want to look for a boot that is well made and can withstand any type of weather is subject to. It should be well built enough to go from a sunny afternoon, into a thunderstorm, to trudging through thick snow. One of the best materials in the winter season is typically suede or soft weatherproof leather.

An additional excellent material to watch out for in the latest boots fashion is that of fur. However, if you are passionate about being against animal cruelty or the use of animal fur, you can always purchase boots that are made with fake fur.

Nevertheless, if it doesn't matter to you in this regard, rabbit fur is an excellent fur to consider when it comes to boots fashion. It is both very soft and warm. It is also highly fashionable looking. Regardless of which fur you choose, try and find the one that will keep your legs and feet warm and the fur is soft and not wiry against the skin.

Color

There are numerous colors to pick from when selecting boots fashion. At this point in time the majority of popular colors are the standard brown/tan, white and black. Nevertheless, the softer type of colors are also very popular in boots fashion; such as purple, blue, and pink.

Length

Right now the knee-length and ankle-length boots are very popular and in style. Typically ankle-length boots are more comfortable to wear with any type of pants.

Ways to Wear Them

One of the most popular ways to wear boots is typically over jeans. One of the advantages of this is that it keeps you very warm when you are out in harsh weather. You can also wear them under the pant leg and they will still look very good. It is also acceptable to wear boots with a longer skirt or dress.

When you put these two pieces together, you are mixing the warm fashion used for winter with the fun fashion that is used during the spring and summer.

Celebrities also have been seen wearing boots with sweatpants that are fashionable. Boots can pretty much go with any type of fashionable piece of clothing. Nevertheless, if you mix them with the wrong types of clothes, you end up looking like a bag lady or a bum, so be fashion conscious.

- His Contributions Are More than Just a Critical Comment on Project Runway - Discovering a Beautiful Michael Kors Handbag

His Contributions Are More than Just a Critical Comment on Project Runway - Discovering a Beautiful Michael Kors Handbag
by: Korbin Newlyn

His Contributions Are More than Just a Critical Comment on Project Runway - Discovering a Beautiful Michael Kors Handbag

On the reality show aired on Bravo TV, Project Runway, Michael Kors has endeared himself to many millions of viewers with his humorous and waspish comments when it comes to the disaster-prone fashions of the shows amateur designers.

A Michael Kors handbag is identifiable in its sleekness as well as elegance. The austere designs and classic lines are a find for anyone who is searching for something of a subtle nature. A Michael Kors handbag means an unerring eye for taste as well as classiness. Michael Kors' sensational creations fit beautifully in any evening social occasion.

The Michael Kors handbag offers the stylish woman an excellent accessory to stand out. His Small Mesh Hobo is a superior selection - beautifully constructed with black mesh and leather trim, the shimmering handbag is a first-class addition to a cocktail outfit.

A Michael Kors Handbag is Ideal for a Day out Shopping as well as an Evening out with Friends

Michael Kors' satchels are more informal and can be used in the daytime for either lunch dates or shopping trips. Wearing a Michael Kors handbag lets others recognize that the educated urban dweller takes fashion really earnestly. The shoulder bags are particularly refined and stylish.

The Skorpios Grommet Leather Shopper is a beautiful fawn-colored bag with a row of antiqued golden rings sown all around the body of the bag. Included, as well are drawstring pockets on both sides of the bag. There is also the Skorpios Calfskin Shopper, which is solid, and does not have the rings festooned on the bag.

The Vintage Rose Flap Bag is available in two colors: tan or chocolate. Both have a beautiful rose design on the flap, enunciated by antiqued brass studs. The flaps' rose designs are cut out, and there is a logo-embossed ring at the outer end of the flap. The Woven Tote is also an impressive selection in the Michael Kors collection.

A beautiful artistic creation of woven leather, producing a scale-like look - similar to a snakeskin or fish skin, lines the outside of the bag. The leather's shingles are small leather rings. There are also golden accents on the bag, as well. The end result is vaguely similar to chain mail.

I Want My Michael Kors Handbag

To purchase your Michael Kors handbag, visit Neiman Marcus, in addition to various high-end online merchants, as well as the, Kors' Website. Kors can also be seen on future episodes of Project Runway dishing out criticism and advice on assorted articles of clothing, as well as handbags.

- Louis Vuitton Handbags - Unique Fashion That Enhances Your Sense of Style

Louis Vuitton Handbags - Unique Fashion That Enhances Your Sense of Style
by: Korbin Newlyn

One of the top designers in terms of travel bags and leather goods is Louis Vuitton. If one of your goals is to enhance your wardrobe then Louis Vuitton handbags are definitely a must-have. You can choose from several different varieties of bags, and the new up and coming season brings about great new designs from the manufacturer that you will love, no matter what your style. This article goes into some information about the new arrivals, in addition to the best places to buy your new purse.

Wallets by Louis Vuitton are just as fashionable as the purses, and there are a quite few styles that are available as well. You can buy the conventional design wallet, which is dark brown leather with the tan Louis Vuitton symbols appearing throughout the wallet. The Pochette is another type of Louis Vuitton wallets for you to take a look at; the wallets are small enough in size for you to carry anywhere, but will certainly fit all your important items, so some individuals just use it as a small purse.

Various Lines and Styles

Louis Vuitton handbags are classic in style, but the appearance is always changed somewhat in order to give you something fresh and new to select from for the season. The Tivoli GM, for instance, has the classic Louis Vuitton print, but is has a shape similar to a bowling bag, giving you extra room to store your items. The purse also has base studs so that you can sit it on the floor or other flat surface without having to concern yourself about it tumbling over.

The Palermo PM is one of the new Louis Vuitton handbags that is excellent for traveling, since it comes equipped with an added strap for you to wear across the shoulder in case you are carrying any heavy items in the bag, but the Beverly handbag line is smaller and more pragmatic for everyday use. It has a more vintage shape to it, and is very feminine. These bags all have a similar print, but the design and shape of them make them oriented to different styles and preferences.

Places To Research and Buy

If you want to find out where you can purchase Louis Vuitton handbags, you can visit the designer online resource at Louisvuitton to get descriptions of each handbag and to find out about the various costs and other great Louis Vuitton accessories. You can also visit the online destination Handbagcrew and Overstock to find reduced prices on wallets and purses by the designer. You can also discover other great designers on these sites that have the same quality, and you will be able to see just how much you will save by buying on these sites--the prices you would actually pay in a department store are ordinarily much more. Happy shopping!

- Essential Tips To On Using a Handbag Shop For Your Next Handbag

Essential Tips To On Using a Handbag Shop For Your Next Handbag
by: Korbin Newlyn

If you are considering opening your own business or if you're searching for a place to get exceptional accessories, you might want to visit a handbag shop for some inspiration. You'll discover a variety of purses and clutches that you can match with just about any outfit in your closet, and you'll be able to locate these items at inexpensive prices if you know where to search.

One of the best places to open up an online handbag shop is on the internet auction site Ebay. You can become a vendor on the site, and can advertise your business on the internet so that people searching for handbags can go to your store to buy items.

People actually make a significant amount of money if they become Ebay vendors provided that items they are selling are in high demand. So, you will have to partner with a boutique or a designer so that you can have variety of items to sell.

Comparison Shopping

If you're looking to purchase purses from a handbag shop of sorts, you can visit the online destination Nextag, where you will find all different types of discounted items for your home, office, and closet. You can locate the purses that you want from a number of recognized designers, and you will be able to see how much you will save by buying on the site as opposed to acquiring the bag from a department store or a live boutique.

There are also several handbag shop destinations in your town or city if you know where to search. If you have thrift stores or consignment shops in your local area, you can check out the shelves for a one-of-a-kind purse that might become your new favorite.

Local Shops

You also can search the shops in your city that are independent from the mall or major shopping centers; frequently, these are run by independent designers who have bags that you will not find anywhere else, and you might find that the prices are sensible as well.

If you wish to visit a handbag shop while remaining in the comfort of your own home, you can check out the online destination Zappos, where you will find purses for all social occasions, as well as shoes and other accessories that you will need.

You can also visit the online resource Handbagcrew to find a large choice of designer handbags to select from, along with price comparisons on the site so that you can decide how much you want to spend on each item.

If you are going to visit a handbag shop that also sells other items, or that is an online auction, you might be able to name your price for the purses that you want, so be sure to bid in a wise manner so that you can stay within your fashion shopping budget. Happy shopping!

- Italian Handbag - Winning Tips When Shopping For a Italian Handbag

Italian Handbag - Winning Tips When Shopping For a Italian Handbag
by: Korbin Newlyn

They're fashionable and constructed from only the finest grade of materials. You can wear with them with everyday outfits, or with your favorite work attire. The Italian handbag should be an essential apparel accessory in every woman's wardrobe, no matter your personal style. Here are some handbag brands and styles that you can pick from, as well as the best places to shop for these great items.

Prada

This name brand is an upscale Italian handbag and fashion company; shoes, clothes, and other fashion accessories are also created by Prada, and each item will unquestionably make you feel dignified and refined. Prada bags are ideal for travelers, or for women who are constantly on the go; there are also messenger bags and wallets that are available for men.

The design of each purse is elaborate yet clean and modern, and the leather and handles are long-lasting, and will give any outfit that additional boost that you want. There are also book bags wallets by Prada that you can select from, and you can buy watches and shoes from the stores or internet websites as well.

Check out the Prada internet destination to acquire information on the latest fashion collections from this Italian handbag company, or visit department stores like Macy's or Bloomingdale's in your local area to discover Prada styles that will work for you.

Versace

Versace is for the refined socialite that is looking for a purse that is eye-catching and is practical as well. The leather and gold chain accents on these bags are certainly attractive, and the metallic tones of some of the bags will decidedly make your little black dress stand out at any social occasion. These type of bags are in the higher price range -you can very easily spend more than $500 on a bag, however this Italian handbag will last you for years, so the purchase is well worth it.

If you take trips frequently, and are looking to make sure that your luggage bag is as stylish as it can be, the Camel Suede Tote Bag from Dolce and Gabana is an excellent choice. This Italian handbag is easy to carry around with you, and will help you to organize the items for your trip. You can be sure that this bag will last for a long time as well, so despite the fact that it is priced online for over $800, you will be able to carry this bag for many years to come.

You can also visit the online destination of Handbagcrew if you want to pick from the large Italian handbag selection on the site. You'll be able to see pictures of each purse, and you can also read a short description of the item so that you can determine what you want to purchase. Purchasing a bag online will also save you money in most cases, since the prices are cheaper than in retail stores. Happy shopping!

- What You Need To Know For Finding a Designer Handbag

What You Need To Know For Finding a Designer Handbag
by: Korbin Newlyn

If you're a fashionista (aka - fashion victim) who's constantly keeping up with the up-to-the-minute trends, chances are you have a designer handbag or two. But, if you're a fashion admirer on a budget, it might be somewhat challenging to find handbags that you can afford. Here are some sites and stores you'll want to investigate, as well as some tips for shopping if you are hoping to find the best deals.

The internet destination Exluxury has an excellent selection for you to select from if you're looking for upscale designer handbag brands. You'll find designs from Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, as well as an excellent shoe and fragrance selection. The site has everything you require in order to stand out in a crowd and produce your own personal fashion statement, and you'll even be capable of choosing a signature scent--which all fashionistas should have.

Additional Handbag Resources

If you're looking for a large designer handbag selection, you'll also want to check out the internet destination Handbagcrew. There are a great deal of styles to select from, and you can even find wallets for men on the site. Brands like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, and Fendi are featured, and you will probably save money by shopping on the site, because the prices are more affordable than in most department stores.

There are even Prada messenger bags that you can use for work or school, and the designer book bags from Prada are fashionable and convenient as well. There are also gift certificates available on the site if you wish to give a loved one the chance to shop at this place, but aren't quite certain which item(s) to purchase for them.

Mixing and Matching

When you're trying to locate a designer handbag, it's best to buy one that will go with just about everything in your closet. Black or brown bags are ordinarily best, because you can wear them with anything from a business suit, to a t-shirt and jeans. In addition, you want to make sure that you buy a bag that is large enough to fit all the items in it that you will need for the day. Small bags are generally used for evening wear, and despite the fact that you are buying a designer handbag, you want to make sure that it will work for you and your lifestyle.

The eBay stores also have excellent handbags for you to browse online. Brands like Isabella Fiore and Chanel are featured at some online stores, and you can name your price, which actually means you are less likely to squander your money. If you want to buy more than one handbag at a time, you might also wish to check out the internet destination Handbagwholesalelist for a wholesale designer handbag list. Happy shopping!

- What Would a Fashion Model's Diet Plan be

What Would a Fashion Model's Diet Plan be
by: Mary Watson

Have you ever wondered how the so-called super models manage to get in such good shape and stay trim, even after having a family?

Fashion models depend on their slim figures for their livelihood, so it's imperative that they always look good. Don't worry, I'm not suggesting that you should embark on a diet of leaves and nuts. I'm not an advocate of the size zero, but I'm sure you'll find it interesting to know what sort of diet a fashion model would choose.

The Fashion Models Diet Plan

A favourite way for models to look good is to "Cleanse" or "Fast". This is not a complete starvation diet, as it will include the intake of soups and fruit juices over a 3 to7 day period. It is more of a detox routine and is gernerally only carried out once or twice a year.

The benefits of this detox is to obviously rid the body of harmful toxins, such as preservatives and food additives together with inhaled smoke and fumes. It also gives the colon a chance to rid the digestive system of any fecal build up. The results can be dramatic as the liver and kidneys are able to repair and replace damaged cells instead of continuing to rid the body of toxins.

A typical "Cleanse" diet might consist of a combination of fresh carrots, celery, beet, spinach, apple, coconut, broth and juices. Citrus and tomato juices are too acidic to drink while fasting so these should be avoided. It's important to drink plenty of water during the detox and avoid consuming any unnecessary medications or supplements.

The advantages of a detox are weight loss, reduced body odour, shinier finger nails, stronger hair, reduced cellulite, a glowing complexion and more beautiful eyes.

After the detox, the typical fashion model will then begin her normal eating habits, which to some people may appear to be a "real" diet. However, it will simply be a healthy balanced diet, which might typically consist of the following:

---Breakfast (9am)
One boiled egg with a slice of wholewheat bread
A bowl of cereal with skimmed milk
Black coffee
Total 369 calories

---Lunch (12.30pm)
Turkey salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Cup of tea with skimmed milk
Total 320 calories

---Early Evening Snack (4.30pm)
Low fat Jell-O pudding
Total 100 calories

---Dinner (8pm)
Lean Cuisine chicken a l'orange with rice
2 slices of low fat cheddar cheese with wholewheat crackers
Total 448 calories

The total calorie intake for a typical day is 1237. The aim of the diet is to keep the daily calorie count below 1500.

This is a typical example of a fashion model's diet, which will also involve some form of aerobic exercises 3 times a week.

So, as you can see it's not at all what you might have originally thought. It's just a sensible eating plan and a sensible exercise routine. However, if even this diet seems a little too much to stomach, you could try a natural herbal diet remedy.

Here are the top 5 tips that fashion models highly recommend for staying in trim.

1. Decrease your alcohol consumption. Alcohol suppresses the body's ability to burn fat.

2. Eat more Black Pepper, Ginger, Chile Peppers. Spicy food helps speed up the body's metabolism.

3. Increase your muscle mass. Muscle burns fat, so adding 5lbs of muscle will help you burn another 250 calories a day.

3. Increase your vitamin B and Calcium intake. The B-Vitamins give you more energy and increase your metabolism.

4. Drink More Water. A healthy, well-hydrated body is important to flush out toxins and aid in metabolising fats

5. Increase your intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to balance blood sugar levels and control appetite.

- Anti-Aging Skin Care- Seven Steps To Reducing Wrinkles And Preventing Aging Saggy Skin

Anti-Aging Skin Care- Seven Steps To Reducing Wrinkles And Preventing Aging Saggy Skin
by: Ellen Agius

Are you wondering which are the best anti aging treatments and ways to rejuvenate your skin?.

What can be done about existing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin? Traditionally the only solutions available have been painful and expensive cosmetic surgeries, toxin injections, and harsh chemical peels. Each of which has a long list of potentially dangerous side effects. Recent scientific breakthroughs have allowed for the development of more gentle cosmetic products that can reduce saggy skin as well as facial lines and wrinkles without the risks involved with other more traditional procedures.

Probably you are confused with all the different ingredients that we can find in anti aging skin care products, and with so many choices, we don't even know where to start.

Aging is related to accumulation of damage at the cellular level. Offenders include environment, free radicals, and chemicals. The best way to deal with aging skin is to ensure that you take a proactive approach to skin care and follow a few simple steps to help prevent the early onset of aging and keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

STEP 1. Use A Preservative Free Paraben Free Skin Care System

The major key in reducing aging skin and restoring youthful lustre is to avoid preservatives in your skin care products. Preservatives, methylparaben in particular, have been shown to increase the damage to skin caused by UV light, thus increasing the aging of skin .

If you want to prevent aging of your skin you really need to be aware of what you are putting on your skin. While many companies claim their products are “all natural” and of the “finest quality,” a close look at the ingredients reveals they contain toxic synthetic preservatives, ‘suspected’ carcinogens, drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrances and dyes.

So make an educated decision to use products that contain absolutely no preservatives . A good book to refer to is “The Truth About Cosmetics…And Some Natural Alternatives” by Haru Naito.

Until recently, most skin care products around the world have contained preservatives that promote skin aging. However, new skin care technology has developed and there are now a few unique skin care ranges on the market that have eliminated preservatives with the goal to support the skin’s state of wellness and protect the skin from premature aging. (http://www.revolutionaryskincare.info ).

In fact a world’s first water-based skincare line has been recently released in Japan, Australia and the US which uses a revolutionary patented water filtration system where fungus and bacteria can not grow thus eliminating the need for any preservatives. You can receive a free report and skin care brochure at http://www.preservativefreeskincare.info

STEP 2. Keep Your Skin Clean

Cleanse your skin with a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Make sure you do not leave on make up or allow residue to build up on your skin. This will lead to increased stress on your skin and can cause pores to clog and become infected.

The key here is not to rub, scrape, or be overly abrasive in the process. You will require a gentle cleanser that contains a fine abrasive to get into your skin pores and remove bacteria and soil. New skin care technology uses a fine ground stone which has tiny holes, when you wash our face, the stone goes into the skin pores and removes bacteria and soil from the pores.

STEP 3. Keep Your Skin Properly Hydrated.

Hydrating aging skin and helping it to retain moisture are the keys to reducing and preventing wrinkles. Water provides hydration to our skin. So you require a skin care line that can provide water to your skin cells and plump them up like a grape rather than shrivelled up and dry like a saltanna. Look at the hydration rates of the skin care product you are using and the clinical proven results.

Also many skin care products use carriers to take the moisturising ingredients into the cells. You need to ensure that no carrier chemicals are used which can be absorbed into your circulation and can cause serious health issues. A new water-based skincare line hydrates the skin by 80% after only one use and uses the technology of glyconutrients (plant based nutrients) to carry the water to the skin cell and hold it in. This dramatically reduces wrinkles. Research also shows that glyconutrients in skin care products seal the skin keeping in the water and keeping harmful elements out, meaning skin cells will be regenerated and skin can return to be like a babies bottom.

So use a skin care line that hydrates and uses safe carrier nutrients to fight the visible signs of aging by reducing wrinkles around your eyes, mouth and forehead.

STEP 4. Nourish your skin with healthy ingredients

Nourishing the skin with the proper ingredients is also important.

Use skin care that delivers only healthy nutrients that can protect your skin from premature aging, stress and dryness. Many plants in the world have long been recognized for their therapeutic health benefits. Just make sure the ingredients are natural plant foods or certified organic ingredients. Today many scientific studies demonstrate the numerous benefits of using specific botanicals that provide nourishing properties that assist your body in renewing healthy moisture enhanced skin tissues. This is the foundation of a preservative free skincare product line.

STEP 5. Use A Wrinkle Cream That Is Proven To Work

Wrinkles and spots are normally too deep to be effected by skin care products, but not now with the recent advancement in skin care technology skin cells can be corrected from damage done and create new healthy skin cells.

An anti-wrinkle cream lessens the appearance of your wrinkles, depending on how often you use it, the type and amount of active ingredient in the wrinkle cream and the extent of the wrinkles you want to treat.

Do they work? Consider these points when judging the merits of using a wrinkle cream: Ensure the skin care system you use has been subjected to research and clinical trials to prove their benefit. You’ll likely need to use the wrinkle cream once or twice a day for many weeks before noticing improvements. Remembering that skin cells rejuvenate every 28 days.

STEP 6. Support your skin’s health and prevent premature aging with good quality supplements.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Oxidative stress is the principle cause of aging and premature death. By controlling free radicals, anti-oxidants influence how fast and how well we age. It is virtually impossible to get optimal amount of antioxidants from foods alone. So invest in a good quality antioxidant. After a lifetime of exposure to pollutants, we need antioxidant help. The best antioxidant on the market is provided by the Australian Bush Plum and studies at an Australian University provides the research to prove the effect of this antioxidant which is provided in a capsule food supplement.

PHYTOSTEROLS

Scientists can tell how old you are physiologically based on the amount of DHEA (primary hormone of the body) in your blood. Levels peak at age 25 years and then decline. Most researchers agree to retard aging DHEA levels must be maintained. In our modern diet our daily intake of hormone modulator is severely depleted. A Phyto Hormone supplement provides your body naturally with the building blocks to maintain and enhance normal hormone production. It will support efficient fat burning, help you look younger, feel younger and potentially live longer.

GLYCONUTRIENTS

Science has now established that certain natural plant sugars are vital for maintaining good health. Glyconutrients play a vital role in disease prevention and immune system restoration. Supplementation with a blend of glyconutrients have been shown to improve the immune system and improve the antioxidant level inside cells. In addition research shows that glyconutrients help with reversing 8 of the biological signs of aging. A good reason to start supplementing your diet with these nutrients. There is only one manufacturer of the exclusive source of the complete blend of these nutrients.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Make sure you get a good blend of essential fatty acids in your diet.. Supplementation with essential fatty acids supports your skin to become softer and smoother. They are necessary to make cells membranes and for many of the important hormones and other chemical messengers that tell your body what to do.

In recent years, researchers have been able to determine the reason essential fats are so critical to the formation of soft, smooth skin texture and the management of certain skin conditions. Investigative studies have shown that the link between fabulous skin texture and intake of essential oils is explained by the effect essential fats have on the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones within epidermal cells.

So supplementation with a combination of these nutrients is required for you are wanting to reduce the signs of aging and support your skins health from inside as well as outside.

STEP 7. ADEQUATE REST

Make sure you get enough rest, so that your skin has time to repair itself.

We all know that aging skin can be problematic and sometimes even downright scary. By following the tips listed above and carefully selecting your skin care products, you'll be one step ahead in the battle against aging skin. We all get old but we don't have to look that way!

The bottom line is to know the science and ingredients behind the products you use, look at the clinical trials, ensure the company is ethical and practices good manufacturing practices and then stick to doing business with one that has a solid reputation for delivering results. There are countless products on the market but only a handful that are based on legitimate science. These are the ones to add to your daily skin care regiment.

The one thing you must do is be constant, without getting obsessed, with whatever you choose to rejuvenate your skin. A new era of skin care technology is a huge breakthrough in the battle against our aging skin.

So in summary your Skin Care wish list should include:

1. Preservative Free
2. Anti- Aging
3. Fragrance Free
4. Colorant Free
5. Allergy Tested
6. Suits All Skin Types
7. Non- Comedogenic (not clogging, won’t aggravate acne)
8. No Animal Testing
9. Opthamologist Tested
10. Visible Real Results

Too much in one skin care line. Do your research and you will find that there are limited skin care products that provide all these benefits.

- Self Defense For Women

Self Defense For Women
by: James D. Anderson

Self Defense: A Necessity for Women

Whoever thought that the world would become a better place in due time and with technological advancements and modernization was wrong. The world is still as hostile a place, and the only thing that has changed is the weapons. Crime has become more sophisticated in nature but the sad part is that women are still considered as soft targets.

Crime on women has in fact, increased over the years in developed countries like the US and UK and across the world. Let us first take a look at the worldwide statistics for crime on women:

• 1 in every 3 women across the world has been subjugated to rape or sexual assault. (Data: 2001)
• In some developing countries, at least one-third of the adolescent girls have been forced into sexual initiation (Data: 2002)
• Sex crimes in South Africa take place every twenty seconds. (Data: 2000)
• Major incidents of rapes have been reported in 12 African provinces. The rate has increased considerably from 182 in 2001 to 270 in 2002.
• 14,000 of the 331,815 reported crimes committed against women in the Russian Federation were rapes.
• According to a survey in the United Kingdom it was found that 19.4 % of the women there have been victims of some kind of sexual violence. (Data: 2001)
• 40% of girls in South East Asia are being forced into prostitution as a means to feed their families.

Now let’s take a look at the US

• One of the startling facts is that 1 in 3 American women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
• 89% of sexual crimes have been committed by someone known to the victim.
• In 2002, there were 247,730 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
• In 2005-2006, there were 232,010 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
• Around 44% of rape victims are under age 18, while 80% are under age 30.


Sources (2005)

1. The World Bank. http://www.worldbank.org
2. “International Statistics.” http://www.sexualassault.virginia.edu/statistics_international.htm
3. United Nations Development Fund for Women. “Facts and Figures: Sexual Violence in Non-Conflict Situations.” http://www.unifem.org/campaigns/november25/facts_figures_3.php
4. The World Health Organization. “Sexual Violence Facts.” http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention
5. United Nations Development Fund for Women. “Stop Violence against Women: Prevalence of Sexual Assault.” http://www.stopvaw.org/PrevalenceofSexualAssault.html or http://www.unifem.org
6. National Center for Victims of Crime (2004)
7. NSVRC. “Global perspectives on Sexual

In such an insecure world, it is far more difficult for a woman to survive as compared to their male counterpart. But all is not lost because there are several methods or weapons that a woman can use to thwart an assaulter. One of the most powerful and popular weapons is the pepper spray, which has a far-reaching effect. The motive behind using pepper sprays as opposed to lethal weapons like Guns is that pepper sprays or Tasers will not kill the assaulter or anyone trying to commit crime on a woman but at the same time, these weapons are extremely effective and can save a woman’s life and dignity.

The different types of crimes on women include:

• Carjacking
• Rape
• Murder & Theft
• Theft
• Sexual abuse
• Domestic violence
• Purse snatching
• Stalking
• Threats
• Property crimes
• Sexual harassment in the office

Of all these crimes, rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment in office premises and stalking has a higher rate than other crimes. In such a crime, a woman can use a pepper spray, Taser or martial art techniques for self defense.

The Pepper Spray

The Pepper spray is also called an OC spray, where OC stands for Oleoresin Capsicum. It is basically a powerful lachrymatory agent, a chemical compound that can cause severe irritation in the eyes and ears and even lead to temporary blindness and severe pain. The pepper spray is used the world over by women to protect them against any anti-social element and have considerably brought down the number of sexual molestation and rape in many countries.

The Pepper spray can be used for various purposes like controlling a mob, controlling riot and even as a weapon of self-defense against animals like bears, wolves, and dogs. It is completely non-lethal although it can be deadly if not used in small quantities. In 1995, the American Civil Liberties Union had documented 14 cases of pepper spray use that turned fatal. If you spray an entire can of Pepper Spray into someone’s eyes then in all probability the subject will go permanently blind.

The primary ingredient in Pepper spray is called capsaicin. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that can be derived from the fruits of a special plant belonging to the Capsicum genus and chillies. There are several different types of Pepper spray in use like Mace Pepper Sprays, Wildfire Pepper Spray, Lipstick Pepper Spray, and a specific version called the PAVA Pepper Spray. The PAVA Pepper Spray has capsaicin, pelargonic acid vanillylamide or desmethyldihydrocapsaicin and it is extensively used in England. A synthetic counterpart of the pepper spray is called the pelargonic acid morpholide. This was developed in Russia and is widely used there.

Pepper sprays are available in canisters and are considered to be an inflammatory. The moment you use pepper spray on a subject, it will cause severe irritation in the eyes and closing of the eye. Some of the other symptoms include a running nose, difficulty in breathing, and coughing apart from the tears. The duration of a Pepper spray effect actually depends on the amount of spray you have used but on an average it can last from anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour.

Here are some important tips:

1. When you are carrying a can of pepper spray in your hand, your thumb should be on the top of your trigger.
2. If your attacker comes too close too you then back up a little so that you are in a better position to use the spray.
3. Use a good amount of spray so that the chilli pepper can do its job as quickly as possible.
4. While the attacker is in pain and temporarily blind, you should try to get out of there as fast as you can.

TASER C2

One of the best self-defense weapons is a stun gun like the Taser C2. There are several benefits of owning or using a Taser C2 stun gun. It is handy and can be carried just about anywhere. It can be hid in the purse as it is of the size of a TV remote and can be used anywhere, anytime. It can be easily found over the internet and costs around $300.

The Taser C2 delivers a charge or electric current the moment it comes into direct contact with the attacker or the subject in question. The Taser C2 has a range of 15 feet and it can pierce through 2 inches of clothing. The range will help any woman to prepare and defend herself well in advance.

The Taser C2 is an electronically controlled device or ECD. The cartridge consists of two electrodes, which are propelled through the air with the help of two wires and compressed nitrogen. The electrodes pierce through the clothing and stick to the skin. Electrical pulses are transmitted through the wires to the electrodes and into the body of the attacker. The effect is stunning and the attacker will go into a shock. The effect will last long enough for you to flee from there or call for law enforcement agents. The Taser C2 can be fired to anywhere on the body and is non-lethal hence can be used extensively by women to thwart any attack.

Martial Arts

The last line of defense is Martial Arts, which combined with any of the above can prove to be a lethal combination. Martial Arts are not for everyone not because the training is difficult but because it is time consuming too. Martial art is considered to be a lethal force and you might end up killing your attacker. There are different types of martial art forms that can be learnt quickly like Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, and Tai Chi. Karate and Taekwondo are by far the most popular forms and can also cause severe injury to the attacker.

There are certain parts of the human body, which are prone to severe injuries like the face, forehead, neck, abdomen, and groin. You can hit a man or your attacker in the groin and the nose for maximum impact. The strongest weapons of a woman’s body include the head, elbow, and knees. Martial art will teach you to use these body parts effectively to disable or wound your opponent temporarily. A hit with the elbow to the nose will not only stun them but also give you enough time to get away.

The only drawback of Martial arts is that it is effective only in close combat situations but if your subject is fleeing away or is at a distance then the Taser and the Pepper Spray can prove to be highly effective.

- Skin Care Moisturizer Cream Can Keep Your Skin Smooth and Supple

Skin Care Moisturizer Cream Can Keep Your Skin Smooth and Supple
by: Sylvie Bordeaux

They say beauty is only skin deep, but only a woman knows just how true that is. You can be the prettiest thing in the room, but wrinkled, sun damaged skin can certainly bring your appearance down several notches. Skin care moisturizer cream is just the thing you need to help prevent new wrinkles, reduce the appearance of the wrinkles you have, and help heal sun damaged skin. Whether you struggle with dry skin, combination skin, oily skin, acne, or some other type of skin condition, there is a moisturizer that is made just for you. The only challenge is finding the right moisturizer for you and knowing what to look for. It’s all about getting the details right -- what types of moisturizer are best for you and how often to apply them. Luckily for you, we’ve got the scoop on the best moisturizers for your needs.

Water Based Moisturizers are a No-No

When purchasing moisturizer cream, many women simply do not stop and look at the ingredients. Often women are attracted to a pretty box or a pretty jar with a fancy sounding name without realizing that many of the moisturizers out there contain up to 40% water. Other women make the mistake of going with a water based moisturizer, thinking that water is the most natural moisturizer in the world and that it should do wonders for their skin. Strangely enough, that is not the case. Different all natural ingredients, like Aloe Vera, are better suited for a moisturizer for the face, especially for those looking for anti aging or anti wrinkle benefits. It may not seem like it but water based moisturizers are a recipe for disaster when it comes to dry skin. They dry out your skin even more as opposed to adding much needed moisture.

Consider the Benefits of Natural Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera based creams are different and for those who have only used water based products or for those looking for a change in their present moisturizing routine, this is the best and only alternative. A few of the skin care moisturizer cream products even contain essential fatty acids and other ingredients that actually imitate the natural actions and compositions of your skin. These special ingredients work wonders against drying and breakouts, and makes it easier for the ingredients to be absorbed into the skin. Aloe Vera itself is 100 percent natural, coming straight from the plant of the same name and is known for its healing benefits to damaged skin.

How Often is Too Often?

Depending on your skin and its makeup, you never know how much to moisturize until you figure out what is best for you. If you have normal skin, moisturizing once a day should be sufficient, but if you have dry skin or skin with a condition you may want to consider moisturizing twice daily -- once during the morning hours and once before bed.

Be sure to follow the directions that are specified on the back of moisturizer box or jar for best results and remember that not all moisturizers are created equal. Some of them have specific instructions and are designed to treat different skin conditions so be sure to read the label carefully. Some moisturizers have natural oils, vitamins, lipids, and other ingredients that are designed to smooth and beautify your skin. Be warned that chemicals have been added to other moisturizer creams and these should be strictly avoided.

How do you know which is the best skin care moisturizer cream for you? In all reality, there is no “one size fits all.” Everyone has a different type of skin and unfortunately there is a bit of trial and error that you must go through. You have to find out the hard way sometimes but often you can take shortcuts by getting recommendations from other women with skin similar to yours. Remember though that just because a particular product works for someone else does not necessarily mean that it will work for you. One thing you can be sure of though is that it is pretty hard to go wrong with an aloe vera based moisturizer. Aloe Vera can heal damaged skin, moisturize, and even provide some anti aging benefits as well. Plus it doesn’t dry out the skin like water based moisturizers do...and it should go without saying that dry skin is much more prone to wrinkles than hydrated, moisturized skin.

The benefits of Aloe Vera are endless and no matter what type of skin you have, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of this all natural ingredient that was discovered more than 3,500 years ago and that is still being used today. An Aloe Vera based moisturizer can help give you healthier, more beautiful skin no matter what kind of skin you have and no matter how much sun damage you have.

Be sure to read the label before buying any moisturizer cream and always, always, always demand an Aloe Vera based moisturizer.

Do you hate fine lines?

Do you hate wrinkles?

Do you hate sun spots?

Do you have old acne scars to get rid of?

Do you want to feel beautiful again?

An Aloe Vera based moisturizer cream just may be the way to go and due to its healing properties, Aloe Vera should be something you look for in any skin care moisturizer cream.

- Moving Beyond Your Divorce

Moving Beyond Your Divorce
by: Shelley Stile

There is no single more powerful stumbling block to moving beyond our divorce into a new life than the inability to accept our new reality. Acceptance is the hardest part of the divorce recovery process. Acceptance requires total honesty, courage and the willingness to let go of the life that we had...a life that no longer exists. Without that acceptance, we cannot move forward and create a new life.

How does one learn acceptance? Although it takes time and a good deal of inner work, it can be done. Here is a step-by-step guide to move you towards acceptance:

1) It’s about you, not them.

One of the most powerful lessons in life is the knowledge that we have control over one person and one person only…ourselves. If you are looking outside of yourself to move forward, you won’t. We can’t change anyone but ourselves. We have power over no one except ourselves. It is when we turn inward and do the work on ourselves that we will be able to effect dramatic and positive changes in our lives.

Being a victim means giving away all control and power. If I blame someone else for my situation, then I am powerless to do anything about it as I have chosen to absolve myself of any responsibility.

We can create changes that will make out lives better but not until we stop trying to change our ex or our current reality and we realize that it’s about us, not them.

2) Get support.

If you think you can do this all by yourself you may be in for a big surprise. Research consistently shows that getting support in any challenging endeavor leads to more success. Whether you choose a divorce support group, a therapist, a member of the clergy or a Life Coach, just do it.

If you are one of the those people who think that you have to handle life’s challenges on your own because somehow you equate support with weakness, get over it! Getting support is a sign of intelligence as far as I’m concerned as well as an indication that you really are serious about moving onward in life.

3) First, you must get through the initial stages of loss that includes denial, grief, anger, depression and whatever else you might be feeling early in the divorce process.

These emotions are all natural and necessary states that we need to experience. They are the norm versus the exception. Each one of these feelings needs to be embraced and experienced fully. There must be an ending before a new beginning.

There is a difference between fully experiencing an emotional stage and getting stuck in it. Beware excessive self-pity and real depression. Here is where support becomes important to your well-being and improvement.

4) Distinguish between facts and interpretations.

I cannot stress the importance of this step enough. People get stuck when they cannot face the facts and prefer to believe that their personal interpretations are reality.

You might be familiar with the exercise of the picture that has a hidden image within it. Ten people may come up with ten different interpretations of the picture. Some people will see the hidden image immediately and others will never see it until it is pointed out to them. Either way, the hidden picture exists. It is a fact.

You may feel that you have been mentally abused and yet your partner may feel that you are the one that is abusive. He said, she said. Probably a counselor will see a totally different picture altogether. You know, there’s your side, his side and then the truth.

Once you are truthful with yourself and can see the facts versus the drama or story of your divorce, you will be on your way to acceptance.

5) Be brutally honest and take responsibility for your marriage, divorce and life.

Those of us who can be totally honest with ourselves will receive the gift of a deep awareness of who and what we are along with the ability to accept our lives as they are without looking to blame someone else. Being honest allows us to see things that hadn’t existed for us before. The truth will indeed set you free. By setting aside our egos, we can look at our life for what it actually is versus a story about our divorce.

Once we have been honest and have embraced all the facts about our divorce, we are free to accept full responsibility for our lives. Responsibility is power and the freedom to choose what we want next in life. If we cannot take responsibility, we remain victims and victims absolve themselves of both their responsibility and therefore the power to control their own lives.

6) Learn the difference between what is and what you think should be.

If we are living in a netherland of what we think should be, we are completely cut off from reality or ‘what is’. If you think that you should not have to be experiencing divorce, then you cannot accept what is…that you are indeed getting divorced. You live in a world of your own.

We all create a list of should be’s that keep us stuck in the status quo: I should be happier, I should be getting more support, I shouldn’t have to work, and I should still be married. By concentrating on what we should be, we ignore what actually exists for us and remain stuck.

I think we should live in a world where peace is the predominant ethic but we don’t live in that world. That’s a dream I have. By acknowledging the world as it truly exists, I can make choices as to how I will live my life and also how to address the problems that do exist.

7) Consider the emotional wounds that you brought to the marriage.

Your ex may complain that you were not a warm person. I doubt that it was your marriage that created a cold person, if indeed that is what you are. We bring ourselves into our marriages and the parts of us that show up and create issues are the parts of us that we haven’t addressed yet. They are emotional wounds from somewhere in our past and they have a tendency to pop-up in our close relationships or when we are faced with challenging times.

Now is your chance to address those wounds and heal them so that you do not repeat your so-called mistakes again. Use your divorce as a catalyst to go inside and heal yourself.

8) Release toxic emotions.

Get rid of the debilitating toxic emotions that you are carrying around. Picture them as heavy baggage that keeps you stuck in your misery and produces a broken back. Anger, bitterness, hatred, resentment, rage…these are all toxic emotions that will harm you far more than your ex. You are the one who pays the price. You need to work through them and then release them because they will weigh you down for the rest of your life if you allow it.

Once you have done the work of truth versus interpretations and what is versus what should be, you will find it much easier to give up your anger and resentment. They do not serve you and you are learning to give away anything that does not serve you well.

9) Learn forgiveness for yourself and your mate.

You might not be able to practice forgiveness in the early stages of the journey to recovery but if you go through these other steps, you will be able to forigive your ex and more importantly, yourself. Forgiveness takes a big load off your shoulders. It releases energy that can be used for positive things.

Forgiveness does not necessarily mean you condone bad behavior, it simply means you forgive. If we separate the person from the behavior it becomes easier to forgive. You know that just because you sometimes say mean things it does not mean you are a bad person. Just a lapse in judgment. We are not necessarily our behavior. We know all the subconscious motivations that exist within every individual. If we look at the inner child within a person, forgiveness is a given.

10) Make conscious decisions; utilize free choice.

When you do the inner work of divorce recovery, you tend to attend to many things that have been left unresolved for years. You become more conscious of your actions and your choices. You become aware of the subconscious and how it can run your life. When you learn to observe the constant mind chatter that goes on inside your heads, you learn that the mind chatter is not us, its just chatter.

Making conscious decisions based in free choice means that we are not letting our mind chatter, our past, our emotional wounds or our interpretations of reality run the show. We take control of our lives. Conscious living allows for incredible freedom and the ability to create extraordinary changes.

And your bonus tip:

11) Find the gifts of your divorce.

Everything that occurs in our lives and everything that we are (warts and all) has a hidden gift. If you speak to someone who has survived divorce and has gone on to create a and vibrant life based upon their own passions and values, they will certainly tell you that their divorce was the best thing that happened to them. That may not be true for you but there is a gift waiting for you to find. My ex likes to say that he is responsible for my new career and to a certain extent he has played a part. Oftentimes it takes a good whack on the head to awaken us to life’s possibilities and our own happiness.

It’s the old adage: Every cloud has a silver lining. It is true. Search for the gifts of your divorce and it becomes yet another step toward a successful recovery from the trauma of divorce.

Successful divorce recovery takes inner work. Much like a flower, the work that has takes place underneath the surface of the ground, invisible to the human eye, is the crucial aspect. Without that subterranean work, there would be no flower. The reward of the flower is dependent upon the inner work of the seed and the root system. It is the same with humans. Do the inner work and you see the outer rewards