Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Accidental Gift Basket

My husband and I recently had a baby, and family and friends have been dropping by regularly to visit and see our new addition. We live near my family, so they've been over almost every day while my husband's family is spread out all over the United States. Since his family can't exactly drop by for obvious reasons, we've gotten a lot of cards, letters and gifts in the mail. One day the doorbell to our apartment rang and I opened it to find a delivery person with a gift basket. After thanking him, I took the basket and placed it on the table with all the cards and letters we received in the mail that day. I thought I would wait until my husband got home from work so we could open them together.

As I looked at the gift basket, I noticed it was filled with European chocolates. I briefly thought that was an odd choice and was going to look at who sent it when my newborn awoke and let me know it was time for the bottle. After feeding her and putting her back to sleep, I had a bit of a sweet tooth so I decided to open the gift basket and have a chocolate. It was delicious. One chocolate turned to two and two quickly turned to four and before I knew it, I had eaten almost half the basket. This was no small feat as there were a lot of chocolates. I guess I wasn't quite ready to give up the eating habits I had before the baby was born. As I was enjoying the chocolates, my husband came home and I mentioned that whoever in his family that sent the gift basket really knew what they were doing.

I thought it a bit odd at first (expecting a baby gift basket, if anything) but once I bit into the first chocolate, I knew that whoever had sent this realized just how much I needed a quality chocolate break from the stress of all that comes with having your first baby. This made me remember that I forgot to check the card, so I asked my husband to look since he was up. As it turns out, this gift basket I had halfway devoured was intended for our next door neighbor. It was delivered to us by accident. Here I am, relaxing on the couch with a chocolate in my hand when my husband breaks the news to me. With my chocolate filled mouth wide open, I looked at him so seriously as if to say cheap bags for sale, "What are we going to do?" He started laughing, which made me start laughing as I now saw the humor in the situation. We ordered a new basket to be delivered the next day for our neighbor and also went by to explain what had happened.

We all had a good laugh over it and I was relieved since I had never formally met our neighbor and didn't know what to expect. I'm actually quite glad that this happened. I got to meet our neighbor and learned a valuable lesson about checking the card before you open the gift. I also know what I will send my friends and family after they welcome a new addition. I'm sending chocolate.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

How to Pick the Right Bra for You

Excerpt from the Seduction Game to Come out April 2006

Today's bras can do amazing things for your look. There's lacy, sexy, padded, uplift,
you name it. The bras that you wear are part of your seduction signature. The image
that the right bra creates is too important to leave to chance.

Surveys show that as many as 80% off all women are wearing the wrong size bras.
That's a pretty amazing number when you think about it. It means that 8 out of 10 of
your girlfriends could be looking better than they do. Are you one of them?

� If your breasts spill out over the top or sides of your bra � it's the wrong size.
Look for a bigger band or cup size.

� If your cups pucker, wrinkle, or dimple in � it's the wrong size. Choose a smaller cup size.

� If your bra rides up your back � it's the wrong size. Choose one with a tighter band.

� If you wear an underwire bra, and the underwire doesn't lay flat against your rib
cage � it's the wrong size. Choose a larger one.

Believe it or not, there are still professional "bra fitting" services available. Check the
lingerie department at the better department stores and ask if they have a bra
consultant. The chances are you'll find someone who can expertly fit you to a bra
size that will show your assets off in the best light!

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Monday, June 14, 2010

Color Toric Contacts - Good News for People with Astigmatism

If you have an astigmatism it doesn't mean that you are stuck with wearing glasses. These days there are special contact lenses, called "toric", developed specially for people with astigmatism. And it gets even more exiting - you can also wear color toric contacts. Find out what color toric contact lenses are available and which would be best for you.

The difference between a regular contact lens and a toric lens is that torics have two powers, (one for astigmatism, the other for short-sightedness or long-sightedness). Also the lens is usually heavier at the bottom, to prevent it rotating in your eye.

The material used for toric color contacts is the same as for ordinary contacts - they can be soft or RGP (rigid gas permeable). RGP lenses usually don't come in color varieties, though, because the lens is smaller than your iris (the colored part of your eye). So in talking about colored toric contact lenses, we will discuss only soft toric lenses.

What color toric contacts are available?

For now the only widely available brand name colored toric contacts are Freshlook Colorblends by Ciba Vision. Freshlook Colorblends are opaque color contacts, which means that they are equally suitable for people with light eyes or dark eyes. Freshlook Colorblends toric offers you green, blue, gray and honey colors. See pictures of people wearing color toric contacts by Freshlook.

Some custom-made toric color contacts can also be made, at your request. Naturally, these would cost you a bit more. Most custom-made color contacts are traditional (annual replacement) lenses, while Freshlook Colorblends are monthly disposable lenses.

How expensive are toric colored lenses?.

Unfortunately, all toric contact lenses cost about twice as much as lenses for long or shortsightedness. The reason is that the lens is irregularly shaped and is more difficult to manufacture.

Comparable to plain (no color) toric contacts colored torics are 25-30% more expensive. However, if you order your toric colored contacts online you can save significantly.

Is there any potential danger in wearing color toric contacts?

Toric color lenses don't present any more danger than any other contact lenses. You just shouldn't neglect to care for them properly. Always remember to wash your hands before handling your lenses. Every time you put your lenses out for the night use fresh solution. Don't wear your lenses for too long - 8-10 hours is the limit, and never sleep in them.

Since you need toric contact lenses anyway, try color toric contacts. You would be amazed how different your face will look with a different eye color.

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

'Creating your "signature" look'

Most people have a set of clothes in which they are completely comfortable and that reflects who they are. You can use this knowledge to create your "signature" look � the look that "says" you and makes you feel confident and ready for almost any challenge.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to wear whatever you like whenever you like? We know that's not recommended because there are written and unwritten but well-understood dress codes: what's socially acceptable, what's required for your workplace or business, what's suited to the occasion � at least here in the big city. There are always those people who will push the norm in some direction to make a fashion statement or be non-conformist but the rest of us usually try to fit our circumstances.

You can actually be yourself and fit in or stand out by simply taking your comfortable clothes and transforming them to your daily situations. What do you gravitate toward when you're dressing to please yourself?

For example, I don't believe I was born in jeans but I've worn them since I can remember. My legs disappear on the first cold day (which I define as below 60 degrees) and aren't exposed to sunlight until the first warm day (over 70 degrees). One of my inner personas is a motorcycle mama (though my riding "career" years ago was mostly on the back of a motorcycle). Putting these elements together, I'm most comfortable in a pair of jeans, a top and boots but that look won't take me everywhere I need to go during the day. Plus, I'm a beauty consultant and have the "pressure" of looking my best whenever I step out.

My solution is to take my preferences and dress them down or dress them up (except in summertime when less is more!). To complete the casual version, I usually opt for a single color like black (or gray or brown or navy): black top, black jeans, black boots or heeled shoes. A single color, head to toe, is usually slimming and appears pulled-together. Then, I throw on a bright tailored or leather jacket with one or two matching accessories (a pin, scarf, earrings, other jewelry). To transform my choices for a dressier version, I'll select nice separates or a well-cut pants suit with more dramatic accessories and great shoes.

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Saturday, June 12, 2010

How to Purchase A Pearl Necklace

Purchasing a pearl necklace can be a daunting task because if you really want top quality pearls there are a number of questions and steps to take to ensure you do get the quality that you are seeking. Pearls are beautiful and a very stylish accent to any wardrobe. The questions and steps with some explanation will be addressed below.

Do you want natural, cultured, or imitation pearls. Please note that imitation pearls are custom jewelry and they don't have much value. Natural pearls are next to impossible to find in stores they are also of a lesser value than cultured pearls.

There are choices of the shape of the pearls that you want. Pearls can be symmetrical, baroque, or irregular. Sphere like pearls are most costly and they are greatly sought after. Symmetrical pearls and tear drop shaped pearls should be even all over.

The size of the pearl is a great issue involving the price. The size of the pearl will affect the price. Bigger is better and they are also more expensive. If money is not a big issue size will only matter by your choice.

Depending on how much you want to spend, what kind of necklace do you want? Do you want a multiple strand with smaller pearls which are less expensive or do you want a single strand of larger pearls which are more expensive.

When inspecting pearls under direct light and on a flat white surface. Check every pearl for luster. Lustrous pearls have shiny surface. There should be good contrast between light and dark, as well as strong and crisp reflections. Avoid pearls that have white and cloudy look to them.

What is the pearls 'orient' - a play of iridescent rainbow with high quality colors. Ask whether the color is natural or dyed. The latter is less expensive. More exotic natural colors are more effective.

What is the pearls overtones - a tint secondary to the main body color. Pink tones can increase the price and blues can reduce the price. You can verify that the pearls are clean by making sure there are minimal defects such as nicks, cracks, pits, or discoloration.

Turn the pearl around and check it at all angles. The color, the shape, smoothness, and luster cannot all cannot be different on a single pearl.
Roll a strand of pearls on flat surface to test them for roundness. If they are round they will roll more smoothly and evenly. If they are not round you will feel it when the pearls are rolled, it could feel like going over a bump.

There are three steps you need to take to recognize real pearls from imitations. Run the pearls along the bottom edge of your teeth. A real pearl will feel gritty and or sandy. A fake pearl will feel smooth.

Look at and feel the pearls. Flawless pearls and those that feel light when you bounce them in your hands are probably fake. Check out the pearl under a number 10 magnifier ( a loupe). Imitation pearls appear grainy.
This is definitely a process and it is up to you to do whatever you can to check the value of the pearls. If necessary bring someone who is knowledgeable with you.

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