Create Your Own Rules of Party Dressing and Socializing

Posted on November 12, 2012 9 Comments

Forget how everyone tells you how a party should be. Why not revamp your own look and party organizing skills and shine this season? Instead of feeling uncomfortable in a really tight party dress and feeling out of place at a party that you don’t enjoy going to, come up with a new plan. It’s about time you take matters into your own hands and plan a fun get together, show up in an outfit you love, and socialize with company you look forward to being around.

By creating your own rules at the party, everything should come together nicely. Plus, why not check out these free shipping New York and Company codes and buy yourself a dress that you’ll feel comfortable in? The evening will be a lot more enjoyable if you put your own party into effect!

Update Your Makeup – Now that you have a brand new dress that’s both comfy and chic, why don’t you update your makeup? A shimmery shadow will add the right amount of glamour and a matching bold shade of lipstick will look ravishing paired with your dress. Plus – who can forget about this season’s smokey eye?! It’s a great night time look that’s bold, daring and elegant. You’ll definitely shine at the party and have fun simultaneously since you’ll be with company you like to be around.

Ditch the Pumps and Go for Flats – If you’re a mom on-the-go you probably don’t wear pumps that often or maybe you don’t wear pumps at all because they’re uncomfortable! Whatever the case may be, don’t feel awkward in pumps that make your feet hurt on what’s supposed to be a fun evening. Instead opt for fun and funky flats with a jewel on the end of them or come in a flashy color like silver or a royal purple. They’ll keep you comfortable and will look beautiful too.

Don’t be Afraid of Sparkles and Glitter – It’s just a rumor that glitter and sparkles are just for your kids because believe it or not glitter is hip and hot for mothers too! If you don’t want glitter all over your face that’s understandable, but there are subtle ways to glow and be the star of the show. Apply sparkles and glitter on your nails for a glam look and use makeup products like bareMinerals that will add the perfect amount of sparkle and glow to a dazzling appearance.

The holiday party will be one that you won’t forget because you created your own party rules!

 

Sierra is a freelance writer who loves to dress up and go to a holiday party but on her own terms.

 

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Most Romantic Drive Routes

Posted on October 31, 2012 19 Comments

There is something very alluring about a road trip. Perhaps it’s the feeling of liberation, freedom and anticipation – and it’s one of the very first things you want to get out there and do after learning to drive. It’s also the chance to spend some quality, uninterrupted time with a loved one – whereas normally you are dealing with the stresses, strains and demands of everyday life. If you are thinking about taking your beloved on a romantic road trip, here’s a handful of the very best, courtesy of PassSmart. 
Amalfi Coast – Italy
Between the mountains and the deep blue sea is the breathtaking coastline peering over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast is a curvy little stretch, some 35 miles long between Salerno and Sorrento. Terraced gardens, glorious scenery, an abundance of fragrant lemon trees, and regal architecture make this the perfect romantic backdrop for a road trip. Stop off at jet -set favourite Positano, and take a swim in the bluest ocean at Ravello.
Shipka Pass – Bulgaria
Starting in Veliko Tamovo, a beautiful medieval hamlet in Bulgaria, the route winds through the Balkan Mountain range, via Gavrovo and Kazanlak. The route is just over 8 miles long, dips through the Valley of the Roses, and is crossed by a railroad on its way to Stara Zagora. Part of the Bulgarka Nature Park, there’s a place to stop and see the Shipka Memorial – a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Russian-Turkish War in the late 1800s. The views will take your breath away, and the charming small medieval towns just ooze with love and romance.
Brandywine Valley – Pennsylvania and Delaware
This road trip will transport you right back to a time of undeniable romance, and pure 20th century colonial opulence. This scenic 12 mile stretch overlooking the Brandywine River winds along through wealthy estates and manicured gardens of the stupendously wealthy aristocrats of the 1800s. Rows of gorgeous flowers, oaks and tulip trees line the narrow roads that chase the river gushing below, making you feel as if you have stepped right into the French countryside.
The Borderlands of Texas
Exotic, mysterious, romantic and completely untouched, this area of Texas is one of the most incredible in the world. Attracting the likes of Hollywood film-makers for its unusual allure, the charisma and intoxicating appeal is what makes this one of the most dramatically romantic places for that once in a life time road trip. Surrounded by rugged mountains, wispy grasslands, arid terrain, and the biggest sky you have ever seen – the 127 mile route passes through ghost towns after starting in the historic oil town of Fort Stockton, and ends in the star of the Texan show – The Big Bend National Park.
Ghost Towns of Colorado
225 miles of pure history, towering snow-capped mountain ranges, sheer red cliffs and gorges, lush forests teeming with black bears, eagles and mountain lions, beds of fossils and desolate ghost towns are like scenes out of an old western movie; all that is missing is a wispy tumbleweed rolling around in the dust. One of the most romantic road trips to take, the scenery is absolutely beautiful and there is something magical about a deserted 19th century gold mining town.
New Zealand’s North Island
It is no secret that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on the planet: Ethereal and charismatic with an irresistible magnetism, the North Island is one of those sensational places that will take your breath away. A road trip here is a truly special one that will take you a few days to travel its 460 mile route. Welcome to Lord of the Rings country: See the rugged volcanic fields, sprawling tropical rain forests, sweeping vineyards and patchwork farmlands, while stopping along the way at Mordor and Hobbiton.
Hire a convertible, put the top down, turn on the radio for some love songs, and head out on some of best romantic road trips for memories that will last a lifetime.
This is a guest post by PassSmart.com – the best way to find a driving instructor in the UK.

photo credit: Twm™ via photopin cc

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Perfume: Understand It Before Buying It

Posted on October 27, 2012 17 Comments

Perfume plays a vital role in the life of any human being. A good perfume not only enhances one’s dignity, but also unleashes one’s self-confidence.

What you should remember though, is that not all perfumes are created equal.  They are as varied as fish in the sea. The thing is, one can easily be under the mistaken impression that picking out perfume is no rocket science.  And with the advent of online shopping, you can simply visit website suggestions and pick out any perfume without prior information or experience when it comes to choosing perfume.

With the plethora of options available to consumers, it is extremely important that they arm themselves with a working knowledge and awareness of what perfumes are all about.  Before making an actual purchase, you should understand the notes of perfume, and know the right brand of fragrance which suits your skin.

Understanding Perfume Notes

Perfume is divided into notes. These three notes are known as the top, middle and base note.

The top note refers to the immediate fragrance which is generally smelled by the sprayer and disappears quickly. Perfumes which have very strong top notes last for only a couple of hours.   Middle notes last longer than the top note. Last is the base note which lasts the longest, but it takes some time for it to be obvious.

Now, if you’re the type who isn’t too keen on experimentation, you can always stick to those tried and tested brands.  Personally, I love Hugo boss perfume and have been loyal to the brand for the past three years. If you choose the right brand which suits your skin, you can then make it your signature scent. You can never go wrong with mainstream picks.

Benefits of trying Recommended Perfume

Irrespective of the lavishness connected with any brand, it is always wise to try out the perfume on your body. Each one of us has a different skin structure. A smell which smells lovely on you may not necessarily suit your friend.  Apply some on your hand, wait 10 to 15 minutes and then take a whiff of it. This will give you the real smell. One more thing, if the perfume irritates your skin, say no to that brand immediately. Search for a safer alternative.

Beware of fakes

Do know that there are many fake perfumes out in the market. Steer clear of tempting online offers which give you cheaper alternatives to the original.  Many customers fall for the offer, and regret it later on. The original is still the best.

So the next time you buy a bottle of perfume, remember to take time to understand the science of scents.  After all, your dignity, confidence, and money are at stake here.

 

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Dressing For Work While Working at Home

Posted on October 25, 2012 11 Comments

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you self-employed and working from home? Maybe you’re a SAHM or a WAHM? If so, you’re among a growing population; more and more companies are allowing and even encouraging telecommuting as work option.  But with this option comes an unexpected challenge—what is the appropriate work at home wardrobe?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of throwing on sweats or workout clothes in the morning and staying in them all day long.  After all, these clothes are really comfortable.  Some people even stay in their pajamas all day when they work from home. It’s tempting to be comfortable sitting by your aquarium in the living room with nice aquarium lighting, but unfortunately sweats or pajamas are not the ideal work at home wardrobe.

The way you look directly affects the way you feel and act. If you dress like you are taking the day off, you are subconsciously telling yourself that’s where you’d rather be rather than working. It probably won’t be blatant, but it may come across in your work and in your voice on the phone.

You don’t have to go to the other extreme of dressing in a suit or a skirt just to sit in your home office, but somewhere in the middle of these two is a good compromise. Business casual is a great way to give your body and mind the signal that you are ready to work—no matter what your location.

Business casual presents its own challenges as there is no clear definition of what it means.  In some offices it means literally anything goes. Others have guidelines for example they may have ruled out certain items like capris or flip flops noting them to be not enough “business” and all “casual”.

A good idea is to create a few guidelines for yourself that will keep you in “business mode”.  For example, you might still feel professional in a pair of jeans, but not the paint-stained or ripped ones you wear on the weekends.

Ultimately, the key to your work at home wardrobe is to actually pay attention to it and not let it be an afterthought.

 

Ellen is a blogger who works at home with her two dogs.   

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Tips on Giving Wine as a Gift

Posted on October 21, 2012 15 Comments

Life is definitely a box of chocolates- you never know what you’re gonna get.  Of all the surprises life hurls at us nearly every day, the one I’m not particularly too keen on are those last minute occasions you get invited to.  I simply hate that I have to come up with the perfect gift to give when I’m pressed for time.

But there is a versatile gift which you can pretty much give anybody on any occasion: wines.  Before you head off for the winery though, here are a few things to remember when giving wines as gifts:

Assess the recipient.  Try to figure out what you know about the person you’re giving the wine to.  Does he or she have a particular fondness for full-bodied wine, or is he more inclined towards the sparkly and bubbly types?

Don’t go with the crowd.  Avoid the mass produced brands on sale, as this will only make you look cheap.  It’ll be evidence of how much thought you put into the gift.  You can always ask for suggestions from the people who work at the wine store.

Go sparkling.  If you’re totally clueless and are bashful to ask, you can always go with a certified crowd-pleaser: sparkling wine.

So, the next time you suddenly get invited to a house-warming party or a bachelorette party, you’ll know better what to give without having to pull your hair out from all the pressure.  And remember, when you give that bottle of wine, there’s one thing that goes well with it- a sincere smile.

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Gift-Giving Etiquette For Any Occasion

Posted on October 17, 2012 11 Comments

Image source:  www.freedigitalphotos.net

If my calculations are correct, there’s only about 70 days to go before Christmas.  You can feel that the most wonderful time of the year is upon us, as people troop to the malls, carefully scouring the shops for the perfect gifts to give their loved ones.   Gift-giving is a time-honored tradition which we take seriously.  In the midst of all the fun and revelry of the season, let’s keep in mind the following etiquette when it comes to giving gifts- for whatever occasion:

Gift receipts.  No matter how much you love your boyfriend, sometimes you still can’t quite figure out his exact shirt size.  If you ask for a gift receipt from the shop where you got his shirt, he can exchange it for a bigger- or smaller- size in case the one you gave him doesn’t fit.  Just throw in the gift receipt with the gift.  It’s a small gesture which shows thoughtfulness.

Giving gifts to the boss.  Whether she’s Cruella Deville in the flesh, or a Mother Teresa reincarnate, you may feel compelled to spread cheer and give your boss a present.  If your company has guidelines strictly prohibiting you from giving gifts to your superiors, then you should by all means abide by that.  Otherwise, you could pool resources from your co-workers and get your boss a “collective” gift, so to speak.  With all that money, you can get him a really nice gift without burning a hole in your wallet.  This will likewise seem less self-serving.

Asking for cash.  This is something as precarious as walking on egg shells.  You should tread ever so carefully if and when you plan to ask for cash as a present.  Although seemingly inappropriate, you can work around asking for cash by making it sound purposeful.  For example, you can ask family and relatives to only give you cash, as you’re saving money to renovate your house.  And then, when you finally get that done, you can send them a photo with you standing next to your new house.  That’ll give everyone a sense of fulfillment and joy, knowing that they played a major role in the realization of your dream.

Gifts “in absentia”.  If you weren’t able to attend a wedding or birthday party which you were invited to, it’s always a nice gesture to send a gift.  It shows how dear that person is to you, even if you weren’t at the occasion.  Get your friend a fancy gift shipped in one of those Kite packaging gift boxes  to make her feel extra special.

At the end of the day, gift giving is all about the person receiving the gift.  Put a lot of thought into it, and you’ll be making his or her day much brighter.

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Getting Down to the Necessities

Posted on October 3, 2012 14 Comments

Talk to anyone of the Baby Boomer generation and older, and it is easy to figure out why they were able to save for big purchases, vacations and more while living on mostly equivalent wages. Sure, the cost of living has risen some, but it is still mostly proportionate to what it was back then. Interestingly enough, we only have to look to household finances of that time to learn a few things.

Few families relied on credit cards then, and they did it without issue, but how? The answer lies in budgeting. If there was not enough money for “luxuries,” then they didn’t have those. However, they did manage to save money. Even the poorest of families often had a substantial “rainy day fund.”

While the principles are easy to grasp, they are not always easy to implement. It often means changing a few ways of doing things. Rents and mortgages are nearly impossible to change without more expense. However, things like land lines, cell phones, Internet, cable and satellite and even utility usage are usually adjustable.

If any subscriptions are under contract, sometimes the early termination fee is less to contend with than the remaining months of the contract, especially for expensive services. The final thing to adjust is the monthly food bill. Drop the boxed foods and prepare things from scratch. For instance, it does not take long to prepare larger amounts of freezable foods such as soups, stews, waffles, pancakes and even ground beef for future use. It is a lot healthier for the whole family too.

Once Your Goal Is Met, It’s Safe To Spend

Now that you’ve met your goal and saved up for weeks, months or even years on that family vacation or weekend outting, it’s time to have some fun!  For a short amount of time, your entertainment budget will be set aside for this one event that you’ve worked so hard to save for.  Here’s an idea: If your closest loved ones just can’t get enough of country music, the money you saved for entertainment will allow you to score some Alan Jackson tickets and enjoy his latest tour.

That kind of family outing is far too expensive for an everyday occurrence, but it is nice now and then. To further make attending such outings a reality for the family, look for tickets to concerts, theater and sporting events at online ticket-sellers like StubHub.com. Such sites work to bring the best pricing possible to make group outings like these more affordable.

There are sites similar to StubHub that sell, instead of event tickets, discounted gift certificates to restaurants, theme parks and other such family entertainment venues. The key is to treat these outings as a treat — not as regular occurrences. Doing so usually creates longer-lasting and fonder memories. That makes getting through lean times a lot easier than having to do without the entire time.

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Wine-Tasting: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on September 27, 2012 15 Comments

Image courtesy of Luigi Diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have to admit that you can compare my knowledge about wine and wine tasting to Paris Hilton’s expertise on quantum physics.   The most I know about wines, is that there’s red and there’s white.  The whole world of wines is so alien to me, that I’d be so intimidated if and when I get invited to one of those wine and cheese parties.  Even if you took me to the best winery in Sonoma, the most I would let out is a resounding “Ooh!” or “Aah” from all the beauty, but I wouldn’t know any better about wines.

They say that learning the fine art of tasting wine is no different from learning to appreciate music or a piece of artwork.  You derive pleasure from the effort it takes to see the beauty in it.

So, how exactly do you taste wine?

You start off by giving the wine a good look.  Look straight down into the glass, and then hold it to the light, as you slightly tilt it.    As the wine rolls towards the edges, you’ll get to see the entire color range of the wine.  The depth of color will give you an idea of how dense or saturated that wine is.

And then, you sniff.  Swirl the glass, and have your nose hover over the top, as you take quick, short sniffs.  Step away, and let the sensation sink in.   Try to identify the various scents.  You’ll find fruit aromas, flowers, spices, etc.  But if you find that it smells like a wet newspaper, that means the wine is spoiled.

Finally, it’s time to taste.  Take a sip of wine and suck on it as if through a straw.  Here, you pick up where the aromas left off.  You determine whether the wine is balanced (there’s a good proportion of sweet, salty, sour and bitter), or complex (the flavors seem to change as you taste them).

Wine tasting is pretty much like dancing in a club: it isn’t all that intimidating, once you get the hang of it.

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Nail Alert: Fall Nail Trends to Finish Your Look

Posted on September 26, 2012 16 Comments

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We all know that the accessories, makeup, and hair can enhance and add those finishing touches to any look. From hair extensions to the right eye shadow to a beautiful scarf, the small touches are important. Your nails also add a touch of glam, sass, and a polished (pun intended) look to any outfit. Imagine a perfectly paired outfit on a woman with jagged, broken nails. Even in this small, subtle element, an entire outfit can be ruined. Here are a few alerts on fall trends to keep all your outfits trendy and finished.

Colors this fall are dark and stormy with touches of neutral colors to add glamour and excitement. Whether your stylistic choices are sassy or subtle, fall offers the perfect nail color for you. Deep red, berry, navy, and charcoal are always classic choices, but if you’d like to jazz them up, consider adding neutral elements like gold flecks or polka dots (yes, polka dots!) for a trendy twist. Chrome metals are also popular this fall. Classic chromes like gold, silver, and copper are good choices for ladies with classic style. For the more adventurous, a metallic peacock blue or a punch of purple can add just the right statement.

Wear your nails short and square with rounded corners. These nails look manicured and maintained but still offer enough space to showcase popular fall colors. Trim your cuticles and snip any hangnails. You may want to file down your nails every few weeks to prevent them from getting too long and breaking. Keeping the perfect polish on them at all times also helps prevent breaking.

To make your nail color last, use a bottom coat the helps the polish stick to your nails – and can also help protect them through color changes. Apply one coat of polish, let it partially dry, and then apply another for maximum, smooth coverage. Apply a glossy topcoat after the color is fully dried to finish the color and protect it. Consider applying another top coat every few days to extend the life of your polish.

 

Perfect Locks is a web site that offers a variety of Indian human hair extensions and more! Learn more about Perfect Locks by stopping by their About Me section on the site and don’t forget to check out their Facebook and Twitter page as well. Plus, browse the huge hairstyle picture galleries and read up on the latest fashion and beauty trends and tips on their blog. 

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Simply Superb Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags

Posted on September 19, 2012 9 Comments

Replica handbags  are so famous because they make an otherwise unattainable dream come true for thousands of people. Replica Louis Vuitton handbags are a boon for many a designer bag loving woman. In fact these women long to own at least one such bag in their life. Spending over $1000 for a bag is something simply unacceptable, given their economic conditions. Just like many men cherish the dream of owning an exclusive Lamborghini, at some point in their life, and settle for less expensive cars, women dream about exclusive designer sets. Even if women manage to save the money needed to purchase their dream bags, their family advises them to invest in other things. Most of them heed the advice, but the longing for the extra comfy, ultra sexy bags lays ingrained in their minds forever.

Replica handbags make this dream come true, as they come in a price which they think is acceptable. Replica Louis Vuitton handbags are created with the sole aim of targeting such middle class women.  So, the bags have all the essential features a working woman is looking for. They are huge, have ultra-fine stitches, and stay indestructible for ages. They come is very sleek colors and designs to fit the usual attire these women shop for. They have the required seasonal extra accessories these women look for. For example, a gold plated keychain with the LV symbol and the symbol of the latest rock band famous in the area is available in most replica handbags stores. Some facilities offered in the Replica Louis Vuitton handbags are not available even in the original stores.

Even fans of the originals prefer replica handbags because certain wild designs available here cannot be found in the original branded outlets. Furthermore, nobody can make out the difference between replica Louis Vuitton handbags and the original. So, they purchase it to save money.

 

 

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