Pashmina / Cashmere Shawls

Let us talk about what is a Pashmina or a Cashmere shawl? Or for that matter what does the word 'shawl' mean?

The word 'shawl' has different similar sounding terms in different languages e.g. in French, it is 'chale', in German, it is called 'schall' and in Italian, it is termed 'scialle' - all essentially meaning a square or a rectangular wrap, big enough to be draped around the shoulder, what is also commonly known as the 'shoulder-mantle'.

When we say Pashmina or a Cashmere shawls, we are referring to the shawls spun out of the fine yarns made with fibers sourced from the discarded undercoats of Tibetan or Changthangi goats. They are also commonly known as 'changra' goats, which are found in the high altitude mountain ranges of these regions. The other known breeds, used to source pashmina/cashmere fibers are of Orenburg goats and Mongolian goats.Two main determinants of the quality in pashmina/cashmere are the fiber diameter and the staple length. For good quality, the manufacturers purchase material between 13 - 20 microns. To let you make a comparison, a human hair has a diameter of around 70 microns. When these fine fibers are spun into thread, a multitude of microscopic air-pockets are formed; it is these that give the material its extraordinary warmth and softness.It would be interesting to note that until well into the 19th century, when the ladies shawl became a high fashion item in the west, there had been similar products in use. According to pashmina shawl historian Moorcroft, there existed 'do-shala'... long shoulder-mantles woven in pairs. These were used by noblemen of the times.

The do-shala shawl, often woven so cleverly that it is difficult to say that it has been joined/stitched together seam to seam!

Then there were 'qasaba' or 'rumal', large squares for women's wear.

Also, there were 'shamla' or 'cummerbunds', girdles for the waist, worn by Asiatics.

The modern term 'jamawar' popularly used in shawls today, originated from a particular type of all over design, which were tailored into 'jama', or various over-garments, worn by men e.g. - 'choga', 'angarkha', 'atamsukh'.

So the art of weaving a pashmina/cashmere shawl or a more popular stole or scarf, dates back to many centuries. In old times, it had various avatars e.g.'rumal', 'jama', 'doshala','cummerbund'. But the art of weaving a shawl/stole is still preserved in its original form when it is hand spun and hand woven. Though now-a-days, it is woven on power looms also. The art of adornment in the form of hand embroidery is still as painstakingly done, as in yore. The special embroidery technique of 'kani' is also being recognised today for its beauty and precision... though its design /talim is being computerised now... the actual work is still being done by hand.

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Beauty Tips for the Radiant Bride

When it comes to looking stunning on your wedding day, wearing one of the most stunning bespoke bridal gowns is only a fraction of the equation. On that important day of your life, all eyes are on you. This means aside from ensuring all the fine details of your wedding are taken care of, you also need to pay attention to your beauty regimen several weeks leading up to your special day.

Here are some essential pointers on how you can look every bit the radiant bride and look absolutely gorgeous in one of those bespoke bridal gowns on your wedding day:

• Let's start with a few basics. In order to effortlessly exude beauty, it is important that you feel good about yourself. Use your time wisely in incorporating a regular fitness and beauty regimen between the time of your engagement and wedding. Adhere to an effective yet simple beauty schedule, take time to exercise, pay attention to what you eat and generally adapt a healthy lifestyle.

• Avoid experimenting. The several days leading up to the big day are definitely not a good time to make any drastic changes or experiment. Do not give in to the temptation of trying out a new hair colour or cut. Any serious changes should be done months in advance so you still have ample time to undo anything, if there is a need to do so. Keep in mind that your wedding day is definitely not the ideal time for you to reinvent your look. If you want to wow and surprise everyone, keep your look safe and focus on investing on one of those bespoke bridal gowns that can add that oomph factor.

• Conduct several consultations with your hairdresser. Take time to discuss with your hairdresser what would be the most ideal and flattering hairstyle for you, taking into account not only your face shape but also the type of wedding veil and the cut of the gown. Schedule that appointment at the beauty salon and work on the different hairdo options. If you are planning to remove your headpiece during the reception or you want flowers weaved into your hair, communicate that plan to your hairdresser so you both can agree on the best hairstyle that can incorporate these ideas.

• Invest in perfect looking skin. While it is true that is not a good idea for any facial or deep facial massages days before the big day, you should not overlook the importance of taking care of your skin months before the wedding. It is generally best to plan out a string of facials starting about six months before your wedding up until a couple of weeks before you finally say "I Do."

Aside from your face, you also need to pay attention to your hands. It goes without saying that those chipped nails and ragged cuticles can look very unappealing and can easily run the look, even if you are wearing one of the most expensive bespoke bridal gowns.

• Prevent those puffy eyes. With the string of events leading to the big day such as the rehearsal dinner and bridal showers, one of the most common problems among brides is puffy eyes. Take necessary measures to reduce any puffiness by splashing your face with ice-cold water for at least 25 minutes before you put on an eye mask.

To achieve inner radiance on your wedding day, focus on staying calm. If you need to deal with frazzled nerves, get a relaxing massage. Allow your inner glow to shine through by making sure you don't get lost in the preparation and miss out on the significance of the actual event.

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Work Life Balance Tips for Working Mothers

A working mother cannot be dubbed for anything less than Wonder Woman herself. So, imagine how a couple of work life balance tips would empower the whole brigade of working mothers.

Working moms have a herculean task at their hand of handling work and family life simultaneously. These super moms often need some work life balance tips to manage overwhelming situations.

Here are some work life balance tips for working mothers:

• Hold Yourself Together- The pressure of meeting deadlines and working on presentations will always remain the same. Don't go crazy thinking how you'll manage the work at home and at the office side-by-side. Relax and think about some ways you can vent out this stress. After a rough night of finishing pending files and washing the dishes all by yourself, treat yourself to some nice morning coffee and spend some time sitting in the balcony or maybe pick up that book which you always wanted for some time now.


• Be Organized- Keep a record of the official things that you wish to finish off by the weekend and sort them out on a priority basis. In this manner, the most important things will be done well within time. Handle the family needs in the same manner. To make things clear, write down the things-to-do for the week on the family whiteboard.


• Feel Free to Ask for Help- There's no pride in being seen as a super mom if you're suffering because you have too much on your plate. There are times when things can go haywire and you could really use another pair of hands. Don't shy away from asking for your husband's help with dinner or watching the children when you come exhausted from work.


• Know Your Options- These days many companies who allow their employees to work from home. Working mothers should make full use of such options. This way you can spend more time with your family and work within the comforts of your home. It's a win-win situation if you're able to prioritize what to do and when to do. However, you can face trouble concentrating on the job if your children are running around.


• Make Time- If you really wish to spend more time with your family, you'll have to make time. So, instead of yapping away about your boss's new personal assistant with your colleagues, have your lunch at your desk. This way you'll get more work done and leave early for home.


• Learn to live with the Guilt- There will be those days when you have to miss your daughter's ballet show or reach late for the family dinner. But these are some of these things that you'll have to learn to let go. There are some things you have to sacrifice to provide a better lifestyle for your family and you.

Hope these work life balance tips help working moms to reduce stress and spend more time with their family.

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Colour and Dressing Hints for Professional Photos

Oh no! It is time to have some professional photos taken. These words can bring dread to your heart especially if your last lot of photos did not live up to your expectations.

I have had my share of good and bad professional family and business photos. The good ones hang happily on the wall or are on the web. The bad ones are hidden away or deleted. Unfortunately I have seen other people's family and business photos that also need to be hidden away but are not.

The better professional photographers give pre-photo advice on your setting and your poses so that you feel comfortable and relaxed. It is rare to get dressing advice for a photo shoot.

Clothes can make or break a photo. A great photo has three elements - setting, pose and clothes.

Here are my tips to help you get the dressing element of professional photos right for you.

Family Photos

The best and most interesting family photos have harmony and contrast. Let me explain.

Harmony and contrast are created through colour and style.

When you clothing is in harmony it draws people's attention to the faces and personality of the subjects. Have a discussion with your partner or family to choose a colour. White is popular but it does not suit everyone. Blue is second favourite as most family members have a shade of blue in their wardrobe. Ignore the skin-tone colours of beige, apricot or brown as you can appear naked in the photo as happened to a very upset acquaintance of mine. Co-ordinate colours below your waist especially if full-length photos are to be taken. Blue jeans fit the bill perfectly.

Next look at clothing styles. Everyone in a centre-buttoned shirt or V or round necked tee shirts or tops will create family harmony. Patterns may be different but make sure they blend not clash with each other.

Contrast creates a focal point. Put your only child in a textured top or a different style to everyone else. A mother or father wearing the theme colour plus another colour draws your attention to them. Everyone in white with mum wearing coloured or textured jewellery also creates a contrasting focus.

Business Photos

A business photo needs to show your personality and draw people to you.

Wear colours that focus attention on your face and eyes. That is easy if you have had your colours done and know what your complimentary, contrasting and signature colours are. You also need to be photographed against a plain or natural background colour that enhances you not merges or clashes with what you are wearing.

Your choice of clothing and accessories need to appeal to the type of clients that you and your business want to work with. Will you attract corporate clients, soft gentle clients, achieving go-getters or quirky artistic types? You clothing can show that as long you feel comfortable with that unspoken impression.

Be aware that photos will be cropped and shrunk for promotional material. I have had business photos that looked fantastic in full-screen but I faded away in the smaller version.

Special Occasion

For wedding photos you want to be your best but not overshadow the bride. Talk to all involved. This is a day for a perfectly fitted outfit. In the dressing room, stand far away from the mirror. Some colours may merge together or fade. Some can make you look naked. Some dress features can dominate the outfit. Choose a colour shade that suits you and a style that reflects your true personality. Your joy or your discomfort will be there for all to see.

For award dressing, it is your time to shine. Do the same dressing room mirror checks or have your photo taken in the clothes before the event so that you can make adjustments or changes. If dresses have a solid colour background with a contrasting colour design feature, make sure the feature lengthens not widens you.

Last Words

Your photographer will help you get your setting and pose right. There is more to dressing for professional photos but this article is a start towards creating your best professional photos so far.

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Bringing Back Handmade - Are We Now Seeing the Appeal?

What has happened to our handmade culture? There have been many TV shows recently showcasing British talent, real handmade manufacturing done right here on our own soil, going back to something we appear to have left behind.

The biggest key change in our culture over recent years is wanting something for nothing. We are a nation willing to sacrifice quality for price. Our demand has increased, we want things "now" and at exceptionally low costs.

But are we also a changing culture? With the real love for Vintage fashions and accessorising, we have begun to recognise that in fact quality is worth a lot more and the days of real manufacturing should no longer be a thing of the past?

Recent TV personalities such as Mary Portas have certainly made a case for this. Mary's most recent TV show (The Bottom Line) aimed at kick starting the British manufacturing industry again, promoting home manufacturing rather than outsourcing and mass producing. She explains that this isn't about paying over the odds for goods, it is just anti the cheap products that compromises ethics, quality and values, "You know what the truth of this is: stop being so greedy. It's greed and gain that got us into the state this country's in today".

As a consumer we are seeing an increased awareness that perhaps cheaper mass produced products come at a cost. Consumers are now leaning towards quality goods, knowing that this is what we as a nation deserve and should strive for.

But how do we go about purchasing unique hand made products? It is true to say that finding little boutiques on the average high street is increasingly difficult. So how do we live out this ideal? It is a fact that online shopping is big news in the UK and gaining in popularity. With this shift in our purchasing habits we have been graced with some great websites where consumers are able to purchase such goods direct from the designers and hobby crafters (such as Etsy.com and Folksy.com).

A real trend has also seen the popularity of second hand shops particularly those that promote vintage style. This has really helped boost interest in an era of elegance and quality.

The popularity for vintage style has most certainly grown over recent years. More and more individuals are seeking an alternative way of defining their style and culture. Pushing the boundaries and taking their images back into "vintage decades" they think best reflect them.

The wedding stationery industry is also starting to realise this and where once there were very bland mass produced cards, there now seems to be a demand for something unique, something that reflects the couples style and individualism. Couples want to wow their guests announcing their wedding with style, making theirs stand out from the rest.

Again, the term "vintage" has been a great boost for this industry as more and more designers are beginning to realise that there is more to wedding stationery than just a printed piece of card.

Slowly we are beginning to see wedding stationery evolve into handmade products, where designers use elegant touches such as vintage styled jewelled embellishments, buttons, lace and pearls.

Our passion for an era gone-by has been a great boost to the design industry showcasing British talent and style, encouraging handmade luxury.

But will this passion be enough to take on the mass produced industry? Even if a new fad kicks in and the image of Vintage begins to fade for some, I would like to think that it has at least opened a gateway to peoples understanding of quality and beauty. The hope is that we encourage and promote the growth of handmade products. We should view such products as a way of growing our sense of individualism and reflecting our style in a way that mass produced goods just can't do.

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Are You Pinning Yet?

Images are everywhere. How many times has an image grabbed your attention and you just can't wait to share it with others?

Now you have an easy way to share all these images and videos with just a click of the mouse. At Pinterest, you can share the things you love with your friends and family by creating virtual boards. Pinning is addictive, is fun, is something anyone can do, and should do.

Who is pinning? Everyone, creating virtual pinboards spark the imagination, spread the things you love, and supercharge your creativity.

Why should you pin? First, it engages people and they stick around you more. Second, it allows everyone one a peek into the personal side of a pinner. Third, people share your pins, which get you more exposure, if that's what you are looking for.

How do you get to pinning? At Pinterest, you must request an invite to join the "pinning society." If you have a friend who has already gained entrance, they can send you an invite from the inside. Getting an invite from the inside or out doesn't take long, about 24-48 hours. When you do get your invite, and you will, you will start pinning within minutes.

When you get your invite, what do you do? Setting up your account is a three-step process, which Pinterest walks you through. You'll choose your interests. Next, Pinterest will suggest people for you to follow. Finally, you will create a board, and start pinning.

What are these boards? Once you have created an account you will set up your first board. The board should have a narrow focus. Start with a board on food, clothes, jewelry, toys, color, or your hobby. The board should only focus on one type of item. You can make many boards so don't clutter up one with all the foods you love. Create a board on each type of food you love.

Where do I find images? Images are all around the web. Most images are OK to use without concern, but do be cautious about copyright. Many sites today are "Pin friendly" they will have a "pin it" button somewhere on the site. When you click the button it will bring up all the images from the site, you choose the image you want to pin, and then you go back to Pinterest to pin on a board of your choice.

One of the most important things about pinning on Pinterest is to "repin, like, and comment." When you do one of these things, you are providing social approval to the board and board maker. It feels great to get noticed, and if enough of your pins get repined, commented on or liked your board might show up in the popularity boards for the world to see.

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Evening And Formal Wear Recommendations For Black-Tie Events

It's hard to dress yourself up during a formal event and secure that "wow" factor when you walk into the room. Unlike celebrities who have personal stylists and access to the latest and most expensive evening wear, you have to make do with what your resources allow you to have. Nevertheless, it is not impossible to exude a certain level of elegance during a ball or formal function, even with a tight budget. All you have to do is choose the right kind of dress for you and find a boutique that has an extensive collection of evening and formal wear.

What you want to do is secure a few long gown choices as black-tie events usually call for their use. It's up to you whether or not you'd like to keep things simple with an all-black or grey selection or add a little bit of color into the mix. If you are feeling slightly more adventurous, prints are widely popular this year along with tailored silhouettes. But try not to lean towards shocking as it may force you to stand out in an awkward way. Steer clear of clothes that are too revealing since that would be inappropriate for the said event. If you'd like to secure some sex appeal with what you are donning, you can do so with asymmetrical shoulder straps, a tube top or a little peek-a-boo cut out in less sensitive parts of your body, like your back. You could also show a little of cleavage. But try not to be so overt because it may be misconstrued for tacky or trashy.

When shopping for an evening or formal wear, think more of classic beauty. But don't go so far as getting voluminous outfits with lots of pouf or those with long trains because that will only make you uncomfortable during the party. If you'd like something Victorian inspired, go for floor-length Empire cut dresses with a sleeve sewn shawl or a diamond brooch for effect.

Now, some of you may feel more comfortable wearing cocktail dresses to a black-tie event as they permit better movement. But you have to be careful about what you choose to put on. Remember that they are not standard garments for such occasions. So, at the very least, they should be well accessorized. If you are attending something fancy, you might want to keep them below the knee to maintain a certain level of classiness. And always see to it that aesthetics of your dress matches the theme established.

Don't even mistake the notion of evening and formal wear with work clothes. Not only will you embarrass yourself but also your date. And try not to wear a pant suit during the event, even if it is designer clothing. The last thing you want to do is put a damper to your femininity with a masculine ensemble.

If you still are having a hard time narrowing down you options through these tips, you could consult dress shops for the latest trends and styling recommendations. Or you could flip through magazines for samples and then show them to shop receptionists.

Flat Iron Techniques That Produce Salon Quality Results

Typically when we think of a flat iron we think of only hair straightening. However, with the right technique a flat iron can also be used to flip and curl your hair. The key is to have a flat iron with plates that are as close to 1" inch as possible and if your hair is short then even smaller.

To begin you need to ensure that your flat iron is best suited for your hair type. If your hair is hard to straighten then a titanium product like the BabylissPro Nano Titanium might be the right choice. Alternatively, if your hair is finer and not as difficult to straighten then a tourmaline product may be the way to go. This however does not mean that you have to go out and buy a new flat iron if you already have one; instead try adjusting the heat with higher settings for thick hair and vice versa.

Next you need to apply a thermal heat styling product. This serves as a protective barrier between the hot plates and your hair. Without it you run the risk of damaging your hair, which can lead to drying and breakage. There are numerous products available so find one that you really like. If you are still looking then you might try the Miracle Leave-In product by 'It's a 10'. This is a great choice as it is a flat iron spray, thermal protector and stops breakage while adding shine.

Lastly before we get started a few important tips. You should never flat iron your hair when it is dirty. The best results come from freshly washed hair that is dry. Although, it does not make much difference whether you blow dry your hair or let it dry naturally. Yet, blow drying does have the risk of damaging your hair as well.

1. Hair Straightening

The first thing you need to do is brush or comb through your hair and then place it into sections. The easiest and fastest way is to grab the hair at the top of the head twist it around and place in a clip. Secondly, section across the upper part of your ears and again twist it around and place in a clip. This will leave all the hair from your ears down to the back of the neck out and ready for straightening. You should always start from the bottom working your way up so that you finish off with the top part of the head last.

Now comb through the section that is left out again. This is important because if there are tangles the hair will not be able to smoothly pass through the plates causing snagging and pulling. If your hair is very curly or frizzy you will need to comb each section prior to running the flat iron across it. Next grab a portion of the hair approximately 1" inch across and place the flat iron as close to the root as possible making sure that you do not burn your scalp. Generally, about a ¼ inch away from the scalp is best and try not to take too much hair through the flat iron at one time. Salon results come from smaller amounts of hair where each strand is able to glide evenly between the plates.

Now that you have a section of hair between the plates start pulling the flat iron through. You should not be squeezing the plates together really hard. The goal is to allow the hair to freely glide between the plates. If this is not happening you may have too much hair that you are trying to pull through at once - try dividing your section in half.

The next and most important part is the speed at which you are pulling the flat iron through your hair. If you are pulling too quickly you will not get the results that you want and if you are pulling too slowly you run the risk of damaging your hair. A good rule of thumb when you are first learning is to count out loud "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" and move the flat iron according to this speed. If your hair is extremely curly and harder to straighten then slow this speed down just a little. When you get to the end of the hair hold it just slightly longer. This will ensure that you get perfectly clean edges.

2. Flipping

Hair flipping, or sometimes referred to as flicking, is a great way to get some movement on the ends of the hair. Whether you flip the hair inward or outward does not change the technique only the rotation of the wrist.

To begin you follow all of the same steps as outlined in the straightening section. You want to ensure that you start at the root so that the rest of the hair is smooth and silky with the flip being only on the ends. Remember to pull through smaller sections and count out loud to maintain an adequate speed. When you get closer to the ends turn your wrist either inward or outward forcing the hair now to glide through the plates at an angle. Remember movement of the hair happens according to where the heated plates are; so the more you turn your wrist the stronger the flip.

The secret to a perfect flip is to slow the speed down slightly, while continuing to turn the wrist. The most important thing is to have continuous movement almost like you are walking through the hair, but don't let go of the tension between the plates at this will leave marks in the hair (they almost look like lines and you don't want that). The movement is steady with an even tension at a slow speed.

3. Curling

Curling the hair with a flat iron is probably the most difficult technique to master. However, once you get the hang of it you will see that it really isn't that hard. Again you will begin with the same steps as outlined in the straightening section. Then you need to decide where you would like to place the curls. Do you want tight curls starting from the top of the head or loose wavy curls that start about half way down. It is a good idea to begin at the root of the hair as this will ensure an overall polished look rather than just starting where you want the curl.

Section the hair as indicated previously taking approximately 1" inch and placing it in between the plates. Now when you want to begin the curl turn the flat iron either inward or outward, depending on the direction of the curl that you want, and start rolling it with the hair loosely around it. Remember you want the flat iron to be constantly moving so you are rolling it in the palm of your hand, while the hair is evenly going through the plates. The tighter you hold the hair and roll the flat iron the tighter the curls. Do not pull on the hair or hold it between the plates for a long period of time. If your hair is harder to curl you will need to hold it slightly longer, but not more than two seconds.

In closing, remember to always use a thermal protector on your hair. This is imperative to ensure that no damage is done during this process. Also, try to match the flat iron to your specific hair type or work with the heat setting to get optimal results. These techniques take a little bit of time to master, but once you get it you will have beautiful salon quality styles that last.

Fashion and Sustainability

The universe of textiles is globally complex and extremely polluting. Converting fibres to fabrics requires a massive amount of energy, water, chemicals and land. There is also a considerable amount of waste and emissions in the life cycle stages of production. The pollution is often unregulated and the impact is felt globally. These impacts start at the factory and continue as the garment is shipped, used and finally thrown away. Understanding the sustainability of fabric manufacturing is critical to protect our wonderful planet Earth.

In order to be truly sustainable, designers must take into account the social and economic factors that impact the cultural diversity of a given society in the region where they are working and reawaken a new respect for clothing. The manufacturers and the people who make our clothes are often underpaid and victims of social injustice. They are the precious threads of culture that could unravel if not considered.

There has been a shift in our society from mindless to mindful consumption Consumers across the globe are becoming more concerned about how their purchases affect the overall health and environment of our precious planet Earth and the people who inhabit it.

Building a new vision for fashion where sustainability is the highest priority is critical to our understanding of awareness and responsibility to our environment. Provoke, nurture and inspire people in a radically new and different direction. Re-imagine new ways to do business through a series of ground breaking collaborations. Imagine an industry using eco-clothing and textiles.

Eco-clothing textiles are those that inspire and communicate with the environment. We should mend, make do and repair. Remix and transform unwanted and obsolete garments through customization. Dismantle and reuse textiles from unused clothing. Explore the future of fashion by embracing repair and re-engaging communities in collaborations for repair. I believe fashion of the future will have an emotional resonance. Few of us really need more of anything, so we will be looking for items that will touch us in some way. These are the deeply rooted vehicles of our identity. Progressive consumers that are passionate towards sustainable solutions are our thread towards a cleaner and less toxic environment for our future.

Designers fashion is more then just clothes, it reflects the way we choose to live our lives. Clothes are signs, symbols and expressions of our culture. They represent the way we feel about politics, activism and pleasure. Help build a new vision where fashion and clothing are fused with awareness and responsibility.

This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.

Footwear Guide for Stylish Women

Stylish women not only wear impeccable clothes, but have a great overall look from head to toe. They've got the right hairstyle, clothes, accessories, and, of course, shoes. Looking fantastic right down to your feet means that you don't miss out on any detail when it comes to style and grooming. It may be quite challenging to select the perfect pair of shoes to wear every time you go out. You shouldn't just think of the season, the trend, and the occasion. You also have to think about your comfort. So here are some tips on how to find the right flats, pumps, sandals, and boots when shopping.

Flats are on your must-haves in your closet. You can wear this versatile pear any season. Depending on the color and details of your flats, you can wear them to make a chic daytime outfit or a comfy but trendy nighttime wear. You can choose from the ballerina, the really pointed one, or the pair that has tassels or metal accents. There are even those made of metallic fabric or with colored jewels that can make your shirt and jeans look really hot even at night.

Another staple in a woman's wardrobe should be black pumps. Heels make everyone's legs and posture better-looking and can be worn with almost any outfit. They're perfect for the office and for cocktail parties. You shouldn't wear heels all the time, though. Always have a pair of flats with you. Keep them in your office, purse, or car, so you can change into them when your feet are tired from your pumps.

Sandals also make your legs look better. But you should save them for wearing during the warmer periods of the year. They really look fabulous when worn with a maxi dress or a flowing skirt. And remember that stylish women always keep their feet and toes clean, particularly when showing them off in sandals. If you're wearing nail polish, make sure that it doesn't have any cracks.

Boots aren't limited anymore for wearing in winter. You can wear shorter ones, like ankle boots, at any time of the year, as long as you're comfortable with them. Boots can be worn with shorts, jeans, leggings, or skirts of any length. However, when wearing ankle boots with your skirt, you should wear opaque tights.

Knowing these basic tips about footwear fashion can make a big difference in your shopping and in your whole wardrobe. These will also help you decide on what shoe to wear with what outfit everyday.

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Tips for Happy Living - Managing Your Morning and Evening Routines

As a working mom it is very important that you set up routines for yourself and your household. Routines allow you to know what's going on at that particular moment so that you will not forget anything. Routines prepare you for the next day and help you move faster and more coherently than flying around looking for this and that item.

At one point my morning routine consisted of me waking up (late, cause I'm always trying to get more sleep). Rushing to take a shower, trying to figure out what I'm going to where, make breakfast (ha!! yeah right), making sure my husband is up so he can take the little one to school. Lastly, I'm racing out the house to catch the bus so that I can make it to work on time. Does any of this sound remotely familiar? I even bet the rest of your day you are unfocused, handling a million task at once trying to get it all done so you can get off from work to race home to pick up your children from daycare, come up with something to eat (preferably something that takes 30 minutes or less), watch your favorite shows, help kids with homework, go to bed so you can lay there thinking about all that you did not accomplish for the day (and tomorrow). To be honest this is a waste of time and there is a better way to manage your morning and evening routine.

3 Steps to Manage Your Routines Better

1. The first step is to think about what are the things you do every single morning and every single evening. For example, in my wild routine every morning I wake up late (keep hitting that snooze button) so I now have to rush to get ready so that I can catch my bus. I never know what I'm going to where, so that put me behind as well. These things will never change.
2. The second step is to figure out what will help make those steps easier. If I knew what I was wearing to work that morning that would decrease the time it takes for me to get ready in the morning significantly. I can spend about 10 - 20 minutes trying to figure out what I'm going to where. But if I already know, then it only takes 10 minutes to put the clothes on.
3. The third step is to take action. What I started to do was think about my outfit for tomorrow the night before. Actually this starts at the beginning of the week. On Sunday I get a vague idea of what I will where for the week so that I can think about my outfit the night before.

These are 3 simple steps to help you manage your evening and morning routines better. But keep in mind one thing, Flexibility. It's important that you don't get too attached to your routine that if change happens to occur it ruins your entire routine. A perfect example of this is instead of my husband taking my little one to school, I must do it because his schedule has changed. So I have to adjust my routine to allow for the time to get my little one ready as well so we both aren't running around crazy.

Having a more relaxed routine can help you tremendously. The major reward is seeing how much time you can actually skim off of your morning and evening so you can do more with family, friends, and yourself.

Do you have routines? Do you manage them well? Share with us below.

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1 Little Fruit That Is the Secret to Curing Your PMS

For many women, PMS can strike like a thunder bolt in your sleep. It disrupts your life and viciously continues its wrath of fury for countless generations in women's families. In addition, for some generations of women in families, cysts and fibroids are a continuing curse.

These issues have plagued millions of women probably since the dawn of time and continue its fury while many suffer feeling hopelessness. I realized through my experimentation that the types of food that are eaten at least a few days before and during your expected cycle makes a significant difference in how you feel during this time.

The types of foods also apparently makes a vast difference in how you look as well because many women experience acne breakouts on the chin during menstruation time. According to the Old Chinese Western Medicine Principle, acne on the chin signifies that there are reproductive (hormonal) issues at bay in the body.

Well, there is good and great news. Which one do you want first? The good news is that there is an all-natural substance, in the form of a fruit, that will alleviate PMS symptoms like bloating, nausea, and cramps. The great news is that this food is dirt cheap and with continual incorporation into your diet, will reduce your chance of developing fibroids or cysts.

This amazing food is dried apricots! You can find them in many stores, but it is important to use only the unsulphured version that does not have additional sugar added. Natural health food stores will carry these types or you may contact your favorite supermarket manager and request he or she bring in unsulphured dried apricots with no sugar added. Be sure to only eat 1 serving of it as it is sugary and calorie dense but it has a wealth of vitamins that will help ease PMS pain.

After eating the serving of apricots, be sure to drink at least a glass of lukewarm water behind it to dilute some of the sugar and hydrate yourself. Water is a PMS-ing girls best friend. It is a good idea to eat a serving of dried apricots starting at least 3 days before your expected menstrual cycle and the first two days while you are on it. Remember to drink a lot of water during the days before and during the first two days on your cycle to reduce bloating and help the apricots absorb better into the body.

What about fresh apricots? These are nice fruits to add into your diet, but it is preferable to have apricots dried in this specific situation because they are more concentrated in nutrients than fresh apricots by the serving size. Generally speaking, you do not want to eat mostly dried fruits because they are very dense in calories and sugar with little hydration factor that fresh fruit offers. Fresh is best, but in this case dried will be better.

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