Wednesday, August 31, 2011

How to Tie Scarves: Wearing a Scarf in 6 Fashionable Ways

Many women steer clear of scarves in the winter because they’re intimidated by them and have no idea how to tie them properly. However, the scarf is one of the trendiest accessories this season and learning how to wear one can help you add style and sophistication to any outfit, quickly. It can be worn with your favorite black dress or even your favorite t-shirt! Even the simplest outfit can look like high fashion if you add a scarf to your neck. Be sure to keep a wide variety of scarves in your closest, from pashmina to silk, so you can be ready for all occasions. If you want more instruction or a guide on how to wear ladies scarves, check out these easy tips for wearing ladies scarves!

Scarves Don’t Have to Stay on the Neck: Other Places to Wear Scarves

While the neck is the most popular place to wear a scarf, there are many others places you can sport one and different ways to tie them. You can wear it around your head or even as a belt. Tying a scarf around your waist can make your waist look slimmer, instantly. Simply fold the scarf in half and drape it around your hip area. If you like the wraps or shawl look, wear one draped or tied around your shoulders for extra warmth.

Basic Loop Scarf Tie

Video Showing Unique Ways to Tie a Scarf


Basic "Half Fold" Scarf Tying

Tying a Winter Cashmere Scarf

If you need extra warmth this cold winter season, a wool or cashmere winter scarf is the perfect fashion accessory and can mesh with various styles of clothing. Wear it well by folding the scarf in half and placing it around your neck, with one end on each side of your neck. Next, take the ends and flip them through the fold of the scarf. Pull the ends as tight as you’d like, around you neck. You can tuck the ends in your coat or let them hang freely for a very hip look.

Tied Scarf as a Hair Accesory

Making a Scarf into a Hair Accessory

If you want to get even trendier with your scarf, you can make it into a hair accessory. Start with a large square scarf and fold in into a half forming a triangle. Tie it around your neck loosely and allow it to hang dramatically off one shoulder. You can also cover your head with a large scarf, to hold your hair in place while riding in a convertible. Simply tie the scarf under your chin for a fashionable retro look. Those who are really fashion-forward might like to try their scarf out as a Turban. You can do this by folding the square scarf into a triangle and then folding the edge under the forehead area of the scarf. Cross the two scarf ends and tie them on top of your head.
Casual, Multiple Knots Scarf

 

Pairing a Large
Linen Scarf with a Winter Coat

A winter scarf doesn't have to be only wool and functional. A winter scarf can be fashionable, colorful and an accessory to your coat. Here's how to get the scarf tied like the look to the left:
  1. Wrap a colorful scarf around your neck from the front to back.
  2. Leave some slack in the scarf as it comes around the front of your neck.
  3. Wrap once around the back of you neck.
  4. Bring the two ends forward.
  5. Tie the two ends in a loose, double knot.
Silk "Office Appropriate" Wrapped Neck Scarf

Tie a Silk Scarf with
Your Favorite Business Causal Outfit

Business causal attire can sometimes feel drab in tones on grays, blacks, browns, tans, and whites. Your can easily and inexpensively spruce up your office looks with a colorful silk scarf tied to perfection. Here's how you can get the scarf look to the left:
  1. Wrap scarf snuggly around neck from front to back.
  2. Wrap once around back of neck and bring two ends forward.
  3. Tie the two ends in one loose, over hand knot.
  4. Then adjust the ends so one lays on top of the other. One will lay on top of the tie and the other will be on the bottom of the tie.
Loose Bow Tied Scarf
for the Office

Tying a Scarf for the Office: Short Slik Scarf

Add some style to any office outfit with a colorful scarf tied in a unique way. To get the scarf look to the left, follow the instructions below:
  1. Snuggly wrap a scarf from one side of the neck to the other.
  2. Tie one over hand knot.
  3. Now tie a loose, but small, bow.
  4. Adjust the bow so it points up and the ties hang down.
Source: http://www.freebeautytips.org/tiescarves.html

Bra Size Measuring Guide: How to Find Your Bra Cup & Band Size

Did you know that 7 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size! Popular shows like Oprah and TLC's What Not to Wear have dedicated entire shows to the subject. I began to wonder if perhaps I was wearing the bra size. I decided to do some research on behalf of all women on measuring a bra size. I will paraphrase the important parts about determining your bra size using 2 different methods.

What You Need to
Calculate Your Bra Size

Your favorite bra, flexible measuring tape, Trusted friend or bra department associate, and .... a little math!

Bra Measuring Method #1 (Best for Average to Large Busts)

Step 1: Put On Your Favorite Bra.
First put on your favorite bra that you think makes your breasts the right shape and feels most comfortable. Next you will need to find a flexible measuring tape (the kind a seamstress would use). You may also need to grab a trusted friend to help you measure, since it is difficult to keep the tape level around your body.
Step 2: Rib Cage + 5" = Band Size
 Step 2:
Measure Around Rib Cage
.
The first measurement to take is around your ribcage, just below your breasts. Now add 5 to this number to get your band size. If the resulting band size was an odd number, you will need to round up to the next even number since bra bands only come in even numbers.

Step 3: Bust - Band = Cup Size"

Step 3:
Measure Fullest Part of Bust
.
The second measurement should be taken around the fullest part of your bosom with your favorite bra on. This measurement is your cup size. Next subtract your band size from your cup size to calculate the right cup size. Refer to the bra cup size chart below. 

Bra Cup Size Chart (Method #1)

<1/2" larger than measurement #2--------------------AA
1" larger than measurement #2------------------------A
2" larger than measurement #2------------------------B
3" larger than measurement #2------------------------C
4" larger than measurement #2------------------------D
5" larger than measurement #2------------------------DD or E
6" larger than measurement #2------------------------DDD or F
7" larger than measurement #2------------------------G
8" larger than measurement #2------------------------H
9" larger than measurement #2------------------------I
10" larger than measurement #2-----------------------J

Bra Measuring Method #2 (Best for Average to Small Busts)

Step 1:
Wear Your Favorite Bra.

I know it seems odd (especially if you are already wearing the incorrect bra size) to put on a bra to measure for a bra, but it is the best way to get the most accurate measurement. Choose a bra that is comfortable, fits you best and makes your breast the right shape. 

Step 2: Rib Cage + 5" = Band Size
Step 3: Width of Breast = Cup Size

 Step 2:
Measure Around Your Rib Cage for Band Size.

Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the circumference of your rib cage just below your breasts. Add 5 inches to this measurement and round to the nearest even number See #2 measurement on the picture to the right.

Step 3:
Measure Width of Breasts for Cup Size.

This is what makes Method #2 different than Method #1. It tends to be more accurate on petite or small breasted women, but can work for many breast sizes. Measure breasts for from one end to the other. In other words, from the outer front edge of one breast mound to the other. Do not wrap around the sides of the breasts. See #3 measurement on the picture to the above. Refer to the table below to find your cup size.

Bra Cup Size Chart (Method #2, Measurement #3)

7" measurement #3------------------------A
8" measurement #3------------------------B
9" measurement #3------------------------C
10" measurement #3-----------------------D
11" measurement #3-----------------------DD
12" measurement #3-----------------------DDD or E
13" measurement #3-----------------------F
14" measurement #3-----------------------FF
15" measurement #3-----------------------G
The above charts are just a guideline of what size to start with at the bra department. You may need to go up or down a band or cup size to get the perfect fit.
After all my research about finding the right bra size, my measurements put me in the somewhat embarrassing category of 32A (UPDATE: after using method #2 for measuring, I found the correct size at 32B). I did indeed fall in the 7 out of 10 women who are wearing the wrong bra size. I figured models have smaller breasts right? It can't be that bad. So I was off to the store to try on what I thought to be my measured bra size. The only problem was a 32A was giving me four breasts (you know the double-bubble affect) instead of two! I was back to square one asking myself what's my bra size?

Video Showing How to Fit a Bra Properly

 Source: http://www.freebeautytips.org/brasize.html

Lose Weight Using Alternative Ways of Exercising – Abdominal Belts

When electrical impulses are used for elicitation of muscle contraction, the process is known as electrical muscle stimulation. An electrical device generates these impulses that are delivered to the target muscle area through electrodes. Muscle contraction resulting from electrical impulses is said to mimic the central nervous system action.

Technically, you can call electrical muscle stimulation as muscle training as well as electrotherapy. Currently, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices are regulated by the FDA. In last few years, the adoption of EMS techniques for weight loss programs and support equipments has increased manifold.
EMS machines have been around for a long time now. Thousands of people have used abdominal belts to lose weight fast and safe. Earlier, these devices were generally used by athletes and medical practitioners. Medical applications of electrical muscle stimulation are very old. Nowadays, a large number of people are utilizing EMS based applications.
Read on to learn about some unique weight loss and exercising benefits delivered by these machines.
  1. Improving the overall appearance of the body through healthy abs workout is easy. You can develop nicely toned muscles by using a good EMS device on a regular basis.
  2. One can enhance the effectiveness of an existing exercise routine by using EMS machines. These machines can effectively strengthen your muscles to a great degree when used in combination with a regular exercise pattern.
  3. Get relief from stress, joint pain and several other discomforts in lower back, muscle area.
Various changes taking place inside human muscles are same as those happening due to normal exercises. Many athletes have been using EMS devices to build power and strength in their muscles. In last few years, the popularity of EMS as alternative exercise method for losing weight has increased manifold. Doctors also recommend EMS for people who suffer from muscle spasms and circulation problems.
Like anything else, you will come across genuine as well fake EMS products in the market.
There is no dearth of advertisements extolling how amazingly Electrical Muscle Stimulation can help you to get rid of belly fat. A large number of advertisements are even promising to completely flatten your tummy and reveal the glorious six pack abs muscle hidden beneath!
Many others claim that spending ten minutes with an electrical simulator is equivalent to hundreds of sit-ups. So, you don’t have to follow a good dieting schedule or exercise regimen and you can still manage to have great physique! All this sounds to be too good to be true.
Many manufactures go on making false promises regarding unbelievable abs workouts to the target audience. Electrical muscle stimulation is quite effective for those looking to lose weight. However, you shouldn’t expect a tummy belt to work like a magic wand. Credible brands always present the right picture to target customers. Many people have just given up on the idea of using a tummy belt to lose weight because of the bad press. As long as you are purchasing FDA approved EMS devices, you are making the right decision.
Electrical muscle relaxation devices provide you a passive exercise. So you shouldn’t really expect these devices to do the magic while you enjoy watching Ducktails or Family Guy on the TV. Results will be great when you use the abdomen belt and take a short walk around the block. Most common EMS devices are designed for abs workout. You can also purchase EMS devices for full body workout. However, you will have to spend a lot of money to buy full body EMS devices.

Source: http://blog.beauty-tips.net/lose-weight-using-alternative-ways-of-exercising-abdominal-belts

Health Problems and Skin Diseases Caused by Smoking Cigarettes Read more: Health Problems and Skin Diseases Caused by Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking is also a habit which does a lot of harm not only to the person who smokes but to whoever comes around and is forced to breathe the smoke in. Free radicals are produced in our organism even when we breathe the smoke passively. The large amount of free radicals cannot be fought by even very strong antioxidants such as: bio-flavonoids, vitamin C, A or E, mainly because these are able to work only in the epidermal part of our skin. First of all free radicals make our skin loose its smoothness and elasticity, than they make wrinkles and brown speckles appear, skin becomes dry and corneous and finally, free radicals damage blood-vessels. Besides free radicals, during the process of smoking more than four thousand other extremely dangerous and toxic substances are being produced, e.g. tar, carbon dioxide, arsenide, prussic acid and lead. These toxic substances are responsible for lowering the level of vitamins A, C and E in our body. These vitamins, as we already know, protect our skin from the negative influence of free radical as well as make the skin elastic and stimulate its regeneration.
As a result of smoking, the microcirculation is disturbed, in blood-vessels in particular. You can say that skin cells are being suffocated by smoke which reduces the amount of oxygen in a human body and instead it increases the amount of toxic carbon dioxide. This is why so-called a "tobacco face" person looks tired, has got a grey complexion often with enlarged blood-vessels. Many of you may think then: "It doesn’t concern me. I don’t smoke a whole packet a day. Just two or three light cigarettes, that’s all." However, while you smoke one cigarette you cause the contraction of your skin blood-vessels which lasts up to 90 minutes after you finish smoking. Therefore, a smoker’s blood-vessels can receive one fourth of blood less than a non-smoker’s. As a result, cells of the former reveal oxygen deficiency and the lack of nutritive components in them. In time, such a person’s complexion may loose its pink and healthy colouring and it may start looking pale, grey and poor.
Anaemic anoxia of the facial skin also disturbs the production of collagen and elastin fibres which are responsible for the skin elasticity. These fibres get partially damaged, which makes skin thinner, with some irregular callosities and deep wrinkles, especially around one’s mouth.
Smoking causes also some necrotic changes inside the skin, which means simply that many cells die and they cannot be regenerate or animate. During smoking the level of estrogens may be lowered, which has got a great impact on lowering the amount of collagen fibres and, in turn, on making the skin dry. In addition, smoking also disturbs the process of healing of wounds and injuries, making it slower and poorer.
Of course, smoking also causes many other negative changes inside an our bodies for instance, it limits blood-flow inside blood-vessels, it reduces the ability of blood to transport oxygen, it weakens the immunology system. All that damage becomes visible outside our body in the first place.
Other negative effects of smoking on our look are: fragile nails, hair loss, and aggravation of many skin diseases such as: common acne, acne rosacea and often recurrence of psoriasis. Furthermore, we can observe yellow spots on nails, hands and teeth as well as worsening of sense of taste and smell.
Women who have been smoking for many years consult cosmetologists in order to find help with their look and skin problems. However, for those women who smoke the undertaken surgical intervention can never bring the satisfying effects. Therefore, plastic surgeons are unwilling to do any lifting or grafting for patients who smoke because their skin heals with much difficulty and it is very probable that some further complications will occur.
Girls think about this while you lit another cigarette, please! Just in case please check reasons to quit smoking cigarettes.
It's time to quit smoking, better sooner than later. If you find problems quitting smoking you may want to try blu electronic cigarettes. Certainly, there is nothing cool in smoking.

Top 10 Hair Straightening Methods Review: Products and Straighteners

There are many different ways to create the sleek, shiny look of pin straight hair. Here is a review of the top ten methods of straightening hair, in no particular order. You will read here about hair straighteners, hair straightening products and it will be easier for you to choose your hair straightening method.

  1. Shampoo and Conditioner: There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market today to help encourage your hair to straighten, but most need to be used in conjunction with another product. Be sure to look for products that can help protect your hair from the heat of blow drying or ironing, and choose a very good conditioner.
  2. Silicone Serum: Adding a touch of silicone serum will give your hair extra shine, but be careful, as a little bit goes a long way.
  3. Blow Dry Straight: Blowing drying is an effective way to straighten your hair, but it must be used with a protective product and you should use a weekly conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy. Remember that heat is not as important as a good strong air flow.
  4. Ion Conditioning Blow Dryers: A new concept in blow drying hair, these blow dryers send negative ions to the hair, replacing moisture and protecting the hair, while also cutting down drying time.
  5. Straightening balm: Usually used in conjunction with blow drying or ironing, a straightening balm can help cut down on frizz, especially in humid weather, and protect dry hair.
  6. Chemical Straighteners: Chemical straighteners should always be applied by a professional, as everyone’s hair is different. The good news is that chemical straighteners can keep the hair straight for up to six months, but the hair needs a great deal of conditioning, blow dryers should be used sparingly, and adding color could damage the hair.
  7. Thermal Reconditioning: This new procedure, which was developed in Japan, is a permanent way to straighten hair, and is good for all types of hair. The downside is that it takes a very long time and can be very expensive.

Finally, we’ll take a look at three different kinds of straightening irons:

  1. Ceramic Hair Straighteners: Hair irons that have ceramic plates have extremely smooth surfaces, usually have no edges that will catch the hair, and heat up very quickly, in around thirty seconds.
  2. Titanium Hair Straighteners: Hair irons with titanium plates infuse the hair with negative ions which help protect the hair and helps prevent colored hair from fading.
  3. Steam Hair Straighteners: Steam is an effective way to straighten hair, but beware of badly made products that will eventually break down or cause hot water to spill on you as you iron your hair.

Recommended Ceramic Hair Straightener

Karmin G3 Salon Pro Black Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron 1" Inch

Karmin G3 Salon Pro Black Tourmaline Ceramic
  • Hair types: All hair types
  • Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron: perfect for professional and home use. Special features: flash quick heating, a tangle-free swivel cord and temperature settings. Your hair are smooth, silky and shiny!
  • Special Technologies:
  • Tourmaline Ceramic Technology
  • Negative Ion Technology
  • Far Infrared Heat
  • Customer Reviews: Hair straightener is very good! You should be more than happy with the product, your hair will be beautiful in 10 minutes!
  • Price: Around $150.00
Source: http://www.beauty-tips.net/hairtips/hairstyletips/hair-straighteners-review.htm

Makeup for Older Woman - Natural Woman

Make up for older women should serve two purposes. First it should add color to faded skin. Second it should conceal minor flaws and wrinkles as much as possible. Having said this, it’s important to understand that make up for older women is not intended to layer the face in foundations and colors that attempt to make ladies look younger. They are intended to bring out the natural mature beauty, which can make a woman look younger more as a by-product then as a goal. Women with mature skin are as beautiful as the dewy youth – just in a different way.

To start, the foundation for mature skin should be close to medium-weight. Mature skin has wrinkles and a heavy foundation can actually make the wrinkles look deeper. If you have mature skin, you should always err on the lighter or sheerer side of foundations. A sheer or medium-weight foundation will reflect light and cover up many blemishes. An oil-based foundation should be applied on top of a daytime moisturizer designed for mature skin.
A rule of thumb for applying make up for older women is to not use too much. When make-up is too heavy, and doesn’t blend into your skin tone or highlight your best features, it can actually make you look older. We’ve all seen women who obviously think more make up is better, but that’s a fallacy when it comes to mature skin. Also, your eye shadow and brow colors should blend with your skin tone. The eye shadows used should be cream based, because they will moisturize while hiding flaws. The appearance of dark bags under the eyes can be minimized with a concealer which is one shade lighter than your foundation.
Another tip for applying make up for older women includes using a very small amount of blush on the cheeks that creates a glowing, rather than a clownish, look. Also, make up for older women should include lipstick with moisturizer in the formula. Older women’s lips will dry out and need frequent moisturizing.
Careful selection and application of make up for older women can enhance any mature women’s beauty. Soft application and color designed to highlight natural beauty, while downplaying signs of aging, usually results in melting the years away.

How to Dye Your Hair at Home: Step-by-Step

It can be overwhelming when you're standing in front of hundreds of hair dye boxes at the drugstore. After all, there are so many options, and it's easy to choose the wrong product if you don't go prepared.

Read more: How to Dye Your Hair at Home: Step-by-Step



This is why you should really think about what direction you want your hair color to go, if you're going to cover up grays, or if you're just coloring the roots. By going to the store prepared, you'll cut half of the confusion out of the equation because you'll be able to pinpoint the products you actually need. So if you're in the market to color your hair, here is a step-by-step guide for you to follow.

*Note: Most of the items that you need will come in the home hair dye kit including gloves, instructions, a bottle of formula, and a bottle of activator. You will also need to gather an old towel, paper towels, Vaseline, a hair clip, scissors, a timer and a paint brush.

Hair Dyeing Instructions

  1. Choose the color you want for your hair while keeping in mind your skin tone and natural hair color.
    For example: if you have really pale skin, you shouldn't dye your hair black so as to avoid looking washed-out.
  2. Take the instructions, gloves, color mixes labeled 1 and 2, and conditioner out of the box. Then cut the number off of the box indicating what color it is, and keep this number somewhere safe so that you know what color to buy when your ready to re-color in a month or two; the number is usually at the top of the box in one of the corners.
    Note: If you don't find all of the aforementioned items in the box, return the box to the store and exchange it for another.
  3. Begin by reading the instructions carefully. Set up your items so that they are easy to reach; have your old towel, paper towel, timer, and wear an old t-shirt before you get started.
  4. It's best to test a very small patch of your hair a day or two before you color your whole head of hair. A lot of people don't do this, and risk having a chemical or allergic reaction. Part your hair at the ears, pull a very small patch from the center of your head, and clip or tie back the rest of your hair.
  5. Put on the gloves that came in the box, and make sure any furniture you will be sitting on or near is protected with a towel. To avoid dyeing your ears, neck and forehead, apply a lip gloss or Vaseline. The areas that get the most unwanted dye are the back of the neck, slightly below the hair line, and on the top of the ears, so keep this in mind.
  6. Unscrew cap to the formula bottle labeled 1, then use scissors to cut the tip off of the activator bottle labeled 3.
    Next, remove the cap, and mix the two liquids together as the instructions say. This involves pouring the contents of the formula bottle labeled 1 into the activator bottle labeled 2. With the cap on the activator bottle ,and your finger covering the tip, shake the bottle until the mixture is blended together.
  7. Now it's time to apply the color mixture to your hair. Note that there are different instructions for permanent and non-permanent hair dye, and some dyes require you to wet your hair, so it's important to read the directions inside of the box. Begin at the roots and move towards the tips of your hair.

    For the most natural look, start applying hair dye where your natural part is. You can use a paint brush to make it easier to apply, but you'll also need to put your mixed color into a bowl.

    A little rule of thumb: when you're dying your hair darker, begin applying color on the front sections because your hair tends to be lighter in the front. It is just the opposite when you dye your hair lighter because you should begin in the back.
  8. As soon as you've finished applying the dye to your hair, throw the gloves away, and set the timer for the time mentioned in the directions. Wet a paper towel and wipe any excess dye off of your face, neck, arm or anything else that got messy. Most at-home hair dyes require 10-20 minutes depending on the length, color, and the amount of gray hair that you have. Try not to do anything to disturb your hair dye as it can easily drip and stain carpet, clothes, furniture, and in some cases, bathroom tile.
  9. When the timer goes off, use lukewarm-to-cool water to rinse the dye from your hair until the water runs clear.
    Tip: Open the conditioner that came with the dye kit before you begin rinsing so that you don't have to struggle with it when your hands are wet.
  10. Once you've rinsed your hair, apply the already open conditioner, while running your fingers through your hair from root to tip. You can use a clip to keep your hair out of the water for 2-3 minutes.
  11. After the 2-3 minutes with conditioner on your hair, rinse and let air-dry for best results.
    Don't shampoo until the next day or two to avoid drying your hair out.

As long as you follow the instructions, your hair should turn out great. Also, read the labels of the hair dye kits before purchasing. Some dyes are meant only for gray hair, while others are semi-permanent and fade away over time.
It's a lot easier than it sounds, and with practice, you'll be able to give yourself highlights without going to a salon! Doing your own hair is fun, and can be more rewarding than paying $70 or more at a salon (Salon vs. At-Home Hair Color). Plus there is no guarantee that the stylist won't make mistakes with your hair. You can enjoy our article where 2 beauties share great hair dyeing tips, really great tips to avoid some mistakes people make.