7 Tips on How to Dress Goth for a Casual Party

Aside from music, fashion is a big part of the Goth subculture. Goths are known, loved (and occasionally hated) for their amazing, unique, over the top or just plain "unusual" styles and their ability to stand out to complete strangers with just their clothing choices. Dressing over the top or in an eye catching way is great fun, but can be extremely irritating to maintain if you just want to go to the coffee shop round the corner with a few friends. But if you want to keep up your unique style without bursting a blood vessel at the same time, then panic no more. shirt. Or go a little more "mainstream friendly" with The Cure or Nine Inch Nails. If you choose a particular character tee or cartoon character, you might want to choose a major colour from the image and use it with your accessories. For example, a GIR tee may warrant your horrible acid green earrings. Be careful with fine tuning this step - wearing a down-tone outfit and outrageous makeup doesn't actually look so attractive. For example, if you're simply wearing a skirt and band tee, then powdering your face white and applying rings of liquid eyeliner and shocking eyeshadow might just make you like a child who was playing around with magic markers. Assess the conditions of your outfit and apply your makeup accordingly. The basics, however, may include:

Some simple eyeliner work - if you're going for very casual, then just a simple pencil lining should do. If you want to play it up a little, try liquid eyeliner with a darker/thicker application.

Lip gloss/Lipstick. A simple shade of subtle lipstick or gloss should do.

Foundation/concealer is optional, if you're currently suffering from a "bad skin" day, to cover/smooth over any blemishes. However, white foundation may not be the best idea for the casual look, as you may look stupidly overdone.

You may also want to paint your nails - a simple solid colour, such as black, purple or red should do for a basic outfit, though for something that needs a little added flair, you could do multiple colours or practise your nail art skills.

Be careful to not over layer during the summer, a warm spring or a warm winter. Remember, if you're wearing very dark colours, chances are you will overheat.

With wet nails or particularly sticky lip makeup, you run the risk of gluing your hair to your face. Be careful.

If you are trying to down tone your make-up some, a suggestion is a dark shade of red lipstick and a little less eyeliner, if possible.

Don't wear anything uncomfortable that will have you fiddling around every five seconds. Elaborate outfits should be saved for bigger occasions, like going to the clubs or other special events.

Worrying about whether you look "Goth" or not is just plain stupid, as any true Goth knows that you can wear jeans a T-shirt and still be a part of the subculture. Despite the various posers spreading stereotypes and untruths about the Gothic style, the culture is also about music, art and personality, rather than simply wearing clothes that make you look "Goth". In fact, other Goths may consider you more of a poser if you purposely dress "Goth" every minute of the day. If dressing up makes you happy then it's okay, but if you're simply worried about maintaining your reputation then you should stop being so insecure. Many old school Goths simply wear casual everyday clothes.

Many people have attached a negative stigma to Goth in all its facets- if you meet them, merely stare like they're growing a third eye.

Make sure to not preach about individuality and complain about how people make fun of you, and then go laughing at some emo. You would just be treating them how you are treated, and seeing as you do not want to be treated in that manner, don't do it, 'cause you've got to "treat others how you want to be treated." It's a golden rule.

5 Tips For Dress Sense In Business

On my Squidoo page I briefly mentioned dressing for the job you want in my 8 tips for success. They have 10,000 other things to get done in an 8-hr day. They exude power with their walk, talk, and dress sense. If you want to capture attention, you must exude an equal amount of power right from the moment a hiring manager sees you. Here are 5 tips for giving yourself a power lift.1. Dress For The Job You Want, Not The Job You HaveOne of my first interviews just before graduating university, I put on a Navy suit with a crisp, white shirt, a blue tie and black dress shoes. The first thing the interviewer said was, "Thank you for wearing a suit. I can't tell you how many people come in here wearing jeans."Really?!Always wear a suit. Let's face it, people are judgmental. One of my friends purchased a cheap pair of slacks and an Oxford shirt for a job interview. Dress like you respect yourself, and others will follow. And please, don't wear sneakers%u20262. AccessorizeWearing a tie clip and a nice watch will separate you from the rest of the best-dressed crowd. Look Professional, Not CoolDon't op for the "cool" look by mixing a red shirt with a Tabasco tie. This isn't high school anymore. The workplace is not a nightclub.4. Polish Your ShoesPolishing your shoes can make them look brand new. I'd be impressed if someone purchased a new pair of shoes just to meet with me for an interview. You want to use as little water as possible (otherwise you might damage the leather). Then, gently breeze over the top and sides of the shoe to take off any dirt or stains. Use the dry end of the cloth to polish until clean and shiny.5. Enjoy ItIf you're wearing a suit into an interview, chances are you'll have to wear one every day. Suits can be stuffy and expensive.

5 Ways To Have Fun Working From Home

Working from home is many people's dream job. After all, where else will you get unlimited coffee breaks, the most relaxed dress code possible, and the ability to work whatever hours you want?

This type of work is often billed as being ideal for stay at home moms, but they're not the only ones who can get a lot of benefits out of a job from home. Just about anyone with the aptitude and interest could enjoy working without leaving the house.

However, there are some downsides to working on your own. You don't have any co-workers to chat with. You make the hours, which means you need to stay motivated to work them. It can also get pretty lonely. So, how do you make working from home fun, after the initial excitement wears off? Here are a few ideas to keep you from getting lonely, worn down, or just plain unmotivated.

1. Keep busy! That doesn't mean you have to do the same thing all the time, however. If you're having trouble on one project, switch to another. If work isn't going well, stop. After all, many people are paid for their work at home positions by the job, not the hour.

That means keeping productivity up is important if you want to make a decent wage. Try a few online surveys - they're interesting and they'll make you a few bucks. Have lunch, read a chapter or two of a book, then get back to your project and see if you feel more motivated.

2. Schedule time to be social. If you have friends who keep regular jobs, try taking your lunch or coffee breaks when they do and visit with them for a while. This might seem at first like an interruption to your day, but it can make working at home a lot less lonely. Remember - almost no one functions well without input from other people.

3. Leave the house occasionally, even if you have to split up errands. Go for a walk, get some exercise, and remember that there are places other than your office. Take your laptop to the local coffee shop for a change of pace or to the local bookstore, if the commotion won't distract you from your work.

4. Work with others! Have some friends who also work at home bring their laptops or paperwork over if you have a job that can be done socially. If you can avoid getting distracted, this kind of work can make the day go a lot more quickly.

If your job doesn't allow for in person working with other people, get a good instant messenger account. Don't let it take over your day, of course, but the ability to chat with other people and to have virtual coworkers can help you beat the loneliness.

5. Be realistic about your abilities. One real pitfall for many people working on their own is the tendency to overestimate what they can do. Never base your regular performance on your best day. The chances you'll be able to do that everyday are poor, and you'll just feel overworked and rushed. You won't always be turning out your best work.

Instead, keep track of how much you can do on a good, bad, and average day, and decide how much to expect of yourself. This will give you a more appropriate work pace and keep you from getting overwhelmed. When you can take things as they come, working at home is a lot more fun!

5 Wedding Traditions from Around the World

Wedding season has officially started, as couples across the United States walk down the aisle to tie the knot. weddings take place in the summer months, down from 41 percent in 2010. And while you may know of many American wedding traditions - from the bride throwing the bouquet and the bride's father walking her down the aisle to music and merriment after the vows - cultures around the world have their own, perhaps lesser known, traditions. [Infographic: Marriage Divorce Statistics]

Here are some wedding rituals from around the world that go beyond the white dress and veil.

1. Wardrobe Change: In modern China, brides pick not one wedding dress, but three. First, there's the traditional qipao or cheongsam, an embroidered, slim-fitting frock that's usually made red for weddings, because red is a strong, lucky color in Chinese culture. Next, the bride might swap into a white poufed ball gown that wouldn't look out of place at an American wedding - a bridal nod to the popularity of Western trends. Finally, the bride ducks out of the reception to change into a third dress, this one a gown of her color choice or a cocktail dress.

2. Painted Hands: Before an Indian bride gets married, she and her female friends and family decorate their hands and feet with elaborate designs called menhdi. These temporary designs are made from the plant dye henna, and they last just a few weeks. The menhdi designs are incredibly intricate and take hours to apply, not including the time the bride must wait for the henna paste to dry and stain her skin. Turning the occasion into a "mehndi party" makes the process more fun - and provides some friends and family to help the bride out if she needs anything while she's being adorned.

3. Mazel Tov! The breaking of the glass in Jewish weddings, in which the groom crushes a glass under his foot at the end of the ceremony, is a tradition with murky roots. 70, while others say that the broken glass is a reminder that joy should always be tempered. Either way, breaking the glass is usually undertaken in the spirit of happiness today, with wedding guests calling out "mazel tov!" (good luck!) after the glass shatters. [6 Scientific Tips for a Successful Marriage]

4. Ransom for the Bride: Russian grooms have to work for their brides. Before the wedding, the groom shows up at the bride's home and asks for his beloved. In jest, her friends and family refuse him until he pays up in gifts, money, jewelry or simple humiliation. Grooms are forced to do silly dances, answer riddles, and perform goofy tests of worthiness like diapering a baby doll. Once the groom impresses friends and family with this bridal ransom, or "vykup nevesty," he's allowed to meet his bride-to-be.

5. Random for the Shoes: While Russian grooms are ransoming their brides, Pakistani men have to pay up if they want to keep their shoes. After a Pakistani wedding, the couple returns home for a ceremony called the "showing of the face." Family and friends hold a green shawl over the couple's heads and a mirror as the bride removes the veil she wears throughout the wedding ceremony. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

5 top Creed Cologne All Real Men Need to Wear

The House of Creed makes 200 different scents for men and women; their long rich history is actually a testament to the top quality colognes and why they are so famous for today. Mostly every man which has had ever purchased a bottle of just a Creed fragrance is constantly on the buy forever due to the majority of the 100 % natural ingredients and care put into each scent.

Some of the famous actors today take great pleasure in wearing their favorite scents which happens to be earthy and sensual or warm and sexy obtaining fresh scent commonly ideal men. However, from the many fine fragrances put together by your home of Creed, five Creed Fragrances exceed particularly as being incorporate an intriguing and try to sought after.

Millesime Imperial was formulated to celebrate send out anniversary of 140 a lot of fragrances during making by several generations of this family. This fragrance satisfies both males and females with decidedly citrus smell. The recipe includes a delicious touch of iris, lemon, green mandarin and bergamot.

Men that offer worn Millesime Imperial feel it is versatile enough to wear in the day or evenings. Opinions are reality scent smells fresh and clean accompanied by long-lasting fragrance that smells great.

Silver Mountain Water By Creed

Silver Mountain Water is one other scent that interests men and women. This inspiration of cool, clear mountain air creates an uplifting mixture of black and teas, mandarin, musk, bergamot and black currants. This clean light scent is usually a favorite with Olivier Creed himself.

It has been characterized as fresh and aromatic with several people enjoying it for daytime use. This scent is particularly robust and very people feel it provides a good value having unique scent which can be worn be effective, and even special occasions.

7 Tips for Becoming a Dynamic Presenter

Death is often quoted as the second greatest fear for people while public speaking has reigned at number one for quite some time. Although I would pick a speech over death, there was probably a time in my life when I would have seriously considered the choice. In college, Communications was my minor, but I never signed-up for Communications 101 because you had to present in front of the class. I thought I was pretty slick for avoiding the class. Little did I realize my leadership career would place me in presentation situations on a regular basis.

Thankfully, I am now fully recovered from my Laliophobia (fear of public speaking). I decided this fear was not going to limit my career. To that end, I attended trainings and performed my own research on presentation skills. Below are seven of the most helpful tips I discovered for becoming a dynamic presenter.

1. Prepare: Know your audience and what you want them to know. profession, standards of dress, education level). Prepare your presentation to meet their needs. People tend to remember only 3 or 4 points from a presentation. fluff).

2. Humor: Make fun of situations, yourself, but never the audience. Jokes often help a presentation, but even one bad joke can hurt a presentation beyond repair. Sometimes the less humor used, the more impact it has on the presentation when it is delivered. When using humor, keep in mind these rules:

This is a business setting and the jokes must be clean and non-offensive;Have some connection between the joke and your topic; andThe only safe bunt of a joke is the speaker; never alienate the audience with insults.

3. No Apologies: Never start a presentation with an apology. How many times have you heard a presenter begin by saying 'I am sorry I have a cold, or I am nervous? If you have a cold, the sniffles do a fine job of making that apparent. Or, if there are no outward signs, who really needs to know you don't feel well? Many people use such statements as a way of requesting leniency from the audience. Apologies like this announce to the audience, 'the presentation you are about to receive is less than you deserve, but please don't blame me."

4. Attention: Get and keep their attention. Different people have different learning styles. Some learn by simply listening, some need to see it, and some learn best by experiencing it. If appropriate, try to fit all aspects into the presentation. Visual aides are a great way to keep your audience's attention. No matter what your medium (projector, flip chart, power point), it is important to remember a few rules about visual aides:

Allow for some white space, don't fill the entire paper or slide with details or pictures;Use alternating colors for easier reading; andVisual aides support the presentation; do not use them as the entire presentation - be prepared to add commentary to the visual aides.

5. Move: Make the most of your movement. I appreciate the value of high energy and enthusiasm. Many of my presentations incorporate both strategies. At times however, too much high-energy and movement can be distracting, actually taking away from your message. Appropriate use of movement is the key. Simple hand gestures may be all you need to make a point. On the other hand, sometimes it may take running around the room. Your movement is most effective when it helps the audience connect to your subject.

6. Voice: Use your voice to make your point. Seems obvious, use your voice when you are speaking. That is, no 'um's, uh's" to fill the space between when you think of something and when you actually say it. Respect: Show respect to the audience and they will show it to you. Remember, the audience wants you to do well and the smallest amount of respect will win over even the toughest critics. Similar to one-on-one conversations, showing respect to people can make all the difference in the communication. Here are some ways to demonstrate respect for your audience:

Eye contact - maintain eye contact with the audience. The 'distracter" will notice your proximity and stop the distraction.

There you have it, seven tips on becoming a dynamic presenter and imagining the audience in their underwear was not among them. Incorporate these tips as best you can, but do not allow them to take away from who you are and what you say. Some of the most successful speakers break several speaking rules. Take these seven tips, mix them with your own unique style, and your presentations are sure to be dynamic!

6 Unique Ideas That You Could Get Dad For His 50th Birthday

There are lots of unique ways to make your father's birthday special. You might want to try a fishing party or an enjoyable golf course or spa gift certificate, a ticket to his favorite sports event, playlist of his best-loved songs or a signed album from his favorite musician, and a record of meaningful birthday wishes.

On a milestone birthday like your dad's 50th, you should definitely go out of your way to make it grand and great for him. Turning 50 is a milestone event that is worthy of celebration, and there are many 50th Birthday Ideas which can be used to make this occasion more unique.

Organize a party based on a fishing theme, if your dad enjoys fishing. You can rent a large party yacht or charter a fishing boat and invite your dad's friends and family to celebrate. One of the main entrees at the party should be your dad's favorite seafood platter. You may avail the services of a band to play some of your dad's favorite tunes in order to make this memorable day full of enjoyment. Your dad may enjoy receiving something he may use for fishing during this special party.

Box seats to your dad's favorite sports team play

A great gift for your father, the sports fan, is box seats to the game of his favorite team. If you purchase two tickets, then you can both spend time together.

A playlist containing his favorite music or an autographed album of his favorite band

An excellent gift for a father who loves music and has a favorite band would be an autographed album of the musician he likes the most. In the event that you can't find such a rare item, you might want to consider giving him an iPod or CD filled with his favorite kind of music, which is still a great way to do something that reflects his love of music. He can rock out to great music while he is at work or even just hanging out.

If you have a golfer for a father, a gift certificate to a golf course is a fine idea. Another great idea to add on to this is to arrange a golf game for him and his friends and decide the perfect tee time for them.

A certificate for a massage or a visit to the spa

A trip to loosen up at a spa or massage parlor can be the best gift for a busy dad who has everything but time to relax. You could gift him with a gift certificate that will let him be treated like a king for a day and take a break from his regular activities.

Recorded messages from family and friends

Another unique gift idea for your father's birthday is giving him something personal such as a LifeOnRecord CD. Through their toll-free number, you can record heartfelt messages for your father. You can also encourage other friends and family members to call the number and record birthday greetings and well-wishes for your father, which can be downloaded or saved in an external storage device.

Remember that one of the most important people in your life is your father, so whether you're throwing him a grand celebration or a simple get-together with all his closest friends and relative, remember that the most important part about celebrating his fiftieth birthday is to make him feel loved and wanted.

6 Ways To Find The Right One

Winter Wedding Dress:

Family Articles | November 1, 2009

Want to know how to choose that perfect winter wedding dress for your big day? Curious what options are out there that you might not have thought of? These 6 simple tips can help you choose the perfect winter wedding dress for your wedding.

Are you planning a winter wedding and stumped on what type of dress to get? Think that the designers out there have never really even heard of a winter wedding dress, much less designed one? Well, you do not have to worry about freezing to death at your wedding, here are six tips to help you find that perfect winter wedding dress for your big day:

1. Find a strapless or spaghetti strapped dress and a faux fur coat to wear over it. While it's not a real winter wedding dress, it is simple and elegant and you won't freeze during your wedding or reception. This is a look that many brides have started to go with during winter weddings.

2. Keep in mind how you are planning to wear your hair. Girls that have long hair, wear it down instead and keep it in a style that will cascade over your shoulders. Girls that have short hair, this is not an option, but if you have some time before your wedding, you can always let it grow.

3. Many dress makers will have a white or off-white cape and matching muff that you can easily adapt to wear over your dress when you need to go outside. This is a great way to choose the dress of your dreams and turn it into a winter wedding dress without much effort.

4. Change your way of thinking a bit and choose a different colored dress - such as light blue or burgundy - and then wear a white faux fur stole over it that wraps around your shoulders. This is a beautiful way to add some glamor to your winter wedding dress and still allow you the different style choices that you crave.

5. Remember what season you are getting married in and keep your options open. There are tons of dresses that will allow you to choose different materials for your dress, and some are warmer than others - such as heavy satin, velvet, wool. You can easily choose one of these warmer materials for your winter wedding dress and still choose a beautiful dress that you love.

6. Keep it simple. If you are having trouble choosing a winter wedding dress, maybe you are tryping a little too hard to pick a dress that will make you warm and still look like a summer dress. Relax and keep in mind that you are planning a winter wedding, so make sure that you stick to a winter wedding dress that will provide you what you want, with your personal style, to create the perfect winter wedding dress for you.

While it might seem like an impossible task of getting a winter wedding dress that will work for your wedding and actually keep you a little warm, it's not completely impossible. And, there are more and more options when it comes to dresses that will help you plan out your winter wedding and create your perfect day.

7 Tips for Really Cheap Wedding Receptions

The following wedding tips will not only help you to create a cheap wedding reception, they'll actually help you create an altogether less expensive wedding!

7 Tips For Arranging a Cheap Wedding Reception and a Cheaper Wedding.

1. Keep Invitations Light. The more people you invite to your wedding, the large and larger the bill gets. Try to keep the wedding invitation list limited to closest friends and relatives and NOT everyone you've ever met.

2. Invitation Saving. Hand write the invitations yourself or get them printed instead of engraved.

3. Close the Open Bar. Buy (in bulk) beer, champagne, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages and serve them yourself. (This is a big help when creating a cheap wedding reception)

4. Wholesale Wedding Accessories. If you need wedding accessories for the reception, go through a wholesale dealer, not a wedding supply store -- you'll save a ton.

5. Wedding Dress Savings. Don't buy a new designer wedding dress that costs thousands of dollars, period!

6. Wedding Dress Finding. Ask you're mother, grandmother, or other female relatives if you could wear their wedding gown for your wedding day. If the dress doesn't match or fit you, it's okay -- as that is what good seamstresses are for.

7. Decorated Locations. Consider a location that already has decorations in place OR requires fewer decorations -- places like botanical gardens, beaches, churches (during the holidays), or even a park.

If you can't create a cheap wedding reception or just an all-around cheaper wedding with these 7 tips, then you have little to no hope of creating a dream wedding on a budget.

5 Ways To Capture Your Wedding Moments Forever

As far back as a girl can remember, she dreams of her wedding day. She imagines - to every last detail - things like: what type of wedding dress she will wear, what color the bridesmaids' dresses will be and even more importantly, who that perfect man will be who becomes her husband. When that day finally arrives, it is the most important day of the bride's life - a day she wants to look back on with fond memories for years to come. For more and more brides, one of the most perfect ways to capture their wedding is to create an Instant Photo Guest Book similar to the one created by Adesso Albums. Having such a keepsake, scrapbook or photo album to open up and share with your spouse, family and friends is the best way to capture the wedding day's memory forever.

Instant Photo Guest Books are a unique "marriage" of a photo album and a guest book. To create a photo guest book at a wedding, simply take Polaroid pictures, slip them into your guest book and have the guests write their personalized messages to you the bride and your groom on the guest book pages. This will capture your wedding event instantly in pictures and words-and you won't even have to wait weeks to get your photographs returned from your wedding photographer. You'll be able to enjoy it as soon as it's over. However, the beauty of these keepsake albums is that it can be used for all parts of your wedding event: engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception and even the honeymoon.

Here's an idea, that won't even cost you a dime. The purpose of a wedding Wish Bowl is to provide an opportunity for guests to wish good fortunes to follow the Bride and Groom wherever they go. The idea is to have your guests write their wishes for love and life on little slips of paper and place them into a crystal or decorative glass bowl or vase. You don't even have to buy one if you have a nice vase or bowl at home already. For a more formal presentation, the slips of paper can be placed into little matching wedding stationary envelopes. The stationary paper and envelopes should match the Bride's color theme and/or wedding stationary. After the wedding events are over, the notes can be read and placed into a wedding album or scrapbook while the bowl or vase can be used for the home or decoration.

The Wish Tree theme, similar to the Wish Bowl, is for guests at the wedding to write down their wishes for love and life to the Bride and Groom - except instead of the bowl, a tree is used to collect the wishes. There are many types of Wish Trees - your can purchase metal ones, or fashion your own using blooming branches from a garden or florist, or even use a live potted plant such as a fichus tree. Gift boxes can be hung from the tree of your choice and your guests can take a box off the tree in exchange for their wishes. After the wedding events are over, the wishes can be taken off the tree and placed in a keepsake box, scrapbook or album.

Wedding Signature Platters or plates make a unique alternative to traditional wedding guest books. The platter can be plain, decorative or even custom designed and ordered online or from a wedding stationary store. Guests simply sign the platter during the wedding event with a special ceramic marker and after the wedding events are over, the platter is fired in your home oven. The special signature platter can be used for serving favorite dishes at future dinner parties as husband and wife or just as a decorative memento of the special gathering.

Similar to the Signature Platter, the Signature Mat is another alternative to the traditional wedding guest book. A photo of the Bride and Groom - often a 'before' wedding photo (like an engagement photo) - is placed in an acid free matte and mounted either on an easel or table in the entry area of the wedding reception. Guests sign their name and well wishes to the Bride and Groom on the mat surrounding the picture. The Signature Mat is then framed for the newlywed's new home. After the wedding, the page can be tied into a scroll with ribbon or framed along with pictures taken at the wedding.

The above 5 unique ways to capture your wedding moments will help you and your loved ones relive your wedding memories over and over again.

5 Ways to Dress Your Child Like a Rock Star

Many children want to grow up to be rock stars. Some even pretend they already are. If you want to dress your child to look like a rock star, follow these tips to help her create the perfect look: pick a style, start off with the crux of the matter, choose timeless pieces, accessorize to accentuate, and create a free-style hairdo.

The costume party is still a wildly popular activity for school-aged children. Wearing fancy clothing during a celebration is so much fun because it brings a special oomph to the festivity. With themes like carnival, retro, and rock, children love to explore a different sides of themselves by trying out things beyond what is usual for them. Since the rock star style is readily available, moms prefer it for their children. Although there are ample outfits that you can mix and match to get the look you're going for, finding the right fit can be very frustrating, especially for parents who are not rock aficionados. To learn the particulars of the rock star vogue, here are some hints you need to know follows:

Since there are several styles for the rock star such as the Goth, punk, and glam, the first thing you need to decide is the style you want your child to project. This will help you narrow down your choices and help you find the right clothing and accessories. Remember that not all styles fit all personalities. Try out various fads until you come up with the most suitable match for your child.

Start off with the crux of the matter

Although there are endless possible fashion matches, it is always advisable to start with the basics of a rocker, which is a prerequisite move. For boys, they often look great in frayed jeans while female rockers tend to lean towards skinny jeans. Bootee is another essential you can find in a rocker's closet and is considered a "must have" item.

5 Ways To Use Moroccan Lamps To Brighten Your Home

Moroccan lamps can make quite a difference in your home decor as can all decorative lights. Many designers are surprised at how little attention people pay to home lighting when they are designing their home. Considering the care they take to select and match colors and fabrics and every other home decor element, most people consider lighting as nothing more than an afterthought - yet lighting can create the mood for any room. You can find ambient light when you look at the many styles of Moroccan lampshades that are available. You do not have to be from Morocco, nor do you have to have Moroccan home decor theme to appreciate the beauty of Moroccan lanterns.

You can use both to create ambient lighting in your home that will make a significant difference in brightening your home - in more ways than one. While many people think of light as a way to simply lighten up a room, it is also an easy an inexpensive way to get exotic home decor.

You can find exciting and inviting light when you look for Moroccan lamps for your tables. When it comes to home lighting, Moroccan light fixtures really make a statement in any room they are in. They have a blend of ethnic culture as well as ambiance to them. There are so many from which to choose and they are not costly at all. Individual pieces are priced well, but when you buy the complete living room, bedroom or dining room set, you save even more. We offer affordable fashionable furniture in a variety of styles, from contemporary and modern to classic and traditional.

Select living rooms in a wide array of upholstery, including chenille, microfiber and leather. Choose a sleigh bed, canopy bed, poster bed or panel styling in natural wood finishes from our vast selection of bedrooms. Dining room sets range from casual for the kitchen to the most formal dining setting.

5 ways men should dress their age

It was only recently that my disappearing youth became apparent when I was filling out an online survey and, with the passing of a particular birthday, I could no longer tick the box for the 25-34 age-group. It seems I'm officially middle-aged, as the survey so kindly pointed out.

More: 20 GQ style rules

My new demographic is 35 to 49. (So depressing to think demographers see no difference between my tastes and habits and those of someone 14 years my senior.)

To be honest though, and weirdly, I actually quite like the thought of getting older. Not in the cold, hard facts sense that I'm likely to start resembling Bert Newton crossed with Lou from Neighbours as my forehead grows taller and my cheeks grow wider. Or that I find myself increasingly forgetting events I've been to and conversations I've had. Where was I? Oh, yes. I mean more in the style sense.

I've always longed for the day when I could comfortably carry off a tweed jacket with leather patches and not be fashion-fouled for looking like a schoolteacher. Likewise, the ability to pull off a three-piece suit without people thinking I forgot to return my Year 10 formal hire is just as welcome.

Alas, as a maturing man there are some style habits I just won't be able to get away with anymore. So for myself and the other readers joining me in the 35 to 49 club, I've put together a no-go list to help us on our way.

1. LOSE THE SKINNY JEANS. If you need to be convinced, get someone to take a photo of you in a pair from behind. a muffin top and two chipolatas is no delicacy.

2. NO MORE EXPERIMENTAL HAIRCUTS. That means fauxhawks, sweeping fringes or vicious spikes. Ellen DeGeneres should not, repeat not, be your style icon.

3. PRINTED TEES SHOULD BE BURNT. You may think you look young and funky, but they actually work in the reverse.

4. CONCEAL YOUR UNDERWEAR. Not even Mark Walhberg can get away with a flash of his boxers anymore.

5. DROP THE WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES. Actually, what am I saying? No man of any age should wear wraparound sunglasses. Unless of course, your name is The Situation.

5 Things A Player Would Never Say

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Although it would be unfair to say all Players are essentially the same in terms of traits and personality, anybody who labels himself a man holds firm to a base set of ideals. Hence, there are certain words that aren part of the Player vocabulary, and certain sayings that will never escape his lips. If you a woman and you asking yourself, can I spot a then you simply need to listen for the following statements; if you ever hear any of them, your guy doesn qualify.

A successful pickup artist is typically endowed with the gift of gab, but thanks to time and experience, he carefully selects what chitchat he makes. To the receptive girl, it always sounds smooth and casual -- never forced and never strained, and it will lead most any woman to relax in mere minutes. In short, Players are master conversationalists but they also experts at controlling their own fate. Always remember: Players would never say anything to compromise those aforementioned ideals.

love you It a predictable No. 1, but all the critical women out there should realize that avoiding this heartfelt statement saves you a great deal of stress and pain. As the Player has no enemies -- male or female -- and he frowns on manipulation and deception, he isn about to toy with a woman heart just to satisfy his base desires. At no point will a true ladies man say: love you. While it does indeed stem from a dislike of commitment, these three little words only lead to trouble. A Player will spare you that. There may come a day when a pickup artist does say those words every woman has wanted to hear since playing dress-up as a little girl, but if so, that means two things: 1) He means it; and 2) He has voluntarily turned in his Player license. Only the cruel and evil say love you to get what they want, and then go on their merry way.

don care -- whatever you want to do At no point is a Player disinterested in his partner hobbies and activities, and at no point does he relinquish all control of the situation. There a reason why you typically only hear this statement from married or committed men; men who have already accepted their fate and have lost all interest in the proceedings. The ladies man is always interested in hearing a woman suggestions for plans and he never a doormat, as he understands the ceaseless female desire for avid communication. No man who claims to be successful in the playing field says, don care very often, as it typically halts a discussion prematurely and signifies an apathetic approach to the relationship dynamic -- and possibly even a weak personality. Besides, you want to do could mean just about anything, and no Player leaves so much to chance.

There are three more things a Player would never say.

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is way too expensive He may think it, but he never say it. Having money certainly isn a prerequisite for all aspiring Players (although it helps), but one should never flaunt his lack of funds. Even if he has plenty of cash in the bank, the pickup artist will still avoid this all-too-common exclamation as it includes far too many negative implications. Even if she aware the man has money, she assume he cheap, or if she the high-maintenance type, she probably disappear before he can turn around twice. If the ladies man has no intention of springing for an expensive dinner or purchasing an expensive coat for his girl, he deftly avoid the subject and steer the conversation in another direction. If you ever see a guy sit back in his chair after dinner and start whining about the bill, he ain no Player.

f*ck? Despite popular opinion among feminists, the Player exhibits a certain amount of class and sophistication at all times. Not only is this ridiculous question crass and adolescent in nature, it also shows nothing in the way of tact and good breeding -- both of which are required traits for any legitimate ladies man. On top of which, the observational and social talent of the Player allows him to accurately assess the situation; if she ready to go, he knows it. The transition from discussion to sex should be seamless and even wordless. Some women may view the latter question as or but in reality it only shows a lack of confidence and understanding. The man in question is skilled in the art of seduction; such questions are beneath him.

I don have a condom Yeah, right. The Player who hits the night scene without a condom isn a Player at all. Some will immediately call this a misplaced sense of bravado or cockiness rather than confidence, but the truth of the matter is simple: A ladies man can snag a lady at any given time. It doesn always happen in the standard, traditional locations; it could happen in an elevator, a parked car or a restaurant bathroom. Who knows? The point is, a Player is always prepared, and furthermore, he always safe. The lifestyle is appealing and exciting in a variety of different ways, but it can also be dangerous, and the responsible lover never says: just forget the condom this one time! He knows that time could be his Waterloo, and because he ultimately respects every woman in the bedroom, he wouldn risk her well-being either.

player banter If you ever hear a man say any of these five things, you can toss the label right out the window. Even the best of us slip up at times, but believe it or not, the pickup artist abides by a very strict set of rules that isn negotiable. The world of the Player is far more meticulous and carefully crafted than it is vibrantly chaotic.

6 Things You Can Learn Playing Dress Up

If you think there is not much to be learned playing online you would be surprised at how easy it is to pick up new skills and abilities from something as simple as an online game. Playing dress up, both online and off, is an excellent way to develop new skills and to learn more about any number of things.

Dress Up Teaches You Basic Fashion Skills

Fashion can be complex and some of us struggle with pulling together looks more complicated than jeans and a t-shirt. These games are great at helping us dig through the various facts and knowledge we have stored in our brains to pull together into a look that makes sense to us and to the rest of the fashion community.

Dress Up Teaches You How to Accessorize.

We can pull looks together in some cases, but it is much harder to know how to create an entire fashion statement including accessories without some help. These games are the kind of help you need to create something that will really wow everyone else around.

Dress Up Brings Friends Together

Learning from each other is a powerful way to gain new insight and knowledge and playing these sorts of games is the perfect opportunity for friends to come together and share what they know. When a group sits down with make up kits and fashionable wardrobes to play with, you can expect to learn a bit from just about everyone.

There is not enough creativity out there and sitting down with fashion and accessories surrounding you is a fair way to dig back into the creative process and remember what it was like when you were younger. Creativity is almost leached out of us as we age and use it less, so having a chance to experience more creativity instead of less is an opportunity to grow and change through a simple game.

Most games and activities are complex and have too much to do to really just enjoy the sheer activity for all of the bells and whistles. These games are simple when you play them online. There are no sound effects and you can move at your own pace. There is no pressure to perform and no points at the end. You make your own creation and if you love it, keep it. If you hate it, scrap it and start again.

There is much to learn in regards to patience for children. These young players want everything now, but slapping things together on the games only produces sloppy work. That alone is incentive for many children to slow down and enjoy their work a bit more. Learning to work slowly and carefully can translate to a traditional classroom as well where students might normally rush through work. Imagine a game of fashion helping improve results on a math test. It is amazing, but it is surprising possible as well.

7 Ways To Find Your Cheap Wedding Dress

Searching for your perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. Looking through at all of the designer catalogs with their astronomical prices can be disheartening though. There is hope, however. You don't have to pay designer prices to find the wedding dress of your dreams. Don't just look at one dress shop. You should visit as many as you have the opportunity to. You never know when there will be a discount or a huge sale. Speaking of sales, make sure you are on the lookout for sales. This can be a great way to get a cheap wedding dress. Once you have found the style or specific dress that you like, go online to see if you can find it cheaper. For a great cheap wedding dress, look for great deals online. Use the dress designer and the reference number of the dress or the name of the style. Many brides will sell their wedding dresses for a fraction of the cost shortly after their wedding. This is your chance to pick up a cheap designer wedding dress. Look in your local paper or online. Ebay is a great place to find a cheap wedding dress. One way to get a cheap wedding dress is to borrow one. Ask friends or family members if they have one that you could borrow. Wearing your mother's or grandmother's dress is a beautiful and sentimental choice. It can make an already special day even more memorable.

These are all great money saving ideas. The most important thing, however, is to make sure that the dress you buy is the one that you absolutely love. It should fit you perfectly and reflect your personal style and taste. If your dress needs alterations, make sure that you factor the cost of these into your budget. If you use these 7 simple tips, you can find the perfect cheap wedding dress of your dreams.

5 Top Trends In Spring Wedding Dresses

Spring signifies the beginning of new life and thus most brides and grooms prefer this time of the year to exchange vows. Spring offers great options for brides while shopping for their wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses. All the leading wedding dress designers such as Casablanca Bridal Gowns, Jasmine Bridal Gowns, Bridal Gowns by Jordan Fashions, or Bill Levkoff dresses come up with special spring collection every year.

But during shopping you need to pay attention to detail in every aspect, right from fabric to style. Here are some trends that you can look for in a spring wedding dress.

During spring, the whole environment is full of bright colored flowers and you can buy a floral-embellished wedding dress to reflect the fragrant and fresh spirit of the season.

There are plenty of options in floral wedding dresses right from embroidered blossoms to buds which can be found in different styles of wedding gowns. Embroidery is a subtle detail that embraces the ultra feminine and flower embroidery, in contrasting thread colors, looks good any time. You can wear a ball gown with floral embroidery at the hemline or an A-line wedding dress with floral add-ons on the bodice and waistline. You can even wear a simple wedding gown highlighted with a lightly floral-embellished sweep train.

2. Wedding Dress with Preppy Details

Brides who are a little less "girly" and find flowers too feminine for their liking, can buy designer wedding gowns with some preppy details and patterns. A simple yet elegantly designed wedding dress with a gingham ribbon trim or hint of polka dots can make the dress just perfect for a spring wedding. Another style that you can consider with a preppy touch is a wedding dress with a pleated bodice or a patterned sash to highlight your waist.

3. Wedding Dresses with Higher Hemlines

Short gowns are in fashion nowadays as brides prefer to show off their toned and tanned legs. If you can carry it properly, wear beautifully designed mini wedding dresses which are still in vogue to flaunt your figure. You can also wear a tea-length dress.

Both these types of designer wedding dresses look well when paired with peep-toed heels for the ultimate look. Designer dresses with higher hemlines are also available for bridesmaids. You can check out the exclusive Bill Levkoff bridesmaid collection in this regard.

4. Wedding Dress made with Soft Fabrics

As per the weather condition during the month of spring, wedding dresses made of light and airy fabrics are ideal. Chiffon, charmeuse, and organza fabrics can be considered as the ideal fabric. Even light silk tulles and taffeta can be comfortable during spring season.

When wedding dresses in these fabrics are accented with lace and nets they give a romantic, soft and comfortable feeling. These fabrics are used by leading designers such as Casablanca Bridal Gowns, Jasmine Bridal Gowns, Bridal Gowns by Jordan Fashions, and Bill Levkoff bridesmaid .

5. Beautiful Cashmere Cover-ups

Spring days can be really hot but temperature can sharply dip at night. Hence, don't forget to buy matching wrap to go along with your wedding dress if the wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place in the evening, especially in the outdoors. Pair your beautiful wedding dress with a wrap that should be light and at the same time airy. You can also buy a sophisticated cashmere cardigan or you can even wear wedding dress with three-quarter sleeves to keep yourself warm during the ceremony.

6 Steps To Reducing Teen Acne Problems

It helps to know what causes teen acne problems, before you understand how to treat it. A few things related to causing acne include oily skin, hormones, bacteria, blocked glands, and inflammation. Depending on your age, gender, and skin type, the acne could be related to one or all of these things.

1. If you have oily skin, use a soap containing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy that is weakened for facial use. Beta-hydroxy is very medicinal and is used for the treatment of many other skin problems such as warts. It works by exfoliating a layer of the skin. This keeps the pores from getting clogged with oil, thus preventing pimples. The amount of beta-hydroxy depends on the ailment. Salicylic acid can be very drying and irritating to the skin, so be sure to also use a non-oily moisturizer. If you have very oily skin, you may need to wash your face two or three times a day to control oil and acne.

2. Hormones can contribute highly to acne surges. For boys in the puberty stage, testosterone surges can causes increased oil production, therefore, increasing the likelihood of acne. For young girls, the hormones surges are the same but the hormone that causes acne is different. Some forms of birth control have been proven successful in decreasing acne in females.

3. When pores become blocked from excess oils, bacteria can grow causing infection and inflammation. Antibiotic treatment is needed to treat the bacteria. Photo therapy has been shown to also kill bacteria is shorter amount of time than antibiotics. In many instances, the antibiotics and photo therapy are used concurrently.

4. Oil blotters are a hot item that came out a couple years ago, and has gained in popularity. Oil blotters help to control oil on the face. Oil blotters are made of linen or tissue that absorbs the oil from the face. This keeps the pores and glands from becoming blocked.

5. Acne creams containing benzoyl peroxide also contain salicylic acid. While salicylic acid exfoliates the first layer of skin. This brings the oil and bacteria to the top where the benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria. This type of cream is best for spot treatments. Usage on a daily basis can cause skin to be too dry.

6. Some natural remedies that have been researched are the use of vitamins to treat acne. Vitamin A, some of the B vitamins and zinc have shown some improvement in acne. The strong recommendation is to talk to your doctor or dermatologist to prevent toxic levels of these vitamins, and to make sure they are taken correctly.

5 Surefire Ways to Arouse Your Woman

As there are different types of women, there are different ways to arouse them as well. If you have been in a bit of a slump here are some quick ways to rev up your love life:

1) Dress in a suit and take her out to a romantic dinner. Women love men in suits and almost every man looks good in one. The soft candle light of a romantic restaurant combined with a good wine will put her in the mood to get closer, as well.

2) Work out together. Workouts release pheromones that heighten attraction between couples. Get sweaty together then clean up with some dirty fun in the shower.

3) Take a bath together. Fill the tub with some scented oils or bath salts and toss in some rose petals. Play romantic music and light some candles. She will feel pampered and grateful. Let her relax for a few minutes then slip in with her. There is plenty of opportunity for sexy contact while you clean each other.

4) Roleplay can keep your relationship and sex life reved up for years.

Ex. My boyfriend will dress up like a handyman and really get into the act with accent and tools. He comes over and offers to lend a helping hand around the house. He offers a truly helping hand and I tip him extremely well.

5) Practice erotic massage. Either take a class together or get a video or book and practice on each other. This is a great way to get both of you relaxed and heated up.

5 Tips on How to Look Great on Your Wedding Day

Choose your dress well in advance. Your dress is one of the most important items in your wedding plans, so make sure you take enough time to choose one that suits you - not your best friend, not your bridesmaids, and not your mother. For the day of your wedding, you'll want a dress in which you can stand, walk and dance in without worrying about "wardrobe malfunctions" or causing you discomfort. You don't want to overpower your dress and headpiece with a flamboyant hair style or color that overwhelms everything else. Have your nails professionally manicured the day before the wedding. This is one thing you don't want to do too far in advance. Reduce the chances of a broken nail, chipped polish; or, if using applied nails, reduce the risk of having one coming off by having your manicure as late as possible. If you are not inclined toward colored polishes or long fingernails, simply make sure that they are neatly trimmed, filed, polished, and buffed. Your hands will be the focus of attention when showing off that new wedding ring and for photos!Enhance your beauty with makeup.

Makeup is the last thing you'll need to worry over. It is done on the big day itself but you should have a test run before this. Don't try to transform yourself into a different person with dramatic eye makeup or garish lipstick. Simply make the real you look better!

Use a slightly heavier hand than with your usual daytime makeup so that your photos won't have you appearing washed-out looking, but don't overdo it. And if your wedding is at night, with more subtle lighting, apply makeup as though you were going to a club or restaurant at night - a little heavier than daytime, but not too much! Avoid deep red lipstick as well as a too-pale pink. Frosted eyeshadows or lipsticks are definite no-nos.

Taking your own photo with a digital camera or a camera phone is a good way to check your makeup before the wedding photos.

Prepare in advance to feel your best.

The night before your wedding is not the time for partying, so get eight hours of restful sleep. If you're having a rehearsal dinner, or a bachelorette bash, make sure that it ends early. Drink moderately or, better yet, not at all. Bloodshot eyes and a banging hangover will not make for a fun wedding.

Don't gorge yourself the night before because we all know that there are strange forces at work which will try to make your wedding gown just a wee bit snug in the morning. Let alone the fact that it isn't so pleasant feeling bloated! To overcome excitement and nerves, try taking a long walk - it can help with pre-nuptial jitters. A relaxing bath with soothing background music, a cup of herbal tea, and you should be ready to doze off with images of a happy future marriage in your dreams.

7 Ways To Cheer Your Kids Up On A Rainy Day LadyPens

You know those days been pouring for hours (or even day) and the kids have the Rainy Day Blues. Here are some simple ways to cheer them up and keep them entertained until the weather clears up.

What child doesn love to make and of course eat cookies. Whip up a batch of your favorite chocolate chip or sugar cookie dough. Make them special by adding some small candies like mini M With sugar cookies, you can keep the kids busy even longer by letting them cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake the cookies, and then pour everyone a big glass of milk to serve with the warm baked treats.

Remember those boxes of board games that have been collecting dust in the closet? Dig one of them out and ask the kids to join you for a fun game of Candyland, Memory or The Game Of Life. Just grab one of your old favorites and share it with the kids. Card games also work well.

As long as it not too cold outside and of course only while there are no thunderstorms in the area, playing in the rain can be a lot of fun. Get everyone dressed in their rain gear (including boots) and go jump in some puddles. I bet you have forgotten how much fun that can be and the kids won believe Mom is actually outside jumping around with them. What a great way to bond with your kids.

When was the last time you snuggled up on the couch with the kids and watched a movie together? Rainy days are perfect for this. Pop some popcorn and enjoy the show. Take it even further by reenacting scenes later, or making a craft that relates to the movie.

What child doesn love to build a tent or fort? When it pouring outside, bring the fun inside. Throw a blanket over a few chairs for a quick tent hide away, or take the cushions off the couch and build a fort. Spread an old blanket or a towel out on the floor and serve the kids lunch in their tent or fort.

Playing dress up is another great way to spend a fun afternoon with the kids. Start by raiding your closet and any Halloween costumes you have been saving for next year. A white shirt will become a doctor white coat. Your prom dress or even a fancy blouse will turn your little girl into a princess or beauty queen. Make other props out of cardboard boxes, construction paper and anything else you can find around the house.

Do you have a craft box? If not, just grab some construction paper, scissors, glue and some old magazines. The kids will be busy for hours making collages or creating storybooks. For younger kids keep a few coloring books and a box of crayons handy. Read our full Terms of Service.

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6th Grade Life at BMS

BARDSTOWN CITY SCHOOLS DRESS CODE POLICY FECTIVE 8-1-99

In accordance with our overall mission, the professional staff in the Bardstown Schools believes that appearance is important to the educational environment of our students. The intent of this policy is to promote community standards and school pride by requiring a dress code* that enhances school safety, performance, equity, and is cost-effective for students, staff, and parents. As educators, we believe that students should understand and appreciate the proper standards of dress and responsibility, which will often be required of them, when they enter the work force. While the policy is flexible enough to allow for personal expression, it does follow the standards of workplace attire agreed upon by a committee of teachers, parents, administrators and the School-Based Council (SBDM). The Bardstown Middle School remains committed to developing individuals who are well prepared for the demands of the future, including the expectations of appropriate attire. Therefore, the following dress code is required for all students in the Bardstown Middle School.

Appropriate attire is expected for all that attend Bardstown Middle School. A school environment is not, nor should be, as casual as a social outing. A certain degree of decorum is expected. Listed below are the general expectations for this policy:

- Any apparel that calls attention to itself or the student is allowed. For instance, sweatbands or unusual accessories. Teachers will identify and respond to situations as necessary.

- Students may not carry or wear anything that advertises drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, or that promotes/suggests lewd messages.

- Clothing must not have holes, tears, and must have finished hems (no cut-offs or frayed edges.)

- Sunglasses will not be worn in the school building.

- No head coverings are to be worn in the school building. (Exception given for religious or medical reasons.)

- No bandannas, combs (picks), or chains are to be worn in the school building.

- No bare midriffs, or crop tops are to be worn in the school building.

- No jackets or hooded sweatshirts are to be worn. (Exception for college team wear on designated days.)

- No camouflage apparel of any kind.

- No spandex, lycra or other apparel that clings tightly to the body.

- Students may not wear anything that advertises drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, or promotes/suggests lewd messages.

- No spandex or lycra apparel that clings tightly to the body.

- Skirt and short length are the same as regular uniform policy.

- Clothing must not have holes, tears, and must have finished hems.

- No bare midriffs or crop tops are to be worn. Shirts must cover torso to within at least 3 inches from the base of the neck and have sleeves of at least two inches in length

5 Things to Say to Your Wedding Dress Maker

More and more brides-to-be are turning to wedding dress makers to ensure they look gorgeous on their special day, for many different reasons. Enlisting the help of a higher-end salon for a custom-designed gown will ensure their dress is perfect in style and fit.

Perhaps you've seen a gown that is almost perfect, but you want a different neckline, or a shorter train, or a different fabric. Perhaps you're pregnant, and would like to have a gown that will be able to accommodate your changing body. You'll pay a bit more for these options, but having the perfect wedding dress and feeling beautiful on your special day is worth the expense.

Most wedding dresses aren't custom per se. A wedding dress maker, or designer, will have a line of dress styles from which to choose. After an hour or so long consultation where you decide on a gown style and get measurements taken, a prototype of your gown is made up out of muslin.

The wedding dress maker will use this sample dress to fit the gown to your exact measurements by marking the dress and pinning the fabric in the right spot.

The marked up version then goes back to the shop where they begin to create your wedding dress. When the final version is done, you'll need to have it fitted once again. If the dress is still not perfect, you may have to have another fitting.

When selecting a wedding dress maker, be sure to ask the following questions:

Rome wasn't built in a day, and your wedding dress won't be completed in a day, either. Expect a time frame of five to twelve months to create your gown, depending on how many changes you make to the original design. Within this timescale, your dress fittings will be planned so that the last fitting is around two weeks before the day of your wedding.

If you're planning on losing weight before your wedding, make sure you tell your wedding dress maker at your consultation so she can take that into consideration. Once the dress is sized and fitted to you, changes can add time to the completion of the dress and take money away from your budget.

If you're in a rush to get married and need a gorgeous gown sooner, most wedding dress makers will accommodate you. Expect to pay 15-25% more for the rush order. You could also consider buying a sample gown that the wedding dress maker has in stock and having them tailor it to your needs. It won't be customized to your tastes, but it's a step above an off-the-rack gown in a department store.

Knowing how much you'll be paying and when will help you settle your budget, if you have one. Schedules of payment may differ between different wedding dress makers, but in all cases expect to pay a deposit at your consultation and the balance when picking up your wedding dress.

Most designers work in thirds of the price of the completed gown - a deposit can be about a 1/3 of the total price. The next installment of 1/3 will be paid at the first fitting, while the balance will be paid at the second fitting.

Which design suits my body shape?

There are lots of little girls who imagine exactly what their dress will look like when they get married. Unfortunately, these girlish dreams often fail to take a short stature or wide hips into consideration.

Not every style of gown is perfect for every body type. Your wedding dress maker will be able to help you choose the style of gown that will help to disguise faults and play up your strongest features so you are a vision of loveliness on your wedding day.

Try a flared or A-line skirt. You'll also want to go for a gown with bodice detail such as embroidery or beading to draw the viewer's eye up and away from your trouble zone.

Sheath, ball gown style, and mermaid style are great choices for a very slender bride.

4) What will I need at the first fitting?

In order to make sure your wedding dress will fit you properly, you need to have your accessories ready. At your consultation you'll want to ask about lingerie and shoes, as your wedding dress maker will be able to suggest styles to choose from. They may also have these items for sale in their shop.

At the least, most wedding dress makers require that you have your shoes purchased so they can get an idea of hemline length. If you need to change your shoes for some reason you'll want to inform the wedding dress maker so they can make the appropriate changes to your wedding dress.

5) How do I care for my wedding dress?

Most wedding dress makers will give you instructions on the care of your wedding gown so it remains pristine and perfect until you walk down the aisle.

Make sure you take your Matron Of Honor or Wedding Consultant with you to your last fitting so they can learn how to fasten your wedding dress to avoid needless fabric accidents like stepping on your train, or a lost button.

7 Hottest Fabrics For Prom Dresses

Spend some time learning what constitutes a prom dress to narrow down your choices. Some fabrics may appeal to you right away.

Know that different fabrics drape better than others and look better on different shapes. Organza falls nicely and works well for long dresses as it creates a nice line when it drapes.

Silk: Silk is a captivating classic choice for a prom dress. It is shimmery, elegant and always in style.

Charmeuse: Charmeuse has a floaty appearance which drapes beautifully making it an excellent choice for prom dress material. It is silk with a satin finish and like most prom dress material is extremely fragile.

Tulle: Tulle is the material that tutus are made of. It is a net like fabric often used in layers under a prom dress to add bulk.

Taffeta: Taffeta is a stiffer fabric choice for prom dresses, but makes lovely shorter dresses when combined with tulle underlays. Dare to be delightfully different with a taffeta prom dress.

Chiffon: Chiffon makes a beautiful statement and flows nicely over the body. Often used in layers for prom dresses, chiffon creates a sugary sweet look. Chiffon prom dress is shimmery and looks like closely woven netting when looked at closely. Iridescent chiffon makes any girl look like a gem.

6 Tips For Scoring A Cheap Wedding Dress

With wedding season soon upon us, many a bride is looking for a way to create the most special day imaginablewithout racking up the biggest debt imaginable.

The dress is no exception.

Wedding gowns can run into the thousands, which can eat into a good portion of any wedding budget. You want to look amazing, but you'd also like to give your guests something to eat, drink, and ideally sit on (even if Uncle Hal is more of the wander-around-inebriated type).

Wedding gowns are one area where you can significantly cut your costs. We don't believe in compromising on looking absolutely stunning on your wedding day, but we do believe in being smart about looking for the best deal possible.

Here are the best ways to score a cheap wedding dress:

1. Check Out Mass Retailers.

Mass retailers are getting into the wedding gown biz. It started with J. Crew, and the rest followed. We found these affordable numbers surprisingly attractive. Here, spend some of your savings on custom tailoring to make your dress uniquely yours-take off cap sleeves or add on embellishments. See our chart below for our favorite mass market lines.

2. Head Online.

Nothing replaces the romanticized experience of heading to a bridal salon and trying on dresses with your mom and a few glasses of champagne-but after a few tiring sessions, any bride can tell you it gets old fast. According to Heather Levine, fashion editor at The Knot, the majority of brides still buy their dresses in-store, but more and more are heading online, to overstock or consignment sellers.

3. Consider The Used Wedding Dress.

Almost 80% of LearnVest readers said they'd at least consider a used wedding dress on the big day. Yes, someone else wore it already. But only once. You can have it professionally cleaned, and may be able to afford a higher end designer this way. Many sites use a peer-to-peer model, so you contact the seller directly. You can ask all kinds of questions (see below) and arrange shipping and return logistics. Pro: Because you're dealing directly with the seller, you can negotiate the price. Con: You're dealing with an individual as opposed to a business, so build in the unpredictability factor.

4. If The Dress Fits

An excellent tailor is key for altering a used or sample dress. A tip on sizing from Mara Urshel, owner and president of bridal store Kleinfeld in New York City: When buying a used gown, choose according to your largest measurement (bust, waist, hip). For example, if your hip measurement is size 8 but your bust is size 6, order the size 8. It's always easier to take in.

5. Questions To Ask About Used Or Sample Dresses.

* Can you Skype? We've seen sellers who will Skype with long-distance buyers to show them the dress.

* What are the measurements? Nearly every wedding dress is altered, and a previously-altered dress won't match the size label. If it's a sample size, they tend to run smaller than street sizes.

* Was the dress cleaned after use? How? Did the original wearer get anything on it?

* It's a bit impolite to ask if it's a "divorce" dress. If you're going down the path of used gowns, you should just accept that your chances are 50/50.

6. Other Ways To Save And Do Good.

Check out local sample sales and trunk shows at your bridal salons and department stores. Levine also suggests the charity angle-Brides Against Breast Cancer hosts trunk shows across the country featuring donated new and used gowns, and proceeds fulfill wishes for terminal breast cancer patients.

The Bottom Line.

Most people don't keep up with wedding gown fashion, so no one will ever recognize your dress or where you got it from-all the more incentive to go for the deal. Everyone that day will just be focused on how amazing you look. And you can use the extra money saved for those vintage earrings, renting the cotton candy machine, or your honeymoon-by then, your dress will just be a little heap that's yesterday's news.

6 Tips To Finding The Perfect Winter Wedding Dress

For anyone planning a wedding this winter, it is hard to find the right one. It seems that the designers out there have pretty much crossed the thought of designing a winter wedding dress out of their minds, and there are very few out that women would actually wear to their weddings. But, don't fear, there are a few ways that you can easily modify summer dresses to create the right winter wedding dress for your big day. Here are six ways to find the right winter wedding dress:

1. There are plenty of beautiful strapless and spaghetti strapped gowns out there that you can choose for your winter wedding dress. While this sounds odd, you can easily find a beautiful white faux fur coat to wear over it, or a faux fur wrap. Many will have warm muffs that will also help to keep your hands warm as well. There are many brides that have gone with this look lately as it provides a beautiful way to add some elegance to your day.

2. Change how you wear your hair and keep it down instead of wearing it up. For girls with long hair, this is a great way to keep your shoulders warm and not have to compromise much on your hair style. You can easily wear a veil or tiara, and still have beautiful hair. (For girls with shorter hair, this may not be an option for you.) By leaving your hair down, you'll be able to choose any type of winter wedding dress that you like and keep your shoulders warm.

3. There are some dress makers that have beautiful capes and matching muffs that you can choose to wear over your dress when you are outside. So, you can easily choose the dress of your dreams and have a beautiful winter wedding at the same time. It helps you to turn just about any dress into a winter wedding dress.

4. Change your way of thinking a bit and choose a different colored dress - such as light blue or burgundy - and then wear a white faux fur stole over it that wraps around your shoulders. This is a beautiful way to add some glamor to your winter wedding dress and still allow you the different style choices that you crave.

5. As you go on your quest for the perfect winter wedding dress, make sure that you remember that you are getting married in the winter time. This will help you to keep your options in line with that season so that you can choose the right material for a winter wedding dress. There will be some dresses that will have warmer materials, such as heavy satin, wool, velvet and so on, that wouldn't be appropriate for summer weddings.

6. Make sure that you keep everything easy and simple. If you are finding that you're having trouble choosing a winter wedding dress, step back and take a few days off. Relax and then hit the dress shopping again later on. You may find that your choices suddenly look better and you're able to find the winter wedding dress that you want and crave.

It's not impossible to find the perfect winter wedding dress for your big day, it just takes a bit of searching and some imagination. You can easily make any dress fit into your winter wedding, and create a beautiful wedding day. Everyone wishes to look one's best. After all, who can possibly tolerate to be outshone by any other on the most important day of one's life? Apparently, this is hands down the sole .

How to Coordinate a Wedding Veil with a Wedding Dress

Wedding veils convey tradition and elegance. For many brides, the wedding doesn't quite feel real until they put their veil on. Coordinating your wedding veil with your wedding dress can be challenging. It's important to find a veil that doesn't overpower.

PORTICO LAUNCHES WEDDING COLLECTION MARIGOLD

Wedding is more than a bond which holds two souls together till eternity; it is a day of spiritual enlightenment, a day to mark and celebrate the union of two wonderful souls. Portico New York commemorates this glamorous event with its latest wedding coll.

How to Find Unique Wedding Favors for Your Wedding

Wedding favors have become an integral part of a wedding. And many brides, and couples, search for unique wedding favors which will make a statement and from which the guests will remember this wedding with fond memories.

6 Essential Considerations When Shopping For Wedding Shoes

It is true that a wedding gown is the most important item for a bride and it is every bride's dream to buy the most beautiful and elegant wedding dress available in the market.

Not surprisingly, brides spend hours, often weeks browsing stores and checking out all the styles and trends to choose their wedding gowns. In a bid to match the shoes with the bridal gown, brides can't resist picking the most elegant and stylish pair of shoes for their trousseau, without realizing that selecting shoes needs more a little more thought about a few other considerations than mere beauty.

When ever you are shopping for your wedding shoes, be specific about the heel size. The heel should be of that height which you are comfortable in. It is better to stick with styles that you normally wear. This way you won't feel uncomfortable or tire easily on your wedding day. Suppose you feel comfortable in lower heel such as kitten heel shoes, then it would be a wrong decision to buy really high stilettos shoes. It is thus advisable to pick bridal footwear that can be worn comfortably for the whole day.

Until and unless, the bridal shoes are made from the same fabric as that of your wedding gown, it is difficult to get a perfect color match. It is not always necessary to go for the same exact color, but it is essential to choose the color of the wedding shoes that blends with the wedding gown. If your preference is a factory-dyed bridal shoes always carry a swatch from the gown for a perfect color match.

For every bride, shopping for wedding accessories, wedding shoes or wedding gowns, either in the market or online, is an experience in itself. It is easier to buy discount bridal gowns online , but when it comes to shoes it is advisable to buy them from the market. You should try them on several times before buying them and try to purchase your shoes much before the wedding. Never keep it for last minute shopping.

Cynthia ford is a fashion journalist who loves to explore various bridal stores selling gowns and dresses online. Her articles mainly focus on how to purchase good discount bridal gowns online along with wedding accessories, shoes and a lot more.

7 Tips on Boots That Will Make You Look Thin

Have you ever wondered if the right dress can make you look thinner then will the right boots might just take it to the next level? We have all heard and read about tips on wearing clothes with long stripes and black color to make us look thin but rarely have we come across an article which will discuss this on boots? If not then this article is just prepared for you. You will find top 7 tips on boots that will make you look thin. This article will highlight some important aspects of boots that gives you an eye catchy look and will make your leg look longer.

It's no wonder why as unlike clothes boots are not the main visual focus of presentation. Nevertheless small changes in your choice of boots will help you go a long way. Following are some important style tips for the thinner look. So, if you are a healthy woman and want to get a thinner look of your legs and wanted to look thinner then follow these 7 tips.

Another to get an attractive look is, use boots which are black from their backside. The black area from behind the boot puts a great impact in the mind of viewers.

3. Pointy tips on boots help make your leg look longer:

According to the pointy tips on boots that make your leg longer is to choose the boot which is knee high. Knee high boots are especially great for the women because when they wear knee high boots, their legs look longer and that's why they easily grab the attention of viewers towards them.

4. Match the colors of your shoes:

Color selection for your boots is always very important. You need to select the boot that suites your dress. For example, if you are wearing white dress then try to buy boots which are in dark color such as black cowboy boots, etc. These boots are perfect and will give you a think look and make you more attractive.

5. Shoes which have open toes:

To get a thin look of your legs, try to wear shoes which have open toes. Open toes boots usually gives a great look especially to the women and they look slim and smart in these boots.

Another important thing that you need to look is, avoid too much accessories while wearing boots to make you look thin. Too much accessories sometime diminish the beauty of these boots and will make your personality dull.

7. Avoid Patterns and designs:

Last but not least, you can avoid patterns and designs while choosing boots that will make you look thin. You only need to concentrate on your dress and size of your legs and select the one that suites your personality and will give your leg a thin look to grab the attention of your loved ones.

7 Bridal Shower Games That Everyone Will Enjoy

Planning a bridal shower is lots of fun. There are plenty of things to think about and include, but one of the main things you must not forget is the bridal shower games. These are what most people look forward to and you should try making them as fun and interesting as possible. With so many to choose from, it can be hard, so here are seven to get you started.

1. Bridal Makeover Session: In this game you will dress up the bride in all kinds of weird and wonderful outfits. Most of the time they are wedding related, like a bridal sash, giant glow in the dark wedding ring, plastic tiara, lime green veil and more. In this game you can dress her up randomly throughout the evening or you can make it part of the other games as a forfeit. You can also have a word that you tell guests in the invitation or just before the bride arrives that she is not allowed to say. Guests will have great fun trying to make her say this word to get her into more wacky clothing and make up.

2. Q and A about the Groom: This game will place the bride in the center of the room. You will ask her questions about the groom and if she answers correctly she can get a prize. If she is wrong you will give her a penalty which can be more dressing up or a shot of liquor. To make it more interesting, let the guests ask a question each and if the bride answers correctly she can open the gift from them. Make sure the questions are fun and not too serious, but some can also be over the top things she would never know.

3. Naughty Pass the Parcel: This game can be played by everyone at the bridal shower. You will get items that are naughty in nature. It could be anything from wedding night fluffy handcuffs, to penis shaped pasta! Anything goes here so make it fun. Each layer will have a naughty gift that the guests get to keep as their bridal shower party favors.

4. Guessing Game: During the evening or at a specific part you can play the guessing game. This is where the bride has to guess who each gift is from. You must make sure to tell guests not to put their names on the gifts. You can also play this where she must guess the actual gift, or the bride can guess both the gift and the giver. Penalties can also work with the makeover items, by making her down another drink, or by making her eat a strange concoction of puddings.

5. Pole Dancing 101: Something that can cost a bit, but that will have everyone in stitches, is to have a pole dancing class. This game will keep everyone occupied and special dances can be organized for the bride to be. Usually an instructor will come to your venue and help you along with this great bridal shower party game.

6. Blindfolded Bride-to-Be: For another fun game you can play a different version of pin the tail on the donkey. You will blindfold the bride to be and have her attach a ring to a picture of the groom. You could make the picture anything. It might be to pin lips to the groom, to get the bride into the church, and whatever you think will be appropriate for the bride.

7. Karaoke: Any party works if you have karaoke. Considered to be the best online site for every dress and gown which can make gir . What is hard is the execution of those plans. What you need is a great organizer. Th . You need to find the ideal place for your wedding and . Thought processes are analyzed by therapists and this helps them in creating th . Spend a day at a luxury spa in Boca, . No matter where you live you can get married legally in Vegas. One of the biggest myths .

5 Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas

Engraving your wedding ring is a great way to add a special touch to this symbol of unending love. This small gesture can make a big impact on the one to whom you are making this pledge of love.

What should you have engraved on your wedding ring? Following are five ideas to help you decide.

It isn't necessary that you come up with an extraordinarily original idea. Often, the simplest phrases have the greatest impact. Sometimes, less is more. Consider engraving "I love you", "I will love you forever", or "Forever yours".

Wedding Ring Engraving Idea #2: Your Wedding Vows

If your wedding vows are not very long, you may be able to engrave them on your rings. However, if you think it's too much, you can choose one sentence or a small phrase that represents the essence of your vows and have that engraved on them. There are companies that specialize in this service. One of them is Wedding Vow Rings.

Wedding Ring Engraving Idea #3: A Bible Verse

Engraving a Bible verse on a wedding ring is probably one of the most popular options. You might choose a verse about love such as "Love never ends" from 1 Corinthians 13.13 or "My beloved is mine and I am his/hers" from the Song of Solomon. For other ideas, look up the word "love" in a Bible dictionary of concordance. You'll find a long list of verses that you can choose from.

Wedding Ring Engraving Idea #4: A Love Poem

While not as popular as days gone by, poetry is still a perfect way to express one's deepest emotions. You might try writing your own love poem. If you have no inclination for writing, you can always turn to a famous poet. There are plenty of web sites on the Internet about love and romance. You shouldn't have any problem finding a love poem that you like.

Wedding Ring Engraving Idea #5: A Special Song

Is there a particular song that you and your partner have declared to be "our song"? Usually, it's a song that either reminds you of a special moment in your relationship like the first time you met, tells a story similar to your own or speaks perfectly of the feeling you have for one another. You can have the title of the song engraved in your wedding rings. A better idea might be to have a line from the chorus engraved in them.

These are just a few ideas. There are other possibilities. What's important is that you choose a message that expresses your feelings and reflects your personality.