Qualifying For Success

I never considered that I would suffer from hair loss, even though my dad had a receding hairline. I was astonished to find out that my hairline was receding shortly before my thirtieth birthday. I was frightened and in denial that I was losing my hair. I was also starting to bald on the back of my head.

It was the first time in my life I felt that age has finally caught up. I felt like the best years of my life were behind me. I even ceased seeing other people. My love life was virtually non-existent. There was one girl I had been seeing casually and even though I liked her, I just stopped returning her phone calls. I realized that I hadn’t found the woman of my dreams with a full head of hair so there was no way I was going to find someone with my growing bald spot. I was too depressed to even try having a romantic kinship.

Hair loss affected me enormously, it transformed me from a confident person to a depressed loner. I’veI have always been the type of person that would not let problem overtake me. I started trying several hair loss treatments that are obtainable in the counter. Nothing I got from the pharmacy worked and believe me, I gave them all a go . After spend lots of money on products, I stopped trying for a while. It was a real low point in my life. I even stopped going out with my friends, I was so dismayed.

Fortunately, one night a acquaintance dragged me out of the house for a few beverages. The first thing he noticed about me was my mood, he knew that the hair loss has affected how I felt. He mentioned to me about the hair loss studio in the city. My friend had gone there for hair loss treatments and had been impressed with the results. I was even more impressed. He had no sign of hair loss, he had a full head of hair. He made me promise to give them a go and I agreed.

I could not have been happier with the hair loss studio recommended to me. After just a few treatments, I had a full head of hair again. The hair loss studio not only helped me regained my hair but also my self-confidence.

“I want to look good without spending a lot of money. What’s the best way to use my clothing budget?”

This question - or variations thereof - regularly hits my inbox from readers all over the world. While we may not all speak the same language, there are a few things upon which we can all agree that make us take leave of our senses: rich chocolate, handsome men, and clothes that are too cute to leave behind at the store.

So what’s a gal to do, particularly when she’s been saddled with champagne tastes on a beer budget?

First, set down those glossy fashion magazines and back away from them slowly. They can be dangerous, particularly if you don’t know how to use them. $700 pants? $500 shoes? Who can afford to buy these things? Not many! Look at what’s popular, swipe some styling ideas, then go replicate the looks in prices that you can afford.

Secondly, start viewing any “must have” list with healthy skepticism. These are the latest trends that the designers are showing that will be dated by this time next year. Some will be cute, true, but others will only be cute on the models that show them. Once you learn what looks good on you and what doesn’t, you’ll be a lot less susceptible to buying what others say you “must have” each season.

Finally, invest in classic pieces that work well on your body. It’s the single best way to get the most mileage out of your clothing budget, because you can wear classic styles for several years without ever looking dated. Top a classic base with a trendy accessory, and you’ll look “au courant” without going in the red.

So what exactly ARE classic styles, and how do you know one when you see it?

Classics are styles that have been popular for years because of their clean lines and utilitarian features. While trends are instantly recognizable by length, pattern, or decoration, classics transcend time with their cut, style, and fabric. They can be worn alone, layered, dressed up or dressed down, and can be made to look current by adding something trendy.

Examples of classics include:

Jeans

Turtleneck

Cardigan

T-shirt

Sleeveless Sheath

Tailored Jacket

Crisp shirt

Trench Coat

Kelly bag

Penny loafer

There are some years when these styles are more popular and some years when they’re less, but they continue to sell well because they fit a variety of body types and offer a simple, unfussy silhouette. Get them in basic, solid colors, and you can wear them for years to come.

But won’t you get bored with the “same old thing?”

Only if you have no imagination.

The neat thing about classics is that they not only look great all by themselves, they serve as a wonderful backdrop to flashier pieces. Add a snazzy jacket, funky hosiery, or a great pair of shoes, and you’ll be able to brilliantly showcase the new piece using your classic staples as a backdrop.

Your friends, family, and coworkers will think you spend a fortune on your clothes, when in reality you’re merely adding a few “to die for” pieces each year. It’s a clever way to expand your wardrobe choices without overspending your budget or over-cramming your closet.

So the next time you’re in a quandary as to what to add to your wardrobe, opt for classics. They’re clean, versatile, easy-to-wear, and make the most of your budget. Dressing well just doesn’t get any easier than this!

Many people think of lingerie as standard items that remain the same year after year. While lingerie is more intimate and private, like every other fashion item, it changes periodically as trends become more popular.

So what’s hot in lingerie for 2006 … boy shorts!. Yesterday’s thong is never going to disappear completely from lingerie and department store shelves. It is the hands down best way to eliminate visible panty lines when you wear tight pants or skirts, but thong sales are definitely on the decline. The sales of boy shorts however, are definitely on fire. If you don’t know what boy shorts are, think of tight short shorts or hot pants. While there are some boy shorts that are a little loose fitting generally speaking they are very figure hugging. This snug fit gives shape to your rear and enhances your figure, making you appear curvier and sexier. Some boy shorts will completely cover your rear, but usually they leave part of it exposed (think of them as length shorts). For those girls with perfect figures or who like things a little racier, there are styles that provide even less coverage, that resembles a wide band across the upper portion of your rear.

Now that we have the basic idea covered, lets talk about styles. Boy shorts come in wide range of styles, colors and fabrics. The most basic styles will come in cotton or polyester blends. If you are going to be wearing boy shorts all day, try choosing something made of microfiber, while slightly more expensive it’s more comfortable, durable and long lasting. For a more elegant look try boy shorts made of silk or satin. These styles often have a lace, decorative or scalloped edging. However the most popular boy shorts are made of lace. Lace boy shorts are definitely the most sexy and alluring choice available. For people who are a little modest, or who find lace slightly itchy, look for double layer lace boy shorts. They have a lace layer on the outside and a second layer of a different material on the inside against your skin.

© Lingerie.6ln.com, All Rights Reserved.

Christine McClinden runs lingerie.6ln.com where she talks about news and products for lingerie, and women’s shoes.

Remember as with any weight loss and exercise program, moderation is the key! How fast you lose weight will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of weight you gained during your pregnancy.

Most women will lose anywhere from 10-14 pounds within the first 2 weeks of delivery. This weight may be attributed primarily to the loss of excess fluid in the body, the baby’s weight, the placenta and amniotic fluid. Some women might lose a little bit less, and others might lose a little bit more.

As the uterus shrinks back down to its normal size and your hormone levels continue to fall, you will lose weight. Most women gain at least 7 pounds of fat during pregnancy. This fat is meant to help women store energy while breastfeeding. How fast this weight comes off will depend on a number of factors including: genetics, your overall health, diet and exercise.

You should expect that it will take a little bit of time to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. It did after all take you nine months to put that weight on! Many women have successfully lost weigh however, in just a few short months after a delivery. Some women will hang on to the last few pounds they have to lose until they stop breastfeeding. Your body may want to cling to a few extra pounds to ensure you have enough energy to provide adequate milk for the baby. Every woman’s experience is unique with respect to this.

The good news is that with a solid nutritional program and with moderate exercise, you can expect to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy within a reasonable time frame.

Most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivering IF they follow a regular exercise program and eat healthily after delivery. That said some women will lose their pregnancy weight in as little as six to twelve weeks!

The other day, someone asked me what it’s like to be a work at home mom. I just blinked back at him, my mind blank. How could I possibly describe life as a work at home mom? Only someone who’s lived it can understand the juggling act it requires.

Work at home moms have the usual responsibilities of being a mom - folding laundry, scheduling doctor’s appointments, helping with homework, reading bedtime stories, and basically being on call 24-hours a day. In addition, there is the conundrum of how to find time to work and answer emails, do networking, update bookkeeping, make phone calls, and more. And, it must fit into a 24 hour day. So, how do we do it? How do we stay sane in the chaos?

It’s disclaimer time. I am not the person to give advice on sanity. I’m pretty sure I filed away my sanity last year when I did taxes. I have my days where I say “That’s it! I’m getting a regular job!” But, then I talk to my wonderful friend who reminds me of the reality of the real world — the traffic, the boss who won’t let me go to my son’s field trip, and the fact that I’d probably have to buy pantyhose again. She manages to slap some sense back into me every time. I hate pantyhose.

Working from home the last few years, I’ve picked up a few handy tips. They aren’t magic beans, that, when planted, will grow you a nanny and a housekeeper, but they can help you to enjoy being a work at home mom just a little bit more.

10. Freezer Cooking! This is my personal life-saver. Spend one day during the week or one day each month assembling meals and your reward is a freezer filled with food. Then, when it’s time to make dinner, just grab a healthful, inexpensive meal from your freezer, heat it up and serve. Think about it. Next time you cook dinner, quadruple the recipe and put what you don’t eat into the freezer for later. Presto! Magic food will appear in your freezer the next time you need it.

9. Pay it Forward- By helping others, it reminds us that many of our own problems are much smaller than they appear. Whether you donate money, give blood, or volunteer your time, you are setting a beautiful example for your children. Involve your older kids and make volunteering a family activity.

8. Stay Healthy - Dust off your rollerblades, strap a pillow across your bottom and hit the pavement. Or surprise your children and the dog with a nice long walk.

7. Organize, organize, organize! If you’re spending hours each week sorting through piles of paper, looking for receipts or “to do” lists, that is wasted time and unnecessary frustration. Sweep the Magic 8 ball, the empty jar of peanuts, the Slinky, and the Snickers wrapper off your desk right now. You can do it!

6. Save Money - As Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard’s Almanac “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Work at home moms know how hard it can be to earn a penny. So, do everything you can to save those hard-earned cents.

5. Time Management - Don’t let Time Stealers make you work any longer than you need to. When you’re sitting in front of your computer or talking on the phone, that is time away from your children. Always remember your “why”. WHY are you working from home? If the reason is to spend more time with your kids, then figure out how to make that happen!

4. Learn and Learn some More! - Find a mentor or someone who you like the way they handle their business. Network with other moms who are successful, take online classes, or hire a coach. Invest in yourself and you’ll invest in your business.

3. Play with your Kids - Whether you sit down to play a board game, or drive Hot Wheels around the carpet, there’s always fun to be had. If you need some ideas, check out wwwShowKidsTheFun.com

2. Keep your sense of humor. Laugh every day! Turn off your computer, put in your copy of The Village People “YMCA” (I know you have one) and Dance! Dance! Dance!

and the number one way to stay sane as a Work at Home Mom …..

1. Always remember “The days are long, but the years are short.” Although it oftentimes feels like the days drag by as a work at home mom, remember that the years are flying by. It’s that reminder that keeps me grounded on days when the projects are heavy and the beach is calling.

If you’re looking for me, you can find me at the beach!

I was looking at an alien country with different kind of people, it looked beautiful and charming. It was a cold winter evening, I zipped my jacket and looked at my Husband he was lost in the beauty of the evening. I had this little dream always in my heart. I always wanted to see a foreign country see how different life was over there. As a kid when I said this people they would laugh. Born in a small town in India were vacations happened once in a lifetime everyone thought it was stupid of me to dream such things. I should settle for a Graduation degree and a good husband. But I always loved to dream and I believed in turning my dreams into reality. And here I was on the bank of the River Thames walking hands in hands with my husband.

Now if you are thinking I got married to a rich man then you are wrong. I married someone who also loved to dream and we worked together being each others strength and life changed it became beautiful and with each day it turns more beautiful, even with it’s little up’s and downs.

No matter who you are wherever you are from don’t stop dreaming. It is a beautiful part of life. Dream and believe in your dreams. Reach out for them; they are waiting to be yours.

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“Whatever reason or purpose you have for going in the water there is swimwear that you can feel good in and that will suit your needs, including mastectomy swimwear. Regardless of your size, your age or your activity there will be a swimsuit that provides the comfort and coverage you need.” Today there is an excellent variety and wide range of options in specialty swimwear designs. Designs include mastectomy swimwear, maternity swimwear, water aerobic accessories, thermal and sun protective swimwear, wetsuits, sports swimwear, plus sized swimwear, high fashion swimwear and of course the large variety of women’s and men’s swimwear.

Mastectomy swimwear is special swimwear needed for women who have had a breast removed. The swimwear includes a special pocket sewn in to hold the breast prosthesis in place during even the most vigorous of activities. The swimsuits come in a wide variety of designs to include either low or high necklines, wide or thin straps and skirted or saronged styles so your options certainly aren’t limited. A major concern among some women is that the breast forms may be affected by exposure to chlorine from swimming or heats from sunbathing, manufacturers agree this isn’t true. Another concern is that the weight of the prosthesis may be too heavy for a swimsuit. The bathing suits manufactured today are specifically made with the strongest stitching and proper fabrics to ensure not only comfort but also piece of mind.

The maternity swimwear designed today has never been more practical or fashionable. Maternity swimsuits come in both two- piece and one- piece suits. The swimsuits are made with extra lining in the places that need it; most designs have built in soft-cup bras. Tankini designs come in slightly larger belly covering lengths and swimdress suits are available for more coverage. The selections of cover -ups come in both skirt and hooded designs, the skirts are often double lined with elastic waistbands. There are so many great manufacturers offering an endless array of designs and various soft stretchy fabrics that you’re ensured a comfy fit during any stage of pregnancy. There are also wonderful nursing bathing suits on the market, which offer proper post pregnancy belly cover-up with built in bras for use when nursing baby.

Water aerobics is a great all around form of aerobic exercise and an excellent form of cardio fitness. Water aerobics are safe for all ages, as the water causes your body to be buoyant, thus causing less strain and stress on your joints and muscles. Some of the special aerobic water accessories are wrist and ankle weights, active belts, aqua mats, exercise balls, aqua steps, water shoes and barbells. Many of the accessories are covered in neoprene fabric offering comfort to the wearer and chlorine resistance. The active belt is used to promote correct posture while supporting the lower back and toning abdominal muscles. The wrist and ankle weights are used for resistance to get the maximum workout, the cuffs come in various weights for different levels of fitness. It’s a good idea to purchase one of the many sports swimsuits available when doing water aerobics so you’re ensured a swimsuit that will stand up to your exercise routine.

Thermal wear and sun protective swimwear are two popular ways to provide your children with either warmth or protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Thermal wear suits are made from a specially treated, heat reflective neoprene material. The thermal swimsuits allow children to maintain their warmth safely while still allowing for the freedom of movement necessary. The sun protective swimwear manufactured today usually has an SPF of 50 (the highest rating for fabric) and most brands offer approximately a 98% sun block. The suits are made of a nylon-lycra mix, which is lightweight and fast drying. The sunsuits come in a variety of designs to include; baby, children and adult designs; sun hats and sunsuits combined with buoyancy aids. What an excellent way to protect both you’re children and yourself from the sun.

Water Sports swimwear is quite different than the standard swimsuits available for swimming and sunbathing. Water sports such as wakeboarding, wind surfing, surfing, water skiing, diving and jet skiing often require swimwear that offers both warmth and protection from extended time in cold waters. Most wetsuits are made from a specially treated heat reflective neoprene material, which helps people maintain their warmth while providing flexibility and comfort. Wetsuits are available in a wide variety of designs such as; one piece body suits with either long or short sleeves; rash and UV guards (similar to a long or short sleeved t-shirt) with hoods; gloves and boots; wetsuits with hoods. The innovative wetsuits are amazingly flexible and durable providing years of water fun.

Popular manufacturers of sportswear make excellent quality sports swimwear. These swimsuits like the standard swimsuits come in a wide variety of designs, but are specifically made to endure endless hours of activity in the pool, the suits must provide proper fit and comfort in a long lasting design often used by lifeguards and competitors. As much as the look of the swimsuit is important it is secondary to the fit and durability. Sports swimwear can include; competition swimwear, accessories, training suits, lifeguard suits and practice suits. The swimwear is also includes options such as swim caps, warm-ups, parkas and towels.

Proper fit of your swimsuit is essential whether you’re petite, tall or plus sized. You want to be sure that your swimsuit is neither too small nor too large ensuring the swimsuit provides comfort, flexibility and durability. Plus sized swimsuits come in an excellent variety of designs to include one and two pieces suits from tankini suits to skirted suits. Regardless of your size there is a suit that will fit you properly, with swimsuits made in special bra cup sizes while offering extra lining to provide full coverage.

Designer Swimwear is a popular line for many high fashion designers. There is no shortage on the extraordinary styles and options out there. If you are in the market for a swimsuit with that “extra something” you can find swimsuits with lovely hand sewn water drops, crystals and beads. There are swimsuits that with special technology allow you to tan through the suit, there are bust enhancing suits and tummy control suits; there really is no limit to what you can find.

With all the specialty suits mentioned we can’t forget the variety of regular women and men’s suits available. There are styles, colors and fabric designs to fit anyone’s tastes. Swimsuits in one and two- piece varieties for women and the classic swim trunks, shorts and racers for men.

Whatever reason or purpose you have for going in the water there is swimwear that will suit your needs. Regardless of your size, your age or your activity there will be a swimsuit that provides the comfort and coverage you need. If you are planning to be out in the sun always remember to apply proper sunscreen, SPF 30 is a good idea, you also don’t want to forget your sun hats, sunglasses and beach towels.

If you’re anything like Lovergirl, you have a closet jam-packed with clothes of all shapes and sizes, and NOTHING to wear! The very best example of this that I hear of, time after time, is jeans. Twenty-five pairs and none that look “perfect” - a panoramic view of your closet includes “Jeans-From-High-School”, your “Skinny/Normal/Fat Jeans”, and Maternity Jeans…you get the picture. Here’s Lovergirl’s top five suggestions to make the clothes you feel and look GREAT in come to the forefront of the jumble you call your wardrobe.

#1 - TRY EVERYTHING ON…EVERY SINGLE THING!

Be vicious. Take every single thing out of your closet and put it on. Look at it in the mirror, and give your honest, unbiased opinion. If it doesn’t fit, pitch it. I don’t care if you are losing weight…by the time you get into it again, it will be out of style, and you will want something new anyway. This could hurt a little, but be brave. Think of it as a psychological exercise in self-actualization…”I will never again fit into these jeans, and that is OK with me”. Say it until you believe it. This is the hardest step, and you will feel much better when it’s over.

#2 - IF YOU HAVEN’T WORN IT FOR A YEAR, GET RID OF IT!

Say goodbye and good riddance to some of those shopping mistakes…like the bright yellow peasant blouse you bought when you were in the “cowgirl” stage, and when you bought into the “leggings” trend…bad decisions, but hey, you’re human! If you think it still has some life in it, like a long skirt you could shorten to the oh-so-current mid-length, attempt to alter it…you have nothing to lose. Try donating all usable items in good condition to your local women’s shelter.

#3 - CREATE A SMALL SECTION OF “SPECIALS”

The sexy dress you wore the night you got engaged (hey, it worked, didn’t it!)…the fantastic stilettos you bought on the whirlwind NYC shopping trip (you can’t walk in them, but they look so hot!)…the rhinestone belt from Vegas (it’s been around the block too, ok?!). You are allowed to keep these, and add items to this “special” section of your closet which you deem “worthy” (the first jeans you were able to zip up post-pregnancy do NOT count). To quote a fashion icon, Cynthia Rowley - “A person’s closet is like a scrapbook. When you take something out of it, you think about all the good times wearing that item” (as quoted in InStyle, March 2005).

#4- MAKE A DETAILED LIST OF “REPLACEMENTS”

You count four white t-shirts, and they all have stains? Pitch every single one (no, you are not allowed to keep them for pj’s) and spend the $15 on a brand-new one. Make sure it fits you perfectly, and you will wear it under everything, dress or casual. Do you have twelve pairs of black pants, and still not the “perfect”, 365 days a year style? Get rid of all of them (painful, I know…be brave). If you can’t bear to give away perfectly good (if only slightly “last year”) styles, sell them online and use the proceeds to buy THE perfect pair, even if it sets you back a few hun’. Ditto for all your denims. These are the basics that will make all your funky jackets and camis, which are so “NOW”, look so “RIGHT”.

#5 - PUT THE “WINNERS” BACK INTO YOUR CLOSET AND EVALUATE!

Now, what you have left, after reliving your glory days, intermittent crying jags and laughing fits, and some tough soul-searching, is the ‘Best of the Best’ - the epitome of the Fashion Called You! This will become the basis for your “signature” style…pieces that make you feel great, pretty, sexy, smart…who knew fashion could be such a pick-me-up. If there’s not much left, it’s time to go shopping, girl! Each season, use your “pin money” (aka your secret stash) to pick up some inexpensive pieces in the latest and greatest colors and styles to round out and extend the life of your basics. Voila…you finally have SOMETHING to wear!

To Uniqueness of Angela Missoni stands her alone and away from any other designer. A garment designed by Angela easily is picked out of a line of impressive fashions.

Even though Angela Missoni had been involved in the family fashion business she was determined not to follow in the footsteps of her parent.

After having several career from managing a children’s playground to raising organic chickens, she was drawn back to her natural roots and began designing jewelry. Her father offered her a position in the company claiming that the diversity could keep her working in her own department out of the daily reaches of her parents.

Angela soon began designing fashion collections. Her collections were varied. One collection saw accessories added, another some knits, as she always battled to be unique and different.

One day her mother said she felt Angela’s lines should be what Missoni should be about.

Her desire is fueled by her uniqueness. She never wanted to be like any other designer. Angela prides herself in knowing that nothing else in the fashion world looks quite like a Missoni design.

>From it’s inception in 1953 Missoni was very experimental. Sometime during the 1980s it lost its way and became intrenched in the more classic looks and styles. With the help of Angela it has found its way back to its roots.

The designs are once again bold, funky, younger looking. So watch for the new face or shall we say old face of the well known Missoni family with Angela now leading the way.

Angela’s designs have been worn by many famous stars such as Sandra Bullock, Eva Mendes, Rachel Blanchard, Debra Messing and Sheryl Crow.

It’s going to be an exciting season with Angela’s imagination running wild what we will see on the runway this season can only be left to the imagination. Keep your eyes wide open!