A Carnation Is Never A Wrong Idea

Most men I know are constantly in search of the perfect ways to remind the women in their lives that they are truly important and special. And while I am so grateful that my husband, father, brothers and other men know that women need to feel special and appreciated, I have often witnessed and experienced failed attempts at being cared for. I've finally got my husband to understand that when in doubt, go for a carnation.

 

I have experienced many attempts by the men in my life of showing me that they care. Sometimes they offer to watch the children for a day and other times they offer to clean the house. These are great ideas and great attempts at showing that men care, but unfortunately, they do little to show a woman that she is special just because of who she is. Men could learn a lesson by understanding that a woman would much rather receive a gift that is just for her, such as a bouquet of carnations, or that she'd rather have time for a date with her husband than have chores done for her.

 

A carnation is never a wrong idea for many reasons. First, it is simple. Most women I know love simple gifts and simple ways of being cared for. You can never go wrong with a carnation or with a huge bouquet of carnations. Why? Because women love flowers and they mostly love a good carnation. You do not have to feel it necessary to buy a bouquet of the most expensive flowers in the shop, simply purchase a few simple carnations and watch the woman in your life thank you.

 

A carnation is a great idea for men to give women just because. Flowers are such an easy "just because" kind of gift. Don't wait for big occasions like her birthday or Valentine's Day to celebrate your woman with a carnation. Instead, learn to celebrate what she means to you in every day ways by bringing home a carnation or two in the middle of random week. She will feel special and thought about as you begin to make habits like this.

 

So men, regardless of what you have done in the past for your woman, head off to a flower shop and grab a carnation or many carnations. Attach even the shortest handwritten note and your woman will love it even more. Enjoy her, cherish her and show her that you care with a carnation.

Sponsored Article

48% Of Women Have Thinning Hair!

How does your hair grow?

 

Your hair is made of keratin (KER-uh-tin), the same protein that makes up your nails and the outer layer of your skin. The part you see and style is called the hair shaft. It's actually dead tissue made by your hair follicles tiny bulb-like structures beneath your scalp's surface.

 

We have all heard of someone who has thinning hair problem, but do we really know how extensive this thinning hair problem is? Let us take a look at the figures here.

 

• 70 million Americans Have Fine or Thin-looking Hair And it's Growing
• 4 million more women and 4.7 million more men will have noticeably thin-looking hair by 2005
• By age 65, 48% of all women report they have thinning hair and 75% of all men report they have noticeably thin-looking hair.
• Research has shown that the problem of thin-looking hair can begin as early as age 17.
• The problem will grow more extreme as our population ages.

 

How does hair loss start?

 

Hair loss is a normal symptom. 50 to 60 hairs are shed each day from a normal scalp. Losing more than 60 hairs a day is called excessive hair loss and leads to generalized thinning of the hair. Hair becomes fine in texture. Loss of hair in men is often determined by heredity or by the Allopetia Androgenetic hormone. Hair loss in women is often caused by pregnancy, stress, fatigue or medical treatment.

 

Can Thyroid Disease Cause Hair Loss?

 

An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. One may get her thyroid numbers in order after beginning a regimen of thyroid medication. However, there have been reported cases of women experiencing hair loss FROM the thyroid medication.

 

Hot Tips!

 

Colouring: If you inherited a tendency for hair loss, you likely have very healthy hair overall. Therefore, your hair can benefit from permanent or semi-permanent colour to give body and volume to hair.

 

Volumizing Products: Many volume-building hair products contain paraffin, which is beeswax. That's not good for hair, because it builds up and can make hair break.

 

However, volumizing products sold in salons do help. They won't weigh hair down, and they won't damage it. Mousse, for example, can be applied at the root area for support. Then, begin blow-drying the root area, applying tension with a brush to build volume. Use a light finishing spray to hold it.

10 Tips To Minimizing A Plus Size Body Type

A plus size physique is no longer left out of the ever-changing world of fashion. Not so long ago, curvy women didn’t have the opportunity to shop from the same trendy selection as a more petite lady. Luckily, plus size clothing has taken a turn for the better. To that end, there are a few tips to help in the selection of the most figure flattering attire for your body type.

 

Tip 1

 

Dark, solid colours are slimming. Any plus size gal will recognize that black is the ultimate colour to help in minimizing those curves. In addition to classic black, navy blue can also help to instantly provide the look of a slimmer physique.

 

Tip 2

 

Princess seams. These are ideal for plus size wear because of their slimming design. Princess seams are those that curve in, on both sides, to form a very lazy stitch.

 

Tip 3

 

Long sleeves help to minimize the appearance of full-figured arms or wrists. It happens to all of us. One day we wake up and our arms are no longer the tight shape that they once were, but that is what long sleeves are for. The length will minimize a plus size wrist or forearm and draw attention to any unwanted thickness in either area.

 

Tip 4

 

Shorts may show off plus size thighs or leg, but capris pants with an ankle bracelet will draw the eye to the ankle and will decrease any signs of a plus size presence.

 

Tip 5

 

Most plus size ladies want to wear baggy clothes, but this doesn’t hide anything. Always go for a more figure flattering approach. This doesn’t mean to wear tight clothes, but it does mean to wear something that accentuates the figure in good taste.

 

Tip 6

 

If you have love handles, don’t wear extremely a snug shirt with jeans as this may make the bulge a little more obvious. Instead, wear your favourite jeans with an a-line or flutter shirt. This will hide any problem areas and maximize your sense of style.

 

Tip 7

 

Do not wear clothes that are overly tight. This is simply bad taste. Enough said.

 

Tip 8

 

A monochromatic look, meaning clothing that is all one colour, can give the wearer a taller and more slim appearance. And, after all, what woman wouldn’t want either of those characteristics in an outfit? Consider a black figure flattering top with a black pant in soft material. For a special touch, add a trendy belt, but take a look at the new you with an instantly slimmer look.

 

Tip 9

 

A suntan will give a healthier and possibly even a slimming glow. A tan looks healthy and health is beautiful. Avoid the sun or a tanning bed, but check out a high quality self-tanning lotion instead.

 

Tip 10

 

Control top pantyhose or a tummy control panty can help to eliminate belly bulge. Any woman, whether plus size or not, has a stomach. If you want to slim up your tummy area, either of these will help to minimize any bulge.

 

10 Tips To Improved Hair Care

Hair care is an important part of looking good and feeling good, both inside and out. There are an endless number of hair care products that promise to shape up, curl, straighten, moisturize and rejuvenate, but what is the best way to maintain healthy hair? Here are 10 tips to get you started.

 

1. If you notice split ends, have them trimmed. This will result in healthier hair and a better overall appearance. A trim is relatively inexpensive and should only take a matter of minutes at the local salon.
2. Use a low to medium heat on your hair dryer. Extreme heat can dry out the hair and cause the frizzies.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which is not only bad for your skin, but can dry out your hair as well.
4. Many people suffer from dandruff. If you are one of the many, avoid scratching or rubbing the head as this will promote flaking. Instead, use a shampoo and/or conditioner that is especially designed to treat dandruff and eliminate flaking.
5. If you have thin hair, add a volumizing shampoo for added body. If you have thick hair, using a healthy shine shampoo will bring out the additional beauty.
6. Avoid harsh hair care products, which can dry out or damage the hair. In some cases, individuals have even experienced hair loss in using certain at-home perm and/or colouring treatment products. If you want to have this type of treatment done, have it done at the salon.
7. In choosing a salon, make sure that you opt for one that has been in business for a while and has a clean, professional workspace.
8. Ask friends for referrals. If they have used a certain hair care product, which coincides with one that you are searching for, inquire about their experience. The same is true with salons, which are often best recommended by friends and family.
9. When brushing your hair, use soft strokes rather than those swiped in a hurry. A part of quality hair care is, just as the name implies, caring for your hair.
10. When using styling products, make sure that they do not overheat prior to using them on your hair. Extreme heat can and will damage the hair, not to mention the discomfort of a burn resulting from an overheated styling product.

 

The information contained in this article is to be used for reference only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional hair care advice. Anyone who notices a concerning condition, relating to their hair, should consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

10 Tips To Avoid Work-At-Home Mom Burnout

Working from home is a great way to stay home with your kids while still supplementing the family’s income. On the flipside, it can be challenging to be mother and employee at the same time. Your stress level will rise quickly when you have deadlines to keep or phone calls to make while your little ones are acting out. Implement a few of the ideas below to prevent Work at Home Mom Burnout. 

 

1. Don’t work more than you have to. Money isn’t everything. You family needs a happy and sane mom.

 

2. Create a schedule or to-do list both for work and your personal life. Just realize that you won’t always get everything done and don’t worry if you don’t. There’s always tomorrow. 

 

3. Designate an errand day. Spend one day a week running around town getting everything done for the week. This is when you will grocery shop, drop things off at the drycleaner, go to the post office and anything else you need to do. 

 

4. Enjoy your kids. Take some time to play with them every day. Have a picnic lunch in the yard, take them on a little field trip or just play catch for a while. You’re a work at home mom because you want to spend time with your kids. Work and house chores can wait while you play. 

 

5. Go out on a date with your spouse. Make date night a regular occurrence and connect with your lover. 

 

6. Have lunch with a girlfriend. We need some adult conversation every now and then. Make time to stay in touch with your friends. 

 

7. Call a friend. If you are having a bad day, call a good friend and just talk for a little while. You’ll be relaxed and rejuvenated when you get back. 

 

8. Get some exercise. Go for a walk, join a gym, or try a Pilate’s class. Exercise will not only keep you in shape, it’s also a great de-stressor. 

 

9. Play some upbeat music and dance around the living room. Who cares if your kids and the neighbours think you’ve lost it? You are having fun and are releasing all that build up physical energy. 

 

10. If you own a business, stick to one until it more or less runs itself. Don’t burn yourself out by trying to run several businesses at the same time. 

 

Start implementing a few of these ideas today and watch your stress level go down. You will prevent work at home mom burnout and get to enjoy life more. Your family will appreciate spending time with a fun and relaxed mom. That’s what it’s all about - spending quality time with your family.

10 Natural Ways to Combat PMS

1. Keep Track:

 

Writing a symptoms diary can help. Recognise what's going on throughout the month by noting how you feel from day to day. You can then schedule things to coincide with specific times. For example if you tend to feel great for a few days during your cycle, that's the time to take your driving test, or go to a job interview etc.

 

2. Tackle the Symptoms:

 

Many PMS symptoms can be easily controlled using natural remedies. For acne try taking a 15mg zinc tablet each day. Feverfew is a great to treat migraines. Women suffering from bloating can benefit from burdock root capsules.

 

3. Take Vitamins and Minerals:

 

Studies show that a lack of various nutrients can increase PMS symptoms. These include magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, iron and zinc. In one study, it was revealed that 50-80% of women with PMS were deficient in magnesium.

 

4. Lose Excess Weight:

 

Several scientists have discovered that the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to suffer from PMS.

 

5. Chill Out:

 

Stress is also implicated in PMS. You are more likely to have worse PMS when you are stressed than when you are relaxed. Practice ways of relaxing.

 

6. Get Moving:

 

Exercise can lift you mood as it helps to boost the feel good chemicals in the brain known as Endorphins. Low levels of endorphins have also been implicated in PMS.

 

7. Snack Away:

 

According to researchers, your body needs 500 extra calories a day in the run up to your period as that is when your iron levels are at their lowest. On those days, have a healthy mid-morning and mid afternoon snack.

 

8. Take Essential Oils:

 

Some studies suggest that gamma linolenic acid (GLA) helps to reduce PMS symptoms such as irritability, stomach cramps and breast pain. You can find it in evening primrose oil, starflower oil and blackcurrant oil.

 

9. Take Herbs:

 

A plant called agnus cactus is popular in the treatment of PMS. Research suggests it can improve symptoms by more that 50 percent. St John's Wort can also help, but it can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.

 

10. Cut Them Out:

 

Salt, sugar, coffee and alcohol have all been linked to PMS symptoms. Salt causes bloating, alcohol can worsen your mood, caffeine can increase breast tenderness and sugar exacerbates food cravings.

 

Sponsored Article

10 Great Hair Care Tips

If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair care.

 

1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look for products in salons that are customized for your hair type. For instance: If you have colour or a perm, choose a conditioner that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.

 

2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The number one mistake that people make when choosing a new hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders, choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo. 

 

3. Don’t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this, look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays that block UV rays.

 

4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, even if it’s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser makes them good because they know what to leave on the head, not take off.

 

5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage with these products even if the package says that it’s way easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for corrective colour than they do for normal colour processes)

 

6. Get colour for interest and body. Every cut needs a little bit of colour to make it truly breath-taking. No matter whether your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and volume to your tresses with a colour process. Highlights, lowlights, all over colour, grey coverage, you name it, it’s all good for your look.

 

7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind, sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals from your pool. 

 

8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all our work. 

 

9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to curl not to mention the white flakes.

 

10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static electricity to your hair. Don’t rub the towel back and forth over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like you would scrunch crackers in your soup.

 

While all of these tips won’t make you look like you’ve hired a personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember that you wear your hair every day. Now isn’t it worth the time, effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?

8 Steps for a Woman Dancing with Cancer

In this short article, Susun Weed looks at 8 steps a woman can take after a diagnosis of cancer.

 

Submit. Give up. Make room for the miracle.

 

Inform yourself. Listen to your intuition. Examine all the options, but only use what feels right to you.

 

Accept support. Surround yourself with loving friends, healing music, special colors, prayer and affirmation. Create a ceremony of healing/wholing and invite your supporters.

 

Anoint your breast(s) with healing herbal oils such as calendula, dandelion, or poke. Visualize healing energies suffusing your tissues. 

 

Maximize the healthy qualities of your diet:

• Use organic olive oil and butter to the exclusion of other fats.
• Increase your use of beans, especially lentils, and fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, tamari, homemade wines and beers. 

 

Include immune building and anticancer herbs in your diet:

• Daily use of a nourishing infusion, especially red clover flower or burdock root or violet leaf infusions. 
• Daily use of fresh herb vinegars, especially yellow dock, burdock, and dandelion root vinegars.
• Frequent use of a long-cooked soup containing seaweed (such as kombu or wakame), astragalus root, and medicinal mushrooms (reishi, shiitake, puffballs, etc).

 

Increase you exercise level. Take a yoga or tai chi class weekly. Walk daily. Get a weekly massage. Pamper yourself with activity. 

 

Use drugs (chemotherapy, tamoxifen, anaesthesia, pain killers) as required but:

 

• consider a short trial of a powerful herb such as poke root before resorting to drugs; and
• always combine drug use with complementary herbs. For instance, protect the liver with milk thistle seed tincture.

 

Use radiation and surgery as needed but:

• always combine with complementary herbs; and
• be willing to set limits that you feel comfortable with - they can't take your lymph glands if you say "No."

 

For more information, see Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun Weed. Visit www.ashtreepublishing.com.

 

Susun Weed

PO Box 64

Woodstock, NY 12498

Fax: 1-845-246-8081

8 Popular Perfume Choices For Women

If you like to smell good, and who doesn’t, then finding the right perfume is at the top of your list. The shopping process may include sampling tester bottles at the store or simply by the old trial-and-error method. In an attempt to make your perfume shopping a little easier, this article takes a look at eight of the top perfume choices for women.

 

Cotton Candy by Body Fantasies. Do you remember the days of visiting the local fair and the smell of the delicious cotton candy? There is a fragrance that can help to revisit those special memories because, you guessed it, Cotton Candy by Body Fantasies is a perfume that smells exactly like cotton candy. In one word, it’s just plain yummy

 

Cashmere Mist by Donna Karen. This perfume, commonly found at Macy’s, is one that offers a sweet scent that is the ultimate in femininity. It almost lends to a soft floral smell and will captivate everyone in the room.

 

Eternity by Calvin Klein. This is a bold fragrance that leaves people thinking of you for, just as the name implies, an eternity.

 

CK One by Calvin Klein. This perfume has been available for quite some time and leaves the wearer with a clean scent that is unmistakable to those who recognize it. It’s smell is so memorable that those who experience it will notice it instantly on someone else.

 

Red Door by Elizabeth Arden. This perfume offers a very pleasing scent and a very sweet one at the same time. Like other designer perfumes, it is bold and will definitely get you noticed.

 

Navy by Cover Girl. A perfume that has been available for many years, Navy is visually recognizable by the round blue bottle and gold lettering. It’s smell is soft, but so very memorable at the same time.

 

Polo Sport by Ralph Lauren. This perfume, created by a popular clothing designer, is fruity in its smell and stays with the wearer for hours. It is a quality fragrance for the athletic type or for the home body as its universal scent is for every woman.

 

Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden. This perfume is fairly new on the market and has been made available in recent years. Still yet, it has steadily gained in popularity and offers the wearer a very sweet scent that softens just enough to be enjoyed.

 

When selecting perfume, it’s a good idea to purchase a small bottle so that you can take it with you wherever you go. Some of the smallest perfume bottles will fit in the tiniest of purses, which makes them ideal for a quick sprits on the go.