Monday, May 31, 2010

How to Wear Metallics without Looking Kitsch

When I think of metallic kitsch, the first thing that springs to mind is those seventies style gold lame cocktail dresses. Cool in their own way, if you're feeling retro, but not exactly what you would call subtle. In other words, not something you'd wear to an office cocktail party or an office function. However, there are ways to mix a little glittery metallic into your everyday clothes. The key is to practice subtlety. For instance, instead of that gold lame cocktail dress, why not find a shimmery cami, and wear it under a great suit? An even subtler approach would be to wear a pair of metallic heels, or a bag or belt that shines, with an otherwise plain outfit. A slightly metallic shift with a gauzy overlay is another option, w hich will show off flashes of bling as you move, but not be so blinding that your friends need to wear shades!

How to Make Salad Kebabs

These kebabs are very quick and easy to make, and look beautiful. They are great to serve at a casual barbeque, or at a sit-down meal. Salad kebabs should be made with only the freshest fruits and vegetables, and not longer than an hour or two before serving, or they tend to dry out. Have a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors and cut into bite-size pieces. Carefully thread them onto skewers, alternating the vegetables and the colors. Because they are on skewers, they can be arranged on a tray or platter in different ways, for your guests to help themselves. The bite-size fruits and vegetables can also be quickly marinated in a dressing before threading onto the skewers.

Why You Should Own a Hairdryer Stand

If you've ever looked around frantically for somewhere to put down your still hot blow dryer, but found nowhere suitable on your work surface, because it's cluttered with products and other items, then a hairdryer stand might be just the gift to buy yourself for your next birthday. Hairdryer stands can be simple affairs, with just a single slot for a hot dryer nozzle, or they can be complex creations that offer slots for a variety of hair care equipment and accessories. Holders themselves come in a range of styles and designs, from simple, relatively cheap plastic versions for home or salon use, to beautiful stainless steel and other options that look and feel like design elements.

Why a Pizza Oven Is a Great Investment

When you think of home improvements, chances are, having a pizza oven installed is not high on your to do list. However, they are a great investment if you love entertaining, and, they will certainly increase the value of your home! Pizza ovens can be installed indoors or out, and are built from brick. This is then plastered, with the concrete baking surface being left raw. Smoke is channeled out through the chimney, although, when installed in a room in your home, they will heat that room too. It's important to remember when considering having a pizza oven built that these are quite tricky to get right, and that the shape and design is everything. Definitely not something you want to attempt yourself, so make sure you find an expert!

How to Make Sure That You Look Good on Your Wedding Day

With all your planning, you will definitely look stunning on your wedding day, but to make sure that you look good in the photographs, there are a few things you can do to makes sure that the perfect look lasts forever. Of course, your make-up will be impeccable, and your hairstyle will make you look beautiful. You can also rehearse a few poses in front of your mirror to see just how to stand that you look great when your photographs are taken. You can also practice certain expressions in the mirror to show your best side, and how you would prefer to be captured by the photographer. If you have a dress that is nipped in at the waist, make sure not to hide it with your bouquet. Your waist is the narrowest part of th e torso, and should be shown off.

How to protect your Child from Life-threatening Illnesses

Immunization, which has more or less eradicated many serious illnesses, is a very important means to protect your child from certain life-threatening illnesses. The more your child is vaccinated, the better the protection for the population. Vaccinating stimulates the immune system into producing antibodies, which fight infection. These antibodies will protect your child, should she come into contact with the disease. If you are worried about immunization, ask your doctor for advice. If your child has a mild cold, she can still be immunized, however, if your child is feverish, you can delay the immunization, until she is better. Your baby or child usually needs immunization against polio, diphtheria, tet anus, whooping cough, Hib, and Meningitis C, measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis.

How Hollywood Stars Influence Politics

There was a time when all Hollywood stars had to do was appear in movies, and do the occasional press conference or tour. However, over the years, Hollywood stars have become more and more vocal in politics. Oprah Winfrey, while she may not be from California, is one of the most famous examples of this. It was her support for Barrack Obama that ultimately brought him such huge publicity among her fans. Then there was Cher's support of Ross Perot, and a variety of other stars, both democrat and republican, who have used their influence to gain media attention for their candidates. It's not only in politics though. PETA, the animal rights organization, has long used stars like Pamela Anderson and Cindy Crawford in their campaig ns, and many other non-profit organizations have followed suit. It seems, these days, that anyone who is anyone has a platform!

Why You Should Be Careful of Holiday Romances

We've all done it – or at least thought about it. Meet the hot guy on your foreign holiday, throw caution to the wind, and embark on a torrid affair. However, while most of these work out just fine, there are some horrific tales out there that you need to bear in mind. First, there's the issue of scam artists. These men target and pray on women tourists, luring them in, only to steal their valuables or money. Then there are the men who don't understand no, and molest or assault women, and finally, there is the threat of human trafficking, which still takes place in many parts of the world. Make sure that if you do go out with a local, someone always knows where you are, or that you are in a group. Stick to public places, a nd take minimal cash and valuable items with you. If things do progress, also remember to be safe. Remember, bad things happen, even when you are on holiday.

How to Tell Which Investments to Avoid

We all know we should be investing, but with so many products on the market, it can be tricky to figure out in what. Your first rule of thumb is that anything that is too complicated to understand should be avoided. Often, these types of investment are deliberately complex, as a means for the broker and product creator to confuse potential clients. That never ends well for the investor! Investing in stocks carries the same rule, although for different reasons – if you want to invest in stocks, you need to make the effort to learn how the markets work, how stocks work, and everything else. If you don't have the time, or just are not interested, you should avoid this type of investment.

How to Avoid Being Over-Charged By Mechanics

Mechanics and workshops are prone to pad bills and overcharge when they can get away with it. Consult your car owner's manual before having your car serviced and take note of the mileage and service history of the vehicle. Most auto parts have a minimum mileage before they need replacing, unless they are damaged in some way or genuinely defective.

Secrets of CompactFlash

So, you're a tech savvy girl. You have a notebook, PC, and various devices, such as flash drives, portable hard drives and more to make sure that your precious information is always right on hand. But wait! All those devices are soon to be put to shame by the latest innovation by CompactFlash, the organization that specializes in taking lots of data, and putting it onto the tiniest storage devices you can imagine. You see, this organization has just announced their plans to introduce flash storage devices that have a capacity of 144 petabytes! That means that all the information you have on every device you own should be able to comfortably fit on one tiny, compact memory device. That is, if you ask me, the single most worthwhile thing that I h ave heard all year!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Why You Should Play With Texture

Color is so last season. When it comes to mixing it up, what you really want to focus on is texture. By playing with texture, you can use a single color, and still create a look that's interesting and multi faceted, but still subtle. A few ideas would be to wear cotton trousers, a silk shirt, and a large, chunky cardigan, all in a single color. Or why not try layering soft, floaty fabrics like chiffon over something heavy and luxurious like velvet? Playing with different textures like this adds a whole new dimension to interesting dressing, and makes for a fun way to play with clothes. So throw all your rules out the window, start combining things you never thought worked together, and you might just find that you come up with outfits that are amazing, and different!

The Secrets of Making your Own Sun-dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes look and taste great, and are very versatile. They can be kept for a long time, so that they are always on hand when needed, and if you make your own, as soon as your stocks are running low, you can simply make more. Pre-heat your oven to between 60 and 80 degrees C. Slice as many tomatoes as you want into 1cm thick slice, and lay in an ovenproof pan. Spray or brush the slices with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Herbs such as basil and oregano can also be used, and will add to the flavour. Place the pan in the oven, and leave the tomatoes to dry. Once dry, store in a clean jar, cover them with olive oil, and seal. Your sun-dried tomatoes will add brilliant color and taste to salads.

Why You Should Consider Airbrushed Makeup

If you thought airbrushing is something that only auto body shops and artists used, then you've probably never heard of airbrushed makeup. The truth is though, that although there are many types of makeup out there, none are as flawless and ‘done' as those applied with an airbrush kit. The kits themselves can be quite costly, but because they offer great hygiene benefits (your fingers no longer need to touch your skin) and you use much less makeup in the brush itself, you will find yourself saving on product and skin treatments. So if you're looking for flawless skin, then investing in a makeup airbrush kit might be just the solution.

Secrets of Setting up Your Own Online Boutique

In a world where taking time out to meet your friends for a day at the mall has become a luxury, an increasing number of us girls are staying at home to do online shopping. It's no surprise then that recent years have seen more women starting their own online boutiques, many of whom have enjoyed sweet success. If you've always wanted to start your own business but never knew where to start, now's your chance. Since you are going online, your target group are probably a really internet savvy bunch. Hence, it only makes sense that you read up as many reviews and forums online to truly understand your customers. You'll then need to invest in a domain name, web hosting, templates for the stall, and a resale certificate. When it comes to sending your customers their packages, you may want to consider mee ting them up to pass them their packages. If it's not convenient to do so, you may want to consider services from companies like Drop Ship who send your packages from the wholesaler straight to your customers.

Secrets of Stone Cladding

You've probably seen them before – chic homes with swathes of cut stone blocks on one wall, or an entire façade. The truth is though, while stone cladding is not cheap, it's also not the most expensive thing around, if you know what you're looking for. Stone cladding is basically a form of tile that is applied to an existing brick structure, using cement, and then grouted in place, as you would a regular tile. This becomes expensive when you are using genuine stone, although it does look amazing. If you want a similar look, but for a better price, there are ‘manufacture red' stones out there too. These are tinted and molded concrete stones, which look almost like the real deal, but are considerably cheaper. So, if you love the lo ok of stone cladding, but want it at a budget friendly price, why not get a quote for both options?

Why You Should Check the Car Hire Company

If you have arranged and reserved a special vehicle for your wedding day, phone the company - not only to make sure that all the bookings are correct, but also to ensure that the vehicle you have booked hasn't perhaps been in an accident lately, and is in for repairs. If this is the case, then make sure that they have a substitute vehicle for you to use. It would be a good idea to also check the date, as well as the arrival and departure times, just in case the photographer would like to have a few shots of you and your partner with the car. You should also make sure with the car hire company that the car will be cleaned properly before your wedding. Nothing is worse than getting into a vehicle where there are odors still clinging to the interior as a result from the last booking.

Why You Should Practice Hygiene in the Home

Cleanliness in the home is vital especially around babies. Babies, their bottles, and toys, all need to be kept clean in order to minimize the risk of infection. Teach your toddler to wash his hands regularly, especially before and after eating. Wash your baby's bottles very well, and don't keep leftover food in his bowl. There are always bacteria on hands and cutlery, and these thrive on leftovers. Change your washing-up cloth as well as your drying cloths clean, and change them often. Your baby relies on you, as his parent, to keep his surroundings as clean and germ-free as possible. Household pets too, harbor germs, so teach your toddler to wash his hands after playing with an animal, especially before eating. Animals can trigger asthma an d other symptoms, especially where there are allergies in the family.

Cameron Diaz â€" Will the World's Favourite Girl Next Door Ever Settle Down?

When Cameron Diaz first burst onto the silver screen in the nineties blockbuster, the Mask, everyone thought she was just another pretty face. However, with scores of uber successful comedy and dramatic appearances under her belt, it's clear that on the career front at least, she's proving everyone wrong. When it comes to matters of the heart, however, Miss Diaz seems a lot less successful. Most recently, she's been linked to Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankees baseball star, but she's had several unsuccessful, if high profile relationships, including one with Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine, John Mayer and Jared Leto. One has to wonder when life will imitate art, and the queen of the quirky rom- com will finally find Mr. Right.

Why You Should Exercise Caution When Booking a Cruise

The idea of a cruise holiday definitely appeals to everyone. Whether you're young or old, married or single, the allure of the captain's table, or the idea of lounging next to the onboard pool, or the stops in exotic locations, is enough to make everyone forget about everything but booking that ticket! However, you do need to be aware that there are some unscrupulous companies out there. Some people even advertise fictitious cruises online, take your money and disappear! Others will show you pictures of well appointed facilities, when the reality is anything but. The best idea is to book your cruise holiday through a reputable company, who you know will deliver on their promises. If you're on a budget, find out which of their opt ions is more economical, and take advantage of special deals. Sometimes, if you can get a large party together to book, you can get a group rate, which usually means a sizeable discount.

Secrets of Interest on Investments

If you're considering investing, whatever form that investment may take, then you should do a little homework on the interest you will be receiving. For instance, there are two interest rates – one, the nominal rate, is the rate that banks will charge you to lend money. When you invest, however, they use an ‘effective' rate, that is far more complex, and that you need to understand, in order to know how much your investment is earning. You should also know that even if two investments pay the same interest, percentage wise, whether it's paid annually or monthly will have an effect on the amount of money you make. So before you invest in anything, make sure you understand exactly what the returns on your investment.

How To Make Sure Your Car Is Serviced Properly

Most new cars are sold with an inclusive service plan for an average of three years or 100, 000 Miles. Pre-owned cars need to be serviced at dealerships in order to prove that the proper parts and procedures were done during its service history. Whether you are paying for the regular service directly, or as part of the installments on a new car, you should make sure you are getting your money's worth. The car manufacturer provides the dealership mechanics with an official checklist of tasks to do, parts to check and parts to fit for your car. Many dealerships will try to take short cuts in the inspection procedures and try to save money by not supplying new parts. Check your account before you pay and see what exactly you ha ve been billed for and whether or not the new parts were fitted or supplied. If you were charged for an oil change, check the dipstick: if the oil is black, then the it was not changed. New oil is a golden color and semi-transparent.

Secrets of the New Sony Smartphone

It might not be on the shelves yet, but if you're a techno junkie you'll certainly want to keep your eyes peeled for the latest product rumored to be on the Sony Corporation's development agenda. According to Japanese sources, the electronics giant is in the process of R & D for a Smartphone hybrid that will offer some pretty amazing features. In fact, according to sources in the know, the phone will feature a gaming platform similar to the PSP, netbook, mobile phone and e-reader. Talk about multi tasking! Of course, it does mean that if you are in the market for any one or more of those products at the moment, you might want to hold off a while, and get the whole package, in one simple, stylish, easy to use unit. After all – that's what S ony is known for, isn't it?

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Why You Should Still Own a Petticoat… or Two

I used to think my grandmother strange. She would never wear a dress without a petticoat, or ‘slip' as she called it. However, while it's now perfectly acceptable to eschew the slip, it may still be worth investing in one or two. First off, they're a saving grace when the dress you're wearing is a little bit see through – they'll preserve your modesty, which is important if you're going for a classy look! Of course, there's also an old world, sexy charm to them. Granny also used to say that a petticoat peeking out from a hem meant that you were ‘looking for a boyfriend.' While her old fashioned view may be outdated, it's still sexy in an old fashioned, cute kind of way.

Why You Should Be Using Silicone Bake Ware

A few years ago, you had a couple of choices when it came to bake ware. You could get the ordinary metal variety, that would discolor or rust, aluminum, which did not conduct heat very well, or non stick, that eventually started to flake off into your baked goods. These days, there's something else – silicone bake ware. When I first saw this stuff on the shelf, I was skeptical. I mean, it looks like it should melt, right? Well it doesn't. In fact, it can withstand temperatures far higher than your average oven could possibly reach. It's also super easy to clean, and because it's flexible, getting your baked goods out has never been simpler. My opinion? This is one trend that's worth the hype!

Secrets of Super Fast, Flawless Skin

If you woke up late for work, or are running late for a date, then this article is for you! Flawless skin need not be about carefully plastering every square inch of your face with foundation. You can get away with a few simple tricks. Here's how: Use pressed powder foundation, and slide it onto the t-zone, and your cheeks. Using a damp sponge to do this is even better, so try experimenting a little. The better part is that even though this is a quick fix, it's also super easy to fix it up later! Just pop your compact into your bag and you'll have the perfect way to fix things later, if your makeup doesn't last! How's that for makeup in a hurry? A little mascara and a slick of your favorite gloss should finish off the look, and you'll be done in minutes.

How to Choose an Automated Garage Door

Automated garage doors are not only convenient, but also a part of an effective home security system – they make it simple to get into your home without getting out of your car. However, not all automated garage doors are created equal. First, there's the door itself. These can be made from anything from wood to fiberglass, but generally, a lightweight fiberglass or similar door that is impregnated with color will last longer, and put less strain on the motor. And speaking of motors, there are plenty on the market. Look for one that has the features you need, and that comes from a reputable supplier. There are cheap imports available, but you never know what the after sales and warranty service is like!

The Secrets of the Final Countdown

Although you have been preparing for your wedding day for many months, as the time draws near, everything seems to snowball. The best thing to do is to stay calm, and make sure one by one, that everything is on track. Get in touch with all concerned and see that everyone has done what they have been assigned to do. Now is also the time to check on those guests who have failed to respond to the invitation, so that you can let the caterers know how many guests you are expecting. Check that everything that you requested to be booked has been, such as the venue, florist, caterers, cake suppliers, and all other reservations relevant to your big day.

How to Keep Your Baby Healthy

Children, especially babies, can become ill very quickly. Most common childhood illnesses stem from viruses, and usually get better on their own. However, there is very much you can do to help prevent your child from becoming ill. A warm loving bond with your child can also help your child to fight minor illnesses. If you, or any of the rest of your family are ill, or have cold sores or shingles, ask your doctor for advice as to how to prevent your little one from catching whatever you have. The better you know your child, the easier it will be to recognize when there is something wrong with him. Regular exercise and a proper diet will also help dramatically in the fight against illnesses.

Tax Evasion: Is It in the Stars

Recently, former Baywatch babe, Pamela Anderson, was placed on a list of high profile tax evaders, for non-payment of taxes that allegedly amounts to nearly $500 000. However, while her case is yet to be decided, she's certainly not the only star guilty of the offence! Hollywood funny man and action star Wesley Snipes was jailed in 2008 for tax evasion amounting to $15 million in fact, in spite of pleas from major industry players to keep him out of prison. Another high profile tax evader was the winner of the very first series of Survivor, Richard Hatch, who was also indicted in 2010 on tax evasion charges. It would seem that paying your taxes is one instance where the old saying 'do you know who I AM' has no meaning at all.

Why You Should Visit Rio for the Carnival

Okay, so it may seem odd to attempt to convince anyone to visit Rio. I mean, beaches, samba, Brazilian men, what's not to love? However, if you are planning a trip to this Brazilian hotspot, you should save it for Carnival! Known around the world as one of the largest parties around, this truly is an experience not to be missed. In fact, during the time of Carnival, the whole city practically shuts down, and the streets are filled with music, dancing, color, light, sounds and smells. Think Mardi Gras in New Orleans, multiplied by a factor of ten, and you have an idea. In fact, the government, understanding the state of the populace after the festivities are over, gives workers a public holiday to recover before returning to work!

Why You Should be Diversifying Your Investments

If you've actually gone to the effort of making investments, and planning for the future, the good news is that you're better off than most people. The bad news is that you may still be at risk – if your investments are not diversified that is. No more than five percent of your investments should be in narrow investments like unit trusts, and you should be investing in a range of sectors. Consider ‘safe' options like government bonds o offset your riskier investments, and that way, you can be sure that even if one sector of the market takes a nose dive, your broader investments will still be secure.

Why You Should Flush Your Radiator

When it comes to cooling your car, your radiator, water pump and thermostat, all work together to keep things cool and running smoothly. However, in order to make sure that that keeps happening, you need to maintain your radiator, the heart of the cooling system, in good order. Minerals and other elements from radiator water can build up in your radiator over time, and those deposits may block the channels your car uses to cool itself. It's for that reason that flushing your radiator is so important. Flushing a radiator is a simple matter of filling your (cool) radiator with water to which you have added radiator flush solution, and then running your engine. The solution will filter through the system, and dissolve any mineral deposi ts. Then, simply drain, refill, and add more coolant.

Secrets of Upgrading to Windows Phone 7 Series Software

The Microsoft Corporation may not yet have confirmed whether they will be allowing users of their earlier mobile platforms to upgrade to their new, flagship operating system, there are still a few issues that you need to consider if you are currently using an older generation version. Most importantly, that Microsoft has confirmed that their current applications will not work on the new platform. That means that while the new operating system is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors, if you do upgrade, you will need to purchase or install newer versions of every application you are currently using on your phone.Of course, with the new platform offering superb functionality in comparison to the former, that might be a small sacrifice, but it is well worth noting that it's not going to be ALL smooth sailing to get the latest software on your phone.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Secrets of Adding African Touches to Your Outfit

Over the last few years, African fashion has been showing up on global catwalks. However, since African fashion can be tricky, you may be wondering how to add elements of the Dark Continent to your urban chic wardrobe. Don't worry too much though – getting afro chic is not too tricky. Try wearing long strands of colorful beads, but instead of wearing them as you usually would, criss-cross them around your torso. Wooden or brass cuffs are another subtle afro chic touch that will work well with even an urban wardrobe. Ethnic styled leather sandals, beaded bodices, or elements like porcupine quills, feathers, or even animal prints are still more simple ways to add an African flavor to any outfit.

Why You Should Own a Good Kitchen Scissors

Everyone always seems to be talking about knives. Granted, a great knife is a kitchen must have, there are some things that are just easier with a pair of scissors. Here's why you should have a great pair of scissors. One thing I love them for is to chop foods like bacon easily. Sure, you could use a knife, but why not just take a bunch of bacon and snip it directly into the pot or pan you're cooking in? Then there are things like filleting chicken breasts - Super easy with scissors, a little harder if you're using a knife. Another great idea is to use scissors to shred your salads. Place leaves like lettuce or spinach (rinsed) in the bowl you plan to use, and then simply snip them in the bowl. Much simpler and less clean up than chopping them the conventional way. The same goes for herbs – simply snip directly into the pot.

Secrets of the Hair Flick

We've seen it on icons like Farrah Fawcett, and on starlets like Jessica Simpson, but the flick, in the decades since it first appeared, has never lost its charm. Getting the flick right can be a tricky proposition however. To do it, the easiest way to do that is to work some mousse into your hair, and use a flat iron to sweep the hair alongside your face upwards and away. Aim to angle the iron towards your ear, and you should have it just right. If you're heading somewhere where wind is likely to be a factor, and then a spritz of hair spray after you're done is a good idea too, but don't overdo it – you do still want some movement!

Secrets of Power items for the Working Woman’s Handbag

Whether it's sharp looking leather bags, chic bag totes or vintage handbags, if there's one thing that the Modern Day Working Woman looks for it's probably functionality. But what really constitutes functionality is what you put in your bag. Here are 3 must-have Power items that you may want to make permanent residents in your bag 1. Planner What a colour coded planner has that an iPhone and Blackberry doesn't is the personal touch. Writing down rather than typing data in will enable you to remember better. 2. Business Cards Running around the city all day, you'll never know who you're going to meet. Keeping Business Cards handy will help you get ahead in your field. 3. Sewing Kit Yes, even Wonder woman needs one of these.

How to Refurbish a Wooden Floor

Wooden floors look great if they are in good repair. They're warm, glossy and inviting, and can really enhance the look and feel of your home. However, when they're not in good repair, they look awful, and the splinters can even be dangerous! To refurbish your own wooden floors, you'll want to find a tool rental company that offers floor sanders. Hire one, preferably over a weekend, and then, taking it room by room, move all the furniture out, and sand the floors down. If there are any loose pieces of wood in your floor, fix them in place using glue or nails (your hardware store should be able to advise you on the best method) and then apply a few coats of yacht varnish for a long wearing finish. Your floors will look as good as new at a fraction of the cost of a professional job!

The Secrets of Beautiful Make-up the Whole Day

As everyone knows, weddings make everyone cry, especially the women, so wearing the correct make-up will prevent you from appearing in the wedding photographs with streaks down your face. There are so many types of make-up to choose from these days, something for every occasion. Neutral eye shadows are great to use. They are easier to blend and open up the eyes. Dark, dramatic colors tend to minimize the eyes in photographs. It is best to choose matte eye shadows, as the shimmery type, tend to accentuate fine lines. The best thing to do of course is to ask the assistants at the make-up counters to advise you as to the best make-up to use. They will be able to tell you which is best for your age, as well as which make-up will not run, should you shed that tear or two.

Secrets of Perfect Bibs

No one can deny that babies are the cutest little things ever. The trouble is, no one can deny that they drool, a lot, and that food and other items rarely go down the hatch without mess. Unless you like washing several items of clothing every day, you're going to want to stock up on bibs. However, if you're anything like me, the idea of bibs that tie just scares the life out of you. The potential for accidental tangling is always there - Even if only in my mind. That's why I love bibs that fasten with Velcro, that go on, and off, easily. There are also bibs that slip over your baby's head like a t-shirt, with a ribbed neckline. Those are great, because they're easy to get on and off, and won't hook or tangle on anything.

Stars and Sex Scandals

It might just be me, but has anyone else noticed that recent months seem to have been characterised by sex scandals among the entertainment elite? Most recently, it has been the high profile sex slave law suit filed against action man Steven Seagal, but then there was also the arrest of famed director Roman Polanski, who was arrested on charges dating back to 1997, late in 2009, and placed under house arrest. Ingrid Bergman, Errol Flynn and Marilyn Monroe have also all had their own run ins with the law and the media thanks to their off camera shenanigans, and in Monroe's case, her affair with US President, John F Kennedy, so it seems that no one is immune to scandal, and that there will always be a few juicy stories coming out of Hollywood.

Why You Should Try to Get the Seat alongside the Emergency Exit

When it comes to leg room on airlines, let's face it – unless you're flying first class, there's very little chance that you'll be expecting comfortable and spacious surroundings. However, if you can manage to get the emergency exit row seat, you might just find that you do! In most aircraft, the emergency exit rows are wider, to allow for the disembarking of passengers, so the seats on these rows automatically come with more leg room. Some airlines will allow you to book these specific seats, although some reserve them for especially large passengers. When booking your ticket, it's important to find out if you can book a seat in this row, and if so, make sure you book early – there are not many available!

Why You Should Put Ten Percent of Every Pay Rise into Investments

We all do it, don't we? Get a pay rise, and for the first month or two, it feels like we're doing okay. But soon, that extra cash is spent, and we're back to the cycle of not having enough money to make it through the month. The trick is to use that knowledge to your advantage, and set aside 10 percent of any pay rise you do get to make investments. Whether you open a savings account, invest in stocks or bonds or anything else, at least you will know that ten percent of that money is being put to good use.

How to Tell If Your Suspension Needs Attention

You may think that it's your tires that keep your car on the road, and to a degree, that's true. However, if your suspension is not working correctly, even perfect tires can't do their job. You see, the suspension is a little like a giant spring system, that keeps your car level on uneven terrain. When it's not working properly, your car cannot do this. Pulling to one side while driving is a common symptom of a suspension system that not in good working order. A shuddering sensation or wheels that seem to wobble are another. Then there are changes to the steering, which are usually suspension related too. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's well worth having your suspension checked, before things go from bad to worse. < div style='clear:both;'>

Why You Should Be Upgrading to Windows Phone 7 Series

If you're like most of the Western world (and the rest for that matter) chances are you use Windows on your home and office computers. It's user friendly, and comfortable – like talking to an old friend. However, when it comes to their mobile phone platforms, Windows, and the Microsoft Corporation, seem to have lost the plot! Until now that is. Up till now, cellular phones using Windows Mobile have been pretty much a mystery to their owners. The interface has been a little tricky, the menus ungainly, and the features and functionality not a patch on their well loved computer based software. Enter Windows Phone 7 Series. Less of an upgrade, and more of a giant leap in evolution, this software off ers all the benefits we've come to expect from our friends at Microsoft, and is slick and user friendly. So if you are one of the many that wrote off the Microsoft corporations efforts in mobile phones, you might just want to take another look.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Secrets of Wardrobe Organization

If you want a wardrobe that makes effortless style super simple, then a few wardrobe organizing tricks can make a huge difference. One of the most important things is to sort your clothes according to season. There are some pieces that will work for spring or fall, some that are summer only, and some that are classically winter. While you could keep the ‘in between seasons' clothes in your closet, make sure that you pack away any overtly seasonal pieces when you can't wear them. Not only will this free up space in your closet, but it will also make choosing outfits a lot easier. We like easy, don't we?

Why You Should Keep Frozen Berries In Your Home

If you're someone who likes desserts, but is looking for quick and easy options, frozen berries are a must have in your kitchen. A few frozen berries, blended with a little sugar and water, boiled, and processed, makes an excellent topping for ordinary vanilla ice cream. Baked in readymade pastry cases, and topped with whipped cream, they make great tartlets, and thawed and piled on a pavlova they make an elegant dessert. You can also stir frozen berries into pancake batter, or use them as a filling for a sweet pancake, which also makes them great for breakfast. Then again, if you add them to muesli and yoghurt, and process them, you have a great anytime smoothie.

How to Do Perfect Club Night Makeup

If you've ever left the house for a big night on the town, only to find that a few short hours later, your makeup has slid off thanks to the hot lights and exertion of dancing the night away, and then read on. The trick is to choose a matte foundation, which will stay put, and won't be shiny within ten minutes of application. Use a highlighter on your cheekbones, your brow bones and down the bridge of your nose to add a little extra shimmer, and make sure you use metallic shadows, that will catch and reflect the light. So there you have it – stay put foundation, shimmery highlights, and you're all set for a night on the town, from which you have a better chance of returning, makeup intact. Finish with a crimson lip stick, or something dramatic, like a metallic or glitter shade, and you're sure to make an impact!

Why You Should Consider Vinyl Siding

If you're building a new home, or remodeling your existing one, or even replacing old and worn out siding, there are plenty of options on the market. One of the most attractive is vinyl siding, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, vinyl siding is weather resistant, and easy to keep clean. That's a big thing if you don't enjoy extended periods of home maintenance – and who really does? It's also pre impregnated with color, so you never have to paint - Ever. Then there's the fact that vinyl siding is available in pre printed designs – which means that if you want, for instance, the look of ivy on your walls, you can have it - without having the actual ivy. So, if you want something easy to maintain, and fun and funky, why not give vinyl sidi ng a thought?