Five Different Looks From One Black Dress

The little black dress, or LBD as it is affectionately known is the go to dress for occasions when you don't know what to wear. It is a fail safe chic dress that can take your from day to night. To work. Or for a romantic date. One dress. Many looks. And all of these looks are very flattering. What more can a girl want?

For maximum mileage, go for a plain, sleeveless little black dress in a great fabric. That would be a true chameleon.

#1 The black tie event
For a formal look wear that little black dress with long gloves, a stunning choker and matching earrings. If it gets cold, keep warm with a gorgeous cashmere shawl. Finish that look off with a pair of amazing high heel shoes that make your legs look a mile long.

#2 The career woman
For the office, wear a black sheath dress with a smart double breasted jacket. Accessorize with button earrings and lady-like pumps.

#3 After office drinks
Unwind after work. Take off that jacket. Switch those pumps for high heel sandals. Swap your conservative earrings for a pair of shoulder dusters.

#4 Sweet and sophisticated
Wear that little black dress. Tie a satin sash around your waist. Accessorize with a charm bracelet and simple drop earrings for a sweet, feminine look. Complete the look with ballet pumps.

#5 A garden party
Wear a silk head scarf with your little black outfit. Accessorize further with hoop earrings and wedge sandals. Go flirtier with and armful of bangles, gypsy style.
Author:Janice Wee

read more “Five Different Looks From One Black Dress”

Female Body Image-Body Love

Knowing your body is the first step to loving and having adoration for it. You may hide your body, advertise it, lambaste it or love it. When you know it you have awaken your understanding of it's ability to give and receive great pleasure.

Having a good relationship with their bodies can be hard for a lot of women. Some abuse them, some are consumed by them and others care for them as the temples they are. No matter what, at this time this is the body you currently have.

As a sex goddess one of the greatest ways to conceive bliss, bridging with others and greater insight is with your body. Don't discount your body or be displeased with it for it can bring you an abundance of pleasure.

Do you think you could honor it a little more? Take better care of it? Could you learn to really love it no matter it's shape, size, age, fat-to-muscle ratio, or its abilities or flexibilities? It's all you, so why not make the best of it?

When you stand in front of a mirror it is not what you see that creates how you view yourself. It is the thoughts about what you see.

How can you tell when you love yourself? Think of it like a verb. What do you do for yourself to help you feel good? You know how when you first fall passionately in love with someone else? The same thing applies when you fall madly in love with you. It feels wonderful.

When you see yourself in the mirror where is your focus, is it on the positive or the negative? Can you see through the image to the deeper you? When you can shine a positive light on yourself it is likely that other people will also see the positive in you.

For most of us, building our self-esteem and keeping it strong is usually a project that lasts years, or even a lifetime. It can feel like taking two steps forward and one step backward. Practice daily care. Start by putting yourself first whenever possible. By all means, love others as well, but speak up for your needs. You'll have much more to offer others if you're coming from a place of strength, fullness and honesty.

Learning to love your body can be a challenge. One study showed 80% of women are dissatisfied with their appearance. Our bodies can be a tremendous source of pain and suffering, and a tremendous source of pleasure and bliss.

Your body is incredible. It can do and feel some very delicious things. Don't treat it like it's not your enemy or your slave. Show your body that you respect it by pampering it and showing it love.
Author:Deliese Eros

read more “Female Body Image-Body Love”

Ladies, Receive Small Grants For Women and Never Pay Them Back

There is a great deal of free government that can benefit female American taxpayers. Small grants for women are available to most qualifying applicants on a daily basis, and can help the ladies of our country to achieve a number of important goals. There are no forms of age, race, or heritage discrimination, and women of all income brackets are encouraged to apply for this funding.

There are small grants for women who are experiencing immediate needs for family assistance...

Some of the most popular and readily available grants that American women can avail are child day care grants. These amazing free government money programs allocate millions of dollars each year to American taxpaying mothers who are in need of quality child care services for their children while they work or attend school.

There are small grants for women who wish to continue their education...

Among the hundreds of college grant programs available to American citizens of ages and genders, there are women's college grants and single mother's college grants. As the names state, this is free government money that is applied to the tuition costs of ladies who are returning to school to earn a degree. In many cases the women who qualify for this educational financial aid are awarded with enough free grant money to fully finance their college tuition, or at least close to it.

Get a degree then get more small grants for women owned businesses...

There is no limit to how many government grants you may apply for or receive. The most resourceful and enterprising American ladies continue to apply for this funding after completing their educations to help them move on to successful careers. The government is willing to provide thousands of female applicants who apply, and qualify, with thousands of dollars in women's business grants to establish new businesses and become gainfully self employed.

No matter which small grants for women you may receive, you will never have to pay that money back. Not one single cent of it. How's that for girl power?

Access Government Grant Sources and get your first check in as little as 7 days. Thousands of dollars may be available to you now, but you have to ask for it.

=>> Apply for Grants

Obtain free government money to pay off debt, go back to school, buy your new home or start a business.

Author:Gayle Middle

read more “Ladies, Receive Small Grants For Women and Never Pay Them Back”

Feeling Beautiful?

For those looking for some great new reading, there is a young Brisbane woman, Sophee McPhee, who has just launched a magazine called QCG Magazine (Queensland Calander Girls).

The magazine is refreshingly distinctive, targeting a more mature audience and focusing on celebrating real women. Based on the inspirational and heart-warming box office hit, Calendar Girls (starring Helen Mirren & Julie Walters), QCG Magazine was developed to connect, inspire and celebrate all women. Their philosophy is, "skin - not plastic", and the pages are filled with real stories from real women.

Whilst reading the magazine I was consistently reminded that age really is a mindset, so is confidence and beauty. Inner beauty and confidence will carry a woman through her whole life. It will allow a woman's life to continuously unfold into an exciting adventure, propelled by her life experience and wisdom. It is a woman's mindset that masters a meaningful life, not her outer beauty.

Our society as a whole tends to be obsessed with all things youthful - this information is not new. Women wear the brunt of this bias more than men though. Does no longer looking youthful mean women can't be beautiful? How sad if this is what we allow ourselves to believe.

Annie Infinite from The Zen Bull recently submitted this article about women and beauty. I'm happy to see women like Julie Carrington and Sophee McPhee really working hard to shift these biases.

"As women grow older there is a strange phenomenon that happens to them. Julie Carrington of The Jewellery Gallery says that it is like a 'cloak of invisibility' is thrown over them. Women start to feel invisible because they no longer get the looks they used to when walking down the street.

"Women lose their confidence in their beauty and begin to feel less beautiful. As women age they look into the mirror and see only the parts of themselves that they don't like."

Feeling beautiful at any age has become the focus for new workshops held regularly by Julie and her partner Lea Sanson. They welcome women who want to reclaim that lost feeling of beauty.

There are few things more alluring than a woman who is sexy, bold and full of confidence. She feels good and that confidence shows. Julie says,"Woman ARE beautiful at any age and we want them to feel that beauty each and every day. We want women of any age to step out of the house each day and boldly strut their stuff."

Using confidence building strategies, a mirror and beautiful jewelry adornment, Julie and Lea help women transform their perception about their age and most importantly their beauty.

"When a woman is dressed in something that makes her feel amazing and then we add an adornment to the outfit, she transforms right before her own eyes in the mirror. It is all about seeing the whole woman, the whole picture - rather than focusing on the bits we don't like. Suddenly women can come alive. They stand with their heads high and get a little strut into their walk and you can see that they're feeling bolder and more beautiful in just a couple of hours."

Julie and Lea have a few tips for women who want to start feeling beautiful right now:
• Dress the part. Pick clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel like the bold, beautiful woman you are. Try not to squeeze into clothes that no longer fit or are unflattering, even though perhaps in fashion.
• Go for glamour. Purchase a few staples for the season and dress them up differently depending on your mood or the occasion.
• Adorn yourself. Find amazing jewellery to compliment the outfit you have chosen. It only takes one amazing piece to draw the eye where you want it and you will find yourself being complimented all day long. What a wonderful way of downplaying those places you are not so proud of.

This is the key to feeling and looking amazing explains Julie - accentuating the positive and downplaying the negative. "Seeing yourself as a whole picture when you look at yourself in the mirror is a big part of feeling beautiful. How often do we look in the mirror and only see the parts we don't like? "

Seeing the whole person, the full effect will allow you to get out there and let the world know that you have the leading role in your life.

"Strutting your stuff is really important. When you walk into a room looking confident, you'll be amazed how quickly you'll begin to feel sassier and more confident than ever before."

Wallflower anyone? I don't think so...

By Kylie Welsh

read more “Feeling Beautiful?”

Easy Summer Dinner Party

It's summertime and the living is easy, right? Well, can be if you wish to set up an easy, fun yet completely entertaining summer party. For instance, you can hold a "guys only" poker party.

The menu could include Cajun recipe pulled pork, extra spicy coleslaw, homemade French-fries, hot rolls with real butter, beer, and of course ending with poker for just the guys. Since it's too hot inside until the sun goes down, I thought that I'd serve it outside using the picnic table that just happens to be in the shade! Prior to dinner, some of the guys might enjoy a dip in the pool, so my invitations have suggested bringing a bathing suit.

I am definitely going to use paper plates, and plastic knives, forks and spoons. Everything except the hot rolls can be made ahead of time, and yes, that's part of my ingenious plan too!

The point is, that it's hot, no one feels like giving a "grand" dinner party during this time of year, and so this is a win-win situation. Besides poker is such fun!

Thought for dessert I'd serve ice cream with their choice of topping. See, another easy party suggestion? I'll line up chocolate sauce, and gooey butterscotch sauce, along with a can of whipped cream, chopped nuts, and of course cherries, got to have cherries!

Any dinner party that is during the summertime, should be easy, that's my own motto! It's just too darn hot to have to work hard in order to just have fun!

Now this party is just for guys, but a simple cookout of hot dogs and burgers would be just as easy, and this party could include couples and not just the guys. The goal is to keep it as easy as possible with the least amount of last-minute preparation and having serving times that don't rely on the clock that needs expert timing. I know for sure that I do not wish to spend a long time hiding away in the hot kitchen while my buddies are out there kicking up their heels and having the time of their lives! Must say though that one of the really neat things about today's dinner parties is that there isn't a paper doily to be seen for miles, nor does anyone still serve those boring little sausages in a blanket anymore! Now, we have real food available and we can hold any kind of party whether it's a make your own pizza party, or a Spanish tapas party. Just keep it simple and your guests will have loads of fun, and talk about your party for a long time thereafter. Learning how to create an easy dinner party and have entertaining ideas is not something that all of us excel in, so some of us need a little help with that. The other suggestion that I have for an easy dinner party is to plan on the evening's entertainment. You might rent a movie, but you take the chance that many have seen it, or don't care for that genre.

read more “Easy Summer Dinner Party”

Home Decorating Ideas - Defining Contemporary Decor

For some of us, the term 'contemporary style decorating' brings about thoughts of George Jetson and family, scooting through their ultra modernized and automated home. Contemporary home decor, although sleek, clean and smooth, can actually make a dramatic and colorful design statement that is an interesting blend of textures, colors and elements.

If you enjoy clean lines, smooth surfaces, bold colors and natural elements, contemporary home decor could be the creative lifestyle expression for you. Neutral colors will be your selection for the walls, although a bold accent color or two are appropriate for accent walls if this fits with your overall design scheme. In fact, you will want to create drama with the use of color. For example, you may introduce a sofa with a bright solid red fabric as a counterpoint to neutral walls. Your upholstered pieces will not have busy patterns, and in fact, there may not be much pattern in the space, with the exception of a striking area rug or artwork on the wall. To create further contrast in the area, you may decide to use a small amount of black as a dramatic accent.
Author: Candi Randolph

Although clean lines are indicative of contemporary decor, unique geometric shapes are very much at home in this setting. This could come in the form of sculpture, accent pieces or a one-of-a-kind chair. Complementing these will be the straight lines of the other pieces in the area, such as a Scandinavian style sofa. The accent pieces such as coffee tables and end tables may be wood based with stainless steel or chrome accents, and of course will be clean and sleek lined. The wood tone that is selected, whether light, dark or something in-between, will be carried through the area for consistency.

You will use materials such as metal, chrome and stainless steel throughout the area as an accent element. Ideally, there will be bold architectural details, with soaring windows and high angled walls. Your flooring may be wood, tile or a textured carpet such as a Berber to complement the contemporary decor. Using a textured wall covering is another element of interest that can be added to the space.

Lighting is an essential element to contemporary style decorating and should be selected carefully. A room's focal point is often highlighted with the use of track lighting. As with other elements in the room, light fixtures will have clean lines, may have bold colors and be constructed from a type of metal such as stainless steel or chrome.

As you are selecting colors, textures, furniture and accessories for the area, it is critical to remember that with contemporary decor there is never a feeling of messiness or overcrowding. Each piece and element has a drama of its own, and should be appreciated without distraction. If you think that adding one more element to the area might be too much, you're probably right. Err to the "less is more" philosophy of decorating and you will be fine.

Your completed contemporary space will reflect the smooth, sleek, refined, uncluttered, dramatic look that defines your lifestyle (or not, but it may relieve the stress of the hectic days!) In any event, enjoy your contemporary style surroundings.
Author:Kathy Baldwin

read more “Home Decorating Ideas - Defining Contemporary Decor”

Create A Scrumptious Chicken Soup From Leftovers

Chicken Soup is a great starter to an evening meal or a great lunch time food with cheese toasties or something else.. You may be partial to a bought option or a favourite homemade version. The following is a method of creating chicken soup from leftover chicken bones.

1. Cook a chicken meal eg roast chicken for consumption on one evening.

2. Put the leftover chicken bones into a saucepan and cover.

3. Put in fridge overnight and create the chicken soup the next day. Alternatively you can create the chicken soup after the evening meal and put the finished soup in the fridge for the next day.

4. Firstly you will be creating a chicken stock. Take the lid off and cover the bones completely with water.

5. Bring to boil on the stove.

6.Once boiling turn heat down to low and simmer for approximately one hour. This time will vary depending on amount of leftover bones and water you added. You need to simmer for a length of time which will give you a flavoursome chicken stock.

7. Whilst the mixture is simmering you prepare the vegetables. You can add any vegetables you like eg mushrooms. potato, kumara, carrot , onion, capsicum. A simple option is just to add onion and carrot. The quantity to use is your choice. It is a matter of experimenting and coming up with what suits you. So peel and slice finely the carrots, and remove onion skin and slice or cut finely into desired pieces.

8. When the saucepan mixture has simmered to the desired length of time, remove from heat. Pour contents over a large sieve which has been placed over a bowl. The chicken stock will collect in the bowl.

9. Pour the chicken stock from the bowl to the saucepan and add the prepared vegetables.

10. Boil gently at a medium heat.

11. Whilst chicken stock and vegetables are boiling gently you can remove any chicken from the bones and add it back to the soup mixture. If there was any leftover chicken which was not on the bone then this can be cut up and also placed in the saucepan.

12. Chicken Soup is finished cooking when the vegetables are tender. Test tenderness of vegetables with a knife of fork.

13. Serve into soup bowls And Bon Appetite

Please note , you can use plain chicken or smoked chicken. Smoked chicken is very flavoursome.

Author : Hilary

read more “Create A Scrumptious Chicken Soup From Leftovers”