Myths About Weight Loss

November 23, 2009

Category:  Healthy Eating, Looks, Personal Growth, Weight Loss

Do you really know what it takes to lose weight? Can you really believe
what those ads tell you? Are you confused by what all those experts are
telling you? Do you know that 95% of people who go on conventional diets,
gain back all the weight they have lost and often end up fatter than when
they began? Do you really know what is fact and what is hype?

Losing weight safely, healthily and permanently is not as complicated as it
may seem. Once you know what works and what doesn’t and then apply this
knowledge properly, you can, finally, lose that ugly fat.

This article highlights 15 of the most common myths associated with weight
loss. Understanding them, will help clear up the confusion and help you to
decide how best to lose that weight forever.

#1 Fad diets work best for permanent weight loss.

Fad diets (South Beach Diet, Atkins Diet, Glycemic Load Diet etc.) are not
the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Fad diets often promise quick
weight loss or tell you to cut certain foods out of your diet. You may lose
weight at first on one of these diets. But diets that strictly limit
calories or food choices are hard to follow. Most people quickly get tired
of them and regain
any lost weight.

Fad diets may be unhealthy because they may not provide all of the nutrients
your body needs. Also, losing weight at a very rapid rate (more than 3
pounds a week after the first couple weeks) may increase your risk for
developing gallstones (clusters of solid material in the gallbladder that
can be painful). Diets that provide less than 800 calories per day also
could result in heart rhythm abnormalities, which can be fatal.

Research suggests that losing ½ to 2 pounds a week by making healthy food
choices, eating moderate portions, and building physical activity into your
daily life is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. By adopting
healthy eating and physical activity habits, you may also lower your risk
for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

#2 Certain types of people cannot lose weight.

We are all born with a genetically pre-determined number of fat cells. Some
people naturally have more fat cells than others and women have more than
men. The number of fat cells increase the older we get.

It was once believed that the number of fat cells could not increase after
adulthood, only the size of the fat cells could increase. We now know that
fat cells can indeed increase both in size and in number and that they are
more likely to increase in number at certain times and under certain
circumstances.

Existing fat cells increase in size when energy intake exceeds energy
expenditure and the excess is stored in the fat cell. An overweight person’s
fat cells can be up to three times larger than a person with ideal body
composition.

Fat cells tend to increase in number most readily when excessive weight is
gained due to overeating and or inactivity during the following periods:
1. During late childhood and early puberty 2. During pregnancy 3. During
adulthood when extreme amounts of weight are gained

Normally during adulthood, the number of fat cells stay about the same,
except in the case of obesity. When the existing fat cells are filled to
capacity, new fat cells can continue to be formed in order to provide
additional storage - even in adults.

A typical overweight adult has around 75 billion fat cells. But in the case
of severe obesity, this number can be as high as 250 to 300 billion!

Because of these facts, many people believe, “Well, I have more fat cells
than other people, so what’s the use, I’ll never lose weight”. Some
people argue that obesity is genetic and/or that once you’re obese and your
fat cells have multiplied, it’s an uphill battle you can’t ever win.

It’s easy to search for excuses to explain your failure. It’s easy to
justify current circumstances and low future expectations by seeking out
seemingly logical and scientific facts and explanations.

Here’s the reality.

People who say it can’t be done are just pessimists or they are simply trying
to sell another pill, potion or miracle solution.

As much as some people desperately want to believe in a magic pill or
surgical procedure, getting a lean body always boils back down to nutrition
and exercise. You can’t change the number of fat cells you have (without
surgery), but you can shrink every one of them by changing your lifestyle.

The number of fat cells you possess will certainly influence how difficult
it will be for you to lose body fat. It’s one of the reasons why some people
have a more difficult time losing weight than others and why some people
seem to gain weight more easily than others if they’re not very careful and
diligent with their nutrition and exercise programs.

However, it does not mean that it’s impossible to get lean.

#3 High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are a healthy way to lose weight.

The long-term health effects of a high-protein/low- carbohydrate diet are
not yet known. Additionally, getting most of your daily calories from high-
protein foods like meat, eggs, and cheese is not a balanced eating plan. You
may be eating too much fat and cholesterol, which can cause heart disease.
You may be eating too few fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which may
lead to constipation due to lack of dietary fiber and cause a lack of
essential vitamins and minerals. Following a high-protein/low- carbohydrate
diet may also make you feel nauseous, tired, and weak.

Eating fewer than 130 grams (520 calories) of carbohydrate a day can cause
your body to produce high levels of uric acid, which is a risk factor for
gout (a painful swelling of the joints) and kidney stones. High-protein/low-
carbohydrate diets are often low in calories because food choices are
strictly limited, so they may cause short-term weight loss. But a reduced-
calorie eating plan that includes recommended amounts of carbohydrate,
protein, and fat will also allow you to lose weight. By following a balanced
eating plan, you will not have to stop eating whole classes of foods, such as
whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and miss the key nutrients they
contain. You may also find it easier to stick with a diet or eating plan
that includes a greater variety of foods.

#4 A Low Fat Diet is Best

Certain amount of fats are essential, as some fatty acids cannot be made by
the body and must come from the diet. ( Fatty acids are simply one of the
main constituent parts of fat along with cholesterol) Some essential
vitamins (A D E K ) are only soluble in fat and the fatty acids act as a
carrier for them.

Certain fatty acids are also essential in the formation of cell membranes,
particularly in nerve tissue. It has been shown that patients on a fat free
diet develop scaly skin, infertility and run a greater risk of infection.

A further source of confusion is the different types of fat. In particular,
we have heard of saturated fat, unsaturated fat, mono-unsaturated fat and
poly-unsaturated fat. Without getting into the chemical differences between
each of these fats, suffice it to say that there are good fats and bad fats.

Saturated fats are the bad fats. Generally speaking, they are the ones
which are solid at room temperature and tend to be derived from animal
sources. i.e. butter comes from milk. Too much saturated fat is believed to
cause heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancers.

Unsaturated fats (both mono and poly ) are the good fats and tend to be
liquid at room temperature and are derived from vegetable sources. So when
we are looking at fats, keep an eye on the types of fat in the foods we are
eating and stay away from those which are high in saturated fat.

Now that we know what fat is, how much should we be eating? It is generally
accepted that about 30% of our calories should come from fat and no more
than 11% of this should be from saturated fat So, if we take a typical male
who is on 2500 calories, his fat target is no more than 750 calories (or
84g) from fat. Remember these are the maximum amounts allowed. It is much
better to err on the low side of this figure but DO NOT go below 20% of
calories from fat. (500 calories for our male example). Remember, we need
fat in our diet.

#5 Weight gain is genetic. You inherit it from your parents

Certainly, there may be what we call tendencies, but there is no such thing
as a fat gene that is passed down from generation to generation. What is
inherited are attitudes towards food and living in general. If parents are
overweight, it is likely that their food choices are unhealthy and it is
likely that their lifestyle is unhealthy. So, from a very early age, their
children are being subjected to that same unhealthy lifestyle. They have
little chance of remaining at a”normal” weight. They have learned to be
unhealthy by following what their parents have done and will carry this
learned behaviour with them throughout their lives.

Being overweight is not genetic but is another convenient excuse not to try
to lose weight. Each of us has within us the power to achieve our weight
loss.

#6 The “set point” theory determines what we all should weigh.

The set-point theory holds that we all have an internal weight regulator,
like a thermostat, that adjusts our metabolic rate up or down whenever we
gain or shed pounds in order to return our body to its predetermined weight.
Undoubtedly, some controls do exist or we would all be obese,
or,alternately, wasting away. Studies show that when we lose weight, our
metabolism actually shifts to a normal rate for that new weight, independent
of individual differences. It is important ,however, that the weight loss is
gradual, 1/2 to 2lbs per week is ideal. The body does not like rapid change
as it tends to have emergency responses to something that it doesn’t like.
For instance, by losing weight rapidly, through diet, our bodies will go
into “starvation mode” where it will slow our metabolism to preserve our fat
reserves and thus make it very difficult to lose weight. It will also tend
to make weight gain much more likely when the diet ends because our
metabolism has been slowed down so much.

People nevertheless embrace the theory to blame their bodies, rather than
their own behaviour, for their weight-loss failure. It offers comfort to
those who refuse to accept the fact that weight control requires a
commitment to a physically active and calorie-conscious lifestyle.

#7 Carbohydrates make you fat.

Carbohydrates do not make you fat. Calories make you fat. Often it’s the
sugar and fat contained in carbohydrates that make you fat. Also a lot of
carbohydrates are processed, so you don’t get the advantage of feeling full
from fiber found in unprocessed carbs. For example, whole grain pasta is
more filling and makes you feel satisfied longer than white pasta, the same
with white bread and brown bread though, both have the same amount of
calories. What will change the number of calories is the amount of sauce and
butter you put on your pasta. What you want to do is eat carbs in
moderation.

#8 Counting calories is not important.

You definitely need to count calories in one way or other in order to lose
weight. Most people tend to overestimate their physical activity and
underestimate their calories. Don’t guess or try to estimate your caloric
intake. You cannot be accurate enough. There are many good computer
programs out there that do most of the work for you. If weight gain is
caused by your caloric intake (food) being greater than your caloric output
(living and exercise), how can you possibly know where you are and what
needs to be done?

#9 The best way to lose weight is to miss meals.

Studies show that people who skip breakfast and eat fewer times during the
day tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast and eat five
or six times a day. This may be because people who skip meals tend to feel
hungrier later on and eat more than they normally would. Also, it is now
generally accepted that people who eat smaller meals, 5 or 6 times a day,
tend to be less likely to be overweight. The process of eating in itself
tends to raise your metabolic rate and by eating more often, tends to keep
your metabolism more active for longer. Remember, to keep within your
caloric allowance.

#10 The best way to lose weight is by starving yourself.

Losing weight by not eating is an absolute no, no. There are 3 main reasons
for this. Very low calorie dieting or any “quick weight loss” will
significantly decrease our metabolism. Eating increases metabolism due to
the energy required for digestion and absorption of the food. The calories
required to digest, absorb, transport and metabolise the food we eat, can
cause a 10% increase in our caloric expenditure each day. Every time we eat,
our body’s metabolism gets a temporary boost. So one way to help increase
metabolic rate is to eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks. Skipping
meals causes a decrease in our metabolic rate until we again eat something.

Significantly reducing calories lowers our metabolic rate. Our body treats
any sudden reduction in food intake as an impending starvation situation and
prepares itself by slowing our metabolism to conserve calories. The more
drastically we cut our calories, the more our metabolic rate drops.

Losing weight through dieting alone without exercise, depletes our muscle
tissue stores. Muscle requires many more calories each day to maintain itself.
The faster we lose weight through dieting alone, the more muscle tissue we
lose and the lower our metabolic rate becomes. Exercise prevents muscle
tissue loss and adds muscle bulk and therefore raises our metabolic rate.

#11 We shouldn’t eat late at night as all that food will turn to fat.

The fact is, eating at night does not necessarily make you fat. There are
too many other variables involved to make such a big assumption. The primary
factor in whether you gain or lose fat is not when you eat but rather how
much. Providing we have not consumed too many calories for that day it
doesn’t really matter when we eat.

However, that doesn’t mean meal timing doesn’t matter, it simply means that
it’s entirely possible to eat one of your meals late at night right before
bed and still lose body fat, as long as you’re in a caloric deficit.

It would be more accurate to say that eating large meals late at night
before bed, especially calorie dense high carbohydrate meals, increases the
probability that you will store some of those calories as fat.

It is probably more beneficial if you plan to eat your calories earlier in
the day and slightly fewer calories at night. Experience has shown that this
will accelerate fat loss or make it easier to lose fat and that’s not the
same as saying “eating at night makes you fat.”

#12 Weight loss pills are the best way to lose weight if you have failed in
the past.

Would you believe me if I said there was a pill which could make you
smarter, richer or more attractive. No you wouldn’t. You’d probably would
laugh at the thought. It is no more ridiculous to believe that a pill could
make you lose weight. Many of the so called weight loss pills on the market
have not been properly tested and we are not yet sure of the long term
effects of taking them. You will read many reviews praising this pill or
that pill. Ask yourself this. “Is the writer of that review trying to then
sell me something?” There have been no pills yet which have been proven to
help weight loss safely and healthily.

#13 You can lose weight from a specific part of your body.

It is, absolutely, physically impossible to lose weight just from a specific
part of your body. You cannot control where fat is removed from your body.
Any machine or specific exercise which claims to specifically lose belly fat
or thigh fat is lying. Certainly, a specific exercise will improve muscle
tone in that group of muscles being trained, giving the illusion that fat is
being lost.

Fat will only disappear from your body in a predetermined order.
Unfortunately for men that tends to be the belly area and the thighs and hips
for women. Tom Venuto, author of the internet’s best selling book on fat
loss gives us a very good analogy. “You cannot empty the shallow end of the
swimming pool before you empty the deep end first.”

#14 You don’t need to exercise to lose weight.

You certainly don’t need to exercise to lose weight but it is very, very
difficult if you don’t. Most diets fail because they are too difficult to
maintain. Severely cutting down on calories means we have to deprive
ourselves of too many things we enjoy. This leads to cravings which leads
to cheating which leads to failure. It is also unhealthy.

We can also burn off calories by exercising. By incorporating exercise into
our daily regime, we immediately make weight loss more attainable. Simply
by walking 30 minutes every day at a pace which raises our heart rate enough
can help our weight loss tremendously. However, the more we exercise the
more calories we burn. Additionally, exercise gives us many other health
benefits, like a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, a greater feeling of
well-being etc. The benefits are too many to mention.

#15 Don’t weigh yourself

It’s another misconception that you shouldn’t step on a scale while
attempting to lose weight. It is a good motivational tool to check your
weight on a regular basis, say once a week.It is an obvious way to gauge
your progress and alter your diet accordingly. However, only using scales is
a bad idea. Use your eyes to see body changes. Use a tape measure to keep
track of tummy and thigh inches.

However, what you must keep in mind is that what you are, ultimately, trying
to do is lose fat and not just weight. Measuring fat loss is more difficult
to do but it is a far better indicator of your progress. Body fat analysis
is best done by a professional and can be done at most local gyms or health
clubs. There are also a wide range of devices freely available which can
give you a fairly accurate measurement.

http://amazing-weight-loss.blogspot.com

Iain Anthony lives in the UK with his wife and three children. He has a BA in Sports Studies and is the author of the Ultimate Weight Loss and Fat Loss Package. If you have enjoyed reading this article and are keen to discover much , much more, please visit http://amazing-weight-loss.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iain_Anthony

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Romance - What Husbands Forget About

November 17, 2009

Category:  Love & Marriage

Romance they say, is the language of love, a great ego booster which is ideally expressed in a marriage relationship. Touch, words of affection, shared moments create an emotional intimacy that sets in motion chemical reactions in the brain. A rise of dopamine and nor-epinephrine brings a blush to the cheeks and a euphoric excitement in the mind.

Unfortunately in most marriages, Romance quickly dies away within a few months, and couples begin to take each other for granted.

It may come as a surprise to many that though there are various causes for lack of self esteem, studies reveal that the majority of women who come for counseling, attribute it to the lack of ‘romantic love’ in marriage.
“Romantic love?” I can see the masculine hackles rising, “Not that ‘Mills & Boon’ stuff which fairy tales are made of.”

At best, romance is a temporary preoccupation during courtship or the honeymoon. Then the marriage settles down to what it actually is - a blatant business arrangement between bread winner and home maker, with the exchange of sexual privileges. No wonder then that just as soon as they are economically stable, the number of women opting out of an unfulfilling union and preferring to go it alone, is increasing.

Because of the gradual collapse of the institution of marriage, frightening changes in morals and human values are threatening to overcome the world. Some introspection and damage control is therefore in order. Many times it is mere ignorance or thoughtlessness on the part of man that consigns his wife to a lifetime of frustration and low self esteem. Men fail to realize the fact that the needs of men and women differ.

What is ‘Romantic Love?” It is the element of candour, and a love that is not ashamed to express itself in words, gestures and deeds. The slim volume “Song of Solomon” belonging to the ancient literature of Israel, is the love song of King Solomon and the shepherdess he hankers after. It is so beautiful in its unselfconsciousness, its clarity of expression and confession of love, that it could be called a good handbook of romantic love.

Being a housewife can be awfully difficult. The frustrations, loneliness and recurring tensions far outweigh the joy of home, husband and children. It is a thankless occupation with no fixed hours of work, no casual or privilege leave, no retirement age. So it is up to the husband to ensure that his wife gets the minimum perks she expects.

Even the best of mothers and the most devoted of wives feels exhausted at the end of the day. Chores and children’s demands are never ending. Her own needs, her hobbies, her friends are all forgotten in a desperate attempt to cram things into her 24-hour schedule.
Perhaps the poet who wrote,
“What is this life but full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare,”

had the housewife in mind when he wrote it. And when at the end of the day the husband comes home and says, “What are you so tired about? You laze around all day, while I work my butt off in the office,” the desire to clobber the unfeeling sod comes naturally.

Why has depression become so pervasive among housewives? It is mostly due to changing social trends. Economically independent women, or those who perform the incredible feat of holding a job and simultaneously running an efficient home, are in the news as achievers. Mere housewives are downgraded. They are spoken of in condescending terms. Disrespect and ridicule are often inherent in comments made by professionals. Their achievements as home-makers are dismissed as demeaning servitude to men and tradition.

The bias towards beauty has also contributed in a big way to lower the self esteem of many women. Flawless skin, svelte figures, clever makeup, expensive dinner wear are what makes news. Beauty has eclipsed intelligence. It makes ordinary women feel ugly and flawed.

If these feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem are to be overcome, the housewife needs help from those who love her, mainly her husband. A man usually derives satisfaction from his profession and status, his productivity and finance, his interaction with peers, and the appreciation and respect he receives from colleagues.

But a wife, who expends all her energy and youth in becoming a good homemaker, an exemplary mother, and a loving wife, has no recourse to such respect or appreciation. The man in her life must therefore bring meaning to it. She expects him to appreciate and cherish her. She plods through the day knowing that at the end of it, she can eagerly reach out to him for a sign that he has missed her during his absence, and that his life seems incomplete when he is away from her.

Expressing love verbally or conveying it through a look or a touch, is a way of showing how much you care, and makes for romantic bonding. Remembering her birthday, bringing an unexpected gift, or planning a special outing for two, are gestures that prop up a woman’s self esteem. Men take it for granted that their wives know they love them.

What men need to know is that verbal expressions are like aphrodisiacs, heightening romance and passion. There is nothing unmanly in disclosing one’s feelings through expression of tender thoughts or endearments. Rather than appearing maudlin, it would emphasize one’s humanity. And unless a man begins to understand this need of a woman, she will not feel free to express herself for fear of rejection.

How important it is to make one’s wife a precious partner instead of a permanent project! What an achievement that would be if by changing one’s perspective and behaviour, it can bring happiness and confidence to one who is glibly called ‘the better half.’

Most men go through life holding on to misconceptions. A housewife’s life is not enviable nor are her household chores easy. At best they are repetitive, boring and utterly uninspiring. Many women if given the choice would prefer to work outside the home. Children those sweet innocent cherubs, are indefatigable bundles of energy. They claim full attention and monopolize and isolate their mothers. How many mothers have time to laze around, watch TV or attend ‘kitty parties?’ If they do so it must be at the expense of their house work.

Housework is more stressful than office work. It could be so enervating physically, mentally and emotionally that it can drive a woman to desperation. The best way for a man to estimate the value of his housebound wife is to swap roles for a day or two. Most men who have done so are unanimous in their praise for their wives.

There is no denying it, women are sentimental creatures. Good husbands who are mindful of their wives’ needs must reach within themselves, and rediscover the joy of romance. Communication enriches marriage. The process of discovering each other must endure throughout life. Husbands who are expressive and make it a point to say “I love you” at least once a day, have discovered what it takes to keep a marriage happy. Romance is the magic word. It can put self esteem back into the life of a housewife who considers herself a non-entity.

“Love is the one business in which it pays to be a spendthrift,” says France Crane.
Appreciation of her looks, her cooking expertise, her care of the kids, will make her bloom and perhaps bring out other qualities. An understanding husband is sensitive to her moods, her needs, her tears. He will show extra love and understanding when she’s going through a bad patch. He’ll spend quality time with her, and not only listen but demonstrate his affection through symbolic and verbal communication.

So all husbands take heed. Don’t let romance die in your marriage. It will keep you “forever warm, forever panting, and forever young.”

Eva Bell is a doctor of Medicine and also a freelance writer of articles, short stories, children stories. Published in Indian magazines and newspapers, anthologies and also on the web. Author of two novels, one non-fiction, two children’s books. Special interest- Travel and Women’s Issues.

http://www.evabell.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Bell

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9 Critical Facts You Should Know Before Committing to Cosmetic Surgery

November 12, 2009

Category:  Anti-Aging Tips, Style Tips

Cosmetic surgery is now so common, it’s almost commonplace. Cosmetic surgical procedures are used to correct everything from disfigurements that are the result of an accident to physical features that are perceived to be less than perfect. In some cases, cosmetic surgery can help to correct not only a physical trait but help to raise a person’s self-esteem as well.

There are a number of different cosmetic surgery options. The most common cosmetic surgical procedures involve redefining some aspect of the body, while others involve enhancing the skin through a variety of measures. Liposuction is a very popular cosmetic surgery option. This procedure allows the physician to suction the fat off various portions of the body to reveal slimmer and trimmer physique.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the nose is reshaped. Some patients request this surgery because they perceive their nose to be either too big or an unattractive shape. In other cases, the procedure may be necessary to help a patient breathe better.

Implants is a term that is used frequently in regard to cosmetic surgery, however; besides it’s obvious application to the breast area implants are also used to enhance other body parts. The chin and cheekbones are two areas where are implants are frequently used to redefine a patient’s profile.

There are a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures that can be done to enhance the breast area. Implants are used frequently to increase a patient’s bust size. While the subject of breast implants received much bad press several years ago due to the fact that silicone breast implants were proven to be unsafe, the products used today are considered to be much safer. Lifts are often necessary to correct breasts that sag and droop. Augmentation may be utilized in order to align the breasts so that they are the same size when there is a situation where one breast is smaller than the other.

While some patients wish to undergo cosmetic surgery in order to increase their bust size, others have a breast reduction in order to reduce their breast size. This is often necessary when a woman has very large breasts that may cause health issues such as back pain and strain on the neck and shoulders.

The cosmetic surgery frequently referred to as a tummy tuck is similar to liposuction in that it removes excess fat from the area around the stomach and waist. Patients who have lost significant amounts of weight may find it necessary to have this procedure performed as well as an arm lift or buttock/thigh lift. When an individual loses large amounts of weight, particularly at a rapid rate, the skin generally begins to sag and no amount of exercise is able to tone the sagging skin. These types of cosmetic surgical procedures can tighten the skin.

While there are a variety of cosmetic surgery options available today that can correct almost any skin or body problem, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations. First, some cosmetic surgeries will leave permanent scars. The prospective patient must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having a permanent scar against living with the issue that drove them to consider surgery. Secondly, it is very important that the patient realize that cosmetic surgery does not produce overnight results. Some surgeries will not produce optimal results until at least a year after the surgery was performed. Finally, as with all surgeries, cosmetic surgery does come with inherent risks and dangers.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Clark

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Cosmetic Surgery- Know about it

October 20, 2009

Category:  Anti-Aging Tips, Fashion Trends, Latest products, Looks, Product Reviews, Weight Loss

Cosmetic Surgery or Aesthetic Surgery uses various surgical techniques to enhance the appearance of a person. While God created me, he had been quite generous about my body, great with my face and played a joke on my nose. It is huge. So, I decided to check out cosmetic surgery options.

Cosmetic Surgery in America

In USA, around 12 million cosmetic surgeries were performed in 2007 alone. The five most commonly done ones are nasal surgery, liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery and abdominoplasty. Europe follows as the second largest market for cosmetic surgeries.

Cosmetic Surgery- Other types

Some other popular cosmetic surgeries are butt implant, butt lift, rhytidectomy (face lift), chin augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, cheek augmentation, labiaplasty, botox rejuvenation,
revirginisation, penile lengthening, penile thickening and anything else you can dream of that needs to be increased, decreased, reshaped, lengthened or cut off. Omigosh!

I am really fascinated by all these aesthetic surgeries and would love to try at least two- a nose job and a butt lift. But, just thinking of an injection gives me the jitters and the painful memories of my c-section are still not behind me. I don’t think I would voluntarily give myself up for any surgery.

I’d rather chicken out on this one! And like the fox that shooed away the grapes, I would say,” I am happy with just what God made me!”

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Online Diwali Shopping

October 15, 2009

Category:  Latest stores around town

Diwali is the festival of enjoyment and fun. People in India wait for diwali and make the preparation and arrangements for it with enthusiasm and excitement. But when it comes to diwali shopping they find it a very tedious task as there are lots of work related to preparations such as decoration and many other chores they need to finish.

But now with the facility of online diwali shopping they love to do diwali shopping as this is not a tedious task over the internet. Whether it is about deepawali gifts shopping or diyas, sweets, decorative items all these things can be purchased over the internet.

The celebration of Diwali festival is always accompanied by the exchange of sweets, fireworks and gifts. All of these are available over the internet. You can select the delicious sweets over the internet and can order them for yourself as well as your dearest ones to gift them on Diwali 2008.

Diwali shopping in India is not completed without diwali decorations items that are employed during diwali to decorate the house. The main decorative item for diwali shopping is the string of mango leaves tied at the top of main door to the house. Torans are also decked on the door of puja room.

Aromatic candles, wall hangings are the other decoration items that are available in market as well as at online shops for your deepawali shopping.

Diwali is also the festival of exchanging diwali gifts and diwali cards so how can gifts be forgotten while diwali shopping. There is tradition of giving gifts to younger and elders, colleagues and friends, parents and relatives and acquaintances. While diwali shopping everyone wants to buy beautiful, antique and appropriate gifts and cards for their beloved ones.

Diwali shopping list should also include crackers which light up the earth and sky and flow the faces of people with a charm in their glittering colors. Diwali diyas, candles, lights, dresses, ornaments, sweets are the things that people like to buy while they do diwali shopping.

And you can find these at http://www.diwalishopping.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hema_Sirwani

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5 reasons why you should buy silk bedding

September 24, 2009

Category:  Accessories, Latest stores around town

Soft, silky and sensuous, there is definitely more to silk than its amazing touch and feel. Silk bedding is more and more becoming a household name and if considered carefully it truly deserves a place in your linen closet. Silk sheets, silk pillowcases and silk comforters should be all included in your list of silk bedding. It is a myth and a thing of the past that the silk sheets are only for the rich and famous or royalty. In my opinion there is no one who deserves to be spoilt and pampered more than you. Let’s explore why you should invest in silk bedding.
Silk is very durable - even though it appears flimsy and thin, silk sheets are very durable. Infact, silk is the strongest fiber there is out there. The carefully woven strands make the fabric strong and durable and can withstand the daily wear and tear. It is recommended that one buy silk sheets made form 12 - 19 momme. Momme is the measurement of silk. The higher the number the thicker it is.
Silk is practical - gone are the days when silk had to be only dry cleaned. Now with technological advances we are seeing easy to maintain silk fabrics, which in my opinion are the next best thing to sliced bread. Washable silk fabrics are a great choice for the silk sheets and silk pillowcases. However, do take the time to read the care instructions for your silk bedding. Silk comforters however, still need to be dry cleaned.
Silk is hypo allergenic - silk bedding is a great choice for people with allergies as silk bedding naturally repels allergens and dust mites that cause allergies. Silk sheets and silk pillowcases due to the amino acids in the fabric are a naturally occurring deterrent. So say goodbye to dust, fungus and mold.
Silk and beauty - silk fabrics have been known to keep the skin looking younger due to its natural properties and amino acids present. Keep wrinkles away with your silk sheets and silk pillowcases. The silk prevents the skin from drying out and hydrates the skin which keeps it looking fresh and young too. Top hairdressers and beauty experts recommend using silk pillowcases to prevent bed head and bad hair days.
Ideal for all climates - the properties of silk make it an ideal choice for year round use. Silk sheets and bedding feel cool in the hot months and warm in the cooler months. The draping and supple quality of silk also allows it to drape ever inch of the body eliminating any hot or cold spots one might create on the body.
All thing considered it seemed like a real luxury when I contemplated changing my bedding out to silk bedding but now after using it I have never once regretted the decision. With time becoming a precious commodity and the economy being the way it is, it is difficult to take away for a weekend here and there. Why not convert your own bedroom into a luxurious retreat. Start with silk sheets and silk pillowcases and then work your way to the rest. Silk bedding is a great choice - it is hypoallergenic, durable. Great for facial and hair beauty, ideal for all climates and above all it makes you feel good and spoilt. Don’t delay; wrap yourself in the luxury of silk today!

About the Author
Rashmi is the owner of www.operaglassesonline.com, your one stop shop for a large variety of opera glasses, www.silkbeddingandmore.com, Silk Bedding and More,the silk bedding store which carries all kinds of silk bedding and all that is needed for the bedroom and www.igiftabasket.com, your all occasion Gift Basket Online Store

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Expert Style Tips To Instantly Transform Your Figure

September 19, 2009

Category:  Accessories, Clothes, Style Tips

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished that there was something you could immediately do that would quickly and easily improve your figure. Would you like to reshape your figure, look 10 lbs thinner, 2 inches taller, have a fuller bust line, or disappear a large bottom? Well with the following professional tips and advice your wish as been granted and you will be able to instantly visually transform and enhance your figure.

Use Line Illusions – There are four types of line vertical, horizontal, diagonal and curved. Each type of line creates a different kind of illusions. Vertical lines create a slimming elongated illusion. Use verticals on areas of your body you want to look thinner or longer. Horizontal lines create a wide shorten illusion. Use horizontal lines on areas of your body that you want to enlarge or shorten. Diagonal lines divert the eye away from the area it is used on. Use diagonal lines on areas of your body you want to conceal and camouflage. Curve lines create the illusion of rounded curves. Use curve lines on areas of the body you want to lift or look curvaceous. Line illusion is one the most effective techniques you can use to reshape and transform your figure.

Employ The Power Of Color – Color can be used 3 ways to transform your figure. One by applying light colors to areas of your body you want to accentuate or enlarge and dark colors on the areas of your body you want to conceal or make look smaller. Two dress monochrome (all in one color) which will make your appear slimmer and taller. Three use color to create flattering lines.

Utilize The Effects Of Fabric – When selecting fabrics to transform your figure you have to take into consideration the weight and texture of the fabric and if the fabric has a print. Medium to lightweight soft non-cling fabric with a smooth matte texture will slim the area of the body they are worn over. Heavy bulky or stiff fabric with shiny or ruff texture will add weight and fullness to the areas of the body they are worn over. Bold bright prints and patterns will make you look heavier. Vertical prints will slim and elongate the areas they are worn over and horizontal prints will widen and shorten the areas they are worn over.

Don’t Forget To Accessorize - Accessories are a great way to add flattering lines where you need them. Want to slim a large bust line add a triple layer necklace that ends ½ inch or more below the bust line. Want to accentuate a small waist add a wide bright belt. Want to elongate your neck put on a pair of dangling earrings. Accessories are an inexpensive, fun and powerful way to successfully transform your figure.

Eileen Hammel President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert. http://www.smartskincaresmartcosmetics.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eileen_Hammel

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Seven Crucial Steps for Long Term Weight Loss

August 26, 2009

Category:  Healthy Eating, Weight Loss

1. Food Intake – How much do you need?

First of all, you need to understand that in order to begin losing weight you must consume fewer calories than your body burns in a period of a day. The bottom line is, regardless of the confusion brought on by the media and industry, calories still count!

Your body weight is largely a product of total daily caloric intake minus total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). So, to lose weight, your daily food consumption measured in calories must be less than TDEE. In other words a deficit in calories must be created to trigger a reduction in body weight. Although this is a simple concept, it’s not easily accomplished. And statistics prove it: approximately 50% of Americans are obese and two thirds of Americans are borderline obese.

It doesn’t have to be that way, however. People need to be educated with respect to health, nutrition and weight loss maintenance. Knowledge is what we need. Knowledge is power, and with power comes change.

One simple guideline for losing weight is to adjust your daily caloric intake to equal ten times your weight in pounds. For example if you weigh 180 lbs. your total daily food intake should equal 1800 calories. This would create a sufficient deficit in calories for gradual weight loss. This method will not work, however, for people who are extremely obese.

Another efficient method of losing weight at a reasonably comfortable pace (for any person) is to reduce your total daily food intake by 500 calories. One pound equals 3500 calories and at the rate of 500 calories per day, it translates to 1 pound of weight loss per week. This is a sensible, realistic weight loss pace and more likely to succeed in the long term. On the other hand, diet programs based on more extreme calorie restriction are very stressful physically and mentally, which is why they result in quick but temporary weight reduction. Not to mention the high cost of many weight loss plans that include pre packaged food, unnecessary meal replacements, supplements and so on.

A more accurate method to figure out how many calories you actually need (to maintain your weight) is to take your body weight and multiply it by 11. Say you weigh 160 pounds and you are completely sedentary.

160 x 11 = 1760 (calories). So you would need 1760 calories if you sat around all day with very minimal movement to remain at 160 pounds.

Now to go a step further, we have to determine your metabolic factor. There are 3 main categories for metabolism. Slow metabolism is when you have a very difficult time losing weight. Medium metabolism means you don’t have difficulty losing weight - if you really try. And Fast metabolism is when it seems no matter how much you eat you can’t gain weight. Don’t I wish I had that problem. See the table below.

Slow Metabolism (%)

Under 30 Years of Age - 30%
Between 30-40 Years of Age - 25%
Over 40 Years of Age - 20%

Medium Metabolism (%)

Under 30 Years of Age - 40%
Between 30-40 Years of Age - 35%
Over 40 Years of Age - 30%

Fast Metabolism (%)

Under 30 Years of Age - 50%
Between 30-40 Years of Age – 45%
Over 40 Years of Age - 40%

Let’s continue with the above example (1760 cal.) and let’s say you’re 35 years old and have a slow metabolism. The corresponding metabolic rate factor would be 25%. 1760 x 25% = 440 calories – which means you would need an additional 440 calories. Your total daily calories would therefore equal 2200 (1760 + 440). In other words, you would require 2200 calories per day to maintain your present weight.

Now to lose weight at a comfortable pace (as mentioned above), subtract 500 calories from this total. That would equal 1700 calories (2200 – 500). Consequently, in order to lose one pound per week you would require 1700 daily calories from food. The next step would be to keep track of all your calories. To do that you will need to know the calorie content of the foods you eat. A calorie counter or calculator is where you enter the type of food product, the amount (in grams or ounces) and it calculates the calorie content for you. You can find them at many websites online for free. One that I found to work fairly well, which also contains a huge selection of foods including items from fast food restaurant chains, is at http://www.caloriesperhour.com/

To increase your rate of weight loss even further you can raise your exercise level. One way to accomplish this is by participating in a program of regular physical activity or if you already are, simply increase the exercise intensity level. See tip number 6 and 7 in this article for more information on physical activity and weight loss.

2. Diet Composition

Your diet must consist of foods from all food groups (e.g. meat, dairy, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts/seeds, legumes). If you’re a vegetarian, you can still get sufficient amounts of protein from legumes, soy bean products and whole grains. In a French study, evidence suggested that diet variety was one of the reasons French people were less obese and had fewer occurrences of heart disease than Americans. Another important factor was the diversity in their diet. Overall, the French diet contained more foods from all food groups and consisted of more types of food and food products compared to the American diet. (1)

Furthermore, the French seemed to enjoy their food more. Their meals were like special gatherings, celebrations, meant to be enjoyed by all. They typically didn’t eat very fast. They seemed to enjoy their food more; it’s as if time stood still during their meals. This method of eating accomplishes several things. For one, eating slower and being more relaxed during meals increases chewing time. In addition, by slowing down the pace of a meal and chewing more, you are more likely to get a feeling of fullness while eating less quantities of food. In contrast, North Americans, very often eat on the run.

The other benefit of the French eating style is that it aids the digestive process by reducing workload and improving the efficiency of nutrient distribution throughout the body. An increase in food variety and diversity decreases the percentage of bad foods (saturated/trans fats, unrefined carbohydrates) present in your digestive system. Moreover, increased fiber content from fresh foods (fruits vegetables and whole grains) also sweeps up and pushes out bad foods quicker, leaving them less time to be absorbed by the intestines and therefore becoming less harmful. As a result risks of developing chronic diseases, such as various forms of cancer and heart related diseases are also reduced. (2)

3. Quantity and Frequency of Meals

Does the size and quantity of your meals really matter? You’ve probably heard many times over that it’s best to have smaller more frequent meals throughout the day. In other words snacking is preferable to gorging. Is this fact or fiction? Well, the fact of the matter is that scientific research with respect to this area of study has been largely contradicting. There really is no overwhelming evidence to support the idea that increased frequency and decreased portion size of meals is associated with weight loss efficiency. This eating method, however, has been shown to benefit athletic performance in trained athletes. (3)

A study with ice skaters suggested that meals taken throughout the day to correspond with periods of physical demand associated with training, help to maximize performance. Keep in mind that improving athletic performance in athletes is one thing, but increasing the rate of weight loss is something quite different. Although, when taken to extremes, it is probably better to eat 8-10 smaller meals per day than 1 large one for example.

As it turns out, the customary three meals a day method is just fine. There just hasn’t been enough convincing evidence to prove that it has a negative effect on weight loss. Eating 5-6 meals a day is also fine. Changing to a more frequent eating style, however, may cause you to over eat, if you’re not careful, especially at the beginning. This is because, subconsciously, you’re used to having larger food portions at meal time. So, it’s important to keep track of the food quantity of every meal, until you get accustomed to the new way of eating.

4. Don’t Skip Meals

Ever heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well it’s true. The one meal you should never skip is breakfast. It is the meal that sets the tone for your metabolism. When you miss breakfast your metabolism responds by slowing down. Your body receives signals of famine from the brain and switches to energy conservation mode. This means rather than burning calories the body gets stingier with them.

The other thing that happens, when missing breakfast is, by the time lunch time comes around you feel starved and you almost always end up overeating. And as a result of this added pressure on your digestive system, most of your energy gets used up as your body works hard to digest and absorb all that food. Needles to say, you won’t feel very productive when you return to work, a feeling which may last for the next few hours.

Another important benefit of not skipping meals is that your blood sugar level is more stable, which keeps insulin in check – reducing unnecessary fat storage and ensuring that you have adequate energy levels required to perform your daily tasks with less physical and psychological stress.

5. Water

It was thought that drinking plenty of water throughout the day was a crucial part of a good weight loss strategy; the theory was that an adequate amount of water – 8 eight-ounce glasses per day – gives you a feeling of fullness which reduces periods of hunger; and the less you feel hungry the less you are going to snack – which translates to fewer calories. Recent studies have suggested, however, that choosing foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables and blending water into meals like soup has a greater effect on satiety, than simply just drinking water. And that it may result in a reduction of total daily calories.

In other words, including water rich foods like watermelon and other fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, and soups in your diet, is more effective with respect to satiety than relying on just drinking water. As a result, you wouldn’t need to drink 8 glasses of water a day, if you were getting an adequate supply from your diet. In fact, drinking 8 glasses of water per day is a misconception. This number was originally reported by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States Food and Nutrition Board. They also mentioned, however, in the same report, that the majority of water people need comes from food. (4)

The recommendation for a healthy individual is to drink one cup of water or juice with every meal. (ibid)

It’s also important to keep in mind that the human body is made up of 60-70% water. All our organs consist of a lot of water. Blood is mainly composed of water. So it makes sense to ensure that you’re always getting an adequate supply. Here are some functions of water:

- regulates your body temperature
- transports nutrients to your organs
- transports vital oxygen to your cells
- removes waste from your body
- protects all your organs and joints

6. Exercise

As you know, exercise participation is an important factor in weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In addition to weight reduction here are 20 important health benefits of physical activity.

1. Increases thermogenesis (increase in body temperature to burn calories).

2. Raises basal metabolic rate increasing calorie expenditure even during periods of rest or sleep.

3. Releases natural stimulants in the body helping to improve overall psychological condition. In other words it may alter your mood to a more positive state. (5)

4. Relieves stress and reduces the risk of stress related chronic diseases. (ibid)

5. Improves sex function

6. Lowers High Blood pressure levels.

7. May increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL)

8. Lowers elevated blood cholesterol levels.

9. Improves blood circulation.

10. Increases the level of oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and improves endurance. Vo2 max varies directly with the level of physical fitness.

11. Increases lean body mass (muscle) while reducing body fat - improving body composition and therefore improving physical appearance.

12. Improves self esteem.

13. Causes a natural tendency to be more conscious about eating healthier and therefore may improve a person’s diet.

14. Strengthens the musculoskeletal system protecting the body from unexpected physical shock.

15. Strengthens the body’s immune system and therefore slows down the aging process.

16. Strengthens bones and fights against osteoporosis - especially important for post – menopausal women. (6)

17. Strengthens the body’s immune system and therefore slows down the aging process.

18. Helps to fight against chronic diseases including many forms of cancers and heart disease. (7) (8)

19. When combined with stretching it may help to reduce lower back pain.

20. Improves physical condition in pregnant women making it easier to cope with the trials of childbirth: It increases energy levels; helps to reduce back pain; improves circulation and reduces swelling and development of varicose veins; tones muscles making it easier for the body to return to pre-pregnancy condition. You should check with your doctor, however, before you begin exercising during pregnancy. (9)

How Much exercise is Necessary for Weight Loss?

It depends on your goals and your body condition. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

- How much weight do you want to lose?
- What’s Your Age
- How much do you weigh?
- What is your physical condition?
- What is your daily caloric intake?
- Will you combine exercise with caloric restriction?

If you’re overweight, by more than 20 pounds, you need to participate in a program that includes diet restriction (reduce total daily calories by 500 cal.) and regular exercise (6-7 days a week). You should exercise for at least 30 continuous minutes – for best results increase the duration (up to 60 minutes). Your target intensity should be between 65-75% of your maximum heart rate – in other words, a comfortably vigorous level of intensity. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that a good weight loss program should consist of daily caloric expenditure of 300-500 calories from exercise. (10)

How do you calculate your heart rate? An easy formula for figuring out your maximum heart rate works by simply subtracting your age from 220. If you’re 40 years old, for example, your maximum heart rate is 180 beats per minute (220-40). To train at 70% of your maximum heart rate, simply multiply 180 by 70 and divide by 100, which equals 126 beats per minute. Therefore in order to train at an intensity level of 70% of maximum heart rate your training heart rate should be 126 beats per minute. How do you calculate your heart rate during exercise? Simply take your pulse by counting the number of beats over a 10 second period. Multiply that figure by 6 and you have the number of beats for a 1 minute period – that’s your training heart rate. Before you begin exercising, however, get clearance from your doctor, especially if you’re a beginner.

7. Exercise for Weight Loss Maintenance

Once you reach a desirable body weight, you can switch your exercise routine to weight loss maintenance mode. That means you can reduce the frequency of your workouts to 3-4 times a week. The duration and the intensity should remain the same - 60 minutes at a comfortably vigorous level. You will notice as you reach higher levels of fitness, exercise intensity must be turned up a notch to keep the workout challenging and also to burn more calories.

What types of activities should you participate in? There are many forms of exercise that are efficient in producing adequate weight loss and fitness. Some of them include aerobics, step or boxing aerobics, cycling, spinning, step-climbing, training on elliptical machines, cross country skiing (real or machine version), in line skating, ice skating, swimming, jogging, skate boarding, and sports like basketball, hockey, and soccer. There are many more. The important thing is to choose one that you’ll really enjoy. This way, your chances of sticking with it in the long run will be much higher.

Have fun, get in shape, lose those extra pounds and keep them off!

References:

1. http://www.sciencedaily.com, “Healthy diets need fat, according to new study”, retrieved 22 June 2005 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/04/980424031929.htm

2. http://www.ajcn.org, “Cereals, legumes, and chronic disease risk reduction: evidence from epidemiologic studies”, retrieved 15 August 2005 from http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/3/451S

3. http://www.jacn.org, “Contribution of Meals and Snacks to Nutrient Intake of Male and Female Elite Figure Skaters During Peak Competitive Season”, retrieved 19 May 2004 from http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/21/2/114

4. http://www.drmirkin.com, “HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED?”, retrieved 30 August 2005 from http://www.drmirkin.com/nutrition/9942.html

5. http://www.issponline.org/documents/physactstatement.pdf, “Physical Activity and Psychological Benefits – an ISSP Position Stand”, retrieved 22 August 2005 from http://www.issponline.org/documents/physactstatement.pdf

6. http://www.osteoporosis.ca, “Physical Activity: An Important Factor in Preventing Osteoporosis”, retrieved 22 August 2005 from http://www.osteoporosis.ca/english/About%20Osteoporosis/Physical%20Activity/default.asp?s=1

7. http://www.americanheart.org, “Physical Activity”, retrieved 25 August 2005 from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4563

8. http://www.cancer.gov, “Questions and Answers: Physical Activity and Cancer”, retrieved 25 August 2005 from http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/PhysicalActivity

9. http://health.discovery.com, “The Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise”, retrieved 26 August 2005 from http://health.discovery.com/centers/pregnancy/americanbaby/exercisebenefits.html

10. http://www.findarticles.com, “Exercise, the cornerstone to weight loss - Tech Brief”, retrieved 27 August 2005 from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_5_20/ai_92840206#continue

John Tiniakos helps make weight loss easier through proven weight loss methods using information and analysis from the worlds leading scientists. To subscribe to his free monthly newsletter that includes valuable, up to date tips on diet, weight loss and health visit http://www.nulife-weightloss.com For more information on his latest ebook “Nulife Natural Weight Loss Program” visit http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Tiniakos

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Detox Foods - Foods That Will Naturally Detox Your Body and Get You Feeling Like a Teenager

August 24, 2009

Category:  Anti-Aging Tips, Beauty Foods, Healthy Eating, Looks, Skin, Weight Loss

Detox foods are great for cleaning out your body. Detoxing on a regular basis will help you have more energy, burn more fat, and lose weight. Before we go into the different types of foods that will naturally cleanse your body, let’s talk briefly about colon cleansing.

As you know colon cleansing has becoming increasingly popular because not only does it help you lose weight but it also cleanses out toxins that can cause many health related problems. When doing a colon cleanse it will eliminate many foods that cause problems with digestion and the elimination. Foods like meats, processed foods, and sugar are cleansed from your body because they are often the most difficult to digest. Most people have anywhere from five to twenty pounds of waste in their colon. This undesirable buildup will cause toxins in the colon that result in health problems such as fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and weight gain. Your body should clean itself naturally but with today’s diet that is becoming increasingly difficult process. So colon cleansing with certain foods and supplements has made it easier to stay healthier.

Detox foods mainly consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and certain nuts. You can also drink water and juices that do not contain sugar. Make sure that you pick vegetables that are organic. Many are grown using insecticides and other chemicals. You may also want to consider colon cleansing supplement to help in your detox process. It will quickly aid you in getting rid of all the waste and toxins built up in your colon. You can also continue taking the supplements while you start changing your diet with the foods listed above.

Detox Foods are great and you do need to change the way you eat. But if you want to easily rid yourself of waste, toxins, and excess fat Click Here to find out more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Litchfield

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Hot Style Tips For Handbags

August 20, 2009

Category:  Bags, Fashion Trends, Product Reviews, Style Tips

Having the right handbag can be the most important part of your outfit. Not only should you have the most stylish bag around, but the type of handbag should be appropriately matched with the style you are sporting. Here are some of the simple things to remember when you are grabbing one of your designer handbags before you run out of the door.

The most important thing to consider when matching a bag to your outfit is size. A large bag is very casual and should only be worn so. One piece of clothing should be loose to compliment the size of the bag. A loose top or a skirt really help the bag flow with what you are wearing. Small bags with a shoulder strap are great to be matched with a sun dress or jeans with a snug top. This type of purse is the easiest to wear and is usually moderately priced by most designers. Large bags get expensive very easily, so don’t blow money on a lot of large bags. A clutch is a very versatile purse especially if it is black. Clutches can be matched with anything from a dress to an evening gown. Very dressy handbags will usually have sequins on them and they should only be matched with upscale evening wear.

Great brands to invest in are the top designers that have been around for a while. They usually have a classic line that stays in style for many years. Classic designs by Gucci and Louis Vuitton usually compliment a variety of outfits and you will get your money’s worth out of them. You can update classic styled handbags with flower pins or simply tie a scarf onto the strap. A good way to find out what the latest trends are is to shop around and see what designers are adding to their most recent bags.

Find out the best information about the hottest handbags and where you can find them for a discount at http://ohboybag.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Johansson

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