Wednesday, May 7, 2014

6 Tried and Tested Products For Curly Hair

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Photo by Keystone PressPhoto by Keystone Press

What do Solange and Scary Spice have in common? They both serve as hair saviours for a generation of young women.  As a mixed Bajan-Polish-Canadian kid growing up in the suburbs, there weren’t a lot of curly-haired icons out there for me to emulate. I longed for Denise Huxtable’s long, loose curls, but mine never grew past my shoulders. I sprayed my bangs into straight submission like every other ’80s pre-teen (split hair into two sections, insert curling iron, roll up, insert iron, roll down, spray until wet, blow dry), but my ponytail betrayed my true frizz. My hair was chemically relaxed for the first time when I was nine. Yes, my scalp burned. But oh, so smooth, so shiny, so straight! My parents wisely didn’t let me have it done again.


FLARE, Summer Beauty Guide 2012; Photo by Chris Nicholls

FLARE, Summer Beauty Guide 2012; Photo by Chris Nicholls



By high school, I was straightening in the winter and pulling my hair into a crunchy ponytail in the summer; a compromise that didn’t make me entirely happy. But then in 1996 a little ditty called “Wannabe” hit the radio…and Scary Spice became my big hair spirit animal. Now, I could write a whole essay on the idea that curly hair is scary and straight hair is not (how many times does a curly/frizzy haired film heroine get a makeover blowout?). But this isn’t about curl-ist philosophy. This is about what works. Friends, I’ve tried it all and can promise you great things with the products below for curly hair of all textures and ethnicities. Tweet me @FLAREFashion if you test any of them, or if you have a product you love.


Five Tips for Managing Curly Hair


1. Curls crave moisture: don’t squeeze hair dry, roll up in a towel turban or rub dry. Give it a blot or two and just let the water absorb into each strand. Product will adhere better and your curls will be smoother.


2. Water-based products absorb well, provide more moisture and leave hair easier to manage and style. Look for alcohol-free.


3. Once you’ve applied product, use your fingers to shape curls for more definition. This is especially effective around your face. If your hair is short to medium, finger curls work well. If you hair is longer, grasp a section of curl at the tip and gently twirl.


4. Diffusers are our friends. A regular blow-dryer laser points a stream of air which can muss up the hair follicle, causing frizz and depleting shine. A diffuser creates that all-around salon dryer effect leading to evenly dried, shiny curls.


5. One of the oddest behaviours I’ve gotten used to over the years is the fact that strangers want to touch my hair. I hope this is because it looks soft and not crunchy (I really don’t know why it happens, but that’s my guess). If your hair feels crunchy after it’s dry, just run a bit of smoothing cream through and gently break up the more tighter ringlets to leave your hair soft and stranger-ready.


Top Products for Curly Hair


curly



6 Tried and Tested Products For Curly Hair

10 Things to Do in Edmonton

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Here we present all about enjoying the great outdoors while they are truly great. The long, sunny days and nights (it’s light out past 10 p.m. in July) lure Edmontonians out from hiding and into every outdoor space possible. The options are endless when you have over 160 km of trails through the North Saskatchewan River Valley—the largest urban parkland in North America.


If river valley strolls or bike rides aren’t your cup of tea, every weekend throughout the summer boasts a few festival options to choose from. There is always something going on in Edmonton. Plus, many choose the standby option to park on a patio for some quality people-watching time.


Food trucks of all flavours have been popping up everywhere around the city.  It seems like anywhere you’d want to be has a food truck and some buskers ready to set the scene for an impromptu picnic. And now thanks to Make Something Edmonton, Edmonton’s new community engagement and rebranding effort, there is a handy list of grassroots initiatives and happenings that everyone can be a part of.


Let's Make Something Edmonton pitch to make a rooftop parkade patio; Photo by Fish Griwkowsky

Let’s Make Something Edmonton pitch to make a rooftop parkade patio; Photo by Fish Griwkowsky



The most important summer accessory is a pair (or two, or three) of sunglasses (recommendation: eye-bar). Since Edmonton weather can change in what feels like a heartbeat, savvy Edmontonians dress in layers, prepared for rain or shine (Bamboo Ballroom has got you covered). With all those hours of sunshine ahead, don’t leave home without a trusty face moisturizer that has UV protection (stop by LUX Beauty Boutique for all the best options).


For those Edmonton bound, these top stops will please your need for culture and food:


The Heritage Amphitheatre

The Heritage Amphitheatre



1. Freewill Shakespeare Festival, June 25–July 21


Celebrating its 25th year running, Freewill Shakespeare brings two different Shakespeare productions to the outdoor stage at Hawrelak Park each year. Rain or shine (the amphitheatre is covered), catch both alternating shows—A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Lear.


Address: Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, 9930 Groat Road


Cost: $25 for individual shows, or two shows for $40. Pay-what-you-will performances are Tuesday evenings and Saturday matinees.


The Taste of Edmonton fest; Photo Courtetsy of tasteofedm.ca

The Taste of Edmonton fest; Photo Courtetsy of tasteofedm.ca



2. Taste of Edmonton, July 18–27


A summer tradition in Downtown Edmonton, local restaurants get together in one place to provide a few of their favourite dishes. Stop by for lunch or dinner and try something new every time.


Address: Sir Winston Churchill Square

Cost: Approximately $30 for 30 tickets, with each food item costing 3-5 tickets


3. Heritage Festival, August 3-5


Heritage Festival is a three-day celebration of Canada’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Over 85 cultures from around the world are showcased through performances, artwork, clothing, and culinary delights.


Address: Hawrelak Park, 9930 Groat Road


Cost: Free, but food tickets are $1 each or 30 for $25 (food items 3-5 tickets each)


4. Edmonton Folk Festival, August 8-11


Four days of feel good, open air music, food, and drinks with one of the most picturesque views of Edmonton’s cityscape and river valley. This year’s lineup makes it difficult to choose which days to attend, so no wonder so people set up tents to camp out for the whole weekend.


Address: Gallagher Park


Cost: Tickets are currently sold out, but check back in July for resales


5. From Fringe with Love: The 32nd Edmonton International Fringe Festival, August 15-25


A festival celebrating independent theatre spanning every genre imaginable. It’s North America’s largest and oldest fringe with over 200 productions.


Address: A number of theatres, bars, and other venues around the city (mostly in Old Strathcona)


Cost: Tickets for individual shows vary, starting around $10


Bob Bernhardt, conductor; Photo Courtesy of edmontonsymphony.com

Bob Bernhardt, conductor; Photo Courtesy of edmontonsymphony.com



6. Symphony Under the Sky, August 30-September 2


Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performs five varied concerts in the outdoor amphitheatre at Hawrelak Park. Bring a blanket and sit on the grass or grab a seat under the big white tent and enjoy the symphony al fresco.


Address: Heritage Amphitheatre Hawrelak Park – 9930 Groat Road


Cost: Individual Concerts start at $25. Weekend passes start at $99.


7. What The Truck?! and Truck Stops


A mobile food court—food trucks gather together (usually with music) in a cool setting to let you try a few dishes at once or please a group of picky eaters.


Address: A different location each time—always a scenic park or trendy spot around town


City Market; Photo Courtesy of edmontonjournal.com

City Market; Photo Courtesy of edmontonjournal.com



8. City Market, Every Saturday 9am-3pm


The fastest growing market in the city is nestled in the heart of downtown, surrounded by some of the best locally owned shops, cafes and restaurants. Stock up for the week on groceries, pick up something new from the artisans, enjoy some street eats, and take in the sweet sounds of the city’s favourite buskers.


Address: 104 Street from Jasper Avenue to 102 Avenue


9. Canteen


Canteen feels like you’re going to a friend’s house for a dinner party, but your friend happens to be a great chef and wine connoisseur with an eye for design. The menu changes as local ingredients are in season, so it’s totally fine to eat there every week. Make reservations.


Address: 10522 124 Street


Cost: Appies $9-17, Mains $26-32. Brunch mains under $20.


Tres Carnales; Photo Courtesy of trescarnale.comTres Carnales; Photo Courtesy of trescarnale.com

10. Tres Carnales


After three homeboys (carnales) spent weeks along the Pacific Mexican coast, they knew their lives couldn’t go on without more of those authentic tacos, quesadillas, and tortas. Good thing they opened up this taqueria for everyone to enjoy.


Address: 10119 100 A Street (by Rice Howard Way)


Cost: Food and drink, $10-15



10 Things to Do in Edmonton

Would You Buy a Used Wedding Dress?

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Photo by Getty Images

Megan Pettit didn’t bother going wedding-dress shopping when she got engaged in 2008. “If I want to buy something, I don’t go to stores,” she says. Instead, the Hamilton, Ont. resident headed straight to eBay, and immediately found an ivory silk Vera Wang—slit in the back to reveal accordion pleating, with a modest train—in her size. The seller had it listed for just $400, far below the original price ($5,000), and was upfront about the fact that the zipper stuck and that she hadn’t had it cleaned after her reception (the bottom was filthy). Pettit bought it anyway. “I just figured if it didn’t fit, I’d resell it and try again,” she says.


The dress did fit, and, since its previous owner was a few inches taller than Pettit, the dirty part was easily removed with hemming; she had the zipper replaced with an inexpensive plastic one. Pettit and her now-husband didn’t want a conventional wedding—there was no aisle and no bridesmaids—but there was plenty of dancing. She remembers stopping to eat a cupcake when the ’60s surf-rock ditty “Surfin’ Bird” came on. She rushed out to the dance floor—solo. Then, “I felt a burst of cold air—my zipper had busted. I wasn’t wearing anything underneath.” Nonplussed, Pettit changed into a backup dress (she had thought she might need something shorter for dancing) and shoved the gown in a garbage bag in her trunk. After her honeymoon, she threw it up on eBay again, and sold it for $380 to a woman from the U.K. who was shorter than she was.


Pettit is not alone in her non-traditional nuptials. “People don’t feel compelled to do the 10 or 15 standard things anymore,” confirms Alison McGill, Toronto-based editor-in-chief of Weddingbells. These days, some brides might attempt to outdo one another in uniqueness (gourmet poutine stations! homemade granola as favours!) but the stigma that once came from doing things differently has abated. Who’s to smirk at a used dress when the ring-bearer is a Shih Tzu?


The rough economy is undoubtedly another reason why more women are buying used gowns, as is the fact that many of us are getting married older: in a reader survey of 2,200 Canadian brides conducted by Weddingbells/Marriage Québec earlier this year, the average age of respondents was 29. These brides are more likely to pay for their weddings on their own, have probably lived with their husbands before marriage and may already have kids. Often, notes Darsi Pizzolato, the Toronto-based founder of frugalbride.com, “the future is of the utmost importance.” Dropping several thousand dollars on a wedding dress is not.


McGill first noticed used wedding dresses entering the mainstream about three years ago; when Pizzolato launched frugalbride.com in 2000, resources devoted entirely to budget-conscious brides were scarce. “There was a stigma of being difficult to work with,” says Pizzolato. In just a decade, attitudes have changed and there are plenty of resources for the cash-strapped (including sites such as DIYbride.com and thebrokeassbride.com; the latter has inspired a book by the same name that will be published by Random House later this year). “Economical weddings are normal and nothing to be embarrassed about now,” says Pizzolato. Sites like hers appeal to women with a realistic world view: the wedding is not as important as the marriage.


This isn’t to say that bridal excess is extinct. Take, for example, the enduring popularity of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress (synopsis: bratty Jersey brides convince their hapless moms to refinance their homes for gigantic gowns while sharp-tongued bridesmaids look on). Kleinfeld, the New York-based bridal institution where the program is taped, struck a deal earlier this year with Hudson’s Bay to open a 20,000-square-foot outpost within the Toronto flagship in 2014, with Vancouver and Montreal locations to follow. Vera Wang recently made headlines for charging women 3,000 renminbi (almost $500) for the privilege of trying on dresses at its new Shanghai salon, in part to evade copy-cats, before killing the fee to quell a heated internet debate. And in Canada, the average cost of a wedding is now more than $32,000, with amounts spent on both the reception and the gown rising steadily over the past few years.


The fancier the meat, the better the scraps, of course—and the internet has optimized the hunt. Canadians bought almost 10,000 wedding dresses, both new and used, from eBay in 2012, up 24 percent from the year before, with sales of secondhand gowns up by 31 percent. Aside from eBay, Craigslist and Kijiji—all of which have thousands of gowns for sale—a handful of specialty sites have also popped up, including oncewed.com (which launched in 2008 and now has over four million page views a month), preownedweddingdresses.com (which launched in 2004) and stillwhite.ca (which originally launched in Australia in 2010). The gowns are deeply discounted—in some cases, thousands less than what they’d sell for new—and purchasing them comes with what many women would consider to be another upside: not having to hit the boutique circuit with potentially critical family members and bored bridesmaids in tow.


Searching for a dress was not something that I wanted to spend a lot of time on when I was planning my own wedding last year. I ordered an inexpensive gown from J.Crew, but sent it back because it didn’t fit well. Then I ordered a cream-coloured Marc Jacobs ready-to-wear dress, and also sent that one back. Fed up with the vagaries of online shopping, I set out with my maid of honour, my mom and my sole bridesmaid, and bought my dream gown (fitted and strapless, with Art-Deco style beading) for $1,800—taxes in—at a small downtown bridal shop.


I now know that women who have more patience than I do can get exactly what they want online. Shelbie Vermette-Grant was hoping to find a dress for under $4,000, but the French lace V-neck Monique Lhuillier she had fallen in love with would have cost her more than $6,000 with taxes and alterations. Instead, she found it used on oncewed.com, and with the addition of a silk sash, spent $1,900; its previous owner had worn it for just one hour during her ceremony, before changing into a reception gown. “I could have bought a new dress but it likely wouldn’t have been this one,” says Vermette- Grant, who, along with her husband, covered the majority of her wedding expenses herself. “The dress had been professionally cleaned and the tags and receipts were included, so for all intents and purposes, it was new.”


When Jessica Parker Kitney finally found her Scarlet (a lacy Lhuillier number with a Queen Anne neckline, cap sleeves and a back cut-out) at a high-end Toronto bridal salon, she was informed that she’d left her purchase too late and would need to pay nearly $10,000 to rush the order. “My heart sank. It was absurd to think I could spend almost half of our wedding budget on the dress, but I was determined; this was my dress,” she says. A few weeks and many Google searches for “Monique Lhuillier Scarlet” later, she found one listed on preownedweddingdresses.com by a woman in Toronto. She went to the seller’s house and tried it on. The dress was a little short, but otherwise fit, and it was just $1,800. Her aunt gave her an old piece of lace from her great grandmother’s wedding dress to extend the hem. “I got to walk down the aisle in the dress of my dreams, with a piece of family history attached, for a bargain,” she says. “Everything fell into place so perfectly, I believe I was meant to get married in that dress.”


Browsing through resale sites can, however, be a reckoning with just how tenuous love is. Many of the gowns online are unworn, with their tags still on—some for sale by women who’ve changed their mind about the dress and some from women who’ve changed their mind about the fiancé. Descriptions like this one abound: “Broke off my engagement and want to sell dress fast therefore taking a huge loss.” In relationships, as in fashion, love is fleeting when the fit is wrong.


Aimee Newton, who lives in Calgary, still adores her three-year-old Romona Keveza—a diamond white, pure silk, one-shoulder ball gown with a sweetheart neckline—though she can’t say the same for her ex-husband. After their divorce, Newton put the dress up for auction. “It would have been my hope that if I had renewed my vows in 50 years, I could have made it into a little cocktail dress,” she says. “I’m still disappointed that I have to sell, but what am I going to do with it?” Newton listed her dress on four sites for $4,800 (she paid $9,500) but had no takers, then dropped it to $3,500. Still no luck. She decided to try a wedding-dress consignment store in January, but it hasn’t moved: “I’m now hearing that designer/couture dresses are hard to re-sell,” she says.


Expensive gowns are especially difficult to unload if they are more than a year old, likely because brides who can afford to spend several thousand on a gown would rather buy new. Mey Ngo, from Woodbridge, Ont., tried to sell her St. Pucchi gown after her 2009 wedding. One of five dresses she wore (she’s keeping the traditional Vietnamese and Chinese gowns and the cocktail frock), the St. Pucchi—whose Queen Anne top is hand-embroidered with ostrich feathers, rhinestones and smoked purple Swarovski crystals; its skirt is peau de soie silk and lace—was an extravagant surprise from her fiancé. Ngo had swooned over it in InStyle Weddings and had been trying to figure out how to have a knock-off made. “I thought if I could find the lace, I could do it,” says Ngo. “Then I found out that the lace was from Thailand and was exclusive.” Her fiancé sold his motorcycle to cover the $20,000 price tag and flew to Philadelphia to pick it up. After the wedding, the 16-kg cathedral-length train made it awkward to store, so Ngo listed it for $6,000 on oncewed.com.


Most brides who are considering buying their dresses secondhand aren’t prepared to spend that much. On eBay, for instance, the average Canadian wedding dress sale is a skimpy $163. (The aver- age purchase price of a “luxury” bridal gown on eBay—those over $1,000—is $1,850.) If you have patience, then there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for. Amanda LeClair, a childhood friend of mine who lives in Sudbury, Ont., scored her Amsale dress on preownedweddingdresses.com. With a demure high neckline, sleeves to the elbow, and no ruching or fussy detailing besides a beaded belt, it looks like a classic 1960s gown. The dress retails for around $3,000; Amanda paid $240 (yes, you read that right). She did the alterations herself. “The hand-sewn hem may not be up to professional standards, so it wouldn’t be worth selling,” she says. “But it will be one hell of a fun dress-up dress for my daughter one day.”


Our daughters—real ones, future ones and ones who will never be born— have a disproportionate impact our decision to keep or discard our wedding gowns. When I spoke with Ngo, who has a two-year-old girl, I got the sense that she wasn’t willing to drop the price of her dress because she didn’t actually want to part with it. “I’m in no rush,” she admits. “I kind of want to keep it and give it to her. But I’m not sure if she’s going to like it because that will be so long from now.” (Shortly after our conversation, she took her listing down.)


Vermette-Grant won’t be selling her Lhullier. “I love the idea of passing my dress down to my daughter or granddaughter one day. Even if they don’t want to wear it or if it doesn’t fit them, I’d like them to have the opportunity to have it,” she says. “I cherish the things that my grandmothers and mother have passed down to me, and I would love to give the future generations of my family that window into my story.”


Stephanie Arsenault, who lives in Calgary, says that if she has a daughter, she’d want to her to pick her own dress, so she’s decided to sell her strapless Vera Wang, with billowing layers of tulle and organza, cinched at the waist with a thick dusty rose ribbon. “I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect dress,” she says. “Why not let someone else have that chance, especially because it’s such an extravagant gown?” It’s a sentiment echoed by Helen Sweet, the Toronto-based founder of The Brides’ Project, a bridal consignment boutique whose proceeds are donated to cancer charities. Having another woman buy your wedding dress to wear on her own special day, she says, is the “greatest compliment” you can receive as a bride.


My own dress has been hanging in my closet, wrapped in clear plastic, since my wedding last October. I’ll never wear it again, though I have concocted several far-fetched schemes in which I could slip it on once more. I could hem it to the knee, dye it black, and wear it as a cocktail dress; I could throw massive anniversary parties every decade where I’d be obligated to wear it (provided I could still do up the zipper); I could be a vampire bride for Halloween. Of course, I’ll do none of these things, nor do I think my daughter, if I have one, will want to wear it. My husband and I have just bought an old house and could certainly use some extra cash for renovations. Yet I still don’t want to sell. It’s the most extravagant, flattering, expensive garment I own and for now, at least, that’s something worth holding onto.


Ready-to-Wear Bride


Designers had their beautiful way with white this season in dresses intended to be worn all over town, providing a useful-now-and-later solution when neither new nor used traditional feels right.


Ready-To-Wear-Wedding-Dress-1


Carven cotton dress, $1,175, net-a-porter.com.


Ready-To-Wear-Wedding-Dress-2


Acne Studios lyocell/viscose dress, $400, lagarconne.com.


Ready-To-Wear-Wedding-Dress-3


Jil Sander silk/cotton dress, farfetch.com.


Ready-To-Wear-Wedding-Dress-4


Christopher Kane silk dress, net-a-porter.com.


Ready-To-Wear-Wedding-Dress-5


Tibi cotton dress, $585, (212) 226-5852.


Ready-To-Wear-Wedding-Dress-6


 



Would You Buy a Used Wedding Dress?

Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles

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Autumn is the season of humidity and heavy rains, and the best time to say no to straight hair and stick with natural looking curls and textured hair. From the first sight you may think that this idea restricts your options, but here we have some cute curly hairstyles that will definitely prove you the opposite. Thus, check out the best runway inspired hairstyles for curly hair and get inspired to create the best autumn looks!


Looking Like a Princess


This hairstyle can be considered as a more “traditional” version of curly hairstyle, yet it has a timeless allure. In fact it’s really easy to be done. All you have to do is make loose curls using a curling iron, use a hairspray to secure your curls and whoala! Enjoy hearing compliments!


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


Hippie Inspired Updos


A great option for a stylish updo that the weather cannot ruin in any case! Thus, to make it a reality, pick some strands from the upper part of your hair and some of the lower and make thin braids. Now, pull up the rest of your hair, make an updo and leave the braids hanging.


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


Extra Voluminous Hair


This effect can easily be created on long and thick hair. To do so, simply blow-dry your hair from the ends to the roots (in order to add more volume) without using any brush and admire the results. This hairstyle not only creates stunning effects but also perfectly works with autumn’s humidity.


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


Natural Curls


A simple hairstyle with promising results! Create a wavy effect using some styling mousse and dry with a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment and secure the style with a hairspray. The success is guaranteed so don’t even take a second thought before trying it.


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


Bouncy Locks


This hairstyle will add a romantic touch to your look and perfectly express you feminine side, so do not miss the chance to make stunning bouncy locks and enrich a soft, feminine look! For such hairstyle use large, flexible rollers and roll on them thick strands of your hair. Make sure you’ve applied styling mousse on them before rolling.


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


Wet Strands


One of the best options to stick with for rainy autumn days! Moreover it takes such a short amount of time to be done! All you have to do is randomly pick some thin strands of your hair and use hair products such as styling gel to create the wet effect.  Enjoy a trendy style that will add a bold touch to your look.


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


Fishtail Braid


This hairstyle doesn’t require many things, as all you need to style it is a styling gel or a styling mousse and a regular elastic band. Now, gently apply the hair product on damp hair and make a low ponytail, which you may need to secure with the elastic band. Let your hair dry and once it’s ready take off the hair band and you are ready to go!


Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles


 



Best Runway Inspired Fall 2013 Hairstyles

DIY Pom-Pom Sweater

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I love DIY, in particular the ones like this, that shows you amazing ways to decorate your old ‘boring’ sweaters. Plain sweaters come in a very cheap price and maybe that is the reason why most women choose to buy a simple one but then when looking at it, mot of us wish to have wait a bit longer, saved the money and bought an embellished one! But this will not be a problem from now on and that is because I will show you a cheap and amazing way on how to decorate your sweaters for this autumn/winter 2013!


All you need are cotton balls and knowing the basic rules on sewing! You don’t need to be a pro, just to sew them in the right way and the right place. Actually if the idea of sewing cotton balls doesn’t attract you then don’t worry, there are numberless of other embellishments you can try! Maybe rhinestones or sparkly stones sound better to you, then go ahead and give it a go! A good idea would also be for you to attach studs and spikes over you sweater! But I think the cotton balls are more suitable considering the cold weather these days. You can choose different cotton balls also, although this ones are white that doesn’t mean that your choices are limited-not at all! This is one of the easiest tutorials ever, I don’t claim to have invented this but to be honest it doesn’t matter! Important is to share it around so everyone learns about it. It doesn’t take much of a tutorial to know this but the idea is genius and I absolutely love it! Can’t wait to try it myself!


DIY Pom-Pom Sweater

How to Take Care of Skin in Winter

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Severe and stormy weather will surely cause damage to your skin. So, you should protect your skin from cold weather. Central heating may also have a bad influence on your skin. Thus, you should take a good care of your skin in winter. Here are the best ways of taking care of your skin in cold weather.


How to take care of skin in winter


First, you should make your skin get ready for cold weather. Create a special skin care plan and go for special products. Opt for creams and oils in order to be able to keep the necessary amount of water in your skin. It’s true that creams are not light but they are high for cold season, as they will play a protective role for your skin.


How to Take Care of Skin in Winter


Here is another way to take care of your skin in winter. Though it may seem very pleasant to have a bathe in hot water, avoid doing it, as it will make your skin dry. Try to spend little time in the bathroom and then use a lotion to moisturize your skin. You are also advised to take a shower cream as a substitute for a soap.


The sun rays may cause damage to your skin in winter too. It’s very essential to apply sunscreens while going out in winter. Consider that the higher is SPF, the better result it will give.


In the end, your body should be provided with enough hydration in this severe weather. To achieve it, you should drink as much water as possible, at least 7-8 cups a day. Herbal teas are also great for hydration. They will moisturize your dry skin and make it softer.


Thus, pay much attention to the following essential ways on how to take care of your skin in winter. Take them into consideration in order to avoid having dry and dehydrated skin.



How to Take Care of Skin in Winter

Pink and Purple Match

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Colour combination on both shoes and clutches is one of my favourite of all, but matching those together is not that easy at times but when they both come in a set, then that’s all you need.  I start using my black clutch with nearly all evening dresses I would wear and that is because I really didn’t knew how to put together all these colours between dress, shoes, makeup and clutch, so I found black to be one of the best colour that matches with everything but to be honest it doesn’t look very appealing. That’s when I tried looking for different ways on matching shoes with clutches and I came along with this beautiful combination that has really inspired me not only with the design but colours combination and prints as well.


Actually the kiss pints style has become very trendy lately and although I haven’t been able to find anything close to this in my hometown that hasn’t stop me because there are many different websites that would happily send the package on your front door within days. I tried to find the brand written on the box but is kinda impossible but if anyone knows that brand feel free to share it with us so we help others that want to purchase them. Enjoy!


Pink and Purple Match


Pink and Purple Match

Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

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Birth control pills are hormonal contraceptive pills. These pills are meant to prevent pregnancy by preventing the egg released by the ovaries to be fertilized. The “pill” is very popular among women and has a 99,9% efficiency if taken properly. The problem with birth control pills is that they might offer protection against unwanted pregnancy but it doesn’t offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases or STD’s.


Birth control pills should be taken only after a physician will give you a check in order to prescribe the best birth control pills for you. There are different types of birth control pills so the physician will be able to recommend the ones that suit you best.

Also birth control pills are not for everyone, they should not be taken if you have certain health problems.

Do not take birth control pills if you are over 35 and smoke. They should also be avoided if you had certain problems like:


blood cloths or thrombosis


heart problems


liver disease


chest pains that would indicate a stroke


numbness in certain body parts


cancer


If you had any of these condition or any of your close relatives had these conditions, inform your physician. Be open and let him know everything there is to know because you may risk your health.

Do not take birth control pills if you think there might be a change you are pregnant.


Some side effects of birth control pills include:


nausea


weight fluctuation


tender breasts


breast size increase


lighter periods


mood swings


spotting between periods


These are common side effects which will pass with time, as you take the pills.


Other more serious side effects which require you inform your physician and stop taking them immediately are:


abdominal pain


chest pain


headaches


faint


blurred vision


swelling of your legs


Birth control pills are medication and should only be used after you have consulted with a physician.



Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Black Cross Heels

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No matter what your religious beliefs are, one thing is for sure, this beautiful black cross heels are a high fashion statement for everyone to wear. While searching for a pair of unique high heels for everyone to be amazed of, I came across with this special design that has made me totally fall in love with.


Although I searched for the original web link and the name of fashion designer  it was impossible to find it. Apparently no one knows where to purchase them but if you like the design and are committed on finding them, share this article on your wall so more people to see it, so someone will know something about the fashion designer or at least the brand that made them.


Wear black cross heels for a high fashions statement! Absolutely gorgeous…


High  heels were invented by a woman who had been kissed on the  forehead.


Black Cross Heels


Black Cross Heels

Twisted Bun Hair Tutorial

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I am so excited to bring to you all a new tutorial that I am sure you all going to love! The bun hairstyle is one of the most popular and I don’t think there is anyone that doesn’t know how to do it, but this bun hairstyle is different. You will learn how to create a twisted bun and look fabulous. You should have long hair in order to do this hairstyle. Start by straightening your hair so twisting your hair becomes easier. After you make sure your hair is smooth and well straightened then create a pony tale, and carefully twisted around your hair based on equal separated sections- and then with the help of bobby pins, fix every sections such as the picture tutorial shows below. It is very easy and only takes few minutes. If you get invited in a special event and you have no time to get ready or create some unique hair design that takes hours to prepare, then considering this awesome hairstyle for every occasions.


Few weeks ago I was attending a birthday and I asked the hairdresser to create a simple, yet-elegant hairstyle for the event and she created a twisted bun and everyone loved the design! That’s when I felt the need to find a tutorial and learn how to do the hairstyle myself so I could create it for every occasion.


Twisted Bun Hair Tutorial


Twisted Bun Hair Tutorial

Best Exercises to Reduce Belly Fat

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If you feel discomfort because of your fat belly, you may easily get rid of it by doing special exercises and keeping a healthy diet plan. Create your workout plan and achieve an amazing result.


Get Rid of Belly Fat with the Help of Crunches


Crunches are great for a firm belly. Go for all types of crunches, as they will straighten your abdominal muscles. This exercise will help you to get rid of your fat belly and feel self-assured and pretty. You will be proud of your attractive body and not ashamed of showing it off.


Best Exercises to Reduce Belly Fat


Get Rid of Belly Fat with the Help of Bicycle


It’s not difficult to carry out this type of exercise. Just take a right position. Place your back on the floor, keeping your head up with the help of your hands. Make your legs go up and begin working first with your right knee. Make it get to your chest and then do the same thing with your left leg. This exercise should be carried out like riding a bicycle. This exercise will provide you with a flat belly.


Get Rid of Belly Fat with the Rolling Plank Exercise


Put your knees and elbows on the ground. Your neck should be in a straight line with your backbone. Make your knees raise from the ground and hold your position with your toes. Now, it’s time to take the plank position. Keep this pose for 30 minutes. Then do the rolling plank exercise, i. e. make your body go from the right to the left direction.


Get Rid of Belly Fat with the Help of the Vacuum Exercise


Again put your knees and elbows on the ground to hold your body. While breathing, make your abdomen loose. Do this vacuum type of exercise continuously and the result will be obvious.


Get Rid of Belly Fat with the Bending Exercise


To get rid of your fat belly, you may go for a bending exercise. Take a straight position and keep your feet close to each other. Lift your hands up and bend to the right position, without moving your feet. Keep this pose for 15-30 minutes. Then, bend to the left position and soon you will be able to enjoy your tight belly.


Go for these types of exercises and achieve your desired firm and flat belly. 



Best Exercises to Reduce Belly Fat

Hot Electric Green Eyeshadow Tutorial

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Green is a beautiful colour and I love applying it; but when I first saw this tutorial I was a bit sceptic on where I could actually wear this? Well, there are many occasions you can apply this gorgeous tutorial such as party’s, photo shoot, birthdays, or even just for a change.


If you are tired of boring and plain makeup’s then this is the right tutorial for you. How to do this? start by purchasing a beautiful electric green eyeshadow. There are many shops where you can buy one. I found mine at the local market; they have everything there and I love going there quite often to see what’s new. After buying it then we are ready to get started. Apply a good foundation so the makeup lasts longer. You will also need black eyeshadow and eyeliner to create this look.


Apply black eyeliner by the end of the eyelid and make sure to smooth it good by creating a beautiful winged such as shown in the tutorial below (look at the first picture). Apply the electric green eyeshadow such as the picture indicates. To make the picture even more perfect add a beautiful winged eyeliner. If you don’t know how to create the eyeliner this way, then have a look at my previous tutorials where I explain how you can create a beautiful eyeliner. As about lipstick, try to keep it simple because the electric green is eye catching enough. Enjoy!


Hot Electric Green Eyeshadow Tutorial


Hot Electric Green Eyeshadow Tutorial

Pink Bow Heels

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Elegant heels are not hard to find, but instead of the sparkly glamorous heels that  might be over the top at times, this pink bow heels below are stunning and very feminine. Bow shoes are usually “boring” but that’s because you haven’t seen shoes like this one. If I would be told that a pair of high heels with three bows would look so good, I wouldn’t believe it. There are many ways to match pink, and some of the colours to match it are: purple, black, white, brown, gold and other colours! No matter if you are attending a wedding, birthday, or a simple party, then this bow heels shall help you match the best outfit. The good thing is that this kind of shoe design is so elegant, yet so modest that can be wore daily. You can match them with a pair of skinny jeans and a top -and look absolutely stunning! With a French toe manicure this heels will look gorgeous! They are very comfortable and worth trying. I have seen a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti heels similar to this one if you are looking for a pair to buy.


Pink Bow Heels


Pink Bow Heels

How to Make a Bow?

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How to make a bow? A simple question that seems to be having such a complicated answer! You’ll definitely think “I can never make those cute bows”, however, after you check out our article, you are sure to be an expert in this field! Making a bow is extremely easy, and a bit complicated at a time. You just need to stick to a few easy steps and master the techniques for the most flawless result. Below we present you a myriad of pictorials to help you finally learn how to make a bow in a few easy steps!


How to Make a Bow


Before asking yourself “how to make a bow”, it’ll be good to determine the type of the bow you want to create. This can be an elegant ribbon or a cutie bow. You may also learn how to make a hair bow or just the techniques of creating one from a fabric. All your questions have their in-detail answers and here we present the best pictorials ever, revealing it! Check them out and master the techniques!


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow


How to Make a Bow



How to Make a Bow?