Monday, November 19, 2012

Divorce Tips For Women - 5 Easy Ways to Boost and Balance Your Energy Post Divorce

The greatest hazard of all, losing one's self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all. No other loss can occur so quietly; any other loss - an arm, a leg, five dollars, a wife, etc. - is sure to be noticed. ~The Sickness Unto Death

Are you all Clark Kent and no Lois Lane? Are you superwoman to the rescue, proving you can do it all, but find you are exhausted and dragging at the end of the day? If you can relate to this action hero scenario then read on for some practical and nurturing tips that just may rescue you.

I can certainly relate, when I was married I took on the m fashion jackets asculine role and lost touch with my feminine side. Unaware of who I'd become it was only after my marriage crumbled that I realized, with the help of a close friend, I had some serious energy imbalance going on. I suddenly saw I had lost my softness.

Whether married or divorced I see this as fairly common in today's woman. It's not surprising because she's involved in so many situations that require her to take charge.

Raising a family
Taking care of a home
Competing in the work force
Fighting for equal pay
Managing Community Fundraisers
Taking care of aging parents

Sound familiar? Now, I'm not suggesting you step away from any of your responsibilities, but I am suggesting you take the time to remember who you are and nurture your feminine side. You will feel so much more whole and happy.

Check out the following indicators to see if you are suffering from energy imbalance:
Anger, crankiness, resentment, aggression, controlling, impatient, negative, snappy, tired.

If you're nodding your head and screaming, Yes that's me, help! - no worries...balance is easy to achieve...after all, you inherently have the right DNA. But instead of rescuing everyone else, you must take time to rescue you.

5 Suggestions on what to do to bring balance:

Heavenly Haven

- whether it's a space to meditate, a candle-lit bubble bath, writing in a journal, or a walk in nature - create a haven for yourself that nourishes your soul.

Friends

- ask your closest friends for an honest critique of your persona and investigate ways to make positive changes. An open mind is important for this exercise. If your friend is a true friend the advice could wake you up in the best of ways.

Dance

- this is easy to do at home - if you have kids tell them not to disturb you for 20 minutes - lock yourself in your boudoir, put on some sensual tunes (Barry White or Marvin Gaye will do the trick) and start moving slowly - letting your body feel the music.

Yoga

- complete mind, body and spirit balancing. Yes there is a time commitment but you are worth it. Rejuvenation and clarity are a huge benefit of this practice.

Lingerie

- do you sleep in a pretty nightgown or are you in old comfy flannels? Do you wear sexy undergarments daily? No matter what your attire, black lacy underwear makes you feel like a woman.

If you are a hero it's time to reclaim your feminine essence. Honoring who you are will lighten your life and give you more energy.

Bonus Tip - if you would like more information on balancing your energies I invite you to visit my website.

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Smoking Jacket: Old Fashioned-elegance Meets Modern Day

The smoking jacket: like the cigar itself, it's a timeless emblem of leisure, idleness, "the good life." First widely worn in England during the Victorian period, the smoking jacket has undergone a bit of a resurgence in recent years, as younger consumers turn to it - as they have to, again, the cigar - for a touch of old-fashioned elegance.

Though the term is sometimes used to mean "any old jacket you do most of your smoking in," a proper smoking jacket is a considerably more formal affair. Typically, they're made from velvet or silk of a rich color - not a plain black but, perhaps, bottle green, dark blue, or claret red. A classic smoking jacket features a shawl collar, turned-up cuffs, rich colors (burgundy and green, bottle green, dark blue, claret).

They're ventless, and come in either coat-shaped or sashed form. Coat-shaped smoking jackets can be single-breasted with shawl lapels, or double-breasted with braided closures - usually called, no kidding, "frogs."

We don't know precisely who was the first to wear one, but many sartorial historians trace the smoking jacket back to the same moment in history that brought smoking to the West - the beginning of the sixteenth century, when trade opened up between England and the countries then known to Europeans as the Far East, especially Turkey and India. (It was, of course, this same trade, along with tobacco farming in the New World, that introduced the English to tobacco.)

Silk and velvet robes de chambre, designed for indoor wear by a wealthy and leisured minority, made a great status symbol and comfortable daywear. This fashion dev women's jackets elopment was so intimately bound up with trade and colonialism that when famous seventeenth-century diarist Samuel Pepys rented one to sit for his portrait, he refers to it, in his journal entry for that day, as an "Indian gown."

During the Crimean War (1853-1856) Turkish tobacco - the lusty, semi-sweet, full-flavored tobacco that makes Middle Eastern travel such a joy for the nonallergic - was made generally available to Europeans for the first time, and smoking swept England, becoming as universal a pastime for Victorian gentlemen as cricket and grouse-hunting.

But these Victorian gentlemen worried that their new hobby posed certain problems for the Victorian lady - who was generally imagined as an infinitely delicate creature barely hardy enough to breathe on her own. (Ironically, this assumption was most widespread at the very moment when industrialism, combined with barbaric social policy and the popularity of social-Darwinist ideas that forbade charity to the poor, forced many working-class Englishwomen not only to work while pregnant but to actually give birth on the factory floor.)

Tobacco, these gentlemen reasoned, has a strong scent, perhaps offensive to the nostrils of proper ladies. Therefore, well-equipped Victorian homes began sporting smoking rooms, parlors designed specifically for masculine inhalation and conversation. That kept the fumes out of the lady's boudoir, but what about the smell?

As even casual smokers know, the odor of tobacco settles on furniture, hair, clothes - it's impossible to segregate. "Indian gowns," now rechristened and repurposed as "smoking jackets," came to the rescue - along with caps, slippers, even waistcoats specially designed for smoking. The entry for "smoking jacket" first turns up in Cunningham's Handbook of English Costume, a standard reference, in 1852 - the beginning of a long love affair between the smoker and his (always his) jacket.

In the twentieth century, as dress became less an art form (with an entire wardrobe for every occasion) than a matter of convenience, and as tobacco went from being a social ritual to a private addiction, the smoking jacket disappeared along with the occasion that gave rise to it, relegated to old movies and certain flamboyant TV personalities (Liberace, Hugh Hefner).

During the 1990s, though, an overstressed, overdriven American workforce began turning to such old-fashioned pleasures as the coffee house, the tea room, and the fine-tobacco store to restore a sense of specialness and ritual to the pressure-chamber of postmodern life. Smoking jackets, like smoking, made a comeback. Today they're considered a perfect alternative for social occasions when a suit-and-sweater won't do but a tuxedo's too formal. They're more distinctive than dinner jackets, and their rich colors and romantic connotations make them perfect for entertaining. Women are turning to them, too, as a form of brisk-weather outerwear.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Men's Bomber Jackets : Look Good and Feel Comfortable

Leather has emerged as a force in men's outerwear this fall. Whether it's a bomber jacket or a three-quarter-length dress lambskin coat, leather's durability and versatility make it an important piece to add to your wardrobe.

When trying on a bomber jacket, make sure to move your body. Walk around, move your arms front to back, even twist to look over your shoulders. Check for ease of mobility and a comfortable fit. The fabric of a jacket should not pull across the back area, around the hips or in the armholes. Also, be sure to check the sleeve length.

With proper care, your leather jacket will last many years, making it a wise investment. In fact, the longer you wear leather, the more "broken in" it becomes, similar to the way a baseball glove breaks in and becomes a part of you.

When purchasing a new leather bomber jacket, keep the following in mind. Style: There are many styles to choose from, so think about how you will be wearing it. Most jackets today can be worn either dressed up with a shirt, tie and dress pants, or dressed down with a casual shirt and jeans or khakis.

Weather: Many leather jackets now come with removable linings made of Thins late, pile or fleece - prefect for staying warm in colder climates. Take out the lining, and you can still wear the coat in spring and fall.

Sizing: A leather jacket should be on the loose side so it can be worn over a sweater or other piece of bulky clothing.

Durability: Price doesn't necessarily equal durability when it comes to leather outerwear. Lambskin is the softest type of leather and looks dressier, but it's less durable and more expensive than cowhide. Expect to pay $400 to $800 for a good quality lamb jacket. Cowhide is more rugged and generally costs less (anywhere from $300 to $500).

Types of Lea fashion jackets ther Used To Make Bomber Jackets

To fully understand the types of leather available; one must first know the term "grain". The grain is simply the epidermis, or outer layer of the animal's skin. While imperfections such as cuts, scars, and scratches will exist; the grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength, and therefore the best durability. The grain also has natural breath ability, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.

Finished Split Leather

The middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thickness. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they basically have no grain. If the
Polymer coating is left out it is often used to make suede. Not considered to be riding grade, but can look good nevertheless.

Top Grain Leather

Top grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is not the same quality as full grain or naked leather, but thickness of 1.2-3mm makes this type of leather a very strong and durable riding grade material.

Full-Grain and Naked Leather

Full-Grain leather is made from the finest hides, and has not been sanded to remove imperfections. Only the hair has been removed. In the case of Naked Leather, where nothing other than the dye is added; this very soft leather requires no breaking in period. Hides are typically 2mm thick, and must be hand picked for uniformity. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.

For winter biking, a bomber jacket with a belt will allow you to adjust the jacket to fit snugly against the upper body. Of course, being able to fully zip up only adds to your protection from the wind. You can also wear a leather vest underneath your bomber
Jacket for extra warmth. For hot summer days, a leather jacket with air vents allows the air to circulate underneath the jacket and around your body. For an all year round jacket, consider one with a zip or snap out insulated lining.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Times To Call In A Plumber And Times It Can Be Avoided

Plumbers can be expensive and many households are trying to cut back spending and watch their budgets. However, there are times when a plumber will be the best choice for solving common issues and others when a simple plunger can do the job just as well. If budget is not an issue, then the plumbing may well be left to a professional every time.

Most common problems i women's coats n a home can be easily solved with a plunger and a very small plumbers snake, which is readily available in a hardware store. A snake is a flexible rod that can be worked into a pipe for a short distance to help stubborn clogs beyond the reach of the plunger. There is no need to go for the professional models since if the small snake does not do the job, it will certainly be time to call in a plumber. If the snake is not available then a wire coat hanger may well do the job.

Before speaking, further of do it you plumbing help, it is important to note that any job that includes gas, welding or sewers may better left to the professionals. Gas is simply too dangerous for the untrained to be working on. In addition, welding may require special equipment and may be beyond the capabilities of the average householder. Sewers need no explanation.

Bathroom clogs especially in the sink or shower are often caused by a collection of hair. The plunger may not be as effective on hair clogs even if a tight seal is made and a lot of pressure applied. This is where the short plumber snake can come in handy. Threading the snake or wire coat hanger down a short way into the pipe could loosen the hair clog and allow it to break up. The homeowner should be very careful not to damage plastic pipe by trying to force the snake or wire downward past the point it can go.

Unclogging kitchen sink drains is a relatively easy matter with the plunger if a few steps are taken first. The plunger should fit directly over the drain and make a tight seal. A gentle push on the plunger will rarely accomplish much either, it requires some effort to get the suction going to dislodge a plug. There should be no other outlet for the water since how effective the plunger is, depends on forcing the water and air downward to help clear clogs. That means the other sink in a double sink home should be tightly covered and sealed.

There are circumstances when a clog may be beyond the ability of an plunger or snake to dislodge and in that case, some may try products intended to dissolve blockages. It is important to remember that these products that dissolve clogs may not be safe for all types of pipes, and the directions should be read carefully before using. They are also usually caustic and care should be taken not to get the substance on clothing or skin.

Not all plumbing issues require a plumber, but there are many that are simply either too dangerous or beyond the skills of the average do it yourself enthusiast to repair. Recognizing these is the key to saving money. Eventually many problems may be resolved by the homeowner with enough persistence and running out for parts. On the other hand, there are situations that simply should not be approached by the average do it yourself enthusiast, such as installing hot water heaters powered by gas.

Replacing pipes may well be within the scope of some repair people however it could be more time consuming and expensive than calling in a professional. One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is choosing an untrained handy person rather than a professional. While a professional plumber will have training and usually insurance in case of damage, the average handy man will not.

Choosing A Miniature Dog Breed For Your New Pet

Miniature dog breeds are very popular because their small size means they are better suited to apartments or houses with small backyards. Additionally, they are easier to control than very large dogs, and are generally cheaper to keep. They need less food and medication, though vet consultations are a standard price. Even with longer haired miniature dogs, it is easier to keep them brushed and groomed compared to their larger cousins.

Just because a dog is small, however, does not mean that they all share the same temperament or activity levels. Some of these dogs come from a background where they were used for hunting, like the miniature dachshund, and others, like the Tibetan spaniel, bark a lot. The latter would thus not be ideal for apartment living, unless you have very accommodating neighbors, or a sound proof apartment.

Small breeds that need a lot of exercise include the dachshund, the Italian greyhound, and the Australian Terrier. Breeds like the maltese, pugs, and chihuahuas will all do well exercising in a small backyard. If you do have a dog in an apartment, it is suggested that he be taken for a walk once or twice a day outside. This basically goes for all miniature dog breeds.

As far as which miniature dog breed to buy, there are many to choose from. As an owner you need to decide which will best suit your needs. Look into things such as temperament, size, and any features that will make your buying decision easier, such as coat length and care, and barking tendencies.

Here are four miniature dog breeds that you may want to check out before you make a purchasing decision.

1. The miniature bull terrier is a very playful dog that loves its' family. It does like strangers as well though, so is not a good choice for a guard dog. They like plenty of activity, and love toys, although they have pretty strong jaws and teeth so they tend to destroy them quite quickly. Miniature bull terriers tend to want to please their masters more than their larger brothers.

2. Another dog to consider is the Lhasa apso. Lhasa's have a distinctively beautiful long coat, and although they are lap dog size, they don't have the need to be cuddled all the time like some other lap dogs. Like cats, they are independent and will come for attention when they want it, though they are very affectionate by nature. Lhasa's are very loyal dogs, with a capacity for stubbornness which means they are better suited to those more experienced with handling dogs.

3. The miniature poodle is always popular. It is one of the most well behaved miniature dog breeds, and one that every dog lover should look into. Miniature poodles can grow up to 20 pounds, and stand about 15 inches in height. This breed is very intelligent and great with small children.

4. The miniature schna women's coats uzer weighs in at around 15 pounds. This miniature dog breed is affectionate, and is always up for a bit of fun. In addition, they are great for both country and city environments.

Miniature dog breeds have had quite a surge in popularity the last few years, no doubt influenced by the celebrity trend to carry them around in large handbags everywhere. Like all dogs, these too need their exercise, so a diamante studded collar and leash would no doubt be preferred than the gilded cage of a Louis vitton.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

How To Bathe A Cat - A Step-By-Step Guide

Many cat owners can identify with the ordeal they have to face each time they need to bathe their cat. Generally, if cats are rarely bathed, they will become easily frightened and try all means to escape while you try to bathe them. It's quite common for cat owners to get cat scratches during a cat bath!

If you start bathing your kitten when he is about 12 to 16 weeks old and then once every 3 to 4 months, he will become used to the routine and will not resist badly when you try to bathe him.

For adult cats who rarely get bathed, women's jackets bathtime can be an ordeal for both cat and owner. To reduce this ordeal to some degree, being prepared and having someone to assist you will help a lot.

Here are the items you should have ready before you start:

- Nail clippers
- Cat brush
- Non-slip metal or stiff plastic screen for cat to stand on
- Mineral oil or eye ointment
- Cotton balls
- Two washcloths
- A few large towels
- Cat-safe shampoo
- Coat conditioner

HERE'S A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO BATHE YOUR CAT

Decide Where You Want to Bathe Your Cat - The bathtub, bathroom sink or kitchen sink are all suitable, but you must have a spray attachment at whichever choice you select. If you don't want to have to lean over while bathing your cat, the kitchen sink will be a better choice.

Close Off and Clear The Area - If possible, close all doors and openings so that your cat doesn't run out if he should panic. Clear all breakable items in the area as a panicked cat can easily run over your stuff and break them.

Set Your Attitude and Mindset - The key to reducing stress to your cat (and yourself) during bathtime is to be patient, sympathetic and be loving to your cat. Impatience and an angry tone is only going to make your cat more frightened and he will react accordingly.

Allocate more time when you bathe your cat so that you don't find yourself frustrated trying to handle your cat and rushing for a deadline at the same time.

Oh, and another thing, be prepared to get very wet!

Trim Claws - Gently clip his claws. This will help to reduce scratches on you if he should panic.

Brush Fur - Gently brush his fur to remove as much loose fur as possible.

Protect The Eyes - Place 1 or 2 drops of mineral oil or eye ointment in each of your cat's eyes. This will prevent any chemical irritation if shampoo should get into the eyes.

Protect The Ear Canal - Place a cotton ball in each ear to prevent water from entering his ear canal.

Place The Non-Slip Screen into your bathtub or sink and then gently carry your cat and place him on the screen.

Wet the Fur - Turn on the water slowly and let it run until the water is warm (not hot). Hold the sprayer very close to your cat's skin so that the water doesn't spray all over him and make him frightened.

If someone is helping you, he/she can hold up the front legs while you wet the fur on the stomach and between the legs.

Apply Shampoo & Rinse - Ensure that your cat's fur is sufficiently wet before shampooing, so that the shampoo can lather easily. Start lathering from the neck and work backwards towards the tail.

To wash your cat's face, wet a washcloth and add a tiny amount of shampoo. Gently wipe all over the face, avoiding the eye area. To wash the eye area, wet a cotton ball with clean water and gently wipe around the eye area. To rinse off the lather on the face, wet another clean washcloth and gently wipe off the lather.

Make sure to rinse and remove all traces of shampoo from your cat's body and face. Shampoo residue will cause irritation and itching.

If your cat is extremely dirty, you may have to shampoo it and rinse again.

Apply Coat Conditioner & Rinse - Coat conditioner is especially recommended for long-haired cats. It conditions the hair and makes brushing the hair smoother. Rinse thoroughly. The coat should feel squeaky clean and not slick or slippery after rinsing.

Drying Off - Run your hands down the back, legs and tail to remove excess water. Use a large towel to scoop your cat up, leaving only the head outside the towel. Place on a cabinet or table and gently towel dry.

Grab another clean dry towel, wrap him up with it and hold him. Hold him this way until he warms up. This also helps to calm the cat down.

If you are running out of time and would like to use the hair dryer, set it to a low or cool setting. If you set it to high and hot, your cat will become very frightened. Make sure not to point the hair dryer at his face and always hold the hair dryer at least 1 foot away from its coat.

Brush The Hair - When the hair is mostly dry, you can start to gently brush the hair.

Komondor Dog Breed Profile

When one first sees a Komondor, it is an unforgettable experience. This dog quite literally resembles a very large white floor mop. The heavy mass of hair is completely "corded" over the whole body, including the face, to the extent that one wonders how the dog can see at all.

About the only recognizable part of the body that can be seen besides the coat is the nose and maybe the tongue is the dog's mouth is open. The Komondor is a Hungarian breed of ancient origin, as long as there have been sheep in Hungary, there has existed this large white flock guarding dog. The corded coat serves a dual purpose, for it not only protects the dog from the elements and makes it appear to be a sheep, which is a camouflage for the dog, but it also creates an impenetrable barrier against the teeth and claws of predators.

The Komondor is the largest of the Hungarian herding dogs. It can weigh as much as 150 pounds although 110 is about average, with a height of 25-27 inches. the standard requires a height of no more than 25 inches but the working dogs do not necessarily follow the standard. The Komondor is a popular working dog in many countries, it is very well suited to the work it does.

Wherever there are sheep men and cattlemen whose flocks require protection from predators, the Komondor is often the solution. This dog is sometimes a pet and often is a show dog, but it has a natural propensity and desire to work and will be happier if allowed to have something to do. Furthermore, any person who should wish to keep the dog as a pet alone often has no choice except to keep the coat quite short, for the care of the coat if the dog is expected to be in a household is way more than the average pet owner can contend with.

This coat can not be brushed if it is kept as a corded coat, the only way to get it clean is to soak the entire dog in a tub of water with some sort of shampoo an fashion jackets d then carefully squeeze out the shampoo and soak the dog again in several "rinses" and then towel dry the dog by squeezing each cord and putting the dog in front of a fan or dryer on low for air drying.

The time to wash a fully corded adult Komondor is at least a full 6 hours. Breeders and exhibitors who show the Komondor also take time as the coat is growing to "train" the cords by wrapping the hairs around a central point as the dog grows. If left to itself the coat still "cords" but with less order to the whole picture.

This is a a dog that requires early training and exposure as a youngster since it possesses a great deal of independence and a strong desire to be protective. This can become aggression towards strangers if the dog is not trained from the beginning to follow the commands of its master.

This is not a fault of the breed but rather a part of its natural makeup. The Komondor when trained and brought up within a family is a loyal and protective pet who should not attack without provocation. It has also done well as a police dog and general guard dog.