Ethics ~ Is it a fading honor?

Our economy has been brought to its knees, decent men and women have been left homeless and jobless, and children are going hungry across this great nation of ours all due to the lustful greed of men in power. What has ever happened to honor, integrity and living by a code of ethics?

I did not grow up in the strongest of family units but, I was still taught as a young child to live by a “Golden Rule” and to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” There were times during those earlier years when I did not quite understand their meaning. However, their importance was drummed into my psyche until I practiced and lived by them without thought or reservation.

Then too as we grow older, we begin to define and understand the difference between right and wrong. What makes us turn a blind eye and deaf ear to that inner voice inside us all that says to follow the righteous path? Is it because money, power and the passion to succeed and be recognized is so great we will go any length to acquire it and forsake the well being of so many who stand in our path?

Where does the blame lie? Perhaps, with parents who do not guide with a firm hand, subordinates or colleagues who do not question the wrong or bosses who nurture the bad behavior. Someone drops the ball along the way and allows it to fester and grow. Poor behavior simply does not happen. Poor behavior is allowed.

How we live our lives and demonstrate positive values and beliefs such as honesty, integrity, loyalty and fairness is the very core of our existence on this earth. It should not only carry into our professional lives but how we conduct ourselves with our neighbors, friends and families. We will never receive from others what we do not demand of ourselves. It is time to stand up and set an example … it is never too late to begin and a baby step can prove as powerful as a ripple in a pond. To do nothing is an injustice. Remember, it was but a tiny stone that felled the mighty Goliath and brought him crashing to his knees.

Habits ~ The Good, Bad And Ugly

Studies have shown that it generally takes twenty one days to change a habit, bad or otherwise. We all have them. Some of us bite our nails, chew the inside of our mouths, smoke, drink until we get drunk, belch constantly, drum our fingers, tap our foot, yell instead of talk calmly and make noises when we chew our food. The one thing these all might have in common is the people doing them are in most cases not aware that they are.

Bad habits are learned behaviors that are reinforced when we are young. Like attitudes, they become ingrained and are extremely difficult to change. Most are generally harmless and just plain irritating. Some are barely noticeable while others are downright unattractive. If they are not addressed before you enter a professional service, they can most definitely limit your potential for success as well as how others perceive you.

Try sitting in a quiet room and make a well thought out list of all your habits. More than likely someone has already brought them to your attention more than once and even hollered, “Will you stop doing that!” Then ask yourself if each habit is consistent with the image you want to portray of yourself. If not, it is time to change. You don’t need to spend countless of dollars getting analyzed. A bad habit is just an action that’s been repeated enough times that it becomes an involuntary response and is either undesirable or harmful.

Realizing what the positive trade off could be is the major factor to breaking the habit. Not biting your nails will make your hands more attractive, not chewing the inside of your mouth will not create raw open sores, talking calmly and rationally will not hurt people’s feelings and not make you seem irrational or abusive.

We all know there is no magic bullet to making it stop instantly. It took time to create a bad habit and; it will take more time, patience, commitment, awareness and acknowledging it exists to get rid of it.

Communication ~ Are We Losing It?

When we think of communication we automatically think of talking but in essence, it is actually an exchange of thoughts. Normally we perform it either verbally or nonverbally and in today’s fast-paced world, the use of modern technology have taken it to a whole new level.

Talking and letter writing use to be the primary avenues of expressing ourselves for generations. Now we have the use of cell phones, emails, fax machines, text messaging, podcasts and so much more to get our meanings across. However, is our meaning being lost somewhere in the translation?

Will the day actually come when we move away from face-to-face contact that still involves touch? Thankfully, it is still a prerequisite to one’s success in the business world. It does not matter how well you can write or text. If you can’t convey it convincingly and intelligently in person, you will most definitely leave the kind of lasting impression you don’t want to make.

One tends to wonder if we are all slowly being transformed into a robotic society. Appearance, posture, poise, touch, facial expression, eye contact, gestures and even silence can still speak measures but, is it still being practiced, even taught? We all know a smile is a universal sign of approval and acceptance. And okay … a smiley face can get the same point across. However, effective communication non-verbal or otherwise seems to be falling through the cracks. It is an art form that our younger and upcoming generations seem not to get, understand or practice.

Grammar and manners has taken the most drastic over the last few decades and one tends to wonder who is at fault. Slang, vulgarity, acronyms, abbreviations, poor grammar and disrespectful body language seems to have become the acceptable norm. How did we let it get so much out of hand? Teacher’s nurture and mold young minds. Let us not forget that manners, effective communication and respect still need to be taught in the home while they are impressionable and a strong foundation can be effectively created.

Frames To Compliment - The Eyewear Dilemna

If choosing the right frames to suit your facial shape is proving to be a frustrating science or, art form you have no clue about ... not to worry.

This dilemma strikes individuals nearly every time a purchase needs to be made so, consider yourself in great company. Many women find themselves standing before a store counter mirror trying on one pair after another until finally they think they hit on a pair that actually compliments their face.

Sadly, a large number will mindlessly stockpile pairs the same way they do lipstick tubes and makeup compacts. Think of the money you can save if you only knew how to analyze your facial shape and match it up with the right style to enhance your overall look.

First, lets determine how to do that. Stand before a mirror and pull your hair back off your forehead and away from your face. Use the diagram below to determine which facial shape comes close to resembling your own.


ROUND - No round frames for you. You need to minimize the fullness with angular frames such as rectangle/octagon which will create an illusion that thins your face. Use classic patterns and darker colors. However, make sure most of the color is on the upper rim or temple area.

SQUARE - Oval and round shapes will soften your hard angles. No square and angular shapes, however. Glasses that frame out beyond your face and wrap around to your ears will look best on you if, you have a very strong square jawline.

HEART - Stay away from super-sized lenses, high sides, wide tops and large heavy rims. You are a great candidate for a classic pair of aviators.

OVAL/OBLONG/LONG - The sky is the limit! If you're petite, stick to rimless, delicate frames. Otherwise, you can sport just about anything from bold styles to impressive shapes.

Color Is Important As Well

Cool Complexions (skin tone has a blue or pink undertone) - black, brown, blue-gray, plum, magenta, pink, jade, blue, tortoise shell and amber are your colors.

Warm Complexions (skin tone has a peaches & cream tone or yellow cast) - camel, khaki, gold, copper, peach, orange, coral, off-white, fire-engine red and warm blue are your colors.

Knowing how to combine the right style and color with selection is a sure fire way to save not only money but, compliment the first thing people see ... your face.

The Dating Game For Seniors

Is sixty the new thirty? If you ask the “baby boomer” generation one will quickly learn the most likely answer will prove to be, “You betcha!” Times have changed and senior life these days simply is not what it use to be thirty years ago. As time marches on, those over the age of sixty refuse to be left behind. Now more than ever, seniors are active … keeping themselves in great shape, following the advances in medicine and watching what they are eating. In comparison to generations past, senior citizens are more vital and vibrant about life and living it to the fullest.

Does it make a difference if they are ready for retirement and looking for a partner? Not if you were to ask them. Being over sixty is just as much fun and proving to be an even more rewarding experience.

Relationship experts will be the first to say that no matter what our age, dating and relationships are just as important to a strong, healthy attitude and a rewarding, fulfilling personal life. Allowing nerves and fear to get in the way of developing a healthy intimate relationship despite our age, is only a deterrent. Dating most certainly should not be something to be afraid of.

As we reach that comfortable stage in our lives, many of those issues that face younger singles aren’t as significant and rarely exist at all. Career, raising a family and financial security are not as prominent, leading boomers to be more casual, flexible and less stressful. Those 55 and older have been there and done that. Life experiences have made them realize that the simpler things in life and having someone to share them with are more important than money, status and outside beauty.

Entering the over fifty dating scene for the first time isn’t any different than if you were thirty or forty. There is going to be a certain level of nervousness and trepidation. But like anything else in life … if you don’t do, you don’t get. So if you are looking to re-establish a potential loving and fulfilling relationship know that life is what you make of it, no matter what your age.

Keeping Romance Alive

Tomorrow is promised to no one and what little time we have on this earth shared with someone we love and adore is precious.

Romance at any age is exhilarating whether it's a touch, a look, a memory being created or an endearing word spoken. We all love the undying love that was exemplified in the movie The Notebook. What keeps us from living those swooning, can't live without you, got to have you moments over and over again? Most of us will say that it is just life that gets in the way. So let us not make the mistake of allowing it to happen. Listed below are some ideas on how you can recapture the romance in your relationship and just seize that moment for some truly memorable times together.

Share A Secret Code

Pick a word that is likely to come up in conversation like whipped cream, midnight, bedroom etc. and agree that every time you hear someone speak that word you have to simply touch each other ... which could be anything from a kiss to a lingering stroke under the table or a soft hug.

Turn Dinner Into Dining

We all devour meals together. Change up the atmosphere by using your nicest dishes and candle light. It's the mood and not the food that matters. Using flowers, lowering the lights, playing soft music in the background and feeding each other can lead to a dessert you didn't have on the menu.

Get Swept Off Your Feet

Make up your own tango moves and grab your guy for 15 minutes while you wait for dinner. Pop in a Marc Anthony CD and press your pelvises together, entwine your legs and twist and twirl around the living room. Also sloooowww dancing is so intimate and sensual. The way you stand hip-to-hip and sway in each others arms to the rhythm will truly help to block out the world, the worry and stress of the day.

Outlaw Certain Clothing

Choose a Blockbuster night together, however, don't throw on an oversized tee shirt or grubby loungewear. Slip into something that says "cuddle with me." Perhaps a semi-sheer tank top without a bra or something that emphasizes the assets he loves.

Clean Up With Him

This may sound corny but doing dishes together can be incredibly romantic. Both roll up your sleeves, get sudsy in the warm water and have great conversation while your hands are touching.

Tender Touch

While you're also chilling out in front of the tube, heat things up with hands on action, mini foot massages, laying your head in his lap and let him stroke your hair or vice-versa.

Flashing

That's right ... you read it right! When no one is looking, give your guy a sneak peek in public. Believe me, it will send his heart soaring and pulse racing.

Afternoon Treat

If you know he's facing a really grueling day at the office, call up a local restaurant that delivers and send him a "I'm thinking about you lunch" and that dessert is waiting for him later.

Dating Game

Come up with three out of the ordinary evening ideas ... maybe a starlit ferry ride, game of mini golf, dinner at a restaurant with a kind of food you've both never tried, a savory picnic basket with wine in a quiet setting and write them on index cards. Then have your guy choose one of the cards and embark on the adventure.

In The Dark

Fake a power outage. Unplug the phone, computer and tv, then turn off all the lights. When there is nothing to distract you, you have no choice but to break out the candles and cling to each other.

Band Pecking All Together

No more quick pecks on the lips. Make a rule that those lips of yours have to smooch for a minimum of 10 seconds and make it worthwhile.

Send Him a Sexy Check

Use a regular check made out to him and fill in the amount with something you know he will love and can cash in on at any time.

Elevator

Whenever you find yourself alone in the elevator ... grab your man for a passionate kiss. The excitement will leave him breathless.

Seductive Stories

Pick up a steemy best seller and take turns reading it aloud while curled up in bed or on the couch. You may be a little shy at first with each other but believe me he'll love that new adventurous side to your nature and eventually you'll both find your natural reading rhythm. It is utterly romantic as you both get caught up in the fictional world together.

Go Postal

Mail him love notes, I want you notes and sweet little letters about what you love about every part of his body.

Play Barber

Show him some passionate pampering by giving him a sensual shave. After his morning shower, lather him up with shaving cream and straddle his lap while you do it.

Leave Him Clues

Create some mystery and send him on a treasure hunt to find you after work. Pick an obscure, out of the way bar/restaurant/hotel you would never go to. Send him emails throughout the day giving clues with little riddles that hint at the name and landmarks that will lead him to the location.

Surprise Him Reminder

Spritz a small item of your clothing (scarf, camisole, lacy underwear, even an envelope or his handkerchief) with your signature fragrance and slip it into his briefcase, back pack etc. With your sexy sent wafting out every time he reaches/opens his item, he won't be able to take his mind off of you. When the work clock strikes 5, he'll be rushing home non-stop.

Real Gem Beauty Tips That Truly Do Work

There has probably been a time or two in your life when someone said to you, "I know this may sound weird, but ..." Well, guess what? You're going to hear it again and ladies I've got to tell you that the tips noted below are by far some of the best I have ever found. They may actually sound strange at first but, believe me, they actually do make sense when you think about it. And if it is about saving money in these tight economic times .... I'm all for it. SO ... go ahead and give them a try and let me know your thoughts.


1) Powder Your Roots - Our hair does get greasy and there are those rushed instances when we don't have time to wash it. Dig up a fluffy makeup brush and dip it into some loose powder. Tap it onto the back of your hand to get rid of the excess and then dust your roots. It truly soaks up the oil and blends into your hair strands. No one will be the wiser.

2) Scent Strands With Perfume - Spray a light shot of fragrance into your brush bristles and run it through your hair. It will smell amazing throughout the day.

3) Calluses - Slather on some inexpensive vaseline and put on socks before bed to dissolve tough calluses over night.

4) Smudges - Dip a cotton swab in eye makeup remover and trace it along your lids to erase any goof-ups when you don't have time to redo.

5) Flushy Skin - If you really turn red after exercising, take an antihistamine like Benadryl when you leave the gym to reduce the redness. Be careful though because it could make you drowsy.

6) Body Softener - Remove the pit and skin from a ripe avocado and mash it into a bowl. Slather it all over your body and keep it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Your skin will be softer than a baby's.

7) Broken Nail - Don't tear if off. Put a tiny dab of super glue over the split and then color the nail to camouflage and seal the crack.

8) Stubborn Lipstick - You know what happens when you try and rub off bright lipstick? It smears across you mouth ... use a cotton ball or tissue dipped in makeup remover and just dab.

9) Crazy Brows - Keep brows hydrated and smooth with just a pat of eye cream.

10) Tanning Streaks - If you don't have the natural glow you want after using a self-tanner - put some baking soda on a loofah and scrub away any stripes that appear.

11) Stiff Hair - Don't let your perfect hairdo look all stiff and plastered from hairspray. Instead spray your brush with hairspray instead of your finished hairdo. It will still shine and hold the volume.

12) Sexy Shiny Legs - Blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.

13) Cold Sore - When you know it's coming on, dab thick moisturizer like Aquaphor over it to prevent it from getting worse.

14) Zits - Use a pea-size of toothpaste over it and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil, then wash off.

15) Straight Eye Lashes - blast your metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a couple of seconds to heat it up. Your lashes will bend more easily. Then use a waterproof mascara because it dries faster and will set the curl..

16) Brows - mist an unused toothbrush or eyebrow comb with hair spray to help flatten and tame unruly brows.

17) Another Lash Wonder - Don't want to wear a lot of makeup on your eyes - comb petroleum jelly through the tips of your eyelashes for a sexy, subtle sparkle.

18) Spike Lotion with Bronzer if you don't have time to tan and your legs are white. It will give your legs a beachy color.

19) Puffy Sensitive Skin - Steep a bag of green tea for a few minutes, let cool and dab over your face. The antioxidants in the tea will reduce the inflammation.

20) Shaving - Ran out of cream to shave your legs ... use conditioner and your legs will feel amazingly silky as well.

21) Dry Hair - one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water soaked for 15 minutes before you shampoo will lock in shine and combat that dull look.

22) Underarms - Are they looking dry and flaky? Exfoliate them with a gentle face scrub to keep the skin pretty for summer time.

23) Facial Mask - Revive tired, dull skin inexpensively with egg whites. The protein will heal and restore your skin's moisture. Just leave it on 5 minutes and rinse,

Wedding Dresses You Dream Of

Sophistication, elegance and classic style are never compromised at Best Bridal Prices. In business for more than thirty years, they have a distinct insight knowing what brides today dream of wearing when they are walking down the aisle on the most important day of their lives.

See for yourself why Best Bridal Prices takes the worry out of planning for the entire wedding party and choose from renown designers such as Alfred Angelo, Casablanca, Christina Wu and Ella Rosa to name a few ... all at a price you can afford and a style that will leave every one breathless.

Best Bridal Prices ~ where elegance and style are never compromised for price. Visit them today. bridesmaid dresses

How To Make Eyes Pop Under Glasses

The effect of makeup will vary according to the type of glasses you wear. Lenses for the near-sighted may make your eyes appear smaller so, makeup needs to create the effect of brightness. It may be necessary to wear more makeup than you're generally comfortable with.

Lenses for the far-sighted, however, magnify your eyes so, your application should not be too strong. You can imagine how you would look to others if your lashes were magnified three times with unnecessary heavy coatings of mascara. Yikes !!!!

It's important that you always apply makeup to your entire face. Do not ignore your lips and cheeks or, you will create an imbalanced and unfinished effect. If you do have extremely poor eyesight and find applying makeup difficult, do not be afraid to use a mirror with a magnifying side as it will help dramatically. Bed, Bath & Beyond have a wonderful selection of magnified wall mirrors you can mount right on your bathroom wall for up to $40.00. Click on this link http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com and type in the words magnified wall mirrors in their search box to find them directly.

The color of your eye frames is just as important. We talked earlier about complimenting colors enhancing your skin tone. This should also apply with your eyeglass frames as well. Blonds with yellow undertones can use gold, tan, bright red, blue gray, violet or navy frames. Blonds with blue undertones will favor silver, black, blue green, plum and powder or sky blue better.

Women with hair the color of red, auburn, brown with heavy red highlights will look better in gold, dark brown, mahogany, warm red, khaki green or jade and warm beige frames. If you have very dark brown or black hair with clear blue undertones try black, purple, burgundy, navy blue or charcoal gray frames. Women of color will be complimented with frames the color of graphite, hickory, teal, java, amethyst, plum and wine. NOTE: tinted glasses can distort your eye color as well.

Remember your eyebrows should be even with the top of your frames or just a tad higher so, correct if necessary. Because your glasses lighten color, your eye shadow can be slightly deeper in shade. It is essential to create a balance between the depth of colors you use to create an overall impression. If you use a softstick to outline your eye, use it in moderation and a color other than black or brown ... for example try gray, beige or green.

Little Black Dress

When Audrey Hepburn accepted the lead role in Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961, you can bet she did not know then she would be setting a fashion trend that would play a major influence forty years later. She may have rejuvenated its fame but let us not forget who the true credit goes to.

Fashion Designer, Coco Chanel, created the alluring, chic style in 1926. It was originally named the "Ford" dress by American Vogue because it mimicked Henry Ford's Model T … it was an instant craze, widely available and, only available in black. During the twenties, black was synonymous with mourning. As the new Jazz age took center stage, Chanel's black dress with its seductive sleekness took on a different role for women … that of liberation and independence.

To this very day women have an unexplainable adoration for the simple design which magically flatters body types of every variation. It does not matter if you pay thirty dollars or, three hundred for it because the little black dress has a way of making you look and feel like a million dollar baby. All you have to do is add a simple pair of faux or, real pearls, custom jewelry and let us not forget, the perfect black pump or, stiletto heels … whichever you prefer.

The little black dress is simplicity and elegance all rolled into one. It survived the restrictions of war in the 40's and 50's, the madness of the disco era, punk movement of the early 90's and resurged with tremendous popularity when four "simply fab" ladies strutted their stuff in the top hit show Sex and the City.Body shape does not matter. How much you can afford does not matter. Fashion sense does not matter.

And why, you ask? Because the little black dress is magical enough to suit any need.