Beauty Care Blog

Increase Your Training Intensity - Pre-Exhaustion

Mary-Ann — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:03:02 +0000

You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate progressively stronger muscular contractions, so this calls for an emphasis on finding ways to increase exercise intensity. This should not be confused with exercise duration as maximum training intensity will actually shorten the time needed to achieve maximal muscular growth.

In an earlier article I outlined the ways in which you can intensify your training. Here we’ll focus on the role that pre-exhaustion has to play in intensifying the training effect.

When an exercise employs two or more muscles it will be impossible to achieve failure for the primary muscle as the weakest muscle will give out first. This is perhaps best explained by giving an example. When targeting the chest, most exercises involve use of the triceps which is a relatively small and weak muscle. When performing the incline bench press for example, the triceps will fail before the pectorals have the opportunity to work to failure thus limiting the value of the exercise.

How do you get around this? By first performing an exercise that isolates and tires the pectorals before immediately moving on to the main exercise. For maximum benefits there should be no rest between the pre-exhaust exercise and the main compound exercise.

Beginners don’t need to worry about pre-exhaust routines but when they advance to intermediate level they can be introduced once a week for each body part.

Examples of pre-exhaust routines commonly performed by bodybuilders are listed below:

Biceps - barbell curls and close-grip, palms-up pulldowns.

Triceps - pressdowns and dips.

Pectorals - flyes and bench presses.

Lats - dumbbell pullovers and barbell rows.

Deltoids - dumbbell laterals and presses behind neck.

Traps - shrugs and upright rows.

Thighs - leg extensions and squats.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Natural Poison Oak-Sumac-Ivy Remedy

Mary-Ann — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:05:48 +0000

Have you ever casually strolled into a patch of poison oak or sumac? And then, of all times, you realize for the first time in your entire life, that you are extremely allergic to these wonderful, little plants? Have no fear, Holistic Junction has the perfect and most natural remedy for you.

Most affected persons would spontaneously run to their local drug store or family supermarket for the latest cortizone treatment. And although makers of Aveeno have undeniably captivated nature’s essence, most persons would like instantaneous relief from this itchy, plant-induced rash.

Naturally, what works miraculously can be found right in your own kitchen cupboard. Oatmeal. Quick oats, as one might call it, is nature’s cure-all for various rashes.

Simply pour a cup of plain, instant oatmeal or oats into a nylon knee-hi, or cut nylon hosiery. Tie a knot on the end and loop over the bathtub faucet, where hot water can flow through the hosiery. Now, the oatmeal bath is optional, but one can easily concoct a salve from the same directive.

Simply place the oatmeal-filled hosiery into a small bowl of very hot water. Allow to set for about 10-15 minutes. When time has lapsed, squeeze the natural oatmeal baggy several times to allow as much fluid to escape as possible. (The soapy-colored and textured liquid will be a little sticky.) Once completed, take a cotton ball and gently apply potion to rash. That’s it. The itching should diminish and healing can begin.

C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. LadyCamelot
Public Relations’ Director &
Staff Writer for Holistic Junction - Your Source for information on Holistic Practitioners, Massage Therapy Schools, Naturopathic Schools, Alternative Health, Insightful literature and more!

Jet lag — 4 Simple Steps To Avoid

Mary-Ann — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:13:08 +0000

First of all please notice that some explanations in my article are from a ‘viewpoint’ of European Times. You will know what I mean when you read my article.

AND I am German and have some misspelled words, grammar and phrases. I am still developing my skills, but just don’t look at this, look at the content itself, and you will be happy.

So go ahead now, I just want you to recognize it.

1. Adjust your biological clock

The biological clock of the body needs a while after a journey into another time belt, in order to adjust itself to the new rhythm. Physical and mental symptoms can occur here such as headache, listlessness or nausea, but none jet lag must be helplessly delivered.

Daylight helps itself the cells, automatically to program on ‘Day’. When you fly in direction to the east, for example to Thailand, it might be harder for you - you lose several hours. In order to prepare some days in advance for the new sleep rhythm, you should spend some time in the daylight in the early evening. During the flight it is advisable to sleep in advance. Then the adjustment goes faster.

When you travel toward the west, approximately to the USA, you’ll have it easier. Nevertheless you should try to plan its arrival around noon time to get the brightest light of the day. Important appointments or activities at the arrival place you should plan at the time of day, at which you are most awake: After a flight in direction to the east in the evening, after a flight in direction to the west in the morning.

2. Sleep on board

Many humans have problems to fall asleep on the tiny seat in the airplane. Therefore in such a way some seizes to sleep pills or tranquilizers. This unnatural interference into the bio rhythm of the body affects negatively to your adjustment at recent time conditions.

It is healthier to create yourself in the airplane as good sleep conditions as possible: Take yourself an inflatable neck cushion and an eye mask in the airplane. Some airlines distribute themselves these implements on board, but you shouldn’t rely on it however.

Since feet often swell on a flight, it is advisable to take your shoes off and to carry yourself on a warm cosy pair of socks. Even if you feel yourself it’s not cold, you should cover yourselves before falling asleep with a light cover (you’ll get one by all long distance flights), so that you do not wake up freezing and protect yourself from a cold!
I for myself know what I’m talking about. I have seen many people who underestimated this point and had a cold at their additional days after their flight.

3. Avoid drinking alcohol as your ‘falling-asleep-assistance’

Tiny alcohol bottles on board often used as a falling asleep assistance during the flight. In the airplane these affect however - exactly the same as tranquilizers - three times as strongly as down on the earth! If you are suffering from fear of flight you should avoid alcohol here, since psychological symptoms can occur such as aggression or depression (however, this is an extensive subject. I will post an article about this in the future. For now I focus on ‘jet lag’).

In addition alcohol supports the drainage of the body, which particularly begins fast on long distance flights. As consequence headache and listlessness appear. The air within an airplane is often drier than in the desert! While the air humidity of the Sahara amounts to about 20 per cent, it occurs at long distance flights that it falls below the ten-per cent border. Therefore you should drink much water during, before and after the flight.

Professionals take beverages themselves

In many cases the water on board isn’t particularly good-tasting and is served in containers by the size of an egg cup. You won’t to constantly trouble a flight attendant with your desires. Therefore take yourself also a large bottle of your preferential mineral water on board.

Last but not least: my most important advice:

4. Sleeping in advance to the trip

To the complete habituation time of your body the following rule of thumb applies:
One day per hour time lag. With a difference of six hours that would be six days, until the biological clock of the body ticks in conformity with the time belt. When you then precautionary go to bed one our earlier/later per day, your body get used to the new daytime.

Enjoy your trip!

Marcus

Marcus Hochstadt has travelled extensively to countries and continents like the USA, Brazil, Thailand, Africa and, of course, Europe. In Germany itself he knows in almost each city the points of REAL interest and gives you insider shortcuts on his daily growing website http://www.smart-travel-germany.com.
Watch out for his free valuable “Help-By-Step” System and its 6 uncovered secrets.

Develop A Strategy For Dealing With Premature Hair Loss

Mary-Ann — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:05:24 +0000

The fact you are reading this probably indicates you have concerns about the rate of your hair loss. Baldness may sometimes be a source of amusement to those with a full head of hair, but premature hair loss at any age can be the cause of intense concern to those affected.

But you can do something about this! By following the guidelines suggested in this article you will place yourself in a position to identify a hair loss treatment that not only works but also fits in with your lifestyle and preferences.

To achieve this you must truthfully answer four simple questions:

1. What is the true cause of your hair loss?

Most instances of hair loss in men, for example, can be attributed to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) but you must be certain as this will influence your choice of hair loss treatment. To be completely certain you should consult with your physician.

2. How far has your hair loss progressed?

It is crucial to realize that the sooner you start treating hair loss, the greater your chances of success. You need to identify the pattern of hair loss as this will help establish both the cause and most effective treatment option.

3. What hair loss treatment options are you prepared to consider?

Your answer to this question will depend on a number of factors including the type and extent of hair loss, what treatments have been tried previously, your personal preferences with regard to using medications or natural remedies and the amount you are prepared to spend.

4. Do you have sufficient patience and determination to succeed?

There really are no miracle cures for premature hair loss. Equally, there are treatments that can halt and even reverse this condition, but none of them will work overnight. Treatments take time to work and there is no such thing as a remedy that suits everyone.

When you have given proper consideration to these questions you will find yourself in a better position to choose the hair loss treatment that best suits your circumstances. It you’re still not sure, talk to your physician or carry out more research. But you need to be clear on one point - the longer you delay, the more difficult your path to hair regrowth will be.

You can find out more about developing your own hair loss strategy by following the link below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Treatments to find out more about the issues covered in this article.

How What We Drink Can Affect Our Weight and Health

Mary-Ann — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:10:31 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I thought that I would talk about what we drink. Everyone loves a long cool drink, but often we forget to think about how many calories and nutrients are in what we drink. The warm weather can leave us dehydrated, and it is important that we are all drinking lots of water, especially before we go to a class. There should be no risk to a healthy person of exercising in hot weather providing you make sure that you drink before, during and after exercise (water that is).

Often we exercise and watch what we eat, but forget to add in the amount of calories that we consume through drinks. Someone left a delicious bottle of lemonade in my fridge last week, and as I haven’t had a fizzy drink in ages, I got very excited and drank the lot over the course of the day. I was horribly shocked as I glanced at the label as it went in the bin to realize that I had consumed over 1000 calories! That is at least 3 aerobics classes worth of calories, and yet it looked harmless and tasted so delicious. From now on I am back on the sparkling mineral water.
As I look around me on the street and in our sports centers I see children walking along drinking from cans and cartons. A2001 report in The Lancet warned of a 60% risk of obesity for every can of high-sugar drink a child consumes each day. An average child in the UK consumes 15 high-sugar drinks each week. The best way to cut down the amount of simple sugars in your child’s diet is to cut out these unhealthy drinking habits. Try dilute fruit juice (you can change the dilution slowly to give your child a chance to adapt) or fizzy water with a little fruit juice. Good quality squash should be saved for treats, and kept very weak. The best drink for your child is water, and you will be surprised how quickly they adapt to enjoying it. It is useful to note that even fresh fruit juice is high in natural sugar and can add to weight problems, also the body has difficulty digesting fruit juices and they should be watered down.

Alcohol is high in calories (1g = 7kcal where as 1g of fat =9Kcal). In a perfect world, none of us would touch it, especially whilst following weight loss goals. However, in reality we all like a drink. It is important to keep your intake of alcohol under control - moderation is the key. While a 5 oz glass of wine per day at 100 calories may seem harmless enough, over two and a half weeks that’s approximately an extra 1,700 calories. This is equivalent to about a half a pound of body fat. That’s about 10 pounds of body fat, per year.

The Royal College of Physicians recommends that alcohol consumption be no more than 21 units a week for men; 14 units a week for women. It is better for health to spread alcohol units (up to the maximum recommended) throughout the week, than to drink large amounts in a single day or weekend. Therefore women should aim to consume no more than 2 units a day; men 3 units a day.

One unit of alcohol is the amount in half a pint of beer, a single (25ml) measure of spirit, a small glass (120ml) table wine, or a small glass (50ml) of fortified wine, such as sherry.

It is easy to see how even a “moderate” consumption of alcohol can have a very serious impact on your daily calorie quota: 3 units of beer could amount to a total 345kcal, 2 units of wine 160kcal.

How Many Calories in Various Alcoholic Drinks?

Calorie content
1 Pint/568ml Lager 230
1 Pint/568ml Beer, Bitter 182
1 Pint/568ml Cider, Sweet 240
1 Shot/25ml Spirits, 37.5% Volume 48
1 Bottle/275ml Alcopops (Calculated Estimate) 200
1 Glass/120ml Wine, Red 80
1 Glass/120ml Wine, White 77
Calories in Popular Mixers

Calorie content
1 Glass/250ml Tonic Water 83
1 Glass/250ml Cola, Coca Cola* 105
1 Glass/250ml Cola, Diet, Coca Cola* 1
1 Glass/250ml Lemonade 53
1 Glass/250ml Diet Lemonade 3
1 Glass/200ml Orange Juice, Unsweetened 72
1 Shot/25ml Lime Cordial 28

Ways to Reduce the Calories

Try alternating alcoholic drinks with low calorie non-alcoholic drinks or water.

Ask for low calorie / diet mixers where possible.

Make your wine into a spritzer (a longer drink), or your lager into a shandy - both have fewer calories.

Substitute your “alcopop” for a shot of spirit and a low calorie mixer - about a quarter of the calories!

To add a healthy slant, try a single shot of spirits with some fresh fruit juices.

Don’t be tempted to skip meals to allow for drinks, alcohol won’t satisfy your hunger. In fact, alcohol lowers blood sugar levels (it prevents sugar that is normally stored in the liver, as glycogen, from breaking down). A drop in blood sugar levels sends signals to the brain you are hungry. With alcohol in your system, willpower can go out of the window and the snack attacks kick in. Eating a proper meal before you go out will line your stomach and slow the rate at which alcohol absorbs into your bloodstream. Keeping you in control of how much you eat and drink.

So the message is to enjoy a drink or two if you wish, but to support your body by eating before hand, drinking plenty of water, and not over-doing it.

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independant sector. Visit her website on http://www.getfitter.net or http://www.corporatechill.com

Work At Home Moms - Work At Something You Enjoy

Mary-Ann — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:01:53 +0000

The Most Rewarding And Most Difficult Job In The World

Work at home moms and stay at home moms have the most rewarding and difficult jobs in the world!

You’ve made an important decision to stay at home and raise your children (for that decision I salute you) and you may also be working out of your home…

Either way, you’ve probably looked into a number of ways to generate some extra income for your family.

Most work at home and stay at home moms want an opportunity that lets them stay independent and offers the most flexibility… And wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could also work at something you enjoy or better yet, something you have a passion for?

Opportunities On The Internet

There are some excellent opportunities on the internet for work at home moms and stay at home moms, opportunities that both fit and compliment your stay at home schedule.

And, it is very possible to find an internet niche that can generate some extra income from your hobby or something you either have a passion for already or that can develop into a passion.

I know of one lady that turned her passion for Belly Dancing into a web site that generates a decent income. And a work at home mom I know developed a party web site that now generates a good monthly income.

The Good News

Have you ever noticed how doing something you really enjoy never seems like work? Instead, it’s fun and challenging and you can’t wait to get back to it each day… But what if this thing you enjoy so much was also making some extra income for you and your family or even a decent full time income? That would be very nice indeed wouldn’t it?

The Internet And You

Even if you don’t know a thing about the internet, there are several online companies that offer excellent, easy to use services that will not only help you, but will assist you in putting together a professional looking web site.

And with support from one of these internet companies, you will at least have a very good chance at making some extra income or a good part-time income… And yes, it is possible to develop your site into a full-time income.

Several online companies specialize in this and while I’m not familiar with all of them, there are two that I am familiar with and that I recommend you visit. Site Build It! and iPower.

By visiting these and other web hosting companies you will discover what each has to offer and which service is the best for you.

What To Look For

You want to look for a company that will give you lots of support, take care of the technical side of things allowing you to concentrate on putting together your web site.

Look for a company that includes web hosting, site building and site marketing for one price and doesn’t charge you for new services and features.

Also look for a company that explains everything to you in a written, detail featured manual and informational online forums.

Your Internet Success

As a work at home mom or stay at home mom, you have the opportunity to put together a web site based on your hobby or something you’re passionate about and to develop your site so it generates that extra income or part-time income or even a full-time income your looking for.

And all while you maintain your independence and flexible schedule.

The idea of having your own web site is something I encourage you to look into. Remember the two ladies I mentioned earlier? They turned their interests and their passion into income producing web sites… And so can you!

Mike Dougherty is a grandfather who turned his knowledge of children’s birthday parties into a successful web site. For more information visit http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com or http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com/work-at-home-moms.html

Are Hair Loss Treatments Just One Big Scam

Mary-Ann — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:13:39 +0000

The hair loss industry is not one that inspires great confidence in most people. I have to admit this is perfectly understandable given the damage caused by the many rogues and charlatans who have abused the trust of far too many vulnerable people - people who have received worthless and even dangerous products or advice in exchange for their hard earned cash. The end result is the prevalance of a stigma that the industry is hard pressed to shake off.

But is this perception really justified nowadays? Are there no genuine treatments that sufferers can turn to in a bid to treat the ravages of premature hair loss? The simple answer is YES, there are several safe, affordable, accessible and effective hair loss treatments currently available. Some have even been approved by FDA for the treatment of hair loss conditions while others draw on natural remedies as the basis for commercially available products. Whether or not any of them are suitable for a given individual depends on a number of important factors.

First and foremost, every individual must determine the exact cause or causes of his or her hair loss. This may appear to be an over-simplistic statement but the truth is, most people undergoing a course of treatment for hair loss have proceeded on the basis of self-diagnosis. Given the fact that premature or excessive hair loss is often associated with underlying medical conditions, this is perhaps not the most sensible course of action.

My advice in all cases is to seek the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner because the consequences of not doing so may be serious in a small number of cases. Even where all the evidence points to the onset of hereditary male pattern baldness it would probably be best to seek advice, if only to rule out other factors.

Once the cause of hair loss has been properly diagnosed you will be in a position to choose a suitable form of treatment. This may range from the prescription of drugs aimed at balancing disrupted hormone levels to the topical application of minoxidil to reduce the symptoms of male pattern baldness.

Hair loss may be caused by many factors including changing hormone levels, illness, stress, overuse of strong chemicals, excessive traction, poor grooming practices, side effects of medical treatment, poor nutrition, weak immune system and the effects of aging. The good news is, all of these can be tackled with reasonable hope of success but only if you choose the right treatment.

The next article in this series will look closely at the various causes of excessive hair loss and outline suggested treatments that are both affordable and accessible. If you take only two things from this article, please take these suggestions on board:

1. Always seek the advice of your physician before undergoing a hair loss treatment regime.

2. Don’t despair, there’s often a simple explanation for excessive hair loss and even hereditary loss or male pattern-type baldness can be treated successfully for most people nowadays.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.

Podiatry 101 What You Need to Know About

Mary-Ann — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:02:47 +0000

American Podiatric Medical Association

Founded in the year 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), today represents approximately 15000 Doctors of Podiatric Medicines (DPMs). The Association headquarters are situated in Bethesda, Maryland. With a staff of approx 60 employees the association assists the 53 societies scattered throughout the US, with the goal of improving the foot and ankle health of every individual. Their attempt is to achieve this goal by providing information by the way of a toll free number, internet, and information brochures.

Podiatrists attain a four year undergraduate degree before attending an accredited, four year course at medical school. These schools are: Barry University School of Medical Graduate Medical Sciences, California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery- Des Moines University-
Osteopathic Medical Center, Dr. William M Scholl of College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

DPMs also have to complete a residence at hospital. APMA’s Council on Podiatric Medical Education has been entrusted the task accrediting Podiatric Medical Education by the US department of Education. In order to obtain admission into any of the seven accredited podiatric schools one must pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Residency programs as well as podiatric medical boards are both looked after by the Council.

The APMA’s educational Foundation also gives out scholarships to prospective DPMs, each year and also helps to fund programs aimed at raising awareness about foot and ankle health. The scholarship funds contribute approx $1000 to about 134 students each, annually. An overall figure of 142,000$ is also contributed by the fund each year and is responsible for he contribution of about 1 million $ to aid almost 1000 prospective DPMs.

Third or Fourth year students from any of the seven accredited colleges and chosen by the College Scholarship and Student Loan Committee, based on various factors like classroom performance, leadership qualities, podiatric community involvement and financial need etc.

There are plenty of ailments that effect the feet but the most common two are Athletes Foot and Bunions.

Athletes Foot is a skin disease that originates with the foot. Fungus responsible for the disease thrives at warm, dark and moist places and thus the feet offer the perfect home. Name comes from the fact that many athletes suffered from this fungus and also the fact that swimming pools and locker rooms are also safe breeding ground for the fungi.

Symptoms include itchy, dry and irritated skin also sometimes accompanied by blisters, scaling and inflammation. It may spread to other parts of the body as well, like the underarms and the groin region. It can be prevented by taking a proper care of the skin. Washing and keeping the feet clean, using a feet powder. Fungicidal creams are also effective in healing.

Another common foot ailment is the Bunion, an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal (MTO) join, located at the base of the big toe. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, and irritation also accompanied by abnormal forces placed on the tendons and joints of the foot. It is treated mostly by padding the inflammatory are and taping the foot in a proper position. Anti inflammatory drugs, ultra sound treatment and cortisone injections are also prescribed to ease the pain and swelling. In severe cases a surgical [procedure called bunionectomy might be performed by podiatrists.

Mansi aggarwal writes about podiatry. Learn more at http://www.podiatryinformer.com

Jewelry from 3000 BC Egypt to the 21st Century

Mary-Ann — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:06:39 +0000

Egypt

The use of gold jewelry can be dated back to Egypt 3000 BC. Gold was the preferred metal for jewelry making during ancient times. It was rare, it was easy to work with, and it never tarnished.

Magnificent bracelets, pendants, necklaces, rings, armlets, earrings, collars, and head ornaments were all produced in ancient Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs. In 1922 Howard Carter’s excavations led to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and many gold artifacts, all showing the art work of ancient Egypt.

Greece

In ancient Greece, gold beads in the shape of shells, flowers and beetles were very common. In Northern Greece beautiful necklaces and earrings have been excavated from burial.

By 300 BC the Greeks were using gems such as emeralds, garnets, amethysts and pearls. They also created colored glass stones and enamel stones. Carved agate cameos and gold filigree work were widely made.

Italy

The Italian Etruscans produced granulated textured gold work. They made very large, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. They were also known for producing hollow gold pendants that were filled with perfume. Even today the Italians are still known for the quality gold jewelry.

Rome

The Romans used 18 and 24 carat gold for their coins. Coinage gold was readily available so it was popular with craftsmen for decorative jewelry. Over 2000 years ago the Romans were using sapphires, emeralds, garnets, and amber in their jewelry.
Europe.

During the 13th century the Medieval Sumptuary Laws were enacted which put a cap on luxurious jewelry and clothing. The town folk of France, banned from wearing girdles made from pearls or any other gemstone.

They were also banged from wearing gold or silver. Similar laws existed in England banning artisans from wearing gold and silver. These laws show how fine jewelry had spread beyond nobility to the town folk.

For as long as mankind has existed gems and jewels have been used as token of ones love for another. While many pieces of jewelry existed adorned with fine gems and made from precious metals, there was also some very good fake jewelry.

True gemstones and pearls originated in the east and they were bought mainly by the Italians. The Italian merchants then sold the jewelry to the Europeans.

High quality glass imitations were often used and sold with the intent to deceive. These high quality glass stones were often used in the Royal funeral robes and in children’s jewelry.

Valued more than gemstones, were the flawless, round, natural white pearls. South India provided some of the finest pearls. The Italians were able to make quality imitation glass gems and pearls that could only be identified by a gemologist.

There is historical proof that recipes for false pearls existed as far back as 1300. White powdered glass was mixed with albumen and snail slime to produce imitation pearls.

Earrings and Dress Jewelry

During the 17th century woman always wore earrings, whether they were dressed or undressed. It was very acceptable to wear faux pearls and paste gem earrings during the day saving fine diamond jewelry and gem jewelry for evening attire.

Dress ornamentation decreased in size. Sleeves or skirts were often decorated with matching brooches.

During the 16th it was very fashionable to wear large quantities of pearls. Both jewelry to clothing accessories were adorned with pearls.

During the 17th century Jaquin of Paris patented a method of making fake pearls. Hollow blown glass balls were coated with varnish mixed with iridescent ground fish scales. The hollow balls were then filled with wax to strengthen them. This discovery made Paris the main producer of faux pearls for well over 200 years.

Paste is a compound of glass containing white lead oxide and potash. Paste jewelry was very common in the later part of the 17th century. The highest quality and most long lasting paste jewelry was produced after 1734 by Georges Strass.

Paris lead the production of faux gems [paste] and faux pearls. Just about any kind of fake gem could be made, including fake opals.

After 1760 the production of fake jewelery spread to London and to Birmingham. During the industrial revolution steel was produced in large quantities so it was easily available. It was ues for setting marcasite and jasper ware cameos. Glass and Wedgwood porcelain paste cameos were made in English factories and were also very popular.

The fashion from this era also included ornate shoe buckles of paste, steel and tin, elaborate paste jewel buttons, as well as semi precious for day wear.

Empire Jewelry

In 1804 Napoleon emerged as Emperor of France, resulting in a revival of jewelry and fashion as a new court of pomp.
‘Joailliers’ worked fine jewelry and ‘bijoutiers’ used less precious materials.

The members of the new French imperial family had the former French royal family gems re-set into the latest neo-classical style. The new trends soon found their way to Europe, particularly England. The main influence for design was the Greek and Roman.

Parures and Cameos

Parures were a matching suite of coordinating precious gems which could include a necklace, a comb, a tiara, a diadem, a bandeau, a pair of bracelets, pins, rings, drop earrings or and cluster stud earrings and possibly a belt clasp.

A full parure consisted of a minimum of four pieces. A demi parure consisted of three or less pieces. Both Josephine and Napoleon’s second wife had magnificent parures.

Once Napoleon’s cameo decorated coronation crown was seen, cameos became the rage. Cameos were carved from hard stone, conch shells and even from Wedgwood porcelain.

Victorian Jewelry

In 1837 when Queen Victoria came to the throne jewelry was romantic and nationalistic. It focused on European folk art, which later influenced the Arts and Crafts Movement. Until mid century most western jewelry came from Europe, with some jewelry being produced in North America and Australia.

Mass production of mid Victorian jewelry in Birmingham, Germany and Providence, Rhode Island resulted in lower jewelry standards. Victorian women rebelled when they saw some the poor quality of much of this machine made jewelry.

Woman rebelled by wearing no jewelry at all, or buying from the emerging artist craftsman. Some jewelers like Tiffany recognized a niche market and began to make fine jewelry of a very high standard, opening shops in main European cities.

Mourning Jewelry

During the Victorian era mourning jewelry was very fashionable. The initial months of mourning were unadorned by jewelry of any kind. As the mourning rituals increased, mourning jewelry developed as a fashion item. Queen Victorian wore a great deal of jet mourning jewelry after Prince Albert’s death.

Jet from Whitby, North of England was set into mourning pieces. All types of material that were black were used and almost all included a lock of the dead loved one’s hair. Hair was also plaited, braided or twisted very tightly until it became hard and thread like.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry

During the 1870s the Arts and Crafts movement evolved as a reaction to mass produced shoddy goods and inferior machine made products which were a result of the industrial revolution.

William Morris and John Ruskin were both leaders of the arts and crafts movement in England. They promoted simple Arts and Crafts of designs based on floral, primitive or Celtic forms worked as wallpapers, furniture and jewelry.

The polished stones used in Arts and Crafts jewelry gave a medieval, simpler, gentler, tooled hand made look and feel to items.

Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau followed the arts and crafts movement resulting in a new jewelry look. The movement began in Paris and its influence went throughout the Western world. Art nouveau jewelry had curves, sinuous organic lines of romantic and imaginary dreaminess.

It was very ethereal turning into winged bird and flower forms. French, Ren? Lalique was the master goldsmith of the era of Art Nouveau producing exquisite one off pieces. Today, the Art Nouveau style is still admired, sought after, and copied.

Pearls

Various combinations of pearl necklaces come in and out of fashion with regularity so pearls too are a must. Today pearls are still a wardrobe essential. Both faux pearls and cultured pearls are very affordable today.

Since the opening of trade with China in the 1990s, many pearls are imported from China dropping the price to about 1/3 of what it was prior to China entering the market.

The Japanese have suffered disease in their pearl beds as well as facing competition and are finding it hard to compete with China’s prices.

Pearl necklaces and pearl earrings can lift a complexion and bring light and radiance to the face taking years off a woman whatever her age. They have been a wardrobe staple for centuries, and a wedding attire tradition.

Cultured pearls have become very affordable, and faux pearls are very cheap and the quality can be excellent. Currently Pearls are a very “hot” fashion statement and with the modern twist of being interspaced on gold wire or floating on special synthetic cord they are essential to the millennium look.

Cocktail Jewelry

During the 1920s Lalique mass produced and designed high quality glass jewelry. Fake, or costume jewellery was sometimes then called cocktail jewelry.

Costume or Cocktail jewelry was greatly influenced by designers such as Coco Chanel, and Elsa Shiparelli as well as a host of other designers. These two designers were particularly known for encouraging clients to mix their fine jewelry and costume jewelry. Both designers offered imagination and fun and both often sported fabulous fakes.

In the late 1930s Napier of the USA was at the forefront of manufacturing fake cocktail jewelry offer glamour and escapism. Today, Napier still produces excellent contemporary costume pieces.

Hollywood Influence

By the 1940s and 1950s American culture was very dominant in Europe. The influence of movie films and the prominence of film stars set the fashion stage for womens make-up, hair and wardrobe.

People wanted copies of outfits and jewelry worn by the actresses. Women believed that the glamour of Hollywood would rub off on them if they dressed and looked like the glamorous Hollywood actresses.

During the Second World War metals were rationed, halting the production of fine jewelry. Quality costume jewelry picked up the now defunct fine jewelry market. Costume jewelry flourished becoming an acceptable alternative to fine jewelry.
1980’s Television Influences Jewelry

During the 1980s with the evolution of glitzy television soaps such as Dynasty and Dallas, costume jewelry once again became a “hot” fashion statement. With over 250 million viewers, it didn’t take long for costume jewelry to be reborn.

Glitz and sparkle by day was not only acceptable, it became the norm. Earrings grew to an unbelievable size, as did other pieces of jewelry. By the 1990s this sparkly dazzling jewelry phenomena was dead, replace with tiny real diamond studs or a fine stud pearls.

21st Century Jewelry

For the 21st century women believe a mix is good. Fine jewelry combined with costume jewelry are wardrobe essentials. The sophisticated women of this century know what they want from their jewelry and how to wear it to make their fashion statement.

They recognize that costume jewelry can liven up their wardrobe. The types and quality of costume jewelry has grown enormously. Today one can purchase what is classified as fine costume jewelry which is usually plated at least seven times with 10 22 ct gold.

Swarovski crystal set in gold are common accessories, and cubic zirconium, man’s imitation diamond, can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of real diamonds allowing every women to add diamond styled jewelry to their wardrobe.

Ciro, Adrian Buckley, Butler and Wilson, Swarovski Crystal Jewelry Napier, Joan Rivers, Joan Collins, Christian Dior, California Crystal, Property of A Lady and of course Kenneth J Lane to name just a few continue to produce high quality fashion jewelry for today’s women.

Costume jewelry can take you from the board room to a night out of dining and dancing to your most intimate evening. It can make you look your best for your wedding, or a day at the beach. You can make Your Fashion Statement With Costume Jewelry!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. So stop by and visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/
We’ll help you make your fashion statement! Remember looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

How To Stop The Fighting In Your Relationships

Mary-Ann — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:10:38 +0000

For some couples fighting is the fire that keeps their relationships alive. It lets them know the other cares. Many are determined to win a battle that never seems to be over. In addition, they try to right the wrongs they have experienced in the past with someone new. Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is doomed to failure. When we bring baggage from a former relationship into the present, all new relationships simply become a continuation of the past.

What People Get Out of Fighting

It is important to understand why couples (who are now parted) keep fighting. For some fighting is a fire that keeps their relationships alive. It lets them know the other cares, things aren’t really over, and sparks still fly between them. Although consciously, they do not want to be together, fighting can keep these couples bonded, causing them to think about each other a great deal, determined to win the power struggle.. Many couples keep these power struggles going long after they have parted.

For them it is a way to keep the relationship from ending, (even though they may be divorced, or living apart).
Anger escalates and fighting can easily become a habit, something we fall into automatically and instinctively. This habit can be hard to get out of, and soon we find ourselves fighting not only with our ex partner, but with children, friends and new relationships.

Needless to say, fighting prevents real communication from developing. It is a way of threatening or blaming the other. Rather than really addressing issues, it causes a situation to remain stuck.
Without a good fight, a relationship is over,” says Mary, a twenty six year old administrative assistant. “The lights have gone off between us. It’s a sign my partner no longer cares.”

Mary, who was recently divorced and is now in another choppy relationship feels that eventually she’ll marry a man with whom she can fight - and survive the storms. ” I respect a guy who I can fight with, who can take me as I am.”

For Mary being angry, fighting and winning has became her identity. Without it, she no longer knows who she truly is. She does not see price she is paying for this kind of relationship or what toll it takes on all concerned.

Unfortunately, the anger many individuals live with on a daily basis can become crystallized into their identity. Once this identity becomes habitual, the individuals soon have no idea who they would be without it. Needless to say, this blocks out much of the happiness, flexibility, communication and intimacy they desire.

“I’m not letting her walk all over me,” Roger would balk whenever his ex wife expressed her needs to him now, or brought up any issue. Rather than listening to what she had to say, he immediately took it as criticism. “She’s trying to tell me I’m inadequate,” he would declare. The war was on. What started as a conversation, turned into a power struggle. From Roger’s point of view, his very manhood was at stake.

However, as long as any of us hold onto our anger and continue fighting, there is no hope of working the problems through, or even truly understanding what is really going on. Roger could not pause and realize that his former wife’s needs and feelings had nothing to do with him. He was determined to take whatever she said or did personally and keep feeling badly about himself. These are many consequences when we cling to anger and allow it to turn into our sense of who we are.

Beyond that, it’s impossible not to receive the fruits of what you have put forth. “As you sow, so shall you reap,” is an immutable law of living. Although we may justify all kinds of behavior it is absolutely inevitable that we will experience the consequences of our thoughts, actions and deeds. Depression arises, hopelessness and the inability to love again.

There are many steps involved in letting go of anger and stopping the fighting in our relationships. The very first step is to realize that anger is a toxin. It is not a source of strength or power, but can become an addiction, a substitute for true power and wisdom, something that hinders our well-being and stops our life from going forward.

Anger is ruthless in the course it takes, disrupting our body, mind and spirit. It hardens our hearts and causes misjudgment and confusion of all kinds.

There are definite steps we can take to undo anger, dissolve this toxin from our lives and be able to start really new. In order to begin a new chapter and to build a positive relationship both with ourselves and others, it is necessary to begin this process.

Here are a few steps one can take to begin. They are taken from The Anger Diet which offers one step a day for thirty days. These following guidelines are simple, but powerful.. Why not try them today and see.

Putting An End To The War

1)Stop Blaming - It is absolutely pointless for you to blame yourself or the other. Blame stops you from seeing the truth. While we are engaged in pointing a finger, and making the other feel guilty, we cannot see what is really going on. Blame is a way to keep the fight alive. TAKE A VACATION FROM BLAME FOR ONE DAY. Instead of thinking of all the ways the person has hurt you keep your eyes open to watch how you may be stoking the fires. Focus upon what the person has done for you, instead. See the affect in your own life.

2)Realize The Price You Are Paying For These Fights. Unless we truly realize the terribly toll fighting is taking on us, we will continue it automatically. In order to get off of this merry-go-round, we must honestly take note of the consequences each fight brings, what it is doing to our body, mind and spirit. Then ask do I truly want this? Haven’t I suffered enough? Why not stop it today?

3) Know There Is A Better Way - You have to become aware that there is a better way to be in a relationship, and that this better way is possible for you too. This is the time to expand your view. Define success as being happy and healthy and having what you truly want. Realize that there are tools and techniques you can learn fairly easily which will make a positive relationship also possible for you.

4)Build A Strong Sense of Self-Worth - Build a strong sense of self worth. The basis of all good relationships is a feeling of worthiness, a desire to honor, gift and pleasure yourself,and to do the same for the other. Choose this kind of relationship and let go of all that opposes it.

As we have the courage to let go of anger, not only does our health improve, but soon we notice many kinds of wonderful, new people and experiences entering our lives. We attract what we focus upon. When we focus upon well-being, forgiveness and love, that is what our lives will be like.

“One word frees us from all the weight and pain of life.

That word is love.”

Sophocles
Cc/author/2005

Melt away toxic feelings with The Anger Diet ,(30 Days To Stress Free Living.) http://www.theangerdiet.com. Dr Shoshanna, psychologist, speaker and relationship expert shows us how to give up one form of anger a day and replace it with a healthy, constructive antidote. Find out how anger works, the 24 forms of anger, what to do when you’re the subject of anger and much more. Dr. Shohsanna is author of many books, including Zen Miracles (Finding Peace In An Insane World), Wiley, Zen and the Art of Falling in Love (Simon and Schuster), Save Your Relationship (21 Laws of Successful Relationships), Living By Zen, (Timelesss Truths For Everyday Life) Her personal website is http://www.brendashoshanna.com, she can be reached at mailto:topspeaker@yahoo.com, .