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Jumat, 30 September 2011

Beauty and Elegance Entwined With Usefulness in Parasols

Grace from the yesterday years is back to adorn you and the fashion of modern times. What's even better is that it offers great protection against the worst enemy your skin has ever had - the sun. Parasols are back with a big bang and offer a stylish way to enjoy the sun in the summers. Women have begun to realize the importance of parasols in saving their most prized complexion and looking fashionable and great at the same time.
It's not at all difficult to pamper yourself with one of these delicate and useful wonders for yourself. The wide variety of parasols available in the market ensures that you get what you want in terms of style and statement. They complete the look of a pretty summer dress and strapped sandals. It is easy to be carried away by their beauty. For example, the lacy parasols that are reminiscent of the fair English skin might not offer a lot in terms of protection but are great as fashion accessories. They might just be the right thing when you want to flaunt the vintage look. An elegant parasol will enhance your appearance, especially if you are aiming for an old world charm.
The more protective parasols come in a variety of makes and materials. The cloth made parasols offer versatile choice in terms of cotton, nylon and silk of various kinds. If you are looking for the most durable and inexpensive parasols, nylon made parasols should be your choice. They would be apt for daily use. Some women love parasols that offer frills and other embellishments while many prefer straight and plain looks as they can be matched with anything. One thing is for sure that you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to colors and materials of parasols.
Silk made parasols come with delicate paintings or other interesting handwork. They are great for giving an elegant and posh look. The paper made is generally associated with the Japanese and the Orient. You can almost visualize one beautiful eye gazing at you from under the simple allure of the wooden parasol. The paper woven into the wood is generally painted with flowers highlighting the feminine charm of the woman carrying it. Their usefulness in protection of skin and hair makes them a must-have for any woman who needs to step out in the sun and still wants to look her interesting best.

Sabtu, 24 September 2011

Leather Bag Care and Cleaning

So now you've purchased your beautiful new leather handbag - and you want to keep it that way! Leather requires special handling and maintenance to keep it looking and wearing its best.
First of all, remember not all leather is created equal! There are different ways to care for and clean patent leather, suede leather, and finished leather bags.
Here are some tips that should keep your bag looking it are best for years to come:
Patent Leather
  • Patent leather requires the least amount of care, as it already has a protective coating of varnish or lacquer applied in the final steps of tanning.
  • It's a hard finish, not very breathable, but that means it's much less susceptible to stains and easier to clean.
  • A quick wipe-down with a mild soap and preferably distilled water (as tap water often has dulling elements of chlorine and minerals) is often all that's needed.
  • To restore the luster when needed, use a quality silicon product applied with a soft, clean cloth.
  • Never, ever use a wax or Vaseline on patent leather! It will become a dust magnet instantly, and start to look muddy and dull.
Suede Leather
  • While suede is certainly beautifully supple and soft to the touch, it's often the hardest to clean and maintain, and is very susceptible to staining and discoloration.
  • Of course the first thing to remember for suede is, keep it away from water! It has no protective coating to guard it.
  • You can apply conditioning or waterproofing products to help protect your bag, often available at shoe repair shops; you should also invest in a soft suede brush, and use it every 3 to 4 months to remove surface dirt and renew the nap of the suede.
  • If your bag does get wet, allow it to dry naturally. Suede will dry stiff, so brush the nap gently to restore it.
  • When brushing the nap, always remember to brush in one direction. Circular brushing may damage the nap.
  • If you get a grease or oil stain, try applying talcum powder and allowing it to sit for 24 hours, and brush gently.
  • Another stain removal remedy that's been highly useful on a variety of stains and scuff marks is a natural or uncolored pencil eraser! But avoid using vigorous force; again, be gentle.
  • Under no circumstances should you use soap or any water based product to clean suede items.
Finished Leather
  • Moisturize often. Leather needs oils to keep it supple. A conditioning cream such as saddle soap will serve your bag well.
  • Applying protective conditioners before use and at regular intervals (at least twice a year) will help prevent your bag from drying out, cracking and staining. Also, it's a good idea to use a leather protector. Leather cleaners and protectors can be found at almost any shoe repair shop.
  • Always apply products with a clean soft cloth, never directly to the leather as it may cause staining.
  • Some stains can be removed with ordinary chalk powder! Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain for 24 hours, then just dust off with a clean cloth.
  • Keep in mind that your leather bag will age with a natural darkening of the color over time.
General Tips for All Leather Bags
  • If your bag should get wet, allow it to air dry naturally. Never, under any circumstances, use a heater or hair dryer! This will dehydrate and damage the leather.
  • Never use cleaning solvents or chemicals on a leather bag. Remember, leather is a natural product, so use natural products on it!
  • Keep any small items you might carry that could leak (like cosmetics or pens) inside a pouch.
  • When storing your bag, stuff it with paper or bubble wrap to hold its shape. Never use a plastic bag to store it in, as it can emit chemicals that might damage the leather, or encourage the growth of mildew as it's not a breathable material. Use a dust bag or natural fiber pillowcase.
Remember, a good leather bag is an investment. Following these tips to properly care for your investment will ensure you enjoy your beautiful leather bag for many years to come.

Do Princess Dolls Present a Poor Body Image for Young Girls?

The Disney princesses and the concept of princesses in general are so important to today's young girls. Instead of Disney using that influence to represent and present a healthy, positive and realistic lifestyle and body image, what little girls see instead are unattainable physical attributes. Shouldn't society try and present realistic princesses to represent the average girl? Would part of the fantasy of fairytales and cartoons be lost with such lifelike depictions of women, or would a more accurate portrayal be even more popular with our smallest princesses?
 
Little girls are usually attracted to the princess characters they read about or see, so when Disney combined all their princesses together in a little group, little girls everywhere were in heaven. When you see all of the Disney princesses collectively you see that they are all rather thin. Snow White begins the group at a fairly normal body size and instead of growing larger or maintaining the same size and shape the princesses slowly start to disappear. The Disney Princess character that comes closest to representing an average or normal body size is Nani from Lilo and Stitch, but she doesn't classify as a princess. Because Nani wasn't a princess and was never really emulated by young girls like the other princesses, she never became that popular and therefore the desire to be like her never became popular. What if one of the princesses was overweight? Could that be seen as representing an unhealthy lifestyle and an unhealthy body image for women? Why must they all be so thin and unrealistic looking?
 
Since the Barbie Doll was so hugely popular, it was only a matter of time that the shape and style of Barbie would morph into other popular women, and the Disney Princesses too took on Barbie's shape. Barbie was the original tall, thin fashion doll and then other similar dolls were born Skipper, Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White, Pocahontas, Mulan and many others. The popularity of this doll covers the globe. Two Barbie dolls are purchased every second. The doll's popularity is unquestionable. It only makes sense that the power of Disney and the power of Barbie would come together to create a money-making, little girl influencing kingdom.
 
With all of these questions comes another question; what is the size of an average woman in the United States. There are lots of different opinions, but most come to the conclusion that the average American woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall, around 140 pounds and wears a size 14. We all know from shopping for clothes that one standard of measurement doesn't exist when it comes to clothes so it's hard to pinpoint exactly what is a size 14. But it is easy to picture a woman who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds - you could possibly be one. The average woman's bust is between 36 inches and 37 inches which is a B cup and the average waist is between 30 inches and 34 inches, with hips that measure 40 inches to 42 inches. Unfortunately these measurements are not replicated in the Barbie dolls that our youth are playing with. If the Princess Belle or Cinderella doll that your daughter plays with were to have the same measurements as a real woman she'd have to be 7'2" and 101 pounds and a size 4. Her bust would be 39 inches which would be a FF cup, her waist would be 19 inches which just happens to be the same circumference as her head and her hips would be 33 inches. These measurements aren't attainable by humans. In order to have the same proportions as a Princess Ariel doll the average American woman would have to be 24 inches taller, 6 inches smaller in the waist, 5 inches bustier and have a neck 3 inches longer.
 
If a real Princess Jasmine actually had the doll's body she'd only have half a liver and a few inches of intestine. It is necessary that humans have multiple feet of intestines so that they can properly digest what they eat. With only a few inches of intestine, Princess Jasmine would be on the toilet a lot with chronic diarrhea and overall malnutrition. She also wouldn't be able to support her own head due to a neck double the size of the average human's and she'd have to walk or crawl on all fours because her large chest would cause her to fall forward and her small feel wouldn't be able to support her.
 
The manufacturers of popular toys such as Disney, Mattel and others have the means by which to promote a healthy lifestyle and good self-esteem for our youth. But instead, they contribute to an impossible body image for young girls, and seem to ignore the possible harm that it can and does cause. Is the answer to have more accurately proportioned princess dolls and Barbies? Is the solution to represent all sizes, shapes, colors and ethnicities within these very influential plastic replicas of us? Is there ever going to be a role model that satisfies everyone's expectations or is it all based on the individual? The specific solution isn't clear, but what is clear is that there is an incredible foundation for someone to change the unrealistic and unattainable body image being presented to young girls, so who's going to be the first? And will it sell?

How to Find Your Body Type


Knowing your body type is the first step in dressing to look your best. Dressing for the wrong body type is a big "no no" in the fashion game. Read on to determine your shape to upgrade your fabulousness.
There are four basic shapes for women:
  1. Hourglass
  2. Pear
  3. Apple
  4. Banana
There are other shapes that are only slight variations of the above mentioned body types.
If You're an Hourglass:
Your bust and hip measurements are within one inch of each other; your waist is about ten inches smaller than those measurements, i.e. the coveted measurements 36, 24, 36. You tend to store fat in your bust and hips. Hourglass shaped celebrities: Halle Berry, Scarlet Johansson, Selma Hayek
Pretty much anything looks good on you. To complement your shape opt for fitted garments, soft or clingy fabrics, pencil skirts and single breasted jackets.
If You're a Pear:
Your hip measurement is significantly greater than your bust measurement. You tend to store fat in your hips, thighs and derriere. Pear shaped celebrities: Beyoncé, Kristen Davis, Jennifer Lopez
You may have a hard time trying to avoid looking overtly sexual because of your prominent hips and derriere. Shop for garments with empire waists, low waist pants, and fitted tops with decoration at the neckline to draw attention upward.
If You're an Apple:
Your shoulders are significantly broader than your hips. You tend to store fat in your face, chest and abdomen. Apple shaped celebrities: Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton
You should shop for garments that minimize your waist. Invest in tunics, sheath dresses and jackets that are cinched in at the waist. Leave your jacket open to present the illusion of a waist.
If You're a Banana:
Your hips are less than nine inches larger than your waist. You tend to store fat in your face, chest, abdomen and derriere. Banana shaped celebrities: Megan Fox, Eva Longoria, Gwyneth Paltrow
Invest in jackets that cinch in at the waist, ruffles and wrap dresses. You want to create an illusion of curves, so anything that cinches in your waist and gives your body shape is ideal.
Now that you know your body type, find the cuts of clothing that compliment your body and dress accordingly. If you're having trouble getting started; check out a couple of the celebrities that share your shape and gather ideas from the attire they wear, make it your own and work it!

Addressing The Types Of Gender Inequality Around The World (4): Sexual Child Abuse


If I had a daughter, she would be the most precious gift of my life. If I had a daughter, I would have already found one such gift; in her mother. If I were blessed with a daughter, I would do everything I could to protect her. And then, I would do a little more. What I've learned in this world, in almost three decades, is that this world is a cut-throat world. I've had my life threatened on numerous occasions, since I was a child. I'm lucky to be alive today, my life is a gift! There's no doubt about that. The most important thing I've learnt is that you can only survive and succeed in this world, if you become strong. Success means different things to people, to me success is being alive and healthy and living to see your kids do the same.
If I had a daughter, truth be told, I would probably be ridiculously soft with her. I'm an emotional guy and she would figure it out sooner than later, in her female cunning intelligence. And so, being tough on her - strict and disciplinarian, would likely be delegated to her mother. Since I know what the world is like though, I would insist she learn what I tell her, unfailingly, because her lessons would be the difference between her making it in life or failing. I have been defeated many times in my life; the difference is I never stopped going.
And so, strength would be the hallmark, my part in her upbringing, would be based on. Strength in intelligence, strength in experience, strength in wits and strength in emotions. I realize parenting is a ridiculously tough job but that would be my agenda. I'm sure it is always easier to think about parenting than it is to practise it. Awesome! If I had a daughter, I'd constantly tell her I love her... and be the type of parent, most kids would hate to be around, at school. I would be amazed by her, by everything she does and everything about her, every day.
Now, this is my prediction of becoming a dad. It would probably also be the scariest thing in my life. I would be terrified every day, deep down inside, because I'd know that I have this unbelievable, incredible gift in my life,... within this god-forsaken-like place of a planet we call the world! =) A world in which little girls get fondled by older men, all the time, every minute around the clock, all across the world. And that's just part of the psychotic foreplay. I'd wish I could wish to have all my parents' upbringing skills and would try to become their listening/obedient son I haven't been particularly known for, to raise my daughter successfully, through the maze of life and death in the world. Yeah, that would sound like me!
I once heard the most important part of a girl's life is her father. Kind of funny when you think that both parents are actually equally important to a child, but basically, having a dad makes a world of positive difference to a girl's life. She gets her balance from her dad; her ability to relate with males, respectfully; she learns how to balance her natural femininity and not let all her oestrogen out of control ( I seriously DON'T mean any offence to females at all! I'm a guy and guys aren't exactly popular for their communication skills!). She puts all her trust in her father and expects him to always have her best interest and safety at heart. This 'naivete', this is a girl simply being a daughter to her dad. A girl talks to her dad like they're the best friends in the world. She tells him everything and listens to everything he has to say, in awe and amazement. She finds him the most interesting man in the world ever and is forever intrigued by him and his behaviour. A girl is open with her love for her dad, she gives him big kisses and big hugs. She sleeps in his arms, plays with him, holds his hand, looks into his eyes, laughs with him, laughs at him, brushes her teeth with him and whatever else a girl and her father do in their home.
Millions of girls worldwide have incomprehensibly regretted these natural forms of behaviour and are live in a psychologically demented world; a parallel reality that is so sick and deranged that they cannot make sense of it - because nobody can. They are broken people, for whom exhibiting the natural ways of being loving daughters to their fathers, involuntarily initiated them to having demonic practices and atrocities committed to them: Grotesque crimes exercised on their bodies in forms of sexual molestation, rape and the associated psychological maiming. The very innate behaviour that these girls develop, to grow healthy and balanced emotionally, victimized them violently to a life of profound anguish and terror. They are kids JUST LIKE the others. No different! But unlike the overwhelming majority of girls in general, who grow up normally, these helpless children end up traumatized, terrified, schizophrenic, paranoid, insane and/or absolutely tormented, to give you a basic understanding (or how else would you describe a girl who's experienced incest?). They physically live in the conscious world with the rest of us, but our reality obviously doesn't make any sense to them or they wouldn't be raped as they are. Having started out as normal kids, the way nature intended them to be, makes no difference. So, they're smashed into their parallel reality of absolute horror, that's simultaneous to yet completely disconnected from 'our' reality because they're over there on their own. All because they are innocent victims of incest and sexual child abuse. That is a glimpse into the state of mind of a girl who has been and continues to be raped repetitively by her father. By the one person, she trusted more than anything in the world!
I call these acts demonic practices and atrocities committed to them, simply because - some events are too horrible to be classified as crimes. When a shop is robbed, that's a crime. When the financial sector orchestrates a great, global recession, that's a crime. When it gets away with it, that's a crime. When the leadership of a country refuse to account for the needs of their people and serve themselves and powerful, mega-corporations instead, that's also a crime. Although, they may feel like atrocities to their victims and it's debatable whether or not their perpetrators are demonic, they're frankly speaking, all examples of crime. When a girl, however, has all the existing norms of human existence, completely transgressed through sexual violence by her inner-most, sacred, trusted and loved circle - her own family, such events carry an unmistakably far darker essence than e.g. cyber crime or contract inflation. I only agree with them still being labelled as crimes, to legally pursue and severely punish the culprits who ruin the lives of these once bright and hopeful girls. If I had a daughter and she were raped, I don't even know what I would do myself. I'm probably blanking it out now, to subconsciously spare myself from entering a frame of mind that would be unacceptable expressing from, for the remainder of the article.
Let's go into a perpetrator's mind. Let's conceptualize a sick, demented, psychotic man who's guilty of performing sexual crimes on his daughter.
It starts with grooming, I suppose. But before that, let me take it even further; all the way to the very beginning: Let's start the frame from when she was born!
OK, so his wife is in bed with her legs spread, blood everywhere and she's just given birth. A, breathtakingly beautiful baby girl. The doctor just passed the wrapped up baby to her dad. The dad, he's over the moon! In his crazy, latent, mental illness, he stares at his child. Holding her gently, stroking her tiny face, loving every bit of it. Not going too far, so as not to give away anything. OK, so then the couple goes home with the baby. It's the first couple of days and all they can do is pay attention to her 24/7. Then he takes the time to take care of her. He changes her diaper, bathes her, cuddles with her, tucks her in her cradle etc. With ever so much loving care! When the baby's mother isn't around, he probably fondles her between her legs. Sick, I know! So, then the child grows up, the years pass by and daddy has gotten really close to the little girl! They play, fool around and joke loads with each other. She's like the best friend he never had and he's like the closest, overall buddy she loves being around of. Friends for life! And then, it little longer.
It's hard for me to continue this part, but as they live with each other, family-style, the dad starts to pat her in places he really shouldn't, a bit more. He stays with her in her room when she's undressing, more often, even though he knows he probably shouldn't. But then again, maybe not. He makes her sit on his lap a lot more, whenever they hang out and watch TV. She's growing up and is becoming increasingly plunged into a life of paternal perversion on herself and instinctively cannot figure out how to get out of this situation, because she instinctively knows something's not right! I mean, it's not really easy: It's her DAD after all, you know? He perhaps gets the little voices talking in his head as well, that tell him everything he's doing is bad, but he doesn't care. Maybe they don't exist in his head! He's her father, he tells himself. No one has the right to tell him how to raise his daughter! And so, he just responds like an everyday sociopath: He acts like nothing ever happened!
Grooming is a big thing in courting, as a paedophile. He must have been telling her she's beautiful all the time! He must have put her mother's lipstick on her and put make up on her and encouraged her take her clothes off, down to her underwear and walk around the house, in her mother's stilettos. He must have been shaking his hips in amusement with her, when teaching her how to walk like a model. Then he told her hot she's becoming and how she'll make all the boys like her and be someone really popular in school - despite being a minor. It's called brainwashing. If the mind is regularly fed something long enough, it starts to believe it. Where do you think the phrase ' Fake it to make it' comes from? You keep on listening to it, trying to apply it. It takes about 30 days to adopt a habit; her dad's been conditioning her since birth! The girl still loves and trusts her daddy, but she can't make out why she's made to do these things. And she doesn't feel all that comfortable when he stays with her in her room, when she undresses, or has a bath. She feels funny when he even stays with her in the rest room, when she has to wee-wee. It's been going all her life, but recently it's been becoming a lot more. She doesn't really tell mommy because, well, let's face it: She's afraid. She feels guilt even though it's not her fault! Something bad may happen or she won't know what may happen and doesn't want that either. She's only 8 years old and in her infant psychology, doesn't know how to deal with her shame! She feels it, but can't explain what it is. It just makes her increasingly uncomfortable around her dad now and she's beginning to suffer... in silence!
One day, it's all ready to go. This is it! She drops off from the school bus and her dad waits in the living room for her to walk in. He kisses her and takes off her school bag and tells her to go to her bathroom to change. She obeys him, goes into the bathroom, begins to pull off her shirt and BAM! Her dad bursts in, slams the door and shoves her over the table, holding her face down as he begins loosening his belt to take off his jeans. She doesn't know what is all of the sudden happening in the few split seconds so screams, but he slaps her, over and over again until she stops out of unbearable pain and just cries instead. He's already excited and his pants are over his knees. He grabs her rear and tears her pink and white, butterfly-decorated children pants down and thrusts himself into her: HARD! He doesn't fit for her underdeveloped reproductive organ, so he crouches down some more, to her hip level and then pulls her rear to himself as he clutches onto her hips with death-grip! She screams! She squeals! She can't believe what's happening, doesn't know how to make it stop, wants to disappear from the situation immediately, can't stand the incredibly sharp and flesh-ripping PAIN that she's experiencing and is thinking at least a dozen other thoughts at the same time, yet can't do anything about any of them and knows she has to endure the nightmare and cries even more realization of that. She's a girl! She's 8 YEARS OLD! She is being raped by her father, who all her life she thought was the one person who would always be by her side. The one who would always support her and no matter what... always give her unconditional love! No she's living out his dark fantasy. He's ritualizing her to appease his twisted fetishes. He doesn't care if he's destroying the innocence she's got down there. He's unconcerned that she feels so tight that he has to thrust violently and forcefully, to experience her, from the inside. This is his daughter! He has the right to do whatever he wants to with her, at his discretion. No one has the right to tell him how to raise his daughter!
It is in such mentality that much of the world governs its citizens, in that incest is vaguely defined in legal terms and many crimes thereof are governmentally swept under the carpet. It is a crime like domestic violence, that many police authorities around the world feel is a domestic affair and therefore out of their jurisdiction. The problem with activists boldly speaking about and against it, like myself, is that they're often suspected of being paedophiles themselves. I bet some of you think I'm a deranged man for having walked you through a grooming and subsequent rape process, myself. Be honest! You won't get an apology from me though. Why should I apologize for graphically visualizing one such incest-rape scene when, as you're reading this, thousands of its kind are happening to some poor girls around the planet? Oh dear! I'm really sorry for bringing to your awareness the exact horror a little girl experienced earlier today, from whom she thought she knew the most... not!
I'm being this provocative to drive a point home: Now that you've been in someone else's place, campaign against it! Every... Single... Person... Helps! You can only control your actions, so what would it be like if a few hundred web surfers, just like you, decided to campaign against incest and resolved to keep it at the forefront of their thoughts from now. How many people would you plan to get involved? How many do you think the couple of hundred out there would advise to take a stand too? See how many you've already become? The individual always has more power socially, than the person is aware of. People can engage more against evil than they think is possible, especially in this time of the 'shrinking world' globalization phenomenon through ICTs and the Internet. But it always has to start with that one person... who thinks (s)he is the only one who's doing making the decision today - while being completely unaware of others, doing the same in their own homes!
The really sad part about incest is that all over the world, it's vaguely written in law. Perpetrators are thus given universal approval to continue in their detestable ways, not really having to worry about much. I can only think of about 5 countries, mostly in western Europe that significantly punish incest. We're so proud to be of the 21st century; to have become so modern and moulded into a 'global village'. Yet we can't even bring ourselves to protect our children from sexual crimes/predatory. What a great stride. I'm so glad I to be living in this time. We made it out of the Stone Age; Whoop Whoop! I shouldn't work myself too much about it, though. With global gender inequality being so horrific and deeply-embedded across societies, at least it still keeps me in business! And that's the despicable part of it: That as long as children get raped by family members and die psychologically from it, people like me remain in employment! Go figure! I really should get another job but then who would help all these kids? You don't have to be a believer to approve it; it's the nature of the beast!
Girls grow up in very troubling times, these days. Here's a small example: "In Brazil, incest is considered any kind of sexual interaction between two blood related humans being. It has no criminal punishment if the involved are over the age of 14, capable of acting upon their legal rights, and that consent means that the relationship is absent of any kind of coercion or fraud. An uncle or aunt is allowed to have a relationship with a nephew or niece provided that they have a health check. " [Wikipedia.org contributors (2011). Laws Regarding Incest, Wikipedia.org]
A number of countries don't even have explicit laws against incest, partly because courting girl-children is a cultural custom. Just think of all the under-age, forced marriages going on across developing countries, most notably Africa and the Middle East. In my country, there's a governor who got himself of Northern African girl as his wife last year: The girl is under 13! There was a furore in the media, civil societies ran amok, and then the dust settled down and in the country, it was back to business as usual. Like nothing ever happened! But what happens with that poor girl for the rest of her life, well, she's on her own... with that old man. THAT is the plight of the girl victimized of paedophilia! How long will it take before numerous millions of tormented girls, suffering, crying profusely, screaming to the heavens and repeatedly breaking down psychologically - ALONE, get anyone/anything to finally save them at last from their God-forsaken, living nightmare? A year? Two years? You're right, I was only joking - more like NEVER!
Oops... am I being too cynical? OK, let me be more POLITICALLY CORRECT: How about 30 - 40 years? Is that more feasible? Great, we have a consensus then. What wonderful news because in less than half a century, all acts of sexual child abuse will be banished forever! It's not really that bad because a few decades is still better than never. From whose perspective are we talking here: The political 'humanitarians' or the (consistently) raped, girl-victims? Because to them, those few decades might as well be NEVER! Some of them will NEVER make it and would have died in sexual child abuse. Some of them would have become so psychologically deep-charred, steam-cooked and fried up, they might as well will be called dead because they'll have no measure of human dignity left to live with some quality of life. Some of them would have committed suicide, taken their own lives, that they so very much cherished when they were infants, if they had somewhat of a childhood worth remembering. Some of them, well let's face it, you can never really truly expel crime from Earth can you? You can never really get rid of the demonic side of human nature that propels us to do these dastardly crimes, when they are committed: You know, waging wars; not responding to famines like the current one in which the number of people who could die is more than TWICE the amount of Jews who got killed in the second world war but who cares, landslides, mudslides, monsoons, floods, droughts etc, particularly in developing countries; you know, the usual stuff! So, some of these girls would just be taken 'underground', re-married elsewhere perhaps, moved to different locations, basically just remain in sexual child slavery. Because that's what it is, there's no other term for it: If an under-age girl is forced to engage in sexual acts of all documented and undocumented obscenities and not saved from such existence, AS IS HER HUMAN RIGHT, her psychology gets cluster-bombed, multiple times repetitively, throughout each and every single, horrifying, excruciatingly-long, 24 hour sets of the rest of her life. Or how else would you describe a girl experiencing sexual abuse?
My heart goes out to all girls who go through incest and other acts of sexual violence. It took a lot for me to write this article, it wasn't easy - talking about something involving little humans who haven't made the life experiences yet to distinguish right from wrong. They experience it but their wrong becomes a right and their right, wrong! Absolutely wrong! Because nothing they ever thought that would make a balance and seem acceptable would ever be carried out such way. On the contrary, everything of their pre-perceived 'norm' just backlashed in a terrifyingly violent ricochet of pure insanity; spiralling out of control over pretty much the rest of their years! Is that a life you wish for them?
If perpetrators of sexual child abuse, all kinds of it, could in a flash, just rewind to when they were kids, little boys, then witness an event in which their mothers were brutally gang-raped, by a horde of despicable, older men, one after the other, in turns, and the little boys just stood there, staring their mothers in the eye, while their mothers would keep a brave face and tell them 'It's OK baby! Everything is going to be fine!' in writhing pain, and in a moment, they could make all those degenerate rapists suffer and be harshly punished for their crimes, would they do it or keep on watching, knowing they'd be seeing themselves in those deranged, older men and therefore refrain from taking action? Because every girl suffering from sexual child abuse today is pictured in those mothers: Someone's MOTHER! She just hasn't grown up to become a woman yet, if she's lucky.
The ugly nature of global gender inequality affects all in one way or another and the issues surrounding it are attempted to be presented here as factually as possible.
5 girls are genitally mutilated every minute worldwide. Over two thirds of the world's poorest people are females. Domestic violence is a global pandemic and yet also one of the most under-reported offences. There are more than three billion females in the world, all mothers in their own right. Unlike in many comic strips, this one doesn't have any lead characters; the main actors are the women illustrated from different walks of life, going through the vices the world imposes on them every day. The purpose of Mother Nature is not to offend women but to raise people's awareness about the rampant gender inequality prevalent in most societies. If everybody sees and treats women as equals, the real Mother Nature can be less anxious about planet Earth and gender equality can truly be achieved.

Dressing After Forty: Sexy and Age Appropriate


Just as what is considered to be sexy differs from person to person, we also have different ideas of what is age appropriate. For instance, my crazy friend Dawn (with the half-shaved head, bright, shiny, and fuchsia baby-doll dress and zebra-print pumps) thinks skinny jeans are not appropriate after forty. And my sensible, conservative (cardigans, pearls and khakis) friend, Lori, thinks maxi-dresses are not age appropriate. I disagree with both of them. We've seen many a time that what looks appropriate on one person may look ridiculous on another. Although fashion is unique to the individual, there are some universal truths as to what is or isn't sexy or appropriate:
Don't try too hard. If you're trying to be sexy, you're probably not actually being sexy. Making a duck-face out of your over-glossed lips while staring down a stranger, then seductively licking sugar off your martini glass is embarrassing, not sexy. Sexy should be effortless. And sexy should only be meant for one person. No, not you. None of that selfish "the-goal-in-life-is-all-about-whatever-makes-you-feel-good" junk. (Anyway, why would you need to be sexy for yourself... that's just weird.) Feeling pretty for yourself is important, but dressing sexy should be for your significant other.
Simple is sexy. At every stage in my life, I've heard guys say they find simplicity in women sexiest. Not big hair and piles of make-up.
Hunky hubby says he finds me the sexiest in the morning, crazy hair and all, when I'm walking around in my wife-beater tank and PJ bottoms.
Now, if I were to walk around the grocery store like that... NOT sexy.
Confidence is sexy. Truly confident women don't need to try too hard. They know that the best parts of them are the ones that take time to discover.
Pick your body part. If you're wearing skinny jeans, wear a loose fitting top. If you're wearing a fitted top, try pairing it with slouchy pants or knee length skirt. Don't make your body parts compete against each other-low-cut, open-back top, super mini skirt, platform pumps-in a word: Yikes! Maybe you have great cleavage and fabulous legs... awesome! But that doesn't mean it's sexy to show it all at once. You might look amazing in it, but you'll look amazing and desperate. And it's only going to get you the wrong type of attention. The guy you want to be with won't like you because he'll never see you. Unless, of course, that is you and then he'll see you, and want to be as far away from you as possible. And if you're over forty, single, and still dressing like that, you might want to ask yourself how that's really working for ya.
Note: Other women don't hate you because you're beautiful; they don't respect you because you're not respecting yourself.
Avoid the Following:
The Hooch Factor. Real men don't want their wives or girlfriends showing all the goods to all the people. If a guy does ask for that, and if the woman agrees, it's a sign of deep insecurity on both of their parts. The guy is using your body to show everyone he's the man and the woman is using her body to show everyone this is the best thing about me. And, quite frankly, that's almost never true. If it is true for you, sorry... that sucks. You spend hours at the gym, why not focus on developing other body parts... like your brain? It will last much longer than your hot little legs.
Frump Factor. On the other end of the spectrum we have frumpy: Ladies, you can dress modestly and not be frumpy. You can be well above your ideal body weight and not dress frumpy. Frumpy might be comfy, but it looks messy... and frigid. Trust me-your partner does not appreciate that look.
School Marm Factor. Dressing older than you are: AKA the school marm look is not sexy. Why settle for boxy pantsuits when they have so many feminine-cut, and reasonably priced options available. And no more cotton, boxy turtlenecks. Unless you need to cover a hickey (which are not appropriate at any age), cotton turtlenecks appear stuffy and dated. Turtlenecks in a soft material such as cashmere, however, are always nice. A cowl-neck is also a much less severe looking option that I happen to love. Oooh, scarves too!
For the record, I wear both skinny jeans and maxi-dresses. I wear little black dresses & pearls and camo pants & tank tops. I wear turtlenecks (to ski). I shop at Saks and at Forever 21. I might break Rachel Zoe's fashion rules, but I don't care-I don't break mine. And Hubby likes my style.
He tells me frequently that he loves the way I dress. He loves that I don't flaunt my body. He loves that I wear lingerie for him only... not for a night out on the town. He loves that I wear heels. He loves that I wear make-up. And he loves it when I don't feel like I have to.
Homework for today: Ask your guy what he thinks is sexiest on you. Then wear it for him. Ask him what he thinks is not sexy... then get rid of it. If you already know, please share with rest of us.
Rachel M. Hills
We know that life takes us each down our own roads with crazy, unexpected turns--beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, breathtaking, encouraging, or just plain mind-boggling. We don't always know what's around the bend...just that it bends. This Blog is about Relationships,Choices, Mistakes, and Accomplishments--It's about Life...with all its twists and turns.

Prom Dress Styles - Formal Or Informal?

Today's proms are more elaborate than ever as prom dress styles formal or informal make their way to the stores. With endless options for purchasing dresses online or in boutiques across the state, no two girls will have the same ensemble. Some go for classic looks, while others experiment boldly with the latest trends.
Strapless dresses are the most common in many areas these days, though more conservative regions are less likely to see the style. Without any straps for support, the perfect fit is necessary. Floor-length gowns make the legs appear longer and draw attention to the shoulders. Accessorize with an elegant necklace to highlight the collarbone.
Long sleeve dresses are very rare, and may be considered conservative, dowdy, or retro. With a plunging neckline, however, they become daring and sexy. Lace can give long sleeves a timeless edge. In cold regions or for self-conscious individuals, long sleeves are sometimes the only option, but this does not mean they have to look plain.
Mermaid dresses are very popular with girls of all body types. Most mermaid dresses are form-fitting, and flare out just above the knees. The unique shape emphasizes the curves. Another name for mermaid dresses are "trumpet dresses." They will have to be fitted by a seamstress if they do not fit snugly enough to create that curvy silhouette.
Short mini-dresses are becoming more popular and trendy, though some girls find them to be too simple. They're fun and easier to dance in, though, and they ruthlessly show off the legs. To wear them, the legs have to be perfect. Many girls use cover-up to diminish the appearance of bruises or uneven skin on the legs to make them appear sleeker and smoother.
Halters are very beautiful and elegant, though they are not flattering on everyone. They can draw attention to wide shoulders. However, the neckline draws the eye vertically, creating a slimmer figure. A swept-up hairdo looks marvelous and shows off this stunning neckline.
Colors are very important when it comes to the big night. Hair color and skin-tone are the most critical factors to making or breaking the look. Cool skin colors with undertones of blue look best with pastels, blacks, blues, and greens. Warm skin-tones are accented by jewel-tones, such as ruby red and emerald. Those with cool skin-tones usually have nail beds that are purplish.
Avoid wearing white, as fancy dresses can look very much like a wedding dress in white or light cream. Also try to avoid black, unless it is part of a personal taste. Proms are colorful, happy nights, so go bold with tints and hues. Printed dresses covered in crazy animal prints or sequins and glitter should be avoided, unless, of course, one prefers the "Vegas" look.
With the perfect dress finally selected, the makeup, shoes, and purse will all come together. After months of planning and going over the details, it will all be worth it. Prom dress styles formal or informal make it possible for a girl to feel special and unique on her special night.

The Secret of Beauty

There is something about a woman that can make a head turn, a smile appear, a spark fly, and dreams come true. A woman is many things but there is something that a woman can have that can make all the difference, it is what makes a woman truly beautiful. And it is not beauty itself. A woman can have the best haircut, all the right clothes, money, popularity, sex appeal...she can have all those things and never be truly beautiful. And women want to be beautiful. As little girls growing up that's all we ever wanted to be- beautiful, captivating, loved. So what is it that sets a woman apart from all the rest if it's not good looks or a perfect body or all the cosmetic surgery that money can buy?
What makes a woman truly beautiful is her spirit. That sense of purpose and passion that says she knows she has something worth living for. That is true beauty, true strength, true sex appeal, true confidence all wrapped up into one little word. It sounds absurd at first but if you really think about it you can see how it makes perfect sense. Look at every movie you have ever seen, consider every book you have ever read, from queens, sorceresses, witches, and modern day fiction characters, or even real women for that matter. Every single one of them looks different, has different features, some blonde, others brunette, or maybe even a fiery red head with freckles that dot her nose. Look at Anne from Anne of Green Gables, or Lady Guinevere of Arthur and the Round Table, or Arwyn from Lord of the Rings. All those women look completely different, have different personalities, but are all true beauties in their own way, women we look up to, and it isn't because of their looks, their bodies, or their money. It's not even their stories. It's their pure uninhibited passion and spirit, because without it, their stories wouldn't have been much of anything to tell.
People aren't interested in plastic or fake because that is boring, dull, and too common. Whether you are sweet, fiery, or bold in spirit, no matter how your passion plays out in your life, the very presence of it is what makes you magnetic, captivating, and one in a million. That is the secret to a beauty that no one can replicate, alter, or strip away. A beauty that is more than skin deep and makes every precious feature that God gave you come alive in a unique and utter radiation. Your spirit is what makes you glow. Whether that glow is warm, soft, and gentle, or bold and daring, it is the most beautiful thing in the world.
It's not about the clothes you wear, the color of your hair, or the body type you have. What makes a woman beautiful is the passion she has for life, for people, for love. What is it that you love about your favorite heroine? Why is it that she gets her prince, is part of an adventure, and is a wanted woman by all? It's not because she was the fairest one of them all. It's because there was something about her that made everyone attracted to her and not in a physical way. After all, physical beauty and attraction only gets you so far, and it's never far enough.
You're secret weapon, your claim to a beauty of one of a kind, what makes you sexy, regal, graceful, and attractive, what makes you radiate is the fire you have in your spirit. Everyone has it, but some of us just need a little fanning of that flame. Don't let it go out, don't let your spirit fade, don't hide your passion, but let it consume you and transform you into so that you become your very own beautiful heroine.

Minggu, 12 Juni 2011

KENZO Spring/Summer 2011 Shoes




By Senay GOKCEN
Editor-in-Chief

June 3, 2011, [New York] - Some people may call these just "nice shoes" but we call them "the art pieces" of Antonio Marras.

Antonio Marras; the Head Artistic Director of KENZO, while celebrating the 40th anniversary of the House of KENZO in October last year, should have been inspired by Japanese Geta* sandals when creating KENZO's Spring/Summer 2011 shoe collection.

Both the styles and the color blocking, bright, fresh and bold colors of these shoes and matching bags should be this Summer’s iconic accessories.

We had spotted some of these wonderful colors and assorted them in four groups as; Lilac, Coral, Nude and Turquoise tones to give us inspiration for the following mood boards we were working on. Today, after noticing that we kept these color codes to ourselves and didn't publish them on Fashion Trendsetter, it was still worth to share these bright hues at the right time of the season. For more information please visit KENZO - www.kenzo.com