Vampire Facelift: The Pros and Cons

Did you see Kim Kardashian’s vampire facelift? It looked horrendous and frightening as she cried out with obvious discomfort. In the end, she indicated that it was all worth it. Would you go through anything like this if you knew more about the procedure? Why do they call it vampire face lift anyway? I guess, it probably is because of all the blood involved. This type of facelift is a bit misleading because it uses facial fillers like Restylane and Juvederm does.

The main goal is to smooth out wrinkles and lines on the face. The cosmetic surgeon will draw blood from the patient and use a quick procedure (spinning the blood in a centrifuge) to thin it out; removing the platelets and performing reinjection of the platelets and fibrin into the patient’s face.

The result is a thicker collagen that fills out the face; expunging wrinkles and reducing thinness. Many cosmetic surgeons believe that human plasma injections stimulate new growth of the cells to develop a more youthful appearance, virtually in no time!

Pros

Experts will tell you that the vampire facelift is a very safe technique. It is not life threatening. Upon completing the preparation process, the surgeon will get rid of the red blood cells and inject the remaining yellow serum along with the platelets. New blood vessels will be created, which is good for the skin.

Over a period of time after the injection, volume and glow will be added to the patient’s facial features. It may take as much as eight weeks to visibly see results. You will have healthier skin and eliminate much of your facial blemishes. Sephyl is your own tissue, so the procedure removes any allergic reaction that you may have previously had with other cosmetic procedures.

Cons

There are a wide range of methods that you can use to improve your facial features. In fact, there are many beauty products on the market that have already been proven to work. So if something is already working for you, why try something different?

Even though, surgical facelifts have their place, such processes are not essentially a remedy or solution to the trepidations of an aged face. Cosmetic surgery, when necessary can get rid of excess skin and create a whole younger YOU. Nevertheless, a surgical facelift can be a contributory factor to a face flop as the skin expands snugly against the bone, making the individual appear skeletonized.

Although experts believe that these fillers shouldn’t be used around the eye area, many are still doing so – pushing the gun! The injections can also cause the person to look like he or she is from a different planet. Moreover, it does not improve the skin tone or the texture of the skin.

Conclusion

The Vampire facelift should be a personal decision; depending on what you are trying to accomplish. If you want to rejuvenate your facial features and look young again, there is a price to pay. The procedure when done can be painful, but you may get the look you want afterwards.

Summer Fashion Must-Haves!

While it’s a challenge to narrow down the top five fashion must-haves for summer, we have made the ultimate pick of items that add graceful style, class and flexibility. I love to shop and like most of you, I have to keep within my budget while getting the things that I do like to stay savvy. With this, I have provided some of summer’s mandatory items that I live by and that you can do as well.
Here is my list of summer basics:

1. Handbags
I am so excited when I talk about fashion; especially clothing and handbags. In fact, like most women, I am addicted to handbags. Do you remember the episode of the ‘Sex in the City,’ where one of the cast members, Carrie Bradshaw accepts her addiction to shoes and indicates that this addiction will literally make her the old woman that lived in a shoe? Well, you get the impression of what I am saying, right? A handbag is more than just a piece that you wear only in the summer. However, during the summer, it comes with expanded choices, styles and colors. A white purse is always going to be the usual summer model. In fact, you won’t go wrong with a white purse. You still have an overabundance of intriguing shades to select from. Red and yellow are two of my picks! A clutch this season is a must-have!

2. Sundresses
Nothing makes you feel more relaxed, unruffled, and stylish than putting on a sundress for the summer. They are informal, multipurpose, and not as restrictive as most shorts and skirts. You should try to own a wide range of summer outfits that meet the same criteria as the sundress. Maxis and mini-dresses are ideal. They can come in various colors, fabrics, shapes and fit. At all times, select dresses that are suitable, comfy, and fit all the right curves. Mini-dresses should never be too short and maxi dresses should never be dragging on the floor. They should outline your curves and emphasize your favorite areas. Always remember to accessorize every look with chunky items of jewelry in turquoise and coral colors, amazing sunglasses, and of course, remarkable shoes. For the summer, flip flops and wedges are going to be something for all women. Personalize your outfit by adding your own style and wear clothing that fit!

3. Camp shirts
An excellent trend this summer is going to be the long boyish shorts worn with female tops. To the ensemble, you would add flip flops, high heels or medium heels. A great return and throwback from the fifties and sixties is the camp styled short sleeve shirt. You will discover these shirts in great numbers on the racks of your preferred retail store. Look to see these neat little items in basic colors, as well as countless prints, designs, and stripes.
4. Sunglasses
You don’t wear designer frame eyewear just to protect your eyes from the sun, but also to make a fashion statement. A stylish pair of sunglasses can finish your look and add style to any ensemble. Prudently selected seasonal designer frames will help you to accomplish your trendy look, no matter what the natural elements outside are. Most of this summer’s fashion sunglasses come in various shapes, but the geometric shape is the trend for 2013. You will find bold colors to spruce up your personality and add grace to your style.

5. Hats
Capture the happy-go-lucky feeling of summer with a variety of hats. You will find that perfect hat for your summer vacation, unplanned shopping trips and barbecue in your neighbor’s backyard. Just add some sunscreen to prepare to have fun in the sun. Choose styles that consist of light and ventilated materials fit for warm weather. Choose light colors and hats that offers several possibilities for protection from the sun. There are so many opportunities to sport a new summer hat such as the beach, the pool, a baseball game and the office picnic.
Enjoy Shopping!

Menopause Belly Fat: What Do I Do?

Most women will come to an agreement that the menopausal period is intimidating, challenging, frustrating and intriguing. Most importantly, the change that women go through during this period is alarming because of the weight gain and other symptoms that take place.

During menopause, there is a distinctive reduction in estrogen and an advanced rise in testosterone.  This heightened testosterone level results in an escalation of visceral fat, which most know as belly fat. Menopausal related belly fat is something that cannot be naturally prevented. However, if you eat a nutritious diet and include daily exercises as well try to reduce your stress, you can slow down the progress of belly fat, which can result in diabetes and heart disease.

It is noteworthy that women try to make changes to their lifestyle before menopause takes place. This is the time when estrogen works in her favor and protects her from heart disease. Women tend to collect plaque during menopause.

The cause of weight gain

There has been no recent and concrete scientific indication that menopause is the ultimate culprit for a widened waistline. However, there has been a sign that menopause might be related to body composition changes and fat dispersal. A few studies done show that menopause is linked to an increase in abdominal fat; in addition to reduction of lean body mass; no matter what the age.

While judgment is undecided whether or not menopause is to be blamed for belly fat, other things are responsible such as lifestyle choices and aging. As you get older, your lean body mass decreases and you burn less calories due to inactivity.

When you don’t get sufficient sleep because of night sweats and stress, it can result in fluctuations of serum leptin and ghrelin levels; therefore causing an appetite increase. A Nurse’s Health study was done using 68,000 and the study discovered that women who got five hours of sleep or less added approximately two and half pounds to their weight. In the same study, women who slept for six hours added 1.6 pounds to their weight.

Sixty one percent of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women have reported insomnia problems. If you have night sweats while sleeping, you should consult your primary physician for a way to manage this. The ideal number of hours varies from one individual to the next, but up to 8 hours of sleep is a good rule to follow.

The good news

During the mid-life period of your life, you can manage belly fat. Al you have to do is to make some lifestyle changes to put you in a healthy BMI group, which ideally would be about 18.5 to 24.9. Be sure to include lean proteins, healthy fats and low glycemic carbohydrates in your diet. Combine good diet with exercise; at least three days each week and thirty minutes on each occasion.

Other things to consider

There are other things to think about when it comes to getting rid of menopausal belly fat. These include:

• Making sure that you limit your consumption of saturated fat, cholesterol and trans-fat
• Eating smaller portions of food
• Avoid over-consuming sugary beverages and too much caffeine
• Moderately consume alcohol (red wine provides health benefits)
• Lower your salt intake and try to stay away from processed foods
• Reduce or stop the smoking habit
• When you eat out, don’t eat all of the food. Take some home and use for lunch the next day

You have to stay committed and put out extra effort to achieve the results that you seek. While these strategies may work with less effort for other women, menopausal women have to try harder. Once you put the work in, you will be able to maintain healthy weight and cope with annoying belly fat.

Don’t expect to look like a twenty one year old. This may disappoint you! Aging causes you to lose your skin tone and lose muscle mass. However, consider that you are not alone in this. Set practical goals and keep focused on your health to be happy about that body of yours!

How to Dress an Hourglass Body Type

Fashion and women are joined at the hips. Most females have an innate sense of what is trendy and fashionable. This is why these women may most likely not mess up, once they know what body type they have.  Many fashion blunders are caused because women have no idea of the shape of their bodies. As it relates to women’s body shape, the hourglass outline has been the sought-after feminine figure. It is usually measured with matching hips and busts; analogized by a small waist.

If you have gone shopping and attempted to find the right outfit that was placed on the hourglass mannequin, I am sure that you may have felt disappointed. When you are dressing yourself, you have more to think about than the size and color of your attire or the texture of the garment, but more importantly, the specific shape of your body. You have to consider whether the clothing complements your body shape.

Hourglass figures are the most balanced body type. The shoulders and hips are comparatively equal. A full bust line, distinct waist line and curvaceous hips are the characteristics of the hourglass figure.

Dressing the hourglass shape

If you have an hourglass figure, when you are dressing, you should try to choose clothes that highlight the waist line and curves. Wear dresses, tops and skirts that hug the hips without being too tight. Select jeans that have flared legs and have some room in the hip section to show a more proportionate figure.

Wear low rider jeans or skirt because it will flatter your figure by conservatively hugging the hips instead of hiding it. Boot cut legged jeans will balance your curves and tone down the hips.

Try to find tops that showcase the waist without being too tight around the chest area. Wear fabric that is soft and stretchy. With your low rider pants, wear a cotton shirt or V-neck blouse, which will both lengthen your figure and flow smoothly over your bust line.

Wear clothing that are fitted, but skimmed and not clingy. If you have a loose fitting dress, you can add a belt to it to cinch your waist.

What to avoid

One of the issues that you may have as an hourglass shape is finding clothing that fits well around the hips and small around the waist. Avoid wearing fabric that hides your small abdomen. Try to avoid fabric that is stiff, which could be a taffeta top. Try to avoid any type of clothing that has straight darts. Don’t hide your curvaceous body by wearing baggy clothes. These will just appear as if you have gained weight.

 

Conclusion

All women should be well conscious of their body type so that they can dress correctly and aesthetically. Women are inclined to have both positives and negatives about their bodies. However, with the right attire, women are able to emphasize their shapes and hide their flaws. In order to achieve this goal, women should know their bodies; inside and out.

2013 is a Shoe-Lover’s DREAM!

Footwear has a significant impact on your personality and how you feel about yourself. Additionally, fashion and shoes are closely connected. If you are a shoe lover, then the year 2013 with its fashion trends will delight you.

In fact, most women these days are paying close attention initially to how their shoes look than even their wardrobe. Why? Well, even a simple pair of shoes can immediately change how your outfit looks. As a shoe lover, you will end up spending time trying to find the right shoes before you even select your clothing. Wearing stylish shoes at all times is going to be important to you.

Today, fashionistas see shoes as making a better fashion statement than in past years.  No longer are shoes just a practical solution to footwear. People are putting thought into choosing their footwear and making it stand out. Let’s take a closer look at some of the shoe fashion highlights and what choices are available to women for 2013 and beyond.

Party shoes

Even though, there are many different choices of shoes for a party, most women are going for glitter and stilettos. If you want to feel like a princess when going to a party, it is not uncommon to wear diamond studded or spiked shoes. These types of shoes may cost you more, though, so if you want to lower your cost, you could look for a fashionable spin off instead of the designer Balmain stilettos. These shoes will go well with almost any outfit that you wear. You can wear them with jeans, a nice straight dress or skirt. They can also be bought in a variety of styles.

 

Animal print pumps

If you want to be the center of attention, throw on a pair of animal print pumps. You can get them in strappy sandals, peep toes, pointed toes, dark shades, light colors and even alligator skin. This type of shoe selection can be a fun way to show off your outfit.

Flats are Just as Chic and Hip

There may be a lot of times that you find it hard to stand in high heels or pumps. A ballet flat can be just as chic and hip for the party or office. Here are some suggestions:

• Leather flats in copper or silver
• Marc Jacobs has designed a red ballet shoes with a little black on the toe and a gold zipper
• Regular flats in different colors

If you work in an office where you stand most of the day, flat shoes in leather can keep you cool and comfy all day long. With leather flats, you have many different colors and styles to choose from. Therefore, you are able to adapt any outfit to your shoes. If your preference is to wear heels to work, you can always switch to leather flats if your feet get sore sometime in the day. For the ideal work shoes, you won’t go wrong with leather flats.

New for summer 2013

Kitten heels are going to be popular this summer. They are chic, stylish, trendy and classy. They are the ideal addition to your summer wardrobe. You can find them in a variety of styles; particularly the ballet style. They have become quite prevalent over the years because you can wear them with multiple outfits. The pump version can be worn for both casual and formal occasions such as lunches, weddings and other events. The sandal version is great for the summer. You can wear them on the beach and for a quiet stroll.

If you are a woman of petite stature, you can wear kitten heels to lengthen your frame and add some height without having to depend on stiletto heels that can be uncomfortable at times. Kitten heels offer the perfection option to stilettos. They are easy to walk in, gives you poise and balance as well as comfort.

With a variety of options that you have when it comes to shoes, you should take time to find the pairs that you like. However, no matter what type of fashion statement you want to make this year, always pick the pair that is most comfortable and that fits perfectly.

How to Care for Your Makeup Tools

Are you looking to turn up your makeup with total glam? Are you the kind of woman who uses heavy makeup or do you prefer a lightly made up face? There are many variations that you can work with such as smoky eyes, liquid eyeliner, glowing blush and popping lipstick. You can also opt for the natural shades or hue colors. However, for any makeup that you are going to apply, you need the proper tools.

Your makeup bag MUST have a good applicator brush so that you can accurately apply your make up. In addition, it must be of the highest quality. Choose a brush with natural fibers and cuticle that will help you to grab the pigments on the bristles. When your make up tools are high in quality, it stands a better chance of lasting you for a longer time as long as you maintain it properly.

Below are several tips to finding the right makeup tools and how you should maintain them:

The first step is to select the right set of brushes for applying makeup.

Choosing the right set of makeup brushes – don’t just focus on how the set of brushes look. What you are looking for is sturdy, durable and something that can get the job done more efficiently.

Focus on the four most important brushes – there are four specific brushes that are a must-have and these are:

• Eye shadow approximately the dimensions of your fingertip
• Small brush used to blend and smudge
• Oversized powder brush
• Small fluffy brush to use as a bronzer

You also need a highlighter as well as a blush. These can be easily stowed in your purse while you are on the go. Beyond these four makeup tools, you can elect to add specified brushes for concealer application. For your concealer brushes, you should have a one and a half inch applicator to freshen up areas under the eyes. Additionally, you’ll want a tiny, pointed brush to conceal blemishes. For subtle and complete coverage, you should consider using a makeup sponge.

Taking care of your brushes

Don’t wait to rinse your lighter toned brushes; especially when you apply bright colors. Do it as soon as you use it because this will help to prevent it from staining. Clean your brushes on a regular basis. This will eliminate any bacteria or buildup of product material. Use an alcohol-based cleaner because they will dry faster. Read the cleaning instructions before using.

Another way to clean your brushes is to add mild shampoo to some warm water and wash. However, this option requires drying time of about eight hours. For brushes that are heavily stained and dirty, you may want to use cleansing oil.

When your brushes are washed or cleaned, you need to reshape them so that they are ready to be used. Make sure the brush is damp with either water or alcohol; after which you would use your fingertips to mold each of them back to their correct shapes. Lay the brushes on a clean towel to dry. Make sure that they are laid flat. Water will be prevented from seeping into the handles of the brush.

Don’t dry your makeup brushes directly in sunlight and never use a blow dryer. These will damage your brushes over time. When time is not in your favor, using alcohol to clean your brushes is the ideal choice.

How to Choose Perfect (and Appropriate) Cruise Wear

It is apparent that when you are approaching the age before and after retirement, one of your aspirations is to go on various cruises. However, what do you wear for your cruise wear is the question that needs to be answered for many? Of course, for every woman who wants to enjoy her later years, a cruise is essential to relieving the stress, having fun and meeting new people.

Preparing for the cruise means that you have to do your research. Included in your research should be different ports where you will stop; the weather that you will encounter and how long you will be allowed on land. You also want to know what kind of entertainment the ship provides for its guests.

Quite likely, most ships will have a band with live entertainment on specific nights. Most ships have an indoor and outdoor pool where you can lounge at the poolside all day if you want to. There are casinos on many ships if you love to play the slot machines. Of course, you cannot avoid eating various meals in the restaurants. Most ships will also have guests congregate to play games and offer prizes.

With all of this being said, you will need semi-formal attire for the casinos or you can choose comfort in flats, capri pants and trendy top. A nice top and pair of pants or skirt will also do for such occasion. For the pool side, you will need a nice, sexy bikini, if you choose to be bold or a one piece bathing suit, if you want to be less conspicuous. A tankini and bottom is also another option, if you don’t want to wear the bikini or one piece bathing suit. This is more conservative than the bikini. For the live entertainment night, you can dress up more formally with a stunning dress or pant suit.

When going off the ship, think about comfort. You want to have one or two shorts set; baggy shorts and loose top because you will be doing a lot of walking and may get hot. You can also wear a long maxi dress; loosely fitted as well and a pair of slipper. For bedtime, you can wear nice lingerie or pajamas will do.

There is not much to shopping for cruise wear since the most obvious have already been mentioned. You don’t have to pack a punch when traveling on a cruise ship, but be sure to have no less than two bathing suits and two sets of clothing for the different events; especially if you are the kind of person who is indecisive about what to wear.

How to Choose Designer Eyeglasses

It is apparent that buying eyeglasses and special sunglasses can be quite tedious because there are so many aspects to it. You have to buy ones that match your personal taste, your look and ones that give you confidence. You also need eyewear that offers the exact purpose for which it will serve. It is OK to be fashionable, but you still want something that works for you.

Fashion

Eyeglasses can be trendy for both men and woman. You also have fashionable prescription eyeglasses for reading and for sporting outdoors.  For example, if you are an avid golfer, you want something that will protect you from the sun and yet offer better viewing in the sunlight. When shopping for trendy eyewear, you need to look at ones that will fit the shape of your face and match your extensive wardrobe; meaning that you should be able to find more than one outfit to wear with your eyeglasses. Don’t choose yellow or orange frames when you only have one or two yellow or orange outfit to complete the ensemble.

When buying eyeglasses, make sure you have a wide selection of:

• Polarized
• Non-polarized
• Prescription
• Non-prescription

Be sure that you look at the material used and the type of eyeglasses before you make any purchase.

Purpose of Buying

People purchase eyewear for different purposes including reading, fashion, correcting vision, driving at night, safety, UV protection and sportswear. You may find yourself with more than one eyeglass since a prescription eyeglasses may not work at a sporting event and a night driving eyeglasses may not work during the day. Another example is eyeglasses that have anti-reflective coating, which are worn for night driving might not necessarily work to correct your vision. So buying a pair of eyeglasses is much more than the selection process. Therefore, you have to know what you specifically need. Ask questions and make sure that you are getting the right pair for the right situation.

Correct Fit

All women and men have different shaped faces. So you have to find the right kind of eyewear to fit your particular facial features. Also, if you have an ill fitted pair of eyeglass, it may cause dents on your nose or discomfort behind your ears. You must have this corrected to improve any vision problems that it may cause. A large or small designer sunglass might be disproportionate to your face and make you look unattractive. Every eyeglass must have the correct fit to give you the look you want and to enhance your personality.

Exercise That Actually Works!

Exercise is one of the most important aspects of healthy living and everyone should make it a part of their daily existence. There is no excuse for not exercising. In fact, you can even do simple exercises while sitting or while working around the house. In this article, I will discuss three popular exercises that will not only make you healthy, but improve your posture and create awareness of your body.

Pilates

The first is Pilates. If you are a runner, mother, golf or tennis player, you may have heard of this type of exercise and the benefits it provides. There are many people of varying fitness level who may have tried Pilates to improve their flexibility, posture, core strength, and range of motion. Making Pilates a part of your consistent regimen will result in more focused breathing and deep concentration.

You will become more aware of the way that your body is working. It teaches you how to stand tall. In fact, you will automatically want to pull your abs in and stand taller while brushing your teeth or doing some other chore. Pilates trains you mentally and physically. It helps you to build coordination and body symmetry.

The most significant benefit of Pilates is personal awareness of how you sit, stand, move and the effect of the bad habits you may have developed. For example, it can help you to become aware of that lingering pinch in your neck from sitting at the computer the entire day with hunched shoulders and a telephone held between your ear and shoulder.

Yoga

Secondly, there is yoga. There are various styles of yoga that requires more energy than others like Ashtanga and Power yoga. Any of these two yoga styles improves your muscle tone. Lyengar and Hatha yoga use less of your energy, but they still offer the benefits of strength and endurance. These exercises use less movement and more defined poses for proper alignment.

The poses in yoga that build upper body strength include:

• Upward dog
• Downward dog
• Plank

As you age, upper body strength is very crucial. The standing poses, particularly if you hold them for more than a few extended breaths, build hamstring strength as well as strength in your quadriceps and abdomen. The chair pose will build strength in your lower back. Yoga improves your posture in every sense of the word. It also benefits your breathing. In yoga, you are instructed to do deep breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity. This type of breathing relaxes you and reduces stress.

Zumba

Last, but not least is the Zumba exercise, which uses a variety of music and dance choices such as reggae and meringue.  The dances are fun, energetic and exhilarating. They incorporate interval training with deliberate and quick moves for shaping and toning the whole body. With Zumba, you target specific areas of the body such as the:

• Abs
• Arms
• Back
• Legs
• Butt

Some of the dance moves are so fast that it creates a cardio program that increases your heart rate and your metabolism. The music guides you to do hip swaying, toe tapping and arm swinging movements. Most dance routines will last for an hour, but you can go at your own pace. Zumba is like having a party while you lose weight, create optimal health and feel good; all at the same time.

How to Dress an athletic or rectangular shaped woman

Every woman has her own sense of style and beauty. She uses clothing to express herself in a fun and lighthearted way sometimes and then in a serious way for more formal occasions. Her choice of clothing should accentuate her best features and highlight her personality. Therefore, every woman should know her body type in order to enhance her personality and taste.

However, you should wear what you feel is most comfortable and what improves your level of confidence. Focus more on what fits your body rather than only on what is trendy. Women who have rectangular shaped bodies will usually be athletic with less curves and a broader back. This female will be smaller busted, have a lengthy torso and possibly a flat rear end.

With an athletic figure, you may not have any definition in your waist, which means you have a shorter waistline or ruler shape. Rectangular shaped women can be either tall or short. Some of them have lean and petite figures because of their athleticism.

Dressing a rectangular shaped woman

When you are dressing as an athletic figure, it is best to choose clothing that gives the impression of a curvy figure. Choose V-neck and wrap blouses that place emphasis on the bust line and put the focus on the face. To add shape to the body, you should wear a padded bra.

When you are selecting a pair of pants, you need to look for pants with wide back pockets or flaps that are spaced out. This adds roundness to the bottom and creates a curvier appearance. Choose attire that is flattering to the hips such as a flared skirt that begins from the waist; add a wide belt to your dress or wear  a dress with a lot of different elements around the bust line.

The fundamental in dressing an athletic or rectangular shaped figure is to define the waistline as much as possible by:

• Selecting empire styles
• Wrap tops or bottoms
• Shirt waist
• Adding a camisole
• Avoiding fabric that is stiff

Of course, there is more to dressing an athletic figure than just the basics. You have to also think about the vertical measurements that would include women with:

• A long trunk with short legs
• A short trunk with long legs
• Specifically shaped arms and legs

Athletic women don’t have to be concerned with gaining weight because they are so active. Therefore, clothing size is not going to be a big worry. Full skirts are suitable as well as thick clothing that will bring out their ideal features.

 

Conclusion

Some athletic figured women should try to accentuate their best assets, which could be the arms, shoulders, neck and legs. Halter back dresses as well as one shoulder tops and dresses are some of the wisest choices. These will highlight the arms and the shoulders. It will also divert the eyes from the bust line. Rectangular shaped women may not have the hour glass shape, but they can show off those nice legs with chic dresses and short skirts.