Trademen who merit a Christmas tip

Christmas is a big time for tips. Many employees count on the gratuities that they get at this time of the year to supplement their income. There are many tradesmen who offer services to people throughout the year; these are just a few of the ones who it is always nice to remember at the holidays.

Newspaper delivery person

There was a time when this was most likely a neighborhood child. In many parts of the country, that has gone the way of the dinosaur. Their place has been taken by adult delivery people. Assuming that you have had good service and have not had to look for your newspaper in the bushes and trees, it is a nice gesture to give the carrier a tip to show that you appreciate the fact that they put the newspaper where you want and that it arrives every day.

Barber or beautician

The person that does your hair is very important to the way you look. Most people use the same person all the time because you can be sure that they will give you exactly what you ask for. The amount of your tip is dependent on the number of services they perform for you. If they color, cut and style your hair, their tip should be larger than if they only cut your hair.

The person who does your manicure, pedicure, facials etc should get their own tip. If your stylist is the owner of the salon, you might feel awkward giving them a monetary tip. A gift certificate or if you know them well, a gift will also be appreciated. However, there are very few people, owners included who would be insulted by a monetary gift.

Dog groomer/walker

The person who cares for your pampered pooch is also someone who you can feel free to tip. If you go to a large establishment where you have a different groomer every time this may be quite difficult and it is usually easier to just tip when the service is performed. If the service is consistently excellent, giving an additional gift at the holidays is always appreciated.

Delivery person

If you receive deliveries on a regular basis from a particular service such as UPS or FEDEX, it is always nice to tip your delivery person at Christmas especially if they are really good at their job. Many of these delivery persons will go the extra mile to be sure that your package is placed in a dry and secure place for you if you are not at home.

When it comes to the postal service, there are rules about how much they can accept, so be sure to check that out before you give your gift.

If you have a service station that you frequent where they still pump the gas for you, tipping the person who is pumping the gas is a very much appreciated gesture. These are not high paying jobs and they need to pump in all kinds of weather. Show them that their service is special to you by giving them a Christmas tip and a card.

These are just some of the tradespeople who offer services all year long whom it is nice to show special appreciation to at Christmas time. You may have others; look around you and see who is making your life easier.

Practical Christmas gifts for dad

Christmas is right around the corner and if you haven’t decided what to get for Dad here are a few practical choices that will guarantee that you don’t have to give him a tie again this year.

Tassimo

If dad has a Starbucks habit, a practical gift for him will be the Tassimo coffee brewer. You can give him a selection of coffees from places like Starbucks and he can even make espresso and cappuccino with this great little coffee maker. The initial price is a little high but the amount of money that dad will save over a year’s time will amaze him and he will appreciate that you were thoughtful enough to think of this for him.

Battery charger

There is nothing quite as annoying as to go out and try to start your car and have the battery be dead. The same holds true for dad. There are several different types of battery chargers. One really practical version is the one that actually plugs into the car lighter. This is helpful because of course cars being what they are they often chose not to start when you are away from home. This way your dad can give his battery a quick charge no matter where he happens to be. 

Ladder

If you dad is a handy man he will have a hundred projects that he is doing around the house. There are many jobs that require a ladder. Most people have a regular ladder but they now have the new ladders that can lock into a variety of positions including a horizontal one so that if he needs a scaffolding to stand on to paint, he can use his ladder. This can end up being a very practical gift and no doubt dad will come up with a lot of ways to use it.

Sports

If your dad is a sport loving dad there are a wide variety of sports related gifts that he will really appreciate. If he loves to go and watch local games getting him a folding chair with his favorite team on it is a practical choice. If he likes sitting on the bleachers then a cushion for sitting on is another great choice. You can get him a throw, a baseball hat or other memorabilia with his favorite sports logo on it.

Car

If dad loves his car, giving him a gift certificate to have his car detailed or all the products he needs to detail his car himself is a practical gift. He may not already have a small car vacuum or a steam cleaner to keep his car carpet in tip top shape.

Gift cards

Gift cards can always be a practical gift. There is almost no man in the world who can’t find a bunch of things he would love to own at Home Depot or Lowe’s. If Dad is not the handy type, then a gift card to his favorite coffee shop or restaurant is always a thoughtful choice.

You know your father; you can surely come up with a bunch of practical Christmas gifts for dad.

Saving money on holiday groceries

Christmas can be a time when many people find themselves short of money. The economy has not made the comeback that many had predicted and with money tight, every area of the Christmas holiday may need to be scaled back. Saving money on holiday groceries is easier than many other areas. If you are resourceful, no one will even notice the difference.

Plan ahead

It is more important than ever to plan ahead for Christmas.  Plan the meals and the goodies that you will be making. Don’t forget to get out your cookie recipes and start to check your baking supplies. Write down any ingredients that are non-perishable and check the weekly sales fliers. It will be much easier when Christmas rolls around if you have prepared well in advance. It is always much easier to buy a few things at a time rather than buying everything all at once.

Make it yourself

Another way to save a lot of money on your Christmas groceries is to prepare things yourself instead of buying prepackaged or store-bought items. It may be more convenient and easier but it is more expensive to buy these items. If you are having a gathering where you will serve a cheese and cracker tray, cutting the cheese yourself can save a lot of money.

You can also check with the deli at your local grocer to see if they sell cheese ends. These are the ends of the large pieces that they slice for deli cheese. When they sell these they are usually less than half the price that the cheese normally is. Many also sell meat ends. These ends can be used in many ways to stretch your holiday food budget. The same holds true of veggie and fruit platters.

Check the reduced stand

Many fruits and vegetables show up on the reduced stand that can still be perfect to use if you use them quickly. If you see something that you can use such as sweet potatoes or asparagus, you can take them home, prepare them and put them in the freezer. You can then thaw and add the finishing touches when Christmas rolls around.

Discount stores

Discount stores such as Walmart and Target offer very good prices on many food items. You don’t need to buy in bulk to get great prices. If you have a membership at a club like Sam’s, BJ’s or Costco you may be able to save money. Don’t assume that their prices are always the best and if it means you need to buy more than you need or really want then it is not saving you money, it may, in fact, be costing you money. Talk to your friends, maybe you can share an over-sized package of meat or vegetables.

Use coupons

Lots of coupons are out offered. Don’t just count on the newspaper fliers to find the best coupons. Sign up for some of the great Internet coupon sites. The hardest coupons to find are ones for meat. While you may find one for a ham, a turkey is less likely. One way to get a turkey as cheap as possible is to buy two at Thanksgiving when they are usually at their all-time low for the year. A turkey can stay frozen for the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you do a roast, consider buying a cheaper cut and cooking it a little longer to provide the tenderness you are looking for. Pot roast is a delicious alternative to a prime rib or roast.

When money is tight you need to work a little harder and plan a little longer to be able to give your family the Christmas meals and treats that they are expecting. This is going to be a great Christmas season and with a little effort, you will be able to provide all the usual holiday items with only small modifications.

Creating the perfect Christmas centerpiece

Your Christmas centerpiece is one of the main attractions to your dinner table. Typically, a centerpiece reflects the tone of the occasion and Christmas pieces are usually festive and suited to reflect the holiday season. If you were to go to the store to purchase a Christmas centerpiece you're likely to be taken aback by how expensive centerpieces can be for even the simplest construction of pieces. These can run $50 or more. If you find these prices are more than you want to pay, there is another option to store purchased Christmas centerpieces.

A much less expensive way to go is to make the centerpiece yourself! It's fun, affordable and you can have the satisfaction of creating a masterpiece of your own.

You can express your creative side in many ways when you make your own Christmas centerpiece. The best part of creating your own centerpiece is you can custom design it any way you like.

The first thing you'll want to do is decide what kind of centerpiece you would like. Do you want something really fancy and elaborate or do you want something more on the simple side? Once you've decided what style of centerpiece you want, then you can begin to plan and gather the materials you'll need. Here are a few ideas you can consider as a centerpiece project:

Light the Table with the Elegance of Candles

A very inexpensive centerpiece can be made of candles, greens and pine cones. You can use tall tapered candles or votives, depending on what's your preference, and place them in crystal style candle holders. Beautiful, yet inexpensive, candle holders can be found in any dollar store or the craft store. It can be simple or elaborate as you'd like. I tend to go with simple as it takes up less room on the table. 

For an added touch of elegance, you can make "rings" of greenery to rest at the base of your candle holders to encircle them. These can be pieces of artificial greens or you can gather fresh greens from outside. You can glue mini pine cones and attach small red bows around the greens to make the base look more festive. A glue gun is a perfect tool for this task because it ensures your piece stays together.

For your candles, green, white or reds are always good choices. Gold or silver is usually available too. Or, if you have little ones and/or want to avoid lighting candles, you can go with a flameless candle (they have some good options on Amazon in red, green or white/silver that look pretty).

Scented candles are also nice because they give off a pleasant aroma as you light your centerpiece to make it both visually appealing and smell good too. This kind of centerpiece has a tendency to put everyone in the holiday spirit because of its ability to heighten the senses.

Feature the Beauty of Flowers

Flowers are simple, elegant and there is lots of variety to choose from. You can go with fresh flowers or with silk ones. For a fresh flower, centerpiece you can use any kind of flowers you prefer; I tend to go with reds and whites. 

Carnations are nice because they last longer, but you can use roses or your other favorite floral stems too. All you need to do is arrange your flowers and keep them freshly watered.

If you opt to go with silk flowers you'll likely have more of a variety to choose from. If you visit the floral aisle of your craft store there are tons of types to choose from. 

Essentially, you can shop by color and choose from an entire range of flowers to make your centerpiece really unique. The benefit of the silk is you can use them for decoration the whole season without worrying about wilting flowers or falling petals. You can use clear or green colored rocks to help hold your flowers in one place. If you prefer, you can also use artificially-dried grass to use as a foundation to "plant" your flowers.

Whichever you choose, you'll need a vase to arrange your floral arrangement in. Your vase can be Christmas themed or a simple clear ordinary one will do. I prefer to use a vase with a neck so I can tie some green, red, gold or silver ribbon around the neck of the vase to make it look more festive.

Show Festivity with a Mini Christmas tree

If you want to go on the fancy side you can create a miniature Christmas tree. This isn't hard to do, but it does take a bit of time to decorate, but it looks spectacular when you're done. What you'll need is a piece of styrofoam cone and some artificial greenery which you can purchase at any craft store. 

Wrap the greenery around the styrofoam and secure it in place to shape your Christmas tree. For the ornaments you can buy small bags of "mini" ornaments at the craft store also; try and find ones which come with hooks, but if not you can purchase those separately.

Construction is fairly simple because all you have to do is "hang" your ornaments around the tree. A nice touch is to add some satin ribbon or mini pine cones. For the top of your tree, you can either make a star or you can purchase a small plastic or metallic looking one. These can also be found in the craft store. If an angel is your preference you can either use a small wooden ornament or if you like you can get really creative and make one out of a spool, some paint, yarn and a pipe cleaner for the halo.

These are only a handful of ideas you can try. There are many terrific centerpieces you can make to decorate your Christmas table. Making your own centerpiece is very complementary to your home cooked meal and a satisfying project once you see the beautiful creation you've made.

Wearing thigh high socks

Thigh high socks are not for those who are lacking in self-confidence. This is a style that is young and edgy and looks best on the very young and the very thin. It isn’t just every woman who can carry off a sock that stops half way up her thigh. However, having said that, if you are wearing thigh high stockings with garters under a skirt whose length will not give away the fact that your stockings aren’t really pantyhose then, they can be both appropriate and very sexy.

Socks

Thigh high socks come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs. They can be sheer or thick and chunky. One look that is very cute is the short shorts with the thigh high socks. These socks will need to attach directly to the leg since this isn’t a look that can be pulled off with a garter. Okay, it can be of course and it has been seen on the runway but it is a trashy look and unless that is what you are going for, get the type of thigh high socks that can be attached to your leg. To cut down on the trash, wear thigh high boots over the socks and attach the socks with garters that peak out from dark shorts, leather is an option.

Another cute look is the pleated mini skirt or skort. This is a look that is cute in the warmer and the cooler weather. If you are going for a little dressier look, the socks can be white or semi-sheer and have lace at the top. Again, while the lingerie look is in, it is not for the faint of heart to go with exposed garters.

If you choose a little longer skirt and a sock that is above the knee but not mid thigh this gives a look that was on the runway this fall. High boots and a fuller style of skirt take this to the next level of fashion.

Stockings

Pantyhose have been on the way out for a while and there are several reasons for that. They are not sexy, they are difficult to get on and off and they also are conducive to yeast infections. That makes wearing thigh high stockings a good idea for several reasons. If you are usually conservative, here is your chance to go a little crazy with a garter belt and even seamed stockings.

Thigh high socks and stockings appear to be a fashion that is going to be around for a while. If you are brave, give it a try, you may just love them. If you are timid, try wearing them over a legging or tights, for your trial run. You can always get rid of the leggings next time if you are feeling less shy.

Great uses for WD-40

WD-40 is a versatile product. Many people use WD-40 inside the house, out in the yard, at work, or even for recreational purposes. It is especially good for working on cars, boats or anything that could use a good cleaning or be lubricated.

The official WD-40 site outlines the product as serving five basic functions. These are to lubricate, clean, protect, penetrate and displace moisture.  Here's a brief description of these five functions:

Lubricate

The product is useful for movable parts that may get stuck. WD-40 can be used as a lubricant for locks, hinges and anything that needs to be 'unstuck'. It helps loosen joints and can effectively move stubborn sticking or rusted joints. It can also loosen up problematic keyholes or knobs.

Clean

WD-40 is said to remove sticky items such as sap, tar and gum as well as dissolves certain kinds of adhesives, rubber cement, labels, tape and other bonding materials without causing harm to the paint below, or in the case of gum, WD-40 is said to remove gum from the carpet. If your child is a sticker fiend and loves to plaster them throughout the home, WD-40 can probably be your best friend.

When used as a cleaner, WD-40 is also said to be highly effective on melted crayons. In addition, the product is useful to clean equipment, bikes, tools and is often used in motor vehicles. It is especially effective in removing grease.

Protect

The WD-40 website states that "WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements". Not only to be used as a cleaner or a fix for a problematic issue, but WD-40 can also be used for proactive and preventative purposes as well.

Penetrate

As mentioned above WD-40 is effective in loosening up rusty joints that are not budging. According to the manufacturer, WD-40 loosens rust to metal bonds and unfreezes stuck and rusted parts.

Displace Moisture

Another attribute WD-40 claims to possess is displacing moisture which means it can "dry out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits" (WD-40).

Other uses

Consumers might use this product for several purposes that fall within the realm of the five basic functions WD-40 claims to possess. Many people use it for cars, boats or bicycles. Gun owners may use it to clean their guns and gardeners use it to lubricate their gardening tools. Removing sticky items such as gum or glue from the carpet is another way to apply and use WD-40 (try this in a low visible area before applying). It is also reportedly useful to remove paint and ink marks from tile flooring. Some even use it to remove ink from blue jeans.

There are literally thousands of uses for WD-40 and over the years more and more discoveries are made about what it can do. While great for cars, WD-40 is not just for mechanics anymore. These days it is just about as valuable as duct tape as a universal fixer-upper.

Fashionable cold weather dressing

When the thermostat goes down, the layers of clothes go on. What is the best way to dress for cold weather? What fabrics offer the best protection from Jack Frost’s nip? Can you be fashionable and still be warm? Yes, you can and if you follow these few tips you will be as warm as can be and still be in the height of fashion.

Start dressing for cold weather at the top of your head. A hat is a fashion statement but it is also an important tool in maintaining your body heat. Your head is one of the main ways that heat escapes from the body. There are many different types of hats. You can choose one that is handmade, woolen, fleece or many other materials. Be sure that it fits well and feels good, otherwise, you won’t wear it no matter how cute it is.

Layers are the way to go in cold weather. Start with a blouse or turtleneck and then cover it with a sweater, hoodie or sweatshirt. You can add a wool or cashmere sweater in an over the head or cardigan style. Both of them have their place in your cold weather wardrobe. The good thing about dressing in layers is that you can add or subtract, depending on the temperature where ever you are.

Natural fabrics are a good choice in the cold weather. They naturally breathe and allow your body to breathe as well. Some of the warmest under clothing are made from silk which is, of course, a natural fabric. Silk is very thin and is the perfect fabric to use under other clothing items. Cotton, wool, and linen are also natural fabrics that perform well in the cold weather.

Cold weather clothes should fit a little closer to the body to allow for the least amount of heat loss. Woolen dress slacks are a warm and good looking choice. Jeans are always in style and if it is very cold, add the silk long johns underneath and you will be snug no matter what the weather.

Choose your outerwear carefully. If should fit well and be easy to clean. Fleece is a popular choice and comes in jackets, coats, and vests. Wool is always a good choice and the classic pea coat is a perennial favorite. Cashmere in a coat is a luxury choice but adds plenty of warmth where needed. 

Cold weather dressing would not be complete without a pair of boots or two. Flat boots in a tie style are practical when you need to walk in the snow or on the ice. For fashion and to cover any exposed leg if you are wearing a skirt, a pair of tall high heel boots are a fashion necessity. Go basic in color for at least one pair and if you can afford more then add some fashion colors.

Scarves are the perfect accessory. They help keep out the cold and they add some much-needed color to the basic cold weather wardrobe. You can buy matching gloves or go with a coordination color. Scarves are an inexpensive way to change the look of your winter coat or jacket. Buy several and experiment with color.

For those cold weather nights, a pair of flannel pajamas or a flannel nightgown is a must. Add some fluffy slippers and a fleece bathrobe and you are ready for anything Mother Nature dishes out. You can be dressing fashionably for the cold weather.

Turn a pumpkin into a jack o lantern

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Part of the fun of the season is choosing just the perfect pumpkin. This can be done at a farm stand or in a field where you choose your own. While a pumpkin is a fine decoration, it cannot compare to a jack-o-lantern. This is an age of tradition of carving a face into the pumpkin. It is quite an art form. While no two are ever identical, it is the pumpkin itself that determines its personality. With some simple steps, you will have no trouble turning a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.

Choose a pumpkin

There are two distinctive schools of thought when it comes to choosing the perfect pumpkin. Some people think that short and round is the perfect shape while others prefer and taller more lean appearance. The basic shape of the pumpkin will lend itself to what type of face suits it best. One thing that you do need, no matter what shape you prefer is a flat bottom. You want your jack-o-lantern to sit flat on the steep or table which will be its home on Halloween.

Take off the top

Now that you have chosen the perfect pumpkin you need to remove the stem. When you do this you create a top that will lift off of the pumpkin so that you can get to the inside to remove the pulp and seeds. Choose a spot on the top of the pumpkin and with a sharp knife insert it into the skin. You can draw a square on the top and just keep making small incision until you have gotten all the way around or you can do it freehand. Whatever you are comfortable with.

Scooping out the inside

Once the top has been safely removed you need a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp that is inside. The seeds are edible and make a very tasty snack. If you plan to roast them, have a baking sheet ready. You can wash the seeds and throw out the pulp. Add a little salt and olive oil to the seeds and place them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

Carving

Now the most important part, the carving of the face. You can purchase a carving kit it will have all the tools you need or if you prefer a more personal approach then use a kitchen knife and go freehand. You may want to draw a face on the pumpkin or you can buy a pattern. Start small, maybe an eye. Insert the knife into the pumpkin, this will take a little bit of strength and a sharp knife. Make sure the second cut overlaps the first and so on until you can push the piece that is now the eye, into the pumpkin.

Continue with the other eye and then the nose which is usually an upside down triangle. The most import feature is the mouth and teeth. You also have to decide if you want a happy face or a scary face. You can make the face as complex or as simple as you want. Every opening you make will be showing the light that you place inside so the more openings the more light that will be reflected.

If children are going to be carving they need to be supervised since it takes sharp knives and lots of pushing to get good results.

You can use real candles inside of the jack-o-lantern or use using battery operated lights. The good thing about the batteries is that they last longer and you can light the pumpkin for several days before or after Halloween.

You are now ready to celebrate Halloween with your family, friends, and neighbors. All that is needed is the trick or treaters.

Timeless fashion accessories

A timeless accessory is one that is as fashionable today as it was 10 years ago and will be in ten years from today. As the fashion icon, Coco Chanel once said "Fashion changes, but style endures.” A timeless accessory is one that is always in style.

Pearl necklace

A pearl necklace is an accessory that never loses its enduring value. It is a fashion investment. If you are not in a position to invest in real pearls, there are very attractive costume pearls or for a moderate price, freshwater pearls are available. The most iconic color is creamy white, but they are also available in black and some pastel shades.

You can opt for a choker, a single pearl on a chain or a long chain of pearls that can be wrapped around the neck several times. The fashion of the "Roaring Twenties" is hot at this particular time and a very long pearl necklace fits right in with that style. By opting for a clasp of sterling silver instead of gold, you can also keep the price more affordable.

Designer scarf

Another fashion investment is a designer scarf. Hermes is one of the most timeless; however, it is not within the price range of everyone. There are many other designers who offer great classic, timeless scarves that can be found at stores such as TJMaxx for a fraction of their retail price.

Try to choose a pattern or color that is not too trendy. This year’s trend may be next year’s flop. Take a good look in your closet and decide what color or colors would fit in with what you already own. If your clothing tends to be mostly navy or black, a white or red scarf would be a nice addition.

Black clutch

Every woman needs to own a simple but classic black clutch purse. For any dressy occasion from a wedding to a cocktail party, the clutch is a must. Depending on your lifestyle, you can spend a lot or a little. Look for one with a unique detail that takes it above the rest; a special clasp is one option.

Classic pump

A good pair of high heels is an important accessory that can take a woman from the boardroom to the bedroom. Black is the most classic color and most wardrobes will include at least one pair. If you just are not a high heel woman, the classic black ballet flat is another option that is timeless.

Watch

These days, many women don’t need a watch to tell time; the smartphone is perfect for that. However, a beautiful watch is a great accessory and can take the place of a bracelet. For a timeless look, choose a smaller face, but silver, leather or gold are all classic choices.

Sunglasses

Who can forget Jackie O and her wonderful large sunglasses? It was a signature look for her and is just as timeless today. Tortoiseshell is a timeless look, but you may opt for another color that suits your personal style better.

Large Purse

For every day, most women carry a large carryall purse that can go from work to a night out or a day at the beach. If leather is out of the question, there are many other materials available, but leather usually wears the best so think of this as an investment in years of style.

Timeless accessories will stand the test of time and should be considered an investment. Buy the best quality that you can afford and your investment will provide years of enjoyment and style.

Celebrity fashion icons

Celebrities have a profound effect on fashion whether they want to or not. What they chose to wear is copied by fans both young and old, and this is nothing new. It has been going on for hundreds of years. Over the last 50 years, there have been some major fashion icons whose style has been copied by their devoted fans, including Jacqueline Kennedy, who influenced an entire generation of women and in more recent times, Diana Princess of Wales. Not all celebs are from show business as these two women prove.

Jennifer Aniston

When Jennifer Aniston took the role of Rachel Green on “Friends”, little did she know that she would become a fashion and style icon. Who knew that women the world over would slavishly copy her hairstyle and great fashion sense? The good news is that Jen almost never makes a misstep and there are certainly few people who are always as well dressed and put together as she is. She is never ostentatious; she chooses styles that suit her figure and are appropriate for the occasion. She doesn’t hide behind her clothes -- she is the canvas and she always stands out.

Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge

When Kate became engaged to Prince William of England, she was immediately thrust into the limelight and her fashion was closely scrutinized. It was noticed that she favored British designers and was not opposed to re-wearing an outfit. In the hard economic times that have hit Europe, this is a very popular trend. Her clothes have caused a sensation and whenever she comes out with a new dress, they fly off the racks. She dresses with style and has the perfect body to showcase a variety of looks, all tasteful.

Victoria Beckham

Since her early days as Posh Spice, Victoria has always had a great sense of style and now she finally can give her fans exactly what they want: her clothes. Her clothing line, which is designed with the modern woman in mind -- modern and very slim, that is affordable and reflects Victoria’s personal taste and style

Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth has a very classic style that is understated but can certainly be glammed up for an evening on the red carpet. She has been a style icon for over 15 years and has shown that it is possible to be red hot and sexy without being trashy. Nobody wears a clinging gown on their very slim figure in a more glamorous way than Gwyneth. Now that she is a mother, her day clothes are a bit more practical but just as stylish, and she still shines when she is out on the town. With her great legs, it is not unusual to see her in a mini skirt or dress.

These are four of the positive celebrity fashion icons that are worth following. There are many others, especially among the young crop of Hollywood stars who are showing great promise of becoming the future celebrity fashion icons.

Choosing clothes that flatter your skin tone

Skin tones are defined in terms of the season. You are either a winter, a spring, a summer or an autumn. It is important to know the season of your skin tone. Different skin tones are flattered by different colors. Choosing clothes that flatter your skin tone helps you look your best.

It is always a good idea if possible, to have your color analysis done at a store or salon and by more than one person if possible. If this isn’t possible, you can try doing it yourself. I had mine done at Pelton's years ago, as ou may well imagine, I have no clue what she told me lol. 

Wash your face so that you have no makeup and then look at your skin in natural light. You might even want to hold a white piece of paper next to your face so that you have a clear indication of the undertone in your skin. You can also look at the inside of your wrist. Take a good look at your veins, do they look blue or more green. If blue then you are cool if green warm. 

Winter is a cool tone and most often seen on African American and Asians though it can also be seen in blonds, with white blond natural hair. Most often eye color in winters is dark. Winters have great depth of color and lots of contrast. If you are a winter you look best in rich colors. In dark colors, jewel tones are best, think ruby and sapphire and in lighter colors, go intense. Neural and bland colors will make you look just that so avoid them.

Summer is also a cool tone, almost to the point of icy. Summers are usually natural blonds but there are summers who have dark brown hair with very light skin. Summers almost always have light colored eyes. Summers have little contrast between their skin, eyes, and hair. The best colors are soft colors, neutrals such as camel and light gray and pastels especially blue are best. Muted is the way to go. Overly vivid or bright tones will wash away your looks and overpower your coloring.

Spring is a warm tone. You are best described as a subtle golden girl with definite undertones of gold to the skin. Often hair color is golden blond, golden brown or reddish blond. Eyes are blues and greens but not a vivid green, more of a blue-green. The complexion can have a rosy glow and freckles are not uncommon.

Springs look great in soft colors such as peach or in clear colors such as a bright true red. Avoid black and white, they usually are not flattering. Much better to choose colors that have a golden undertone such as browns and greens.

Autumn is a warm tone. You are truly the golden girls. Hair color is dark brown or red. Eye color is often golden brown or green. Rich colors are the most flattering with your coloration. The wonderful colors of fall are perfect, the browns, golds, and oranges will bring this skin tone to life. Pastels and especially light blues do not tend to flatter and stark white and black can wash you out.

Many people are more than one season. Once you have identified your predominate season you can experiment with the ones that may be close or slightly correct. Most people can tell when they try on a color whether it flatters but if not, ask a trusted friend or your mother for an honest answer. If a color makes you feel amazing, it is right for you. I have decided that I am an autumn, and I choose my colors accordingly. 

Natural ways to help your digestion

Most people don’t think much about their digestive system until it is not working correctly. By then it is often too late. The best course of action is to try to keep your digestive system healthy and happy. There are many ways that you can boost your digestive system naturally. Here are a few tips that can help you to keep things moving the way that they should.

Eating

The key to giving your digestive system a boost is to eat well, including plenty of fiber and good fats, exercise moderately to keep your muscles strong so that they are in condition to help the food move through your body and avoiding harmful things such as smoking and lots of junk food. There are a few additional items that can really go a long way toward boosting your digestive system.

Enzymes

Enzymes are an important part of the entire digestive system. Some of the enzymes that are used in digestion are produced by the bacteria in the bowel. Humans do not produce the enzymes that break down much of the fiber in vegetables and fruit. In order to get the maximum nutritional value from the things you eat, you need to have the correct enzymes. 

Enzymes are present from the beginning to the end of the digestive process starting with the saliva in your mouth which works on carbohydrates.

Stomach acid works mostly on proteins. Some foods you eat can help the process. Since protein stimulates the production of stomach acid, try to have some protein with every meal. Chew food well and drink enough when you are eating. These all help digestion go smoothly. 

Adding sauerkraut to your diet can help to boost the digestive system. It should be unpasteurized so that all the bacteria have not been killed. This is a simple and good tasting way to help yourself to enjoy better health. Many enzymes which occurred naturally in food are destroyed through the cooking process. By adding more fiber-rich foods and eating them in the natural state, you boost your digestive system immensely.

Bacteria

Bacteria is present in the digestive system. These are called friendly bacteria and according to Kathryn Senior Ph.D., they are mostly located in the lower digestive system due to the presence of stomach acid, which is quite strong, in the upper digestive areas. The bacteria in the bowel is believed to create a coating on itself to protect it from the enzymes in the bowl. This way they are not flushed out with the rest of the waste.

A disruption in this bacteria can lead to issue with digestion. This has led to a whole new sales pitch for manufacturers of yogurt. Yogurt can be used as a way to get these friendly bacteria back into your system. It is important however that you check the label of the yogurt to make sure that it has live culture. Adding one yogurt to your daily routine may just be the answer you are looking for. It is an easy and delicious way to add safe bacteria to your digestive system.

You can go to a natural food store and get bacteria and the enzymes in the form of pills or drinks but if at all possible, stay with the really natural approach and just add the foods to your diet. Most enzymes in the human body are produced by the pancreas and the liver, as we get older the production can slow down and you need to give it a little boost. There are digestive enzymes that you can buy and eat with all of your meals.

Some foods and spices are natural boosters of your entire system. Cayenne is one of them, try adding a little cayenne pepper to your diet and see if you notice the increased comfort in your digestion.

Honey is nature’s little powerhouse. It is healthy for your body for many reasons but it is also a great aid in the digestive system especially if it is combined with things like milk or cinnamon. Ginger is also great combined with honey due to its natural calming effects on the digestive system.

In summary, yogurt, combined with honey and cinnamon or ginger is a superfood. Add a fermented dish such as sauerkraut or kimchi to your diet as well and then drink lots of water, chew your food well and enjoy the benefits of a happy digestive system. These are all natural ways to boost your digestive system.

How to prevent migraine headaches

Migraine headaches can be debilitating. They can send you to bed unable to open your eyes or even to move. Once a migraine has started it needs to be treated. The ideal treatment is to try to prevent migraine headaches from starting at all.

There is not one simple answer to preventing migraine headaches. Many things can trigger a migraine but first, you must determine if your headaches are true migraines A variety of symptoms are indicative of a migraine. Is your pain only on one side of your head, are you sensitive to light and do your eyes hurt? Are you feeling nauseous or are you throwing up? 

Did you see strange lights or colors? Do you have other visual or audio phenomenon shortly before your headache begins(these are known as auras)? Any or all of these may mean you are a migraine sufferer.

Your best defense against a migraine is to identify what is triggering it. Most people have one or more triggers. A daily journal can be of great help in isolating the triggers that you have been exposed to.

Food and alcohol are common triggers with red wine being one of the top offenders. Other common triggers are aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Brie, and Gruyere, foods containing MSG or other preservatives (Chinese food and salad bars are places where you may be getting it), caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and colas, chocolate and aged, canned, processed, or smoked meats. Keep in mind that this list is not exclusive, your particular migraine may be caused by a food other than those listed here.

Changes in weather can also affect migraine sufferers. Sometimes it will seem as if your head is a weather barometer, you will be the first to know that a storm is brewing. Odors and perfumes are also very common triggers. One that affects many people is musk and while some people enjoy the smell of gasoline, for some migraine sufferers, it is a real headache. Perfumes may come from things as simple as a car deodorizer and candles to ones as complex as your dear friends. While it may prove awkward, you may have to request that certain friends not wear perfume when they are around you.

Missing a meal can trigger a migraine as can hormones. The best thing about menopause is that it may signal the end of hormone related migraines.

Stress is probably the most common cause of migraines. Stress is a part of everyday life, those with a tendency toward migraines are suffering from it. Trying to develop relaxation techniques can help to keep stress to a minimum and this may lessen the number of episodes you have to suffer through.

More recently, it has been suggested that gluten may contribute to incidence of migraines.  It appears that a sensitivity to gluten may be to blame. If you suffer you may want to give it a try to see if it helps you. 

Once you identify your triggers, you are better able to prevent migraines from happening in the first place. I am a lifelong migraine sufferer and have found that I have several triggers which I try to avoid. 

Mattress Review: Tulo

The mattress in our spare bedroom has been around since the fire in 1995. It was time for it to be replaced. I am a Serta girl all the way but Al needs to have a very supportive mattress and when he can't sleep he goes to the spare bedroom. That made getting a mattress that he likes important. My friend Cindy bought a twin Tulo and was very pleased. She had Al lay on it at her house and he found it comfortable.

Mattress Firm carries the Tulo so we went to their store in Glastonbury to try out the different firmnesses. It is a good thing that we did since Al did not like the twin, he felt like he would fall off the bed. We ended up getting a full and he preferred the firm to the medium. That is what we ordered. 

Unfortunately, I was told that the frame for the full would not be available until October.

I had the option of picking the mattress up at the warehouse in Windsor, having it delivered for a substantial fee or having it delivered to the store and picking it up there. I opted to pick it up at the store. I was told it would be in on Wednesday and that I could pick it up on Thursday. That was incorrect, I could not get it until Friday.

When I got home I went to Mattress Firm online and ordered the frame, seems it was available and I received it before I picked up the mattress. As you can imagine, I was less than impressed with the information I received from the Mattress Firm in Glastonbury. 

The frame arrived on Wednesday and I was able to put it together myself, it was very straightforward. 

The Tulo comes in a box, it is not light but the two of us were able to manage it. It fit in the back seat of our Forester. It takes a few hours for the mattress to rise to its full height of 10 inches. Reviews I read talked about a smell lasting 24 hours, I did not find the smell to be at all overwhelming. 

How do I like the Tulo? I love it. It is very comfortable and the total price was about $660. It comes with a 10-year guarantee. 

States that are tax friendly to retirees

Retirement often brings about a significant decrease in income and that income may be fixed. That makes it important to be in a state that is tax-friendly to retirees. Federal taxes will be the same no matter what state you live in. The things that need to be considered, are the rate of state income tax accessed, local taxes, any exemptions for retiree pensions and Social Security and the rate of sales tax in the state. All of these combine to make a state either friendly or unfriendly for retirees. Some stats are just friendlier than others.

Alabama 

Alabama is one of the friendliest states for retirees. In addition to a wonderful climate, its state sales taxes of 4 percent is among the lowest in the country. One thing that isn’t friendly in Alabama is the fact that food is also taxed but the good news is, prescriptions aren’t and that is an important consideration for retirees. Homeowners are exempt from state property tax if they are disabled or make less than $12,000 and most pensions and social security are not taxed. The state income tax ranges from 2-5 percent. Local municipalities may have their own property taxes so it is important to research before moving there but the fact that Alabama has no inheritance taxes is another feature that makes it a popular retirement choice. 

Alaska 

If you don’t mind long dark winters and short summers, Alaska can be a paradise for retirees. The state has no income tax and no state sale tax. Municipal sales tax averages out to about 1.7 percent. Real estate property taxes are about 1 percent but home prices can be a bit high. Perhaps that permanent resident dividend payment from Alaska’s vast oil wealth account which for 2014 was more than $1800 per person will help offset that.

Delaware

Delaware has no sales tax which is a major bonus. State income tax is on the higher side, however, ranging between 2.2 and 6.95 percent. Exemptions are offered, however, and Social Security is one of them. A $12,500 exemption for residents over 60 for pensions and investment income is also available. Additional tax credits that the retiree may qualify for are offered. Real estate qualifies for a variety of taxes. In Delaware, renting may be the best option for a retiree.

Pennsylvania

The north is not known as a retiree-friendly area for the most part. Pennsylvania is an exception. It has a 6 percent sales tax which is higher than Alabama but it also does not tax food, clothing, prescription and non-prescription drugs and fuel for heating. Social Security and pensions are also exempt from state income tax which is a flat rate of 3.07 percent. Property tax is determined on the local level and can be quite steep depending on the area, large urban areas being on average higher. All in all, when living on a pension, Pennsylvania is quite a friendly place for retirees to choose. 

Wyoming

If you are looking for a quiet place where your money will go a long way in retirement, look no further than Wyoming. Wyoming has no state income tax and the sales tax is a low 4 percent. Right off the bat, you will have more money in your pocket. Retirement income is not taxed at all on the state or municipal level. What there will be is personal property tax and of course, this can be avoided by renting but there are exemptions if you choose to own making this arguably the best state for retirees in the United States.

Many things can make a place good for retirement, taxes is certainly one of them. These five states are places that every senior should consider when it is time to retire especially if money is a serious consideration.