Shopping, for most women, is a relaxing and fun experience; something to look forward to greatly. However, shopping during the Christmas holiday season can be far from relaxing.
The people infested malls and stores might turn around the relaxing shopping spree altogether, make you feel uncomfortable and more stressed! The added pressure of needing to buy so many things in a short period of time definitely does not help and continue to add to the pressure.
During the Holidays, shopping around would be so much easier if everyone knew exactly where to go and which shop to visit, to find items needed. Going into a store with the assurance that the item you are looking for will surely be found, would make any stressed out shopper so much more relieved. How many hassles and headaches would be avoided!
In this article I attempt to relieve some of that tension, by guiding curvy women to the right plus size clothing stores. For easier reference, I have separated the suggested plus size clothing stores by type of person targeted and area of specialization.
Curvy Teen
1. Torrid - Torrid has quickly, and rightly so, become one of the favorite plus size fashion stores among teens and the young at heart. Specializing in sizes 12 to 26, Torrid offer a very wide variety of fashion items, including accessories and footwear, which would appeal to any plus size teen who is looking for something fun, stylish and colorful. Here you can find clothing to suit any time of the day, from career wear, formal wear and casual items.
2. Alight - Carrying plus size clothes in sizes 14 to 28, Alight is often termed as an online plus size shopping mall, and for a good reason too! Alight features a very extensive collection of fashion for full-figured ladies from a handful of different clothing lines and designers. This extensive choice ensures that teens will find what they need at Alight.
3. Sydney's Closet - I have said this before, and I still think that Sydney's Closet is a plus size teen girl's dream come true! Teens who are looking for a formal dress or ball gown for a special occasion, especially with the Holidays on the way, will find a wide variety of options at Sydney's Closet.
Plus Size Career Woman
1. Avenue - Avenue is without a doubt a familiar and dear name with all plus size ladies. A name that crops up in any plus size fashion search, Avenue offers great options for the busy curvy career women who always need to look their best. Whether it is shirts, skirts, blouses or suits that you are looking for Avenue is indeed a place to check out. Catering to sizes 14 to 32, Avenue also carries the CloudWalkers footwear line.
2. Jessica London - Catering to sizes 14W to 32W Jessica London should become another go to spot for career women looking to update their wardrobe. Again Jessica London offers women a wide variety of options, including suits, skirts, blouses, jackets and even footwear. With prices to suit all pockets, and promotions going on frequently to help you save some dollars, Jessica London is another option which should not be overlooked.
3. Lane Bryant - Another name which is very familiar with plus size women, Lane Bryant, is a great place to go to for formal and career wear. Quality, as well as reasonable prices, reigns highly at Lane Bryant, where the area of specialization is sizes 14 to 28.
Sophisticated Cat
1. IGIGI - Any plus size woman who wants quality and stylish fashion, created to make her stand out from the crowd will fall in love with IGIGI. Catering to women who wear size 14 to 32 IGIGI carries a wide variety of items, all of which scream out style, and most of all class. If you're looking for dresses, or skirts, or tops, or pants, check out IGIGI.
2. Kiyonna - Sophisticated plus size fashions in sizes 12 and up are all you will find at Kiyonna, that is their area of specialization, and they pull it off well! Again, Kiyonna carry a wide variety of items which will help any curvy woman complete her wardrobe in style.
3. Monif C - If you are looking for something classy, sophisticated and one of a kind, definitely check out the clothing offered by booming plus size fashion designer Monif C. Her items scream out style, are very colorful, and make the most of a woman's curves.
Full Figured and Mature
1. Catherine's - Catering to sizes 16W to 34W Catherine's is a sure winner for mature plus size ladies. Mature women are able to find at Catherine's a multitude of clothing items available in plus sizes, including intimates and swim wear. Classic styles and impeccable quality will put Catherine's in every mature woman's good books.
2. Ulla Popken - The clothes found at Ulla Popken epitomize quality and style for the mature plus size woman. An all rounded store which will help women fill up their wardrobe! The styles and designs offered will surely appeal to mature women who are looking for something special to wear.
3. Zaftique - Zaftique offers a variety of quality plus size items in sizes 12 to 38. Again, Zaftique features a wide variety of items, including accessories and swim wear which appeal to the mature plus size woman.
The stores detailed above give you a very good round up of the best places to turn to during your Christmas holiday shopping spree. Knowing where to look, will help you greatly save time and find the items you need.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Christmas Season Versus Holiday Season
In the United States, the month of December is the Christmas Season, not the Holiday Season. To the best of my knowledge there is only one holiday in December recognized by our government. December 25 was made a legal holiday in order to celebrate the birth of Christ. There are no other legal holidays during the month of December. Chanukah, Hannukah, or Hanukah is a celebration and, some say, a Jewish Holiday but it is not a legal holiday. Kwanza is a celebration and not a legal holiday. Christmas Eve is not a day and New Years Eve is not a day. We don't call the month of May, the Holiday Season, even though that's when Memorial Day is celebrated. On Martin Luther King Day we don't have holiday parades, we have Martin Luther King Day parades. We don't say happy holiday on the Fourth Of July, we say Happy Independence day or Happy Fourth Of July. Why then, do some people insist that we say happy holiday and holiday season when we are celebrating Christmas?
I'll tell you why. It is because the organized religion of atheism (Yes atheism, is an organized religion, it is a religion of non belief.) is waging war against Christianity as the first battle in a war against all other religions. If they can defeat Christianity in this country of Christians, then they can defeat all religions that believe in a God or higher power.
I am a Christian. I don't, however, know for sure, if Christ is the son of God or if he was a teacher or what. I do know, that I believe in the teachings ascribed to him. I do know, that even though we are humans and therefore can not and do not always follow all of those teachings, that if we all tried to live by those teachings of love and kindness, the whole world would be a better place. I also know that, I want Christ to be the Son of God because then it would mean that God did and does care about us and that there may very well be a Heaven.
I disagree with the director of special projects for the American Family Association when he says, "Christmas is not a holiday" and that calling Christmas a holiday "devalues our nation's most holy day." Christmas is a holiday. In fact, I consider Christmas and the Fourth Of July to be this country's two most important and happiest holidays. The Fourth Of July celebrates the birth of our nation and Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ. Workers are given Christmas Day off with pay, school children are given several days off for Christmas vacation. Offices hold Christmas parties. Families get together, listen to Christmas music, stuff themselves with food and give each other gifts. Marines collect "Toys For Tots". The Salvation Army puts out it's kettles and collects money which is used to help needy people all year long. Many family members who have been feuding all year round get together and forgive each other. Christmas is a holiday of love and forgiveness.
Christmas is a holiday that everyone, not just Christians, should celebrate. Almost no one denies that Christ did exist at one time. The controversy is, whether or not he is the son of God. Putting that controversy aside, Christ preached or taught "peace on earth and goodwill towards men". If people bemoan the fact that John Lennon died because he was a fighter for peace, how can they not celebrate the fact that Christ was born? Christ was arguably the original teacher of peace, forgiveness and goodness. He lived and died promoting peace. He not only promoted peace, he lived peace. He not only taught forgiveness, he lived forgiveness. Christ set an example that has lived for over two thousand years. If Martin Luther King can have a holiday, if Presidents, Veterans, labor and others can have their own holidays, why shouldn't Christ have a holiday.
A note to other religions: You should support Christmas. If you allow the atheists to kill off Christmas, it could be your religion that they go after next. There is a war being fought today. I'm not talking about the war in Iraq. I'm talking about the war against religion being brought by atheists and certain hard line fanatics on the far left. Right now, they are winning the war because religious groups are not fighting back in a cohesive manner. If religious groups don't help each other, someday they will all cease to exist and the United States will become another Soviet Union. Taking away our right to participate in religion and to celebrate our religion is a first step in taking away our other freedoms.
One of the main reasons that the United States was able to become so great is that, contrary to what the atheists and some others tell you, we are not a secular country. Our whole method of government and our laws come in large part from our forefathers religious beliefs.
It may not seem so, but I am not agaisnt all atheists. They have a right to believe in non belief and I support that right. I am just against the activists that are trying to force their non beliefs down my throat. I am willing to leave them alone if they are willing to leave me and mine alone. The problem is that they won't leave us alone. They don't want to allow us to believe as we wish. They want us to believe as they do. They don't believe in Christmas so they want to take Christmas away from us.
One final note to all you major retailers who want to sell me gifts for me to give as Christmas presents, if you won't acknowledge the Christmas Season in your advertising and in your stores, then don't expect me to shop in your stores. If you insist in saying holiday season and happy holidays instead of Christmas Season and Merry Christmas, then I will insist in not dealing with you. For the time being, at least, you are free to do as you wish and I'm free do as I wish. My wish is to boycott you, not only during the Christmas Season but for a long time to come. Heck, I'm still boycotting everything French and I've been boycotting Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine since the Vietnam War
I'll tell you why. It is because the organized religion of atheism (Yes atheism, is an organized religion, it is a religion of non belief.) is waging war against Christianity as the first battle in a war against all other religions. If they can defeat Christianity in this country of Christians, then they can defeat all religions that believe in a God or higher power.
I am a Christian. I don't, however, know for sure, if Christ is the son of God or if he was a teacher or what. I do know, that I believe in the teachings ascribed to him. I do know, that even though we are humans and therefore can not and do not always follow all of those teachings, that if we all tried to live by those teachings of love and kindness, the whole world would be a better place. I also know that, I want Christ to be the Son of God because then it would mean that God did and does care about us and that there may very well be a Heaven.
I disagree with the director of special projects for the American Family Association when he says, "Christmas is not a holiday" and that calling Christmas a holiday "devalues our nation's most holy day." Christmas is a holiday. In fact, I consider Christmas and the Fourth Of July to be this country's two most important and happiest holidays. The Fourth Of July celebrates the birth of our nation and Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ. Workers are given Christmas Day off with pay, school children are given several days off for Christmas vacation. Offices hold Christmas parties. Families get together, listen to Christmas music, stuff themselves with food and give each other gifts. Marines collect "Toys For Tots". The Salvation Army puts out it's kettles and collects money which is used to help needy people all year long. Many family members who have been feuding all year round get together and forgive each other. Christmas is a holiday of love and forgiveness.
Christmas is a holiday that everyone, not just Christians, should celebrate. Almost no one denies that Christ did exist at one time. The controversy is, whether or not he is the son of God. Putting that controversy aside, Christ preached or taught "peace on earth and goodwill towards men". If people bemoan the fact that John Lennon died because he was a fighter for peace, how can they not celebrate the fact that Christ was born? Christ was arguably the original teacher of peace, forgiveness and goodness. He lived and died promoting peace. He not only promoted peace, he lived peace. He not only taught forgiveness, he lived forgiveness. Christ set an example that has lived for over two thousand years. If Martin Luther King can have a holiday, if Presidents, Veterans, labor and others can have their own holidays, why shouldn't Christ have a holiday.
A note to other religions: You should support Christmas. If you allow the atheists to kill off Christmas, it could be your religion that they go after next. There is a war being fought today. I'm not talking about the war in Iraq. I'm talking about the war against religion being brought by atheists and certain hard line fanatics on the far left. Right now, they are winning the war because religious groups are not fighting back in a cohesive manner. If religious groups don't help each other, someday they will all cease to exist and the United States will become another Soviet Union. Taking away our right to participate in religion and to celebrate our religion is a first step in taking away our other freedoms.
One of the main reasons that the United States was able to become so great is that, contrary to what the atheists and some others tell you, we are not a secular country. Our whole method of government and our laws come in large part from our forefathers religious beliefs.
It may not seem so, but I am not agaisnt all atheists. They have a right to believe in non belief and I support that right. I am just against the activists that are trying to force their non beliefs down my throat. I am willing to leave them alone if they are willing to leave me and mine alone. The problem is that they won't leave us alone. They don't want to allow us to believe as we wish. They want us to believe as they do. They don't believe in Christmas so they want to take Christmas away from us.
One final note to all you major retailers who want to sell me gifts for me to give as Christmas presents, if you won't acknowledge the Christmas Season in your advertising and in your stores, then don't expect me to shop in your stores. If you insist in saying holiday season and happy holidays instead of Christmas Season and Merry Christmas, then I will insist in not dealing with you. For the time being, at least, you are free to do as you wish and I'm free do as I wish. My wish is to boycott you, not only during the Christmas Season but for a long time to come. Heck, I'm still boycotting everything French and I've been boycotting Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine since the Vietnam War
The Hidden Dangers of Holiday Decorating
Decorating for the holidays is a fun way for you and your family to prepare for the Christmas season. Hanging ornaments on the tree, stringing lights along your eves and letting little ones help with the holiday decorating are all a wonderful part of the season.
“But,” Says Christie MacLachlan of Christmastime site http://Christmaslightsanddecorations.com. “with all the joy and excitement surrounding Christmas it can be easy to forget that there are some real dangers involved in adorning your home and living with holiday decorations day to day.”
According to the US National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the National Protection Agency, it is estimated that nearly 6000 injuries, 33 deaths and 600 fires a year occur as a result of decorating for Christmas. Added to the over 23 million dollars in property damage caused during the holidays, a significant amount of risk is involved in decorating your home for the holidays!
The most common Christmastime injuries come from climbing and reaching, followed closely by electrocution and fires caused by improper handling of Christmas lights. Balancing on furniture such as couches and chairs that aren’t meant for climbing is the easiest way to get hurt. It’s easy to prevent injury while decorating for Christmas, though! MacLachlan sites these simple tips to improving your holiday safety.
• Make sure you follow safe practices when working up high. Always use ladders for climbing and don’t overextend your reach. Check that your ladder is sturdy and be sure to have someone hold the bottom so that it doesn’t slip. For extra safety, you can hire a professional roofer to put up your roof top decorations.
• When you’re installing your Christmas lights make sure they are undamaged. Frayed strings and exposed wires can cause a serious risk of electrocution both inside and outside. Also, do not ever try to force a plug into a socket – you may need to use an extension cord to properly fit your light string to your electricity source.
• After decorating pay close attention to everyday safety. Christmas lights and candles are a fire risk, so monitor them closely. Anything that creates heat should be not be put near Christmas trees or any flammable material and should not be left on when you are not there to keep an eye on them. Also make sure that none of your decorations obstruct any high traffic areas. Place decorations away from spots where they are at risk of tripping or injuring someone.
• Children are especially susceptible to injury from Christmas decorations. The twinkling lights and unusual shapes are a major attraction to little fingers. Kids are especially at risk for burns and electrocutions - they might not think twice about putting their hands up to flames or playing with wires and electrical sockets.
• Be aware of your fragile glass decorations, too. Broken decorations are a choking hazard for children and can cause serious scratches and cuts. The best way to keep little ones safe is to hang all decorations far out of reach! Also, parents should be mindful of poisonous plants such as poinsettia, which can harm children and pets if consumed.
“Keep your Christmas decorating safe this year by being aware of the dangers and working to prevent accidents,” says MacLachlan. Practice common sense holiday safety throughout your home this season so you and your family can enjoy and happy accident and injury-free Christmas.
“But,” Says Christie MacLachlan of Christmastime site http://Christmaslightsanddecorations.com. “with all the joy and excitement surrounding Christmas it can be easy to forget that there are some real dangers involved in adorning your home and living with holiday decorations day to day.”
According to the US National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the National Protection Agency, it is estimated that nearly 6000 injuries, 33 deaths and 600 fires a year occur as a result of decorating for Christmas. Added to the over 23 million dollars in property damage caused during the holidays, a significant amount of risk is involved in decorating your home for the holidays!
The most common Christmastime injuries come from climbing and reaching, followed closely by electrocution and fires caused by improper handling of Christmas lights. Balancing on furniture such as couches and chairs that aren’t meant for climbing is the easiest way to get hurt. It’s easy to prevent injury while decorating for Christmas, though! MacLachlan sites these simple tips to improving your holiday safety.
• Make sure you follow safe practices when working up high. Always use ladders for climbing and don’t overextend your reach. Check that your ladder is sturdy and be sure to have someone hold the bottom so that it doesn’t slip. For extra safety, you can hire a professional roofer to put up your roof top decorations.
• When you’re installing your Christmas lights make sure they are undamaged. Frayed strings and exposed wires can cause a serious risk of electrocution both inside and outside. Also, do not ever try to force a plug into a socket – you may need to use an extension cord to properly fit your light string to your electricity source.
• After decorating pay close attention to everyday safety. Christmas lights and candles are a fire risk, so monitor them closely. Anything that creates heat should be not be put near Christmas trees or any flammable material and should not be left on when you are not there to keep an eye on them. Also make sure that none of your decorations obstruct any high traffic areas. Place decorations away from spots where they are at risk of tripping or injuring someone.
• Children are especially susceptible to injury from Christmas decorations. The twinkling lights and unusual shapes are a major attraction to little fingers. Kids are especially at risk for burns and electrocutions - they might not think twice about putting their hands up to flames or playing with wires and electrical sockets.
• Be aware of your fragile glass decorations, too. Broken decorations are a choking hazard for children and can cause serious scratches and cuts. The best way to keep little ones safe is to hang all decorations far out of reach! Also, parents should be mindful of poisonous plants such as poinsettia, which can harm children and pets if consumed.
“Keep your Christmas decorating safe this year by being aware of the dangers and working to prevent accidents,” says MacLachlan. Practice common sense holiday safety throughout your home this season so you and your family can enjoy and happy accident and injury-free Christmas.
Unsecured Holiday Loans
Best days of the life are here again means holidays have approached. Holiday brings joyous moments that were tucked away with the mundane routine. It’s the time to live up with your near one and dear one but if you are lacking in the funds and don’t have any collateral to place then opt for the unsecured holiday loans.
In unsecured holiday loan, borrower doesn’t require to place any asset as a security against the loan amount. It can be said that unsecured holiday loan is that where borrower without placing any property or asset like car, home, property etc can borrow the money from the lender.
Unsecured holiday loans are short term loan which enables borrower to meet his holiday expenses like cost of lodging and boarding at the holiday destination, traveling expenses, shopping bills, food bills, etc. that are to be incurred during holidaying.
Unsecured holiday loans are meant for the borrowers who are looking for smaller amount. Unsecured holiday loans are the best option for those who are willingly or unwillingly doesn’t want to place their collateral as security against the loan amount.
With unsecured holiday loan borrower enjoys fast cash approval compared to the secured loan as no time is wasted in the collateral evaluation. In the unsecured holiday loan, borrower can opt for a loan amount ranging up to £ 25000 which can be extended according to the borrower’s credit history or his financial situation.
Unsecured holiday loans are open for all types of credit holders i.e. borrowers who are suffering from bad credit like CCJ’s, arrears, defaults, bankrupts etc can also opt for it. Unsecured holiday loan offers easy way to improve the credit score.
The best way to shop for an unsecured holiday loan is through internet i.e. online. As while sitting at home or office you can take advantage of financing options. Through online borrower can easily locate the lender who is offering cheaper holiday loan.
Demands of holiday loan have increased like never before as now every income group can manage to plan their dream holiday vacations.
In unsecured holiday loan, borrower doesn’t require to place any asset as a security against the loan amount. It can be said that unsecured holiday loan is that where borrower without placing any property or asset like car, home, property etc can borrow the money from the lender.
Unsecured holiday loans are short term loan which enables borrower to meet his holiday expenses like cost of lodging and boarding at the holiday destination, traveling expenses, shopping bills, food bills, etc. that are to be incurred during holidaying.
Unsecured holiday loans are meant for the borrowers who are looking for smaller amount. Unsecured holiday loans are the best option for those who are willingly or unwillingly doesn’t want to place their collateral as security against the loan amount.
With unsecured holiday loan borrower enjoys fast cash approval compared to the secured loan as no time is wasted in the collateral evaluation. In the unsecured holiday loan, borrower can opt for a loan amount ranging up to £ 25000 which can be extended according to the borrower’s credit history or his financial situation.
Unsecured holiday loans are open for all types of credit holders i.e. borrowers who are suffering from bad credit like CCJ’s, arrears, defaults, bankrupts etc can also opt for it. Unsecured holiday loan offers easy way to improve the credit score.
The best way to shop for an unsecured holiday loan is through internet i.e. online. As while sitting at home or office you can take advantage of financing options. Through online borrower can easily locate the lender who is offering cheaper holiday loan.
Demands of holiday loan have increased like never before as now every income group can manage to plan their dream holiday vacations.
How To Enjoy Your Holiday Vacation
Here we go! It's that time of year again - the family holiday vacation. Some families historically travel this time of year, while others will choose to stay home. Perhaps you are having extended family coming in for the holidays. Or maybe your family has decided to fly solo and stay home. Regardless of the plans, many parents can find themselves feeling apprehensive about spending a vacation with their teenagers. "Is this holiday season going to be a disaster?" "What if he/she embarrasses me in front of everyone?" "We haven't been getting along lately, and what if this entire vacation is filled with conflict?" Here are 7 things you can do to help make it a great vacation:
1. Include your teenager in the planning
If there is one thing most teenagers enjoy, it is giving other their opinion. This is especially true if someone is asking for their opinion. Ask your teenager some ideas of what they think would be enjoyable to do on the family vacation. Even if you set the ground rules of where your family is going, ask them what they would like to do some of the time. It is after all there vacation also.
2. Carve out some alone time for yourself
Ironic as it may sound, vacations can be exhausting, especially for parents. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, fatigue can set in from trying to accomplish too much in such a short amount of time. Make sure you take some time to relax yourself. A relaxed parent makes for a more relaxed family vacation.
3. Carve our some alone time for you and your teenager
Even if you are vacationing with a lot of extended family members, make it a point to take some time to spend with your teenager one-on-one. It does not necessarily need to be a huge ordeal with a lot of fan fare. Perhaps grabbing something to eat unexpectedly, or going for a walk in the morning. Even a conversation in the car while running errands can be meaningful. Find those rare teachable moments, and seize them!
4. Allow your teenager to have some reasonable amount of time alone
As your teenager gets older, there is a normal part of you that desire to spend a lot of time with him/her. You want to cherish the time with your daughter, and make sure your son knows the importance of your relationship. Yet, today's teenagers' lives can be as busy as adults'. Like you, they may need some down time to just sit and loaf around.
5. Avoid placing any expectations or ideals on your vacation
Many parents visualize in their mind, and heart what they want their family vacations to be like. Their ideals are filled with holiday cheer, perfect children, and Norman Rockwell memories. Thereby, they unintentionally place expectations on their teenagers and family members. While dreams are not a bad thing, disappointment and resentment can arise when these expectations are not met. Take your vacation a day at a time, without any expectations.
6. Agree to put all major family conflict aside for the duration of your vacation
If there is a major conflict between you and your teenager, then agree to put the matter aside until after your vacation. Anyone can "agree to disagree" for a temporary period of time. No one wants a vacation filled with tension and conflict. Perhaps when your vacation is over, both of you will be in a better emotional state to discuss your conflict in a better manner.
7. When conflict arises between you and your teenager, talk it out
No doubt there will moments of frustration between you and your teenager. It is unrealistic to expect otherwise. As the parent, make it a point to pick your battles. Then talk it out in a manner that will resolve conflict, rather than placing blame. Avoid harboring grudges and resentments
1. Include your teenager in the planning
If there is one thing most teenagers enjoy, it is giving other their opinion. This is especially true if someone is asking for their opinion. Ask your teenager some ideas of what they think would be enjoyable to do on the family vacation. Even if you set the ground rules of where your family is going, ask them what they would like to do some of the time. It is after all there vacation also.
2. Carve out some alone time for yourself
Ironic as it may sound, vacations can be exhausting, especially for parents. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, fatigue can set in from trying to accomplish too much in such a short amount of time. Make sure you take some time to relax yourself. A relaxed parent makes for a more relaxed family vacation.
3. Carve our some alone time for you and your teenager
Even if you are vacationing with a lot of extended family members, make it a point to take some time to spend with your teenager one-on-one. It does not necessarily need to be a huge ordeal with a lot of fan fare. Perhaps grabbing something to eat unexpectedly, or going for a walk in the morning. Even a conversation in the car while running errands can be meaningful. Find those rare teachable moments, and seize them!
4. Allow your teenager to have some reasonable amount of time alone
As your teenager gets older, there is a normal part of you that desire to spend a lot of time with him/her. You want to cherish the time with your daughter, and make sure your son knows the importance of your relationship. Yet, today's teenagers' lives can be as busy as adults'. Like you, they may need some down time to just sit and loaf around.
5. Avoid placing any expectations or ideals on your vacation
Many parents visualize in their mind, and heart what they want their family vacations to be like. Their ideals are filled with holiday cheer, perfect children, and Norman Rockwell memories. Thereby, they unintentionally place expectations on their teenagers and family members. While dreams are not a bad thing, disappointment and resentment can arise when these expectations are not met. Take your vacation a day at a time, without any expectations.
6. Agree to put all major family conflict aside for the duration of your vacation
If there is a major conflict between you and your teenager, then agree to put the matter aside until after your vacation. Anyone can "agree to disagree" for a temporary period of time. No one wants a vacation filled with tension and conflict. Perhaps when your vacation is over, both of you will be in a better emotional state to discuss your conflict in a better manner.
7. When conflict arises between you and your teenager, talk it out
No doubt there will moments of frustration between you and your teenager. It is unrealistic to expect otherwise. As the parent, make it a point to pick your battles. Then talk it out in a manner that will resolve conflict, rather than placing blame. Avoid harboring grudges and resentments
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Oprah's Favorite Things Hits Big This Holiday Season
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most popular talk show hosts in American television history. As her show enters its 21rst season, she has millions of viewers who tune in each day. One of her most popular segments is her "Favorite Things" holiday show. During this show, Oprah shares with the studio and television audience some of her favorite things including jewelry, gadgets and vacation getaways.
People love this show because on the "Favorite Things" episode, audience members get the extravagant gifts that Oprah displays. Around 300 audience members are showered with gifts each holiday episode. The amount varies, but Oprah audience members can each expect to receive between $4,000 and $15,000 worth of gifts. But, Oprah is a big winner as well. The 2004 episode of "Oprah's Favorite Things" had the highest ratings ever for a "Favorite Things" episode and was the second highest rated episode for the season.
Oprah has been doing her "Favorite Things" episode since 1999. Guests received a set of Illumination Ritual Candles, each one to inspire different feelings like love, peace and passion and each candle contained a tiny gemstone inside. The 12-candle set was valued at $169.95. Dog owners were no doubt thrilled with the Fifi and Romeo Pet Clothing ($150 and up) - one of Oprah's favorite things of 1999. One of the most extravagant gifts that year was a Susan Abbott Personalized Painting, ranging from $5,000 and up. Oprah loved the Susan Abbott painting given to her by author Sarah Ban Breathnach.
In 2000, Oprah added many hi-tech gadgets like the Motorola Talkabout pager (priced at $179), so audience members could receive email while on the go. Another favorite thing from 2000 was the book equivalent of the iPod, the Gemstar REB1100 eBook from RCA ($299). The Gemstar let users download up to 8,000 book pages, so they never had to carry around a book again.
The BlissLabs Glamour Gloves ($44) and Gel ($22) was one of Oprah's favorite things in 2002. The Panasonic 4-in-1 Digital Camera from Frontgate ($449) was also a big hit that year. The camera, the size of a credit card, takes pictures and video, but can also be used as a MP3 player and audio recorder.
In 2003, Oprah decided to do two episodes of her favorite things segment - one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Spring audience members got an Apple iPod ($399), Silhouette Minimal X Sunglasses ($175-$250), and a Hewlett Packard Digital Camera, Printer and Dock (total value $730) among other items. Fall audience members racked up with UGG Classic Short Boots ($110), a Philip Stein Teslar Watch ($595), and a Sony DCR-DVD200 Handycam ($1000).
2004 was a very special Favorite Things segment for Oprah. She convinced 300 teachers to attend her show, under the premise of talking about education and a teacher's daily routine. Instead, she surprised them with the Favorite Things episode. The teachers received gifts such as a Sony VAIO S260 notebook computer, a Dell 30" wide-screen LCD television, a Maytag Neptune Top-Load Washer and Drying Center, and a trip for two to the exclusive Miraval Resort and Spa. Total gift amount for each teacher was about $15,000 - much more than the previous year total of $4,800. Oprah, a supporter of education and teachers, knew the teachers were worth every penny.
In 2005, Oprah decided to make her favorite things audience up of Katrina relief workers. Among the gifts were Sony VAIO® FJ Notebook, Kashwére® Shawl Collar Robe, BlackBerry 7105T™ from T-Mobile, and a couple of Oprah's favorites from 2004, UGG Australia's Uptown Boot and an Apple iPod. While considerably less than the year before, the 2005 recipients still received over $7,000 worth of items.
Probably due in part to Oprah's television audience as well as her personal appeal, each year the manufacturer's of the items found on Oprah's favorite things donate all the gifts. But they reap great benefits from doing so. They get television exposure and an immediate increase in sales after each episode. Companies like Sephora and Macy's have both publically stated that as soon as Oprah mentions one of their products, people are coming in the stores in droves to get it.
So in the end, it is a win-win situation. The manufacturers see increased sales, the audience gets great gifts, and Oprah just keeps on getting more and more popular with her viewing audience.
People love this show because on the "Favorite Things" episode, audience members get the extravagant gifts that Oprah displays. Around 300 audience members are showered with gifts each holiday episode. The amount varies, but Oprah audience members can each expect to receive between $4,000 and $15,000 worth of gifts. But, Oprah is a big winner as well. The 2004 episode of "Oprah's Favorite Things" had the highest ratings ever for a "Favorite Things" episode and was the second highest rated episode for the season.
Oprah has been doing her "Favorite Things" episode since 1999. Guests received a set of Illumination Ritual Candles, each one to inspire different feelings like love, peace and passion and each candle contained a tiny gemstone inside. The 12-candle set was valued at $169.95. Dog owners were no doubt thrilled with the Fifi and Romeo Pet Clothing ($150 and up) - one of Oprah's favorite things of 1999. One of the most extravagant gifts that year was a Susan Abbott Personalized Painting, ranging from $5,000 and up. Oprah loved the Susan Abbott painting given to her by author Sarah Ban Breathnach.
In 2000, Oprah added many hi-tech gadgets like the Motorola Talkabout pager (priced at $179), so audience members could receive email while on the go. Another favorite thing from 2000 was the book equivalent of the iPod, the Gemstar REB1100 eBook from RCA ($299). The Gemstar let users download up to 8,000 book pages, so they never had to carry around a book again.
The BlissLabs Glamour Gloves ($44) and Gel ($22) was one of Oprah's favorite things in 2002. The Panasonic 4-in-1 Digital Camera from Frontgate ($449) was also a big hit that year. The camera, the size of a credit card, takes pictures and video, but can also be used as a MP3 player and audio recorder.
In 2003, Oprah decided to do two episodes of her favorite things segment - one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Spring audience members got an Apple iPod ($399), Silhouette Minimal X Sunglasses ($175-$250), and a Hewlett Packard Digital Camera, Printer and Dock (total value $730) among other items. Fall audience members racked up with UGG Classic Short Boots ($110), a Philip Stein Teslar Watch ($595), and a Sony DCR-DVD200 Handycam ($1000).
2004 was a very special Favorite Things segment for Oprah. She convinced 300 teachers to attend her show, under the premise of talking about education and a teacher's daily routine. Instead, she surprised them with the Favorite Things episode. The teachers received gifts such as a Sony VAIO S260 notebook computer, a Dell 30" wide-screen LCD television, a Maytag Neptune Top-Load Washer and Drying Center, and a trip for two to the exclusive Miraval Resort and Spa. Total gift amount for each teacher was about $15,000 - much more than the previous year total of $4,800. Oprah, a supporter of education and teachers, knew the teachers were worth every penny.
In 2005, Oprah decided to make her favorite things audience up of Katrina relief workers. Among the gifts were Sony VAIO® FJ Notebook, Kashwére® Shawl Collar Robe, BlackBerry 7105T™ from T-Mobile, and a couple of Oprah's favorites from 2004, UGG Australia's Uptown Boot and an Apple iPod. While considerably less than the year before, the 2005 recipients still received over $7,000 worth of items.
Probably due in part to Oprah's television audience as well as her personal appeal, each year the manufacturer's of the items found on Oprah's favorite things donate all the gifts. But they reap great benefits from doing so. They get television exposure and an immediate increase in sales after each episode. Companies like Sephora and Macy's have both publically stated that as soon as Oprah mentions one of their products, people are coming in the stores in droves to get it.
So in the end, it is a win-win situation. The manufacturers see increased sales, the audience gets great gifts, and Oprah just keeps on getting more and more popular with her viewing audience.
DIY, Holiday Creative Project, “Beautiful Baubles” , Elegant Ornaments
“Beautiful baubles”
Hands-on time: Less than two hours per dozen.
Total time: Plus 48 hours for paint to cure.
Skill: Easy to moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $10.00 for a dozen.
Materials & tools:
Clear or frosted glass balls in assorted shapes and sizes
Vitrail and Porcelaine 150 paints by Pébéo
Copper leafing and adhesive size by Renaissance Foil, Detla
Micro beads
Assorted beads
Decorative wire in 22 to 25 gauge
Assorted colourful and white rice papers
Mod Podge by Plaid
Sparkle Glaze by Delta
Iridescent flakes, rhinestones, tassels, gold string and Fun wool for decorative accents
Applicator bottles (small plastic bottles with a nozzle tips)
Basic tools needed; wire cutter, scissors, painter’s tape, a sea sponge and assorted paintbrushes, and metal glue
*(all above items are available at arts and craft supply stores)
This year, deck the halls with beautiful ball creations in medleys of rich colours and styles. Make your own holiday ornaments to add among your cherished oldies and to treasure for years to come. Decorating the home with impressive ornaments has never been easier to achieve, utilizing only a handful of basic craft supplies. Glass ball ornaments with sophistication from eclectic to elegant designs are painted with brilliant colours and magnificently decorated with copper leafing, rice paper, beads, tassels and ritzed up with glitz.
Aside from decorating a traditional Christmas tree, ball ornaments make distinguished decorations to beautify an entrance, a hallway, or to grace a mantel. Mixtures of solid colours or striped balls are simply splendid displayed in tall vases, large bowls or incorporated into a spectacular centerpiece.
If you live in a small space, decorating with ornaments is a fantastic way to add wonderment to your décor without incorporating a huge tree. Smaller glass versions are perfect to jazz up tabletop trees and to create stylist floral arrangements.
Preparing the base of the glass ornaments:
Prepare the glass surface for painting by washing the balls thoroughly with soap and water and wipe dry.
Attach a decorative string to the metal cap tips that come with the glass balls. It makes it easier to handle the balls while painting and practical to hang them for drying on an ornament stand or a coat rack with pegs.
Paint the surfaces of the glass balls with a soft bristle paintbrush using Vitrail paints in your choice of colours from emerald, red violet to turquoise blues. I used a rich palette of crimson, brown, and burnt amber. Since these are decorative items only, I used Vitrail solvent based paints because the colours are brilliant and they don’t need to be heat set. Once painted hang the balls to air-dry. They will dry within hours and be ready to decorate within a 48 hour period. Use a solvent base cleaner to clean your brushes well.
Eclectic paper collage; Painted glass balls are garlanded with assorted scraps of colourful and white rice papers. Use paper bits and pieces leftover from other holiday projects. Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the surface of the ball. Randomly apply and layer tiny paper pieces around the ball, leaving some areas exposed in order to see its colour. To secure the paper composition into place, apply a top coat of Mod Podge and let dry. Once dry apply a coat of sparkle glaze to make them glitter and glow.
Renaissance: Apply vertical stripes evenly spaced all around the ball with a fine point paintbrush using Porcelaine 150, Vermeil gold. For a majestic look apply rhinestones garnishes over the dried gold stripes using metal glue.
Baroque: Apply narrow painter’s tape to create two stripes on the bottom half of a glass ball. Apply adhesive sizing with soft paintbrush to the area between the tape stripes. Set the ball a side to allow the adhesive to become dry and tacky to the touch (15-60 minutes). Place and press copper leaf over the adhesive medium to adhere to the ball. Use a clean soft brush to secure the leafing into place and to remove excess pieces. Top off with a wire length fastened around the cap, bead the ends and add a tassel.
Old world: Apply adhesive sizing randomly around the ball and follow the leafing steps as above. The leafing will only stick to the areas where the medium was applied. Apply a length of Terrifically Tacky Tape around the center of the ball. For a gleaming touch, sprinkle iridescent flakes over the tape and gently pat it.
Glistening swirl: Simply dab a colour of Vitrail paint around a glass ball using a sea sponge. Once dry, apply a band of rice paper with a swirl pattern at the center of the ball with Mod Podge. Apply glitter glaze around the ball. Wrap a piece of coloured wire around the cap of the ball and decorate the ends with beads.
Beaded Rococo: Pour assorted metallic Porcelaine 150 paints into applicator bottles, one for each different colour. Using one colour at a time, squeeze the bottle to release paint along the sides of the ball, letting some of the colours overlap and some areas free of drippings. Let it dry and set for 48 hours. Garnish the ball with a band of colourful micro beads using Terrifically Tacky Tape. For an elaborate cap finish use fuzzy wool and bead accents.
Give older ornaments a renewed look by sprucing them up using the same supplies in order to blend in with your new ornaments. Each year make and add new styles of ornaments to your collection. Make extra ornaments to give as gifts to friends, teachers and relatives.
Variations;
Ribbons and fabric remnants make fabulous ornament embellishments. For a dazzling look use sequins, glitter glues, and old jewellery odds and ends. Modern and minimalist styles of ornaments can be made utilizing materials such as clay, foils, tinsel, wire, and mesh. For special effects make basic geometric shapes using textured or snow paints. For fine details or to inscribe your dinner guests names onto a personalized ornament use Porcelaine liners or markers by Pébéo.
Hands-on time: Less than two hours per dozen.
Total time: Plus 48 hours for paint to cure.
Skill: Easy to moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $10.00 for a dozen.
Materials & tools:
Clear or frosted glass balls in assorted shapes and sizes
Vitrail and Porcelaine 150 paints by Pébéo
Copper leafing and adhesive size by Renaissance Foil, Detla
Micro beads
Assorted beads
Decorative wire in 22 to 25 gauge
Assorted colourful and white rice papers
Mod Podge by Plaid
Sparkle Glaze by Delta
Iridescent flakes, rhinestones, tassels, gold string and Fun wool for decorative accents
Applicator bottles (small plastic bottles with a nozzle tips)
Basic tools needed; wire cutter, scissors, painter’s tape, a sea sponge and assorted paintbrushes, and metal glue
*(all above items are available at arts and craft supply stores)
This year, deck the halls with beautiful ball creations in medleys of rich colours and styles. Make your own holiday ornaments to add among your cherished oldies and to treasure for years to come. Decorating the home with impressive ornaments has never been easier to achieve, utilizing only a handful of basic craft supplies. Glass ball ornaments with sophistication from eclectic to elegant designs are painted with brilliant colours and magnificently decorated with copper leafing, rice paper, beads, tassels and ritzed up with glitz.
Aside from decorating a traditional Christmas tree, ball ornaments make distinguished decorations to beautify an entrance, a hallway, or to grace a mantel. Mixtures of solid colours or striped balls are simply splendid displayed in tall vases, large bowls or incorporated into a spectacular centerpiece.
If you live in a small space, decorating with ornaments is a fantastic way to add wonderment to your décor without incorporating a huge tree. Smaller glass versions are perfect to jazz up tabletop trees and to create stylist floral arrangements.
Preparing the base of the glass ornaments:
Prepare the glass surface for painting by washing the balls thoroughly with soap and water and wipe dry.
Attach a decorative string to the metal cap tips that come with the glass balls. It makes it easier to handle the balls while painting and practical to hang them for drying on an ornament stand or a coat rack with pegs.
Paint the surfaces of the glass balls with a soft bristle paintbrush using Vitrail paints in your choice of colours from emerald, red violet to turquoise blues. I used a rich palette of crimson, brown, and burnt amber. Since these are decorative items only, I used Vitrail solvent based paints because the colours are brilliant and they don’t need to be heat set. Once painted hang the balls to air-dry. They will dry within hours and be ready to decorate within a 48 hour period. Use a solvent base cleaner to clean your brushes well.
Eclectic paper collage; Painted glass balls are garlanded with assorted scraps of colourful and white rice papers. Use paper bits and pieces leftover from other holiday projects. Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the surface of the ball. Randomly apply and layer tiny paper pieces around the ball, leaving some areas exposed in order to see its colour. To secure the paper composition into place, apply a top coat of Mod Podge and let dry. Once dry apply a coat of sparkle glaze to make them glitter and glow.
Renaissance: Apply vertical stripes evenly spaced all around the ball with a fine point paintbrush using Porcelaine 150, Vermeil gold. For a majestic look apply rhinestones garnishes over the dried gold stripes using metal glue.
Baroque: Apply narrow painter’s tape to create two stripes on the bottom half of a glass ball. Apply adhesive sizing with soft paintbrush to the area between the tape stripes. Set the ball a side to allow the adhesive to become dry and tacky to the touch (15-60 minutes). Place and press copper leaf over the adhesive medium to adhere to the ball. Use a clean soft brush to secure the leafing into place and to remove excess pieces. Top off with a wire length fastened around the cap, bead the ends and add a tassel.
Old world: Apply adhesive sizing randomly around the ball and follow the leafing steps as above. The leafing will only stick to the areas where the medium was applied. Apply a length of Terrifically Tacky Tape around the center of the ball. For a gleaming touch, sprinkle iridescent flakes over the tape and gently pat it.
Glistening swirl: Simply dab a colour of Vitrail paint around a glass ball using a sea sponge. Once dry, apply a band of rice paper with a swirl pattern at the center of the ball with Mod Podge. Apply glitter glaze around the ball. Wrap a piece of coloured wire around the cap of the ball and decorate the ends with beads.
Beaded Rococo: Pour assorted metallic Porcelaine 150 paints into applicator bottles, one for each different colour. Using one colour at a time, squeeze the bottle to release paint along the sides of the ball, letting some of the colours overlap and some areas free of drippings. Let it dry and set for 48 hours. Garnish the ball with a band of colourful micro beads using Terrifically Tacky Tape. For an elaborate cap finish use fuzzy wool and bead accents.
Give older ornaments a renewed look by sprucing them up using the same supplies in order to blend in with your new ornaments. Each year make and add new styles of ornaments to your collection. Make extra ornaments to give as gifts to friends, teachers and relatives.
Variations;
Ribbons and fabric remnants make fabulous ornament embellishments. For a dazzling look use sequins, glitter glues, and old jewellery odds and ends. Modern and minimalist styles of ornaments can be made utilizing materials such as clay, foils, tinsel, wire, and mesh. For special effects make basic geometric shapes using textured or snow paints. For fine details or to inscribe your dinner guests names onto a personalized ornament use Porcelaine liners or markers by Pébéo.
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