Wednesday, September 2, 2009
How to Avoid Airline Security Embarrassment with your Lingerie!
Been there, done that …
It is one of those moments in my travelling career where you really just wish you could just crawl up into a little ball and hide. Well there is a way round these little embarrassments.
The secret to avoid this really embarrassing situation is to employ the services of a lingerie bag. Essentially the role of the lingerie bag is to hide the unmentionables or at the very least, make them less the focus of attention. But what is the right one to use.
When we were first talking about writing an article on this subject, my team and I really researched what was out in the market place and we have some really cool suggestions. Whether you like it or not, security is a big issue when travelling and what we need to do is to make the security staff lives as simple as possible to see that there is no contraband mixed with the underwear or lingerie.
The best type of lingerie bag is one that is made of a mesh structure. There are two reasons for that, one, it makes it easier for any security staff to identify what is in the bag and secondly, most mesh lingerie bags can also be used in the washing machine (Check the label to ensure this is right for your lingerie bag).
I should note that just because your lingerie bags are mesh doesn't mean they will not be opened by airport security, just it is less likely. In fact I recommend that you carry at least two mesh lingerie bags, the first for your clean underwear and lingerie and the second for your used underwear. The key reason for doing this is that you really don't want your clean underwear being paraded around in the airport on those benches but more so for health reasons.
I was flying into a Narita in Japan many years ago and when I arrived there was a visitor with very stinky and dirty underwear all over the bench. Then when they were finished the airport security didn't wipe the benches down and then they wanted me to put my stuff on the same bench. This is very unsanitary and in fact disease can be spread by this way so keeping your lingerie in a lingerie bag will minimise the chance of this occurring. I personally believe this is a big concern for ladies more so then men.
Whether you like it or not, sometimes your underwear can smell and by putting your underwear into the lingerie bags you can also place into them absorbent beads or scented beads to mask the smell. I will warn you though not to use the packets of pot pori when travelling as most countries will not allow any flora based products into their country due to quarantine restrictions. Australia and New Zealand have some of the toughest quarantine regulations and bringing a pot Pori based product into the country, may result in a fine so whatever you do, declare any item like that.
There is a huge range of lingerie bags available on the market and if you look carefully you can choose one with a fancy design but remember if you are travelling regularly consider buying one that the airport security staff can easily view without having to remove your lingerie or underwear.
Chris is the chief purchasing officer for Dreamy.com.au. They have a large range of lingerie available on their website for a range of occasions such as weddings, valentines day, Christmas, birthdays and more.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Not So Fascinating Search For - ME
Ohmygod, I have no clue what happened here. Two years ago I was living in a great townhouse, had my best friend (female friend) as a housemate, was working at a job I truly loved and had my adorable little Cocker Spaniel for exercise and warm snuggles. As my 51st birthday approached, my wonderful and sometimes very smartass, younger sister decided I needed to start dating again (I was widowed in 2003). She not so politely informed me that I was "officially old" (as only a younger sibling can do), and the only way I would meet anyone is having them throw themselves in front of me on the sidewalk while walking my dog.
Fast forward-I did meet someone, online to boot. He's not one of those overly groomed, excessively tailored metro guys, he's the guy Brad Paisley had in mind when he wrote the song "I'm Still a Guy". No manicured, waxed and botoxed guy here, trust me. Divorced, successful in his field, like most guys, a bit brain dead about the little things, but when the chips are down or you just need a hug, he's there.
So, it's 2 years later, I've moved (in with him), redone a good portion of the house, started and had challenges with a business, acquired two wonderful grandchildren and am going to be a great grandmother in December. And somewhere, in all this great stuff, I started to lose me again. So, before it hits critical mass, I decided to see where "I" went.
OK, I'm a rather high maintenance, own way too much make up/skincare/haircare stuff, collect shoes (I'd use them for wall art, I LOVE shoes), dress up (even in jeans) kind of spoiled brat/princess/diva sort of female. I live (now) in a place where PJ pants and flip flops pass for being "dressed" and people actually wore jeans to a Black Tie event. I have the photos to prove it. It's a mere 27 miles from where I lived before but worlds away. I don't "fit". Without even realizing it, I started to do things to "fit in", dressed down, tone down, whatever and discovered it doesn't fit me and I still don't fit in. Then I realized I didn't want to "fit in", the old round peg in a square hole thing. Here's the challenge, I am at a total stand still as to where to go or what to do from here. The economy and the housing "thing" have made moving back to civilization (as I know it) not possible at this time. So, I'm a bit stuck in "south of Lodi" for the duration of the economic "downturn" as the people who don't want to create panic (like we're stupid or something) are calling it. Oh, I really do live south of Lodi, CA, I now get that old '70's song.
Where to go from here. I've written in my journal, talked to friends I trust, cried, laughed and hidden out. I've drawn designs in my sketchbook, played with my photography, gone on long walks. So, what I know for sure-I am who I am-a kind of sparkly, one of a kind, over the top (at times) sort of person. I love being creative, designing, taking photos of sunrises/sunsets/scenery and old architecture. I love to cook unique meals, have no issue keeping a home (actually like creating a home), but I also have a very active mind (in case someone hasn't noticed, DUH?!?) and don't sit still well, never have. As I can't start knocking down walls or remodeling bathrooms, I need to find me again. Something that means something to me, makes a bit of money (I am so over having to make piles of it, I want to pay bills and increase my shoe budget), and most important, makes me happy most of the time, frustrates me some of the time and every once in a while, is total joy.
For anyone who's ever been where I'm sitting, I totally empathize. I get it. Where to go, what to do. i do know that I don't need to make tons of money or have a powerful, over the top title (been there, done that), but I need to reclaim ME. I, unfortunately know more than one woman, late 40's to early 60's, in this place. We grew up with the "don't type or they won't let you do anything else", you have to be wonder woman with the paycheck, title and personal life to go with it feminist thing being pounded at us and now, what? We may be empty nesters, divorced, widowed, or single by choice. And we have options suddenly that we either didn't know were there or didn't acknowledge when we were in our 20's or 30's. I remember being asked in my teens "what do you want to be when you grow up"? I'm technically a grown up now, so what do I want to be? What do you want to be? Better yet, who do you want to be?
I'm going to keep pondering this one. If you are on this same search, who and what do you want to be? I'd love to hear your thoughts, who knows, we may all assist each other on this search simply by talking about our own journeys. So, ladies, let's hear it, as long as it's really you, let's hear your answer to this one.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Flaunt the Hairstyle Appropriate for Your Face
Flaunt the hairstyle appropriate for your face
Oval shape face: oval shaped face is a common but appropriate face for having any kind of hair cut and hairstyle. If you have this face cutting then you are very lucky and gifted that you can try any and every type of styling of your hair. This facial shape can go with bobbed, layered, long or short, curl any kinds of hairstyle.
Square shape face: square shape face is like a square which means your jaw lines are pointed like the angle of a square. So it would be better for your type of face cutting that you flaunt a hairstyle that make up your extra strong ness of your face. Soften the edges of your square shaped face by directing soft wavy bangs down over your temples. This will hide the hardiness and make your appearance soft and cute looking. If you want to flaunt your long hair then let it fall up to your shoulder or past the length of your shoulder. But if you are more prone to a short hairstyle then keep your hair round and soft with height at the crown.
Round shape face: as you have round shaped face so you should not disclose your extra puffiness to others and that is why cover those areas by you soft bangs. Keep the sides close to the face and promote height at the crown. You can opt for layered shag or can have a longer hairstyle. Though a layered shag hairstyle is perfect for your face type but if you prefer to wear your hair shoulder length or even longer than that then be sure about a thing that you have a side but not a central part.
Diamond shaped face: diamond shaped face is actually a variation of oval shaped face but with appointed chin. For balancing that pointed chin you must try a rounded hair cut with a fullness at the chin portion. To project an oval face cutting you can wear wide wispy bangs. Again a graduated bob hair cut is a perfect choice for your diamond shaped face.
Friday, August 21, 2009
What Are The Best Dress Styles If You Are Flat-Chested?
To maximize your appearance, you need to learn how to minimize your flaws and maximize your attributes. Everyone's body is different. One of the areas that women often struggle with is maximizing or minimizing the size of their breasts. For flat chested women, maximizing the size and appearance of their breasts is often at the top of their list when shopping for dresses. There is good news- there are a variety of dresses that can resolve this concern.
Create the Illusion of Larger Breasts - You can create the illusion of larger breasts by simply choosing the right dress. One of the best dresses to enhance a woman's bust line is the strapless dress. When shopping for this style of dress, make sure that you search for dresses that have features or enhancements around the bust line as well. Color, added fabric, texture and even ruffles can give the appearance of a fuller chest with the naked eye. Beyond the top of the dress, also search for one that cinches in at the waist, that is roughly knee length and that is in a flattering color. Add some high heels and you will be ready to go.
Empire waist dresses are also great choices for women will small chests. These dresses are designed to flow away from the body past the bust line, working to direct attention to other parts of the body as opposed to the bust. If you choose a dress with straps, search for thin straps, as thick straps will only direct attention to your chest area. Overall, this style of dress looks great on virtually anyone!
The last style of dress to choose for an illusion effect is that of a bustier dress. Prada made this style of dress famous, but many designers have created similar looks. The fact that these dresses cinch in around your waist makes any bust line look larger. In fact, these dresses actually look better on women with smaller chests.
Display your Small Chest - If you decide to embrace your small chest, there are also dress styles that will flatter your current body type. One such dress type is the plunging neck line. Choose a plunging v-neck dress in virtually any color to showcase your small bust. These dresses were made for women will small busts. In fact, you could even take the sexiness factor up a notch and go braless! After all, there has to be some advantage of being small chested!
Enhance with Props - In addition to choosing the right dress type for your chest size, you can also enhance the appearance of your chest through props. In particular, push up bras do the trick. Available in every color, style and fabric, you can enhance the appearance of your bust underneath your dress with the selection of the right bra. No one will ever know you have it on! So, large or small breasts can still have fun when it comes to selecting a great dress. Just learn how to dress your body and feel your confidence immediately boost!
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1042217_34.html
Author: Robby
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dreams & Wishes
I was recently asked to write a story. Not a fairy tale but an interesting autobiography. The first part of the story was to be written by my 20something self. What I saw my life being like from that vantage point. The second part of my story was to be entitled "Reality". What my life really turned out to be.
As I sat down to write, I had to go back and really remember what I wanted at 20, where I thought I'd like to go, what I really dreamed about being, having and doing. I sat there for a long time, actually I almost took root to the chair. When I hit a place like this, I do one of two things, I either sit down and meditate or take a long, hot bath in something that smells really good. Aromatherapy. With this, I decided I needed to do both, it's been a day or three or five since I was 20. As I was lying in a very wonderful, hot, lavender scented bath - I actually saw a closet with shelves from floor to ceiling all the way around. On every inch of space on these shelves were boxes. Some were beaten up and rather broken down, some were in perfect condition and beautifully wrapped with gorgeous bows. Each box had a label, and I realized this was where I had stored all my dreams. Did I really want to begin sorting through all these boxes? What would I find?
Slowly I began taking boxes from the shelf, I picked one that was a bit broken down first. What kind of dream would be in a broken box? As I opened this box, I realized it was a dream I had taken down and looked at many, many times. My photography. I love photographing sunrises, sunsets, beaches, the ocean. I'd look at that dream over and over for years. The box was well worn, something to think about. The next box was in pristine condition, beautifully wrapped with a gold ribbon bow. Must not have looked at this one in a long while. Maybe I simply stuck it on the shelf without ever pursuing it at all. Oh yes, I remember-I was going to be a fashion model. At 5'8" tall, not a bad dream, but in the Twiggy era, you had to be bone thin, I had a very classic hour glass (with a bit more sand in the bottom, loved to eat) and bone thin wasn't ever going to describe me - OK scratch that one. The next box was wrapped, but looked like it had been handled. Oh yes, the law degree. I wanted to be the first female F. Lee Bailey. Criminal defense. This was the early '70's and very few law schools would admit women, and if they did make it through, most were being offered jobs as paralegals or clerks after law school - another shelf idea. I think I took it out a few times as things got easier with admissions etc., but I got married, moved - you get the picture. Another dream scratched, no law school.
All this didn't take more than 10-15 minutes. The bath water was getting cold and I had enough of an idea of where this meditation was going. I had stored many dreams. Some because they weren't practical, some were (like modeling) just not going to happen. As I got out my journal, I began to make a list of all the dreams I'd had. Not just what I wanted to "be" but traveling, where I'd live, who I'd marry (some specific, some just a "what he'd be like"), things I'd like to do. I made this list down one side of the page. On the other side, I tried to remember why I'd stored that dream in a box in the "closet". Being totally honest here, some of those dreams make me laugh now, like wanting to date a famous actor (especially after I actually got to meet him). Some of them, the time has passed. Some, I could actually realize now. Something to think about.
Do I wish I had pursued some of those dreams? Maybe. Would they have changed my life? Probably. Do I have regrets? Funny enough, not really. I've had many conversations over the years that begin, do you wish you could be 20, 30, 35 again, but know what you know now?? I am so glad the batteries in my magic wand are broken. The answer is NO! I think maybe my choices would be different but I don't really think they'd necessarily be smarter. What I learned doing this exercise is that I did give away pieces of myself, one dream at a time.
This week, find the closet where you've "stored" your dreams and begin to make a list, and then add the reasons you didn't follow each dream. Mark the ones you could still pursue. Write to me and tell me about one or two, maybe together, we can all find a dream or two from the "closet" that we can, in this glorious second act, turn into reality.
Boobs, Bellies, & Butts
So, here I was, standing in a dressing room in a nice store, looking for-god help me, a pair of jeans. Trust me, I'd rather have dental work. I'm built like an hour glass, new challenge is that there is way too much sand at the very bottom, not my backside-my knees. My 28 year old daughter is always complaining about her "bubble butt", I told her to wait until the air goes out of her bubble and her butt is down around the back of her knees, and, like mine-just won't get up. Then there's the boob thing. Mine are in South of the Navel somewhere, and I'm not that endowed, trust me. Now, I keep seeing all this stuff about lifts and augmentation. Again, back to my daughter, several years ago a boyfriend, long since departed, convinced her to have augmentation. So, we're on the phone the other day and I'm discussing the subject of this post and she gets a bad case of the giggles. She said she got a visual of her body at 60, bubble butt deflated around her knees, belly loose and a bit saggy and these cute, perky little boobs she paid so much for. It was a great laugh.
Yes, it's hard to face that as we move to this fabulous Second Act, our bodies don't look or even work like they did even ten years ago. In many ways, I'm grateful for the changes. OK, buying jeans isn't one of them. But I can go buy a great bra and "instant boob job" with no surgery or healing time. I just had major abdominal surgery due to an serious illness, they cut through all my muscles and had to remove three inches of muscle, the doctor told me it was similar to a tummy tuck. If that pain and healing was what you get with a tummy tuck DON'T DO IT! By a pair of Spanks, cheaper, and no healing time. You can do amazing things with undergarments and clothes that actually fit. OK, we can't wear belly shirts, we need to be aware that we look pretty bad in really low cut tops and miniskirts are a don't.
Take a good look in a full length mirror. Don't look at the "parts", look at the amazing woman you see, as a total picture, then decide to put yourself together in clothes that make you feel great and look just as great.
So, share your best "finding that one thing" story, talk to me about your biggest body challenge now, let's talk about looking (and feeling) our very best! The floor is yours ladies, let's talk
