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Carefully chosen, your casual clothing, budget-conscious wardrobe suffices for all but the fanciest occasions

While large corporations, automakers and banks are enjoying huge sums of taxpayer money being directed to their pockets, the rest of us are struggling to make ends meet. During the 1990s, many of us didn’t hesitate to use one of our collection of credit cards to buy clothes and other wardrobe items. Times were good ? at the worst, we could certainly make the minimum payment on those cards to keep us stylishly clothed.

Well, things have certainly changed. We no longer jump at every ’sale’, or buy a trendy ? and expensive ? pair of shoes we might wear only once in a year. The new trend among consumers is buying casual clothing that serves a number of purposes and occasions. The old mantra of ‘mix and match’ is back in our shopping strategies. Casual clothing fills the bill. Here we have some suggestions for getting the most for your clothing dollars, while still enjoying a stylish appearance.

During leaner times in the past decades, the old ‘mix and match’ strategy is one of the best ways to save money on your wardrobe needs. Classically styled clothing, such as the blazer, turtleneck sweaters and skirts and pants form the backbone of the budget friendly casual clothing wardrobe. The optimized wardrobe includes items which can be worn with as many other separates as possible. This does not mean that your wardrobe should look like military issue, or be a boring selection of uniform-like items. Neutral colors, such as beige, gray, navy and your basic black are good choices for the pant and skirt department, because they go with virtually every other color.

On the other hand, color should play a big part in your casual clothing wardrobe. For example, a bright red sweater, interwoven with a sprinkling of metallic threads, looks good with any of those neutral colored separates. This sweater looks as good with a pair of jeans as with a black linen skirt. While your favorite color may be sky blue, try to include a variety of colors, to achieve an illusion of a much larger wardrobe. Mixing color with pairing separates gives you versatility in a casual, but elegant selection of outfits.

The fabrics you choose are also important elements of your wardrobe strategy. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and linen never go out of style. Trendy patterns and color combinations, made of synthetic fabrics, tend to become outdated within a year. If you’re set on maintaining a stylish look that still looks up to date more than a few years down the road, choosing casual clothing of natural fibers will get you there.

As for shoes and accessories, all you really need for those special occasions are a few classic designs to see you through everything, including a State dinner! If you’re a shoe freak, inexpensive casual shoes can fill in the rest. Costume jewelry, trendy belts, bags and scarves are another inexpensive way to add dimension to your versatile casual clothing wardrobe.

Using these strategies, you can have your cake and eat it too! That’s the well-dressed look, disguised in casual clothing you can afford.

Uncategorized Design, Men, Shopping

Christmas tree lights

As a child, I remember sitting in front of the decorated Christmas tree, completely fascinated. I thought that the Christmas tree lights were the most gorgeous things I’d ever seen. I’d turn off all of the lights in the family room and let the Christmas tree lights give the family room a peaceful and serene glow. Christmas was the best time of the year for me. I’d play holiday music and close my eyes, breathing the fresh pine smells.

My father would be in charge of putting the tree in the stand and making sure it was standing perfectly straight. Then, he’d step aside and let my mother take over. She’d carefully wrap the Christmas tree lights around the branches, making sure to hide as much of the cords as she could. She would hum Christmas carols softly to herself. I’d always catch my father watching her tenderly. After she was satisfied that all of the Christmas tree lights were absolutely perfectly placed and the cords were hidden, she’d plug them in. The tree would light up and come to life. I’d smile and get this burst of energy. She’d then, wordlessly, leave the room and I’d know that it was my turn to do my job. I was in charge of the decorating. I’d put all of the ornaments on the branches, carefully spreading them all out evenly. I’d take some extra time to put the crystal and glass ornaments near a bulb, so that the glow from the Christmas tree lights would shine through them. I thought that they looked beautiful that way.

If there were any extra strands of Christmas tree lights leftover, my mother would use them to decorate the banisters or wrap around the mirrors. No matter what she used to do with the Christmas tree lights – whether they were carefully wrapped around the branches or making normal and everyday household items look festive and elegant, she had a way with everything she touched. Now that I have a household of teenagers, I miss my mother dearly. She taught me how to appreciate the simple things that represent the holidays. I decorate my tree the same as she and I used to, wrapping the Christmas tree lights around the branches and hiding the cords as well as I could. I make a point of buying extra Christmas tree lights to decorate things around the house. My daughters have taken to decorating the outside porches and patios. Christmases in our household are always special. I owe that all to my mother and the vivid memories of the glowing Christmas tree lights.

Uncategorized Family, Men, Music

Getting the Best at Pumpkin Patches

Some families make a tradition out of going out each year to pumpkin patches to find the pumpkins that they are going to use that year for Halloween. If this is not something that you do with your family, but you love Halloween, this may be something you want to make time to do each year. It gives your family something to do together that they are going to look forward too, and you can usually find much better prices on pumpkins when you go to a farmer or a patch where they are grown. You skip the markup of the middle man when you get them this way.

You may not have much luck finding good pumpkin patches if you live in the middle of a large city, but you can usually find them just about anywhere else. Look where you would normally see your local farmers market set up and that is where you are probably going to find the pumpkin patches that you want to visit with your family. There are always some that are open earlier than others, but you do not want to get and then carve your pumpkins too early or they are going to rot before Halloween arrives. Unless that is the look you are going for, wait before you visit and choose your pumpkins.

When you get to the pumpkin patches, you may be tempted to run off to the largest of the pumpkins, grab them, and then go home. You want to take some time to make sure you are getting good pumpkins. If you are just grabbing some to stack up on your yard and you have no plans to carve them, you do not have to be quite as choosy. However, if you are going to carve your prizes from the pumpkin patches, you want to make sure you have a good pumpkin that is healthy and looks good all the way around for best results.

Large pumpkins can be great, but they are not always the best. Instead, you want to pick up the pumpkin and see if there are any large flaws that would get in the way of your carving ideas. Not all pumpkins in the pumpkin patches are going to make for great carving pumpkins. If you want to make homemade pumpkin pie, these are great ? otherwise, look them over for gouges and other imperfections. You also want to make sure the pumpkins you are taking home from the pumpkin patch are the same color all the way around. Some bleach in the sun making them orange on one side but lighter on the other.

When you buy from pumpkin patches, you are probably going to pay for the pumpkin by the pound. If you get one from a store, it probably has a set price. If you are going to get a very large one, you are going to pay more for it because it could be quite heavy. However, even when buying by the pound at your local pumpkin patch, you are probably getting a better price on what is probably a better pumpkin.

Uncategorized Family, Health, Home

Fun Couples Halloween Costumes

When it comes to dressing up for Halloween, you have to have fun with it. Children dress up to go door to door looking for treats, but adults like to have fun with friends and family. If you are a part of a couple, you may very well want to do your own thing. However, it is also a lot of fun to find some great couples Halloween costumes. You can find things to fit almost any personality and couple style. Use your imagination, or look for ideas that you can use through the Internet.

There are some that love to go with more traditional and common couples Halloween costumes. There is nothing wrong with that if that is what you want to do. You can go with any famous couples throughout history. Some like to go with king and queen, or Anthony and Cleopatra. You can go with Adam and Eve if you like, or perhaps Tommy Lee and Pam Anderson are more your speed. Elvis and Priscilla can be a popular choice, along with couples Halloween costumes that are of current celebrity couples. This can be political, athletic, or other celebrity couples as well.

Some don?t like the common couples Halloween costumes though, and that is when it is time to use the imagination. You don?t have to go as people if you don?t like, though going as another couple you know can be a lot of fun, and will definitely be original. Think of things that go together, and come up with something fun. You can be peas and carrots, an outlet and plug, pen and notebook, ball and chain (funny for married couples Halloween costumes), or even something like dollars and coins. Almost anything is possible, though some are obviously going to be easier to find or make than others.

What you want to do for your couples Halloween costumes is up to you, but you don?t have to be creative to get something great. If you can make yours on your own, that can be the most fun. However, there are plenty of great options if you know where to shop. You can find some great stores that sell nothing but unique costumes, or you can search the Internet for some great ideas. You can buy there, and get them to your door just in time for Halloween. No matter what your style or personality as a couple, there is always something out there just waiting to be found.

Uncategorized Family

Over the years I have seen the many things that people do to their pets that make me cringe. One of those things is dressing doggies up in outfits. Dogs are not supposed to wear clothes. They have fur and they really don?t like to wear outfits. People should be able to tell this by looking at them. Please, instead of dressing your pup up in outfits consider cute dog collars instead.

There are so many cute dog collars available on the market that you could have your canine companion wearing a different one every day of the year. You can find these great little items in holiday themes and cute dog collars make great presents for your pooch. He will enjoy these much better than that hot red and green sweater sweltering over his fur.

The holiday designs are colorful and they capture just about every holiday event throughout the year. The Christmas season can be represented by cute dog collars that boast red, white and green details. Some even have jingle bells that add charm and that remind us of reindeer. This option is much better than the reindeer dog outfit some choose to subject their pets to.

Cute dog collars created with Halloween designs are a great alternative to suiting your puppy up in a costume. You can make your pet a festive contributor to the holiday spirit, if you will excuse the pun, just by adding this little detail. Your puppy will thank you for the simple collar with happy doggie kisses.

Of course, not every day is a holiday but there are still a plethora of cute dog collars that you can use for everyday wear. One of my personal favorites is the feather canine collars. These soft accessories are adorable and they come in every color imaginable. You could almost match your pet to your outfit with the many color options available.

Another attractive design in doggie neckwear includes rhinestone detailing that makes the collar sparkle and delight. I love that the pups look so dressed up in these cute dog collars. Most of them are not very expensive, either. You can get a rich look for a little cash.

Feathers and rhinestones may be a little overstated for some of us. Right now there are cute dog collars that have designs on them ranging from hearts to flip-flops. There is a collar out there that you and your puppy will both love.

Uncategorized Design, Pets

Simple Fruit Salad

There is nothing more refreshing than a bowl of fruit, particularly after a salty or spicy main course. A simple fruit salad feels good on the palate and is a source of vitamins. Most countries have a version of this dish, sometimes referred to as fruit cocktail or fruit cup (particularly if served in a can with syrup). It’s easy and quick to make and can be served as an appetizer, a side dish or a dessert. It also makes a good starter for brunch. The inclusion of grapefruit is particularly good before having fried food, as it helps to break down the fatty deposits.

After a filling main course, there is usually room left for a simple fruit salad. It can be served on its own, with fresh cream, whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. The calories can still be kept to a minimum when adding cr?me fraiche or yogurt. Fruit in custard is popular in the UK. We are very fortunate to have such an abundance of choice, from the humble apple to the exotic papaya. Certain combinations of fruit work very well together. Presentation is another factor and an aesthetically pleasing array of colors will add to the enjoyment and supplement the taste sensation.

Fresh fruit or the canned variety or even a mixture of both can make up a simple fruit salad. Canned versions usually contain cherries, grapes, pears, peaches, and pineapple. At one time, shopping for the more obscure, tropical fruits had to be done at specialist stores. Nowadays, most major supermarkets stock every kind of fruit. It’s good to try out something new and to try new combinations. A little experimentation is fun.

A bowl of fruit can be put in the fridge to use later, ready when friends come to call. It’s great for children too. Parents are always trying to think of ways to persuade their kids to eat healthily and a simple fruit salad might just tempt them. When they return from school, demanding a snack before dinner is ready, fruit salad may make them forget about chips and candy.

The most famous fruit salad in the world is undoubtedly, the Waldorf Salad, an invention that came from the kitchens of the Waldorf Hotel in New York City in 1893. The combination of apple, celery and chopped walnuts in a mayonnaise dressing was an instant hit.

The celebrity chefs of today are still interested in recipes for a simple fruit salad. British chef, Anthony Worral-Thompson has produced his Exotic Fruit Salad, made up of Charentais melon, paw-paw, pear, and lychees in fresh fruit juice. Another UK chef, Jamie Oliver, calls his version, the Ultimate Fruit Salad. This calls for melon, pineapple, green seedless grapes, chopped pineapple mint, lychees, Granny Smith apples and a choice of cherries or strawberry or blueberry.

Uncategorized Food, Health, Kids, Men, Recipe, Shopping

Have you ever wanted to dress up like someone else, or maybe change up your image for a while? This is completely normal and the fact is we all do it some times; even if it’s just on Halloween. Some individuals prefer anything from vampires, to army recruiters, to princesses, to gothic costumes. Regardless of what you like to be and your reasons for doing it, it’s certainly a fun and exciting change of pace. In the last place I lived, there were a number of high school kids who were always dressed in gothic costumes. Now, were these really and truly disguises or did they just prefer this facade? It’s so hard to tell with teenagers. The word “lost” comes to mind.

When it comes to the world of dress-up and identity now days, gothic costumes play a large role. Just take a look around your town. Chances are you probably have loads of gothic folks. I think too often this is confused with something else. I have known several gothic individuals in my time, mainly through school and work, and although they appear to wear gothic costumes, they’re not practicing any dark arts. Many people tend to think that if you’re “Goth,” then you’re into death, witchcraft, and the macabre. This is far from the truth. In fact, most of the folks I have known who tackle each and everyday in their gothic attire are just like anyone else. Much of the gothic costumes, more or less, concern a way to rebel. The classic getting out from underneath your parent’s control. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I think we all can relate to this in our own way.

Are you looking for authentic gothic costumes for this Halloween? This is a wonderful disguise to trample the dark streets in. I can even tell you the best place to search for gothic costumes. Simply hop online and check out the vast array of gothic attire. There are countless websites that cater to the Goths of the world, which is a good thing because there are many now days. Especially in the United States. So if you’re in the market for gothic costumes, pop open that Google search engine and go to town. You never know, you might not want to take the costume off.

Uncategorized Kids

Getting Involved In Photography For Business

Though there are some careers that are hard to get into, there may be none scarier than starting your own business or working at a freelance career. There are all things that people do because they love what they do, and they are willing to take the risk that they may fail. What most don’t know is that as long as you work as hard at finding work as you are at doing your work, you are always going to find a way to keep going, at least when you are working freelance. If you take pictures, you might want to think about doing some photography for business to make some cash.

It is not as hard to get into photography for business as you may think. You just have to know what businesses want and how to get your work to them. It can be hard to decide, but all you have to do is to look around. It always depends on what type of business. If you want businesses that are online to buy your work, see what is used by sites like MSN or Yahoo, CNN, or any other large site. That can give you some ideas about what photography for business you should think about to go in that direction.

Large companies need good quality and professional photographs all of the time. They use these things for their web sites as well, but they also have brochures and all types of print media to think about for advertising reasons. These pictures do tend to differ from what online organizations like to use. When you want to get into this type of photography for business, you have to do the same type of research. See what is out there and then go from there. You will be well on your way to a career in photography for business if you take good pictures.

How you sell your pictures is going to depend on what resources you have. In the past, those working in photography for business would have a portfolio that they would bring to various businesses in hopes of finding work with them, or they would work with a firm that was hiring people to take photos for them exclusively. They would first call and see if there was any interest and then set up a meeting. You can still go about finding work in photography for business this way, but it is not the preferred method today.

There are a lot of people in the photography for business field that put their photos online. There are sites online that carry what is known as photography stock. These are photos there for use by people or businesses. Some put some up for free to get credits and then go into charging for their work, and some start out charging right away. There are pros and cons to both means of breaking into photography for business. These sites can lead you to a lot of work and repeat customers. They can also lead you into other areas of photography as well.

Uncategorized Business

Equal Rights

Securing equal rights has never been easy for any group. Blacks, women, Irish, Chinese ? every immigrant, minority, or other sort of disenfranchised group has had to struggle for human rights. Because our American rights are pretty strong compared to much of the rest of the world, we often forget that the government is not always willing to grant freedoms without a fight. Antiwar protesters have been spied upon, unjustly beaten and imprisoned, and systematically victimized by our government at many points throughout history. Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms have been rolled back, and the leaders of progressive movements have been intentionally marginalized by those interested in power at any cost.

The bottom line is that, no matter where you live, you have to be willing to fight for your civil rights. No government is ever going to permanently guarantee equal rights no matter how much the citizens may wish it. Sooner or later, a leader is going to come along who has less respect for human dignity and human rights, or a political movement is going to replace the humanist doctrine of equality with the more conservative doctrine where the strong are allowed to persecute the weak. Even in America, we do not have equal rights for all groups. Gays are still persecuted, certain religious and ethnic groups are discriminated against every day, and even women are not treated completely equally.

One of the biggest questions that activists like myself have to face is whether to work for equal rights abroad or at home. On the one hand, many of the worst abuses take place in other countries. There are many nations nowadays where women can’t safely leave their homes without being covered head to toe and accompanied by a male relative. There are countries where ethnic cleansing is a daily reality and people are not even guaranteed the right to live. Compared to these places, our country seems idyllic, yet it still is hypocritical to address injustice abroad without working against injustice at home.

Right now, the most important equal rights struggle is probably the one for gay rights. Gay people have only recently made inroads into mainstream American society. Already, there is a vicious backlash against gay marriage and gay rights in general. In the long run, of course, equality will win, but the question is how long we are willing to wait. By working for freedom and justice, we can bring the day of true equality closer.

Uncategorized Home, Men, Women

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to touch your life in a very special way? They are the people that from the first time you meet them you know that you have just made a friend. I was blessed with this kind of relationship with one of my dearest friends. She is very giving and caring. It is no great surprise that one of her hobbies is making and also collecting angels. The first year I knew her she gave me an angel Christmas decoration that she had made. It was made with wooden beads and buttons and had a very sweet cherub face. She had made several of the beautiful decorations for a craft sale fund raiser we had at church. It was helping at this fund raiser that I found out that she collects angels.

As I was helping set out the donated craft items for display I mentioned to another church member that my friend had given me an angel Christmas decoration. This other women mentioned that my friend makes a different angel Christmas decoration each year. These ornaments are usually the first things sold at the craft sale because several people in our parish collect them. The craft sale went very well. We made money that is used for various parish functions throughout the year. My friend donates two full days for running this bake and craft sale.

A few days after the craft sale I went Christmas shopping. I came upon a kiosk that was selling crystal ornaments. They had a beautiful angel Christmas decoration. The angel was clear with gold edging along the wings and halo. She was holding a candle. The flame of the candle was also edged in gold. The crystal sparkled and refracted what ever color was near it. I decided that I would buy the angel Christmas decoration for my friend from church. It would be a nice thank you gift for the amount of time she donated to our fund raiser.

The worker at the kiosk wrapped the ornament beautifully in gold gift wrap and embellished it with sparkly ribbon that had starts on it. The name of the shop was gifts from heaven, which I thought was very fitting for this wonderful friend of mine.

I stopped at her house on my way home from shopping to give her the angel Christmas decoration so she could put it on her tree for the season. She cried when opened it and put it on a display hook among her angel collection. I left her house feel warm and happy about the gift I had presented her.

Uncategorized Home, Men, Shopping, Women