Fashion on TV, we can all watch it free and we can see it on our TV’s, but now we can also see it broadcast on the web as well and in many instances its free.

So, why are companies providing free fashion TV? Quite simply, we all love fashion on TV and it sells!

Here you will find out where you can watch free fashion TV and videos on TV and the internet and what you can and cannot learn from it, albeit its escapism and a lot of fun!

But what can we learn from fashion on TV?

This article is all about where you can watch fashion TV free, live and how it can help us with our image and we can have fun.

The rise of fashion on TV

We live in a more image conscious society than ever.

Fashion TV is part of our lives.

We see the stars on fashion TV and we see makeovers of ordinary people.

Today, on the internet more and more companies are looking at the power of fashion to fulfil our hopes and dreams and therefore provide fashion TV free.

Why?

Because, we all want to watch it.

Lets face it, we all love fashion on TV and advertisers realise it, as it can be a powerful advertising tool and make them lots of money, as well as providing entertainment.

Women watch it. Quite simply, all woman love fashion, as its escapism and also keeps them up to date with all the latest trends.

Men love fashion TV. Wonder why!

Seriously, with the rise of male image consciousness, men also want to see the latest trends on the catwalk and seeing pretty girls is a bonus.

Also don’t forget the rise of the gay community.

They love the girls, the guys and are probably the most image conscious group of all.

Don’t underestimate the power of the “pink pound”, advertisers don’t.

What we can’t learn from fashion TV

Well, its all good escapism, but it can also show you what you should not wear, as well as what you should wear.

Keep in mind, fashion and style are different.

If you are not a size 10, then many of the things you see on fashion TV may not be for you, so just take it as entertainment.

The power and influence of fashion TV

In the new millennium image sells and advertisers realise this.

Fashion TV is going to huge on the internet as advertisers exploit its potential.

Fashion on TV is nothing new, but free fashion TV and videos on the internet are.

More and more companies in the future, will use this method to help promote their own sites and increase advertising revenue.

Let’s face it we all love fashion TV.

Even if we don’t follow the fashions, we love the entertainment and free fashion TV and Videos keep us hooked.

Exactly what the advertisers want!

So watch, the internet and see lots of free fashion TV and video’s, in the near future.

Enjoy and have fun!

For more information on where to watch
free fashion on TV
on the net as well as articles, downloads and magazines all for free, visit:

http://www.net-planet.org

When one sees a web site specifying a strand of pearls as Grade AAAA++++, she should immediately click to another web site, because this dealer either does not know what he is talking about, or is blatantly attempting to misrepresent the product.

Why is that, you ask? Well first of all you should know that there is no standard pearl grading system for pearls. One person may grade a string of pearls AAA; and another may grade the same strand grade A; and still another, using stricter guidelines, may grade the same strand grade B. Another may take her best strand and label that as an AAA when in reality it is a much lower grade. Therefore, it becomes apparent that grading pearls is highly subjective.

There are a couple of freshwater pearl grading systems in use, and most reputable dealers will stay within what has become acceptable grading within the industry.

They utilize the A grading method, whereby the grades of the pearls will be from A to AAA. Grade AAA is very high jewelry quality; and when someone goes further and says AAAA++++ it has no purpose except to mislead. Needless to say,this lack of a grading standard is not good for the consumer.

GIA’s PEARL DESCRIPTION SYSTEM

Fortunately, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a standard pearl “description” system which allows anyone discussing pearls to speak the same language. This is great news for consumers because instead of reading a subjective grade, while viewing a photograph, one can have the pearls described so the actual condition of the pearls can be determined. PearlsAndJade.com has developed their own grading system which utilizes the GIA description system shown below and an “A” grading system as well.

SEVEN VALUE FACTORS

These factors directly affect the pearl’s beauty and their value. Understanding them will help you recognize the quality, rarity, and beauty of your pearls.

* Size
* Shape
* Color
* Luster
* Surface Quality
* Nacre Quality
* Matching

Size

The pearl size depends on the size and health of the mollusk where it grew, the size of the nucleus that caused it to grow, and the length of time the pearl was allowed to grow in the mollusk, as well as a few other factors. Spherical pearls (round to near round) can range from 2mm to 20mm in diameter. The larger pearl is typically more valuable because it is more rare. Fine quality pearls can be small, and low quality pearls can be large, so the worth of the pearl depends on how it combines with the other 6 value factors.

Shape

There are three major shape categories, and they are divided into seven recognizable shapes.

Spherical
Round

Near Round

Symmetrical
Oval

Button

Drop

Baroque
Semi-baroque
Baroque

Round — Appears round to the eye.

Near round — Appears almost round to the eye. May be slightly out-of-round, elongated, or flattened

Oval — Symmetrical, rounded oblong shape

Button — Symmetrical, flattened or slightly flattened circular shape

Drop — Symmetrical, rounded pear shape

Semi-baroque — Non-symmetrical, off-round, slightly irregular oval, button, or drop.

Baroque — Non-symmetrical shape with irregular appearance

Other shapes are described as they appear, such as “coin”, “cross”, “bar”, “diamond”, etc.

If grooves extend around all around the pearl it is described as a “circled” pearl.

The Round pearl is usually the most valuable shape, and that is partly because of its rarity. A well shaped symmetrical pearl will be more valuable than the non-symmetrical. However, the other six value factors also must be considered for the total beauty and value of the pearl.

COLOR

There are three main characteristics of pearl color:

* Bodycolor — The overall color of the pearl
* Overtone — Translucent colors appearing over the pearl’s bodycolor.
* Orient – This is iridescent, rainbow like colors just below a pearl’s surface.

Not all pearls have overtone or orient. The various colors of the rainbow can be seen in the pearls. Cultured pearls display a broad range of colors, which are of subtle hues. They do not have bright hues like a red ruby. The pearl colors tend to be more muted. In the past, the colors for a certain species were usually in a narrow range. Today different types of pearls can display similar colors.

Color and Value

If a color is rare for a species, and if it appeals to consumers then that color will command a higher price.

The presence of overtone always increases the appeal of a pearl and will add value.

Orient is more common in baroque pearls than in spherical pearls, and will usually add to the value.

As usual, the color is also interdependent on the other six value factors.

LUSTER

Luster is the most important of all the value factors to the beauty, and value, of a pearl. Luster is where the magic of the pearl lies.

Luster is caused by light traveling down through the translucent of nacre, and reflecting back to the eye. It appears as if there is an inner glow from the core of the pearl.

There are four categories of luster:

* Excellent - The reflections are bright, sharp, and distinct.
* Good - The reflections are bright but not sharp, and they may be slightly hazy around the edges.
* Fair - The reflections are weak, hazy, and blurred
* Poor - The reflections are dim and diffused.

Akoya pearls tend to display a bright, mirror-like gloss, while others feature a softer, satiny luster, which has its own appeal.
The Tahitian pearl has almost a metallic sheen, while the SouthSea pearls have more of a soft satiny luster.

The other six factors have to be included along with luster to grade the whole pearl; but luster remains the most important factor.

SURFACE QUALITY

Cultured pearls are organic; they are grown by nature inside a mollusk, so it’s natural for them to show surface characteristics that vary with the distribution of the secreted nacre. All pearls will have some of these characteristics, called blemishes, and some of the blemishes will add to the beauty of the pearl.

A clean pearl, absolutely without blemishes is extremely rare, and would be very expensive.

Below are some of the types of blemishes:

* Abrasion - Scratches on the pearl surface
* Bump - An irregular bulge, blister or welt, usually small
* Chip - An opening or cavity in the pearl surface.
* Crack - Surface-reaching break or fracture of the nacre, or of the nucleus.
* Flat - A flat section, usually too small to affect the shape
* Gap - Where the nacre is not covering the nucleus.
* Pit - Indentation or depression.
* Scratch - Thin groove or depression on the surface.
* Spot - A darker, or lighter area

* Wrinkle - Irregular ridge or crease on the pearl surface.

The surface characteristics are divided into four classifications.

* Clean - Blemish free, or with very small blemishes that are not easy to see.

* Lightly Blemished - Show minor surface irregularities
* Moderately Blemished - Show noticeable surface characteristics.
* Heavily Blemished - Pearls show obvious irregularities.

Clean pearls are rare, and a very clean pearl can cost a fortune because of the rarity. Some of the other 6 value factors can minimize the effect of surface characteristics. So remember to utilize all seven factors.

NACRE QUALITY

Nacre’s relationship to luster makes nacre a crucial value factor. Most of the time a pearl with thick luster will be more lustrous.

Nacre quality is classified in three ways:

* Acceptable - Nucleus not noticeable through the pearl. No chalky appearance.
* Nucleus Visible - Pearl shows evidence of bead nucleus through the nacre. Since Freshwater pearls are mostly all nacre and SouthSea and Tahiti pearls have thicker nacre, this applies mostly to the Akoya pearl.
* Chalky Appearance - Pearl has a dull, whitish appearance.

Thin nacre has a negative effect on a pearl’s value. Chalky, or dull pearls lack the gleam that is the hallmark of this cherished gem. However, for a first set of pearls for a 16 year old, or for someone on a tight budget, a string of pearls with a few chalky ones should certainly be considered.

MATCHING

Matching applies to how well a string of pearls are matched in the other value factors. Since no two pearls are exactly alike, that is a very difficult job which requires an enormous amount of skill. There will usually be some that are slightly larger, slightly less round, or with a few more blemishes. The sizes of pearls in a strand are usually matched within 0.5mm. The sizes of strands are usually quoted by dealers as 6.0 to 6.5mm, or 7.5 to 8.0 mm.

You’ll find the smaller matching pearls near the clasp, and if there are any that have a few more blemishes, they will be there also, where they will not affect the overall beauty of the pearl strand.

The way in which these pearls harmonize to create a balanced effect in the strand is what is important.

HOW CAN THIS INFORMATION HELP YOU?

This information should help you to see the value in the pearls you are viewing. Some of the factors will hold more weight for your needs than for others.

You’ll know what to expect in a pearl description, and should expect the photos of the pearls to be representative of the pearl you are buying.

You will know when you see a letter Grade, that it is worthless without a description.

Don’t get taken; always get an actual description of the pearls you’re buying.

Copyright 2005 William Travis

Talking about sandals in front of women is absolutely a tempting topic for them. When women check some magazine and store where they saw some new design of sandals, surely they will talk about it and if possible would willing to purchase it.

Even when a woman looks at somebody’s beautiful sandals, there is no doubt that she would eager to buy them too. It seems that women cannot be separated with sandals, shoes, and other beauty accessories.

Of course not only women who can collect sandals. Men and kids are also able to do so, though they cannot choose a wider option compared to women. Yes, it is because manufacturers produce women’s items in a very extensive designs, colors, and materials.

What about you? Are you also fans of sandal, shoes and other footwear? If you are part of them, maybe you ought to know more on different type of sandals. Women’s sandals can be divided into so many types based on designs and models. You can name them: beach sandals, bridal, dress, flip flop, platform, sport, thong, and wedding. There are so many of them which you can find the information about it at MySandalsGuide.com!

Moreover, here are the designs you can find in one of the sandals types above. If you love dress sandals, you can get diverse styles such as: ankle strap, backless, flats, glass, heel, slingback, strappy, and woven. What a complete collection!

Well, well, well, you can imagine how many styles you’ll get if each type has its own styles. Of course every type or style has its own plus and minus points. It’s you who make review toward the sandals, whether they are comfortable or stylish enough to fulfill your desire.

Some of you are the big fans of designer brands. No matter how expensive the items are, you don’t really mind with it as long as you feel comfy and confident while wearing them. Well, looking for branded items at shoe stores could be tiring and time-consuming, right? The only way, namely, the most practical way, to hunt for so many brands is by using the Internet. Yes, find the perfect pair from all over the world just at your fingertips!

Diana Claire lifelong for footwear led her became footwear reviewer. She has tried different kind of footwear, and she put her review at MyShoesGuide.com. Her experiences on footwear can be helpful for those who need more information about a certain kind of footwear. Visit her Website http://www.mysandalsguide.com

Outdoor camping has gained huge recognition over years to be a change from your usual hectic life. Having days away from frantic timetable provides much excitement & amusement options than any other holiday idea. If you are intending to have a camping holiday this summer then it is advised that you try and find the best of camping equipment to carry with for the best pleasant camping experience. Find camping equipment online at Sportswear-Equipment.com.

Outdoor camping tools come in the way of camping tables camping stoves, camping clothing etc. As the camping places selected are varied so are the camping equipment that are required for particular needs. A great number of people prefer to camp in the plains, whilst some love to go in the mountain areas, some in fields & some in woods. This means that the camping equipment used will ultimately depend on the location you have chosen to camp in.

To enjoy the fun & excitement entirely, it?s vital to carry camping gear that you will need during your camping holiday. There are many hikers and campers who enjoy to camp and discover the most extreme parts of the world. Thus the camping requirements differ from person to person.

Thus before going camping outdoors it is necessary that you procure the accessories that you will need. To locate the best camping equipment it is better to find a cheap camping equipment dealer and order the stuff you want to carry along. The light weight tents, portable camping stoves, handy weightless chairs, disposable tools, sleeping bags, hiking boots, light fabric weightless clothes and other camping accessories can be obtained online at the largest discount prices. It is necessary to carry camping equipment that weighs as least as possible so as to give you as much liberty whilst trekking & hiking.

Several variety of camping accessories are not cheap to procure & can be paid for only when you have a huge budget. Hence you should make a list of items that you cannot do without whilst camping. Depending upon how often you go for camping, renting camping gear is a wise option. Otherwise if you are a camping nut then having a collection of your own camping gear is worth. Have a magnificent camping experience this spring by keeping all your camping wants toned up.

For centuries, poets and men with an agenda, have been writing peons of praise to the loveliness of female lips. Most of them however, admired from afar and didn’t have to deal with the lipstick of today. Now, a compliment is as likely to get a gentleman an enthusiastic hug, and an imprint of those incomparable lips on his shirt collar.

The first thing to do, is return the enthusiasm and forget the stain! You can’t do much about it until you get home, although you can try blotting it wit water to make sure it doesn’t set any deeper. Don’t rub though, or it will become a real mess, instead of a charming imprint.

Take care of it as soon as you get home. Lipstick is a grease-based product, and most good grease pre-treatments will do the job. Spray the spot, or blot if necessary with a white cloth and the pre-treatment. Let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. If the stain is still there, turn the fabric over so you are working at the stain from the back, and work in some liquid dish detergent with an old toothbrush. Let sit 15 minutes, then launder.

An alternative is to dab the stain with rubbing alcohol. Do not rub, or you’ll spread the mark. Turn the fabric over and work in dish detergent from the back, with a toothbrush. Let sit for 15 minutes and launder. If there is any mark remaining, re-treat with a pre-soak.

Other choices include dabbing off what you can with a water dampened cloth, then blotting the stain with a bit of ammonia, and laundering as usual. Or, you can try wetting the spot with hairspray, wiping the spot gently, and laundering.

Writing innovative poetry, the kind of poetry that reputable literary journals publish, entails knowing exactly what each word of a poem does to the reader. A good poem should be evocative, skillful, and cohesive, but before attempting to hone these attributes, a potential poet should be knowledgeable of the various forms and attributes of contemporary poetry. A good way to become familiar with the aspects of contemporary poetry is to take classes, join writing workshops, and subscribe to contemporary literary journals. Reading and understanding good poetry is vital to being able to write good poetry.

The first phase of writing a good poem includes a process of brainstorming. There are various ways to approach this process, but after a good deal of experimentation, the poet will find the one that works best for his or her personal style. Some poets will begin this process by actually writing a poem. Other poets will write prose or notes until he or she spots something that could be developed into a poem. The most important concept to consider with regard to this first phase is to write fearlessly. Write without trying to sound poetic, avoid abstractions, and be as detailed as possible. Write what is on your mind without worrying too much about grammar, literary devices, and line breaks. Often, when a person engages is this type of free writing, he or she will naturally write in some sort of rhythm or pattern. It is in the next phase of writing that these natural literary finesses are smoothed out and heightened.

The next stage of writing involves looking for a shape within the words that have been freely written. Read the words out loud, paying careful attention to phrases and words that leave an indelible impression. Then, prune some of the language by omitting unnecessary lines and hackneyed expressions, such as “I walk this lonely path,” or, “My heart cries out.” A good poem is going to have fresh images and is going to offer unique perspectives. If you find hackneyed or overly abstract expressions in your writing that are pertinent to the overall theme of your piece, try rewriting them using language that has never been used before to describe these situations or feelings. Also, pay attention to whether your poem is telling its message to the reader or if it is showing the message through unique images. An example of telling would be, “I am sad and lonely.” An example of showing would be, “I fall into his empty chair, listlessly holding his photograph…”

Once you have found the shape of your poem and reworked the language to include fresh images, you will need to read it out loud. Listen to the line breaks. Listen to the actual language. Ask yourself whether the line breaks are appropriate. Are there abrupt words dangling at the ends of any lines? Do you have conjunctions or prepositions trailing at the ends of your lines? If so, you might need to rework the lines, and at times, you may need to reword entire lines. This stage also includes getting constructive criticism from writers or poetry enthusiasts who will be objective with their feedback. You can look for or start a poetry critique group in your local area, or you can join one of the many critique forums and workshops online. This part of the process can be the most difficult for new poets who are not accustomed to having someone digging around in their creative endeavors with a scalpel. Understand that even incredibly well crafted poems will get their fair share of comments from the critics. Also, adhere to your intentions. If a critic misreads your piece, it could very well mean that you need to rework your piece within your own aim.

Finally, after having written your poetry with the knowledge and understanding you have gained through classes and reading, and after having reworked and submitted your piece for critique, you are ready for your final draft. Your final draft is not a final product. Your final draft is what all your hard work so far has produced, but you will need to read it again, possibly a day, a month, sometimes even years after you’ve written it.

When there is nothing more to prune, add, or change to the poem, you may consider submitting it to one of the literary journals you have subscribed to when you first began your journey as a good poet.

Devrie Paradowski has been published by several literary journals such as Adagio Verse Quarterly, Eclips e-zine and Meeting of the Minds Journal. She has also published articles with Poetry Renewal Magazine. She is the founder and editor of the online literary journal, LE Quarterly: http://www.literaryescape.com/journal/

“Tech” isn’t a four-letter word, but when it comes to “women’s issues” it might as well be. Technology has become a male-dominated big business; profits have become the priority over ethics and/or social implications. Women are missing from the technology design room to the boardroom and this diminishes the value and unique talents women bring to the table. We can no longer accept this as a normal expectation. Marketing tactics by technology manufacturers have only just begun to include women in their advertising.

Today, it is commonly acceptable to send a resume through email, to fill out a graduate school or job application online or to find “Mr. or Mrs. Right” through Match.com. However, when it comes to women’s issues technology is traditionally not included as a venue to advocate or mobilize around.

Violence against women has appeared as cyber stalking and/or bullying. The video game “Grand Theft Auto” which gives points for beating a certain class of women to get the user’s money back has been a recent “hot” topic. There are many government agencies working to get the “Grand Theft Auto” game off shelves or properly labeled as adult content but there are not that many encouraging educational reform for girls in science, math, technology or gaming. If there were more girls involved in designing games this product may not have gone to the shelf with violence against women packaged in the scoring system of the game. Women are one of the highest purchasers of video games for their sons but they never check to see if there are games for their daughters. Most are completely unaware that game consoles like the Xbox where designed with no intentions on having options for women or girls.

The gaming industry is not the enemy; games can be excellent tools for learning if used properly. There are increasingly more software games being designed for schools and educational purposes. Socialimpactgames.com focuses on games for public policy, health, wellness, business and social issues. Whether there is a game that promotes anti Bush agendas or ethnic cleansing, women must be involved.

Government officials have introduced a bill to address electronic stalking in Washington DC, although it has included stalking by computers, email, telephones and cell phones it does not include video and audio recordings or the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that have been used by stalkers to track their victims. There have been recent attempts with the Video Voyeurism Act, but there are important women’s issues missing from these valuable attempts at addressing the issue.

Public health and safety has major societal implications. There are E-Government initiatives under the 2002 Act that will impact many women’s’ lives, however the congressional subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census is no longer in existence. “Egov” is the new lingo for initiatives that include the Department of Justice’s plans for information sharing technology that include development and deployment. This is also where jurors are now analyzing and reviewing investigative data through laptops and other technologies. Funding for video devices are used to catch criminals such as speeding and red light violators, or security cameras in stop lights but funding is not available for initiatives that use interactive videoconferencing technology to build and maintain family bonds between incarcerated mothers and their children or to provide other needed family services.

There are several Bills/Acts in congress that are on the books about health care and information technology. Many are designed to improve efficiency and the quality of health care delivery by streamlining medical records, preventing medication errors, giving online access to information about outbreaks of infectious diseases or simply to help single mothers get their children immunized for school like DC’s government did by implementing the internet based immunization registry. Telemedicine has been used to help women by providing prenatal care in rural areas. A recent bill to address digital divide issues in rural areas will affect the continuation of the telemedicine program for those mothers.

The societal impacts of technology are both positive and negative and are traditionally noticeable in areas of non-traditional work, job readiness, and education. Rarely are areas of health, environment, public safety or cyber security considered major concerns for women as it relates to science and technology. Already, the lack of technological skills is one reason why so many low-income women aren’t able to find jobs above entry-level salaries. If this is not addressed, the lack of technological skills will leave a larger underemployed working class since studies have shown that in 2008 there will be over 1.3 million new technology workers and by 2010, 65% of the economy will be based on technology.

Prior to the fourth grade, studies show that girls are as interested in technology more than boys. After that, girls are discouraged by the adults in their lives and are constantly challenged by the boys in their class, which leaves them questioning whether they should even bother with math, science or technology. Adolescent girls are intensely pressured to be “cute” instead of “smart,” which leads to the current conflict for young women interested in math, science or technology. Tech “geeks” are rarely considered cute or attractive. It is also at this time that young girls choose not to go into sports, yet we have the WNBA, women’s football, tennis and golf.

Without better awareness and advocacy, women will also be susceptible to losing the gains that science and technology bring and vulnerable to the dangers of technological ignorance. We’ll continue to be unprepared to advocate for or against the decisions made in business and government laws or regulations. Women and girls must be equally educated, encouraged, and provided opportunities in science and technology. If they aren’t, the women of tomorrow won’t be able to adequately function in our technologically changing society.

We need to challenge all women, especially women lead organizations, women philanthropists and area women funding foundations. Let’s widen the gender lens to include non traditional women’s issues, our futures depend on it.

For more information contact Ms. Mitchell ~ director@digital-sistas.org ~ www.digital-sistas.org ~

For many women the greatest pregnancy fashion challenge comes
when choosing a work wardrobe. Depending on what you do, and the
confines of any corporate dress policies, finding the right
clothes to suit your professional image can drive you to
distraction.

But dressing great while you’re pregnant doesn’t have to be a
challenge. With just a little forethought and some extra
shopping time, you can quickly and easily pull together a
stylish and polished look, without spending a fortune.

It begins by shopping with an open mind, while keeping to the
following basic guidelines.

1. If you stick to solid colors and similar fabrics you can get
away with fewer pieces. Choosing darker colors means more wear
from each piece, plus it detracts from your growing size. Simple
basic pieces in black, navy, brown, camel or grey can be easily
changed and accented with scarves, jewelry, hats and shoes in
bright colors or prints.

2. Avoid becoming a fashion tent. While choosing extra large,
full cut tops and dresses may seem as if you can more easily
hide your size, doing so will actually have the opposite effect.
Remember, the larger the tent, the bigger the circus, so shop
for clothing that is slim cut with some shape.

3. Nothing says “this season” like a few well-chosen pieces of
trendy fashion jewelry. If pregnancy is keeping you from wearing
this season’s trendiest outfits, remember, for each new style
there’s a coordinating accessory, so going for half the look
will help keep you looking up -to-date.

4. Never underestimate the power of a great jacket for a
polished corporate edge.Start with any full cut blazer you
already own, leaving open the bottom buttons. Later on, invest
in one or two full cut maternity jackets in an unconstructed
style. Add a long scarf tied loosely in the front, and no one
will even notice what you’re wearing underneath.

5. Never underestimate the power of shoulder pads! While the
broad-shoulder, power suits of the 1980’s may be long gone,
neat, well balanced shoulders can do miraculous things for your
pregnant figure, and help give balance and proportion to your
body.

6. Choose clothing in substantial fabrics. Whether you are
pregnant winter or summer, opt for fabrics with a substantial
“hand” and body such as boucle, twill, gabardine or cotton
During pregnancy, a crisp, woven cotton shirt, for example, will
look infinitely more professional than a flimsy knit top.

7. To complete your polished, professional look choose a shoe
with at least a one and half inch heel. This will not only give
your look a more stylish edge, it’s actually better for your
back than flats.

For more pregnancy fashion and beauty advice visit
http://www.PamperingMom.com

For women suffering from the effects of Menopause, any information that helps to alleviate the pain and suffering of this terrible affliction is most welcome. There are countless books on the market that profess to have the answers you seek. Every other author claims to have new, groundbreaking material that will completely change your life. These claims are optimistic at best and misleading at worst. Of all the books I have read on the subject of Menopause, the following are by far the most informative and insightful. Make yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up, and enjoy the read!

The Menopause Guidebook by The North American Menopause Society

Published by The North American Menopause Society, a nonprofit scientific organization, this comprehensive 60-page, consumer-oriented guidebook provides current, unbiased information on a broad range of topics related to Menopause. The third edition has been updated with information based on recent scientific advances - including recent findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), new FDA labeling for hormones, and new menopause-related treatments - making the guidebook the most current, most complete resource for consumers at the time of publication.

Menopause & Homeopathy: A Guide for Women in Midlife by Ifeoma Ikenze, North Atlantic Books

Elizabeth Center, San Anselmo, CA. The author is an M.D. and a homeopath. Menopause & Homeopathy text uses case studies to show how physical, emotional, professional, and spiritual problems can challenge a woman’s health and self-image. The guide incorporates recent medical research for consumers.

Our Bodies Ourselves For The New Century by Boston Women’s Health Book Collective

The essential resource on women’s health and women’s sexuality comes of age in this newly revised and updated edition of a long-loved classic. In these pages, women will find new information, resources (including web sites!), and personal support for the decisions that will shape their health — and their lives — from living a healthy life, to relationships and sexuality, to child-bearing, growing older, dealing with the medical system and organizing for change. This is a book for women of all generations to use, to rely on and to share with others.

At first sight the answer seems very obvious - they are cheaper. And of course that is true. But in fact Eastern European hair is not that much more expensive - the amount necessary to make a good wig is about 30-50 USD in Poland or Czech Republic. That is not a fortune if you are going to spend a few hundred dollars on a wig. So what is the catch?

The problem is on the supply side. There are over 2 billion people in Asia and only 200 million in Eastern Europe. Most of people in Eastern Europe have no need to sell their hair for economic reasons. Moreover, I don’t have to emphasize how rare it is in rich Western European countries to sell one’s hair. That is what makes European hair rare and explains why local wig-makers purchase only the amount necessary for their own production. Outside of Eastern Europe, due to its rarity, the price of the best European hair (so called “raw virgin hair”) is skyrocketing.

Hence 99% of human hair wigs are made of Asian hair. This hair is marked by such trade names as “human hair” or “remy hair”. If the producer or a sales person does not state directly that the hair is exclusively European, you can be 100% sure that you are dealing with Asian hair.

Asian hair is by nature very dark (black), very straight and thicker than European hair. Subject to a complicated process of a pigmentation removal, the hair looses its natural shine and resilience. Before it finally gets to you it will be dyed several times using synthetic chemical products, which no one would use to dye their own hair. Such a hair has a tendency to show a ting of a dark or red color. This is why it has to be dyed several times and go through a bleaching process. That way any color can be obtained, but hair structure gets damaged during the process. It is not pleasant to the touch anymore and even after as little as twenty weeks it will loose its shine and become dull.

Another issue concerns the manner in which the hair is obtained. It is not planned from the start with the thought of creating wigs. Hair is cut in random hair salons. Part of the hair also comes from ritual ceremonies of cutting of the hair as a sign of entering into adulthood. Such hair in the fervor of the ceremony falls to the floor and is gathered from there and placed in a great pile. In the process the hair is turned against and opposite to each of its strands and not layered in the same direction. Although it may not seem so at first, this does change the fundamental significance in the quality of your wig.

Every strand of hair has a coarse cuticle, which clings to the cuticle of the neighboring hair if they are layered in the opposite direction. In effect hair is twisting and intertwining into a hair clump so difficult to comb out. The only method for solving this problem is to completely remove the natural cuticle, which is then replaced with a silicon one that gives the hair its shine. It is a brutal and destructive process - such a wig will maintain its sheen no longer than for a period of 4 to 12 weeks. After that time hair becomes dull and unattractive.

The best Asian hair comes from India and Pakistan. In reality, it is not much better than hair described above. The advantage is that this hair is less stiff and may have a natural tendency to from slight waves. For that reason, many producers claim that it has the same qualities as European hair, which is not true.

If only there were more Eastern Europeans, life of wig-makers and their clients would be simpler, heh?