Topshop Announces the Arrival of New Designers Online

Topshop has welcomed a number of collections and collaborations from new designers to be introduced online and fashion jackets online at the company's flagship Oxford Street store.

While new clothing projects will launch throughout the year, September sees the arrival of new collections from Ashish and Michael Van Der Ham.

Michael Van Der Ham will be creating a range of multi-coloured silk scarves which will feature trompe d'oeil patchwork and fringe detailing. This is the first time Topshop has worked with Michael Van Der Ham, and follows his recent NEWGEN sponsorship win.

Ashish will be offering a range of premium jerseys. The pieces are emblazoned with French phrases using flocking and will be available in both fitted and oversized styles. Ashish's collections for Topshop are always desirable, with his sporty and fun aesthetic proving very popular with fashion tastemakers.

Rachael Proud, Senior Buyer and Consultant at Topshop commented: "The new collaborations were inspired by our desire to offer something new, exciting and surprising to the customer that was ever-changing instore. We hope that the customer will go into store to buy the perfect gift for a friend, but love the gift so much they have to keep it for themselves."

Notes to Editors:
-The Michael Van Der Ham scarves and Ashish's jersey pieces will be available online on topshop.com and instore from London Fashion Week in September. Selected pieces from the other ranges will also be available online, to be advised closer to launch date.
-Information on forthcoming launches from October onwards will be sent out throughout the year

About Topshop:
Topshop was established in 1964 and is part of Arcadia Group Ltd. Sir Philip Green became owner of Arcadia Group Ltd in 2002.

Topshop is continually recognised as being an authority on women's fashion on clothing (http://www.topshop.com/) such as jeans, dresses (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=12556&categoryId=209717&top=Y&langId=-1&catalogId=330579), scarves (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=12556&parent_category_rn=204484&categoryId=209992&top=Y&catalogId=33057) and shoes. Topshop has won several awards for design reputation and new services, and has a wide range of clothing from women's jeans and jackets (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=12556&categoryId=209744&top=Y&langId=-1&catalogId=33057 ) to maternity wear.

Topshop was the first fashion retailer to show on schedule at London Fashion Week in September 2005 when it presented its own acclaimed in-house design collection Unique (created in 2001). Subsequent partnerships with international boutiques as far flung as Tokyo and LA followed and Topshop continues to grow its reputation for supporting exciting new talent.

PR Contact:
Liz Shuttleworth
Press Officer
Press Office
Arcadia Group Ltd
70 Berners Street
London
W1T 3NL
020 7927 1484
http://www.topshop.com

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Same Sky Launches New Fabric Wrap Bracelets Made By Women In Rwanda AT DKNY Stores in the U.S. & London

Same Sky, a jewelry initiative that empowers HIV-positive women in Rwanda announced today their first retail partnership with leading fashion design house DKNY to launch a new line of fabric wrap bracelets just in time for the holiday season. Same Sky's fabric wrap bracelets are hand-made from Rwandan textiles and are adorned with colorful hand-blown glass beads. The bracelets which retail for $40, are 35"-38" in length (wraps around 4-5 times on wrists 7"-9"), and can also be worn as a necklace or hair accessory.

Founded by EMMY Award winning producer and social entrepreneur Francine LeFrak, SAME SKY's mission is to empower women worldwide by giving them a hand up not a hand-out. Same Sky's bracelets are hand-crocheted by HIV-positive women artisans who survived the Rwandan genocide of 1994. During the genocide, women in Rwanda were subjected to sexual violence on a massive scale. According to the International Criminal Tribunal, more than 250,000 women were raped and, of the survivors, approximately 70% were infected with HIV/AIDS. In addition, they were left impoverished after their husbands, fathers, and brothers were murdered. SAME SKY was born with the goal of empowering these women to rebuild their lives and communities.

The artisans making SAME SKY bracelets work in a collective and are free to discuss social issues such as domestic violence, western medicine, and how to open a bank account. SAME SKY also provides the women artisans with a daily stipend that covers transportation to and from work and a daily meal so they can take their HIV medicine. The wage our artisans earn is 15 times the average wage made by most women in sub-Saharan Africa and ensures they can provide food, education, and healthcare for their entire family.

"Donna Karan is an incredible philanthropist who deeply understands the ethical shopping movement and the need to inspire and empower women globally," stated Same Sky founder Francine LeFrak. "We are beyond thrilled to have DKNY launch our fabric wrap bracelets and tell the story of these incredible women artisans in Rwanda."

Same Sky's fabric wrap bracelets come in four color combinations: Tangled Up in Blue, Material Girl, Welcome to the Jungle, and Back in Black and can be purchased at DKNY stores in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Costa Mesa, Honolulu, King of Prussia, PA, and London as well as online at DKNY.com. 100% of all net-profits from the sale of the bracelets are reinvested into expanding the business to other regions of the world and employing more women artisans. Same Sky began with 4 artisans in November 2009 and now employs over 50.

"By buying a bracelet you are not only giving a gift that is changing someone's life, you become a part of a movement empowering women everywhere and the men that support them under the same sky," concluded LeFrak.

About Same Sky
Founded in 2008 by Francine LeFrak, SAME SKY is a fair-trade company whose mission is to empower women worldwide and inspire a movement of women empowering women. Our inaugural project is based in Kigali, Rwanda, a country where women have become a leading voice in the peace process and currently hold 56% of the national parliamentary seats. Same Sky's trade-not-aid initiative uses jewelry to effect change in Rwanda - one woman at a time.

Same Sky provides employment opportunities to HIV-positive women, all of whom are survivors of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. These women artisans have been trained to crochet bracelets using our unique hand-blown glass beads - giving them a marketable skill and consistent employment, the two essential factors needed to rebuild their lives and those of their families.

SAME SKY is a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become entrepreneurs and lead self-sustaining lives. For more information, visit: http://www.samesky.com.

About Donna Karan International
Donna Karan International is one of the world's leading fashion design houses. It designs, market women's coats s and distributes collections of women's and men's apparel, sportswear, accessories and shoes under the Donna Karan and DKNY brand names. The Company has selectively granted licenses for the manufacture and distribution of beauty and beauty related products, jeanswear, activewear, men's furnishings, men's tailored clothing, hosiery, intimate apparel, coats, children's apparel, watches, eyewear and home. Since November 2001, Donna Karan International has been a part of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury goods group.

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Lucky Brand Jeans to Offer Free Shipping for Fashionably Late Shoppers

With the immense amount of publicity surrounding early-bird shopping events like Black Friday, it can be easy to overlook the millions of Americans who don't start their holiday shopping until the last minute. Lucky for Christmas shoppers, Lucky Brand is giving new meaning to the term "fashionably late." On Friday, December 17th, the legendary jeans retailer will offer free 2-Day Express Shipping on any order over $100 to all Lucky fans who visit http://www.freeshippingday.com.

Lucky Brand's one-day free shipping deal means that frenzied shoppers looking to check those last gifts off their list will have all their Lucky packages delivered before December 24th.

"With the hectic holiday season, it's easy to leave some shopping to the last minute," Lucky Brand VP of Online Marketing, Charlie Cole, explained. "Lucky Brand is taking this opportunity to spread a little holiday cheer to those who may be a slightly behind this season."

Cole also points out that it isn't just denim devotees who can take advantage of this offer. "Lucky Brand also makes great men's and women's clothing to go with the perfect fitting jeans. LuckyBrand.com has everything from printed scarves to boots and shoes, things that make really Lucky gifts for really Lucky people."

The Lucky Brand free shipping event applies only within the contiguous United States.

About Lucky Brand:
Lucky Brand is true blue American. Born and bred in Los Angeles, Lucky shipped its first pair of vintage-inspired jeans in 1990 and quickly became known as a pioneer and innovator in the world of modern denim. Lucky Brand designs and markets a full range of great fitting, good quality, dist women's jackets inctively Lucky men's and women's jeans and fashion that work with the American lifestyle. Lucky Brand collections are carried at better department and specialty stores, online at LuckyBrand.com, and at over 210 company-owned stores in the U.S.A. and three internationally.

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Revolutionary White Collar Lab Coats Offers Superior Style and Breakthrough Medical Designs in Women Lab Coats and in Men Lab Coats

White Collar's breakthrough designer lab coat for doctors offers the first ever practical design in white coats. These lab coats are revolutionary and they were invented to help the doctor interact with common tools used by doctors in the hospital/clinical settings. White Collar features the only lab coat pocket that's custom made to hold the most valued instrument of the doctor, "The stethoscope." The stethoscope has been around since the beginning of medicine and most doctors have been forced to hold this medical tool in their hands or around their necks. Some doctors' stuff their stethoscopes in their lab coat pockets which makes them look disorganized and even sloppy in some cases. The White Collar lab coat team has invented the stethoscope pocket which offers quick access and fashion design to these revolutionary lab coats.

White Collar Uniform's designing team set out to create the ultimate white coats for doctors and physicians around the world. Most doctors are required to carry cellular technology because their services are considered life saving in general. White Collar invented the first prototype cell phone pocket which allowed the doctor to carry their cell phones easily and securely. The cell phone pocket was a success and it was later integrated into every designer lab coat made. The cell phone and the stethoscope now had a very unique place on the doctor's lab coat which allowed quick access, fashion, design, and most importantly, practicality. White Collar didn't stop there, "How can we make a designer lab coat that's fully functional for every doctor?" The newly designed lab coat looked very good but it was missing one final detail.

White Collar's designing team later invented a revolutionary cross over pocket for females and for male doctors. Now the white coats were complete with the addition of the PDA pocket for males or females, or the make-up pocket for females with a designer style zipper. White Collar Uniform's breakthrough designs in women lab coats and in men lab coats was complete. This is our sporty lab coat design and these white coats are exceptionally beautiful and practical for doctor use. White Collar had invented the ultimate lab coat for doctors and the only thing missing was a label that would be stylish and trustworthy of white collar's name. Not only did white collar's desingning team create a perfect label, "They created a series of labels designer labels that complimented the other designs of the lab coat."

Women lab coats have never looked better and the prices for these coats have never been cheaper. Now the women don't have to worry about having their stethoscope get tangled in their hair anymore. White Collar coat offers professionalism, style, fashion, beauty and practicality for the women doctors in the world. Men doctors have never looked better with White Collar's men lab coats. Everything is right at the doctor's grip now and the doctor is looking good. White Collar Uniforms has succeeded in their quest to design the best lab coat in the world for doctors. Holding down cost was another major concern and believe it or not, but White Collar is the lowest priced lab coat for designer coats or regular white coats in the business. These highly affective interactive beautiful lab coats are priced lower than any other lab coat company on the web. Introducing White Collar lab coats for men and women doctors, "You are going fashion jackets online to love the way you look and feel in our lab coats!"

Come see these revolutionary breakthrough lab coats at White Collar's newly designed search engine optimized website. Easy navigation and high quality designs are awaiting everybody who loves lab coats and medical clothing in general. Men lab coats have never looks better. Women lab coats have never looked better. Look for White Collar brand uniforms and medical clothing coming soon!

White Collar Uniforms
http://www.blowoutsales.org

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Central Rappahannock Regional Library to Feature Fredericksburg Novel:Kim Murphy's Promise & Honor

Virginia author Kim Murphy will portray her debut novel, Promise & Honor, at Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Tuesday, November 18

at 7:00 p.m. Set in Civil War Fredericksburg, Promise & Honor's powerful message is timeless as it follows the path of a young woman through the devastation the local area faced. Murphy will appear in Civil War attire as she brings the book's setting to life through period

photos, illustrations, and historical info.

The Midwest Book Review declares Murphy's Promise & Honor "...an outstanding work of compelling romantic drama from the first page to the last." RT Bookclub gave Promise &Honor a 4-star review, calling it, "...a riveting, well-researched story of promises, love, andhonor."

Murphy, an Illinois native, says of her critically acclaimed novel, "Few people truly

understand that with food, clothing, and medicine shortages throughout the South, women and

children were forced to struggle for survival just as much as the men in combat. It's not

simply a tale of battles and generals, but a love story as well as a historical one. I've attracted

everyone from romance fans to male readers who don't normally read 'women's fiction,' which

is quite satisfying."

Promise & Honor is available in trade paperback from Coachlight Press for $14.95. The novel can be purchased from most fine bookstores and from http://www.CoachlightPress.com. For more information about the author, please visit http://www.KimMurphy.Net.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library is located at 1201 Caroline Street. For directions

or more information about the November 18 event, please contact the library at 540-372-

1144.

     & Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) nbsp;       -30-

Dr. Nat the Techno Cat Tapped To Deliver the Back-To-School Must-Haves for Fall, 2007 on Satellite Media Tour August 23, 2007

Wonder which calculator or cell phone to get for your child? It's easy to get lost in the advertising maze of features and plans. Dr. Natalie Petouhoff, Dr Nat The Techno Cat, gives tech-weary parents a break. Dr. Nat, a former rocket scientist for Hughes Electronics and former Design Team Supervisor for ABC's American Inventor, uses her know-how for helping families understand what products are kid- and family-friendly.

Dr. Nat is the creator of the Pink Glove Report, a product review guide that looks for those consumer products that have it all: style and substance. For the Back-to-School set, Dr. Nat has a few recommendations and you can see the SMT and more information at Dr. Nat News:

Calculators: This year Texas Instruments is hot with a calculator that does more than add up the numbers. The TI-84 Plus Silver Edition graphing calculator can help your kids do better in math and on their SAT & ACT scores. The calculator is pre-loaded with prep questions to give kids an extra edge. Best of all, you don't have to be a geek to enjoy it as it comes in 14 cool colors -- including hot pink -- and can be accessorized with removable stickers.

Cameras: Between sports games, homecoming dances, and school plays, students will definitely want to capture those moments. This Z10 camera from Fujifilm is perfect for kids. Using the latest tech, it can detect up to 10 faces in one shot; and, you can 'beam' or transfer your photos from one device to another -- no chords, wires, nothing! And, it has a 'blog' feature to resize your photo and make it easy to upload to the web.

Cell Phones: M-Disney has the media that makes kids the envy of the playground set with the latest technology and features. For the kids, there are games, ringtones and more based upon Disney's huge hit High School Musical 2. Parents' permission is required for kids under 18.

Appliances for Mom: Moms know that back to school also means back to germs, colds and dirt. From old uniforms to dirty gym clothes, parents will want to check out Samsung's new front loader washing machine --- Using nano-sized silver ions, it kills 99% of bacteria to sanitize laundry, in cold water AND without bleach. It's energy saving- so you are washing the GREEN way, cost-efficient, and, best of all, your clothes and colors stay in great shape. Also, it has Vibration Reduction Technology that keeps the noise down! The colors are so pretty you'll almost want to put it in the family room…

"This fall over $18 billion will be spent on back-to-school items by families with school age children. That's about $563 per family, according to the National Retail Federation. Finding high quality items and saving money are at the top of the parents' back-to-school list for sure," states Dr. Nat, consumer product advocate.

To find the best values, families should check out http://www.shopping.com. It's an online comparison shopping site where shoppers can find, compare and buy millions of products from laptops, backpacks, tech gadgets and more.

Background: Dr. Nat is a blonde rocket scientist turned consumer product expert. She earned her Ph.D. in High Energy Particle Physics at UCLA, and as a product development engineer she innovated products for companies such as General Electric, General Motors and Hughes Electronics. The Pink Glove Test looks at five criteria on consumer electronics and other tools to make life easier for women and families. Dr. Nat makes the c Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) omplicated technology simple for women to understand and implement. http://www.drnatthetechnocat.com

Media/PR Firms
For interviews -- or companies interested in product evaluations with Dr. Nat -- please contact her Los Angeles-based representative, Maureen O'Crean, at 310-379-9620.

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Lack of Sponsorship Keeps Women from Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling, Finds New Study

High performing women fail to acquire the backing they need to attain leadership positions, finds a new Harvard Business Review Research Report. The study findings were announced today at American Express headquarters in New York City with remarks by American Express Chairman and CEO Kenneth Chenault, among others.

Despite enormous progress at the lower and middle rungs of the corporate ladder, few women are moving into the C-Suite. The Sponsor Effect study uncovers the prime cause: the vast majority of highly qualified women don't have political allies to propel, inspire and protect them through the perilous straits of upper management. They lack, in a word, sponsorship.

Sponsors advocate and facilitate critical career moves. Just as President Obama did for Elena Kagan, and John McCain for Sarah Palin, sponsors go out on a limb for their protégées, providing stretch opportunities, forming critical connections, and promoting visibility. Without sponsorship it is nearly impossible to climb the last slippery slopes of the career ladder--where competition is at its most intense.

Study Key Findings:

•     Women underestimate the power of the sponsor effect. Sponsorship confers a statistical benefit of up to 30 percent in terms of more stretch assignments, promotions, and pay raises.
•     Most women believe that hard work alone will succeed in turning heads and netting rewards. Fully 77 percent insist that hard work and long hours, not connections, account for their advancement.
•     Valuable professional relationships between an older, more powerful male and a younger female are avoided for fear of speculation of an affair. Most senior men (64 percent) avoid sponsoring junior women for this reason.
•     Men can cultivate more sponsors than women because they're less constrained by family and domestic responsibilities. Sixty percent of working women do at least 75 percent of the housework; 56 percent still shoulder at least 75 percent of the childcare.
•     Women benefit from, but rarely get, sponsor guidance on how to adjust their style, clothing, and executive presence to look the part of a leader--feedback men readily give to other men.
•     Finding, retaining, and providing sponsorship has proven more difficult since the economic downturn.

In addition to identifying the sponsorship shortfall, the study also reveals how some of today's largest Fortune 500 companies are addressing it with innovative solutions.

Companies like American Express, Cisco, Citi, Deloitte, and Time Warner are creating comprehensive approaches to building and leveraging sponsor networks. The study describes end-to-end solutions that incorporate senior leader support, enrichment and education for women, and a structured approach to ensure that sponsorship grows as a function of proactive
talent management.

Programs promulgating sponsorship include:

American Express: Women in the Pipeline & at the Top
Cisco: Inclusive Advocacy Program
Citi: Women Leading Citi
Deloitte: Leading to WIN
Time Warner: Breakthrough Leadership

At the event to launch the study, remarks were made by:

Kenneth Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express
Barbara Adachi, National Managing Director, Human Capital, Deloitte Consulting
Sylvia Ann Hewlett, President, Center for Work-Life Policy
Rosalind Hudnell, Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External
Relations, Intel
Melinda Merino, Executive Editor, Harvard Business Review Press
Kerrie Peraino, Chief Diversity Officer, American Express

Methodology:

Spearheaded by American Express, Deloitte, Intel and Morgan Stanley, and the Hidden Brain Drain Task Force, research for the study comprised seven virtual strategy sessions, eleven focus groups, numerous one-on-one interviews, and two surveys (2,952 U.S. women and men in January and February 2010, and 1,085 respondents in June and July 2010) conducted by Knowledge Networks under the auspices of the Center for Work-Life Policy, a nonprofit research organization.

The Hidden Brain Drain Task Force

Established in 2004 by Sylvia Ann Hewlett (Center for Work-Life Policy and Columbia University), Carolyn Buck Luce (Ernst & Young) and Cornel West (Princeton University), this private sector task force aims to identify, develop, and promote a second generation of corporate policies and practices that support the ambition, work, and life needs of highly qualified women and minorities. Uniting its 60 global member firms, which represent four million employees operating in 190 countries around the world, is the understanding that full utilization of the talent pool is at the heart of competitive advantage and economic success.

About the Authors

Sylvia Ann Hewlett, is the founding President of the Center for Work-Life Policy (CWLP), a Manhattan-based think tank where she chairs the "Hidden Brain Drain," a task force of 60 global companies committed to global talent innovation.

Kerrie Peraino is the chief diversity officer at American Express, a position she assumed in September 2008. She is responsible for developing the company's global diversity and inclusion strategy for nearly 60,000 employees in more than 100 markets.

Laura Sherbin, vice president and the director of research at the Center for Work-Life Policy, heads up data collection and analytics. An economist specializing in labor force and gender issues, Sherbin is also an adjunct Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University where she teaches "Women and Globalization."

Karen Sumberg, vice president and director of projects and communications at the Center for Work-Life Policy, heads up the demographic and generations research. Over the last five years she has led key research projects including Bookend Generations and Sin Fronteras.

For Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) an interview with one of the authors please contact Elizabeth Hazelton, Fortier Public Relations at (646) 734-4243 or elizabeth(at)fortierpr(dot)com.

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Fashion Eyewear Adds More Brands To Their Portfolio

In 2008, http://www.FashionEyewear.co.uk had just opened its virtual doors to the World Wide Web. Starting off with less ten luxury brands, Fashion Eyewear now stocks over 30 designer brands ranging from affordable luxury i.e. Ray Ban, Carrera to high-end luxury i.e. Tom Ford and Chanel.

Fashion Eyewear now has over 300 5* customer reviews. Proof of this can be seen on the online reviewing website, Trust Pilot. By ranking 4th in the 'Glasses' category, the online retailer is incredibly proud of its achievement. To celebrate their growing success, Fashion Eyewear has announced that they will continue to add more luxury brands to their portfolio, giving customers the greatest selection of the latest eye wear trends.

Below are the new designer brands the company have just been added to their website:

DIESEL
Appealing to a much younger audience, Diesel glasses are an innovative fashion brand that was made very popular by their revolutionary jeans. As Diesel moved away from clothing they diversified into eyewear, which is a natural move for most fashion companies. Fashion Eyewear stocks the latest sun and optical glasses from the brand's latest collection. The 'Double Trouble' eye wear collection offers a range of unisex spectacles that would look great on both men and women.

MIU MIU
Designed by Miuccia Prada, Miu Miu glasses are completely different from the sister company, Prada. Miu Miu's identity is fun, playful and modern and the frames look very avant-garde. The contemporary style of Miu Miu really captures the hearts of young trendsetters and fashionistas who are not afraid to be different. This brand is definitely appealing to the younger generations however that's not to say the older generation won't love it too. Anyone who loves to experiment with their look and fashion style should consider taking a look at what Miu Miu has to offer.

BURBERRY
This brand is 100% British. The signature trademarks of Burberry glasses Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) include the beige double-check pattern and equestrian knight logo. The company was actually founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry. It wasn't until the early 1960's did Burberry's descendants decided to brand the company with the trademarks we know of today. Burberry frames are very sophisticated and highly glamorous, perfect for high-fashion lovers. FashionEyewear.co.uk is a British company so it was a pleasure for the retailer to take on board this luxury British brand.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
When you want to get the latest eyewear trends, you need to hop online to Fashion Eyewear. If you find that you need help, whether its checking stock availability or asking a general question, you can contact their friendly Customer Services team via telephone, email, or online using their Live Chat service.

FashionEyewear.co.uk is very committed to improving their customer service and delivery times. The online company has cut down their overall delivery times by 20%. All UK orders are dispatched from their London office using DPD delivery. DPD offers an excellent delivery service; all customers are kept updated about their delivery status via text message and if you need to reschedule your delivery time, simply reply to the text messages.

Find out more at http://www.FashionEyewear.co.uk

Shape Up for Swimsuit Season with Warrior Boot Camp

With bathing suit season just around the corner, people are dreaming of flat abs and toned limbs. But a few trips to the gym and a salad for lunch won't provide the desired results. For those with limited vacation days and a tight budget, a two-week Warrior Boot Camp is the perfect way to meet summer's clothing challenges head-on.

Rancho Cortez Fitness Ranch offers a two-week, all-inclusive, results-based weight loss program that's as no-frills as it is effective. The accommodations are a lot like summer camp. Guests stay in a bunk house, eat in a dining hall, and work hard for 14 days straight.

Unlike other programs, this one guarantees results. According to ranch owner Mary Cortez, "If guests women's jackets follow the program, they will drop both pounds and inches. If not, the guest gets a repeat stay." According to Cortez, the program has been so successful that they have never had to give away a repeat stay.

Because everyone starts on the same day, participants feel both camaraderie and competition with other guests. "Competition between guests is good," says Cortez. "It encourages people to work even harder."

Guests at Rancho Cortez Fitness Ranch participate in everything from hillside hikes and trail rides to weight lifting and water aerobics. There are a variety of classes, instructors and activities to appeal to guests of all fitness levels. Although physical activity is paramount, they also address food intake. Each meal and snack is carefully crafted to ensure proper nutrition in a calorie-controlled environment.

Seventeen people participated in the first Warrior Boot Camp, with their ages ranging from 21 to 68. Most guests lost at least five pounds and several inches, although one participant dropped eleven pounds and an entire dress size.

Warrior Boot Camps are held every six weeks. The next one begins on May 15, 2011. It includes barracks-style accommodations (men and women separate), three meals and two snacks each day, and all physical activity instruction. It also includes mind/body classes such as hypnotherapy, nutrition classes and healthy cooking demos.

Rancho Cortez Fitness Ranch is located on 250 acres and nestles against a 5500-acre state park with 40 miles of hiking trails. For more information, visit http://www.ranchocortez.com or contact Mary Cortez at 830-796-9339.

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North Carolina District Court Certifies Chicken Processing Workers' Class Action for Unpaid Wages under Both Federal and State Law

women's coats

Fancy Footwork: Introducing Two-Speed Kick Shift Commuter Bikes

Brooklyn Cruiser, a commuter bike company offering vintage inspired modern bikes with a unique kick shift hub, launched this week. The company designs city bikes that combine the function, comfort, and style of a classic Dutch bike with the stable and smooth ride of a hybrid bike. While the women's coats Brooklyn Cruiser City Bike may look retro, it packs a high-tech internal two-speed kick shift hub, allowing riders to quickly shift between gears while riding (or stopped) with a slight pedal backwards. This recently re-released hub eliminates the need for the ubiquitous shifter cable, which often gets in the way of clothing and requires frequent maintenance.

Highly edited with only the most practical features, Brooklyn Cruiser aims to simplify the bike-buying process and reduce the maintenance that typically accompanies owning a bike. Brooklyn Cruiser bikes' elements of function, comfort and style include:

Function – Reliable Sturmey Archer two-speed kick shift hub; front & rear fenders; front or rear carrier option; rear coaster brake

Comfort – Gyes genuine leather ergonomic grips and dual coil leather saddle; upright riding position with swept back handlebars

Style – Brooklyn Cruiser's signature double top tube; cream colored tires; men's bikes available in black and cream and women's bikes available in black and tangerine

Inspired by urban dwellers abroad where bicycle commuting is a cultural norm, and given Americans trend more toward riding for recreation than transportation, the company researched extensively for a reasonably priced yet quality bike that's fun to ride but built for commuting. After a search came up empty, they worked with Brooklyn designers to create a prototype of an urban bike that simplified bike maintenance with a renewed emphasis on affordability and style.

Established in 2011, Brooklyn Cruiser mirrors the same iconic qualities of Brooklyn itself - accessibility, durability, and original style. Brooklyn Cruiser bikes are sold online for $499 plus shipping at http://www.brooklyncruiser.com and are shipped 90 percent assembled. Brooklyn Cruiser recommends a mechanic test the bike for safety before riding. Bikes can be delivered fully assembled in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens. See our website for retail information. For information, contact Ryan Patrick at info(at)brooklyncruiser(dot)com or call (800) 631-0630. Brooklyn Cruiser is based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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Sibu Beauty Founder and CEO Bruce McMullin Returns from Annual Sea Buckthorn Berry Harvest in Himalayan Mountains

Bruce McMullin of Sibu Beauty recently returned from a 10-day trip throughout the upper territories of the Tibetan cultural region for the annual sea buckthorn berry harvesting season and continued to fulfill his mission to employ local workers and keep the natural beauty of the environment intact while providing the best sea buckthorn berry-based beauty and wellness line of products to consumers.

The journey had McMullin, his wife Jean, a team of photographers, videographers, and writers as they ascended to 12,000+ ft. where the miraculous women's coats online berries are grown. The relatively short harvesting season lasts about 3 weeks a year and the gathering of the berries are done by a group of local women where they literally beat the bushes with a stick and collect only ripened fruit into burlap ground cloths. The fair-trade wages, paid to the workers, enable them to sustain themselves and their families during the brutal Himalayan winter.

When asked what motivated him to engage in a fair-trade arrangement, McMullin explained, "These people are some of the kindest, unassuming human beings on the planet. They and their ancestors have been using the sea buckthorn berry for hundreds of years to treat all types of ailments and conditions. Dr. Oz recently touted sea buckthorn as a true miracle berry on his show. The berry is packed with a nutrient-rich combination of over 190 bio-actives, vitamins and is a powerful source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9, as well as a rich source of the elusive, naturally occurring essential fatty acid, Omega-7 (Palmitoleic acid), which is vital to collagen and mucus membrane production."

McMullin continued, "I always set out to do the right thing and employing the local workers who are in imminent need of support, was the right thing. I was also given the choice to bring in heavy, modernized equipment but knew that would forever tarnish the impeccable beauty of the environment. The process is a difficult one, but I stand behind my decision 100 percent."

Sibu Beauty, provides 100% natural beauty and wellness products based on sea buckthorn berries and the company, along with McMullin, are becoming recognized for the Himalayan superfruit to the Western world.

Shortly after being harvested, the berries are processed and then shipped to the U.S. where the finished products are made. The entire Sibu Beauty line uses natural and USDA certified organic sea buckthorn oil and certified wild-crafted juice to produce goods that are nourishing to the skin, hair and nails. . The products' packaging is certified by Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) a non-profit organization responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving a sustainable forestry certification program, devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests.

Sibu Beauty products can be purchased online at Sibu Beauty's Online Store or can be found in the aisles of many leading retailers including select GNC stores, Whole Foods Markets, Akins Natural Food, Chamberlin's Market, Sprouts, New Seasons and Sunflower Markets, as well as hundreds of specialty retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

For more information about Sibu Beauty and the health benefits about the powerful and nutrient-rich sea buckthorn berry, please visit http://www.sibubeauty.com.

About Sibu Beauty
Sibu Beauty (http://www.sibubeauty.com) was introduced in early 2009 to provide customers worldwide with a comprehensive approach to beauty from the inside out and outside in. The Sibu Beauty product line is based on a powerful and distinctive whole food source, the sea buckthorn berry. This super food is backed by hundreds of scientific studies demonstrating its success at addressing a variety of consumer needs including improved skin tone and texture, healthy aging and digestive health and noticeable improvements in cardiovascular fitness, energy and weight loss.

About Sibu, LLC
The products of Sibu Beauty - a subsidiary of Sibu, LLC (http://www.sibu.com), "The Sea Buckthorn Company" - are made with only premium sea buckthorn berries exclusively grown and harvested for the company in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. The company's meticulous harvesting process results in a more hardy and potent berry. Sibu's proprietary manufacturing process maximizes the efficacy of sea buckthorn raws, producing one of the most nutrient dense sea buckthorn products available on the market today. The Tibetan villagers who are responsible for harvesting Sibu Beauty's sea buckthorn berries benefit from a fair trade agreement, safe and healthy working conditions and environmentally responsible practices that ensure they will enjoy the benefits of the sea buckthorn harvest for years to come.

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Arms Are the New Sexy! Body Luv’s Hot, New Arm Apparel Launches at Branded Arts Exhibit

On Saturday, November 5, 2011, BODY LUV Inc. debuted its new apparel line SLIXXS – a hot, body conscientious line of fashion apparel accessories at the Branded Arts exhibition at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood CA. Models were wearing BODY LUV'S SLIXXS innovative designs over trendy sequined tops and boy shorts, and body con dresses. BODY LUV fills the void in the marketplace for fashion arm accessories - as a hybrid of a shrug and arm warmer, featuring one-of-a-kind designs that go from casual - to sporty - to sexy evening looks, depending on the unique fabrications and prints.

Sexy and stylish! SLIXXS designs coordinate with the latest fashions and complete a women's coats ny outfit from day to eveningwear. Since all the BODY LUV lines are styled for women, teens, and young girls of every size and age – they are the perfect wardrobe "essential." The products' quality fabrics and excellent fit have a special sizing technique. Additional fabric is incorporated to accommodate a tall person or a short person - both may wear the very same garment.

Fun and functional! Trends may come and go – but BODY LUV was created to give the illusion of a trimmer, slimmer arm, as the fabric combines a specialty fit and finish, replacing the need for buying bulky jackets, sweaters, and matronly shrugs to cover up sleeveless garments. The heavier knit garment keeps the chill off and the lighter version is constructed of a fabric that has an SPF/UPF property, keeping harmful sun's rays off the arms, at the same time giving a woman confidence that her arms appear toned.

All BODY LUV products are made of a patented garment fabric for athletic and children's wear as well. For athletic wear - the SLIXXS line can be used as an arm warmer for athletes and UPF sun protecting clothing for bikers, runners, and tennis players. As the ozone is compromised, it keeps the sun off (SPF treated) and UPF 50+ with each garment containing a UPF (ultra violet protection factor) tag. Its high quality fabrication features special weaves, washes, and natural fibers to give the highest level of UV protection and breathe-ability.

About BODY LUV, INC.
BODY LUV Inc. founded in 2011 by Julie Hansen, created this clothing line out of necessity. Hansen believed that women needed something besides a big wrap to cover their flabby, ''baby boomer'' arms. Hansen recognized there was a large market for a garment to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the arms. BODY LUV is the answer to the upper arm problem, as Spanx answered a need for slimming the lower half of a woman's body. BODY LUV Inc. divisions each address a need in the marketplace – SLIXXS are trend-setting fashion apparel designs and are geared to the work out enthusiasts for total outdoor protection and support; SLIXXS TOO is specifically designed and fabricated for children. For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/Bodyluvvv

2011 Branded Arts Exhibition
This year's Branded Arts event was held at Smashbox Studios in Hollywood. The art exhibition featured special guest DJ Samantha Ronson. A portion of the proceeds of all sales went to Witness To A Dream Foundation and The Terry Brand Book Scholarship. Both nonprofit organizations mentor inner city kids and help them to pursue their dreams. For more information and to view all the BODY LUV designs please visit http://www.brandedarts.com

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Storm Relief: New Company Invents Heated Long Underwear

A new direction in staying warm: Inspired by a chair lift ride in the bitter cold, Toast Heated Clothes makes heated long underwear for people who work and play in the outdoors.

The patented new s women's jackets ystem of heated base layer integrates heat packs to keep your core warm. The tops have heat packs in the neck and lower back, and the pants have a heat pack just below the waistband. Like large handwarmers, the heat packs are air activated and last 10 hours each. One or two is typically enough on mildly cold days; choose 3 or more for really cold weather. Once you try it, you'll wear them all winter!

Designed by a former professional snowboarder, the Toast collection currently includes heated tops and bottoms for men and women. "They were inspired by snowboarding, but you can wear them walking the dog or shoveling snow" says designer Julia Aiken. "We have customers who wear them running, working outside and watching football. They're also great for lounging on the couch in cold weather."

All Toast styles are are made in North America using Polartec(TM) fabrics. Famous for inventing polar fleece, Polartec(TM) fabrics are the gold standard in warmth and wicking performance. "We deliberately source fabrics that are made in the USA" says Aiken.

To learn more about heated clothes from Toast please visit us at http://www.toast-clothes.com or call 360-510-6540.

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Vox Femina Los Angeles Presents From Shakespeare to Shamrocks A Spring Concert Joining the English & Irish in Song At Zipper Concert Hall, Colburn School of Music in LA

Vox Femina Los Angeles continues its 15th Anniversary Season with From Shakespeare to Shamrocks, a spring concert celebration that brings the English and Irish together in song on Saint Patrick's Day, March 17, 2012 at the Zipper Concert Hall in the Colburn School of Music. In this bi-cultural evening, Vox Femina will unite classic Shakespeare sonnets with authentic Irish music sung in Gaelic. From classical works to folk songs, traditions new and old from England, Scotland and Ireland will be celebrated at the event. The performance starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are $25-30 during presale, $35 at the door. Group rates are also available. Zipper Concert Hall at The Colburn School is located at 200 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Pub fashion jackets online lic parking is available at lots adjacent to the school and limited street parking is also available within the area. For tickets and additional information, please see http://www.voxfeminala.org.

From Shakespeare to Shamrocks –
The tradition of setting Shakespeare's texts to music has long featured both male and female voices. Vox will be turning this convention upside down with compositions arranged purely for the female voice. The latter part of the concert comprises Irish and Scottish music including Scottish "waulking" folk songs, traditionally sung by women as they gather to clean clothes.

Singer-Composer Moira Smiley has been engaged by Vox to perform at the event, which will include Smiley singing the solo on the traditional Irish piece "Si do Mhaimeo," as well as performing a solo set of traditional folk songs. The last selection of the evening, "The Irish Blessing," was arranged for Vox, for female voices only, in 2007 by Graeme Langager as a tribute to Lynn Bielefelt, a dear friend and long-time supporter of Vox, who succumbed to breast cancer in 2001. The original composition of "The Irish Blessing" was dear to her heart.

"Music from the British Isles is diverse and rich in story – particularly from a woman's perspective," says Dr. Iris S. Levine, Vox Femina's Artistic Director, "We're excited to bring the vibrant music of this region to Los Angeles for a special Saint Patrick's Day celebration."

Additional Vox Femina 2012 Events –
February 2012 - Vox has been honored with an invitation to perform Mahler No. 8 Symphony of a Thousand with 14 other choirs and the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Shrine Auditorium. This spectacular performance will include over 1,000 instrumentalists and singers.

March 2012 - Vox has been chosen via blind audition to perform at the American Choral Directors Association Western Division Conference in Reno, NV on Thursday, March 1, 2012.

May 2012 - Colors of Love: A Celebration of 15 Years with Vox Femina Los Angeles, a fundraising event on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Ebell Club in Highland Park, will feature live music, dancing, food, drink, and memories from 15 wonderful years of giving women voice.

June 2012 - Celebrating the Muse will look back at the music, people, and events that have inspired Vox Femina over the past 15 years. This special concert will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Zipper Concert Hall in the Colburn School of Music.

Vox Femina Background –
Vox Femina Los Angeles is a women's choral ensemble dedicated to the performance of quality choral literature from a world perspective with an emphasis on music by women composers. The chorus was founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Dr. Iris S. Levine. The 21 founding members of Vox Femina first appeared on stage as guest artists with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles in April 1997. Since that time, Vox has quickly established itself as one of the premier women's choruses in the United States with a demonstrated ability to perform highly eclectic repertoire, some of which can be heard on several recordings. It actively fulfills its mission through an aggressive schedule of performances, touring and educational outreach. Vox has demonstrated its support and encouragement of living composers through commissioning new works. Auditions are held every August.

Dr. Iris S. Levine, Artistic Director –
Nationally recognized for her excellence in choral conducting, Dr. Iris S. Levine is the founder and artistic director of Vox Femina Los Angeles, the city's premier women's chorus. Through her extensive experience with women's choral literature and innovative concert programming, Dr. Levine has charted Vox Femina's 15-year journey, building its prominence in the choral community by way of numerous appearances at ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) conventions, and over 100 appearances throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Dr. Levine earned her Doctorate in Choral Music from the University of Southern California under the tutelage of Rod Eichenberger and James Vail, and she holds a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Alan Harler. Dr. Levine is Department Chair and Professor of Music at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. She is also the Artistic Director for the Master Chorus at Stephen S. Wise Temple, where her choral arrangements are often performed. Dr. Levine is also National Chair of the ACDA Repertoire and Standards Committee for Women's Choirs and is highly sought as guest clinician and adjudicator for choral festivals throughout the country.

Moira Smiley, Special Guest–
LA-based Singer-Composer Moira Smiley leads moira smiley & VOCO, travels the world as a vocalist and creates music for dance, theater and film. Her voice, improvisations and compositions can be heard on feature films, documentaries, BBC, PBS, and on over 40 recordings including her recent albums blink (with VOCO) and rua (solo): fiercely spare and elegantly lush collections of warped traditionals and new songcraft. She has sung with leading ensembles and artists around the world including Paul Hillier's Theater of Voices, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, KITKA Vocal Ensemble, New World Symphony, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Featured in Lincoln Center, UCLALive, Royal Festival Hall, folk and classical music festivals across the U.S. and Canada, Smiley's work has received praise in Billboard and Gramophone. http://www.moirasmiley.com and http://www.myspace.com/vocoinfo.

The Colburn School/Zipper Hall –
The Colburn School's mission is to provide the highest quality performing arts education in an optimal learning environment. Founded in 1950, The Colburn School was established as a small preparatory school in connection with the University of Southern California's School of Music. The School became an independent, nonprofit institution in 1980 through the generous support of its benefactor, Richard D. Colburn. In 1998, The Colburn School moved to its current location on South Grand Avenue. One of LA's most popular performance halls, the intimate 435-seat Zipper Hall at The Colburn School is home to many arts groups from the greater Los Angeles area, including the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Pacifica, Southwest Chamber Music, Monday Evening Concerts, Lark Musical Society, and Piano Spheres. For more information, please call 213-621-4514 or visit http://www.colburnschool.edu.

Vox Femina –
Vox Femina Los Angeles gives women voice through the performance of quality choral literature. Diverse in culture, age, race, belief, and sexual identity, Vox is a chorus committed to commissioning new works and raising awareness about issues that affect the family of women. Through music, the chorus aims to create a world that affirms the worth and dignity of every person.

Key Links –
Official Site - http://www.voxfeminala.org
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/VoxFemina

For more information, images, and interviews, please contact Green Galactic's Lynn Tejada at 213-840-1201 or lynn(at)greengalactic(dot)com

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More Ways to Wear It: "Recessionista Chic"

The jewelry design house Pure Dead Brilliant has created a line of Recessionista Chic accessories with the fashionable-but-economy-conscious-consumer in mind. What is Recessionista Chic? It is a way to describe a piece of jewelry, or an article of clothing which can be adapted to have multiple uses.

Many women who buy jewelry on a budget make the mistake of thinking small. A modest purchase is not always the best investment, and when talking about getting good value for money, one should be sure to think big! Versatility is the key word, when it comes to Recessionista Chic; the more use you get out of your jewelry, the better the investment. That's why Pure Dead Brilliant designs their collections to be multifaceted - adaptable, for any occasion.

PDB's Maia Three Gold Vitrine Rings is perfect for getting a triple dose of vitamin C! You can don the three citrine teardrop rings clustered on a single digit, or wear them separately and spread the wealth to your other fingers. The warm citrine gemstone has been said to have the power to improve moods and bring a sunny outlook to the day. The 22k gold vermeil settings are easy to care for and won't burn a hole in your pocketbook!

PDB's Revolver Ring is as stunning a fashion coats s it is versatile. Available in a gold vermeil or silver setting, this piece comes with a twist! The resin disk in the center flips; black on one side, coral on the other. So one can wear the blushing coral stone for daytime and switch to black to match your evening wear. A fantastic buy for the fashionista on a budget. It is as if you have two rings for the price of one! That's big thinking.

Now available at GalleryAtlantic.com.

Celebrating Mom with a Stand-Up Paddle? A Non-Traditional Mothers’ Day, Fast Becoming a Tradition, Finds a New Home in the Hamptons.

"Mothers' Day is our perfect holiday," says Gina Bradley, owner of Paddle Diva, Long Island's premiere SUP instruction and stand up paddleboard tours outfit. "It brings together everything we love and celebrate: strong, inspirational women -- which all of our mothers are to us -- women's fitness, the chance to show women of all ages and body types how easy and empowering it is to learn stand up paddling, while gliding along the waterways and inlets of the beautiful East End of Long Island, women's coats watching for birds and signs of spring. What mother wouldn't want to spend her day this way?"

Last year, a dozen lucky moms (and a few husbands, sons and daughters) enjoyed an hour and a half Paddle Diva lesson/SUP tour out of Maidstone Park Beach. Those with no prior experience on a stand up paddleboard (SUP) were welcomed with a lesson and some assistance from Paddle Diva instructors, as will be the case with this year's tour. The popular "SUP Dog" SUP Yoga class (taught by Kama Deva's Jessica Bellofatto) will also be on offer, with participants starting with some poses on land and then moving to the sea for a leisurely beginner-to-intermediate SUP tour. "We stop to enjoy the quiet inlets and maybe even try a few easy yoga moves on the boards," said Bradley.

This year, Bradley and her Paddle Diva team are especially excited about Mothers' Day as it coincides with the opening of the new shop in the Shagwong Marina -- the only SUP center in the Hamptons with direct water access. "After spending two years exploring all the bays and waterways of the East End, I am delighted to have found a place to call home. The Shagwong Marina is a newly refurbished facility that offers clean, brightly lit bathrooms, a private beach for relaxing, shady grassy areas with picnic tables, and incredible sunsets over Three Mile Harbor. It's such a perfect place to spend Mothers' Day. Even if you are not a mom, I'd love for all women to join!"

Paddle Diva will continue to operate "mobile units" at various launch sites throughout the Hamptons, as they have for the past three summers. But as SUP grows in popularity, Bradley felt it important to provide one central location where new clients have a safe and easy place to learn stand up paddling.

"Not everyone who signs up their mom wants to participate, so having the amenities in the Marina is great. The Paddle Diva center includes a shop where clients can browse our SUP boards and our 'Diva Picks'," -- clothing and accessories that Bradley has found to be the best of breed for surf and swim. "And for those who want to explore the area, the Center is just a short drive to the late Jackson Pollack's art studio, a real working blacksmith's shop, bountiful farm stands, and miles of quite bay beaches."

Paddle Diva will be giving away a gift to the first 15 mom's who are registered! Click here to sign up!

Interested in the SUP Dog SUP Yoga class? Register here.

Dance, Yoga and Active Wear Store Boulder Body Wear—Celebrates its 25th Anniversary Providing Yoga, Dance, Active Wear and Lifestyle Apparel

In 1987, Boulder Body Wear started catering exclusively to dancers in a tiny shop located on Boulder's University Hill. Now Boulder Body Wear is proud to celebrate 25 years of loyal service to Boulder's dance community and active women in general. Over the years, the dance, yoga, and lifestyle apparel and accessories store has expanded its online presence and moved to its current and larger location in Boulder Marriott's shopping center and the product line has evolved to include lifestyle fashions for active women in Boulder, Colorado and nationwide online, who participate in a variety of activities, including climbing, hiking, biking, Zumba, pilates and yoga. "As a locally-owned store women's coats , it's important to us to support our community—that's why we carry many locally-made products and organic fabrics," explains Boulder Body Wear owner Amy Kenney. "We want our customers to feel as good about the fashions they're wearing as they look in them."

Even before the mainstream caught on, it was Boulder Body Wear's mission to carry natural fabrics and clothing from socially responsible vendors such as Be Present, Verve, City Lights, Stonewear Designs and Beyond Yoga. These brands offer a wealth of beautiful and functional choices of lifestyle yoga apparel and athletic apparel for women in Boulder, Colorado and beyond. Owner Amy Kenney is always on the lookout for new vendors, and Boulder Body Wear's latest offerings include Pure Karma and ALO, who are offering unique pieces made from organic cotton and upcycled fabrics. Boulder Body Wear also carries Yoga Props from Yogitoes.

In addition to an extensive line of yoga apparel, Boulder Body Wear offers many lifestyle clothing choices for hip women in Boulder, Colorado, including Jag Jeans, Silver Jeans, the Om girl Nomad pant and stylish tees and locally-made jewelry.

For a limited time, to celebrate the 25th anniversary Boulder Body Wear is excited to offer free shipping for all online orders over $75. To learn more about Boulder Body Wear or schedule a pointe shoe fitting, visit http://www.boulderbodywear.com.

Craze for Everything Jersey Inspires Young Fashion Designer to Build His Brand

"Everybody Loves Jersey"    
"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Melissa Gorga wears clothing from Tommy Woj's "Jersyde" (pronounced "jer-side") label. Woj says he couldn't be happier—not just for himself, but because it shows that New Jersey has come into its own. "Everybody loves Jersey", he says. "It's taking over. You see it when 'Jersey Shore' gets seven million Google searches a month, and when there's a hit show ('Jerseylicious') about a Jersey hair salon. But Jersyde isn't just for people from New Jersey, any more than Ralph Lauren Polo is just for polo players. I chose the name because it represents the style, and where I'm from."

Long Before the Trend
Founded in 2004, long before the current infatuation with his home state, Jersyde features a men's and a women's line. The feel is upscale, with an urban flavor—"from the streets, but perfectly at home in a mansion", as Woj puts it. Jersyde off women's coats ers t-shirts for men and matching separates for women in subdued colors and neutrals that are casual enough for daywear, but sophisticated enough for entertaining. And, adds Woj, "they're sexy".

Expanded Line, and a New Web Site    
Jersyde is currently expanding its collection, and is revamping its web site to mark the occasion. Jersyde clothing is currently being sold exclusively through its site, http://www.jersyde.com, which was re-launched on 6/29/12.

For further information on Jersyde designs, or to arrange an interview, contact Tommy Woj, at 1.877.JERSYDE (537.7933), or info(at)jersyde(dot)com.

Best Makeup Remover Cloth EpiCleanse Now Available at Balanced Life Research

The chief executive officer at Balanced Life Research yesterday announced the company is now offering the popular EpiCleanse makeup remover cloth at discount prices. The EpiCleanse facial and makeup removal cloth effectively gets rid of blush, lipstick, base and mascara using only water. The product works well for men and women and it's not harmful to the skin.

EpiCleanse has been rated as the best makeup remover by many different people throughout the world including professional makeup artists, celebrities and housewives. The product is incredibly easy to use as it only requires water. The us women's coats er simply saturates the cloth with water and wipes it across the face to remove the makeup. After the task is complete the cloth is washed normally with soap and water and placed on a towel rack to air dry.

As with many new products there are a lot of people who have submitted reviews after purchasing and using the top makeup remover and most of them have been exceedingly positive. In fact, some people have been calling EpiCleanse 'practical' while other reviewers have said it is a 'miracle' product for women.

"I bought epicleanse after reading so much about it on Facebook. It seems like all of my friends were sharing links and saying how amazing it was that I just had to try it. And I'm glad I did. The only thing I have to do to remove my makeup at night is to wet and rub it on my face and I'm done and ready for bed." – Janice Owens

People who suffer from acne or sensitive skin can also use the EpiCleanse cloth as it is not dangerous or harmful to the skin in any way. It works just as well on dry or oily skin and for people who have combination skin. EpiCleanse is also perfect for travel since it can fit just about anywhere when it's dry and it doesn't require anything to make it work.

New York Wholesale Dress Business Publishes Free Tips on How to Sell Designer Clothing in Nigeria

New York wholesale dress business, CloseoutExplosion.com, has published free tips to show Nigerian boutique owners how to maximize their clothing sales. With the demand in Nigeria for clothing, including office and social dresses being very high, the opportunity to make money selling items such as dresses is substantial. But just as the demand for dresses from New York is large, so is the competition from retailers looking to resell them.

Donny Lowy, the CEO of CloseoutExplosion.com, has a strong customer base consisting of Nigerian clothing stores. Because his customers order online and visit his wholesale New York dress warehouse, he is able to have first hand experience and knowledge regarding the closeout dress business in Nigeria.

He has turned this knowledge base into a special Wholesale for Nigeria report to help current and potential Nigerian wholesale buyers become successful retailers.

"I realize that the success of my wholesale clothing business is directly correlated to the success of my customers, so if I want to continue to grow my business, I need to ensure that I am working to help my customers increase their sales, and reach a high level of profitability," said Donny Lowy, who also exports wholesale brand name womens sho women's jackets es, closeout designer handbags, and overstock corporate suits to other African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, and South Africa.

By specializing in overstock and store return dresses from high end American department stores, and by purchasing overstock directly from dress designers, his business is able to offer brand names such as Tahari, Jones New York, BCBG, Calvin Klein, and Adrianna Papell dresses at below wholesale and true closeout prices.

Customers have the option of visiting the Brooklyn wholesale dress warehouse, or ordering online from the wholesale web site. Shipments to Nigeria can be sent freight collect with Express Air Freight or with a shipping agent that the customer prefers. Closeout Explosion Inc has many customers from Nigeria, and can help boutique owners from Lagos to Abuja to Kano, to navigate the ordering and shipping process.

"As an export wholesale closeout business that has customers throughout Africa, I have become familiar with the styles, brands, and demands of African wholesale buyers, while understanding that a boutique selling wholesale corporate suits to a Nigerian banker has a different merchandise requirement than a boutique selling social dresses to nurses in South Africa. There are different demands in terms of styles, sizes, and brands depending on the local market that a Nigerian shop, or for that matter any African store, is selling to," added Donny Lowy.

While there are many wholesalers located in the New York Garment Center and the LA Fashion District that cater to African buyers, what makes CloseoutExplosion.com uniquely qualified to supply wholesale dresses is that it already has a strong customer base which provides instant feedback on the type of wholesale apparel which they require. In addition, by monitoring Nigerian news, this New York wholesale business is able to stay on top of Nigerian fashion trends and business developments as they take place, which in turn allows for the business to offer suitable wholesale products to its Nigerian customers.

With many repeat customers, and positive testimonials as well, the business is well positioned to continue to serve store owners that are looking for American and European brand names at competitive prices that can give them the potential and opportunity to resell the merchandise at a good profit margin. CloseoutExplosion.com can also source wholesale products for customers, and provide third party online and offline sources for overstock, surplus, and liquidation products and services that can be useful to its domestic and international customer base.

Wholesale Social Dresses Website Published By New York Wholesale Company, CloseoutExplosion.com

A website focused on wholesale social dresses has been published by New York wholesale company, CloseoutExplosion.com. Closeout Explosion, a wholesale closeout business with a wholesale warehouse in Brooklyn, exports and wholesales brand name social dresses by designers such as Adrianna Papell, BCBG, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Bill Levkoff, and more. These dresses are premium label overstock and high end store returns from department stores and store buyouts.

"By focusing on department store overstock, high end store returns, and store buyouts, I am able to offer dress stores and boutiques wholesale social dresses at true closeout prices. I have had wholesale buyers from Nigeria, Trinidad, Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, South Africa, and Malaysia purchase dresses from my New York dress warehouse," said Donny Lowy, the CEO of Closeout Explosion.

The wholesale social women's coats dress site features informative articles on important topics such as:

Understanding What Makes A Dress Social
How The Right Social Dresses Will Make Your Customers Look Like Royalty
Sell Thousands Of Dresses By Becoming A Fashion Consultant
How To Find Customers That Can Spend A Great Deal Of Money On Dresses
Learn To Develop Lifetime Dress Buyers And Watch Your Bottom Line Soar
A Fun Fashion Style That Women Love, You Need These Dresses Now
3 Strategies You Can Use To Attract Shoppers To Your Dress Boutique
How Michelle Obama's Fashion Taste Can Help You Sell More Dresses

The wholesale fashion site also offers for sale below wholesale dresses, and includes example pictures of the type of dresses that Closeout Explosion sellers. Customers can order an assortment of dresses online, or can visit the Brooklyn clothing warehouse to make their own selection. In addition to dresses, the warehouse also offers brand name shoes for women, designer handbags, overstock brand name clothing for men, brand name children clothing, and other closeout items.

"As a wholesale business focused on the liquidation of brand name merchandise, I come across many different types of closeouts that can be suitable for Nigerian boutiques, Jamaican clothing shops, Canadian discount stores, and other retailers located both in the United States and abroad," added Donny.

Based on the experience in supplying closeout products to international buyers, Donny can make product selections that fit the criteria of his customers. For example, if a store in downtown Lagos caters to Nigerian investment bankers, a selection of conservative office dresses would be made, or for the particular market which the reseller is supplying.

Flirting Tips For Guys, Election-Period Edition: Dating Expert's Special Report On Making The Most Of The Presidential Election When Talking To Women

Not only is the upcoming presidential election a great opportunity to get up to speed on current events, it is a useful tool that offers another angle for approaching and flirting with women, says Dating Expert Carlos Xuma in his new report that reveals top flirting tips for guys.

"A large part of flirting involves teasing, and a man who is up on his political current events can use the upcoming election and debates between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, has ample fodder to interact with and even gently tease women," Xuma says in his report.

The key to using politics and other current events as a flirting method relies on men being able to tease in a gentle manner, Xuma says in the report on flirting tips for men.

"Obviously if a guy encounters someone who is rabidly political — maybe wearing pins on her clothing or sporting bumper stickers on her car — she might not be a good candidate to tease about her politics," Xuma explains. "However, as long as a guy can tease in a gentle, non-offensive way, politics can be a fun way to introduce that type of flirting."

For instance, Xuma suggests a guy could tease a woman about liking her particular favored candidate just because he has a fit body or because his IQ is so high.

"One of the flirting tips for guys I offer is gently teasing a woman about her favored political view in a way that compliments her intelligence," Xuma says. "Complimenting a woman on her intelligence in making a political decision makes a guy stand out from the ground. While other men are telling her how much they like her blue eyes (which, by the way is so unoriginal she probably is sick
of hearing it), a guy who has studied tips for flirting with a woman knows how to get her attention by being unique in what he says to her."

Talking politics, such as discussing the Obama and Romney debates, is not only a great way for a man to compliment a woman's intelligence, but a v women's coats ehicle to demonstrate intelligence on the guy's part, Xuma says.

"The ability to talk current events in an intelligent, non-confrontational manner is an extremely valuable trait and men should work on cultivating it if they want to conquer all the flirting tips for guys that work," Xuma says.

Carlos Xuma has spent years teaching hundreds of men how to pick up women through his website at http://www.datingdynamics.com. He has been a dating expert and attraction adviser for more than 10 years and has appeared on ABC and CBS television, as well as Playboy radio. He is the author of The Bad Boy Formula, Secrets of the Alpha Male, the Girlfriend Training Program, and numerous other books and articles, and has been recognized for his work sharing dating advice for
guys, tips on pick up artist techniques, alpha male behavior, and how to talk to girls.

For more information, visit Carlos Xuma's website at http://www.carlosxuma.com .

Luggage Superstore gives guidelines on how to pack to travel light.

For frequent flyers, particularly business passengers, traveling light becomes a vital part of making a trip stress free and possibly even faster through the check points.

o The first thing ever to do when packing is to lay everything out on the floor from a written list and then take away half of the items laid out.Realising half the items are not needed becomes a great help to packing light.
o Investing in anti-wrinkle clothes is never wasted.
o Rolling clothes tightly saves on space and also can prevent excessive creasing.
o Choose dark and neutral colours in clothes as there is less chance of dirt showing up and can be used more often. It is also easier to mix and match darker with neutral colours to give the illusion of different outfits.

Getting maximum wear from each garment is the key.

o For men , it is a good idea to wear the suit or jacket to travel with rather than pack it, women can wear bulkier items on the plane.
o Shoes are bulky items. Choose ones that can be used for any event and choose to wear them on the flight. If carrying an extra pair is really necessary then use inside the shoes for smaller items like deodorants spray cans or socks etc
o Purchase travel size toiletries. If staying at a hotel, hotels do provide quite a bit of toiletries, so that would be some more items not necessary to take.
o If traveling with an airline that allows carry on luggage as well as a shoulder bag, spread some the items between both bags.
o Take a waterproof bag so as to keep clean items away from the dirty ones.
o Packing cubes or compression bags can help to save space and can help to organise items and are quite handy. The downside to this is that some airlines do weight carry on bags, so using space savers would not cut down on weight.

Luggage Superstore's established site is in West Kingsdown, Kent. Their aim is providing competitive prices of the highest quality luggage and top calibre Customer Service for online luggage shopping.

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The History Of Your Bed

For centuries the bed has been one of the most important items of furniture in a household.

Beds are a status symbol: the Tudor royals and noblemen showed off their wealth through their huge four-poster beds and elaborate drapes and hangings, and many people today covet a spacious and beautifully designed bed in their home.

The difference in the quality and comfort of beds has always separated rich from poor and continues to do so. While some of us enjoy the luxury of fine Egyptian cotton sheets, others around the world still prepare for the night by rolling out a simple sleeping mat.

Beds in the ancient world

The earliest beds were little more than piles of straw or other natural materials to ease the discomfort of lying on a bare, cold floor. An important change occurred when beds were first raised off the ground to protect the sleeper from draughts, dirt, and pests.

More than 3,600 years ago, the Persians filled goatskins with water to create the first water beds. In ancient Egypt, beds were made from wood and reed matting, and the bed functioned as a place to eat and entertain socially as well as to sleep.

In Homer's Odyssey, the bed of Odysseus is described as being made of woven rope, while the ancient Romans had a variety of beds for different purposes. These included the lectus cubicularis, or chamber bed for sleeping, the lectus discubitorius, or table bed, on which up to three people would lie to eat, and the lectus funebris, on which the dead were carried to the pyre. In most ancient societies, however, only the rich would have enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in a bed.

Beds in the Middle Ages

In Saxon England, a bed typically consisted of a mattress on wooden boards, covered with quilts and fur rugs. In the later Saxon period, some beds were raised wooden platforms. Again, it was only the rich who slept in beds; everyone else spent the night on the floor huddled around the fire in the great hall.

The 13th century saw the arrival of the canopy or tester, which was suspended by cords from beams above the bed. Curtains were hung on it to block out draughts and light. Gradually bed covers became more elaborate, often incorporating gold cloth and decorative fringes. In the early 14th century, feather beds imported from France became popular in English homes. In the wealthiest households a feather bed was placed onto the matted truss (mattress) of straw, with a layer of canvas in between. The woollen blanket also appeared around this time.

The great four-poster bed was first introduced in the 15th century, probably from Austria. These beds were typically enormous with huge intricately carved pillars up to 18 inches in diameter carrying the vast weight of the wooden panelled tester. Carvings on the bed included the family coat of arms, monsters, griffins, Cupids, and knights, and drapes and tapestries were heavily embroidered in splendid colours and exotic designs. When lords travelled between manors, they frequently took their beds with them. Portable beds were known as 'trussing' beds and the hangings were referred to as 'the portable chamber.'

In 1600, the bed in a poor household would consist of a timber frame with rope or leather supports. The mattress was a bag of soft filling, usually straw or sometimes wool. However, a tradesman might have several feather beds in his house, often with an elaborately carved back and posts.

The origins of the modern bed

By the mid 18th century, a greater range of materials for bedding had become available. Quality linen or cotton was used for covers, while coconut fibre, cotton, wool and horsehair filled mattresses and pillows. By the late 19th century, iron and steel frames had largely replaced the traditional timber bed.

In 1873, Sir James Paget at St Bartholomew's Hospital first used a waterbed to treat and prevent pressure sores. The water-filled mattress allowed pressure to be evenly distributed over the body. By 1895 a few waterbeds were sold by Harrod's via mail order. But due to a lack of suitable materials, the waterbed did not gain widespread popularity until vinyl was developed in the 1960s.

In 1900, American William Lawrence Murphy invented the space-saving 'Murphy Bed', which folded up into a closet. 1929 saw the arrival of expensive latex rubber mattresses, and at around the same time pocket spring mattresses were introduced. These consisted of individual springs sewn into linked fabric bags.

The pocket sprung mattress is still sold worldwide today, though new technology has enabled alternatives to be developed such as the memory foam mattress, which moulds perfectly to the shape of your body and ensures a great night's sleep.

From an aesthetic perspective, beds made from natur women's jackets al materials such as pine have enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity.

The Best Way of Using the Clay

Before you started working on your ceramic making project, you must make sure that your clay is well mixed and not too hard or too soft. In this article you will find some of the most important things you need to know for making a ceramic.

Craftsmanship is all-important in any part of the ceramic process. The materials can be dirty and messy it is wise to wear an apron in the workshop and unless a strict control is maintained over them, the results may be discouraging. Rules often limit the imagination and creativity of the artist, but here are some suggestions which will help insure good results:

1. Avoid sharp, angular edges or corners. They create strain and cracking. Clay adapts itself more readily to rounded edges and soft curves. Also, after firing, an edge that is too sharp can be dangerous like a chipped glass, it is hard enough to lacerate the skin.

2. To add soft to harder clay in a project which cannot be completed in one sitting, slowly soften the hard clay with a damp cloth or sponge. Too rapid absorption of coat of slip before adding new, soft clay.

3. To mend cracks on still-moist clay bodies, probe to the bottom of the crack and fill it with clay of the same consistency. Repeat if the crack reappears. Before allowing it to dry, a piece should be carefully inspected and all cracks repaired. If the clay is hard, the problem is much more difficult; more time and patience are required. First, moisten the area very slowly, probe to the bottom of the crack, and carefully fill it with a solution of slip or clay mixed with 50% by volume of grog.

4. Lightly sponge the surface of a piece, after it is shaped to completion, to remove rough and sharp edges. Do not, h women's jackets owever, expect sponging to cover up poor work.

5. If a project is to be worked on over a long period of time, it must be kept damp between operations. A damp closet may be used. This is a specially constructed cupboard which is lined with zinc. An old ice box, a tin box or a butter tub with plaster cast across the top may also serve as storage vessels. The piece should be wrapped in a damp cloth, dampness depending on shape, size, sturdiness and condition of clay. Wrap the cloth around the object, to reduce weight on the clay, and close to the piece, to reduce evaporation.

6. Before a piece of sculpture is permitted to dry, it may need to be hollowed. If it is more than IV2 inches thick at any point, clay should be removed from the center. A half-inch wall of clay should be maintained. Hollowing allows the clay to dry with greater speed and with less stress and strain, and may open up air pockets which would cause disaster during the firing process.

7. How long a piece requires to dry depends entirely on its shape, thickness, and fragility. Slow drying under any circumstances is essential. Rapid drying causes a dry crust to develop on the surface, through which moisture cannot escape, and warping develops. Cracks may also appear at the points of greatest strain. A piece should be allowed to dry in its damp box until the shiny moisture disappears. Then it may be removed and left at room temperature for a day or so, after which it can be placed over a radiator or in a hot box where some means of heating is employed. Pieces must be completely dry before firing. Moisture turns to steam in the kiln and exerts tremendous pressure in escaping. This almost always results in the piece exploding.

To test dryness: In cold weather, place the bottom against the window pane for a few seconds. Look for condensation which will appear on the window if the piece is still too moist. There is no reliable dryness test for hot weather.

Finally, the novice ceramist should be familiar with a modeling material called plasteline, or plastecine. In essence, plasteline is comprised of ball clay, lanolin and glycerine. Since the clay flour is mixed with an oil base rather than water, plasteline is very plastic and will not dry, shrink or harden. It finds its greatest use for sculpting prototypes of cast ware. Unless the artist wishes to make reproductions of his sculpture, he should model directly in clay. Plasteline cannot be fired. A mold must be made of the plasteline figure and slip poured into it. When the mold is completed, the plasteline can be mashed up and used again.

Knowing The Right Time To Toilet Train Your Toddler

Girls are usually easier than boys to toilet train. With all the boys and girls I have ever known, this has been the case. I don?€?t think there is any research that actually explains why this is the case. It is also reported that fewer girls wet the bed. Actually and this is absolute truth, my daughter just one day started sitting on the potty chair and potty training was over for the both of us. She continued to use that potty chair until she was able to use the bathroom.

Some of the main signs you can watch for whether you have a boy or girl are:

?€? Being able to wait several hours before urinating. When urination occurs, the child empties the bladder instead of only a small amount at a time.

?€? The child knows the words that your family uses in connection with going to the bathroom or restroom, such as ?€?pee?€?and ?€?poop.?€?/p>

?€? The child can get on and off of the toilet or the potty chair by themselves and can raise and lower pants unassisted

?€? The child generally understands and follows your verbal instructions. If your child typically does not follow your instructions, you should probably make this your step one before proceeding to toilet training.

Sometimes constipation can cause a complication while toilet training a toddler. Avoid using laxatives or stool softeners unless directed by your physician to do so. Try fiber-rich foods such as whole-grain breads, broccoli, and cereal to keep the stools easy to pass.

A good rule to follow is that children should eat enough grams of fiber to equal their age plus five. This would mean a 4-year-old needs 9 grams of fiber each day. Try to distribute the fiber equally among all three meals. Be sure your toddler is getting adequate fluids that include water, diluted fruit juices and prune juice. Do not give your child too many dairy products.

Another trick you can try is to give your toddler a teaspoonful of pure honey each morning to help soften the stools if modifying the diet is not enough. Honey is a mild natural laxative. Do not give honey to a baby younger than one year of age. Babies are at risk of getting botulism.

If your toddler is still constipated consult with your child?€?s pediatrician.

Once you have your toddler?€?s constipation problems under control resume toilet training. It may take weeks or months for your toddler to forget about the painful bowel movements enough to try poop on the potty chair. You can start with encouraging your toddler to sit on the potty chair or toilet. Once he or she poops on the potty successfully a few times, he or she should be well on their way to being toilet trained.

There is no certain or magic age at which a child is ready to start learning how to use the potty. The majority of children have developed the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months of age women's coats . Some children are not interested in potty training until they are closer to 3 or even 4.

Keep in mind that starting a child on toilet training before the child is ready does not mean you will finish sooner. It is more likely the process will end up taking longer. Review the checklist below to determine your toddler?€?s progress toward readiness for toilet training:

?€? Physical signs include: Coordination enough to walk, and run steadily; urinates a fair amount at one time; has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times; has dry periods of at least three or four hours;

?€? Behavioral signs include: Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes; can pull his pants up and down; dislikes the feelings of wearing wet or dirty diaper; shows interest in other?€?s bathroom habits or wants to wear underwear instead of diapers; gives a physical or verbal sign when he or she is having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting or tells you; demonstrates a desire for independence; takes pride in his accomplishments; is not resistant to learning to use the toilet; is generally cooperative, not negative or contrary to your instructions;

?€? Cognitive signs include: Can follow simple instructions like ?€?go get your coat or hat;?€?understands the value of putting things where they belong; has words for urine and stool; understands physical signals that mean he or she has to go or can tell you before it happens or hold it until he or she is able to get to the potty.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Pug Dog Breed

The Pug is a stocky but short dog with the males measuring 12 to 15 inches in height and weighing between 14 and 20 pounds, and the female bitch measuring 8 to 12 inches in height with a weight of 13 to 18 pounds. They have a round head which is disproportionately large for their body size with a square shaped muzzle that is blunt and quite short. Their ears can be either button shaped or rose shaped, and are small and thin. The tail curls over their back and is most commonly a double curl, with a short coat that is fine and soft. There can be a variety of colours such as silver black fawn and apricot. Whilst these dogs are small they are surprisingly muscular and strong.

History. The Pug is a very old breed of dog and thought to have originated prior to 400BC. Although there are great discussions, concerning the exact origins it is generally agreed upon, that they originated in Asia. The dogs used to often be kept in monasteries, and have been the favourites of various Royalty. Pugs were first introduced to Europe in the late 18th century by the merchants and crews of the Dutch East India trading company. In the 19th century, they arrived in the United States and were recognized as a breed there in 1885.

Temperament. The Pugs are not yappy dogs but they do make excellent watchdogs, drawing their owners' attention to anything they detect that is unusual. They are strong of will, but generally amiable and it is rare for them to be aggressive. They are well suited as a family pet and get on well with children; they are also strong enough and sturdy enough to tolerate play with smaller children, which because of their size is not a problem as they are not big enough to knock small children over normally. They are not normally particularly excitable dogs, yet they are rarely boring. They also integrate well with other pets in the household. Because they are muscular and active t women's jackets hey tend to like more exercise than other dogs of similar size. It is very important to assert yourself as the master of your pet, otherwise the dog may feel that they are in control, which can cause them to be destructive, a dog that feels they are in control of a household is rarely as happy as the dog who realises their correct place in the hierarchy.

Health issues. Pugs can catch a cold quite easily and do not tolerate particularly hot or cold weather. Due to their short muzzle, they have a greater tendency towards breathing problems. It is also prone to ailments of the skin and, a condition known as pug dog encephalitis, which is a brain based infection. It is common for the females when giving birth to require a Caesarean section, due in no small part to the size of baby's head. They can also suffer some eye conditions, and it is important not to over feed a pug as they will eat more than they require which will lead to obesity.

Grooming. Because of their predisposition to skin problems it is advisable to only brush them when necessary; this is of course also true for bathing. After a Bath, you have to dry the dog as thoroughly as possible. The exception to this rule are the creases around the dogs face, these must be cleaned regularly and quite frequently. As a breed they shed quite heavily but this is only seasonal, and more grooming may be required at that time.

Living conditions. The Pug is well suited to living in an apartment but does require a reasonable amount of exercise. When out walking you need the dog to walk beside or behind you as they tend to see the person leading as the person in command. These are a determined breed, and you need to assert yourself as their master.

How To Refinish Wood Furniture

Solid wood furniture often holds a special place in our homes and lives because it is so durable and beautiful and can easily be passed down from one generation to the next. Well built solid wood furniture is harder to come by these days and often costs a small fortune when bought new. More and more people are finding and buying older pieces of furniture and refinishing them to bring them back to their former glory.

The process of taking and old piece of wooden furniture that has been neglected or forgotten and restoring it to a beautiful piece of furniture can be time consuming and frustrating at times, but it can also be incredibly re fashion coats online warding when you're done. Here are the general steps required in refinishing a piece of wooden furniture:

1. Pick a piece of furniture - The first step is obviously having a piece of furniture to refinish. If it is the first time you have tried such a project it should probably be something relatively simple in design and without a lot of ornate decorations. You may also want to avoid trying your hand at refinishing priceless antiques and furniture that is in need of extensive repair. A simple chest of drawers or a single chair is a good start. Assess the piece of furniture and make sure it is mostly sturdy and able to be refinished. A flea market or large garage sale is sometimes the perfect place to find old dressers or toyboxes that have been painted over but are just waiting to be refinished.

2. Removing the finish - Now that you have a piece of furniture you'll want to remove the existing finish. Often this finish is paint and it can be removed several ways. Using a chemical paint stripper that is made exclusively for wood is a good start, but you'll also need a lot of elbow grease, some steel brushes and a paint scraper to really get that paint off. This is sometimes the most time consuming part of the entire job. Once you begin to remove the finish you should try to identify what type of wood your furniture is made out of because that may affect how you sand and even how you ultimately refinish the piece.

3. Sanding - Once the majority of the previous finish has been removed from every square inch of your piece of furniture you can begin sanding it. Typically you sand with a lower grade grit (lower number, rougher sanding) and move up to higher grades. Yes, you will sand the same piece multiple times. First you may go over a piece of furniture with an 80 grit piece of paper and then you may go over it again with a 120 grit sandpaper and then you may go over it a third time with a 220 grit sand paper. The "grit" refers to how many grits of sand are in a square inch of the paper. The higher the grit the smaller the sand grits and the smoother the sanding job. You sand a piece of wooden furniture for several reasons. You are removing any excess finish and you are also preparing the wood for the next finish. Be careful about over sanding! Some stains and finishes actually have a hard time adhering to a wood surface that it too smooth.

4. Repair - Once you're done sanding you should check the piece over and make any structural repairs if they are needed. Check dovetail joints to make sure they are tight and consider replacing any metal hardware if it is not functioning properly or could damage the wood of the furniture.

5. Finish - Finally, you can now apply a finish to your new piece of furniture! There are several different options for staining from water based to oil based to Gel stains. They all have advantages and disadvantages and the stain you choose may depend upon the type of wood you're working with and refinishing. After applying several coats of stain you'll then want to add a protecting coat which will also depend up the type of wood and the type of stain you are using.

The process of refinishing a piece of wood, no matter how large or how small, is a long one which often requires a lot of patience, a little bit of creativity and a fair bit of persistance. Many people find that once they've refinished one piece of furniture that they can't wait to find the next piece of wooden furniture to fix up and refinish!

Pug Dog Breed

The Pug is a stocky but short dog with the males measuring 12 to 15 inches in height and weighing between 14 and 20 pounds, and the female bitch measuring 8 to 12 inches in height with a weight of 13 to 18 pounds. They have a round head which is disproportionately large for their body size with a square shaped muzzle that is blunt and quite short. Their ears can be either button shaped or rose shaped, and are small and thin. The tail curls over their back and is most commonly a double curl, with a short coat that is fine and soft. There can be a variety of colours such as silver black fawn and apricot. Whilst these dogs are small they are surprisingly muscular and strong.

History. The Pug is a very old breed of dog and thought to have originated prior to 400BC. Although there are great discussions, concerning the exact origins it is generally agreed upon, that they originated in Asia. The dogs used to often be kept in monasteries, and have been the favourites of various Royalty. Pugs were first introduced to Europe in the late 18th century by the merchants and crews of the Dutch East India trading company. In the 19th century, they arrived in the United States and were recognized as a breed there in 1885.

Temperament. The Pugs are not yappy dogs but they do make excellent watchdogs, drawing their owners' attention to anything they detect that is unusual. They are strong of will, but generally amiable and it is rare for them to be aggressive. They are well suited as a family pet and get on well with children; they are also strong enough and sturdy enough to tolerate play with smaller children, which because of their size is not a problem as they are not big enough to knock small children over normally. They are not normally particularly excitable dogs, yet they are rarely boring. They also integrate well with other pets in the household. Because they are muscular and active t women's jackets hey tend to like more exercise than other dogs of similar size. It is very important to assert yourself as the master of your pet, otherwise the dog may feel that they are in control, which can cause them to be destructive, a dog that feels they are in control of a household is rarely as happy as the dog who realises their correct place in the hierarchy.

Health issues. Pugs can catch a cold quite easily and do not tolerate particularly hot or cold weather. Due to their short muzzle, they have a greater tendency towards breathing problems. It is also prone to ailments of the skin and, a condition known as pug dog encephalitis, which is a brain based infection. It is common for the females when giving birth to require a Caesarean section, due in no small part to the size of baby's head. They can also suffer some eye conditions, and it is important not to over feed a pug as they will eat more than they require which will lead to obesity.

Grooming. Because of their predisposition to skin problems it is advisable to only brush them when necessary; this is of course also true for bathing. After a Bath, you have to dry the dog as thoroughly as possible. The exception to this rule are the creases around the dogs face, these must be cleaned regularly and quite frequently. As a breed they shed quite heavily but this is only seasonal, and more grooming may be required at that time.

Living conditions. The Pug is well suited to living in an apartment but does require a reasonable amount of exercise. When out walking you need the dog to walk beside or behind you as they tend to see the person leading as the person in command. These are a determined breed, and you need to assert yourself as their master.