Friday 31 August 2012

Don't toss those Tights !

Hello!

 Shopping is a fashionista’s favorite sport, so it helps to keep your eyes and ears peeled for ways to stretch your fashion money. Here's   a very cool way to give a fashion item that may be on its last leg a few more laps around the block.

 Take a pair of tights that have holes in them and make socks...

  1. You can wear them with peep toe shoes and booties to add a pop of color, and they are perfect for the socks-with-sandals trend that has been popping up on the fashion scene.
  2. This idea can also help you break out any open-toed shoes that otherwise might be too chilly to wear right now.

Talking of the chill, your lips might get dried up too often...or some people have perpetually dry lips, irrespective of the weather...well, here's a tip for you too..

  • Butter Lip Balm. It is in a bigger tube than most chapsticks. Give it a try; you can probably buy it at your local drugstore for only about a buck a tube. You can’t beat that. . It is a must for everyone’s pocket or purse.

Recycling - in Style ;)

Hello!

You’d be surprised how much stuff you waste on a daily basis. Recycling is about much more than taking cans to a community center or putting paper in the right slot at work. We waste an outrageous amount of food, fabric, furniture, and other items every day. However, there are many ways to not only take care of the environment, but have some fun, save money, and be creative, too!

Consider these options next time you’re looking to make a bit of a difference in the world.

  • Bottle or Chip Clip? Cut off the domed portion of an empty plastic bottle to create an innovative chip clip. Instead of clipping, simply fit the bag through the hole in the plastic and screw on the lid over the plastic. Different colored tops can give your staples a cute new look in a bowl on your counter.


  • Bread Tab or Label? When you finish a loaf of bread, save the tab that allows you to twist the bag shut. After collecting a few, these can be fun new labels. For instance, attach them to the cables behind your TV to keep your connections straight, or hang them on hooks by your mailbox to show whose is whose.



  • Flavored Ice Cubes – This can be a great way to save drinks that are flat or in excess, or just a great way to plan a picnic. Making ice cubes out of something like orange juice, pop, or anything flavored really is a great way to spice up drinks at any gathering, and also looks really cool!



  • Wine Bottle or Mood Lighting – Use old wine and liquor bottles as mood lighting by filling them with Christmas lights. Experiment with different colored bottles and lights; it can be very subtle or a flashy new conversation piece.

Thursday 30 August 2012

Cleaning up that Closet !

Hello!

All of us ,, at one poiint or anither have looked inside our closet and realised how over filled it is!
Yes, it's true that we keep dumping the clothes in  , filling it till the brim and then comes a day whe n you sit down and think to yourself "i don;t really have anything to wear! "
 And you go out to shopsome more.. ;)

Well, If you’re gearing up to do some shopping and need a little bit of “rationalization” to get you out the door or ease your buyer’s remorse, you can always do some spring cleaning to make room for your new fashions.
Even if you’re not ready to shop, there is nothing wrong with getting a little more organized. You can adapt these questions to fit your needs, but try to be honest. You may be surprised at the pile of things just sitting in your closet at the end; think of all of that free space you can fill up.

Here are the three factors which will definitely help you decide which clothes are to be thrown away or given out to the needy :) and yes, doing charity is a great way to lighten your closet :)

  • Do I love it? Even if it’s not the latest fashion, you may love it. Is it a favorite, a signature piece, or maybe a beloved hand-me-down?

  • Do I need it? Do you really need eight pairs of skinny jeans? Will you be lost without it? Is it functional? Fit? When was the last time you wore it?

  • Does it make me money? Could you consign it or sell it yourself? Is this a go-to, never-fail piece? This could pertain to an interview suit that might not get worn often, but will take you to an interview in style.

So, think and decide for yourself, clean up that closet ladies, make room for some clothes  now :)

Arranging Flowers :)

Hello! 

We all have some kind of flower arrangements kept at home, well to make them look prettier, wo don;t really need prettier flowers, what you can actually do is arrrange them in a manner that make it look really Grand. Here's how :


 With a monochromatic palete,
  •  it’s easy to do a big-scale arrangement.
  • Choose one color, and pick flowers with large petals and buda for it .
  • Tulips, hydrangeas, and large daisies work really well with this tactic.
 
When choosing to use a couple of coordinating colors,
  • it’s easier to include some greens as one of those colors.
  • Never be afraid to include non-floral elements like greenery, twigs, or leaves!
  • Light-colored flowers look great with spring-y, bright greens, or really dark ones.
  • Medium to dark-colored flowers looks best with dark-colored greenery.

If you’re going to go wild with color,
  • your best bet is to keep the shape really asymmetrical.
  • You shouldn’t ever create a perfect shape when arranging flowers anyways, but with loads of colour, the shape needs to be more wild than usual .
  • There isn’t a lot of rhyme or reason here, so pick colors, shapes, and textures you think look good together.
 

Pamper Yourself, With these Simple Steps ...!

Hello!

 We need to pamper and love ourselves occasionally, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But those needs don’t have to cost lots of money, and you can do them right at home. So whether you’re looking for some great skincare tips, you need to really kick some life into your complexion, or you just need a relaxing night, we've got your fix right here.

Facials are easy enough to do at home, and we've developed a great tried-and-true routine that I use when I’m in dire need of a complexion renewal.  always start with a good cleanse and exfoliation, followed by a mask and steam.

Here’s the breakdown:
  1. Cleanse – If you want to do your face any good, you’ll need to get your pores squeaky clean! Choose your favorite cleanser and use small, circular motions with your fingertips or a washcloth. Remember: the smaller the circles, the more dirt and oil you dissolve! Rinse with warm water.
  2. Exfoliate – Grab a gentle exfoliator and get ready to remove dead, icky skin cells. If you don’t have an exfoliator, put a tablespoon of sugar into a tablespoon of honey and watch it work its magic. Gently massage your face with the mixture, including your forehead, jawline, hairline, and temples. Leave no stone unturned! Focus on areas where your skin is particularly rough or where your pores are visible. Rinse with warm water.
  3. The Mask – This is my favorite part, because I love creating my own masques! My current favorite is a mixture of honey, turmeric, lemon juice, and yogurt. Honey is antibacterial and moisturizing, turmeric is an Indian spice used for brightening, and lemon juice produces similar results. Yogurt is a great balancing ingredient and a moisturizer as well.
  • Mix about two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of organic, plain yogurt, a pinch of turmeric, and a squeeze of lemon juice (from a REAL lemon, not a bottle!).
  • Mix and apply to your face.
  • You can also run your lemon peels through the garbage disposal for a refreshing scent, as well as use them for polishing, composting, or flavoring your water.
  1. Steam – Steam is a great way to open pores and cleanse the skin. You just need to be gentle. If you have any leftover lemon peels, throw them into a bowl and add in hot water. Cover the bowl with a towel and put into the microwave for five to six minutes. Grab a thick, fluffy hand towel and carefully remove the bowl – don’t splash or scald yourself! Sit the bowl on a table and seat yourself. Lean your face over the bowl and use the towel to cover your head and trap the steam underneath. Sit tight for seven to ten minutes,
  2. Finishing up – Rise your face with lukewarm or cold water to cool down – and maybe drink some water. Put on your best moisturizer and products you use normally.
Voila! You’ve had a wonderfully relaxing skin spa right at home. You can add aromatherapy, music, or a hubby-done foot rub for extra oomph.
 

Perfecting that Ponytail ;)

Hello!

It’s hard to put your hair in a ponytail wrong – as long as your hair is back and out of your face, it  works, right? It serves its purpose, yet it is far from the polished look of the styled ponies worn by celebrities on the red carpet. Sure, you can survive with a basic pony, but you can shine with a few tips for creating the perfect ponytail that will be sleek, stylish, and star-worthy.

Adding volume..

  • Volume along the top of your head is one of the keys to lifting your look to the next level.
  •  If you are starting with damp or recently washed hair, use a thickening spray.
  • If you have day-old hair, it will already hold some extra volume, so you can choose to skip this step.
  • Also, if you have fine or straight hair, you may choose to curl your hair with a curling iron to add even more volume.


 Time to tease...

  • Using a fine-toothed comb, back-brush your hair at the crown for a basic ponytail. For a volumized, edgy look, tease hair starting at your hairline and work all the way back to the crown.
  •  Work with three-inch sections and tease from the underside to keep the top smooth.
  • Smooth the hair on top of the teased section. Spray the teased section from the underside with a volumizing hair spray.


Pull it back..

  • Pull hair back into a ponytail about mid-way between the crown and the nape of your neck.
  •  For an extra-full ponytail without using extensions, create two ponytails, one underneath the other. Keeping the look polished is as easy as choosing a ponytail holder that matches your hair color.
  • To really dress it up for an event, take a half-inch section of hair from your ponytail and wrap it around your elastic to hide it.
  • Secure the end with a bobby pin that matches your hair color.

Finish the look with a spritz of hair spray to keep the look all day.

 

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Statement Earrings!

Hello!

Statement earrings are back this season and they come in various forms – cutouts, floral and animal shaped. Whether you are planning to wear it with an Indian ensemble or looking for something more contemporary, Here is  list investment earrings that would last a lifetime.

Contemporary: Long earrings can add the finishing touch to any look. Don’t restrict your look to simple studs; think dangling earrings with cut work in eclectic shapes. These feminine and cute if you are looking to make a statement at a party.

Traditional: Nature inspired earrings are still a big hit, but this season think away from the peacock motifs but stick to the colour scheme. If you’d like something simpler, try cocoon shaped earrings with jhali work. We love the rose-cut diamond earrings .

Box-Bags!

Hello!

A  tiny details can make or break a look, especially when it comes to accessories.There is  an array of square bags in pop colours, blacks and whites to replace the slouchy hobo. No matter which trend you adopt this summer, top it off with a structured bag for all occasions.

Casual: Add a little fun to your look with an eclectic box bag like this camera leather bag by Proenza Schouler. Alternatively, the raffia Lady Dior is a good companion for brunches, best with an oversized shirt and skinny jeans.

Work: Add a polished look to your corporate wear with a no-nonsense bag. Carry this leather Prada bag to your next board meeting to show who is boss. If you prefer something feminine, the Victoria bag in cheery yellow by Victoria Beckham should do the trick when paired with a shift dress and killer heels.

Cocktails: Ditch your usual oversized envelope clutch for a mini square one. Opt for pieces in strong colours, graphics and metallics to add that extra edge to your look. We love the Perspex and feather clutch by Charlotte Olympia for an intimate dinner. However, it’s not all boring and classy pieces, eclectic girls can opt for the To Kill A Mockingbird embroidered clutch by Olympia Le Tan.

Wearing Delicious Shades!

Hello!

Pastel shades, citrus hues and easy ruffles made their presence felt on the runways of Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. Heavily influenced by marshmallows, jelly beans, cupcakes and all thing sweet, try letting your playful side out to make the most of this trend with ruffles, frills and bows.
With so many options in hues and textures, sweeten your wardrobe with our fail-proof guide on wearing candy colours no matter what the occasion.

Casual: Think breezy silhouettes and zesty colours. Colour-blocking is the key to making this trend work, mix soft colours like mint and lemon with acidic hues of pink and blue. Try the Kiara top paired with shorts and the  multi-coloured wedge sandals .

Work: Ditch those dark shift dresses for something in pastel that is both feminine and strong. Try the cutout lemon skirt by Zara for those who can get away with showing some leg at work. Alternatively, make casual Fridays even more fun by pairing these neon yellow jeanswith a white boyfriend blazer that’s both versatile and chic.

Cocktails: Don’t be afraid to carry this delicate trend into the night by giving it a hard makeover. Pair your frothy dresses with fitted jackets and pastel coloured jumpsuits with gothic accessories. Trt a ruffeled mini dress.

Wear the Lady Like Dressing!

Hello!

When Catherine Middleton married Prince William last year, little did we know the impact she will have on the fashion world. The new Duchess of Cambridge’s pretty and polished style has inspired fashion houses like Fendi, Prada and Louis Vuitton.
Whether you are headed to work or cocktails, simple pieces with minimal accessories should help you do the trick. Here's how to dress up perfectly like a lady ;)

Casual: Kate Middleton’s day looks are always stylish yet functional. Think knee-length dresses and comfortable heels. Vogue.in recommends the boat neck monochromatic dress by . Pair it with wedge sandals by  and the 1950s cat-eye sunglasses .


Work: Wear full skirts with smart button down shirts and fuss-free accessories for an elegant yet business-like look. Wear the Pencil skirt with frill . Best worn with a fitted shirt and pointed heels.


Cocktails: Don’t restrict this look to formal affairs and day-time activities. Play with textures like leather and sequins to make this a party-friendly trend. Try pastel blue dress; pair a glitzy clutch like this beaded box and you are good to go .

Wearing the trend - Cropped Tops!

Hello!

Think back to the 1970s when bell-bottoms, platform shoes and mid-riff baring tops were all the rage. Thanks to designers Emilio Pucci and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sonam Kapoor and Kim Kardashian, the cropped top is making a comeback and how. This trend can be quite tricky to master, especially since it requires the sliver of skin to be shown. Here's how to wear a cropped top, irrespective of how much skin you want to show.

Casual: This trend works best with fuss-free accessories and minimalist accents. Freido Pinto nailed the trend by wearing matching cropped top and skirt combo at the 2012 Cannes International Film Festival. Channel her style by pairing a bright coloured top with printed palazzo pants and platform heels to give off an air of nonchalance or alternatively, work a printed top like the Elsa cropped crochet knit top by Missoni with a bright coloured a-line skirt.

Work: For those with a slight relaxed office environment, don’t  be shy to make this trend work in your favour. However, skip the show of skin by opting for high waisted trousers to pair with your cropped top. For a conservative office, layer a cropped top over a basic white shirt. Vogue.in recommends Mia cropped pixelated cashmere sweater by Preen.

Cocktails: Now is your chance to get enviable abs and show it off. While wearing a cropped top, keep the rest of your look conservative and completely avoid short skirts. We love the chili pepper print cotton bustier by Dolce & Gabbana, pair it with a voluminous ankle skimming skirt. For a more formal affair, try the sequined tulle cropped top.


Monday 27 August 2012

Makeup tips every girl should know!

Hello!
 
Here are a few makeup tips that every girl should know, u can call them the basics ...so..read on..and update your knowledge on beauty !
 
 
 
Tired of your foundation looking cakey and unnatural? To get fresh-faced, flawless skin like Emma Stone, Put foundation all over your face, then use a tissue to wipe it off of your cheeks. This makes it easier to layer your blush on without it looking fake. “It brings life back to your cheeks and realness back to your skin.













Jordana Brewster
Mastering a multi-use product will not only give you a pretty look, it will also help save you time and money on your makeup routine. “Everyone should have a great fuchsia cheek color that they can pop on their lips and cheeks,” Whether you’re fair, or have a darker skin tone like Jordana Brewster, Westman promises that pink works on everyone. “Choose a creamy, opaque pink with a bit of gold in it to brighten the face. Mix it with some moisturizer and blend on your cheeks,” she says.








Lauren ConradGoof Proof eyeliner :

Liquid eyeliner is one of the trickiest products to master, but once you learn the right way to do it, you can create chic eye makeup looks like Lauren Conrad’s in a flash. “An easy way to test out liquid liner is to first use a taupe eyeliner pencil to lightly trace a line just above your upper lashline,” says . “This trick lets you make sure the lines are even and accurate before next applying the liquid liner directly on top of the ‘practice’ line.









Kim Kardashian
You don’t have to be born with killer cheekbones like Kim Kardashian—fake it with this sculpting tip  Sweep a sheer shimmer powder along the top of your cheekbones and just under your temples. Next, pucker up to find the hollows of your cheeks. Dust a deep nude blush in the sunken area just under the cheekbone. Smile and apply a peachy blush using the “cinnamon bun method”—use circular motions, starting at the apple of the cheek and slowly make larger circles with the brush. Voila! Instant cheekbones!






Taylor Swift

 
To score a red carpet-worthy smokey eye like Taylor Swift, start by lining the inner rim of your lower lashlines, working the eyeliner into the lashes. Close your eyes and line the upper lashlines, pushing the liner into the lashes so there’s no gap between your lashes and the line. Use your fingertip to smudge it in, then sweep eyeshadow across your lids and up into your creases, blending outwards and upwards towards (but not to!) your temple.

Preventing Hat Hair !

Hello!
 
 
While we are ecstatic that hat season has returned, our hair isn’t. But tell those strands not to fret, because we have some tips on how to prevent unruly, messy hair once you take off that trendy fedora or sporty baseball cap!


1. Prevent Tangles
Make sure your roots are dry when you first put on your hat. If not, you will have to restyle your locks once you remove it.

2. Reduce Static And Frizz
Use styling products that lend moisture to overly dry hair. Apply a styling lotions to the ends. Warning: do not apply to the roots. Wearing a hat creates heat on the top of your head. Combined with the styling products, your hair can look a little greasy.

3. Go With A Silk Hat
A silk-lined hat is a great option to prevent hat hair on strands that just don’t respond well to styling products. Silk doesn’t create static, frizz or make harsh dents in the hair.

4. Go Full
Style your hair a little fuller than you would normally. Hats push your hair down, so the more volume you have to begin with, the better.
 

Get Straight Hair - Make them Stay ;)

Hello!

Kiss those summer beach waves goodbye—straight hair is having a major moment this fall. But before you fry your ends with a flat iron, know that there’s a better way to get sleek strands with less damage. Here are some quick tips to save you time, energy and split ends.

The Blow Dyer — Your New BFF
With the right products and tools, you won’t need to flat iron after you blow dry–which means you’ll cut the amount of time you expose strands to heat.
Prep damp hair with a Straight Blow Dry  ,  which has a gel-like consistency that helps loosen your hair’s natural curves.

Add an anti-frizz serum, if your texture is coarse or prone to flyaways. And be thorough: “Frizz can be reduced by making sure the hair is completely dry before leaving the house.

If you’re going for a pin-straight look, use a flat brush to blow out hair. Want a little movement and volume? Opt for a round brush. The bigger the brush, the bouncier the blowout.

Finish off with hairspray,which has a blend of honeysuckle and lychee to resist humidity and keep locks sleek.
 
Enjoy Straight Strands For Days
  • Now that you’ve got those straight locks, focus on making them last—after all, fewer blowouts means less damage in the long run. Swap your daily moisture-stripping wash for dry shampoo.
 
  • To prevent frizz and static during sleep hours, switch to a silk pillowcase. Silk prevents split ends, doesn’t tangle hair like cotton (cotton actually tugs at individual strands, causing breakage), and even helps reduce the production of sebum, decreasing the chance of greasy hair.

  • And most importantly, hands off. “Avoid touching your hair frequently, as that can create friction.

 

Friday 24 August 2012

Bang Hairstyles!

Hello!
 
Here are some "bang hairstyles" for you, to take insppiration from . They are cute and trendy . try them out ;)
 

kate beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale  
  • Making your hair dramatically flat and dramatically matte is a great way to alter your look. Flat-iron your bangs (make sure they're cut very blunt) and then spray them with a dry shampoo to counteract the shine brought on by heat styling.
 
  • Work a matte paste through your ends, taking care to work a small piece at a time. You don't want a ton of product but want to take the time to separate strands for a deliberate, piecey look.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

sarah jessica parker

Sarah Jessica Parker 
  • Spritz some styling spray into your hair (to give it some guts) and quickly blow-dry, shaking hair out with your fingers so you ramp up the volume.
 
  • Take a large-barreled (1.5 inch) curling iron and wrap 2-inch sections of hair.
 
  • Take a natural boar-bristle brush and brush through the curls to loosen them into waves. To make this look a little more special/offbeat, add a whimsical headband to shake up a more traditional evening look.
 
 
 
 
 

Catherine Zeta-Jones 

  • catherine zeta jonesSpray hair with a volumizer like at the roots. Re-dry the front section with a round brush, pulling hair up and back.
 
  • Take that section and twist it back, securing it with a bobby pin so you get a lot of lift in front. Keep the ends in a messy loop in the back of your head.
 
  • Run a tiny dab of shine serum through the ends of your hair.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Jennifer Lopez   
  • Wash with a protein-spiked shampoo for extra strength and shine.
 
  • Use something that will boost shine but won't weigh anything down (like a bit of spray-on leave-in conditioner to prep the hair for heat). Use a round brush for the smoothest blowout. Tip: Blow-dry small sections. It takes longer but looks better.
 
  • Put a dab of shine serum on your hands, rub them together and run them over your hair so you end up using just the right amount of product.


 

Wacky Beauty Facts!

Hello!
 
Here are some crazy beauty facts for you , they do sound freaky but they WORK! try them out, and see it for yourself!
 

 

Milk & Honey Bath

woman in bath tub filled with milk
Lactic acid, found in milk, is a natural skin-softener, said Darrell McCurtain, a therapist at the Golden Door Spa. If filling an entire tub feels too indulgent, try using a small basin to soak feet or hands, or add a few cups to your bath water. Throw in a few teaspoons of honey to capture its anti-bacterial effect.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

glass of red wine standing alone

Red Wine 
We cheered the news that red wine is good for our health, and McCurtain told us it's fab for your skin, too! "The antioxidants and polyphenols found in wine are good for softening skin, and they're easily absorbed through through it as well." Similar to the milk bath, fill your whole tub if you're feeling luxe (or lush), or try in smaller doses like a foot or hand soak.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

mens boxers on a clothes line

Boxers  
Curly-haired ladies should borrow a (clean!) pair of their man's boxers to dry their locks, since a towel's fibers can actually increase frizziness. Simple cotton is far less agitating.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

leafy green salad with fork

Lettuce & Spinach  
Fight wrinkles and keep hair and nails healthy by fortifying your diet with lots of silicone-rich foods, Smart buys include Romaine lettuce, spinach, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes (including the skin).



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lemons 
Lemon juice combined with tea is an easy fix for oily hair. "The lemon works as a great astringent but doesn't ruin the pH balance of the hair and scalp. Do half lemon juice, half black tea and rinse through clean hair.

 

Ways to simplify your morning !

Hello!
 
Between missing homework and breakfast battles, getting the kids to school on time can pose a serious challenge. But with a few simple tweaks to your morning routine, you can get out the door faster and reduce stress for everyone in the house. Just follow these   tips from and soon you'll be pledging allegiance to a whole new plan of attack.

 

eating breakfast

1. Build a Breakfast Menu 

Most families eat the same favorite meals over and over again. Why not make it official? Reduce your daily decision making and simplify your grocery shopping by creating a seven or 14-day breakfast schedule. For instance, serve scrambled eggs and toast on Monday or muffins and yogurt on Tuesday. Follow it each day , cook, eat and repeat!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pack Lunch Faster 

Get a jumpstart on lunch-packing duty and set up a workstation stocked with the right tools. Make sure all of your frequently used items, such as sandwich bags and storage containers (stock up on multiples so a clean one is always available), are easily accessible and located near one another. Buy lunch boxes that are easy to clean and consider packing lunch the night before or storing sandwiches in the freezer a week in advance.


 
 
 
 
 
 

Create a "Destination Station" 
Avoid hunting for objects at the last minute by dedicating a place to backpacks, school papers, mail, keys, purses, and chargers. If you don’t have a mudroom or laundry room, repurpose a piece of furniture or install a row of sturdy hooks near an entryway. It doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy, as long as it's functional. Designate this place near the exit you frequent the most.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Think Like a Child 
Work with your children's habits and limitations. Any task kids need to do should be easy and obvious. Large hooks hung at an appropriate height are more likely to receive a jacket than a hanger in a tall closet. Stashing shoes by the back door instead of the upstairs closet could mean the difference between arriving at school before or after the bell rings. Make simple adjustments that cater to your child, and you'll save yourself time and frustration










Start the Night Before 
Establishing an evening routine can help you get out the door faster the next morning. Remember this: The more you do tonight, the less you'll have to take care of tomorrow. Run the dishwasher, bathe the kids, and straighten up the house. Tackle small tasks like choosing outfits for yourself and the kids, signing permission slips, and loading up backpacks. Before you hit the sack, imagine your future self in the morning and do her any favors you can.


 


 



 

5 worst lunch foods - for your kids !

 Hello!

From fake fruit to carcinogenic chicken, how to avoid lunchtime’s worst pitfalls—and what to feed your kids instead, here are some tip s for you !


 

lunch, kids, unhealthy, healthy, school lunches

Fruit Snacks   
Nix it: Dentists hate them because they're the number one cause of tooth decay. Parents hate them because they're filled with artificial colors and flavors. But kids love them—of course. And why wouldn't they? They're basically candy with a health halo. Despite being labeled with the word "fruit," most fruit snacks contain very little, if any, actual fruit. Even fruit snacks that do contain real fruit (and no, "fruit juice" doesn't count) are missing the satiating fiber and water that comes with whole fruit.

Fix it: Grapes, berries, and peeled tangerines are just as finger-food friendly as fruit snacks, and most kids love the taste. And hey, raisins are nature’s fruit snacks!
 
 
 

Packaged Desserts 
Nix it: Nobody sends a Ho-Ho, Twinkie, or Honey Bun to school with their child because they think it's healthy. We let our kids have them because they love them, and we love treating our kids. And what mom out there hasn't holed up with a Swiss Roll and a glass of milk during naptime every once in awhile? Unfortunately, snack cakes are one of the worst sources of trans fats, the man-made fats that experts agree are the worst type of fat to eat. In fact, it is advises to completely avoid trans fats as part of a healthy diet.

Fix it: I'm just going to be the bad guy and say it: Kids don't need dessert at every meal. Treats should be a treat, not a staple. That said, for times when you do want to send something sweet, there are lots of dessert options. Try making cookies from scratch (cheaper than a mix and just as easy) and saving them in the freezer to serve one at a time. Make them with your kids, and you get quality time, too!
 
 

Juice Boxes 

Nix it: Anyone who's ever handed a kid a juice box in the car only to watch them power wash the upholstery with it knows that those conveniently packaged sugary drinks can be dangerous. But it turns out they can be dangerous for your child's health, too. Sugar is sugar—even if it is fruit sugar—and when it's in commercially juiced form, it's missing all the fiber that makes the original fruit so filling. While juice is delicious, nobody needs to drink it.

Fix it: You don't have to ban juice forever, but try to save it for special occasions and encourage kids to get their servings of fruit from whole fruits. If your kids have a texture issue, you can always preserve the fiber and vitamins by juicing the fruit yourself or making smoothies with whole fruits, yogurt and ice.

 
 

Crackers 

Nix it: Who doesn't love the crunchy, buttery goodness of a cracker? Unfortunately, most of them are nutritionally void. Serving crackers made from white flour and preservatives that are cooked in unhealthy oils will leave your child tired and cranky.

Fix it: There's a difference between 100% whole grain products and those "made with whole grain" so experts advise reading the labels and looking for brands with a short list of ingredients and at least three grams of fiber. Instead of crackers, try subbing in 100% whole grain pita pockets or naan cut into small pieces.

 
 
 

Lunch Meats 

Nix it: Don't you hate it when "experts" tell you that your favorite food is killing you? (Hello, cookies!) Yet when it comes to lunch meats, your food might actually be, well, killing you. Before you get all up in arms about ditching this lunch staple, the only lunch meats I'm talking about are the ones processed with nitrates. Nitrates and nitrites are food preservatives that do a much better job of preserving food than they do people. Research shows that people who eat nitrate-packaged foods including lunch meat, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and jerky drastically increase their risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Fix it: Try to steer clear of processed meats and when you do buy packaged lunch meat, hot dogs and the like, buy the preservative-free varieties. Be sure to read the labels as just having the word "natural" on the package doesn't mean a thing. They may be a little bit more expensive, but it's worth it!



 

What to wear with Blue Jeans !

Hello!

 

Jazz Up Your Blue Jeans

Investing in the perfect pair of jeans can result in a slew of outfit possibilities. How? Dressing up your denim with the right tops and accessories can give you wardrobe ideas for work, the weekend and even for a night out. Check out these staples—to spruce up your jeans for any occasion.






For Weekend 

Top: Sleeve Cowlneck,
Bag: t Tote in Charcoal/Brown,
Shoes: Cowboy Boot







 

 

For Work 

Top:Blazer,
Shoes: Pumps, Dark Brown











For an Evening Out 

Top: Tassle Teal Top,
Bag: Chic Bag,
Shoes :  Wedges, Silver