Top Beauty Secrets

There are some effective tips to keep your body in a good mood both in terms of health and beauty.The following techniques are some examples of doing so easily.

Ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun may harm the body by increasing the risk of skin cancer if one gets excessive amount of sunshine in a little time.Despite its benefits, some type of sun rays have been proved to be harmful for skin.It may even trigger early aging, which is one of the most frequent ailments people suffer from today.

Another substantial aspect of this issue to get protected from harmful sun rays at utmost extent.Sometimes, driving a car cannot prevent UV rays from drafting into the body.In order to avoid such risks, sun screens must be used.Degree of harm of UV rays may change according to the daytime or altitude.High places usually are at higher risk of making one prone to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.For this reason, careful observation is needed when sun screens are to be purchased.Quality brands whose products protect the body from the different types of harmful rays should be preferred.

Daily water consumption is another factor in keeping the skin healthy and fresh.However, this should not be confused with consuming large amounts of liquid incorporating water in them.Harmful materials used in the production of such liquids affect the body health directly and usually dramatically.People who want to keep healthy and beautiful should take this into account.

Accessories are one of the most striking parts helping one to gain some popularity regarding his/her look.For instance, the type of eyeglasses is vital since its frames should not cover the entire eyes, but they should complement the facial look.Sometimes, switching to contact lenses can be considered as a good idea because they are more practical to use.Different colours may help one to get a new and more attractive look.

Still another technique to employ is not to wear high heeled shoes for long hours in a day.Various illnesses have been found to be caused by this type of mistake.One should try her best to choose looking sexy and living healthier.In fact, there is a reasonable solution to this intriguing problem such that both of these concerns are satisfied.One may try wearing wide and healthier shoes while working and she could switch to high heels when she is attending an important occasion.So as to avoid health problems, one must alter her interests and instant desires a little.

Woman's hair has a great importance in that it gives woman a different look when cut differently.In order to be consistent with this issue, hair stylists must be static; i.e, one should not switch too many hairdresser's in a few months.Having the hair cut by a well known person may be very good for the future life of the person.

In conclusion, beauty is likely to be the most important feature for the woman on the world today, and its importance means much more than it did in the past.Therefore, women should perform extra effort to keep their skin healthy and look fresh so as not to attract the males in whose dreams they live.

Cheap Home Alternatives To Off-The-Wall Bridal Makeovers

Every woman hits a crossroad when that fateful day arrives, and someone she loves puts a ring on her finger. As she peeks over the threshold at the daunting, exhilarating, endless year ahead, she'll probably spend some time pondering how to fine-tune her look -- for posterity, you know. After all, this will be her red carpet moment, and she'll be paying the photographer an awful lot to capture it.

At this point, some brides will go totally over-the-top. By that, we mean bridal boot camps and personal trainers named Reinhold. Brides with even less of a rudder will apply to one of the emerging reality TV programs, such as Britain's "Bride and Grooming," where "lively couples" go under the knife, turning Roman noses into cute little Irish ones, lifting those baggy eyelids and of course, getting their teeth done.

Chances are, you're not like that. You want to look your best, but you also want to look back on this year and remember your grip on sanity. And if you're like me, you don't have a lot to spend on "Exxtreem Makeovers" anyway. Which is fine, because a couple of bucks here and a couple of bucks there can pack quite a punch ... without making you look like a stranger.

-- Fuller Lips -- the Reality TV Approach

Puff up your lips with various temporary injections, or more permanent Gore-Tex implants. Costs: $200-2000 for "injectables"; $1000-3000 for implants.

-- Fuller Lips -- the Sane Way

Almost all women -- especially we hopelessly Caucasian types -- wish we had fuller lips. We know this because of all the droopy "trout pouts" that show up on rising and fading Hollywood stars, no matter how goofy they look.

The sane bride can plump up her lips at home for a fairly small investment. No, we're not talking do-it-yourself collagen implants. We're talking CityLips, the only lip plumper we've tried that works.

Don't get excited (or alarmed) -- you'll never get Angelina Jolie results with lip serums. And in fact, anecdotal evidence suggests that CityLips won't work for everyone. But it works for us, unlike anything else we've tried. Yes, there are a number of effective plumpers that temporarily irritate and swell the lip tissue, but CityLips actually plumps the collagen through some mysterious mechanism instead of merely irritating your lips. It takes about 30 days to work.

So where to buy your lip-plumping secret weapon? We tried eBay, but we didn't get much of a discount. We did learn to avoid buying the mini tubes, since much of the serum gets stuck in the bottom.

Instead, we found the best deal was to sign-up for the newsletter at www.citylips.com directly. Every so often, they put out a "buy 2, get 1 free" deal that's music to our ears, or they offload a less popular color at a great price. Sure, you might end up with psychedelic purple gloss, but who cares? It's CityLips!

-- Whiter Teeth -- the Reality TV Approach

Plant your derrière in a dental chair. Prop your mouth open for one hour while the dentist turns your teeth into an approximation of the polar caps (pre-global warming) using a peroxide-based solution and a laser. Costs: $800-2000.

-- Whiter Teeth -- the Sane Way

Dentists have long given up the rap that you have hit the office to whiten your teeth. We all know you can do it at home. The best way?

The overwhelming consensus is Crest Whitestrips.

You have plenty of choices -- peroxide-based gels and trays you fit to your teeth at home are easy to come by. But they're uncomfortable, not very strong, and they make you drool. Crest Whitestrips have none of these drawbacks, and many people find they work better anyway.

Want to get them cheap? Buy them on eBay. Buy them even cheaper by choosing a slightly older product, like plain old Whitestrips instead of Whitestrips Premium or Premium Plus. They go for a song. What a deal. Forget the whitening toothpastes; they don't work.

One more note on teeth -- sometimes it does make sense to get a little work done. To wit:

-- A Sad, Sad Tooth Story

When I was a child, I had a diastema -- a gap between my front teeth, like Madonna. It was kind of cute. But my parents took me to an orthodontist for surgery. He fixed the gap, but didn't use braces. So my formerly straight-as-an-arrow teeth lost the gap, but grew in crooked. My sadistic parents stopped there, leaving me with awful, inward-pointing front teeth until I left home.

In college, I found I could finally fix the problem with a few inexpensive veneers. Veneers look terrific, and if you only need a few, the costs can be reasonable. If you had sadistic parents or a few problem teeth, this stretch before your wedding might be a good time to look at veneers.

-- Forehead Wrinkles -- the Reality TV Approach

Botox, duh. Costs: $400 a session.

Forehead Wrinkles -- the Sane Way

You're young, right? You're not a chain smoker or former tanning booth marathon champion. You shouldn't have forehead wrinkles, yet you do. In fact, there's this big one right in the middle, one that seemed to pop up the very day he popped the question. Where did it come from, and how can you punish its sender?

It's likely it comes from your habit of indulging in pained expressions. Yes, pained expressions are appropriate when you're planning a wedding. But they lead to hyper-developed forehead muscles and that weird line right in the middle, and you really don't want to resort to bangs, right?

Train yourself to stop frowning. In the privacy of your own home, slap a big old piece of tape on your forehead. It will remind you. Don't forget to remove it when you head to the gym or that upscale whole foods store.

-- A Few More Champagne Tips for the Beer Budget Crowd

-- The Hair

If you have a thick, umber mane like Cindy Crawford's, just leave it alone. But if you're a dishwater blond like me -- and you know who you are -- look into some coloring or a few subtle highlights.

Another tip: don't try to look like someone else for your wedding day. If you wear your hair short and sporty, don't grow it long "just for your wedding." You'll look much more fabulous as yourself.

-- The Skin

Sometimes a glycolic peel is a great way to freshen up your skin and get an extra glow. You don't need to book the dermatologist; you can do this at home.

Actually, brave brides can buy extremely strong TCA peels from eBay (at their own risk). I wouldn't do this less than six months before your wedding, and I wouldn't do it if you have a risk-averse personality. Oh, and the top layer of your skin will peel off a few days after you apply the product. This can freak out your friends.

It's easy to find gentle glycolic peels on the shelves of any drugstore. I found L'oreal's ReNoviste on sale the other day, and I liked the results.

-- The Oddball Dietary Suggestion

Everyone knows you'll look better if you exercise during the wedding prep phase, and strive to avoid the "french fries and diet coke" diet. But another trick you might want to try is dumping dairy. Many people have a lactose intolerance without even knowing it, and that can lead to indigestion, black circles under the eyes, and other subtle beauty-busters.

No other animal drinks milk after its infancy ... much less milk designed for a totally different animal. Only we do that. Try life without milk for a few weeks, and see if you don't perk up.

Finding a Discount Handbag Online is Shopping Heaven

I am as passionate about buying handbags as I am shoes. For me, an outfit is just not complete without the right bag and shoes.

If you took a shopping trip to the high street or local mall, you could find a few handbag stores, shoe shops which stocked bags to compliment their ranges and of course department stores who usually have a specific handbag section.

The online shopping experience offers a completely different experience when it comes to finding handbags and more importantly a discount handbag!

Some of the top online shoe stores offer over up to and over 5000 different handbag styles that cover hundreds of individual brands and designers.

Due to the fact that these ‘virtual’ stores don’t have to pay out the same overheads that ‘real’ stores do, prices are dramatically lower. Their sales are not seasonal and continue throughout the year. They offer thousands of handbags on sale with up to 70% off.

Prices start from as little as $5.00 up to $1000. That’s a pretty wide ranging price structure so you can be sure to find something you like within your budget.

Shopping for your new handbag is not only easy but enjoyable too. The search options allow you to view bags by style, price, brand and designer.

If you are anything like me and just have a little bit of a weakness for accessories, browsing for a discount handbag online is shopping heaven!

To find a discount handbag grab yourself a cup of coffee and visit http://www.womens-shoes-guru.com/discount-handbag.html

The Top Five Secrets Every Full-Figured Woman Needs to Know About Lingerie

Size does matter! According to a recent article in the Washington Post, the sale of plus-sized apparel rose by more than 13% last year. The average American woman now wears a size 14, and companies such as Dove and Nike have taken notice. They are among the first national brands to recently launch major ad campaigns designed to embrace the beauty that comes from having ample cleavage and generous thighs.

At long last, full-figured women have finally come into their own. They can celebrate their shape with more clothing options now than ever before, and lingerie has become one of the hottest trends on the fashion map. You’ve seen it on Desperate Housewives, with the female executive who wears nothing but lacy camisoles underneath her blazer. Would you be able to pull off the same look? Although every body style is different, the basic rules are the same. There is an art to choosing (and wearing) lingerie well. Knowing the secrets to a great fit will enable you to look spectacular and feel great about yourself!

1. All Curves are Not Created Equal

No body is perfect. Supermodel Elle MacPherson has said, “The breasts go first, and then the waist and then the butt. Nobody ever tells you that you get a butt when you get pregnant.” We all have our flaws, but part of playing up your assets will involve downplaying the parts of your body you are least comfortable with.

If you like, take a good look in the mirror and identify what you love and don’t love about your body. If you dislike your hips or waistline, you will want to draw attention to the upper part of your body. Indulge in bras designed to produce cleavage and accentuate your curves.

If you feel like your breasts are too full but you’ve got shapely legs, then they should become your focal point. A babydoll nightie with an empire-waist will provide support for your top while letting you flaunt what’s below.

If you haven’t yet found a comfort zone, indulge in a full-length satin chemise with an a-line cut and perhaps a flirty slit on the side. If you do not like your upper arms, look for a sheer or color-coordinated short robe.

The key is to draw attention away from what you do not like about your body, and place it where you feel like being noticed.

2. Everyone Needs a Little Support

The best-kept secret among celebrities and those in the know has to do with the latest lingerie weapons, which can keep even the most problematic physiques in check. Modern-day support garments minimize stomach bulge, lift and separate, and produce a smooth contour under your clothes. Best of all, innovations in fabric and design mean that the painful confinement of girdles (and other instruments of torture) are a thing of the past. Look for camisoles with built-in bra support and high-cut briefs that offer hidden tummy panels. Women with fuller, heavier breasts should make sure to look for bras that feature wide shoulder straps. If you are unsure of your bra size, the best gift you could give yourself would be to get professionally sized by someone who works in the lingerie section of a department store. Making sure that you wear the correct bra size serves not only to make you more comfortable, but it can instantly change your silhouette and may even cause you to drop a dress size!

Spanx is one particular company that specializes in producing comfortable, head-to-toe support to keep your curves looking their best. Sarah Blakely, who founded the company out of her apartment, said “I bought clothes that looked amazing in a magazine or on the hanger, but in reality magnified every panty line and imperfection.” Her brand of footless pantyhose offers maximum control, and even boasts the tagline, "Don't worry, we've got your butt covered!"

Seamlessbody.com is another company that specializes in supportive shape-wear designed for looks and comfort. They feature unique bodysuits that can be worn under your clothes and provide all-in-one support for your breasts, stomach and derriere. Both companies feature plus-sized versions of their products and are conveniently available online.

If you have a belly, choose high-waited briefs over bikini cuts. Not only will they fit more comfortably, but they are great at covering any stretch marks or other flaws and will flatter your shape.

3. Less is More

When it comes to color, keep it simple. A monochromatic look will do wonders to help elongate the bodyline and slim your proportions. In other words, keep the pieces that you wear at any one time as close to the same color as possible. Which shades work best? Dark tones such as navy, burgundy, brown or black will give you a more slender appearance. Another great rule of thumb is to choose colors that flatter your complexion.

It is wise to be cautious of patterns. Some smaller, more discreet prints may add to an outfit, but larger designs have a tendency to “clutter” or look different when they drape over problem areas you may be want to conceal. This has the unfortunate result of drawing the eye directly where you do not want it to go! If you have a personality that must express yourself with multiple colors or styles, a great way to spice up your wardrobe can come from adding on a couple of flashy, attention-getting accessories.

4. Bigger isn’t Always Better

One of the biggest misconceptions that many full-figured women have is the notion that choosing larger sizes will hide unsightly bulges and ultimately make them look slimmer. In reality, a shapeless, ill-fitting piece will not define anything, either good or bad, and will make your body appear much less attractive than you would look in clothes more suited to your accurate size. It’s fine to shy away from body conscious items. Lingerie pieces should be a natural reflection of your personality. If you have a conservative personality, wearing longer gowns or adding layers to your look will enhance your beauty and allow you to feel sexy without having to bare all. Should you have a more playful, flirty nature, the sky is the limit! Plus-sized lingerie includes stunning camisoles with delicate embroidery, frilly boyshorts that provide excellent coverage while exuding a youthful, sexy vibe, and buttery soft satin chemises that feel utterly luxurious against the skin. It is always best to try on lingerie before you buy, in order to make sure you will have the best fit possible. But if you are in a time-crunch or browsing over the internet, the best bet is to stick to your true clothing size.

5. Stores are Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Did you know that many retailers who do not display clothing over size 12 or 14 often have the exact same styles in larger sizes on their websites? If you spot a piece of lingerie that you just like but it isn’t in stock, try to find it online. The internet is such a good resource for plus-sized women that countless businesses have opened their virtual stores and specialize in nothing but full-figured lingerie. With a click of the mouse, you can delight in finding an elegant slip or searching anonymously for something more risqué. Many of these websites offer a multitude of styles for every mood or occasion, and most provide detailed size charts so that you can feel confident in ordering the correct sized garment. Not only do you not have to cope with impossibly thin sales associates, but you can have the freedom to shop from your home, purchase in privacy and even, in many cases, have your items shipped in generic brown boxes so the postman will be none the wiser.

What you wear closest to your skin should delight and comfort you, and deliver a knockout punch to those worthy enough to witness such unmentionables. The secrets to looking great in lingerie serve to enhance not only your outer curves, but allow your inner beauty to filter through as well. According to Wilhela Cushman, beloved fashion writer, “Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.”

Designer Handbags are all the rage

Without a doubt, designer handbags are all the rage! Women seem to collect them the way young boys collect comic books. Without a doubt, there is a handbag to suit your many styles and moods, from sophisticated and chic to adventurous and playful. Designer handbags all have unique traits that distinguish one brand from another. Designers purposely create unique symbols or details to accentuate the differences between themselves and other designers.

Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular and best-selling handbag designers. These bags are known for the high standards of quality and state-of-the-art craftsmanship put into each and every design. Elegant, but astonishingly innovative, Louis Vuitton guarantees perfection in his multitude of high quality products. Uniquely branded with a patterned design, Louis Vuitton handbags tower above the competition.

Chanel handbags are well known for their clean lines and top quality materials. The polished chain and bold brand symbol on every bag sets them apart from their peers. The clean lines and simple femininity of these designs makes them both accessible and functional for everyday use or a night out on the town. Chanel handbags are known for their classy designs, neutral colors, and their oh-so-popular brand power. A girl cannot go wrong with Chanel.

Coach handbags are known for their soft, supple, glove-tanned leather. In recent years, Coach designers have evolved to explore various shapes, styles, and materials without sacrificing the principles of classic design. At the same time, there is something uniquely American about these wonderful purses. Coach has developed into an easily-recognizable brand of superior quality handbags.

Burberry handbags are known for their distinctive plaid pattern. Their handbags come in various sizes and shapes, and there is sure to be one to please even the most distinguishing shopper. These purses are designed for a woman that is both strong and sophisticated. Burberry purses have become extremely popular in recent times, especially with younger girls looking to explore more traditional designs.

These are but a few of the designers producing quality merchandise for the masses. There are as many designers as there are purse styles, but you are sure to be pleased with anything produced by the designers mentioned above. They are the giants of the fashion industry right now. With the recent release of their latest designs, you can be the first of your friends to own one. Happy shopping, ladies!

Las Vegas Offers Many Distinct Wedding Opportunities

There are many options to take into consideration when planning a Las Vegas wedding. The Wedding Capital of the World has something to offer everybody. Whether it’s a quickie chapel wedding that you seek, or something more out of the ordinary such as a helicopter wedding above the famous Strip, Las Vegas can dish it up.

Mention a Las Vegas wedding and most people instantly think of the cute little wedding chapels that line the Las Vegas Strip and downtown area. Drive-thru weddings and weddings with Elvis present are other images that may come to mind. These are just a few of the choices available. There are many other wedding options in Las Vegas that a lot of people don’t know about. Did you know that you can get married on the pirate ship in front of Treasure Island? Or while riding in a gondola at the Venetian? Other unique wedding offerings in Las Vegas include a wedding at the top of the Eiffel tower in front of the Paris Hotel. Many hotels also offer in-suite weddings. The wedding ceremony takes place right in your hotel suite. The Paris Hotel even offers a wedding package that takes place on the 26th floor penthouse of its sister property, Bally’s Las Vegas.

Destination weddings are also big business in Las Vegas with many wedding chapels offering packages for them. Popular wedding destinations include scenic Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, and the Valley of Fire State Park. More unusual destinations consist of weddings at the famous Las Vegas sign, on a roller coaster atop the Stratosphere Tower, and at the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

Themed weddings are also a popular option. The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel offers many themed wedding packages including Gothic, Egyptian, Rocky Horror, Victorian and beach themes. If it’s a 50s style wedding you desire, check out their wedding chapel that resembles a 50s diner. At the Excalibur Hotel they offer Medieval themed weddings with costume rentals available. If it’s an Old West wedding that interests you, you may want to consider Bonnie Spring Old Nevada. This 1880s style town is located west of the Strip in the Red Rock Canyon area. They have a wedding chapel for ceremonies and also offer reception packages. If you are a big Star Trek fan, you might be interested to know that The Star Trek Experience inside the Las Vegas Hilton offers weddings on the bridge of the USS Enterprise. You can even have a Klingon present at your wedding.

So whether it is something traditional, exotic, or unique that you seek for your wedding, Las Vegas can deliver it. When planning your Vegas wedding, carefully research all your options. You may be surprised by what you find. One thing is for certain, in Las Vegas you can definitely plan a wedding that you and all of your guests will be talking about for years to come.

The Big Question: Breast Augmentation Surgery or Natural Breast Enhancements?

Many of us would like to change something about our physical appearance. For some it is a nose that seems too large, for others, it’s lips that are too thin, and for many women, it’s small breasts. Countless surveys have shown that women see their breasts as one part of their body they would like to change. They feel that larger breasts would help them to feel more confident and physically appealing. To achieve a larger chest size, there is the option of breast augmentation surgery, or natural breast enhancements. The decision to have breast enhancement surgery is a life-changing one. Before taking any permanent steps, it is wise to do some careful thinking and consider all options.

Before committing yourself to cosmetic breast surgery, ask yourself why? This may sound like a ridiculous question, but many women make the decision to have breast augmentation surgery for the wrong reasons. Undergoing surgery to appeal to someone else or satisfy someone else’s idea of what is sexy is harmful to your well-being and should not be the reason for your decision.

Once you have reflected on your reasons for pursuing surgical breast enhancement, it is now time to think about the permanency of your decision. Although implants can be reversed or altered, the costs associated with changing your mind are very high. And, should you ever want to have your implants removed, there may be tell-tale scars left behind. If you suspect that some years down the line you might become uncomfortable with having implants, you may want to consider a non-surgical breast enhancement option..

There are a few practicalities related to with breast augmentation surgery that you should consider before making your decision. The first being: can you afford this operation? You should never opt for cosmetic surgery over the necessities of life such as buying food or paying bills. The second practical issue is: can you afford the time after surgery to adequately heal? Your body will need some time to recover and the first few days may be slightly painful and uncomfortable. Be sure that you do not have to return to work immediately following your procedure. The last practical issue to consider is: have you done adequate research on your doctor? Before any surgery, you should take the time to gather information on your surgeon; you may want to know how many breast augmentation surgeries he/she has done and if patients were satisfied with the results.

In many cases, women are so excited about the prospect of having larger breasts that they forget to research other ways of increasing bust size. Natural breast enhancements can be achieved with the help of supplements, specialty bras and subtle bra insertions. All-natural supplements are a reliable way of achieving fuller and firmer breasts over time. In addition, special bras and bra insertions are available to give you the appearance of having larger breasts.

You can have the chest size that you have always wanted. There are surgical and non-surgical options that will surely give you the effect you are looking for. However, before making any big decisions regarding breast augmentation, carefully consider every aspect of your conclusion. Know that whatever decision you make, your goal is to have results that are satisfying to you!

Jewelry Cleaning - The Cheap and Easy Way

There is no need to waste money on fancy jewelry cleaning solutions. You can save money by cleaning your jewelry at home using things you'll find in any kitchen or bathroom.

Cleaning Your Silver Jewelry

Use a soft bristle toothbrush with mild soap and warm water to restore the shine and brilliance of silver jewelry. Avoid immersing your sterling silver jewelry into jewelry cleaning dips, they should be cleaned by hand. Use a soft cloth to buff your silver jewelry for a nice, clean shine.

Cleaning Your Diamond Rings & Jewelry

Use a solution of six parts water and one part ammonia. Use a soft bristle toothbrush or toothpick to remove any dirt or particles from any crevices. Rinse well in water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Gold, Platinum and other Gemstone Jewelry

Use a solution of mild dishwashing liquid, like Ivory. Soak jewelry in this solution for a few minutes, then lightly brush away any dirt with a soft brush. Rinse with lukewarm water and air dry or buff with a soft cloth. Be sure not to soak any soft stones like turquoise, amber or lapis, as soaking can damage their polish. For particularly dirty gold jewelry, soak in alcohol or ammonia before cleaning.

Cleaning Pearls

A mild soap and water solution works well for cleaning pearls. Then wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Costume Jewelry & Rhinestones

Use a soft brush to sweep away any dirt and dust. Use window cleaner, like Windex, sprayed on a soft, lint free cloth to clean the stones surface. Also try alcohol on a q-tip to get in between small spaces.

With just a few minutes of care, your jewelry will be sparkling like new!

How To Use A Pregnancy Test

The question of whether or not you are pregnant is often one of the most exciting, anxious, and stressful queries that affect not only your health, but your life. There are different types of pregnancy tests on the market or available through your primary health care provider. Typically, the actual steps for using a pregnancy test are quite easy and can be performed in the comfort of your own home. However, the results of a home pregnancy test should always be confirmed with a blood test performed by your primary health care provider.

By far, the most commonly used method of pregnancy test is those that use urine to detect the hormone associated with pregnancy. This hormone is triggered when an embryo implants in the uterine wall, but it can also be produced if an embryo mistakenly implants in the Fallopian tubes, which is known as an ectopic tubal pregnancy. There are two different types of pregnancy tests. The first type can produce more accurate results, but may prove to be too messy. A cup is provided to catch urine, after which the urine is collected and a special stick or other device is inserted in the urine. Sometimes, the stick or device is dipped directly into the urine filled cup for a certain amount of time. Other times, a small eye dropper is provided to perform a more accurate version of the same test.

Although this method of urine testing may be more accurate, the devices meant to collect urine in mid stream are the most popular. These sticks are usually found over the counter in your local drug store or grocery store and can be completed within seconds. Instead of a more scientific project, this type of urine based pregnancy test is preferred by women because of the lack of steps. Simply hold the stick in a stream of urine for a specific amount of time—usually a few seconds—and then wait for the results. As opposed to sticks that are more difficult to read, there are a couple companies that now have models on the market that have a digital read out system. Also, there are models available that allow you to determine whether or not you are pregnant much sooner than traditional home based tests.

For a more accurate test that can detect whether or not you are pregnant before a urine based test. This test must be performed in your physician’s office and will require a few vials of blood drawn. After the blood is drawn, tests are performed to detect the presence and the amount of the hormone associated with pregnancy. Keep in mind that you should always have a blood test performed after you have received a positive reading for a home pregnancy urine based test.

Does Your Bra Fit? Find The Right Size For Your Body

Unless you know your proper bra size, you could be wearing the wrong undergarment. This can be more than just a mild discomfort: bras that are too tight or loose can lead to serious injuries to your neck and back. They can also cause numbness in your hands and fingers. Trying to work with the wrong bra will only leave you in physical pain. When you find a bra that fits correctly, you’ll feel – and look – better.

All the letters and numbers on bras might seem confusing. What’s the difference between A and AA? Are DD and E the same bra, but with different letters? The process is actually easy once you understand what the numbers mean. Fortunately, there’s a fast and simple way to decipher the “code” of the bra industry. Grab a cloth measuring tape – usually the type that a seamstress or tailor will use – and start measuring.

Step One:

Wrap the tape around the area just beneath your breasts. You should pull the tape so that it is snug, but not too tight. Now, subtract five from your measurement. This number is your band size; remember that for later.

Step Two:

Move the tape upward so that it covers the fullest part of your bust. Make sure that the tape is a little loose around your body. Check out your measurement. If you get an odd number, round up. Now, subtract from your band size number.

Step Three:

Now you have your cup size. Your number corresponds to the bra industry’s sizes like this:

AA = less than one inch

A = one inch

B = two inches

C = three inches

D = four inches

E (or DD) = five inches

F (or DDD) = six inches

Now that you’re confident that you have the right bra size, head to your favorite lingerie store and start browsing. You’ve eliminated one of the biggest problems that women face when purchasing these undergarments, so go shop with confidence.