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Saturday, April 26, 2008

Do you find yourself wondering what to get Mom for Mother's Day every year when it rolls around? Your Mom already has her signature perfume she likes to wear so why get her yet another bottle to put on her dresser? She doesn't wear scarves at all and yet the last three years in a row, you've wound up giving her a beautiful scarf for Mother's Day. Of course, Mom won't say anything but much like your macaroni-made flower artwork you gave her in the first grade for Mother's Day, she appreciates what you do but this year, get her a gift she can really use and enjoy.

With warmer weather approaching, get Mom a short sleeved blouse to wear. If she's more of an extrovert, go for a tribal design. Quieter and more reserved Moms will appreciate a more low key color or design.

If you can find out for 100% certain Mom's shoe size (you can ask Dad or check her closet if possible) and get her a fun pair of Crocs. Crocs have been the rage since last Spring and with good reason. They are durable, comfortable and look great with any summer wear from shorts to skirts to dresses.

Another great gift for Mom is a handbag for the spring and summer months. Something made with sisal or a natural looking fiber or fabric back is a very fun choice for the warmer months or go for the cool look of a soft, shiny leather handbag that mom can carry all year round if she chooses. A lovely rich brown color will meld with nearly every outfit and the sleek design will carry everything she needs in a small compact handbag.

See? Shopping for Mom on this Mother's Day doesn't have to be hard and you can find her a gift that she'll use all year round!

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by: ShopMartins
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Warm weather is here and if you would love to wear short or no sleeved items this spring and summer but you feel your arms are a little too out of shape to show, there are some wonderful and simple exercises you can do at home, at the office or anywhere to get your arms in shape for those sleeveless styles you love.

Arm rolls are a great way to get your entire arm in shape. Simple stand or sit up straight, and put your arms out as straight as possible and make forward circles with your arms. Starting out, make 10 circles forward and then 10 circles backwards, your first circles should be the size of approximately bowling balls. Then standing or sitting in the same position, do 10 sets of forward circles and 10 sets of backwards circles and this time make them as small as possible.
Do this for 10 minutes every day and you should see an improvement in a few weeks.

1-3Lb Weights can also get you on the road to firmer, sexy arms if you incorporate them into your rolls or simply do lifts. Start off with 10 repetitions and work up as your endurance increases.
Do this for 10 minutes every day.

Also treat your skin well and exfoliate dead skin and moisturize your arms and you'll have absolutely delicious arms to put into a sexy tribal top this summer!

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by: ShopMartins
Saturday, April 19, 2008

Getting a little bored with your shoes in your closet? Shake them up with some of the fun designs from Naughty Monkey.

If you haven't been daring in the past, there really is life beyond the safety of purely black and brown shoes. Go for one of the fun vegan designs that Naughty Monkey offers. The "Betty" design in white and navy is over the top 1940's pure glamor and will pair well with your favorite solid or polka dot design.

These Betty shoes have a 4-inch heel and the solid construction makes them very comfortable to wear. Pair these with a navy blue flippy skirt that comes just to your knees or either a navy blue pair of pants will get a lift with these fun polka dots on these shoes. Pair with a plain white top that will capture the white of the dots on the shoes.

Go ahead, be daring - be a Betty this spring - you can do it!

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by: ShopMartins
Thursday, April 17, 2008

Warmer weather is finally here and you can start planning more and more fun get-togethers for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Many people don't have large gatherings because they aren't really sure how to plan a night of food and fun. It's easy and we'll show you how. First of all, get a pen and paper and make a list of everyone you'd like to invite over. Be sure to include spouses, partners, friends or children they may be bringing along (you'll need this for planning the food and beverages later).

Then decide if you're going to hold your gathering indoors or outdoors. If you have a covered patio or other area to hold a party, the pluses of having an outdoor gathering is that it's very casual and there is very little clean up to do as you can have strategically placed trash cans around the perimeter and use disposable plates, cups and cutlery. You can actually do the same thing if you're having your party indoors, however you won't be at the mercy of the weather either.

Next, choose your foods. For your first party, make it a casual affair food-wise and use dips, small sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms, guacamole and chips and plates of fresh cut veggies for dipping. Wind and Willow makes some great dips from Cucumber Dill, Fresh Picked Spinach, Cheesy Bacon Dip and for the guests that love their dips on the spicy side - the Fiesta Ranchero Dip is fabulous. Also a cheese ball is a common items at parties and when served with a yummy selection of crackers, will make an outstanding presentation. Additionally, if you don't want to serve it as a cheese "ball" you can use it as a spread on small cut bread slices to make finger sandwiches.

As far as beverages, you can create a punch bowl with a ginger ale based sparkling punch and have bottled water and perhaps iced tea.

Last but not least, decide the types of music you're going to play and even burn a "mix" of all the favorite songs of your group of friends and let it roll in the background during your party.

And that's it - you have all the basics you need to pull this off - now plan your party!

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by: ShopMartins
Saturday, April 12, 2008

Whether it's for a night out with clients, after work get together or a date with someone special - you need that fabled little black dress in your closet for these occasions. There will be times when you need something dressy that can go either formal or fun depending on the accessories you choose and that's where your little black dress will go for miles.

When you choose your little black dress, skip the cotton. Cotton wrinkles, you want something that will look fresh and new all night long. Go for knit fabrics as they gently hug your curves where it looks good and will fall straight over the areas you really don't want to call attention to.

Accessories are a must with a little black dress. Sweep your hair up if its long and comb back with gels with its short for a more classic and elegant look. Fluff and curls are the way to go if you're attending a more casual 'do.

A simple, long strand of pearls will look outstanding with your little black dress for a formal occasion. Your favorite fine jewelry, a diamond drop or a gold or white gold chain will all lend an air of elegance. If you are wanting a more casual look for your outfit, go bright, big and chunky with your jewelry. A large, brightly colored necklace with earrings to match will look fun as anything for a night out.

Black shoes aren't the only color you can wear with your little black dress. Boots as well as colored shoes can meld in nicely. Add a bright red belt and bright red shoes and a handbag to match for a look with pure European flair. A pretty pair of strappy black sandles will look fabulous in the summer too.

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by: ShopMartins
Thursday, April 10, 2008

Okay ladies, warmer weather is here and all those pumpkin pies, turkey dinners and chocolates are still on your tummy and hips? Well, it's time to get your diet in order and while you're on the way to a slimmer you, you can *look* slimmer by using some body molding shapewear.

The Hide and Sleek Body Smoother is the perfect way to fit into your too-tight pants without that unappealing roll that will appear over your waistline. The smoother works by actually holding your body firmly and smoothing the belly, hip and thigh areas by tightly wrapping those areas in breathable, comfortable spandex. It is neither binding feeling nor constricting to wear, but most women lose a size on the average when wearing a smoother. Plus it makes the lines of your clothes sheer perfection.

Unlike body smoothers of the past, the Hide and Seek was designed by a woman that knew what women truly wanted. Many body smoothers had tell-tale seams that well, announced to the world through your clothing that you were wearing a body smoother.

This particular body smoother will hide a multitude of sins. The smoother starts above the waistline and goes to just below the thigh to give you the perfectly slim lines you want. No one has to know that you haven't exactly had time to hit the gym yet and knock off those holiday pounds and when you wear this body smoother, no one will be the wiser - and we certainly won't tell!

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by: ShopMartins
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Spring days turning to summer lend to days when you want your meals to be easy so you can enjoy the longer days with your family and friends. When you're planning your meals for the summer, stick to light meals that won't make you feel bogged down and you can still serve up nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Make breakfast a cool start with cut up fruits of the season, fresh juices to drink and if you're bored with orange juice consider something like pomegranate or a pineapple mixture for added vitamin C and antioxidants. Heat and eat croissants from your local bakery or other morning rolls are also good. Add in a cold cereal with milk or be adventurous and try vanilla soy milk (well shaken) for a real treat; try to make the cereals whole grain types.

Lunch can be a breeze every day. Choose sandwiches with healthy fillings and opt for a cup of soup on the side. You don't have to slave over a soup pot all day either, Plentiful Pantry has a large number of choices in their yummy exotic soup flavors. Along with a soup and sandwich, enjoy cut up veggies for dipping or a sliced apple or orange.

Dinner can also be nearly effort free. Your crock pot can be your best friend during the summer. Toss in potatoes and have a baked potato with a large crunchy green salad for dinner. Bake a chicken breast and steam some veggies, you'll have easy healthy meals all summer long.

Use these tips and get out of the kitchen and enjoy the longer days of summer - and best of all you can eat on the run and still be healthy!

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by: ShopMartins
Wednesday, April 2, 2008

As you know the smallest of touches can make or break the feel of your entire room's decor. Pay careful attention to your lighting scheme. You can make your room lively and jumping with energy or cozy and relaxed with just your lighting choices.

For the Lively Look
Go for brightness in your lighting scheme. Silver lined bulbs will look extra bright and it will lend an air of life to your room. You can also add a few mirrors to your room. Large mirrors hung on a wall will serve a two-fold purpose. First of all, they will add the illusion of more space to your room and second they will reflect the light in your room and further bounce the light keeping even normally darkened areas of your room awash with light. Experiment with mirrors in a few locations around your room, you'll see an enormous difference. Add a few splashes of color around your room with bright accent colors. Can't decide what accent color to use? Use your draperies or area rugs and choose a bright, minorly used color in the pattern. It will carry your decor scheme all around the room.

For the Soft and Cozy Look
Think soft. Soft colors, soft lighting and soft fabrics. If you don't have a lighting fixture that allows the light to be turned down. Opt for candles all around. Nothing says softness and romance like soft candlelight. Candles around the room will lend a beautiful light and scented candles will add a boost of relaxing aromatherapy. Much like adding some zip to your room using a bright, minor accent color - use a minor -yet more neutral- color around your room to lend a cozy feel.

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by: ShopMartins

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