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Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

When I helped my daughter move into her first college dorm room,
I wasn’t prepared for how tiny her room would be! Floor space
was definitely scarce, marriage it was obvious she would have to come
up with some creative storage solutions.

Decorating a dorm room can be tricky, because obviously your
roommate will want to have a say in how the room is decorated.
Whether you are moving into a dorm room for the first time or
you are looking to re-decorate your existing dorm room, hopefully
these decorating tips will give you and your roommate some
creative ideas to give your dorm room a great new look that you
both will love.

Vacuum sealed space bags are great for transporting clothing to
college. You can purchase these inexpensively at Walmart or on
eBay. You won’t believe how much you can get into these bags. I
don’t recommend the extra large bags, because they are quite
heavy when full and difficult to carry. These bags can be stored
under a bed or stacked in the closet.

Small storage ottomans or benches can provide seating and storage
areas, and are easy to move around and fit into small spaces.
They are great for storing blankets, pillows, hats, gloves, and a
great place to stow away book bags or back packs.

Buy some decorative hat boxes in varying sizes for distinctive
storage. Shaker boxes also make great storage. Both of these
types of storage can be purchased inexpensively on eBay.

Hard case suitcases can be stacked up to create coffee or end
tables, and used for storage. Most of these can be spray painted.

Hang a shoe pocket organizer in a closet or on the back of a door
to hold small items (cosmetics, hairbrushes, CD players, pens,
pencils, socks, underwear, etc.).

Stackable plastic crates and bins can be used to store things
like books and snacks.

Baskets are easy to find and can be used to store many items.
Most of these can be spray painted to match your decor.

Chalk board paint can be used to paint on many items to make them
into a chalkboard message board.

Dry erase boards on the back of the door are handy for
communicating with friends and roommates and making notes to
yourself. You can also get a dry erase calendar at an office
supply store to keep track of your busy schedule.

Picture frames can also make great message boards. Just remove
the glass and replace it with cork, a fabric covered piece of
cardboard (use tacks to attach messages), or a piece of dry erase
board. Most picture frames can be spray painted.

Area rugs can add a note of individuality to a room. They can
also help warm up the room and help soundproof it.

Before you get started decorating, make sure you look over all
the dorm room do’s and don’ts in your college handbook. Many
college handbooks are available on the college’s web site.

It’s also a good idea not to buy all your accessories before you
actually see the dorm room for the first time. Dorm rooms are
all different, and you want to make sure all your furniture and
accessories will fit in the room. Thrift stores are usually
numerous in college towns, so you shouldn’t have a problem
finding extra furniture after you get there.

Many of the great dorm room decorating ideas in this article were
submitted by a CreativeHomemaking.com message forum member,
Carmellyn, and two great home decor sites
http://www.home-decorating-room-by-room.com and
http://PebbleZ.com

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, organizing tips, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com

Choosing Your Bridal Lingerie For That Special Day

The wedding day is every woman’s dream come true. That’s why it’s always important for any bride to be the most beautiful lady come that day. From the wedding gown, veil, shoes and accessories - everything must be perfect. And to make the whole outfit complete, you should also make sure to get the right bridal lingerie.

Bridal lingerie is not just something to wear after the wedding itself. The bridal lingerie’s first and foremost purpose is to make the blushing bride more beautiful as she wears her wedding gown. Wearing the right one underneath will make her radiant and spa as she walks down the aisle or sashay on the dance floor with her lucky groom.

Buying bridal lingerie is not really tricky, if you take into mind four things: cosmetics dress’s style, its fabric, its purpose, and your size.

Wedding dresses come in different necklines and silhouettes. For strapless or haltered designs, a bustier with detachable straps is a must. Bustiers offer support to your breasts while also shaping your torso. You can also choose a basque, similar to a bridal bustier but also shapes your tummy. Backless bodysuits are ideal for a low-back dress that you might be planning to wear on your destination wedding. Corsets are what you should choose if you want to trim your waistline and look sexy in your trumpet-style gown.

Some bridal lingerie don’t just shape your body and support your breasts like a bra. There are those that have garter straps to hold your stockings in place - functional during the ceremony, and sexy to look at on your wedding night.

Also take into consideration the fabric of your wedding dress when buying bridal lingerie. Materials that cling to your body like silk would require something seamless underneath. Choose bridal lingerie with hidden wires or smooth stretchable layer so it won’t show under your wedding gown. You can opt to wear thongs or seamless panties so you wouldn’t worry about visible panty lines.

Many shops and online stores carry bridal lingerie in regular and plus sizes. To make sure you’re buying the one that fits, try it on with your wedding gown or take note of the style and its fabric. Your bridal lingerie should hug your body right, not too loose or too tight, so you can feel comfortable for hours and enjoy every moment of the celebration. You’ll be surprised at the variety of bridal lingerie that’s in the market today - all satisfying every bride-to-be’s preference and body shape.

So remember, bridal lingerie should primarily make you comfortable and more beautiful in your wedding gown. After the ceremony, you can slip into a lacy bustier plus matching thong and cap the night with a hot celebration with your groom.

The bridal lingerie that suits your wedding gown and body shape is at Lauren Silva Fine Lingerie. You can also find the bras, shapewear, accessories and more at http://www.LaurenSilva.com

Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day With Sexy Lingerie Gifts

Sexy lingerie is an easy way to add sizzle to your Valentine’s Day. If you are in a relationship, the benefits of sexy lingerie are obvious. For the single girl, however, a sexy lingerie purchase may seem pointless or even depressing. However, this not need be the case. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to make an investment in beautiful exotic lingerie. Read on for some great reasons to treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day purchase.

Looking Good, Feeling Good

Your outfit, hair, nails and makeup are probably very important to you when you go out. You know that looking great can increase your chances of meeting someone special. What you may not realize, however, is that self-confidence is an important part of attractiveness. Although your sexy lingerie may not be seen, you will know that it is there. Feeling beautiful and sexy will raise your self-confidence and make you even more attractive to others.

Looking Your Best

The right lingerie can actually serve an important purpose in the look of your outer garments. From push-up bras to smoothing chemises, look for undergarments that flatter your assets and hide your trouble spots. It is amazing how much different the same outfit can look with a brand new set of eye-popping sexy lingerie underneath. Try on different types of intimate apparel and take your time in deciding what is best for your body.

Discovering What You Like

When you are part of a long-term relationship, it is easy to get caught up in making your partner happy. Embrace your single status as an opportunity to get back in touch with your own inner preferences. Maybe your ex liked to see you in body-restraining corsets, while your preference is a more romantic bustier. Or perhaps you developed the habit of sleeping in a chemise, when a babydoll is actually more flattering on your body. Whatever ruts you have been in, Abecita is the time to break free. You can shop in anonymity online, allowing your imagination to wander free. You have the time to shop now, without feeling rushed or pressured, so take advantage of it.

You Never Know

Perhaps today it seems unimaginable that you will meet someone. But you never know what tomorrow will bring. Opportunities have a way of finding us when we least expect them. Buy yourself a Valentine’s Day present of exotic lingerie to ensure that you are prepared when you finally discover Mr. Right.

Although Valentine’s Day can be difficult for those who are not in a relationship, indulging yourself in sexy lingerie can turn the day around. Staying home and being depressed will not do anything but make you more depressed. Instead, find empowerment by spending some time shopping and discovering those items that make you look and feel beautiful. Relax and shop slowly and carefully, allowing yourself to find new and different items. When Mr. Right comes along, you will be a step ahead by already possessing a great item of beautiful lingerie.

Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the erotic lingerie sector for many years. uk market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy lingerie as if that needed much explaining! Please include this credit if you use this article.

Fashion - The Power of Color

You can’t help it. When a woman in a red dress walks into a room, accessories a man in a striking black suit wearing a vibrant red tie, you turn and look. Or how about how relaxed you feel in a green room? Color is all around us and has more influence over our moods then you might think. When it comes to fashion, color is a powerful way to send non-verbal messages about your confidence and ability.
“The colors a man chooses for his business attire tell the world a lot about him,” says Dana Persia, image consultant and owner of DP Image Consulting. “Color implies his level of success, background, status, authority, personality and more.”

Here are a few tips from Persia for deciding on what colors to add or subtract from your wardrobe:

For suits, choose dark blue and dark grey in solids or pinstripes to create more credibility. Other acceptable colors for suits are brown and beige. Black can be severe; the darker the color, the more weight it carries. Black is your most authoritative choice, followed by dark navy.

As for the color of your shirt, white is the safest and most versatile since it will go with every color of suit and match all of your ties. The next best choice is light or medium blue and then light pastels like yellow or even pink, if you are so bold. A man who wears pink actually creates an air of confidence because any man who dares to where it must be just that!

Coordinate ties in bold colors like red (power, strength, ambition, leadership), blue (coolness, confidence, conservatism, dependabilty), purple (creativity, wisdom, flamboyance) depending on the business situation you are in.

And what do the color experts say about the meaning of color?

Black

Black is an authoritative color that carries a lot of weight in social and business situations. In fashion, black is a slimming color. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, black can imply submission, which is why clergy often wear black. Black is intense and can be off-putting or intimidating. In terms of pop culture and folklore, black is associated with villains. If you find black too severe for the office or feels too formal, break it up with diagonal white stripes

The same goes for your dress shirt. If you aren’t wearing a tie, a black dress shirt with subtle white stripes is professional and modern. We like Dolce & Gabbana’s Striped Cotton Dress Shirt. But if you want the bad boy mysterious look, go for a solid black dress shirt and pair it with jeans for a night out with the boys or for a first date. The StretchPoplin Shirt in Black says sophisticated and a little bit dangerous.

White

In many cultures, white is a symbol of purity. Traditionally viewed as a summer color, white can now be worn year round. For fashion white goes with almost anything; however it does show dirt and is more challenging to keep clean.

White ties are hard to come by but you may see more of them with the popularity of the monochromatic looks. The Belisi Cloud Dancer tie looks great paired with a crisp, white dress shirt or any color buttondown.

Red

Without a doubt, red packs a punch. An emotional and vibrant color, red simulates blood–the source of life. Red clothes get noticed, which can work for or against you. Red is intense, so if you’re involved in negotiations it could work against you, as red could be seen as intimidating and threatening. Red cars are also a popular target for car thieves.

For men, red is best when worn as an accent color such as in a tie.

Pink

Pink is associated with romance and tranquility. A recent trend is men wearing pink dress shirts or ties. If you’ve ever heard the saying “real men wear pink”, there’s something to it. A man who wears pink screams confident.

If you’re not ready to commit to a pink dress shirt, a pink tie is a great way to subtly infuse a little color.

Blue

The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

Have a legal face-off coming up? If you want to pacify the opposition and appear less threatening (like to an arbitrator or judge), a light blue dress shirt, like the The Burberry Herringbone Dress Shirt is a good choice. Or, accent a white, gray or black dress shirt with a light blue tie.

Green

You might notice your friends painting their walls green. And with good reason; green is calming, refreshing and easy on the eye. Green has been associated with fertility and wealth. A man who wants to convey status might wear a dark green tie or shirt.

Yellow

Yellow is associated with cheerfulness and morning. But studies show that people lost their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and the color appears to upset infants. It’s a noticeable color but hard on the eyes. On a positive note, yellow can improve concentration (explaining why legal pads are yellow) and improves metabolism–hence the reason many kitchens are painted yellow. Brighten up a gloomy day with a soft yellow tie.

Purple

Purple denotes royalty, wealth and luxury. It is a romantic and feminine color, especially in violets and deep purple velvet fabrics. Purple can appear artificial, since the color is rare in nature, so if you’re going for a natural look, purple may not be the right color for you. Wearing purple is all about balance. Choose a tie that is colorful yet not overpowering.

Brown

Brown is the color of earth and looks great on people with Autumn skin tones. Light brown implies genuineness and dark brown gives off a rustic, earthy feel with its closeness to wood and tanned leather. Brown can also be a dull color, so make sure to fill your wardrobe with a variety of colors and tones. When worn properly, brown is sophisticated in a non-intimidating way. A brown tie is a great way to send the message that you’re open and honest.

Spice up your wardrobe, add a little color!

A. Covington is a fashion writer with a sharp eye for men’s fashion. Her men’s fashion Blog covers the essentials on how to dress well, from silk ties and pocket squares, to men’s casual clothes, to work attire for men. Her work has shoes in numerous regional magazines and ezines, including San Diego Magazine, San Francisco Downtown Magazine, Ranch & Coast Magazine and JustLuxe.com.

Eating Well While Traveling

When you’re on business full-blown vacation or even when you are just taking a weekend trip, your meals can be enjoyable milestones in your day rather than the subjects of your nightmares; and speaking of nightmares, the cost of eating can eat up a big part of your vacation budget. Following are some tips that will help you eat better, spend less and, as a result of the two, possibly even sleep better while on your trip.

Breakfast

Start your day with a healthy breakfast and, by definition, that excludes ‘just grabbing a donut for the road.’ Not that there is anything really wrong with donuts but donuts and pastries are high in sugar and fat — sugar may give you a morning boost but it doesn’t last long and half way through your morning you’ll find yourself looking for a second breakfast or a brunch.

Your best bet for breakfast is eating a balanced meal, just like your other meals of the day: Many hotels and motels offer you a complimentary continental breakfast — that just means a breakfast buffet with a good variety of foods — just what you need and what you should be looking for! Work your way around the buffet you’ll find them offering bread, waffles and English muffins right next to a toaster, some jams, jellies and syrups for spreading or pouring on your toasted choice, a variety of cold cereals with milk or sometimes hot oatmeal, some fruit for your side dish or for mixing in with your cereal and then there is yogurt, orange juice, grapefruit juice and tea or coffee. If you skip the continental breakfast and opt for a restaurant meal, the same rules about a balanced breakfast apply but you’ll be able to add eggs, bacon, sausage and table service to the mix.

With breakfast done, you’ll have a ‘full tank’ that will keep you going through your morning activities and keep you focused on enjoying a full schedule rather than being distracted by an empty belly.

Lunch

When you think about it, it makes sense to have your main meal of the day in the middle of the day — especially when you’re traveling. What you’re doing is packing in the calories and then, during the course of your active afternoon, burning them off. This also makes good financial sense; many restaurants have lunch specials that feature all the things you will be able to buy later, at supper time — at a higher price.

If you’re staying in a hotel or motel, ask the desk clerk or concierge about their favorite restaurant. You may get a tip about a restaurant that serves some local favorite foods; that’s a nice way to enhance your travel experience with some genuine local flavor.

The rule about eating a balanced meal works for lunch as well as it does for every other meal. You might start your lunch with a salad with a favorite salad dressing or a fruit salad or fruit cup or that salad might be a main course — there are some wonderfully filling and healthy (balanced) main-course salads with chicken, ham, bacon bits, seasoned croutons and a world of other ingredients. Depending on where you’re traveling you may just want to experiment a bit with some local favorite menu items — ask your waiter or waitress to suggest something and be sure to ask about ingredients if there is something you know you shouldn’t be eating.

Don’t skip dessert! A small dish or ice cream, with or without toppings or a small slice of pie or cake is a nice way to finish your lunch (remember, this is your BIG meal of the day).

Snacks?

“Just in case” foods are always a good idea when you’re traveling. You may be sightseeing or just traveling when you get that urge to “eat something.” Stopping and buying something is always possible but its really an unnecessary expense if you have a snack bag stowed away in your bag or backpack — besides, stopping along a tour route to buy something means your paying inflated tourist prices! The way to put together your own snack bag is to stop at a grocery store and buy some dried fruits, nuts, raisins, crackers and something to put on the crackers like peanut butter or cheese. Keep your snack bag handy!

Supper

After your big lunch you should be looking for a light meal to end your day — it’s good for your waistline and will give you a better night’s sleep. One great and economical idea for that end-of-the-day meal is to combine that trip you should have made to the grocery store for your snack items with some purchases for your supper. Get some tasty lunch meats, bread, cheese to make sandwiches and some fruit for dessert.

Many hotels and motels have small refrigerators in their rooms and many even have microwaves; when making reservations pick a location with these amenities and use them. Making your own supper can be a major savings to your vacation budget and may even allow you to save enough to spend an extra day visiting an attraction you might otherwise have to skip.

Home again!

It’s always good to be home and just in simone perele it hasn’t occurred to you, you might look at some of these eating and spending tips and apply them to your eating habits and your food budget even when you’re not on the road.

Bon Appetit!

Christine Bettridge has loved writing since childhood. She has written Plays, poetry and many articles. Her latest e-book End Time Secrets recently released by Cypress Street Publishing has caused an order craze in the religious world. It can be ordered and downloaded right now through the publishers website at End Time Secrets and she also is the editor of the article directory, Above All Content Visit her blog at: The Bible Sound Blog