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Insomnia is a very common symptom reported by numerous women at the onset of menopause. It is characterized by sleepless nights and often uncomfortable sleep such as tossing and turning in an effort to get comfortable. If you are primarily a mentally active person, it can become very difficult to calm the mind. You feel restless and irritable. Welcome to the change of life.

Insomniacs sleep is chock-full of waking up at frequent times during the night, waking up too early, and light sleep where the ticking of a hand clock may jolt you awake. This condition occurs during menopause because it is a side-effect of other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and general physical and mental discomfort. When your body is dealing with night sweats, it’s easy to have your sleep interrupted, which makes it even more difficult to be sharp and at your best during the day.

Consuming stress-inducing foods loaded with things such as caffeine can further stimulate tension, so it is important to maintain a caffeine-free diet. Avoid drinking coffee as late in the day as possible. Do not over stimulate your nervous system. Release tension by learning hatha yoga postures or how to breath deeply and mediate. Try altering your sleep arrangements. If you find that your pillow is not soft enough, or maybe it’s too elevated for your head, make adjustments. If you find that the polyester blankets you’re lying on does not relax the contours of your body - switch them. It takes effort to accommodate these changes and make yourself as comfortable as possible.

Exercise also preps the body for restful sleep. Scientific studies suggest eating fat loaded foods are not recommended before bedtime. So a steady, healthy is a great plus. Insomnia can be treated by consuming foods that increase the serotonin levels in your brain so that your body relaxes. Serotonin is responsible for aiding with sleep by calming your brain. Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime to help calm your nerves.

There are many causes for insomnia that stem from menopause. Depression is characteristic of this transition and can negatively influence your sleep. Decreasing estrogen levels can cause the on-set of depressive symptoms. In the menstrual cycle, ovulation causes progesterone (which has soothing effects on the mind and body) to be released.

Irregular cycles may cause anxiety to build-up, as a result of the lack of this happy hormone. For some people, taking melatonin is enough to get a restful night. For others, a prescription sleeping pill is necessary. Some women swear by black cohosh to help with body flushes as well as natural sources of progesterone.

In any case, it is important to consult with your doctor in order to decide together what treatment is best for you.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.everythingmenopause.com, www.howtoconquermenopause.com or www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

Buying gemstone jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of gemstone jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality gemstone jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Gemstones Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in a laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units, called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7×5 millimeters).

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.

Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you’re considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.

Some common treatments that you may be told about and their effects include: • Heating can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone’s clarity. • Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls. • Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones’ clarity and appearance. • Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones’ appearance and durability. • Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless. • Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls. • Bleaching lightens and whitens some gems, including jade and pearls.

Contrary to what you thought Sportswear and Chic can go together. Here’s some helpful tips to achieve that chic sportswear look:

- Mix white with a a bit of grey or blue - Tuck slim fitting shirts into loose pants - Tuck fitted tanks into tailored shorts - Use a belt to define your waste - Keep your hair simple - Keep your accessories simple - Mix preppy favourites with teenties inspired seperates - Loose capri pants with a fitted tank and cotton jacket - Mix and match classic seperates in cool shades

Remember for your sportswear look to take on that chic look you’ve got to stay focused from head to toe. So this season wear those casual sportswear seperates and maintain your chic look!

When hair is depleted from its natural oils due to chemicals or improper care the result is frizzy, hard to manage hair. You can easily tame down frizzy hair with these tips that will help moisturize it without breaking your pockets.

•Do not wash hair daily. Wait for at least four to seven days before your next wash. Washing your hair too often strips away its natural oils.

•Use a moisturizing hair conditioner.

•Use leave in hair treatments.

•When you wash your hair always use conditioner and do not rinse it off completely.

•Avoid or limit the use of harsh chemicals present in hair colors, relaxers etc.

•Limit sun exposure.

•Limit the use of heat styling products such as the hot irons, blower etc.

•Deep condition hair every week.

•Use anti-frizz finishing products.

•Use hair products that help protect it from UV rays. The label should say UVA & UVB Protection or SPF.

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If you’re still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don’t really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it. June’s Birthstone: Pearl Birthstone Properties: Truth and beauty Alternative Birthstones: Moonstone and Alexandrite Pearl is the official birthstone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage. Pearls have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra, yet there are perfectly suited to young girls and are a popular gift for first communion. Pearls come in a wide range of colors from delicate rose white to black. The higher the luster or “orient,” the more valuable the specimen. Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the Love Goddess shook from her eyes as she was born from the sea. In Arab legend, pearls were formed when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the beautiful moon and then swallowed moonlit dewdrops. Ancient Chinese thought that these gems originated from the brains of dragons. Whatever their origins, pearls are magnificent! Round Pearl…and Her Shapely Sisters It’s hard to believe that the coveted pearl comes naturally from one of the humblest of life forms — the mollusk. Divers find natural pearls in The Persian Gulf as well as in the waters off Japan, the South Pacific Islands off northern Australia, and the coasts of Panama, Venezuela, and California. Besides the popular round shape most people associate with pearls, there are also large hemispherical cultured pearls (called mabe), fresh water pearls (elongated in interesting shapes and colors) and South Sea cultured pearls (from Australia and Indonesian waters) that grow to 10 mm and up! Gems of unsurpassed beauty and elegance, pearls have been a passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground up and used in cosmetics and as a medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac. Only those with royal status once wore pearl jewelry, but eventually these gems were seen among all classes of people. They continue to be viewed as a mark of taste and refinement as well as a symbol of purity, and they are often given to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child. Pearls are nature’s perfect gift, suitable for all ages, and elegantly worn with everything from jeans to an evening gown. Alternate Birthstones Moonstone is a type of feldspar that earned its name because of its resemblance to the iridescent sheen of the moon. Varying in color from clear to blue-white or peach, it was believed to endow the wearer with great spiritual understanding. A gift of this stone is symbolic of health and longevity. Alexandrite. A yellowish or brownish green in color, this gemstone has the unique characteristic of changing color to a red hue when exposed to a glowing light source, such as candlelight. Because of this quality, it has been characterized by poets as “an emerald by day, a ruby by night.”

Today’s wedding jewelry has left the old traditional standbys behind. Today’s wedding jewelry covers many styles and trends. Weddings are being used by bridal party members, and family to be creatively adorned with their favourite jewelry. Even the brides jewelry has heated up a bit from the traditional pearls. This season is seeing brides choosing rhinestones, colored faux pearls, crystals, and a host of other jewelry types.

Tradition would have wedding jewelry designed to compliment the whites of a traditional wedding. Today wedding jewelry is being used to enhance to enhance a wedding theme, or to carefully match color pallettes on the brides gown. Today brides often change attire between the wedding and the reception, requiring two sets of jewelry for her wedding day. It’s not uncommon to see bride and bridesmaids wearing contrasting colored jewelry, or for beach wedding brides and bridesmaids to be seen wearing fabulous and funky beach jewelry. Even traditional weddings are seeing a more modern traditional style in jewelry.

This season the following trends are very popular for wedding jewelry:

Chandelier Earrings - These long dramatic dangle earrings make dramatic wedding earrings adorned with crystals, rhinestones, or pearls.

Chandelier Necklaces - have been transformed into elegance and are also make a very dramatic statement for halter style dresses.

The romantic styles of the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s from are great for an elegant wedding. Add sparkling faceted stones and rhinestones, or vintage glass beads.

Art Deco styles are also very popular this season. Bold can look very good with the right gown.

The trendy multi-layer necklaces are very popular this season.

Dangling layers of crystal beads, pearls, and moonstone are very popular.

This season pearls of all shapes, sizes, and colors are a big hit. Non traditional dyed colors have made it to the top of the fashion statement. We are seeing wonderful shades from lavender to pink to charcoal silver.

Traditional pearls are always popular. Traditional pearls don’t need to be cultured, you can buy high quality imitation pearls for a fraction of the price. Swarvoski makes a terrific crystal pearl.

Hair Jewelry add a very feminine touch to the bride and they are also perfect for the bridesmaids. Jewelry combs and beaded hair pins can add a more subtle look. Rhinestones, crystals, pearls are all making a full time appearance in hair jewelry.

A tiara can add the finishing touches to a brides. Tiaras are often made from wire and adored with beads, crystals, or rhinestones.

With all the watch fashions available today, you can truly use your watch as a jewelry accessory. Go from feminine to glitter, or match your color theme. Watches are available in all sizes, styles, and shapes for very affordable pricing.

This season leaves your creativity wide open. Jewelry styles can go from subtle to glitter. From white to bold color. Open up your imagination for the possibilites that await you! Make your fashion statement!

In our culture today, it seems that the less body hair you have, the more attractive you are considered. Over time, people have tried many things in an attempt to remove their unwanted body hair, with little regard to pain and expense it seems. Shaving that can leave you with cuts and rashes, bleaching that can cause skin irritation, tweezing that can be painful and tedious, waxing that is very painful, and using depilatories that melt away hair (and sometimes skin) are some of the methods people have employed in the fight against body hair. Most everyone that desires to rid himself or herself of unattractive or embarrassing body hair would favor a way to do so that will take away the hair forever. Unfortunately, that only comes with electrolysis, which is highly expensive and requires many treatments. That is why laser hair removal has been growing in popularity. It promises quick removal of hair from the root, and pledges that the hair will grow back at a very slow rate. If you are considering the procedure of laser hair removal, it is smart to learn about the procedure, and that you find a reputable and practitioner that knows how to properly use the laser hair removal machine that will be used to carry out the procedure on you.

Laser hair removal works when a technician or physician uses a hand-held machine to push and light beams through the device into the hair follicles. This light is aimed at the dark pigment in your hair, and causes damage to the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissue. The procedure is somewhat painful, despite many claims by some laser hair removal professionals to the contrary. Most clinics will make available several pain reduction techniques, including skin cooling with gels, sprays, water mist, or air.

There are a great many plusses to laser hair removal. The most important one is the long-term removal of unwanted hair, or it’s permanent reduction in appearance, which can diminish embarrassment. Any regrowth of hair often comes in lighter in color and finer in texture. If performed correctly by a technician or physician that knows how to operate a laser hair removal machine, the procedure is considered safe. If you have a large area on your body with a great deal of hair, such as your back, chest, or legs, laser hair removal will work best for you. Fair-skinned people with darker body hair usually get the best results with this procedure.

With the plusses, there are, of course, the minuses. There is very little long-term medical evidence to suggest laser hair removal’s safety or effectiveness. Since every body is different, it is difficult to establish concrete regrowth scales. Laser hair removal tends to not work as effectively on gray, red, or blonde hairs, and it must be performed very carefully on people with darker skin tones or who tan themselves regularly. Having laser hair removal can result in burns, abrasions, or skin discoloration. And since some people don’t respond to it at all, the decision to have it done should be carefully made.

There are many establishments out there who perform laser hair removal that make claims that the procedure is painless, that the hair removal is completely permanent, and that there will be absolutely no hair regrowth. There are currently FDA regulations in place that prohibit anyone to make these claims. But, because there is no real legal regulation of who can purchase laser hair removal machines, for training on the use of them, or quality control standards, there is a great risk for physical injury if you take a chance with someone who is not a licensed physician, or a highly reputable laser hair removal technician. By making laser hair removal machines more widely available by not restricting those who can purchase them, it might make it more affordable, but it also increases the risks to those who choose to undergo the procedure. It is not worth the risks just to save money by going to someone who might not have the expertise to use the laser hair removal machine.

Choosing a person to do your laser hair removal should be a long and well thought out process. Take heed to choose a physician or clinic that will give you a free in-office consultation. Ask as many questions as possible, including questions regarding the laser hair removal machine, pain relief, costs and fees, and post-procedure treatment. Observe the office and equipment to see that they are clean. Talk to former customers, and ask them questions about the clinic or physician’s manner and service. Ask to get a test patch done before you make any commitments, and do not make a commitment to have the procedure done at the consultation meeting. Think carefully about it. By taking time to make your choice, you will get the best price and the best experience, and have the best possible outcome with your laser hair removal.

Learn the essential information for picking the right beauty clinic for your treatment at Laser Hair Removal Machines

Well we all know about this Ugg Boots fashion craze that’s hit the world don’t we? Those ugly fluffy looking boots that originate from Australia. But how is the humble Ugg Boot made?

The number one essential factor needed for manufacturing a genuine Australian Ugg Boot is the material (the sheepskin hide).

You may be aware that their are plenty of different ugg boots styles popping up on the internet these days. If you do a few basic searches on the net you will find yourself a cheap pair of non-authentic uggs somewhere, but let me tell you 99% of ugg boots sold on the internet are made in china. China made Australian ugg boots? Hmm how doess that work? Anyway these China boots are maufactured using inferior sheepskin internal material and probably suede external material which doesn’t allow the boot to breath and leaves you with a smelly boot you wont want to put back on after 4-5 wears.

These china made copies just dont stand up to the Genuine Australian Made Boot. So one things for sure if your interested in buying a pair of sheepskin ugg boots on the internet or anywhere for that matters, dont try to save a dollor or two when purchasing your boots?

If you want a boot that’s warm in winter cool in summer then you must insist on a boot manufactured with Genuine Australian double faced Sheepskin preferbly Australian Merino Sheepskin.

One of the questions often asked about ugg boots is:

Do you have to really kill the poor sheep just to make a pair of sheepskin boots?

The answer is NO. Not one sheep has to be slaughted to obtain their hide and fleece. The sheepskins are shawn of the sheep back and the sheep regrow their fleece just like humans do hair. It’s completely painless for the sheep. I’ve been told by a few old school ugg manufaturers that the sheep actually like the experience of feeling free and would prefer to be shawn rather than have to carry a thick thick woolen coat around with them in the hot Summer.

Once the sheepskin hides are taken from the sheep then the process of preparing the hide for manufacturers and ensuring the hides are up to export standard begins.

Woolskins are usually preserved with salt prior to being processed by tanneries. At the tannery the skins are processed in large vessels called paddles which vary in capacity from 3000 to 15000 litres. In contrast to hide processing, in woolskin processing mechanical action is kept to a minimum in order to minimise felting of the wool. Rotating blades on the paddles move the skins slowly and gently, and processing is performed at much higher float ratios (typically 20-35 litres of water per skin) than are used in hide processing.

Typically it takes about 10 working days for the skins to be tanned and finished ready to be cut into panels for ugg boots.

Step 1. Tanning/ Processing

Soaking (16 hours) - The skins are rinsed in cold water to remove excess salt and dirt from the wool and pelt. Rehydration (soaking) of the pelt takes place in a fresh cold water float overnight.

Fleshing - The skins are fleshed using a fleshing machine which removes excess fat and muscle tissue from the back of the skins. This allows for more rapid and complete penetration of chemicals in the later stages of processing, particularly during pickling and tanning.

Scouring (30-45 minutes) - Surfactants are used at 38oC to remove dirt and grease (lanolin) from the wool.

Pickling (16 hours) - Prior to tanning, the skins are pickled in a solution containing acid and salt. The salt is added to prevent swelling of the skins by the acid. The internal pH of the skins is lowered to approximately 2.8-3.0, thereby preparing the skins for penetration by the tanning agent.

Tanning (16 hours) - Tanning is generally achieved by using chromium salts which form cross-links with the collagen, stabilising the skin structure and preventing putrefaction. The tanning step is conducted at about 25oC and pH 2.5-3.0 to allow for penetration of the chrome. Once penetrated, the chrome is fixed to the collagen by raising the pH to about 3.6 using sodium bicarbonate, and heating to about 35-40oC. This step raises the shrinkage temperature of the skin from about 60oC to around 100oC.

Wool Dyeing / Fatliquoring (3-4 hours) - After tanning, the wool may be dyed a variety of colours. Wool dyeing is performed at about pH 4.5-6 and at 60-65oC, “Pelt reserve agents” being added to prevent the wool dye staining the pelt. After the dye is exhausted, the pH is lowered to about 4.0 to fix the dyes to the wool, and fatliquor is added to the bath. Fatliquors are emulsified oils which are used in leather manufacture to lubricate the collagen fibres, allowing them to move freely when the skin is dried, thereby imparting softness to the skin.

Drying (4-24 hours) - Once tanned and wool dyed, the skins are then dried in heated forced-air dryers by “toggling” the skins to a frame. Drying is conducted at temperatures of 50-80oC.

Drycleaning (4-24 hours) - The dried skins are “drycleaned” in either white spirit (a high-boiling petroleum fraction) or perchloroethylene. The drycleaning removes the natural fat and grease present within the skins.

Pelt Dyeing / Syntanning - Once the pelt grease is removed, the skins are returned to the paddle for pelt dyeing. This step is performed at low temperature (less than 30oC) in order to minimise staining of the wool by the pelt dye. After pelt dyeing, the skins are “syntanned” using synthetic tanning agents in order to give the pelts added fullness and firmness. The skins are then redried.

Step 2. Finishing

Once all the tanning and processing steps have been completed, the skins are ready for final finishing prior to being used in ugg boot manufacture.

Staking - After “conditioning” the skins to approximately 20% moisture content, the skins are staked in a staking machine. This softens and stretches the skin pelt, and puts a “nap” on the pelt surface.

Combing / Ironing / Clipping - The wool is combed in a combing machine to remove tangles and any burrs or grass seeds present in the wool. An iron (a hot, 150oC revolving cylinder) straightens the wool, removing the natural wool crimp. Finally, a cylinder clipping machine is used to clip the wool pile to the desired length, usually about 12-15 mm.

Step 3. Manufacturing

Panels are cut from the skins using a “clicking press”. Once cut, the panels are sewn together using industrial sewing machines, then the sole is glued to the boot. Once this is done, the boots are ready for sale!

A new fashion year is here and so are the latest styles for women looking to freshen up their wardrobes. Ladies, good news. Femininity is back!

>From the office to casual wear, you can show off the power of your femininity while still taking care of business. Jackets are a great way to add flair and style to your pants and skirts. Boucle jackets are hot. Also, pairing a colorful denim jacket with a flouncy skirt gives you a variety options for a more dressed up casual look.

You should have at least one boucle jacket in your closet. Boucle is very chic and can dress up a pair of black pants or a black skirt very easily. Boucle jackets come in a variety of colors. Some have removable flower pins, some have ruffles, etc. In celebrity circles it’s popular to pair a boucle jacket with jeans and high heels or boots. Very chic.

Skirts are longer, falling either just above the knee or just below the knee. You’ll find skirts with asymmetric cuts, ruffles at the bottom, or with a free flowing feel. Why not add a flowery or ethnic print skirt to your collection. Pair it with a jean jacket in blue, pink or white for extra pizzazz.

Colorful ponchos and shrug wraps (wraps that are fitted and tie in the middle) are great accent pieces to wear over plain black or white tops. Speaking of tops, try a shirt or blouse in a bold funky print to spice things up a bit. Plus size women are no longer bound by arcane rules that say they can’t wear prints. Dress for your personality.

Shopping for new clothes is a fun experience and the options for plus size women are better than ever. You’ll find all the new trends and plus size fashion styles to create your own feminine chic look at great online shops like: Lane Bryant, Catherines, Avenue, Just My Size, Making It Big, Ulla Popken, Size Appeal, Kiyonna and more.

Looking tanned is such a great feeling, isn’t it?

There are three methods of getting that feeling. 1.Getting out into the sun. Great if you are young, and believe that all this hype about skin cancer has nothing to do with you. Goes hand in hand with high alcohol consumption, speeding and living on credit. It will catch up with you sooner than you think. 2.Solarium. Possibly a little more sensible solution if you take it easy, and build up your tan very gradually. Might lower your chances of getting skin cancer if you never burn, but if you tan regularly, it will definitely not save you from real bad skin damage and broken capillaries (very high temperatures boil blood in your capillaries- yuk). 3.Spray tan. A relative newcomer. It can take less than one minute to apply (in a booth), does not damage your skin in any way and saves you hours and hours on trips to and from solariums or lying on the beach.

Spray tanning seems to be such a great solution, so why doesn’t everybody, who wants a tanned look, do it?

Judging from the reactions that I encounter at my salon, it seems mainly to be the cost. A single session can cost up to $70 in some places, the average being about $50.

Isn’t it cheaper to go to the beach? If you are asking this question, chances are, you are still very young. Look at your mum. She is probably spending hundreds, and hundreds of dollars per year trying to reverse the damage of frying on the beach in her youth. Unfortunately, our generation was told that getting suntan was healthy (whom can we sue for those lies?).

She also has to watch her skin very closely to make sure that she catches any cancerous changes early.

Solariums- a cheaper alternative? Apart from also causing serious skin damage long term, how much does it cost in money terms?

A single session is on average about $15, so lets see: To build up your tan safely: about 5 sessions, then two sessions per week to keep your tan that way. First month: 9 sessions (5 to build up the tan+ 4 to maintain the tan) at $15 each= $135. Subsequent months (8 sessions) =$120per month

What about spray tan? The beauty of this method is that if you spray tan regularly the skin gets used to the solution and then holds the tan much longer. You will need about 3 sessions 5 days apart to get your skin to this stage (but you will be wonderfully brown right after the very first session), after which (if you supplement your spray tan with tan extending products) you will only need a spray tanning session about every 2 weeks.

First month: 4 sessions (3 to get your skin used to the solution+ 1 to maintain the tan) at $50 each= $200 Subsequent months (2 sessions) =$100per month

So, after higher initial cost you will start saving money and definitely lots of time on trips to the salon. Of course down the track you will save yourself thousands and thousands of dollars on skin care products repairing sun damage.

Additionally, you will have a very low chance of developing skin cancer.

The above prices are a guide only, different salons will have different charges, but almost every salon will have packages, where you can save even more.

If spray tanning not only gives you a great tan, saves you from skin damage and cancer, but is also cheaper compared to other methods, does it not make sense to switch over ?

Go on. Do your skin a favour, and try spray tanning.

For advice and lots of spray tanning tips visit www.best-spray-tan-guid e.com