contraceptive sponge http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for contraceptive sponge Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:23:16 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/contraceptive+sponge Starting Over In A New Safe Sex Relationship http://www.artwoo.com/article/starting-over-in-a-new-safe-sex-relationship http://www.artwoo.com/article/starting-over-in-a-new-safe-sex-relationship#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:19:59 +0000 relationship partnercontraceptive devicessex habitsvulnerable positionsafe sexnew partnerbirth control http://www.artwoo.com/article/starting-over-in-a-new-safe-sex-relationship contraceptive devices, and .

Starting over is not easy for anyone especially if you've been with someone for months or years and it's a slow process of healing from the last relationship. You want to give yourself time when entering a new relationship to get to know the person and the things that make he/she who they are. You also need to talk about contraceptive devices, safe sex and birth control before taking a step into the intimacy department. You can not assume that your agrees with or will follow the same norms and safe that you exercised with your previous partner. You're also in a in a new relationship, and as time goes by you start to find out things about yourself that you didn't know about when you were with that last person.

First and foremost take your time in getting to know someone because love works in phases and you want to move through each without skipping a step. One of those all important steps is talking to your new about contraceptive devices, safe sex and birth control. It's important to find out how they feel about various contraceptive devices and methods of safe sex, and what types of contraceptive devices or birth control they prefer to use.

New relationships grow when each side allows themselves plenty of time to get to know the other person and not rushing into anything. It also grows when you take the time to talk about important issues like safe sex. The time that a relationship is new is between one and five months and that's the make or break point when you start a new relationship. Usually if people aren't careful they can lose someone in that time frame because you want to get to know someone from the inside out before you start becoming intimate. Sometimes, while unfortunate, that make or break conversation is the one that you need to have about contraceptive devices, safe sex and birth control.

In this day and age the mentality is that you should start sleeping with the person to see if they're worth dating. That's the biggest mistake in a new relationship because you haven't had the time to discuss openly subjects like safe sex and birth control. This mentality also introduces sex way too early in the relationship from when you began dating. You can easily have your judgment clouded when you're trying to get to know someone and trying to find the appropriate time to talk about contraception and safe sex. This can cause stress and confusion when you're trying to get to know someone better and getting physical with them before you talk about safe sex can really do damage to new relationships.

It's ideal to wait on sex until you've gotten to know the person pretty well to be able to take things to that next level. You should take the time first to talk about contraceptive devices with your new partner. Too many people rush to the sexual part of a new relationship before it's had a chance to really take off. By the time they see the actual picture, they're back to square one in getting to know someone all over again. Counselors who work with people with relationship issues have advised that they should give some time between relationships to work on themselves before making that transition back into dating or remarrying.

Giving time between a past and a new relationship helps you to work through issues you don't want to bring to the new relationship. This is also a time where the other person in the relationship looks at your comfort zone and sees if you've gotten over the other person and if you're still having those lingering feelings. Being capable of talking about contraceptive devices, safe sex and birth control in an adult fashion is an important step in any relationship =96 so be sure that you have the maturity and the capability of talking about important issues before you take the next step in your relationship. If you are not ready to talk about safe sex, or feel uncomfortable, you might not ready to take that far of a step back into the dating arena. CondomMan is a leading safe sex educator and online retailer of name brand wholesale condoms like Durex, Trojan, Lifestyles, Crown and Beyond Seven condoms for the best prices online. Learn about contraceptives, birth control options, and how to put on a condom. http://www.condomman.com ]]> Handy Tips For Breastfeeding Mothers http://www.artwoo.com/article/handy-tips-for-breastfeeding-mothers http://www.artwoo.com/article/handy-tips-for-breastfeeding-mothers#comments Sun, 13 Aug 2006 08:27:09 +0000 breast feedingprogestin only pillscontraceptive methodsaccidental pregnancylactational amenorrhea methodoral contraceptivemini pills http://www.artwoo.com/article/handy-tips-for-breastfeeding-mothers
To make sure that your child gets the sort of attention he/she should you would be best advised to delay your second pregnancy for the next 3-5 years. For this of course you will have to take the right sort of protection just to ensure that you do not accidentally conceive. If you are your child contraception often becomes an issue. Do not pay heed to anything you hear about lactation offering a natural protection against pregnancy since any such claim is, quite simply, bogus.

The mother stands a strong chance against if and only if she is breast feeding her baby but hasn't had her regular menstrual periods after the birth of her child. This is a sort of natural spacing of pregnancy and is known as of contraception.

In case you are breast feeding you can start on your progestin-only anytime after six months following the birth of your child. Just remember to make sure that your contraceptive is free of estrogen. Everything from progestin injectibles to condoms, mini-pills (or progestin-only pills) and IUD's can therefore be used freely. If you aren't breast feeding completely you can also use the Combined .

Another very viable option is the tri-monthly injectible DMPA. This can be started anytime say about six weeks after the birth. DMPA will not in anyway alter the taste, quality or amount of your milk or come in the way of your child's health. A number of new mothers have discovered the wonders of DMPA in the recent years. It has gained a lot of popularity as a reliable contraceptive method since it is not dependant on sexual intercourse and does not need regular action. Mothers using DMPA therefore have far more time in their hands to devote to their own and their child's well being. Michelle Winters is a pre-school nurse and author. See more of her articles at http://www.brandnamecribs.info ]]> Ideas For Wall Art Within A Budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/ideas-for-wall-art-within-a-budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/ideas-for-wall-art-within-a-budget#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:20:01 +0000 sponge paintingwet paintinterior design projectsbudgetinterior design projectreturn on investmentstencils http://www.artwoo.com/article/ideas-for-wall-art-within-a-budget interior design project then you will not fall short of any ideas or things to buy and put up. In fact, the main problem lies in the wide variety of items that you could easily integrate in your home or office d=E9cor. But, the bigger problem lies not in the variety of choices but in the and your ability to stick to it. Although the budget is an important consideration, this does not mean that you will not be able to achieve your decorating goals. All you have to do is to look at the project in a different way, and you will realize that you will not need a huge amount of cash to fulfill your ideas and plans.

So, when working on your on a budget the first thing you should do is stay away from the mass produced ready-made kits on wall art. These kits are generally over-priced and do not provide a good as to how much area of the room the actually cover. These kits also have the tendency to take away the fun from all the decorating and planning.

After this, you should take a good look around your home and try to imagine the effect a few normal household items and touch of paint can give to your home. For instance, if you want to add some texture to your wall, then you can simply achieve it by that wall. The technique of sponge painting is to just dab the on your wall with the help of a sponge or just directly paint the wall with a sponge.

Sponge painting is one of the most fun techniques that you can get. Here, not only will you be able to do it yourself but you can also involve your family in it. This will also not hurt your budget as you just need paint and a few sponge. You should definitely try out this technique as it produces some wonderful results.

If you are not into sponge painting then you can also use to decorate your walls. You can apply stencils with help of normal house paint. If you want a glossier and metallic finish then you can also use spray paints on the stencils. There are so many different kinds of stencils available that you will be spoilt of choice. You can definitely find a stencil that will not only enhance the theme of your room but also will suit your family. One word of advice, when you decide to use stencils, do not forget to cover the area outside the stencils to avoid any kind of spillage. Please visit our website http://www.european-wall-tapestries for further information on tapestries. ]]> Cheap And Cheerful Wall Art Creation Ideas http://www.artwoo.com/article/cheap-and-cheerful-wall-art-creation-ideas http://www.artwoo.com/article/cheap-and-cheerful-wall-art-creation-ideas#comments Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:09 +0000 sponge paintingwet paintspray paintbudgetstencilsinterior design projecthousehold objects http://www.artwoo.com/article/cheap-and-cheerful-wall-art-creation-ideas interior design project you won't lack options for what you can do or buy. Far from it in fact. The problem is the wide choice of items you could quite easily integrate into that new room of yours. No... the real problem is and keeping an eye on it. While budget is an important consideration for you it doesn't mean that you can't achieve your decorating goals - once you start looking at your project a different way you'll realize that you don't need to spend mountains of cash to get the effects you want.

So when creating wall art and working to a budget the first thing you should avoid are those ready-made kits which are mass produced and generally far over-priced. These simply don't provide a good return on investment in terms of how much area of a room they actually cover. They also take away from the fun of discovering techniques for yourself.

The next thing is to take a look around your house and open your mind to what some normal and a touch of paint can achieve. For example if you want to add some texture to a wall you can achieve this by simply that wall. Sponge painting means either dabbing the you've just applied with a sponge or alternatively you can also just paint directly onto the wall with the sponge itself.

The neat thing about sponge painting like this is that it's very easy and the whole family can get involved. Plus all it requires is some house paint and some sponges so it won't hurt your budget. You should try this technique when you get a chance - it really does produce a great result.

If sponge painting doesn't sound quite right for you then you could also use to create designs on your walls. Stencils can be applied with either standard house paint or you could even use to achieve glossier or metallic color effects. Stencils are available in a huge variety of styles and patterns and you can find something to suit and your family online in a matter of just minutes. One important tip is that when you use stencils you should cover the area around the stencil to prevent any over-spray or spillage. This article was provided by Aaron Walker at http://www.PaintSplashes.com where you can learn more about creating wall art on a budget as well as other interior decorating techniques and ideas. ]]> Nuvaring Birth Control Information http://www.artwoo.com/article/nuvaring-birth-control-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/nuvaring-birth-control-information#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2007 06:20:01 +0000 birth control pillsnuvaring birth controlcontraceptive pillsoral contraceptivesfemale hormonesthird generationcholesterol levels http://www.artwoo.com/article/nuvaring-birth-control-information NuvaRing birth control is a combination hormonal contraceptive. It is manufactured by Organon USA. NuvaRing is a polyethylene vinyl acetate ring around 2 inches in diameter. It is worn in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week. The ring contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. NuvaRing birth control slowly releases the hormones into the bloodstream. The progestin is absorbed and prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. In addition, the uterine lining becomes thinner and the cervical mucous becomes thicker. NuvaRing is considered a third-generation contraceptive.

are usually made up of a mix of synthetic . First-generation , first introduced in the 1960's, had high levels of the hormones estrogen and the progestogens lynestrenol or norethisterone. The early caused a fairly high number of blood clots resulting in blockages in the legs, heart, and brain. These blockages can then lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Second generation birth control pills were formulated to decrease the risk of blood clots. They contained lower amounts of estrogen and a different progestogen called levonorgestrel. The downside to these second generation contraceptive pills was that they caused side effects such as acne, hirsutism (increased hair growth), weight gain, and higher . Second and oral contraceptives differ in their progestin component.

Third generation birth control pills such as NuvaRing were developed in the 1980's to contain the progestogen hormones desogestrel or gestodene. The goal was to help reduce adverse effects such as hirsutism and acne. It is estimated that 7.5 million women filled prescriptions for third generation oral contraceptives in the United States in 2006. Studies have found that women using third-generation oral contraceptives have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clot) compared to users of second-generation contraceptives containing levonorgestrel.

Some researchers are questioning whether third-generation contraceptives such as NuvaRing are more safe and effective than second-generation contraceptives given the increased risk of blood clots. The focus has been on desogestrel, the synthetic form of the hormone progestin. Desogestrel appears to cause resistance to one of the anti-coagulant proteins (Protein C). When coagulation is inhibited it makes it easier for blood clots to form which increases the risk of venous thrombosis. Steve Fields http://www.injurygroup.com ]]> Birth Control Methods - Know Your Options http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-methods-know-your-options http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-methods-know-your-options#comments Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:34:59 +0000 birth control methodsbirth control methodmale condomforms of birth controlsexual intercoursechoice worksmaking informed decisions http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-methods-know-your-options s.

about birth control will come after you have thoroughly researched the facts and discussed them with your medical care professional, as well as recruiting you partner or spouse to help you with the final decision process. While no method is 100% effective, some are very close to that number while others are not quite as effective, you should know which will offer you the maximum protection.

Before making your choice of contraceptive, you will need to consider certain factors. These factors include your general health, the number of partners you have, if you plan on bearing children in the future, how well your birth control method of , and the possible side effects. Most types are safe but you should discuss side effects with your health professional so that you can avoid any future problems associated with the side effects of you method. Another important thing to remember is that most birth control methods do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STD), so it is recommended that you take that into consideration when choosing.

The most effective way to avoid STDs or pregnancy is abstinence (no ), it is the only form of birth control methods that is 100% effective against both pregnancies and STDs, however most people do not practice abstinence, so the use of other forms as a necessity.

One of the most effective methods available on the market today is the latex . It offers the best protection from STDs and used correctly is also the best protection from pregnancy. It can be bought over the counter in pharmacies and is given away free in most clinics and family planning centers all over the country.

Oral Contraceptives (the Pill) are taken on a daily basis and block the ovaries from releasing eggs. This option is between 95% and 99% effective; however they will not protect you from STDs. The most common forms of this contraceptive are the Ovcon35 and Seasonale. There is also a miniature version of the medication called the Mini Pill which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. This method is about 92% to 99.99% effective. It may cause "birth control pill acne" birth control on your back and face.

Copper T IUD (intrauterine devices) are small devices that are shaped like the lowercase letter t and is placed in your uterus by your doctor. It stops the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. This form of birth control does not protect against STD's and is about 99% effective.

Mirena (IUS) is another T shaped device placed in the uterus by the doctor. Mirena releases a hormone called Levonorgestrel every day. The hormone causes the cervical mucus to thicken and block sperm from fertilizing the egg. It is 99% effective and lasts in the system for 5 years.

Depo Provera is an injection of the hormone Progestin every three months. It does not protect against STDs and is 97% effective.

Less effective forms of birth control include female condoms, the diaphragm, contraceptive sponge, the patch, and the NUVA ring. While they do offer some measure of protection there is still a higher chance of pregnancy.

In conclusion, if you do not want to get pregnant, you should go ASAP to see your health professional to discuss the form of birth control method that is the best for you and know what you birth control options are. Tess Barksdale is your average new century woman, author, mother, daughter, friend, and businesswoman. Tess writes on many topics but loves discussing all things women. Find out more about birth control methods by visiting Tess at her website http://womenshealthreport.org ]]> Get Out That Stubborn Stain http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-out-that-stubborn-stain http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-out-that-stubborn-stain#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:27:22 +0000 bleachlaundry detergentweatherspongestain removal tipscool waterglycerin http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-out-that-stubborn-stain
The first thought that may enter your mind, can I or can't I use safely? Labels at best tell you its safe to wash or dry clean only. Sometimes a label will mention if it's safe to use bleach or not. But much of the time there is no mention of bleach, or weather it can be used when laundering? Many of today newer fabrics, including colored fabrics, need bleach as well as detergent to help keep them clean, and free of stains.

A good tip to follow: When to use bleach? When the label doesn't mention bleaching or says bleach when needed, you can safely use chlorine or non-chlorine bleach on the article of clothing, as a rule.

Now, what about stains that bleach just won't get out or the fabric won't tolerate bleach? I have listed some on common substances that as a rule are very hard to get out. Please keep in mind all of these stain removal tips work better if the garment is tended to quickly, without the stain having time to set, and dry. Depending how bad the stain is will determine the number of times the stain treatment may have to be repeated.

1. Wine:

Treat stain promptly. Apply a mixture of and , in, leave in for a few minutes; sponge the stain with . If persists repeat.

2. Grass or foliage:

Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Then rub laundry detergent into stain, rinse with cool water. Repeat until stain is gone. Then launder article.

3. Ink:

Apply lukewarm water and glycerin to the stain. Blot with paper towel. Repeat until stain is gone.

4. Paint:

Treat stain immediately. Wash garment immediately in warm water and detergent. If stain does not come out sponge stain with turpentine, then soak garment over night in hot water.

5. Perspiration:

Sponge the garment with ammonia. Wash in warm water. If stain is old, sponge with white vinegar, let sit 10 minutes launder in warm water.

6. Rust:

Moisten stain with water. Sprinkle stain with salt. Drip on fresh lemon juice. Dry in the sun. Then wash in warm water, and detergent.

7. Urine:

Sponge the stain with white vinegar. Wash in cold water and detergent.

8. Blood:

Soak article in cold water. For old blood stains sponge stain with ammonia, then wash with cold water and detergent.

9. Coffee and Tea:

Immediately wet stain with hot water, work in laundry detergent into stain. Wash in hot water.

10. Axle grease or oil:

Scrape as much of the oil off as you can, wet with hot water, rub in detergent. Wash in warm water.

11. Chewing gum:

Rub stain with an ice cube .Scrape gum off with dull kitchen knife. Wash in detergent.

12. Cosmetics and crayon:

Apply liquid soap and rub into stain. Rinse thoroughly. For last trace of stain sponge stain with a mixture of liquid soap and ammonia, then wash in warm water. For more information on stain removal, please visit the following urls: http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/miscellaneous-recipes-3.shtml and http://www.oldandsold.com/articles23/dressing-well-119.shtml ]]> Can Toxic Shock Syndrome Affect Anyone? http://www.artwoo.com/article/can-toxic-shock-syndrome-affect-anyone http://www.artwoo.com/article/can-toxic-shock-syndrome-affect-anyone#comments Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:32:05 +0000 toxic shock syndrometssstaphylococcus aureus bacteriacontraceptive spongebirth control methodsinsect bitesboils http://www.artwoo.com/article/can-toxic-shock-syndrome-affect-anyone toxic shock syndrome () from magazines or from friends, but do you know why it is important to be aware of this illness? Would you recognize the symptoms? TSS is an extremely rare but potentially serious illness that can affect anyone.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but it is now also known to be associated with the and diaphragm . In rare cases, TSS has resulted from wounds or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection.

Anyone can get TSS -- men, women and children. Half the reported cases of TSS are associated with women using tampons; half result from localized infections, for example following burns, , or surgery. The risk of TSS is greater in younger people. This is because older people are more likely to have the necessary antibodies to protect them from the toxin that causes TSS.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a type of blood poisoning that will make you feel severely ill very quickly. TSS is a rare but potentially serious illness that can develop quickly in anyone -- men, women and children.

TSS is caused by the common bacteria -- Staphylococcus aureus -- which normally live harmlessly on the skin and in the nose, armpit, groin or vagina of one in every three people. In rare cases certain strains of these bacteria can produce toxins (poisons) that cause TSS.

With early diagnosis TSS can be treated with antibiotics to kill the , and other medicines which help counteract the symptoms.

You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible.

Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who've had it once can get it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior staph infection, don't use tampons at all. Can Toxic Shock Syndrome Be Prevented? Find out at http://ToxicShockSyndrome.ewhy.info ]]> Humidors: Keeping Cigars Well-seasoned All Season http://www.artwoo.com/article/humidors-keeping-cigars-well-seasoned-all-season http://www.artwoo.com/article/humidors-keeping-cigars-well-seasoned-all-season#comments Tue, 29 May 2007 03:34:55 +0000 cigar humidorcuban cigarsmummies of ancient egypthumidity rangehygrometerhumidorsweather http://www.artwoo.com/article/humidors-keeping-cigars-well-seasoned-all-season mummies of ancient Egypt were preserved by being rubbed with special oils and then wrapped in cloth. But how do you preserve your pricey, hard-to-come by ? Why, with the use of a humidor, of course! A humidor is used to control how much humidity surrounds cigars and other tobacco products.

Not Just Another Box

At first glance, a may look like an ordinary box. Made of wood, its interior is often carved out of beautiful Spanish cedar. A humidor is far from being just another box, however. While mainly utilized as storage, it may also be used for maintaining and aging cigars. It may even be used as furniture or a valuable family heirloom that is passed from one generation to the next.

The Perfect Humidity

The ideal for storing cigars is 68% to 72%. This is at room temperature, which is usually about 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. A humidor typically includes a to measure how much humidity is inside the box. Then, it maintains its optimal range of humidity by inserting or removing moisture on the inside.

The Time to Season

So, you bought yourself or your friend a humidor. Should you immediately stash your cigars inside it? The answer is no. New and humidors that have not been used for a long period of time must first be seasoned. A humidor adds humidity to the cigars' environment. If you were to skip this step, the cigars would dry out because the wood would absorb their moisture. As previously mentioned, cedar is usually used as a cigar humidor's interior.

Seasoning Humidor

Why should you season your cigar humidor? Well, seasoning gives the humidor an atmosphere akin to the tropical where the majority of cigars are produced. To season humidors, follow these carefully and step by step:

1. Soak a new sponge in distilled water. Do not use soap or scents. Additionally, do not use tap water because it contains minerals that could damage the humidor.

2. Wipe all of the exposed wood. This includes the inside lid and the dividers. Make sure not to use a fraying cloth or paper towels because these could damage the wood.

3. Spray the sponge with additional distilled water. Then, put it inside the cigar humidor, on top of a plastic bag. The plastic bag is necessary because it keeps the sponge from touching the wood directly.

4. After the humidifying tool is filled, it must be wiped down. Then, for about half an hour, it should rest on a hand towel.

5. With the wet sponge and the humidifying tool inside, close the humidor lid and let it sit overnight.

6. The following day, refresh the humidifying tool. Also, if the sponge is only somewhat dry, more distilled water must be added.

7. Let the humidor sit for another evening. Afterwards, take out the plastic bag and sponge.

In a world where cigars are as prized as jewelry, South American cigars are the Roles Royce of tobacco products. Keep your cigars well-protected inside a seasoned cigar humidor to ensure that your investment will not go up in smoke. Blow smoke rings in style when you visit out http://ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com today! From humidors ( http://executivegiftshoppe.com/cigarhumidors.html ) to cigar cutters ( http://executivegiftshoppe.com/cigarcutters.html ) and cigarette cases ( http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/cigarettecases1.html ), the site has everything you need to live or give with panache. ]]> How to Clean a Horse Saddle http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clean-a-horse-saddle http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clean-a-horse-saddle#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:43:25 +0000 stirrup leatherssaddle soapsoft toothbrushsaddle standfinished surfacestirrupstack shop http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clean-a-horse-saddle
A saddle should be lightly cleaned at least once a week, and thoroughly cleaned at least once a month. The more often you ride, the more often you should clean it. Even if you have not been riding, a saddle in storage benefits from a once-monthly cleaning and oiling. If well cared for a saddle can last 50 or more years. If left alone, it will become damaged and will quickly lose value.

To begin, you will need a small bucket of warm water, a bar of , a jug of saddle oil or conditioner, and two sponges. You may find a useful for getting grit out of the holes, or tooling.

Place your saddle on a secure stand. This can easily be made out of wood, or you can purchase a at your .

Moisten your first sponge and lather it with soap. Starting on the seat, gently scrub your saddle with the soapy sponge. You do not want to make your saddle wet, so be sure to wring most of the water out of your sponge. Rinse it regularly, and add fresh soap.

You will need to clean every surface of the leather. This means both the , and the underside of each part of your saddle. After scrubbing each section with soap, rinse the sponge and wipe any excess soap off the leather. Use the toothbrush to remove any soap caught in the billet holes or in fancy tooling.

Some parts of your saddle are removable. Take off the and , being sure to remember both what holes you had been using, and how they go onto your saddle. If you have metal stirrups, take out the rubber treads and soak both the metal and rubber parts in your water. Do not soak the leathers -- clean them with saddle soap, the same way you cleaned the rest of the saddle.

Be careful not to forget to clean the underside of your saddle. This can be one of the dirtiest parts of your saddle, particularly if your horse sweats a lot. Sweat can really damage leather, so it is very important to clean it off.

Once the saddle is clean, moisten the second sponge so that it is soft and pliable. Squeeze out any excess water. Now moisten the sponge with your leather conditioner. Without making a thick layer of oil on the leather, wipe the entire surface of your saddle with leather conditioner. It should all absorb into the leather. Any excess should quickly be wiped up as it can discolor the leather. Be sure to oil the stirrup leathers and any other pieces you may have removed.

Finally, take the stirrups out of the water and scrub off any remaining dirt with the toothbrush. You do not need soap or oil on the stirrups, unless you have leather stirrups (which you would not have dunked in water in the first place).

Put your saddle back together, making sure any parts you removed are replaced properly.

You can find quick fix products for cleaning your tack. While these are ok for situations where you just want to tidy things up, or after every ride, they are not suitable for a thorough cleaning. Many leave residue that can gunk up in the long run.

When selecting a type of oil, be aware that some oils, like Neatsfoot Oil, will darken the leather. Others, such as Lexol, will not. Some oils may leave residue on the seat, and could stain your breeches. Talk to your local tack shop if you are in doubt about the best product for your needs.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of quarter horses for sale, used trailers, used saddles, and she is a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> Tarpon Springs Living - A Little Bit Of Greece In Pinellas County Florida http://www.artwoo.com/article/tarpon-springs-living-a-little-bit-of-greece-in-pinellas-county-florida http://www.artwoo.com/article/tarpon-springs-living-a-little-bit-of-greece-in-pinellas-county-florida#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:27:07 +0000 tarpon springsundoubtedlysurprisinglyauthentic greek cuisinegolf course communitiesgreek immigrantsgreek culture http://www.artwoo.com/article/tarpon-springs-living-a-little-bit-of-greece-in-pinellas-county-florida Tarpon Springs, which has a population of around 20,000 is famous for its unique Greek heritage and culture. It also has the distinction of being the oldest town in the St Petersburg area.

The first were attracted to the area during the 1800s when they were employed in the thriving sponge industry. The town was given its name after residents spotted fish jumping out of the water and in 1905 sponge diving was introduced to the town. By 1930, millions of dollars a year were being generated by the sponge industry.



Today, although the sponge industry isn't as profitable as it once was, Tarpon Springs retains its unique and not , has the largest percentage of Greek-Americans in the country. Today, more than 20 restaurants offer and the downtown area offers antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores.



The town is also well known for its Epiphany celebrations every year in January -- the largest such festival in the United States. Naturally, delicious Greek food and traditional music feature large in the festivities, as well as several religious services.



though, the highlight of the event is the spectacle of several young men of the town diving into the cold waters of the bayou to retrieve a wooden cross. Tradition says that whoever recovers the cross will be blessed for the next year, and the proud winner is carried triumphantly through the town.



And, if like many others before, you have the urge to buy a home, a second home, a vacation home -- or even relocate - to this unique and fascinating town, property in Tarpon Springs is affordable and plentiful.



Homes for sale in Tarpon Springs range from sprawling waterfront properties such as Anclote Isles to exclusive gated like Wentworth or Crescent Oaks to imposing mansions in and around Craig's Park. The more affordable end of the market has a wide selection of condos, modest single family homes, and mobile homes as well. Greece never seemed so easy to get to! Living and working in Tarpon Springs everyday, Bob Lipply is the realtor you want to call when you need info on northern Pinellas County. http://www.lipplyrealestate.com/tarpon-springs.php ]]> Why Eat Fiber? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-eat-fiber http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-eat-fiber#comments Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:25:00 +0000 kitchen spongesoluble and insoluble fibercholesterol levelssoluble fiberfruits and vegetableshigh fiber diethealth care practitioners http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-eat-fiber health care practitioners often recommend a to their clients. Touted for its benefits to the cardiovascular system, experts suggest fiber will help us do everything from maintaining healthy , to supporting a healthy blood sugar balance. As a digestive care educator, I typically discuss the benefits that fiber provides to our intestinal tract. In particular, that fiber can help promote regularity and assist with the normal detoxification process that takes place in our colon.



Fiber is the indigestible parts of plants.

There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are needed in a healthy diet, because each type of fiber provides a different benefit to the healthy body. Let me offer a simple illustration: imagine your typical . It has two sides, each of which serves a purpose to properly clean your sink of dishes. The soft absorbent side of the sponge can represent . The scrubby side of the sponge represents insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber is found in foods such as fruit pectin. It dissolves in water, forming a gel, and absorbs water soluble materials such as cholesterol and excess toxins. This can assist body's natural process of elimination. It also provides food for intestinal flora, promoting a healthy intestinal environment.

By absorbing liquids, soluble fiber can help form our stool, alleviating bothersome problems such as occasional diarrhea.



The scrubby side of the sponge represents insoluble fiber, which is also known as roughage. This is found in foods such as bran and fibrous . This type of fiber provides bulk to the bowel, sweeping clean the intestinal wall, and helping to promote regularity.



Balanced correctly, work together, like a sponge and a scraper to help maintain the digestive tract.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains will give you a ratio of roughly 25% - 35% soluble fiber and 65% - 75% insoluble fiber.



The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults consume 20-35 grams of fiber every day, but most Americans are lucky if they consume 12-15 grams of fiber in their average diet. This is often blamed on the Standard American Diet, (or S.A.D.) which consists of high fat entrees, refined forms of carbohydrates, and low in raw fruits and vegetables.

Experts are calling us to eat more fiber, so we can begin to receive the benefits to a healthy digestive and cardiovascular system. With the small amount of fiber people consume every day, supplementation is an easy and convenient solution. Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the natural products industry. Having received her credentials as both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist, she is passionate about educating in better nutrition and optimum digestive care. http://www.fiber35diet.com ]]> 8 Tips For Professional Quality Face Painting http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-professional-quality-face-painting http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-professional-quality-face-painting#comments Wed, 14 Jun 2006 09:32:11 +0000 face paintingstart paintingpaintspongefacestemporary tattoosstencils http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-professional-quality-face-painting faces ed (especially the younger ones!), so it's the perfect thing to learn how to do if you have young kids... or you're planning to have a birthday party for your children.

With this in mind, I've prepared a few tips for people just starting out in . Here they are:

1) If you're painting a design that needs a large area to be covered with paint, use a instead of a brush. Why? Because applying the paint with a sponge means it will dry quicker. It's a good idea to have a few sponges set aside if you need to use different colors, because this means you won't have to try and clean the sponge for each color...which would take time.

2) Always let the first color dry before you on a second! If you forget to wait for it to dry, they colors will most likely mix and you're going to have to start from scratch again.

3) Make sure you know what you want the finished face to look like. Don't mak it up as you go along. You need to be able to paint faces rather quickly, as if you have children, you already know that kids aren't always very patient...and they may get bored or restless if you're thinking on what to paint next.

4) If you're not good at painting freehand yet, don't be afraid to use a stencil. You can get of stars, hearts, flowers, and all sorts of things. These are perfect for stencilling onto a cheek. You'll need stencils of different sizes to accommodate different face sizes.

5) If you want something faster than stencilling, why not try ? Make sure the person's skin doesn't react badly to it first, by asking them (or their parents)...or testing it on a small area first.

6) If you have a line of kids ready to have their faces painted, ask them to be thinking about what they would like a few minutes before its actually their turn. You don't want to be delayed while each kid thinks of what he or she would like painted on their face.

7) Remember to have a mirror with you at all times so you can show the person what you have painted, and to make sure they're happy with your work.

8) Professional face paint and stage makeup can be quite expensive, especially if you're planning to paint a lot of faces. You can make your own simple face paint with cheaper ingredients. A quick search on Google will find you plenty of ideas that you can use to make your own face paint with. Bear in mind this won't be as good as the professional face paint, so if you can afford it... I would advice you to get the professional stuff.

They you go, that's my 8 tips a for professional face painting! I hope you found them useful. For my info on how to do face painting, visit: http://my-face-painting.blogspot.com ]]> Foundation For A Flawless You http://www.artwoo.com/article/foundation-for-a-flawless-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/foundation-for-a-flawless-you#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2007 00:27:02 +0000 dark circles under the eyesfoundationsskin imperfectionsconcealerflawlesspimple scarsbeautiful skin http://www.artwoo.com/article/foundation-for-a-flawless-you flawless and healthy skin. For some of us, we once had especially when we were still young but due to hormonal imbalances during our teenage years we have developed and possibly acne or that may have left us scarred for life. But the creation of powders and have paved the way for these women to gain back the confidence they may have lost having felt some insecurity from the bad skin they may have on their faces.

The cosmetic market has heeded the problems of the women by offering various types of foundations to achieve that flawless look. One of the products that could help hide imperfections would be a . Though a concealer is not a foundation per say they are very useful for covering up unsightly flaws like . It is helpful to dust some loose powder after application of a concealer to seal it in place. Liquid foundation helps create that glow on your face and natural look. It is best recommended for people with normal or dry skin since it contains moisturizing ingredients. Apply liquid moisturizer on your face bit by bit with the aid of a wedge sponge. There are numerous brands offering long lasting liquid foundations that could even last to as much as 16 hours.

A powder foundation would also be a good option especially for day use. They also help you achieve that sheer and flawless look. If you feel the need for more coverage, you could always moisten your sponge and have the option to applying this product wet. This is best recommended for people with oily skin since it gives them a more matte effect or finish compared to that of a liquid foundation. Most powder foundations give you the option of applying it dry or wet.

You also have illuminating lotions that help you achieve the illusion of radiant skin that practically looks beautiful under any type of light.

Thanks to these products, the problem of achieving radiant and beautiful skin is just a sponge away. It is still important though to follow a beauty regimen to help maintain healthy looking skin for years to come. Mary Lorainne writes about http://www.simplybestcoupons.com ]]> Decorating Picture Frames And Boxes For Decoupage http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorating-picture-frames-and-boxes-for-decoupage http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorating-picture-frames-and-boxes-for-decoupage#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:20:00 +0000 marvelous effectsblank portionpermanent markerleaf edgestraight edgesbeautiful designsexact copies http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorating-picture-frames-and-boxes-for-decoupage leaf edge. Use your left hand to turn the paper as required, and cut the details of the design using your scissors.

When cutting designs like grass or fur, be innovative enough to add your own long curves if possible. In case you do not find some patterns good enough for your project like a in the picture or some , then you can cut away them from your image.

Once the design is ready to be pasted cut the bridges. In case the design is too delicate, you will need to put gum on the object and then paste the cut design. Use a moist sponge to clean any extra glue. Keep the sponge pieces handy when working with this technique. After wiping put your sponge piece in water. Because once the glue on it gets dried up, it would deface the sponge. Clean these sponge pieces properly with water and save for future use in your next project.

Fold and cut technique can give to your design. You can take colored pages from magazines and books and create symmetrical and using this technique. These designs can also be photocopied to make some layered/repeat design.

To decorate picture frames and sides of boxes, you can use cut corner patterns and other interesting shapes. You can cut coiled borders and repeat designs. For this you can cut it like a string or else outline your pattern on the paper and copy and cut it as many number of times as you require. Although it would not result in , but would be appreciably same.

Before pasting them, you will need to paint the white edges in your image. You can use a or acrylic paint to color this. These colors actually blend nicely with your image. Maximum time's sepia or black would solve your purpose but in a few cases you may need to go in for other hues too.

If required the images can be pasted one on another. Images reaching over the edges give a beautiful effect in a box. You can paste both the lid and the box with the whole image. Canadian artist Christopher Freville often uses Victorian photos for pasting on the side of a box. Once the paste dries up simply make a cut at the joint of the lid and the box. This way the pattern would exactly correlate to each other.

You can use a blue TAC to place your cut outs at as desired and then sketch your boundaries using a pencil or chalk. This way you would know which cut out should be glued where. Blue TAC can also be used to trace the place to paste the cut out. And obviously this needs to be done gluing every cut out piece one by one.

Only if your base surface has extremely good color and luster that you will not need to cover it thoroughly but otherwise you got to cut good number of prints from magazines or gift wraps so that they sufficient to cover the whole object. While cutting you should keep in mind that you have kept enough space to let the prints overlap slightly.

Before gluing experiment with different lay outs in which you can place your picture. Once you get a satisfactory look, paste it using your fingers and slightly press the print from the center towards its edges, thus avoiding any air bubbles or wrinkles. Teresa Edwards and has written many more hints and tips on decoupage sheets. Visit her and sister Karen's website at http://www.decoupage-secrets.com ]]> Hair Care For Shiny, Silky Hair! http://www.artwoo.com/article/hair-care-for-shiny-silky-hair http://www.artwoo.com/article/hair-care-for-shiny-silky-hair#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:27:20 +0000 shiny hairsafflower oilessential fatty acidsspongeimmerseefasdry hair http://www.artwoo.com/article/hair-care-for-shiny-silky-hair
Healthy, silky hair is something we all want, but in our fast paced, fast food world, is what many of us have. The long, luxurious locks on models in fashion magazines and the flowing curls of the girls on shampoo bottles may seem out of reach for the rest of us, but take heart. Not only is it inexpensive to treat your dry hair; you don't even have to visit a salon. All the products necessary to treat damaged or dry hair can be found in your local discount store or supermarket; in fact, you may already have many of the products at home in your medicine cabinet or kitchen. So, do take care of your hair for that silky .

Hair Moisture

Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair's moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair's ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers. Good one have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA's) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective is . It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA's. The scalp produces the best EFA's called sebum. It is this sebum that keeps hair looking healthy and shiny all the time.

Hair Care

Is the ability for hair to be able to absorb and retain moisture. The best way for me to explain this is to would be for you to imagine a . First of all imagine a brand new sponge. It will have tiny holes in it, and when you it in water, it will soak up a large quantity, and be able to hold that liquid for a long period of time. This is because it has good porosity. Now imagine an old sponge. Its holes have become damaged and distorted. It might even be torn in some areas. When you immerse this sponge in the same amount of liquid, it will absorb far less and will certainly not be able to retain the moisture so readily. Therefore, hair care is extremely important to ensuring great looking hair.

Good Hair, Bad Hair

Good ones have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA's) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective essential fatty acids is safflower oil. It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA's. Another way is to rub a drop of flax seed oil onto the ends of your hair to keep the ends looking supple.

Avoid Coarse Hair

Coarse hair tends to look dry, even if it's not. You might just need to condition more (but not with a leave-in conditioner, which can increase the appearance of dryness) as well as use asiliconeserum to seal in moisture and add shine. Sometimes we think of hair that is damaged from processing as being dry. Avoid dry hair by taking good care of your hair, avoid excessive sun and chlorinated water. In men, Thinning Hair and Hair Loss can start any time after puberty, usually in the late teens to early 20's! Find out more at http://www.hairlossfact.info ]]> 3 Steps Stress Management http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-steps-stress-management http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-steps-stress-management#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:15:23 +0000 stress management techniquescarton boxword stressgreat expectationwork stressbusiness objectivetime deadlines http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-steps-stress-management work stress is very common in most of the professions today. In every business unit there is a certain , limited with time frame and resources, with of "stakeholders" that this objective should be accomplished. In the situation of pressure toward the goal, pressure of and pressure of limited resources, it is obvious that in the middle of this pressuring environment there is the area affected by these forces. The meeting point of these forces is the focal point of stress that influences person who is responsible.

So how can an individual "survive" in this stressful environment? Is he/she will quit job immediately upon being exposed to stress? Or he/she will go to sick leave? Well, normally the answer should be no. The person should already have or try to learn the . Some of us absorb and manage the stress easily, but some of us not. Still, the Stress Management is the skill that can be learned. So, the question is what to do in order to successfully cope with stress.

In order to understand the stress-unstress mechanism, observe the following experiment on the simple sponge. Take the sponge in your hand and squeeze it. What happened? The sponge responded to your pressure by adjusting it shape and size to a new "requirement".

Take another example, the . Do the same what you did with the sponge and observe what happened. The box "resisted" to your pressure for a very short time. Then it is being destroyed by your hand. Now, let go back to our sponge. If you release it you will see it returning to its original size and shape.

From this example we can learn 3 basic steps of stress management:

1. Anticipate - There is always some "Force" or "Rule" in any segment of our life that we might be exposed eventually. We must be aware of it and be ready. We can not expect to exist in a perfectly stress-free world. Understanding this and adjusting ourselves accordingly will help us.

2. Adjust - When we face stress situation, we must adopt. If we do not adopt we must learn to do so, or we will be hurt, sooner or later. We will learn to adopt stress by following the rules and by observing others that are coping with stress successfully.

3. Relax - Still, even if we are skillful in handling stress, we must find some time of not being exposed to stress, in order to fully recover. No matter how good we are in managing stress, the best way of managing stress is time when we are not exposed to it.

Of course we can not live in isolation in order to avoid stress. We must live and face the life. The point is to utilize time between stressful periods in a best possible way. These periods recharge our batteries and strengthen us for a new challenges.

There are many ways to relax in these relief periods. Exercise, time with friends and family, reading a book, sleeping, enjoin landscapes, watching the movies or listening music, or even meditate.

Remember 3 basic Stress Management rules: Anticipate stress, Adopt to Stress Condition and Relax well in non-stress periods. These three rules will help you to cope with stress easier and to leave more energy for productive activities.Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. In 2007 he has started the www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills. He also runs www.my-introspective.com a Personal Exploration and Development Guide.]]> It's Baby Bath Time! http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-baby-bath-time http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-baby-bath-time#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 06:50:03 +0000 bath cushionsponge bathsbaby soapgroin areanewbornumbilical cordbabies http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-baby-bath-time newborn a bath. Don't worry though, you'll do just fine. Mothers have been giving a bath since the beginning of time. Today is much safer with all the new types of tubs designed just for infants and toddlers. And many babies love getting a bath!

Your newborn should just get for the first couple of weeks at home or until the heals. Since your baby doesn't need a bath every day, you can give sponge baths twice a week or as often as you feel is necessary. It is important to go ahead and gather everything you will need before you start. And here is the equipment you will need to bath a newborn:

* 1. thick towels or a sponge-type * 2. soft washcloths * 3. bath seat for basin or sink * 4. cotton balls * 5. baby shampoo and (non-irritating) * 6. hooded baby towel * 7. clean diaper and clothing

Make sure the room you are using is warm (around 75 degrees F). Place a non-skid cushion or towel at the bottom of the seat/tub so your baby will not slide around (little ones are very slippery). Run warm water (between 90 to 100 degrees or warm to the inside of your wrist) into the sink/tub. Gently undress your baby while talking in a soothing voice, explaining what you are doing. Place the baby in the water slowly.

Start with the face with just a little bit of baby soap. Next, wash the head, and continue moving downwards. When bathing your baby, make sure to clean the following areas (and creases) thoroughly: neck, ears, buttocks and . Try not to get the umbilical cord area wet; gently clean with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. And if your son is circumcised, try not to move the foreskin back when cleaning the groin area. Once you have the front clean, then finish with the back side.

Dry your baby thoroughly and then dress them. Make sure the head is completely dry. The first time may take a little bit of time because they will squirm and they are very slippery. But never take your hands off your baby. Once you both get used to this routine, it will be extremely easy. Have fun! Our History: With over 25 years of experience in the baby related industry http://HappyMothers.com has the most experienced and knowledgeable sales staff, and customer service representatives. SEO by http://TrafficXTC.com ]]> Upholstery Cleaning http://www.artwoo.com/article/upholstery-cleaning http://www.artwoo.com/article/upholstery-cleaning#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:30:00 +0000 upholstered furnitureupholsteryinconspicuous areasofa chairsolventfabricwarm water http://www.artwoo.com/article/upholstery-cleaning fabric or leather cover, it is called as . Upholstery makes the furniture more comfortable and gives a trendy and rich look to you rooms. The look beautiful befitting to the home d=E9cor. But their cleaning is also very essential as it cannot be done with ordinary cleaning. The upholstery requires different cleaning and proper care. All the stains cannot be removed in a single way; you need to apply different methods of removing stains depending on the type of stains.

The stains on your upholstery can mar the looks of your furniture; don't consider the hard and tough stains as a very big problem as simple cleaning tips on different surface materials will help you to do the job easily. The upholstered furniture is no doubt expensive like you have sofa, chair, loveseat and many more. It can get dirty with if you eat on sofa and bits of food falls down and drinks that leave stains on sofa, dirty feet and dirty clothing.

Before initiating the process of cleaning find out the fabric to be cleaned. The best way to clean is to test it in the to ensure no discoloration or damage is done to the fabric. With the simple steps and different cleaning methods given below can help you to remove stains effectively.

If it is a greasy stain so the best option is to choose a dry cleaning easily available in any grocery or retail stores. Put the solvent on a clean white cloth and blot at the stain, do not rub. Mix a mild ph balanced detergent in one cup of and blot it on the stain, after that use a towel to sponge the solvent and detergent off with clean warm water and let the spot dry.

Some may feel weird but baby wipes can prove effective in cleaning some upholstery. In this too much water and soap is not required and the alcohol in the wipes makes sure that it evaporates quickly. If the stains are mild they can be removed by the inexpensive sprays available. These upholstery sprays work quite well but should be used carefully. These sprays won't work if the stains are large patch of oil or grease.

The loose dirt which gets collected everyday on the upholstery can be removed by the vacuum cleaner. You should be wary if your sofa or a chair is an expensive one, the upholstery of such furniture usually has lot of organic material inside. In such cases it is advisable to get cleaned professionally rather than trying tips that ca be tried at home as it worth the investment.

It is a common problem to have hair of pet on your upholstery. To remove those hair use a pet rake, velour brush or even tape wrapped around your hand. The light and even strokes will remove the hair from upholstery. If not you can try with the rubber bottom on a clean tennis shoe, even the slightly dampened sponge can be used but see to it that it does not damage the upholstery. The vacuum cleaner with a beater roll or beater brush can be of great help. The place where vacuum cleaner cannot reach one can use a pet sponge. The pet sponge is available at every pet supply stores and is used dry. Looking for more information on Upholstery Cleaning visit http://www.upholstery-cleaning.net ]]> How To Avoid Foundation Flaws http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-foundation-flaws http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-foundation-flaws#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:25:00 +0000 natural flawslight applicationwords of wisdomjaw linefoundation worksblemishesmishap http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-foundation-flaws natural flaws, , and discolorations. However, many women make the very common mistake of applying or abusing the use of foundation. Granted, it is quite simple to misuse foundation, henceforth creating a very fake "clown- like" look. Few women desire a falsified look. As women, we universally yearn for that natural look that makes people question whether or not we even wear any make-up at all. Here are a few foundation flaws to avoid in order to create a more natural look from the start.

1. Remember these - Less is Best! It is true ladies, less is always best when it comes down to make-up. Only a is needed for most women. One coat of foundation will suffice. If you match your complexion perfectly, or as close to perfect as possible, you will be pleased with one light coat. Double coating against your look as it appears cakey and thick.

2. Blend it in. Have you ever been afraid to get too close to someone because you just know that they're foundation will rub off on you?? The way to avoid this is to blend in your foundation instead of sitting it on top of your skin. Foundation looks best when it is blended in with your skin lightly. Your skin should still be visible underneath the foundation. Use a sponge foundation applicator to blend in the make-up so that you create an even undetectable make-up appearance. Do not add more foundation to your sponge. Work with what you have on your sponge, which will create a smoother look. Once you start putting more foundation onto your sponge, the more you will find yourself packing it on. After blending, your skin should look radiant and clean, not as if your face needs a good cleaning.

3. Don't neglect the and neck! Okay, let's be honest, you know you've seen the two-toned ladies or now that you think about it, you may be guilty of being two toned yourself! These are the ladies whose faces are perfectly packed with foundation of one tone, and the neck is totally forgotten about with a tone of it's own. So, after blending your face, apply foundation to your neck and blend well. Again, one coat will do for the neck. Apply the same amount to your neckline and jaw line so that your complexion does not appear uneven. Other often neglected areas to give special attention to are the hairlines, earlobes, and around the eyes.

4. Follow up with a light powder. This will polish up your look. If you use a powder, apply it with a kabuki brush. Mineral powders or translucent powders work well on top of foundations to take away the oily look and allow your foundation to stay in place.

5. Check your face in a natural light source. Sometimes the lighting in your bathroom can be deceiving. Once you've checked it out, go and fix any areas that need attention. This always does the trick.

6. Request help from a professional. Many women don't have the skills that they need to find that perfect color for their complexion. If you're not one of the lucky ones, just take a trip to the department store to a Lancome or Clinique counter or any brand of your choice and let one of the skilled ladies do the job for you. They are experts, and chances are you won't be sorry for requesting help. Let them do a make over for you and even show you how to apply it.

These foundation tips will help to add beauty to your life in more ways than you'll know. It is always fabulous when you begin with a beautifully made up complexion. Donna Rice owner of http://www.blackhairplanet.com is the blogger for the black hair industry. ]]>