Things to Consider When Shopping For a Formal Dress

A formal occasion calls for fancy dress attire. Formal occasions can include a variety of events such as a wedding, prom, birthday, retirement or an award dinner. When a special event takes place, it is very important to choose the right dress or suit for the occasion.

You may consider visiting a nearby shop in your local area like Peaches Boutique whenever you are shopping for a formal dress. Peaches Boutique runs one of the top dress stores in Chicago area. If you happen to live around the area, they are one of the stores you should visit. If not, they also have a website where you can check what they have on offer. You may find something that catches your eye almost immediately.

There are a variety of things to consider when shopping for a formal dress, such as:

You must consider the various dress styles currently on the market. Certain styles are favored by some people therefore it is important that you choose a dress that you really do like.

In addition, it would be best to purchase a dress that can be worn at other occasions in the future. For example, if you buy a formal dress for a wedding, it is possible that you can wear the same dress at another formal affair within the near future. Purchasing a pricey dress and wearing it only once is generally a waste of money.
It is also very important to purchase something that will blend nicely with your complexion, eye color and body shape. Some of us are tiny, some of us are average and some of us may be a few pounds overweight. Therefore, it would be a great deal if you try the dress on before you decide to purchase it.
To avoid having to buy new shoes, a purse or other accessories, it would be beneficial to purchase a dress that will ultimately match a pair of shoes or purse that you already have in your closet. If this cannot be done then you may also have to purchase new accessories such as purse, earrings, shoes etc.
If you plan on buying something that can be worn at other special events then you need to decide whether a particular style of dress is more likely to be in style within the next year or two. Therefore, choosing plain and or solid colors may be your best bet. Print dresses or flowery patterns may not be the most practical choice.
Color is one of the most important considerations when purchasing a new dress. Darker and/or solid colors such as dark blue, black even white never seem to go out of style and can be worn with almost anything.
Choosing a fabric is another very important consideration. If you are looking to purchase a high end dress and money is not a consideration then you may consider a silk or cotton fabric. Silk dresses can be quite expensive but can also be quite beautiful. However, a simple cotton dress may do just fine. Cotton is a common fabric used in a variety of dresses.
It may be wise to stay away from polyester fabric. Fabric of this kind tends to be warm and uncomfortable. In addition, polyester fabric is very inexpensive and does wrinkle quite easily. Some polyester fabric look very cheap and inexpensive.
As previously mentioned, you need to choose a formal dress that fits your body shape and contour. For example, if you are a few pounds overweight, it may not be a good idea to wear something that draws attention to the cleavage area and or the area of the knees. Therefore, you may consider buying a dress a bit longer so that it covers the knees and a good part of the leg area. In addition, it may be wise to keep the entire chest area covered.
If you are thin and well built, you can probably get away with wearing just about anything. Therefore, it would be acceptable to show more leg and cleavage. Only you know what looks best on you.
Cost is usually a consideration for most people unless you are very financially secure. When shopping for a formal dress you may wish to set a specific price range even before you begin to look. You may be very surprised at what bargains you can find if you know where to look. You can easily find a dress that looks very impressive without spending a fortune. Therefore, design a budget and stick within that price range.

Take note of all those points and you’re sure to find a stunning formal dress.

Exercise

Thighs, Calves and Knees: Exercise and Equipment Tips for Toning Your Legs

Anne Younger Leave a comment

Warm, sunny days are on their way. It’s time to get your legs toned and ready to show off in those shorts and skirts. Interested in getting long, lean leg muscles without the added bulk? Here’s a basic plan to help you reach that goal.

Commit to a regular workout schedule and a healthy diet

The key to any exercise routine is to work it into your regular weekly schedule. You want a plan you can commit to, but you also need it to be effective. The best way to develop your legs is to do a dedicated leg workout, three times a week. On the off-days, you can focus on arms, back and abs. You will also want to do some low-intensity cardio such as biking, walking or dancing, to help boost your metabolism and burn fat. Make sure you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes lean proteins: these are essential for building and repairing muscle.

Focus on the legs with targeted exercises

Squats, lunges and leg lifts are excellent exercises that target the leg and butt muscles. You can do them barefoot or in cross-fit shoes and you don’t need any extra equipment, so you can do them anywhere, anytime. Do some calf raises while sitting at your desk or standing at the copy machine. Take the stairs at work two at a time. You will find a number of variations that adapt these exercises to your individual comfort level and ability. One of the most effective ways to exercise your legs without additional strain on your knees and back is with the leg press machine, just be sure you have proper ankle support, you wouldn’t want to end up in an ankle brace for a sprain. The equipment is ergonomically designed to support your body while putting all of the effort on the leg muscles. You can also find equipment to target your calf muscles (the calf raise machine), your hamstrings and your quads (leg curl machine).

Follow the formula for a shapely leg

If you are running on a daily basis and lifting heavy weights with low repetitions, you will find yourself building a bulkier muscle in the leg. This might not be the look you are going for. To develop a lean, toned leg, you need to lower the weight and increase repetition. Use a weight where you feel the muscle working without strain. You can use a leg press machine, add ankle weights or just use your own body weight without additional equipment. Repeat twelve to fifteen times, then rest for thirty seconds. Do three sets of each exercise. Make sure you rest a day in between leg workouts so that your muscles have a chance to recover.

If you want to add some variety to your leg workout, take a look at some athletes known for their awesome legs. They spend a lot of time in the gym but they also get their shape through sports. Try adding some tennis, swimming or even horseback riding to your routine to mix things up a bit.

Home Improvement

Yes, You Can: Waterproof Your Home in Just One Weekend

Anne Younger Leave a comment

If you had to nominate the worst cause of damage to your property water would be right up there as a major culprit.

Water invading your property whether it is flooding or excessive moisture has the capacity to create some serious problem in your home in an instant or over a period of time, which is why you should consider the idea of waterproofing your home, a task you can complete in just one weekend.

Here is a look at how to protect your home from the invasive threat of water and the damage it can do. There are some simple but effective tips to follow on how to achieve this task over a couple of days if you approach it in the right way and create a list of tasks to complete.

Cover up those cracks

Cracks in your concrete are simply inviting trouble and they leave your home vulnerable to rainwater.

The good news is that repairing concrete cracks is well within the scope of most DIY-minded homeowners. Take a walk around your home and identify any area that needs repair, then arrange to fill them with caulk or a suitable concrete patch product.

This task shouldn’t take up too much of your weekend and will leave you plenty of time to tackle the other waterproofing jobs on your list.

Get your gutters in order

Another important job is to clean and repair your gutters so that rainwater is efficiently collected and despatched from your home without having the chance to cause any damage.

A clogged downspout is so simple to sort out and such a bad idea to leave unfixed for any amount of time, as the excess water has to go somewhere and more than likely it is going to try and find a way inside your property.

Make sure you work safely when you are using ladders and get someone to help you with holding the ladder in place while you focus on removing the debris. A pair of tongs should be able to help you pull the leaves out, but if that doesn’t work you could use a hose to flush the clog out.

Once you have cleared the gutters, check them for any loose fixings and repair or replace where necessary so that they are ready to serve you and your home properly again.

Pick the right paint

Next up in your weekend efforts aimed at waterproofing your home is some painting tasks.

It is worth saying at this point that you would be making a mistake if you think you can simply paint over any unsightly water stains as a quick-fix. The stains or mold caused by water damage in the first place will soon reappear through the pain, so you are wasting your time.

However, the way you can resolve the problem successfully is to use a waterproof sealant paint initially, then use a regular paint afterward.

This should help to contain the damage and make it look better as well preventing further spread, but be realistic with your attempts to paint over a problem. If the damage is extensive it might be a bridge too far for your DIY skills and it might need a professional touch to resolve the issue successfully.

Sticky doors and windows

Wet weather can take its toll on your windows and doors and there may be a few around your home that might have managed to swell up and stick.

You want all your doors and windows to fit as snugly as possible and work efficiently, not just from a waterproofing point of view but also because you want to be able to open and close them with ease.

Make a note of where each window or door is sticking before attempting to remove it. Take care when applying a plan to shave off the excess wood so that it will fit again properly, as the wood will shrink back when the weather becomes drier throughout the summer.

It is always worth trying to prevent the windows and doors sticking in the first place by applying a light coat of linseed oil as a sealer. If you do intend to apply some paint consider avoiding painting the channels where the window needs to slide if it doesn’t show.

It may take the best part of a couple of days to complete all your tasks depending on what condition your home is in and the faults you find, but it is definitely possible to waterproof your home in a weekend.

Demi Hudson shares her knowledge on home repairs. She works in the office of her family-run home maintenance business.

Home Decor

From Lumpy Chair to Fabulous Furniture: The Evolution of Soft and Cozy Bean Bags

Anne Younger Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered who came up with the idea of the bean bag and how the first one was made? It was actually invented around 50 years ago, but today’s bean bag chairs are not those of the 1960’s. The bean bag has evolved in many ways from the style to the filler material. Here’s a rundown of the bean bag’s transition from lumpy chair to fabulous furniture.

The Bean Bag Evolution

The bean bag chair, also known as the Sacco, was designed in Italy in 1968 during the period of Italian Modernism. This postwar era movement was inspired by the newly available technology, which increased production processes and introduced new materials such as polystyrene. The modernist movement also favored objects with free forms and asymmetric designs. Italian designers Cesare Paolini, Piero Gatti and Franco Teodoro combined these qualities to create the Sacco; the first formless chair in Italian history. The original chairs were made from pieces of leather evenly stitched together and filled with thermocol pellets. The bean bag became popular because it was the first chair to conform to the shape of the person sitting in it.

During the 1970s the bean bag transitioned and became even more comfortable. This was due to a change in the filling. The thermocol pellets were replaced with pure Styrofoam pellets. At this time, the bean bag chair was not only a popular item in many homes, it was also to be found in the offices of child therapists, and physicians were recommending it for patients recovering from back surgery.

During the 1990s consumer perception of the bean bag chair shifted. It was no longer considered to be just a piece of cheap furniture but became a sought after piece of casual comfort that could meet a variety of needs. The Sacco now shifted its shape, it was no longer just a round sack but was transformed into different shapes and sizes. This was the era of bean bag furniture, which included sofas and recliners. Because there had previously been a number of incidents in which children had crawled inside earlier versions of the bean bag and inhaled the filling, the modern bean bag became more child-friendly.

Today, bean bags remain a steadfast part of Western culture. They can now be found with a wide range of washable fabric covers that are made from strong material. Most are filled with biodegradable Styrofoam pellets, while some are filled with urethane filler which can provide a little more support, and others are filled with shredded foam.

Bean Bag Styles and Sizes

Conventional bean bags: These are the familiar round bean bag chair that come in a variety of sizes and are great for kids and adults alike. Cover colors and designs are almost limitless.
Bean bag loungers: If you want a bean bag that you can fit your whole body onto, a lounger is for you. These super-sized bean bags are perfect for reclining while watching TV, reading or taking a nap. You can find all styles and colors of giant bean bag chairs at Sack Daddy.
Sporty bean bag chairs: Designed for sports fans to grab and put in front of the TV to watch their favorite team in comfort, these bean bags are available in bright colors and team colors. They are larger than conventional bean bags and they’re built for comfort all through the game.
Couch replacement bean bags: Ditch your couch for a bean bag large enough to seat two or three people. They’re great for your teen’s bedroom or a student dorm room.
Bean bag chairs: Slightly different from the conventional formless bean bag, these models are actually shaped like a chair, so they offer you more support and are great if you’re sitting for a long time. These bean bags have a much firmer base than conventional bags, so they retain their form better.

Floating bean bag chairs: Whether you’re floating in your swimming pool or fishing on your favorite lake, these bean bags can go anywhere, from the back yard to the beach.

Bean bag chairs are great for all ages. They help your body relax and are comfortable even if you suffer from back pain. Compared to conventional chairs and sofas they are also inexpensive. So why not grab a bean bag today and sink into coziness and contentment while you’re reading, watching TV, taking a nap, or chatting with your friends.

Max Fletcher is an interior design student who, when not studying, or working on his textile designs, enjoys writing home decor articles.

Home Improvement

Energy Efficient Home Cooling: Top Signs It’s Time to Update Your Air Conditioner

Anne Younger Leave a comment

Warm weather is on the way, and too often homeowners take their home cooling unit for granted. How old is your air conditioner? When was it last replaced? You don’t want your air conditioning unit to quit working during a hot spell. The following signs will let you know if this is the time to replace your cooling unit with a new one before the summer heat arrives.

The Age Of Your Air Conditioner

The age of your air conditioner has a lot to do with its efficiency. With good maintenance, an air conditioner can last up to 15 years, but if you were not the original purchaser you don’t know how well it was cared for. If the unit is 10 years old and needs repairs, over time you will save money by replacing it. Technology has improved the efficiency and performance of new air conditioners, and that will save on energy costs.

Your Electric Bill Keeps Increasing

Have you noticed your electric gradually increasing each month? Check your Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. New air conditioners are required to have a minimum of a 13 SEER rating. If your rating is under 13, your unit is not performing efficiently. Replacing your current air conditioner with a more efficient unit will lower your energy costs and keep your home at a comfortably sustained temperature.

Frequent Repairs

If your air conditioning unit is breaking down frequently and needing expensive repairs, it makes sense to replace it. When older units need repairs, AC Repair Atlanta technicians may not have parts on hand. You will have to be uncomfortably warm while waiting for replacement parts. Parts for new models are almost always in stock, and that means your unit will be working at capacity in a short time.

Yearly Maintenance

One of the most important ways to extend the life of your air conditioning unit is to have regular yearly maintenance. If you have neglected this step in years past, your unit may not be operating efficiently. If you bought your home with its current air conditioner in place, you can’t know how often maintenance was performed. Make a maintenance appointment, and find out what condition your unit is in. It may need to be replaced. It’s always best to find out the problems before it breaks down and you are left sitting in the heat while you wait for a new air conditioner to arrive.

Hard To Cool Home

There is a problem with your air conditioner if it isn’t keeping your home cool and comfortable. It may be your unit is old and tired, or you may have the wrong size air conditioner for your home. Whatever is keeping your home from being cool and comfortable, you can change it with a new unit. Replacing your current air conditioner with a smart unit will give you the ability to check temperatures and settings remotely and adjust them through your smartphone.

Noisy While Running

If you hear unusual sounds while your air conditioning unit is running, you may have a serious problem. Call your technician and have the unit checked.

Your Unit Uses R-22

Any time your air conditioner needs refrigerant added, it signals there is a coolant leak. It’s very expensive to top off your system with R-22 refrigerant (Freon). It can cost over $150.00 per pound plus the charge for the service call. The total cost can easily run between $500 and $1,000. If your unit uses R-22 and has a leak, you can expect the compressor to go next. That can cost up to $2,000. Since R-22 is being phased out and will no longer be produced in 2020, it’s financially wise to replace the leaking unit instead of throwing away money on an air conditioning unit that will be useless in the near future. The cost of the remaining R-22 in the marketplace after production stops is expected to skyrocket.

Choosing A New Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is an old unit that doesn’t have a draft fan or vent dampers, and if it has a pilot light instead of electronic ignition, you should consider replacing it. When you select a new air conditioner, Consumer Report reminds consumers to always check the warranty when making a purchase. Technological advancements in the air conditioning industry have created “smart” units which give the homeowner remote access and control to raise or lower thermostat settings and set times for each adjustment to be activated. Smart units save homeowners considerable money on energy costs.

Check this list to see if your air conditioner is experiencing issues that indicate replacement is the wisest solution. Don’t get caught unprepared during summer’s hottest days.

Owen Burrows works as a home maintenance repair man and enjoys spreading his tips for homeowners a little further by writing for an online audience.