You have the all-important interview today so you pull out your jeans from the bottom of the pile of clothes in the corner of your room, select your favorite T-shirt, spike up your hair with blue gel and slip on your comfy trainers, the ones with a hole in the side. Off you go ... now why did you not get the job?

Dressing appropriately for your job interview is vital, you want the interviewer to remember you for your skills and personality not as the one that wasn't dressed correctly!The first impression that you make on your potential employer is the most important one.  The first judgment that an interviewer will make on you will be based on how you look and what you are wearing.  Even if your new work environment is going to be a casual one it is important that you dress professionally for your interview. It is important that you choose your outfit carefully as those first impressions will stay with your future employer.

A suit is normal practice for an interview; this can be a skirt suit for a woman. A clean pair of shoes is also a key part of your outfit as it will show that you have taken the time and effort to appear to be smart. You should also ensure that your nails and hair look clean and tidy, it's little things like this that the interviewer will notice. It is important that you don't have excessive make-up or perfume/aftershave on as this could distract your future employer. Chewing gum in the interview is a big no no! It shows a very casual and relaxed attitude, and not the type of impression you want to give at an interview.
If you follow these simple steps you will be able to create a good first impression on your potential future employer! It is worth making the effort.


About the Author: Want to make sure that you have the best chance of landing that dream job? Then get your copy of the Interview Skills Pack from Words Worth Reading Ltd and Improve your CV.

Do you sometimes not know what to wear even when you’ve just been shopping? In order to banish your wardrobe blues you have to shop smart for items that complement and improve your wardrobe and personal style.

The key to shopping smart is to know what you need. When you know what you need, you focus your time, money, and shopping effort on items that help you get dressed quickly and easily.

In order to know what you need, you must discover three things:

What you already have.
What style you desire.
What area of your lifestyle feels the most challenging to dress for.

Discover What You Already Have

To know what you have, you must spend a little quality time in your closet. Your closet is an honest picture, a snapshot, of what is happening with your style. If you pay attention to what is in your closet, you can learn exactly why you feel as if you have nothing to wear. Sometimes it is hard to see your wardrobe through all of your clothes. Go through your closet, and examine each piece. Remind yourself what you have, where it is, and whether or not you wear it. Knowing what is in your closet paints a clear picture of the actual clothing options you have, helping you to make smarter purchases in the future. 

Discover the Style You Desire

To truly have a wardrobe you love, you have to mix the style you desire with what makes sense for you and your lifestyle. Make your style choices based on what makes sense for your taste, body shape, budget, and lifestyle. Style is a reflection of who you are, portrayed on the outside. It is the way you instantaneously tell the world who you are and what you are about. When you put on an outfit, it should instantly make you feel confident, authentic, and happy. Remember that your wardrobe lives in the present tense. Make sure the pieces in it reflect who you are—the person you are today.

Discover What Area of Your Lifestyle Feels the Most Challenging to Dress For

One of the quickest ways to determine what you need is to think about where you are going when you feel as if you have nothing to wear. If you frequently decline invitations to impromptu parties due to the stress of what to wear, you know you need to shop smart for clothes that will help you arrive at a party in style. If you change your clothes multiple times before work, you know you need to address what you are missing in order to feel great at work. 

Knowing what you need will help you break the pattern of going to the same stores and unknowingly purchasing items very similar to something already hanging in your closet. When you break this pattern, you will find wardrobe options in your closet, no matter where life takes you.

 

Sunglasses are practical. They help you protect your eyes from the sun. But they’re so much more than eyewear. Sunglasses are stylish and an all around great fashion accessory. There are many colors and styles to choose from. The most important consideration though is shape. Sunglasses should be tailored to suit your face structure. Luckily it’s not difficult to figure out which shapes flatter your face.

First take a photo of yourself. With a pen, mark your most prominent facial features on the photo. Note each cheek bone, the outer edge of each eyebrow and each side of your jaw. Connect the dots and you’ve got a visual idea of your face shape.


Once you know your face shape, read the guide below to find out which sunglasses suit your face.

Oval—People with oval faces have lots of sunglass options since this face shape is a universal structure in that most styles of glasses are flattering. Oval faces tend to have high cheekbones and chins which are narrower than their forehead. Select sunglasses that complement your eyebrows shape.

Square—you’ve got a square face if your strong points are a strong jaw, wide forehead, wide chin and wide cheekbones. Since your face looks square, your aim is to lengthen the appearance of your face. Choose sunglasses that are heavy on the top; look for narrow styles and try oval or round frames which contrast your square features.

Triangle—this shape is easy to visualize. Just picture a triangle and you’ve got your facial features mapped out like a narrow top of the face and a strong wide chin and cheeks. Try glasses that minimize the width of your face and draw attention away from the lower half of your face. Stay away from bold colors like red or green sunglasses which can maximize the features you’re hoping to minimize.

Inverted Triangle—This face shape is synonymous with heart shaped faces. Facial features include a wide forehead and a long, narrow chin. Create balance with your sunglasses by selecting glasses that widen out the rest of the rest of the face. Frames that sit low on the temples are a great choice. Dabble with color to draw attention to the top of your face. Sunglasses in blue for example will create interest in the top half of the face.

Round—Faces that are full without much cheekbone or jaw definition are considered round. Your sunglasses goal is to find styles that appear to lengthen and slim your face. Avoid round frames which could emphasize your already round face. Instead choose styles that have straight lines like square or rectangular frames. And don’t be afraid to use color to enhance your look. Dark sunglass frames such as black and brown add dimension to round faces.

Diamond—This face shape is characterized by a small forehead, high cheekbones, narrow eyes and a narrow jaw. Look for glasses that aim to widen your forehead while downplaying your cheekbones and opt for rounded, straight or square frames.

Whatever your face’s shape, play up your best assets with shades that complement your facial features and your style. Experiment with a variety of colors and looks until you find just the right pair of sunglasses.

You love designer handbags. You collect them, lust after them and treat them better than your nearest and dearest. Your credit cards twitch and flinch when the latest fashion magazines arrive in the post, small whimpering sounds carrying to you gently from your purse.

You convince yourself that you can give them up anytime, no problem. "It's not a problem" you tell your friends "I can control it. Then you catch yourself signing your husband up for an evening job without his knowledge, visions of the latest Hyanuki creation shimmering in front of your eyes as you fill out his application form.

Are you an addict? Is your habit becoming dangerous? Will it all end in tears? Well, if any of the following symptoms are familiar to you -- maybe you should consider cutting down for a while to a lesser brand!

1) You hear the phrases "huffing", "shluffing" and "blopping" and know what they mean. Even worse, you can remember the last time you did any of them.

2) The UPS / FEDEX delivery men know you by your first name and say "Hi" to you in the street.

3) Your husband is convinced you're having an affair with the delivery guy as he's always at your house!

4) The "box" room has been renamed your "dressing room" and you're trying to work out which wall to knock down to make it bigger so that you can fit in the new closets you'll need for all your bags.

5) Your husband is telling you how badly damaged the cards are and how you'll both have to economise. All you hear is "Of course you can get another handbag darling. You go choose what you want and I'll arrange to sell a kidney!"

6) You have to find new places to hide your latest purchases so that you don't have to answer any difficult questions.

7) When you get asked about a new bag you lie through your teeth, claiming you've had it for years and have only just got it out of the cupboard.

8) You start arguments on purpose with your husband / boyfriend / whatever just so as to have an excuse to buy yourself a new handbag - to cheer yourself up as you felt so low!

9) You know exactly how much, as a percentage, your weekly grocery bill is as money you can't spend on a new handbag.

10) If anyone asks what you'd like as a birthday or xmas present , you are able to hand out a list of your desired bags that you'd like to be "surprised" with. The list is categorized by 17 different headings and is cross indexed.

11) The manager of your local boutique phones you to advise that they are holding a training session for new staff and can they please borrow some of your bags for the session.

12) They then phone back again and ask if you'd be prepared to give the training session instead.

13) Fashion magazines phone you to ask what you think the newest trend or design will be for the new season.

14) Your collection is so big - you have to use a card index to find the bag you need right now!

15) You walk past a field of cows and spend the next thirty minutes working out in your head how many bags and trim the herd would be good for.

If any of these strike you just a little too close for comfort -- maybe you should consider cutting down a bit? sJust don't try going cold turkey -- it hurts like hell!

On a perfect sunny day, it’s easy to get motivated for a brisk walk in the park or even a challenging jog around the neighborhood. But now that summer showers are turning to autumn rain, the outdoors is a far less enticing place. It’s much harder to find the will to work out yourself, and almost impossible to motivate the kids. Here are a few ideas and guidelines to help fill those rainy hours and improve your family's fitness.

1) Turn the music on. Great, upbeat music creates an instant boost of enthusiasm and can get any sulky child to tap their toes. Put on something filled with beat and rhythm, and get everyone dancing along. Just to dance through a couple of songs should be enough to get the blood pumping and the endorphines flowing. When you've started, you may not want to stop - so, if you're of that disposition, think about inventing a dance routine with the kids! If it's rainy all the time, you could get pretty good!

2) Another music-based tip: challenge the kids to dance everywhere they go - and during everything they do - for a few hours! If there's a reward waiting for them at the end of it, chances are they'll love the challenge. Simply dancing around makes your heart beat significantly faster than sitting down, or even walking: it improves circulation, co-ordination, and raises the fitness level considerably (if undertaken regularly).

3) Exercise videos. An obvious one - but true!

4) Creative indoor games! Invent some, or play some old favourites like 'keep-away': blow up some balloons bat them into the air. Try not to let any of them touch the floor again! Or use paper fans to play a version of table tennis: Use your fan to create gusts of air to blow your balloon across the table towards an opponent—get it past them to score a point. (Remember, the scraps from popped balloons are a choking hazard, so take precautions if you have small children.)

5) Other games. Stock your toy shelf with games that encourage kids to move, from classics like Twister to new hits like the Nintendo Wii, Wild Planet Hyper Dash, or Cranium's Hullabaloo. We hope that these ideas are enough to get you thinking of new ways to enjoy those rainy days, and new ways to enjoy keeping your family fit. Remember - it doesn't have to be a sport to be exercise, and the less it seems like a chore, the better. Further Information For further information, and for more great ways to have fun with your family, log on to www.myfamilyuk.com. With a huge collection of articles covering everything from child safety to rainy day activities, you'll find all the help, guidance and entertainment you need to be a great parent. Go to My Family UK now!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/the-secret-to-rainy-day-fitness-1093981.html

About the AuthorMy Family UK is a brand new website that is turning the online focus back onto families. We're dedicated to supporting you and your family live the life you choose to the full, with games, tips, offers and articles on all aspects of parenting. If your family means the world to you, check out www.myfamilyuk.com.

(ARA) - Winter brings its own set of skin challenges. Although you might associate breakouts with summer months when your skin produces sweat and excess oil, acne can be just as troublesome in the winter.

"Acne is a chronic condition that doesn't take a break with the seasons -- so continue treating it even in the winter months," say Drs. Kathy Fields and Katie Rodan, board certified dermatologists and co-developers of Proactiv Solution.  

When you're choosing a remedy for your winter acne, keep in mind that just as important as what the ingredients are, is how those ingredients - and how much of them - work together in your treatment.

You can care for your skin and look your best this winter if you keep some important information in mind about acne and acne treatments.

The active ingredient in your acne treatment is the reason it works. All acne medications have a tendency to cause dryness because they target oil on the skin. While this may not be an issue during the summer months when skin is often oily, winter is a different story. Cold, windy weather coupled with indoor forced-air heating systems cause disruption of the skin's outer barrier, frequently leading to sensitive skin.

For example, Proactiv, a trusted leader in acne treatment for 15 years, uses benzoyl peroxide to treat and prevent acne.  And, now, New Proactiv is enhanced with exclusive micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide designed to absorb more quickly into pores to target acne-causing bacteria.    

In addition to an effective acne fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, consumers should also look for acne products formulated to be gentle and supportive of the skin's barrier with ingredients like allantoin, aloe vera, green tea or glycolic acid. Also applying an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer after the acne treatment step can provide much needed hydration.

"Encouraging our patients to manage their acne-prone complexions differently in cold weather ensures compliance with their medications and keeps them clear," Rodan says. Successful acne treatment depends upon how medicated actives are combined with soothing ingredients - or, in scientific terms, how a particular product is formulated.

Experts agree that acne treatment should be continued year round, even when you don't have visible blemishes, to help prevent breakouts from happening. Visit www.newproactiv.com to learn more about how preventative acne treatment works.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - You can hear the wedding bells already. Friends and family gathered together to witness your big day. The limousine ride, the toasts, wedding cake and the first dance -- it’s all coming together for the perfect day. But wait! Before you say "I do," there are a number of important things that you and your future spouse must do to become officially married.

Many newlyweds overlook the fact that a marriage is a legal contract. Two individuals merge all they have into a new legal entity or partnership. While many couples often focus on the big day and all of the events surrounding the ceremony and reception, there are a number of legal steps that newlyweds must consider as part of the process, according to FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online source of legal information for consumers.

To help you and your partner have a worry-free wedding day, here’s a prenuptial checklist from FindLaw.com with legal items to consider as you merge your households into one.

Changing names

It’s often one of the first big dilemmas facing a new bride: Keep your maiden name, or take his last name? It’s a big decision, because if you decide to change your legal name, it means changing your name on everything from your driver’s license to stock certificates. While thinking this through, also think about the last names of children you may have in the future.

Marriage requirements

Each state has its own requirements for couples wishing to be married, some of which include: marriage licenses, blood tests or residency requirements. Make sure you and your future spouse know what the requirements are in your state, and have fulfilled all marriage requirements before the big day. If either you or your future spouse has been married before, make sure you have obtained all legal documents to ensure that your new marriage is valid and legal in the eyes of your state.

Marriage ceremonies

Most states have legal requirements pertaining to the marriage ceremony itself, including who may perform the marriage ceremony and whether witnesses are required. Check with your county or state government Web site about these requirements.

Prenuptial agreements

A prenuptial or pre-marriage agreement can help define the property and financial rights and obligations of marrying spouses, including what will happen if the marriage ends. If you are considering entering into a prenuptial agreement, you should be aware of the legal requirements that must be met in order for the agreement to be considered valid and enforceable.

Marriage, money and property

In a recent, national consumer survey by FindLaw.com, the topic of money came in second, tied with having and raising children, as the topic that most led to a fight among married 18- to 34 year-olds. When you get married, your property and finances will, to a certain extent, merge with those of your spouse. Based on the laws of the state in which you marry and/or intend to establish your permanent residence, you should become familiar with what is and is not considered marital or "community" property, and understand how to keep certain assets as separate property. You also should become familiar with your obligations as a new spouse in taking on the debts and tax liabilities of your partner, and agree on how you’re going to handle finances as a newly married couple.

Wedding day contracts

In preparing for your big day, you will sign a number of contracts for items such as wedding day photos, the reception hall and a honeymoon package. Now is a good time to start working together as a team to carefully identify credible wedding day vendors, to negotiate these contracts together, and to decide in advance how you will handle a problem if something goes wrong.

Will and health care directives

As you and your new spouse work together on merging your finances and assets, now is a good time to write a will together that also incorporates end-of-life health care directives. This is especially important for previously married individuals who may be merging families together.

For more information about preparing to get married, visit findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - You probably have some important women to shop for this season - maybe a wife or daughter, your mom or sister. Need some ideas? Think jewelry.

The wide variety of gem colors, shapes and sizes could make finding the perfect jewelry gift a little intimidating. But even if you procrastinated and now are looking for a last-minute gift, a little background information on jewelry will make your search easier.

Shopping online could be the best way to find a beautiful piece of jewelry and have it delivered in time for your holiday. For assistance in finding quality jewelers, try these tips:

1. Look for professionally-taken photographs of the jewelry, showing you details about the gems, the gold or silver and even the clasps.

2. Use a jeweler who has received Better Business Bureau high scores and is a member of industry associations such as The Jewelers Vigilance Committee and The Cultured Pearls Association of America.

3. Ask for liberal return policies. A 90-day return policy with free shipping is a good example.

When looking for jewelry, some of the more popular gems to consider include:

* Amethyst - There are many legends about this deep purple gem. The birthstone for February, amethyst is quartz, found all around the world, and has created an aura of mystery because of how heat and light can change the color of the stone. These stones look great in rings, drop necklaces and earrings.

While amethyst is hard and resistant to damage caused by wear, sunlight and black lights can affect the color of the stone.

* A bit more expensive, but still beautiful, the emerald with its deep green color is said to bring good luck and well-being to a wearer. Good quality emeralds are rarer than amethysts because the gem is easily flawed. Because of the strong color, emeralds work well in rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings and mix well with other colors.

Emeralds require a little extra care when wearing. Cleaning solvents can remove the seal usually applied to the stone to protect the fine pores of the gem's surface. Remove the jewelry before immersing in cleaning agents such as soapy water.

* Pearls are in a different category from the rest of the gem stones, partly because they come in so many different shapes and colors. Popular styles are freshwater pearls - ranging from pastel pinks and whites to a light purple color - and Akoya pearls  - also known as the classic pearls, known for their perfect round shape and hint of a pink overtone to the color.

"Cultured pearls are the perfect gift," says Fran Mastoloni, president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. "Their versatility allows them to be worn with almost any outfit and they effortlessly transition from day to night adding instant fashion and elegance."

Pearls make a fabulous jewelry gift. A classic white strand of pearls around the neck, a simple pair of pearl earrings or a stunning bracelet of baroque pearls can reflect the luxury and good taste of the women you're shopping for.

"Pearls are affordable but elegant jewelry so you can show how much a woman means to you," says Jeremy Shepherd, CEO of PearlParadise.com. "They are also very versatile, allowing you to match the skin tone of the woman you're shopping for perfectly."

PearlParadise.com offers discounts off the retail price for freshwater and Akoya pearls. You will be able to find a range of colors and shapes of pearls placed in thousands of different jewelry designs and settings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Mom, sister, daughter, wife - they're all special women in your life and you want to get them luxury gifts this holiday season. But your budget is limiting your spending. You can do luxury without spending the big bucks on beautiful gifts. All it takes is a little creativity and a good eye for quality.

Here are some luxurious gift ideas without the large price tags:

Spa package:
Women love to be pampered, but heading to a spa can be very expensive. Instead, create a beautiful gift basket of lotions, creams, gels, oils and exfoliating products for the bath. Make sure you schedule free time for her to relax in her spa and let the stress seep away. Add a calming CD or a manicure set to top off the package. To keep this gift extra special, look for products with a scent the recipient appreciates and enjoys.

If you are in an area where a spa training center is located, give the company a call and find out if you can schedule an appointment at a reduced price. This way you're still able to give the luxury spa getaway, without the extra cost.

Jewelry:
"Pearls bring elegance and beauty to any outfit and also are an affordable jewelry choice," says Jeremy Shepherd, CEO of PearlParadise.com. "Freshwater pearls are very versatile - they come in a variety of pastel colors so you can match an outfit or skin tone perfectly, and you can look for the perfectly round classic pearls or mix and match some of the more unique and creative shapes." PearlParadise.com offers pearls up to 80 percent off retail price, and freshwater pearl earrings to complete strands of freshwater pearls start at $22.

Another popular style of pearl is the Tahitian drop pearl - a pear-shaped pearl with no banding around the middle like circle pearls. Tahitian pearls come in darker colors including green and peacock. Every woman - no matter her age or style - should have a beautiful drop Tahitian pearl necklace or earring set to enhance the elegance of her wardrobe. To learn more about Tahitian pearls and see the huge variety of settings and designs, visit PearlParadise.com.

"Nothing says luxury and good taste as cultured pearls. Known as an icon of style for centuries, pearls take on a woman's personality, her distinct luster," says Kathy Grenier, director of Marketing and Communications with The Cultured Pearl Association of America Inc. "Today, cultured pearls of all shapes, colors and varieties are available making pearl jewelry options plentiful."

Afternoon out:
With children, work and extra activities, sometimes the best - and most luxurious gift - is an afternoon out on the town. Depending on your budget, you can expand this into an evening on the town or a mini getaway as well. The months of January and February are ideal for traveling because hotels, flights and tours are lowering their costs in an effort to fill vacancies.

If you plan on the afternoon out, special discounts are often available for lunch menus and afternoon matinees. Get dressed up, have a great lunch at a well-known restaurant and catch the latest theater production while keeping the cost affordable.

Shop off-season:
This tip will take a bit of extra work, but if you're willing to dig, you can find many summer clothing and accessory items for reduced prices during the winter months. If the recipient is big into purses, look for bags made from linens and light-weight fabrics. Search for some extra-stylish shades or a beautiful summer hat. For the professional female, look for a cool warm-weather suit made from flowing linens. If the clearance racks in the stores don't have anything, go online to find the great deals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With the season of soirees upon us, the ultimate look is needed to stand out among the crowd of little black dresses. With a few simple steps, it's easy to have the appearance of professionally done makeup without emptying your wallet. Be your own makeup artist by trying these three looks from the pros to accent your best features.

Smokey eyes
International makeup artist, Jemma Kidd recommends a dramatic smoky eye to pump-up the glam.

Step 1 - Sweep a light highlighter shade over the whole lid to the browbone.

Step 2 - Apply a dark and intense shade along the lashline, blending up and smoking outwards to the socket line.

Step 3 - Smudge eyeliner across upper and lower lashline; use black for ultra intensity.

Step 4 - Finish off with dark, black mascara, and for a full on look, go for false eyelashes. For an ultra-modern take, add a touch of glitter to lower lids and lashes.

Tip: To finish off the face, use a nearly-naked base, with barely-there flush on cheeks and a nude color for the lips.

Natural perfection
Petra Strand, makeup artist and creator of Pixi, firmly believes that makeup should make a woman look like herself - only more gorgeous.

Step 1 - Prime the skin with a primer - skin will look youthful, glowing and hydrated.

Step 2 - Switch to a base that is sheer and use a concealer for those areas that need a little extra help. Your complexion will look naturally flawless.

Step 3 - Use a cheek gel instead of regular blush to give an instant "lift" with a transparent touch of color on the apples of the cheeks.

Step 4 - Switch from full coverage lipsticks to a tint of color that has both the moisture and treatment of a balm for a perfect pout.

Tip: The next generation of powders is here with a diffused matte finish that is truly perfect to "set your makeup" so that it goes the distance yet you look "fresh as a daisy."

Sophisticated glamour
For classic holiday glam, celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis recommends being bold and brilliant.

Step 1 - Prime your skin for a flawless canvas for makeup application and follow with your perfect foundation match for full coverage and matte skin.

Step 2 - Make a lip statement. Red lips are the most glamorous trend of the season. Pick your favorite red and make sure to always apply lip liner to prevent bleeding. To give the illusion of fuller lips, dab some gloss only on the center of the pout, over lipstick.

Step 3 - To perfectly complement your bold lips, keep the eyes neutral. Use a neutral and easy palette of taupe eye shadows for a seductive eye. 

Tip: Complete the look with black mascara - always remember that three coats is the magic number, and a look is never complete without show-stopping lashes.

Don't have all that's needed for the ultimate glam look to show off your best assets? Relax, Target has you covered. Pick up premiere makeup products at budget-friendly prices from Pixi, JK Jemma Kidd and NP Set at Target stores nationwide and at target.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent