Gilrs Like

BLACK

2009-12-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Direction
Renjith

Music
Alex Paul

Cast
Mammootty
Lal
Rahman
Shreya Reddy
Babu Antony
Janardanan
Mohan Jose
Kulappulli Leela
T.P. Madhavan
Premkumar
Sadiq
Tom George
Ramu
Sona Nair
Sharmili

Cameraman
Amal Neerad
Lyrics Kaithapram

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sample

2009-12-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

JaYaN GoLDeN HiTs

2009-11-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

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Photoshop Malayalam Video Tutorial

2009-10-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

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MP 3 --- My EverGreeN

2009-10-04T03:49:00.001-07:00

MP 3 --- ChriStiaN Devotional

2009-10-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

MP 3 --- OLD MaLaYaLaM

2009-10-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Indian Fashion - Salwar Kameez

2009-09-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

Salwar-Kameez-Duppata

Generally the salwar kameez is long, going below the knees. It is straight and has two slits on either side. The salwar is flared with a horizontal band at the end. The duppata or scarf is rectangle in shape and worn in front with the sides falling at the back from over the shoulders. This is the basic description of what a salwar kameez usually is. However, there are modifications of this garment in terms of the length of the kameez.

Silks are great and flowing and suited to the Indian climate. Satins or heavy brocade work is suitable for the winter in India. There is zardozi, hand embroidery or lace works that remind us of the olden era. Retro hairstyles, kundan jewelry, gold-silver embroidery is all mingled in a party wear.

Cool cottons makes its round each summer with tie and dye prints. There are mulmul specials with or without the odhni. Contrasting styles have also been in fashion with the salwar-kurta-odhni all in a different colours. Designers are inspired to create special collections for bridal wear, Independence day and also for Diwali festivals.Formal chiffons, organza, taffeta and exclusive silks with work is seen with embellishments, matching accessories like bags and shoes for the bridal season. There are soft shades, bold prints and Indo-western look for parties.Salwar kameez retains its feminine charm with newer appeal with designs each season. Corset pattern would be the ultimate design.

During a large earlier part of the 1900s, say between the 1920s to the 1960s the women usually wore a short kameez that was somewhere between the hip and the knee. They were generally made from cotton or khadi (jute). Actually the fit resembled that of a long shirt. The difference being that it would be straight with a slit on either side. The salwar then was widely flared with a narrow horizontal band at the end.

Post 1970s the salwar kameez styles seemed to have expanded to uncountable numbers. In fact very rarely would one come across people wearing common designs and patterns. The variations were in the fabrics being used, the kind of work being done, as well as the cuts. Apart from the straight-cut kameez, there the frock styles of varying lengths – short, knee length, as well as those that flow down to the ankle.
In fact, Indian ladies feel that this garment is more comfortable and convenient to wear than the saree. Actually this garment primarily hailed from the northern regions of India where the climate is too cold for the saree. It is also considered the national garment of Pakistan.

In fact, a lot of designers in India imbibe the Pakistani styles with their Indian original patterns to bring about their entrancing ensembles.

Today, this garment is much in demand almost everywhere in the world, and Indian designers have managed to set-up booming Indian garment business across the seas. The fact is that while this garment may not reveal skin, unlike the saree, yet it can make a woman look stunning and very attractive.

Tradition always had an impact on Indian fashion. First came the Indian sari, which will always be a fashion statement, then came the ‘Indian salwaar kameez’ or Indian salwar khameez.

The salwar is preferred and is a favorite among the younger generation, as it is easier to carry out. Indian salwaar kameez is comfortable & fashion clothing for women and so it is worn at home & even outdoors. In other words, it is used for formal and casual occasions

Indian Fashion - Saree

2009-09-30T02:30:00.000-07:00

INDIAN FASHION

Ancient Indian fashion garments generally used no stitching although Indians knew about sewing. Most clothes were ready to wear as soon as they left the loom. The traditional Indian Dhoti, the Scarf or Uttariya, and the popular Turban are still visible India and continue to be part of Indian fashion. Likewise, for women, the Dhoti or the Sari as the lower garments, combined with a Stanapatta forms the basic ensemble, and once again consists of garments that do not have to be stitched, the stanapatta being simply fastened in a knot at the back. And the Dhoti or the Sari worn covering both legs at the same time or, in the alternative, with one end of it passed between the legs and tucked at the back in the fashion that is still prevalent in large area of India. Indian men and women for these garments in the usually hot Indian climate. - dhoti when he speaks of 'turbans used for trousers', and a kaupina when he is speaking of 'a rag of two fingers' breadth bound over the loins.
Saree

remains the traditional clothing of Indian women. Worn in varied styles, it is a long piece of flat cotton, silk or other fabric woven in different textures with different patterns. The sari has a lasting charm since it is not cut or tailored for a particular size.

This graceful feminine attire can also be worn in several ways and its manner of wearing as well as its color and texture are indicative of the status, age, occupation, region and religion of a woman.

The tightly fitted, short blouse worn under a sari is called a choli. The choli evolved as a form of Indian clothing around the tenth century AD and the first cholis were only front covering; the back was always bare.

Another popular attire of women in Indian clothing is the Indian salwar-kameez. This popular Indian dress evolved as a comfortable and respectable garment for women in Kashmir and Punjab region, but is now immensely popular in all regions of India. Salwars are pyjama-like trousers drawn tightly in at the waist and the ankles. Over the salwars, women wear a long and loose tunic known as a kameez. One might occasionally come across women wearing a churidar instead of a salwar. A churidar is similar to the salwar but is tighter fitting at the hips, thighs and ankles. Over this, one might wear a collarless or mandarin-collar tunic called a kurta.

Though the majority of Indian women wear traditional Indian dresses, the men in India can be found in more conventional western clothing like shirts and trousers.

However, men in Indian villages are still more comfortable in traditional attire like kurtas, lungis, dhotis and pyjamas. Indian dresses & styles are marked by many variations, both religious and regional and one is likely to witness a plethora of colors, textures and styles in garments worn by the Indians.

Use of Gold in Indian Fashion: For this reason, some gold ornament is usually worn against the skin at all times. Indian Gold ornaments are popular because the metal is believed to have the power purify anything it touches.

Ornaments of gold and other metals, often combined with precious and semi-precious gems and beads, are popular with both men and women in India.

Traditionally, Indian ornaments had economic significance for women too. The ornaments given to her at her wedding constituted a daughter's inheritance from her father ( Dowry).

Customarily land and other property was divided among the sons, though this no longer holds true. In addition, a bride's ornaments were financial security throughout her life.

Bangles
Worn on the wrist, bangles are believed to be protective bands and women always wore them as symbolic guards over their husbands. As with other ornaments, bangles today are worn by women of all ages all over India and are made of silver, gold, wood, glass, and plastic, among other materials.

Ear Rings
Rings, studs and other ornaments worn in the ears are popular all over the country. In fact, a girl's ears are usually pierced before her first birthday.Other important ornaments are finger rings, toe rings and anklets. Rings for the fingers are again, of various materials and designs and worn by unmarried and married women.

However, toe rings and anklets are still worn mostly by married women. Ornaments for the feet are usually made of silver because gold, being a 'pure' metal, was not supposed to be worn on the feet. This privilege was given only to women of royal Indian families.

In addition to these ornaments is the 'mangatika' or 'tikli'. This ornament, worn at the top of the forehead in the parting of the hair, is usually a small pendant on the end of a chain that is clasped to the hair. Although traditionally this ornament was also worn as a symbol of marriage, today it is not so commonly worn even by married women.

Kajal or Eyeliner
From the time a child is six days old, its mother applies kajal to its eyes and also a small black dot on the forehead to mar the child's beauty. This 'imperfection' is said to protect from evil.

Sindoor

dot on forehead of woman indicating married status of Indian Women, power, protection for her husband. It is applied by the husband as part of wedding ceremony.

Kerala Honeymoon Packages

2009-09-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Duration : 09 Nights / 10 DaysDestinations : Mumbai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Marari - Cochin - Mumbai

The Taj Mahal is not the only place worth seeing in India. There are other places worth visiting in the land of heritage and culture. India is a wonderful tourist destination, especially for couples that have just gotten married. Couples can avail of the many honeymoon packages that India has to offer. Here is a sample of one of the best Kerala Honeymoon Packages.
This Kerala Honeymoon Package commences with an overnight stay at a Mumbai hotel. Then the couple will be treated to an hour of boat ride to the lush Elephanta Island, where they could see large and intricately carved 8th century Elephanta Caves.
This Kerala Honeymoon Package will also take the couple to the popular Periyar Sanctuary where they could take a look at the India's wild life.They will be brought to the other fascinating spots, such as the Spice Village and also drive around the winding Ghats that are lined with abounding tea plantations to get to Kumarakom. Once in Kumarakom, they will experience riding a vanji, which is a traditional country canoe used on the backwaters. Then they would board a traditional rice boat where they would be spending a very relaxing night. The couple will also be treated to breakfast on board before heading back to dry land.From there, they would tour the interesting towns of Marari and Cochin. In the evening, they would take a harbor cruise and enjoy their dinner while watching the Kathakali dance performance and also the make-up demonstration. The Kathakali is a very unique dance that dates back to 2000 years ago. This cruise is the perfect conclusion to this Kerala Honeymoon Package. The next day, the couple would fly back home but will carry with them some unforgettable memories from their amazing honeymoon in India.

Kerala Houseboat Cruises

If you are longing for a short vacation away from your hectic urban lifestyle, joining one of the Kerala house boat tour is the best option. You only need four days to get away from the city. This short sojourn in Kerala will take you to a cruise from the port city of Cochin, down to Alleppey, ending in Kumarakom.
Your tour will start on arrival in Cochin airport or railway station. Then you embark on a boat cruise, where you first spend touring this port city, appropriately known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, which is built on islands and peninsulas and connected to the mainland of Ernakulam. Being the only metro in Kerala, Cochin is a commercial hub, a legacy of its trading history. On your boat cruise, you will visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Bolghatty, Gunda and Willington Islands, as well as various museums showcasing Cochin's rich history. this tour will end at sundown, when you will be driven to a Kathakali show, to enjoy Kerala's classical dance. Your trip will continue on to Alleppey, aptly called the Venice of the south as it is spread on lakes, canals and lagoons.Lying between the Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake, this is a hub for boat cruises in Kerala. On your arrival, you will board a traditional house boat for a one night cruise. This will take you a full day's journey through time, sailing along old villages, coconut palms and just gazing at scenes of Kerala's local life. You disembark the house boat the next day, after which you will be driven to Kumarakom, where you go sightseeing and visit its bird sanctuary. Your journey will end in Kumarakom, from which you will be driven to Cochin airport or railway station for your trip back to the city.

Labor and Birth

2009-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Everything you need to know about labor and birth is here. From preparing in advance, how to tell if you're in labor, what to do if you are in labor, and what happens once you go to the hospital or birthing center to deliver.

You'll find out what your options are during labor and delivery, what tests are done on your baby after delivery and what to expect for you and your baby throughout the entire process of labor, delivery and the time right after birth.

What to Expect Right After Birth

Right after birth babies need many important tests and procedures to ensure their health. Some of these are required by law. Check with your healthcare provider to determine which of the following tests are required by law, essential for your child's well-being, or necessary only in some newborns

Right after Birth

What to Expect Right After Birth

The following tests and procedures are recommended, or many time required in most hospitals in the United States:

Apgar Evaluation
Eye Care
Vitamin K Shot
Newborn Metabolic Screening
Hearing Test
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Complete Check-up

Apgar Evaluation

The Apgar test is a fast way for doctors to find out if the baby is healthy or if he or she needs extra medical care. Apgar tests are almost always done twice, 1 minute after birth and then again 5 minutes after birth. A doctor or nurse measures five signs of the baby's condition. These signs are:

heart rate
breathing
activity and muscle tone
reflexes
skin color

Apgar scores range from 0 to 10. A baby who scores seven or more is considered to be very healthy. A lower score doesn't always mean something is wrong. Many healthy babies often have low Apgar scores in their first minute of life.

In more than 98% of cases, the Apgar score reaches seven after five minutes of life. When it does not reach that, the baby needs medical care and close monitoring. The following chart shows how each sign is rated.

Sign	0 points	1 point	2 points
Activity (muscle tone)	Absent	Arms and legs flexed	Active movement
Pulse	Absent	Below 100 beats per minute	Above 100 beats per minute
Grimace (reflex irritability)	Grimace	Below 100 beats per minute	Sneeze, cough, pulls away
Appearance (skin color)	Blue-gray, pale all over	Normal except for extremities	Normal over entire body
Respiration	Absent	Slow, irregular	Good, crying

Eye Care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all newborns receive eye drops or ointment to prevent infections they can get during delivery. Sexually transmitted diseases are a main cause of newborn eye infections. These infections can cause blindness if they are left untreated.

Silver nitrate, erythromycin, and tetracycline are the 3 medicines used in a newborns' eyes. These medicines can sting or blur the baby's vision. You can choose to postpone this treatment for a little while. Some parents question whether this treatment is necessary at all. Many women at low risk for STDs choose not to have their newborn receive eye medicine. However, there isn't any evidence to suggest that this medicine harms the baby.

It is important to note that even pregnant women who test negative for STDs have the possiblity of getting an infection by the time of delivery. Also, most women with gonorrhea or chlamydia don't know it because they do not have symptoms.

Biotinidase deficiency

Biotinidase deficiency is a blood test to determine whether the baby has insufficient biotin due to a deficiency in the enzyme biotinidase. This is an inherited disorder, but can be treated by administration of free biotin throughout life.

Biotinidase deficiency is a blood test to determine whether the baby has insufficient biotin due to a deficiency in the enzyme biotinidase. This is an inherited disorder. It can be treated by administration of free biotin throughout life

Vitamin K Shot

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a shot of vitamin K in the upper leg. Newborns usually have low levels of vitamin K. This vitamin is needed for the blood to clot which means that low levels of vitamin K can cause a rare but serious bleeding problem. Research shows that vitamin K shots prevent dangerous bleeding in newborns.

Newborn Metabolic Screening

Doctors or nurses prick your baby's heel to take a tiny sample of blood which is used to test for many diseases.

All fifty states require testing for at least two disorders: phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism. But many states test for up to thrity different diseases, all of which are impossible to spot without a blood test. If left untreated, these diseases can cause mental retardation and even death. The March of Dimes recommends that all newborns be tested for at least twenty-nine diseases.

Hearing Test

Many hospitals offer newborn hearing tests. Tiny earphones or microphones are used to see how the baby reacts to sounds. Newborn hearing tests can spot hearing problems early. This can help cut the risk of serious language and speech problems.

Galactosemia

This is a test to determine whether the baby can digest the sugar found in milk. Untreated galactosemia can lead to cataracts, liver damage, mental retardation, and death. Substituting a special formula for milk starting in the first weeks of life helps to avoid these problems. Galactosemia is discovered by testing a blood sample.

Hypothyroidism

Infants are tested for hypothyroidism at the time of discharge from the hospital or before transfer to another hospital or on the fifth day of life. Undetected hypothyroidism can lead to a variety of developmental disabilities, one of which is mental retardation. This blood test is not routine in every state. An affected baby can be treated with supplemental thyroid hormone.

PKU

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder, and it is routinely tested for during the first few days of life. In many states the test is required and is frequently done in conjunction with several other tests such as galactosemia and thalassemia. The test involves taking a sample of blood from the foot of the child. It is accurate only when the baby has been receiving a diet that contains phenylalanine, in both human milk and artificial formulas, for 24 hours. For this reason, a breastfed baby should not be tested until at least 7 days after birth to give your breastmilk a chance to come in and the baby to nurse.

Many healthcare providers do the test before you leave the hospital and then ask you to return in a week to have the test repeated. Consult your pediatrician/family physician about having this test done only once, when the results are most likely to be valid. Left untreated, PKU can cause severe mental retardation. It can be prevented quite readily if detected before symptoms develop and the child is treated with a special diet.

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is caused by an unusual shape of the red blood cells that can lead to anemia, infections, pain, poor growth, and even death. Medical care begun early in life increases the chances of avoiding these problems, which is why early detection is important. The test is performed by examining the red blood cells from the baby's blood sample. This disorder is much more common in African Americans (1 in every 400 babies) and in Hispanics (1 in every 1000-1500 infants). One out of 10 African Americans is a carrier of the gene for sickle cell disease. This condition may also be diagnosed by prenatal analysis in some cases.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Most hospitals now suggest that newborns get a vaccine to protect against the hepatitis B virus. hepatitis B can cause a lifelong infection, serious liver damage and even death.

The hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three different shots which The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control recommend the first shot soon after birth or before leaving the hospital. If the mother does not have hepatitis B, the first shot can be postponed for 2 months. The second shot and the third shot should be given before 18 months of age.

Complete Check-up

Soon after delivery most doctors or nurses also:

Measure the newborn's weight, length, and head.
Take the baby's temperature.
Measure his breathing and heart rates
Give the baby a bath and clean the umbilical cord stump.

Indian Bride

2009-09-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

Wedding, be it in India, America or Brazil, marks the most important event in the life of a person, when he/she leaves behind his/her single life and gets ready to share his/her each and every thing with another person. However, the style in which it is conducted differs in each of these places. Talking about India, a wedding here is a much grander and opulent affair than most of the other countries of the world. One look at the Indian bride and you will come across the most noticeable difference in the weddings of India and abroad. She will also serve as the perfect example of the opulence that characterizes an Indian wedding.

On her wedding day, an Indian bride comes across as a picture of beauty and grace. While all the guests appreciate the way she is looking, hardly a few of them are aware of how much preparation goes into 'being an Indian bride'. Right from trying a thousand outfits (to select the best one for the wedding), to finding matching jewelry to taking care of the skin and buying just the right 'matching' accessories, she has to undertake a lot of efforts, to look her very best. In case you are a going to have an Indian wedding soon enough and are apprehensive about the preparations, the bridal tips given in this section will prove to be quite handy.

Bridal Accessories

Jewelry

.
Jewelry forms the most important aspect of Indian bridal accessories. You need to make sure that it goes with the color as well as the type of your dress - lehenga or sari. For instance, if you have silver embroidery on your sari, wearing yellow-gold based jewelry will make you look really odd. Rather, you need to go for something in white gold, platinum or even silver. If you cannot afford to buy matching jewelry, the option of hiring is always available.

Shoes

Yet another accessory that needs a lot of attention on your part comprises of the shoes. They can make or mar your overall look completely. So, select them with due consideration, keeping in mind the color as well as style of your outfit. At the same time, remember, you will be standing for a long duration of time, in the wedding. So, comfort is one aspect that you cannot simply afford to overlook, while buying shoes for the wedding day.

Bag

After jewelry and shoes, comes the handbag that you will be carrying. Please do not carry a plain-looking bag and end up spoiling the whole look. In an Indian wedding, the outfit of the bride is very rich, in terms of color, fabric as well as embroidery. So, you need to buy a bag that goes with the overall look of opulence. If you do not like being too glitzy or carrying a colorful bag, opting for one in silver, golden or copper will be a good option.

Hair Accessories

One of the main hair accessories that Indian brides go for comprises of flowers. In fact, in many of the cultures, adorning hair with flowers is a compulsion for the bride. Apart from that, you can go for other accessories as well, such as pins with little roses made on them or with a glitzy ball as the head. It will surely help add to the overall bridal look.

Some General Tips

1.One of the most important tips that you need to keep in mind, while selecting the bridal accessories, is that it should go with your overall personality. Remember that this is most special day of your life and you need to make it as personalized as possible.

2.In case you have opted for a theme wedding, the accessories will need to be selected accordingly. Not doing the same will make you look out of place. And we are sure that you would not want that to happen, at least on your own wedding day.

3.The bridal accessories that you go for should complement your outfit and add to the overall look that you want to create. It is always advisable to go for colors similar to the wedding dress, so that the accessories do not end up catching all the attention

4.Last, but not the least, you need to keep your comfort in mind. Indian wedding is a lengthy affair and unless and until you feel comfortable, you will not be able to enjoy it. So, make sure that you do not end up compromising comfort, in favor of style

Honeymoon Trip

2009-09-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

Wedding is the most important occasion in the life of an individual, which signifies an end to the single phase of his/her life and entry into a married, much more responsible stage.

It marks a new beginning for you, along with someone who will be there with you, and for you, for the rest of your life. Be it an arranged marriage or love marriage, a new couple needs to spend sometime alone, in the initial days, so that they get to know each other in a better way. This is one of the main reasons why the concept of honeymoon (after the wedding is over) was introduced. Going on a honeymoon trip allows new husband and wife to explore each other fully and start their married life on a smooth and happy note.These days, where the would-be bride and groom mingle with each other before an arranged marriage as well, honeymoon planning is done much prior to the wedding marriage ceremony. While selecting you honeymoon destination, make sure that your partner likes it as well. For instance, you might like to travel to a place where there are lots of beaches, while he/she may have more interest in hilly areas. It is always advisable to come to a mutual decision. Make the hotel bookings in advance and do not leave anything to the last minute. The same goes for your packing and transportation arrangements also. Finally, remember to enjoy yourself fully and get as close to each other as possible. There might be other vacations in future, but the first honeymoon never comes back!
Honeymoon Destinations in इंडिया
India, the land known for its diversity, is one of the top destinations in the world, when it comes to a honeymoon trip। Presenting a wide variety amidst its tourist attractions, right from the beach state of Goa to the beautiful hill station of Kashmir to the backwaters-rich Kerala, the country witnesses a heavy rush of honeymooners every year, from abroad. The hospitality of Indian people, who believe in 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (a guest is like god) only serves to add to the rush.
Top Indian Honeymoon स्पोट्स
Hill स्ताशंस-
If you are one of those who would love to snuggle closer to each other, in chilly weather, then the hill stations in India will surely woo you। The options include Mussoorie, Dalhousie, Darjeeling, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Srinagar, Shimla, Nainital, Manali, Mount Abu and Gangtok. Visit any of them and find yourself wandering along meandering hill roads and gazing at the refreshing greenery of forest-covered hills, holding each other's hands. Watch the clouds drift over the snow-capped mountains, as you walk through meadows of flowers. Take a stroll through the orchards and breathe in the fresh air of the mountains, experiencing the heavenly fragrance of blooming flowers.
Backwaters ब्यूटी
If you love water, but are not much interested in visiting a beach, then the backwaters of Kerala will surely appeal to you। There are so many places in the state that would offer you the experience of living amidst the backwaters, in a houseboat. The most popular amongst them are Alappuzha, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvallam, Kumarakom, Kottayam and Kasargod. As you move around the water, exploring one picturesque destination after the other, it feels as if you have become one with the nature. The green vistas beckon you with their virgin beauty and you come back all refreshed from the honeymoon, feeling much closer to each than before.
History बेच्कोंस
For all those who love to explore history, through the rich architectural legacy of a place, Rajasthan would prove to be the perfect honeymoon destination in India। Also known as the 'desert state of India', it abounds in forts, palaces, havelis and other structures of the bygone area, all of them providing a taste of the state's rich heritage. You can even stay in any of the heritage hotels of Rajasthan and get a real feel of the royal times. You can also undertake a tour of the sand dunes, explore the rich and varied wildlife and even go on a camel safari. Whatever you do, one thing is for sure - you will never ever forget a tour of Rajasthan and will cherish its memories throughout your life.

Planning Your हनीमून

You have just witnessed the most important occasion in your life, your wedding, taking place. Now, you find yourself entering a new phase, where so much love, care and affection await you. On one hand, you are very happy and excited at the prospect at having someone to share your life with. On the other, you feel nervous and apprehensive, as you still have to know your partner completely. It is in the latter context that honeymoon comes to a couple's help, providing them enough time to explore each other. However, to make your honeymoon a memorable experience, you need to organize it in the perfect way. While planning your honeymoon, you will find that the following tips prove उसेफुल

Honeymoon Planning टिप्स

Choosing The डेस्टिनेशन

The first decision that you will have to take as a couple, with regard to your honeymoon, will be the place you want to visit। In case you are amongst the lucky couples, who have similar tastes, there will be no trouble. However, by any chance, if you like sea and he/she is in love with mountains, there will be a need to find a balance between your dream destinations. This will also give you your first lesson as a couple, understanding, adjustment and being considerate towards each other form the key to a happy marital life.

Arriving On The बजट

After you have arrived at the type of place you would like to visit, it is the time to settle on the budget that you want your honeymoon to be planned within। It will help in deciding the exact spot where you will go, the type of hotel that will suit you, the maximum number of days you can spend on the honeymoon trip, and so on. Your first honeymoon will never ever come again and create memories of a lifetime. So, please do not be stingy. At the same time, make sure that you have at least some balance in your account, after coming back.

Deciding The Time & दुरेशन

Apart from budget, there are a number of other factors that will decide the duration of your honeymoon। For instance, the number of leaves that you have managed to avail from the office or the number of days your business will manage to run smoothly without you. Then, you have to decide on the exact date of your departure. It is always advisable to put a few days' gap between the wedding and honeymoon, so that you get time to recover from the stress and excitement of the D-day and feel fresh on the honeymoon.

Making The अर्रंगेमेंट्स

Once you have taken all the decisions, regarding the destination, budget, time and duration of your honeymoon, go ahead and start making the arrangements। Right from the plane/train tickets to hotel bookings to transport requirements, making all the bookings in advance. Never ever leave anything for the last minute, or you might end up jeopardizing your honeymoon plans. In case you feel that it is too much hassle, making each and every arrangement on your own, hire the services of a reputed travel agent.

Spending Time With Each ओथेर

Last, but not the least, remember that, more than anything else, the aim of honeymoon is to help a newly wed couple know each other better। As they spend some time alone, away from the family members and friends, they come closer to each other and form a deep bond of love. So, make the most of your time with each other. Get to know your partner's likes and dislikes, his/her tastes and preferences, interests, inclinations, and so on. The quality time that you spend on honeymoon will help go a long way in building a lifelong union.

Some Travel Tips For Honeymoon कोउप्लेस

१।Most of the couples prefer to go to a hitherto unexplored destination, for their honeymoon. So, it is advisable to be really careful while packing for the trip. Since you are going to an unknown place, carry all the necessary items with you, including the clothes, toiletries, emergency medicines, etc.

२।Whenever you are roaming around, try not to keep too much cash on your person. Always keep the excess cash in the safety deposit given by your hotel. As much as possible, try to carry traveler's cheques and cards, when you are out of the country.

३।Since you are going on your honeymoon and would want to save the memories (to be cherished later on), make sure not to forget the camera. It is always advisable to carry extra films and battery along with you, to avoid unnecessary spending.

४.Before starting the journey, make sure to get photocopies of the tickets as well as the passport. They will come handy if, God forbid, any mishap takes place. Do carry your mobile phone with you and if the roaming is expensive, get a local number after reaching your destination

Malayalee Wedding - ( हिंदू)

2009-09-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the perception of the 'big fat Indian wedding', which generally involve a series of customs and ceremonies, the marriage organized in a typical Malayalee style is very simple and brief. Although elaborate rituals are not followed at a typical Malayalee wedding, the ceremony is very impressive to look at. The simple Malayalee marriage is generally divided into three phases. During the pre-wedding days, the muhurtham and date for the engagement and wedding are figured out. On the engagement ceremony, the nishchaya thaamboolam are exchanged by the prospective bride and the groom's parents. You can also witness the exchange of engagement ring on the same day, at many Malayalee weddings.The wedding ceremony is preceded by a ritual, wherein the bride and groom seek blessings from their elderly family members, by touching their feet. The custom paves the way for the nuptial knot, which is tied at the bride's ancestral home (preferably) or any venue, say, mandapam of a temple or the temple itself. The wedding ceremony is followed by reception, traditional feast and grihapravesham. Overall, the typical Malayalee marriage ceremony is true delight for the eyes. In this section, we have elaborated the Malayalee pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals.

Malayalee Pre-Wedding
The Malayalees start the preparation of wedding, well before the ceremony। Few weeks (or even months) prior to the marriage, the date and muhurtham are finalized for both the engagement and wedding ceremonies. Thereafter, the families of the prospective bride and the groom await for the wedding day, with a lot of expectations and anxiety.

The Malayalees start the preparation of wedding, well before the ceremony। Few weeks (or even months) prior to the marriage, the date and muhurtham are finalized for both the engagement and wedding ceremonies. Thereafter, the families of the prospective bride and the groom await for the wedding day, with a lot of expectations and anxiety. The pre-wedding days are filled with enthusiasm and celebration in both the bride and the groom's home, which largely includes feasting. If you want to know more about Malayalee pre-marriage ceremonies,
Malayalee Pre-Wedding कस्टम्स
Well before the wedding, the parents of the prospective bride and groom exchange horoscopes to check for compatibility of the couple, who are going to tie the nuptial knot। If the horoscopes match, an auspicious time, called muhurtham, is figured out by the family astrologer, for conducting the engagement as well as the wedding ceremony. The date for the wedding is fixed by consulting the astrologer.
Nischayam (The Engagement Ceremony)
Nischayam (the engagement ceremony) is traditionally organized at the ancestral house of the bride, to announce the confirmation of marriage, formally। The private affair is witnessed by the family members and close relatives. However, with the changing time, people resort to venue away from their homes, such as, banquet halls. These days, friends and faraway relatives are also invited to witness the occasion.Traditionally, the nishchaya thaamboolam (the engagement thali) is exchanged by the parents of the bride and the groom, on the ceremony. In the present time, the engagement ring is also exchanged during nischayam, especially when the marriage is few months after the occasion. The nischayam ceremony is followed by a lavish feast at the bride's home or the venue, wherein the traditional Kerala dishes are served to the guests.
Traditional Feast And Visit तेम्प्ले
ETraditional food is served to the guests at the bride’s house, a day before the wedding। The bride is made to sit facing the east. She takes a traditional five-course vegetarian meal with her family members. In some Malayalee communities, the bride visits a nearby temple, along with few family members, in order to offer prayers to the Almighty. After returning from the temple, the bride seeks blessings from her relatives, by touching their feet. A similar ritual is followed by the groom at his house, a day before the wedding.
Malayalee Wedding रितुअल्स
Malayalee wedding is a very short and crisp ceremony, which is held in the morning. The most preferred location to conduct a typical Malayalee wedding is the maternal house of the bride. However, with the passing time, people are opting for a more convenient venue for both the families of the bride and the groom, say, the auditorium of a nearby temple or the temple itself. Whether it is a very lavish wedding, with a long list of guests to witness, or a simple one, the rituals followed by the Malayalees are generally the same. Given below is complete information on the wedding customs followed in a typical Malayalee वेद्डिंग
Malayalee Wedding कस्टम्स
Seek The ब्लेस्सिंग्स
Before entering the venue to tie the wedding knot, the bride and the groom seek blessings from their elder ones, at their respective homes। Thereafter, the bride and the groom get ready for the mandapam/venue. Friends of the bride help her in dressing her up, for the nuptial knot. Typically, the bride wears a two-piece sari (known as 'set saree') for the wedding. However, she can also opt for any other sari as well. She is accessorized with jewelry (typically gold) and her braided hair is embellished with flower (generally jasmine). On the other hand, the groom is dressed up in traditional dhoti (mundu) and white or off-white silk shirt. Gold chains, gold bracelets and rings add to the appeal of his attire.
Welcoming The ब्रिदेग्रूम
After seeking blessings from their elder ones, the bride and the groom leave for the venue (where the wedding ceremony is held), from their respective homes। Traditionally, the family and friends from the bride's side reach the venue first, in order to welcome the groom and his acquaintance. Traditional drum (thavil) and nadaswaram (non-brass acoustic instrument) are played to welcome the groom's procession, which heads towards the venue.At the doorstep of the venue, the bride's brother (father in some parts of Kerala) welcomes the groom by washing his feet with water. In return, the brother receives small gifts (gold chain, bracelet or money) from the groom. Thereafter, the groom is accompanied by two of his relatives, to the mandapam. The bride revolves three times around the mandapam and sits next to the bride, who is already present there.
The Nuptial सरेमोनी
The nuptial ceremony is often called veli। The priest conducts the marriage ceremony. In some parts of Kerala, the priest is replaced by the elderly family member of the bride or the groom. After taking rounds of the mandapam, the bride and the groom sit next to each other. Preferably, the bride is seated on the left hand side of the groom. At the muhurtham time, the groom ties the mangalsutra, (known as 'thaali' in Malayalam), around the neck of the bride. The priest hands over the garlands and bouquets to the bride and the groom, in order to exchange.After exchanging the garlands, the bride's father does the kanyaadaan, by placing the hand of the bride over the groom's hand. After the kanyaadaan, the newly wed couple takes rounds of the mandapam, for three times. Thereafter, the groom applies vermillion (sindooram) on the bride's her in exchange of which, she applies chandan on his forehead. Thereafter, the couple seeks blessings for their parents, by touching their feet. Soon after the wedding, a feast is organized by the bride's family, wherein traditional Kerala dishes are served to the guest.

Malayalee Post-Wedding रितुअल्स

Malayalee post-wedding rituals are limited to grihapravesham and traditional feasting, which makes the entire ceremony a very brief one। The one-day-long wedding is also followed by feasting at the bride and thereafter, at the relatives' places. Brief though, it is very touching to see the bride enters her 'new home', prosper the groom and his family's life.

रिसेप्शन

Generally, the reception is organized by the groom's family, soon after the wedding। However, nowadays, due to convenience, the reception can be held few days after the wedding. Family, friends and faraway acquaintance join in the reception to wish and bless the newly wed couple.

गृहप्रवेषम

After tying the nuptial knot, the newly wed couple head towards the home of the groom। There, they are welcomed by the parents and family members of the groom. The sister-in law or the maternal relative of the groom welcomes the bride, with aarti. Thereafter, she hands over the traditional deep to the bride, who enters her 'new home', formally. Soon after grihapravesham, the bride and the groom are offered a sweet mixture of banana and milk, by their elder ones.

Visit To The Bride's प्लेस

A day after the wedding, the bride and the groom, along with a couple of relatives of the latter, visit the former's house. A lavish feast is organized at the bride's house, to serve the guests. This is followed by a series of visits to the relative's home (of both the bride and the groom), where they are served with lip-smacking feast.

Muslim Wedding

2009-09-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Muslim wedding ceremony is celebrated with grandeur. Muslim wedding, known as 'Nikaah' in Urdu, can take place at any convenient time, because there is nothing like muhurat (the auspicious time) for the Muslims. Traditionally, the Muslim wedding is held at either the bride or the groom's home. However, in the present time, due to convenience and the availability of enough space to accommodate the long list of guests, Muslim weddings are organized in banquet halls, auditorium as well as community centers. Wherever the wedding is held, all the rituals of the three phases of wedding are strictly followed by the Muslims.Muslim wedding is divided into pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals. Pre-wedding rituals largely involve the exchange of sweets, fruits and visits to the bride and groom's houses. The pre-wedding rituals increase the level of excitement among the families of the bride and groom, who keenly look forward to the wedding day. The wedding is organized in an elegant and charming way, while the culmination of the entire ceremony, known as post wedding rituals, is special in its own terms. If you are keen about knowing more about Muslim wedding, then go through our section, where we have provided detailed information on the rituals of Muslim wedding.Muslim Pre-Wedding रितुअल्स Known as 'Nikah' in Urdu, the Muslim marriage is the most important ceremony for the Islam. It is a much awaited occasion, wherein the union of two souls is celebrated in an elegant and charming way. It is not just restricted to a single day. The formal procedures are divided into pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding, each being different from the other.Muslim Wedding रितुअल्स Wedding is an important turning point in everyone's life। The ceremonious occasion is organized and celebrated in myriad ways all around the world. Different communities of the society have their own way of organizing the most important occasion. The wedding rituals are broadly divided according to the religions. Muslim Post-Wedding रितुअल्स In India, wedding is something that cannot be restricted to a single-day celebration। People in different communities, following different religions, have their own way of honoring the newly wed couple, post marriage. The post-wedding rituals followed by Muslims are divided into four phases, wherein the bride is bid goodbye by her family and is welcomed to her 'new home', by the groom's family.

Muslim Wedding रितुअल्स

Wedding is an important turning point in everyone's life। The ceremonious occasion is organized and celebrated in myriad ways all around the world. Different communities of the society have their own way of organizing the most important occasion. The wedding rituals are broadly divided according to the religions. The Muslims all over the world have a unique way of tying the wedding knot. Most of the Muslim weddings in India, whether simple or extravagant, are arranged by following the age-old rituals. In the following lines, we have provided information on Muslim wedding rituals.

Muslim Marriage कस्टम्स

Welcoming The Baraat

To announce the arrival of groom’s baraat at the doorsteps of the bridal residence or wedding venue, the musicians play traditional songs. The groom and the bride’s brother share a drink of sherbet. The bride’s sisters come up with different ideas of playing pranks with the guests. They attempt to slap the guests playfully, using flower बतोंस

Nikaah Ceremony

Nikaah is the wedding ceremony that can take place at some convenient venue or else at the bride or groom’s residence। The ceremony is conducted by the Maulvi (priest). Close friends and relatives witness the happening of the event. The father of the bride and groom, addressed as Walis, have an important role to play in the performance of nikaah. The priest reads certain verses from the Quran. Thereafter, Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance) takes place.

Nikaahnama

Nikaahnama is a legal document that must be duly signed by the bride, bridegroom, Maulvi and Walis for the marriage to be legal। It contains a set of terms and conditions that must be abided by both the parties.

Blessing The Groom

The bridegroom seeks the blessings from the older women. As a mark of respect, the groom offers them ‘salaam’. People give their heartiest wishes to the newly वेद

Dinner, Prayers and Aarsimashaf

The guests are served a lavish dinner. Men and women are usually seated separately, for dining. After the dinner, the newly wed get the chance to sit together for the first time. The heads of the bride and groom are covered using dupatta. Thereafter, the newly wed read prayers, as per the instructions of the Maulvi. The Quran is placed between the bride and groom and they are allowed to look at each other only through mirrors.

Hindu Marriage Act

2009-09-27T02:22:00.000-07:00

Unlike West, marriage in India is regarded more as a religious and social affair than a legal affair। Despite a very detailed chapter on the Indian marriages in the Indian constitution, most of the people in the country are unaware of the laws associated with marriages। In a cosmopolitan culture like India where umpteen numbers of cultures and religion prevail under the same canopy, it is very difficult to regulate all the customs by same kind of regulation especially of the matter is related with sensitive issues like marriage and hierarchy. Therefore, different kinds of Marriage Acts have been defined for different religions in the country. The Hindu marriage is governed by, ‘The Hindu Marriage Act', which came into existence on 18 May 1955.

Basic Provisions of Hindu Marriage Act
The provision under the Act is that it applies to any person who is Hindu by religion and it is also applicable to Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhsas well as and the person who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew, and who is not governed by any other law.
It extends to the entire India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, and it is applicable to Hindus domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who are outside the said territories.
Under this law the bridegroom should be of 21 years of age and the bride should be of 18 years of age. They both should be Hindu by origin and should not be within the degree of prohibited relationship. Neither party should have a spouse living nor any party should be subject to recurrent attacks of insanity or epilepsy, either of them should not be suffering from mental disorders or should not be unfit for marriage and procreation of children and both should be of sound mind and capable of giving valuable consent.
Bigamy or Polygamy is now prohibited and as per law it is treated as an offence under the Indian Penal code.
Just like marriages the law also governs divorces. Under the law divorce can be obtained on the grounds of adultery, cruelty, desertion for two years, conversion in religion, unsound mind, etc.
The Hindu Marriage law has also described certain prohibited relationships whose marriage is not legalized. Like father and daughter, son and mother, brother and sister and many more.
The Hindu Marriage act also does not set any prescribe or particular ceremonial for marriage. It states that a Hindu marriage may be formalized in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party. Where rituals include the saptapadi (seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride jointly before the sacred fire), the marriage is said to be solemnized once the seventh step is taken.
It has now become mandatory to register a Hindu Marriage.

Christian Wedding

2009-09-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

Christians are an important part of Indian culture. Though the population of the Christians in the country is less as compared to that of Hindus and Muslims, the Christian religion has a deep impact on the contemporary Indian Culture. Christian culture is very sober and elegant especially a Christian Wedding despite being simple and sober is a visual delight. Like other Indian marriages, the Indian Christian Wedding is also an elaborative affair spread over pre wedding, wedding and post wedding rituals. Read on if you are keen on the detailed description of tradition and ritual of an Indian Christian Wedding ceremony.Pre-Wedding Ritual Bridal ShowerAmong the main pre wedding rituals there are functions like bridal shower, which is an informal hen party hosted by the bride's female friends. It is mainly a female get together to celebrate the occasion. It is a fun filled function where games are played, they sing and dance the whole night. The friends and relatives shower gifts upon the bride. The bride serves a pink cake with a thimble hidden inside. According to tradition, the girl who gets the slice of cake with the thimble in it will be the next to marry.Stag PartyJust like the bridal shower, which is an all girl's party a bachelor's party is also celebrated by the groom and his male friends. It is called a stag party hosted by the groom on the eve of his wedding or a couple of days earlier. Usually this is a wild party, and the groom is expected to enjoy his last night as a bachelor. It is customary to raise a toast before the drinking begins in earnest. It is mostly celebrated to have fun and enjoyment with his close fiends.Welcoming the brideWelcoming the bride is done on the day of the wedding; when the groom sends a car to pick up the bride and waits for her outside the church. When the bride arrives, the Best Man welcomes her with a kiss on either cheek and hands her a bouquet of flowers.Wedding Ritual Once the bride reaches the church and is received by the best men, the bride and the groom walk slowly and gracefully with the wedding procession in tow till they reach where the priest stands for the wedding mass. The priest then welcomes them and offers his best wishes. The wedding mass begins with hymns and selected readings from the Bible. The priest then delivers the homily, with an emphasis on the sanctity of marriage. The next ritual is the blessing and the exchange of the wedding rings. The ceremony comes to an end with the final blessing of the priest. The guests, towards the end, shower their blessings on the newly wedded couple. The last formality is the couple then signs the register and walk down aisle, arm in arm.Post-Wedding RitualIn the post wedding rituals like weddings the rest of the Indian marriages, Christian weddings are also followed by reception party, which is a grand affair where the newly-weds enter the venue and are welcomed by all with a shower of confetti. They cut the wedding cake and feed each a bite of the first slice. The Toastmaster proposes a toast in honor of the couple. The reception is mostly celebrated with dance and dinner party. In many function a live band performs and everybody dances to the tune of the band.

Arya Samaj Wedding

2009-09-27T01:17:00.000-07:00

In India, the wedding rituals and customs in any family are mainly based on the religion or community that the family follows. The community only decides the kind of wedding ceremony that a couple would have. There are many people in India who don't believe in these specific and staunch rituals or grand and elaborate celebrations of the Hindu wedding function. For them, who are not so particular about the rules and regulations of their religion and community or want to keep their marriage a low key affair, Arya Samaj Marriage is a very convenient wedding option for them.An Arya Samaj wedding is conducted by the Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswathi in any of its temple. The marriage in Arya Samaj wedding is performed as per Vedic rites and thus does not require any flamboyance. In fact, simplicity is the main essence of Arya Samaj wedding. Though the Arya Samaj weding is meant only for Hindus, any non-Hindu can also be allowed to undergo the marriage rituals if he undergoes the process of conversion through Shuddhi i.e. Purification.The Arya Samaj wedding ceremony is performed with the fire and other elements as the witnesses since they don't believe in idol worshipping. In an Arya Samaj wedding, the mantras, which are chanted, are translated into a language that the couple can understand so that the couple can relate themselves to the meaning and significance of the wedding mantras. This wedding is different from the traditional Hindu wedding in the sense that it does not involves elaborate rituals and the ceremony is not extended over a long period of time. The wedding ceremony lasts for an hour and the wedding expense is very low compared to the normal traditional Hindu wedding.The main rituals of the wedding are as follows:
Madhuparka is a ritual in which the bride and the groom arrive at the venue of the wedding the groom partakes of 'Madhuparka', which is a mixture of honey, curds and cream. The bride gives the groom water three times, which he sprinkles on his feet, over his body and drinks it the third time. Similarly, the groom also follows the ritual. This ritual symbolizes the commencement of their journey into a happy married life.

The ritual of kanyadaan is the one in which the parents of the bride offer their daughter's hand in marriage to the groom.
Havanv is the ritual where the wedding is solemnized in front of the Agni or holy fire, which is considered life. The priest chants the mantras invoking blessing for happy married life.
In the Pani Grahan Sanskar the groom takes the bride's hands in his and chants mantras promising to be beside her in times of need and look after all her needs. Then there are rituals like Shilarohan, Lajahom, Parikrama , and Saptapadi, which are followed.
Lastly the ritual ends with the Aashirwaad ceremony where the newly wedded couple takes the blessing of all the elders in the family.

Indian Wedding

2009-09-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

Indian marriages are known for their opulent and vibrant look but in real there is much more than just the gloss and glamour in an Indian wedding ceremony. In fact, the Indian wedding ceremonies are the most ritualistic and serious affair than any other kind of marriage performed any where else in the world. Most of the religions in India regard marriage as more of a religious ritual than a social or legal affair like that in west. Indian weddings are a perfect blend of traditions, values and celebrations. In India, marriage is not simply regarded as an event, rather it is considered as a soulful affair of the merger of two souls. Most of the times, an Indian wedding is associated with the Hindu marriage ceremony but it would be surprising for you to know that apart from Hindu marriages, Indian wedding also canopies in itself seven other religion marriages namely Islam, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Jewish, Buddhism, Jain and Christianity. An Indian wedding may also vary in accordance with the region and community rituals and traditions. Though different kinds of Indian marriages may have different kinds of rituals and traditions, one thing that remains common in all of them is the beautiful display of love, concern, commitment, and emotion.

Marcie LeBlanc: Award-winning Awesomeness at Style Bridge

2009-09-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Fashion Design GraduateCo-owner of Style Bridge - Victoria, BC
It hasn’t come as a surprise that Marcie LeBlanc is making waves in the fashion community. Marcie graduated from Blanche Macdonald at the top of her Fashion Design class in 2005, and before long she was collaborating with owner Christine Lavdovsky on the reopening of the popular boutique Style Bridge in Victoria, BC.
Having formed a successful business partnership and friendship, Marcie and Christine now use Style Bridge as home for their three exclusive house labels Stil Brucke, Ludmila and BlackFish WhiteFish। And it’s not just us who’ve been impressed. Marcie and Christine’s talents were officially recognised by Vancouver Island’s Times Colonist, being awarded the title of ‘Most Awesome Clothing Design of 2008’ for their highly customizable dresses which are created by hand according to the vision of the customer.
BMC: Congratulations on being named ‘Most Awesome Clothing Design of 2008’! Can you explain what Style Bridge is?
ML: Thanks for the congratulations! We had no idea we had won until a customer came in and said she’d seen us in the paper that day. It was very exciting and unexpected. Style Bridge is a clothing boutique located in Victoria, owned by my business partner, Christine Lavdovsky, and me. This is where we showcase our lines of customizable dresses, bikinis and other handmade pieces. We also carry a variety of lines from around Canada and the US.

Interested In A Career in Fashion Design

2009-09-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Spring Style – Youthink Magazine
So you love clothes, you love reading fashion magazines and you've even experimented with your own designs. But have you ever thought about taking it to the next level and actually pursuing a career in fashion? The fashion industry is a tough one to crack into, but there are programs available here in BC that will definitely get you started on the road to the runway.

Sheila Wong

2009-09-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Despite the snowy evening, fashion-hungry crowds, undaunted by the elements, packed the Westin Bayshore ballroom to feast their eyes on the creative, innovative and fanciful designs created by the graduates of the 2006 Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Program. The crowd ate it all up as the models strutted the students' collections on the dramatic catwalk, while media took notes on their fave designs.
In her review of the show, the Georgia Straight's Fashion Editor, Janet Smith, highlighted several stand-out collections. She had this to say about Design grad, Sheila Wong's collection:
"Two of Sheila Wong's creations were also showstoppers: one black silk charmeuse gown had a silvery koi hand-painted along it's rippling train, while a white satin strapless dress came festooned with a stiff ribbon "fan" over the chest and a thick black obi."
Sheila Wong is currently co-owner and designer for a local company called "Dim Sum Designs". Their concept is artwork on t-shirt canvases.
This menswear line was recently launched for the Fall / Winter 2006/2007 season and will be available at Boys' Co. on Robson Street.

Style Files

2009-09-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Fashion Merchandising + Fashion Design Diploma Programs
More than ever before, fashion has become an integral part of our visual landscape. Fashion runs the gamut from high to low, couture to disposable. Now whether you consider Fashion as artistry, personal expression, or a reflection of the times, there is no disputing that Fashion is a billion dollar business, BILLIONS in fact.

The demand for highly trained fashion merchandisers continues to increase exponentially with the accelerated growth of the fashion and retail industries. As these industries flourish, the career possibilities are endless. Fashion merchandisers command fluid skills that can be transferred to a multitude of diverse and challenging career opportunities such as retail buyers, visual merchandisers, store planners, inventory control specialists, wholesale agents, manufacturers, retail managers, fashion stylists, fashion show coordinators, fashion public relations specialists, entrepreneurs and so on.
By covering the complete range of the fashion industry, graduates of the Blanche Macdonald Fashion Merchandising Program are well equipped to handle the dynamic, complex and creative world of Fashion. Click below to read some of our Fashion graduate success stories.

Matthew Burditt, owner/designer of Oak Custom Clothing

2009-09-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Matthew Burditt, owner/designer of Oak Custom Clothing and graduate of the Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Program is an admitted celebrity hound. Musicians, bands and solo female performers inspire his ultra- hip, totally unique, and hand-painted clothing.
Matthew Burditt has designed clothing for alt-folk/indie rock artist Regina Spektor, indy vocalists CocoRosie and New York City’s Antony and the Johnsons, who have performed with Bjork and Lou Reed. He is also working on garments for a few local bands.
"Right now, I am selling exclusively online and doing custom work for bands, so my website is very important to my business. It’s the front door of my shop!"

Supermodel Noot Seear & Blanche Macdonald Raise Funds For Be Bare

2009-09-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Exclusively with Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Students,Be Bare's Fashion Design Competition

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Roberta Rodger, World champion professional snowboarder and Outerwear Designer for NOMIS।

Outerwear to StreetwearOkay, wow, we are impressed। A hit of Google and “Roberta Rodger snowboard” brought up page after page of articles and accolades, photos and awards. Sheesh, what does “slays rails” and “halfpipes” mean? Uhmm, memo to us, must ask Roberta.

Roberta Rodger is a world class, world champion professional snowboarder who in her nine years as a professional boarder won the World QP Championship in 200l, was part of Sessions pro-team, part of the Canadian National Halfpipe Team and was a co-owner of an all-female snowboard company, Chorus, who built snowboards for women by women in a male dominated sport. The list of accomplishments is endless for Roberta Rodger who has travelled the world competing and shooting for various snowboard magazines.
Who better than to design outerwear and streetwear for the Women’s Spring collection for NOMIS which will be shown at the ASR this Fall. Or currently put her knowledge and skill into designing the California-based Foursquare’s Outerwear Collection for 2009. Rodger’s love of snowboarding, combined with her passion for sewing and fashion, makes her the absolutely right person on all counts. She knows the technical components needed and hip style wanted on the slopes.
“I like to design outerwear and streetwear that is more sophisticated with a focus on innovative design, custom-fit material, exceptional quality, clean lines but well balanced with technical features like protection and functionality”, says Rodger.

At a London Museum, a Designer’s Many and Varied Influences

2009-09-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Creations by the designer Hussein Chalayan at the spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear shows in Paris in 2008. (Michel Euler/Associated Press)
Hussein Chalayan is a fashion designer, but in a retrospective show of his work at London’s Design Museum (through May 17) there seems to be much more going on than fashion. Architecture, philosophy, science and technology, cultural displacement and identity, genetics, anthropology and aerodynamics all inform and influence his work.
Since his graduation show, “The Tangent Flows,” in which silk dresses that had been covered in iron filings were buried in the ground for months before being exhumed for presentation, he has twice been named British Designer of the year and now shows biannually in Paris.
The exhibition is presented in sections, each devoted to a different year and concept, from the designer’s graduation in 1993 from Central St. Martin’s College of Art through to the present. Elsewhere, mannequins wearing his creations stand among films and videos of runway shows.
Chalayan, 38, is of Turkish-Cypriot descent. He moved to London when he was 12, a life experience that explains themes in his designs of cultural identity, displacement and migration. He describes himself as being “part-Aegean, part-Anatolian, part-Balkan and part-Mediterranean filtered through the synthesizer of London.”
An example of how his life is reflected in his work is in his autumn/winter 2000 show “Afterwords,” which was inspired by the plight of the refugee and the horror of having to leave one’s home suddenly in times of war — including references to ethnic cleansing in Cyprus in 1974, when the country was divided between Greek and Turkish rule.
In this collection, clothes were disguised as furniture. Models entered a room and clothed themselves in its furniture, which transformed into wearable pieces, with the room eventually becoming empty and lifeless: a table became a skirt, chair covers were dresses and the chairs became suitcases.
In 1999 Chalayan introduced the “Airmail Dress,” a garment carrying instructions for folding and fit that could be sent through the mail. The concept was that by sending it to another, it becomes a token of one’s absence and presence.
Other designs are hi-tech, like the “Airborne” dress, which consists of crystals and over 15,000 flickering LED lights, and “Readings,” a dress comprising over 200 moving lasers. The spring/summer 2007 collection, “One Hundred and Eleven,” explored how fashion has been shaped by historical events and included a series of mechanical dresses that morphed from one era’s style to another.
Some of Chalayan’s creations, though, are eminently wearable — and, for consumers of haute couture, desirable. They are classic, elegant and quirky. Fans include the singers Bjork, Tori Amos and Roisin Murphy, and the actors Jennifer Connelly and Jena Malone.
“Absent Presence”, a film featuring Tilda Swinton, was the Turkish submission at the Venice Biennale in 2005. Using DNA sequences extracted from clothing donated by non-British females, the 13-minute footage explores the neurosis and paranoia surrounding the issues of terrorism and hard line policies on immigration.
Chalayan has recently become Creative Director for Sport Fashion at Puma –- so watch out for more wearable sportswear and sneakers.
A booklet that guides you through the exhibition said of his 1998 collection, “Panoramic,” that Chalayan “attempted to create hybrids which were indefinable through language.” This collection, it claims, was inspired by a statement from Wittgenstein: “Whereof we cannot speak, thereof we must be silent.” The clothes were described as “partially ethnic costume, some were a uniform, others an insect.”

How to become a fashion designer

2009-09-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

How to become a fashion designer
You know you're destined to be a fashion designer if you: a) spent most of your childhood making clothes for your Barbie dolls instead of playing with your friends; b) read fashion magazines instead of your school books; c) ran a boutique out of your basement at age 10. In other words: if you want to be the next Yves Saint Laurent, it helps to be completely and utterly obsessed with fashion. However, there are many aspects of the profession. Working as a fashion designer can just as well mean supervising a design team at a sportswear company as producing a label under your own name. Although the former career may not seem as glamorous as the latter, it certainly will make your life less stressful. To create your own label takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work. Not to mention living just above the poverty line for several years.

Choosing a strategy

There are as many different ways to embark upon a fashion career as there are styles of design. Ralph Lauren's Polo empire was founded on a small tie collection that he sold to Bloomingdales. Helmut Lang decided to open his own clothing store when he couldn't find a t-shirt that he liked. Michael Kors built up a network of customers by selling clothes in a trendy NYC boutique. However, most people find that the best foundation for a design career is to get a fine arts degree in fashion at a prestigious school. Besides teaching you the craft, a good school will also add credibility to your resumé. "We live in a brandname society, and having the name of a good school behind you really does help," says Carol Mongo, Director of the Fashion Department at Parsons School of Design in Paris.

Applying to a school

There are a lot of colleges that have fashion programs, but only a handful has the kind of reputation that can really push your career. (See separate listings for addresses and web sites.) It's hard to enter these schools as competition is high, and they tend to be very selective. You apply by sending a portfolio of drawings of your designs. "We can't teach you how to be creative – you have to bring your creativity to us and let us lead you on your way," says Carol Mongo. She recommends students to get some sewing experience before they apply. Drawing is also an important skill for a designer – it is the way you communicate your ideas. In order to build an impressive portfolio it's a good idea to have some experience in sketching; taking art classes will help you understand form and proportion. But you don't have to be an expert drawer to get accepted to a school. "The most important quality that we look for in our students is that they are truly passionate and exuberant about fashion," says Mongo. "If you have wonderful ideas but can't draw, there are always ways to get around it. You could for example put your designs on a mannequin and take pictures of it."

What school will do for you

Most fashion programs are three to four years long. During that time you will take fine arts classes and study drawing, color composition and form. You will also learn pattern making, draping and cutting techniques. One of the most important advantages of design schools is that they work really closely with the industry. Parsons, for example, have "designer critic projects" where successful designers like Donna Karan and Michael Kors work directly with the graduating students. Ambitious students also have the chance to win prestigious awards and grants, which bring them a lot of attention as well as financial support. One very important event is the fashion show at the end of the last semester, when graduating students show their collections. A lot of important people from the fashion industry attend these shows to scout new talent. It's also an opportunity to be really outrageous and get noticed by the media. Hussein Chalayan, for example, became instantly infamous when he showed rotting clothes that he had buried in his backyard for his graduation show at Saint Martins.

Alternative routes

"Let's be realistic," says Carol Mongo at Parsons, "School's not for everyone. If you're just looking to get a job in the fashion industry – not a career as a designer – you probably don't need to go school." If you want to work as a seamstress or a patternmaker, the best thing is probably to apply for an internship at a fashion house and work your way up. However, there are many examples of famous designers who started out as interns with no formal training. For example, Dior's brightest new star, men's wear designer Hedi Slimane, had a degree in journalism when he started working with men's wear designer José Levy. Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquière is another example of a brilliantly successful designer who learned the jobs hands-on, as an assistant at Jean-Paul Gaultier. Usually, you apply for an internship by sending a portfolio to a fashion house you're interested in. But it's a good idea to call them up beforehand to see exactly what they need. It's also important to note that competition is fierce, and unless you have personal connections, it's very difficult to get an internship without an education. There are also designers, like Luella Bartley, who started their own business after working as stylists for several years, thus building an industry network as well as a good marketing sense.

Understanding the business

Unfortunately, it's not enough for a designer to be creative; you also have to have some business sense. As fashion gets more and more corporate driven, it's important to be aware of the business climate and understanding the mechanics behind it. By religiously reading trade papers like "Women's Wear Daily" you will get a lot of valuable information. If you want to run your own company, you need to be extremely organized and learn at least the basics of economics. A lot of fashion schools are currently increasing business classes in their curriculum. "Our students have to be smart enough to know how to negotiate a contract, or to pick a business partner," says Carol Mongo. It's perhaps telling that many of the designers that are really successful today, like Calvin Klein or Tom Ford, are involved in every aspect of the business – from licensing strategies to ad campaigns to actually designing the clothes

Links to fashion schools

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Seventh Avenue at 27th StreetNew York,
NY 10001-5992
Tel: +1 212 217 7999http://www.fitnyc.suny.edu/

Parsons School of Design66
Fifth Avenue New York, NY 1011
Tel: +1 212 229 5582http://www.parsons.edu/

Bunka Fashion College
Japan
http://www.bunka-fc.ac.jp/

Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
Southampton Row
London WC1B 4AP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7514 7022 / +44 20 7514 7023
http://www.csm.linst.ac.uk/

Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
London SW7 2EU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7590 4444http://www.rca.ac.uk/

Insitut Francais de la Mode
33 rue Jean Goujon
75008 Paris
France
Tel: +33 1 56 59 22 22
http://www.ifm-paris.org/

Ecole de la Cambre de Bruxelles
21 Abbaye de La Cambre
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 648 96 19

Jewelers and precious stone

2009-09-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers use a variety of common and specialized handtools and equipment to design and manufacture new pieces of jewelry; cut, set, and polish gem stones; repair or adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry; and appraise jewelry, precious metals, and gems. Jewelers usually specialize in one or more of these areas and may work for large jewelry manufacturing firms, for small retail jewelry shops, or as owners of their own businesses. Regardless of the type of work done or the work setting, jewelers need a high degree of skill, precision, and attention to detail.
Some jewelers design or make their own jewelry. Following their own designs or those created by designers or customers, they begin by shaping the metal or by carving wax to make a model for casting the metal. The individual parts then are soldered together, and the jeweler may mount a diamond or other gem or may engrave a design into the metal. Other jewelers do finishing work, such as setting stones, polishing, or engraving, or make repairs. Typical repair work includes enlarging or reducing ring sizes, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps and mountings.
Bench jewelers usually work in jewelry retailers. They perform a wide range of tasks, from simple jewelry cleaning and repair to moldmaking and fabricating pieces from scratch. In larger manufacturing businesses, jewelers usually specialize in a single operation. Mold and model makers create models or tools for the jewelry that is to be produced. Assemblers solder or fuse jewelry and their parts; they also may set stones. Engravers etch designs into the metal with specialized tools, and polishers bring a finished luster to the final product.
Jewelers typically do the handiwork required to produce a piece of jewelry, while gemologists and laboratory graders analyze, describe, and certify the quality and characteristics of gem stones. Gemologists may work in gemological laboratories or as quality control experts for retailers, importers, or manufacturers. After using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments to examine gem stones or finished pieces of jewelry, they write reports certifying that the items are of a particular quality. Many jewelers also study gemology to become familiar with the physical properties of the gem stones with which they work.
Jewelry appraisers carefully examine jewelry to determine its value, after which they write appraisal documents. They determine the value of a piece by researching the jewelry market, using reference books, auction catalogs, price lists, and the Internet. They may work for jewelry stores, appraisal firms, auction houses, pawnbrokers, or insurance companies. Many gemologists also become appraisers.
In small retail stores or repair shops, jewelers and appraisers may be involved in all aspects of the work. Those who own or manage stores or shops also hire and train employees; order, market, and sell merchandise; and perform managerial duties.
New technology is helping to produce jewelry of higher quality at a reduced cost and in a shorter amount of time. For example, lasers are often used for cutting and improving the quality of stones, for applying intricate engraving or design work, and for inscribing personal messages or identification on jewelry. Jewelers also use lasers to weld metals together in milliseconds with no seams or blemishes, improving the quality and appearance of jewelry.
Some manufacturing firms use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to facilitate product design and automate some steps in the moldmaking and modelmaking process. CAD allows jewelers to create a virtual-reality model of a piece of jewelry. Using CAD, jewelers can modify the design, change the stone, or try a different setting and see the changes on a computer screen before cutting a stone or performing other costly steps. Once they are satisfied with the model, CAM produces it in a waxlike or other material. After the mold of the model is made, it is easier for manufacturing firms to produce numerous copies of a given piece of jewelry, which are then distributed to retail establishments across the country. Similar techniques may be used in the retail setting, allowing customers to review their jewelry designs with the jeweler and make modifications before committing themselves to the expense of a customized piece of jewelry.
Work environment. A jeweler’s work involves a great deal of concentration and attention to detail. Trying to satisfy customers’ and employers’ demands for speed and quality while working on precious stones and metal can cause fatigue or stress. However, the use of more ergonomically correct jewelers’ benches has eliminated most of the strain and discomfort caused by spending long periods over a workbench.
Lasers require both careful handling to avoid injury and steady hands to direct precision tasks. In larger manufacturing plants and some smaller repair shops, chemicals, sharp or pointed tools, and jewelers’ torches pose safety threats and may cause injury if proper care is not taken. Most dangerous chemicals, however, have been replaced with synthetic, less toxic products to meet safety requirements.
In repair shops, jewelers usually work alone with little supervision. In retail stores, they may talk with customers about repairs, perform custom design work, and even do some selling. Because many of their materials are valuable, jewelers must observe strict security procedures, including working behind locked doors that are opened only by a buzzer, working on the other side of barred windows, making use of burglar alarms, and, in larger jewelry establishments, working in the presence of armed guards

Nature of the Work

2009-09-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Fashion designers help create the billions of dresses, suits, shoes, and other clothing and accessories purchased every year by consumers. Designers study fashion trends, sketch designs of clothing and accessories, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the final production of their designs. Clothing designers create and help produce men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, including casual wear, suits, sportswear, formalwear, outerwear, maternity, and intimate apparel. Footwear designers help create and produce different styles of shoes and boots. Accessory designers help create and produce items such as handbags, belts, scarves, hats, hosiery, and eyewear, which add the finishing touches to an outfit. (The work of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is described elsewhere in the Handbook.) Some fashion designers specialize in clothing, footwear, or accessory design, but others create designs in all three fashion categories.
The design process from initial design concept to final production takes between 18 and 24 months. The first step in creating a design is researching current fashion and making predictions of future trends. Some designers conduct their own research, while others rely on trend reports published by fashion industry trade groups. Trend reports indicate what styles, colors, and fabrics will be popular for a particular season in the future. Textile manufacturers use these trend reports to begin designing fabrics and patterns while fashion designers begin to sketch preliminary designs. Designers then visit manufacturers or trade shows to procure samples of fabrics and decide which fabrics to use with which designs.
Once designs and fabrics are chosen, a prototype of the article using cheaper materials is created and then tried on a model to see what adjustments to the design need to be made. This also helps designers to narrow their choices of designs to offer for sale. After the final adjustments and selections have been made, samples of the article using the actual materials are sewn and then marketed to clothing retailers. Many designs are shown at fashion and trade shows a few times a year. Retailers at the shows place orders for certain items, which are then manufactured and distributed to stores.
Computer-aided design (CAD) is increasingly being used in the fashion design industry. Although most designers initially sketch designs by hand, a growing number also translate these hand sketches to the computer. CAD allows designers to view designs of clothing on virtual models and in various colors and shapes, thus saving time by requiring fewer adjustments of prototypes and samples later.
Depending on the size of their design firm and their experience, fashion designers may have varying levels of involvement in different aspects of design and production. In large design firms, fashion designers often are the lead designers who are responsible for creating the designs, choosing the colors and fabrics, and overseeing technical designers who turn the designs into a final product. They are responsible for creating the prototypes and patterns and work with the manufacturers and suppliers during the production stages. Large design houses also employ their own patternmakers, tailors, and sewers who create the master patterns for the design and sew the prototypes and samples. Designers working in small firms, or those new to the job, usually perform most of the technical, patternmaking, and sewing tasks, in addition to designing the clothing. (The work of pattern makers, hand sewers, and tailors is covered in the statement on textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Fashion designers working for apparel wholesalers or manufacturers create designs for the mass market. These designs are manufactured in various sizes and colors. A small number of high-fashion (haute couture) designers are self-employed and create custom designs for individual clients, usually at very high prices. Other high-fashion designers sell their designs in their own retail stores or cater to specialty stores or high-fashion department stores. These designers create a mixture of original garments and those that follow established fashion trends.
Some fashion designers specialize in costume design for performing arts, motion picture, and television productions. The work of costume designers is similar to other fashion designers. Costume designers, however, perform extensive research on the styles worn during the period in which the performance takes place, or they work with directors to select and create appropriate attire. They make sketches of designs, select fabric and other materials, and oversee the production of the costumes. They also must stay within the costume budget for the particular production item.
Work environment. Fashion designers employed by manufacturing establishments, wholesalers, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers who freelance generally work on a contract, or by the job. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines, meeting with the clients during evenings or weekends when necessary. Freelance designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments, and are under pressure to please clients and to find new ones in order to maintain a steady income. Regardless of their work setting, all fashion designers occasionally work long hours to meet production deadlines or prepare for fashion shows.
The global nature of the fashion business requires constant communication with suppliers, manufacturers, and customers all over the United States and the world. Most fashion designers travel several times a year to trade and fashion shows to learn about the latest fashion trends. Designers also may travel frequently to meet with fabric and materials suppliers and with manufacturers who produce the final apparel products.

Pregnency + Calculators

2009-09-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

Most exciting moment during the life of a woman rather mother is the moment when she knows that she is pregnant. The thrill and the anxiety of an expectant mother are justifiable. Mostly one may be anxious in knowing when she is going to step into the shoes of a mother the unique and noble position that only womanhood is eligible for. One may be too anxious in calculating the estimated date as soon as one knows about the conception. Knowing the uphill task of doing the mental arithmetic and the possible errors many medical colleges, health and baby sites have online pregnancy calculators that give you the instant result of the due date and the date of conception.The pregnency calculator calculate backwards or forward once you give either the date of your last menstrual period or the estimated due date. To know when the conception was occurred or to determine the due date one needs to give the date of the last menstrual period. However the calculators are based on a 28 days menstrual cycle and would require necessary adjustments for those who have erratic periods or shorter or longer intervals. It is assumed that conception occurs normally about 2 weeks after the date of the last menstrual period and the estimated due date is arrived after 40 weeks of that date.The calculator is a ready reckonor to determine the duration of pregnency and take appropriate precautions. One may also be benefited to match the weight gained and the pregnancy stage as per the standard recommendations. It may help face the physiological changes and symptoms at various stages of pregnency. The expectant mother needs to be aware and prepared to take the required precautions for the morning sickness, Fatigue, sensitivity to taste and smell, dizziness frequent urination etc normally found at different stages of pregnency.

Pregnency Stage

2009-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Pregnency though a unique experience is not without its anxieties and problems. The stage of Pregnency indicates the age of your baby in the womb. The first step in determining the stage is to confirm the Pregnency by a home Pregnency test. If the test is found positive one may confirm the same in consultation with the GP, or an obstetrician.To know the stage of Pregnency one may use the Pregnency calculator. Many sites on health, woman and child care and of medical colleges have online Pregnency calculator that determines the probable due date once you give the date of the last menstrual period. The calculator help determine the due date of delivery and the conception date instantly.Some women may suspect the Pregnency soon after the conception should they are tuned to the rhythm of their body. Otherwise one may not experience any early Pregnency symptoms until the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall that happens after several days of conception. Some others suspect Pregnency only when they miss their periods.One may experience various symptoms at different stages of Pregnency. The most common and disturbing symptom is the morning sickness or nausea during the early hours of the day. Fatigue and frequent urination are other problems besides sensitivity to smell and tastes. As the Pregnency advances dizziness, constipation, inflammation on legs and foot are some of the other symptoms.One need to consult the GP or the obstetrician to closely watch, monitor and take appropriate nutritional and vitamin supplements to keep the additional requirements of the body. Proper body and health care, food, regular exercise and immediate attention to any physical ailments or problems are absolutely essential at different stages of Pregnency to become a healthy mother and beget a healthy baby.

Pregnency skin care, hair fall and diet

2009-09-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

So many things change as hormone level increase and decrease rapidly during pregnency. Many women who've never had ache problems will while pregnant or maybe the opposite and their face will clear up.
Skin Care Stretch marks may appear on breast, stomach, and legs. Sometime lotions with vitamin E in it will help, but nature just has to take its course. Stretch marks are discolored and ugly, but laser surgery can help make them disappear after the baby is born. Hair CareMost salons don't like to give pregnant women chemical treatments unless a waiver is signed. With prenatal vitamins hair will surely grow as will nails. Beware of treatments for many things can be harmful to an unborn baby. Nothing is 100% safe anymore. DietDoes this mean diet while pregnent? NO!Just eat wisely for it is harder to lose those pounds afterwards and a unborn child needs many vitamins and protein to grow big and strong. Eat healthy. It is always best to eat 4-5 small meals a day. Does it mean take out junk food? No. Just watch your intake. Five small meals may seem too little for a pregnant women, don't starve, just make wise choices when eating. There are snacks and foods that are filling without all the grease and fat to go along with it. Here are a few:
• Fruits• Raw (well washed) veggies• Nuts• Whole grain cereals• Fruit smoothies• Chicken noodle or bean soup
Everyone knows these things already during pregnency so why can't everyone eat healthy? Too many options for a greasy, tasty snack or meal. We're all guilty and need to control urges to spurge. Its the best thing for a growing child to be introduced to these things even before entering the world. Who knows maybe this will help them eat healthy.

First / Early Pregnency Symptoms

2009-09-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Symptoms of an early Pregnency riskNot every woman is safe from the risks of becoming pregnant. With every Pregnency comes some risk and just one of those risks is an Ectopic Pregnency or Tubal Pregnency. (EPT)What is an ectopic or tubal Pregnency?It is when the fertilized ovum implants onto any tissue other than endometrial lining of the uterus. The most common being in the fallopian tube, in other simpler words, this happens when the eggs implants outside of the womb. What are the symptoms?
• Lower Abdominal or pelvic pain• Mild cramps• Amenorrhea• Abnormal bleeding• Breast tenderness• Nausea• Low back pain
What puts women at risk for this type of Pregnency?There is no known cause as to why this type of Pregnency occurs. Many factors may increase a woman’s chance in having an ectopic Pregnency, but then again some of the following may not even be present.
• Age• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – such as gonorrhea• Tubal surgery – any type of surgery on tubes• Pervious ectopic• DES exposure – a drug once used during Pregnency• Pervious termination of Pregnency• IVF (test-tube baby) and ovulation induction
TreatmentThe most common treatment for women who have a ectopic Pregnency is a Laparotomy or Laparoscopy. Which are preformed to remove the fetus and any risk of a rupture.

Pregnancy Test

2009-09-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

What type of Pregnency tests are out there? What are the differences? How accurate are they? Most early Pregnency test are the home Pregnency test you see in any drugstore. Such as, EPT – error proof test and First response. These are the most common used or seen. How do they work? All Pregnency test look for what is known as the Pregnency hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin (hGC). This hormone is release in blood and urine, about six days after the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. These tests are made to detect this hormone as early as 5 days before your missed period. However, waiting one week after your missed period will give a more accurate detection of the hormone. Blood Test The most accurate way to determine Pregnency is through a blood test called Beta hCG (BhCG). This test measures the amount of hCG in the blood stream, determining how many days, weeks, or months along the patient is. Some doctors will order this test on the first visit; however, most have started using urine Pregnency test. Which are the same as what any drugstore would carry, giving the same positive or negative sign. How accurate are these tests?Most of the home Pregnency tests are 99% accurate if used correctly. Make sure to read the package insert before using the test for the best results. More online information on tests

Teen Pregnency

2009-09-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

What would be better facts or statistics? It is a fact that the number of teens becoming pregnant is down, yet the number is still way too high. Want numbers? Approximately 1 million teenage girls age 15-19 become pregnant every year. 25% of them will give birth to a second child within two years.Will teen Pregnency ever become non-exist? No, but there are things that can be done to help lower the rate of teen pregnancies. How? What?Education That's right educated these girls and boys, because that is what they are. They are not adults yet and need to be taught. Only 69% of U.S. schools teach sex education. That's right 69%. Why? Everyone knows the teen Pregnency rate, so why aren't the schools helping? The ones that do teach sex education are teaching abstinence instead of how to protect themselves if they do have sex. And its a fact that teens are having sex so why not teach them the things that could bring teen Pregnency rates down?PreventionsThe best thing is the help these teenagers know what protect is available and how to obtain or use it. Birth controls are readily available at health departments for little or no cost. Condoms as well can be found at health departments and drugstores everywhere. Yes, its hard to talk about sex to teenagers that think they know everything. Its harder to see a baby having a baby if it could have been stopped with some education and knowledge of what was out there to help prevent the Pregnency all together. Beyond all of the facts and statistics. The best way to teach kids is for them to hear a story from someone just like them that has been in their shoes and paid the price.
One Teens StoryHow did it all start? I think we all know the answer to that question. Sex. Yes, I started having sex at the age of 15. Am I ashamed of the decision? No. Could or would I change it? Yes. Not because I slept with many guys it was only one and I loved him or thought I did. It turns out I didn't or maybe I was just too young to settle down. So, I moved on.I met someone else and found myself in the same position only this time I ended up pregnant at the rip age of 19. My first semester in college. It was supposed to be a time of fun and new experiences. Instead I was going to have a baby. Something I wanted but not now at this time in my life. I wanted to finish college and find the right man. Instead I found myself married to the wrong man and unhappy. We struggled. We both had jobs, but it still was hard to make ends meet. I had to grow up fast and take responsible for my actions, while my new husband couldn't and to this day doesn't own up to his. I can't change the fact that I had a baby at 19 and I wouldn't. She is the best thing in the world. I just wish it would have been later in life. Despite my struggles I divorced my sorry husband after three years of fighting and unhappiness. Finished my degree and met the man of my dreams. I was lucky with my first child to have loving parents that helped me through everything. Most don't have that kind of help and it makes it harder. The only thing I would change was the marriage. If I could do it over I wouldn't have gotten married. I've raised a bright and beautiful little girl who is now 6. Her biological father is not longer in our lives and has been since the divorce. Which is sad, but she has a father who loves her very much and will always be there for her. I can't say there is anything that would have stopped me from having sex or getting pregnant. I could have pushed protection more than I did at the time and it was my fault I didn't. But it is over with now. I just happen to be one of lucky ones to have a happy ending to my story. Many teens don't have anyone to talk to or help with raising a child. If I didn't have the help I did. I can't say I'd be where I am today.

The first signs of Pregnency

2009-09-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Every woman is different. It is hard to tell if you aren’t looking for the right signs and even if you are how can be sure? Is it just your imagination because this is what you and your spouse want? Are the feeling the symptoms of early Pregnency, but ignore them for your not ready for what the true answer will be? So, what are these common tail-tale signs of Pregnency? The earliest signs would include and not be limited to the following:FatigueIn the earliest stages of pregancy many women become exhausted. They can’t seem to get enough sleep no matter how many naps they take or how long they sleep in. It’s the body’s way of getting ready for what lay ahead.Tender BreastMost women will experience this sign in the first week of conception. Breast will become sore to the touch and most notice fuller, heavier breast. The areolas around the nipple will even become enlarge and darken. NauseaNot every woman will experience this sign of pregancy, but it is very likely. Smells will get to most women at this stage. It could be food or perfumes. Beware! They could very well have women running to the bathroom. BloatingSome women feel bloated and uncomfortable. Almost as if they are about to start their periods, yet it never comes. Frequent Bathroom BreaksThere is nothing more telling than the frequent potty breaks women need when they become pregnant, even at this early stage.Many women may have all of these signs, but the most common of them all would be a missed period and most reliable of them all. Some women will have light bleeding during the implantation stage of fertilization this is not uncommon and will more than likely be pink to brown in color. It will be much different than a normal period, and only light spotting occurs during this stage of Pregnency.

Pregnancy Exercise

2009-09-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Exercise? What is that? Is it okay to exercise while pregnent?Well believe it or not a pregnant, stressed body would be thankful for this in the long run and everyone knows what exercise is. Its just a matter of getting up and doing it. Exercising during Pregnency not only keeps a woman's body in shape, but help the body prepare for delivery. Here are a few exercise for Pregnency women, but please talk to a physician before beginning:
• Start with stretches. Don't over do it. Nice and easy. • Walking• Swimming• Stationary bike• Low-impact aerobics
These are just a few of the things available. Many gyms have sign up for classes that are especially for pregnant women. There are even videos, DVD's, and CD's that will help.They even have pilates and yoga for pregnant women. The choices are endless. Prenatal and post natal tapes are available as well. Whatever the choice is be sure to talk to a physician first. Make sure they approve of the type of program or can recommend one. Make sure to keep up a routine of 20 minutes 3-5 times a week. It will help relief stress and help tone those extra pounds that come with Pregnency.Don't stop once the buddle of joy arrives. After the healing and bonding period, start with the routine again, but only if the doctor approves. New stresses will arise after delivery and a happy mother, makes a happy baby. It is time to enjoy the buddle of joy, not stress over it. Relax and get started with those stretches.

Pregnency + Calendar

2009-09-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Pregnency Calendar help women keep up with daily, weekly, or monthly expectations in their Pregnency. It’s one way to know what lies ahead and what to expect before it happens.How do doctors determine due date?They calculate from the first day of your missed period. A normal Pregnency lasting 40 weeks, which would be 280 days to delivery. You can find many due date calculators online
These calendars will calculate expected due dates after entering in the date of your last period. Chinese CalendarsThe Chineese Calendar was discovered around 700 years ago and helps aid in figuring out the sex of an unborn child, by the month of conception and age of the mother at that time. Weight gain during Pregnency Every women is different, but most doctors say a safe and health weight gain of 25-35 pounds of a women at normal weight when conception occurs.Women underweight should gain about 34 pounds, and women over weight about 20.Pregnency ChartsThere are many charts to choose from one being a nutritional chart that will help Pregnency women keep up with the amount of calcium, protein, etc…they will need everyday to help their unborn child grow. However, before a women can get to that point they have to conceive a child first, and there are many charts to aid in that as well.

Welcome to Pregnency World

2009-09-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Pregnency can be an exciting and scary time as well. So many things happen in this nine month, 40 week, 280 day journey. Many questions will arise even before conception. Common questions and the unthinkable will run through the minds of new mothers. It's only natural to protect the baby that is about to be conceived or is already growing rapidly. Remember that every Pregnancy is different and no two are alike. Not everyone will experience the same type of morning sickness or food carvings. Not every Pregnency is text book. No one can predict what will happen or what the future holds. The following articles should aid in finding some of the answers to those questions.