Whether a tea leaf winds up in a cup of green, black, or oolong tea depends entirely on what happens after it is plucked. Black tea derives its dark color and full flavor from a complex fermentation process that includes exposing crushed tea leaves to the air for a strictly defined number of minutes. Tea leaves meant for more mellow tasting green tea are not fermented at all, but merely withered in hot air and quickly steamed or pan-fried. A gentle rolling and final heating stabilizes the tea’s natural flavors. Oolong teas fall somewhere in the middle: partial fermentation gives them a distinct reddish color and a “flowery” flavor.
So, where does white tea fit into the picture? White tea is made from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. The tea takes its name from the silver fuzz that still covers the buds, which turns white when the tea is dried. The exact proportion of buds to leaves varies depending on the variety of white tea.
White tea is a specialty of the Chinese province Fujian. The leaves come from a number of varieties of tea cultivars. The most popular are Da Bai (Large White), Xiao Bai (Small White), Narcissus and Chaicha bushes. According to the different standards of picking and selection, white teas can be classified into a number of grades, further described in the varieties section.
Using white tea for relaxation has long traditions throughout the Oriental culture and throughout the world. White tea, like all other forms of tea, has a stress reducing effect on the body; the entire process of boiling the water and steeping your tea leaves to actually sitting comfortably and sipping a hot cup of white tea is very calming for the soul. What many people do not realize is that the calming effects of white tea are not merely in the mind.
White tea leaf has been the luxury drink of Chinese aristocrats for centuries, at one point being only consumed by the Chinese emperor himself. Held in high regard for its smooth, mild flavor as well as its high antioxidant content, white tea benefits surpass many of its cousins, such as green tea and black tea.
White tea is produced in a different way to all other teas. The leaves come from special varietal bushes and are not processed but are dried in the sun. Only special leaves are selected, the ideal is two leaves wrapped around a new shoot. After drying the leaves are again selected and sorted by hand.
White tea leaf is especially potent in that it is has three times as many antioxidant polyphenols as green or black tea and has been shown to be 100% more effective in mopping up free radicals that cause skin to sag. Some of the worlds top cosmetic companies are becoming very interested in white tea for skin creams and the result is that high grade white tea is becoming even more rare than before.
I remember what a revelation it was to discover, many years ago, that green olives and black olives come from the same plant; the difference is that green olives are harvested (and cured) before they ripen, whereas black olives are left on the tree longer. Later, I learned that black pepper comes from the same plant as white pepper; in the latter case, the dark outer hull of the peppercorn is removed. Still later, and even more surprising, was the discovery that black tea, green tea, and even oolong tea (in all their many varieties) come from a single plant, a shrub known as Camellia sinensis. These teas vary not only in color but in chemical composition everything from the taste to the nutritional properties is extremely different from one type to another. The latest rage in designer tea, white tea, once again comes from the same plant. But it’s still full of surprises.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. White tea is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
Friday, July 3rd, 2009,
by Andrew,
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Seeking for a specific accessory that instantly adds pizazz and zing to every outfit no matter what event? You’ll have everything you’ll ever require in an accessory with hoop earrings.
Hoop earrings are classically designed, circular or semi-circular earrings that are creating a thunderous buzz in the fashion industry. These accessories are so famous among ladies that their design and style have extended to comprise squares, stars, heart and other distinctive designs, double to triple hoop styles and hanging trimmings. Because of their flexibility and wide range in designs even the finicky trendsetter is sure to find a ideal pair. Read our hoop earring jewelry pages for additional styles.
For those who are into hoop earrings that are fuss-free and more conventional, shopping for solid gold and sterling silver hoop earrings that are either large or petite, broad or skinny is the perfect answer. Every woman should have more than one pair of high-quality pair hoop earrings in different metals, sizes and shapes, as they complete and compliment any outfit variety. From denims and a t-shirts for a casual day for tasks, for a very busy day at the office with a breasted suit, a sexy tube dress for a painting the town red, and every possible outfit in between, hoop earrings are definitely must-haves.
Besides the gold and sterling silver variety of the gold hoop earrings, don’t overlook about the white gold hoop earring variation. Trimmings make the hoop earrings more tasteful and pleasing. Several hoop earrings are encrusted diamonds, Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, cubic zirconium, and pearls. These embellished hoop earrings are accessible in all sizes and shapes and are placed around the hoop’s circumference and along the inside or outside rim.
Hoop earrings are the in accessory nowadays that even personalities are going crazy over them. In fact, they spent hundreds of dollars in just one hoop earrings. Hoop earring lovers include Angelina Jolie, Eva Longoria, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff and a whole lot more. Most of the celebrities wear hoop earrings on the red carpet as well as on the streets doing errands.
Melinda Maria’s 18 karat Large Mesh Hoop Earrings are a classic piece that has been seen worn by various celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Hayden Panettiere, It has also been included in several magazines such as InStyle and InTouch. The Large Mesh Hoop Earrings by Melinda Maria is offered in sterling silver, gold and gold with turquoise beads. The hoop earrings are 2 inches in diameter and are sold for $166 to $238.
Given that not every woman can afford the brands of hoop earrings that celebrities show off, several earring producers have come up with their own low-priced yet beautiful hoop earrings. Charlotte Russe feature imitations of the beautiful hoop earrings worn by the likes of Eva Longoria and Nicole Richie. The Chrome Metal Mesh Hoop Earrings by Charlotte Russe has a 2.5″ diameter and sells for only $4.
Regardless of what brand of hoop earrings you purchase as long as you carry it confidently, it will always look chic and fashionable.
BlogForumLive.net
Friday, July 3rd, 2009,
by Andrew,
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Important Features to Look For…
Anyone who often drives to new places and wants finding directions less cumbersome than fold out paper maps should consider getting a portable GPS or Global Positioning System device and make their traveling a little easier.
Unlike the automaker built in versions, the portable GPS devices are less expensive and can be carried and used on different vehicles. However they required mounting either by suction cup against the windshield or by weighted bean bag base stands on the dashboard. Portable GPS devices have rechargeable batteries that can last for hours or can be powered by the vehicle’s 12 volt outlet.
These devices use satellites to track where a vehicle is and directs drivers to their target destinations, something which the Garmin nuvi 760 Portable GPS Automobile Navigator is able to do. Drivers can type in either the name or address of the destination on the touch screen keyboard and the GPS software will search for the exact or closest match then provide the route upon acceptance of the choices.
Various screen sizes are available to display a continuously updating map as the vehicle moves along its way. Maps for the United States, Canada and Europe are available. The Garmin nuvi 770 GPS Navigator and Personal Travel Assistant uses 3D representations to make its map more realistic than other GPS devices. Some devices also provide spoken turn-by-turn directions and translation in different languages.
Points of interest, such as the nearest ATM or gas station and directions on how to get there are searchable in many GPS devices. A Bluetooth capable portable GPS device along with a Bluetooth capable cell phone allows drivers to look up a restaurant and talk through a built-in mike and speakers to make reservations.
Some portable GPS devices like the Garmin StreetPilot c580 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct can also detect traffic congestion in urban areas and then suggest alternate routes. Portable GPS devices have made travel on the road a much more enjoyable experience.
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009,
by Andrew,
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There are literally thousands of regular people, many like you, who have started earning an income on the web. These people did not create any great new invention, nor do they manufacture their own merchandise. In fact, they don’t even stock the products they sell! How can this be? It simple to do with a drop shipping business.
So how does one get into the drop shipping business? It’s really very simple - you can do it with your own web site, or even with no web site by using free sites like eBay or Squidoo. Create a PayPal account, put your items out there, and you are in business. But where do the products come from?
The technique of drop shipping has been with us for years - even before the advent of the Internet. The way it works is simple - you promote and sell the products- and your drop ship supplier ships the shipment to your customers - with your company name on the invoice. The customer has no idea or cares that the product did not ship from your home or office. Some great product ideas include drop ship electronic products, drop ship clothing or drop ship electronic products.
The benefits of the system is obvious - no inventory costs, no warehouse, no shipping hassles. You should use a reliable source to locate your vendors, however. Don’t use web sites that try to sell you items directly, only buy direct from the company that really sells or distributes the products normally. You will be surprised how many vendors will agree to dropship their products.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009,
by Andrew,
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Rolex Watches are probably one of the most famous branded watches you can purchase in the world today. They are considered to be luxury at its finest and with a very strong second hand re-sale value it can also prove to be one of the shrewdest long term investment products in the market place.
A weak economy combined with having a weak Dollar and Euro means that Rolex have increased their prices no less than 3 times on their entire in 2008 through to 2009. This in turn has resulted in price increases being reflected throughout the range of all second hand rolex watches.
When purchasing your first Rolex watch there are some tips that I would like to share with you to help make your buying experience a pleasurable one and hopefully stress free.
The Rolex used market is riddled with copies, replicas, fakes, and also include fake boxes, paperwork and booklets. Therefore, it can be a mine field out there so please don’t be afraid to ask the watch seller some important questions. If you are unsure about the answers then it may be best to look elsewhere. Remember, there’s a big world-wide market out there with thousands of genuine Rolex watches on the market, so don’t get disheartened if the first enquiry is not as fruitful as you had wished for.
1. Don’t purchase any Rolex watch without its original certificate and please be aware that Rolex do not issue duplicates. The certificate is produced by Rolex when the watch is manufactured and has its individual number inscribed on the watch head which will match the embossed number on the paperwork. Please be aware of copies, scanned or faxed copied paperwork.
2. Ask the seller for the individual serial number off the watch in question and any Rolex agent will confirm the Rolex watch is 100% genuine and is not on the Rolex lost or stolen list. There may be a small charge for this service, but this is minimal compared to potentially buying a stolen Rolex watch and later having it confiscated by the police.
3. Remember that there is always a good second hand market value for all Rolex watches be it through the retail sector or online, so if the watch appears too cheap then it probably isn’t genuine.
4. Second hand Rolex watches with the relevant box and original paperwork can achieve up to 70% of its current retail price on the open market. This will depend on age, condition and model.
If you have bought your first Rolex watch I hope you enjoy wearing it for many years to come. If it is kept in good condition and serviced regularly then it can, over a period of time, be the best investment you make.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009,
by Andrew,
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The assurance market is opaque to most clients. There are many insurance offerers. As a private person you can hardly get the overview. Nevertheless one wants to obtain the best solution. Nowadays it is a good idea to use a tariff comparison web page as Guenstige Ruerup Rente, when you are in need of a particular assurance. There you can obtain your personal insurance quote from a great number of assurance suppliers.
Some important German assurances - for example PKV Private Krankenversicherung Vergleich - which are mentioned in this context are:
The private liability insurance: Even a marginal mistake e.g. an error in giving way when bicycling, or a careless cast away cigarette may cause huge damages. Especially when people come to loss, the claims of the victim may result in the financial ruin of the tortfeaser. There is no limitation to the top. Therefore the indemnity insurance is recommended for everyone. With a casualty assurance you and your family have protection from the typical liability risks of everyday life in the private sector.
The private medical assurance: Private sickness insurance can be taken by freelancers - regardless of their revenues. As an employee you may switch to the private sickness assurance, if your annual gross salary lies 3 years in a row over the insurance limit of 48,150 Euros (equivalent to 4012.50 Euros a month, status of 2008). Also officials, judges and members of parliament are usually privately insured. The German private medical insurance usually offers better benefits than the national health assurance. Many assurance suppliers give the option of making customization to the tariff of the active agreement.
The house assurance: For a lot of persons the own house is the biggest investment in their life. Hazards such as fire, water or storm can cause immense damages or even a total loss. Therefore a home insurance is essential for every homeowner. The household effects are not insured. This should be done by a separate householders insurance. The elements of fire assurance and mains water assurance should always be included. Natural hazards might be a great risk for your property. So everybody should search a home insurance which includes these special risks. Insurance protection against storm damage should definitely be considered because of the rise of heavy storms during the past years in Germany.
The German Riester-Insurance: The so called Riester-Insurance is a government-funded private pension you can seize to close your personal pension gap. It is both safe and attractive: During the active working life, you pay contributions into a private annuity contract, a bank or savings fund, additionally you get growing state allowances and tax reliefs as a bonus. Later you will receive monthly benefits a lifetime - in the form of an old-age pension or a payment plan. Each employed professional, who is not willing to rely on the governmental pension exclusively, should think about a Riester-Pension plan. Also officials, judges and soldiers belong to the circle of beneficiaries of public allowance for Riester-Pension agreements.
The vocational disability assurance: Consumer advisers have repeatedly pointed out that the vocational disability insurance among the indemnity insurance is the most important assurance at all. The loss of manpower is an existential risk. Because of being no longer able to work means to earn nothing. Physical hardship often is the result. The state barely helps in such a case - the statutory pension assurance pays only a minimal disability pension for all people born up from the year 1961. The reason for the predominant number of vocational invalidity cases is disease. Less common cause than disease is a previous accident. About every 4th worker and every 5th employee must quit their jobs for sickness reasons before the time and must go into early retirement. When the claims for sickness benefits paid by the health insurance and for unemployment benefits are exhausted, you are confronted with a large supply gap when not having an vocational inability assurance.
The dog liability insurance: Without a dog owner assurance every dog owner carries a very high risk of liability when his four-legged friend once causes a damage. When the dog runs over the street and causes a traffic accident, one can be held responsible for all damages of persons and vehicles. On the German assurance market there are many dog assurance companies. As a dog owner it is not easy to find the best provider and contract for your specific needs. The research for the right insurance can be done via Internet. There are sound sites which offer free comparisons of German dog owner insurances.
The above mentioned assurances and several more can be found at comparison websites on the Internet, such as: Guenstigste Hausversicherung Gebaeudeversicherung. This comparison site is independent from a single assurance vendor and provides a good overview of the market.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009,
by Andrew,
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If you’re interested in learning the best ways to go about training your dog, then this article was written for you. In particular, we’re going to talk about how to train a dog, whether you should take your pet to training classes, and the importance of fixing behavior problems as a goal with your training. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be better informed about your options when it comes to training your dog.
Let’s start by talking about how to train a dog. The best thing to do is start with basic obedience lessons. The basics such as come, sit, stay, and lie down and important commands for you to teach your dog. You can train these basics by yourself, using one of the many free methods available online. It’s actually much easier than you would think – and it also greatly improves the relationship you have with your dog.
Next, let’s talk about dog training classes. These can be of great benefit, because a professional trainer can give you real life feedback and adjust your method so it works quicker and easier. It’s also good opportunity for your dog to meet other dogs – pet socialisation is a key to their general happiness.
Finally, let’s mention dog behavior problems. This is a good area to focus on with your training, and it’s also the most common reason for why owners seek training advice. Many common problems like barking, biting, chewing and more can all be overcome with basic obedience training. Some of the more severe problems like destructive or aggressive behavior may need outside help, however.
To summarize, this article has given you a general overview of how to train your dog. Specifically, we talked about how to do it yourself, the benefits of classes, and why it’s a good idea to start with behavior problems.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009,
by Andrew,
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The exact origins of Tai Chi are hard to tie down. There are many myths about its origins. One of those says that Taoist monk Chang San-feng was disturbed by the sounds of a snake and a crane fighting in his courtyard. He then built a style based around their movements.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of movement that coordinates your body and focuses on the cultivation of internal energy. It’s aim is to harmonize the mind, body and spirit hence, promoting both metal and physical well being through relaxation. It is often described as a type of meditation that combines deep breathing and movements that exact structual alignment. Correct practice appears rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow and it can generate surprising power almost at odds with its gentle movements.
People who regularly practice Tai Chi become revitalized, relaxed, tolerant, stronger and healthier. Tai Chi is suitable for all ages and sexes because it does not rely on strength, force or speeds. It brings benefits in many areas.
Tai chi is derived from Chinese health and longevity practices, which were merged with a comprehensive system of self defence. In the past, much of Tai Chi was kept secret, but very gradually, knowledge of the art spread throughout China. Now at the start and end of every day in villages, towns, and cities all over Chinese Asia, people can be seen practicing the slow, graceful movements of tai chi in courtyards, squares and parks.
Tai chi came to the West during the 20th century largely due to the cultural revolution when many masters fled the country. Today, tai chi is found in almost all countries, and a huge number of people practice it regularly.
It requires a high degree of concentration and mental focus. The breathing is natural, sometimes involving deep breathing, and is carefully synchronised to your movements.
Tai Chi consists of soft, relaxed (usually) slow movements and is recognised as being good for stress, balance, blood pressure and general health.It is one of the one of the Chinese Internal martial arts (neijia). The others being Hsing-I, Ba Gua Zhang and Liuhebafa(Six Harmonies, 8 Methods).
Tai Chi appeals to a wide range of people and age ranges, (teens and 20’s up to 80’s & 90’s) but it is not common for the art to be taught to children as the training can be slow for their tastes. There are a number of forms specifically targetted at the over 50’s and health problems such as Arthritis.
To get more free information about Tai Chi, Please visit Stratford Tai Chi at www.stratfordtaichi.co.uk.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009,
by Andrew,
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Introduction
Over the years as I matured my bra size increased, particularly after having babies. Before that I was a size 34 bust, but after giving birth I went up in size. After menopause my bust size increased again and I found my normal bra did not fit me anymore. One day I took the plunge and went into my local underwear store and had myself properly fitted and measured. To my shock I discovered I was no where near the size I thought I was. The statistics from research carried out suggests that 70% of women are wearing the wrong bra size and many of these women have never actually been measured at all and so simply buy what they assume to be their size. Well if my experience is anything to go by then we women think we are a lot smaller than we are!
What most women do not realise is that a poor fitting bra can affect their health and well being. If for instance the bra is the wrong size it might cause severe back and shoulder pain with the constant resistance to the pressure on those areas of the body. As in the example above, bust size and shape will alter with variations of weight and hormonal change. This in turn will require a change in bra size. Because a woman’s shape may be in a constant state of flux, regular fittings about every 6 months are highly recommended. But if that does not happen then it is best to be fitted every time a new bra is purchased to ensure that you get the correct size.
To Find the Correct Bra Size
The best way to check that you are wearing the correct size bra is to go to a shop or store that offers a professional bra fitting service. A specially trained fitter will measure you to work out your correct size. The method used is to take a tape measure and place it underneath the bust and around the rib cage so that it feels secure but not uncomfortable. If the number measured in inches is an even number you add four, if it is an odd number you add five to give you your bra band size.
Once the band size is established the next measurement to find is the cup size. This is done by placing the tape measure over the fullest part of the bust and around the back all at the same level. Again this should be firm but not too tight. Your cup size is the difference between the two measurements. For example if your bust size is the same as your bra band size you are an A cup, a 1 inch difference = B cup, 2 inches = C cup, 3 inches = D cup and so on. All measurements taken are really only used as a guide to bra size because bras size can vary greatly from manufacturers to manufacturers. Sometimes a very experienced trained professional can judge your bra size by eye and will not need to use a tape measure. Because women vary so greatly in shape and size it is not only the size of bra that is important, but also the type of support required and distribution of weight. A professional fitter will be able to offer you advice on the correct type of bra to suit your needs. Then there are support bras for exercise and strapless bras and corset bras for evening gowns etc, the list is endless.
Look in your local area to find a good shop or store where there is a good selection of big bras available.
Tips for ensuring correct bra fit:-
- If you find that your bra rides up your back it may be because it has stretched. Try tightening the bra with the hook and eye fastener or buying a smaller band size (32 instead of 34).
- If the opposite is happening and your bra is too tight try another band size up or even a bra that has a wider band fitting. You can also get extra hooks to fit on the end of your current bra that will ease the tightness under the bust.
- Bulging sides can be remedied by choosing a bra that offers more cup coverage or is one band size bigger.
- If you find that your bust is bulging out of the cups then you will probably need a larger cup or band size. (Unless of course that is the fashion statement you are aiming for!)
- For ladies who have larger busts, a bra with wider shoulder straps or even padded ones will give relief from sore shoulders.
- A sagging bust line can be helped by choosing a bra that offers firmer support and avoiding stretchy fabrics.
- An under-wired bra may give problems with soreness under the bust if not correctly fitted. In which some womes prefer to wear a non-wired soft cup bra.
- Straps that slip usually mean they are too long so they can be shortened to resolve the problem. Otherwise choose a bra style with wider straps that will not slip down or buy a bra clasp to hold the straps together at the back
The Prevalence of Cancer
According to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and around 125 women a day are diagnosed with this particular form of cancer. Breast cancer rates have increased by 13% over the last ten years and one in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. This may be due to the national screening programme, but early detection is vital for a good prognosis. Survival rates of five years or more after treatment is 80% and that means that there are a large number of women who require specialist bras especially after surgery.
As a result of the increased rates of breast cancer and manufacturers looking to specialise in new markets, the range of stylish Mastectomy bras and lingerie has increased quite considerably, so having had breast surgery does not mean that you can’t have stylish designer lingerie any longer.
Mastectomy Bra
Choosing lingerie after surgery where the breast or part of a breast has been removed can sometimes be quite a challenge and there will naturally be a period of adjustment. Part of the rehabilitation will be to acquire a prosthesis to use in conjunction with a mastectomy Bra towards recovering the regular silhouette.
The amount of surgery you have had will establish the type of product you require. The prosthesis should match the natural remaining breast or if two are required they need to restore the natural outline. When going for a fitting for a mastectomy bra it is important to have the right prosthesis with you.
If you wear a full figure bra currently then it is a good idea to get measured or re-measured both before and after your surgery so you have a good idea of your correct size when shopping for your Mastectomy bra.
A Mastectomy bra is generally made from fabric that is designed to be more comfortable on sensitive and post-operative areas of skin, but this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or elegance, and a wide range of beautiful post-surgery lingerie is available. These can be purchased as complete sets with matching bottoms. Apart from the different fabrics used, the main difference of a Mastectomy bra is that is has pockets to accommodate the prostheses and generally there will be a choice of a higher neckline and higher panels between cups. A Mastectomy bra will usually have adjustable straps for effective support. There is no need not to be stylish and feminine; bras with satin and lace trim also feature.
Where there is a bilateral mastectomy the bra will need to accommodate the natural breast in one cup and the prosthesis in the other. Ensure that you find a shop with a qualified fitter to help you find exactly the correct size and fit to suit your shape. No prosthesis will look right if your bra does not fit properly and ideally the two should be fitted together, if that is not possible then choose the bra first.
Points to consider when choosing the correct mastectomy bra for you are:-
- The prosthesis must fill the bra cup properly so that it doesn’t pucker or be over stretched
- The underarm section is the same on both sides
- The breasts are evenly aligned.
Where only part of the breast tissue has been removed (lumpectomy) then there is only a need for a breast enhancer. There are a range of styles and shapes for partial reconstruction usually made from silicone.
Polypropylene beans mould into the shape of the bra to give a really natural look and the beans allow air to circulate making it cool and comfortable.
There is also a range of swimsuits and bikinis designed with subtle modifications for the beach such as pockets for the prostheses, slightly higher necklines and closer underarm fitting with pre-formed cups to give natural contour to the figure. Again these come in every shape and size and don’t mean that you have to sacrifice new fashions.
Maternity Bras
When women become pregnant they outgrow their ordinary everyday bras very early on in pregnancy. The breasts become bigger and heavier in the first few weeks so a good support bra of the correct size is vital. As the pregnancy develops the breast size continues to change and fluctuate so regular measuring and fittings will help with comfort and health. Many midwives and retail outlets advise against purchasing an underwired bra during pregnancy and although there is no concrete evidence to show that underwires are harmful during this time, there does appear to be some potential risk. The reason for this advice is that the rigid wires found in underwired bras may interfere with the natural changes in the size and shape of the breast and restrict the increased blood flow to, and possibly hinder, the developing milk duct system. This in turn could cause major pain, discomfort and possibly mastitis during the feeding stage.
If you are used to beautiful designer lingerie you might expect post operative bras to be very dull and clinical but some of the newer designs are much prettier than they used to be and more feminine.
To make sure you are wearing the best supporting bra a professional measuring and fitting service is a must during pregnancy. It is important that you are measured every 6 to 8 weeks so that your specially trained fitter can assess your changing shape and fit you accordingly. When you are buying a maternity bra it is important that it offers you great support with wide straps and side panels. A wide under bust band and a deep centre at the front will also enhance this support. A bra that covers as much as possible of the breast will be more comfortable as the breasts become more sensitive during pregnancy.
A lot of pregnant women find that they feel very hot during pregnancy and a bra that is mainly cotton will help let the skin breathe. Look for a bra that has at least 4 rows of hooks and eyes so that your bra can grow through your pregnancy with you. Make sure that the bra fits without the breast spilling over the top and that the cups fit comfortably. As with your everyday bra make sure that the centre front is lying snugly on your breastbone, and if it’s within the first few weeks of pregnancy remember that your rib cage will expand so fit your bra on the smallest fastenings so that you have plenty of room for expansion later in your pregnancy. The opposite will apply for maternity bras purchased later in pregnancy of course, fit on the loosest hook and eye so that when your rib cage shrinks after birth, you can tighten your bra accordingly.
Conclusion
During the early stages of a woman’s life she will need appropriate bras to suit each stage. During the early teenage years a more modest non wired bra is the most appropriate.
Later in adolescence where appearance is a serious business, a more fashionable good fitting bra to create a feminine silhouette can be worn.
In pregnancy a comfortable good supportive bra which has expanding fastenings allows for changes throughout the pregnancy without restriction and damage. Following the birth, a good nursing bra to allow for easy access needs to still support the breast as it fluctuates hourly during the day.
If women undertake vigorous exercise then it is doubly important she wears a good sports bra to reduce bounce as that stretches the pectoral muscles.
As a woman ages the breasts mature and so will need a good supportive structure that helps prevent sagging and yet retains a good outline. After menopause many women loose the full breast shape of their earlier years and at that point it is more important to find an appropriate type of bra that will help them feel good about themselves.
Many women have been unfortunate enough to have had a full or partial mastectomy in which case correct prosthesis and mastectomy bras are an essential part of the recovery programme.
Many women spend a great deal of time and money on hairdo’s, makeup and face pampering, yet often they neglect their greatest assets. Maybe it’s time we women start to think differently about the way we look after our bosoms’ and make sure they are clothed in comfortable, supportive and good looking items.
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009,
by Andrew,
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It was Christmas Eve at 3:30 in the afternoon on the 405 freeway. Life seemed good and the holiday stress seemed to a minimum so far. I was just finishing up my last minute holiday errands and was on my way home when out came a vehicle right into my merging lane. No signal! I was in the merging lane getting onto the freeway and this other driver shot right into me. I was sent into a concrete barrier my entire driver side was smashed in. I was fine, but my Dodge Caravan was in pretty bad shape.
My husband worked for a large dealership near by, when he saw the damage he told me not to panic because he new a very trustworthy body shop that would return our van to better than new. With insurance and a great body shop, he felt we had nothing to stress over.
Our van was taken straight to Fountain Valley Body Works, a local Body Shop where they used all the precision, state of the art technology. I noticed their shop was huge! They give their team of expert’s lots of clean space to work in. I was so impressed. My first assumption was that this was going to be a rinky dink garage with a couple of bays and maybe two guys with a rough looking female at the desk chomping her gum. But, it wasn’t! The shop is huge, and well staffed. They have only the best on their team when you walk in; there is a front desk unlike any I have ever seen.
They don’t have just one person their to greet you they have several and each person is well trained and ready to take your injured vehicle into their care. They had this modern database with all the insurance steps intricately programmed to make this process go as smoothly as possible. I really didn’t have to haggle or argue about how, when, and how much this would all cost to get my van back in great shape.
Here is the mind-blowing part of our experience; our van was ready for us with in a week. They fixed everything and my van was looking better than ever. I highly recommend Fountain Valley Auto Body as your vehicles rescue team the next time you have so much as a dent in it.
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009,
by Andrew,
Filed under: Keep at it| |
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