How to Deal with Time Wasters

Time is money. It is crucial that you spend your time most efficiently,  allow yourself some downtime and get the most out of every working day.

But when trying to be time efficient, the biggest obstacles we usually face are 'time wasters'. These are the things other people do to waste our time. It can just seem like little things, like phone calls and friendly visits, but these can turn into lengthy distractions and before you know it - your whole day has disappeared.

But you've also got the added challenge of trying to prove your worth, as strangely - some people don't seem to understand that being a freelancer or business owner doesn't mean you sit around all day doing nothing. Far from it! You're probably working twice as hard than you did when you worked for someone else.

So how do you deal with time wasters? Here are top tips to help you control them...

Dealing with visitors

When we work for ourselves, many people weirdly assume we're not really busy and they'll make a habit of 'popping in' to say hello. The next time someone drops by unannounced, stand up and fold your arms! This will subconsciously send the message that you're busy and don't have time to chat. If the subtle approach doesn't work, be honest. Thank them for stopping by but tactfully explain that you really need to get back to work. You could even suggest a drink after work or a coffee at the weekend somewhere, saying something like 'I'd love to chat now but I'm always so busy during office hours. Shall we arrange something when I'm not chained to my desk?' That should do the trick.

Dealing with phone calls

Similarly to visits, phone calls from friends and family can be a huge waste of your time. Establish boundaries wherever possible by politely saying something like: 'Can I call you later when I've finished work?' Again, you're trying to subtly get the message across that you're not available during office hours. Friends and family will eventually learn to leave you alone. Failing that, screen your calls and allow the voicemail to kick in.

Dealing with emails

Keep on top of your emails by cleaning out your entire inbox every day. Make life easier for yourself by reducing the amount of clutter you receive. For instance, are there any newsletters you could unsubscribe from? Also, don't use your business email address for personal use - set up a separate personal email account. Finally, if you find yourself dealing with similar emails again and again, create some 'canned responses' so you can quickly and easily respond.

Dealing with the freeloaders

There are many people who will seek your free advice when you work for yourself. It comes with the territory. Weirdly, I never got asked for free help when I worked for someone else - but since launching my own business five years ago, there have been many freeloaders wanting my skills and experience without having to pay for it. How do you tackle these types? Well, I used to help them all - but then I realised how much of my time and energy was being hijacked. Life is too short. Don't feel guilty about turning people down gently and politely saying no. You will feel liberated when you realise that you're not doing anything wrong by taking back control of your work and life. Read my tips on When and how to say 'no' when freelancing.

Dealing with friends who want free favours

Speaking from experience, 'helping' friends never works. You'll end up losing their respect and they'll keep coming back for more and more of your time. This can essentially destroy friendships as you give up your valuable time to work for free. It can leave you feeling bitter and disappointed with them. Bottom line? Don't mix business with pleasure. If a friend asks for help explain that you'd have to treat them like any client and charge for the work. But then say how you don't want to work for them anyway, because you value their friendship and don't want to ruin it. These days, I always decline and change the subject, explaining how I don't like to talk about work with my friends. Sounds a bit blunt - but you have to get in the habit of saying no and not feeling bad about it. Besides, if a friend kicks up a fuss - then they're not really a friend at all are they?

Dealing with clients who never intend to hire you

When you've worked in business for some time, you'll be able to smell these types a mile off. They're the kind who approach you and want your 'help', promising big budgets and all the rest of it. All you have to do is put together a kick-ass proposal, full of creative ideas on how to solve their problem. But lo and behold, they never hire you - and weeks later, you discover they've stolen, sorry 'used' all your ideas. Get wise at spotting the signs - they normally don't reveal how much budget they have to spend; they normally don't bother with an initial meeting and they're normally very vague. Read my Tips article on How to spot difficult clients before it's too late for some extra pointers.

How to start and run your own successful arts, culture or creative blog

With so many amazing arts, heritage and creative blogs out there already, how do you make yours stand out? How do you get people returning for more, and how do you increase visitor numbers and build a loyal following?

There are plenty of tips and tricks to get your own creative blog rocking and therefore raising your profile and helping you to win more business. Here's my top 20 tips for a successful creative blog, but if you can think of any more, please comment below and help me make this the best list on the web.

Getting started

Choosing a blogging platform is your first challenge. There are lots of free options out there including Wordpress, Tumblr, TypePad and Blogger. All of them offer free design themes so you can customise your own blog so it's very easy to get started. And if you're not sure how to use them? There's plenty of online video tutorials to be found on the web – for example, Wordpress has its very own lesson list to help get you started.

Consider integration

From an SEO point of view, it's worth getting your blog integrated with your existing website to build content and make the search engines love you even more. After all, SEO (search engine optimisation) is all about content. But if you're not able to do this or can't afford to hire a web developer to sort, then start a free blog and make sure you include links to your main website or other links, for example to your artistic portfolio.

Find a niche

When choosing a creative topic to blog about, try and find a niche. Make your blog about something very specific and you'll please both the search engines and your readers. Try not to be too general and really focus on one specialist topic and stick to it. Find your own niche and go for it – just remember to stay on topic.

Write about what you love

Write about something you love, otherwise you'll show no passion in your writing. And if there's no passion, your content will suffer, so find a topic you are comfortable with and only write about that. For example, if you're a museum curator, talk about the industry, emerging trends and other museums or exhibitions you love. And if you're a theatre director, you could write about industry folk you admire or share your working day with your followers.

Offer value

It goes without saying but if you don't provide something the public wants, your creative blog will never be a success. Give people what they're after and offer real value to their web browsing experience. What do I mean by this? Well, value is demonstrated in the content you publish. If your content isn't valuable people won't read it or return to read more. Really think about what you're putting out there and give the people what they want.

Focus on marketing

You won't get anywhere if you just launch a blog and hope that people will come without any marketing effort. You have to actively market your blog and you can do that through a variety of ways. You can start chatting with other bloggers by leaving valuable comments on other people's blog posts – this will help draw people back to your own site. Or you can make use of the search engines and write about topics that are popular in the searches, like this very feature. Or you could even offer to contribute to influential e-zines or blogs to help raise your profile. Whatever you choose to do, just get out there and market yourself like mad. There's really no excuse not to.

Encourage interaction

Get people talking on your blog. Ask them to add their comments on various articles, like I've done with this post. Encourage interaction wherever possible. Ask for feedback, respond to people's contributions, build a community and be nice. People love to interact, so make sure you're friendly and welcoming.

Make commenting easy

Just be aware that there are many reasons why people might not comment on your blog posts. It could be anything from not providing easy access to log a comment to writing about negative things people don't want to be a part of. Bottom line? Make commenting easily accessible and write about stuff that gets people talking positively. If people can interact on your blog, they'll keep coming back for more.

Don't worry about negativity

Occasionally you may get the odd negative comment on your blog. Don't let it put you off or scare you away from blogging. Any comments you're not happy with can be deleted or responded to positively. Despite what people say, it's very rare that you'll face negativity so don't worry about it too much.

Don't get stage fright and believe in yourself

Once your blog starts to get more than 1,000 visitors per month, it's only natural that you may lose confidence in yourself and your writing. Don't get stage fright and keep at it! There is a reason why you have so many visitors, so believe in yourself and keep writing fantastic content.

Images, images and more images

People love images. Some of the most popular arts and creative blogs in the world include a lot of imagery. This is partly because people love to quickly scan through web pages and they enjoy seeing photographs and pictures that help to break up text and add visual interest. When writing a creative blog, images are essential so provide as many as possible and give your audience lots of things to enjoy.

Provide easy reading

Research suggests that people view and scan web pages rather than read every last bit of copy. Therefore, try and keep your articles as easy, quick reads. Provide lists wherever possible and break up the text. From an SEO point of view, you want to provide at least 250 words of copy. But it's also good to stick to this number for your readers — unless of course you're writing an article such as this one – in which case, add in bullet points or lists because it will hold people's attention more.

Give your posts punchy titles

When thinking about things to blog about, write articles that have punchy titles: ones that people search for through search engines and titles that are appealing and catchy. You want to draw people in and inspire their curiosity.

Keep it regular

A blog is almost like an online journal and suggests a "regular" focus. Try and keep your blog updated with at least two articles a week. Ideally, you need to be blogging every single day, especially if SEO is one of your key priorities. Otherwise, just try and keep things going. And if you go on holiday, make best use of scheduling tools on your blog so you can post articles automatically while you're away from your desk.

Avoid clutter

When designing your blog — either creating one from scratch or using any of the free blogging platforms online — try and keep the layout clean, fresh and uncluttered. Avoid adding lots of unnecessary features. Keep it easy on the eye and you'll please your blog visitors and have them coming back for more.

Get social

Don't neglect social media elsewhere like Twitter and Facebook. Make sure you hook these up to your blog's RSS feed and update your followers and fans with your latest post. Twitterfeed is a great tool that automatic publishes your posts to your Twitter and Facebook accounts — great for Twitter but looks a bit spammy for Facebook at present. Test everything first and make sure you're happy with the automatic updates and tweets you're putting out there.

Keep an eye on analytics

Keep track of how people are landing on your blog and how they're finding you. You can then tailor your blog posts to your readers' needs as well as making best use of those external sources that are really drawing people in. If you invest in any online advertising, your analytics will also help determine your ROI (return of investment) and whether it's working or not. Keep an eye on your web analytics and ensure your blog is working as powerfully as it should be.

Allow easy following

Place "follow" badges on your blog wherever possible. For example, on Blogger you can add a free widget which encourages people to "follow your blog" in their own Google readers. Tumblr has something similar but this is already integrated. Make sure you provide an easy follow option on your own blog, even if it's just clear links to your RSS feed.

Get personal

Reveal more about who you are in your posts and your audience will love you for it. People want to follow people, not brands. Include an "about" section if possible and a photograph of yourself. By offering a personal slant, you'll be encouraging people to like you and by tapping into their emotions you'll encourage loyalty hence happy, returning visitors.

A really great example is Ana Kinsella, a fashion blogger from Ireland. Her Ripped Knees blog is mixed with lots of fashion news, but the personal slant is when she posts pictures of her own outfits. Stylebubble is very similar and hugely popular. Add a personal touch to your own blog.

Spell checking and proof-reading

Finally, before you hit the "publish" button, it's crucial you check your spelling and proofread your article again and again. Bad spelling will not only ruin your credibility, it will damage your SEO as the search engines won't appreciate poor copy. Make sure you check everything before you go live.

How to create a memorable and readable CV

When it comes to applying for a new job, your CV could be just the ticket to get you that initial foot in the door and secure an interview – but how do you ensure your CV is added to the interview pile rather than thrown straight in the bin?

Putting together a successful CV is easy once you know how. It's a case of taking all your skills and experience and tailoring them to the job you're applying for. But what if you don't meet the right criteria? Well, I've put together the following tips to help you get started in creating a successful CV and securing your first (or next) arts job.

Get the basics right

There is no right or wrong way to write a CV but there are some common sections you should cover. These include: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; work history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job in question; own interests, achievements or hobbies; and some references.

Presentation is key

A successful CV is always carefully and clearly presented, and printed on clean, crisp white paper. The layout should always be clean and well structured and CVs should never be crumpled or folded, so use an A4 envelope to post your applications.

Always remember the CV hotspot – the upper middle area of the first page is where the recruiter's eye will naturally fall, so make sure you include your most important information there.

Stick to no more than two pages of A4

A good CV is clear, concise and makes every point necessary without waffling. You don't need pages and pages of paper – you just keep things short and sweet. A CV is a reassurance to a potential employer, it's a chance to tick the right boxes. And if everything is satisfied, there's a better chance of a job interview. Also, employers receive dozens of CVs all the time so it's unlikely they'll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgment about a CV within sections, so stick to a maximum of two pages of A4 paper.

Understand the job description

The clues are in the job application, so read the details from start to finish. Take notes and create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can't. With the areas where you're lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have. For example, if the job in question requires someone with sales experience, there's nothing stopping you from using any retail work you've undertaken – even if it was something to help pay the bills through university. It will demonstrate the skills you do have and show how they're transferable.

Tailor the CV to the role

When you've established what the job entails and how you can match each requirement, create a CV specifically for that role. Remember, there is no such thing as a generic CV. Every CV you send to a potential employee should be tailored to that role so don't be lazy and hope that a general CV will work because it won't.

Create a unique CV for every job you apply for. You don't have to re-write the whole thing, just adapt the details so they're relevant.

Making the most of skills

Under the skills section of your CV don't forget to mention key skills that can help you to stand out from the crowd. These could include: communication skills; computer skills; team working; problem solving or even speaking a foreign language. Skills can come out of the most unlikely places, so really think about what you've done to grow your own skills, even if you take examples from being in a local sports team or joining a voluntary group – it's all relevant.

Making the most of interests

Under interests, highlight the things that show off skills you've gained and employers look for. Describe any examples of positions of responsibility, working in a team or anything that shows you can use your own initiative. For example, if you ran your university's newspaper or if you started a weekend league football team that became a success.

Include anything that shows how diverse, interested and skilled you are. Don't include passive interests like watching TV, solitary hobbies that can be perceived as you lacking in people skills. Make yourself sound really interesting.

Making the most of experience

Use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as "developed", "organised" or "achieved". Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job role you're applying for. For example: "The work experience involved working in a team," or "This position involved planning, organisation and leadership as I was responsible for a team of people".

Really get to grips with the valuable skills and experience you have gained from past work positions, even if it was just working in a restaurant – every little helps.

Including references

References should be from someone who has employed you in the past and can vouch for your skills and experience. If you've never worked before you're OK to use a teacher or tutor as a referee. Try to include two if you can.

Keep your CV updated

It's crucial to review your CV on a regular basis and add any new skills or experience that's missing. For example, if you've just done some volunteering or worked on a new project, make sure they're on there – potential employers are always impressed with candidates who go the extra mile to boost their own skills and experience.

Unlock the power of Chrome - Some Tips

Some tips and tricks you can make use of to unlock the power of Chrome.

1. Pin tabs

Pinned tabs shuffle along to the left-hand side of the screen, take up less room and in some cases (e.g. Twitter), they glow if there's an update to the page. They also keep their places whenever you start up Chrome in the future. Right-click on a tab title to access the pin tab option. Pinned tabs take up less room but can still display information.

2. Log out with incognito mode

Like most browsers, Chrome has an incognito mode that disables history logging. Open up an incognito window whenever you want to quickly check how a site -- such as your Facebook page or Google+ profile -- looks to someone who isn't signed in as you. If you're using Windows, Control+Shift+N opens a new incognito window.

3. Browse files

Chrome offers a rudimentary file explorer -- try typing 'C:' into the omnibox and hitting Enter to look around.

4. Search by site

All the usual Google operators apply in the Chrome omnibox. Type 'site:' followed by your keywords to restrict a search to a particular website, for example.

5. View background tasks

Chrome is powerful enough to have its own task manager. Hit Shift+Esc to see what's running in the background (typically extensions and offline caching tools), alongside your open tabs, and how much CPU time and memory space each one is taking up.

6. Hide extensions

If you want to clean up the toolbar but don't want to uninstall all your extensions, you can hide them instead (right-click, Hide button). This can come in very handy for extensions that work mainly in the background.

7. Change version

As well as the stable version, Chrome is available in three more versions, which get increasingly more cutting edge and less stable -- Beta, Dev and Canary. Visit the Chrome Release Channels page to switch between them.

8. Use the keyboard

There's a wealth of keyboard shortcuts that make Chrome easier and faster to use, but here we'll just mention two of the most useful -- Ctrl+click to open up a link in its own tab and Ctrl+W to close the current tab.

9. Add desktop shortcuts

Right-click on a web app on the New Tab page and choose 'Create shortcut' to add a link to it from the Start menu, desktop or taskbar.

10. Check memory usage

Enter 'chrome://memory' into the address bar to see where all of your RAM is going. Try 'chrome://chrome-urls' to see the other diagnostic shortcuts that are available.

11. Drag links

If you find clicking on links somewhat old hat, try dragging them to the omnibox or the tab bar.

12. Visualise bookmarks

Add bookmarks to the bookmarks bar, then remove their names in the Bookmarks Manager to be left with a row of compact favicon shortcuts. Remove the names from your bookmarks to leave a row of favicons.

13. Edit most visited sites

If there's a thumbnail on the 'Most visited sites' page you no longer want to see, click the cross in the top right-hand corner of the image to replace it with the next most visited site in Chrome's list.

14. Rearrange apps

Click and drag an app on the Apps page to change its position -- drag to the far right to create a new page of apps.

15. Go full screen

See more of the web in full-screen mode -- F11 toggles it on and off.

16. Change History

Head to chrome://chrome/history and you can remove specific pages from your browsing record via the check boxes and the 'Remove selected items' button.

17. Enlarge text

If your eyesight is poor or you're using a huge monitor, you can increase the default text size via Settings > Web content > Font size.

18. Forget everything

Clear everything in Chrome's memory by hitting Ctrl+Shift+Del, ticking all of the boxes (from history to cookies), selecting 'the beginning of time' as the timespan and clicking 'Clear browsing data'.

19. Change the theme

Like Gmail, Chrome comes with a range of official and unofficial themes -- click 'Get themes' on the Settings page to browse the selection.

20. Go further back

Click and hold on the back button to see a list of recently visited pages for the current tab.

21. Jump tabs

Hit Ctrl+ to jump to that tab in Chrome -- Ctrl+2, for example, will open the second tab from the left.

22. Go offline

Keep emailing even when your online connection is down with Offline Gmail from the Chrome Web Store. Google promises more offline apps are on the way. It's possible to archive, search and compose messages in Offline Gmail.

23. Analyse pages

Right-click on a web page and choose 'Inspect element' to see the HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other resources it's made up from.

24. Import data

Chrome can import bookmarks, browsing history and more from Internet Explorer and Firefox via the Import bookmarks and settings option on the Bookmarks menu.

25. Remote desktop

There's a beta Chrome Remote Desktop app in the Chrome Web Store that lets you access your other machines that have Chrome running. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

26. Pick up where you left off

Rather than opening a set URL or the New Tab screen when you start Chrome, you can opt to relaunch the same tabs that were open when you shut it down -- visit the Settings page under 'On start-up'.

27. Send to phone

The Chrome to Phone extension available in the Chrome Web Store is developed by Google and can send links and other information straight to your Android device. You'll need to install the mobile app too.

28. Stay in sync

Sync some, all or none of the following by signing into Chrome with your Google account: apps, bookmarks, extensions, auto-fill data, passwords, open tabs, omnibox history, themes and settings.

29. Do your sums

Type a calculation into the omnibox to see the result in the suggestions without even hitting Enter.

30. Search elsewhere

On the Settings page under Search, you can set the omnibox search to query sites such as Facebook, Last.fm or Wikipedia by default.

31. Make more room

Drag out the edges of any text input box to give yourself more room to express yourself.

32. Save to Google Drive

Chrome doesn't have this option yet -- in the meantime, set the default download location to a folder being synced by the Google Drive desktop client. Set Chrome's default download location to a folder synced to Google Drive.

33. Zoom

Use the Ctrl button in conjunction with your mouse's scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

34. See more suggestions

Increase the number of suggestions offered below the omnibox with a command line switch. Create a shortcut to chrome.exe with the '-omnibox-popup-count=' start-up switch afterwards.

35. Find in page

Hit Ctrl+F and type your text to find keywords in a page -- matches are highlighted in yellow on the right-hand scrollbar.

36. Highlight to search

Highlight a word or phrase and on the right-click menu you'll find an option to use the selection as a query for a Google search in a new tab.

37. Reopen a tab

If you've just closed a tab you didn't mean to, right-click on the tab bar and choose Reopen closed tab to bring it back.

38. Switch between Google accounts

Use the 'Add new user' button on the Settings page to sign in using another Google Account. You can then quickly switch between them by clicking on the user icon in the top-left corner.

39. Experiment

Enter 'about:flags' in the omnibox to see some experimental Chrome features you can try out, covering everything from geolocation APIs to gamepad support.

40. Paste and go

With a link on the clipboard, right-click on the omnibox and choose 'Paste and go' to visit it. If a link isn't detected, the option becomes Paste and search.

41. Find recent bookmarks

The Bookmark Manager creates an automatic list of recently bookmarked links if you can't remember which folder you saved your new favourite YouTube video to.

42. Get nostalgic

Click the globe icon (or padlock icon) on the far left of the omnibox to check when you first visited the current site. A cache clear-out or browser reinstall will reset this data. Find out just how long you've been frequenting a site for.

43. Disable spellcheck

If you don't like Chrome correcting you on your spelling, you can disable the feature under the Languages heading on the advanced settings screen.

44. Print from anywhere

Activate Google Cloud Print on your current PC with Chrome installed and you can access that computer's printers from every other Chrome browser you sign into.

45. Pan around

Click the mouse scroll wheel on a blank part of a web page to then pan around the site by moving the mouse.

46. Send feedback

You can let the Google Chrome team know about a bug via the 'Report an issue' link on the Tools menu. A screenshot can be included automatically.

47. Manage handlers

Visit Content settings (under Privacy on the Settings page), then click 'Manage handlers' to change the applications used to handle email and calendar links inside Chrome.

48. Speak to type

On any text box marked with a microphone icon, click the icon to speak to type, assuming you have a working microphone attached.

49. Use the jump list

If you're running Chrome on Windows 7, right-click on the taskbar icon to access its jump-list -- from here you can open recently closed tabs and most visited sites.

50. Enjoy your music

Right-click on an MP3 file in Windows and choose Open With > Google Chrome if you want to quickly hear a tune without the hassle of opening up iTunes or Windows Media Player.

How to handle your child’s TV time

Tired of telling your children to stop being couch potatoes?
If you have realized that you cannot stop your children from watching TV, here are tips that at least help you to get the best out of the idiot box.

1. Select the programmes your children watch  Choose the programmes your children should watch, of course keeping in mind their likes and dislikes. As far as possible, avoid the overdose of sex and violence that is integral to many TV programmes. It adversely affects impressionable minds. You should be able to clearly underline the programmes not meant for children, at least in the initial years. This task is not easy, but one can make a dent when the children are in their formative years.
2. Watch with them.
Let TV time be family time. While answering your children’s queries about television, try to understand their thinking processes.  Not only will that establish your rapport with your children, but it will mean quality time that will be cherished throughout life.


3. Arouse their curiosity
   Ask them questions related to their favorite programmes. TV can be a learning experience if TV watching is made interactive by nature. For instance, while watching a science quiz/mythological serial/chat show, ask them to relate to their classroom experiences.
   
4. TV time should never be overlapped with meals
   Doctors often warn against watching television during dinnertime. Watching TV while eating can cause severe and chronic indigestion. It can also lead to obesity as children sit glued to the TV set. Moreover, they do not enjoy food while concentrating on their favorite programmes. They have to be taught to ration their TV viewing. Otherwise, they will never enjoy other forms of entertainment like reading, outdoor games and sports, swimming and various performing arts. Children have to be consciously introduced to these avenues.
   
5. Discourage late night television viewing
   Children, especially the school-going kind, should never be allowed to watch TV after ten’ o’clock in the night. Not only does it affect the eyesight, but it also disturbs the morning routine on the next day. Inculcate the `early-to-bed’ `early to rise’ habit in your little ones.

Safety Tips during Earthquake

The rule of thumb for earthquake protection is simple: "Duck and Cover". In wake of the recent earthquakes,Here is a list of the top 5 essential tips to remember if you witness an earthquake.

1. DROP & COVER

During an earthquake, the one most important thing to remember is the "DROP and COVER RULE". Simply fall flat on the floor if you're out in the open. If you're indoors, it is extremely important that you maintain your calm and try to take cover under a heavy object like study tables.

2. Stay away from Buildings

If you are outdoors, stay as far away from buildings as possible. Take special precaution of being far away from glass buildings.

3. Stay away from things that can Fall

Stay away from pretty much anything that you feel could 'possibly' fall.

4. Surviving Crowded Areas

If you find yourself in a crowded area, stay calm. Do not attempt to sprint to the nearest exit. More often than not, a greater percentage of lives are lost due to panic situations during an earthquake leading to stampedes. All you need to remember is to take cover under something sturdy.

5. Aftershocks

Beware of aftershocks once the initial earthquake has ended. Aftershocks are follow-up earthquakes. They are smaller than the first one, but, are still, very dangerous.

For those with anxiety problems, here are a few tips that may come in handy. Dealing with difficult people, especially at your work place may prove to be essential in case of a crisis situation.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smartphone or Tablet

Choosing a mobile device for work isn't just a matter of deciding whether you want an Android smartphone or an iPhone. Maybe what you really need is a large tablet, or a small tablet, or a netbook or a phone/tablet hybrid.

Your choice will depend largely on what you need to do with the mobile device and where you'll be using it. Answering these simple questions can help you decide which kind of device will meet your mobile work needs.

1. How portable should it be? 

• Do you regularly carry a briefcase, purse or computer bag? If not -- and if you'd rather not start -- then a smaller smartphone that slips into your pocket is probably best.

• Many smartphones, including the iPhone 4S, are 4.5 inches tall or less, and 2.5 inches wide or less. Hold various models in your hand to see which ones feel most comfortable

2. How much typing will you need to do? 

• When writing anything longer than quick search requests, texts or tweets, smartphone typing can be slow and prone to errors. That's when a physical keyboard can be useful. Options include purchasing a netbook or laptop with a built-in keyboard, or a keyboard that connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth or USB.

• Before buying a keyboard, make sure it's compatible with your specific mobile device. Also consider how you'd carry the keyboard around.

• If you prefer writing notes by hand or need to sketch designs, most tablets are large enough for you to write with your fingertip. Some devices, such as the smartphone/tablet hybrid Samsung Galaxy Note, offer the option of using a stylus.

3. How much battery life will you need? 

• Poor battery life is the downfall of most mobile devices, especially ones with large, bright touch-screen displays. At a recent online security event, a Symantec senior product manager said that mobile analytics show a steep weekday decline in mobile Internet traffic throughout North America around 2 p.m. local time. The reason? That's about the time when many smartphones start running low on battery charge.

• If you're often unable to charge up at an electrical outlet, consider spare battery options before you buy. For instance, you can't swap out the battery on an iPhone, iPad or Macbook Air, but you can on most Android and Windows Phone devices, and on most laptops and non-Apple netbooks.

• It's common for mobile devices to come with a low-capacity battery. Search online for your smartphone's make and model, plus the word "battery" to find the largest capacity battery your phone can take. Sometimes "extended" batteries are larger in size, so you might need to purchase a special back cover to accommodate one in your phone.

• You might also want a charger so you can charge both your phone and the spare battery at once when plugged in.

4. Will you be working outside in daylight? 

• Many mobile devices have screens that are hard to see in full daylight, even when cranked up to full brightness, which drains the battery much faster. The Retina displays on new Apple devices perform well in full daylight, and there's speculation that Samsung and other manufacturers of Android devices may soon be launching devices with comparable displays.

5. Will you need to record audio or video, or take lots of photos? 

• If you need a mobile device for creating, not just showing or playing multimedia content, then pay special attention to the built-in camera and microphone. Don't just go for the highest-megapixel camera. Look for reviews of camera optics and image processing features.

• Also consider how you'll want to physically handle the device when shooting or recording. For instance, most tablets include a camera and will shoot video or photos. This is fine if you're propping the tablet up for stationary shots or video chats. But to capture live action or pan around, smartphones are generally easier to maneuver than tablets.

• A device that shoots high-quality photos should also yield high-quality video. But consider whether you need to shoot high definition (HD) video or photos. These files can be large and difficult to share or work with on a smartphone. If you do need to shoot HD, consider getting a small camera in addition to a smartphone.

• The secret to good video is good audio. Because the built-in microphones in most smartphones and tablets aren't great for more than quick audio notes, consider getting a plug-in microphone. 

Reorient Guest Room as per Vaastu and Feng shui

'Attithi devo bhavo', a saying that equates guests to god is taken very seriously in India. But that's not saying the rest of the world doesn't. Stories from around the world have highlighted instances of sacrifice being made when guests come to the house, and they are treated as messengers of gods. 

The science of Vaastu and Feng shui too give it an exalted status when it states that special attention be given to the ambience in a guest room. There should be a perfect balance in the flow of energies called yin and yang. Feng shui is very specific when it harps about the flow of energy around the building and the room, and states that it is equally important in a guest room as well. A good balance of Yin and Yang energies creates a peaceful, positive aura. Here's how you can make your guest-room compatible and favourable with some Feng Shui measures:

• The room should be compact, small, and cozy. Ensure that it is also clutter free so as to give your guest a feeling of a clean and spacious surrounding.

• Avoid the bed in the room facing the door. It's inauspicious to have the bed towards the door.

•  Bed should not be seen in the mirror of the dressing table. Cover it, or it'll leave with guest with a disturbed and fragmented sleep pattern.

• Choosing the right colours is of utmost importance. Use more of pastel shades like light pink, light blue, light green and off-white.

• Guest room should always be located in the west of the house. But if children accompany the guest, then ensure that the group is in a room located in the east.

•  The guest room should not have a sloping roof or any kind of sharp corners. It should never be exposed to overhead beams, which disrupt the flow of positive 'chi'.

•  Keep the room bright with the right colours and lights. These ensure positivity in the room.

• Happiness and prosperity comes with positive thinking. If the guest is happy, the host automatically radiates the goodness and well-being of a happy guest.

• Interior of the house should align with other rooms of the house or business house. Furniture should have the correct 'Phi', that is the golden ratio, to create a pleasant ambience.

Fashion Tips for Women : Dressing Body Type Correctly

The first step to looking your best in your clothing is to know your specific body type and apply certain fashion tips accordingly. Not all trends, designs, colors and fabrics flatter every figure, so it's essential to be able to steer clear of fashions that don't do your figure any justice.

Dressing Your Body Type Correctly

While it may be tempting to buy clothing for the figure you wish you had, the fact is that you should dress the body you have in the best way possible. Arguably, all women have an area on their body that they aren't too happy with, which is fine, but just remember that even your perceived flaws can be dressed to look pretty nice by choosing the right clothing for your body type. Be honest with yourself; if you have a bit of a tummy, don't buy something extra clingy in that area and think that you can hold your stomach in the whole time you wear it. Fashion should be comfortable; if it's not, you won't feel as confident, and confidence is always the most important thing to wear.

Once you know what your designated body type is, dressing yourself is a lot easier -- and even fun -- because you know what to stay away from and what looks best. While there are a myriad of body type combinations, there are four main types that all women fall into in some way. They are:

1. Apple: This body type is essentially rounded all over with thinner legs and arms. This body type also lacks a defined waist-line and a can alternate between a smaller or fuller bust area.
2. Pear: This shape is characterized by having a smaller upper body in comparison to your lower half. The waist area is defined and smaller than the hip and thigh area, while the upper body sports a small bust, arms and long neck.
3. Hourglass: Widely known as the ideal body type, hourglass figures are highlighted by a very small waist area in comparison to their hip/thigh region. The bust area can be both average or full size. Generally, this body type is curvy all over.
4. Rectangle: This is the body type that is commonly seen in athletes and runway models. Known as "the boyish figure", rectangle body types have slim hips, thighs and waist areas. The rear area lacks curves and the bust tends to be on the smaller side.

1. Fashion Tips for Apples

Best Colors, Prints and Patterns for Apple Shapes

• Since this body type is rounded all over, you want to opt for colors that provide a significant slimming effect. Natural black hues fit the bill, but also navys, chocolate browns, forest greens, deep aubergine and charcoal gray also flatter your apple shape just as well. All over color, such as a monochromatic look is highly appealing because it instantly slims, but you can certainly wear different colors at once as long as they don't cut off at the mid-section. In addition, be sure to keep darker colors on the bottom when combining them with lighter/brighter colors.

• Avoid overly busy prints or patterns because they can easily make you look like a mass of fabric. Instead opt for subtle prints like horizontal stripes, small polka dots, hounds tooth and gingham. Prints and patterns tend to complement fuller figures when placed on the lower half of the body, so take this into consideration as you select your clothing.

Flattering Fabrics

• The fabric that you choose for your body type is just as important as the clothing itself. If you select fabric that isn't flattering, it can draw attention to problem areas, make you look larger and provide a jumbled silhouette. Steer clear of shiny, overly clingy fabrics that lack a generous amount of stretch, these would include: satin, spandex, chiffon and rayon. The best fabrics for an apple body type are those that have substance, lots of room and skim your curves. Matte jersey is one of the best fabrics, while cotton, wool blends and viscose also works wonders for this body type. However, you may find that many garments are made from a variety of fabrics, some you should wear and some you shouldn't -- in this case you must make the choice of what is the most complementary look for you.

Essential Accessories

• The most essential accessory that an apple-shaped girl needs is a belt. Belts help to create the illusion of a waist-line, streamline the tummy area and add overall dimension and definition. Actually, anything that has a belt, whether top, jacket, dress, skirt or pants, should be worn whenever possible. Long, chain-link necklaces are also a good accessory choice because they draw the eye downward, away from the rounded mid-section, creating the illusion of a longer torso. The slim legs of an apple shape are the highlight, so feel free to wear eye-catching high heels that draw attention to this area of the body.

2. Fashion Tips for Pears

Creating Balance with Color and Pattern

• There is a large contrast between the top and lower halves of a pear-shaped figure, so take note of this when selecting colors, prints and patterns. The small top half of a pear shape is ripe for the addition of colors from wide ends of the spectrum, so feel free to experiment. However, the lower half is much more curvy, so it's best to go for darker shades to slim the rear, hip and thigh area. If you opt for one specific color all over make sure that it's falls in the middle in terms of vibrancy.

• The choices for bold prints and patterns are wide open for the upper half of your pear shape, but the bottom half is best complemented with those that are smaller and don't add bulk to your curvy lower half. An all over pattern or print isn't advised because it would draw attention to the larger areas and throw off balance.

Best Fabrics for Pear Shapes

• Form-fitting fabrics are flattering to a pear shape because they equally accentuate your petite upper body and your curvy lower half. Matte jersey, cotton, polyester-blends and viscose are all good choices. Fabrics that are overly heavy, like leather, wool and chunky knits that add bulk should be avoided. If you do choose to wear these fabrics, keep them on the upper part of your body only because they make the lower half appear larger.

Accessorizing a Pear Figure

• Celebrate your upper half and accessorize your clothing with scarves that draw attention to your neckline, while also elongating it. Dramatic earrings that are wide or long in length, as well as lengthy necklaces are also good elements to accentuate the top half of your body. High heels are your best friend if you are a pear-shaped girl because they elongate your curvy legs and give them a more streamlined look. Pointed toes are best, but round toes, platforms and chunky heels can work, too. However, heels with ankle-straps or those that come up on the ankle should either be totally avoided or worn with caution, depending on your leg size. Since most pear shapes have curvy legs, ankle boots, booties or heels with ankle-straps cut the leg line off and make them look bigger.

3. Fashion Tips for Hourglasses

Tips for Color and Print

• Fortunately, hourglass bodies are very curvy and can wear most any color, so there really isn't much to avoid. However, if you are a little more modest when it comes to your lower half, then you may want to steer clear of extremely light colors on the bottom half of your body. Colors like white, ivory, cream, light pink, canary yellow and baby blue could easily make your lower body appear larger. The choice to wear prints and patterns is pretty much the same as color; most look good on your figure because of its ideal proportions, but be mindful that busier patterns and prints will make the bottom half look larger.

Fashionable Fabric Choices

• The killer curves of this body type should always be highlighted, so any fabric that is form-fitting is always flattering. Spandex, matte jersey, leather and cotton are just a few of the fabrics that are sure to have your hourglass curves on full display. Overly heavy fabrics can be a little overwhelming to your petite upper half, so wear with caution. Chunky knits and bulky wool should be worn sparingly so you don't get lost in mounds of fabric.

Best Accessories for Hourglass Figures

• Anything accentuating that small waist is an accessory that you should always incorporate into your wardrobe. Belts, sashes and ties in tops, dresses, pants or skirts are all flattering choices. Both high heels and flats are flattering to your hourglass figure, however if your legs are a little more curvy, you may want to avoid shoes/boots that cut off at the ankle. Also, if you are short in height, you flats should contain just a bit of a heel to provide an overall streamlined silhouette.

4. Fashion Tips for Rectangles

Creating Curves

• This body type is all about creating curves, so light and bright colors are welcomed because they naturally make your body look bigger because they reflect the light. Dark hues work as well, and will outline your silhouette, but they will slim you down instead of providing the illusion of curves.

• Prints and patterns also create the same effect as light/bright colors, so give your rectangle shape a curvier appearance and feel free to wear them big and bold. Rectangle shapes can actually handle bold prints and patterns the best because they don't have curves to break up the silhouette.

Form-Fitting Fabrics

• Boxy, heavy fabrics like wool, leather and chunky knits don't do much for a rectangle body shape because they don't hug the body, so the boyish appearance still remains. By contrast, stretchy fabrics like matte jersey, spandex and cotton, as well as clingy ones like satin and slilk, skim the body and outline the curves. Since rectangles need to create the illusion of a waistline and curvy hips, rear and thighs, the tighter the fabric the better, because it tricks the eye.

Accessories That Flatter Rectangle Shapes

• Belts help to create the illusion of a defined waist, and they can be worn directly on the waist, slightly above or low-slung on the hips to add needed mass and bulk to an otherwise boxy figure. Chunky necklaces add bulk to the small bust, while long earrings open up the neckline. As a rectangle shape, your shoe options are limitless because heels of all heights look great and flats are quite flattering as well. Even heels that cut off at the ankles ca be flattering because of your slim leg and ankle area.

Dress to Impress

Experiment with fabrics, colors, and styles to come up with looks that are fresh and flattering, but don't obsess over having a 'perfect' body. When you accept your natural body shape, fashion tips can help you accentuate your unique beauty.

Foods to Reduce Belly Fat

Fat belly does not only make your abdomen bulge out, it also poses grave risk to of diseases like hypertension, diabetes and stroke. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), men who have a waist more than 40 inches have heightened risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

The most common reasons for the accumulation of fat in the tummy are hormonal imbalance, excessive eating, intake of large quantities of alcohol, sweets and chocolates and lack of exercise. Stress is also one of the prominent reasons for the storage of fat in the belly. Stress triggers the secretion of a hormone called cortisol. Excess of cortisol stimulates the storage of fat around the waist. Then there's another factor of improper digestion. Due to malfunctioned digestion gastro problems arise and this leads to a persistently puffy belly. As we add years, our efficiency of burning calories goes down, so sluggish metabolism also sets off the buildup of fat around the midsection.

Here's some information on foods which you should consume if you have a bloated belly.

Eggs: They provide good quality protein which in turn helps overcome hunger pangs.

Beans: Beans like black gram (chana), green gram (chana), chick peas and green moong bustle with fibre and proteins. They help you shed pounds and improve muscle tone.

Oat Meal: Befriend the good ol' oats if you're battling belly fat. Start your day with oats cooked in water or consume them with milk. They're high in soluble fibre and low in fat.

Vegetables: Green vegetables are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Consuming vegetables for dinner without chapatis and/or rice is helpful in shrinking the waist size. What's more, most green veggies have only 30-60 calories per 100 grams.

Barley: Barley has a considerably low glycemic index and contains lots of soluble fibre. This helps in diminishing the circumference of the waist. Regular consumption cuts down the risk of cardiac diseases and type II diabetes.

Green Tea: Polyphenols present in the tea help boost metabolism. Green tea is less processed and contains higher levels of anti-oxidants. It greatly suppresses the appetite.

Milk: When we say milk, we're not recommending full-cream milk. In fact, make sure you stay away from that. Go for non-fat milk which has the same amount of calcium and protein as full-cream milk but contains less sodium and helps prevent water retention. This reduces bloating.

Yogurt: It's oozing with calcium and protein and has very less calories (80 calories in a cup of low-fat yogurt).The beneficial bacteria present in yogurt boost immunity and aid bowel movement.

Tomatoes: The luscious red tomatoes contain only 20 caloriesper hundred gram. They are rich in fibres, lycopene and potassium. They avert water retention, thereby also preventing bloating of the belly.

Olive Oil: People realise that veggies are good for health but many find their taste boring. Add a small quantity of olive oil. This will improve the flavour of vegetables and make them tastier. But its real benefit is that it can help you lose the hateful flab around your belly.

Lose Weight and Gain Health with Indian Food

Indian cuisine can be healthy too, if it's cooked with oil and ingredients that take care of your heart and health.

Ayurveda suggests you include all tastes — sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent — in at least one meal each day, to help balance unnatural cravings. Here are 12 foods that can help you lose weight and gain health:

Turmeric : Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is an object of research owing to its properties that suggest they may help to turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.

Cardamom : This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently.

Chillies : Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.

Curry leaves : Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Garlic : An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Mustard oil : This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.

Cabbage : Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.

Moong dal : The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programmes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Honey : It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.

Buttermilk : It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.

Baba Ramdev Tips to Lose Weight

Swami Baba Ramdev has shown many magical benefits that you can avail by doing yoga, pranayam and asans. For weight loss there are 3-4 pranayam which are going popular and more popular day by day as these pranayam not only benefits in weight management but also helps to keep yourself fit and healthy always.

Anulom Vilom Pranayam

Kapalbhati Pranayam

Bhastrika Pranayam

Baharya Prayama

Apart from these 4 pranayams, there are many more to name but these are the especial one which keep your body free from many common and uncommon disease. Apart from this these yoga pranayams are very helpful for weight loss. Who practice these pranayam regularly definitely get some amazing results. If you want to reduce your weight quick and fast use the following tips simultaneously with yoga and pranayam.

• Keep your diet balanced with lots of fruits and green vegetables.
• Also drink fruit juice.
• Avoid oily and fried products.
• Keep walking and running
• Use cycling
• Eat salad in your diet.
• Don’t go to bed after taking your dinner.
• Fast food and other outside oily products should be avoided.
• Avoid chicken and non-veg things.
• Eat, healthy and stay fit always.

Lack of physical work and eating more increase the chances of weight. The problem is very common and can be found easily, especially in those people who spend time working on chairs only, use cars and four wheelers etc. The main reason is our body could not digest whatever we eat regularly and the result is fat. So keep the above mentioned things in mind, practice yoga, pranayam and asans daily, always eat balanced and healthy diet, all this measures definitely help you to lose weight quickly.

Lose Weight and Keep it Off,

To successfully lose weight and keep it off, eating well and exercising are key (the secret, of course, is to eat less and move more).

Lose weight sensibly and keep it off by changing how you think about your diet and health. As a little bit of extra motivation these ten top tips to help you reach your goal.

Eat slowly

Research has shown that people who are overweight tend to bolt their food. Savour and enjoy what you eat and take time to chew your food. Macrobiotic practitioners advise chewing each mouthful 30 times as this allows the enzymes in the saliva to start the digestive process.

Stop eating before you feel full.

Remember, it takes approximately 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it is full!

Never skip meals.

When losing weight, it is important to maintain an even blood sugar level to prevent hunger. If you skip a meal you are more likely to give in to a craving.

Only weigh yourself weekly.

Try not to become a slave to the scale, remember weight loss is a long process and your weekly weigh-in will give you a good overall idea of your progress. If you weigh yourself too often you may become disheartened if you don’t drop pounds as quickly as you would like.

Use a smaller plate.

The fashion these days, particularly in restaurants is to serve food on a huge white plate. While this may look pretty it is bad for dieters as psychologically you won't feel as if you have eaten enough. At home serve your food on a small plate for a simple way to make you feel fuller.

Reduce your alcohol intake.

Alcohol is a source of empty calories and cutting down is an excellent way of increasing weight loss

Eat high fibre foods.

High fibre foods are the dieters' friends as complex carbohydrates release energy slowly and keep you full for longer. Porridge is an excellent breakfast for this reason and if you do have to have a muffin choose a low fat bran muffin for extra energy.

Keep hydrated.

If possible drink about six to eight glasses of water, or other fluids per day. Water is essential for the healthy functioning of the body and often we can mistake thirst for hunger. Water will also make you feel fuller, if you have a mid-afternoon craving try drinking a big glass of water and see if you are still hungry ten minutes later.

Avoid temptation.

When shopping try not to buy snacks and sweets for other members of the family, you will be doing them a favour if you stock up on fruit, nuts and seeds instead. Unsuitable food can be stored in a box at the back of a cupboard as out of sight is, hopefully, out of mind.

Exercise.

Weight loss occurs when more calories are expended than ingested and the most effective way of maximising your weight loss programme is by incorporating regular exercise into your routine.

Fashion Tips For Women With Big Stomach

If you have put on excess weight and have accumulated extra fat in your tummy area then it can cause you several health problems. And you may also find it a bit difficult to choose a suitable dress for your body with big tummy. Most women, who have a big tummy find it very difficult to hide their tummy area with the help of clothes.

The big stomach is usually accompanied with large breasts and wider shoulders. Here are some tips to help slim you down, give the illusion of a smaller waist line and balance out your top heavy figure.

How Big Stomachs can Appear Smaller

• Empire line dresses and tops are great for women with protruding tummies, they cinch you in below your bust creating a slim waist. Make sure you wear some supportive underwear underneath to hold that stomach in.
• Wrap around tops are a stylish way to disguise a big stomach, they wrap around style takes attention away from your tummy and draws it up to your chest and pretty face.
• Control panties are a wardrobe essential for apple figures, they hold you in at the right places giving the illusion of a flatter smaller stomach and a smaller sexier waist.
• A-line skirts are a fab way of balancing out a top heavy figure, the style of an A line skirt will give the effect of a smaller waist by making hips look wider. You may feel you look bigger but actually an A line will balance you out and give you an hourglass silhouette.
• Hour glass shaped tailored blazers and coats are the essential outer wear for the more rounded woman, leaving the jacket open and making sure you buy a size not too tight as to pull the hourglass shape out of place will give the illusion of a perfect figure. 

What to Avoid Big Stomachs

• Clingy fabrics are best left for women born lucky with a slim figure or that hit the gym all they will show any lumps and bumps you have.
• Tube skirts are tight and will show off your small hips, this will make your tummy appear even larger making you look even more top heavy, not a good look.
• Waist belts will add more bulk to the widest part of your body which you defiantly don't want. If you are a fan of belts choose lose low rise belts that draw attention away from your stomach.

Avoid Common Makeup Mistakes

How much thought do you give to the makeup products you use and how you apply them? If you’re like most women, you may have been using the same products in the same way for years, and this can mean looking dated or overdone or downright drab.

One common makeup mistake is to use the wrong colors; you may use foundation that is too dark or eye shadow and lipstick colors that are not flattering for your skin tone. It may be good to visit a shop like Sephora or another that has samples of all their products available so you can check which shades are the best on you. If in doubt, choose a foundation slightly lighter than your skin and opt for soft bronze colors if you have darker skin, or pink shades if you have lighter skin.

Another common mistake is to apply too much makeup so that you no longer have a natural, flattering look. If you tend to wear a lot of makeup, try blending it a bit more or removing some with a tissue before you head out; this is especially important for a daytime, professional look. Choose neutral tones such as bronze for daytime and leave brighter and deeper shades for your nighttime look.

Women also may tend to buy the cheapest products they can find at the pharmacy or a mass market retailer, without much thought as to how these makeup products work or if they are even damaging their skin. Often you get what you pay for, and this includes your makeup products.

A few extra bucks for foundation that applies smoothly and that covers well, and that has nourishing moisturizers, can be a worthwhile investment. Those brand name mascaras and blushes and lipsticks can also last all day, versus cheaper brands that flake or wear off.

Fashion Tips for Teenage Girls

Teenage girls have many fashion styles to choose from, but most teens choose styles that look like everyone else's style. Teens like to fit in, so picking clothes from the popular stores are important.

However, it is also important for teens to learn about themselves and figure out how to be unique while still fitting in with the crowd.

These are tips to help teens look their best, fit in, and show their own personality:

Buy clothes that fit

Too many teens buy clothes that are either too big or too tight. When teenage girls wear clothes that are too tight, they may think they look sexy, but they really just look overweight. Stores have different sizing standards. A size six at Abercrombie & Fitch may not fit like a size six at Hollister; try the clothes on and be sure that they don’t create bulging in the waist, thighs, chest, or back. No one looks fashionable when they squeezed into their clothes.

Dress for your body

Most teens know what parts of their body look good and what parts aren’t so great. If you have a smaller bust, wear tops with round necklines or halters and maybe even try a lightly padded bra. If you have a larger bust, wear tops with scoop necks or v necks. Teens with short legs will only look shorter with capri pants, skirts that stop mid-calf, and pants with cuffs. Teens with fuller figures should wear darker colors, jeans with straight long legs. Knowing your body shape and what looks good will make your look more fashionable.

Have fun with accessories

Jeans and t-shirts are very popular with teenage girl and with a few fun accessories you can still fit in, but also be yourself. Designers make adorable headbands with flowers, gems, feathers and other great embellishments that can add personality to plain-old jeans and tees. Beaded necklaces are fun, as well as stacked leather and beaded bracelets. Big, chunky rings look great on everyone. A subtle way to be unique is to wear mix-and-match socks.

Have fun with your hair

Teens still have beautiful, natural hair color, so there is no need to damage your hair with harmful dyes and bleach. If you have long hair, braids are quite fashionable and can really show your creativity without having to spend any money. If you have shorter hair, you can have fun with hair products, creating different textures and looks. Clip-in color strands and feathers also are fun to add a little special temporary change.

Shoes. Shoes. Shoes

Teenage girls can instantly add personality by choosing great shoes. Stores like Target and Forever 21 sell shoes that are fun, fashionable, and inexpensive. Adding flip flops to a skirt instantly adds relaxation and comfort, while wearing platform heels with jeans instantly adds a touch of glam. Teen girls who enjoy wearing darker colors can add a fashionable punch of color with bright or glittery pair of flats.

With fun accessories, great shoes, creative hair styles, and clothes that fit and show off their best traits, teenage girls can fit in while still looking special and unique. Teenage girls can have fun with fashion and still fit in with the crowd.

Fashion Tips For Teens

These fashion tips for teens will help teens to develop their self-esteem and promote self-respect. Teens often allow their peers to impact their self-esteem and respect. Fashion is just one way to provoke the response that you want from your peers.

1. Practice good hygiene. Good hygiene is more than just taking a shower or washing your hands. It also applies to fashion, and needs to be practiced on your clothing. Wear clothing that has no stains to indicate your high regard for hygiene.
2. Create mystery. Even if you want to show off your cleavage or developing muscles, don't. If you put everything out there, you take away from the mystery of who you are and, in the process, can cheapen your look.
3. Have fun. Use colors and unique styles to have fun expressing yourself. As a teenager, you are allowed to have fun with your sense of fashion.
4. Wear a consistent type of jewelry. If you are wearing gold earrings, don't wear plastic rings. When you wear too many types of materials together it creates a chaotic look that can be unpleasant.
5. Wear clothes that fit. Clothes that are too tight can make a person look cheap. Clothes that are to big can make you look like a slob. Instead, wear clothes that fit correctly. This can be tough since teens are often still growing, but good fashion demands it.
6. Start your own trend. One way to stand out from the crowd is to start your own trend. It can be something simple, but it should reflect your individuality.
7. Let your clothing promote your beliefs. For instance, if you are concerned about using petroleum products, avoid plastic coats. If you are an animal lover, don't wear leather. There are numerous other fashion choices that teens can make to make a statement.
8. Pay attention to your nails and teeth. Everyone else is. If you wear nail polish, keep it in good repair. Make sure your nails and teeth are clean because they are some of the first things your fellow teens will notice about you.
9. Use your imperfections to your advantage. As an example, if you hate it that you have braces, make them cool by creating different color patterns with the rubber bands on the brackets.
10. Rejoice in who you are. When you are dressed in clean, comfortable clothes that don't make you feel exposed, you'll feel good about who you are. Revel in your fashion choices!