However, the fashion industry may be to blame for the death of the thong with the top clothing designers lowering the cut on the best-selling jeans. The elastic bands at the top of the thong tend to ride up, leaving an unsightly panty line above the denim. And no matter how many times you try to push it down, the sucker snaps back up, determined to ruin your sleek torso stream lines. The thong band interference is most noticeable when worn with low-cut jeans and a tattoo on the lower back. The self-propelling thong strap is not only a menace to the artwork on your body, but can be difficult to adjust when wearing tight-fitting jeans.

However, in fairness to the dearly departed thong, not all thongs are created equal. If you have tried only one style, don’t be so quick to rush to judgement against the entire product line. The infamous G-String is a close cousin to dental floss, and albeit, not for everyone. However, the Rio, T-Back and V-String offer a bit more coverage, and when matched with the right body type, can be quite comfortable. The Tanga style offers the most coverage, and for the first-time thong monger, Tanga is the number one choice for rookies.

The thong enthusiasts who refuses to let go may still find and purchase thong under garments and bikini briefs from online retailers and niche outlets that cater to customer needs regardless of what the fashion industry dictates. However, the lion’s share of the panty consumers market have embrace a full bottom coverage and even displayed a gravitation towards the oversized granny pants. Whether this be true because Americans are getting fatter and more out of shape or they have simply had enough of the tug-of-war with the garment, the thong is on the decline and headed for the history books. Love it or hate it, may the thong R.I.P.

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The Death of the Thong

The best mechanics are often found by referral. Ask you friends, neighbors and people you meet at an auto auction where they take their vehicles and let the mechanic know that his services come recommended. The workmanship is critical, but so is the final tally on the bill, and you want to be sure you have been treated fairly. When the mechanic knows that his current clientele is hinged to his performance on your car, you are apt to get a better service contract.

If you must take your vehicle to an unknown mechanic, be sure to assert yourself and display some measure of product knowledge. Rather than driving to the shop in desperation and despair, ask the mechanic to examine the car and give you a written estimate. When you ask for an estimate, he cannot count on your repair as a sure deal and will, therefore, negotiate and communicate to win your business.

If the mechanic speaks to you with a condescending attitude, march right out the door and find somebody else. This type of rogue mechanic will pilfer from your pocketbook and doesn’t deserve the time of day. Customer service is a fundamental right for the consumer, and if your mechanic is disrespectful, walk away.

To ensure that you get the best service, you will need to effectively communicate the problem. In some cases, its best to write everything down and keep the mechanical symptoms in clear, logical order. Many women are unfamiliar with car parts, but try to do the best in your vernacular to explain what the mechanical problems are and what cause and effects follow when you turn on the ignition. A qualified mechanic should be able to recognize the problem and exchange dialog with you in layman terms. It’s true that many women are not mechanically inclined, but neither are most men. A good mechanic will know how to relate to his valued customers, regardless of their age or gender. And once you find this guy, hang on like a pit bull and share his services with others.

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Car Maintenance Tips and Car Repair Questions for Women

Steam punk fashions celebrate what is important to the individual, proclaiming everything from fantasy world costuming to futuristic science fiction punk attire. There are no restrictions or boundaries attached here, but rather imagination is paramount to being the best steam punk on your block. Beyond the artistic and innovated use of fabric and design, the steam punk professional knows how to wear it well. Swagger and pomposity play a vital role in the steam punk movement, and only the most assertive and self confident members can pull this fashion statement off without a hitch.

Steam punk fashion were once reserved for the goths and the anti-establishment crowds, but have now moved into mainstream with industrial music fans, gamers and all those who have had it with the mundane. Using the body as a canvas, the steam punk fashion movement makes good use of metals and gadgetry to emphasis an eclectic taste for the extra-ordinary and has cleverly created fashion statements to rival the works of Picasso.

Steam punk fashion experts are able to capture and epitomize the latest gaming trend, sci-fi character or dream up something wonderfully wacky that turns every head in the room. Love them or hate them, the steam punk fashion artists are truly one of a kind individuals and can put on a memorable show with their creative clothing.

You may regard their body art as awesome or offensive, but one thing is for sure: they will not go unnoticed. Some of the steam punk creations are dazzling beyond expression and show a skillful level of artistry incorporated into a central genre or theme. This is not easy to accomplish on a mere flat canvas, and should be commended when a polished steam punk fashion ensemble is created. Whether you gaze on in admiration or roll your eyes in contempt, one way or another, you are going to look.

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A Glimpse into the World of Steam Punk Fashion

The winter months can also symbolize closeness and togetherness and that may be why people choose this time of year to get married. They are declaring their love for each other at the perfect time of year. Some have outside weddings in snow covered surroundings and others choose a warmer environment. Either way, winter weddings are something to remember.

If it is snowing outside you can plan an event that involves sleds and horses or have a white winter wedding with the bride and groom dressed in white winter attire. It is a beautiful time of the year and some couples also find it a unique time of year to plan their wedding.

You can add some sparkle to your winter wedding by choosing crystal glasses and candle holders and winter plants that set the mood in either reds and greens or whites. You can also add jewelry that captures sparkle of the season and faux white furs that blend in with the scenery.

You menu for your winter wedding can consist of winter foods from pumpkin pie, spiced cider to a nice succulent roast. It all depends on you and your guest’s tastes. You can have your winter wedding at a lodge or old mansion that provides guests suites and has a nice large room with a fireplace so the bride and groom can have a nice fireside wedding.

Whatever your style or taste planning a winter wedding will take creativity and a budget. If you want something simple plan to use a small budget but if you want to go all out you will also need to plan a budget in advance that can accommodate all your needs. Winter time is a season of change and joy. Make your winter wedding the one for a lifetime that you will look back on with pride and joy that you can share for years to come.

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…for a Wedding!

Jewelry has traditionally been worn by the fashionable ladies of our society. In fact “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” has been the catch phrase for decades. A woman’s beauty is always enhanced with a set of gold or diamond jewelry. Wedding rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces are all accessories which have their place in a lady’s style. It shows off her individuality.

These days, it’s not just the ladies showing off their style with certain body ornaments. It’s also the men many times. It’s just not as extravagant; given the cultural norms running through society. You can find rings and ear piercings on today’s fashion conscious gentlemen as well.

However, you are sure to find many of these fashion conscious ladies and gentlemen participating in many sports and fitness classes in an effort to maintain their bodies. The next question you are sure to ask is “in which of these sports is it okay for me to wear my jewelry?” Many factors go into answering this question. Is it an individual or team sport? What type of physical contact is involved? What purpose does the player have; if any, for wearing jewelry in the particular sport?

Individual sports such as tennis or golf are much more receptive to the idea of you wearing jewelry. When you get to the professional level, it is just as much a matter of having individual style as it is having the talent and skill to make it at that level. Your personal safety is affected by loose necklaces and dangling earrings. They are discouraged at the professional levels and simply against regulations at the amateur and high school levels of these sports.

Fitness classes are an entirely different matter. Here, the objective can also be attracting the opposite sex as you are working out or participating in that hot dance exercise class. Obviously, the loose necklaces and bracelets are still an issue but most fitness clubs leave it up to the participants to police themselves.

All team sports of any kind make it against the rules to wear jewelry during competition. Even if the sport is not classed as a contact sport; such as baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball and field hockey, it is not a good idea because of the “incidental” contact that often occurs. It is absolutely forbidden in football, ice hockey, boxing and mixed martial arts; as contact is such a primary component of the sport.

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Sport-Friendly Jewelry

If you’re in this position the first thing we’d recommend is that you don’t dispose of anything before you move, unless it’s obviously trash. Seeing your new home from the perspective of actually moving in is far different than the mental images you created during the walk-through with your real-estate agent. As old as your sofa may be, you might not be able to find a new one right away that fits your new space and is affordable. Better to hang on to the hold one for a while than be without a couch completely.

Once you are moved in and settled you’ll have a good idea what you want to keep and what you’ll replace. Avoid the temptation of saving things you’ll probably never use as a means of filling up your new found extra space. The longer you hold on to these objects the more difficult it becomes to part with them later on. Try to also avoid the temptation to be overly frugal for the mere sake of frugality.

Part of the adventure of moving from an apartment to your own home is the freedom to make it what you want. You may never get this opportunity again so take full advantage it. Set a budget ahead of time, but then don’t be afraid to spend the money you’ve set aside for things that will make your home a wonderful place.

You might want to replace that old dining room set you were given when you first got married. That’s great. Find another young couple just getting started and bless them with it, then go out and purchase a set you’ll enjoy dining at for years to come. The same goes for all the mis-matched place settings and silverware in your kitchen, the hand-me-down linens, the recycled coffee and end tables, and so on. Find others who can use the things you plan to replace; they will be more appreciative than you know.

When you’re all done there might still be a few old things you haven’t found a home for. That’s OK. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other charitable organizations are happy to take donations of items in good condition. Just be sure if an item is trash, it makes it to the trash can. Even charitable organizations have standards.

Enjoy your new home and all that goes with it. Hopefully you’ll be as happy there as you were in the apartment, if not more so.

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From Apartment to House: What to Take and What to Replace

Throughout the years, I’ve used my lack of time as an excuse for not pursuing singing lessons. There was always an appointment here or there that I was scheduled for, a deadline to meet, a job that needed completing, or a family member to care for. For years, I suppressed my desire to sing, reminding myself over and over that other things were more important. Now that my kids are older and things have slowed down a bit, I find myself revisiting the idea. Have I waited too long? Is it impossible for me to finally achieve that dream I’ve always wanted?

After much thought and contemplation, I’ve decided that it is time. I’m going to start practicing and download karaoke music to sing along with. It’s time to see if my dream is lost forever, or if my dream is just beginning. No one ever achieved anything great by not trying! I know that if I never take that first step, I will always wonder what could have been. I know I will never be the next Mariah Carey or Celine Dion, to be honest, I don’t really want to be, I just want to be great. I may fail at becoming a great singer, but I would rather fail at singing than to fail at not trying. I wonder how many famous artists would be where they are today had they not been willing to put in those long hours of training and practicing. None of them would be where they are today. You only get out of life what you are willing to put in. I am looking forward to starting this new chapter of my life. I know I will look back on this in the years to come and be satisfied knowing that I at least tried.

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Have You Ever Considered or Taken Singing Lessons?

Oprah Winfrey

One of the world’s most famous females, began her career as a news reporter in Nashville at 17 years of age. In 1984, she became the host of the talk show “AM Chicago,” now known as “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” The highly successful show soon became the number one talk show in national syndication. In 1986, Winfrey began her own production company known as HARPO Productions, Inc. HARPO currently produces the shows “Dr. Phil,” “Rachael Ray” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and is slated to produce the upcoming show titled ” The Dr. Oz Show.” In March of 2009, Forbes estimated Winfrey’s net worth at $2.7 billion.

Anita Roddick

British businesswoman Anita Roddick founded the cosmetic company, The Body Shop, on March 26, 1976. The company, which prohibited the use of animals for testing, achieved great success, quickly becoming the second largest cosmetic franchise in the world. In March of 2006, The Body Shop was purchased by L’Oréal. There are currently 2,400 stores located in 61 different countries. Roddick tragically died on September 10, 2007, as a result of a brain hemorrhage. She is remembered for her activism in human rights and globalization. Before her death, Roddick reportedly donated her $100 million fortune to charity.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart founded the media and merchandising company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., in 1997. The company is divided into four divisions: publishing, Internet, media and merchandising. The merchandising division of the company sells various home goods at Kmart stores under the brand name Martha Stewart Everyday. With hosted sharepoint empowering small businesses, the media division produces the television shows “Martha Stewart Everyday,” “From Martha’s Kitchen,” “The Martha Stewart Show” and “Everyday Food.” In January of 2008, Stewart was listed on Forbes’ “20 Richest Women” list with a fortune worth nearly $650 million.

Jennifer Lopez

As well as being a famous actress and singer, Jennifer Lopez has also found success as a businesswoman. In 2003, Lopez launched the clothing line JLO by Jennifer Lopez. Two years later, she launched a second line called Sweetface. Retiring her JLO line in 2007, Lopez launched a line geared towards juniors called JustSweet. Forbes estimated Lopez to be worth $110 million in 2007.

Debbie Fields Rose

Debbie Fields Rose founded Mrs. Fields Bakeries in 1977 in Palo Alto, California. Achieving great success, the company currently has 390 locations in the United States and over 80 internationally. Rose has also published three cookbooks titled “100 Recipes from the Kitchen of Debbi Fields,” “I Love Chocolate” and “Debbi Fields’ Great American Desserts.” Rose sold the company in the early 1990s, but still acts as the company’s spokesperson.

These women have proven that the business world isn’t just for men. Despite entering into this field highly dominated by men, these women have taken their chances and their bravery has paid off. This should be an example for all of us women. If we set our mind to something and work at it hard enough, anything is within our reach.

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Famous Female Entrepreneurs

Tim Allen

Actor Tim Allen, known for his role as Tim Taylor on the sitcom “Home Improvement,” was arrested on October 2, 1978, in Detroit for the possession of 1.5 pounds of cocaine. He was sentenced to almost five years in prison, but was released after serving only two and a half years. Allen was arrested once again in 1997 for driving under the influence and was sentenced to one year probation. He was also ordered to rehab.

Paris Hilton

American socialite Paris Hilton was arrested on September 7, 2006, in Hollywood for driving under the influence. She was placed on 36 months of probation and her license were suspended. On May 4, 2007, Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating the terms of her probation. She served half of her sentence and was released on June 26, 2007.  Despite her early release it will take many years before receiving a pardon to clear her record.

Robert Downey Jr.

Actor Robert Downey Jr., perhaps best known for his roles in the films “Iron Man” and “The Soloist,” was arrested on June 23, 1996, for drunk driving, drug possession and possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to three years probation. On December 8, 1997, Downey received a six month jail sentence for violating the terms of his probation. As a result of his admission in 1999 to missing drug tests ordered by his probation, Downey was sentenced to three years in prison. He was released in 2000. Downey continued to struggle with drug addiction and repeated drug arrests resulting in his being terminated from his role on the hit TV show “Ally Mcbeal.” Following his termination, he was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to enter rehab.

Kiefer Sutherland

“24″ star, actor Kiefer Sutherland, was arrested in November of 2004 for drunk driving. He was sentenced to five years probation. He was arrested once again on September 24, 2007, for drunk driving and violating his probation, and was sentenced to 48 days in jail. After serving his entire sentence, he was released on January 21, 2008. Sutherland was arrested for a third time on May 7, 2009, for head-butting designer Jack McCoullough at a New York nightclub. The charges were later dropped.

Boy George

Singer Boy George was arrested and charged with cocaine possession in October of 2005. He was ordered to attend rehab. On January 16, 2009, the singer was sentenced to 15 months in jail for the assault and false imprisonment of a Norwegian male escort named Audun Carlsen. Boy George was released for good behavior after serving only four months.

These are just a few of the many celebrities who have had brushes with the law. Other celebrities include Lindsay Lohan, Mel Gibson, Nicole Richie, Shia LaBeouf, Woody Harrelson, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Marilyn Manson, the list goes on and on. Famous or not, if you choose to disregard the law, you better be prepared to pay the consequences.

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Celebrities Who’ve Been to Prison

The most important step to “letting go” is finding the true reasons why a person wants to hold on to things. Where some people may have a mild case of the “pack-rat” syndrome, others may have a severe case, leaving you searching for an empty place to sit on the couch or trying to find a place on your dinner table to set your plate. In severe cases, such as that of hoarding, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional to find the source of the behavior and treat it accordingly. Finding the source of the problem or getting your man to admit to why he doesn’t like to let go of things may take a while. It’s not an overnight process, so it’s important to be patient and supportive while he goes through the process of understanding and changing this behavior.

Dividing the items that are cluttering your house, such as old clothing, magazines and books, old papers and sentimental collectibles, in different piles, may be helpful in sorting out what needs to stay and what needs to go. Your partner may be more apt to let go of a few things if you suggest selling the items at a yard sale, in a consignment shop or on an online auction site, such as eBay. Another option may be to donate the items to charity. The idea of making a little extra cash or contributing to the needy may be enough incentive to get your partner to let go of a few things that he no longer uses or needs.  You can also clear up some home space while keeping his precious stuff in self storage facilities like Gatineau storage.

Letting Go…

Items that your partner is hopelessly attached to and plans to keep “forever” should be neatly packed away in a plastic container and placed in storage. This gives your partner the assurance of knowing that his items are safe and can be retrieved at any time, and it gives you the opportunity to do some de-cluttering. Items such as books and magazines that your partner no longer needs can be donated to your local library or sold to a used book store. If there are magazines or books that he refuses to give up, or hasn’t yet read, they should be neatly stored in a container and kept in a closet or placed on a bookshelf for easy access.

Helping your partner sort through old papers that he’s been keeping for years and years, and assuring him that he will never need the majority of the papers again, may convince him to finally “lay some of them to rest.” However, tax records, certain bills and bank records should be kept for several years before discarding. The papers your partner just can’t seem to let go of should be placed in a container or sturdy box and stored away in a safe place.

Though living with a pack-rat may sometimes be frustrating and overwhelming, there is always hope. There are plenty of books available on the subject as well as information online. A little research, patience, communication and the willingness to listen will go a long way in helping you and your partner resolve these matters and move forward with your relationship.

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Are You Dating a Pack-Rat? How to Teach Your Man to Let Go of Things