Life is never easy. Nor, I believe, is it supposed to be. It’s a great big, long-assed, painful test that is all put in front of us to make dying look like the easy part. Kind of like taking the SAT’s while having your blood drawn for seventy or so years. I think this is the reason people who commit suicide are shunned by society as a whole. Not because we don’t necessarily agree with them on some level, but because they cheated and took the easy way out. Living is a b*tch. It ain’t pretty, and it ain’t easy. I think that possibly the worst test…the worst part of living…is love.

A collective gasp rolls through the room. “Love? How can something so wonderful be the worst part of living?” Because love, in all its forms, make normally sane human beingscrazy. It changes their personality, their values, their hopes, their plans. It is a desperate addiction that no one on earth has the power to break free of. There are no twelve steps for love addiction. There are no methadone clinics for the recently dumped (although we’ve all been there, and I think this would really be beneficial.); there is no rehab for someone who has an unrequited crush. Love is emotional cocaine, and the buzz lasts an equally short amount of time, before you’re out on the street again, TV in hand, trying to make that next score.

It was my recent viewing of a commercial for Match.com that led me to this conclusion. “If you aren’t in a relationship in six months, we’ll refund your money.” Translation? “If you are still un-dateable after we’ve thrown you everything we can possibly scrape up after six months, we’ll officially deem you, ‘social Ebola’, and you’ll be alone, and $60.00 richer.” Not even richer, actually. You will break even.

It made me wonder, “What kind of people (profiles), are you getting by the last week of your six months?” Guys who post their profile on a 3-D replica of a 10-sided die? Someone who posts, “We’ll be great together just as long as you stay away from the barrels in the garage…”? That person who posts the picture of them seated with their binky? What kind of people live in that gray area that exists in the microcosm of the last week of Match.com?

I, God willing, will never know. This is a part of the test of life that I am going to opt to take the “zero” on. I’m not condemning the people that choose this option, for it is a valuable resource in this day and age. I’m just going to bypass the whole experience, so as not to wind up in the last second, Match.com, cram session in the test of life. I guess I just have to hope I will do a little better than average on the “logic” portion of the test of life than I will on the “love” portion. The sadder but wiser girl’s the girl I’ll be. Yes sir. The sadder but wiser girl for me.

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing
-Abraham Lincoln

Molly

Who knew that giving birth to twins could change a life so drastically. After being on bed rest for half my pregnancy and going into labor 6 weeks before my due date, life went from a turtles speed to a whirlwind. I had a beautiful boy and girl that are the light of my life.

All of a sudden all the fears of being responsible for another human being were multiplied by the 20 little fingers and toes in front of me. Fast forward a year and now there are two whirlwinds taking over my life heading in opposite directions. Walking and running are one in the same. Who knew those chunky little legs would carry those bodies at top speed. And the bumps and bruises that come with the speed. The tears and the giggles make my life complete.

I second guessed myself as I gave up my career, but look what I get in return. Two silly grins and lots of fun all day long; Much better than a dreary day in an office. No more suits, just the Mommy uniform of Yoga pants and a t-shirt make my life complete. I have responsibility not only for my own life, but for my family. Life changes with two, but now my life is complete.

From my experience I have found plastic tampon applicators to be much more comfortable and user-friendly. Being a self proclaimed tree-hugger, I have felt more than one pang of guilt upon seeing the plastic applicator in the trash.

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The term “business casual” is often confusing. Every company defines the look differently and clothing options might range from nice jeans to nice dress slacks. Some businesses might even require an almost formal look for their business casual attire that includes a suit jacket without the tie.

With so many options to select from, determining the appropriate clothing for the office can seem mind-boggling. Fortunately, following a few simple tips makes it easier to find something appropriate for any casual or semi-casual office setting.

Skirts for Women

Women are often considered more professional when they wear skirts than wearing pants. Though it is part of a social stigma, men and women are more likely to consider a skirt better than pants when dealing with women. In general, a business casual skirt is made from any preferred material such as cotton or wool and should fall around knee-length.

Color

Though a business casual environment invites the use of more color, too much color is better out of the office. Instead of wearing bright colors in the main outfit, add a touch of color with a bright scarf or a little embroidery along the bottom of a shirt sleeve. Select neutral colors for the pants or skirt. Neutral colors not only match more outfits, but they look more professional.

Dress for your Gender

Women do not need to wear suit shirts tucked into their pants or skirt to look like a man. Instead, a blouse that fits well and is cut for a woman’s body is appropriate in a business casual setting. Selecting clothing that fits and is appropriate for your gender is still professional.

Wear Comfortable, but Professional Shoes

While business casual does allow more shoe options, it is important to select something professional. Try wearing a loafer instead of the formal shoes. For women, a low-heeled shoe or strappy sandals are also appropriate. Any woman who wears strappy sandals should ensure their feet are clean and toe nails are well maintained.

Jewelry Tip

Jewelry is an easy part of the wardrobe to confuse in a business casual setting. When looking at jewelry, avoid flashy options like Santa earrings or skulls during Halloween. Stick to something more professional and classic, such as diamond studs. Another key to jewelry in the business casual outfit is only a few pieces at a time. Avoid too much jewelry or it distracts from your work.

Makeup Tip

Women in the office should take care when applying makeup. While business casual does allow a little more color or interesting makeup, work still takes place during the day. Avoid dark makeup or shockingly bright colors. Tone it down and use light colors or natural makeup for a beautiful and polished look.

Things to Avoid

When dressing for a business casual office, it does not mean fully casual.

Men and women alike should avoid wearing flip flops to work, even during hot summer months. This is never appropriate.

Women should avoid mini-skirts or shirts showing the stomach. Even young women should wear a skirt that is either right above or below the knee. Shirts should always fully cover the stomach. The office is not the appropriate setting to wear party clothing.

While the business casual setting is challenging in some offices, it is possible to manage any setting. The key to business casual is that if you unsure of which outfit to wear, always dress up or go with something classic. It is always possible to remove the suit jacket, but it is impossible to dress up a too-casual look.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging for three years in the business, fashion and personal fitness industries.  She loves to look her best at daytime business events by wearing designer eyewear that compliments her outfit.  She also likes to tell people about all of the GMAT prep she did to get into a top tier grad school.

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There is nothing more beautiful than a full-figured woman who is proud of her curves! The best story I ever heard was of a teen girl that proudly declared herself “reverse anorexic.” What a refreshing thought—a young girl not obsessed with being a waif—especially when that isn’t a natural state of being! This girl’s healthy state of mind was partly due to the fact that she (and her mother) knew how to properly dress their enviable curvaceous figures. Knowing your body shape, and choosing appropriate clothing, can do wonders for your look and style, and increase your own sense of self-worth by letting you love what you see in the mirror. Which body shape are you?

Pear-Shaped Body A pear-shaped body is defined as one that is heavier on the bottom than the top. Often, there can be as much as a 2 size disparity between the top and bottom. Usually, while a pear-shaped woman’s waist is well-defined; 4 of 5 pounds gained will migrate to the hips and thighs.

The best designer dresses and designer styles for a pear-shaped body: Shoulder pads—These help to balance a smaller top with a wider bottom; making one look more slender. Straight skirts, A-line skirts & Dresses—These all help to balance a larger bottom; an elastic waist can offer a more flexible fit. Long jackets or Long shirts—These should fall below the widest part of the hips, to smooth the line between the upper and lower body, and make the two halves appear more uniform in size.

Avoid the following: Belting—By accentuating a small waist, attention is also drawn to wider hips. Gathered or full skirts—These accentuate the largeness of the bottom-half and will draw attention to the upper and lower body size disparity.

Apple-Shaped Body An apple-shaped body is defined as one that is heavier on the top than the bottom by as much as 2 sizes. Generally, a pear shape will have large bust and waist, with a flat bottom and thin legs.

The most flattering designer dresses and styles for an apple-shaped body: Straight tops—These elongate the trunk and balance the silhouette. Belts—These should be placed at the hips, which tend to be the smallest part of an apple-shaped body. V-neck & scoop necklines—To de-emphasize a larger top. Short skirts—A length just above the knee will show off thin legs. Long cardigans or jackets—When worn opened, these items balance the silhouette by streamlining the top and bottom halves.

Avoid: Shoulder pads—These will only accentuate a larger top. Fitted shirts—Anything that is fitted in the torso can distort the silhouette and emphasize a larger stomach. Vertical stripes—If worn around the torso, these will accentuate the largeness of the top half.

Rectangular-Shaped Body A rectangular-shaped body has little definition at the waist; with longer arms and legs, this shape enjoys a wide range of designer dresses from which to choose.

Shop for the following to flatter a rectangular shape: Bias cut & Empire lines—These elongate the silhouette by creating the illusion of a narrow line above the waist. Shaped shift dresses—Worn with a contrasting belt to give a curvy look. Halter neck & slash neck lines—These are very flattering, especially when paired with voluminous skirts and waist-cinching belts. Frills—These, along with other embellishments, add the appearance of curves.

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I like to write about choosing designer dresses for plus-size women. Find your jumpsuits from a premier designer of women’s fashion clothing.

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