BELTS:

wearing a belt to clinch your waist will help give you curves in all the right places.

PRINTED DRESSES:

the perfect daytime wear for the curvy girl, the pattern is a boon for disguising any problem areas.

(but for the Curvy Petite: we suggest to have it just a little of the prints… so that it won’t look like the dress is “eating” you whole)

BANGLES:

chunky bangles have a slimming effect on arms.

BRASSIERE:

ensure you have a well fitted bra, lifting your boobs correctly will show off your waist.

STRIPES:

one neat way of looking slimmer is to wear vertical stripes.

PLATFORMS:

chunky platforms have a calve slimming effect and also make legs appear longer.

BAGS:

medium sized bags work best anything to big or too tiny can look out of proportion.

WAISTBANDS:

by sticking to styles that have a waistband you will truly flatter your curves.

Credits:

fashionstyleyou.co.uk

]]> http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/curvy-women-guide-to-fashion/feed/ 0 curvyfemmeinc curvy http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/chocolate-addiction-good-for-your-mind-bad-for-your-health/ http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/chocolate-addiction-good-for-your-mind-bad-for-your-health/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:40:39 +0000 qurvyfemmeinc http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/?p=60 ]]>

Many people love chocolate and some even to the point of being addicted to it. Many possible explanations for this addictive property of chocolate exists. Unfortunately chocolate contains a lot of fat and sugar which is not very helpful if you are trying to loose weight.

Chocolate comes from the cacao tree native to Central America. The Maya people ate it long before Europeans discovered it. The Spanish explorer Cortez brought chocolate to Europe in the 16th century as well as the methods of preparing it. Unprocessed cocoa beans are very bitter and therefor need to be prepared with cocoa oil and sugar to obtain the taste that you are used to. The cocoa comes from seeds that grow in pods. These seeds are fermented, dried and roasted before being ground into a paste. Cocoa oil and sugar is then added to this paste to form the well known chocolate bar.

Chocolate was a luxury for the Mayas and the early Europeans and therefor only very rich people could afford it. Nowadays everyone can afford chocolate in the western societies, but it’s now becoming a health risk because of its high fat and sugar content. The obesity epidemic that is sweeping the western societies is an epidemic of excess. Chocolate is one of the things that should only be consumed sparingly but some people are unable to restrain themselves.

Chocolate promotes a sensation of well being, a pure bliss for some people. Some people are unable to help themselves and therefor the term Chocoholic has been coined. There are literary thousands of chemically active substances in chocolate that are just now being unraveled. Substances that have antidepressant effects, induce a sense of well being, alleviate premenstrual syndrome, and there are even substances that have Cannabis like effects. The exact mechanism that causes some to get addicted to chocolates and not others is not known. The reported rate of “Chocoholism” is much higher in women than men and this gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ” The way to a woman’s heart is through chocolate”.

Some of the more notable pharmacological components in chocolate are Biogenic Amins, Methylxanthines, Cannabinoid like substances and brain peptides. Even if these substances are present in chocolate it’s questionable if they actually are in high enough concentration to have any substantial effect. The cheaper chocolates that are available today contain very little cacao and a lot more fat and sugar. So if you want the effect of chocolate but with less fat and sugar you should choose chocolates with more cacao, which unfortunately usually cost a bit more.

Several Biogenic amins are found in chocolate including Tyramine and Phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA in particular has several stimulant effects on your brain. It has an antidepressant effect and also has amphetamine like qualities. The Methylxanthine group which caffeine is a part of has well known addictive and stimulant effects. But if you are a coffee drinker eating chocolate would hardly effect your daily intake of caffeine. Chocolate also contains the group of substances N-Acetylethanolamines which are related to cannabis and therefor could have the well known effects of this substance. These are only some of the more well known substances in cacao and chocolate.

One very interesting aspect of this topic is the theory why women are more addicted to chocolate then men. This theory is based on the hormone fluctuations that women have with their periods. Chocolate eating in women may be an attempt to self medicate to keep hormone levels more steady. Women report that they have a an increased frequency of craving for high fat, pleasant tasting food incl. chocolate around their menses. This may be due to the higher levels of Progesterone at this time. Progesterone is a female hormone that is important in ovulation and in the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is thought to induce fat storage and a drop of the level of fat in your blood thereby promoting a craving for fat.

In conclusion new and interesting facts are now being learned about chocolate, a very old substance. Many may feel addicted to this substance. But is it because it contains a lot of active substances or is it just because it tastes nice? In any case if you are trying to loose weight the best thing is to stay away from this tasty, high fat and sugar treat as it will certainly set you back in your efforts.

Credits: http://weightloss.beldholm.com

]]> http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/chocolate-addiction-good-for-your-mind-bad-for-your-health/feed/ 0 curvyfemmeinc chocolate http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/jeans-that-fit/ http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/jeans-that-fit/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:08:30 +0000 qurvyfemmeinc http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/?p=43 ]]> Right Fit Jeans Mystery

I’ve heard about the coolest new jeans, called Right Fit, and I think that plus women will be very interested in what they have to offer. These jeans are shaped for three distinctive body types, helping us avoid gaping, bunching, and pulling. I’ve had a look, and the jeans are very high-quality for the price point, so I am headed to the shops now to try some on. 14W-32W, too!

Check out the Right Fit jeans, available at Fashion Bug and Catherine’s!

Photo (c) Fashion Bug

Here we show you tips on how to properly care for your skin, from the right way to cleanse your face, to the best moisturizers and sunscreens.

Before we start with the proper daily 4-step skincare routine, you’ll need to know your skin type. How you care for your skin is utterly dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. Find out what skin type you have.

The Basic 4-Step Skincare Regimen Step 1: Cleansing

Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. See the best cleansers for your skin type

You can find a good cleanser at the drugstore. There’s no need to spend $40 on a fancy wash. Avoid bar soaps as they tend to dry out the skin. According to Rona Berg, in her book, “Beauty,” a French cosmetics executive once told her “soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.” We agree. Choose instead a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a cleanser without oil if you have oily skin.

Be careful not to cleanse too often. Washing at night should do you. While some skincare experts swear you should cleanse skin with creamy cleansers that you wipe off with a tissue, never letting water touch your skin (some hard waters are especially hard on skin), we prefer the water method. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need (we find it’s great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Also be careful about overcleansing skin, see signs you are overcleansing your skin.

Here’s the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You’ll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. According to Berg, one of the reasons men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids.

Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. My favorite microdermabrasion kit is made by Lancome.

In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face. Can’t afford the price tag for a monthly peel? Try some over-the-counter peels that work over the course of a month. I prefer MD Skincare’s.

Retinoids (such as Retin-A or the more moisturizing Renova) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. “Collagen is the skin’s structural fiber,” dermatologist Dennis Gross said in O Magazine. “As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores.” Skincare experts disagree on all sorts of things, but most of them consider retinoids to be a miracle skin saver.

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, “toners are only for copy machines”). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. I firmly believe it’s up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner. Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

Step 3: Moisturize

While I know of at least one famous beauty editor who swore skin doesn’t need moisturizer, basically everyone else I’ve read disagrees and is an adamant believer in it. A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. (The only exception is those with acne). Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin (Berg calls this the “Saran Wrap effect”). So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it’s crying out for moisture. Be careful not to overmoisturize — this can cause clogged pores.

See our list of the best moisturizers on the market.

Are eye creams necessary? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to ‘thicken’ this area and keep it sturdy. Yet other experts (including the beauty editors of Allure in their new book) claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.

Step 4: Apply Sunscreen

‘O’ magazine ran an article featuring interviews with several top skin care experts and dermatologists (check it out here ). Every single one of them said sunscreen was the most important part of your skincare regimen. It was the secret they would pass on to their daughters.

The number 1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it’s important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: one for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don’t use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 27/7 and can aggravate skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains Mexoryl (found in my favorite sunscreen La-Roche Posay) or Helioplex, found in Neutrogena products. See our list of top sunscreens

Courtesy of About.Com

3 Tips for that pouty pouty lips

1. Go Nude

For a sexy nude lip, neautralize any pink tones with a lip primer before applying color.

(try: Smashbox Lid and Lip primer)

2. Soft Stained Lips

Try dabbing a creamy cheek color on lips for a long-wearing stain with soft shine.

(try: Smashbox Untamed Creamy Cheek Color)

3. Pouty Lips

Fake a plump pout by dabbing a sheer highlighter on the top of the cupids’ bow.

(try: Smashbox Photo OP Under Eye Brightener)

Courtesy of Smashbox.com

]]> http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/insider-secrets-lips/feed/ 0 curvyfemmeinc lips http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/oval-round-or-triangular/ http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/oval-round-or-triangular/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:48:32 +0000 qurvyfemmeinc http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/?p=48 ]]>

Get to know the right make-up based on the shape of your face

We all don’t have the “perfect” facial structure. That’s why we need face shape makeup tips. These tips will help each of us apply makeup to bring out our best features and minimize the ones that we don’t like so much. So, whatever your question is about your facial shape or facial features, we’ve got a makeup tip to help you.

The Tools

First, it’s important to realize what tools you’ll be using. We’ll make use of color correcting correctors. Light color correctors can dramatically change your appearance. For instance, mauve or light pink corrector can brighten and conceal dull skin tones. Pale green is used to correct ruddiness. Light yellow corrects under eye circles and other purplish/blue discolorations.

These light colors can help improve facial features by lengthening, filling out and brightening skin. Dark colors will reduce, deepen, darken and conceal features and discolorations. Using a mixture of light and dark correctors (foundations) you can create almost any illusion you like.

The key is to blend, blend, blend. If you are using any corrector, whether it’s a color or a foundation that is darker or lighter than what you usually wear, always remember to apply with a light hand and blend well. The light foundation corrector should be only 1 or 2 shades lighter and the dark foundation corrector should be no more than 2 shades darker than your usual color.

Face Shape Makeup Tips

Curvy women mostly have ROUNDER FACE. Broader forehead sometimes or even prominent cheeks. Tips and other face shapes are:

Oval:

This is the “ideal” facial shape. With the use of dark and light correctors every facial shape can be made to resemble an oval facial shape. Oval faces can need darker foundation applied at the forehead and chin to make it less severely oval

Trapezoidal:

This facial shape requires refining the lower part of the face with a darker corrector while also using a light corrector at the temple. This will bring the face in, making it more narrow and longer.

Rectangular or Square:

Correct both of these shapes with darker foundation at the four corners. This redefines the corners into more of a curve, giving it a whole new dimension.

Triangular:

The triangular face needs darker foundation at the chin, making it appear shorter, and at the temples, bringing the focus towards the middle of the face. Using light foundation along the jawline will give it more balance and depth.

Round: Round faces need only a little darker foundation applied at the temples and around the lower face. This will make it appear a little more elongated.

Balancing Your Features

Face shape makeup tips also include your facial features. If you’ve got a feature you’re not too fond of, like your nose or chin, playing with light and dark correctors can help you adjust how they look. We’ll give you the makeup artist’s tips on how to do this.
Prominent Chin: Correct this by applying a little darker foundation right on the tip of your chin, and blend well.

Double Chin: If you have a double chin, blend a darker foundation right on the double chin.

Long Nose: Think your nose is too long? Apply dark foundation right on the tip and blend well to make it appear shorter.

Broad Nose: Broad noses are easily adjusted with dark foundation applied down each side of the nose.

Short Nose: Short noses need a light application of light foundation along the whole top of the nose. This will give it a less defined edge and help it to appear less short.

Narrow Nose: Widen a narrow nose by applying a light foundation down each side of the nose.

Crooked Nose: A crooked nose is the hardest. Apply dark foundation on the crooked side to minimize it, and then apply light foundation on the opposite side.

These tips will help you achieve a balance to your features. Face shape makeup tips are some of the most useful tips you can have. With them you can look your very best while still looking like you.

Ezinearticles.com

Who wouldn’t love these yummy cheesecakes? If you’re on a diet, surely, you’ll ignore this day that you have to just take a sip of your vegetable soup.

But yeah,,,

Don’t let this “low calorie” term fool you. It’s low calorie, but just try it… and you’ll definitely fall in love with it!

Here are the ingredients:

Copy the html link below and paste it to the CSS section of your site!

HTML CODE:

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TINY BADGE (160×120)

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]]> http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/got-the-curves-then-flaunt-it/feed/ 0 curvyfemmeinc logo badge http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/curvy-femme-inc/ http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/curvy-femme-inc/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:40:04 +0000 qurvyfemmeinc http://curvyfemmeinc.wordpress.com/?p=12 ]]> Hurray to the women of today!

Whether you are slim, thin or full-figured, dark, asian or white, we encourage you to come and visit our site at http://newenglandcurvyfemme.ning.com/ and be one of our members!

Lots of discussions, articles, forums wherein youll be able to get to know other curvyfemme members or even share with others what you have learned.

Come check us out:

Being Beautiful Inside… and Out.

NEW YORK — The idea of runway trends is that they get translated to the real world, but not everyone has a model’s figure.

Still, no one has to be left out. There’s always a tweak to a look that conveys the same message, even if it’s not an exact replica of what a designer put on the catwalk.

The plus-size woman, the odd-shape woman — everyone who is not a size 2 — still wants “fashion,” says Nicole Fischelis, group vice president of ready-to-wear at Macy’s.

This fall she can find it in a motorcycle jacket, slim-leg pants, sheath dress or strong-shoulder blazer.

“It’s all about proportion and balance. Regular-size women too have to think about their hips, bust and shape, too.” Fischelis says.

Below are tips from InStyle fashion director Cindy Weber Cleary and Glamour executive fashion editor at large Suze Yalof Schwartz on how to wear this fall’s top silhouettes:

MOTORCYCLE JACKET

This can be a staple item for most women, says Yalof Schwartz, but different shapes should pair it with different things. For example, a plus-size woman could try a wrap dress, and a pear shape could try a flirtier, more feminine dress — maybe with must-have black tights.

An apple shape should build up her top a little, and the jacket will help, especially with an oversized shirt peeking out the bottom and narrow-leg pants.

This jacket isn’t for most straight up-and-down figure because it will emphasize a boyish shape, says Weber Cleary. However, she adds, a very slender woman can pull it off because she can wear it over a short dress, jeans or leggings — and look very cool.

Head-to-toe black is pretty universally flattering.

NARROW PANTS

“Skinny pants were made for a skinny girl, obviously,” says Weber Cleary, but they can still work for others.

She recommends them for a boylike silhouette because they’re narrow through the thigh as well as the ankle. That’s exactly why, though, this isn’t the best choice for anyone with thick calves, adds Yalof Schwartz.

Thick thighs can be camouflaged with a longer blazer, which can look quite chic.

An apple shape can wear narrow pants if there are no pleats and they are paired with a flowing top, Yalof Schwartz says, while a pear can do “narrowish but not severely narrow pants” with a slimmer top.

For everyone, the best choice of fabric has a little drape, like rayon, instead of a stiff one such as tweed.

SHEATH DRESS

Only the pear shape might have a problem with the sheath — everyone else should have one, says Yalof Schwartz. It’s not that the sheath wouldn’t look OK, it’ll just be hard for that figure to find one that fits properly, especially in the tummy, she explains.

This dress might be the very best choice for a plus-size woman because the curves are flaunted, not hidden. A belt might add a little bit of an hourglass to someone who is thick or has a straight-boy figure. Weber Cleary suggests adding heels and, perhaps, bold jewelry to the look.

Apple shapes tend to have nice legs, notes Yalof Schwartz, so don’t let the length fall too low so it looks matronly.

STRONG-SHOULDER JACKET

The strong-shoulder jacket, which very well might have shoulder pads, is an effective tool at balancing a wider bottom, so it was practically made for the pear shape. But an apple shape might be able to pull it off if the garment is long and lean, and with strong but not wide shoulders.

Skinny shapes can also wear it as long as the shoulder isn’t too exaggerated, Weber Cleary adds, but she thinks a boy shape risks appearing mannish. If a straight, narrow figure wants to try it, Yalof Schwartz suggests the oversized look.

For a plus size, this jacket can make a top half look bigger, but with very sharp lines and a geometric effect, the overall package can be very sleek and modern.

Wear it with those skinny pants, Yalof Schwartz suggests.

Courtesy of: The Philadelphia Tribune by Samantha Critchell