One of the tastiest fruits known to man is the timeless classic known as the strawberry. The strawberry is used in many different desserts but can be enjoyed equally as well on their own. The best is getting a really ripe strawberry that latterly burst with flavor as soon as it hits your mouth. Unfortunately these strawberries also usually burst all over your clothes as well leaving a very nasty stain. These stains are some of the hardest stains you will ever have to deal with.

You can try to use the stain removers you buy at the store but they will have little to no effect on these tough stains. But don’t throw your garments away until you try the following steps to remove the strawberry stain:

•    Rinse and blot: As soon as you realize your clothing has been stained you need to run those stains under cold water for about five minutes. Then get a paper towel and blot at the stain. This will help to remove some of the stain right away and makes the removal of the rest of the stain easier on you. Be sure you are blotting and not rubbing as rubbing will simply make the stain worse.
•    Soak the stain: In a bucket of cold water and regular laundry detergent soak your garment for a while. You don’t need to soak the garment for very long, but a couple of hours certainly won’t hurt. Once the time is up take it out of the solution and wring it out.
•    Make a magic mix: Take this time to make a wonderful and easy mixture that will almost always remove the strawberry stain. To create this concoction you mix baking powder with white vinegar and mix it into a loose paste, it’s that simple.
•    Treat the stain: Next take the stained garment and spread some of the magic paste over the stain. Let this sit on the stain for twenty minutes or more and remember, no rubbing.
•    Rinse the stain again: After the twenty minutes has elapsed rinse once again with cold water.
•    Wash the stain: Now wash the garment in your washing machine using the cold water cycle. Do not throw it in the clothes dryer when the washer is finished.
•    Dry the garment: Let the garment air dry to be sure that the strawberry stain is completely gone. If you dry the garment in the clothes dryer and the stain is still there, you will set the stain in and then you may as well just toss it in the trash.
•    Repeat if needed: If the stain remains you may have to repeat the process. Strawberry stains are among the more stubborn stains in the stain family so expect to give it an application or two for best results.

Now just enjoy your strawberry eating and don’t worry about the stains that will come. After all, it is probably easier to deal with these occasional stains than it is to give up strawberries as part of your diet.

Rachel Green was a character on the fictional TV show, Friends. Friends was one of the most popular sitcoms in TV history and Rachel was one of the most popular characters on the show. Played by actress Jennifer Aniston, Rachel came from a privileged background but had to learn to live on her own and support herself in New York. Rachel starts out as a ditzy self-absorbed daddy’s girl but evolves into a savvy fashion buyer who is a loyal and loving friend with complex relationships.

Aside from being stylish on her own, the character Rachel Green also works for the designer Ralph Lauren, which makes it possible, and necessary, for her to have a sophisticated and somewhat trendy look. Though not everyone can work for a designer and have access to high end clothes, with a little creativity it’s possible to have Rachel Green’s look and style.

The “Rachel” was one of the most popular hair styles in the 90’s. Women across the country wanted to duplicate Rachel Green’s hair. To get her look, try to style your hair with volume on top, parted in the middle and worn straight, framing your face. If you have short hair, a wig from a wig or costume shop can help you get the look of Rachel’s hair.

Another way to get the Rachel Green look is with trendy stylish clothes that were popular in the 90’s. From lingerie under cardigans to pencil skirts with tights, Rachel wore outfits that fit her body and made her look comfortable and edgy at the same time. Vests over t-shirts and short skirts with boots is another example of Rachel’s look. Jeans with vintage t-shirts is something you can also wear to have her style. Body hugging tank tops with dark wash jeans were also a staple in her wardrobe and something you can easily find to get her look. In all of your choices, keep the color palette simple and earthy, including gray, taupe, and black that were very popular for her character.

For going out, Rachel would wear a variety of little dresses. From a classic little black dress to a sequined dress, this is something that you can find at most women’s boutiques that would help you style yourself like Rachel Green. And with the dresses, don’t be afraid to wear really high heels. Rachel never met a pump she didn’t like!

Finally, when Rachel was pregnant, she wore lots of designer maternity wear. You can get this look by shopping for classic tailored maternity pieces at discount maternity stores. Pair sophisticated tops with comfortable classic pants and skirts and you can look like pregnant Rachel.

The character of Rachel Green became a style icon in real life fashion. Her streamlined classic look can be achieved by combining classic pieces that you can find at many department stores. Pull them together and you too can look like Rachel Green!

Wedges are an extremely popular shoe style, but not everyone knows just what makes a wedge a true wedge. Before you go shopping for one of this season’s hot shoe trends, let’s do a bit of research. On most shoes, the heel of the shoe extends from the heel of the foot to the ground. Wedges are designed differently. A wedge heel extends under the foot, from the back of the shoe to the middle or front, and provides total foot support.

Wedges can vary in height. Many are high-heeled, giving them the familiar triangular “wedge” shape. When the front of a wedge is also elevated, it is called a “platform wedge.” High heeled wedges tend to be easier to walk in than stiletto heels while still offering lots of height to those who are vertically challenged! Not all wedges are high heels, however. It’s the shape and length of the heel that determines if a shoe is a wedge or not. This shoe style is wonderfully versatile and comes in a rainbow of designs and heights, making it adaptable to most any outfit, from dressy to casual.

Wedges add instant cosmopolitan flair, so be sure you’re ready to up your fashion quotient before slipping on a pair. They work best with certain outfits, depending on the look you’re going for.

Jeans. Wedges add a cute, fresh look to jeans. If you want to go casual with your favorite jeans and a tee or tank, try a pair of canvas wedges. They’ll not only be a great alternative to sneakers, high heeled wedges will add instant length to your legs. And for the best of both worlds, try a pair of sneaker wedges! For a dressier ensemble, wear your jeans with a pretty silk top (or other flowing fabric), then add coordinating wedges in leather or with embellishments. Because their unique design gives wedges a very sophisticated and sexy edge, they are a great choice for a night out on the town.

Skirts. Wedges are a perfect complement to skirts because they offer a more casual look than the traditional high heel. For a balanced look, wear wedges with a flowing skirt rather than a tight pencil skirt. Because of their size, wedges tend to make your feet look clunky when paired with slim skirts, so definitely stick with a loosely fitting skirt. There are wedge styles with straps that wrap up the leg, adding even more interest and sex appeal to an outfit.

Pants and capris. Pants and capri pants go nicely with wedges. But remember what we discussed when wearing skirts with wedges: wedges add visual weight to the foot area, so go with a wide-legged pant or capri to pull this look off. Don’t pair wedges with tight pants or capris or they’ll end up making you look like you’re standing on concrete blocks.

If you’re dressing for a formal event, wedges probably are not the best shoe choice. They tend to send out a fun, flirty casual vibe. In these cases, a stiletto heel would be the better match for your gown or party dress.

Is there anything softer or cozier to wear than cashmere? A sweater that is made of this ultra soft material is great to have, but there are many people who will avoid buying anything made of cashmere because they think it will be too hard to care for. While caring for cashmere does certainly take more time and patience versus other materials, it doesn’t have to be a major chore and it is anything but impossible.

Though almost any article of clothing that is made of cashmere is likely to say dry-clean only, you can effectively wash your own cashmere clothing and it really isn’t as hard as you might think. Here are steps to properly wash and care for cashmere:

1.    Prepare the water: Anything that you have that is cashmere should be washed by hand and the perfect place to do this is the sink or bath tub. Begin by filling the sink or tube with warm, not hot, water and then add some gentle detergent. Swish the detergent around gently with your hand and try to avoid the soap sudding up too much.
2.    Wash the cashmere: Now, one article at a time, place the cashmere clothing into the warm water mix and gentle swirl the clothing around. Do not agitate or wring the clothing while in the water as this may cause lots of unwanted harm to come to the clothing. You can now let the clothing sit for a couple of hours.
3.    Prepare the rinse: Once the clothing has been sitting in the water mixture for a little while you can lay out some fluffy towels and empty the sink or tub. Again, do not wring the clothes out. Once the tub or sink is empty fill it back up with warm water only and place the clothing back in the water. Do not swish this time but just let the clothing sit. After a while you will see remnants of soap and you will then know it is time to put the clothing back on the towel and empty the water once again. Most articles of clothing will require at least two rinse sessions but you will know they are ready to be completely dry when the water contains no more soap residue.
4.    Dry: Now that the washing is done, all that is left is to dry the cashmere garment. Lay out regular clean towels and place the clothing on top. Then roll the towel and gently press downward on the towel to help absorb the water. Repeat this a couple of times with different towels and end by laying the clothing on another fluffy towel. From here, the air will finish the job. Never hang the clothing to dry because the weight of the wet cashmere will almost certainly cause stretching to occur.

If this all seems too much for you then you can always take the garments to a dry cleaner and have them clean them for you. Whatever you decide to do, don’t try to get tricky and use your washing machine and dryer to get the job done. All that will leave you with is a clean article of clothing that you can no longer wear.

Excessive sweating can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. If you experience this on a regular basis, chances are it affects your behavior and your relationships, not to mention it ruins a lot of shirts! And you’re not alone either.

It’s estimated that 2-3% of Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis (the medical term for excessive sweating), a condition that usually starts around puberty. Unlike a lot of medical conditions, hyperhidrosis generally occurs in people that are otherwise healthy. Triggers can include the most obvious – high temperatures – or situations where the person is nervous, scared or otherwise emotional, but there are some individuals who sweat almost non-stop, regardless of the weather or their emotional state.

If your sweating problem is one that is interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to visit with a doctor about the problem. There are some medical treatments which can manage this annoying condition and improve your quality of life. If your sweating problem is annoying but not life-altering, you’ll want to try the following clothing tricks that will help you stay cool and keep sweating to a minimum.

Shirts are the items of clothing most often affected by perspiration, so it’s a good idea to find shirts that will conceal your sweat and help you to stay cooler. If you’re donning a t-shirt for working out at the gym, color can help you to camouflage your sweating tendency. Grey and light pastels are the colors that betray sweat the most because they make sweat marks appear darker than the dry areas of the shirt. White t-shirts and black t-shirts are best at disguising sweat marks, though white t-shirts will begin to show telltale sweat stains without the proper care. If you don’t want the world to know you’re a sweat fiend and you don’t like to spend time in the laundry room dealing with yellow pit stains, then black is the color for you.

Another consideration if you’re coping with excessive perspiration is the type of fabric you select. When shopping for clothes, take care to stock your wardrobe with shirts that are made of “breathable” fabrics. These fabrics are made from fibers that allow moisture to move from one side of the fabric to another. As the body sweats, the fabrics “wick” away the moisture from the body, allowing you stay drier and more comfortable.

The most breathable fabrics are made of natural fibers, and include 100% cotton, pima cotton (an extremely durable and absorbent type of cotton), seersucker, linen, 100% wool, merino and cashmere. Cotton is the best choice and also the most widely available, so find a light, loose-fitting shirt in a nice cotton fabric for the ultimate in breathability.

Another technique for hiding sweat marks is to wear an undershirt with your shirt. A cotton undershirt will act as a sponge, wicking away moisture from the body and preventing telltale sweat stains on the outer shirt. You might think wearing two layers would heat you up when temperatures are high, but this method will actually help to keep your body cooler.

Emily Browning is a 20 year old actress who was born in Australia and is best known for her part as Violet Baudelaire in the hit movie Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Her latest role has her playing a part in the movie Uninvited and it seems that this young actress’s career is going to go ahead full throttle. Browning has an elegant yet simple way of dressing and for the many women that admire her, looking like her really isn’t all that hard.

Browning does not dress that much differently than the average woman might which makes her style an easy one to copy. Here are the different ways that you too can emulate this Hollywood starlet:

•    Short dresses: Browning is a big fan of short dresses. She seems to wear these the most when she is not filming and they range in style from strapless to sleeveless. She seems to prefer lighter colors such as white and beige but she has also been known to sport a black dress or two. When choosing your dresses you want to make sure that they don’t come down too far and should never go below just above the knees. While you can go longer if you wish, that won’t be accomplishing the Browning look.
•    Jeans and shirts: Another favorite way that Browning has to dress is in good old jeans and t-shirts. She seems to like what many of the younger crowd these days does and goes for skinny jeans much of the time. If you do not like skinny jeans, then a pair of tight fitting jeans will certainly do the trick. Her t-shirts tend to be plain so if it is hot out you can go with a plain white shirt or any other color on the lighter side of the color spectrum. When it is cold out you can do what Browning does and go for a multicolored sweater or even a solid colored long sleeved shirt. Unfortunately there is just no getting away from those skinny jeans.
•    Shoes: Lace up style heels are Browning’s pick of the litter when it comes to shoes. No matter what she is wearing these types of heels will accompany the outfit. She always matches the color of the shoes with the outfit as should you but again; make sure that you are in heels.
•    Accessories: Browning doesn’t really go all out in this department. If you do decide to accessorize you should take a page out of Browning’s book and go very low profile. Aside of some bracelets and maybe a nice toned down pair of earrings; Browning is seen in little else.
•    Hair and make-up: Browning is about 50/50 when it comes to putting her hair up and leaving it down. Either way, her straight hair makes for an easy going hair style so when you do your hair, don’t go crazy with the gels and the hair spray. Simple is better. As for make-up you should go for a more natural look on most fronts. The exception here is the lips. While she doesn’t go with fire red, Browning is a bit bold on the color she chooses for her lip stick. Feel free to accentuate your lips as well, just don’t go overboard.

Now you are set to go out and conquer the world looking like Emily Browning, the confidence, well that’s up to you.

If you are going to be going to Germany and are wondering what you should wear while you are there, the first question you must answer is what time of the year will you be going. Germany is a country that has four seasons and each season requires you to dress a certain way. To add a wrinkle to the fold the weather will vary from region to reign depending on the altitude.

When preparing your attire for your Germany trip keep these tips in mind about the different seasons:

•    Winter: Germany can be cold and certain parts of Germany can be bitter cold in the winter time. Depending on the region you visit you will more than likely see some snow if visiting in the winter time. It is therefore important that you pack accordingly. You will want to dress in wool slacks for warmth, several layers of top clothing, have heavy socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and boots in case the snow gets deep. Another essential in the winter time is an umbrella or raincoat as it tends to rain a lot in the winter as well as snow.
•    Summer: The weather is warm and also unpredictable in the summer time. It can go from blistering hot to nice and cool so you should think in terms of layers. You will want to wear clothing that is easily added or removed and that will keep you comfortable at all times.
•    Spring and Fall: These are the most unpredictable seasons when it comes to weather. Again think in layers and you should also make sure that your rain gear is with you at all times as this is the rainiest part of the year in Germany. Just as with any other time in Germany be sure that you have a sweater or a jacket handy as you never know when you will need it.

As far as protocol goes it is important to note that Germans tend to dress more on the formal side than most Americans do. When going out to eat you will want to stick with slacks as opposed to jeans. When choosing your colors go with darker colors like grays, browns, and black as the Germans tend to stick to the darker side of the color spectrum. You should also bring a comfortable pair of dress shoes as a pair of white sneakers will immediately out you for the American tourist that you are.

When visiting the German churches and other local spots remember to be respectful. Never wear anything that is too revealing and leave the shorts back at the hotel room. Dressing in a disrespectful manner may have many a German feeling a bit of contempt towards you.

While the weather can be somewhat unpredictable you can check the weather before you go over to Germany and try to plan your trip accordingly. If you should neglect to pack something don’t fear. There are many wonderful little shops all over Germany that will be able to outfit you with whatever it is you need.

Playing basketball is a great way to get some exercise and there are many courts that are outside so you can even get some fresh air in the process. As fun as the game is it is important that you dress properly to get the maximum pleasure out of the game. Dressing the right way will have you feeling great and also have you receiving a lot less trash talk from opponents as well.

While there is no set in stone rules for how to dress when you are playing basketball, here are some tips that will help you to look great and feel great too.

•    Shoes: Starting with the feet first is essential as the entire time you play basketball you are running and jumping. For this reason you must be sure to have the proper foot wear. There are actually shoes at the shoe store that are called basketball shoes and these are easily spotted by the high top design on an otherwise sneaker looking shoe. While you can play basket ball in low tops, it really isn’t recommended and doing so is almost always a recipe for a twisted or sprained ankle. A good pair of high tops is the key to enjoying many games of basketball.
•    Shorts: With the amount of sweating you will be doing, you will definitely want to go with a good pair of shorts. Just as with the shoes there are shorts that are called basketball shorts. These shorts are typically longer than normal shorts and are made of a lightweight, breathable material. There are generally no pockets and there is usually an elastic waist bald and a draw string to help cinch up the shorts. They should be very loose fitting as this will allow for maximum movement.
•    Shirts: While any old t-shirt will do the trick you may want to go with a, you guessed it, basketball shirt or jersey. These types of shirts are sleeveless and usually made of the same lightweight materials that the short are made of. You can jazz up your look here and get a basketball shirt that features your favorite team on it and even get one that has your favorite player’s name on the back. There are even some companies online that will custom print your last name, or any other name that you want, on the back of the shirt.
•    Other equipment: If you tend to be a big sweater then you will want to pick up a headband and some wrist bands. A headband may look a little funny, but it will absorb the sweat and keep it from running into your eyes. Wrist bands will also absorb sweat and this will keep the ball and your hands dry while you are dribbling or handling the ball. If you wear glasses then you will need to talk to your eye doctor about getting sports goggles that are in your prescription. This will allow you to see what you need to see without the risk of you breaking your expensive glasses.

Basket ball is a great sport and it is enjoyed the most when you dress for courtside success.

New Orleans has a unique cultural history and is steeped in tradition. The city is a study in contrasts with very wealthy areas and very poor ones. New Orleans is also known as a city that knows how to party and celebrate. Numerous festivals are held annually that attract tourists from around the world. Despite the fact that the population of this southern city is still greatly reduced in the post-Hurricane Katrina era, it is still a lively place full of joie de vivre.

If you are visiting New Orleans you will find that it is important to dress for the weather. Summers are very hot with average daily temperatures in the 90s. Even winter is mild, with 60s for daytime averages and no snow to contend with. However, as commonly found in the south, all buildings are air conditioned and even in summer you will need to tote a shirt or light sweater to wear inside, especially if you are easily chilled.

New Orleans is a very laid back city where practically anything goes. You will see a wide variety of clothing and styles on both the residents and tourists in the Big Easy. Local musicians influence the style of the city with their Bohemian looks. Artists who strive to look unique by putting together some unusual looks are also commonly seen, mixed in with business professionals and other more straight-laced individuals.

New Orleans is very much a college town, being home to multiple colleges and universities. The abundance of young people in the city are there primarily for post-secondary education. However their presence gives the city a youthful appearance. They also make the fashions of the younger generation more common around the city. You will see lots of students relaxing and studying, dressed casually in jeans or shorts and a T-shirt. The casually dressed tourist can easily fit in.

When it comes to going to New Orleans on business, note that many companies require professional business attire. Others opt for business casual, but don’t let the reputation of the city lure you into dressing too casually. The workplace is still taken seriously and people dress appropriately. Learn the guidelines for the company you will visit before making a mistake.

If you are planning to go out on the town, plan to dress up. Clubbing is serious in New Orleans. However, natives will warn you against wearing Mardi Gras beads or dressing in an overly revealing outfit. For dinner in upscale restaurants, expect to dress up. Many will require men to wear a jacket and tie. Women will need to wear dress pants, a skirt or dress.

If you plan to explore the city on foot, be sure to choose shoes that are supportive and comfortable. High heels are not the best choice. The streets are often uneven and you may hurt yourself. If you make the right choice in footwear you’ll be able to do more and see more and enjoy your stay to the maximum.

Get your stuff ready now for the Big Easy and enjoy your stay in a one-of-a-kind

There is nothing more exciting for the entire family than when the carnival comes to town. Carnivals are filled with riders, games, attractions, and fun. While there is no certain dress code to attend a carnival wearing the proper attire will have you enjoy your trip to the carnival that much more.

Here are some different ways in which you can dress to attend your next carnival:

•    Tops: The whole idea behind going to a carnival is to have fun and forget about the stresses of everyday life. When you choose a shirt to wear it should be a fun shirt that you really enjoy wearing. Of course if the weather is warm then you will want to go with a nice t-shirt and if the weather is cold then a long sleeved t-shirt will do just fine. Since carnivals are primarily outdoors it is a good idea to wear shirts that are made of a breathable fabric such as cotton.
•    Pants: Again, anything goes and you have to have fun with it. If it is cool out and you feel like wearing jeans then by all means do so. Cargo pants are also a great option as the extra pockets can come in handy for holding your wallet or other personal effects and can also hold any tickets that you may get. If it is too hot for pants then a nice pair of cargo short for the guys will do the trick and the girls can wear a nice pair of capri pants.
•    Hats: Hats are not a good idea to wear to the carnival if you plan on riding any rides. Many of the rides at the carnival will take you on some high rates of speeds and if you are wearing a hat it can quickly be gone for good. If you do wear a hat, be sure to hold on to it in your lap while riding the rides.
•    Shoes: This is probably the most important piece of apparel that you will wear. A carnival requires you to walk around all over the place and knowing that you should be sure that you are wearing the most comfortable shoes you own. A good pair of lace up sneakers usually does nicely and you should avoid wearing slip on shoes or flip-flops as they will not only be uncomfortable but they can also get lost easily on the faster ride.
•    Sun glasses: this is often overlooked, but if the carnival is a daytime one then you will be squinting all day long if you do not have a good pair of sunglasses with proper UV protection.
•    Purses: Bringing a purse to a carnival is just asking for trouble. Instead go with a fanny pack. Yes they may look a bit goofy, but they are a great alternative to lugging around a purse and will still allow you to ride on all of the rides without having to worry about losing all of your personal effects.

Now all you need to do is walk around and enjoy the show by taking in some attritions, rides, and good old fashioned family fun.

If you are a smoker than you have no doubt seen some of your favorite garment exposed to nicotine stains. The tar that is left behind is the actual culprit of the stain and this can be a hassle to get out when you are relying on regular clothes detergent alone. But you do not have to get rid of your favorite clothes as there is a way to effectively remove those nicotine stains that isn’t all that hard.

There are many nicotine stain removers that are sold in the stores but these can be very expensive and are sketchy at best when it comes to their effectiveness. There is no need to spend the money because there is a solution you can make right at home for a fraction of the cost.

Face it, if you’re going to be smoker you will have to deal with nicotine stains. Here is how you effectively remove nicotine stains from your clothes:

•    Make a cleaning solution: You can make an effective wet cleaning solution by mixing one part glycerin, one pert dishwashing detergent that is white in color, and also eight part of water. Once combined, seal the bottle and shake it really well to ensure all the ingredients get a good mixing.
•    Prepare the garment: Grab the nicotine stained garment and before you attempt to treat it you will want to wet the affected area with cold water and let the garment sit for about twenty minutes. After the elapsed time rinse the garment on more time with cold water and this time do not allow it to sit.
•    Treat the garment: Now grab your home made spot remover and spray it liberally on the stain. Here is where you will also use the ‘secret ingredient’ which is nothing more than vinegar. Once the two cleaning agents are on the stain cover the stain with an all cotton pad or folded cloth and put that on top of the stain. Allow the cotton to set and then ‘lift’ away the stain.
•    Repeat: You may have to repeat this process several times until it looks like the stain is all but gone. When you are happy with the result you can move on to the next step.
•    Wash the garment: Now you need only wash the garment as you normally would in a regular load of laundry. However, when the load is done, do not dry the garment in your clothes dryer.
•    Dry the garment: Allow the garment to air dry to be sure that you have totally removed the nicotine stain. If you have not then you need to go back to square one and start over again.

There is no set amount of treatments that will determine when the stain will come out and there are several factors that will determine how bad the stain is including how long the garment has been exposed to smoke and how long the nicotine has been allowed to set in.

Once you have removed all the nicotine stains from your clothes you can keep them away by adding vinegar to your loads of laundry on occasion. You don’t have to do it every load, but once a month or so is not a bad idea and will help keep the nicotine stains at bay.

Skiing is probably one of the best ways to enjoy the snow that comes to the upper states every winter. If you are getting ready this winter to enjoy some skiing you need to know how to properly dress for it so that you don’t risk freezing to death.

Getting ready to ski means more than throwing on a pair of jeans and a ski jacket. As well as staying warm you need to stay dry as well. This is accomplished by dressing in a three layer approach. Here are some tips on how to dress for your upcoming ski trip:

•    First layer: The first thing you will want to put on is long underwear otherwise known as thermal underwear. Long underwear has the ability to wick away moisture that will come in the form of your sweat and will not allow it to absorb into the material. This is essential so that you stay as dry as possible.
•    Second layer: Your second layer of clothing will consist of sweaters and pants. Choose a good wool sweater for the best warmth and when going with pants do not choose jeans. They may start out keeping you warm but the denim will actually absorb any moisture that comes its way and eventually leave you wet and uncomfortable. Instead you can opt for a pair of polyester pants that will help you to repel any moisture that finds its way to you while keeping you warm at the same time.
•    Third layer: Your third layer should consist of your ski pants and your ski jacket. These will be the thickest of all and therefore provide you with the most amount of warmth. They will also help you ward off moisture as they are made with a water resistant material that will repel a good amount of moisture.
•    Footwear: When you ski you wear thick and ridged ski boots. These boots are designed to clip into your skis and are made of a material that is water proof. To keep your feet warm and protected wear a thick pair of wool socks and you will be all set.
•    Other apparel: Don’t forget to wear the little things that can easily be overlooked. First and foremost you will need a good thick pair of ski gloves to keep your hands warm. You will also want to get a wool cap so your head holds in heat and thus keeps your entire body warmer. Lastly you don’t want to forget to get a good pair of ski goggles as these will keep your eyes from getting dried out in the cool winter air. You may also want to consider getting some lip balm and sun block so that your lips don’t chap and your face doesn’t get sun burnt.

Skiing is a ton of fun but that fun can be cut severely short if you do not have the right clothing on. By going with the three layer approach and remembering the little things you will ensure that you day of skiing will be filled with fun and that you will stay warm and dry.

These days people are saving money wherever they can. A great place to do so is with your shoes and this can be achieved rather easily if you just give your footwear the proper care it deserves. Depending on what type of shoes you have will depend on the care, but for the most part there are a number of things that you can do to help stretch the life of your shoes.

Again, each shoe type is different but here are some ways you can make your various shoes last longer:

•    Let shoes rest: Most of you have more than one pair of shoes and this is great because ideally you should never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. By letting your shoes ‘rest’ you are allowing them time to breath and dry out completely should they be damp from moisture due to the outside or perhaps due to your sweaty feet.
•    Get driving shoes: Buy a cheap pair of shoes specifically for driving. The reason is simple; it saves your more expensive shoe’s lives. When you are driving your heel is constantly dug into the floorboard of your car and this can lead to your heel being pre-maturely worn out or even worse a broken heel should you be wearing high heels.
•    Shine shoes: If you have dress shoes or any other shoe that can be shined, then do so. This may sound like a daunting task but you can do it while you watch television and doing so will not only stretch the wearability of your shoes, but it will also keep them looking great all the time.
•    Try shoe repair: Many dress shoes can be repaired when the bottom sole or tap becomes worn. Yes it will cost you some money to have the shoes repaired but the cost is typically a lot cheaper than a new pair of shoes. And if you have been shining your shoes then a repaired shoe will look and feel as good as a new pair and best of all, they will already be broken in.
•    Dye your shoes: This applies for sneakers that are white. When they get old and dingy looking get some fabric dye and change the color. The end result will be a comfortable fitting shoe that looks new because you have changes the color.
•    Dry the wetness: This sounds silly, but so many people allow their shoes to get wet due to the rain and then simply allow the air to dry them. Bad move. Doing so will compromise the material of your shoes and thus weaken them with the end result being a pair of shoes that are worn out before their time. Combat this problem by making sure that you completely dry your shoes once they get wet. Some tougher shoes like sneakers can be tossed in the clothes dryer for a few minutes and others will require a more delicate touch. A great tool to have here is a hair dryer with adjustable heat settings.

Your shoes are like anything else you own in your wardrobe. If you neglect them they won’t be around for long, but if you give them proper care they will last you for many seasons to come.

The moment that little one is brought home from the hospital, you start taking on new roles. You might start having to get up in the middle of the night to help with feedings and soothing. Or perhaps you have taken on diaper duty, something to be proud of.  You might want to show your pride to everyone you know.

Wearing a custom t-shirt is a great way to show your pride. Your new shirt can just say, “new daddy” or “rookie dad“. You can add a smiley graphic or a cute baby smiling or even screaming. If you are particularly proud of your achievement in being by your woman’s side during labor, your shirt can state, “Dad survived delivery” with a picture of a baby girl or boy or “I survived the delivery room and all I got was this shirt…oh yeah, and a baby”.

If you are the diaper changing man, wear it with pride “Daddy’s diaper service, proud to take my turn” or “Baby poops ‘em – I change ‘em”. Or a cute warning sign with a picture of a baby that says, “New dad changes diaper – avoid loose poop”. Or for a really cute one, a baby holding his diaper up with “My dad knows poop” to refer to several meanings. Or if you don’t appreciate the value of a dirty diaper your shirt can say “DADDY – damn another dirty diaper yuck” with the first letter of the phrase a different color for effect.

Late night feedings are inevitable with new babies. A shirt that says, “New dad, point me to the nearest bed” tells others how tired you are. Or simply “new dad needs sleep” with a picture of a cartoon man in pajamas carrying around a baby would do the trick. “New dad – if you wake the baby plan on babysitting” would be effective in letting others know you are sleep deprived and stressed.

If you are just proud of your cute little one and are pretty competitive, a shirt with a kid in a diaper crossing his arms that says, “New dad- my kid can beat up your kid” might work for you. Or “New dad’s boot camp – only the fit survive” with a graphic of a man marching with a baby strapped to his back.

Being a new dad brings more joy to your life than people without kids can imagine. Yes, here are times of stress but overall most men wouldn’t change a thing. Wear your pride for others to see. Design a t-shirt that fits your style and feelings on the blessed event. Then watch as your kids grow up and start dating, that will make you want to wear a shirt that says, “I have kids…does that explain the gray hair?”

Don’t wait and design your own custom t-shirt or check out all of our Dad T-Shirts and New Dad T-Shirts

How you dress for a baby shower all depends on the baby shower itself. While some showers will be held in a more formal setting and other a more laid back and casual setting, showing up either under dressed or overdressed can be embarrassing. So how do you decide how you should dress to attend a baby shower?

Here are two specific tips that will help you decide what you should wear to the next baby shower that you attend:

•    Read between the lines: Look at the invitation you received for the shower. How nice is it? If it is inviting you for an evening of cocktails and finger foods then it is obviously a more formal setting and semi-formal attire will more than likely be required. If however the invitation is for a backyard picnic followed by cake and punch then it is more than likely a more casual setting.
•    Ask a friend: The nice thing about baby showers is that there are more times than not going to be one or more of your friends that will be in attendance. A great way to decide what you want to wear is to call your friends and see what they are going to be wearing. If you can come to a consensus then you will be in the clear and will not have to worry about whether or not you will be over or under dressed.

Once you figure out how you are going to dress here is how you can pull it off:

•    Formal: When going with the formal look you will want to wear a really nice dress. If the shower takes place after work then keep in mind that many people attending will be coming in their work clothes so you will want to dress in a business formal way. Try to wear bright and cheerful colors as a baby shower is a celebration of a new life to come and should be met with happy and cheerful colors.
•    Casual: If the baby shower you will be attending is going to be a casual one then really you can wear what is most comfortable to you. If it is a close knit group of your friends then you will more than likely be fine in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. You can always go with a more casual sun dress if you want to dress down but not too down.

If all else fails you could call the expecting mother and ask her how she wants everyone to dress at the shower. But a word of caution here, many times a baby shower is a surprise so you have to be sure that it is not a surprise party before you call the mother to be and ruin the whole thing.

Once you are dressed and ready to go to the shower, go pick up a gift such as a baby  t-shirt or onesie or even create your own custom t-shirt and enjoy your day at the baby shower that is sure to be filled with friends, fun, and games.