Monthly Archives: May 2012
Gear Up for Summer Cheer Training
With summer vacation up ahead, athletic camps will be in full-swing. Cheerleading camps will be held all over the country and squads will work on new cheers, stunts, and techniques to use during the school year.
Before you head off to cheer camp, you want to be sure that you have everything packed that you will need to make the most of your summer training. Being prepared for the days of summer camp will help you make the most of your experience and bring back the most material to use during the school year.
Here are a few things that you want to be sure to take with you to cheer camp:
Fun outfits. Let’s face it. You spend a lot of the regular year in uniforms, so why not take advantage of the chance to change it up a bit? Find cheer apparel that represents your squad and school but in a way that is outside your normal cheerleading boundaries. Some ideas are buying new warm-ups, shorts, or customized t-shirts. Have a team meeting and decide what items the members of the squad want to bring and then coordinate outfits.
The right accessories. Be sure to read all of the lists of what you need to bring along to camp and pack any extra cheer accessories that you will want for training exercises. It can be easy to forget about things as foundational as cheerleading pom poms in the excitement of camp so be sure that you do not overlook the basics. You will also want to be sure to have the right shoes and matching hair accessories.
Good tunes. Whether you are getting CDs ready for the entire squad, or just loading up your own mp3 player, you will want to have inspiring and upbeat songs. If it has been awhile since you added new music, getting ready for cheerleading camp is a good time to pick out some new material. Music will help keep your creative juices flowing throughout the camp experience and the soundtrack of your time at camp will bring back good memories later on.
Cheerleading gifts. Whether you are the coach or team captain, you want to make sure that the members of your squad feel appreciated for their hard work. Consider small gift bags, customized t-shirts, or even gift cards for cheer gear. Give out the gifts near the end of cheerleading camp and find a meaningful way to do it.
4 Tips For A More Unified Cheerleading Squad
Team sports are one of the best ways for youth to learn the value of hard work, athleticism, and good sportsmanship. The teammates on teams and squads must 
know how to work together both during competition and practices. It helps if the members of the team are also friends outside of the sporting boundaries too.
The sport of cheerleading is no exception. Team work is perhaps even more important in cheerleading as each member of the squad often must rely on the other members in order to pull off difficult stunts and other tricks.
Here are four tips for fostering friendship and creating a more unified cheerleading squad.
- Plan non-cheer activities. Every so often, plan an event for the squad that does not involve any actual cheer practice. Plan a movie night or a cook-out where members of the squad can socialize and get to know about each other outside the realms of cheerleading.
- Look united. In addition to traditional cheerleading uniforms, pick out cheer clothes that the squad can wear on school days or for school events where they are not cheering. This can be something as simple as matching Nike cheerleading shoes or fun cheerleading warm ups, to something as customized as spirit T-shirts with nicknames printed on the back. The squad does not have to look alike all of the time, but find fun ways to show unity through clothing outside of traditional cheer apparel.
- Foster diversity. Recruit as many different types of students to be on your squad as possible in order to make it a place where everyone feels welcome. Having a variety of personalities will not only fill out the squad, but will also give everyone one thing to focus on together–cheerleading.
- Ask for input. If you are a coach or team captain, it is your job to lead the squad. This does not mean that you should never take suggestions from anyone else, however. Regularly seek out the opinions of others and delegate tasks to other members of the squad in order to make everyone feel included. You may also find that some of your best ideas for the squad are born of ideas from other people. Cheerleaders will perform on a higher level and will feel more like a part of something meaningful if they a part of at least some of the decisions.
5 Flaws Laser Treatment Can Improve
If you have ever considered improving the look and health of your skin, you have probably researched several techniques. Whether you want to try your own techniques or spend the money to have some work done professionally, taking steps to improve the health and look of your skin will improve your confidence and self-esteem. 
A popular form of skin improvement is laser skin treatment. Many practitioners of Beverly Hills dermatology offer this service and more consumers are choosing it over traditional forms of cosmetic improvement.
There are two types of laser skin treatments (also referred to as laser resurfacing): wounding and nonwounding lasers. The wounding type actually removes thin layers of skin in order to reveal the fresh new skin underneath. The nonwounding laser works to stimulate collagen growth while tightening up the skin underneath.
If you are not sure if laser skin therapy is the right choice for you, here are some of the most common ways that the treatment is used:
Wrinkles. Laser skin treatment can help smooth away wrinkles and fine lines that often reveal aging. Laser resurfacing has the ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that appear around your eyes, lips, and cheeks. This is one of the most common reasons that people seek laser treatment.
Sun-damaged skin. The long-term effects of the sun on skin have only recently been brought to light. As a result, a lot of people are realizing the damage that reckless behavior in the sun has caused over time. Laser skin therapy can help improve the look of sun-damaged skin by removing the layers of damaged skin and revealing the new skin underneath.
Acne scarring. Acne can leave an impact on skin, even years after the breakouts have cleared up. Laser acne treatments can help dimish those effects and reveal new skin devoid of scarring.
Uneven skin tone. Blotchy skin can be difficult to handle, even with the most expensive makeup. The right laser treatment can even out the tone of skin and give your face a rejuvenated look.
Age spots. Similar to uneven skin tone, laser resurfacing can diminish age spots and allow for more beautiful skin underneath.
Be sure to get a professional consultation to discuss the changes that you want in your skin and to determine if laser resurfacing is right for you.
Microdermabrasion 101: A User’s Guide
If you have ever looked into ways to improve the health of your skin, you have probably heard the term “microdermabrasion.” It is one of the most popular forms of 
non-surgical treatment for damaged skin and facial rejuvenation. Here are some things that you should know about microdermabrasion before you decide to go through with the procedure.
What is microdermabrasion? In easiest terms, microdermabrasion is a strong form of skin exfoliation. It removes the outermost layer of skin in order to reveal more youthful, healthy skin underneath. Unlike more aggressive forms of skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion has very low risks and a faster recovery time.
What is the difference between crystal and diamond-tip microdermabrasion? The traditional form of microdermabrasion that has been around for about 30 years is crystal microdermabrasion technology. Many Beverly Hills spas offer both crystal and diamond microdermabrasion. They can be compared to removing chipped paint from a surface via sand blasting or sand paper, respectively. Crystal microdermabrasion essentially blows fine aluminum oxide crystals against the skin while a vacuum mechanism sucks in dead skin cells, impurities, and the crystals. With diamond-tip microdermabrasion, a diamond-tipped wand is moved across the skin while the vacuum mechanism sucks in the impurities.
Can I do it myself? While it would be great to do the procedure at home and save a little money, it is not wise. There are several ways that microdermabrasion can go wrong, especially if you have sensitive skin, diabetes or acne. Most “at home” kits that you find are actually just simple facial scrubs that do not have the strength of a professional microdermabrasion session. Talk to a professional about any concerns before receiving the treatment to ensure that you get the best results.
How often should I have microdermabrasion done? For your first microdermabrasion session, most experts recommend six sessions that are 10-14 days apart. The type of skin that you have will affect how close together your initial treatments will be. Human skin regenerates every 30 days; the procedure should be repeated at least once per month to maintain the best results and see continued improvement. Every skin type is different so you should create a customized plan based on your age, damage and budget.
What are the side effects? In general, microdermabrasion has less side effects than other treatments like laser or dermabrasion. Most people report skin tightness, minor bruising, redness, small skin abrasions, and cold sore reactivation on the lips. Talk to a specialist in microdermabrasion in Los Angeles to find out what to expect during the course of your treatments and the best ways to handle any potential negative effects.
Joyful Jeweler: Turn Your Craft into a Career
Are you the type of person that looks at the latest jewelry trends and decides that you could make something better yourself? If you have a creative streak that has people around you stopping and asking where you got the items that you created, you have probably considered starting your own jewelry business.
Most people are scared off by the prospect of running their own business, however, because of the logistics that go into combining creativity with business savvy. While it is fun to make jewelry for friends and family as gifts, if you really want to make money by doing what you love, you have to think beyond your circle of acquaintences. There has never been a better time for jewelry designers to promote their work on an international scale and the Internet has made it easy for anyone to go into business.
If you want to ensure the success of your jewelry business, take these few tips into account:
Get the right software. Make sure that you have the right technology at your fingertips in order to run your business most efficiently. Jewelry software programs can streamline the process for you and make it easy to keep all of your sales, customers, and inventory straight. Shop around for the right jewelry management software to fit the size and potential growth of your jewelry design business.
Pick a specialty. You may have the ability to create a wide array of jewelry, but you will fare better with just a handful of signature items. Decide what theme you want for your business and how you want customers to view your items. If you decide to focus on beading, track down the best beading software. If you want to use fabric, focus on marketing your business in that light. Give customers a specific idea of who you are as a designer and what you have to offer.
Trust your instinct. You will probably research a lot of other jewelry designers as you are building your business. This is a great way to come up with ideas for how you want to present your business online and the best way to present your items. Remember that you are your own person, however, and your business should reflect that. Resist the urge to do things like anyone else. People will want to buy your items based on your personal style and creativity so let it shine through in all aspects of your business presentation.
Summer Soiree Styles
The season of outdoor socialization is upon us. Summer is the perfect time of year to gather outside and enjoy the warm weather–along with good food, cool drinks, and old friends.
Since it’s a no-brainer that you’ll want to look and feel your best while grilling, mixing drinks, and chatting up the neighbors, consider these fashion-forward ideas for both men and women for upcoming summer soirees.
For Women:
Cocktail dresses: Every woman looks sexy in the right cocktail dress. You can find an array of styles ranging from cute, vintage, off-the-rack looks to designer cocktail dresses like Jovani cocktail dresses. A cocktail dress blends the fun of summer with the sophistication of evening wear. Whatever your intended style or budget, you can find a cocktail dress to accommodate your socialization style and the tone of your soiree.
Statement necklaces: These necklaces are especially great to pair with looks that are otherwise casual. If you choose to wear a statement necklace, make sure that the rest of your outfit complements it and does not compete with the theme of the necklace.
Bronzer or self tanner: What would summer be without a sun-kissed look? We all know the hazards of too much sun, so achieve that Grecian-goddess hue with the help of products like bronzers and self-tanning lotions.
For Men:
Deck shoes: Most people think of sandals or flip-flops when they consider summer footwear. Give your look a sophisticated spin with the right pair of deck shoes. This lightweight footwear comes in a variety of colors and keeps your feet cool while staying classy.
Polo shirts: Short-sleeved collared shirts are not exactly a new summer style, but their classic appeal make them worth mentioning. You can wear a polo shirt to a neighborhood barbeque or an outdoor wedding and still look like you belong.
Board shorts: Depending on how casual your summer soiree event, you may want to consider board shorts instead of regular khakis or jeans. You can “dress up” black or brown board shorts or just go for a beach-casual look.
Whether you are planning a summer soiree or are on the invite list to a few, expressing your personal style should play an integral role in the process. Take the time to think about what look you want to convey and then implement the style ideas mentioned here.
Look your best this summer and enjoy it!
Choosing the Perfect Evening Gown
Dressing up increases the excitement surrounding any event.
Picking out the perfect evening gown takes some careful consideration. You want to remain elegant while giving a sense of fashion forwardness. There are so many retailers selling evening gowns that it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for you. 
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you are looking for designer evening dresses:
Consider your color scheme first: Narrow down your color choices. This choice can depend on several factors, including the season, type of event, and what colors look the best on you. When you look through designer sites with brands like Terani Couture, you can focus on the ones that most fit the color aesthetic you envision. Keep color at the forefront of your decision-making criteria, including accessories, makeup, and shoes.
Shop around: You probably already have an idea of what type of evening gown you want to purchase, but be sure to take advantage of the numerous online and storefront dress shops for more inspiration. Whether you have a taste for Terani or Mon Cheri dresses, make sure you look around and gather ideas about not only color, but fabric choices, silhouettes, and embellishments. This is a great way to get an idea of the price ranges you can expect in designer evening dresses as well. There is no reason to buy the first dress that you come across, especially since there are so many choices that keep the shopping process interesting.
Ask others: If you are not sure exactly what people are going to be wearing to the event, ask your friends. You never want to look the same as anyone else, of course, but having an idea of the trends among those closest to you are into can help you gather ideas or even lead you in an entirely different direction. Go shopping with other people who are planning to attend and pick out your evening dresses together–it’s fun, anyway!
Consider the event: Are you going to a wedding? A black-tie charity event? Prom? The level of sophistication that goes into your chosen gown will be influenced by its purpose. A person buying a designer evening dress for prom, for example, may want to take a few more risks in color, cut and fabric. A person planning to attend an expensive fundraiser in the community may want to go with a more traditional look instead of something cutting edge. Think about your event as you shop for dresses in order to match it up with the perfect evening gown.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Using Photos
Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that takes some careful planning as far as gift giving goes. During the holiday season and even for birthdays, you can get generic gifts for the people in your life like gift cards, things for the house, or whatever happens to be on sale. 
Mother’s Day is different, however. Since the holiday honors some of the most important people in our lives–moms–a generic gift simply will not do. Personalized gifts that show mom exactly how much she means to you are a must on the second Sunday in May.
One of the best ways to give Mom a customized gift is through photos. Here are a few ideas for making the most of your best photos for a memorable Mother’s Day gift.
Photo Poster Printing: You know that old photo that your mom keeps on her nightstand? The one of you and your siblings on the first day of school, or on a camping trip? Give it a fresh look by turning it into a photo poster. You can also create a photo poster that is a compilation of several photos from Mom’s collection. If there are grandkids, a mosaic photo poster is a great way to showcase all the important kids in Mom or Grandma’s life on one format.
Photo Calendars: January is not the only month that you can give calendars as a gift. Many photo calendar manufacturers will make calendars beginning in whatever month you request and can do them for longer than 12 months. You can incorporate photos in wall calendars, pocket calendars, and even daily ones. Moms deserve a daily reminder of the people who appreciate them.
Custom Photo Prints: If you have a blank surface, chances are that a photo can be placed there. When you think of Mom, think of traditional ideas like coffee mugs and t-shirts, along with jewelry boxes and handbags. Custom photo prints also refer to sizes that are not always on a default list of options. Consider having a customized frame made for Mom and fill it with a custom photo print.
Whatever your style in gift giving, there is a photo-friendly option available for you to give to the moms in your life this Mother’s Day. There is nothing that Mom loves more than a reminder of the people in her life who make the job of mothering worthwhile. Photo gifts are the perfect way to give this reminder.
5 Outdoor Space Inspirations
Spending a little time outdoors is good for the body and soul. Most people do not have enough time to get outside as much as they would like, which is why creating an outdoor space at your home is so vital. Whether you sit in your space alone or plan to use it to entertain guests, putting some thought into your space is an integral part of the overall atmosphere of your home.
Here are a few outdoor space inspirations to help guide you to the right choice for your home:
Rustic. Accent your outdoor space with a touch of the woods. Even if you do not live in a particularly woodsy area, you can recreate the look with dark wooded furniture and paneling. Consider outdoor living designs that include stone flooring that is not uniform in nature. Plant lots of foliage to complete your own private rustic space.
Beachy. Everyone could use an escape to a beach paradise now and then. Even if you live in one of the coldest climates, you can transform your outdoor space into a tropical paradise. Consider San Diego architectural construction ideas when you pick out the layout of your beach theme, and include all of the necessary accessories like sea shells and maybe even a hammock. Do not forget to enjoy a beach-themed drink once in a while when you are out there.
Country garden. If you like to take time to smell the roses in life, transform your outdoor space to accommodate your personality. Add stone or weathered metal furniture and lots of real flowers and plants. You can enjoy your own private country garden and liven up your outdoor space in the process.
Ancient Greece. There is something timeless about ancient architecture and landscaping. You can incorporate columns and openings in your outdoor space that reflect the ancient ideals of Greece but accommodate your specific needs.
Modern tranquility. If you long for an uncluttered, clean outdoor space, think about implementing modern design. A San Diego home remodel company can help you come up with ideas on the layout and design elements that will work best for your ideas. If you have a modern look inside your home, your outdoor space can be an extension of it. Running water, color blocks and creative use of natural light can all add to the modern look of your space and give you the tranquility you want through simplicity.
Do’s and Don’ts of Golf Attire
Golf is one of the most popular sports worldwide and is played by people of nearly every age group and skill level. If you are a golfer or plan to take up the sport, your attire should be considered just as carefully as the type of clubs you want to use. It’s not superficial; it’s part of the sport! Almost every golf course requires players to adhere to strict dress codes, so it’s important not only to practice your swing, but look the part, too.
Follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure your round of golf goes off without a hitch:
Do: Wear something that is comfortable. Remember that golf is a sport, first and foremost, so dress accordingly. You will be walking, swinging, and bending down a lot throughout the course so you will want to be comfortable.
Don’t: Wear something that is inappropriate. This point is especially valid for women. Ladies’ golf clothes do not need to be frumpy or unfashionable, but be sure that golf skirts are long enough to keep you modest and that tops are not so low-cut that everyone gets a show each time you pick up your ball. Women’s golf apparel has come a long way in the fashion realm in recent years, so take advantage but keep it clean.
Do: Look attractive. It is okay to look good, really. While golf is a serious sport, you can look good playing it. Know your strengths as far as what colors and styles look best on you, and accentuate them.
Don’t: Look like you just rolled out of bed. Wrinkles should never be an accessory to your golf game. Take some pride in what you wear and show that you are serious about the game, whether you are a professional athlete or trying to raise money for a local charity.
Do: Wear hats. Not only will they add another fashion dynamic, but hats provide practical protection from the sun and harmful UV rays.
Don’t: Wear something ill-fitting. This goes for items that are too tight or short and items that are baggy. Find the perfect fit for what you want to wear and you will be more comfortable and play better.
Do: Step outside the box. Plaid pants and polo shirts are not the only options for golfers anymore. Manufacturers of golf clothing have found ways to accommodate every fashionista and fashion-forward guy on the course, so take your time and pick out the outfits that best express your personality.
Don’t: Use the golf course as a stage for fashion statements. Stepping outside the box is one thing; using the golf course as a testing site for over-the-top looks or political statements is just tacky. Know where to draw the line between personal style and gawdiness and keep yourself within acceptable limits.
