The Best Pants for Holiday Outfits

There are a few clothing items every woman must own, and black pants are definitely one of them. From the office to dinner parties, dark trousers are your secret weapon to looking polished for any occasion.

 For a Dinner Out

This daring dinner look will have heads turning at the restaurant. A bold orange top makes a statement, but the beaded neckline tastefully draws attention. Add a touch of sparkle with a clutch and pumps and you’ll be one sophisticated lady.

For a Work Event

Your wardrobe should match your stellar work ethic. Impress your superiors and set an example for your co-workers with this classy combo. The long, flowy blouse is balanced out by the structured jacket, and the red kitten heels add a fun and professional pop of color. 

 

For a Family Party

Stay comfy yet cool at your next family gathering with this exciting ensemble. A bright cardigan livens up the black pants while killer accessories seriously up the ante. Even the in-laws will approve this look!

For a Lunch Date

A soft sweater and simple accessories make for a dainty daytime look. This casual outfit will have you sitting pretty and comfortably at your lunch date.

10 Quick Health Tips

Being healthier doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle. Sometimes all it takes is a few simple changes. These quick-and-easy tweaks to your daily health regimen can make a huge difference in the way you feel.

1. Drink water throughout the day

Most of us don’t get the amount of water we should. There are so many health benefits to drinking water. One important fact that many people do not know is, water speeds up your metabolism which helps you burn fat throughout the day. Men should consume 4 litres and women should consume 2 litresof water per day.

2. Steam your Vegetables

Most of the nutrients are lost in the water when you boil vegetables. Steam them whenever you can. If you have a chance to throw them on the BBQ, that is also a better choice.

3. Don’t skip breakfast

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. We are doing exactly what the name says, breaking a fast. Our metabolism comes to a screeching halt without having food in our bodies for 6-8 hours, depending on how long you sleep. The first thing you should do when you wake up is get that metabolism burning again. You will also have more energy and feel better about yourself.

4. Make small adjustments to your diet 

Don’t make drastic changes all at once. Ease into a healthier lifestyle. Taking small steps is the best way to go about it. A couple examples would be, change white bread to whole wheat and drink low fat milk instead of milk with higher fat content. If you make little adjustments it will be easier in the long run.

5. Exercise 

We need to exercise and be active to be healthy. There are many health benefits to exercise. A couple worth noting is Heart Disease and Osteoporosis (loss of bone density). You should get at least 30mins of some sort of activity every day.

6. Prepare

 

Preparation is everything. It’s easy to grab the closest thing in the cupboard when you’re hungry. Make sure you have food prepared, cooked and ready so when you want something to eat you aren’t snacking on junk food.

7. Eat small balanced meals through the day

 

I’m sure you’ve heard this one a thousand times. This one is all about metabolism. We can’t lift weights or do cardio all day long, but we can keep our metabolism burning. We do this by eating balanced meals every few hours. Eating well balanced meals will prevent you from snacking on unhealthy foods and keep you burning fat when you aren’t being active.

8. Balanced Meals

 

This one goes right along with the above tip. A balanced meal consists of protein, fat, fibre and complex carbohydrates. These should all be included in some way in every meal.

9. Quick Fixes

Diets and quick fixes don’t work. Living a healthy lifestyle is a choice. Choose to live a better healthier life by exercising and eating right. Don’t expect huge changes over night. You have been living your life a certain way for years. Give your body some time to adapt to the healthier decisions you make.

10. Set Goals

 

Set yourself one large goal, and then break down this goal into smaller reachable goals. This is a process. Take small steps towards each goal on your way to the top of your mountain. Focus on the smaller steps and before you know it you’ll be standing at the top looking down.

Daily Hair Care Routine in Six Easy Steps

Trying to look after your hair and get all that everyday stuff done you need to do, as well as look after your friends and family, can be a difficult balancing act. We all want to have great hair; but unfortunately, shiny, healthy hair doesn't just happen without a little bit of effort.

 

That effort, however, doesn't have to take up all of your time or break the bank. In fact, the only thing you need to do is put in the short amount of time necessary to follow this simple daily hair care routine. It's that easy!

Step 1: Brush Your Hair

It may seem like the obvious thing to do, but maybe what you didn't know is that brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair. This promotes healthy growth and shine.

Step 2: Wash Your Hair

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type and texture. Work out what's best for you by seeing how your hair reacts to washing and hair care products, and develop a schedule from there. For instance:

• Your hair is coarse/dry if it often feels brittle- this means you only need to wash it every second or third day.
• Your hair is fine/oily if it feels greasy the day after you wash it- this means you need to wash it daily.
• Your hair is normal if you wash it one day and it's not too greasy the next- this means you can get away with washing it every other day.

Shampoo Tips

• Remember to shampoo in small, circular movements; don't forget to target dirt collecting areas such as the nape of your neck.
• Massaging your scalp will increase blood flow which encourages growth and will stimulate your hair's natural oils (producing shiny locks).
• Coarse/dry hair will benefit from hydrating shampoos.
• Fine/oily hair should be washed with a clear shampoo (one that doesn't look creamy).
• Normal hair can use just about any type of shampoo- just remember to always use good quality products for the best results.

Conditioner Tips

• Similar to body lotion for your skin, conditioner is moisturizer for your hair and will keep your strands hydrated and manageable.
• For an even application use your hands and a wide-toothed comb.
• If you've got coarse/dry hair try a hydrating conditioner and apply it right from your roots to your ends.
• For fine/oily hair use a lightweight conditioner and avoid putting it on your roots (evenly distribute it from the mid-lengths to the ends).
• For normal hair you can use just about any kind of conditioner, applied from your roots to your ends also.

Step 3: Apply Hair Styling Products

If you have a hairstyle that needs to use hair products- hairspray for hold, wax for hold and shine, or serum for shine and to maintain fly-away pieces- then don't use too much! You might end up weighing your hair down and reducing its volume, or just making it greasy and dirty. Often less is more.

Also, don't forget to protect your hair. If you style your hair with a hair straightener or blow-dryer, it's very important to protect your hair with heat protecting products, and to give your hair a break every few days from the stress of using hair accessories and hairstyling tools.

Step 4: Style Your Hair

Everyone styles their hair, whether they're elaborate updos, professional looking hairdos for work, or casual wash-and-wear looks. Styling is required daily and should be done as gently as possible.

Step 5: Brush Your Hair Again at Night

Brushing your hair again at night will help you to untangle any knots that made their way into your locks during the day.

Step 6: Secure Your Hair at Night

Securing your hair at night with a simple ponytail or plait will make sure your locks don't get snagged or tangled as you sleep.

There you have it, a simple daily routine (and some great hair care tips). It's not hard to follow, it won't have you spending all of your hard earned cash, and most importantly, it will get your hair in the best condition possible.

Now that you know how to look after your hair, why don't you find a style to show off your fabulous locks! Log in to your account to see our huge number of virtual hairstyles.