Dress Rich on Limited Budget

Learn How to Look Wealthy on the Most Limited Budget - Prioritize your Wardrobe Choices and Shop for the Best Value

If you want to dress as if you’re a millionaire, it just got easier. Anybody from any economic background can look as if they have it all, by following the rich way of dressing. Learn how you can look the part on the most limited budget, how to prioritize your wardrobe choices and where to shop to make the most of your dollar.

Be Groomed
More important than your clothing is how well you are groomed. The rich tend always look great. Their teeth are always white and their hair is always shining, and they tend to be in great shape. So I strongly urge you to take care of yourself, your body, your hair, your skin, nails and teeth and you are well on your way to looking the part.

Dressing Rich Doesn’t Mean Uptight
Just because you’re dressing rich doesn’t mean you have to be stuck up! Some of the wealthiest people on the planet are just out to have a good time and look great. Choose jewelry that spark interest and conversations. Choose beautiful fabrics when buying clothes that work well with your body type. Don’t forget shoes and bag. And, most importantly find the most amazing clothing bargains in the world on sale. For those of you who may not know, you can find a wealth of designer duds for half the price if you know where to look. Scour stores that sell high-end designer goods and get to know when they have their sales (F.Y.I. – many sales are in January and June), but check your local boutiques, department stores and outlets to see when you can score the designer goods on sale.

Buy Classy, Not Trendy
You can never go wrong buying the classic brands in styles that will never go out of style. A classic trench, or a strand of pearls or a basic black bag will always be chic and you will get the most cost-per-wear out of a classic piece. If you weren’t sure, Cost-per-wear, a.k.a. CPW, is a fashion term that women often use to make clothing and accessory purchases legitimate to their spouses. However, it does make lots of sense. If you think about it, you would get a lot more use out of that handbag or trench coat you’ve been eyeing, than buying in bulk lots of cheap-yet-trendy tops from Forever 21 that might not even match your body shape or indeed your complexion. And, this is how to prioritize your wardrobe and accessories choices.

Save a Budget for Clothes and Accessories
Now that you know how to dress chic and rich and what to buy, you must learn how to save. Everybody has a budget, even the most affluent people. But, if you learn how to weed out certain things in your budget that you may not need, you’ll have more money to dress how you please.
Take a good look at where your money is going. Do you have daily jaunts to Starbucks, for that Grande Mocha Frappuccino? How about excessive ordering in from your favorite Italian restaurant? Or excessive use of your cell phone… If you limit your Starbuck’s intake, restaurant outings, cell phone use or whatever else you’re spending your money on, you would be surprised at how much disposable income you can spend on better clothes.
Now that you are inside the world of the affluent, dressing like one will be a breeze. You know what to buy, how to save and most importantly, having that upbeat personality that will set you apart and make you stand out. Now that’s dressing richly.

How to Find the Freshest Fish

How to Find the Freshest Fish

Fish should be a staple of healthy diet for many reasons. For one thing, many types of fish are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and most contain essential vitamins and other nutrients that can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, depression, and some cancers. Fish can also be cooked quickly and easily, and it takes well to a variety of flavors and ingredients. But how can you tell if the fish is freshly caught? Follow these tips to help you find the freshest fish.

1. Look for bright clear eyes. If you’re buying whole fish to save money (and having your fish purveyor then fillet it for you), this tip is important. Although dull-eyed fish may be safe to eat, they are past their prime and peak freshness. Fish eyes should be bulging and clear. If the eyes are sunken or discolored, then the fish may not be fresh.

2. Take a whiff. Some people are turned off by the idea of eating fish because of its strong taste and smell. When you first enter a fish market and you detect a strong smell, chances are some of the fish are old or not properly refrigerated. A reputable fish market should not smell strongly of fish. Fish that have lighter or milder flavors and smells are halibut, tilapia, mahi mahi, sea bass, and grouper. Ask the fish monger to point out the freshest fish and those that have been previously frozen. They can also tell you which fish has been farmed or caught wild.

3. Observe the color. Fish should look firm, bright, and clear. For instance, fresh tuna will have a dark red color, and farm-raised salmon will be bright pink. Wild salmon is generally redder than the farm-raised variety; white fish should have a clear appearance. As a general rule, avoid all selections of fish that have discoloration or show signs of aging. The gills should be deep red and the skin vibrant and unbroken.

4. Check the placard. Most grocery store fish departments will use placards to label the fish as either fresh or frozen. Note that there’s nothing wrong with a frozen piece of fish — in fact some frozen fish are fresher because they’re frozen at sea. The most common frozen-at-sea fish are swordfish and cod. Local fish tend to be fresher than those that have been shipped.

Cellulite Remedies

What is Cellulite, Causes and Remedies

Cellulite is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and butt. Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy.

You can check to see if you have cellulite by pinching the skin around your upper thigh. If it looks a bit lumpy, you probably have it. And if you do have cellulite, you're definitely not alone: Most girls and women — and some men — have cellulite.

Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness and color of your skin are all associated with the amount of cellulite you have or how visible it is.

Whatever the cause of cellulite, nobody wants to have large quantities of cellulite spread throughout their body. Right? So, learn how to remove cellulite since it doesn't look nice and it doesn't really paint the picture of a "healthy person". There are a number of different cellulite treatments and remedies that can work wonders. There is laser treatment and, of course, there are surgical procedures, such as cellulite reduction through liposuction (surgical removal of fat) or mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) – but I recommend taking a more natural approach, like cellulite removal through dieting and exercise and the use of creams.

Easy Cellulite Remedies

Cellulite Diets

Some experts believe that cellulite removal starts with a good diet. After all, our diets have a large impact on our entire physical being. Unfortunately though, not all of us eat as healthy as we would like, which typically leads to the accumulation of cellulite in the body.

As with any diet, you will have to exhibit some sense of control. A treat here and there won't damage your efforts, but losing control and pigging out on junk food will. Remember to eat healthy, balanced meals at least 3 times day. Skipping these important meals, contrary to you may think, does not help with cellulite reduction. Truth be told, it slows your metabolism down and makes you more susceptible to cellulite accumulation. Add more fruits & vegetables to your meals and even in between your daily meals. Once you eliminate fatty and sugar laden foods, you will be able to get rid of cellulite more easily.

Cellulite Treatment Creams

One of the most popular celllite reduction treatments is creams. Do cellulite creams work? In short, yes. However, that does not apply to every anti cellulite cream on the market. In fact, there are many imitation treatment creams that do absolutely nothing for the user. Having said that, it is important to do some background research before deciding on the best cellulite cream to buy.

The cost of the treatment is something you should keep in mind as well. Sometimes the biggest brand name cellulite removal products are outperformed by some of the lesser known brand names -- which just goes to show you that the name of the cream means nothing, it's the efficacy that matters.

Exercise For Cellulite Reduction

Getting rid of cellulite though exercising is a lot like getting a flu shot. No one wants to do it, but everyone knows that doing it will help.

Exercising helps not only with cellulite reduction, but also with improving a person's overall health. Obviously it's harder to do than applying creams, but the results are definitely more noticeable & more long term. The best type of cellulite exercise is cardiovascular and/or aerobic exercising. Actually, anything that gets the heart pumping and the body moving is good for you; jogging, walking, treadmill exercises, and other various aerobic exercises. For best results combine cardiovascular exercise with some strength training.

Just as with cellulite diets, exercise requires a routine and strong motivation. You can't simply exercise "when you have the time"-- you won't get any results thinking like that. You should set-up a routine that doesn't interfere with your other daily activities and then stick to it. And remember to constantly remind yourself why you exercise for cellulite reduction -- to look better, feel sexy, and to be healthier.

A Final Word

Now that you know how to remove cellulite, there is really no excuse for you to walk around with it -- and if you are terribly lazy and just can’t eat right or you don’t have time for the gym, put your skirts away in storage and wear trousers. However, if you insist on wearing skirts then you might want to conceal your cellulite, try using a self-tanning product. Cellulite tends to be a bit less noticeable on darker skin.

A Food Recipe for Perfect Skin

A Food Recipe for Perfect Skin

There are many ways to protect your skin. You can apply a moisturizer with SPF; a sunscreen beneath your makeup; an anti-aging serum or antioxidant cream; or wear a hat to cover your face while exposed to the sun … the list goes on and on. But what if the universal joy of eating was your springboard to good skin? What if breakfast, lunch and dinner were like your cleanser, toner and moisturizer?

There is now a new concept called “beauty from within”. This is an anti-aging slogan tied to ingestible products that tout youth in a bottle (or box). But in its most basic form, beauty from within (i.e., NUTRIcosmetics) is available in the produce aisle in your local supermarket. Stylelist.com reported on five-a-day fruits and vegetables that can deliver smooth skin, antioxidants, and boost collagen and elastin.

Carrots offer protective effects, avocados can moisturize, tomatoes serve as an antioxidant, asparagus breakdown waste products, artichoke hydrate and purify, beetroot helps the skin detox, and mushrooms are anti-irritants. What’s more is this is just a glimpse of their benefits. These fruits and vegetables are multi-purposeful, working for the body inside and out, and their health benefits are endless. Personal care companies are already capitalizing on this colorful spread of fruits and vegetables that are chock full of free-radical fighting carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene by incorporating them into face washes, moisturizers and more.

The Best Ways to Thaw Food

The Best Ways to Thaw Food

More than ever before, in these hard economic times please take advantage of sales and maximize your freezer by buying food in bulk. Not only can this save you time, but it can also save you money — especially when buying meat. Just follow these tips for thawing frozen food, since leaving it out to defrost all day is dangerous.

The key to defrosting foods is to keep them at a safe temperature during the thawing process. As soon as food begins to defrost and become warmer than 40°F, bacteria can start to grow and spread. That’s why food should never be thawed and kept on the kitchen counter or placed in warm water.

Here are some guidelines to consider the next time you’re thawing frozen food to help prevent food-borne illnesses:

Refrigerator Thawing

The safest way to defrost food is to keep it in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Frozen foods usually require 24 hours of thawing in the fridge for each five pounds of weight. But even smaller amounts of frozen food — such as a pound of ground beef or chicken breasts — usually take a whole day (eight to nine hours) to defrost. Normally if you thaw food for an entire day in the refrigerator, it will stay good for another day or two before cooking (fish is an exception, enjoy it as soon as possible). Red meat, however, can last up to five days after thawing.Best for: leftovers, meat, poultry, fish

Cold-Water Thawing

Cold-water thawing is faster than using the refrigerator, but it requires more attention. To thaw with cold water, place the food in a leak-proof plastic bag. It’s important to make sure the bag doesn’t have a hole because there’s a chance that bacteria from the air or its surroundings can get into the food. Submerge the entire bag of food in the cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Small packages of meat or poultry (one pound) usually take an hour or less to defrost; larger packages can take up to two to three hours (or sometimes longer, depending on the size). Once the food is completely thawed, it must be cooked immediately.Best for: whole chickens and turkeys; chicken and turkey breasts

Microwave Thawing

Most microwaves now have a pre-set button for thawing frozen foods. Keep in mind that when you thaw in the microwave, some areas of the food may become warm and start to cook as it defrosts. Keeping defrosted food sitting in the microwave is not recommended because bacteria can grow when a certain temperature is reached. As with cold-water thawing, food that is thawed in the microwave should be cooked immediately after defrosting.Best for: fish, poultry, meat, vegetables, leftovers

How Men Should Dress to Look Slimmer

How Men Should Dress to Look Slimmer

It really doesn’t take much to look slimmer. By making careful choices with types of clothes you wear (fabric, cut, color and pattern), you can look slimmer as though you have lost 5 to 10 lbs. How is that for instant weight loss?

Tips for Dressing Thinner:

Fit

Make sure your wear clothes that fit and you buy the size you are, rather than the size your aiming for. Tight clothing will make you look ridiculous and show every bulge in more graphic detail. On the other hand, many men believe baggy clothing will hide their bulges. In fact, if your clothes are too baggy they will simply make you look much bigger. The secret to looking slimmer is to choose clothes that are neither too tight nor too baggy.

Patterns

Horizontal stripes are a BIG NO, especially if you are a plus size man, but vertical stripes are a yes. This is because the vertical stripes draw one’s eyes downward, making your silhouette longer and making you look slimmer. Pinstripes always work well for suits and trousers.

Suits

Get tailored suits to help your frame. No matter what you’re tempted to buy, loose shapes won’t help you look any slimmer. Instead, find fine fabrics with the help of your tailor, and wear lined jackets and properly tailored trousers that skim over your problem parts, such as your legs or stomach area. Single breasted jackets always look slimmer than double breasted that focus the eyes at the centre. Stay away from blazers and jackets that are double-vented as this cut will draw attention to your bottom. Stick to single-vented jackets or jackets without any vents and keep in mind your jacket should always cover your bottom.

Trousers

Wear flat-front trousers instead of those that are tricked out with extra pockets, front pleats, and any extra tightness. If you get any extra puffiness in the front of the trousers, that won’t do anything for your stomach area.

Monochromatic

A shirt and trousers in two contrasting colors will draw attention right at the centre where they join, which is where your stomach is! Avoid this and go for more even and similar colors that don't highlight your middle. For example, black trousers paired with yellow top would constitute a definite no, but dark blue sweater worn with a black pair of trousers would be a great choice to look slimmer and visually lengthen your frame. In plus size men's clothing you NEVER want to draw attention to your middle.

Black

Black is the ultimate color for slimming. If you decide to dress in black make sure you add a splash of color to break up your look. However, Black isn’t everyone’s favorite color, but you’ll be amazed at what it does for your shape. If black is too severe and you don’t want to look like you’re on your way to a funeral, try dark colors like deep navy and charcoal.

Always Use a Belt

A belt will hold your waistline and make it appear slimmer and make sure your trousers hang correctly. Conversely don't tighten your belt to hard so you can't breathe! Your belly will them overhang.

MAJOR THINGS TO AVOID

Have you got bigger lately? If your suits don’t fit well, please do not force them on. Whenever items don’t fit they should be given a good clean and put back into storage to avoid temptation of wearing them and looking out of shape.

Don’t wear blocks of color that draw attention to areas you’re not into. If you have a large stomach and you’d rather not have anyone looking right at your middle, stay away from bright dress shirts like hot pink, purple, and yellow. Instead, choose softer colors that coordinate with your suit instead of a stark complement.

Try not to have any dramatic color changes at your waist, such as a light shirt paired with a pair of dark pants.

Don’t use a satchel with a strap that runs across your chest. You’ll add definition to any extra weight there, and that includes the “man boobs.” On the other hand, you’ll need to find a suitable bag and not stuff your pockets, since that will only add an extra 5 pounds around the middle!

Consider custom shirts if your weight stays pretty even. Otherwise, hunt for quality shirts with free alterations until you reach a size worth investing in.

Don't wear high neck sweaters at any cost, such as high roll or turtle necks as they will simply make your neck look fatter and give the illusion of a shorter person. V-neck and round necks T-shirts and sweaters are all good. These draw the eyes down giving the impression of a sleeker silhouette. It will give you the illusion of having a longer neck, which if you have double chin or large neck, will make you look slimmer.

Don't follow fashion blindly as it may not suit you. Instead ,develop your own personal style that makes you look good.

Sweet & Tangy Vermicelli

Sweet & Tangy Vermicelli

Ingredients
1 cup vermicelli
1 tsp olive oil
6 tbs water
3 cardamom pods
Pinch of cinnamon
2 tbs plain fat free yogurt
4 packets of Equal (NutraSweet) adjust to taste or use sugar/honey if you prefer

2 tsp Sliced almonds

2 tsp raisins

Instructions

In a small non stick pan, cook vermicelli in oil with cardamom pods until golden brown

Add water and cinnamon to the pan and cook for another two minutes on low heat

Turn off the heat and add yogurt and sweetener and mix thoroughly

Garnish with sliced almonds and raisins

The recipe should yield two servings, a perfect dessert to conclude a nice meal. Serve chilled or warm if you prefer.

Red Cabbage

Red Cabbage

Ingredients

1 small red cabbage finely shredded
1 medium size yellow onion thinly sliced
½ tsp of yellow mustard seeds
1 tsp of crushed garlic
1 tsp of finely chopped ginger
½ tsp red chilly flakes
1 tbs olive oil
1 red bell pepper diced
1 jalapeno deseeded and finely sliced
1 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tbs lime juice
2 tbs sweet and sour sauce
2 tbs fresh cilantro
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Saute onion, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds and red chilly flakes in oil in a large pan
Add shredded cabbage to the pan together with red bell peppers, jalapeno, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and sweet and sour sauce
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes
Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro

TIPS ON HEALTHY BAKING

TIPS ON HEALTHY BAKING

Dessert doesn't have to be a guilty pleasure. With a few easy substitutions, you can enjoy formerly forbidden foods like cookies, cakes and pies without worrying about your health -- or your waistline.

Tip: Start small when you're giving your recipes a healthy makeover. Only try one substitution at a time so if you don't like the end result, you'll know the culprit.

Butter
It's a key ingredient in many baked goods; unfortunately, it's also high in saturated fat and calories. For cookies, cakes and muffins, fruit purees can lighten up a recipe. Cut the butter in half and use applesauce or pureed prunes to make up the difference. Or take out the butter entirely and use canola oil instead.

Eggs
Eggs are a great binder and leavener, but they're also high in cholesterol. For each replaced egg, grind a tablespoon of flax seed and dissolve it in 3 tablespoons of water. When it breaks down, it will have the same gooey consistency as an egg, and possess the same binding power. It's also a shot of nutritional goodness, as flax seed is a good source of essential fatty acids. As a replacement leavener, substitute two egg whites for each whole egg.

Dairy
Soy, rice and nut milks are great substitutes for dairy. They can have added sugar, though, so either use an unsweetened version or adjust the amount of sweetener in your recipe. Use the same quantity of non-dairy milk that the recipe calls for. To replace buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice to non-dairy milk and let it sit for about 15 minutes before using.

Sugar
I personally prefer to use Splenda instead of sugar for baking as it is totally non-carloic. If you don't want to use an artificial sweetener, then honey and maple syrup are two healthier alternatives to refined sugar and they make baked goods moister. Use 3/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for every cup of sugar called for in the recipe. If the flavor of honey or maple syrup is too strong, agave nectar, available in health food stores, is neutral in taste and low on the glycemic index. Use the same quantity you would honey or maple syrup.

White Flour
To give your baked goods a healthy kick, substitute half of the flour with whole grain flour, or swap all of it for lighter whole grain pastry flour. If gluten is the issue, substitute the amount called for in the recipe with soy, rice or nut flours, or oatmeal finely ground into a powder.

Shortening
Few things produce a light, flaky dough quite like shortening. Butter is a close second, but not much better from a health perspective. Coconut oil is a better option because while it's high in saturated fat, it also contains vitamins and minerals that the other two don't. Because it has the same consistency -- solid at room temperature, and easily melted -- the same amount can be used. Skip the variety labeled "virgin," as it has a strong coconut flavor.

Vegetable Oil
Applesauce is by far the best baking substitute for vegetable oil as it cuts the fat and keeps dough moist. Choose the unsweetened kind, or adjust the amount of sweetener. As a general rule of thumb, add half the amount called for in the recipe.

Nuts
Nuts are pretty healthy, but they're not great for weight loss. Instead try sunflower seeds. They can provide a satisfying crunch and a great low calorie alternative to nuts. Use half of the amount of seeds as you would nuts. Or, cut the quantity of nuts in half and toast them before adding to intensify their flavor.

Zucchini With Green Pepper

Zucchini With Green Pepper

Ingredients

4 medium sized zucchinis sliced into quarter inch circles
1 medium sized red onion finely sliced
¼ tsp cumin seeds
1 tbs olive oil
1 green bell pepper roughly chopped into half inch pieces
2 plum tomatoes roughly chopped
1 jalapeno deseeded and finely sliced
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cayenne
2 tbs lemon juice
2 tbs fresh cilantro leaves
Salt to taste

Instructions

Saute onion with cumin seeds in oil in a non-stick pan
Add zucchini to the pan and combine all other ingredients barring cilantro
Cook on low heat until zucchini and peppers are tender
Garnish with cilantro and season with salt to taste

This is a great side dish, which you should serve hot with either fish or chicken.

Spicy and Tangy Chick Peas

Spicy and Tangy Chick Peas

Ingredients

15 oz can chick peas
½ medium sized red onion finely sliced
¼ tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp olive oil
1 jalapeno deseeded and finely sliced
2 tbs tamarind chutney (store bought) or substitute with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice
1 Roman tomato roughly chopped
1 tsp dried mint
¼ Garam Masala (if not available, use ground black pepper)
Salt to taste

Instructions

Saute onions and cumin seeds in oil in a pan
Drain the can of chick peas and add to the pan
Combine all other ingredients with chick peas in the pan and mix well
Season with salt and garam masala

Enjoy this dish as an appetizer and serve either hot or cold. The recipe should yield two servings.