Friday, June 15, 2012

Choosing Your Tattoo Parlor

Once you have made the decision to get a tattoo you’ll need to find a qualified tattoo parlor. This is a very important decision, as it can easily make or break your tattoo. Before you decide on a tattoo artist or tattoo parlor, you must first see if they are qualified. There are hundreds of thousands of tattoo parlors out there, some better than others. If you go to a less than perfect tattoo parlor, you could very well end up with an infection that can cause you more trouble than you ever thought possible. Finding out how long a parlor has been in business is very important – as this will tell you how much business the parlor receives.

When you look for the best parlor you should always watch for those who have the best history with keeping their equipment clean. Clean equipment and a clean studio is without a doubt the most important consideration when dealing with tattoos. If the artist isn’t licensed or not a professional there will be little to no guarantee that the equipment is clean. Health is a big concern with tattoos for most people, and for good reason. If you are looking to get a tattoo you should always make sure that the artists are licensed, the parlor is clean – and the equipment is sanitized and cleaned after each and every tattoo.

The best tattoo parlors will welcome you in with open arms, anticipating your business. When you meet the tattoo artist, he should be friendly and not intimidate you at all, nor should he at any time attempt to push a design on you. Under no circumstances should the artist try and talk you into getting a more expensive tattoo design if all you want is something small and simple.

Pushy sales and unfriendly salesmen are common pitfalls with most businesses. Tattoo parlors should always be friendly and open to what you want. Although the more experienced tattoo artists will offer their opinions, they shouldn’t try to push you around. If a tattoo artists thinks there will be a problem with your design or if he thinks he can do anything to improve it, he will more than likely let you know. If he is able to save you some money, the higher quality tattoo artists won’t think twice about doing so.

Before you decide on a tattoo parlor to do your tattoo, you should always compare what’s available to you and weigh out your options. The higher quality tattoo parlors will cost quite a bit of money, more than the other parlors. This is to be expected, as the higher quality studios cost more to pay their artists and keep their parlor nice and clean. These parlors are among the best in the world, with sparkling floors and a clean interior. The tattoo artists here ensure that their rooms are clean, with most wiping down their equipment and materials every chance they get.

The ideal way to find tattoo parlors in your area or close by is to use the Internet and search or just open a local phone book. If you look for the keyword tattoos, you’ll find several that are relatively close to you. Once you have found some addresses, simply drive out there and take a look around. If you like what you see, you can always come back. You shouldn’t rush your decision – but instead look at what each tattoo parlor has to offer you.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Do-It-Yourself Party Favors

Holding parties for different occasions can be difficult financially. The cost of hosting events and parties are skyrocketing, take weddings for an example. The wedding industry is earning millions of dollars every year from flowers, cakes, catering, and party favors. Yearly occasions like holidays or birthday parties are also affected with continuous rise of prices.

One great way of saving on party expenses are looking for alternatives. So instead of buying ready-made party favors, you could start making your own. Not only are they more inexpensive, you could also give your gifts a personal touch. Party favors are given as a way of saying thank you to people who have celebrated with you and nothing would be better than to give thanks to them in a very personal way.

Party gifts do not have to cost too much. With a little bit of creativeness and enthusiasm, you would surely be able to make something for the party.

In wedding celebrations, you could always have the groom and the bride make or design party give-aways. This would be a great outlet for your creativity and at the same impress your wedding guests with your style and creativity. There are simple party favors that would not require too much of your time. For example, you could give away dream or aromatherapy pillows or mini-glass candy jars. You could put them in stylish boxes with ribbons and labels.

Candies are great party give-aways. With candies, you could buy them in wholesale, which will help you save on costs. You could put them in treat bags. You could personalize these treat bags by using stickers and rubberstamps related to the theme of the party. You could tie them with colourful ribbons. Aside from party hats, you could look for different templates on the internet that can be worn during the party. This is a wonderful idea for children’s party and would even work for some adult parties who would like to have walk back in memory lane.

Another great idea is making photo calendars. Everything is digital nowadays, it is rare to find actual pictures being printed. After the party, you could look for interesting pictures and great shots from everyone in the event. You could ask help from other guests who also brought their camera and took some pictures.

Actually, photo calendars are not that difficult to make. There are software and programs being offered online where you could choose the calendar template that you want. You could just insert the pictures and print them. You could also visit the local printer and have it printed there. You could easily finish it within a week and send it out to your guests. A personal note thanking them for coming to your party would surely make it touching.

Candles and candleholders are also great party favors. You could easily use them in a room to lighten up its atmosphere. You could give away unique and personal made candles, you could put them in wine, champagne or even martini glasses. There are candle making kits which would provide what you need, including wax color and scent. Pick out the best design that will match your party’s theme.

Party favors do not have to be expensive or brought from an exclusive craft store. Party favors are gifts that hosts give to their guests as a sign of saying thank-you. Whether they were bought or handmade, it is the joy of sharing with other people your happiness is what is important.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Common Mistakes People Make When Getting Back Together With Their Ex

Breaking up and getting back together is a pretty common event with most couples that I know, but no matter how many times people try to get back together with their ex’s, most of them still continue to commit the same mistakes over and over again. Committing these mistakes is usually the reason as to why some couples do not end up getting back together and ultimately severe themselves from one another.

You can actually reduce the risks of ruining your chances of getting back together with your ex by avoiding the common mistakes that most people make. Here are a couple of things that you should try to avoid.

Don’t Beg Your Ex

Begging your ex to get back together with you will only make stern his decision to not get back together with you and finally get over your break up and move on as this will make you appear very needy. Nobody wants to be in a relationship with a very needy person, as this can lead to a lot of problems later on. You will lose face when you beg someone to get back together with you. You not only lose your ex, but you also lose some respect that people have for you by begging, so don’t.

Don’t Let Your Pride Take Over

Getting back together with your ex can prove difficult of neither of you is willing to give in and swallow your pride. In order for things to work between you and your ex, one of you needs to take the higher road, and if need be, avoid letting your ego get the best of you. No one can deal with a person who refuses to compromise, and insists on doing things and going about things his own way. Once one of you eats some humble pie, the other person usually follows.

Jealousy Equals More Drama

One of the more common, but flawed, Hollywood remedy for a break up is to make the other person (your ex) jealous by making your ex see that you are happy with another person. Contrary to popular belief, doing this will not make your ex realize that you both should get back together, instead, this will only make your ex feel animosity towards you, or towards what you are doing. This act is intentional, and chances are, your ex will figure out that you are doing this on purpose to make him jealous. Once this happens, you can kiss your chances of getting back together good bye.

Avoid Confrontation

Fighting with your ex is not the best way to get him (or her) to get back together with you. A break up can be painful to both parties, just make sure that when you both decide to talk about trying to work things out and get back together, avoid becoming confrontational, especially if you are bent on getting an apology from your ex for the possible mistakes that he might have done leading to the break up. Keep in mind that you are there to get back together, not play the blaming game. Learn to talk about your problems in a non-hostile way to avoid any miscommunication and misunderstanding.

These are just some of the common mistakes that you can avoid in order to ensure that you don’t decrease your chances of getting back together with your ex.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Delicious Party Favors

Seldom do people realize that food can be a special party favors they can give out during occasions. When talking about "handmade" items, foods are probably among the top choices this is because there is no way to prepare them but to use one's hands. Come special seasons such as parties, this is the top handmade gift choice to many people since these are potential staple items on the table.

Although it is still months before a party that you are about to prepare, it’s never too early to think of the food items you can give out as party favors. As early as now, you can look for special sweets, tarts, candies, breads and bottled treasures in specialty stores or you can start learning how to make special homemade cookies that you can give to your spouse, friends, relatives, teachers, clients, associates or officemates when they attend your party.

Possible food ideas or items that you can give out as party favors include boxes of chocolates in various shapes, a selection of fruits, different arrangements of fruit baskets, traditional hampers that contain specialty foods and sweets such as breads and tarts in different shapes and sizes, and bottles of wine like sauvignon blanc dry white wine.

Delectable treats

If you want the party favors that you are about to give, choose more personalized or intimate that you can customize. Variations for food party favors include variations such as Wine and Gourmet food basket that contain gourmet pepper and poppy crackers, pacific smoked salmon with gourmet cheese spread with wine or a Sesame Crackers food gift which include a selection of garlic and cheese mix and chocolate drizzled almond biscotti and dark chocolate mint sticks with gourmet holiday coffee or bottle of chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.

But, among the so-many possible food items ideal as party favors, cookies—in different shapes, flavors, and sizes—are always on top of the list. Here are some of the cookie basics you need to know before giving out as a party favor:

- Choose your recipients' favorite cookies. Knowing your recipients' favorite cookies will make it easier for you to buy or prepare your party favor. If not, opt for standard cookies favorites such as fresh ginger cookies, fruitcake cookies, holly cookies, and chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies.

- Make the presentation attractive. Be creative in packing your cookies by embossing it with ceramic, metal, or plastic stamps or molds or by adding special add-ons to the finished product such as colored sugar, finely chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles. Make that you decorate the outside of your cookie container with distinctive labels, unique cards, and colorful stickers or wrapping paper.

- Maximize your effort. In making this handmade items as a party favor, try to give all you've got. If you are baking the cookies all by yourself, make sure that you prepare to bake a large selection of cookies by freezing several rounds of this dough in advance to achieve best output and best taste.
Clear Solutions Jumbo Cookbook Holder.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Colors And Your Diamond Jewelry

Unlike other gem stones, a diamond’s quality is judged mostly by the absence of color in them. The worth of diamond jewelry is judged solely by the purity of its brilliance.

Like any other natural stone, however, diamonds come in several shades of colors that are beautiful in themselves.

So far, there is a good range of colors in diamonds, aside from the in-demand blue and pink. Commercially available now are yellow, orange, green, champagne, grey, black, white, red, purple, chameleon and violet diamonds.

Absence of color and perfection

Among jewelers, the finest diamond stones are those that are totally colorless. They are graded D, meaning they are absolutely free of any color.

Theoretically, a chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is also perfectly transparent with no color whatsoever. However, a good number of all the diamonds used as gems are imperfect.

A tinge of color

The next group are stones with very slight traces of color which can be seen by a diamond expert. When assembled into a finished jewelry, the color shades of these stones usually cannot be discerned anymore. Still, they are graded as E or F color diamonds.

Down the line, those stones which show very little traces of color are categorized as G or H color diamonds, or perhaps I or J color, depending on the strength of the color seen.

Grading and color

Those stones that are graded between D and F are considered “colorless”. Those that belong in the G to J group are called “near-colorless”. Those within the K to M grading are “slightly colored” and the N to Y stones usually looked like light yellow or brown.

One peculiar twist to the rule – those diamond stones graded Z are also rare and those bright yellow diamonds are priced higher than the ordinary.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) had developed the present color rating system for white diamonds (“D” down to “Z”, according to the intensity of the coloration). This has been universally recognized and adapted, overriding the previous older systems.

Fancy

The industry considers diamonds with intense colorations as “fancy”. An intense yellow coloration is regarded as one of the fancy colors and belongs to a different color grading system.

Gemologists have another rating system for fancy colored diamonds that is different from that used in white diamonds. However, this is not commonly used because these stones are relatively rare.

The color seen in the stones either detract or enhance its value, depending on the color itself and the intensity of the coloration. Examples would include the grade Z bright yellow, or an intense pink or blue in the stones, each one of which commands a better price.

Impurities

There are reasons for these colors in the stones. They could be structural defects in the crystal lattice of the stone or it could be a result of some chemical impurities.

Nitrogen is the most common impurity. It sometimes replaces a small proportion of carbon atoms in the diamond causing a yellowish or brownish tone.

Many impurities and structural flaws produce different colorations in the diamonds. Impurities are almost always present in white diamonds. It is not detectable in the rarest stones.

As always, choosing your diamond jewelry always go back to your own prerogatives on the pros and cons of owning either colored or white diamonds.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Temporary Tattoos

This day and age, more and more people are deciding to get permanent tattoos, leaving their mark of choice on their skin. If the tattoo is applied by an experienced artist, the risk involved will be minimal. As sad as it is however, many people who get tattoos end up going to studios that use unsanitary equipment - resulting in infections or other serious problems.

Years ago, temporary tattoos were found in quarter machines, bubble gum wrappers, and even toy sections of the local store. Children loved to get these temporary tattoos, as they presented a way for children to have a tattoo - one that was completely safe and would wash off. Now days, even adults are beginning to think that this is the right idea. The temporary tattoos of today are no longer just for children, as most last a long time - making them perfect for adults.

The best thing about temporary tattoos, is the fact that they are indeed temporary. With temporary tattoos, you don’t have to worry about infections or unsanitary equipment, as there is no piercing of the skin involved. Temporary tattoos are safe, and remove easily with soap and water. This is very cost friendly as well - as permanent tattoos require surgery to remove.

If you have been thinking about getting a permanent tattoo, you should first give a temporary tattoo a try. Tattoos that are temporary provide an excellent way to test out designs, and see if a tattoo is right for you. If you don’t like it, all you have to do is wash it off. Then, you can purchase another one and see if you like it better. There are literally thousands of temporary tattoos out there, with designs that are sure to please everyone.

If you decide to get a permanent tattoo instead, you are pretty much stuck with it. To get rid of a permanent tattoo, you’ll need to have it surgically removed, which can cost you thousands of dollars. You’ll also face the risk of infection, along with a permanent scar. Permanent tattoos are great though - providing you are happy with the tattoo.

In most cases, temporary tattoos look just like a permanent tattoo. To use them, simply lick the tattoo or use water and apply to your skin. When you have it where you want it, simply apply pressure for a few seconds. They are easy to apply, and last until you wash them off. If you decide to get a longer lasting temporary tattoo, it will last for a longer period of time. This way, you can decide if a permanent tattoo is going to be worth the investment.

You can find temporary tattoos in local stores or on the Internet. They are very affordable as well, even cheaper if you buy them in bulk. Tattoo artists also sell them, and normally have a large selection on hand. This way, you can look through the available selections and find the tattoo that best fits your style.

All in all, temporary tattoos are easier to apply than permanent tattoos and they pose no risk to your skin or your health. Those that are afraid of needles tend to like them as well, as they give you the chance to have a tattoo without going under the needle. Before you rush out and get a tattoo, you should instead give permanent tattoos a try. They won’t cost you a lot of money - yet they will give you the chance to see how you look with a tattoo - and decide if a permanent tattoo is really something you want.

Monday, May 7, 2012

The power of body jewelry display

Body jewelries continue to become more popular as years go by. In fact, more and more people are coming up with different means in wearing jewelries, accessories and other adornments.

Indeed, whatever body jewelry you wear body and wherever you put it on your body will definitely make a strong statement. This is the reason why more and more body jewelry shops and stores are putting their products in display to encourage people to wear body jewelries in so many different fashions.

Today, there are so many body jewelry stores that offer body jewelry on display that are perfect for every segment of the market and for all body jewelry enthusiasts. In fact, these stores usually put their body jewelries on display to cater to both male and female markets all over the world. They do this by displaying the body jewelries in their own store or by displaying the body jewelry pieces online through their website.

Whether you are looking for jewelries and accessories such as necklaces, pendants, plugs, belts, buckles, nose rings, lip rings, belly button rings, tongue rings, ear rings, toe rings, navel rings, and many more, you will find the best options if you check various body jewelries on display whether in their store or in their online store or website.

DISPLAYING BODY JEWELRY FOR BODY PIERCING

Some of the most popular body jewelries that can be seen on display in most jewelry shops and stores are body piercing jewelries. These are the jewelries are used for body piercing that include the eyebrow, nose, tongue, belly button, ear, navel, toe, nipple and other parts of the body.

If you are planning to undergo body piercing to use the body jewelries you see on display, then you should first think of the major considerations before you finally let the artist "punch" holes into your body parts.

The first consideration in body piercing is the pain. Many people are interested to have body piercings to display unique body jewelries but they become hesitant when the realization of pain rushes in. If you are really interested in body piercing and you would want to use the body jewelries you see on display, then you should not worry too much about the pain.

In fact, most people who have undergone body piercing will agree that the actual piercing will not bring you tortuous pain but the process of healing might if you don’t give proper care and medication to your piercing.

Aside from the pain, the second consideration if you take on body piercing is the length of time for it to heal. The healing process would greatly depend on the body type of the person and the area where the piercing took place. On the average, the oral and facial piercings tend to heal faster compared to other parts of the body because they will heal in a span of two to three months compared to other that may take six months to almost one year before it heals.

Next consideration would be the things you can and can't do during the healing period. Piercing is a wound. And just like any other wound, piercing can get worse if not given proper attention and cleaning. Make sure that you properly take care of your piercing by regularly cleaning. And also make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly before and after treating each wound.