BULGARIA - The Hype, False Urgency and Exaggerated Returns

 

BULGARIA - The Hype, False Urgency and Exaggerated Returns

Word Count:
516

Summary:
Over the last few years there has been an unprecedented level of interest in property investment in Bulgaria. This has led to numerous real estate agents popping up both in the UK and in Bulgaria. Hype and over inflated capital appreciation figures have been rife.

Keywords:
Bulgaria, property investment, property in Bulgaria, buying property in Bulgaria, Bulgarian property for sale, Bulgarian property investment, Bansko, Sunny Beach, real estate

Article Body:
Did you see the episode of the BBC2 program 'How to pay off your mortgage in 2 years'. In this episode the man of the family travelled to Bansko, Bulgaria looking for an investment property. I am not sure of how much he had to spend but he was taken to view a number of properties by an agent from an 'un-named' agency and charged a whopping 1000 Euros for the privilege of doing so. Now this in itself should have started alarm bells ringing.

Many agencies in Bulgaria, both Bulgarian and British owned charge a viewing fee. Some charge a set fee for a day's viewing while some  charge per mile you need to drive to view properties. Now why should you pay for the privilege of looking at properties you are considering buying. The reasoning behind this practice seems to be that there are so many time wasters just viewing properties when they have no real intention of buying anything. But how true is this? Most foreigners going to Bulgaria have at least some interest in investing in property over there as they have all been bombarded with the same hype over the last couple of years.

So this guy I mentioned above settled on a couple of properties that were of particular interest - a new build apartment and a house in a village about 5-10km away from Bansko.

The guy was told by the agent that these types of houses hardly appear on the market and that the one he was interested in would be sold within a couple of weeks so he needed to find the deposit and put it down to reserve the property straight away.

To clinch the deal the agent told the guy that if he bought the property now he would make a profit of an unbelievable £175,000 in a couple of years. Something along the lines of a 200 - 300% increase in value!

Well the guy fell for it, hook, line and sinker. If he had had the thousands of pounds for the deposit in his pocket, he would have handed it over to the agent straight away.

Luckily he didn't and so he flew back home and after discussing the matter with his family, he had second thoughts and decided not to pursue the house in Bansko. In fact I think he went on to buy a house for renovation in the UK.

However, this is so typical of the tactics used by unscrupulous agents in Bulgaria and other countries to try and get you to part with your hard earned cash.

They will try and make you think properties are in short supply, that they will be snapped up by another buyer almost immediately and talk of totally unrealsitic gains. You can avoid being taken for a ride by doing your research and not rushing into anything.

There are plenty of properties available, yes prices are rising a little but is it not better to end up paying a tiny bit more for taking your time and finding out the facts first than rush into something you may regret later.

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Why You Should Choose A Maui Beachfront Vacation Home

 

Why You Should Choose A Maui Beachfront Vacation Home

Word Count:
634

Summary:
Have you recently decided that a Maui vacation is in your future? How about a vacation that involved relaxing along the beach or taking in everything else that the ocean has to offer? If you would like to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian beaches of Maui, you are advised to think about booking a stay at a Maui beachfront vacation home. In addition to a large number of benefits, there are also a fairly large number of reasons why you should choose to book a stay at a Maui beachfron...

Keywords:
hawaii,maui,vacation,hawaiian,holiday,beach,sand,sun,fun,trip,kauai,condo,home,house

Article Body:
Have you recently decided that a Maui vacation is in your future? How about a vacation that involved relaxing along the beach or taking in everything else that the ocean has to offer? If you would like to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian beaches of Maui, you are advised to think about booking a stay at a Maui beachfront vacation home. In addition to a large number of benefits, there are also a fairly large number of reasons why you should choose to book a stay at a Maui beachfront vacation home.

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you may want to book at stay at Maui beachfront vacation home is because of the beach. When renting a Maui vacation beachfront home, you will often find the Maui coast right at your doorstep. Depending on the area of Maui that you are staying in, as well as the condition of the waters in front of your home, you can easily enjoy everything that goes along with the Maui beaches, including boating, swimming, fishing, surfing, and scuba diving. Everyone will enjoy staying on the beach, but beach and ocean lovers are guaranteed to get the most satisfaction out of doing so.

In addition to the having the beach right at your doorstep, activity wise, you will also enjoy the beauty of it. Whichever side of Maui you are on, there is a good chance that you will enjoy the view that comes along with a Maui beachfront vacation home. Aside from the sunrises and the sunsets, you will also enjoy the views on clear sunny days, as well as rainy wild days. Whether you choose to walk out to the shoreline or stay within the comfort of your Maui beachfront vacation home, you are sure to get a first rate, forever memorable view.

Another one of the many reasons why you may want to book a stay at a Maui beachfront vacation home is because of what Maui vacation homes are. They are homes, homes that are located along the beach. Why a large number of Maui vacationers choose to stay at Maui beachfront vacation homes is because they enjoy having the comfort and feel of home, while on vacation. This is because, in addition to being located along a beach, Maui beachfront vacation homes come with multiple, fully furnished rooms. These rooms often include bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and much more.

If that weren't enough, you may also want to book a stay at a Maui beachfront vacation home because it is relatively easy to do. When making Maui beachfront vacation home reservations, you will find that you have a number of different options. Those options include making your reservations directly with a vacation homeowner, with the assistance of a travel agent, or online with an online travel website. If you are looking to save yourself the most time and maybe even the most money, you may want to think about making your own reservations online, through an online travel website, particularly one that deals with Hawaii. Within a matter of minutes, you should be able to search through a large number of Maui beachfront vacation homes and find the home of your dreams.

Since there are not only a number of benefits to booking a stay at a Maui vacation home, but there are also a number of reasons why it is a good idea to do so, you will find that many Maui vacation homes tend to quickly fill up with reservations. If you have your heart set on staying at a Maui beachfront vacation home, you are advised to book your reservations in advance. Doing so will help to ensure that you get your first choice, which is almost always guaranteed to make your vacation a success.

 

Buying Your First Horse - A Practical Guide

 

Buying Your First Horse - A Practical Guide

Word Count:
1451

Summary:
Spring is here, and the warmer weather is on the way. As the grass starts to grow, the sun appears and nothing seems so attractive as meandering down those country lanes or cantering up the bridle paths on your own horse.

If you have only ever ridden at a riding school before, buying your first horse will be a real experience for you – and one you shouldn't go without doing some careful thinking and planning first. A horse should be your trusted companion for some time – y...

Keywords:
buying a first horse, horse purchase, what to do when buying a horse, questions for horse buying

Article Body:
Spring is here, and the warmer weather is on the way. As the grass starts to grow, the sun appears and nothing seems so attractive as meandering down those country lanes or cantering up the bridle paths on your own horse.

If you have only ever ridden at a riding school before, buying your first horse will be a real experience for you – and one you shouldn't go without doing some careful thinking and planning first. A horse should be your trusted companion for some time – you owe it to him to make sure you pick the right one for you. There is nothing worse for a horse than to be sold on time and time again because he was bought by the wrong person.

The person selling your ideal horse will be keen to make sure you are right for him and may even seem reluctant to part with him – if you ever feel you are being pressured into making a decision it is probably not the right horse to buy!

This article tries to give the first time buyer some tips.

Where should I look for my perfect horse?

Horses are advertised in magazines, both local and national, and in many local outlets such as notice boards in livery yards and tack shops.

Horse and Hound is a very popular source, and has a large number of horses for sale. However you do need to be quick off the mark - if you wait a couple of days you will find the best ones have been sold. Horse and Hound do carry their adverts on their internet site, and there are also many other sites offering horses for sale.

For a first horse or pony word of mouth is always a good option - your local riding school or livery yard may know of ponies or horses in the locality which may suit you and which are going to be sold, however this may not be the quickest option.

Be prepared for it to take some time to find your right partner.

Before you start looking at the adverts and especially before you go to see that first horse, be absolutely clear in your own mind:

- What is an honest assessment of your riding ability?
- What do you want to do with your horse?
- What is your budget?

When you start going out to see horses bear in mind that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince! Finding your ideal partner for the next few years will take time and cannot be rushed. Make sure you are totally honest and keep the answers to the questions in your mind – many a person has been led astray by falling in love with a totally unsuitable mount. Remember, it is not fair on either you or the horse if you end up with an animal you cannot control or if you want to jump and the horse has a total aversion to it!

And remember, keeping a horse is an expensive business – there is no point overstretching yourself to buy him if you are going to need to buy tack as well.

Keep a clear head – and let it rule your heart!

When I go to see a horse, what should I look for?

Make sure you see the horse in the stable - don't rely on any statement that he has 'perfect stable manners', ask to see for yourself. Ideally watch him being tacked up - does he stand quietly? Horses which behave well when being ridden sometimes try to kick or bite in the stable, when being tacked up, having rugs put on or off or just when you go to fill a hay net. A horse which is difficult in the stable will make your life difficult as the owner, and if you are going to keep your horse at livery will not make you popular!

Look carefully at the horse for any signs of sweat marks. Some sellers lunge or vigorously exercise their horses just before a prospective owner turns up at the yard making them seem a much quieter ride than they really are. You can also ask about the level of exercise he has been used to - if he is used to being exercised more than you will have time for you may find you have a more excitable horse on your hands than you really want.

I have never bought a horse before – what should I do when I try it out?

If you have only had lessons before you may find yourself at a loss without an instructor standing in the middle telling you what to do. It is therefore best to decide before you go a short routine you will use that will test the horse you are trying, and allow you to assess whether it is the one for you or not.

A routine might be, walk round the ménage, halting at least once to make the horse is listening to you. Walk a 20 metre circle, watching out for the horse leaning in or out. Does he listen to your corrections? Change rein and repeat the walk exercises. Try to assess whether he bends easier on one rein or the other – not necessarily a fault as horses do tend to have a stronger rein, but it is more important that he is attentive to you!

Now put the horse into trot – watching for whether he goes forward eagerly or is reluctant. Use little leg at first – if you have been used to riding school horses they may have become 'dead to the leg'. You can always increase the leg aid, but it is preferable to do this than having the horse shoot off with you! As in walk work a circle on both reins. Does he drop out of trot as he bends? Does he try to go forward into canter? Would you be happy with this behaviour? If he is very strong, be prepared for him to be even stronger when you get him home – an energetic horse may well have been lunged before you came to see him and may be even fresher on other days!

If you are happy with the trot try a canter on each rein. He should make the upward transition smoothly when you ask him to do so.

If you want a jumping horse make sure you try him over a fence. Is he eager or does he need a lot of encouragement?

Try to decide before you visit the horse exactly what you are looking for, and what you are prepared to work with. And try to keep sensible. There is no point falling in love at first sight with a beautiful animal you cannot control – or one which is reluctant to jump when that is your reason for buying!

This is a partnership which you will have for some time – your partner should be chosen very carefully to make sure he is compatible with your level of riding, and what you want to do. Common sense should rule here – not your heart!

When I go to see a horse, should I see him ridden first?

DEFINITELY YES! If the owner says there is no one available to ride him be very wary. It may be that he is too difficult for anyone there to ride. Only attempt this is you are a very experienced rider – otherwise be prepared to walk away, or at the very least try and arrange to come back when you can see him ridden.

The current owner should ride a routine similar to the one described above to enable you to assess the horse's way of going, and how he responds. If he makes upwards transitions easily for someone else, but not for you, this could be something that can be addressed with some lessons. However, be aware – there is a saying that a horse's ability sinks to match those of its rider. Just because the horse you have fallen in love with makes flying changes on demand for its current owner, it may not make them for you if you cannot ride at that level! Your new perfectly schooled dressage horse cannot be depended on to teach

And finally

It may take a few months to find the right horse, but be assured that the wait will be worth it. One thing is probably certain – that palomino mare you had pictured yourself riding away on into the sunset may well turn out to be a bay gelding! But whatever size, colour or sex you end up with, if you have taken your time choosing you will have a wonderful partnership.

 

Fwd: Calling All Pet Parents And Their Pooches

 

Calling All Pet Parents And Their Pooches

Word Count:
325

Summary:
A few lucky dogs and their pet parents may soon have their special relationship celebrated on the box of a well-known pet snacks product.

Keywords:
Calling All Pet Parents And Their Pooches

Article Body:
A few lucky dogs and their pet parents may soon have their special relationship celebrated on the box of a well-known pet snacks product.

A search is under way for a picture of a dog-and-owner duo that will appear on the iconic Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits box.

Now through June 21, 2006, pet owners can submit a photo of themselves with their canine companions. Photos should celebrate the special bond between the two and demonstrate why they are a classy canine-and-owner couple.

Twenty dogs and their owners will be chosen as finalists--five in each category of dog size. One winning duo will be selected for each size category:

• Small: dogs under 20 pounds

• Medium: 20-49 pounds

• Large: 50-100 pounds

• Extra large: over 100 pounds.

Four dog-and-owner combos will be selected to appear on four different varieties of Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits boxes in 2007.

The four Grand Prize winners--one in each size category--will be featured on a Milk-Bone Original Biscuits box and will receive $250 in cash, a cookie jar customized with a photo of the winning duo, and a free one-year supply of Milk-Bone pet snacks.

The 16 first-prize winners will each receive a customized cookie jar with a photo of the dog and owner and a free one-year supply of Milk-Bone pet snacks.

All entries will be judged by a panel of experts based upon the special bond or connection between the dog and owner and overall photogenic appeal.

"With this year's contest, we wanted to give Pet Parents a chance to shine alongside the dogs they love so dearly," said David Contract, brand manager, Milk-Bone. "The Milk-Bone Make You And Your Dog Famous Search is a great opportunity for Milk-Bone to celebrate the special bond or connection Pet Parents have with their dogs and give them both the chance of a lifetime-to see themselves and their dogs on a Milk-Bone Biscuits box."

Contract believes this year's event will build on the momentum established by last year's successful contest.

 

Basics Of A Router

 

Basics Of A Router

Word Count:
553

Summary:
Router is a computer device that receives or forwards data packets to and from the Internet towards a destination in the process called routing. Router is the essential component of the computer networking that enables any sent data to arrive at the right destination.

As an illustration, imagine that the Internet is the world and one computer is one household. Other computers connected through the Internet are households around the world. Say one household will send a let...

Keywords:
routers

Article Body:
Router is a computer device that receives or forwards data packets to and from the Internet towards a destination in the process called routing. Router is the essential component of the computer networking that enables any sent data to arrive at the right destination.

As an illustration, imagine that the Internet is the world and one computer is one household. Other computers connected through the Internet are households around the world. Say one household will send a letter to another household in any part of the world. The letter has an address right? And that address would determine the destination of the letter. But without one reading the address, the letter would not arrive to the right receiver. The letter also would not be able to reach the intended receiver if there is not medium. This medium would be the courier. And the courier of the computer data is the router.

A router (broadband router) is also a device that enables two or more computer to receive data packets from the Internet under one IP address at the same time.

Remember that to be able to connect to the Internet, a computer must have an IP address unique from the rest of the computers. Therefore, every computer connected to the Internet has it own IP address. It is like having a fingerprint or ID as an access pass to be able to enter the web. With the presence of the router, this "fingerprint" or "ID" could be shared by two or more computer at the same time.

In simplest form, a router makes two or more computer use the Internet at the same with one access pass.

One more thing: a computer with cable modem could also be considered as a router. In this, the computer would do the process of routing like normal routers do. Other computers are then connected to the computer with Internet connection that would give it with the Internet connection. The computer with cable modem has the direct contact with the Internet and the ones connected to it are sharing the connection.

Why would anyone need a router?

For households with two or more computers who would want to have Internet connection to every computers they have, taking subscription for each would be too much. The solution is to buy a router that would enable every computer in the house to have an Internet connection. In the definition above, the broadband router would act as a hub to the existing Internet connection.

If the router is comparable to a hub, would it affect the Internet speed?

It should be taken into consideration that once a single Internet connection is divided, the connection speed is affected. But there are some broadband routers that would bring minimal slowdown to the Internet speed and the effect might not even be big.

Internet speed would also depend on the type of application used in a router. While some would inflict little effect on the speed like online games, others would terribly slowdown your connection and even hinder you to use the Internet at all.

Usually, offices use a more sophisticated router to redirect Internet connections to the large number of computers. These routers would give better data packeting compared to a typical router used at home that results to faster Internet speed.

 

Batteries Q&A: Understanding Different Types Of Batteries

 

Batteries Q&A: Understanding Different Types Of Batteries

Word Count:
618

Summary:
* What are the different types of batteries?

Batteries are grouped in two ways. It is by application and by the process of construction. The major type of application batteries are the automotive, marine, and deep cycled. While the construction type are flooded, gelled and AGM.

The deep cycled types of batteries have a capacity for solar electric for back up energy. As for a technical description... Compared to AGM battery, this type has a starve electrolyte or dry mech...

Keywords:
batteries,battery,chargers,rechargeable,rechargable,battery chargers,voltage,ups,backup systems

Article Body:
* What are the different types of batteries?

Batteries are grouped in two ways. It is by application and by the process of construction. The major type of application batteries are the automotive, marine, and deep cycled. While the construction type are flooded, gelled and AGM.

The deep cycled types of batteries have a capacity for solar electric for back up energy. As for a technical description... Compared to AGM battery, this type has a starve electrolyte or dry mechanism. Most of the application batteries are made of fiberglass mat with a high-density compound of sulfuric acid, which applies a "no excess liquid" compounds.

Construction batteries have a standard and removable cap. It is sometimes called as maintenance-free battery. It also has a regulated sealed valve. The valve contributes the slight regulated pressures.

For a complete chart of all types of batteries, see the link in the author's signature.

* What is a DC battery?

Direct current is a kind of electricity supplied. By using a DC battery, the electric charge moves in a single direction. It can cause an imbalance to the electric charges.

The side of the DC battery is sealed with electrolyte and several forms of metal. The electrolytes have a different form of electrons, which is positively charge.

The terminal of the battery has positive and negative poles. These poles are connected which each other. The current flows with the connection of the poles.

* What are sealed batteries?

Sealed batteries are non-spoilable and a maintenance-free battery. They have no liquid, therefore, there is no corrosion. A sealed battery has a characteristic of low self-discharging and cracking amperage.

A sealed battery is designed to supply both starting and reserve applications. It has a longer life and more competent outline. Most of the sealed batteries are used in order to have a more "cost cutting" battery and to minimize the price to the user.

* What is a deep cycle battery?

A deep cycle battery usually has a thick, heavy lead plate. This plate helps the battery withstand deep charging. It cannot dispense a charge rapidly compared to a starter battery. It can also be used to initiate combustion in engines. It is a kind of battery with a longer life span because of its thick plates.

* What is a starting battery?

A starting battery is intended for engines for combustion to continue without interruption. It has multiple thin plates which enable it to release a large amount of current very quickly for just a small amount of time.

On the other hand, a starting battery cannot stand being discharged deeply. The majority of the starter batteries can only withstand a complete discharge a few minute before spoiled.

* What is a gel cell battery?

A gel battery is also called a gel cell. It has a quantity of silica gel that converts the acids into a solid mass. The great benefit of these batteries is that it is unfeasible to drip acid even if they are broken.

This kind of battery charges slowly. They cannot cope up with the conventional automotive charger. The current flow is also limited. Furthermore, they can be damaged easily.

* What is an AGM battery?

AGM stands for "Absorbed Glass Mats." It is the newest type of sealed battery that is used between plates. The plates are composed of a very fine fiber made of Boron and Silicon glass.  This kind of battery has the same features as a gelled type, but it can take more of a discharge.

It does not spill out evenly if it is broken. Glass mats assist in holding together the acid and electrolytes. It is also immune from spilling damage because it has no liquid on its inner layer.

 

A Special Crystal Animal Figurine – Hand Crafted From Bohemian Crystal

 

A Special Crystal Animal Figurine – Hand Crafted From Bohemian Crystal

Word Count:
410

Summary:
A quality crystal animal figurines crafted in Bohemian glass is a work of art

Keywords:
crystal animal figurine, crystal cat figurine, crystal dragon figurine, crystal dolphin figurine

Article Body:
Purchase a crystal animal figurine from the area where the making of crystal and blowing glass first began. The Czech and Slovak Republics have been involved in crafting crystal figurines for more than 500 years. Small workshops in towns and villages were the settings where the first crystal animal figurine came from in cat and dragon designs. Today the dolphin is also popular as a crystal animal figurine.

The art of blowing glass to make a crystal animal figurine has not changed in any significant way throughout the centuries. The process begins with the craftsman making the molten glass in a furnace and then he blows it into various shapes, such as a crystal dragon figurine or a crystal cat figurine. A wooden mold is also used to shape the glass. After the craftsman inspects the crystal dolphin figurine and finds that it is perfect, he then lets it cool for 48 hours.

After the crystal animal figurine has cooled for the specific period of time, then the craftsman adds the specific details he wants to see in the crystal. Many of the crystal cat figurines or those of other animals are left smooth, but there may be details and shapes that need to be added to the figurine, such as eyes. This process is how Bohemian crystal figurines are made and the workshops are noted for their attention to detail and perfection in the pieces they produce.

Although a Bohemian crystal animal figurine is expensive, it is well worth the money that you pay for it. This is a true work of art that you will definitely want to add to your collection. Having one of these figurines, such as a crystal cat figurine or a crystal dolphin figurine, in your curio cabinet carries with it centuries of history. You can look at it and know that the work that went into its creation is something from the past that is still used in the present, in spite of the technology that has been developed.

When you have a crystal animal figurine crafted in Bohemian glass, you can consider yourself royalty. This was the preferred crystal of royal families all over Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today there is a strong demand for crystal animal figurines from the Czech Republic in Japan, Canada, Brazil and many other parts of the world. The quality of today's crystal figurines is just as high as it was hundreds of years ago.

 

Fitness Components For Golf

 

Fitness Components For Golf

Word Count:
533

Summary:
The fitness components for golf are a select few, but they are critical to a golfers success.  The golf swing is a physically demanding movement on the human body.  It involves coordination, balance, stability, muscular strength and endurance, and dynamic sequence of motion just to name a few.

Keywords:
golf,golf swing,golf trainer,golf workouts,golf exercises,golf fitness,golf lessons,golf instruction,golf tips

Article Body:
The fitness components for golf are a select few, but they are critical to a golfers success.  The golf swing is a physically demanding movement on the human body.  It involves coordination, balance, stability, muscular strength and endurance, and dynamic sequence of motion just to name a few.

Do you think a body that is physically broken can accomplish a mechanically sound repeatable swing?

Based on the physical requirements of a mechanically good golf swing…NO way!  It is a physical impossibility to have a repeatable swing for 18 holes unless…you've implemented the fitness components for golf within a consistent program.

When you isolate your golf swing muscles…stretch and strengthen them…and improve the efficiency of sequencing your motions throughout the swing…you will no doubt be a massively improved golfer for the long term.

Isn't that what you're really looking for?

I'm sure you don't expect to be a single digit golfer if you're currently a 20 handicap.  But wouldn't it be nice to shoot in the low 80's once in a while?  How about consistently?  It's a reality if you take the fitness approach for golf.

For most of you in the U.S. it's winter time.  There's no better time than RIGHT NOW to start implementing the fitness components for golf into your routine.  You've got the extra time…and you DO want to play better next spring right?

Then get to it!

If I seem to be yelling…I AM!  I really want you to listen to what I'm saying and apply it.  Don't be overwhelmed…I'm here in the flesh to help you in any way I can.

It's my lifelong passion to educate golfers on the importance of the machine (body) in optimal golf performance.

Work on the "machine" and your game will skyrocket! 

I played with a gentleman the other day that had every limitation in the book.  And guess what?  He could barely get the ball airborne.  He was SO frustrated and embarrassed.  I took him aside and gave him a little pep talk.

We only had a few holes left and I told him to RELAX and let his muscles do the work…with no thought at all. 

I'm not kidding you…he parred the next hole (his first par of the day).  Bogeyed the next (but he was still happy).  And parred the very last hole!  It was like night and day.

He had SO much tension in his swing…he had no chance to created any torque and power.  I gave him my card after the round…an low and behold…he went home and bought ALL my golf fitness dvds AND my manual.

I personally called him and spent another 30 minutes on the phone with him.

He is now on his way to implementing the fitness components for golf into his "daily" life.

I tell you this story to give you hope!

Don't give up!

It's not too late!

Hang in there and work on your machine.  Trust me on this.  It's critical you pay attention to the fitness components for golf.

 

Holiday Fashion -- Know It Or Santa Might Not Be The Only One Red-Faced

 

Holiday Fashion -- Know It Or Santa Might Not Be The Only One Red-Faced

Word Count:
451

Summary:
What to wear, what to wear? Are you at a loss when it comes to dressing for holiday get-togethers? Do not despair; many people share your concern. However, there are a few guidelines you can keep in mind when preparing to attend a holiday party.

Know where you are going
This is a big one. Simply having an idea where you are going and how others will be dressed will save a lot of time and a major headache. If you are going to an office Christmas party, business casual will...

Keywords:
holiday fashion, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Chrismukkah

Article Body:
What to wear, what to wear? Are you at a loss when it comes to dressing for holiday get-togethers? Do not despair; many people share your concern. However, there are a few guidelines you can keep in mind when preparing to attend a holiday party.

Know where you are going
This is a big one. Simply having an idea where you are going and how others will be dressed will save a lot of time and a major headache. If you are going to an office Christmas party, business casual will probably be the best choice. However, if you are just going to your sister's house, you may be able to tone it down. If you are unsure, ask someone what the dress code will be. Keep in mind that "casual" means different things to different people. When you are told "casual" in a business setting, you should dress business casual, no jeans. Likewise, "formal" may mean black tie or simply a jacket and tie; be sure to clarify if you are unsure.

Stay away from clothes that are too sexy
Especially in a business setting, you do not want to show up in revealing clothes. It is not professional and will probably reflect poorly on you. This should also be the practice if you are attending your spouse's office party. If you are going out with your spouse for a night on the town, sexy clothes are more appropriate. There is a thin line between attractive and sleazy; be sure not to cross that line and embarrass yourself.

Keep it simple
The simpler you can keep your attire, the better. Nine times out of ten, you will be better off in a simple black dress than trying to coordinate slacks, a blouse, and three other layers of clothes. Make it easy on yourself when possible.

Too many sparkles
Many women will use the holiday season to wear a lot of sparkles and shiny clothes. This is fine in moderation; however, if you look like you have been wrapped in tinsel, you should probably go with something else.

Jewelry
Nothing can be as flattering as the right accessories. However, when used the wrong way, they can destroy a good thing. When you are choosing your jewelry, stay with subtle beauty -- nothing huge or gaudy. While some people can pull off Santa Claus earrings, most of us can not. Especially the more formal a party, the more conservative the jewelry should be.

Makeup
When it comes to your face, you should also keep it delicate. Certain occasions will dictate red lipstick and more drastic makeup; however, you should be careful not to over-do it. Dark blush or rouge almost never looks good.