7 Winning Ways to Look More Confident...

By Lisa Washington 

There are lots of scenarios where appearing confident really makes a difference, so I’ve come up with 7 effective ways to look more confident in your everyday life. Learning how to look more confident is beneficial in getting ahead at work and school, negotiating a good deal on a purchase or meeting your honey’s family for the first time. Appearing and actually being more confident are two different things, but if you can come off as cool as a cucumber, you’ve won half the battle!

 

1. Stop Slouching
An easy way to look more confident is to stop slouching and develop good posture. It can be a hard habit to get into if you’ve been slouching for years but it can be done! Do postural exercises daily to practice. If you have poor posture from back problems, be sure to ask your doctor about ways you can improve your posture. Bad posture makes you look unsure and intimidated, so use your body language to work in your favor!

2. Smile

What does smiling have to do with how to look more confident, you ask? Smiling can show others that you are friendly, sure of yourself and happy. No matter where you are, if you want to exude confidence, give others a strong smile. Even if you’re scared stiff of giving a presentation, giving off confident vibes can help you get through it!

3. Make Eye Contact

Making eye contact with others might be the single most important way to look confident. You can stand straight and give out tons of smiles, but if you’re looking down or shifting your eyes, it kills all the other work you did to look more poised! Don’t be afraid to look someone in the eyes; doing so only works in your favor and you can command attention from the other person!

4. Speak Confidently

Something you want to avoid if you’re looking for ways to look more confident is to preface your statements with apologies. Even if you’re not totally sure about how people will receive your suggestion or statement, don’t lead with a disclaimer. If you don’t speak confidently, you’re basically inviting others to disregard your comments. We know you have lots of important and intelligent things to say, so make yourself heard!

5. Accept Compliments

When you’re trying to appear more confident, don’t forget to accept compliments gracefully! If you dismiss or debate compliments, it’s like saying to the other person that you really aren’t all that and that they’re wrong for admiring something about you! Excuse me, you are all that, so thank them for noticing your fabulous-ness!

6. Walk The Walk

If you want to know an easy way to look more confident, strut your stuff! You certainly don’t have to walk around your office with any of your America’s Next Top Model moves, but you can walk with confidence anywhere! Smile, stand straight and look at people in the eyes while you walk, and you’re sure to look assertive yet approachable!

7. Dress The Part

Look confident by dressing well and dressing the part of a confident person. Think of confident people in your life, whether it’s an instructor, co-worker or family member, then think about how they dress. They might not have the most expensive clothes or have supermodel figures but they dress well and are very well put together. Take the time to look nice rather than just throwing a quick outfit together. Accessorize, make sure your clothes are pressed and pay attention to the little details!
There are lots of easy ways to look more confident and incorporate these tips into your everyday routine. Looking more confident can help you feel more confident, so these small but powerful tips can help you to achieve confidence too! Do you have any tips on how to look more confident? What do you do to help you look more confident during challenging times?

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9 Excellent Ways to Make New Friends in a City..

By Diana Denza 

If you’re a wide-eyed newbie in a vast new world, there are ways to make new friends in a city. Whether you’re ready to mingle or can’t help but be super shy around the locals, you’ll be making plans before you know it. With these 9 tips, your calendar will be booked to the brim in no time! Here are 9 excellent ways to make friends in a new city.

1. Smile

If you’re looking for a simple way to make new friends in a city, it can be as easy as showing off your pearly whites. Smiling makes you instantly approachable, especially to fellow newbies searching for a neat new coffee shop. Let’s face it: would you walk up to someone who looked like she wanted to chew you up? Think about that the next time you’re out and about.

2. Body Language Counts

By that same token, if you keep your arms crossed and your eyes are constantly rolling, people will be less likely to invite you in to their group. No one likes a Debbie Downer. And even if you’re bright and sunny on the inside, negative body language can make you appear uninterested or downright mean. Uncross those arms, ladies!

3. Ask Questions

A quick way to make new friends in a city is to ask the right questions. No, that doesn’t mean you should follow city dwellers around and ask them where the nearest McDonalds is. Instead, drop by a local bakery and ask the guy or gal ahead of you in line what they’d recommend trying. If you both can’t live without a good brownie, for example, strike up a conversation and offer up your cell phone number. Voila!

4. Avoid Tourist Traps

A word to the wise: devouring mozzarella sticks in a restaurant in the middle of Times Square isn’t such a great idea. It’ll make you look like a clueless tourist and you’ll be overcharged to boot. Plus, tourist-ridden areas tend to be overcrowded and no city slicker would stick around to chat. I’d recommend conducting a quick online search before you go out; this way, you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. Ah, the power of google.

5. Hit The ‘Net

If you need a way to make new friends in a city but tend to be painfully shy, you should sign up for an online dating profile. Even if you’re not looking to meet your soul mate just yet, creating an okcupid.com account will allow you to meet new people in your city –just be sure to let them know you’re on the hunt for new friends. A major plus is that you can fill in an About Me section and list your interests, so those who contact you are already interested in being your new friends. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you can join a meetup.com group instead. There’s one for just about every type of chick out there, I promise. So what are you waiting for?

6. Join a Club

If you’re up for an immediate in-person meeting, join a local group. As a Manhattanite, I can attest to the fact that cities have groups for anything and everything. Whether you’re religious, a book nerd, or a social justice activist, there is a group for you. Check your local paper, craigslist.org, or do a little google snooping for more details.

7. Volunteer

As an avid volunteer, I know that this is a surefire way to make new friends in a city. You’ll meet countless new people, work for causes you care about, and boost up your resume. It’s a sweet deal, right? The best part about volunteering is that you can usually set your own schedule. To score a gig, identify an organization and search online for an office in your new city. Chances are, you’ll get lucky!

8. Connect through Old Friends

You’ve been best friends with Tina for the past 10 years. Tina’s married to Jeff. Jeff has buddies in your new city who would be happy to be your new pals. See how easy that was? Don’t hesitate to ask childhood friends or former neighbors if they have the connections you need. You might just have this one in the bag!

9. Make the First Move

So you’ve had a few chats with a co-worker or fellow volunteer and you’ve really connected. Don’t be afraid to make that first phone call or send that first Facebook message. If he or she turns you down, move on to someone who wouldn’t dream of saying no to a movie night or shopping trip. ‘Cause you deserve pals who treat you right.
Now that you know a few of the top ways to make new friends in a city, get out there and make an impact. Which tips will you be using? What has worked for you in the past?

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7 Magnificent Natural Wonders of France...

By Neecey B

 

With such a rich cultural and historic heritage, it is very easy to forget that there is a smorgasbord of incredible natural wonders in France. The sheer abundance of France’s natural beauty could keep outdoor lovers busy exploring for a virtual lifetime. The wonders of France are a far cry from its elegant city streets and tiny country towns but yet, are so often overlooked for trips to Paris and the French Riviera. If you want to see the real beauty of the Gallic land, here are 7 Magnificent Natural Wonders of France.

1. Côte De Granit Rose

 

Tucked away in the Northern corner of France, is glorious Brittany –a region of rugged coastline and sweeping beaches. The Breton coastline is one of the loveliest natural sights of France. The unique hue of the Cote de Granit Rose blushes a gentle mix of soft pinks and rich oranges, making the fringes of the coastline look quite extraordinary. Nature lovers will delight in the leisurely meander along the foreshore, working up an appetite perfectly satisfied by the staples of the local cuisine – buckwheat pancakes and mussels washed down with ice cold cider.

2. Gorges Du Verdon

One of the most beautiful geographical sights in France, the Gorges du Verdon is an adrenalin junkie haven. Hoards of rock climbers, paragliders and kayaking enthusiasts are drawn to the region like moths to a flame. But don’t despair if you are not that into adventure sports – the stunning grassy cliff-side banks are a breathtaking spot for a cozy picnic.

3. Dune Du Pilat

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the legendary wine country of Bordeaux, is the highest sand dune in all of Europe – the Dune de Pilat. It’s more than just another adrenalin junkie hotspot. This is an outdoor paradise for those high flying sporting enthusiasts who like to glide, launching themselves off the highest peaks, drifting off into the horizon surrounded by the tranquility of another of the lovely sights in France created by Mother Nature.

4. Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe and easily one of the most gorgeous attractions in France. Anchoring the French alpine snowfields, the whole area around the mountain is a sports playground, winter and summer. In the snow, Mont Blanc is a towering white peak, the backdrop for every winter sport, and when wearing the summer coat of green, it makes for a perfect walking, hiking and climbing terrain. Speed freaks will be delighted to know that they can nip right through the middle of the mountain by driving through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to reach Italy.

5. Gavarnie Falls

This is definitely one of the most beautiful natural wonders of France, although hardly the biggest in all of Europe. Regardless of size, the vivid scenery of the majestic Gavarnie Falls will literally take your breath away. Winding their way all the way from the Spanish Pyrenees and ending their journey in France, the Gavarnie Falls are at their most dramatic after the snow has melted, gushing with glacial waters.

6. Camargue Salt Flats

Awe-inspiring and unique, the barren fenlands of the salt marshes of the Camargue are a theatrical and romantic, if not somewhat surreal setting in the middle of France. The flat marshes are perfect for horse riders and avid wildlife enthusiasts who come to spot the flocking flamingos found in great numbers in the Parc Ornithologique.

7. Annecy Lake

The second largest lake in France, is also the cleanest in Europe. Annecy Lake boasts amazingly sparkling waters that look clear enough to drink (it probably is, given the very strict environmental controls in place). Very beautiful, very tranquil, surrounded by mountains, and fed by a number of small glacial rivers, the lake is a favorite spot for walkers and bike riders – there’s a cycle path circumnavigating the lake’s shores. It’s also a lovely spot for summer swimming.
If you have experienced the glorious natural wonders of France, I am sure that you will agree that it is impossible to choose just a few of the best. If you are looking for some ideas of the most beautiful places in France to visit, which of inspired you?

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8 Places to Visit in France...

By Rebecca 

France is a beautiful, fascinating country, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Indeed, for first-time visitors, it may seem that literally every region and every city is an absolute must-see, and, while this might be true, it can make planning a holiday a little difficult (not to mention expensive). To give you some ideas, and to help to ensure that you gain a well-rounded, accurate picture of the country, I’ve compiled a list of 8 places to visit in France.

1. Paris

France’s beautiful capital city is a necessary stop on any tour of the country. In addition to it’s role as a centre of global commerce, Paris, perhaps more famously, also occupies the position of cultural hub: you’ll find museums, monuments and gardens at every turn, and the architecture itself makes for an historical experience. Highlights include the Eiffel Tower (of course), Notre Dame, the sinister catacombs, Montmatre, Versailles, the Louvre … the list goes on …

2. The Dordogne

The Dordogne is a region of south west France and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Its beautiful rural landscape is dotted about with over a thousand impressive medieval castles, most of them open to the public. In addition, visitors can explore the Lascaux caves; home to some of the world’s most fascinating prehistoric art.

3. Brittany

Situated in the north west of France, Brittany is famed for its attractive coastline and picturesque fishing villages. Visitors to the region can expect to find medieval stone castles at Ile-et-Vilaines, azure water and white sand at Cotes d’Armor and prehistoric megaliths at beautiful Carnac and Locmariaquer.

4. Champagne-Ardenne

This region is located to the north east of France and it shares a border with Belgium. It is the home (surprise surprise) of champagne, and those keen to for the ultimate ‘bubbly’ experience should make their way to Epernay where they’ll be able to glug sparkling wines all day if they want to. Reims is also a highlight in the region, with its famous cathedral and world-renowned Musée des Beaux-Arts.

5. The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, located at the heart of France in a region aptly named Centre, is a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of countryside, famed both for its wide river and it’s staggering assortment of sprawling châteaux. Those keen to experience some of the more magnificent of these should be sure to head for Indre-et-loire and Loire-et-Cher.

6. The Savoy Alps

Winter sports enthusiasts should definitely be sure to keep the Savoy Alps on their list of places to go in the country. Called either Savoie or Haute Savoie by the locals and located in the south eastern Rhone-Alpes region, this mountainous area is home to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in France, and is a wonderland for skiers, hikers, and pretty much anyone keen on the outdoors.

7. Provence

This beautiful, varied region of France features something to please just about every kind of tourist. Sun worshippers will, naturally, be keen to visit the Riviera, coastal playground of the rich and famous, and those interested in cultural history can spend a few days exploring the medieval villages, Roman ruins, lavender fields and olive groves.

8. Burgundy

This wealthy, wine producing region is located in central eastern France, and, until the late 15th century, was considered a separate country. It is home to some of the country’s most beautiful rural countryside, and is the origin on many of the wines we drink all over the world today.
France is a fascinating country and an exciting tourist destination in so many senses; it’s a hub of cultural activity, a richly historical society, a playground for the world’s richest and most famous and a home to staggeringly beautiful natural scenery. That concludes my list of 8 places to visit in France; do you have any suggestions to add?

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7 Tips on How to Relieve Stress When Studying...

  By Melissa Diem 

  If you are a new student you may be wondering how to relieve stress when studying. There is no doubt that school can be tough. Between daily homework, special projects and constant studying many students are looking for ways to relieve school related stress. If this sounds like you, check out my list of 7 tips on how to relieve stress when studying.

 

1. Naps
Many students can benefit greatly from short power naps. It’s no wonder students are over-stressed with their busy schedules; trying to balance school, work, and a social life. Sometimes a 30 minute nap is all you need to rev back up for a study session.

2. Visualizing

If your study stress is leading to anxiety try this visualization method of meditation. Many students use this as a way to relieve stress when studying. Imagine yourself in a peaceful place. Focus on your breathing as you try to relax. Involve all your senses as you imagine your peaceful place. What does the wind feel like? How do the trees smell? Is the sun beating on your skin? Do you hear the soft chirping of birds? Once you are calm return to studying or begin taking your test.

3. Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress when studying. Most students will find getting exercise on campus easy. You can bike or jog around campus. Many universities offer have a health center or gym at reasonable student rates. Regular exercise helps clear the mind and burn off energy so you can focus on your studies.

4. Music

Music is an easy stress reliever. Music can be used to calm you down if you are feeling anxious. It can also help stimulate your mind. Many experts suggest listening to classical music while studying. The music relaxes your mood and stimulates your brain, so you can get more effective studying done. Do you think music will help you study better?

5. Positive Thinking

I know when I was working on my Bachelor’s degree my negative thoughts did a lot of damage to my grades. I would sit down trying to study, but all I could focus on were my feelings of failure. I would tell myself that studying was useless and I was going to fail. If I had only thought more positive about the situation I would have had better results

 

6. Organization

Are you an organized student? I bet if you are disorganized you are desperately asking how to relieve stress when studying. Having your school things in disarray is stressful enough. How can you study for your chemistry exam when your book is sitting in your car or at your friend’s apartment? How can you work at your desk when it is covered in last night’s dinner and your makeup bag? Create a clean and organized study area and become more responsible with your notes, books, and folders.

7. Eat Right

Diet plays a huge role in how to relieve study stress. If you follow a poor diet than your brain isn’t getting the proper nutrition to function clearly. Eat brain boosting foods that are high in omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber.
What do you think about these ways to reduce stress when studying? Have you used any of these to help you study better? Maybe you have your own techniques to reduce stress when studying, what

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8 Things Never to Keep in Your Wallet...

By Neecey Beresford

 

Things to not keep in your wallet can save you so much trouble should you ever fall prey to a wallet theft! Most women have a wallet that simply bulges with everything and anything. It isn’t however, for reasons of space or neatness that there are items to not keep in your wallet. Some of the stuff you carry around with you may leave you vulnerable to physical theft and identify theft! You need to keep personal information as safe as possible. Here are 7 things not to keep in your wallet.

 

1. Passwords And PINS
Many people have a range of passwords for various websites, ATM cards and bank accounts, so keeping your passwords or numbers in your wallet along with the corresponding cards is a recipe for disaster if you are targeted by a wallet thief. Passwords and PIN numbers can be enormously tricky to remember, especially if you have a large number of them, but it is a good idea to try and memorize them as best you can. Keep them written down only when necessary and away from your cards in a secure location, and encrypted if on a mobile device.

2. Social Security Card

One of the most important things to not keep in your wallet is your social security card. Your social security number can be used for many violations of identity such as applying for credit cards or loans in your name . Your social security card may seem an innocuous card to have sitting happily in your wallet, but the theft of this item could lead to some serious identity theft, racking up debts in your name and affecting your credit. Anything that displays your social security number should be removed from your wallet, and if you need documentation that has your social security number on it, photocopy the document and make sure that the social security number is obscured.

3. Checks

Checks, particularly blank checks are most definitely items to not keep in your wallet. Only carry your checkbook when absolutely necessary, and in a separate place to your cards bearing your signature. Stolen blank checks can be a route to misery as they can be used to remove money from your account. The numbers on your checks can also be used to transfer money from your account electronically as they correspond to your bank details. If a thief has your checkbook and a card with your signature, then they could steal substantial amounts before you know it! Leave your checkbook in a safe place and away from your wallet.

4. Spare Key

Vitally, one of the most important things to not keep in your wallet is the spare key to your home. If your wallet holds any documents with your address on them, and your spare key is in your wallet, having the wallet stolen could cost you more than you would expect. If the thief uses the key to enter your home, you could lose personal possessions of great expense or sentimental value, so keys must never be kept in a wallet with address information. Even if you get to your home before the thief, it may be quite costly and inconvenient to have the locks changed. If you have a spare key, it would be best to leave it with a family member or trusted friend or neighbor so that you can gain access to your home should you accidentally lose or misplace your keys.

5. Passport

Never keep your passport in your wallet. Your passport is the key to many different types of theft, such as travelling in your name, or opening bank accounts to name but a couple. While you may need your passport on occasions, keep it safe at all times and be aware of the whereabouts. Losing your passport can be disastrous, so passports are definitely one of the things not to keep in your wallet, especially when abroad. Keep it locked away safely at home and if you need to carry it around, be careful.

6. Birth Certificate

If you need to carry your birth certificate to an appointment, make sure that you don’t keep it with other cards and documents on a long term basis. Use it for the purpose you need to, then take it home and put it safely away as soon as possible. One of the important things to not keep in your wallet is your birth certificate in conjunction with other forms of ID. This combination can be useful for thieves to assume your identity and make life a misery for you if your wallet is stolen.

7. All Your Cards

Multiple credit cards are certainly one of the things to not carry in your wallet! If you have more than one credit card, try and carry just the essential cards around with you, as the more cards you have in your wallet, the more difficult and time-consuming it will be to cancel them if your wallet is stolen. You may want to carry them all in case you see the perfect purchase, but if you don’t need them every day, keep them safely at home with one in your wallet for emergencies or for when you just can’t resist that gift for a loved one. It is easier to cancel one card than three or four if your wallet is stolen.

8. Receipts

We have to keep receipts for our taxes, but the place to store them should not be your wallet. Aside from the unsightly bulge of your wallet in your jacket or purse, a wallet stuffed full of receipts can be the perfect place to start for a wily thief. Even with most receipts missing certain information, the remaining details can still be used to search for your full details and give access to your bank account. Receipts are definitely items to not keep in your wallet. Make sure you clear out your wallet regularly, and remember to shred receipts you don’t need to keep.
These things to not keep in your wallet are designed to limit your exposure to identity theft and access to your address. Please do follow them. With this list of items not  to carry in your wallet, you will feel a bit more secure when walking down the street. Are there items you always carry in your wallet? Please do comment if you know any other things you shouldn’t carry in your wallet!

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7 Ways to Make Makeup Last on Oily Skin...

By Lisa Washington 

If you have oily skin like me and you’re looking for tips to make makeup last, you’ll want to get in on these useful tips! Having oily skin can be a challenge at times but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun wearing makeup! We just have to be a little more picky when it comes to products and find what works for us!

1. Protect

Before we learn: how to make makeup last on oily skin and what products to use, let’s not forget about sunscreen! No matter what type of skin you have, you want to protect your beautiful skin! Look for sunscreens that offer broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, have at least SPF 15 and are lightweight and oil-free.

2. Prime

These tips to make makeup last wouldn’t be complete without primers. You’ve probably already used face and eye primers, but sometimes I like to take it a step further by adding another mattifying cream to my T-zone. Some ladies find that traditional primers just don’t work for them so they use things like Aloe Vera gel and Monistat as face primer or lip balm. Oh yes, I am serious about the Monistat. You can even use these two products as an eye primer! Experiment and see what works best for you, even if something sounds unconventional, it could work great for you!

3. Lighten up

When you’re learning how to make makeup last, know what foundations work best for your skin type! Thicker foundations might seem like the way to go since you want a long-lasting finish but actually, staying on the sheerer side is better! Look for oil-free foundations and even when the temperature drops, don’t go too heavy to avoid clogging your poor pores!

4. Powder

A tip to make makeup last that might seem a little counter-intuitive is to go easy on the powder. It sounds a little crazy, right?! I know, but too much powder can look cakey, fake and make your pores produce even more oil! You can apply powder all over your face to set foundation, but keep it sheer and only focus on the areas that get shiny for a sheer, sexy look!

5. Blot

Once you’ve applied all of your makeup, how to make makeup last on oily skin is to use blotting papers. Blotting papers are a quick and easy way to blot away excess oil without piling on even more makeup. Sometimes, certain blotting papers will take off some of my makeup, so I dab on some powder after I blot, just to even out my makeup but of course, that’s optional!

6. Waterproof

Another one of the tips to make makeup last is to consider using waterproof eye makeup. I know, waterproof eye makeup can be a real pain to get off but honey, it lasts! If you’re not too hip to that idea, a great alternative to waterproof is a long-wearing formula. Oh, and according to WebMD, one of the best combos for a long lasting eye makeup look is to use waterproof eyeliner and cream eye shadow on top of an eye primer!

7. Reduce

Tips to make makeup last also include reducing excess oil from your life! Give your skin a nice break from all the primping and treat it to an oil-absorbing mask. Look for a deep-cleansing, clarifying or clay mask to draw out and absorb oils, impurities and tighten pores. Use a mask once or twice a week for best results!
These tips to make makeup last can help you to cut back on fighting against your skin type and work with it! Remember that properly caring for your skin can make makeup application as well as life in general much easier for you, so don’t slack off on skin care! Do you have any great tips for making makeup last on oily skin?

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