Ideas for easy and quick room updates

The relaxed pace of summer allows the perfect opportunity for home improvement updates. You can make your favorite room stand out with some simple ideas that take less than a day to complete from start to finish.



"Home interior experts know small decor tricks that take very little time can have a big effect," says Elizabeth Sasso Smith from Liberty Hardware. "Homeowners can use these same strategies to make changes easily and quickly inside their own home."



Wall plates

Perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to quickly and dramatically update a room is to replace the wall plates. Wall plates are the covers that go over the light switches and outlets. Most people default to boring, white plastic that can make a room look generic and cheap. Decorative wall plates can complement any design scheme, and because they can be removed, are a great option for those who rent or others who might want to change them out from time to time with minimal effort.



Wall plates are the fashion accessory that every wall needs to add visual appeal. Liberty Hardware offers wall plate options to fit every decor style. From modern, sleek designs that feature finishes like brushed nickel, to classic and elegant options with finishes like satin nickel and espresso, you can upgrade your room within minutes. Visit www.LibertyHardware.com or look for options at your local Lowes Home Improvement store.



Paint

If you are looking for a big change with minimal effort, consider a fresh coat of paint. Dark and vivid colors remain popular and provide a focal point for the eye. Shades of green and gray are trending right now, as well as hues of blue in every color of the ocean. Pick up some paint samples from the store and bring home to see how they will look in the natural light of the room.



Interested in trying a bold color, but not sure about how it will look in the entire room? Choosing a single wall to paint is a great way to add color without going all out. For example, if painting a bedroom, choose the wall where you put the head of the bed. If you are painting a living room, choose the wall where the couch or your largest piece of furniture goes.



Hardware

Cabinet hardware changes are typically made in the kitchen or bath, but knobs and pulls have multiple uses if you think outside the box.



"Consider coordinating the color and theme of your new wall plates into a clever curtain tie-back using a knob or pull," says Christina Hurley of Liberty Hardware. "A similar finish will add a design flow that creates character and pizzazz throughout the room."



Some other ideas for coordinating knobs include use on a wall or door to hold a coat, towel or bag. You might even decide to hang pictures using coordinating knobs and metals. Instead of simply nailing the frame to the wall, tie with a beautiful ribbon and hang on a knob that matches your wall plates and other hardware in the room.



Hooks and hook rails

Other eye-catching additions to a room include hooks and hook rails. While they may have once been deemed for industrial or heavy-duty use, new contemporary and traditional designs along with complementary finishes like satin nickel and hazelnut allow hook rails to take a more prominent, decorative position in a room.



Installation is simple and quick, allowing for a modern appeal and instant coordination with wall plates and other hardware. Find a new place for items that often get tossed on the floor like book bags, belts or purses. A small hook rail placed in a closet or bathroom is perfect for hanging jewelry for easy access or spice up your garage with a decorative hook rail to hold sports equipment or umbrellas.



Remember, it doesn't take a lot of time or money to transform your interior space. With just a few easy updates like wall plates or hook rails you'll be amazed at how different and beautiful your room will look.



Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for you and your family. If you are going to change the flooring in your home, here are some tips for flooring the different parts of your house.



Bedroom flooring:



There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate.



Living room flooring:



It is the most used area and withstands most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.



Kitchen flooring:



Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.



by: Builder Brian

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7342.shtml

Flip-flop fans: Hard, cold facts about your favorite hot weather footwear

It's easy to understand why we all love flip-flops: They're cute and comfy, keep your feet cool in warm weather, and are great for showing off that fab pedicure you just got. But no matter how much you adore your flip-flops, they shouldn't be all-occasion footwear. Sometimes, they can lead to sore feet or even severe injury.



"Flip-flops are hugely popular, but it's important to remember they're not appropriate for everyday wear or for all occasions," says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "Every spring and summer, podiatric offices see an influx of patients with injuries and ailments directly related to wearing flip-flops at the wrong time or wearing the wrong flip-flops altogether."



The secret to safely enjoying flip-flops through summer is two-fold, Garoufalis says. First, find the right style, and second, know when to wear flip-flops and when to wear something else.



How to choose flip-flops



Some styles of flip-flops may cause blistering and pain, and increase your risk of injury in certain situations. It is possible to find a better flip-flop. The APMA offers some tips:



* Look for high-quality, soft leather, which will minimize the risk of blisters and other skin irritations. Vinyl or rubber styles are more likely to rub your foot the wrong way. Check out the APMA website for footwear products that have earned the organization's Seal of Acceptance. The seal indicates that a team of APMA podiatrists have evaluated the product to ensure it promotes normal foot function and health.



* Choose a flip-flop with soles that bend at the ball of the foot. If you can bend the sole completely in half or wring it like a wet rag, the sole will not provide proper support.



* The thong part of the flip-flop should fit comfortably, neither too loose nor too snug. Straps that are too tight could rub and cause blisters. Too loose straps may result in you losing the shoe at a critical moment - resulting in injury. Consider a flip-flop with extra padding on the part of the strap that fits between your toes.



* Your foot should fit perfectly on the sole. Your heel should not hang off the back, nor your toes off the front.



* Dispose of worn flip-flips, no matter how much you loved them last year. Old shoes lose their ability to support and protect your feet, and it's easy to find a new pair to replace old ones.



* Still not sure which flip-flop is the right choice? Start with APMA Seal Accepted pairs at APMA.org/Seal.



When to wear flip-flops



A shoe style that was once relegated to beach or poolside is now considered acceptable in a variety of settings. It's not uncommon to see people wearing flip-flops to the mall or grocery store, when they're out for a stroll, or even in the office. Flip-flops have even made inroads into the bridal scene, with some comfort-minded brides wearing them for their weddings and receptions.



Deciding whether wearing flip-flops is socially appropriate for the occasion is up to you, but there are some times when you should not wear them for safety reasons.



* When doing yard work - such as mowing the lawn or working in the garden - it's best to wear shoes that cover and protect your entire foot. Flip-flops don't offer sufficient support or protection.



* For long walks, opt for a good walking shoe. Even the sturdiest styles of flip-flops don't offer sufficient arch support and shock absorption for extended walking.



* Playing sports calls for the right footwear. Choose a shoe that is designed for the sport you're playing. Flip-flops don't offer adequate support or protection for hard play and may come off your foot at a crucial moment. They might lose you the game at best, and leave you with a foot or ankle injury at worst.



Finally, put away your flip-flops when the weather is bad. "This one may seem obvious," Garoufalis says, "but some people continue to wear their flip-flops even when the temperature drops, rain falls, or snow is on the ground. Wearing flip-flops in bad weather puts you at risk of injury if your foot slips out of a wet shoe or even frostbite if temperatures fall too low."





Courtesy of BPT

Gear up for marathon season: Sun safety tips for runners

For many people, fall brings cooler temperatures and outdoor activities such as nature walks and trips to see the leaves change. But sports buffs across the nation are hitting the pavement in preparation for marathon season.



There is no slowing down fitness enthusiasts, who adhere to training regimens and participate in long-distance running events. However, rigorous outdoor activity, combined with heat, humidity and sweat, can make skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays. Even if you are not a marathon runner, it is important to help protect your skin while embracing the sun and the outdoors.



Although the majority of people (59 percent) consider putting on sunscreen important when preparing for outdoor activity, only 49 percent actually use sunscreen when exercising outdoors, according to a survey sponsored by the Coppertone Solar Research Center. Before lacing up your best running shoes, plan ahead with a sun safety strategy that best complements your routine.



As a practicing dermatologist, I know how challenging it can be to help keep my skin protected from the elements, especially now that I am training for my fifth marathon, says Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and consultant to the makers of Coppertone. Simple steps can help ensure that you are protecting yourself this marathon season and beyond.



Dr. Hale offers some of her key sun safety tips for fellow runners:



* Shield with shades. UV radiation can damage the eyes and the skin around them, so it is important for runners to wear their sunglasses. To provide the best protection for your eyes, your shades should block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose wrap-around frames, which stay on better while you train.



* Replenish yourself. Drinking water can help keep your body and skin hydrated, especially if you are sweating. It is essential for runners to pay attention to how much water they are drinking before, during and after outdoor exercise. I like to apply Coppertone Sport Pro Series with DuraFlex before stepping outside for training. This lightweight formula sprays on easily and helps keep my skin hydrated, says Dr. Hale.



* Protect every inch. Runners and other outdoor athletes tend to forget to apply sunscreen on all areas of their face and body. The most commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen are the scalp, ears and backs of hands. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and reapply every two hours.



* Timing is everything. Schedule your outdoor training when the sun is less intense; avoid exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do run during that time, choose a route that offers plenty of shade.



* Go safe with your style. Make sure to protect your skin during your run with the appropriate attire. Try wearing lightweight, sun-protective clothing. Also, stay cool with a baseball hat to help shield your face from the sun.



Before you head out for your next run, check out sun care tips from Dr. Hale on the Sunderstanding page of the Coppertone website to learn more about how to help keep your skin protected when you are training your hardest.



Courtesy of BPT

Three beautiful new date-night looks

Getting ready for a date night can be fun, but finding the perfect look can be overwhelming. Going out today can mean so many things - it's not just dinner and movie anymore, there is a style for everything. Whether it's a cozy evening at home with your sweetie, a big date night or a night out on the town with your girlfriends, you want a look that will wow everyone you meet, especially that special someone.



A recent survey found that 55 percent of women feel most confident when wearing cosmetics. So, for your next date, put your best face forward and try one of these three go-to makeup routines. If you are not a pro, there is no need to worry - these beautiful looks can be accomplished easily and quickly with the right tools, so you'll be ready in a snap.



Romantic night in: This natural look is all about flawless skin, a fresh glow and lots of lashes; the goal is to look like yourself, but extra irresistible. Try using the EcoTools Fresh and Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set - it has all the tools you'll need to create a smooth and airbrushed look. The brushes are all super soft and eco-friendly, so you can look beautiful and live beautifully.-



First, prep your skin with a primer and sweep on foundation and concealer using the right tools in the set. Then set with a loose powder (applied with a full powder brush) for an airbrushed finish. Next, contour and shape cheekbones using the EcoTools Deluxe Fan Brush dipped in bronzer. For a little glow, use the flat side of the brush to apply an illuminating powder. Top with a light pink blush on the apples of the cheeks.



To make eyes pop, apply a neutral-colored shadow on the eyelid and just under the brow bone, a darker brown shadow to define the crease of the eye and a taupe shadow just above the crease. Define brows with a brow pencil to tame fly-aways. Line the upper lash line and outer lash line with a soft black pencil, smudging away any harsh edges, and apply lengthening mascara for a flirty fringe. Finish off the look with a sweep of coral lipstick, using a detailed lip brush for extra staying power. Add a dab of clear gloss just in the middle for the illusion of added volume.



Big night out: Whether you are headed to a black tie affair, have a big date or are hitting a hot party, a night out demands your most stunning self. Play up your peepers with this eye-opening technique that is sure to deliver come-hither appeal wherever the night takes you.



Prep skin with a primer and use a foam applicator to apply a full coverage foundation over your entire face, using the flat edge for larger surfaces, and the pointed edge for precision application around the eyes and nose. Next, create a blank canvas with eye primer to prevent creasing and to make color last. Apply black liner along entire top lash line and outer lower lash line, making the line thicker toward the outer edges. Using the EcoTools Day-to-Night Set, take a small brush to smudge the liner, blending upwards on the top lid and inward on the lower. Apply shimmery burgundy cream shadow to entire lid, and a taupe shadow to define the crease. Highlight inner corners of eye and just under brow bone with a shimmery bone shadow. Finish with two to three layers of volumizing mascara. Using a detailed lip liner brush, apply a nude lip color and create drama with a highlighting pencil to outline just under the middle of your lower lip and curvature of your top lip.



Girls night: Girls night out is the perfect time to play with color and trends. Have some fun with this look and incorporate emerald, the color of the year, into an updated twist on the cat eye.



Apply a primer and then full coverage foundation, setting with powder. Use a matte bronzer on areas you want to minimize, and also apply on lower cheekbones for contouring. Use a blush with some shimmer on top of your cheekbones for a flirty effect. Bring bronzer down onto your neck and decolletage with a sculpting brush. Apply a wash of gold eye shadow over the entire eyelid and line with a black gel liner and extend into a wing slightly past the outer corner of the eye. Use an emerald green pencil to line entire lower lash line for a saturated burst of color. Finish the look with a wash of berry lipstick to really make the green eye accent pop.



For complete step-by-step instructions on recreating these looks and for more date-night inspiration, visit www.ecotools.com and www.facebook.com/ecotools.





Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for easy and quick room updates

The relaxed pace of summer allows the perfect opportunity for home improvement updates. You can make your favorite room stand out with some simple ideas that take less than a day to complete from start to finish.



"Home interior experts know small decor tricks that take very little time can have a big effect," says Elizabeth Sasso Smith from Liberty Hardware. "Homeowners can use these same strategies to make changes easily and quickly inside their own home."



Wall plates

Perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to quickly and dramatically update a room is to replace the wall plates. Wall plates are the covers that go over the light switches and outlets. Most people default to boring, white plastic that can make a room look generic and cheap. Decorative wall plates can complement any design scheme, and because they can be removed, are a great option for those who rent or others who might want to change them out from time to time with minimal effort.



Wall plates are the fashion accessory that every wall needs to add visual appeal. Liberty Hardware offers wall plate options to fit every decor style. From modern, sleek designs that feature finishes like brushed nickel, to classic and elegant options with finishes like satin nickel and espresso, you can upgrade your room within minutes. Visit www.LibertyHardware.com or look for options at your local Lowes Home Improvement store.



Paint

If you are looking for a big change with minimal effort, consider a fresh coat of paint. Dark and vivid colors remain popular and provide a focal point for the eye. Shades of green and gray are trending right now, as well as hues of blue in every color of the ocean. Pick up some paint samples from the store and bring home to see how they will look in the natural light of the room.



Interested in trying a bold color, but not sure about how it will look in the entire room? Choosing a single wall to paint is a great way to add color without going all out. For example, if painting a bedroom, choose the wall where you put the head of the bed. If you are painting a living room, choose the wall where the couch or your largest piece of furniture goes.



Hardware

Cabinet hardware changes are typically made in the kitchen or bath, but knobs and pulls have multiple uses if you think outside the box.



"Consider coordinating the color and theme of your new wall plates into a clever curtain tie-back using a knob or pull," says Christina Hurley of Liberty Hardware. "A similar finish will add a design flow that creates character and pizzazz throughout the room."



Some other ideas for coordinating knobs include use on a wall or door to hold a coat, towel or bag. You might even decide to hang pictures using coordinating knobs and metals. Instead of simply nailing the frame to the wall, tie with a beautiful ribbon and hang on a knob that matches your wall plates and other hardware in the room.



Hooks and hook rails

Other eye-catching additions to a room include hooks and hook rails. While they may have once been deemed for industrial or heavy-duty use, new contemporary and traditional designs along with complementary finishes like satin nickel and hazelnut allow hook rails to take a more prominent, decorative position in a room.



Installation is simple and quick, allowing for a modern appeal and instant coordination with wall plates and other hardware. Find a new place for items that often get tossed on the floor like book bags, belts or purses. A small hook rail placed in a closet or bathroom is perfect for hanging jewelry for easy access or spice up your garage with a decorative hook rail to hold sports equipment or umbrellas.



Remember, it doesn't take a lot of time or money to transform your interior space. With just a few easy updates like wall plates or hook rails you'll be amazed at how different and beautiful your room will look.



Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for you and your family. If you are going to change the flooring in your home, here are some tips for flooring the different parts of your house.



Bedroom flooring:



There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate.



Living room flooring:



It is the most used area and withstands most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.



Kitchen flooring:



Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.



by: Builder Brian

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7342.shtml

Gear up for marathon season: Sun safety tips for runners

For many people, fall brings cooler temperatures and outdoor activities such as nature walks and trips to see the leaves change. But sports buffs across the nation are hitting the pavement in preparation for marathon season.



There is no slowing down fitness enthusiasts, who adhere to training regimens and participate in long-distance running events. However, rigorous outdoor activity, combined with heat, humidity and sweat, can make skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays. Even if you are not a marathon runner, it is important to help protect your skin while embracing the sun and the outdoors.



Although the majority of people (59 percent) consider putting on sunscreen important when preparing for outdoor activity, only 49 percent actually use sunscreen when exercising outdoors, according to a survey sponsored by the Coppertone Solar Research Center. Before lacing up your best running shoes, plan ahead with a sun safety strategy that best complements your routine.



As a practicing dermatologist, I know how challenging it can be to help keep my skin protected from the elements, especially now that I am training for my fifth marathon, says Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and consultant to the makers of Coppertone. Simple steps can help ensure that you are protecting yourself this marathon season and beyond.



Dr. Hale offers some of her key sun safety tips for fellow runners:



* Shield with shades. UV radiation can damage the eyes and the skin around them, so it is important for runners to wear their sunglasses. To provide the best protection for your eyes, your shades should block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose wrap-around frames, which stay on better while you train.



* Replenish yourself. Drinking water can help keep your body and skin hydrated, especially if you are sweating. It is essential for runners to pay attention to how much water they are drinking before, during and after outdoor exercise. I like to apply Coppertone Sport Pro Series with DuraFlex before stepping outside for training. This lightweight formula sprays on easily and helps keep my skin hydrated, says Dr. Hale.



* Protect every inch. Runners and other outdoor athletes tend to forget to apply sunscreen on all areas of their face and body. The most commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen are the scalp, ears and backs of hands. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and reapply every two hours.



* Timing is everything. Schedule your outdoor training when the sun is less intense; avoid exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do run during that time, choose a route that offers plenty of shade.



* Go safe with your style. Make sure to protect your skin during your run with the appropriate attire. Try wearing lightweight, sun-protective clothing. Also, stay cool with a baseball hat to help shield your face from the sun.



Before you head out for your next run, check out sun care tips from Dr. Hale on the Sunderstanding page of the Coppertone website to learn more about how to help keep your skin protected when you are training your hardest.



Courtesy of BPT

Three beautiful new date-night looks

Getting ready for a date night can be fun, but finding the perfect look can be overwhelming. Going out today can mean so many things - it's not just dinner and movie anymore, there is a style for everything. Whether it's a cozy evening at home with your sweetie, a big date night or a night out on the town with your girlfriends, you want a look that will wow everyone you meet, especially that special someone.



A recent survey found that 55 percent of women feel most confident when wearing cosmetics. So, for your next date, put your best face forward and try one of these three go-to makeup routines. If you are not a pro, there is no need to worry - these beautiful looks can be accomplished easily and quickly with the right tools, so you'll be ready in a snap.



Romantic night in: This natural look is all about flawless skin, a fresh glow and lots of lashes; the goal is to look like yourself, but extra irresistible. Try using the EcoTools Fresh and Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set - it has all the tools you'll need to create a smooth and airbrushed look. The brushes are all super soft and eco-friendly, so you can look beautiful and live beautifully.-



First, prep your skin with a primer and sweep on foundation and concealer using the right tools in the set. Then set with a loose powder (applied with a full powder brush) for an airbrushed finish. Next, contour and shape cheekbones using the EcoTools Deluxe Fan Brush dipped in bronzer. For a little glow, use the flat side of the brush to apply an illuminating powder. Top with a light pink blush on the apples of the cheeks.



To make eyes pop, apply a neutral-colored shadow on the eyelid and just under the brow bone, a darker brown shadow to define the crease of the eye and a taupe shadow just above the crease. Define brows with a brow pencil to tame fly-aways. Line the upper lash line and outer lash line with a soft black pencil, smudging away any harsh edges, and apply lengthening mascara for a flirty fringe. Finish off the look with a sweep of coral lipstick, using a detailed lip brush for extra staying power. Add a dab of clear gloss just in the middle for the illusion of added volume.



Big night out: Whether you are headed to a black tie affair, have a big date or are hitting a hot party, a night out demands your most stunning self. Play up your peepers with this eye-opening technique that is sure to deliver come-hither appeal wherever the night takes you.



Prep skin with a primer and use a foam applicator to apply a full coverage foundation over your entire face, using the flat edge for larger surfaces, and the pointed edge for precision application around the eyes and nose. Next, create a blank canvas with eye primer to prevent creasing and to make color last. Apply black liner along entire top lash line and outer lower lash line, making the line thicker toward the outer edges. Using the EcoTools Day-to-Night Set, take a small brush to smudge the liner, blending upwards on the top lid and inward on the lower. Apply shimmery burgundy cream shadow to entire lid, and a taupe shadow to define the crease. Highlight inner corners of eye and just under brow bone with a shimmery bone shadow. Finish with two to three layers of volumizing mascara. Using a detailed lip liner brush, apply a nude lip color and create drama with a highlighting pencil to outline just under the middle of your lower lip and curvature of your top lip.



Girls night: Girls night out is the perfect time to play with color and trends. Have some fun with this look and incorporate emerald, the color of the year, into an updated twist on the cat eye.



Apply a primer and then full coverage foundation, setting with powder. Use a matte bronzer on areas you want to minimize, and also apply on lower cheekbones for contouring. Use a blush with some shimmer on top of your cheekbones for a flirty effect. Bring bronzer down onto your neck and decolletage with a sculpting brush. Apply a wash of gold eye shadow over the entire eyelid and line with a black gel liner and extend into a wing slightly past the outer corner of the eye. Use an emerald green pencil to line entire lower lash line for a saturated burst of color. Finish the look with a wash of berry lipstick to really make the green eye accent pop.



For complete step-by-step instructions on recreating these looks and for more date-night inspiration, visit www.ecotools.com and www.facebook.com/ecotools.





Courtesy of BPT

test

Good is just not good enough for many employers today. As companies look to do more with less, hiring managers are drawn to those job candidates who stand out from the crowd and clearly illustrate the value they bring to an organization.

If current employment trends didn't make landing your dream job tough enough, a gap between the skills hiring managers value in a candidate and how job seekers describe their own skills presents additional challenges.

According to the annual Job Preparedness Indicator from CareerAdvisoryBoard.org, more than half (56 percent) of job seekers are confident they know what qualifications are required for employment. Yet, only 14 percent of hiring managers reported that "most" or "nearly all" job candidates, over the past three years, have had the skills their company looks for in a potential employee.

J.T. O'Donnell, career strategist and author of "CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career," suggests that job candidates need to learn how to G.L.O.W. in order to close the employer-candidate disconnect and shine brightly among an ever more competitive job market. Here's how to G.L.O.W.:

G - Gain perspective: Take a step back and assess your situation. "No two people are alike," says O'Donnell. "You have to figure out what's important to you in your life and career. So, evaluating your values, preferences and interests will provide you with a customized plan and increase your ability to achieve success."

L - Luminate your goal: To "light up" your career goal, break down your preferred position into a list of "must haves," "nice to haves," and "don't wants." Let these criteria act as a compass to guide you toward your career destination. A vivid mental image of yourself as a success will keep you motivated and moving forward when things get tough.

O - Own your actions: Be ready and willing to put forth the effort required to make change happen. "Some requirements will seem more daunting than others, like having to go back to school for the right education and career-oriented skills set," says O'Donnell. "However, there are excellent options like DeVry University, which provides flexible onsite and online scheduling so you can maintain current responsibilities while pursuing your dream career."

W - Work it daily: Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind so that you'll take steps every day, no matter how small, to get closer to them. Display your goal where you can view it throughout the day. You should also ask yourself at least five or six times a day, "Is what I'm doing right now helping me achieve my goals?" A truthful answer to this question can be very enlightening.

If you are just starting your career out of college or are a mid-career professional seeking change - whether climbing higher in your current field or switching to a completely different industry - applying the G.L.O.W. method will brighten your future.

For more information about flexible education options, visit DeVry.edu; and to learn more about the G.L.O.W. method, visit Careerealism.com.

Courtesy of BPT