Beautiful Skin

Beautiful Skin from your Kitchen

You can get plenty of nourishment for your skin from a natural diet. All you need to know is which fruit or cereal gives you the vitamins you need for a flawless and glowing skin

Oranges
What they do: They are loaded with Vitamin C, which protects your skin from damage from environmental factors like ultraviolet rays. Vitamin C keeps your gums healthy and helps your skin make collagen, which is necessary to keep it tight and wrinkle free.

How to consume: You need 200 mg of Vitamin C per day. There's enough in one orange for your entire day's needs. It's better to consume the whole fruit than just have the juice. Smoking is a no-no as it decreases the absorption of Vitamin C into the system. Conditions it helps: Bleeding and tender gums, wounds, dull skin from exposure to the sun.

Papayas
What they do: This delicious, lowcalorie fruit is not just a dieter's delight; it comes packed with carotenoids that release Vitamin A. Vitamin A has an antioxidant effect; it protects your skin from damage and keeps it young. It is also known to decrease the risk of cancer. How to consume: About 200 gm (a big bowlful) is adequate. The part near the seeds is the richest in nutrients, so it should not be discarded. Instead, just lightly flake off the seeds with a fork.

Conditions it helps: Dry skin and dry mucosa (the lining of your mouth and eyes).

Whole grains
What they do: These are full of vitamins of the B group; these vitamins are essential for normal skin functioning, growth of new cells to replace dead ones and to maintain the skin's strength against infections and stress. Niacin in whole grains also helps skin cells to absorb nutrients from the blood and break them to release energy.

How to consume: Select breads, biscuits and pastas that mention 'whole grain' instead of just wheat flour in the ingredients. Try to eat unpolished rice (brown rice). You could also add wheat bran (husk of wheat) to your chappatti dough.

Conditions it helps: Peeling, cracked skin, rough hands and feet, mouth ulcers, sore tongue, rawness at the angles of the mouth.

Sunflower seeds
What they do: These light, crisp, nutritious morsels are filled with the goodness of essential fatty acids. They help your skin secrete natural oils that lubricate it and prevent water loss, keeping your skin soft. They improve hair texture and decrease blackheads. How to consume: A few teaspoons once or twice a week is enough. Alternately, use sunflower oil for cooking.

Conditions it helps: Psoriasis, scaly patches on your skin and cracked soles, atopic dermatitis, rashes, acne.

Green tea
What it does: Green tea is loaded with flavinoids and antioxidants. Drinking it is the best gift you could give your skin. Sunlight, UV rays and free radical (chemicals) in the atmosphere can damage your skin cell's structure and leave it incapable of repairing itself, making you look older and wrinkled. It may also cause skin cancer. Antioxidants in green tea battle these agents, helping your skin stay younger.

How to consume: Soak a tea bag or a teaspoon of tea leaves in a cup of hot water for at least three minutes to get the full extract. This is available at any pharmacy. Adding milk neutralizes the antioxidants, so it is best to have it black.

Lovely Lips

For Lovely Lips

Try out some of the methods to make lips look beautiful in winter.

Lips are a sensitive body organ and the fact that we use them for speaking, eating and smiling, it is advisable to know the ways to take care of lips It is seen that seasons affect the lips as they are exposed to the elements directly and like hair need a lot of care. During winters, it’s largely the lips that bear the brunt. As lips have extremely sensitive skin, they appear cracked, bleed and seem to be unnaturally red, as the mercury drops.

Try out some of the methods given below to make lips look beautiful in winter.

• Around 92 per cent of women use lipstick each day, but the truth is that they are still more likely to apply an eye cream at night than to reach for a specialist lip product at night. However, there comes a time when this much-overlooked area needs special attention, especially in winter.
• The best way to kiss dry, chapped lips goodbye is with a little gentle exfoliation and moisturizing.
• Try out rubbing lip cream with a light toothbrush topped with lip cream, so that the fine cracked particles on your lips are removed completely.
• To relax the lip, mash a quarter of ripe papaya to a juicy paste. Then, lie down on a towel and apply a generous amount to the lips and the skin around the lips. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off and apply lip balm. Papaya contains exfoliating enzymes and can help to soften and refine lip lines.
• If your lips are prone to dryness and cracking, check out daily maintenance creams with skin-exfoliating AHAs (alphahydroxy-acids), moisturisers, Vitamins A and E and an SPF 15, which has been shown in trials to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the lips in one month.
• Lips are one of the most exposed areas of skin, yet they have an extremely thin outer layer and few sebaceous glands.
• Centrally heated offices (which can be particularly dry) and whipping winter
  winds both take a toll on your lips. If one is going skiing or to hotter climates, remember that lips contain no melanin and can quickly become badly burnt without protection. So, one has to be extremely careful in such cases.
• If these tips are followed, lips will remain supple throughout the year and add to the face’s attraction.

Improving Facial

Improving Facial Features with Make Up

How does one make a round face look slimmer?
Using a back and forth motion with the brush, apply blush wher e the hollow of your check should be. (Suck in your jaws while looking in the mirror to find the right place for the blush) Make sure your eyebrow line is extended to the proper length. Too short a line will enhance the roundness. Wear your hair straight and close to your face.

Minimizing a double chin
Apply a bronzing powder on both sides of the neck. It will give the illusion of a long neck. Be sure to apply blush on your cheeks to draw attention away from the neck. Wear your hair longer in a layered style to help cover part of the neck.

The best way to cover freckles
Choose a foundation that offers medium or full coverage. This will hide your freckles. Choose a color of the foundation that is lighter than the freckles, but darker than your skin tone. Also be sure to blend the foundation very well at the chin so that you don’t have a distinctly visible make-up line.

How does one remove blemish scars or age spots?
It’s very important to first find a good bleaching cream and use it faithfully. Over time, these spots will fade.

Minimize your red eyes
A lot of people complain of redness in their eyes. Excessive usage of the computer and not adequate rest to your eyes can create puffiness and dark circles.

Apply cool cotton compresses to closed eyes. Always use an alcohol-free toner or, if you prefer natural therapy, opt for cucumber slices.

While applying make-up, apply a neutral colored eye shadow. Wear waterproof mascara in black or black-brown shades. Then, use a bright blue pencil to line your lower lashes. This will brighten your eyes and create a sense of drama.

Making a large, wide nose appear smaller…
Apply a bronzing powder down both sides of the nose. Try wearing a different hairstyle too. Long hair with some waves helps make a nose appear narrower.

To make a long nose appear shorter...
Always apply a bronzing powder to the tip of the nose.

To make your nose look slimmer...
Use two different shades of foundation or concealer near in color to your own skin tone. Apply the darker shade on each side of your nose and blend out onto the cheeks slightly. Apply the lighter shade on the top part of your nose. Lightly blend the two shades together. Then apply a loose powder on top of this.

To make a short nose look longer...
Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks and bring the color strongly back towards your ear. You will get an optical illusion effect which will emphasize your nose. To draw attention away from your nose, make your eyes look gorgeous. Everyone will notice your eyes. Soften a pronounced nose (skinny) by wearing your hair below your ears (short to medium length) so your hair is fuller around your cheeks.

Bridal Makeup

Bridal Makeup / Beauty Tips
Bridal makeup: is a clean, flawless, pearly and enhancednot a club or an evening party makeup so keep the consistency medium or low.
makeup, color choices are; warm tone colors such as” cream, gold, pastel green, peaches and browns or cool tone colors such as lilacs, violets, plums and soft pinks.” Bridal makeup is

Remember that neutral colors are always an excellent choice to achieve an enhanced natural look for a sophisticated and sexy bride.

Bridal Hair style: Bridal hairdo is recommended to be an up-do or a half up half down. The reason for the recommendation is that suggested styles would be very practical in terms of keeping the style and shape for a very long time as well as being comfortable and cool especially in summer season. If you are going for more of a sophisticated classic look, a full up-do is recommended. If you are going for more of a romantic look half up and half down is the look for you. Another popular do is The Low-Do. It is referred to a large bun shape around the lower head or neck area. This is a chic and modern style for a fashionable bride.

What is a Neutral color? It is referred to the various shades of earth tones. Colors that are subtle and mudded. It is also an average consistency of beige and browns. Neutral Browns could surly come in the slight hints of pink or green or gray. Taupe is a popular neutral brown with a hint of plum color to it.

Bridal makeup must be durable and resistant to last the whole event. It must work for pictures, film and also look flawless in actual and close-up.

Color coordination: All the colors used in your makeup should be in the same family and coordinate. You could either use the cool tones or warm tones. Do not mix up cool and warm together.

Theme coordinating: The whole look should follow the same theme (hair, makeup, jewelry and gown, shoes, etc).

Tips to find a makeup artist for your up-coming occasion? Imagine it is your big day, the final and very important detail of your preparation to start your whole experience is your hair and makeup. It always strikes me that how much money is spent in a wedding to please family and friends verses to giving to the main person “the bride,” whom is the center and the star of the show. Everyone is there to see the bride. Dear bride, do not deprive your guests and yourself from the best possible performance & appearance of your lifetime. You need to have the best and you deserve it. Here are some hints on what to look into when hiring a makeup artist, Punctuality and Timing, Confidence, Professionalism, Hygiene, Personality or Attitude, Years of Experience, Makeup Kit and Quality of Cosmetics.

Beauty salon for a wedding makeup and hair style? Here is what to watch for: traditionally beauty salons do not do contracts and just exchange words with the clients and make a note in a general shop calendar. The problem with this method is that the salon artists must be sure that they have work booked up for the day of event also. In that case what happens is they “over book” for the sake of “potential cancellations” by a few of the reserved clients. In most cases all of the clients show up and that is why it is known that salon weddings are to be late for their timing. So a detailed contract may save you a lot of hassle and time if you are working with a salon artist. I don’t see why not working with a punctual and talented salon artist if that is what you wish to do. In my opinion a free lancer is a better choice.

Is it necessary to do a contract or written agreement & to secure your reservations? Please be aware of an artist who is not prepared to give you his or her written commitment. It is an excellent way of reinsuring your reservation. It also shows that your artist will keep a track of time and other details of the day of event. Isn’t that a sign of professionalism as well as punctuality?

Here are the numbers you do the math! Bottom line you want to have a skilled confident artist who can create a look that you have always had in your mind. Artists who can help you see the most beautiful of you and help you find out the best possible “look” for you as well as achieving it. The artist who is respectful of your need and desire also contributes her/his opinion to benefit the situation along with professional attitude. You do not want to sit on somebody’s chair for one hour and be uncomfortable. After all makeup is very personal and intimate experience. It could easily become one of the worst or best experiences of your life. Remember makeup is the last detail to start your big day so why not for it to be fun and a pleasant event. And it sure could be. So do your homework and if you have to pay a little more just do it, because you’re worth it. Remember to ask for a detailed contract at the time of leaving your deposit.

What is a bridal, vender contract/ agreement? A bridal contract is a paper that states all the details of the service, as well as the deposit amount and the total of costs. This is a promise proof from your vender to you. A verbal promise may not hold as strong. This is exchanged between the vender professional and the bride at the time of booking. The contract will provide a security and an understanding of the nature of the services for both parties. Make sure you get a detailed contract from your vender and be aware of venders who won’t offer one.

How do you know how much to pay for a good makeover? How much an artist worth to pay for? Can you really put a price on an artwork? How do you do that? Well, let me give you few tips to help you weed out some troubles to help you hire an artist who is worth your budget.
Makeup & hair is the last detail and one of the most important elements to start your special day. Every artist has his or her price; however the price could vary from range of $50 to $1000 or may be in some cases more or less depending to the city, state or time of the year or popularity of the artist. But an average rate for bridal makeup is about $175 and for bridal party $85.
Of course $50 would hire you an Avon lady who would try to sell you cosmetics on the day of the special event. For some clients, it may not be an option to pay $1000 for a makeup application. So let’s get in to the point.
Word of mouth, referrals and web site search will lead you to some artist which you will be choosing yours. Do a trial session and if you decided to hire the artist sign a contract for exchange of your security deposit to secure the date. Please tip your artist especially if they are doing a trial for a very little money. It pays off, trust me.

Need help to find- out what you want for your makeup and hair style? If you happened to know what sort of makeover you would like to have it makes it easy for everyone. First get a few bridal or fashion and style magazine. Check out the looks and see which ones interest you the most, earmark the pages, and show it to your artist. You may start your communication to your artist by showing pictures and descriptions, and it is all up to you to make the final decision. Trial makeup is absolutely recommended. Not only it helps you to evaluate the skill of the artist but also it helps to find these important points about the artist. . Punctuality and Timing, Confidence, Professionalism, Hygiene, Personality or Attitude, Years of Experience, Makeup Kit and Quality of Cosmetics. These are some of areas to look in to at the time of try makeup.

If you are getting what you want it is worth any money. If you are not sure what you would like to have, it is a good idea to get some honest opinion from a friend or a person who understands makeup and style. Your grandmother or aunt, or someone in that rank, does not count. You want to ask people who like makeup and ware makeup. Remember that no need to ask for opinion of too many people because you can not possibly make everyone happy.

Water proof makeup verses water resistance makeup? The difference between the two is: that water resistant makeup only resist water and body perspirations. It is less durable but easier to remove when needed to be removed and in most time removable with a general remover. It is recommended for everyday use. For example if you use a water proof mascara every day, and try to remove it every night perhaps after one month you have no lashes left since it is very difficult to get it dissolved and removed. It is not recommended for everyday use. Water proof makeup is not really water proof at all the times. This term is used to tell you that the makeup is more resistance to water. Perhaps you need to have a cream base cleanser to remove it. It is recommended to be used for occasions. And please remember that regardless of its resistance the makeup is not tattooed to the skin it is still fragile and will be removed if you touch your face and get careless with it.

The motor injection air brush makeup: is a technique that I use mostly for TV and media work. It looks fine on the film and screen as well as body painting. But it looks pasty up close and in real life and I don’t like to use it for brides. Why we use it so much on films? Because it is fast and easy since in film industry we don't have much time to apply a fully-cared application.

Is air brush makeup recommended for brides? When it comes to weddings, I put so much extra care, because it is a once a life time event. So I use the best product and the proper application to avoid any risks of skin rash caused by strange chemicals that maybe in some products. I also make sure that my safe products can also create a fantastic flawless look up-close as well as on the print and film. My recommendation for the bridal makeup is a line of professional products that are safe, flash proof, stay-on, and manually brushed or sponged on the skin. As far as air brush makeup goes I only recommend only a certain type of canned air brush makeup which I use in some occasions. I do not recommend any air injector air brush makeup for a bridal application. In my opinion and experience it looks heavy on the face, the products are risky (skin rash) and it does not hold as well as some other products. Just because it is called air brush makeup, doesn’t mean it creates air brushed and flawless look.

What are a Bridal trial session& consultation for makeup and hair? Bridal consultation is a conversation exchanged between a professional and the bride about how he or she would provide the service and how everything works. Also often in the consultation some professional advise and give their opinion to help the bride choose the right service for herself. Please ask a lot of questions from your vender since it usually offered free of charge. Yes you heard it right consultation is normally free. However, consultation is a conversation it does not include the trial session or any product or service. You may also use the consultation time to evaluate and eliminate some artist and make your final choices. Consultation could take place on line or in person or by phone.

Makeup Artist Boot Camp: No clumpy mascara especially over top of the false eyelashes. No red lipstick and no dark lip liner to frame your beige color lips. It looks bad. Too much tan looks tacky. Too little blush looks sick. No caked on makeup. Keep the balance in your overall look and respect your makeup artist’s opinion, (only if it makes sense). Now do fifteen sit ups and ten pushups, because that’s what we do in the makeup artist boot camp. Oh yeh baby bride!

Story

Unexpected bundle of joy

It'd been awhile since we saw the nephews and nieces. My stomach was churning but my curiousity was strong.

Jackie said they had something important to ask her. I wondered if they would even take the time to stop and say hello. And what could they need to talk to Jackie about?

Six years before, right after we settled into our first home, my husbands sister called to ask if we would take in her four children and one nephew as she was unable to care for them. Our hearts immediately said yes, but our minds were reeling, how were we going to manage this one?? We already had four children of our own, these five would be coming from an entirely different way of life and would, for the sake of us all have to be subject to about a gazillion new rules.

Needless to say, it was no picnic, for any of us, but perseverance prevailed. By summer, the kids seemed to have settled into a new way of life. We had fought off the demons of change, fought for our rights and understanding of the school system and the worse was over.

Then my husbands sister called to ask the kids if they'd like to visit for the summer, then return when school starts. There were two that protested stating they were sure they would not return if they left. My husband, to avoid any family politics, told them to be strong and make sure they come back.

Needless to say, they didn't get on the plane when it came time to return. We were saddened, hurt and we didn't hear from them until now when Jackie, who was married to the oldest of the five and had 2 young girls of their own informed me of their visit. I halfway didn't expect they'd come to see us.

They were due to fly in at 11:00am. Jackie would pick them up from the airport.

At 2:30 that afternoon, Jackie called to say they were on their way to our house. My heart must have skipped a couple of beats, I wasn't sure how to talk to them. Of course they were anxious to see their cousins, my kids. I asked her who came, she said it was the two oldest girls, Michelle and Gena, now, ages 21 and 23. "Karen, she said, they came with Sophies' newborn, they want me to take care of him. He's only 2 weeks old. Sophie is in a mental hospital and they want me to take him!"

The Visit

When Michelle and Gena walked in the door there was all kinds of excitment. The dogs were barking and jumping, the kids were all talking at once, the phone was ringing and I was trying to straighten up the kitchen.

Michelle and Gena came and gave my husband and I a somewhat reserved hug and set the carseat with baby on the kitchen table and went downstairs to visit.

I looked at the baby. He was so tiny. As I watched him sleep I envisioned what his life would be like and I felt sad for him. I tried to feel a connection with him, but it wasn't there. I thought about all the wierd dreams I'd been having the last couple of months, I called them nightmares. They all consisted of me, in various ways of having another baby. One dream I'd find the baby in the woods during a drive, another I would have the baby and it was already talking and walking I had to look deep into myself, was this wishful thinking? I was done having kids.

Snapped into reality

Just then Michelle came over to the baby and snatched him up as if I were trying to kidnap him. I was offended but relieved at the same time. It was then that I made a pact with God. I said I believed he took care of the children. I trusted he would see this baby got the care he needed. Perhaps I wasn't to be the care taker, no hard feelings, but promise me...

I was hurt by Michelles' open anymosity, Gena took me aside and said Michelle was feeling a bit nostalgic. It was like going back in time, leaving Mom and going to people we didn't even know. She was scared all over again and in tears. We brought the baby here for Jackie to care for but she said she couldn't so we're going back tomorrow and taking the baby. They didn't even keep me as an option for taking care of him. Oh Well, he'll be fine, God promised!!!

Birth Flower for November

The language, legends and history for the Chrysanthemum; the flower for those born in the month of November.

Every flower has a history and every flower symbolizes something. Often the history and symbols are confusing and contradictory but they are still fascinating. If your birthday is in the month of November, your flower is the Chrysanthemum. Here is the story and language of your flower.

Linguistic Roots for the Name Chrysanthemum or Mum

The name chrysanthemum comes from two Greek words chrysos, which means gold, and anthos, which means flower. The reference to gold comes from the fact that in the Mediterranean the Chrysanthemum coronarium was a golden-yellow flower used in garlands intended to deter demons. Perhaps because a raised eyebrow indicates displeasure the flower was also known as Dios ophrya, which means God’s eyebrow. Perhaps they hoped that the reference to God’s eyebrow would scare away the demons.

Another common chrysanthemum is the European flower variously known as feverfew, featherfew or tansie. Historically, the tansy was used to reduce fevers in those who were ill. The Latin name for the tansy is Chrysanthemum parthenium.

Several flowers that are often referred to as daisies are categorically, mums. They are the ox-eye daisy, painted daisy, and shasta daisy.

The History of Mums

The oldest variety of chrysanthemum is the Chinese chrysanthemum, which was a daisy-like plant in China. It was cultivated for nearly 2,500 years before it made its way to Europe.

In China, the chrysanthemum was often used to symbolize a scholar in retirement because the poet T’ao Yuan-Ming retired to his mum garden rather than accept a position from the Emperor. He said he preferred “to pick chrysanthemums from the hedges, entertain his friends, and get drunk” (Wells, 41).

The Chinese also felt that the chrysanthemum promoted longevity and made wines and medicine from infusions of its leaves and petals. The dew collected from mums was supposed to be particularly effective in increasing the lifespan of those who ingested it. As a result, the mum was also considered one of the four noble plants in China along with bamboo, plum, and orchid.

The Japanese were first introduced to the chrysanthemum in 400 A.D. by Zen Buddhist monks. It became a symbol of the Mikado and was displayed as a sixteen petaled mum made to look like the Rising Sun.

In Italy, the mum is a funeral flower and is associated with the dead.

Speaking with the Chrysanthemum

Traditional books about the language of flowers include the following meanings for the mum: cheerfulness, you're a wonderful friend, rest; loveliness, abundance, wealth. Historically, the mum could also symbolize a scholarly isolation, longevity, or death.

Flowers

Flower Biology

A flower is the reproductive organ of those plants classified as angiosperms (flowering plants; Division Magnoliophyta). The function of a flower is to produce seeds through sexual reproduction. For the higher plants, seeds are the next generation, and serve as the primary means by which individuals of a species are dispersed across the landscape. After fertilization, a flower develops into a fruit containing the seed(s).

Flower anatomy

In botany, a flower is regarded as a modified stem (Eames, 1961) with shortened internodes and bearing, at its nodes, structures that may be highly modified leaves. In essence, a flower structure forms on a modified shoot or axis with an apical meristem that does not grow continuously (growth is determinate). The stem is called a pedicel, the end of which is the torus or receptacle. The parts of a flower are arranged in whorls on the torus. The four main parts or whorls (starting from the base of the flower or lowest node and working upwards) are as follows:

Poppy

• calyx – the outer whorl of sepals; typically these are green, but are petal-like in some species.
• corolla – the whorl of petals, which are usually thin, soft, and colored to attract insects that help the process of pollination.
• androecium (from Greek andros oikia: man's house) – one or two whorls of , each a filament topped by an anther where pollen is produced. Pollen contains the male gametes.
• gynoecium (from Greek gynaikos oikia: woman's house) – consisting of a pistil, with one or more carpels, which are the female reproductive organs and contain an ovary with ovules (female gametes). The sticky tip of tip of the pistil, the stigma, is the receptor of pollen. The supportive stalk, the style becomes the pathway for pollen tubes to grow from pollen grains adhering to the stigma, to the ovules, carrying the reproductive material.

Although the floral structure described above is considered the "typical" structural plan, plant species show a wide variety of modifications from this plan. These modifications have significance in the evolution of flowering plants and are used extensively by botanists to establish relationships among plant species. For example, the two subclasses of flowering plants may be distinguished by the number of floral organs in each whorl: dicotyledons typically having 4 or 5 organs (or a multiple of 4 or 5) in each whorl and monocotyledons having three or some multiple of three. The number of carpels in a compound pistil may be only two, or otherwise not related to the above generalization for monocots and dicots.

In the majority of species, individual flowers have both pistils and stamens as described above. These flowers are described by botanists as being perfect, bisexual, or hermaphrodite. However, in some species of plants the flowers are imperfect or unisexual: having only either male (stamens) or female (pistil) parts. In the latter case, if an individual plant is either male or female the species is regarded as dioecious. However, where unisexual male and female flowers appear on the same plant, the species is considered monoecious.

Some flowers with both stamens and a pistil are capable of self-fertilization, which does increase the chance of producing seeds but limits genetic variation. The extreme case of self-fertilization occurs in flowers that always self-fertilize, such as the common dandelion. Conversely, many species of plants have ways of preventing self-fertilization. Unisexual male and female flowers on the same plant may not appear at the same time, or pollen from the same plant may be incapable of fertilizing its ovules. The latter flower types, which have chemical barriers to their own pollen, are referred to as self-sterile or self-incompatible.

Close-up of a Day lily flower showing six stamens and the stigma and style of a pistil

In those species that have more than one flower on an axis, the collection of flowers is termed an inflorescence. In this sense, care must be exercised in considering what is a flower. In botanical terminology, a single daisy or sunflower for example, is not a flower but a flower head—an inflorescence comprised of numerous small flowers (sometimes called florets). Each small flower may be anatomically as described above.

Flower function

The function of a flower is to mediate the union of male and female gametes. The process is termed pollination. Many flowers are dependent upon the wind to move pollen between flowers of the same species. Others rely on animals (especially insects) to accomplish this feat. The period of time during which this process can take place (the flower is fully expanded and functional) is called anthesis.

Many flowers in nature have evolved to attract animals to pollinate the flower, the movements of the pollinating agent contributing to the opportunity for genetic recombinations within a dispersed plant population. Flowers that are insect pollinated are called entomophilous (literally "insect loving"). Flowers commonly have nectaries on their various parts that attract these animals. Bees and birds are common pollinators: both have color vision, thus selecting for "colorful" flowers. Some flowers have patterns, called nectar guides, that are evident in the ultraviolet range, visible to bees but not to humans. Flowers also attract pollinators by scent. In any case, pollinators are attracted to the plant, perhaps in search of nectar, which they eat. The arrangement of the stamens insures that pollen grains are transferred to the bodies of the pollinator. In gathering nectar from many flowers of the same species, the pollinators transfer pollen between all of the flowers it visits.

Grains of pollen on stigma of a lily

Flower scent is not always pleasant to our nose. Some plants, such as Rafflesia, the titan arum, and the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) are pollinated by flies, so produce a scent imitating rotting meat.

Other flowers are pollinated by the wind, and the flowers of these species (for example, grasses) have no need to attract pollinators and therefore tend not to be "showy". Wind pollinated flowers are referred to as anemophilous. Whereas the pollen of entomophilous flowers tends to be large grained, sticky, and contain significant protein (another "reward" for pollinators), Anemophilous flower pollen is usually small grained, very light, and of little nutritional value to insects, though it may still be gathered, in times of dearth. Honeybees and bumblebees actively gather anemophilous corn (maize) pollen, though it is of little value to them.

Butterfly

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. Most species are day-flying so they regularly attract attention. The diverse patterns formed by their brightly coloured wings and their erratic yet graceful flight have made butterfly watching a popular hobby.

Butterflies comprise of the true butterflies (superfamily Papilionoidea), the skippers (Superfamily Hesperioidea) and the moth-butterflies (Superfamily Hedyloidea). Butterflies exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Some are known to migrate over large distances. Some butterflies have evolved symbiotic and parasitic relationships with social insects such as ants. Economically, butterflies are important by virtue of their being one of the major agents of pollination, in addition to a number of species which are pests on domestic crops and trees.

Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts.

Try

Ever wonder where a butterfly comes from? It comes from a chrysalis (KRIS-uh-liss) which is also called a pupa. A chrysalis looks like a tiny leathery pouch. You can find one underneath some leaves in the summer. Some animals don't change much as they grow up. Think about it: someone your age looks a lot like a grown-up. Grown-ups have more wrinkles and gray hair. But they still have two arms, two legs and one head—just like you. We're going to meet an animal that's very different—the butterfly. Butterflies go through four life stages, and they look very different at each stage.

Here's what you need: Toilet-paper tube Tongue depressor or ice-cream pop stick Heavy paper 6" (150 mm) piece of pipe cleaner, folded in half Markers or crayons Scissors and glue

Here's what you do:		1. Cut out and color a butterfly from the heavy paper. Use any colors, but make both halves look the same. Put a small hole at the top of the butterfly's head. 2. Color the toilet paper tube to look like a chrysalis. (A monarch butterfly's chrysalis is green, but you can use any color.)
		3. Take a piece of pipe cleaner and shape it like the letter "V". Put one point through the little hole in the butterfly's head and then twist it to look like antennae. Butterflies use these "feelers" to learn about their environment. 4. Glue the butterfly to one end of the tongue depressor or ice-cream pop stick. Let the glue dry.
		5. Curl the butterfly's wings and slide it into the chrysalis. 6. Pull the stick to make the beautiful butterfly come out of the chrysalis. Fly your butterfly like a real one!

The butterfly's life cycle Butterflies go four stages of life, but they only look like butterflies in the final stage. Birds, frogs, snakes and insects also change as they grow. 1. An adult butterfly lays an egg. 2. The egg hatches into a caterpillar or larva. 3. The caterpillar forms the chrysalis or pupa. 4. The chrysalis matures into a butterfly.

GUJARATI KADHI

GUJARATI KADHI

Cooking Time : 15 min.
Preparation Time : A few min.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons gram flour 2 teacups fresh curds 1 teaspoon chilli-ginger paste 2 curry leaves 2 tablespoons sugar (approx.) 2 tablespoons chopped coriander salt to taste

For the tempering

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds a pinch asafoetida 1 red chilli broken into pieces 2 teaspoons ghee

Method

1.	Mix the gram flour, curds and 3 teacups of water. Beat.
2.	Add the chilli-ginger paste, curry leaves, sugar and salt and put to boil.
3.	Boil whilst stirring for a while.
4.	Prepare the tempering by heating the ghee and frying the cumin and mustard seeds until they turn brown. Add the asafoetida and red chilli.
5.	Add the tempering to the kadhi and boil for a few minutes.
6.	Sprinkle coriander on top and serve hot.

Butterfly's World

Kerala is one of the eighteen 'biodiversity centres' of the world. This land is home to more than 500 birds and 330 butterfly species, 37 of these endemic to this region. According to Birdlife International, it is also one of eight 'centres of endemism' in the Indian Subcontinent. Comprising of the largest in India, the Southern or Western Ghats Birdwing (Troides minos) with a wingspan of about 25 cms to the smallest, the Grass Jewel (Zizula hylax) with only 1.5 to 2 cm wingspan, the Kerala butterfly fauna is rich, diverse and scientifically very interesting.

Many Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala (officially protected wildlife parks) are a lepidopteran delight - the famous among them being Periyar Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. That is not all - Kerala's beautiful countryside can boast of a vast and fascinating variety of butterflies - be it in the myriad plantation areas or your own backyard. For those interested in the butterfly life of Kerala, it would be possible to organise dedicated tours in the company of our experts. The tour will take you through some of the most beautiful regions of India and lasts from 2 days to 15 days. Our guides are well versed in spotting the endemics as well as the most elusive ones.

A Diamonds Clarity

Clarity is a measure of the number of the flaws in the diamond as well as how visible they are and their affect on the diamond's overall quality. The characteristics that determine a diamond's clarity can affect its sparkle and brilliance. The flaws that diamonds can often have are often referred to as inclusions.

The inclusions of a diamond range from white and black dots on the surface of the stone to small cracks within in the stone and crystalline growth within the diamond. If you are searching for something such as diamond stud earrings where the diamonds will most likely be even more visible than that of a ring, a higher clarity on the diamonds may be wanted to achieve a brighter sparkle.

The GIA has a grading scale regarding diamond clarity, and it goes off specific criteria that are used to differentiate between grades.

FL: Completely flawless.

IF: Internally flawless; only external flaws are present, which can be removed by further polishing the stone.

VVS1-VVS2: Very Very Slight Inclusions. Only an expert can detect flaws with a 10x microscope. By definition, if an expert can see a flaw from the top of the diamond, it is a VVS2. If an expert can only detect flaws when viewing the bottom of the stone it is a VVS1.

VS1-VS2: Very Slight Inclusions. One can see flaws with a 10x microscope, but not easily.

SI1-SI2: Slight Inclusions. Inclusions are easily visible under 10x magnification. These stones are often "eye-clean".

SI3: Slight Inclusions - This grade is only recognized by EGL and is not recognized by the GIA or other gemological institutions and may be graded by GIA as either SI2 or I1. SI3 diamonds never have any black inclusions or cracks visible to the unaided eye, but may have some very minor white inclusions which can be seen.

I1: Inclusions visible. An I1 clarity graded diamond will have a visible flaw which can bee seen with the unaided eye, but most of the time will only have one major flaw which will not be too obvious.

I2-I3: Inclusions high visible. These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the unaided eye and will have many black spots and appear cloudy.

Most of the flaws of a diamond are tiny imperfections that do not affect a diamond's brilliance. If you are on a budget, it might not be worth it to get a higher graded clarity diamond, such as a VS1, rather than an SI2 grade because both are more than likely going to look the same to the unaided eye. You are only going to start seeing the imperfections under 10x magnification.

If you are getting some new diamonds in addition to a diamond ring, such as diamond stud earrings, or vice versa, it is important to get the same or very similar clarity on the added diamonds to make sure they will match better and sparkle the same.

Diamonds

Fuss About Diamonds

Ask a woman about her desires in jewelry and you can predict the answer. Yep, diamonds! It goes without saying that diamonds are hugely popular, but only the nature of diamonds explains why.

In a relationship, symbols are important and vital. Jewellery represents a number of symbols. If you really care for the other person, nothing beats diamond jewellery to deliver the message.

A commitment to another person is…well, a commitment. A person is looking for a commitment of time and totality. Diamonds are symbols for both of these things because of their nature.

Carbon is the most prevalent element in our world. It is the basis of much of what we see. In vary rare cases, carbon can be dangerous when there is too much carbon dioxide in the air or magical when it is turned into a diamond.

To understand diamonds, you have to first understand carbon. It is the building block of practically everything on the planet. In its pure form, it is not clear or hard.

A diamond is a creation of the inner workings of our planet. In simple terms, we are talking about heat and pressure. Carbon pockets within the planet crust are put under tremendous pressure and heat for millions of years. The result is a clear, hard substance that needs a name.

Diamonds get their name from the Greeks. It seems the Greeks named everything some times! In this case, the name comes from the word “adamas”, which means unconquerable.

If diamonds are formed in the crust of the planet, how do we find them? Well, we mine for them, but no mine is deep enough to reach them. Instead, we focus on volcanic areas where diamonds have been pushed up to the surface in lava flows and explosions.

Diamonds are exceedingly old. The heating and pressure process can take millions of years. Most diamonds used in jewellery are between one and three billion years old.

Diamonds can be very hard to find, which makes them precious. Most diamonds we find, however, cannot be used for jewellery This makes the 20 percent that can even more precious.

Oddly, diamonds have not been used in jewellery for that long of a period given the time span of man. Despite all the kings and queens of the past, diamonds were only first used in royal jewellery in Austria in the 15th century. Obviously, they have become a bit more popular since then.

The vary nature of diamonds is what gives them value. The age associated with them is incredible. Throw in the fact they are nearly impossible to break and you have the perfect gem for jewellery An unbreakable commitment of time.

Colours of Gold

BRIEF HISTORY & BASIC FACTS ON GOLD:

Gold is the most popular precious metal in the world and because it tends to hold its value, jewellery in particular is a desirable investment.

Gold in its pure form is very soft and so to strengthen it in order to produce jewellery and small intricate items, it must be mixed with other metals. The purity of gold is measured in carats, the most common are 9ct, 14ct, 18ct and 22ct. The Carat is worked out by the amount of pure gold to the percentage of its alloys, mainly silver, copper and zinc; this can also create varying colour of gold which differs according to its alloys and caratage. It is thought that the word ‘carat’ derives from the Middle Eastern word for ‘been seeds’ as apparently seeds or Carob beans were used to weigh gold.

AVAILABILITY OF HIGHER CARAT GOLD:

At times in history when gold was in plentiful supply, the Victorian age for example, it was commonplace to find 24 and 22ct gold jewellery. Generally today, particularly in the West, 24 and 22ct jewellery is rare and costly. 14ct is growing in popularity in Britain and becoming more accessible mainly due to a very well-known American born satellite television shopping channel (recognized worldwide) selling large amounts of quality 14ct gold jewellery;14ct is extremely popular in America. Some antique and early European gold, and occasionally Oriental gold is 10ct or 10k, as is 15ct gold.

9ct AND 18ct GOLD:

9ct yellow gold is the most widely known internationally and undoubtedly the favourite amongst jewellery shoppers as well as jewellery makers in the West. Higher carat gold is preferred and more available in the East and countries such as Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong are renowned for selling high carat gold jewellery in large quantities. However standard 9ct gold is affordable and yet as alluring as higher carat gold jewellery. It is economical for goldsmiths because it has a low percentage of gold, and being strong is more controllable to work with thus better for producing detailed pieces such as fine chains. For higher quality gold jewellery items, perhaps jewelled pieces, 18ct is more favourable and the next most popular, and because it has a higher percentage of gold is more expensive.

WEIGHING & PRICING GOLD:

All jewellery made from precious metal including gold jewellery is normally priced on its total weight. The cost of gold jewellery is calculated per gram and this varies according to the carat of the gold. The difference in purity will determine whether it works out less or more expensive per gram. This pricing system applies to all gold, and the price of gold per gram differs depending on its caratage. When an item is priced on its weight and purity it is called ’scrap’ value. This term has come about mainly from jewellery buyers who buy broken, damaged, second-hand or heavily worn gold items thus ‘scrap’ has evolved to describe buying used gold at a flat rate.

GOLD HALLMARKS AND STAMPS:

Hallmarks on gold should indicate the purity or carat of the gold. Gold stamps or hallmarks used to describe the carat are also calculated by the percentage of gold to the percentage of alloys for example:

Gold Type	Mark
22ct/22kt/22k = 91.6% Gold (remaining usually silver) Gold stamp/hallmark	916
18ct/18kt/18k = 75.0% Gold (remaining silver/silver + copper) Gold stamp/hallmark	750
14ct/14kt/14k = 58.5% Gold (remaining silver/silver + copper) Gold stamp/hallmark	585
9ct/9kt/9k = 37.5% Gold (remaining silver/silver + copper) Gold stamp/hallmark	375

THE COLOURS OF GOLD:

There are different colours of gold stemming from the amount of alloys combined with the pure gold. As mentioned previously the main metals used to form any caratage are Gold, Copper, Silver and Zinc. The two main colours from that group are red (Copper) and yellow (Gold), and the neutral, paler colours are from Silver and Zinc (shades of silver and grey). If we look at it another way, to add red to gold paint results in pinkish tones depending on how much is combined, and the same principles apply to how colours are produced for gold jewellery and small items. The less carat the gold the more varied the colour can be because there is plenty of scope to mix alloys, so 9ct having 37.5% gold means 62.5% can be made up from Copper (red Gold), Copper and Silver (Pink or Rose Gold) or silver (White Gold).

Gold

BUYING NEW AND PRE-OWNED GOLD:

When buying gold ideally it is best to find a good clear hallmark or stamp. As explained already the majority of gold jewellery has the carat stamp, 375, 585, 750 or 916 and this is internationally recognised, however many countries use abbreviated carat information, 9ct/9kt/9k, 18ct/18kt/18k and so on. Abbreviated stamps are also found on antique items although there is a vast amount of antique jewellery which is unmarked. It has been known where genuine beautiful gold jewellery is sometimes mistaken for gold plated or fake gold because it has a mark which is not common or acceptable to that country, on the other hand fake gold can be sold as genuine using an abbreviated stamp and this is on the increase as fake stamps are becoming more sophisticated. If you are unsure ask the seller as many questions as you need in order to feel reassured, be it an online shop, High Street shop or market trader. For total peace of mind you can also buy gold and precious metals testing kits at an affordable price, many companies can be found online and dispatch quickly after payment.

Women drivers more prone to whiplash injuries than men

Women drivers more prone to whiplash injuries than men

LONDON: According to Swedish researchers, women drivers are three times more likely than men to suffer whiplash injuries if their car is hit from behind.

Women's risk is increased because they generally sit closer to the steering wheel, the Umea University team said having studied data on 400 injuries.

They said crash-test dummies should better reflect women's figures and help influence seat design.

In the study, the researchers looked at insurance company data on more than 400 whiplash injuries claimed for during the 1990s.

They also carried out their own studies into how more than 200 men and women adjusted their car seats and then how they sat as they drove and as they were stationary.

They then compared the results from the human test with those from tests of a commonly used crash-test dummy, the BioRID, which is the same size as the average man or a large woman.

They concluded women's increased risk was partially due to them tending to sit higher and closer to the steering wheel and to have the seat back more upright.

For both women and men, sitting in the driver's seat entails twice the risk compared with the front passenger seat.



And when the data from dummy testing was examined, the researchers found it differed significantly in seat adjustments used and positioning.

"Current crash dummies used to develop vehicle seats and neck supports, for instance, are geared to men of normal size, but not to women. This is especially true in regard to height,” BBC quoted the researchers, as saying.

"Nor does testing methodology take into consideration differences between the sexes, or differences in sitting position between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat,” they added.

A spokesman for the UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "A properly adjusted head restraint will help prevent whiplash by reducing the distance between the back of the head and head restraint, stopping the neck from bending back.

"It will also reduce the amount of time it takes your head to initially contact the head restraint, and increase the amount of time that your head is supported during an accident."

He added, "It's important everyone adjusts the head rest as necessary - every time the car is used if there are different drivers using it."