Neck Liposuction Surgery Information

November 10, 2009 by finance1024

A shapely neck is admired by cultures throughout the world. A young and firm neck draws attention to the shape of the chin and face; however, not all necks are shaped alike. Whether because of age or genetic predisposition, fatty deposits gather in the neck, resulting in a loss of shape in the chin and neck.

Often done in conjunction with a face lift, neck liposuction gently removes the sagging fatty tissue that has collected in the lower face and underneath the chin. Liposuction of the neck is appropriate for men and women of all ages.

The procedure is performed in our office, usually on an outpatient basis. Neck liposuction is generally performed under local anesthesia, which allows you to remain awake but anesthetized and relaxed. The procedure takes about one hour, depending on its extent.

Preparation
Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet before surgery. A healthy diet will help speed recovery. Plan ahead and prepare nutritious meals that are easy to warm up so that you won’t need to spend too much time in the kitchen during your recovery.

If you smoke, abstain from smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery. This reduces the risk of infection and encourages faster healing.
Do not take any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen during the two weeks preceding surgery.
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
Be certain you do not have a cold or sunburn the day of surgery.
Do not wear make-up or contact lenses to surgery.
Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery and, if possible, help you around the house for a few days while you recover.

Procedure Overview
Using the “tumescent” technique, the surgeon injects the area with a large amount of sterile saline solution in order to make the area tumescent or firm. The saline solution also acts as a local anesthetic as it constricts the blood vessels, which reduces discomfort and lessens the bruising that follows liposuction.

After the area is firm, the surgeon makes a tiny incision either beneath the chin or in the crease under the ears.

A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision and excess fat cells are vacuumed out. The incision is stitched up and a compression bandage is applied to the treated area.

What to Expect After Neck Liposuction
After the procedure is over, patients may experience some numbness and swelling and/or discomfort at the incision site. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal and can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Swelling can be treated with cold compresses.

The compression bandage is usually removed in our office the next day, but patients should continue to wear the bandage at night for several weeks to speed recovery.

Within two days you should be able to return to work, if liposuction is the only procedure performed. If done in conjunction with another procedure, patients usually won’t notice any additional discomfort.

Risks
As with any surgery there is the risk of complication. Most complications associated with liposuction are minor and will pass with time. Possible complications include bruising, infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following instructions both before and after surgery.

Secrets for an Amazing Haircut

November 7, 2009 by finance1024

There is only one thing you really have to know about hair cutting and that is: don’t try it yourself!

Styling and shaping is an art even the finest hairdressers admit has taken them a lifetime to master; the most honest add, “And I’m still learning.”

Steal from your piggy bank if you must to finance an expert cutting. (Perhaps in the simple act of trying to carve out bangs you’ve already discovered the folly of putting scissors to your own hair.)

As complex as the fine art of hair cutting is its vocabulary: scissors cuts, razor cuts, heat cuts, sculpture cuts, taper cuts, blunt cuts, layer cuts.

Basically there are two schools of hairdressing, the scissors men and the razors men, and each will defend his chosen tool to the death- of your patience. Still others use both, scissors for shortening and razors to give a feathery feeling to hair tips.

Both tools do beautiful jobs in the hands of masters. Actually, most hairdressers cling to the tool with which they first learned to style hair. So don’t judge your stylist by whether he uses scissors or a razor but rather by the results you see on your own hair.

Yesterday’s thinning scissors are practically one with the marcel – disappeared. Today’s shape cutting is based on tapering and layering. Even apparently straight bangs are never cut straight across but are tapered and layered to hug the head. Coarse, thick hair is generously tapered and layered. The same technique used in moderation buoys fine hair.

LAYER CUT: Leaf-like, it encourages hitherto hidden curl, brings out the natural life of hair. It is the ideal background for a waved setting.

TAPER CUT: There are many variations of the taper cut. Most hairdressers prefer to taper cut while hair is wet so that the natural curl or permanent wave shows to advantage.

Many hairdressers use scissors on fine and medium hair, razors on coarse hair. Each strand is held out from the head at a 45-degree angle and cut with a slithering motion on top or underneath. Hair is usually cut underneath if a smooth contour is desired.
The majority of taper cuts involve backcombing, which shapes the hair and removes bulk. Lighter hair curls more, lies better and is more easily controlled. Ends are carefully tapered so they blend well together.

SCULPTURE CUT: This follows the natural curl of the hair and usually does not require any setting after the cut. Simply push hair into place with fingers. Best results are achieved on coarse hair. But good results are attained on all but very fine hair. Hair is usually cut wet with a razor. Hair is sculptured to the head in layers and tapered all around.

BLUNT CUT: Hair is cut straight across with scissors. Used on very thin hair to produce body. Sometimes, as a softening variation, the strand of hair is twisted and then cut to produce a less blunt, more easily blended end. Can be contour cut or shaped layer on layer.

How often should you have your hair cut? The average woman’s hair grows approximately one half inch a month and usually more in summer. This much needs to be removed monthly as it tends to make hair heavy and will drag down a good setting.

How to Keep Your Feet Feeling and Looking Great

November 3, 2009 by finance1024

Your feet take a lot of punishment every day. If you are a woman, you might wear three inch torture devices known as shoes or wear boots that rub blisters on your heels – all in the name of fashion or so-called beauty. Or you might try and stuff your feet into shoes that are too small for you. Going barefoot has its own drawbacks – you might step on stickers or splinters. You would definitely sub your toes and develop calluses on your heels. Taking care of your feet is a must, especially since they have to support you for the rest of your life! Luckily, there are numerous beauty tips just for feet.

Avoid getting rough – Rough feet can be terribly unattractive. Keep a pumice stone handy in your bathroom. After a bath or shower, you can dry off then use the pumice stone to gently buff off some of the thick calluses on your heels and even around some of your toes. Once you have buffed off a few layers of dead skin, gently rinse your feet and dry them. Apply petroleum jelly or a moisturizing lotion to your feet and promptly put on socks or protective booties. With your freshly clean and buffed feet, the lotion will soak into your skin better. To promote softer skin and hydrate your feet at the same time, make sure that you sleep with your feet lathered in lotion covered with socks over night. You will not believe how soft your heels and skin feel on your feet!

Relax and rejuvenate – There is nothing more relaxing than a foot massage. Let’s face it – your feet are one of the most overworked parts of your body. They hold up your body weight and when you walk or run, that is added abuse to your feet. A massage using essential oils or even a cooling mint lotion can perk up even the most tired of feet.

Soaking your feet is also beneficial. It loosens the muscles and you can soak out your aches and pains. Plus, by soaking your feet, you are softening your skin in preparation for a pedicure and even the use of a pumice stone as mentioned above. A great home pampering product for your feet is a foot bath that has little jets that pulse water and provide your feet with a heated water massage. Adding a little Epsom salt to the water promotes a relaxing experience which improves the circulation in your feet and eases aches and pains.

Pedicures – Because we tend not to look at our feet so much, the cuticles can grow way past the natural nail line. Take advantage of the pliable skin you have after a foot bath or shower. The cuticles around your toenails would be soft at that time and can be trimmed or pushed back easily with the cuticle stick. Since your toenails are usually thicker than fingernails, a foot bath or shower softens them up which is great situation for easier trimming and shaping. With toenails, you have to be careful how you trim them so as not to create a situation for a future ingrown nail. In addition, you want to use an emery board to gently file your toenails. This will ensure that there are no snags on panty hose or socks. Just remember – file in one direction instead of using a sawing motion.

There are several no-nonsense tips that can guide you to better looking feet. For instance, you may love wearing high heels. However, walking in them for any length of time can cause pain in the arch of your foot as well as cut into the circulation and cause pain. Make a compromise. Wear sensible shoes during your commute and change into your snazzy heels right before your event. If you are able to, do little foot and toe exercises to promote circulation, especially if you work in an office where getting out and taking a walk is not always feasible. Doing little toe crunches is great to release some stress in your feet and eases some pain.

After a few feet pampering sessions, you will notice a change. So if you are in a profession where you are on your feet all day like teachers, wait staff or construction workers just to name a few, some of the tips above can be very beneficial to you. Just remember that you are not doing yourself any favors by not taking care of your feet. They are your main support system!

Fashion Design Schools: Choosing the BEST Among the Rest

November 1, 2009 by finance1024

Do you know how to sew?

Do you enjoy creating designs?

Do you love following or changing patterns to come up with a piece of clothing?

If fashion is simply just your passion, then you might just be right for a fashion design school.

Here are some reasons why you should attend a fashion design school:

1. You will learn about the most up-to-date styles that many people would consider buying.
2. If you are unsure whether you will be able to make a living out of your interest in fashion,
your level of confidence will greatly increase once you obtained a degree.
3.Studying about and later working on, a field that you love is very rewarding.
4. You will learn about the various principles behind the patterns you have worked on in the
past, as well as the ones you will be working on in the future.
5.You will also be knowledgeable on mixing and matching colors to magnify the shape and cut
of your creations.
6. You will know more about keeping your clothes together – other than just stitching! Talk
about endless possibilities.
7. Fashion design school will expose you to different kinds of people, working with them,
incorporating their ideas with your own, and developing relationships with those who share
the same feeling toward fashion.
8. These relationships will set the foundation for meeting potential employees, employers, or
business partners; all whom you will need when you start your foray into the fashion world.

There are numerous fashion design schools globally. Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, found in London, is considered by some as the most famous of them all. Other world-renowned schools are The Royal College of Arts in London, the London College of Fashion, Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, AIU in Los Angeles, and Parsons The New School for Design in New York City.

Most courses in the schools mentioned above last for about three years.

The next question, however, will be, how do you choose the best school for you?

Here are 10 helpful tips to help you in your decision making:

Tip#1- – Determine what you would like to major in. From there, search for a school that offers
the program that you like.

Tip#2- – Have a list of criteria that you would like to take a look into in your search for the perfect
fashion design school. These criteria may include program offering, major and minor
subjects, costs, location, placement record, and many more.

Tip#3- – You may now construct a list of candidate fashion design schools.

Tip#4- – Gather all necessary resources and information about each of your candidate
school. Find their websites and research.

Tip#5 – - Narrow down your list further by using the criteria you have set in Tip#2.

Tip#6 – -Inspect the schools left on your list. It would be good if you can visit these schools
personally. But if not, try to obtain a video or look for a virtual tour in their websites.

Tip#7 – - File your application to the schools that met your criteria.

Tip#8 – -While waiting to hear from the schools you sent your application to, search for
scholarship grants in the Internet.

Tip#9 – -Make your final decision based on the responses you got from the schools that you
applied to, as well as the scholarship grantors’ response. Carefully review your notes,
consider funding, and finally, decide.

Tip#10 – -Get ready to embark on a journey that you have never quite experienced before!

Off you go to the one of the best fashion design schools in the world!

How fashion rules the world

October 30, 2009 by finance1024

In the 21st century the style trends of the fashion industry dominate the world more than they ever did, and control not only the way people dress but also trends in homeware design, makeup fashion and people’s overall attitudes. In the 60s flower power did not only mean flares and tunics, it summed up the whole attitude of a generation, and this is even more prominent today. Nowadays, fashion is bold and daring, and this reflects a noughties generation that is not afraid to say what they think, or wear what they want. Fashion is not just a means of clothing your body, it is the essence of your personality and beliefs, and designers are well aware of the power they hold. Designers’ predictions and designs for the coming season are more hotly anticipated than any other revelation in the world. Trends in fashion unify women and men around the world, yet they still allow people the ability to portray their own individual style at the same time. A period of time portrayed in a picture can be identified immediately just by the style of clothes the people are wearing, and this sums up just how powerful and all-encompassing fashion is. Fashion can change from one second to the next, but what never changes is the hold it has over society, and the role it plays in the modern world. Fashion is so important that whole magazines are dedicated to it, TV programmes dedicate hours of transmission time to the subject, and people discus it between their friends continually.

To keep up with the latest fashions, people subscribe to fashion magazines, keep a keen eye on what has appeared in shops and what has been there for a long time, and go to fashion shows to see what the designers are putting on the catwalk this season, and therefore what will make it in to the shops. For the extremely wealthy, they might have their own personal relationship with a designer who will keep them well ahead of the current trends, therefore, many people wanting to know what the new fashion lines are going to be will watch what celebrities are wearing. Being ahead of fashion is for many, the ultimate achievement, although being too ahead of the fashion is just as bad as being behind it! If you are too far ahead people will think what you are wearing is not in fashion, because it isn’t, yet. Designers continue to market the importance they know people put on fashion, and people continue to hang on to designers’ every move in the fashion world, therefore as long as this carries on fashion will continue to maintain its dominant position in society for a very long time to come. It influences not only what we wear, but everything we do, say, and even think. This is why fashion does indeed rule the world.

Why Fashion Shows Are Reaching Out To Everyone And Not Just The Elite

October 28, 2009 by finance1024

Now I’m sure that you know what a fashion show is but have you ever been to one? Most of you probably think that fashion shows are only for the rich and I will admit at one time that was mostly true but of late I have seen that change immensely. These fun functions have been geared more for the Rich at Heart as well as the Rich of pocket book. So if you enjoy fun, fashion and your own piece of the fashion world then get out and partake in one.

“Why should I attend a fashion show?” Well you don’t exactly need a reason to attend one as long as you remember that they are for everyone and anybody. And if your feeling uneasy and have a fear of the unknown join some friends and attend one or better yet go alone and gather up the fashions for you while making new friends. Need other suggestions, read on

You may not wind up making any purchases from the numerous designers carrying their latest trends but one thing for sure is you will learn what is popular and selling. And this alone is a great reason to attend especially if you own or run a clothing store, fashion store or even a clothing accessory store. You’ll want to make sure your stores are selling what is selling nationally and locally and stocked with the latest fashions. Attending any fashion show can help improve your business, by becoming the store that is sought after for stocking the styles and fashions most wanted in your area.

For those of you that do attend fashion shows for business reasons, including fashion consultants, you may want to think about attending a fashion show. While these shows are basically immersing us with the latest fashion trends, you will also encounter upcoming designers and their fashion trends as well. Fashion shows are a great source of knowledge for improving one’s fashion sense and whether your business is one of providing expert knowledge of fashion or wanting to appear as such, you best attend. Fashion shows are not only formatted for the demur frame but can also focus on plus sized clothing, work wear, swimwear, eveningwear, weddings, men, and teens.

Those businesses’ that are fashion related most definitely benefit from fashion shows. But that is not to say that you cannot also benefit from attending fashion shows. If you want to look your best and learn how to use the latest trends to accomplish that you may want to attend a fashion show. If your wardrobe is lacking or you don’t really know how to put your wardrobe together to make the pieces you purchase work better together and go farther have no fear there is a fashion show out there to help you learn what you need. You will find that the more you attend fashion shows the more your closets begin to work better for.

All learning and business sense aside Fashion Shows are a fun time. And everyone at one time or another is looking to have a good time. Why not incorporate that with a few friends and you have a fun filled fashion experience. Did you know that fashion shows are held in numerous locations as well as formats? Well of course you know they are held in the fashion capital cities like New York and Paris, but these fashion shows can also be held locally. If you’re up for attending these shows in New York, Paris or even at your local shopping mall, a memorable and fun experience will surely be had by all of you.

Remember “Why do I have to attend a fashion show?” Well, you really do not need to have a reason to attend a fashion show. If you want to attend even if it is to see what it is all about you will want to start making plans to attend as soon as possible.

Need A Full Figure Bar

October 24, 2009 by finance1024

The one article of clothing that the majority of women dread putting on every single day of their life is a bra. It seems as in this one article of clothing that the world of fashion has been extremely cruel to women.

Have you ever considered how the fashion world often times will contradict itself? One apparent meaning of a phrase can be most easily misunderstood and misleading, simply because the phrase has multiple meanings in the fashion world. When speaking about bras, then this is definitely true, because most women that you see in a day’s time are actually wearing the wrong bra size, and they do not even realize their error.

There can be a sizing difference in each different style of bra you choose, which is why achieving that perfect fit is often time difficult. The reason for this is that there is no universal sizing between bra designers. For instance, you may were a 38-C in one brand, but when you purchase the same size in a different brand, then often times it will not fit you in the same way. This is not saying that either brand is sized wrong. In fact, the problem is that they simply measure things slightly different than the other.

The one area that can cause a massive amount of confusion is in the area where a full figured bra is concerned. If you ever have yourself sized by a professional bra sizer, then you will find out exactly what size of bra you should be wearing. However, if you are some one that works out frequently and the professional bra sizer informs you that you should be wearing a full sized bra, then you may become a bit upset. These is especially true of any female, because the discussion of their size is some times offending.

The trouble with being a women that works out frequently and also being a possible candidate for wearing a full figure bra is a common problem. The problem comes from the fact that the majority of women do not understand exactly what the phrase full figure means in the sizes of bras. When talking about bras, full figure does not mean a bra that has a brand and straps that is for a larger body. This simply means that the cup sizes and bands are designed to accommodate a woman that has bigger breast.

You may be thinking that the two go hand in hand even though they often do, but they do not have to. If the woman frequently works out and truly watches what she eats, then it is important to remember that breasts are fat sensitive. It is a fact that if you are thin, then your breast tend to be smaller. However, many women accommodate themselves by having breast implants. Now the thin woman has larger breasts, and a full figure bra is going to be best for you.

Even though you have a petite body, the actual area of your breast may not be, which is the reason that you will often need a larger cup size for that extra support. If you find a larger bust line, then you will often times find your bra to be uncomfortable, which is the reason to go for the option of wearing a full figured bra.

The Different Types Of Sexy Bras

October 22, 2009 by finance1024

There are a variety of different types of sexy bras that are available on the market today, which help make women feel confident in themselves.

One of the main stays of the sexy bra market is the shelf bra that is just plain pretty. The breasts rest on a shelf composed of an under wire and a mini cup that is similar to any bra with the top half to two- thirds removed, which leaves the breast exposed from about the nipples up. While the bra offers some support, it is not suggested for large breasted women as it does not offer sufficient support. On the other hand, it allows the breasts to be exposed, which is an essential element for any sexy bra. These shelf bras are worn under a blouse or sweater, which make the breasts appear larger and are supported to help give the woman the cleavage that she desires as it does the double duty of pushing the breasts together and upwards. This exposes the breasts in a common element of most sexy bras as showing cleavage is a major part of wearing a sexy bra.

The term push up bra is used to describe a wide range of bras from under wire bras to padded bras. The push up in bras refers to the natural benefit of wearing a bra, and breast, depending on their size, will tend to sag the larger they get. Bras support the breasts and the addition of under wires and pads add to the push up effect. Push up bras are distinguished from other bras as they tend to be designed and cut to expose the breasts in between the breasts to give a sexier, more youthful, perky, and firm look. Sexy could be synonymous with the terms full figured, busty, perky, youthful, or many other terms when it comes to referring to a woman’s appearance and her breasts.

These bras make up a small, but increasingly growing portion of the market. Many would ask what is the point of having a woman’s nipples exposed while wearing a bra, but for many women, if not most, are raised to believe that exposing ones nipples or even the effect of having hard nipples is to be hidden or disguised. The peek-a-boo bras are designed for those women or men who do not agree with this belief as these bras generally have under wires and some padding, with the only difference being the lack of covering over the nipples.

The sheer bra is a staple of the sexy bra market. Sheer fabric with a Lycra spandex blend allows the bra to stretch and hug the breasts, while being see through and not covering or hiding the breasts, which is its sex appeal. Virtually, every bra maker offers sheer bras with some of them being adorned with embroidery, while others are not. The use of under wires allows the sheer bra to offer support to the breast, although not as much as fabrics that are stiffer and not quite as supple.

These bras make it into the sexy bra category as they are examples of where the sexy bra industry has evolved. The addition of these bras with either water, gel, or silicone inserts will allow the wearer to have the appearance of larger breasts that look and feel like real breasts. As with all evolutions, there have and are problems, because the water bras can leak and gel and silicone bras can get heavy to the wearer. Women were advised not to wear gel bras as airport authorities warned that they could be used by terrorists to carry explosives or other bomb making material.

Generally, full coverage bras are not considered sexy bras as they tend to cover the entire breast and offer comfort and support over sex appeal. It is not possible to completely define what is or is not sexy in the bra market, but most would agree that sexy bras are skimpier and more revealing and colorful than foundation bras, which are designed to be unseen and designed to be worn for hours on end. Perhaps that is the distinction that sexy bras are designed to be seen and worn for the shortest time possible.

What Kind Of Lingerie Should Your Preteen Be Allowed To Wear?

October 18, 2009 by finance1024

This is a hot and touchy subject and I have to tell you first off that I am glad that I only have a son and not a daughter. If I had a daughter there is no way on earth I would let her out of the house wearing some of the stuff I see on young girls at the movies. We just came back from going to see the movie, “The Lake House”, which was great by the way.
See, I’m not a total jerk; I can appreciate a good movie even if it is a chick flick.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand. I have discussed this situation with friends of mine and they all have differing opinions, though not surprisingly it is usually the mom who sides with the twelve year old daughter who has decided she wants to wear thongs.
It is bad enough when they allow them to wear half tops and shorts so small that their rears are hanging out of them. My question is why on earth does a twelve year old need to wear a thong? She isn’t supposed to be looking sexy for anybody; she’s twelve for crying out loud!

I am not alone, I know many dads who share my opinion and my concern that we are teaching young girls in our society today to dress like hookers and be promiscuous. And you can’t tell me that they aren’t. Our society has gotten to the point now that there are manufacturers now specializing in producing lingerie for pre-teens!

While it remains for the most part a personal decision made by the girl’s parents, there are many areas that have deemed it against school dress code policy for girls to wear thongs and have sent them home because they are wearing them under short skirts. This is reason enough not to allow them. Girls at this age don’t think about the fact that when they bend over in a short skirt and a thong they are showing the world their backside.

Now, when it comes to bras that is another story altogether. I think a lot of times parents delay the process of buying a girl her first bra too long. When a girl’s breasts began to form they need to be wearing a bra, end of story. It is also natural for them to want to feel a little sexy but you have to draw the line and not let it get out of hand.

You should do all you can to prevent your daughter from dressing overly sexy at this tender age. There are all kinds of perverts out there these days, not to mention what they are doing to the teenage boys who are full of raging testosterone!

Some Ideas for Your Halloween Party Game

October 15, 2009 by finance1024

Lets have a good look on some of the funny, chilling, thrilling and interesting Halloween party games. These games can be played by all age group. If you are planning to invite all your friends and friends family, then you must surely try out these games.

A “Cat Race” next kept the guests busy. Before the party our sons had cut out of black construction paper two large cardboard cats. A string about twelve feet long was run through the head of each cat. One end of each string was tied to a chair across the room high enough from the floor so that each cat stood on its hind legs.

Then the captains of each team took the loose ends of the strings and by jerking them moved the cats down to the man operating the string. The next man in line jerked the cat back up to the chair. Of course, the first line through won the race. It was a hilarious race that left the jerkers helpless with mirth.

The next game was a relay and the guests were divided into two teams. A big orange cardboard pumpkin with a large opening in one side hung in an open doorway. Suspended inside the pumpkin was a small bell. The first man on each team was given a bean bag and told to ring the bell. Each player had one try and then passed the bean bag to the next player. A scorekeeper reported on which team rang the bell the greater number of times.

Then apples were tied to strings in the open doorway. A contestant with hands behind his back tried for a bite at the swinging apple. In a large archway there is room for five or six apples hung side by side. It is loads of fun for the onlookers to watch the struggling contestants.

The “Rainy Day Race” was really hilarious. Once again we divided the guests into two teams. A locked suitcase and an umbrella were given each side. Each suitcase contained rubbers, a skirt, gloves, a raincoat and hat. At the starting signal the leader of each team opened the suitcase, put on the clothing, went out the front door, raised the umbrella and ran around to the back door through the house to the living room, where he closed the umbrella and repacked the suitcase for the next man on his team. Needless to say the repacking and dressing was done at break-neck speed and afforded no end of fun and excitement
.
After this riotous event the guests welcomed a chance to catch their breath. While they were resting each one was given a clothespin, a Halloween paper napkin, three straight pins, and a yard of string to make a Halloween table favor.

When the favors were finished and the winners chosen, the guests were led to Goblin’s den our dining room for the buffet lunch. The tablecloth was black crepe paper. A two-faced lighted pumpkin served the double purpose of centerpiece and illumination. White cut-out skulls and crossbones and large white cat-heads with wide-open mouths and eyes added a lot to the spookiness of the table.

Each guest carried his filled plate to the living room where card tables had been placed. To match the dining table each card table was covered with a black crepe-paper cloth. Scattered over the table top were white cut-out skulls and crossbones. Each table was lighted with an orange candle decorated with a black crepe-paper bow. White grave markers served as place cards. These markers, held erect with stiff cardboard standards, bore such inscriptions as “Here sits spook Tom Jones.”

The food too carried out the Halloween idea. Jack-o-lanterns made from red apples were stuffed with tuna-fish salad. Open-faced cheese spread sandwiches with raisin features grinned a welcome. Wedges of pumpkin pie were decorated with skull and crossbones of whipped cream. The children were served glasses of witch’s brew (cider) and the adults were given coffee.

After the luncheon all went in to see “Mike” our family skeleton who holds forth in a dark closet on Halloween night. Mike is a life-size cardboard skeleton purchased from the dime store. We painted his bones with phosphorous paint and he glows realistically from a darkened closet.

By all means give a family Halloween party. It is such a good chance to have fun and be completely natural