Wildlife Wednesday: Polydactyl Cats

Most cats have 4 toes on their back feet and 5 toes on their front feet, giving them a total of 18 toes. Polydactyl (pronounced pol-ee-dak-til) cats on the other hand can have up to 7 toes per paw.

Dexter Hemingway the Twenty-Two Toed Tabby

Dexter Hemingway: The Twenty-Two Toed Tabby

Dexter Hemingway: The Twenty-Two Toed Tabby

If the work polydactyl is Greek to you, that’s because it is. The Greek origin of poly means “many” and daktylos means “digits or toes.” There was once a polydactyl cat named Jake who held the record for having the most toes with 28. There are polydactyl cats in Europe, Asia and the United States. They first arrived in the Boston area during the 17th Century. There are concentrations of polydactyl cats in Boston, Yarmouth, Halifax, Nova Scotia and Massachusetts. At the other ends of the ancient shipping line between the Old and the New World is Southwest England, and so it is not surprising to find a concentration of cats here. The Cardigan area was an especially busy port, and the polydactyl cats in the area are fittingly called cardi-cats.

The extra toes are caused by a genetic mutation, which appears in other mammals as well, but seems to be most common in cats. It seems any cat breed can be polydactyl, but it seems this trait is most common in Maine Coons - as much as 40% of the breed used to be polydactyl before the breeding standards were set so that polydactyl Maine Coons were basically bred out. Local legends tell of these polydactyl Maine Coons catching fish straight from the water with their huge paws, and even carrying fish back to their people. If one parent carries the gene, half of the kittens born are polydactyl – they may have extra toes or extra dewclaws. Normally it is more common for a cat to have those extra toes on its front paws, but a cat can have them on both front and back paws. It is rare to have extra toes on the hind paws only but when it happens they are usually toes and not extra dewclaws. When the toe has both a terminal pad and paw pad (like the fingertip and the ball of thumb of humans) it is referred to as a thumb cat.

Their owners think they are intelligent, and that they have a more laid-back personality than many other cats. Because of this they are also patient with children. One of the most famous polydactyl cats was Theodore Roosevelt’s cat Slippers. Slippers thought he owned the White house and acted accordingly, appearing in both meetings and press conferences.

Ernest Hemingway was the most well-known lover of polydactyl cats. He loved them so much that it caused his own polydactyl cats to be named the Hemingway Cats. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is home to approximately 40-50 polydactyl cats. Around half of the polydactyl cats at the Hemingway home have extra toes but all the cats at the home carry the gene in their DNA, this means the cats that only have 18 toes can still mother a cat with 20+ toes. The very first polydactyl cat Hemingway loved was given to him by a ship’s captain. The cat was named snowball, which actually has decedents living on the museum grounds today. Polydactyl cats are not a breed. The trait can appear in any breed be it Calicos, Tabbies, or any other breed in any shape, size, or color.

If you have children, have fallen in love with this breed after reading my post, and you would like to explore the world of the polydactyl cat a little more than I would suggest buying the children’s book “Dexter Hemingway: The Twenty-Two Toed Tabby”.

Dexter Hemingway: The Twenty-Two Toed Tabby

It is written from the perspective of Dexter, who is a real life polydactyl cat. The book takes you on an adventure from the day Dexter was rescued until he was brought home to live with his new family. It is a really sweet story that will leave you wanting more, which is great because I heard a second book is in the works. If you are interested in buying “Dexter Hemingway: The Twenty-Two Toed Tabby” you can do so on Amazon from this link:

Dexter Hemingway: The Twenty-Two Toed Tabby

Or you can buy your copy directly from the author at a discounted price and Dexter Hemingway as well as the writer will sign a copy for you. You can reach the author at cj3648@aol.com.


Work Cited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polydactyl_cats

http://www.hemingwayhome.com/cats/

http://www.cat-breeds-info.com/polydactyl-cats.html#axzz30OQQ3OyV

Wildlife Wednesday: The Margay

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

The Margay, aka the long tailed spotted cat is part of the genus leopardus. Margays are medium in size compared to the other members of this genus. The largest member is the Ocelot, weighing up to 35 pounds. The smallest member of the genus is the Kodkod, weighing only 4 pounds. In between these two cats are the Weidi, weighing up to 7 pounds and the Margay, weighing anywhere from 5 to 12 pounds. The Margay is 2 feet tall and 3 feet long, about the same size as a domestic cat. Their tail makes up 70% of their head and body length and is used as a counterweight for balance. These cats have large eyes and a shallower skull than other members of the genus. Along with their tails, their paws are also large in comparison with the rest of their body. The hair on the back of their necks grows backwards toward the head rather than back. Another unique fact is that they only have one pair of nipples instead of two as in other leopardus species. They are gray to golden brown in color with black and brown spots of different shapes covering their body. The spots are black with a brown center and the underbelly of the cats is white. Margays are semi-arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in the trees. So much time in fact that they eat, sleep, prey, and even give birth in the trees. They only refrain from coming to the ground for nothing more than access to another tree. They are excellent jumpers and they are also crepuscular, meaning that they are active at dawn and dusk. They feed on small mammals like big eared climbing rats, squirrels, opossums, capuchins, three-toed sloths, birds, lizards, frogs, insects, eggs, and some fruit. The Margay can live up to 24 years in captivity and 18 in the wild. These cats can rotate their hind legs 180 degrees enabling them to run head first down a tree just like a squirrel. There is only one other cat in the entire world, that shares this ability and that is the clouded leopard of Asia. The Margay can also hang from a branch by one hind foot.

Photo Credit: Goolgle Images

The female of the species lets out a long moaning call when trying to mate. The male responds with a yelp or trilling sound followed by shaking of his head from side to side, a behavior unique to the Margay species. Copulation lasts for 60 seconds and if successful the gestation period is 76-84 days after which they produce a litter of 1, rarely 2 kittens. Each kitten weighs 3 to 6 ounces, will open their eyes in 14 days, and will reach sexual maturity in 18 to 24 months after birth. Once birthed the kittens suffer a 50% mortality rate. Because of their small size and low numbers the Margay is in danger of becoming extinct. They have difficulty breeding in captivity making the prospect of increasing their population quite hard. These cats are hunted for the fur trade and smuggled across the US Boarder for the pet trade. They are mainly hunted for their fur, resulting in 14,000 deaths a year and they also suffer from deforestation, which is a loss of their natural habitat. Hopefully we will get to enjoy this species for many more years to come.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

 

Photo Credit: Google Images

Work Cited:

www.Merium-webster.com/dictionary
www.nhpt.org/natureworks/margay.html
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/margay

Fitness Friday: HIIT Your Way to a Toned Tush and Tummy

photo credit: google images

Do you have too much junk in the trunk? Do you feel like you spend hours in the gym slaving away yet seeing no results?  Whether you are looking to loose 20 lbs or 5 lbs an HIIT workout will burn belly fat at a furious rate. It is one of the best cardio workouts for weight loss. In fact a study from McMaster University in 2010 discovered that the same cardiac benefits achieved with steady state (think running on a treadmill or riding a bike) exercises can be attained through short burst workouts like HIIT. In a study done in 2001 at East Tennessee State University, J.W. king discovered that HIIT participants maintained an extra 100 calorie burn over the 24hrs following an HIIT session. This is because the workout is more strenuous, requiring more energy to recover, which continues the calorie burn. Just add a few HIIT workouts to your current workout regime to take your body to the next level of fitness. 

HIIT is high intensity interval training, a training technique in which you give 100% effort through quick intense bursts of exercise, followed by short sometimes active, recovery periods this training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time. An HIIT workout increases the bodies need for oxygen during the effort and creates an oxygen shortage, causing your body to ask for more oxygen during recovery. This afterburn effect is also known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) and it's the reason why intense exercise will help burn more fat calories than regular aerobic and steady state workouts. The key to HIIT is that it doesn't allow your body to get used to what you are doing, I.e. By changing your pace and pushing yourself through each interval. It's a great workout for those who bore easily and there are so many variations that anyone can find an HIIT workout that suits there needs. You can modify 4 things to make this workout unique to yourself. 1: Intensity (speed) 2: Duration (distance) 3: Duration (rest) 4: Number of repetitions of each interval. You can also use any type of exercise for your training, including cycling, sprinting, any cardio machine (stationary bike, cross-trainer, treadmill, stair-master, elliptically machine) hula hoop, jump rope, and so on.

HIIT is filled with benefits. 

 It increases your metabolism by combing high intensity with interval training resulting in EPOC, which speeds your metobolic rate, resulting in a 48 hour after burn. You'll still burn fast after leaving the gym, and who doesn't want that? 

HIIT is Quick and Conveinant with no equipment necessary . These workouts can be done anytime from anywhere and only last about 30 min. 

You can use different interval times depending on your workout.  All of them are usually a 2:1 or 3:1 interval ratio, meaning you'll work at a moderate intensity for 2 minutes and then push your body to the limit for 1 minute, or you'll work your hardest for 20 seconds then slow down and recover for 10 seconds, or work as hard as you can for 3 minutes and slowly recover for 1 minute. You do each exercise back to back, with minimal rest between moves.

Before you start this or any exercise regime, warm up. On your resting intervals bring your heart rate down to 100 to 110bpm. Once you have mastered the basics and want ti intensify your workout, be sure to make slow changes to your program and always remember to mix it up, be creative, challenge yourself, and never give up. 

photo credit: google images

Try this HIIT workout at home. Do the following exercises for 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off for 8 rounds.  Below is a tutorial and introduction to the exercises to get you started. 

Keep a record of how many reps you were able to finish for each exercise. Then challenge yourself the next time you try it. Trying to beat your own score. 

I want to hear from you. Did you try an HIIT workout? What interval program did you choose? Did you enjoy it? I can't wait to hear all about everyone's experiences with HIIT so please comment below.  I look forward to hearing from you.  

Therapy Thursday: DIY Spa Therapy

Photo Credit: Google Images

Life is stressful and we all need a way to de-stress and unwind. When I envision a day of relaxing and unwinding I picture myself at a spa. The truth is I have only ever been to one spa because the treatments are a bit pricey. Doesn’t every woman want a relaxing day of pampering, without spending a fortune on spa treatments? Lucky for you this can happen in the luxury of your own home. Give yourself a day of pampering fit for a queen and you won’t be missing the spa. Make sure you plan and have the entire day for this. It may take longer than you think and you don't want to be thinking about an engagement you have later on in the day, because that is not relaxing. Make sure no one disturbs you. Tell everyone that you will be busy and that you don't want to be bothered. Turn off your phone, your TV, and your computer. Now you are ready to get started.

First things first, start the day by washing your face with a gentle exfoliator. This can be made at home by using your own facial cleanser. Below are a few ideas you can use to scrub away deep seated oil and dirt from your face. Quick tip: Try exfoliating your lips with sugar and lemon juice.

1. The Baking Soda Facial Exfoliator

The range of what baking soda can do just seems to be getting wider and wider. It can freshen up the air, remove stains, clean showers and sinks, and trigger explosions in science fair volcanoes. Oh yes, we can use it to bake, too. But there is one more non-food-related use to add to baking soda’s resume: facial exfoliator. The grains in baking soda are just the right size to act as a gentle exfoliator, and many claim that it has helped clear up acne. Mix in a teaspoon of baking soda to your facial cleanser to make it an exfoliating cleanser. Or make a paste of just baking soda and water, gently rub it onto your skin and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off.

2. The Sugar Scrub

Granulated sugar is another wonderful, natural exfoliator -- and with all these reports coming out that sugar may be toxic when ingested, I’m thinking we might be better served to use it on the body versus in the body. Mix it with honey, which contains powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and a little lemon for clarifying purposes, and you have a wonderfully nourishing and effective face scrub. Combine 1 teaspoon sugar with 1/2 teaspoon honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and mix well. If the mixture is a little loose, add a bit more sugar.

3. The Oatmeal Exfoliator

People who use oatmeal as a natural face scrub swear by it, and now I know why. Ground oatmeal not only serves as a wonderful exfoliator, but it also absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated. It has been known to soothe and heal everything from acne to sunburn to dry, flaky skin. Given its gentle nature, it is also ideal for those with sensitive skin. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, which boosts the face treatment's exfoliating properties, and 1 teaspoon of water or olive oil to make it into a paste. Gently rub it onto your skin in circular motions, let sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse.

Next, let’s move on to your mane. Has your hair become brittle and dull and in need of a rescue? Have no fear; a deep conditioning treatment is here. This treatment can be done using your own conditioner. There is no need to go out and spend the money on a deep conditioning treatment.

Step 1

Apply conditioner to dry hair, coating thoroughly and then wait a few minutes.

Step 2

Your hair will soak up the conditioner pretty quickly depending on how dry your hair is. Once your hair has soaked it all up, reapply and wait a few more minutes. Repeat this process until your hair is saturated with conditioner.

Step 3

Place a shower cap over your head and use a blow dryer to heat your hair for about 15 minutes. Be sure to use low heat so as not to cause damage. Remove the cap and rinse with warm water.
While you are in the shower rinsing your newly conditioned do, give your body a good exfoliating scrub.

Work from head to toe with gentle circular motions to sweep away dead skin. Just like the facial exfoliator there are many homemade options for a body exfoliator.

Sugar and salt are the most common, and have the benefit of dissolving in water so they don't leave any mess in your shower or bathtub.
Add any of the following ingredients to your daily body wash for an exhilarating and skin smoothing experience

Salt is great for relaxing your muscles. Some people prefer to use sea salt, because it is less processed than table salt, contains a wider variety of trace elements and minerals, and is said to be kinder on the skin. Personally I've tried sea salts, table salt, and Epsom salts, and found all of them to be fine. Your mileage may vary depending on your skin type (mine is fairly normal, perhaps slightly dry). Whatever salt you use, I'd recommend grinding it finely, i.e. to a similar consistency to table salt, because coarse grains can feel a little too exfoliating.

Sugar feels slightly gentler on your skin than salt. You can use either brown or white sugar. I prefer brown, because it smells yummy, especially if you mix it with a little vanilla essential oil.

Ground coffee smells divine, and the caffeine may even have some benefits for your skin. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it causes blood vessels to constrict, so it can temporarily reduce varicose veins and rosacea. Intriguingly, experiments have shown that caffeine applied to the skin of mice makes them less likely to get skin cancer... but we don't know yet whether this works for humans.

Oatmeal is the gentlest of the exfoliators. It is an emollient, meaning that it softens and hydrates your skin. People have used it for decades as an effective home remedy for dry, itchy skin. Unlike salt and sugar, you can use it with a bit of water instead of oil.

Other options include almond meal, flax meal (ground linseeds), rice bran, wheat bran, and ground nut shells. I haven't tried any of these so I can't really comment, though I've heard that ground nut shells can really be quite scratchy against your skin.

If a shower doesn’t sound very relaxing then try taking a nice long bath.

Fill the tub with warm water and add some scented bubble bath or some bath salts with essential oils for an added dose of relaxation. To add that spa touch, light some candles around the tub or top off the water with rose petals. Relax in the tub for 20 to 30 minutes and let all your cares and worries go down the drain with the bathwater once you are done.

You can also take a sitz bath, if you don't or can't lie down in a tub. That is when you fill your bath with warm water and sit in there for 5-10 minutes without being fully submerged. It's a good alternative to a full bath, and excellent for abdominal cramps.

Now that your pores are open from the warm bath water, it is a good time to pluck your eyebrows. The hairs should come out easily and be less painful to extract.

Next, do a facial steam and then a face mask. Boil water and pour it into a large bowl or your bathroom sink. Drape a towel over your head and sit there for about 8 minutes. Once done, pat your face dry.

After applying the mask, cover your eyes with cucumber slices and turn on some relaxing tunes. After about 10 minutes you can take off the cucumber slices and rinse off the mask.

Now it’s time to moisturize your face and body. Any facial and body moisturizer will do (use one with SPF for an added benefit), just be sure to cover every part of your face and body.

Now that your body is clean and relaxed you can sit down and put on your favorite movie while giving yourself a manicure and pedicure.

When the movie is over, turn off the TV and all the lights and take nap. You will awaken stress free and ready to concur the rest of the day.

Wildlife Wednesday: The Japanese Spider Crab

 Just when I thought the water was my refuge against spiders…

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Japanese spider crabs are usually found off the southern coasts of the Japanese island of Honshū, from Tokyo Bay to Kagoshima Prefecture. The crabs can inhabit depths of 150- 800 meters, but they usually stay at a depth of about 200m.

Their diet consists of shellfish and animal carcasses, algae, plants, and mollusks, using its gigantic pincer to catch and tear its food. This creepy crab can live up to 100 years. The Sipder Crab is the biggest arthropod in the world. These Giant Japanese spider crabs can grow up to 3.8 meters long when measured from claw to claw. The size of their body is about (35 to 40) cm. They can weigh up to 20kg. Their body is orange and has white spots on their thin legs. Even the giant spider crabs need protection from the larger sea animals and hence they attach sponges and other such smaller animals to their shells for camouflaging. The Japanese spider crab has eight legs and two arms for feeding. Their legs are remarkably thin compared to the rest of its body. They have two thorns that stick out between their eyes, which are situated on the front.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

They reproduce in the spring, when they lay their eggs at a depth of around 50 meters. These crabs have separate sexes, similar to most of the crustaceans. Male crabs are generally larger than the females and they have bigger claws. The males transfer the spermatophore (sac of sperm) into the female crab during mating. The female crabs carry the egg sac in their abdominal appendages. They create cement like material to secure it to their abdomens. The newborn crabs look totally dissimilar to their parents. They bear translucent body with no legs. They molt their skin several times until they eventually mature. Once that happens they stop molting and keep their permanent skin.



Sorces Used:

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_spider_crab
http://ri.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrTcaxRuU5THWsAjwUPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTByNzhwY2hkBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkAw--/RV=2/RE=1397696977/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.deepseamonsters.com%2fcomponent%2fcontent%2farticle%2f58-giant-japanese-spider-crab.html/RK=0/RS=WJEV.yRYUz5hXq.TydgHAqmnQ1A-

Makeup Monday: Choosing The Right Eye Makeup For Your Eye Color

Photo Credit: Google Images

The eyes are one of the most prominent and expressive facial features you have so the right makeup is essential for enhancing their beauty. I have learned quite a few tips and tricks concerning eye makeup during my modeling career and I would like to share a few of them with you.


First things first, you will need to learn what color works best for you. Do not apply a color simply because it is your favorite or because it matches your outfit. An important rule of thumb is that the makeup should highlight the color of your eyes.

If your eyes are medium to dark brown then you can try green, violet or bronze colored eye shadows. You truly can wear almost any color of eye makeup if you have medium brown eyes. A purple or green eye shadow palette can work equally well for daytime. Experiment by pairing neutral shadow with metallic eyeliner in copper or bronze for evening.

If your eyes are light brown avoid black eyeliner, if you have light brown eyes, use dark brown or other colors instead. Apply a neutral shade of shadow on the lid, a darker hue of the same color in the crease, and then line your eyes in gold or green to reflect the flecks of color in your iris. If your eyes are so light they are hazel, try Champagne tones with violet, bronze or brown liner to define the eye.

If your eyes are dark blue, you can wear both dark and light shades, but if your eyes are light in color, choose a light shade so that the color of your eyes is not lost. The best color for blue eyes is pink. All shades of pink look good and bring out the blue color nicely. Apart from that gray, silver, lavender, taupe, reddish purple, violet and turquoise also do a good job of highlighting blue eyes. You can also try bronze and gold shades if your skin tone is darker. Mint green too, can be used if your eyes have a shade of green in them.

Hazel eyes are very unique in that they often changed their color, allowing them more freedom for makeup expression. While black is the most conventional choice for eyeliner color, women with hazel eyes can use different colors to help influence their current color. If you want your eyes to appear bluer, try lining your lids with purple, and if you want eyes to appear greener, try lining your eyes with taupe or brown. These are some of the best makeup tips for hazel eyes because you can affect the way others see your eye color without wearing colored contacts. You can also use white eyeliner on the lower lids in order to brighten your eyes. Purples, blues and gold’s are good color choices if you want to make your eyes stand out dramatically. The least flattering eye color for hazel eyes is blue-grey. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it, just try to use it as an accent color in conjunction with another color. Also add a highlighting powder around your eyes, but use sparingly, in order to draw more attention.

Once you have decided on the right shade for your eye color, follow the tips below during the application process.
Prep your eyes with concealer. It can be used to cover up under-eye circles or just the bluish discoloration just under your inner eye. To cover dark under eye circles, apply three dots of concealer under each eye. Start at the inner corner where skin tends to be darkest, then under the pupil and the third on the outer edge. Pat, never rub with your ring finger (this finger tends to have the softest pad) until the concealer disappears.

Apply eye shadow primer to your lids, it’s the secret to keeping your shadow in place for hours. If your eye shadow ends up a greasy pool in your crease, you should invest in a good eye shadow primer. Eye base will keep shadow in place through workouts, torrential rains and even a night's sleep.

Follow with eyeliner. You can use liquid liners or an eye pencil, but I prefer to use dark eye shadows as eyeliners. Wet a slanted brush and dip it in a dark eye shadow. Line your eyes as close to the upper lashes as possible from the inner corner to the outer corner. Follow with liner on bottom eyes, but only line from the middle of the eye out. Smudge the bottom line with a Q-tip or your finger. You don't want a prominent line. For a smoky eye, use a brush to pat in a dark eye shadow along the upper lid and below the lid. You don't want a stark line; instead you want to blend it so it's smudge-y. It's great to use a three-toned shadow and build from lids to brow when applying eye shadow. Allowing them to blend into each other like a rainbow is gorgeous. Start with a light color that almost matches your lid then sweep the color across the lid and up to your brow bone. Follow with a medium color across your lid only. Build on this with a darker color in the crease. Blend the colors well.

Brighten your eyes with a highlighter, but only the inside part of the eye. Putting a bit of your lightest eye shadow in the inner corner of your eye will brighten it significantly (this is the makeup artist's secret and I use this trick all the time). I usually dab a finger into my lightest eye shadow and then I press it into the inner corner of my eye where the upper lid meets the bottom lid. This totally makes eyes pop.

Next, you can highlight your brow bone. Take the same light eye shadow and dab it on your brow bone, concentrating on your mid-brow outward and then blend with your finger.

An eyelash curler is a must even if you already have long lashes. For added effect, you can heat the curler under a blow-dryer for a couple seconds. Test curler before applying to lashes because you could burn yourself.

The last step is mascara application. Place the wand of your mascara brush at the bottom of lashes and wiggle back and forth. Follow with another few sweeps of the wand. Apply to your bottom lashes as well.

Off The Runway and Into Your Closet: Daring The Latest Trends

Fashion trends come and go in the blink of an eye. If you don’t keep up with the latest trends you risk looking outdated. On the other hand if you blindly follow every trend you see in a magazine or on the runway, you risk looking ridiculous. In order to bypass a disastrous fashion trend don’t, you’ll need to acquire a little styling knowledge. Don’t fret I am here to give you a helping hand.
Looking chic and trendy at the same time requires a balancing act with your wardrobe so as not to look overdone. This may seem like a daunting task for the fashionably challenged but sit back, relax, and soak up the fashion ideas on the pages of this blog.

Trending: The Low Cut V-Neck

Photo Credit: Google Images

How low can you go? Unless you’re doing the limbo this is not a question you should be asking yourself when wearing this trend. One thing to keep in mind when deciding to adopt the low cut V-neck is the size of your chest. The smaller your bust the lower the V can go and on the contrary, the larger your bust the higher the V-neck should go. If you do have the body to take the plunge, just remember that double-sided tape is your friend. It’s important to keep the V narrow. You only want a peek a boob to show. Neutral colors look best with this style, which can range from sheer slip dresses to structured silhouettes. A bonus feature of this trend is that low cut V-necks give the illusion of a longer leaner torso. Keep all these tips in mind when shopping for this look and you’ll be ready to take the plunge in no time at all.

Trending: The Oxford Shirt

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Oxford shirts don’t have to be stuffy and buttoned-up! The beauty of a classic shirt like this is that it can fit with almost any style, from preppy to bohemian. By belting one over a maxi dress and adding some serious accessories, you create the perfect weekend outfit that is casual but still put-together. Your oxford shirt doesn’t have to be limited to daytime wear, either. Dress it up for a night out with the girls by pairing it with a metallic skirt, statement necklace, and some killer heels. With accessories like this, no one will even notice that your top half could be headed to a business meeting! Sundresses are great in the summer, but they can quickly become uninspired. Try tying an oxford shirt over a sundress you already own to make your summer uniform feel new again. This also comes in handy for when the sun goes down and you need an extra layer. The Oxford shirt is a wardrobe investment because it’s not going out of style anytime soon. Styled up or down the Oxford shirt is a wardrobe classic.

Trending: Pleats

photo credit: Google Images

photo credit: Google Images

It doesn't get more ladylike -- or on-trend this season -- than the pleated skirt. After years of skinny jeans and boyfriend pants, the skirt is finally making a comeback. They are everywhere, in knee length or tiered styles, in knife, accordion, or superfine crystal, pleats are a sophisticated way to be trendy. Precisely folded pleated tops, bottoms, and dresses look chic and trendy when styled the right way. This piece can make you look like the chicest Parisian on the planet, but first you need to know how to wear one that suits your figure. This style flatters most body types because It glides as you walk, leading the eye away from any problem areas. Choose a fabric with an easy drape, like silk crepe, and if you're thicker in the middle, make sure the skirt has a wider waistband. Top with a blazer or knitted cardigan and keep the shoes delicate. Think stilettos, pumps with small details (like a bow), sling backs, and T-straps. If you are on the shorter side then don't go shorter than knee length. If you are on the taller side then try a midcalf length for a 1920s look hot off the set of Mad Men.

Trending: Polka Dots

Photo Credit: Google Images

These graphic circles are coming around again. One thing to keep in mind when wearing this style is that polka dots go preschool quickly so keep the look adult by mixing in some polished accents and keeping your hair and makeup light and understated. Stick to styles that are classic, not cutesy. For flirty fun, pop a dainty dotted top over your favorite pair of jeans. Never wear a Polka dotted shirt with a patterned bottom. Stick to solid colors for a more fashionable outcome. If you’re going with a polka dotted dress then keep the accessories simple and wear it with a solid belt, solid shoes, or a solid tote. If a whole dress is just too much dot for you, then try adding just an element of this pattern to your attire. Try something like a polka dotted neckerchief or polka dotted peep toe wedges.

Trending Patterns:

Everything is coming up roses. Floral print is everywhere so when in doubt, cover it with flowers.

Matchy Matchy. Everyone is wearing the same print on your dress as on your shoes and on your handbag. If you don’t own matching ones, mix your prints together, anything goes.

Trending Colors:

Pantone, the global authority on color has submitted their annual report and told the world, what shades will be trendy in the spring 2014.

10 trendy colors for 2014

photo credit: Google Images

 Placid Blue. Imagine the color of the sky just before sunset on a clear day.

 Violet Tulip. Rich with romance and femininity, this light purple is a must for any summer dress.

 Hemlock. Similar in color to mint green or pistachio. This hue adds a touch of classy perfection to any outfit.

 Sand. This name explains itself, picture grains of sand glistening in the summer sun.

 Paloma. This color is a soft grey, neutral tone.

 Cayenne. This reddish hue will spice up any outfit.

 Freesia. Think of a bright and sunny summer afternoon.

 Celosia. Think super charged neon orange.

 Radiant Orchid. This pink color is very similar fuchsia and it’s a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit.

 Dazzling Blue. Stronger and brighter than placid blue. Think royal blue with a twist.

5 Immunity Boosting Foods to Rev Up Your Immune System and Fight Off The Common Cold

Do you want to give your runny nose the cold shoulder? I know I do and the best protection against the common cold can be found at the grocery store or your local farmers market. Ensure your body and immune system run smoothly by rounding out your plate with plenty of fruits and veggies and at least 8 glasses of water. For an extra boost of immunity try these flu-fighting foods to provide your body with the right nutrients so it will be able to protect you when you need it most. 

1: Oatmeal

Beta-glucan is a fiber found in foods like yeast, oats, barley, and mushrooms. Immune cells have special receptors designed to grab onto Beta-glucan, kicking up the activity of white blood cells that eat up bacteria and viruses. 

Try it:

Cooked and cooled in your yogurt. Make risotto, add 1/4 cup steel oats and 1 cup chicken broth to a pan and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in 1/3 cup frozen then thawed peas and top with shaved parmesan. 

2: Butternut Squash

One cup equals 60% of your daily dose of vitamin A. Your body needs vitamin A to help boost your guts goblet cells which help your body digest and absorb nutrients. When not properly working nutrients can't get where they need to go. 

Try it:

Fold into whole wheat Mac and cheese or drizzle with olive oil and honey then roast till tender. Serve over kale or lentils with honey mustard. 

3: Yogurt

Contains probiotics which are live active cultures found in yogurt. They are healthy bacteria that help keep the gut and intestinal track free of disease causing germs. An 80 day Swedish study of 181 factory workers showed that those who drank a daily supplement of lactobacillus reuteri, a specific probiotic that appears to stimulate white blood cells took 33% fewer sick days than those given a placebo. 

Try it:

Eat 2 6 ounce servings a day topped with your favorite fruits or alone. 

4: Shrimp

Rich in selenium which ups your body's production of cytokines which are proteins that tell your immune system to work harder. 10 shrimp are 62% of a daily dose of selenium. 

Try it:

Defrost 10 and toss with arugula, oranges, and avocado for a salad. Cook 1/4 a cup of brown rice add 1/4 tsp curry powder, stir in 1/4 cup cooked peas, 2 sliced scallions and 10 shrimp. 

5: Chicken Soup

It's not just for the soul. In a university of Nebraska study researchers tested 13 brands of the soup and all but one (chicken flavored ramen) blocked the migration of inflammatory white cells. Cold symptoms are a response to the cells accumulation in the bronchial tubes. The amino acid cysteine, released from chicken during cooking, chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcystaine which may explain the results. The soups salty broth keeps mucus thin the way cough medicines do. 

Try it:

With a whole what grilled cheese or by itself with some soup crackers. 

Remember that when you eat you are feeding your cells as well as your stomach. If those cells don't get nourished with the vitamins and minerals they need your body can start to malfunction. So incorporate some of the above mentioned foods and you'll not only evade the dreaded circulating office cold but you will improve your overall health and longevity in the process. 

Work cited:

Prevention Magazine

Web MD