Mystic Toad Press Blog

If you are like me and many others the warm weather motivates you to do or try new things. It even inspires you to pay more attention to your overall appearance. But, before you go shopping I suggest you take a look at this list to see what is in style.

• Cropped pants - If you see pants that are too long to classify in the shorts category and too short to qualify as the regular long pants those are referred as cropped pants. They fit inches below the knee but, are placed above the ankle.

• Natural hair - Good news for ladies with curly or wavy hair. Curls are in; all you have to do is wash your hairs apply some gel or mousse and blow dry with a diffuser. For define curls utilize hair rollers.

• Color crazy- Bright colors are in for 2005. Some of the most common are kiwi, turquoise, coral, fuchsia, mango, yellow, aqua, melon, violet and many more… Do not ignore some of the regular pastel colors such as light pink. White should always be in your ward robe during the summer season.

• Knee length skirts- They come in all styles from pleated to form fitting.

• Cuffed pants- Many of the cuffed pants are also cropped.

• Tunics- They will not only give you a different look. You will also feel comfortable and cool.

• Prints, patterns and stripes, embroidered etc. are in this summer. So, do not be afraid to buy a blouse with floral print (any type of prints).

• About the fabric- Silk is definitely in style. Do not be surprise to see a lot of lace jewels, beads, rhinestones etc. on clothes.

• Accessorize- You will find anything from drop earrings to beaded and wooded jewelry. Other very popular accessories are brooches, variety of buckle belts, pendants, neck silk scarfs and many more. Just make sure that you do not over accessorize.

• Shoes- Comfort is also chic now. I have never seen such a variety of thong sandals. Mules, flip flops, flats, and moccasins are “a la mode” also. Wedges are good for the ladies that like to wear higher shoes; they are comfortable as long as you are able to sustain balance.

My beauty surpasses Nefertiti’s. See my sculptured body and delicate features. Yet, sex makes me more beautiful! Because I allow casanovas and strangers to explore my “triangle,” and ravish my “apples.” For that is the mark of megastars and supermodels, and the curse of ghetto girls.

Let the religionists name me a “sex symbol”; or the temple prostitute of Aphrodite. Did not the angels and the Israelite women at Peor, and the wives of some prophet do the same? Preach not Divine visitation, nor scare me with eternal plague.

So you whoremasters, unzip and come on in–even in droves, and let me indulge myself in full measure. For “daughter of the game” I am. And sex is beautiful!

(EXCERPTED FROM “BEAUTIFUL,” A POETRY COLLECTION BY ARTHUR ZULU, TO BE PUBLISHED SOON. IF YOU ENJOYED READING THE POEM AND WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION TOWARD ITS PUBLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR.)

ARTHUR ZULU is an editor, book reviewer, playwright, and published author. He also writes short stories, scripts, essays, and poems, and ghost writes for others. For his works, professional services, and FREE helps for writers, goto: http://controversialwriter.tripod.com mailto: controversialwriter@yahoo.com Web search: Arthur Zulu

One point can’t be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time after pregnancy. A sensible goal would be to lose 1-2 pounds per week, particularly if you are looking for the weight you gained to stay off.

Eating a well balanced diet and partaking in regular exercise are the critical success factors for weight loss after pregnancy. Fad diets will not work, and may actually work against you in the long run.

Exercise is a vital component of weight loss after pregnancy. Many people simply are not able to lose the weight they gained unless they exercise, particularly if there metabolism has slowed at all in the months post partum.

If you are getting exercise on a regular basis and eating well, but still not losing weight a year or more after you give birth to your baby, seek out the advice of your health care provider. There are a number of conditions that may arise after delivery that can contribute to weight gain, none the least of which are thyroid abnormalities which are sometimes very common after pregnancy.

Remember also that every person is unique, and all women will respond to an exercise and fitness plan differently. You may put two women on the same program that have the same amount of weight to lose, yet there results will ultimately be different depending on a number of personal and biological factors.

The point here is that you should not compare yourself to others! Remember that as long as you are eating well and exercises, you are creating a lifestyle of healthy living that will ultimately benefit you individually as the unique person that you are.

And finally, remember to stay positive. Society puts far too much pressure on women to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy. There is no rush, you will lose the weight and feel great in the process. In the meantime be sure to be good to yourself, reward yourself for your successes no matter how small, and remember to smile from time to time!