The Eclectic Female: Lifestyle Blog For Women

Most people think they have a slight cold when they have a runny nose or watery eyes. When this continues for some time, they will likely go to the doctor to receive medication only to find that you may have dust mite allergies. However, dust mite allergies do cause the same symptoms. These mites are present in just about ball homes in the rugs, carpeting, sofas and especially in the beds. If you have never heard of these mites, they are miniscule eight-legged insects that like to live in layers of material in warm moist environments.

The main source of food for mites is the dead skin that comes off the human body when they move about on an object - such as when you are in bed. The female of the species can live up to ten weeks and lay hundreds of eggs. Your mattress could be alive with millions of these mites and you would never know if you do not know how to recognize the symptoms of a dust mite allergy. It is not the dust mite itself that people are allergic to, but the waste they excrete and leave behind.  

Some of the symptoms of an allergy to dust mites are:

* Sneezing

* Watery eyes

* Runny nose

* Itching skin

* Nasal congestion

* Puffiness under the eyes

* Postnasal drip

* Cough

* Irritability

* Pain and pressure in the face

For those suffering from asthma, the presence of dust mites will exasperate the symptoms of the condition. They may have increased wheezing and coughing, difficulty breathing and even ling congestion. The symptoms may be worse at night, which is because of the dust mites in the mattress and pillow. The symptoms of an allergy can be very mild so that you would not have to seek medical help. However, they can also be very severe - so much so that person may feel that he/she is dying. 

What cause allergies to dust mites? When you inhale the residue of the mites, your body reacts to this foreign substance invading the body. It produces an antibody called immunoglobulin. As soon as the body comes in contact with the dust mite excretion, the body launches an attack on the invading substance. Then this antibody triggers the release of histamine, which is what cause the nasal congestion, runny nose and watery eyes because of the swelling it causes in the mucous linings in the body. 

Even though some people live happily enough never knowing that they have dust mites, there are certain risk factors involved. In some cases allergic reactions to these mites is inherited so if there is someone in your family with such an allergy, you can develop one as well. You are also at risk id there is a high level of mites and younger children are more at risk than adults. When you do contact your doctor about your symptoms, you will likely have to undergo allergy testing. This will tell you whether or not the mites are the reason you are not feeling well.

Chances are, when you’re on vacation, the last thing you will want to do is cook. On the other hand, even if you visit the local Burger King or McDonalds, you may find yourself spending over $10 for a halfway decent meal. And anything you buy at a more upscale restaurant will – of course – be much more expensive. So what to do? Even if you rely on the continental breakfast served at your hotel, you’ll still need to find something to eat for the rest of the day. Here are a couple of ideas for the budget-minded traveler:

Unfortunately, if you only look to restaurants while you’re on vacation, you’ll be missing out on some of the best and least expensive dining opportunities in the area. Look for local farms and markets where you can enjoy foods that are fresher than you’ve had in years. Or visit a local grocery store and pick up snacks and meals to keep in your hotel room. By taking advantage of these different food options, you’ll experience the local culture to it’s fullest without breaking the bank.

Yes, I know.  Money’s a touchy subject.  As children, most of us are taught that paying bills and discussing salaries is something that’s done behind closed doors – and often in exasperated tones.  We carry these preconceived notions into our future relationships, hiding secrets about our financial lives from the partners we claim to share every aspect of our lives with.  This isn’t healthy, and it’s no way to build a solid relationship.  Read on for more advice about talking to your partner about money:  

Timing is Everything 

The first thing to keep in mind when initiating a financial conversation is timing.  As with any major discussion, there’s a time and a place to talk about money.  Three dates in is not the time to whip out your stock portfolio.  However, if your relationship is getting serious and you’re starting to talk about getting married, it’s time to get down and dirty about your money. 

Honesty is the Best Policy 

We all have some skeletons in our closets, but if yours are credit-related, don’t try to sweep them under the rug.  Lay everything out on the table and ask your partner to do the same.  If you’re in a serious relationship and contemplating marriage, you might have some big purchases in your future.  Imagine the look on your partner’s face when a mortgage lender denies your loan application based on your credit history.  These problems will come up at some point, so it’s best to get them out in the open and address them in a mature, adult way. 

Tread Lightly 

Money is a difficult subject for many people.  We have all sorts of emotions attached to it, whether it’s shame over past indiscretions or feelings of inadequacy based on how big (or small) our salaries are.  It’s easy to get uncomfortable or accidentally offend your partner when talking about money, so it’s important to be sensitive to his or her needs.  Instead of phrasing the conversation in terms of negatives – like his low credit score or her shopaholic tendencies – focus on your future goals.  If you want to buy a home, a car or a business, talk about the positive action steps you need to take to make your dream a reality. 

Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but if your partner flat out refuses to have the discussion, consider it a major red flag in your relationship.  A person who isn’t ready to come clean about his or her financial situation probably isn’t mature enough to handle the demands of an adult relationship.  Marriage represents a serious commitment between two people – so make sure you’re committing to someone who’s willing to work towards shared financial goals with you. 

It’s easy to get swept away in the romance of a new relationship.  But before you run off to tie the knot, get intimate with each other’s financial situations.  Share everything – your credit score, spending and saving habits and current debt load.  Learning to communicate openly about money and financial commitments is an important skill that will keep your relationship stable, even through the hardest of times. 

Many people claim that one of the reasons human beings are considered to be supreme in the animal kingdom is because of their ability to communicate and express their thoughts in intelligible words – either verbally or in writing.  However, this advantage is sometimes misused or even abused to the point of becoming inhumane.  This type of abuse is more commonly known as verbal abuse.

Verbal Abuse 101

“You’re so stupid!”  “You’re a worthless person!”  We all know it when we hear it, but how do we actually define verbal abuse?  Verbal abuse is any vile, degrading, venomous or stinging words exchanged with the intent to harm.  Verbally abusive statements are directed to another person, typically causing him or her emotional distress and leading to negative self esteem.

Verbal abuse  is stereotypically portrayed as being perpetuated by a man against a woman, but it’s wrong to say that all verbal abuse comes from men, or that all victims of verbal abuse are women.  Everyone, regardless of gender, can be a potential abuser or the unfortunate prey of another.

What Causes Verbal Abuse?

The factors that cause verbal abuse vary in each relationship.  However, in most instances, verbal abuse is used as a means to impose authority or physical superiority over a weaker party.  Verbal abuse often stems from inadequacies in one’s self, not from perceived negative characteristics in another.  This type of behavior is often observed among pre-teen girls who use verbally abusive comments to establish dominance and social hierarchy over one another.

Verbal abuse does not typically draw the ire we associate with physical violence.  We make a big deal over videos of teen girls physically beating each other on the news, but we often turn a blind eye when the abuse is verbal in nature.  Similarly, in relationships, we often dismiss abuse by words if it doesn’t carry the visual cues we’ve come to associate with violence, like black eyes and bruises.

The Impact of Verbal Abuse

Even if we can’t see it on the outside, victims of verbal abuse often suffer extensive emotional trauma related to the abuse, including depression, low self esteem and even thoughts of suicide.  Aside from the psychological repercussions, verbal abuse can manifest itself in physical ailments resulting from stress and a depressed immune system.  Most frighteningly, verbal abuse can often be a springboard to actual violence which is equally as destructive to a person.

Stopping Verbal Abuse

The first step in ending verbal abuse is recognizing if you are in a verbally abusive relationship.  If your partner often makes malicious, deprecative comments that hurt you emotionally, seek outside help in putting a stop to it.  More and more psychologists and abuse victim resource centers are recognizing verbal abuse as a legitimate concern, and they can help you to either improve the situation or get out of the relationship safely.

The old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is patently false – words can cause damage that will stick with you throughout your life.  Just remember, verbal abuse is abuse and it’s not something you have to take.

For some people, choosing a name for their dog is almost as important as choosing a name for their child. While you can technically change the name of the dog whenever you want, we all know that we are very reluctant to once the name sticks. So it is always best to choose a great name for your dog from the start.

There are many routes one can go with choosing a dog name. Some name their dog using traditional people names, such as Suzie, Charlie, etc. This may cause some confusion though when talking to acquaintances. For example, if you, a close friend, and an acquaintance are talking and you mention your dog by its name (say Alexander), the acquaintance may think you are talking about a person. This is one of many reasons why most people do not choose a people name for their dog.

Another option people use is traditional dog names, such as Rover, Fido, Fluffy, etc. These names are viewed as so overused that people now hardly use them at all! If anything, using a name like this is almost a joke. While there is nothing wrong with using these names, people generally want to give their dog a more special, unique name.

One way to find unique names is searching the Internet. There are many good websites out there that have names for dogs. Most websites also differentiate if the name is commonly used for boy dogs or girl dogs. A lot of these websites have so many names that choosing one may be a bit intimidating! So if you use the Internet, schedule yourself an hour’s worth of time, so you will be able to not feel rushed as you go about looking for a name for your new pet.

Besides searching the Internet, another way to name your dog is to think of a name that characterizes your dog. The name may relate to the dog’s physical characteristics. For example, if he has a long nose, you may call him Pinocchio. If the dog has a lot of spots, you may choose to name him Spotty.

Another way to name your dog is based on his or her emotional characteristics. Is he or she especially energetic, sleepy, or perhaps playful? These are all methods you could use to figure out a name for your dog.

Often, people choose a funny name for their dog. For example, if their dog start sneezing a lot at first, they might choose to call him Mr. Sniffles. While this may seem humorous at first, keep in mind that you will likely be using this name for fifteen years or so. The novelty of a humorous name often wears out fast.

Likewise, just as you should think twice about a humorous name, also think twice about a long name. You’ll likely have to be calling your dog by this name a lot, and it’s going to be annoying after awhile to have to use a six or seven syllable name. Most people like to just use names with one or two syllables.

I’ve been looking around the web for some cheap, affordable spring break vacations. If you are in the US, generally cheap implies Mexico or the Caribbean. Hawaii is much more expensive (though generally much nicer), and it’s generally not worth going all the way to Europe or the South Pacific.If you can afford going to Hawaii, then definitely do it. It is so nice there. It’s not a party place like Mexico, but everything there: the food, the weather, the water, the scenery, puts Mexico to shame.There are plenty of tropical island trips to take, including Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Mexico. You just need to look around to see what’s best for you.

Whether you call it a “nose job”, “nose reshaping”, or “nose refinement”, all of these are the commonly used terms used to describe one of my favorite operations: Rhinoplasty.

The vast majority of patients that I see for rhinoplasty specifically are seeking to improve the appearance of their nose, which really is the topic of this article. It is critical to understand, however, that one of the nose’s many functions is the passage of air for breathing, and that this function can also be improved during rhinoplasty, e.g. by fixing a deviated septum.

Of the many reasons people come to me seeking nose reshaping, the most common are to remove the “hump” on the bridge of the nose, to change the shape and definition of the tip of the nose, to lift up the tip of the nose if it is “droopy”, or just to reduce the size of a large but otherwise pleasant appearing nose. Most often, these problems are just a reflection of a person’s natural anatomy, but they can also be a result of prior injury or birth defect.

The nose is a very complex anatomic structure and it must remain in harmony with the proportions of the face. A nose that looks beautiful on one person’s face might look terrible on another’s, depending on the overall facial proportions. Rhinoplasty is often described as being a “surgery of millimeters”, since even the most minor alterations can result in dramatic changes in appearance and function. The way your nose appears depends on the interplay between many structures:

1. The nasal bones: the hard part of the nose that attaches to your face

2. The upper and lower lateral cartilages: the firm but flexible bottom 2/3 of your nose 

3. The septum: the internal cartilage in your nose that divide it into right and left nostrils

4. The skin and fat: the covering of your nose that has to be thin enough to reveal the shape of your nose but thick enough to soften sharp angles and edges

Any or all of these structures may need to be trimmed, shaved, moved, sutured, removed or added to achieve your individual goals.

The key challenges for plastic surgeons are to be able to determine what the individual goals for a patient are, determine if these goals are reasonable and attainable, determine what surgical steps are necessary to accomplish those goals without compromising the function of the nose, and then to carry out the operation as planned. Since the external nose is composed bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, many variables are involved in the overall appearance of the nose, and this is why rhinoplasty is thought to be one of the most challenging operations in cosmetic surgery.

When it comes to how a rhinoplasty is actually performed, there are hundreds of minor variations and techniques. Each surgeon will have a different set of the techniques and skills that he or she will use to perform the surgery, but the overall technique can be simplified into two major approaches: closed or open. A closed rhinoplasty is an approach where the entire surgery is performed from the inside of the nose, without leaving any visible external scars. An open rhinoplasty is an approach where all the cartilage and structure of the nose is exposed by making an incision across the bottom of the nose, through the columella (the part of the nose that separates your two nostrils at the bottom). I personally prefer the closed rhinoplasty since it does not leave a visible scar and I believe it provides faster healing time with less swelling. However, in very complex cases, the open rhinoplasty can be necessary.

The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia, whether it is “twilight” anesthesia with light sedation and your nose numbed with medication, or under general anesthesia, where you are completely asleep throughout the entire operation. The whole operation usually takes between 1-2 hours, and you go home right after surgery with a plastic splint on your nose and possibly packing inside your nose.

After surgery, there will of course be some discomfort for several days, but pain medication will help relieve it. You should expect bruising of the nose and around the eyes as well as swelling of the nose. The bruising will usually last 1-2 weeks, while the swelling takes about three months to completely dissipate. After the splint comes off in 1-2 weeks, you will notice gradual changes occurring to your new nose for the next several months, until the skin finally conforms to the new dimensions of your nose.

So should you call up a plastic surgeon immediately to schedule your consultation? Only if you have already thought long and hard about what you want and why. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who have realistic expectations and can communicate their desires to their surgeon. A rhinoplasty can be a life-changing event by providing improved self-esteem and increased self-confidence, releasing you from constantly feeling self-conscious about your nose. As long as you are physically, emotionally, and psychologically mature, you can have a rhinoplasty, whether you are 16 or 60.

Note:

Some of you reading this article may be surprised to know that the earliest recorded rhinoplasty surgery was actually developed in ancient India about 2600 years ago, by Sushruta. The nose has been called the “organ of respect” in many cultures, and, therefore, was often subject to mutilation as penalty for various crimes in ancient India. In his text, Sushruta Samhita, Sushruta details the procedure that was commonly used to reconstruct a nose using skin from the forehead, a principle that is still used to this very day!

Not sure if you noticed, but this site has a new Wordpress theme. I think it’s really cute!

Feminism is concerned with gender inequalities in society and the equal rights for women. This encases social, cultural and political movements, theories and moral philosophies that affect women in everyday life. Feminism also takes up the fight against other forms of discrimination.

Some feminists argue that “gendered and sexed identities, such as ‘man’ and ‘woman’ are social constructs, meaning that some gender roles are socially conditioned rather than innate.”

For many people the feminist movement came in three waves starting from the 19th century to the present day.

The first wave occurred between the 19th and early 20th centuries, starting in the United Kingdom and United States. Their main concerns were with equal contract and property rights for women.

The Suffrage movement began at the end of the 19th century, with the main focus being on gaining political power and the right for women to vote.

The second was during the 1960’s and 1970’s were cultural and political inequalities were bound together as problem faced by women.

The beginning of the third wave started in the early 1990’s to the present day and slams the failure of the second wave. They deem the previous wave to be too focused on the upper middle class white women’s views and experiences.

It was argued and still is that through the history of feminism the majority of the leaders have been white middle class women from Western Europe or North America.

Thus alienating women of different colours and races, which was stated in a speech given to US Feminists by ex black slave “Sojourner Truth” in 1851. Sojourner purports that as a black woman she is viewed as even lower than white woman.

Women of other races set up alternative feminist groups which gained more followers in the 1960’s civil rights movement in the United States.

Post-colonial and Third World feminism proposed alternatives, with the post-colonial feminist slamming western feminism for being ethnocentric. The definition of ethnocentrism will be discussed in a later article.

In the 1980’s feminists realised that an understanding of global issues that also effect women of different races, colours and cultural was essential to understanding gender inequality. In turn this would show that racism, homophobia and classis are intrinsic in society and how they control women.

The Feminist political activists have challenged and brought women issues to the forefront of people’s concentions while also creating debate. They changed laws in women right to contract and property and the right to bodily integrity and autonomy. This includes the right for a woman to have an abortion and the right to take and access contraception.

Furthermore they are advocates for the protection of women from domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment. Also rights for women in the workplace and the legal right for maternity leave and equal pay.

For all of you high school girls out there

 You don’t have to be told that prom requires a lot of planning and preparation. Although prom plans can sometimes seem more important than studying for a test and tend to creep to the top of your to do list, it doesn’t mean prom planning has to stress you out. The trick is to start early and stay organized.
      That may be easier said than done. So, in case you feel lost as to how to even begin planning for your prom, here’s a checklist of some of the common things needed to have arranged prior to prom night:
      Several months in advance – note: these activities are most important to take care of early on because there is a good chance other schools in your city will have prom the same weekend as you, and such things as limousines and beach houses are limited. To get the dress or hotel room you  want, you must act early.

•  
  • Choose your prom group and make a commitment to that group – Whether you’re planning to go with just your date or arrange a group party for prom, it’s important to get yourself included early on before any set arrangements get made
  • Find a prom dress and shoes – Shopping early is a good idea in case you can’t find a dress you like and you decide to custom-make something or the dress doesn’t fit right and you need it altered
  • Decide mode of transportation – If you want to rent a limousine or party bus, begin researching various companies and decide which one will fit your budget, then go ahead and make a reservation
  • Post-party spot - This element of prom is usually the most expensive aspect of your prom planning, so renting a beach house or reserving a hotel room should definitely be a top priority in the early part of your prom planning 

      Month or so in advance

•  
  • Make pre-party arrangements – It’s a good idea to get your group together prior to prom to take pictures and celebrate. Hiring a caterer and finding reservations at a nice restaurant will become increasingly difficult as the date gets closer
  • Hair and makeup appointments – Making an appointment at least a month in advance is necessary to be able to schedule these appointments in conjunction with each other (hair first, then makeup), not to mention every other senior girl in the city will be vying for that ideal appointment time
    • Makeup tip: get your makeup done at a cosmetic counter like Bobbi Brown in a department store – not only do they do a good job and are quick, but the makeover only costs what you want to pay – I suggest buying the lip gloss they used on you: not only is that one of the least expensive items, but it’s also nice to have for touch-ups)

      Week or so in advance

•  
  • Make sure your date has ordered the corsage and that the color and style of the corsage will go well with your dress (white is a classic choice)
    • Also, make sure the corsage has a band that will slip onto your wrist (you’d be surprised, there are corsages that come with just a ribbon and no band, so to avoid scrounging around for a safety pin, make sure your date is very specific when he orders the corsage)

      Few days before

•  
  • Any additional beautifying activity you do (pedicure, eyebrow wax, facial) - Just in case something goes wrong, taking care of these things a few days in advance allows time for the redness to subside or to fix chipped nail polish

      Feeling overwhelmed? Understandable. But prom is supposed to be a fun experience, so to rid yourself of some of the stress, just stay organized and find ways to ease some of the pressure you feel. Here are some tips:
      To stay organized,

•  
  • Create deadlines for yourself – Something similar to the checklist above will help you define your priorities and stay on task
  • Write down everything – It’s important to keep track of all the information you have gathered because there will be millions of different times, prices, appointments, and people owing you money – so, to avoid confusion, just write it all down and you won’t have to worry about forgetting what time the limo is coming

      To ease some of that pressure,

•  
  • Include your prom date in on some of the planning - Delegate some of the work to him by saying, “You take care of the limo for us and I’ll make sure we’re all set for the beach house.” He should be more than willing to help out (if not, then it might be time to get yourself a new prom date)
  • Make sure everyone in your group is dependable and is constantly communicating the arrangements - If you’re aware of what’s going on, you’ll feel in control and much less stressed
  • Take a break, and don’t think about prom for a week or so - There are other things in life than prom, and letting yourself step away from it all for a little while may help put it in perspective
  • Remember that, if all else fails, the important thing is to be with friends - Even if forgetting to reserve the limo means that your mom has to drive you to prom, think of it this way: you’ll be the one with the “my mom drove me to my prom” story that you and your friends will laugh about for years to come. And isn’t that what prom is really all about anyway?