Learn How to Measure Your Bra Size

Women everywhere complain about their bras pinching, sagging or being too tight. These are all signs that they are not wearing the right size of brassiere. Are you one of these women? If you are, then you need to know how to measure the right bra size for your body.

Once you know how to properly do this, then you can find the perfect bra size for your breasts. The band will no longer dig into your ribs and your breasts will fit better into the cups. Wearing your favorite bra style will no longer be a problem. In addition, your figure will be improved with the proper brassiere size.

Fitting Guide for All Bra Types

How to Take the Required Measurements for the Band and Bust
When measuring your bust for which bra size right for you, you need to use a cloth measuring tape. You may also get a close friend to help you, because it is a bit tricky to take your measurements yourself.

Wear your best fitting brassiere for these measurements. Adjust the straps so your breasts are not sagging. The tip of them should be even with the middle of your upper arms.

The first measurement to figure the size of your bra is taken around the underneath of the breasts and around to straight across the back to the starting point. Make sure to exhale completely and have your helper pull the measuring tape snug; but not too tight. You need to round this figure up to the next whole number and add one inch for odd numbers for bra sizes only come in even numbers.

Now to double check the above figure, take a measurement right under your armpits around your back and above your breasts. Again, round the number up to the next even number. Both measurements should match. This is the band part of the bra size.

The third measurement you take loosely around the fullest part of the bust. Starting in the middle of the front go around to the back and make sure the measuring tape goes straight across the back and meet back in the middle of the front. Take this measurement and subtract the band size from it. The resulting number will determine the cup size, as we will discuss next. It takes both the band and cup together to figure the correct bra size.

Cup Size

As discussed above the difference between the band and bust measurements determines the cup size. Examples of measurement differences in relation to US cup sizes are listed below:

• 1" or less - AA cup
• 1" - A cup
• 2" - B cup
• 3" - C cup
• 4" - D cup
• 5" - DD or E cup (manufacturers differ on their cup designation with some cup sizes)
• 6" - DDD or F cup
• 7" - DDDD or G cup
• 8" - DDDDD or H cup
• 9" - DDDDDD or I cup
• 10" - J cup
• 11" - K cup
• 12" - L cup
• 13" - M cup
• 14" - N cup

Manufacturers of bra sizes can vary in fit and comfort. You may have to try different brands to find the perfect bra for you. Also, European and UK sizing is a bit different then the US sizing, so know which type of sizing is being used. Most brassieres are clearly marked. There are many bra styles and we are discussing some of them next.

Various Bra Types
Various bra styles are available for purchase today. The style that is right for your best friend might not be right for you. Check out the descriptions below to help decide on what type of bra you will purchase next:

Full figure styles are meant for women with larger breasts. These have some padding on the underneath of the cup for support and at times have padded straps for more comfortable wear. The closures are made with three to four rows of eyes and hooks. This style can come in both underwire and wire-free models.

Minimizer styles position the breast in such a way as to make them appear smaller than they are. Some women with large breasts like this rather than the bras that make their bust line stand out more.

Average figure bras typically have narrow straps, the sides and back and the closures have two rows of hooks and eyes. These provide moderate support. If you breasts are not large, these bras will work fine.

Underwire bras come in a variety of styles and have wires or plastic ribs underneath each cup for added support. Some models are more comfortable than other ones. These are effective at supporting even heavy breasts.

Strapless bras provide the support without the use of straps. Proper bra size in these is crucial for them to work effectively.

Pushup bras give a little extra ump to breast. These can even take drooping breast a lift. This will accentuate the bust line and often allow the breasts to be seen a bit depending on how low cut the outer garment is.

You will have to decide which of the bra types is right for you shape and need. When you are dressed up, you may wear a different style then when you are lounging about the house. The correct bra size is equally important in either circumstance.

Benefits from Wearing the Correct Brassiere Size
You will see many benefits from buying the right size of bra. If your old bra was too tight, you could find you breathe easier with your new one that fits right. Also, you will not have the band painfully digging into your ribs. With your breast better contained within a bra, it could not only accentuate your bust, it could also make your waist appear smaller.

Over the years, breasts can sag and the proper bra size can prolong some of this from happening. This is probably the most important benefit from proper brassiere sizing. Your clothes will hang better on your body if your breasts are not bulging out in inappropriate places because your bra is too small.

Taking all this information into consideration you can see why it is important to know how to measure your bra size. You will look and feel more comfortable, along with safeguarding your breasts against premature sagging. Double check what size you need today!

This news article is brought to you by SAVING MONEY BLOG - where latest news are our top priority.

No Pie For You!

Is there something in your heart you just know? You don't want it to be true and you don't talk about it, but you know it isn't going anywhere. Eventually you'll have to face it.

I must be true to myself and let the rest go. Believe in Love, Faith and Grace. The three of them are all that keep me going some days. Being human ain't for the faint of heart ya'll! Sometimes it actually sucks to be me and I want to live the life of one of my dogs! I want to sleep when I want, eat when I want and chew on things... how simple life would be! Unfortunately, I'm not a dog (bubbie) and I have responsibilities to live up to the expectations of life and God...

No stress there! There's something to be said for having a strong support system, for having faith and love and hope in your life. But I know there are times it doesn't feel like any of those things are there anymore. When even chocolate can't help, you have what my friend S calls, 'no pie.'

Translated, you got nothing left 'sista' - you're tapped out and have nothing left to give to anyone. It's time to recharge your faith, hope and love and get YOU back. In other words, bake a new pie or worst case scenario, go buy a new pie plate and start over.

"I have no pie left." I've used that metaphor so many times over the last 10 years that I just assume all around me understand it. It's a really quick way to tell your friends that you're in a bad place, that you just need to kvetch or complain or just get it out.

Now the whole 'pie thing' can be used in many ways; here are a few broken down for you:

1. I need to go buy a pie - meaning - I'm done. I need to start over and just get a fresh perspective.

2. I feel like a chocolate cream pie this weekend - meaning - I'm going to reset this weekend and 'eat some pie' - get a fresh perspective and just chill. (Note the more toppings you add to the pie, the more you're going to just let go - chocolate cream pie with whipped cream and chocolate shavings means a REALLY checked out relaxed weekend.)

3. I have no pie left - Meaning- just leave me alone right now. I need to bake. (In my mind, that's not metaphorical!):o)

4. He ate all my pie - Meaning - that loser just sucked the life right out of me!

5. No pie for you! - Meaning - I don't have anything nice to say so just leave me be!

See how well that works! S is just brilliant isn't she? Maybe all of us can get into the whole metaphor and use it as a nicer way to say 'give me some time to let me get ME back and retain my sanity!' Maybe then we'll have time to deal with the stuff that's stuck in our hearts and just let it go...

I wish you all full pie plates with ice cream a la mode!

This news article is brought to you by DATING ADVICE 201 - where latest news are our top priority.

The Five Stages of Aging Grief

As another birthday approaches I am conducting my traditional 'take stock of my life' assessment. For the most part things are going well. I have an amazing husband, a loving and supportive family, and a group of awesome, imaginary friends. I have a roof over my head, a car that works, and a subscription to The National Geographic. I may not be rich but I'm not poor either... in fact it's probably been far too long since I've missed a meal. And when someone asks me what I do for a living, I now say "I'm a writer" without apologizing first. I realize, for the most part, that I'm a lucky woman.

Of course, I can't stop there, with the counting of blessings. That wouldn't be me. There is more to taking stock of what I have. There is also taking stock of what I lost. So every year I trudge down the hall, enter the bathroom, and confront the 'mirror of truth' for my annual physical evaluation.

Who is this person, I wonder, as I gaze bleary-eyed at my reflection. It sort of looks like me but the coloring is off. The chin is doughy and there are lines where there used to be smoothness. Actually, it kind of resembles... no... Oh shit!

I start applying stuff: lotions, conditioners, putty, anything to de-line and de-dough. Just a little fix to get me through the next 365 days. I check my notebook, the same notebook I've used every year to chart the progress. Every new line, vein, and divet is recorded and it seems there is a steady upward slope of crap coming my way that is exponentially increasing. Gray hairs that have been creeping in are staying and bringing friends. The property value on this scalp is going to tank. My eyes are so puffy and dark it looks like I haven't slept in 22 days, up 3 days from last year. And my knees, the cruel pranksters, allow me to squat down but not get back up. Maybe it's time to consider getting a Life Alert. I write it all in my notebook and punctuate it with a sad-faced period. The end is nigh.

Another birthday means saying hello to some things: wisdom, new opportunities, and 10% discounts at fine, major retail stores across the country. But it also means saying goodbye to other things, like the body parts I've long held dear. Years ago I made the decision that I would age gracefully and not become one of the Botox monsters I've seen on reality TV. But that doesn't mean I won't lament my losses. And in the spirit of dealing with things the way I've always dealt with things (by bitching about them on paper) I've come up with the Five Stages of Aging Grief:

Denial: I'm not getting older; I'm advancing into my future. That isn't a wrinkle on my brow; it's a sleep crease. My butt isn't drooping; my legs are extending. My gums aren't receding; my teeth are growing. I'm not losing my mind; I've developed Adult Onset ADD. When I look in the mirror I don't see my mother staring back at me, I see... Oh Shit!

Anger: Oh, cruel Universe! Why hast thou forsaken me!? One morning I'm young and nubile, frolicking in the park and the next minute I'm dragging my bat-winged arms and I can't remember why I'm even in the park. And the hair. Why did you give me long, thick hair just to scraggle it up, thin it out, and make it an entirely new color!? I don't think you're very funny! I want no more of it! I'm out of here!

Bargaining: Universe, I'm sorry about that last rant. Hormones. You should know. You gave them to me. I'm taking supplements now. I do have one small favor to ask. Please don't take the boobs... anything but the boobs.

Depression: Why did you have to take the boobs? There's nothing left for me here. I might as well eat a bucket of ice cream and retire to the couch to watch Hoarders and Lifetime Television until I'm dead. The remote controller is too heavy to lift anymore. Do they really have to air Latrisse and Depends commercials every five minutes?

Acceptance: Lifetime Television's not so bad. As a matter of fact, Desperate Housewives is starting to make sense. Lynette really did face some obstacles in trying to get back into the work force at her age. You go girl! And look at Madonna. Still doing cartwheels at 80. Hope she's got on her Depends. And actually, now that I think about it, my mother isn't so bad. Sure she might have a few wrinkles but she can also do a mean downward dog in Yoga class. And she does have all of her hair, even if she dyes it purple. Maybe this year won't be so bad after all.

And with that I settle into another year. Time to saddle up, sling the ole boobs over my shoulder, and ride off into the sunset. Who needs young and nubile? I'm going for old and crazy.

This news article is brought to you by CELEBRITY GOSSIP NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.

Pashmina / Cashmere Shawls

Let us talk about what is a Pashmina or a Cashmere shawl? Or for that matter what does the word 'shawl' mean?

The word 'shawl' has different similar sounding terms in different languages e.g. in French, it is 'chale', in German, it is called 'schall' and in Italian, it is termed 'scialle' - all essentially meaning a square or a rectangular wrap, big enough to be draped around the shoulder, what is also commonly known as the 'shoulder-mantle'.

When we say Pashmina or a Cashmere shawls, we are referring to the shawls spun out of the fine yarns made with fibers sourced from the discarded undercoats of Tibetan or Changthangi goats. They are also commonly known as 'changra' goats, which are found in the high altitude mountain ranges of these regions. The other known breeds, used to source pashmina/cashmere fibers are of Orenburg goats and Mongolian goats.Two main determinants of the quality in pashmina/cashmere are the fiber diameter and the staple length. For good quality, the manufacturers purchase material between 13 - 20 microns. To let you make a comparison, a human hair has a diameter of around 70 microns. When these fine fibers are spun into thread, a multitude of microscopic air-pockets are formed; it is these that give the material its extraordinary warmth and softness.It would be interesting to note that until well into the 19th century, when the ladies shawl became a high fashion item in the west, there had been similar products in use. According to pashmina shawl historian Moorcroft, there existed 'do-shala'... long shoulder-mantles woven in pairs. These were used by noblemen of the times.

The do-shala shawl, often woven so cleverly that it is difficult to say that it has been joined/stitched together seam to seam!

Then there were 'qasaba' or 'rumal', large squares for women's wear.

Also, there were 'shamla' or 'cummerbunds', girdles for the waist, worn by Asiatics.

The modern term 'jamawar' popularly used in shawls today, originated from a particular type of all over design, which were tailored into 'jama', or various over-garments, worn by men e.g. - 'choga', 'angarkha', 'atamsukh'.

So the art of weaving a pashmina/cashmere shawl or a more popular stole or scarf, dates back to many centuries. In old times, it had various avatars e.g.'rumal', 'jama', 'doshala','cummerbund'. But the art of weaving a shawl/stole is still preserved in its original form when it is hand spun and hand woven. Though now-a-days, it is woven on power looms also. The art of adornment in the form of hand embroidery is still as painstakingly done, as in yore. The special embroidery technique of 'kani' is also being recognised today for its beauty and precision... though its design /talim is being computerised now... the actual work is still being done by hand.

This news article is brought to you by DISABILITY - where latest news are our top priority.

I Have Hope in My Heart

Have you ever been to a fertility clinic? I hope not. I have and they aren't fun. Fertility clinics are places where women of all ages, race, size and religion flock to in order to conceive a child. Infertility is a taboo subject in our American culture for some reason. I'll never understand that. I've been very open about our quest to have a child and have never hidden the truth.

Obviously, we don't have kids, so either people assume we don't want any or I tell them the truth. It's so much easier to put the truth out there - people have active imaginations and often their guesses are so hurtful. So, why not be honest? I had so many surgeries in the last 10 years of my life that I just never was able to try to have kids. Now, I'm 45 years old and healthy(finally) - and still no kids. Basically, I'm old. B & I didn't get married until I was 35 - so I started out late in the game and my body (and God) had other plans.

Even though I've had roadblocks, I'm not one of those people who will just sit back and say, oh well, guess we can't have children. I've fought hard with every iota of my being for us to be able to have a child. I've changed my diet to the point where I don't recognize my eating habits. I haven't had caffeine in 3 years and soda is but a distant memory.

I've made any sacrifice asked of me because it's just that important. I've missed vacations, family events and cried my way through conference calls just to get through the day at work. But it's all worth it you see. I really want this.

Over the years, I've had to be my own health care advocate. I've learned to ask, push and question. Once I've built up trust with a physician, I absolutely follow their advice, but I still question when things don't quite seem right for me. ME. I've learned that science is a guideline and no two humans are alike (except for identical twins:o) of course.) Many treatments that have worked well for other people don't work for me! In fact, typical protocols for fertility treatments just don't work. I have an amazing doctor who listens though and experiments with me and we've gotten great results. Her nursing team's skill and compassion is un-matched and their support has helped me down this really complicated path we're on.

The one dangling participle, or missing link to this ever important fertility chain is God. I know that no matter HOW HARD I try and how well I follow my diet and how diligent I am with taking my meds, I still might not get pregnant. That breaks my heart to type, let alone say out loud. I've faced that fact and have come to terms with it. Sort of. I still have hope in my heart.

I'm typing this now because we're at our last attempt. We've tried everything there is and even things you've never heard of and so far no kids. I've prayed so hard that I cry just thinking about it. I've found saints to pray to that I never knew existed and I've had to have faith that if it's in God's plan for me, it will be so. If not, I'll have to let it go and move on with my life. I know some of you are asking - why not adopt? Well we did. A traditional adoption would be very complicated for me with my health history and we were advised against it. So we did a very different kind of adoption - and that's what we're waiting on now.

Time will tell. God has always provided for me - I'm only here because of His grace - I get this. I just wish someone could call Him and explain that we'll be great parents - if He only gives us a chance.

Until we know more - prayers would be great. And please, remember that if someone doesn't have kids, it might not be because they didn't want them. God just had other plans for them. But don't treat them like they have a disease - they still love kids and would love to be happy for you and celebrate your pregnancies and joys. Your heart hurts inside, but if you want kids, you love them and any kids are a joy to be around.

So tonight, after you pray for all of the couples struggling with infertility, hug your kids and realize how truly blessed you are - even if they drew all over the walls in permanent marker or dumped a 5 lb bag of flour on the floor... they are a gift.

This news article is brought to you by ALLERGIES - where latest news are our top priority.

Work Life Balance Tips for Working Mothers

A working mother cannot be dubbed for anything less than Wonder Woman herself. So, imagine how a couple of work life balance tips would empower the whole brigade of working mothers.

Working moms have a herculean task at their hand of handling work and family life simultaneously. These super moms often need some work life balance tips to manage overwhelming situations.

Here are some work life balance tips for working mothers:

• Hold Yourself Together- The pressure of meeting deadlines and working on presentations will always remain the same. Don't go crazy thinking how you'll manage the work at home and at the office side-by-side. Relax and think about some ways you can vent out this stress. After a rough night of finishing pending files and washing the dishes all by yourself, treat yourself to some nice morning coffee and spend some time sitting in the balcony or maybe pick up that book which you always wanted for some time now.


• Be Organized- Keep a record of the official things that you wish to finish off by the weekend and sort them out on a priority basis. In this manner, the most important things will be done well within time. Handle the family needs in the same manner. To make things clear, write down the things-to-do for the week on the family whiteboard.


• Feel Free to Ask for Help- There's no pride in being seen as a super mom if you're suffering because you have too much on your plate. There are times when things can go haywire and you could really use another pair of hands. Don't shy away from asking for your husband's help with dinner or watching the children when you come exhausted from work.


• Know Your Options- These days many companies who allow their employees to work from home. Working mothers should make full use of such options. This way you can spend more time with your family and work within the comforts of your home. It's a win-win situation if you're able to prioritize what to do and when to do. However, you can face trouble concentrating on the job if your children are running around.


• Make Time- If you really wish to spend more time with your family, you'll have to make time. So, instead of yapping away about your boss's new personal assistant with your colleagues, have your lunch at your desk. This way you'll get more work done and leave early for home.


• Learn to live with the Guilt- There will be those days when you have to miss your daughter's ballet show or reach late for the family dinner. But these are some of these things that you'll have to learn to let go. There are some things you have to sacrifice to provide a better lifestyle for your family and you.

Hope these work life balance tips help working moms to reduce stress and spend more time with their family.

This news article is brought to you by SAVING MONEY - where latest news are our top priority.

Colour and Dressing Hints for Professional Photos

Oh no! It is time to have some professional photos taken. These words can bring dread to your heart especially if your last lot of photos did not live up to your expectations.

I have had my share of good and bad professional family and business photos. The good ones hang happily on the wall or are on the web. The bad ones are hidden away or deleted. Unfortunately I have seen other people's family and business photos that also need to be hidden away but are not.

The better professional photographers give pre-photo advice on your setting and your poses so that you feel comfortable and relaxed. It is rare to get dressing advice for a photo shoot.

Clothes can make or break a photo. A great photo has three elements - setting, pose and clothes.

Here are my tips to help you get the dressing element of professional photos right for you.

Family Photos

The best and most interesting family photos have harmony and contrast. Let me explain.

Harmony and contrast are created through colour and style.

When you clothing is in harmony it draws people's attention to the faces and personality of the subjects. Have a discussion with your partner or family to choose a colour. White is popular but it does not suit everyone. Blue is second favourite as most family members have a shade of blue in their wardrobe. Ignore the skin-tone colours of beige, apricot or brown as you can appear naked in the photo as happened to a very upset acquaintance of mine. Co-ordinate colours below your waist especially if full-length photos are to be taken. Blue jeans fit the bill perfectly.

Next look at clothing styles. Everyone in a centre-buttoned shirt or V or round necked tee shirts or tops will create family harmony. Patterns may be different but make sure they blend not clash with each other.

Contrast creates a focal point. Put your only child in a textured top or a different style to everyone else. A mother or father wearing the theme colour plus another colour draws your attention to them. Everyone in white with mum wearing coloured or textured jewellery also creates a contrasting focus.

Business Photos

A business photo needs to show your personality and draw people to you.

Wear colours that focus attention on your face and eyes. That is easy if you have had your colours done and know what your complimentary, contrasting and signature colours are. You also need to be photographed against a plain or natural background colour that enhances you not merges or clashes with what you are wearing.

Your choice of clothing and accessories need to appeal to the type of clients that you and your business want to work with. Will you attract corporate clients, soft gentle clients, achieving go-getters or quirky artistic types? You clothing can show that as long you feel comfortable with that unspoken impression.

Be aware that photos will be cropped and shrunk for promotional material. I have had business photos that looked fantastic in full-screen but I faded away in the smaller version.

Special Occasion

For wedding photos you want to be your best but not overshadow the bride. Talk to all involved. This is a day for a perfectly fitted outfit. In the dressing room, stand far away from the mirror. Some colours may merge together or fade. Some can make you look naked. Some dress features can dominate the outfit. Choose a colour shade that suits you and a style that reflects your true personality. Your joy or your discomfort will be there for all to see.

For award dressing, it is your time to shine. Do the same dressing room mirror checks or have your photo taken in the clothes before the event so that you can make adjustments or changes. If dresses have a solid colour background with a contrasting colour design feature, make sure the feature lengthens not widens you.

Last Words

Your photographer will help you get your setting and pose right. There is more to dressing for professional photos but this article is a start towards creating your best professional photos so far.

This news article is brought to you by PHOTOGRAPHY - where latest news are our top priority.