More Than A Number

The practice of babywearing, carrying your baby in a Mei Tai sling or wrap carrier, has increased in popularity over the years in part because more parents have embraced the “attachment parenting” philosophy of creating a strong bond with your child while they are still young. Although babywearing has been around for centuries and is associated with a safe and nourishing practice, it is still important for parents to realize the associated risks. The following is a brief look at the possible dangers of babywearing and how to avoid them.

Risks: Even the best baby carrier can have complications. This is because, according to Consumer Reports, there are no safety standards for slings. Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission state that within the last five years at least four babies have died and there have been many reports of serious injuries associated with the use of sling-type carriers. Serious injuries include skull fractures, head injuries, contusions, and abrasions. The majority of these injuries occurred when the child fell out of the sling.

Precautions: If you are still interested in purchasing a sling, wrap, or baby carrier, then it is important to follow these precautions. Make sure you read the instructions and learn how to use the sling properly. Many of the accidents associated with slings were due to improper assembly, improper wearing, or failure of hardware. For example, the Ergo baby carrier comes with written instructions, as well as an instructional video, that are both equally important. In addition, make sure that the model you are about to purchase has not been recalled. In March of 2008, for instance, the Ellaroo infant sling carrier was recalled because the aluminum rings on the carriers would bend or break. In this example, the fabric would slip through the rings and the child would fall out. Although no injuries were reported, about 1,200 were recalled. The recall has ended, and as of today it is ok to purchase, Maya, Ergo, Ellaroo, Mei hip carrier, and many other popular brands, as long as you check with Consumer Reports.org first.

Worn by the famous Flying Tigers during World War II, the Flying Tiger A2 bomber jacket has become a classic symbol of honor and strength. The Flying Tigers was the nickname of the first American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941 to 1942. Nearly two weeks after Pearl Harbor, the AVG was sent as a mercenary unit to aid China against the Japanese. The Flying Tigers consisted of three squadrons and a total of 60 combat aircraft. The group’s aircraft was the Curtiss P-40, which was painted with the famous shark teeth and eyes.

The Flying Tiger A2 leather bomber jacket is not only rich is history, but also stunning to look at. It is one of the most frequently replicated aviation jackets of WW II, because many people find it both practical and stylish. An authentic replica of the jacket can be found at American Mystique. The Flying Tiger jacket is made with 100% American horsehide leather and features a wide range of authentic patches and artwork, including the Burma India leather blood chit, thread bullion China Burma India patch, the Flying Tigers 13th Air Force bullion insignia, and an officer I.D. card in the lining.

If you are like many Americans, it is difficult to rationalize shopping for anything but the necessities, even if that means wearing the same suit over and over. But, what if your old suit just doesn’t fit anymore? For some men who work in a professional environment, business suits are essential. For others, showing up to a formal wedding in an ill-fitted suit or without one is simply not an option. If you’re in need of a quality designer suit that is also affordable, we recommend the online suit store, Menswear eCollection. This online store offers designer mens suits at wholesale prices. You can browse through their online catalog and order your favorite suit. Before you set out on the hunt for the perfect suit, make sure you read the following guidelines to get the most out of your online purchase.

Know the Occasion: There are many occasions that require a man to wear a suit, such as a job interview or a funeral. However, each occasion calls for a certain style or color suit. For example, a business suit is different from a wedding tuxedo in both style and color. Make sure you select the appropriate suit for the time and nature of the event.

Know Your Size: It has been said over and over again that a great suit is one that fits. Menswear eCollection provides a suit measurement chart to help you find your correct size. Once you determine your size, your work is halfway done. You will need to wait for your suit to arrive in the mail, and try it on. Make sure that your shoulders and chest fit nicely, and that the length is right.  

Know Your Timeline: Plan to order your new suit at least three months before the occasion. This will give you plenty of time to wait for the suit in the mail, to try it on, and take it to a local tailor for the final alternations. Ordering your suit three months in advance should also give you ample time to send it back to the dealer in the event that it is not either the suit or size you expected.

For detailed articles on each of these three categories, make sure to visit Menswear eCollection.com. Whether you need a new tuxedo for the prom or a suit for a funeral, Menswear eCollection offers stylish suits that are all under $150.

In Dubai, online shopping for anniversary gifts has become popular as an inexpensive, quick way to send heartfelt presents celebrating the marriages of friends and family. Rather than go to the store, browse for something that will appeal to the couple, make the purchase, wrap the gift, and deliver or mail it, you can use online shopping, UAE residents! Simplify the gift-buying process to just a few clicks of the mouse. Buying a thoughtful gift has never been easier.

For those who live in or near Dubai, gifts that may be ordered from Kentessa.com are numerous, varied, and perfect for almost everyone on their anniversary. Kentessa.com recommends breathtaking multi-colored roses that will remind the happy couple of the eternality of their love. Of course, picture frames adorned with Swarovski crystals are also a nice gift that can be used to display wedding photos in style. Kentessa.com offers gourmet chocolate gifts as well. Chocolate is considered by many people to be a potent aphrodisiac. Even if you don’t agree, these delectable gifts are sure to sweeten the couple’s special day!

For the couple that thrives on learning, Kentessa.com offers a wide selection of literature, including books from President Obama, such as his best-selling “The Audacity of Hope,” and the popular “Twilight” saga from author Stephenie Meyer. Another anniversary favorite is designer fragrances for him and her that make for a well-scented occasion. No matter whose anniversary you’re shopping for, the perfect gift may be waiting at Kentessa.com.

As the economy goes into a freefall and incomes shrink or disappear all together, many people are focused on cutting costs wherever they can. From eliminating favorite indulgences to trying to save money on everyday necessities, creating a budget and sticking to it is more important than ever. And one of the simplest ways to save is to use drugstore coupons for the necessities you buy every day.

One thing that many people don’t realize is that you can find amazing deals on everyday products when you shop online. Bargain hunters have found that stocking up on low-priced goods available online such as toiletries, cleaning products, over-the-counter medication and more can help you save in the long run. Sometimes you can even find deals at online stores you might not usually associate with these type of products. Amazon coupons, for example, can be used for far more than books and movies; the popular retailer now carries a wide variety of household goods as well.

About.com paintball expert David Muhlestein has named his top five most influential paintball guns of all time in terms of their impact on the sport. He writes, “After much thought I narrowed my list to just the select few guns that I think really changed the face of paintball. My top two both have been out for over a decade and have shaped the sport in their own ways: the Tippmann Model 98 and the pneuVentures/Smart Parts Shocker. My other most influential guns are the Smart Parts Ion, the AGD Automag and the Nel-Spot 007. Others have influenced the industry, but I believe these have all had the most profound effect.” The full list can be viewed here.

The Tippmann Model 98 Custom can be purchased at Speedy Toys, along with paintball gun parts and accessories. What do you think of Muhlestein’s list? What would you change? What guns would you add?

We counted down the five best costume ideas for men; now here’s our top five for women this year.

5. Lydia the Tattooed Lady. Remember that flower tattoo you wanted to get on your lower back when you were 18? You might have been talked out of it after all, but this full-body costume recreates the fantasy of being the ultimate biker babe.

4. I Dream of Jeannie. With just a blink, transform yourself into the ultimate wish-granting goddess. This costume doesn’t leave much to imagination, but sexy Halloween costumes are what make October 31 so much fun!

3. Nun. Whether you’re pious or naughty, a nun costume is an All Hallows’ Eve favorite. No matter how you dress up the costume, you’ll leave everyone with one burning question: just what do nuns wear underneath their robes?

2. Betty Boop. She’s an old-fashioned gal, a flapper with a heart of gold who can’t help it if everyone tries to take her “boop-oop-a-doop” away! And neither will you in this adult-sized, sequined costume.

1. Super Girl. Because who needs superpowers when you’ve got rock hard abs, lustrous blonde hair, and killer legs?

Sending birthday cards and other paper greetings through the mail for special occasions has become a treasured tradition over the years. Walking down the aisles of a store to peruse the selection of cards or displaying holiday greeting on the mantle are staples of the holiday season. But did you know that card makers and other associated manufacturers have their own trade organization?

Manufacturers of greeting cards, stationary, and wrapping paper in the United States have their interests represented by the trade organization known as The Greeting Card Association. The organization dates all the way back to 1941 and actually has its origins in a WWII War Department order to reduce the usage of paper by 25%. George Burkhardt, of the company Burkhardt-Warner, lead this small collection of card owners during this period. After the war ended, the Association shifted priorities to promoting the use of thank you cards and other greeting cards by the general public, as well as relevant postal affairs.

The headquarters of the Association are in Washington D.C. While the majority of members are U.S. companies that manufacture funny birthday cards and more, companies from abroad are permitted entry as well. The Association even has its own awards that it sponsors annually, held each May in the city of New York. The LOUIE Awards exist to celebrate the best designs in the greeting card industry.

The next time you need suggestions on gifts for her, think heat therapy. Heat therapy is defined as the application of heat to the body for the purpose of soothing or healing. Even a bath can be a form of heat therapy, particularly if bath salts or oil are placed into the water to relax or rejuvenate the mind and body. Other forms of heat therapy include heating pads, hot cloths, and even ultrasounds.

Heat therapy products are sold by a wide variety of shops, including department stores, specialty shops, and outlets that offer self-care and health products. For those who prefer to give an effective gift with an added touch of class and style, Warm Whiskers is a must-see online store! Shoppers can find a regular heating pad in various stores—but at Warm Whiskers, they can find body wraps, belts, and even products with irresistible herbal scents like lavender! Other products include heated slippers, cuddly stuffed toys, and many more. Whether you are specifically interested in self-care products or just want a loving and distinctive gift, heat therapy items might do the trick!

With the holiday season come holiday parties, a mixture of fun, friendship, and fondness that happens only once each year. However, an invitation to the best holiday parties also means that you have some tough decisions to make: go stag or find a date? Can you re-gift that awful sweater from your aunt for the hostess? And, most importantly, what are you going to wear?

If last season’s bubble-hem dress just won’t do for this year’s soirees, be sure to check out Chic Star’s selection of cocktail dresses. From Greek-inspired one-shoulder dresses to patterned and solid pencil dresses, our selection includes flattering styles for every size and shape. For a more demure look, try a sheath or shirt dress that offers coverage without sacrificing appeal. To turn up the volume, consider one of our mini dresses or vintage-style dresses. Your perfect party begins with trendy, stylish, and affordable women’s dresses from Chic Star!