Avoiding the Underwear Shopping Nightmare

If you are thinking of buying underwear, swim wear, sports wear, or nightwear then look no further than Figleaves.com. They sell all over the world and offer free delivery in the UK and USA. If you are a busy Mum like me this really takes the hassle out of shopping for underwear.


I must admit I mistakenly believed that Figleaves just sold ladies underwear - wrong. It also has a great range of men's underwear, swimmers and even a couple of socks options. Their prices start at just £12.00 and even in the men's range there are more than 700 items.
The women's wear range is phenomenal. It incorporates everything you would expect in lingerie, but does also have maternity bras, mastectomy bras and bras for the double D ladies. Again I assumed that it was all going to be very expensive and purely designer stuff, but there is a great variation in prices and products. Although you can search by the type of product, department or size - you don't seem to be able to search by price. This means that expensive items are mixed up with the cheaper brands. So don't be put off if the first few items you look at are over budget.


Alternatively you can just start by clicking on Fig leaves "Sale" button where there are some really generous reductions of up to 50% off

The thing I really liked best about Figleaves was how much I have learnt about women's underwear. Searching under the "Search by Size" option takes you to their "Fitting Room" which is a mind of information. There is a ten point fitting guide along with pictures so you can understand what Figleaves are referring to. Tips on measuring yourself, and then when you have carried out the dreaded deed even an online size calculator. Fantastic -for the first time in years I know what size I am!!


This is all so much less embarrassing than having the challenge of standing in a changing room, with a middle aged woman tutting disparagingly at your boobs like they are some unfortunate appendage. Too big too small - it doesn't matter whether you are equipped with melons or poached eggs, for most of us being fitted out for a bra is up there with going to the dentist! Which is why of course that most women are wearing the wrong size bra?


Clearly to invest in education, sizing and how to try on Bra's is in the best interest of Figleaves, as it is likely to cut down on returns, (which are free in the UK and US). But this site goes further than that - it tells you about styles of bras. What they look like, the terminology and what it means, and in some cases what the bras do with the storage of your boobs. All incredibly interesting for us girls and means that we are more likely not only to choose the right size bra but the right style of bra for the clothes we are wearing. I am sure you know the sort of thing. I have a bra that makes me look a bit "nippy" as my teenagers would say, or the bra that makes me look a rather peculiar shape. I've discovered it's a balcony bra and I have been trying to wear it with all the wrong clothes!


The other thing about buying from Figleaves is that you don't have all that messing around in the shop or the changing cubicle trying to find out whether the colour, size and the style you are after is in stock. This is where I think most underwear catastrophes take place. Once you have selected the style bra, you can check whether it is in stock and the colour you want it in is available, in just a few clicks. Simple.


I also really liked the fact that you do not get just one view of the product. You can zoom in to see an enlarged view, what it looks like from the back (it does this with pants too) and you can get an image of it in other available colours. This facility is available across the whole range of the Figleaves site whether you are looking at the swimwear, sportswear or men's wear and must save many save costly mistakes.


Figleaves started up in 1998 so they have been around a long time in internet terms and that professionalism and maturity is well reflected in their website which has won many awards for best fashion, lingerie and "ease of use" sites in the last two or three years.
This website will save you time and money, because you are less likely to make bad underwear decisions. - If you follow their style and fitting guides you will probably end up with a range of underwear to die for and that special person in your life will love!

Gift Boxes
Figleaves will provide a gift box for £3.50 and you can even organise to send it on their "virtually anonymous service" which of course is ideal for Valentines Day.

Navigation
Although there is loads of products this site is really easy to use, you can search by size, department or even the brand you are after. I would really recommend at some point though going to the "Fitting Room" which you get to by clicking on "size".

Payment and Delivery
Payment online is by the standard credit cards (not Amex) and debit cards. Payment is taken on despatch of goods. They also have their own gift vouchers which you can pay with. Figleaves is registered with the shopping is safe ISIS programme so be assured that this is a secure site.
Standard delivery charge is £2.00 and 3 to 5 days from date of despatch. Express delivery is £4.00. For the rest of the world standard delivery is £6.00 and delivery will be in 5 to 10 days or express delivery is £20.00. For orders over £300 express delivery is free. It is not clear whether this is just for UK or worldwide.

If you are in the UK you can also elect to collect your Figleaves parcel from a Post Office.
Diana Groves

6 Benefits of Breastfeeding

Giving your baby breast milk is the most natural form of feeding there is, and offers an unequalled way of providing the ideal food for your baby, helping your baby to grow healthy and naturally.


The World Health Organisation and most government agencies recommend that babies are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their life, continuing with breast milk as part of their daily diet until around the age of two years. But that's not the only reason why you should breastfeed your baby; here are 6 others.


Cost
Breast milk is totally free. Although it seems obvious, this is often overlooked by mothers who are considering not breastfeeding and switching instead to formula milk. When you breastfeed you save money by not having to buy such items as, baby formula, bottles, nipples, sterilizers and special travel bags to keep formula either warm or cold. When breastfeeding, you also don't have to eat for two; just eat as you normally would, so there's no additional expense there either. Finally, you save on buying clothes. Milk stains left behind on clothes after breastfeeding do not leave permanent marks the way that formula milk does. You can simply wash your clothes to remove milk stains; no need to buy new ones.

Convenience
Your baby will let you know when he or she is hungry. Breastfeeding mothers can simply sit down and relax and get on with nursing their baby. Your breast milk is instant nourishment, always at the right temperature and consistency. No so with feeding your baby formula. Also, breastfeeding in public is getting easier, with many shops, restaurants and other establishments providing a private place in which to feed your baby. Modern nursing bras are so comfortable and well-designed that you can easily, discretely and confidently feed your baby in public places.

Weight Loss

During pregnancy it is quite normal for expectant mothers to put on weight. Breastfeeding helps use up the fat that was stored up during your pregnancy. In fact, breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day, which will help you regain your pre-pregnancy figure.

Health Benefits to Your Baby

Research has proved that babies who are breastfed have a lower occurrence of obesity, diabetes and long-term heart disease. There is also a reduced risk of gastro enteritis, childhood allergies (such as eczema and asthma), and of developing painful infections in areas such as the respiratory systems, urinary tract and the ear. Your breast milk is full of antibodies, which are passed on to your child when you nurse; even the best formula can't offer this protection.

Health Benefits for You
Women who breastfeed are at less risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hip fractures and problems with bone density (which can lead to the disease osteoporosis). Women who breastfeed are also less likely to be overweight.

Bonding
In recent years the medical professional has realised - something mothers always instinctively knew - that bonding begins right at birth. Nowadays, mothers are encouraged to start breastfeeding almost immediately after the birth of the baby. This helps the bonding between mother and child. Hormones are released when you give birth and hold your baby close - these hormones are further increased by breast stimulation and feeding. The release of these hormones eases the pain felt during and after birth and also help to relax you, thus letting you get on with taking care of your baby.

Breastfeeding is totally natural; however it does need to be learned - by both mother and child. Therefore, you should bear in mind that it might take two or three weeks before you and your baby have sorted things out. If you are having difficulties, don't stop breastfeeding; instead talk to your midwife as she will have the expertise to help you during this time. Also, talk and ask for support from family, friends and your partner.

Robin OBrien

Today's Lingerie - Just Not Women's Underwear

The modern dictionary definition for lingerie is omen underwear or linen articles, especially garments.? Today our choices of lingerie are not so limited. Some women think of lingerie as only sexy panties, sleepwear, teddies, bustiers, or thongs. Lingerie also includes bras, comfy panties, slips, camisoles, girdles, robes, nightshirts, pajamas, nylons and more.

Women lingerie is made of many different fabrics including cotton, nylon, satin, silk, lace, etc. We can also choose from an array of colors ?from pastel pink and lavender to more bold red and black. So, with all of the choices and styles in women lingerie, any woman can find something to fit her taste. Whether your lingerie of choice is thong underwear and teddies or cotton briefs and nightshirts, youe sure to find lingerie for women that is both comfy and flattering.

by: Wendy Yeager
http://www.wenmarcorp.com

Get your bust under control

Article brought to you in association with realrunner.com

Research has shown up to 56% of women experience breast pain when exercising. This is due to the large displacement of the breasts, which in addition to the discomfort can cause embarrassment.

Breast motion is hard to reduce, as the breast does not contain strong intrinsic structural support. The primary supporting structures in the breasts are the Coopers Ligaments. With secondary support only from the skin. These can easily be stretched if repeatedly loaded, as occurs during physical exercise. This can cause the breast to sag. It is therefore important to reduce breast movement to limit breast pain and irreversible stretch of the Coopers Ligaments.

An Australian study tested a sports bra against a fashion bra, a crop top and bare breasted and found that the sports bra reduced pain and vertical movement by 50% compared to bare breasted exercise. The crop top and fashion bra reduced vertical movement and perceived pain but only by the half the amount of the sports bra.

Research to date suggests to reduce pain and motion of the breasts when exercising, adult females should wear a well-fitting sports bra.

Breakthrough in Breast enhancements

One of the most promising developments in breast enhancement is Breast Gain Plus, a natural breast enhancer, which is an herbal supplement containing a variety of powerful extracts from herbs such as dong quai, kelp, watercress, fennel seed and dandelion as well as vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. All of these natural herbs contain high levels of compounds called phytoestrogens, which can bind to estrogen receptors in mammary tissue and stimulate new growth. All of the ingredients in the formula have been used for centuries and are regarded as safe by the FDA.

Having nicely shaped, rounded breasts can make a woman feel sexier and confident. However, with surgical breast enlargement procedures (such as breast augmentation and breast lifts) having a number of alarming side effects, more and more women are turning towards natural breast enhancement.

Most women would like to change the size and the shape of their breasts. And while the cosmetic changes are easy to achieve and reverse, if needed, breast augmentation surgery is not for everyone.

Surgical breast augmentation is a substantial investment of time and money, it has a lot of health consequences and the results can never be fully predictable. All together, these factors can make breast augmentation a last resort for those who want to change the size and shape of their breasts.

There are several alternatives that women can try to improve the shape of their breasts before resorting to surgery. These breast enhancement techniques range from breast enhancement creams and pills to easy breast enhancement exercises that tone all of your upper body.

THE FOOD and Drug Administration recently approved the use of silicone gel implants for use in breast augmentation. However, the FDA's stamp of approval doesn't mean implants are safe. There remain considerable risks that women must consider before walking into the operating room.

For those women looking for an alternative to painful and costly augmentation surgery, natural breast enhancers might just be the solution. Some of the latest products to hit the market have yielded positive results, welcome news for those unhappy with their current bust size.

http://www.enhancebreastnaturally.info

How To Make Your Breasts Look Bigger

Having a well-filled breast is almost every woman's dream. In a society like ours where having big breasts is adored and given such emphasis, it is not surprising that every flat-chested woman desires to be well-endowed. Various breast enhancement products have come to the forefront that promise to give fuller breasts. But there's no proof that they really work. "If these estrogens were powerful enough to be effective, the creams wouldn't be available over the counters," notes Seth Matarasso, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco.

"No pill can safely increase your breast size," says Kelly Shanahan, ob/gyn and author of "Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide". While nothing short of surgery will make your boobs look like that of Pamela Anderson's, there are less invasive options that can make a difference. Here's the ultimate guide to beautiful breasts at any age.

1. ExerciseOkay, so exercise won't add inches to your breasts. Breasts are largely fatty tissue and there's no exercise to grow fat. But exercise can make your breasts sit higher and more even on your chest because it builds up pectoral muscles directly below the breasts. This pushes the breasts outward giving them the appearance of being a bit larger. If you strengthen your back muscles, you can also improve your posture and make your chest look a hundred times better. Try to do the following exercise everyday to increase your breast size naturally and to firm them up:a.

The Push-ups:
This will help keep your chest muscles firm and toned. To do this, put your hands and knees on the floor with your back flat. Align your hands with your bust. Bend your arms and lower yourself until your chest almost touches the floor. Then push yourself back up to the starting position. Hold this pose for a few seconds and then bend your arms again bringing your torso down a few inches to the floor. Repeat this ten times. On the second week, perform two full sets of ten repetitions. And on the third week thereafter, do three full sets every other day.

b. Modified Push-ups
This is akin to the push-ups mentioned earlier. The only difference is that instead of the hands and knees on the floor, the lower arms, the elbows and toes are placed against the floor. The torso is raised up but your lower arms and elbows and toes are kept on the floor.c. The back extensionBack extensions strengthen your upper and lower back muscles, thus improving posture. To do this, after each set of push-ups, lie facedown on the floor, lift one arm and the opposing leg a few inches straight in the air simultaneously, and hold on for a count of ten. Do the move twice on each side.d. Bench Press:This is the best exercise for shaping and firming your bust line because aside from shaping and firming the bust line, it also sculpts the shoulders and tightens the triceps. To perform this exercise, lie flat on a bench, with one foot on each side of the bench touching the floor. Firmly press your head, shoulders, back and butt on the bench while sticking up your chest. Keep the dumbbells about 18-20 inches apart and parallel to the floor with your palms facing upwards. Slowly push the dumbbells straight up, away from your chest. Fully extend your arms but don't lock your elbows when arms are fully extended. The dumbbells should now be approximately a few feet above your chest. Pause slightly at the top of the movement then slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position. Inhale and hold your breath as you lower the dumbbells. When they reach the chest, begin to move the weight upward again. Exhale as you pass the point of greatest resistance.

Repeat this 8 to 12 times to complete one set. You can perform about 1 to 3 sets at a session and about 3 sessions per week with a day's rest between sessions.e. Breast PressUsing two three-to-five pound dumbbells, sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight, arms at your sides. Lean forward slightly at your hips, and bend your elbows to 90 degrees, keeping the palms down. Raise your arms from the shoulders so your elbows reach shoulder level, your hands in front and to each side. Hold this position for a count of four, and then return to your start position. Repeat this ten times.f. Arm SwingsWhile standing erect, swing your right arm clockwise for eight counts while the left arm rests at your side. Then let your right arm rest at your side and swing your left arm clockwise also for eight counts. Repeat this exercise on both arms only this time the movement is counterclockwise.g. Stand-up Push-upsStand facing a wall at arm's length. Place palms on the wall. Push against the wall as if you were pushing it away, without bending arms at the elbow. Hold for eight counts and relax arms for eight counts. Repeat this eight to twenty times a day.h. Apply PressureMassage the upper and outer area of your bust in circular motions applying gentle pressure. This helps stimulate circulation on the muscles and help tone the fatty tissue of the breasts.

2. The Perfect Boosting BraIf
your boobs appear sacked out on your rib cage or distinctively lopsided, maybe the problem is your bra. You'll get the sexiest support if you look for the following features:a. Supportive cups"If your breasts are saggy, they'll sit in the bottom of the sheer cup," says Stacey Ellis, a bra-fit specialist for Nordstrom. Look for a bra with lined cups that are slightly firm to touch.

b. A firm, solid backFlimsy cotton and lace may not be strong enough to pull your breasts up. A bra with a wide, tightly woven back will help hoist you up in front.

c. UnderwireUnderwire bras give a good lift to your busts because they provide good support underneath. Just make sure the wire surrounds the breast tissue and is a perfect fit to your breasts otherwise you'd be uncomfortable to wear them.

d. Padded braPadded bras don't just make your breasts appear bigger but they also provide added protection to your breasts from accidental nudges in public and crowded places.

3. NutritionNutrition is one of the factors that influence the growth of breasts. How you look reflects the things that you put in your body. If you want your breasts to look good, I recommend you exercise healthy food choices. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Women with poor diets tend to have smaller breasts while women who are overweight tend to have larger breasts. Also add Til or sesame seeds in your intake. They are known to be effective in firming the breasts of women because they contain calcium, protein, iron and phosphorous. The oil also can be applied on the breast to make it look less droopy.Although having well-filled breasts makes a woman feel more confident about herself, the lack of breast tissue does not make her less than a woman. Beauty is not gauged on breast size alone. The truth is, most women look pretty in their own ways. But one of the biggest things that makes a person attractive is a positive attitude towards oneself and other people. People are easily drawn to women who exude such compelling influence, no matter what size of breasts they have. So, if you wanna attract more people, don't just focus on having bigger breasts and wanting what you don't have, instead work your way up with your self-esteem. At any rate, you will realize that you will be happier with a bigger self-esteem than a bigger boobs.
http://www.rachelle.co.nr