Tighten The Upper Arms

Push-ups can help tighten your arms.

Tighten your arms by performing a combination of strength exercises to increase muscular definition and active mobility exercises to improve their range of motion. Since your upper arms, which are made up of your biceps, triceps, and several other minor muscles, are connected to your shoulder girdle and your lower arms, you should perform a combination of isolation exercises that focuses on your arms and integration exercises that integrates movement for both your arms and the rest of your body, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine. These exercises can help you improve total-body function and tighten your arms and your body together.

Instructions

Standing Curl and Press

1. Stand with your legs about shoulder-width apart. Hold a 20-lb. dumbbell in each hand by your sides with your hands facing forward.

2. Exhale and curl your arms up to your shoulders. Press the weights smoothly over your head with your knuckles facing to the sides of your body. Tighten your buttocks to maintain your posture and do not arch your lower back.

3. Lower the weights to your shoulders and back to the starting position in one smooth movement pattern. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Pull-ups

4. Stand beneath a pull-up bar or a similar parallel bar that is about 2 feet above your head. Jump up and grab the bar with both hands about shoulder-width apart with your hands facing you or away from you.

5. Exhale and pull yourself up until your head clears over the bar. Do not stick your neck forward.

6. Inhale and lower your body down until your arms are fully extended. Perform three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Push-ups

7. Put your hands on the ground about shoulder-width apart and your legs together on your toes.

8. Tighten your buttocks and lower your body down until your hip and chest almost touch the ground.

9. Exhale and push yourself up while keeping your head in alignment with your spine and hip. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps.

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Give Yourself A Root Perm

Perms can create bouncy curls.

A perm, or permanent wave, is a process that creates curls in your hair. There are several methods of perm kits. A root perm kit is applied to the roots of the hair to form curls. While perms are popular among some women, perm kits require careful diligence. Applying a perm incorrectly can lead to hair loss and severe hair damage.

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with shampoo before getting started. Apply a deep conditioner after washing your hair. Allow your hair to dry completely.

2. Comb your hair until it is straight and tangle-free. Depending on what kind of hair you have, you may not be able to get your hair straight so settle for relaxing it as much as possible.

3. Part your hair into at least four sections. If you are using a permanent wave kit, apply curlers to your hair to create the desired wave look. If you are using a relaxer kit, allow your hair to remain in parts.

4. Apply petroleum jelly around the base of your hairline to protect your face and ears from the perm solution.

5. Combine the ingredients of the perm solution according to the instructions on the box. The perm solution likely consists of a perming gel and an acid to activate the perming chemicals.

6. Apply the perm solution to the roots of your hair at end of the four sections. Apply the perm solution evenly to your hair roots.

7. Allow the perm solution to sit in your hair for the amount of time indicated in the instructions. If you notice a burning sensation on your scalp, wash the solution from your hair immediately.

8. Wash the perm solution from your hair. If you are using a permanent wave kit, allow the curlers to remain in your hair. Apply the perm neutralizer to the roots of your hair. Apply the neutralizer evenly. Allow the neutralizer to sit in your hair for the amount of time indicated in the instructions.

9. Wash the neutralizer from your hair using cold water. Remove the curlers from your hair. Blot your hair gently with a towel. Do not apply heat to your hair to dry. Allow your hair to air dry completely.

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Camouflage Thinning Hair

Camouflage Thinning Hair

If you have thinning hair, you can buy wigs or pay for transplants and chemical treatments. But you can also camouflage the thinning spots with artful cuts and other methods. Consider the following suggestions.

Instructions

1. Select a stylist to have your hair cut in a short layered style. This will add the illusion of fullness in the thinning areas. This reduces the tug on your scalp as well and lessens breakage.

2. Trim hair shorter towards the front if your hair is receding to the back. Allow the back hair to grow longer. Shorten the back if your hair is thinning from the top center down. If your grow the hair in front long, comb this hair over the top area and towards the back to camouflage the thinning patch in the center.

3. Apply a perm to your hair to camouflage overall thinning hair. This will give added lift and volume.

4. Lighten your hair color if it is dark so your scalp will not appear so prominently.

5. Purchase eye shadow in the shading of your own hair and dab onto the thinning hair sections as a quick camouflage.

6. Utilize only light hairspray and not heavy hair products to prevent hair clumping. Change your brand of shampoo every so often.

7. Opt for brushes with soft bristles and stay away from combs. Blow dry your hair against the natural part to add fullness. Tousle your hair with your head in an upside-down position, and then style with your hands instead of a comb or brush.

8. If your hair is thin in patches, or you're just tired of tending it, go for the trendy chrome dome look and shave your head completely or go for the stubble look. Nothing disguises thinning hair like removing it. This works best for men with strong features.

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Gifts To Give For First Communion

It is standard practice to give a gift for a First Communion.

Preparations for First Communion begin with religious education, teaching about the meaning of the Sacrament. Individuals who are part of the Roman Catholic and other Christian faiths learn about the real presence of Jesus; it will be the first time they take the bread of life. Friends and family attend a service marking the special occasion; gifts are exchanged following the ceremony. First Communion is usually celebrated when children turn seven and they are considered ready to understand the importance of the Eucharist.

Bible

A Bible with an engraved message or personal inscription is a traditional First Communion gift. There are different types of Bible available -- ones with illustrations, traditional editions, others specifically catering for the younger generation containing words of encouragement and First Communion inspired ones. The Bible is useful for individuals to develop their personal relationship with God.

Rosary

A rosary consists of beads attached to a little crucifix; each bead is used to recite a series of different prayers. It is another traditional gift that could be given by friends and family. It is made of different materials and colors from smooth wood to small precious stones. The rosary could be used to recite prayers in preparation for Communion and is a gift for life.

Monetary Gifts

Money enclosed in an envelope with a card could be given as a present; it could be used to fund a child's Christian education or a donation to a charity. Giving a donation on behalf of the recipient will make them feel they are doing good; as well as accepting God through their First Communion they are helping a stranger in the process. Intentions have to be clear with regards to the money only being spent on selfless deeds.

First Communion Candle

First Communion candles come in different designs consisting of symbols of the Eucharist. The candle is a symbolic gift; it can be lit when praying or it could be used on special occasions. The candle represents hope and faith in God.

Jewelry

A special chain with a cross pendant could be given as a First Communion gift; it is intended to remind the individual of the special occasion and their future commitment to God. The cross may be plain or could contain the form of Jesus. To mark the special occasion, you could opt to get the chain blessed by a priest before you give the gift to the individual.

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Make Hair Ties

Every girl loves to look beautiful. Having hair done perfectly with colorful hair ties can make the perfect look. Hair ties are not only easy to make, but they are a cute way to dress up any hair style. If you need to add some color to your outfit, hair ties have a way of dressing up outfits by adding a splash of color. Hair ties can be quickly made for every occasion, or just for everyday wear.

Instructions

1. Go to the craft store and buy your ribbon and hair bands. If you can't find the hair bands at the craft store, you will be able to find them at any retail store, such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, or a general store. Pick a ribbon that is smaller in width, usually around 3/8 inch will work. Make sure to buy at least 1/4 yard of each color of ribbon.

2. Use the scissors to cut the ribbon into pieces of at least 9 inches. You can cut the ribbon at a diagonal slant. You will need at least five 9-inch pieces.

3. Take a ribbon piece and tie it to the hair band with a knot. Make sure the the knot is secure. Continue this same process with the other colors of ribbon until you have all five ribbons knotted on the hair band. Each colored ribbon will be beside each other on the hair band.

4. Fluff the ribbons out to make them look good. These ribbons will now cover at least half of the hair band.

5. Put the hair band in a child's hair. Make sure that the ribbon side of the hair band is facing up and not toward the head. Once the hair band is secure in the hair, fluff the ribbons again.

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Loosen A Curl Pattern With Hair Texturizer

A texturizer loosens natural curls and makes them more manageable.

A texturizer is a mild chemical relaxer that loosens the natural curl pattern of the hair. It is usually applied to overly curly hair for easier manageability. A texturizer is left on the head for a short period of time and is not combed through the hair. Texturizing is best done on unprocessed, virgin hair.

Instructions

1. Perform a scalp and hair analysis. If the hair or scalp shows any signs of damage, do not apply the texturizer to the hair. Wait until the damage has been corrected before proceeding.

2. Section and clip the hair. Part the hair into four sections and clip the sections up to keep them out of the way during the service.

3. Protect the skin. Apply protective cream to the hairline and ears.

4. Begin the texturizer application. Wear gloves on both hands. Begin applying the texturizer in the most resistant area, usually the back of the hair. Make 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch horizontal partings and apply the relaxer to the hair. Repeat the same application procedure with the remaining sections, finishing the most resistant sections first.

5. Process and check the curl formation. Process the texturizer according to the manufacturer's directions. Do not smooth or comb the hair. Excessive manipulation can cause the hair to straighten completely. Check the curls periodically and observe if the hair strands take an S-shape pattern. This means the texturizer has reformed the hair and is ready to be rinsed out. Rinse the hair thoroughly after processing is complete.

6. Shampoo the hair with a neutralizing shampoo. Shampoo at least three times, ensuring that all traces of relaxers are removed from the hair. If your neutralizing shampoo has a color indicator, a change in color will signal when all traces of the relaxer are removed and the natural pH of the hair and scalp has been restored.

7. Rinse the hair thoroughly.

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Funny Haircuts For Men

Pop culture is responsible for some of the most amusing hairstyles in recent history.

Fashion can be charted through history by way of hairstyles. Although clothing is unique to each particular trend, changing clothes is a simple matter that can quickly and easily transform a person's look. A haircut is more permanent, and less susceptible to quick changes. Unfortunately, as styles go out of fashion, both women and men look back at their previous trends and regret funny haircuts more than tasteless clothes.

Mullet

The mullet is signified by short cropped hair on the front and sides, with long hair in the back. Popular in the late 1960s and 1970s, the mullet can be traced back as far as the 6th century as worn by rebel Roman soldiers after the collapse of the empire. It is generally derided as a lowbrow style, and has become synonymous with sports players. The Iranian Islamic regime banned the mullet haircut for men in July 2010.

Comb-Over

The comb-over is more of a method used to minimize the appearance of a bald head, rather than a fashion hairstyle. It is achieved by growing the remaining hair on one side of the head longer than the other, then combing the excess over the top of the head.

Poodle Perm

Expanding on the tight perm, the "poodle perm" employs the same method of creating permanent waves in the hair strands to produce a curling effect, but is grown to mullet proportions. This required male proponents of the poodle perm to grow their hair very long before the style was set. It was briefly popular after being worn by English soccer players in the 1970s, but can still be seen in reduced form on many male celebrities with shoulder-length, wavy hair.

Afro

An expressive style achieved by combing the strands of hair directly away from the scalp, creating a large, bushy, ball-like appearance. Although synonymous with African-Americans, from which the style derives its name, the afro has been worn by a large cross-section of communities through history. Made popular by members of traveling shows of the 1800s, it became known as a "natural" way to wear the hair, which resonated with burgeoning, free-thinking philosophies. Young Jewish males are also regularly seen sporting a loose afro style.

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