It was very obvious to anyone with a trained eye and the gift of observance. It became very apparent that I was the only man in a store mainly comprised of women who was shopping alone. At that moment, I could sense it. Obviously, I was Ted Bundy, Osama Bin Ladin and Sadam Hussein, all rolled into one. Now, I'm being humorous, but every man who has embarked upon a shopping mission such as this can empathize with me.

Should I get cotton? Should I get satin? Should I get silk? What about lace? Of course, you have to touch the cloth and check the size to find just the right purchase, which causes even more feelings of suspicion as you lift each garment from the table it is displayed on. "I sure hope they don't think I'm some kind of pervert", I remember thinking. After several, seemingly unapproachable moments, a young lady decided she would close the chasm that existed between us and, sheepishly I might add, ask if I needed some help. In this store where every piece of clothing is practically of an intimate nature, she assisted me in finding the sizes I needed. Through all my humorous discomfort something began to dawn on me.

While I didn't go in on a mission of finding out what Victoria's Secret "secret" is, I think this experience may have disclosed it. Stay with me a few minutes and I will share with you what I think. It is something that seems to have been misplaced in our desensitized sexually liberated culture. THE SECRET Let's say that someone walks up to you and hands you the keys to two different cars. One of those cars is an old Subaru Justy and the other a brand new Ferrari.

Do you think you might handle the Ferrari a little different than you would the Justy? Of course you would, we all would. We would probably wash the Ferrari a lot more. We would probably make sure the Ferrari was garage kept. While we may let just anybody drive the Justy, the Ferrari would be virtually unattainable for anyone to drive. What's the difference? VALUE! We always treat differently what we value.

That, I believe is Victoria's Secret, secret. For years this franchise has made a living by placing high value on the female anatomy. You can't experience a shopping escapade like the one mentioned above, see all the colors and the different fabrics designed to help a woman feel special, without seeing it.THE APPLICATION I wonder, have we cheapened the human sexual experience and personally lost the proper placement of value our creator has given our bodies? When we show little concern about how we place our bodies on display. When we could care less about leaving anything to the imagination. When our mentors are the people showing the most skin.

Have we lost the issue of VALUE? When program after program on TV reports teenagers engaging in sexual conduct with multiple partners on the back of a school bus. When high-school age kids are admitting to sexual encounters in the double digits before they graduate. When human sexuality is considered little different than an amusement park scream machine that anyone and everyone can ride if they wish. Have we lost the issue of VALUE? Remember, we always treat differently what we value. Are we failing to value sexual intimacy and the bonding it brings to relationships? Are we failing to value the sacredness and oneness such an act produces? Are we failing to realize the lofty value our creator has given our bodies to be able to anatomically take part in the creation process? The next time somebody who belongs in a kennel (Snoop Dog) or someone who belongs in a bag (Eminem), through music or actions tries to impress upon you that "Girl's Gone Wild" actions are where body dignity is found, remember "Victoria's Secret".

Your body has value, period. The value you place on your body will be reflected in how you use it.

You may decide to use a different color ribbon or paper - and that's great. Or these ideas may inspire you to create your own gift wrap design with objects that you know the gift recipient will love. Enjoy the Christmas season with your loved ones! Stars Gift WrapWrap gift in paper with stars. Tie a gold or silver ribbon (depending on color of stars on paper). Add a star ornament to the top of this gift.

Snowflake Gift WrapWrap gift in Silver gift wrap paper and tie a thick white ribbon around the gift. Add a snowflake ornament to the top of this gift. Nutcracker Gift WrapThe Nutcracker ballet is always popular at holiday time! Wrap gift in paper covered with images of candy and tie with a thick red ribbon. Add a small nutcracker or Nutcracker ornament to the top of this gift. Ballerina Gift WrapWrap gift in silver paper.

Tie gift with a pink ribbon. Add a ballerina ornament, or toe shoes ornament to complete this gift. Angel Gift WrapWrap gift in paper covered with angels. Tie gift with a gold ribbon. Add an angel ornament to complete this gift wrap.

Santa Gift WrapWrap gift in red gift wrap paper. Tie gift with a white ribbon. Complete gift wrap with a santa ornament, or card with santa on it. Fresh Pine Gift Wrap/Fresh Mistletoe/Fresh HollyWrap gift in dark green paper. Tie gift with burgundy ribbon.

Complete gift with small piece of fresh pine/mistletoe/holly tucked under the ribbon. Pine smells wonderful and perfect for the season! Mistletoe is a very romantic addition to a gift. Holly is such a pretty addition to any gift. Caution: mistletoe and holly should not be consumed by pets.(the Humane Society of the United States has a list of plants that are poisonous to pets - consider visiting this before giving someone a holiday plant. Visit their website to read article: http://www.hsus.org/ace/11777). Jingle Bells Gift WrapWrap gift in Green paper and tie gift with a red ribbon.

Use a piece of ribbon and place a jingle bell on it and then tie a knot to secure it. Do the same for the other side. Loop this piece of ribbon under the bow of the gift. Winter White Gift Wrap Wrap gift in white paper, preferably a paper with some texture to it. Wrap gift with a thick white ribbon.

Complete gift with white silk flowers, preferably white poinsettia flowers. Red and Green Stripes Gift WrapWrap gift in red and green striped paper. Use a red ribbon and a green ribbon and tie two ribbons around the gift. The bow of this gift should have the two ribbons in it. Red Velvet Ribbon Gift WrapWrap gift in red gift wrap paper and tie gift with a thick red velvet ribbon.

This is a very elegant gift wrap. Looks great with the jingle bell wrap too. Christmas Stocking Gift WrapWrap gift in gift wrap paper that has presents on it. Tie gift with red ribbon. Add a small Christmas stocking to the top of this gift.

Personalize stocking with the person's name using a fabric pen or a glitter pen. Tin Soldier Gift WrapWrap gift in gold gift wrap paper and tie with a silver ribbon. Add a small tin soldier ornament to the top of this gift. Warm Woolen Mittens Gift WrapWrap gift in dark green and tie with a gold ribbon. Add mittens for the top of this gift, in a bright contrasting color such as pink, purple or even aqua.

Poinsettia Gift Wrap Wrap gift in red or silver paper. Tie gift with red or silver paper, use silver if gift in red paper and red if in silver paper. Top with a silk poinsettia in red, pale pink or even white. Silk poinsettias are also available in metallic colors, great for a metallic gift wrap. Picture Frame Ornament Gift WrapWrap gift in antique gold paper.

Tie gift with dark green or burgundy ribbon. Add a small picture frame ornament to this wrap. Baby's First Christmas Gift WrapWrap gift in paper with Christmas trees on it. Tie gift with gold ribbon. Add a baby's first Christmas ornament in gold or silver.

Candy Cane Gift WrapWrap gift in red and white striped paper. Tie gift with red ribbon. Tuck a big candy cane under the bow of this gift. Cocoa Gift WrapWrap gift in holiday paper. Tie gift with dark green ribbon.

Tuck two servings of cocoa under the bow of the gift. Carols Gift WrapWrap gift in paper with musical instruments or notes on it. Or paper with carolers on it. Tie gift with red or green ribbon. Print two or three favorite carols out on holiday paper and put in an envelope.

Tuck envelope under the bow of the gift. Could add a CD or tape of carol music to this gift. Reindeer Gift WrapWrap gift in paper with santa's reindeer on it. Tie gift with red ribbon. Add a Rudolph ornament to this gift.

Snowman Gift WrapWrap gift in white paper. Tie gift with dark green ribbon. Add a snowman ornament to this gift. Cinnamon Stick Gift WrapWrap gift in burgundy paper. Tie gift with dark green ribbon.

Add three cinnamon sticks to this gift. Toy Trains Gift WrapWrap gift in scenic holiday paper. Tie gift with red ribbon. Add a train ornament to this gift. New Year's Noisemaker Gift WrapWrap gift in a metallic paper with lots of color.

Tie gift with a metallic ribbon, silver, gold or even a metallic colored ribbon. Tuck a New Year's Noisemaker under the bow. Happy New Year!--You are welcome to publish this article in your ezine or on your website. providing the byline and copyright notice remain intact and links are clickable. If you use it, please let me know by sending an email to: mailto:giftwrapgoddess@yahoo.com.

He can make great chili with very little work! For the shower: Take a citrus or clean-smelling set of shower gel & lotion, a small wooden handled scrub brush and a rolled wash cloth or two, put in a wire basket from the dollar store and wrap in cello... I suggest our Orange Blossom, Coconut Lime or Spearmint Eucalyptus scents. Coffee Hound: Fill a wire basket with shred, add packets of gourmet coffee/cocoa and our "Life is Good" latte cup. Maybe add a mug warmer and wrap in a coordinating napkin. Time for our Date: We have some beautiful clocks with dark stain.

Wrap one, like our Hideaway Box Clock, in a delicate silk or chiffon scarf with a note inside saying, "Meet me at __________ (place)." Set the time on the clock to the time of your rendezvous!.

We're able to help her vision of a perfect day come true with unique bags, pillows and albums that are specially made with her in mind," said Caletha Crawford, designer, LaPora Designs. "The handbags are not only great accessories, but wonderful bridesmaid gifts."The collection is available in a variety of evening fabrics, including satin, silk and taffeta with floral, lace, ribbon and beaded embellishments. The current line features four themes: theWillow, a delicate spray of floral vines on satin; theGossamer, a romantic lace overlay on raw silk; theWispy, raw silk coupled with a fanciful puff of eyelash fabric; and theFlourish, a secret stash of rice tucked between satin and floral-embellished organza. Each piece can be made to match the wedding colors.The retail prices begin at $55 for bags, $35 for pillows and $65 for albums. Special pricing is available for orders of four or more items.LaPora Designs is a boutique handbag collection with styles ranging from shoulder bags for day, clutches for evening and diaper bags for moms.

The line focuses on eye-catching, fashionable designs that make a bold statement. LaPora Designs bags hold all of your things and everyone else's attention. Shop online at www.laporadesigns.com..

and international market. Too often the image of Africa is one of civil war and famine that overshadows the positive image of extraordinary creativity and artistry passed down from generation to generation." From the streets of Ghana (the former Gold Coast) to the markets of India, Brazil and Mexico, Ms. Wreh has been exposed to diverse ethnic cultures and fashions where she worked with talented local tailors and artists. The company has received numerous positive feedback from customers including Steven who commented that "Your Afrocentric clothing is truly beautiful! Flexible for multiple uses, yet completely stunning in any social situation! Thank you for allowing me to dress in a manner showing pride in my heritage at a reasonable cost." TeKay Designs Ethnic Websitehttp://www.tk-designs.com/african features an extensive collection of authentic African clothing, ethnic apparel, ethnic arts and crafts, and afrocentric accessories. The stylish ethnic apparel include custom tailored and ready made attire for weddings, bridal and formal, evenings, casual, and special occasions.Contact InformationKimma WrehTeKay Designs Inc.P.O.

Box 692454, Houston TX 77269281-807-0589Alternate Phone Number: 832-483-4864Email: e-mail protected from spam bots URL: http://www.tk-designs.com.

These organizations were selected for their long-term commitment to animals and the creative solutions they promote.Viva USA, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, conducts investigations of factory farms and provides the tools for people to adopt a vegetarian diet. Through their up-to-date documentaries and informative booklets, Viva USA makes a compassionate diet appealing and possible. Recently, Viva USA successfully lobbied for a ban on foie gras in California.ARME works directly with animals in need, rescuing dogs and cats and finding them loving homes. This 501(c)(3) utilizes television and Internet media outlets to expose the plight of abused animals and also coordinates annual food and toy drives for abandoned dogs and cats.SHAC is comprised of volunteers focusing on the infamous Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), one of the world's largest animal testing laboratories. Five separate undercover investigations have revealed and confirmed that the lab kills nearly 500 animals daily in painful and unnecessary tests.

SHAC has effectively pressured HLS' financial supporters to abandon the lab.It is crucial to suffering animals that we act now to keep these animal advocate organizations functioning.Generous contributors to Auction for Animals, include:Drop Soulhttp://www.dropsoul.comBlossoming Lotus Restauranthttp://www.blossominglotus.comCandle Caf?http://www.candlecafe.comJoe Cariatihttp://www.joecariati.comLeaf Cuisinehttp://www.leafcuisine.comMegan Sewellhttp://compassionatee.tripod.com/id15.htmlRichard Pryorhttp://www.richardpryor.comShoes With Soulshttp://www.shoeswithsouls.comVEGBAYhttp://www.vegbay.comRest assured every listed item is cruelty-free and 100% vegan ? meaning you will find no leather, suede, wool, or silk in the clothing or shoe sections; no meat, dairy, or eggs in the food section; and none of the cosmetics have been tested on animals or contain animal bi-products. This auction is to benefit animals, and no animals were harmed in its creation!Auction for Animals provides a unique opportunity to shop and donate simultaneously! Like any other auction, only place a bid if you are prepared to purchase an item..

By taking a virtual tour, http://www.bluewaterspa.com/index2.cfm?page=tour you can get an idea of what the experience will be. -Some of the best gifts are things that one would typically not consider purchasing for themselves. A very popular trend today is treatments using more than one therapist. There is nothing quite like a facial (which includes a massage of the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, hands and arms) combined with a second therapist simultaneously massaging the feet with both hands and hot stones. At Blue Water Spa, a Foot Fantasy can be combined with almost any treatment.

This heavenly experience includes both a manual and hot stone massage using essential oils and a warm parrafin dip. -When considering a spa service for a man, be sure the environment is comfortable for a gentleman. Look for an upscale, contemporary environment with privacy.-When giving a spa gift certificate, be sure to ask the spa's policy on aestheticians (facialists) leaving the room during a treatment. The therapist should be in the room at all times delivering pampering, relaxation, and results. A client who is left alone can feel forgotten and uneasy and certainly they are not getting the best treatment possible.

Upscale spas would not think of leaving a client alone in a treatment room.-If you see silk or plastic flowers, run away fast. Okay, maybe this is just me (and Oprah), but if someone cannot care for fresh flowers, I am not going to trust them with my face or body.About Blue Water SpaKile Law, owner of Blue Water Spa has been selected as part of the National Day Spa Association (DSA) advisory board for the 2005 year www.dayspaassociation.com, Interviews with Kile can regularly be seen in plastic surgery journals, spa magazines and consumer publications. An interview with Kile appears in the December 2004 issue of Luxury Spa Finder Magazine on newsstands nationwide now.When selecting a spa gift certificate, we all want the most relaxing, pampering and luxurious experience possible for the recipient. At Blue Water Spa, the commitment is to provide relaxation, results, and stress relief in a beautiful relaxing environment where all guests will be pampered and made to feel very special. For more information about Kile Law and Blue Water Spa, go to www.bluewaterspa.com.

The idea here is to let the sunshine in.A new fresh look for you furniture might be just the ticket. Slipcovers are the perfect solution. If the budget is a concern, slipcover just one piece in the living or family room. Another idea is to cover the dinning chairs; this in itself will give a kitchen or dinning room a fresh look.Painting rooms a lighter color can make a dramatic change. In fact color can completely alter the look and feel of a space.

Bring in spring with accessories. Floral arrangementsLighter weight throws, it can get a little chilly in the eveningDecorative pillows in lighter colors or with a floral patternLighter weight area rugs like sisal, which will also work great into the summer, as they are easy to clean. Choose a natural color sisal rug and get creative, use stencils, paint squares, stripes or applying appliqu?s. Scent is another part of your spring home decorating. Candles and Potpourri are not just for the winter months.

There are many lighter scents perfect for bringing in spring. The following are just a few examples of what is available.LilacRoseTulipHeatherNo matter what changes you decide to make in your home decorating this spring here's something to remember, "As the days become warmer open those windows and let the fresh air fill your home." It's one of the best ways of bringing spring in and best of all its Free.One final thought, even though the snow is gone and the grass is turning green, please remember our feathered friends. They will always give us enjoyment and entertainment no matter what the season maybe.--This is a share ware article. Give this article away fro free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright ? 2004 bonnie carrier..

The Old But Still Effective Bait and Switch

Some bridal shops try to dump their unwanted sample dresses on you to make an extra buck. Also make sure that the dress is not a counterfeit knock-off. If your wedding dress is supposed to be a silk Robert Legere, go to a high-end store and feel and touch the silk fabric from the same designer. This way, you know what to look for.Keep track of all of your receipts. Make sure that the receipts describe everything about your wedding dress.

The size, color, style number and manufacturer should all be included on the receipt.

Give it more time

Be Less Anxious

Its a phenomenon that bridal shops love. Don't we all wish we had a bridal shop saleswoman like Judge Judy who will tell you like it is?.

During pregnancy, a mother-to-be will notice that her normal size bra doesn't fit anymore and may need to buy plus size bras to be more comfortable. By wearing these you can improve the look of your figure, feel comfortable and confident in a plus size bra that fits just right. A full figure bra that fits properly will help improve your posture. It will also give you an overall good feeling about yourself, when you are wearing one with a sexy design.There is also a wide variety of plus size nursing bras available for new mothers today. They are made for comfort and support and are also very pleasing to look at as well as wear.

They are also made to be very handy for when you're nursing with easy snaps for those late night feedings. Look for plus size nursing bras that have braiding support instead of wiring. This will make your bra much more comfortable if you have to sleep in it. Most nursing bras are made out of cotton/ lycra for gentle support that is good for day or night, but you can also have these plus size bras in sexy designs as well.Plus size bras have finally come into their own from the unsightly bras of the past to the fantastic sexy bras of today. From sports to sexy to your everyday pretty bra, they are all there for you to choose which one will suit you best.

From a peek a boo lace to a stretchy lycra, comfort is yours at last. All you have to do is click your mouse and you will find whatever your heart desires in a plus size bra.Plus size bras have come of age. Don't expect an inferior bra if you are buying plus size bras, modern large bras are very good..