The Survey for Blogging

If you have a passion for fashion it doesn’t have to be a passing fancy. The Internet has a place for you to express your fashion opinions and generate quite a following. The bad news about the Internet is that there are a million people out there who are doing a version of the same thing that you are doing. The good news is that there are ways to find out just what the people want in their fashion information so you can start creating a unique online content.

The best way to do this is through free online surveys. There are plenty of ways to obtain survey information and if you are smart enough to put it on your blog you could be getting responses back right away. The best thing to do is to start a blog and at the beginning or end of each post let the fashion people who are reading it know you need help. Tell them that you are trying to create a blog that caters to their needs and if they took the survey you could begin to see what the needs of your readers are and that will lead to increased views, notoriety and even some advertising dollars.

The end result will be amazing for your blog. The Internet isn’t looking for general voices on topics, but unique voices that are saying something truly different. The moment you find that niche market your audience will grow and grow quickly. You will be the only game in town.

The quality of this software is that whatever information you are looking for you will be able to obtained through the survey so that you can begin to cater to your audience based on whatever information you get back. A tool like this is exactly what you need to take your blog to the next level.

Tumblr to Take Active Blogging Roll at NY Fashion Week

Image representing Tumblr as depicted in Crunc...

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Tumblr, a favorite blogging platform of millions is taking a more active roll during New York’s Fashion Week, which runs next month from February 9-17. For the first time ever, Tumblr, the platform that allows users—nearly thirteen million of them—post pictures, quotes, videos, and other text entries is sending a team of more than twenty bloggers to cover the shows and events during one of the world’s most popular fashion events.

Since the birth of the supposed microblogging platform—many beg to differ on that point—just a few short years ago (2007), has wanted to root itself into the fashion industry around the world. The renowned events of next month will certainly help them do so. Tumblr isn’t just planning to “be there.” It’s founders and President have taken steps to ensure so much more than that.

Richard Tong, who founded Weardrobe—a site that lets users showcase what they’re wearing, as well as other outfits they own, which is now owned by the Google moguls—was recently named fashion director at Tumblr. Tong’s first, and what arguably could be considered his biggest project this year, is sending a vast team of over twenty bloggers to cover the ins and outs of New York’s Fashion Week.

Tong isn’t divulging how he chose the lucky bloggers that he’ll be sending, but the team includes John Januzzi from Textbook, Jessica Quirk from What I Wore, and Rebecca Rowe from The Clothes Horse, and that’s only a few of them. Tong has said that the designers featured at Fashion Week are very accepting of his team of bloggers and are looking forward to having them around.

What could be better than spending one of the highest-touted fashion weeks on Earth with nearly everyone in the fashion industry? It’s all FREE! Tumblr is picking up the tab for everything from airfare and hotel reservations to meals and invitations to all runway shows.

Jealous yet?

Being #1 in a Sport Requires Diligence

The athlete who thinks that being named the best quarterback, golfer, baseball player or whatever for one season is enough to keep him there is only kidding himself. The athlete must constantly prove himself, especially since there is always someone who is striving to take the top slot away from the current placeholder.

Many athletes—both college and pro–feel a lot of pressure to maintain their number one status for as long as possible. For some, this can mean turning to drugs, and not only steroids, but also amphetamines or other drugs that can provide more stamina on a temporary basis. Other popular drugs among athletes help them relax after the big game, or relieve pain from injuries. Add alcohol into the mix, as some athletes do drink when they are not playing, and you have the perfect recipe for a drug or alcohol addiction.

When this occurs, an athlete may try to hide the addiction from fellow players as well as the general public. Sooner or later, however, the addiction is revealed. When this happens, the media will jump on that just like they do when a film or recording celebrity is involved.

Depending on who is doing the reporting, the addiction may be glamorized, or the reporting source may take the opportunity to exploit the addiction. Every detail that can be gleaned is made public and commented on. This can actually have a negative effect on the athlete’s desire to seek help for the addiction. He may be concerned that any efforts at rehab will be scrutinized and criticized, especially if a relapse occurs. This is where drug rehabilitation centers, such as MichaelsHouse.com, can help. Michael’s House has been the number one choice for athletes and celebrities for over 80 years. This may be because the facility strives to keep the residents’ presence as private as possible while still providing the treatment that is needed.

Getting Serious Help With Drug Addiction

Celebrities have been checking into a drug abuse rehab facility on a regular basis for years. Money, a fast lifestyle and a rich environment full of drugs, lead many famous people to seek help. Often the addiction is glorified with celebrities, such as Amy Winehouse who sang about her desire to avoid drug rehab. Too many actors and actresses use drug rehabilitation as if it were a spa treatment that requires constant visits. Lindsay Lohan has been in and out of rehab when ordered by a court to rid herself of a drug addiction. With so many Hollywood types using drug facilities as their private haven to clean up, who’s taking the rehabilitation seriously?

Drug addiction is a serious problem that affects family members, job performance and relationships. Making a choice to stop taking any kind of drug requires teamwork of an experienced staff. When you check into a rehab center, having the support of your friends and family is important. Detoxification is a process that requires a real dedication to follow through from the patient. For the average person who enters a drug abuse rehab facility, no photographers, manicurist or hairdresser is going to pamper you all day. Discovering the reasons for an addiction and finding ways to overcome the addiction will fill your day.

The tabloids are filled with movie stars and singers who are encouraged by the courts, loved ones and Hollywood agents to get clean from drugs. John Belushi struggled with a cocaine addiction and went to many rehab centers. Unfortunately, he was unable to commit to ending his addiction and died of a cocaine overdose at a young age. His friend, Robin Williams had a similar addiction to cocaine and finally got serious about treatment when John died. If you’re ready and want the best possible care from dedicated staff, get help now. An addiction can be overcome with hard work and a focused desire to change.

Underwear as Outerwear a Weird New Trend?

Halle Berry at the Hasty Pudding Woman of the ...

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At this year’s Golden Globes, we saw what we usually do—our favorite celebrities donning some of the most fabulous new designs from some of the hottest designers out there today. Award shows are typically where we see the “must-have” items for the present season or the next one. We also learn what looks good and what doesn’t. The 2011 Golden Globes definitely didn’t disappoint in any of these respects. There were plenty of gorgeous outfits—and a few surprising ones.

Case in point? Halle Berry.

Halle sported an unusual outfit this year—a dress made from underwear. Yes, underwear. She made it look chic and glam by pairing it with gold-toned heels and a few large bangles. Halle Berry looked so fabulous in fact, that she left many of her admirers wondering how to make the “underwear dress” work for themselves.

Believe it or not, Halle Berry’s “underwear as outerwear” trend has been done before, but not for a long time.

Here’s some news for fashionistas all around the globe: It’s making a comeback. While you may be chomping at the bit to try out this new fashion fad, it’s best to keep it for nights out when you, let’s face it, want to look your best. Underwear as outerwear during the day could get you some odd looks and the kind of attention that none of us really want. After all, there are fine lines between looking glamorous, looking slutty, or even worse—looking downright crazy.

While it may be hard to look as good as Halle did in her underwear dress, there are some tips you can follow to make sure you’re looking as gorgeous as possible. Less flesh is ideal. You don’t want to show your flesh, just hint that it’s there. Wear one piece at a time (stay away from layering) and if you’re a bit self-conscious, go for a nude-colored tee or cami under the underwear pieces.

Looking Fashionable While Pregnant

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While it’s been well-documented that there have been—and in some cases, still are—some horrible and downright hideous fashions and outfits of expecting mothers, don’t hang your head and groan in frustration just yet. If you’re expecting and still want to dress the way you did before, you still have that option. It’s common misconception that all maternity clothing is awful. The one thing that pregnant women need to do is learn how to dress the shape of your body. It’s as simple as that. Below are some clothing options that can keep you looking fashionable while you’re still carrying your bundle of joy.

  • Maternity Camis: These might look plain and ugly, but give them a try. They can be paired with just about anything from your pregnancy jeans and shorts to V-neck sweaters or cardigans. They come in dozens of colors and are fairly cheap.
  • Skinny Jeans: Yes, expecting mothers can wear skinny jeans, too! They’re not just a fad and not just for skinny women. Pair them with a pair of flats or flip flops and a t-shirt or dressy blouse. The possibilities are endless, really. Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair!
  • Jersey Dresses: These come in dozens of colors and many different styles. Easy to get into and out of and great for those warmer summer months, this dress is almost a must. Another plus? By pairing it with the right accessories, you’ve got numerous looks to fit your needs.
  • Pregnancy Pajamas: Toward the end of their pregnancy, many women spend more and more time in pajamas. Invest in a pair or two that are comfortable and that allow you move around in. Choose a pair that fits your personality!
  • Elegant Tops: You may not be able to wear these too often, but every woman, especially those who are expecting, need to feel gorgeous. Pair one of these with a skirt or skinny jeans for a night out.

The Toughest Victory of All

Every athlete knows what it is like to face defeat. No matter how great you may be, you will ultimately be beaten at some point. But then, just about every athlete also knows the thrill of victory- to be able to beat someone else, and more importantly to beat what you currently thought was possible within yourself. For a lot of athletes, to beat their own demons is the toughest event they are ever going to participate in. And the stakes are extremely high — if they lose, they will probably die an early, ugly death. But if they win, they will have a power that will finally be unveiled, that is stronger than any weight lifter, more agile than any field athlete, and can eliminate future problems faster than the most accurate marksman.

Professional athletes often face a sort of Superman syndrome. Simply put, these are young men (and women) who have come to believe that they are essentially invincible. They are massive, powerful, and rich. In a lot of cases, they have always gotten what they want in life, and any time that they don’t, it is a lot to handle. The media is no help, though. To them, when an athlete is doing cocaine, it is simply because he wants to have a good time, and has enough money to spend it on a powerful high. Just as you would find out at websites like TheCyn.com, it is not just about having fun. In a lot of cases, these athletes are responding to a lot of pressure- being on top is not easy.

Fortunately, there are places that can help even the most powerful people to win events that they can not on their own. At Michael’s House, for instance, the past 80 years have seen the emergence of a dynastic team of professionals who can help even the greatest athletes win the most difficult victory of all — life.

How to Look Good and Stay Casual

While we’d all love to be able to go out and run our daily errands in a glamorous dress and heels, let’s face it, it just isn’t practical. You’ve seen some of your favorite celebs go out for something as simple as a trip to Starbucks and looks absolutely stunning. You’re probably thinking it costs a lot. For you to have those items, yes, maybe it does. The good news? You can still look just as good when you head out to take care of your own errands—including stopping for that caramel macchiato.

If you give it some thought, staying casual and still looking good can be a fairly achievement. When most of us hear the word “casual,” we think of jeans, a sensible t-shirt, and some sort of comfortable footwear. If you find yourself living in jeans outside of your work attire, there are some simple ways for you to make those jeans look a little more exciting.

One super simple way? Add a scarf to your outfit. Run it through your belt loops, wear it around your neck, or tie it in your hair. If you’re looking for another way to make those jeans look glam, consider a blazer or cardigan. Skinny jeans and flats look great with a bright cardigan and a neutral-colored cami.

Casual means something a little different to all of us. If you think about sweats when you want to be casual you can still make them look good. Instead of a baggy, oversized pair of sweats, try something that’s a little more form fitting. Why? Because they look great with Henley tees and the fleece cardigans that we all love so much.

These are just a few of the ways you can make yourself look great when running errands—even if you’re just walking your dog. You’re a woman. Looking good matters!

Minaj Gets the Boot, Thanks to Loving Fans

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13:  Rapper Nicki M...

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Rapper Nicki Minaj has tons of fans (“Barbz,” she calls them), and she loves them as much as they love her…even when they get her kicked out of hotels in foreign countries. On January 20th, the 26-year-old was in London for some radio appearances and other press obligations when a massive crowd of her “Barbz” mixed with dozens of paparazzi crashed the hotel she and her posse were staying at.

Hotel security and administration deemed the large crowd a “security threat” and claimed they were disturbing others who were staying at the hotel. One fan was even reportedly injured in a fight during the mobbing and had to be taken away by ambulance. As a result, Minaj returned to the hotel from a press outing to learn that she would have to take her entourage and leave the hotel and find somewhere else to stay.

The rapper did just that, before donning another of her outrageous outfits and heading out for a night on London’s party scene. The switching of hotels didn’t seem to stop her fans—or the paparazzi, for that matter—from tracking her down. She was swarmed again when she tried leaving a nightclub much later that night, calling London and her UK fans “crrraaazzzzyyyyy” in a tweet.

As she attempted to leave the unnamed nightclub, dozens of fans sang her hit single “RightThruMe” as they stood in the frigidly cold temperatures to show their appreciation and love for her. Minaj reportedly enjoyed her fans and the attention in London so much that she tweeted about the possibility of moving there.

Is London ready for Nicki Minaj? It sure seems like it. Sit tight, Londoners, and keep an eye on Nicki’s official Twitter page—if you’re not already, that is. You can bet that if she decides to jump across the big puddle and start a life in London, her loyal Twitter followers will be some of the first to know!

Celebrities’ Homes in Italy

From the winding canals of the romantic city of Venice to the sun-kissed vineyards in Tuscany, Italy casts a spell on all who visit this enchanting and beautiful country. Sights such as medieval buildings, cascading fountains in city squares, Baroque cathedrals, the Vatican, and Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper inspire appreciation for all of the beauties the country has to offer.

These beauties are among the many reason that people – especially celebrities – vacation in Italy. If you stay in a luxury hotel Italy room, not only will you enjoy the sumptuous food and wine, but also have the possibility spotting celebrities such as Jay Leno, Leonardo Di Caprio, Tony Danza, or Danny Divitto.

Many celebrities stay in their luxury homes or luxury hotel rooms in Italy. Lake Como, a lake of glacial origins in Lombardy, Italy, is a popular retreat for wealthy people and celebrities. The lake and surrounding area cast a spell over George Clooney and Clooney now owns a home there. Portions of Clooney’s blockbuster film, Oceans Twelve, were filmed at his villa.

After the Formula 1 races, race-car driver Michael Schumaker relaxes in his home in northern Italy. Helen Mirren has purchased a 500-year-old castle as her luxurious place of residence in Italy. Heidi Klum often vacations at the beaches of Portovenere with her husband and four children.

As you wander the streets in Cortona, you might see Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun. Mayes purchased a villa in the Tuscan countryside and renovated it. Debi Maza (of Batman Forever fame) and her Italian-born husband own a 14th century home in Tuscany.

If you are riding a gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice, keep watch for Woody Allen’s palazzo. And if you are in Venice in the odd numbered years, you can also enjoy the Venice Biennale, a festival of music, art, dance, cinema, and architecture.