Cathy Howarth is our guest poster today. Cathy is a freelance writer and writes about topics including beauty, health, dry skin issues such as eczema and other skin problems. Today she is writing on behalf of Dermatologist.org.uk, and is sharing her tips on how to get your body ready for summer, in three simple steps.

The evenings are lighter and there’s a smell of barbecue smoke in the air, which can only mean one thing: summer is coming! If you’ve been waiting for a bit of warmth or you’re looking forward to showing off a new wardrobe, this is great news, but if you’re not 100% happy with your body, you may be panicking that the time to show off your arms and legs is nearly upon us. Here are some tips to help you get body beautiful in time for summer:

Start with your skin

Your skin is constantly on show in the summer, as your wardrobe adapts to the hazy climes, so make sure you look after it. Cleanse tone and moisturise your face at least once a day, never go to bed without taking off make-up and drink plenty of water. Remember to exfoliate your face and body at least once a week using an exfoliating scrub or a mitt and moisturise your face and body at least once a day. It is particularly important to moisturise if you have dry skin. Eating berries, citrus fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds is also really beneficial for your skin.

Tone up

If you’re worried about summer because you’re not exactly in bikini shape at the moment, start doing something about it now! You don’t need to live in the gym to make a difference to your body, you just need to exercise on a regular basis and eat well. If you don’t fancy going to the gym, try doing a fitness class, playing team sports or making use of the great outdoors. If you’re short on time, there are some great fitness DVDs you can do at home.

Eat well

Most people think about making changes to their diet when the days get warmer and the countdown to showing off their beach body begins. In the winter, when it’s cold outside and the afternoons are dark and miserable, it’s difficult to eat healthier foods, such as salads, but in the summer this is much easier. Try to ensure that you get your 5 a day everyday and cut down on fatty, processed foods; prepare fresh meals with plenty of vegetables, wholegrain carbohydrates and lean meat and poultry and try swapping your normal desserts for healthier choices, such as fruit salad, frozen yoghurt or Greek yoghurt with berries.

Today’s guest writer is Aria Meyer. Aria is a fashion and technology blogger. She writes for several fashion blogs and today is writing on behalf of Meritline.com. She is currently living in West Covina and working closely with Merit Line to help them grow the fashion and apparel department, which you can find here.

Skin care requires a system that can help you maintain and improve your skin on daily basis. It should be simple enough for anyone to stick with it. In order to stay ageless, it is essential to take some basic actions as described below.

1. Skin requires adequate amount of protein, hence eating breakfast with enough protein to keep the appetite in check until next meal is crucial. Sugary cereals and empty carbs may change your blood sugars, which in turn make the skin look saggy and have wrinkles.

2. Take vitamin supplements is essential to enhance the texture of the skin.

3. Take time to exercise, even if you think you don’t have any. Walk on a treadmill or pedal away with a stationary bike while watching your favorite TV show. There is no need for trips to a fitness center if you are bound to time constraints.

4. Spend at least sometime reading books or newsletters that teach about how to take care of skin and add anti-aging nutrition to your lifestyle.

5. Drink plenty of water during the day. Make sure the water is free of fluoride. To really benefit from water, you have to drink at least 40 ounces a day. The overall impact of good food and drinks depends strongly on the quality of them.

6. Drink green tea or black teas. These drinks contain antioxidants and other useful ingredients, all of which are being demonstrated to fight skin infection, acne and other conditions. There is also a strong correlation between green tea consumption and reduced risk of skin cancer. Drink one or more cups of tea daily or whenever needed.

7. Apply aloe vera gel or any other product containing aloe vera in abundant to the skin. Aloe inhibits the release of oxidants by granulocytes, without affecting their normal functioning. This chemical reaction in turn prevents skin swelling due to acne or other skin conditions and keep the skin safe from bacteria and germs. Aloe and its related plants are best used as topical ointments for skin disorders, burns, scars and abrasions.

8. Clean your skin with warm water. Believe it or not, warm baths is more than getting rid of the dirt on the skin surface. It relaxes skin muscles, improves blood circulation and calms the entire body. The warm temperature should not exceed 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Excess heat may contract the skin muscles causing irregular circulation, which is an unhealthy combination for skin health.

9. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. This is an easy way to manage stress during the day. If stress is a relentless element in your life, read books pertaining to stress relief or engage yourself in activities like meditation and mild exercise.

10. Stay positive on everything that you do. Happiness and inner beauty glow will keep your skin healty more than anything else.

Doing the above said activities on a daily basis will let you live an ageless life. This regimen for skin can bring with it lots of joys and benefits. Work on each attribute one at a time, if doing it all together on a single day is overwhelming. Do them until it becomes a habit, until it doesn’t matter whatever happens around you. After the first action becomes a habit, add another to your regimen. When people age and skin gets saggy, having a dedicated system for skin care makes sense. You will feel good and function well than you did when you were a teenager.

Today’s guest post was written by Martin Lynas from Lloyds Family Jewellery. Lloyds have been selling jewellery since 1971. They started off as a small store in Middlesbrough and decided to make the move to online. Enabling them to provide the highest quality Jewellery at affordable prices.

Have you ever had the dilemma of putting an outfit on, then looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, there’s something lacking in this picture? Accessories are great to finish and complete the look you’re trying to pull off.

There are a lot of things you can use depending on the time of the year. You could use scarves, hats, bandanas, belts, sunglasses and many more. If you want accessories with a

more timeless feel that you can wear all year round, you can always opt for jewellery.

Jewellery has been adored by both men and women since the ancient times. Intricate designs of accessories made from animal bones, precious metals and stones have been used to complete the looks of aristocrats and rulers of ancient times.

Nowadays, anyone can wear jewellery to complete an outfit. Jewellery made from gold and silver are still very popular along with other metals like bronze, cooper, palladium and titanium. Precious stones and minerals are also widely used in making jewellery. Pearls, ruby, emerald, jade, amethyst, sapphire, topaz, aquamarine and tanzanite are just few of the most commonly used materials.

The wide variety in design and colours of jewellery mean there is something for everyone in the style stakes. Big or small, plain or intricate, there are so many different types of jewellery available to compliment whatever outfit you want to use it with.

Diamonds are one of the most common stones used in jewellery, but they can be quite expensive depending on the carat you want. They can be incorporated into almost every kind of jewellery, often held by precious metals like gold, white gold and silver. For most instances, diamonds are used to accessorise during more formal events, and are often kept for ‘best’.

Expensive jewellery can often make for a good investment as their value can increase over
time. Gold and silver for instance have increased their prices by a lot in the past few years. Precious jewellery can make for a great family heirloom.

These days, in the modern age, there are many jewellery companies that allow you to purchase online. Since most people these days are so busy, they bare have time to shop, this can be a great and convenient way to get your hands on something dazzling. What’s more, all you have to do is simply click and pay and everything gets delivered straight to your house – no fuss!

So if you are looking for a great way to complete a look, try adding jewellery as the ‘icing on the cake’. There are many beautiful, elegant and timeless pieces that can be used time and time again and worn with many different outfits. Be sure to check out the various designs and colours and see which one would complement your outfit, and suit you best.

Today, our guest post comes from Jonathan Elder. Jonathan is writing on behalf of  Cliphair.co.uk, one of the UK’s top providers of real human clip in hair extensions. Whatever style you are looking for this summer, clip in hair extensions allow you to instantly change your look by adding length and volume. Jonathan is here today to tell you all about the styles that will be popular this Spring and Summer.

It’s time to pack up those Russian hats and beanies and let your hair shine in the sun. Fashions shows for Spring / Summer 2013 have shown us a whole range of ways to wear your hair and have fun in the sun.

Though many styles require preparation and styling products, there are some that can be managed right from the comfort of your home.

Let’s take a look at some of the simpler, but still gorgeous, hairstyles that have been spotted at this year’s Spring and Summer shows.

Straight and Sleek

You heard it right. Grab those straighteners and get ready for a summer of straight, sleek and beautiful hair. From Emilio Puchi to Derek Lam, most designers have adorned their models with shiny straight hair styles. Side partings, middle partings or no parting at all; it all works with straight hair this summer.

And it doesn’t stop there. Straight hair does not have to be boring – from brushing up those locks into a nice, loose ponytail to tying it up in a bunch at the back, straight hair will add an extra natural look to complement the dewy make-up look or the bold look with carefully emphasised eyes and lips. You can even braid them for the perfect girl-next-door look to complement your flowing dresses.

Messy Waves

Another style that has been noticeable at shows this year is the messy, wavy look. If you don’t like the straight hairstyles or want to dress up your hair for a casual lunch, light waves in straight hair can make you look both classy and elegant.

Don’t worry if your hair is too thin, you can always buy hair extensions that are available in different colours and styles to match your hair. If you would like to be extra creative, why not use extensions that are shades different from your hair colour? They will add that wildness and boldness that could easily make you look more confident, self assured and streaks ahead of the rest.

So, what styles do you like best for the hot summer months?

Perl Watson is our guest posted today. Perl is a haircare and beauty enthusiast who writes on a wealth of related topics. Today, she writes on behalf of Hairstyles Expert, Hairstylescut.com. Read on for Perl’s tips on how to keep your hair looking tip top, and making sure the first thing people notice about it is positive!

Some people may need some sort of billboard advert or signposts to notice your hair they are that blind! On the other hand, the same people who do not seem to notice will almost certainly notice if you are having a ‘bad hair day’.

1. The smell.
It may seem like small fry to you but in truth, if your hair has been neglected so much so that it stinks to high heavens, you may be certain that they will indeed notice and you may not necessarily enjoy the attention.

2. The length.
Even the most clueless boyfriend should notice when you trim your long, waist length tresses in favour of an extremely short cut reminiscent of Rihanna; and if he does not notice, the problem may not be with his eyes after all, but with your relationship!

3. Your roots.
There are few things as irritating as a hairdo with the roots sticking up every which way. If this describes you, then a trip to your stylist pronto is just what the doctor ordered because everyone notices them; and we mean everyone!

4. The cleanliness or otherwise.
Yes like bad laundry, dirty hair will always reveal itself, and not just by the smell. It is often itchy, unhealthy, and breaking at every turn. And people will notice because it may be a trifle hard not to notice say, the brunette hitting her head with the flat of her palm constantly or itching like crazy uncaring of the lice falling off and skittering across the table in the five star restaurant! Okay, that’s an exaggeration but you get the drift.

5. Your style.
Yes this one is basically a no-brainer but your style is one of the first thing people notice about you hair. Before you dash off then, look in the mirror again!

We have another great guest post from our writer, Phoebe Willan today. You can see her previous post here. Some of you may remember, Phoebe is a content writer and general literature enthusiast. She is always looking for interesting topics to blog or write about, and this is certainly one of them. Today, Phoebe is writing about how to combine the traditional Muslim dress, with living in the western world. She is writing on behalf of Jubbas.com.

One of the main elements of Islamic dress is the need to be modest. This ranges from personality to the clothes you wear and there are certain steps that should be taken in order to be modest. For example, men should avoid wearing gold, as this symbolises wealth. On the other hand, women should cover their hair and show little flesh. There are a few reasons for this, with the main one being to allow everyone to be similar, with no hierarchy and no one being better than someone else, simply due to their wealth.

A lot of western people have misconstrued ideas about Islamic fashion, believing that the abaya is simply a long black dress, which makes it difficult to incorporate the latest fashion trends, however this simply isn’t true. Over the years, Muslim fashion has grown considerably, with fashion shows dedicated to modest clothing and designers coming up in arms with fashionable yet modest designs for all occasions. It seems the westernised idea is that more flesh is better, however this doesn’t have to be the case.

Barjis Chohan has designed a range of clothing that encourages more people to dress conservatively, with no need to bare flesh. The ‘Barjis’ line has been praised by supermodel Kate Moss, which illustrates the growth and encouragement of modest dress. The clothing is becoming mainstream and combining conservative clothing with western fashion is becoming easier and extremely fashionable. The fact big fashion personalities are encouraging and praising the dress emphasises just how much the fashion trend is growing and suggesting that modest clothing will soon be seen all over western fashion shows and in the high street stores.

The maxi dress is one of the best conservative westernised clothes. They are extremely fashionable and with a cardigan or denim jacket over to cover the arms, they give a great image, which is in line with Islamic traditions. Although the hair must be covered, there aren’t many restrictions and girls can wear the style, colour and design of any scarf they wish. A popular hijab style is layering two different scarves in order to create a complimentary and fashionable style.

In the past, there have been stereotypical ideas that the clothes are plain, however this view is becoming obsolete and is extremely difficult for people to believe. The styles of hijabs are simply mesmerising and the glamorous patterns and elegant colours offer something to be admired by passers by. The hijab, although a necessity, is desirable and a lot of Muslim ladies are proud to wear them. Harrods have started to stock the abaya and it is estimated that the Muslim fashion industry is worth an astonishing £59 billion, illustrating just how popular the contemporary Muslim dress is.

There are more and more fashion designers coming up with conservative, modest styles, which is suitable for Muslim women whilst also incorporating the latest fashion trends. While it is a relatively new field, there are a lot of experimentations with different materials, patterns and styles, allowing for unusual designs to suit everyone. It seems the growth of Islamic fashion in the Western world has started to take off and will only carry on growing.

Today, our guest post is from Victoria Browne, who is writing on behalf of LoveSasha.com, an online outlet selling celebrity-style fashion for girls on a budget. Victoria recently graduated from the University of Sheffield and now writes content and devises social media strategy for a range of industries. You can also find Love Sasha on their facebook page, here.

I’ll always remember reading about a self-confessed shoe fanatic who traced her obsession back to Dirty Dancing. I completely understood how she felt. My love for high waisted jeans has similar origins.

Because as a child of the nineties, Dirty Dancing was possibly one of the first ‘risqué’ films I’d seen in my young years (c’mon it has the word ‘dirty’ in the title) and even though I thought some of Baby’s outfits were a little disastrous, some of them were pretty damn cute. So like the shoe lover who fell for heels when she saw Baby switch from pumps to those gleaming T-bar stilettos (totally symbolising Baby’s transition to womanhood), 80s style never quite left my radar.

One day I knew tank tops, high waisted shorts and skater skirts would come up trumps yet again and, heck, even that chunky knit cardi Baby sports in the watermelon scene (y’know ‘I carried a watermelon’) wouldn’t look out of place on Topshop’s racks.

But the real thing I think appeals to fashion savvy women where 80s fashion is concerned? That decade quite simply showcased style that was endlessly flattering. If there was ever an era to show off tiny waists and gorgeous curves in casual wear, it’s the 80s. As for all those 80s fashion nay-sayers? It just keeps on coming around, so while I don’t suggest you don Newton-John style leg-warmers, embracing a little 80s influence might just surprise you this spring.

Crisp white shirt and a pair of denim cut-offs, absolutely timeless and a classic worn on the beach, the high street, and, uh, by Jeremy Clarkson, but let’s not worry about that too much…

The pleated A-line dress has been a fond favourite throughout the decades and the high street is literally teeming with floaty and feminine styles this season. While Topshop have got the sundresses and skater style by the bucket load right now, I’ve sourced this great cheap skater dress for a pocket friendly £18.99, which you can find on Love Sasha’s online site, here.

Marc Jacobs brought stripes back yet again this season with a very ‘hello sailor’ collection, but Baby was already working the horizontal print way back in 1987. Keep up Jacobs.

I promise this will (probably) be the only 80s appreciation post you see from me this year, but you’ve gotta admit, sometimes it is nice to focus on inspiration away from the catwalk. I’m always curious to know what you guys think, so get in touch and let me know what you’re wearing right now (all decades accepted…)

Today we have another great guest post from our writer, Michelle Tyler. You can see her previous post here. Some of you may remember that Michelle is a teacher and medical specialist, who writes about all things from hair style articles to nail care, providing relevant information which in turn helps students who are aspiring to join beauty schools or cosmetology schools. Today she is writing on behalf of the Long Island Beauty School. For more information on beauty courses, visit their site at LIBeautySchool.com.

Are your nails dry and brittle, breaking off easily? Do they look unhealthy with a sickly complexion? Then you have nail woes. No need to fret! We have the latest tips for nail care that will restore the shine in your nails and make them healthy again in no time. There can be many reasons why your nails are damaged. Follow our nail care tips and say good bye to your dry nails.

1. Eat healthy
First and foremost, check your diet! How you look on the outside is a clear indication of your overall health. Start eating right. Eat food items that are rich in protein, such as whole grains and leafy greens. Lack of Vitamin A and Vitamin C can make your nails weak. A diet rich in protein and vitamins will help strengthen your nails as well as your hair.

2. Maintain your nails
Manicures are about much more than just cleaning or colouring your nails. Getting regular manicures will help in keeping your nails well shaped and cuticles healthy. A good manicurist will also make sure that your nails are well moisturised. Nails that receive regular care are less susceptible to breakage.

3. Moisturise your nails
Take a cue from the manicurists and start moisturising your nails and hands regularly. Nails become dry just like your skin. Make sure you moisturise your hands at least twice a day massaging the lotion into your cuticles. Cuticle creams are available for this very purpose. Use a cuticle cream which is rich in Vitamin E, as it will help to nourish dry cuticles and brittle nails.

4. Regular massages
When you use a moisturiser, make sure you massage your nails for at least 10 minutes. Massaging your nails stimulates blood flow to the nail bed and this helps them grow longer and stronger. Make sure you reapply the lotion every time you wash your hands.

5. Wear gloves
Protect your nails while doing any household chores. Wear gloves when you are doing the dishes or cleaning the house. The detergents that we use for cleaning purposes contain harmful chemicals that can have harsh effects on your nails as well as your hands. Wearing gardening gloves when you are gardening will also help protect your nails from chipping off.

6. Treat your nails gently
Your nails are not tools! Do not use your nails for dislodging stubborn lids or labels as this will definitely result in chipped nails. Use an appropriate tool instead of your fingernails like a can opener to wedge open the lid and a scissor to scrape off the label.

7. Apply nail polish
Applying nail polish can also help in strengthening your nails. The nail polish helps to retain moisture and lock it in your nail. Remove the old polish and reapply every week. You can also purchase nail polishes that are specially formulated to strengthen your nails. When you remove your nail polish, make sure that the remover is acetone-free. Acetone dries out the nails and makes them brittle.

8. Oil treatment
If your nails seem too dry, a good oil treatment can work wonders. Use nail oil that is rich in Vitamin E, or you can also use extra virgin olive oil. Soak your nails in the oil for 10 to 15 minutes every day for a month. This home remedy for weak nails is known to be very effective.

9. Hydration
Stay hydrated! Hydration is so important for your body and your nails. Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water every day is excellent for your overall health. It also helps to hydrate dry nails and keeps them moist and healthy.

If your nails do not respond to any of these treatments or if you see any other problem that causes concern, it is better to see a doctor as it could be an indication of a medical problem. Arm yourself with these great tips for healthy and beautiful nails!

Today’s guest writer is Katie Nunwick. Katie is an experienced content writer from The UK, as well as working on a freelance basis, she regularly contributes to Watchharbour.co.uk due to her love of luxury watches.

2013 is the years of the women’s watch.  You might not know this yet, but that’s because Baselworld, THE annual watch and jewellery event, only opens its doors on 25^th April.  There will be a record number of women’s watch collection unveiled.  ‘But I don’t own one and probably can’t afford one,’ I hear you cry?  Don’t fear:  Here is the ultimate guide to high end watches on a high street budget.

“They used to believe women wanted quartz working even in a high-end watch. But now they are beginning to put the same kind of intricate craftsmanship into the mechanisms and that’s the real shift.” - Bill Prince, deputy editor of GQ.

Prince is referring to the type of watches that women wear.  A Quartz watch is a Casio or a Swatch powered by quartz technology, which is very cheap and very accessible.  He is however referring to the shift in women’s trends towards a luxury Swiss timepiece, already a must-have accessory for any fashion-savvy, successful man.

Until now, men have dominated the luxury Swiss watch industry and brands such as Cartier, Rolex and Panerai cater for this.  The biggest difference is how the watch is powered, via mechanical technology.

Mechanical timepieces are literally handcrafted by talented horologists who live and work in Switzerland with their peers, who spend decades perfecting their craft.  Every individual luxury timepiece for brands such as Rolex is tested in extreme conditions for accuracy and endurance, before it is approved and taken to market.  Designers spend years perfecting movements and complications that make-up the most accurate timekeeping devices in the world.

Perhaps inevitably, it seems that women are now starting to follow their successful male counterparts.  This is great women need to tell the time too!  However there is one huge drawback – the price.  A luxury Swiss timepiece costs anything between £2,000 up to and in excess of £25,000.  Yes I too hear the bank manager screaming ‘nooo’ in my head.  But it’s this year’s must-have accessory – what’s a young fashionista to do?  The answer is in the high street.

The high street always emulates high end catwalks and often does a better job.  The watch sector is no different.  There are lots of high street designs which replicate the Rolex’s and Cartier’s we can only dream about.  Let’s take a closer look at specific trends.

The oversized watch

We have all seen Victoria Beckham and Elle MacPherson balance great big gold and silver Rolex’s on their child-like arms.

Amazon and Asos are two high street/ online retailers selling Michael Kors watches.  The Michael Kors collection offers an almost perfect alternative to a Rolex, in several different colours including gold, silver, white, rose and tortoiseshell.

The charm watch

The charm watch is an emerging trend, fuelled mainly by British brand, Burberry.  This is exactly like a charm bracelet, but instead of hanging a charm on the bracelet, you hang a small watch.

Another great British brand offers the high street alternative, Argos!  Argos believe it or not offers the closest collection to rival Burberry charm watches, but at a high street price.

The vintage watch

Cartier is the perfect vintage watch, especially because of its association with the Royal Family as they have long been the go-to brand for royals.  King Edward VII even declared in 1900 “Cartier: jeweller of Kings, king of jewellers!”  The classic Cartier watch is a very simple gold or silver design with black Roman numeral hour markers.

There are many high street retailers who emulate this timepiece.  Oasis, Next and even Miss Selfridge all offer great alternatives at high street prices.

Et voila – You now have all the information you need to wear a high street watch like you would a luxury timepiece!