This has been a long awaited post. I haven't really got the time to write this one down lately because life happens and I have some catching up to do. But now that I have managed that, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on one of the most beautiful city in the world, Paris. 

Paris is definitely what it is from books, movies and photos. It is beautiful and I can't say that enough. From the moment I landed to the moment I start wondering around the streets, I knew this city was special. And I'm not going to lie, I was a bit scared. Not because of the city but because I had to experience a lot of new things on my own. I had my first quick 1 hour layover in Doha, first time to wonder around the streets and figuring out the directions on my own for a full day and I'm so scared of pickpockets because they are so rampant in Europe. Imagine getting lost and having to worry about some pickpockets, that's making me scared x 10. But thankfully, I did manage. I got lost here and there but some people are willing to help out. I end up taking the train 5 times that day, I was that bad in directions. 

But you know what they say, you learn a lot from traveling. So I took the time to sit down, absorb and  and reflect as to what the city is trying to teach me. Paris has thought me to appreciate the simple and  the finer things in life. From hardly wearing any makeup to wearing the most luxurious scents and lingerie. It's those small things but they do make a difference on how you look and feel. 

Most importantly Paris has thought me this; It's okey to be scared. It's okey to wonder and get lost because in the end you will find your way and there will be people who are kind enough to help you out.

I guess unless you experience it on your own, none of this will make sense but I was thankful to have this experience even though it seems scary at first.

Leggings are more popular than ever this season. From denim to print to leather, leggings are everywhere. Some women pull them off like a rock star, while others make us quickly turn our heads. If you want to rock your leggings, start by memorizing these universal truths:

Tights are not leggings

Tights are translucent or sheer and are usually made of a thin material. Leggings are opaque and made of thicker fabrics. Tights cling like the proverbial second skin; leggings have some give. For the classiest, most flattering look, shop for thicker, opaque fabrics that are fitted through the hip and thigh but not glued to the rest of your body.

Leggings are not pants

As flattering and comfortable as leggings can be, you don't want to look like you left your pants at home. Even women with perfect figures may reveal sights best left unseen in public. Always wear a top that, at the very least, covers your buttocks.

Leggings are also not jeans. You can't buy leggings that are pre-distressed and full of holes for a reason - they don't look fashionable, just worn out. When your leggings start pilling and showing signs of wear, it's time to retire them.

With that out of the way, let's focus on things you can do to look amazing in leggings:

What's hot in leggings

Aside from the universal rules of "thick, not thin" and "opaque, not see-through," your options are rich and varied. Solid or print, denim or leather, smooth or textured, neutrals or jewel tones: the options are seemingly endless. Chicous showcases some of this fall's new looks, including the hottest patterned leggings.

What to wear on top

The perfect top for leggings is slightly oversized and falls between the hips and mid-thigh. Long shirts or jumpers, short miniskirts, and shaped tunics are ideal. Bulky fabrics are great, but just about any fabric will work as long as it's not so thin you can see the top of your leggings through it. Large women may consider longer tops to cover more of their thighs. Petite women may want to choose a shorter top to make their legs look longer. Pose highlights some classic looks as well as a few that are a bit edgier.

As far as color and pattern, you're looking for balance. Boldly patterned leggings look great with a top or jacket in a neutral solid. Brighter tops that pick up an accent color in printed leggings are a stylish look, too. And just about any color top works with solid leggings. Just don't mix dressy with casual (yes, leggings can be dressy); pick a style and stick to it. Check out these great combinations at the Stir.

Shoes

Shoes are crucial to pulling off a stylish outfit centered around leggings. Boots are the trend of the moment, and they can easily and quickly dress an outfit up or down. Classic boots with a heel immediately add a touch of glamour, while lace-up boots project a more casual look. Mid-calf boots can camouflage thick legs, while booties look great on skinny legs.

Ballet flats are another popular option. They offer the same slender profile as leggings, and the flash of skin from the top of your foot adds a nice visual break, especially if you choose flats the same color as your leggings. You can also dress things up with metallic or embellished flats; just make sure the "dressiness" of your shoes matches that of your top.

Pumps can work, too, but save them for your dressiest tops. Otherwise, your outfit can come across as mismatched. Pumps with a long button-down shirt don't work.

Pulling It Together

As with all things fashion, accessories are the finishing touch. Layering is a hot look, with a long jacket over a shorter top or jumper. Belts are another great option. If a tunic that's long enough to cover the essentials makes you look like a tent, cinch it with a loose chain belt just above your natural waist. It will add shape to your outfit and slim down your torso. For some examples, take a look at an online fashion finder. They've pulled together dozens of ensembles to help you pull off a complete look.

It's time to put the myths to rest. All women can wear leggings, so don't let weight or age keep you from wearing a look you love. Find what works best for you, and wear it with confidence!

Megan Barnes loves trendy fashion. She enjoys turning trends into flattering looks on style blogs.

For thousands of years water has been used to soothe tired muscles and calm distressed nerves as part of the bathing process. Ancient peoples were known to also incorporate special oils infused with fragrant flowers into their bathing rituals. While simple oils have been replaced primarily by soapy bubble bath products for use during a bath, the same objective of total relaxation is still sought. Today, many seek to perfect the art of bathing through the creation of a relaxing setting and the use of luxurious bath products. This formula for running the perfect bubble bath involves the indulgence of all five senses.

Preparing The Bathing Space

When preparing to take the ultimate bubble bath, one should ensure that the bathing space is perfectly clean. A dirty or otherwise cluttered bathroom detracts from the bathing experience because most people cannot relax when they are distracted by unsightly grime. After cleaning and de-cluttering the space, one needs to arrange the room so that essentials are easily reached even while relaxing in the tub. Some of these items include wash cloths, towels, any reading materials, and maybe a square of delectable dark chocolate. Other items like a bathrobe and slippers should also be kept handy.

Creating A Relaxing Atmosphere

While enjoying a piece of dark chocolate or a refreshing fruit smoothie during a bubble bath indulges one's sense of taste, creating a relaxing atmosphere focuses on one's sense of sight, hearing, and smell. A dimly lit space accented by candlelight sometimes creates a space that helps one relax right before going to bed while a bubble filled tub bathed in bright, natural light serves to rejuvenate a person before they start their day. Music and other soothing sounds like ocean waves or waterfalls add to the relaxing atmosphere of the perfect bubble bath. It also helps if one's bathroom colours are neutral so that vibrant or muted hues can be added depending on one's mood. A great way to add beauty, colour, and fragrance to a bath area is through the strategic use of flowers. Roses of all shades are classic choices for decorating a space while exotic flowers like freesia add natural fragrance to the space.

Choosing Luxurious Bath Products

There are many factors that affect one's choice of bath products for the perfect bubble bath including season, purpose, and general mood. The summer and winter seasons create the biggest contrast in bathing choices. Summer bubble baths often include formulas with lighter fragrances and foam. These formulas are designed to work well with exfoliating scrubs and lightweight moisturisers that help to keep skin glowing while exposed to the summer sun. In contrast, winter bubble baths feature dense foam bubbles infused with humectants that contribute to the moisturising properties of the rest of the bath products used. These silken bubbles are often saturated with the chosen scent formulated to linger on the skin long after the bubble bath is over.

The purpose of drawing the perfect bubble bath is to induce sleep, renew, or refresh the bather. The bubble bath and bath foams from boutiques like Abahna and Jo Malone of London feature naturally derived fragrances that help bathers meet the above mentioned objectives. For example, Abahna's award winning Frangipani and Orange Blossom bath foam has an intoxicating fragrance that manages to calm and relax bathers in preparation for a restful night of sleep. Jo Malone's Lime, Basil, and Mandarin body wash serves to renew the senses and refresh the body. Fun bath and body retailers like Lush make hand-crafted bubble bath bars that creatively provide scent and moisture to one's bath.

Conclusion

Bubble baths are fun, relaxing, and overwhelmingly enjoyable during all seasons. However, running the perfect bubble bath has a lot to do with the atmosphere of the bathing area and the quality of the bath products used. Those who use superior bubble bath and bath foam products specific to the season potentially emerge from their bath with glowing skin as well as a sense of well being. 

If you're looking to renew your old bathroom to create a more relaxing space, look to JT Spas' great range of luxury freestanding baths.

Article from of Zenni Optical. Get more glasses fashion tips and technology updates from the Zenni Blog or follow Follow Zenni on Twitter @zennioptical. 

Most little girls dream of their wedding day but adult women daydream about the proposal. A romantic proposal begins with the right ring which can be a harrowing experience if you are unprepared.

It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the 4C’s (cut, color, carats and clarity) before going ring shopping. Knowing the type of metal you want should considerably reduce the amount of time you will need to find the perfect ring for your loved one. If you are undecided as to what metal you should be shopping for, you should note that each type of metal (platinum, gold, white gold, sterling) has their own pros and cons. A good jeweler will be able to talk you through each one and provide you with the information that you need in order to make the right decision. 

So, you’ve got the perfect engagement ring and have decided Christmas is the right time to propose. Why not take a cue from the following ideas.

1. Your love is as unique as a snowflake. So why not purchase a shiny snowflake ornament for the Christmas tree and slip the ring around the hook just before placing it on the tree? That’s romantic.

2. If you want to propose in front of the family, Christmas dinner is the perfect time to do so. You could hide the ring in a Christmas cracker, and she will surely get a big surprise when a diamond ring falls on to her lap! Many families choose to order Chinese food on Christmas Eve as it eliminates the hassle of having to cook and clean up. If this is something that your family does on Christmas Eve, you could have the ring placed in a fortune cookie with a fortune that asks “Will You Marry Me?”

3. If you’ve had a long courtship with your partner that has seen its share of bumps along the way, you could fill a stocking with sweet, romantic surprises like a matchbook from the place you went on your first date or a cd with your favourite song on it etc. Everyone knows that diamonds are formed as a result of coal after a lot of pressure and time. You could give your loved one a lump of coal that opens up to reveal a stunning diamond. You may want to attach a note that says something like “We’ve survived the pressures and tests of time, let’s begin anew and let our love shine bright.

4. Use Christmas lights to write the words “Marry Me?” on the wall of a room. Keep the lights low and ask her to come and help you wrap some last minute gifts. Have a few props like wrapping paper and presents there to make the scenario all the more believable. Have the box that contains the ring hidden away in a half wrapped state. After she’s begun wrapping something, hand her the box in question and ask her to finish wrapping it as you’re having difficulty with it. As she begins to finish wrapping the box, tell her you’ll give her some more light by flipping on the switch to illuminate your proposal on the wall as she unknowingly holds her ring in her hand.

You know your partner better than anyone else. If she is quiet and private, keep the proposal to yourselves and plan it accordingly. And if she’s the type of person that loves to have her friends and family around, you should make the proposal a big family affair and celebrate together afterwards. 

Orla Nolan is a freelance blogger based in Dublin, Ireland. She writes on behalf of several Irish businesses including Stonechat Jewellers.