This cruise began Abecita us with a two day stay in Istanbul minus one suitcase that Delta Airlines lost. We had been in Istanbul for a couple lingerie days at the end of our last cruise, and my wife fell in love with it. We spent the time checking out things lingerie didn’t see on the last trip, and shopping for underwear, pantyhose, shoes, and other things Kathy needed after the lost luggage fiasco. There we were, at the Grand Bazaar, Kathy in a pair of my boxer shorts and a T shirt the ship gave her. But we found some great bargains on knock-offs.

The Millennium set sail for Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey in the early afternoon. The next day we arrived in Kusadasi, known for its very extensive ruins at Ephesus. These are the most impressive ruins we have ever seen, be sure not to miss them when you are in Kusadasi. Cleopatra and Mark Anthony were tourists at Ephesus!

We toured a rug factory which was actually a rug store. However, they gave a very interesting presentation on how Turkish rugs are woven and how to determine the quality of rugs. We saw a demonstration of a young girl weaving a rug.

While in Kusadasi we spotted an internet cafe sign and so we went on in. They were quite excited that we had come in; they uncovered their single computer, taped some cardboard to the window to reduce the glare on the screen, and brought us some cokes to drink. After we finished surfing the net we asked how much we owed. They said “nothing!” and they wouldn’t let us pay for anything. Odd but interesting and nice.

The next day was a day at sea with no stops at any ports. We consider days at sea as our lazy kick-back and relax part of our cruises. So we “bagged some rays” by the pool and checked out the drink of the day.

The next day we arrived in Limasol, Cyprus. Originally we were supposed to go to Haifa Israel, but due to some Middle East unrest, the destination was changed to Limasol. There was an interesting castle that we toured, and then we went looking for an internet cafe. We found one and did a little updating of our website while we were there. Internet cafe’s can be found in most cities and it is truly amazing to see the differences. There isn’t really much in Limasol.

Our next port of call was Alexandria Egypt. The port was HUGE! There were quite a few sunken ships poking up out of the water as we entered the port…wonder what that was about? Our ship was greeted with a giant red carpet and a large band playing music.

We took the shore excursion to the Pyramids, about a three hour bus trip. The buses traveled in convoys with police escorts. I presume it’s an anti terrorist thing. The Pyramids were awesome! We got to actually climb up on one of the pyramids. There were also cool tombs that we toured, and of course, shopping for jewelry and papyrus art.

Our next port of call was Athens Greece. Since we had been to Athens recently we opted not to take any of the excursions and just went to the Plaka. We found yet another Internet cafe where we could update our web site. Although it was about 3 flights of stairs to get to the cafe, were given the “Computer with a view” .. Just out the window was a spectacular view of the Acropolis. And we found another fabulous open air cafe.

We arrive next at Naples, Italy. The day was kind of a whirl wind of a day as we took a hydrofoil to the island of Capri where we toured the island, an interesting and beautiful island and playground for the rich. Then on to Sorrento where we had lunch and wandered around the scenic town, and finally we toured the amazing ruins at Pompeii. There are enough ruins at Pompeii to spend weeks there and still not see everything. Thousands of years ago and they had plumbing fixtures…running water in their homes, taverns, saunas, and all sorts of surprising things. A very busy day!

Next stop, Rome and the Vatican City including St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican museum. At the Vatican, we visited the Sistine chapel which was mind blowing. Following that we visited the Coliseum. The Coliseum was another amazing place. Kathy was really impressed with the Trevi Fountain in Rome (she threw in the required 3 coins so we could come back to Rome).

Our next port was Nice, France. We visited a famous flower market, had coffee at a little side walk cafe, and we took a shore excursion to Monaco. Monaco isn’t very big! We could stand in one spot and see the whole country. There are lots of shops on the tiny narrow winding streets. We had lunch (at an open air cafe) and Kathy liked the Roquefort cheese so much she asked the waiter where should could get some, and he directed her to a market. We bought some and brought it home with us.

The following morning we disembarked in Barcelona and within hours we were on our way home! Another fantastic cruise ship adventure under our belts!

William Lund is an avid cruiser, and he and his wife Kathy cruise at least once a year. Mr. Lund invites you to visit his cruise reviews website: Cruises R Fun Mr. Lund also has a blog at: Pondering Everything

Some women choose to work up until the day they deliver their baby, while others stop working a month to a couple of weeks before. Regardless of which one you are, you need to have maternity work clothes after you pass the three and a half to four month point in your pregnancy. As soon as your regular clothes begin to become uncomfortable, it is time for you to purchase maternity clothes.

You would be wise to purchase clothing that is proper for the season. Clothing that can be layered is always a good option. You can add or take off layers with the changing weather. This is a good way to stretch your budget and moderate your own changing body temperature.

It’s key to mix and match clothes for work. Fashion mavens want to look as good while they’re pregnant as they did before, and why shouldn’t they? Purchase several pairs of pants in neutral shades, such as tan, black, gray, navy and brown. A nice skirt, such as an A-line style in a neutral color, coupled with a jacket that goes with several different outfits, as well as a dress and an array of tops are really all that you need. Ensure that your bottoms are made from soft, stretchy fabrics that are breathable. Be creative if possible. Choose something with just a hint of color for summer months, but make sure it will match with as many of your separates as possible.

When it is cold outside, you may wish to consider several sweaters layered. The inner layer is often a V-neck or crew neck item, with an outer layer consisting of a long sleeved cardigan of the same color. Stylish enough for work, casual enough for an evening out. Add some attractive dark pants and new accessories, and people will certainly look twice!

Ever imagined how much better and amazing you can look even in a simple nice dress with just the right kind of accessories. No matter what your size is, it doesn’t matter if you are wearing right earrings, necklaces, bracelets etc. These accessories in general are meant to add value to your appearance but they do wonder when they are appropriately matched to your outfit.

During pregnancy, shoes can really make a difference. Even in the early stages of pregnancy, your feet can ache painfully, so when you go shopping for shoes, try to remember this and choose wisely. Black is a great choice of color as it goes great with dresses, shirts and pants. You can choose either a closed pump or a sling-back. Other shoes that are acceptable to wear to work are ballerina flats. Remember that as your pregnancy progresses, your feet might swell, so make sure that the shoes you buy are wider than you usually wear.

Always buy work clothes that are made of soft material that can breath. Make sure you avoid clothes with complicated fasteners or any irritating zippers, buttons or inseams. Aim for fashionable clothes that do not look too girlish or childish.

Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Visit us for plus size deals on a Plus Size Prom Dresses at http://plus-size.discountsonline.com

Personalized Handbags and Purses

It is usually very hard to buy for a women. Particularly if you are in the situation of being a man with a woman friend. You do not want your gift to send the wrong message but you do not want it to be insipid and cheap either. If you need to purchase a gift for a woman and your tearing you hair out as to what, why not try a personalized handbag. Handbags are the perfect gift for nearly any occasion. Women tend to love them and if they already have one, there is no problem in getting them another. Remember, you can never have too many bags, gloves or shoes. By buying a personalized handbag, that special lady will feel all the more loved. If this woman is just a friend then purses are a safe gift to give in this situation as well.

Personalized hand bags come in all shapes and styles. For practical use, you may consider a nylon handbag with the person’s 3 initials embroidered on the front. These are great for everyday use and usually have several compartments for all of the objects women tend to carry with them. Personalized tote bags are also a great idea. Their large size makes them perfect for those days out shopping or traveling. They are tough, durable as well as lovely looking and elegant. Again, initials or names are the perfect added touch for this gift.

Personalized gifts can be fun, but also show that you put some thought into the person. Handbags lend them selves perfectly to personalization. They are also the perfect gift for wives, girlfriends, good friends and mothers. If you are struggling for a good present for an approaching birthday or other special occasion, consider a personalized handbag. The gift and your idea will be greatly valued.

Feel free to check out coach handbags and purses website to find handbags and purses for every occasion.

What’s best this summer? A popular style is the strapless dress. Strapless can flatter any body type, as long it is in the right fabric and the right fit. For example, if you are looking to support a fuller bust, or you feel that your figure needs to be slimmed down, stay away from clingy fabrics, like jersey dresses. Choose a fabric, like heavy cotton with built in boning to create a sexy, streamlined look.

If you fall into the dreaded half-size category, always choose a dress that is one size larger to avoid any hang over in the armpit area; if you fear that it will not fit correctly everywhere else, take it to a tailor and have it taken in only in the areas that need it. One of the hottest new looks for the strapless dress is to wear a paper-thin t-shirt, in a solid color, underneath it; if you choose to go with bare shoulders and are worried about being a little chilly in the evening, purchase a cropped jacket or a wrap knit in silk for a luxurious feel all night long.

Shift dresses are another hot look this season that compliment any figure. They are cool and comfortable no matter what you are doing, and the swing they give is flirty and fun. You can pair these dresses with wedges, flip flops or ballet flats and still have a great look; jelly shoes are back in again too and these are such a quick and fun slip-on. The beauty of the shift dress is that it takes you back to the less stressful, younger years in your life when you were busy chasing butterflies and running through sprinklers instead of chasing cabs and running through the subway.

Keeping with the newest Latin American inspired trends, Mexican blanket tube dresses are popping up on the runways, accented with bright floral patterns. Remember, bright patterns accent whatever area they cover, so, if you are self-conscious about a specific area of your body, choose a solid and wear the floral on the area you feel is the most sexy. These tube dresses will turn you into a sexy senorita within minutes of slipping them on. Similar to the strapless dress, they show off bare shoulders, but typically have a less structured look; these dresses make it easy to dance the night away with a special partner. Complete this look with a pair of wedge espadrilles and a chunky beaded necklace in turquoise.

All this talk about dresses! What about the proper underpinnings for these amazing summer pieces? Every girl that has ever worn a strapless dress knows that the one downfall, no matter how well it fits, is that you find yourself tugging at it to keep it in place. So, follow a few, simple rules, and you’ll be able to wear your summer dress all day and night without another thought. To avoid a “shelf” look, choose a strapless bra that water under wire or lightly molded cups. No matter how big or small ladies, you need to lift and separate! The exception to this rule is if you are wearing a dress that is made of a heavier fabric, such as cotton or linen. Choose a bustier instead of a strapless bra simply because, the heavier the fabric, the more it will weigh your beauty down; a strapless bra will not provide the all day and night support that you will need and it will make your breasts appear saggy. Let’s face it, no one enjoys that look!

One last note about the strapless bra; when shopping for one, it is recommended that you purchase a bra that is one size smaller in the band than you typically wear. This variation will provide additional support and lift when you need it the most; remember you’re going for function over sex kitten, when it comes to pulling off the summer dress look!

Elli Rose is a fashion industry insider who writes about the latest trends in clothing, makeup and accessories. Love to be noticed? Find gorgeous fashions and helpful advice at Amore Fashion.

Your handbag style is unique and original. It’s like a finger print; it belongs to you and only you and is distinct to your exact characteristics. Oh sure, the other woman has the same exact handbag, but it doesn’t accessories the same on her and it doesn’t say about her, what it says about you! This article takes a fun and chocolate approach to personality types and the handbags that match. You may say to yourself, “I don’t know what my type is or even know which handbag is best for me.” Well, read on my sister in Handbag-dom, you’re sure to come away with a fundamental knowledge of how, not only to choose the right handbag for you, but how to assess your personality type to get the bag that exclaims – THIS IS ME!

Given that each woman is beautifully unique, here are some great suggestions on different types of handbags for the different types of personalities represented, and the statements they make… Happy Learning!

Strong, Smart, No-Nonsense, Professional Woman

A classic tote, like one from Kate Spade, a Burberry leather bag, or the Neptune bag with flap enclosure and rolled handless.

Personable, Friendly, Open Demeanor

A casual but classy look, like the Chloe Gina evening bag in nude washed leather.

A Woman with a Fun and Flirty Spirit

To show off your fun side, choose something bold, cute, or colorful; like the Juicy Couture velour dreamer tote in pink and chocolate, or the Paul Smith Polka Dot Clutch.

A Woman Who is Prepared for Anything

Go with a sleek, stylish bag with plenty of pockets and spaces to organize your essentials, like the Gucci Brit Medium shoulderbag in black suede, a large slouchy Marc Jacobs shoulderbag, or Brynne Corseted handbag.

In Tune to the Latest Fashion Trends?

Sport a large, urban-inspired bag, like a Tokidoki Zucca Handbag.

A Woman with a Sense of Classic Style

For this category, incorporate classic handbag looks with details like embossed leather and silver accents that make the handbag. The Anya Hindmarch’s Carker Patent Leather Tote or the Sydney braided leather bag.

A Woman Who Prides Herself on Her Creativity

A handbag like the Fendi printed large Palazzo bag with double shoulder straps that add interest and flair without overwhelming, is ideal for the female artisan.

A Woman Who is Known for Her Ability to Work Well Under Pressure

To show off your clear, cool, head, go with looks that offer practical function as well as stylishness, such as: the DKNY Quilted Nylon Messenger in black, or the Marc Jacobs Quilted Cord Maggie with chain handle.

What Handbag Size Conveys

Size really does matter! Some women carry a uniquely small purse, which probably contains little more than a lipgloss and a credit card. This type of handbag; dainty and under the arm says, “I am a globe-trotter. When I travel I don’t need anything more than my credit card.” (A girl should always be ready!)

However, today’s hottest handbags are enormous! Hummer-like, with loads of embellishments, grommets and rings…very rock and roll. A tribute to Jane Birken who always carried her life in her bag. Hermes created a bag specifically for her and that bag’s revival was THE bag to have. This kind of large bag acquires the rock and roll attitude that says, “‘I’m every woman, it’s all in me!”.

The Color of Your Handbag

Let’s talk about color. Bright colored handbags and accessories are often designed for young girls, but many women love color as well. Here’s a nugget of wisdom on handbag color choices: If you love color, go with color … but definitely think about what the color does for you. If you don’t look great in red, but love the color and are crazy about beet red bag – go for it! But choose a handbag with a small strap, so you’re not wearing the color next to your skin. A colorful bag can make an outfit, but too much can be too much. Follow the rule the makeup artists use – do the eyes or the lips, but don’t do both. Doing so can cheapen the effect.

Happy Handbag Shopping!

Jenise’s passion for finding great deals on designer handbag fashions lead to the creation of Easy Handbag Deals, http://www.easyhandbagdeals.com, the largest search facility for finding the latest bargains on designer handbags, purses, totes, shoulder bags, wallets and more! Inventory is updated daily. Check out her fashion blogs for buying tips and information at http://jeniseyvonne-beautyandfashion.blogspot.com and http://jeniseyvonne.wordpress.com