The understated scent of the right cologne can make a man seem sexy, confident, and even a little mysterious. Too much of a good fragrance, though, and you'll find that you are repelling the very people you want to attract. You must learn how much is too much and how you can apply cologne so that it subtly scents you, yet lasts all day. When applied right, you'll exude an air of sophistication instead of a cloud of stink.

Step 1
Wash away unpleasant odors. The greatest cologne in the world won't mask body odor and it won't smell good layered over yesterday's cologne or aftershave, Always apply your cologne after a shower. To avoid conflicting scents, use a lightly scented or unscented soap or use a soap that has the same fragrance as your cologne. Many popular men's fragrances come with matching soaps or shower gels for this reason. Layering the scent in this way will also help it to last throughout the day.

Step 2
Moisturize your skin. Dry skin does not hold a fragrance as long as moisturized skin does, so liberally apply your favorite lotion before dabbing on cologne. Again, it is best to use an unscented moisturizer so as not to clash with the scent of your cologne. Some fragrances offer corresponding lotions but be careful not to use too much of a good thing--using soap, lotion, and cologne may leave you smelling stronger than you intended.

Step 3
Dab or spritz the cologne onto your pulse points. Pulse points include your wrists, neck, chest, insides of your elbows and even the back of your knees. You do not need to hit every pulse point--two or three should be sufficient. Apply the cologne directly to your skin and not your clothes. This allows the cologne to mingle with your body's natural pheromones.

Step 4
Reapply as needed. In most cases, it will not be necessary to reapply your cologne throughout the day. If, however, you have a big date after work or are spending a long day at the office, an extra spritz or splash late in the afternoon can revitalize your fragrance and even give you a sense of rejuvenation. If you find that you can still smell your cologne at the end of the day, you probably don't need to apply more.

tips
Store cologne in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.

warnings
If you can consistently smell your cologne while you are wearing it, you are probably wearing too much.

For many parents, strollers are a must-have. They free you up to walk, run, and shop--all while bringing your baby along for the ride. Because of the precious cargo they carry, though, it is essential to consider a number of safety factors when choosing the right stroller for your baby.

Baby's Age
One of the most important safety consideration when buying a stroller is choosing the right type for the age of your infant. You wouldn't, for example, put a newborn into an umbrella stroller. Similarly, very young babies should not ride in jogging strollers or in any stroller that does not recline. While older babies can ride in most any style of stroller, there are some features that are not safe to use with them, such as the carrier component of a travel system or the leg hole cover of a traditional stroller. You could buy two strollers to accommodate your child as he grows or save yourself a little money and buy a combination stroller that converts from a carriage to a stroller.

Harness Types
No matter what type of stroller you buy, the most crucial safety feature is its harness. There are two basic harness types available in most strollers: three point harnesses and five point harnesses. Three point harnesses consist of two waist straps and one crotch strap that fasten near the baby's belly button. Five point harnesses have two chest straps in addition to the other straps. They fasten both at the baby's chest and tummy, like the five point harnesses found in a car seat. While a three point harness may be adequate, particularly for older babies and toddlers, a five point harness is the safest option.

Stroller's Purpose
While one stroller might be ideal for a walk around the block, another might be suitable for running or jogging. Unfortunately, one stroller is rarely suited for both purposes. If you plan to have your baby in the stroller during long walks or outings, a stroller that reclines will be more comfortable for her. If you will be running or jogging, a jogging stroller is a must for your child's comfort and safety. If you just need something for a quick trip to the mall, an umbrella stroller might be all you need. Remember, though, that babies need to ride in reclining strollers until they are able to sit up on their own. You may have to put off jogging for a few months but with a newborn in the house, you could probably use the break.

Hinges
The hinges that allow strollers to fold up for convenience have also been responsible for injuring babies and young children. Small fingers can get caught in the hinges and result in pinching, breaking, and in a few cases, even amputation. You can avoid this potential safety hazard by purchasing a stroller with no exposed hinges. If they are covered by fabric or plastic they will help to keep your child's fingers safe. Fortunately, more and more stroller manufacturers are becoming aware of this problem and as a result, fewer strollers are available with exposed hinges.

New vs. Used
As with so many other baby products, it is a good idea to avoid buying a used stroller. Older strollers may not conform to modern safety standards while previously owned strollers of any age may have been recalled. If that's not enough, strollers that have been stored in basements, attics, or garages can easily become breeding grounds for dust mites, mold and other allergens.

If your schedule has you running at night or in the early morning hours before sunrise, reflective gear is a must. The good news is there is a huge variety of reflective gear on the market today, allowing you to stay comfortable and even stylish while lighting up the night.

Vests and Jackets
If you really want to be seen as you run at night, reflective vests and jackets are the way to go. They cover a large portion of the body and are versatile enough to be worn over your existing running attire. Choose lightweight, breathable vests to wear during the warmer months. Reflective jackets, on the other hand, add warmth and are ideal for cool or rainy weather.

Shirts, Shorts and Pants
If you would prefer not to add a layer of clothing by wearing a reflective vest or jacket, reflective shirts, shorts and pants are the next best things. They provide large areas of reflectivity without creating extra bulk. Unlike some vests and jackets, shirts, shorts, and pants are generally not made of reflective material. Instead, these items have reflective strips running across the width of the torso or the length of the leg.

Bands
If you are looking for something a bit more economical and even more versatile than reflective clothing, bands are a great option. They are completely portable and can be slipped on any kind of clothes you are wearing. Reflective bands are available for the arms and wrists, ankles, head and even the waist. Ideally, you should wear these bands in a couple of places on your body to maximize your visibility. Even if you normally wear reflective clothing, consider keeping a couple of these bands in your car in case an impromptu run leaves you without your usual gear.

Accessories
These days, reflective gear is not limited to attire. In fact, you can find reflective accessories for almost everything you carry with you to run. Light up a bottle of water with a reflective water bottle sleeve. Listen to music while you pound the pavement with a reflective music player case. If that's not enough, you can get reflective discs to affix to your shoes and the less stylish, but highly practical, reflective fanny pack.

You're only as old as you feel, but if your skin didn't get the memo, it's time to take action. Between turkey necks and crow's feet, the prospect of growing older is enough to inspire a search for the fountain of youth. Until the ever-elusive fountain is discovered, keep a few skin care tricks up your sleeve to fend off the signs of aging. Remaining diligent to the healthy skin tips just may cause you to get carded the next time you purchase your favorite bottle of Bordeaux.

Step 1
Grab a mirror and a natural light source to investigate the signs of aging that may be forming. If your skin is flawless, this investigation may not turn up anything. For the rest of the population with normal skin, note the areas of your skin that need some attention. Focus on those areas during your regular skin care routine.

Step 2
Put your skin care routine under a microscope. It should include cleansing, toning and moisturizing with a skin care line that matches your skin type. Avoid the temptation to hit the pillow without completing your skin care regimen. Not only will it help prevent signs of aging, it will keep your pillowcase clean and fresh too.

Step 3
Take an honest look at your diet. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, fish and the other healthy foods your mom always tried to make you eat. Turns out she knew what she was talking about. The vitamins and minerals found in these nutrient-rich foods help your skin's health and appearance. Improve the health of your diet to keep your waistline small and your skin glowing, but don't feel guilty about sneaking a few pieces of chocolate now and then.

Step 4
Sweat your way to younger-looking skin. If the thought of sweat pouring down your face doesn't appeal to you, consider its benefits. Exercise helps rid the body of all the toxins that wreak havoc, both internally and externally. Your circulation and blood flow will increase, allowing oxygen and nutrients to work their magic on all of your body systems, including the skin.

Step 5
Enjoy the sun from beneath your favorite sun hat. Not only will you display your good fashion sense, you'll protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Pair the hat with a good sunscreen for the greatest sun protection.

Step 6
Smile and enjoy life. It's natural to dig your heals into the ground to resist the aging process. Caring for your skin is important, but worrying nonstop about signs of aging may cause you to miss out on the little moments that make life worth living. At the end of the day, those you meet and know are more likely to remember how you treat them than how many wrinkles you have on your face.

ingredients
Cleanser
Toner
Moisturizer
Sunscreen

Cowboy boots were once reserved for farms and ranches, but firmly in the world of fashion. Celebrities are often spotted in their trendiest garb and high priced handbags while sporting cowboy boots. Wear them with a skirt or jeans for a casual look that's eternally cool. Remember that the best cowboy boots are broken in and often feel as comfortable as slippers, so make good use of them once you have them.

Jeans
Wearing jeans with cowboy boots looks casual and cool. Skinny jeans work well tucked into cowboy boots in the cool months, while bootcut jeans worn over cowboy boots look great year round. Feel free to mix and match colors. Jeans, like cowboy boots, look more authentic the longer you wear them. If you're opting for skinny jeans tucked into cowboy boots, be sure the jeans are slim enough to comfortably fit inside the boots to avoid a bulky appearance. When wearing bootcut jeans over cowboy boots, remember that it's OK if the jeans have a little extra length to them. Bold cowboy boots in rust orange or red also look great peeking out from beneath jeans.

Dresses
Dresses look great with cowboy boots. During spring and summer months, wear sun dresses in feminine fabrics and prints to juxtapose rough and tough cowboy boots. Ideally, the hemline of the dress should skim just above or at the knees. In cooler wearing, go for the same look, with tights or leggings underneath the dress. A chunky knit tunic or sweater dress and leggings also works to make cowboy boots look modern.

Guys
Guys look best in cowboy boots, when they keep the rest of the outfit low key. You don't want to look like you've been on the ranch all day (unless you have). Stay away from plaid or Western-inspired shirts. For a casual look, don a cotton polo shirt or T-shirt with bootcut jeans that fall over the cowboy boots. For a night on the town, wear a button-up oxford shirt in a rich color like eggplant or navy with dark rinse bootcut jeans and cowboy boots. When dressing up, go for nice cowboy boots in leather or an exotic skin, and be sure they're polished.

Find a massive selection of cowboy boots at Zappos.com.

Knee high boots were once a trendy item, but they've now become a staple piece in many wardrobes. With the right styling, knee high boots can go almost anywhere. Look for classic colors like black or chocolate brown in authentic or synthetic leather or suede. This classic shoe looks great with go-to pieces in your work wardrobe or can be dressed up for a fun night on the town.

At Work
Knee high boots can work at the office, as long as your look is work appropriate. Stick with dark knee high boots with a round or pointed toe and a low stacked heel. This keeps the boots on the fashion-forward side versus the overtly sexual side. Try a blouse and knee length skirt with dark tights. On casual Friday, knee high boots can be worn with a loose top and dark denim skirt. Your hemline should always skim the knees when wearing knee high boots in the office. You can also wear knee high boots tucked beneath trousers.

Casual
Wear knee high boots for casual events like shopping or grabbing lunch with friends. Try a tunic with leggings and knee high boots. A long cardigan over a tank paired with skinny jeans, works seamlessly with jeans tucked in to knee high boots. Because the knee high boots create a lean, continuous line, try a long top with jeans and boots, topped with a bright scarf. Knee high boots with a slightly slouchy shaft work best for casual occasions. This gives a glamorous bohemian look to everything you wear.

Dressy
While knee high boots can't go to a black tie event, they can work for dressy occasions like a nice dinner or dancing with friends. Try an asymmetrical cocktail dress. Keep texture in the dress to a minimum if you are wearing suede boots (though leather works best for evening). Keep the hemline just above the knees to avoid a tarty look. A bright dress in a jewel tone works well with black tights and knee high black boots, accompanied with a small clutch bag. If you are going low key, try a glitzy top with beading or jewel detail with jeans and knee high boots, for an effortless look.

Visit Zappos.com for a huge selection of knee high boots.

When women with a curvy body shop for swimsuits, less is usually more. Those with a voluptuous figure should select swimwear that's flattering and embraces your shape; there are also a few tricks for hiding areas you aren't fond of.

Golden Rules
Like with all fashion, there are a few golden rules for finding a swimsuit that suits a curvy shape. Halter-style swimsuits are fine, whether you're opting for a classic or trendy design. Halter straps hoist breasts up, so they're secure for active swimming or water sports. Even if you insist on sitting by the pool and never taking a dip, halter-style straps ensure you are good to go in the event someone decides to throw you in. Sweetheart necklines are also flattering for large busts. If you want to appear slimmer in a swimsuit, stick with a dark color in a one piece that creates a long continuous line. If a two-piece swimsuit is what you crave, look for a fairly high waist, which will make your hips and legs appear leaner and mimic that same long line.

Classic
Classic swimsuit styles are partial to a curvy physique. The classic halter-style one piece made famous by Norma Kamali is still a favorite for curvy women. Dark colors like black, red and navy look chic no matter where you're sunning. A bandeau top is great for those who are smaller on top. It draws attention up towards the shoulders and away from a curvy bottom. A halter-style swimsuit with a plunging neckline also works to accentuate curves.

Trendy
Use ruching to mask a tummy or add detail to the center of a swimsuit (stealing attention from an ample rear). Wide panels on the bottom of a two-piece can also boost ruching to do double duty of masking hips, while adding the trend of texture. A tankini is also a smart route to go when shopping trendy swimsuits for a curvy shape. The small break of skin looks modern, while still providing coverage, and side details on swimsuit bottoms such as bows or hardware bring the eye outward, flattering the full hips in the process.

In the kitchen, a cast iron skillet is durable, versatile, and even adds a dose of healthy iron to your diet. Cooking with a cast iron skillet is a little different than cooking with stainless steel or on a non-stick surface. If you follow certain cooking and maintenance tips, though, you'll find that your cast iron skillet is the pan you turn to over and over.

Season the Skillet
A brand new cast iron skillet needs to be seasoned before its first use. Now, don't grab the salt and pepper just yet. Seasoning a pan consists of coating it with oil and baking it. First, wash the skillet with hot water, a couple of drops of mild detergent and a soft cloth. Dry the pan thoroughly. Next, coat the entire skillet with vegetable oil and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.

Frying in Cast Iron
Frying is a good way to "break in" your new skillet. Heating oil in the newly seasoned pan will help to reinforce the seasoning. Also, because the heat is distributed so evenly in a cast iron skillet, you'll find that it is easier to achieve consistently golden brown results when frying.

Preheating the Skillet
If you are not using your skillet to fry, preheat it in the stove or on the oven before cooking with it. Because cast iron is so heavy, it takes it longer to heat up than skillets made from lighter materials. By preheating the pan, you will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed before adding the food.

Getting the Most Iron Out of Cast Iron
Whenever you cook with cast iron, a small amount of iron seeps out into the food. Yes, it sounds icky, but the extra dose of iron is actually good for you. In fact, doctors often recommend the use of cast iron to their patients with anemia. In order to get the most iron out of your pan, cook acidic foods such as marinara or spaghetti sauces, which break down even more of the iron.

Cleaning a Cast Iron Skillet
As archaic as it may seem, it is necessary to hand wash cast iron. Putting it into the dishwasher will wash away all of your seasoning efforts and may even cause the pan to rust. Instead, you should usually just clean it with hot water and a soft cloth. If the skillet is especially sticky or gunky, a mild detergent and plastic scrubber may be used. After washing the skillet, dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.

Words of Caution
Before you jump right in and whip up a batch of corn bread, there are a few more things you should know. Cast iron retains heat for a long time. Always use an oven mitt or pot holder when removing it from the stove. Keep in mind, also, that the skillet may leave black marks on the pot holder so you might assign one or two pot holders to use on the skillet every time. Finally, do not boil water in your cast iron skillet. This can cause the pan to rust.