For the first time this season, the Miami Heat will face the Boston Celtics with a better record.  But in the third meeting between the two best teams in the East, the Heat will need a significant amount of progress across all fronts in order to come away with their first victory over the Celtics. the first two meetings between the two were comfortable Celtic victories, even as LeBron James made things slightly interesting down the stretch. the Heat would make a run, then the Celtics would execute for a few sustained possessions and put the game out of reach again. those losses could easily be described as the worst and most damaging losses for the Heat.

Which is why this game matters so much more to Wade, James, and company than it does to the defending Eastern Conference champs. the Celtics are short-handed, with Delonte West, Shaquille O’Neal, Jermaine O’Neal, and Marquis Daniels all questionable-to-out for the game. Furthermore, the C’s have already made their point this season. They’ve proven they can be or are the best team in the East, arguably in the entire league, and have victories over every elite team, plus the two wins over the Heat. For Boston, winning this game is a cherry on top. It’s just frosting. at this point Boston’s biggest concern is making sure they don’t suffer any more injuries.

So why does this feel like the Heat are still facing an uphill struggle? besides the obvious elements like the existence of Rajon Rondo and the Heat’s pitiful lack of depth, the biggest gap in the first two games between the two star-studded behemoths wasn’t on the X’s and O’s side. It was mental, and emotional. the Celtics were zoned in, playing with intensity. Even if they acted as if they were smacking down a younger brother who dared act like he was on their level, the Celtics understood the message they wanted to send. the Heat have a lot of talent, and they wanted to show they were that much better because they are a complete team. They wanted to win that game. It’s been pretty easy to spot the difference in the Celtics this season when they try and when they don’t; the Celtics wanted those first two games.

On the other hand, the Heat sleepwalked through that game. They seemed to have no intensity, no fire, no cohesion, and most of all, no sense of urgency. this was a team in its first year together, trying to prove itself, trying to find its identity, against the Eastern Conference champs who had ousted both Wade and James in last season’s playoffs, and who are the most smack-talking-est smack talkers who ever talked smack this decade. And yet the Heat seemed listless, lifeless, and without any real sense of purpose. If that’s missing again when the two take the floor for their third of four match-ups, the Celtics will take the season series in a cake walk, and many will go from penciling in the Celtics over the Heat to tracing that over in black ink.

Sure, the Heat will need Mario Chalmers to at least not embarrass himself, for Joel Anthony and Zydrunas Ilgauskas to play with some measure of physicality, and for Chris Bosh to try not to create the world’s largest eye-roll from fans worldwide. but in reality, the best way to beat the Celtics is for LeBron James to play as he has for the last month, and to combine that with some emotional leadership. James has been transcendent, even by his standards, over the beginning of this calendar year. going 1-on-5 against the Celtics doesn’t work, but James can hurt them even with their precise doubles and help defense, if he’s engaged. but that’s always the question with James. will have commit to the intensity needed to topple even an injured Celtics team, or will he defer and settle for mid-range jumpers again? He and Dwyane Wade make up the most devastating two-man combo in the league. will they get out in transition or simply let the Celtics wear them down with how they constantly seem to be back on the break, eventually forcing you to settle into a halfcourt game, which favors their style?

This is a
&
#098;ig game for the Heat. There’s just no getting around it. There’s nothing to be won; a victory only means that people will even more loudly proclaim “Doesn’t mean a thing ’till spring!” but there is a lot to be lost. the season series against the Celtics, the confidence that they’ve finally turned a corner on their early season lackadaisical approach to big games, and an opportunity to showcase that no, for real, this team has found itself and while 72-10 is out the door, they can still bust heads.

Every run to greatness has its moments founded in the regular season. A big step awaits the Heat. We know the Celtics will be ready. but will Miami?

Your children need to have a great pair of mittens and gloves if you will let them play outside during snow. nothing can give them protection from the cold temperature than the complete winter wear. those cute kid’s snow gloves and mittens are picture perfect for their winter gear. These accessories, however, are needed for valid purposes as keeping your toddlers’ sensitive body parts that are usually exposed to be safely and comfortably warm such as the palm of the hands, neck areas and head and ears.one of the most popular toddler’s mitten have an over shirt with mittens sewn right in called the No Snow Snuggler. the best thing about this mitten is that you can have it personalized. you can put your child’s initials on it or their favorite cartoon character just to add some style. one greater pair of mitts for your little boy and girl are Snowstoppers. These are more in than just a pair of mittens. they have a sleeve that extends from inside the glove and goes up to the child’s elbow. they will definitely keep your child’s hands warm and keep snow out. this is the perfect winter wear for your children as they’re designed especially for children 2-10 years old.if you are looking for waterproof mittens then Mountain Sprouts is the right choice. Made in the USA this mitten has a thumb hole to try to get those child little thumbs into. another waterproof mitten is the Dakine Brat Mitts, quite handy because of a side zipper with a Velcro closure to tighten them up. Gordiniis is another brand that has a whole line of toddler’s snow mittens and gloves of particular note are their All Star 3 mitts and Scribble gloves. These are all the choices if you are looking for the perfect pair of mitten and gloves for your children. in regard with the style and designs it is a good suggestion that you buy the ones in plain colors, as they will be easily matched with printed outfits especially when your child love pairing up. this could save you a great deal of money as you could still use the existing wardrobe of your toddler.for the protection and safety of your children during winter season make sure to give them the complete winter wear and accessories. indeed parents like you can’t stop your children to have some fun and play outside with their friends. you can’t keep them inside the house everyday with a cup of hot chocolate. the cold weather might be harmful to your children’s health but with the proper winter clothes you can have the assurance that your child will be protected from possible danger of hypothermia and frost bites. With the proper guidance during their play time outside then your children are away from any harm.Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure, so with the proper set of winter wear and accessories you can have the peace of mind that your children are protected and secure.

Published: Wednesday, January 05, 2011, 5:05 AM

one of the best jobs at The Plain Dealer is being queen of the Fashion Flash pages. Why? The people who walk into our studios on Superior Avenue, ready to give the world, or at least Greater Cleveland, a glimpse into their closets — and often into their lives — are some of the most diverting you’ll ever meet.

Their sartorial adventures are sometimes hysterical and, more often then you’d imagine, poignant.

What they share is a drive to express themselves through the clothes on their backs, the shoes on their feet and the seemingly endless, fabulous accessories wrapped around their wrists or dangling from their earlobes.

Here are some of our most memorable visitors from 2010.

The bond between Jamila Murray and her daughter, Kamilah (who turned 4 in May), stayed in our minds long after the shoot. “I told her if she did a good job, she could have some candy,” Mom confided. The two are inseparable; they shop together and often wear matching shoes, a practice that elicits oohs and aahs from fellow shoppers. “I take her with me all the time, so she can pick out her own stuff. She’s my best friend.”

Last year, we photographed a series of couples, including Beth and Jim Alunni, married on Sept. 19, 2009. their relaxed style — Jim in his Chuck Taylors and Beth outfitted by a little boutique called Tar-get– mirrored their loving, easygoing relationship. Better yet, they were charming and funny, too. “He has a size-13 finger. It’s huge. That’s why I couldn’t get his ring in platinum,” Beth said. “It’s like a monocle. If I hold it up, it’s bigger than my eye.” “She did that at the wedding,” Jim added. “She took the ring from the priest. I’m like, ‘That’s nice.’ ”

Yes, yes, we know we just featured Laura DiCesare Marotta in our December Fashion Flash, but she had so many great looks, we couldn’t fit them all onto a single page. one of her favorite finds was this coat she scored at Brigade three years ago. “I wore it and my friend said, ‘You look like you’re from the movie “Star Wars” ‘ — it’s very Darth Vader meets old Prada.” We couldn’t agree — or love it — more.

Stephanie Giammarco’s funky, edgy style and stage presence reminded us a little of Lady Gaga, sans the dress made of raw meat. Giammarco — with a degree in costume design from Kent State University under her skinny patent-leather belt — appeared in our pages in a fanciful neo-Victorian outfit of her own creation, complete with a birdcage hat atop her head. but we also loved her everyday look, particularly her “Zombie Stomper” kicks, a pair of vegan pumps from Iron Fist.

Local rockers Martin O’Connor, left, and brother Cullen stopped by The Plain Dealer studios before appearing onstage with the group Riot 101 at the Winchester Tavern & Music Hall in February. their tastes run classic — AC/DC, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Queen — and they credit their mom with helping them shop for their stage duds: ties, hats and studded wristbands. Needless to say, the brothers have quite a following, including middle school groupies. Get in line, ladies.

Bonnie McKinney Uher, a FedEx driver and grandmother of three, reminded us of a fit and fabulous Jane Fonda. clearly, style runs in the family, as evidenced by her two daughters, Gina and Heather, who accompanied her to the shoot, and her granddaughter, 3-year-old Vivian. “Vivian is a total fashionista — since she’s been 18 months old!” McKinney Uher said, adding that the little girl will only wear dresses. her best fashion advice? “I think women are too hard on themselves, and they should dress the way they look best and not say, ‘I’m gonna lose 20 pounds and then get a new outfit.’ do it now! just celebrate who you are, you know?”

When we can lure fashionable guys into the studio, it’s a day of celebration here at Flash headquarters. And Matt Bonitati — looking positively smashing in this Wrath Arcane tweed jacket — was one of our favorites. We positively swooned when he lamented the death of style in everyday wardrobes. “I think people just got too casual. my big pet peeve is you can’t go out anywhere in Cleveland for dinner where people actually dress up . . .” We hear you, Matt. Here’s to starting 2011 with a resolution to don some spiffy duds when dining out.

In February, we were floored by the ease with which Imani Tibbs, then a junior at Hathaway Brown School, put together fetching ensembles, like a mini Coco Chanel. her gifts? Colliding high-fashion labels from the likes of Bloomingdale’s with affordable and chic looks from forever 21, her favorite store “ever created,” and an unfailing eye for color.

Kelli Ruttle, a student at the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House graduate acting program, walked into The Pl

a
in Dealer oozing old Hollywood class, from the elegant watch that belonged to her grandmother to the pearls handed down to her from her Aunt Mary. We also hear from our theater critic, Tony Brown, that she’s an actress with astonishing range. Talented and stylish is exactly the way one should go through life, no?

Students wearing cheerful holiday hats and costumes brought somemuch-needed fun and excitement to Wildomar Elementary School onFriday, as the school held its second annual Winter Day on anappropriately dark and drizzly day.

Last year, the Student Council came up with the idea for a daywhere students in all grades could either dress in a winter-themedcostume or make a seasonal hat. this year, about half the studentsparticipated and were entered in a contest for prizes. Specialeducation teachers Terry Selvaggio and Brandi Willoughby werejudges and handed out numerous prizes such as educational gamesthat Selvaggio purchased with her own money.

Selvaggio said she made fliers and posters to alert familiesabout Winter Day and encourage student participation. Throughoutthe day, teachers dropped by the library to see what the childrenwere wearing. Students said they enjoyed seeing their classmates’hats and costumes.

“It seems to turn out very well,” Selvaggio said, adding thatthe children were excited Friday because it was also the last dayof school before the winter break.

Holding Winter Day right before vacation is a fun idea, shesaid. “It’s a good way to end the week.”

Students came to school dressed as snowflakes, reindeer, Santa’shelpers, Christmas trees, elves, snowmen and more. one girl worefancy, sparkly clothes and was a Snow Queen. another girl wore agiant stocking, and one student was a big Christmas present,wearing a large box covered in gift wrap and bows.

Families used a variety of materials and embellishments tocreate costumes and decorate hats and clothing at home. Studentscame to school decked out in tinsel, poinsettias, bows, bells,sequins, costumes and plenty of Santa hats.

Second-grader Emma Inzunza was a Christmas tree, wearing a largegreen fabric tree like a tunic over a sparkly red skirt and redtop. The tree was adorned with bows, stickers, ornaments, lightsand tinsel. The costume was her mom’s idea, Emma said.

“I put the stickers on and helped put these on,” she said,pointing to some of the colorful embellishments.

Third-graders Mariel Zuniga and Hannah Antonopoulos both dressedas mrs. Claus, while Brittney Baker, a fifth-grader, wore a holidaysweater and Christmas tree bulb earrings that flashed on andoff.

“My brother bought (the earrings) for me at Santa’s workshop atDavid A. Brown Middle School,” she said.

Fourth-grader Brent Leyva dressed as Santa with a huge pillowstuffed under his shirt and a beard made from cotton balls. Thebulky outfit wasn’t that hard to wear all day, Brent said.

“It’s comfortable and relaxing,” he said.

Nestora Santos, whose twin first-graders, Shylo and Sheridan,wore snowmen hats they made by decorating baseball caps, came tocampus to see all the children’s costumes.

“This is so cute. I love it,” the twins’ mom said as thefirst-graders paraded around the library to be judged for thecontest. “For them to have fun, that’s what the holidays areabout.”

Each day, through new Year’s Eve, we’ll bring you a list featuring some of the most unforgettable looks of 2010.

The red carpet gives musicians a chance to go glam, but the stage is where performers get to show off their true artistic style. and this year saw a number of fun trends in performance wear, including fluorescent colors from M.I.a., couture-like gowns from Florence Welch, and tons of leopard print and glitter from Ke$ha (who else?!). Here, we take a look back at the 2010 performance outfits that got us talking.

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE: Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine performed at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in a gorgeous, Grecian-inspired peach gown. the feminine frock had lovely pleating details throughout, and Florence looked almost Goddess-like in the romantic dress.

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine performs at the MTV Video Music Awards in L.a. on Sept. 12. Photo: Getty Images

LADY GAGA: Oh, Lady Gaga. she never disappoints us when it comes to fashion, does she?! the singer looked like a star (a shooting star, specifically) at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago in her sculpture minidress.

Lady Gaga performs at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago on Aug. 6.Photo: Getty Images

KE$HA: known for her “garbage chic” flair, Ke$ha rocked patterned tights, a retro tee, and leopard print gloves on stage at a new York City concert in August. even though we’d never sport the outfit ourselves, we definitely give Ke$ha props for her boldness!

Ke$ha performs at Madison Square Garden in new York on Aug. 12. Photo: Getty Images

KATY PERRY: Katy Perry looked pretty as a peacock during a performance at Splash Bar in new York last August. the pop star hit the stage in an embellished white outfit, paired with “peacock feathers” attached to the back. Katy had several jaw-dropping performance outfits this year, but this was definitely the widest wildest!

Katy Perry performs at Splash Bar in new York on Aug. 27.Photo: WireImage

USHER: One of our favorite hustlers, Usher, took the stage at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in a head-to-toe black outfit. the futuristic look included a leather vest, padded pants, and flashy sunglasses.

Usher performs at the MTV Video Music Awards in L.a. on Sept. 12.Photo: Getty Images

RIHANNA: Rihanna flaunted her fab figure in a shoulder-padded sparkly, pink leotard during a new York performance at Madison Square Garden last August. she rocked the pantless ensemble with embellished black boots and fishnet tights.

Rihanna performs at Madison Square Garden in new York on Aug. 12.Photo: Getty Images

M.I.a.: M.I.a. looked like a florescent rainbow at the Spike TV Awards in Los Angeles. the singer picked bright blue hair, a shiny yellow shirt (to match her canary-colored nails), and hot pink bottoms. plus, check out her fuchsia lipstick! Color us crazy, M.I.a.

M.I.a. performs at Spike TV’s ‘Scream 2010′ in L.a. on Oct. 16.Photo: Getty Images

NICKI MINAJ: Nicki Minaj went for a superhero theme for her 2010 MTV Video Music Awards performance outfit. the singer chose a pink and purple outfit crafted by designer Marco Marco and repurposed Chanel boots that were reworked with pink leather trim at the thigh.

Nicki Minaj performs at the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show in L.a. on Sept. 12.Photo: PictureGroup

30 SECONDS TO MARS: Jared Leto, the lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, never bores us with his innovative looks. during a performance at the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands, Jared opted for a white leather jacket, studded red gloves, and a “graphic” tee. he finished off the outrageous outfit with tribal face paint.

Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars performs at the Lowlands Festival 2010 in the Netherlands on Aug. 22.Photo: Getty Images

PINK: no one could have predicted what Pink would reveal when she started taking off her white hooded dress during her 2010 Grammy Awards performance. the singer stripped down to show off a nude bodysuit with patches of glitter and strategically placed white strips in what was one of the most talked-about performance outfits of the entire year.

Pink performs at the Grammy Awards in L.a. on Jan. 31.Photo: Getty Images

THE BEST OF 2010 ON MTV STYLE:• Your Street Style• Most Outrageous Out

fits• Red Carpet Stunners• Nicki Minaj’s Top Looks• Katy Perry’s Top Looks• Lady Gaga’s Top Looks• Sexy Little Black Dresses• Lovely Little White Dresses• Best Bags and Accessories• Masters Of Makeup• Most Memorable Shoes• Hottest Hairstyles• Top Trends

God (or my mother’s uterus) never gifted me a sister.

I tried to whittle little brother Nathan into the shape of a female, duct-taping him to the kitchen chair and attacking him with a curling iron and Aqua Net. but eventually, puberty stole his smooth cheeks and blessed him with muscles with which to punch me. I had to find a new life-sized doll to play with.

This one didn’t squirm.

Her name was Devon, and I found her in middle school. Devon was the King Midas of fashion. she could transform sweatpants into haute couture with the wave of her Coach bag. ever since she was a pre-teen — while the rest of us were wearing mismatched breasts, slightly-too-hairy-but-too-young-to-shave legs and blue eyeliner three awkward centimeters above our lash lines — Devon was halting traffic and derailing trains with her glamour.

Barbie’s hair looks like scraggly meth-fuzz next to Devon’s locks: thick, always lustrous and never flat. Her hair actually grows out of her head in perfect curls, just like her nails sprout from her fingers in shiny red, never chipped. she was born with a strand of shiny pearls around her neck. Her legs wax themselves. Sephora designs its make-up collections around Devon’s palette, and bottles her natural scent to sell as perfume.

Devon is legendary. She’s Paul Bunyanette.

Especially with regards to her Party Dresses. (Yes, these warrant their own proper nounage.)

Devon has a Party Dress for every occasion, even the fake holidays like President’s Day and National Cement Between The Bricks Awareness Day. she shows up to gatherings with extra accessories to disperse to the paltry style-peasants (like yours truly) who didn’t have the fashion foresight to design a full seasonal line with three costume changes in honor of the occasion. In fact, my favorite green sunnies were a Devon-distributed party favor on St. Patty’s Day (as well as the only reason I didn’t get pinched, because God knows green isn’t my power color).

Seeing that Devon has no fewer than three special Party Dresses designated for the day after the day after her second cousin’s birthday, try to imagine, if your mind can even stretch this far without pulling a neurotransmitter, the kind of glory that adorns my friend’s body on New Year’s Eve.

Try. now weep.

Norman Hartnell, eat your hart (sp.) out.

(He was the Queen’s dressmaker of the ’40s-50s. You would know that if you were Blue Blood or Devon.)

It’s a (non-blood) family tradition that we dance in the New Year’s together, and of course, Devon had her New Year’s Party Dress six months ago. Equally of course, it wasn’t until I could count the final hours of 2010 on two feet that I realized I had nothing to wear to the ball, Cinderella.

With no time for shenanigans, I hit up a store that looks strikingly similar to my sister’s closet, quite possibly the world’s best dress store: Violette Boutique, 1631 Pearl St. in Boulder, violetteboulder.com.

A month ago, Violette expanded to open another store across the street, Lilli. The latter offers the “casual side of chic,” with jeans, casual shirts, a wider range of sizes and a special section in the back of little girl’s tutus. Each dressing room has its own theme (cowgirl, Eastwick, pink retro).

Part of the reason to open Lilli, according to the owners (a mother, daughter and grandmother team): to clear out more room to make Violette fluffier, floofier and dressier.

Lillie St. Germain, the grandmother, helped me sift through the tulle to find five fave last-minute New Year’s little black dresses from which to choose, or line up for a five-point costume change.

1. little black sexy. this dress, with thick straps crossing on the upper back, is form-fitting, hott (with two t’s) and fun, $48.

2. Timeless and forgiving. this one is more demure, with pleats and a lace bottom that flatters any body shape, $115. Cinch with a sparkly belt.

3. Chanel who? this Chanel knockoff is black with white lace pocket detailing and scattered black sequins, $85. It’s fashionable, hip and a little modest, too.

4. A comfortable corset. this dress is made out of soft cotton, with an off-white lace accent print, but it’s super sexy with a black corset top and zipper, $84.

5. Don’t buy this because I’m wearing it. this dress looks retro ’50s with a fitting top and flowing A-line skirt, perfect for twirling, $88. now add a little toughness with a thick gold zipper on the back, permanently unzipped to the waist, and a matching front zipper that you can zip as high as you want (or increasingly lower, corresponding to the amount of champagne you consume).

The instant I saw this dress, I knew it was me: a little old fashion

e
d, a little over the line. Why did it have to be one of the most expensive dresses in a shop known for its low price points? In a tizzy, I text-attacked Devon.

Me: I found the perfect party dress, but it’s too expensive. I need it.

Me: Please help me cope with this hardship.

Me: I am mourning it not being on my body at all times.

Me: dear Devon, I want it. Love Sis.

Finally, the response floated in, as if on a Magic eight Ball.

Devon: dear Aims, the heart wants what the heart wants. Love Sissy.

Which is exactly why everyone needs a good sister: Unconditional condonation.

December 17th, 2010 by admin

what perfume is best for a 17yr old girl? i want a perfume that leaves a memorable smell, e.g. a guy walks past another girl or perfume shop and smells that perfume and remember me lol it cant be too pricy, i always wear lacoste touch of pink (which i buy from boots) but im bored i want a new fragrance that will leave people thinkin ''oooo she smells good!'' lol

juicy couture marc jacobs are really cool

White Musk from the Body Shop…it's sophisticated, but don't put TOO much on because it's a bit strong. It smells really nice

What perfume is the best to wear? (im talking about female perfumes)?

             Get your FREE sample of Perfume (ALL BRANDS!)                               from our online Perfume shop!

Tags:boots,new fragrance,old girl,perfumes,white musk

If you live in Minnesota, and own an elaborate homemade Tron costume you’ve been planning to festively wear to a showing of the new film, take note: you may be turned away. One such Minnesota resident, internet phenomenon Tron Guy (né Jay Maynard), thankfully had the foresight to call ahead to his local theater before showing up to Tron: Legacy in his signature spandex outfit, and the management was reportedly “adamant” he would not be admitted in the suit. if not then, then when IS it appropriate to wear an elaborate homemade Tron costume, huh, theater management?

According to the TMZ story, Tron Guy speculates it may be that the costume was “too distracting,” which probably does have something to do with it. after all, once you let one guy in wearing a lighted suit that reveals the rough form of his genitals, where do you draw the line?

Copyright ©2010. The Associated Press. Produced by NewsOK.com all rights reserved. this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.  

When I want to camouflage the not-so-great things about my body or look thinner, I always reach for black. It’s the best, right?

Now comes a book that proclaims that “slimming colors” aren’t limited to black. What’s more, maybe black isn’t even the best. The book says it’s a matter of understanding your particular body type — curvy or straight — and the way you are proportioned, both upper and lower body. then you can discover your best color palette that accentuates the positives and eliminates the negatives.

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“Color Me Slimmer, Clever Dressing for a Fabulous Figure” was written by Colour Me Beautiful consultants Veronique Henderson and Pat Henshaw.

I can hear the groans now: “Oh, no, not another book about color.” this book goes beyond color. It focuses on nine models ranging in shape and size, as well as coloring. Chapters cover achieving a slimmer body, slimming colors, a slimmer look, putting it together and case studies, which show women in the wrong and right styles, with information about what works and what doesn’t.

This book is chock-full of good information, right down to the best shoes to make your legs look slimmer. did you know that a full calf will look unbalanced on a high stiletto heel? a slimming effect is achieved by a heel that is more substantial to give the wearer a balanced look.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Colour Me Beautiful book without a few words about how to identify your coloring, how to wear your colors and choosing the best makeup shades.

• The right bag. If you are fuller around the waist and bottom area, avoid handbags dangling at that level and carry them higher.

• Longer legs. If you have short legs, narrow-leg pants and pencil skirts will make you appear taller and, therefore, slimmer.

• Black is not always best. Black does not necessarily make you look slimmer. It will only work if it is a color that’s flattering to you.

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sure, those of us in Florida are used to green Christmases; in fact, have we ever gotten a dusting of white on a Dec. 25?

Still, in our 21st century world, “green” connotes different things — recycling, reusing, reducing, sustainability and saving the planet are all among contemporary meanings. and what better gift to Mother Nature can we give than going green for the holidays.

We’re 10 days out from The Day, but there are plenty of things we can do before — and after. here are a dozen ideas:

Plastic bag wreath: Get rid of a bunch of those plastic grocery bags, and add a festive touch to your home. Favecrafts offers directions to make this wreath, “using what you already have around the house — plastic bags!” full directions are at favecrafts.com/Christmas-Decorations/Wreath-Made-With-Plastic-Bags.

Portable power: All the new cell phones and MP3 players under the tree this year are worthless without the juice to recharge them. Suggested by the editors of earth911.com, the JOOS Orange portable solar charger due out next year reportedly provides two hours of talk time on just one hour charge — even in shade or rain! It’s been dubbed the “best Eco Design” by the Consumer Electronics show best of Innovations. It’s $99.95 at solarjoos.com.

that tire-d look: Worn-out tires aren’t being used for artificial reefs anymore, so what to do with them? Enter the Green with Envy line of purses and earrings — all made from recycled auto tires. Purses start at $65 (some are on sale for $49), and earrings run $19.95 at greenwithenvygifts.com. Earth911.com also recommends bookbags and totes made in El Salvador from recycled inner-tubes sold through greenheartshop.org.

It’s a wrap: There’s really no need to purchase wrapping paper with Santas, stars or other swirly patterns; it’s just going to be ripped up. The Sierra Club suggests wrapping presents “with old maps, the comics section or children’s artwork.” in fact, on Monday, The Sun’s wrapping-paper contest winner will be revealed; a whole page worth of wrapping right in your daily newspaper. Sierraclub.org also suggests using “a scarf, attractive dish towel, bandana or some other useful cloth item. if every family wrapped just three gifts this way, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.”

new life for cells: should a new cell phone appear under the tree, do you have any idea what to do with your old one? Recycle it, urges the Sierra Club. “Each year, 130 million cell phones are thrown out, weighing approximately 65,000 tons,” the club says on sierraclub.org. Staples accepts old phones for recycling on behalf of the Sierra Club.

Christmas cards: What do you do with them after the holidays? St. Jude’s Ranch for Children will take ‘em. For years now, the children have cut, trimmed and pasted the fronts onto new backings to sell. and it’s not just Christmas cards; the program accepts all general cards year-round. to send — or buy — call 877-977-7572 or stjudesranch.org. another idea — save the fronts to use as gift tags next year.

Rechargeable batteries: why is it Santa forgets batteries? But that’s OK, because there’s an array of the rechargeable type available now. so, instead of buying a battery for a single use, the batteries you buy now can be used over and over and over again. it might be smart to invest in a small stash — some come with a recharger — for Christmas morning.

Save the padding: This year’s gifts are going to arrive in either the Styrofoam bits or bubblewrap, and eventually, you’re going to need to send something special to someone. why buy new padding? find a nook in the garage, shed or whatnot closet to keep a box of these packing things you’ve received. It’s better than in a landfill.

Light on a bottle: The folks at Good Housekeeping suggest using empty bottles as candleholders; they become “holiday-ready candleholders with some silvery wrapping paper and lush green ribbons.”

Rocker bling: ever wonder what rockers do with their old guitar strings? some like Dolly Parton, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Riatt, Avril Lavigne and Bryan Adams turn them over to Wear your Music, which then handcrafts the

strings into bracelets. Profits from the sale of the wrist bling go to charities selected by the artist. Check wearyourmusic.org for your favorite musician.

Adopt-a-Rainforest: truly the gift for someone who has everything — a rainforest. Donations to this program of the Rainforest Alliance &

#104;elp support sustainable management of tropical forest lands throughout South and Central America. Contact rainforest-alliance.org/adopt for more information.

Recycle your tree: if you’re using artificial, no problem. But a real tree? The Sierra Club notes 98 percent of Christmas trees are grown on farms, so at least it’s not an ancient tree in your living room. Yet, some 10 million trees wind up in landfills after the yule. Earth911.com lists 17 sites that recycle Christmas trees in Marion and Alachua counties; check the website or call 800-CLEANUP.

Contact Rick Allen at rick.allen@starbanner.com.