The foyer conveys the first impression of a home's interior. Center a traditional chandelier, contemporary pendant, or transitional close-to-ceiling fixture in your hallway to provide basic illumination and create a welcoming atmosphere. Make your artwork come to life and illuminate it with halogen light from track or adjustable recessed down-lighting. Mirrors also add a special decorative touch to a foyer. Not all foyers can accommodate a large chandelier, so make sure the size proportions are correct. Likewise, if you have a larger space, you'll need a larger fixture. If you'll be able to view the fixture from above, make sure to select a foyer chandelier or pendant that looks attractive from second story viewing. To prevent accidents, stairs should be lit from top to bottom with switches in both places. For safety in hallways, place lighting fixtures every 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0m). Tie in the fixtures you choose by matching your foyer chandelier or pendant with close-to-ceiling fixtures for hallways and smaller chain hung fixtures for stairways. Always mount a sconce above eye level (approximately 66" from the center of the fixture to the floor) so that the lamp source is not visible.

Summary: Use lighting and decoration for a first impression. Make sure to size the decorative fixture to the space. Remember that stairways and halls must have good general lighting for safety. Use matching wall sconces to complement the hanging foyer fixture.

If your stretch marks worry or concern you, your doctor may be able to recommend an effective treatment. Tell your doctor how long you've had stretch marks, what the likely cause of your stretch marks was, and what you expect from treatment. You might also need medical treatment if your stretch marks are inflamed or cause discomfort. Many treatments that minimize the appearance of stretch marks can harm your baby. Your doctor will be able to tell you if a treatment is safe for you to use. Retinoids, in particular, can be harmful to babies. However, these treatments are generally only available by prescription. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor likely won't prescribe them. Also ask your doctor about over-the-counter treatments. Some herbs, including centella asiatica, are also potentially harmful to your baby. Large, dark stretch marks can be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by having too much cortisol. This is particularly likely if you haven't recently experienced rapid weight loss or gain, or if in addition to the stretch marks you have any of the following symptoms: Fat on your chest and tummy, but relatively thin arms and legs Fat around the back of your neck and your shoulders A rounded face that's frequently red and puffy Retinoid creams can be effective at treating stretch marks, particularly new stretch marks, because they boost elastin and collagen production. Typically, your doctor will write a prescription for the cream and you apply it to your stretch marks daily at home for about 16 weeks. Read the application instructions carefully. Retinoid creams can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Limit sun exposure or cover the area during the treatment period. Dermatologists use several different procedures that can make your stretch marks look less noticeable, although they likely won't get rid of them completely. A board-certified dermatologist can examine your stretch marks and recommend the procedure that would work best for you. Procedures dermatologists use include: Chemical peel: removes top layer of damaged skin; encourages skin regeneration Laser therapy: smooths stretch mark skin; typically requires several treatments Microdermabrasion: exfoliates the outer layer of the skin Radiofrequency: high-frequency electrical energy shrinks stretch marks Ultrasound: micro focused ultrasound vibrates skin cells to improve circulation The only way to permanently remove stretch marks is through plastic surgery, typically a tummy tuck. However, only stretch marks located on the skin that's removed will go away any stretch marks anywhere else would remain the same. Other procedures, including laser surgery, can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Your plastic surgeon may recommend several procedures at once, particularly if you were previously pregnant. These packages are typically referred to as a "mommy makeover."

Summary: Visit your doctor if you have widespread or excessive stretch marks. Seek medical approval for treatments if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Get tested for Cushing's syndrome if you have large, dark stretch marks. Ask your doctor about a prescription for a retinoid medication. Consult a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment. Talk to a plastic surgeon if you want to remove your stretch marks.

These shears are very versatile, and are able to cut about 40-70% of hair off in a few quick cuts. They can be used to add a level of texture, or naturally blend different levels of your hair. There are generally 25 teeth on this particular type of shear. If you have especially thick hair to cut, these are great. However, they can be difficult to use and leave holes in the cut, so only use them for very thick hair. They can take big chunks out at once (40-80%), and can cut through thicker hair than a standard pair of shears. These even work best with curly hair, which is hard to cut with normal scissors. These shears have about 7-15 teeth on them. They remove much less hair than the other two pairs of shears. This is a great pair of shears to go back over your hair after you have already made a pass with the standard shears. They give your hair a softer, lived in look. However, you will have to make more passes with these shears, as they take so little off. Most, if not all shears, are stainless steel. However, shears with an adjustable screw can make all the difference in the world. If you find that the tension is off, then the screw allows you to adjust it.
Summary: Buy a pair of blending and texturizing shears. Add chunking shears to your array of scissors. Get a pair of finishing shears. Find shears with adjustable screws.