So, let’s say you’ve been seeing a guy who you’re really interested in—I mean, really interested in—completely head over heels for. Let’s say you’re in need of a brand new, super fresh date idea. How about a coffee shop? Nope, did that on your second date. Maybe you go out to dinner? Wait—you two have already done that twice this week. Well, why not take a day trip to the city?

Maybe you’ve already embarked on quite a few dates with this dream man, and you are desperately in need of a new place to go. The city—even if it’s just for a simple day trip—is an exciting way to spend time together. It also can help you to learn more about each other than you had previously thought.

Philadelphia is a wonderful city to venture out to. This is, after all, the city of brotherly love. There are plenty of things to do here, especially if you decide to go to Center City. However, when it comes to dressing for a hot date in this fantastic city, there are a few things to consider.

First of all, while dressing for a hot date in Philadelphia, know this one valuable fact: Philadelphia was ranked in 9th place on the list of hipster cities in the entire country. For this date, you might need to think (and dress) like a hipster. Here are crucial hipster essentials:

• Those thick-rimmed black glasses
• A plaid shirt (over an iconic or ironic t-shirt, of course)
• Anything vintage (like a flower-patterned dress or something you found at a thrift shop)
• A pair of combat boots (totally popular right now)

Okay, so maybe the hipster look doesn’t tickle your fancy. No need to worry—the Rittenhouse Square is just around the corner.

The Rittenhouse Square is famous for being a super upscale area of Philadelphia. It has a ton of really nice shops, restaurants, and bars where you and your partner can visit. However, once you reach the Rittenhouse Square, you might notice a change in other people’s clothing. Most people in this part of the city are very well-dressed, so to fit in, you might as well wear the following:

• A nice sleeveless and solid colored dress
• A pair of sexy heels which won’t make you trip and fall (remember, you’ll be taking on a ton of walking)
• A long, warm coat (fur accents will make you appear fancier and ultimately ritzier)
• A clutch bag

As women, looking our best is a very important part of the dating process. Of course, if you want to spend a lazy day at your apartment with your boyfriend, you can definitely pull off the sweat pants and the camisole. But going out in public is another thing—especially if you haven’t been seeing the guy for that long. No matter what, you are beautiful, so dress up to impress him initially and then gradually work your way down. Your date in Philadelphia will be a truly exciting one.

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Every state in America has its own pride. Whether it’s the most passionate sports fans, the most fun outdoor adventures, or the tastiest milkshake – we all want to see our home at the top of the list. Chances are, you’ve clicked a few of these stories before, hoping to see how your home state or city ranked amongst the rest and chances are, you’ve been disappointed. Brace yourself. The results are in, and this time it’s not pretty. See where your home state ranks amongst the best looking in America.

1. Texas

When the stars at night are big and bright, the Lone Star state seriously shines. With the most placers on Travel & Leisure’s Most Attractive U.S. Cities list, the big southern boss takes the cake. So what is it? The dry warm air or the southern pride? Possibly, but the reason may take root even further down. As it turns out, hair transplants in Houston have been proven more successful than in many other American cities. Add that to the bright southern sun and plenty of outdoor activity, and metropolitan areas like Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Houston are fitter, tanner, and better looking than their counterparts.

2. California

We admit, we expected to see this state at number one, but it seems as though the wholesome Texas lifestyle might beat out the laid-back San Diego breeze. With all her starlets, Los Angeles is among the top for the cities, and the balmy beach weather seemingly necessitates tan, toned bodies. Northern California’s San Francisco ranks third of three in the state, but still helps the cause with a health-conscious crowd and lots of biking.

3. Tennessee

The charming home of country music, Nashville clocks in at number 6 on the list, undoubtedly boosting its points with a honky-tonking style. The big college towns across the state keep the average age low in comparison, while the other booming metro of Memphis landed just outside the top 25. How do they do it with all that sweet tea and barbecue? They dance a lot! Tennessee has some of the most popular spots for line and square dancing. So grab that partner, do-si-do and join the party.

4. Georgia

Talk about southern charm. The sleepy Spanish moss, grand columned buildings, lamp-post cobblestone streets – oh yes, and the people are pretty too. Savannah ranks at number 8 for most attractive cities among voters, helping out its cause big time with a first-place finish in best southern drawl. Not too far behind is the bigger, louder Atlanta with plenty of nightclubs and open-air cafes to keep everyone doing double-takes.

5. Florida

Possibly the most diametrically-opposed states in more ways than one, Florida was carried by MVP Miami, which notched first-place honors in T&L’s annual reader poll. The beaches, the night scene, the vibrant and colorful lifestyle – it all adds up to gorgeous people that simply love to have fun. Outside of Miami, the beach and sunshine rule once again – demanding fit bodies and tan skin, while supplying a healthy amount of vitamin D.

Where it All Counts

Clearly, warm weather helps when encouraging physical fitness, and sunshine works wonders for a pale face. But when we visit the Lone Star State, the difference in looks goes beyond skin-deep. The subconscious attraction to a fuller head of hair gives a major boost to Texans, seeing as many have hair transplants in Houston and other cities are not only very popular – they are very successful. Just ask the voters from this poll.

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Though it’s probably most popular in the summer months, bikini waxing is an effective way for women to keep themselves well-groomed and confident about their body throughout the year. However, even with its growing acceptance, many women are hesitant about jumping on the table and baring it all at the salon. With it being such an intimate and sensitive procedure, it’s important to know what to expect and understand exactly how a bikini wax goes down before you decide if it is, or isn’t, for you.

Know the Difference Between Waxing Styles

Not all bikini waxes are the same, so make sure you know which style you want and specify that to your esthetician. Keep in mind that versions of each style can vary from salon to salon, so be certain to find one that will be the most comfortable for your own personal taste.

A basic bikini wax allows you to keep your underwear on during the procedure and just removes the hair on your inner thigh that is found outside of your swimsuit lines. This is usually a good place to start for someone who has never experienced a bikini wax before. A full bikini wax gives more definition to the area by going in on the sides a little further than the basic and also shortens the hair on top. French bikini waxes are favored by those who prefer to be especially smooth but don’t want to be completely bare. This style leaves a strip in the front and stops before pulling out any hair in the back area. A Brazilian wax is reserved for the bravest of waxing patrons as it will leave you hairless from front to back.

Find an Esthetician You Can Relax With

Bikini waxing is an especially private experience for most women, so if you want to feel at ease during the procedure you must find an esthetician that you can be comfortable with. It’s normal to be nervous disrobing in front of a stranger, but it helps to remember that estheticians are trained professionals. Get recommendations from friends and family, and if it will comfort you, schedule a consultation where you can get a feel for the person that will be performing your wax. Be open and honest about your concerns and any allergies or particular sensitivities that you may have.

Be Wary of Unsanitary Salon Conditions

Just as with any public facility, your salon should be held to a high standard of cleanliness and you should have peace of mind knowing that all tools are sterilized. Keep an eye out for any esthetician that dips the same stick more than once into the pot of wax (known as double dipping). That same wax will be used on another client and is contaminated after double dipping occurs. If you schedule a consultation, this would be a good time to check things out and ask questions in regards to the salon’s sterilization and safety procedures.

Prepare Before Your Wax

In order to make your waxing experience as pleasant as possible, there are several things you need to do to prepare. Be sure to leave a substantial amount of hair growth for your appointment so that the wax may grab on to it, exfoliate the day before you are scheduled to see your esthetician, take a pain reliever and plan to wear soft underwear and clothing.

The Waxing Procedure

Each esthetician will probably have their own specific waxing procedure, but you can count on some basic steps wherever you go. Talcum powder will be applied to the area so the wax won’t attach itself to the skin. The wooden waxing stick is then dipped into the hot wax and spread over a patch of hair. A cloth will be pressed down firmly over the skin, hair and wax, and once the wax has cooled, the cloth will be ripped off in the opposite direction of hair growth, taking the unwanted hair with it. This is repeated until all the hair is removed that you desire.

After-Care Treatment

There will also be specific after-care instructions that your esthetician will go over with you to ensure minimal irritation and swelling and to prevent any infection from developing. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions that are given to you after your waxing session is complete.

Bikini waxing is a great alternative to shaving for those who want longer-lasting results and a smooth look and feel. If you follow these suggestions, you should have a great waxing experience.

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