New Mineral Make-Up Turns Cosmetics World on its Head

 

A California cosmetic company has introduced a breakthrough in mineral makeup. Formulated with natural, finely grounded minerals and powerful peptides, this new high-performance makeup created by RAW Natural Minerals provides flawless coverage while actuallyimproving the condition of skin over time.

Makeup with a purpose

Founder Christina Marcaccini, who has been featured inLucky, W, and SELF Magazine, created RAW Natural Minerals to fill a gap in the cosmetics market. She aimed to formulate a line that delivered beautiful color and youthful radiance while refining skin's texture, smoothing fine lines, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

RAW Natural Minerals has proven to be a highly-effective makeup with major skincare benefits. In an independent, 6-week clinical study of RAW Natural Minerals:
80 percent said their skin appeared more luminous.
79 percent said their skin appeared healthier and renewed.
74 percent saw improvement in lines and wrinkles within the first five minutes of application.
74 percent experienced an improvement in skin moisture.
71 percent said their skin appeared clearer.

The key to younger-looking skin

The key to RAW Natural Mineral's advanced performance is VitaFirm Complex. Rich in natural botanical peptides that have been proven to dramatically minimize the signs of aging, this innovative complex helps protect collagen to keep skin firm and tight. Pure plant extracts combine with these peptides to fill in facial lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and absorb excess oils.

According to the company, VitaFirm's moisture-boosting ingredients also give RAW Natural Minerals a distinct advantage over liquid makeup and powders. The lightweight minerals work to improve skin's elasticity and boost radiance with an ultra-hydrating texture that won't cake, crease, or dry skin out.

The solution for all skin types and tones

RAW Natural Minerals' natural, botanically-infused formula makes it ideal for all skin types. Mineral makeup is recommended by dermatologists for people with sensitive skin, rosacea and acne, because the ultra-fine powders allow skin to breath and won't clog pores. Many users say that RAW Natural Minerals is the first makeup to ever improve the condition of their skin.

Unlike some brands, RAW Natural Minerals comes with a shade match guarantee, delivering seamless coverage to all skin tones.

The company's website features an easy-to-use color-matching system that makes choosing the right shade simple.

Read the reviews

Don’t just take our word for it, read reviews from real Raw Natural Minerals customers on DermStore.com, the #1 online destination for skin care and beauty. To introduce more customers to this brand, DermStore.com is currently offering Raw Natural Minerals at a highly discounted price. The special introductory offer includes:

Two, Customizable Mineral Foundations
Richly-pigmented, natural tones designed for seamless blending.
Provides full, even coverage of imperfections and discolorations, without the need for concealer.

One, Active Veil SPF 18
Sheer, translucent minerals help set foundation.
Provides an all-day flawless finish.

Plus, you’ll receive a free gift of three, high-performance makeup brushes and one Mineral Glow --a multi-tasking bronzer, eye shadow, and highlighter all in one.

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep - Every Night

 

Sleep problems are among the most widespread and devastating issues afflicting Americans. Some 75 million people have trouble sleeping in this country.

It’s rarely in the news; however, its effects cast a pall on many lives, and the individual costs and economic impact are huge.

Numerous research studies have shown that insufficient sleep contributes to a decreased ability to focus and concentrate, lower productivity, a weakened immune system, as well difficulty managing anger.

There is no single cause of sleeping problems. The condition has been linked to a variety of potential triggers including stress, insufficient exercise, and poor diet.

But, if you happen to be one of those people that has trouble getting a good night’s sleep--you’re probably less interested in why it’s happening that in simply finding a way to start sleeping properly again.

Researchers have long known of various natural ingredients that people have historically used to help improve their sleep. However, as with many natural approaches, people have been on their own to figure out what works and how to get it.

Now however, a Cambridge, Mass company called Peak Life has introduced Somnapure, a new, non-habit forming sleep aid that contains an optimum mix of natural ingredients. These include proven elements many people are already familiar with, such as melatonin and valerian extract. It also includes ingredients that are not as familiar, but which also have scientifically proven benefits for helping people fall asleep and stay asleep. These include L-theanine, lemon balm, hops extract, chamomile flower, and passion flower.

Each ingredient and its proportional dosage was carefully targeted to provide a product that helps both the body and the brain to quickly relax and fall asleep, and then maintain a deep, high-quality sleep throughout the night.

But, what’s most impressive, according to researchers at the company is how you feel when waking up after using the product. Users report feeling completed refreshed, with no groggy residue.

If sleep problems are casting a pall over your life, and you’re looking for a smart way to get your sleep time back--this may just be worth a try.

And, for new customers, Somnapure is currently giving away a free 14 day trial. (You just pay shipping).

Many people have resigned themselves to living with the negative consequences of a lack of sleep and they have forgotten how wonderful life can feel when the body is fully rested. That’s why a product like this has the power to literally change lives, and their free sample makes it remarkably easy to give it a try.

Why Most Shampoos Are a Waste of Money

 

It’s the dirty little secret that shampoo manufacturers don’t want you to know. Most of the money spent on expensive shampoos full of fancy natural ingredients is completely wasted. “Washed down the drain” would be another way of putting it.

That’s because the ingredients in most shampoos don’t penetrate the hair shaft or, more importantly the hair follicle. They simply slide off and rinse out. Why is that? Well, it turns out it’s all about the molecules. You see, the size of the nutrient molecules in shampoo is simply too large to penetrate the hair and follicle, so they just cling to the hair shaft until they are washed away. They may leave your hair smelling good for a while, but they won’t be able to give you hair that actually grows stronger, thicker and shinier.

Over the past few years, billions of dollars have been spent on new anti-aging breakthroughs for skin, resulting in miracle products like Botox. Unfortunately, breakthroughs of this kind have been lacking in the field of hair care. Until now, that is. Finally, hair care companies are taking a high-tech approach toward product development. Rather than simply adding more exotic and expensive ingredients, they are actually developing new ways of cleansing and conditioning hair.

One company that has recently achieved a significant breakthrough is called Kronos. This California manufacturer has developed a series of products that use tiny microscopic spheres so small that they penetrate hair follicles and deliver nutrients to where they’re needed most. They call it “T-SFERE Technology”.

Once they had figured out how to get nutrients into the hair follicle and shaft, they turned their attention to formulating ingredients that targetted the most significant signs of damaged hair. They utilized the T-SFERE delivery system to deliver powerful ingredients that specifically target these problems:
Thinning hair that lacks volume
Dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair
Limp lackluster hair
Damaged hair with split ends
Hair with poor color retention

Usually, the results promised by beauty products are highly subjective. However, hard clinical studies of Kronos’ effectiveness have shown remarkable results. The system was shown to boost hair volume and body by an unprecedented 96%, increase hair hydration by 91%, improve luster and shine by 96%, reduce split ends and breakage by 96%, and virtually eliminate color fading for up to four weeks.

Already, Kronos has become one of the most talked-about hair care systems out there. It was recently featured on the Today show and was rated the #1 Overnight Hair Treatment product by The Good Housekeeping Institute.

If you feel like it’s time to stop wasting your money on fancy shampoos and conditioners, perhaps you’re ready to try Kronos. The product is not yet available at retail locations, but it can be ordered online, exclusively through Dermstore.com. They’re offering special introductory discounted Kronos Shampoo and Conditioner kits to new customers so consumers can see the results for themselves before deciding whether or not they want to purchase Kronos products at full price.

Web cam sex: the experimental girl’s guide

Whether you're camera shy or camera confident, slowly and seductively peeling your clothes back in front of a lens can feel utterly unnatural and forced. Thanks to web cams having ‘sex' over the internet or at least partaking in some virtual bedroom fun is now the saviour for long distance relationships. "The great thing about using a web cam is that it already plays on the voyeurism of a strip show but you get to control what's seen," says burlesque dancer Kitten De Ville. "With a web cam you can move out of shot and just have one leg in view." To help you star in your own Skype sex strip show Kitten and burlesque teacher, Sharon Kay, share their stripping expertise.

SEE HOW TO BE CONFIDENT IN BED

Prep, preen and pamper
For movement inspiration, Kitten advises against watching striptease acts on the internet: "Don't try and recreate someone else's moves," she says. "Watch yourself in the mirror, play about and see where it goes, practice before you call your boyfriend and do what feels good for you. That is what being sexy is."

When the time comes, set your scene and stage accordingly. "Be careful of your position, if you sit down make sure your posture is good," adds Kitten.  You'll also need to be aware of lighting, you want to transform your room into something glamorous. Create mood lighting with candles and fairy lights, or use amber light bulbs which are ultra-flattering.

Before you can start you need to feel like a burlesque star and look the part too! Kitten suggests you "take time to pamper yourself and create a sexual image, with false eyelashes and red lipstick. Put on simple things like stockings, a pretty bra and knickers, anything else that can help change your attitude." As you start transforming, Kitten promises you'll notice and change in your sexual energy and you'll feel more confident too. 

SEE EXPERIMENTAL SEX TIPS

Ready, set and strip
If you're battling your blushes, have a glass of wine before turning the web cam on, and of course, it goes without saying you should check your man is sitting solo in front of his computer. Starting off is the hardest part, so what does Kitten suggest your first move be? "Put on some music, take off a bra strap and play with it, cross and uncross your legs to show a bit of flesh and see what your boyfriend's reaction is. If you get stuck roll a dice and for odd numbers you take something off even numbers your man takes something off."

Once you're into a gorgeous groove, start using props, "Play with blankets or pillows and use them to block a view. Straddle a chair, remove your bra and let the back of the chair block your chest," says Kitten. If your show is spontaneous and you're wearing pyjama bottoms there's no excuses for not being sexy. "Run your hands down your bottom, and curve your bum as you pull them down."

Halfway through you may find you run out of ideas, have a sudden crisis of confidence or get the giggles if your man hasn't already. Instead of trying to be more serious Sharon says do the opposite, "You need to be over the top to overcome those feelings and work twice as hard to be more flamboyant, not less." And that sentiment should carry on throughout the entire show, "For the parts of your body you're not as confident about, make more of them. If it's your bum, swing your hips more to emphasise things."

The best part of using a web cam is that you can turn it off when you've finished your strip show and keep your man guessing, or take things further. Or even seductively put your clothes back on as Kitten suggests. To make sure you perform a perfect show, Sharon says you need to respond to the reaction of your audience and make sure you act accordingly, while Kitten's number one rule is not to take things seriously, have fun and play up to it."

How to flirt on Twitter

If only Liz Hurley and Shane Warne had spoken to Cosmo before their Twitter flirt began... Last month Liz tweeted Shane, "Sammy sends you a special lick and says he'd like to put his silky head on your shoulder." And the euphemisms didn't stop there, when Shane tweeted before he went on a ride, Liz tweeted: "@Shane888 Oooooh, I love scary rides-remember to scream if u want to go faster!" Two marriage split announcements (via Twitter) later and the pair are rumoured to be together but if you prefer a more private blossoming to your romance then read on.  Keyboards/pads at the ready it's time to flirt in the virtual world...

READ COSMO'S FLIRTING TIPS

A is for attracting, adding and @tting
In the real world the meet-to-flirt time frame is much longer but tech-savvy girls will have googled, facebooked and read the Twitter pages of their new crush within 24 hours. If you can restrain yourself, try and wait at least a day before adding him on Facebook or Tweeting him. Remember the same dating rules apply online as they do off, just as you wouldn't text a guy an hour after meeting don't tweet him that quickly either.

From meet to tweet
The man you want to start a virtual flirt with will be fit that's a given, but even if you haven't witnessed the fitness in person you will need to have something in common be it a mutual friend or both tweeting about a trending topic. In other words you need to find another excuse to strike up conversation other than you think he's hot. If nothing else it should stop you looking like a stalker and also give you something to bounce off and allow the banter to begin...

Butter fingers
When in the heat of flirty exchanges it can be easy to type before you think - especially when you want to appear quick-witted. But if you're being suggestive or downright saucy remember to DM or message on Facebook - don't post publicly. And it goes without saying to read your messages before you send them, with the flash of a finger sec can be sex and you may not want to say that just yet...

Content management
Not sure what to tweet or post on his wall? If you've followed point two then you should already have something to chat about, but saying something clever, concise and flirty in 140 characters or as a few lines on Facebook isn't as easy as it sounds. Whatever you write though, make sure it's something you'd be happy for your parents to read, however clever you think your euphemisms are, everyone else will get it too.

Creative content
Struggling for something sexy to say? Pictures speak louder than words so follow Twitter pros Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore's lead and post a series of pictures to each other. You could include captions and ask questions such as - "Do you like what I'm wearing?" to get a response. 

Is it cruel to dump somebody by phone?

Being dumped is a lot like having a Brazilian wax: the quicker they do it the better... and what quicker way than by phone?

Having experienced both sides of the phone break-up debate first-hand, I think I have the right to defend it. Okay, so it might be the easy option for the dumper ("sorry, you think I'm a what? Oh dear, looks like my battery's about to die..."). But on the flipside it also offers the least amount of inconvenience to the dumpee. Plus of course, they have the option to hang up if they can't be arsed to listen to those pointless "it's not you, it's me" witterings. 

A few years ago I decided it was time to end my relationship with Danny*. We were due to meet in a bar with some friends later that night so I decided I would meet him beforehand to do the deed. But sensing the nervousness in my voice he insisted I told him there and then from the comfort of his bath where he was enjoying a pre-bar soak and a glass of wine. That way he could drown his sorrows (not himself) without having to see my face ever again. It was perfect!

So, when I was dumped by phone myself just recently I couldn't understand why my mates thought it was such a big deal. Pete* and I had been seeing each other for a few months and the relationship was clearly going nowhere. Given that the only reasons I could think of to stay with him were his dress sense, beard and love of Masterchef, I knew it was time to call it a day but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So when I received a missed call from him first thing on a Thursday morning I was hopeful that he was about to do the job for me. 

"So I was just wondering if you wanted to meet up to have a chat about us?" he said tentatively. 
"Um, nah, let's just do it on the phone," I said. 
"Really?" He couldn't believe his luck. Neither could I. Within seconds we were both single. You could feel the waves of relief beaming their way up and down the line.

Of course, had he invited me over to do the deed, the story would have been very different. He'd probably have made me a cup of tea and then I'd have felt obliged to stay until I'd finished it by which point I would have caved in to the temptation to ask one of those stupid self-destructive questions, like "why?". This would then have escalated into a full-blown slanging match and character assassination culminating in me having to schlep all the way home again and waste good money on a bus fare. What a palaver. 
Having said that, while I'm a big fan of remote rejection I do draw the line at Twitter.
 
MARS
My worst relationship as a dumper was phone related and it still fills me with shame.

I'd been seeing Jackie* on and off for a few weeks and it had all been rolling along nicely. We'd done the movie thing (she'd only talked once so pretty much full points) and we'd done the night round hers thing (same tastes in music, similar love of trash television and a great kisser).

But come the second month, I started to get irked. Another trip to the movies didn't go as well, her love of trash telly turned out to be something of a fudge and her smoking in bed drove me quietly nuts. 

I could feel myself preparing my exit strategy. So off the back of a row we'd had the night before, I decided to slip out quietly on the Sunday morning while she was still sleeping. If I was lucky I'd make it home in time for the start of the cricket.

I'd been back about an hour when the phone rang.
"Oh, what are you doing there?"
Now as you know, multi-tasking is not one of Mars' strongest points. Just concentrate on one thing at a time, deal with it, tick it off, then onto the next. And right then I was watching the cricket. Wickets were tumbling, England were suddenly gaining the upper hand. 

But in my right ear I'd got her asking me to give a complete breakdown of the reasons why things weren't working out between us. Of course I could have mentioned her criticising the movie, I might have said something about her tutting at the telly, I could even have mentioned the bloody smoking. But I didn't want to get into all that.

"There has to be a reason. Tell me. Tell me what's changed?"
Half my brain was screaming, ‘Tell her you hate her lighting up the second she wakes up.' But the other half was going, ‘Quick! You're  missing the cricket. There's only ten minutes till lunch.' 

I needed the conversation to finish quickly - and finally - so I took a deep breath and dived off the top board.
"Well, I do usually go for girls who are a bit bigger."
"What?"
"In the breast department."
I know. I know. It pains me even to type it. And it wasn't true. It was the bloody smoking but I didn't want to get into a long discussion about that. This, on the other hand, I thought, was impossible to argue with. There was nothing she could do about it. Breasts too small. Not her fault. End of story.
 And it was. She hung up, I got to watch the rest of the day's play in blissful silence and then started life again as a singleton feeling like a complete louse. 

Marriage and Family

The family remains central to US society, and more than half of unmarried adults between the ages of 18 and 24 still live with their parents. Even so, the American family has changed considerably in recent decades. Today only about one-quarter of all households consist of a traditional nuclear family, and more than half of all households have no children. One out of every four children is born out of wedlock, and there has been a large increase in the number of single-parent families. Almost 45.9 per cent (1996) of all working Americans are women. In many households where both the husband and wife work outside the home, men are expected to share household duties. Men have also been playing an increasing role in raising their children. With both parents working, the use of, and need for, day care facilities are increasing; this is especially true for single-parent families. Among the growing proportion of the elderly population, many prefer to live in their own homes and maintain their independence. Those who cannot care for themselves may live in retirement communities or other institutions, or with their adult children. However, extended families are not common in the US. The US family is more mobile than in many other societies. It is common to move from one region of the country to another for education, employment, or simply a change of climate and scenery. Some people may move 15 times or more during a lifetime. Although many couples choose to live together before, or instead of, marriage, the marriage rate is one of the highest in western societies-but the divorce rate is also the world's highest. Weddings vary in style according to religion, region, ethnic origins, and wealth. Both religious and secular people may be legally authorized to perform weddings. The average age for marriage is 26 for men and 24 for women.

Diet and Eating Americans eat a lot of fast food such as hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken, but their diet embraces an enormous range of foods from all over the world. Staples include potatoes, pasta, breads, and rice prepared with a variety of sauces. In the past two decades, eating habits have changed as people have become more health conscious, but many Americans continue to eat red meat (beef in particular) as well as pork, and chicken and other fowl. People visiting the US for the first time are often amazed at the size of the steaks and other portions of food served in restaurants. Fresh fish and seafood are widely available on the coasts and near major rivers and lakes, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit is available year-round. An extensive food-distribution system makes fresh farm products available to all parts of the country. Americans also consume large amounts of chocolate, ice cream, and other forms of confectionery. Although beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are available and popular in most areas, many Americans abstain from alcohol for health or religious reasons, and various kinds of mineral water are commonly available. Eating styles and habits vary between people of different backgrounds, but Americans generally eat with the fork in the hand with which they write. A knife is used for cutting and spreading; otherwise, it is laid on the plate or table. Fast foods, such as chips, fried chicken, hamburgers, pizza, and tacos, tend to be eaten with the fingers. In general, table manners are casual, although it is traditionally considered impolite to rest elbows on the table. There is a significant difference between what people may do at home or in a fast-food restaurant, and how they act in a more formal restaurant. Because both parents often work outside the home, some Americans are less likely to sit down as a family to eat once the children are older and able to prepare their own food or serve themselves. Socializing Both men and women usually smile and shake hands when greeting. Good friends and family members may embrace when they meet, especially after a long absence. In casual situations, a wave may be used instead of a handshake. Americans may greet strangers on the street by saying "Hello" or "Good morning", although they may pass without any greeting. Among young people, verbal greetings or various hand-slapping gestures, such as the "high five", are common. Except in formal situations, people usually address one another by their first names once they are acquainted, and often do so on first meeting. Combining a title (such as "Mrs.", "Dr.", or "Ms.") with a family name shows respect. When greeting someone for the first time, Americans commonly say, "Pleased to meet you" or "How do you do?". A simple "Hello" or "Hi" is also common. There are regional variations such as "Aloha" in Hawaii or "Howdy" in parts of the West. Friends often greet each other with "How are you?" and respond "Fine, thanks". Americans do not usually expect any further answer to the question unless there is a close relationship. Americans do not generally stand very close to each other when conversing, keeping about arm's length apart. However, they may spontaneously touch one another on the arm or shoulder during conversation. It is common for couples to hold hands or show affection in public. When sitting, both men and women are often casual when circumstances allow, and they may prop their feet up on chairs or place the ankle of one leg on the knee of the other. In more formal settings, however, it is often considered inappropriate to slouch or be too casual in demeanor. Visiting friends, family, and acquaintances plays a big part of social life in the United States, and people will travel long distances by car, bus, train, or aeroplane to do so. People are generally expected to be on time for appointments or when they are invited to someone's home. However, if a guest is late, Americans will rarely take offence if the visitor has called in advance to inform them of the delay. In general, the emphasis during visits is on informality. Guests are expected to feel comfortable, to sit where they like, and to enjoy themselves. It usually does not cause offence if a guest refuses refreshments. Gifts are not expected when visiting, but many guests bring flowers or wine when invited for a meal. Close friends may offer, or be asked, to bring an item of food to serve with the meal. Recreation Baseball, basketball, American football, and ice hockey are the most popular spectator and participation sports, but Americans enjoy an enormous range of activities, including soccer, cycling, racket-ball (a hybrid of squash and handball), tennis, swimming, golf, bowling, martial arts, walking, jogging, and aerobic exercise. Schools, cities, and other organizations sponsor team sports for the young, and professional sports are an important part of the culture. In general, most Americans spend a large amount of their leisure time socializing or watching television. Other leisure activities include going to the cinema or concerts, picnicking, and travelling. Many Americans volunteer for a wide range of causes, from raising funds to help those who are less fortunate to tutoring students or leading Scout troops and youth sports. Even city dwellers enjoy spending time in the "great outdoors", camping, hiking, or hunting. Holidays and Celebrations National holidays in January include New Year's Day (1 January) and the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This holiday, which is observed on the third Monday in January, honours the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. Because Abraham Lincoln's birthday is on 12 February and George Washington's birthday is on 22 February, Americans honour these two presidents, and others, on Presidents' Day, which occurs the third Monday in February. Many Americans celebrate Easter (in either March or April) by going to church and getting together with their family and friends. Children often go on Easter-egg hunts to search for hidden dyed eggs and other treats. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. It honours those who have given up their lives in defence of their country during wartime. The Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, picnics, and outdoor barbecues. Also known as Independence Day, this holiday celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the American colonies separated from Great Britain and formed the US. On the first Monday in September, many Americans take a day off work to mark Labor Day. Trade unions initiated this holiday to commemorate the achievement of improved labour conditions and a shorter working day. Columbus Day (honouring the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on 12 October 1492) is now observed on the second Monday in October, although in recent years Native Americans and others have protested against the celebration of this day. Veterans' Day (11 November) honours those who gave their lives for their country during World Wars I and II. On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. The origin of this holiday is associated with the Pilgrims, who settled in New England in the early 1600s and shared a feast with members of the indigenous Wampanoag people. These days, Thanksgiving is celebrated by sharing an elaborate dinner, often including turkey and several other dishes, with family and friends. The Christmas season often begins the day after Thanksgiving. Many people take this day off work to begin their Christmas shopping. During the month of December, Americans traditionally decorate their homes with a Christmas tree, colourful lights, and wreaths. They send greetings cards to their friends and family, sing Christmas carols, and shop for gifts. On Christmas Eve (24 December), children traditionally hang stockings by the fireplace for Santa Claus, whom they believe will come down the chimney during the night and leave presents for them. Christmas Day (25 December) is celebrated as both a religious and secular holiday. Many Americans who are practising Christians go to church on this day to honour the birth of Jesus. Many Americans also celebrate Christmas by joining their family or friends to exchange gifts, share a meal, drink egg-nog, and observe other traditions, which may vary according to region or family heritage. There are also special days that, while not official holidays, are still widely observed. Groundhog Day (2 February) is a rural tradition that claims if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on that day and sees its shadow, it will go back inside and there will be six more weeks of winter. On Saint Valentine's Day (14 February), sweethearts and friends give each other greetings cards, flowers, and chocolates to show their affection. Saint Patrick's Day (17 March), the feast day of the Irish patron saint, is celebrated by Irish Americans with parades, parties, and the wearing of the colour green. Mothers' Day (the second Sunday in May) and Fathers' Day (the third Sunday in June) are days for children to give greetings cards and gifts to their parents, and to perhaps prepare them a special meal, or help around the house. Flag Day (14 June) celebrates the adoption of the US flag in 1777. Halloween (31 October) has its roots in ancient British autumn festivals for warding off evil spirits and celebrating the harvest; in the US it is a night for children to dress up, often as ghosts or witches, and go from door to door asking for sweets. Many Jewish people in the US observe the High Holy Days, which begin in September or October (according to the lunar calendar) with Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and end with Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), a day of confession, repentance, and prayers for the forgiveness of sins committed during the year. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in December by many Jews. Gifts are exchanged and a special ceremony is conducted around a candelabrum, called a menorah, with nine candles. The number of candles lit each day corresponds to the particular day of the eight day festival-for example, five candles are lit on the fifth day. The ninth candle is used to light the others. While the candles burn, songs are sung and games are played. The main holiday months are from June to early September, when the schools take their summer break. Many US workers get only two weeks of paid holiday a year, much less than most Europeans.