Historical Clothing Realm Takes on "The Tudors" Regal Renaissance Wear

The very name of the Tudor Dynasty brings to mind power, scandal… and fashion? Thanks to the Emmy-winning Showtime show "The Tudors," the elaborate clothing styles of the Renaissance have caught the attention of the modern public eye. Costuming vendor Historical Clothing Realm has drawn inspiration from this stylish series with a line of Tudor wear fit for royalty.

Costume designer Joan Bergin has won 3 Emmy awards for her work on "The Tudors." Her wardrobe designs seek to incorporate modern twists into the Tudor style, making the costumes historical but accessible to contemporary audiences. Henry VIII's costumes, for example, were inspired both by h women's jackets istorical journals and by rock stars like Bono or the Rolling Stones to give Henry that imperial "bad boy" look. The King often dresses in brocade jerkins, black velvet hats, sleeveless leather vests, and lush fur capes. HCR borrows from this style in an array of Tudor menswear:

•     King Henry Red Royal Cape: This piece combines rich cardinal with deep black and is trimmed in burnished faux fur.
•     King Henry Courtly Pants: These knee britches feature a satin-like finish, a button front, and a lace-up back and laced calves.

Any reference to Tudor history brings to mind Henry VIII's six wives, some of whom suffered divorce and even execution at his hands. Bergin made use of her ample budget to create unforgettable renaissance gowns for these historical women. A particularly memorable ensemble was made for the character of Anne Boleyn. The silk dress Anne wears at her coronation features a 150-year-old panel of molten silver silk, and her pearls, which were loaned to the show, cost an estimated $65,000. The outfit was so expensive that a bodyguard was hired especially to monitor the pieces on set.

Historical Clothing Realm offers a collection of gowns inspired by Henry's royal wives:

•     Lady Jane Dress: This gown is inspired by Jane Seymour, the only queen to give Henry a son. It's made of a rich burgundy cotton velvet accented with hand-beaded gold trim. The sleeves feature sheer netting and decorative burgundy bows.
•     Queen Anne Gown: Inspired by the infamous Anne Boleyn who was beheaded by her husband the King, this dress is made of black brocade with silver trimmed borders. A lace-up back and slashed half-sleeves add to the detailed work on this cotton velvet gown.

"The Tudors" so captured the elegance of the Renaissance that Bergin's costumes were loaned to the Museum of the Mary Rose, one of Henry VIII's favorite ships, located at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards. For those seeking museum-worthy Renaissance pieces, Historical Clothing Realm seeks to follow in the footsteps of "The Tudors," combining historical precision with modern inspiration.

See the full selection at Historical Clothing Realm's website: http://www.historicalclothingrealm.com/

K&G Fashion Superstore Announces Exclusive Partnership with Blair Underwood. Blair Underwood Named as Spokesperson of K&G Retail Chain

K&G Fashion Superstore and Blair Underwood, accomplished actor and Broadway performer, have announced a partnership wherein he will represent the retail chain as its spokesperson. The partnership was recently confirmed with plans to launch a local broadcast advertising campaign featuring Underwood on August 20.

"As the founder and public spokesperson for the Men's Wearhouse, I can truly appreciate the contribution Blair Underwood is making to K&G in this new role," said George Zimmer, Executive Chairman of the Board at Men's Wea women's coats rhouse, the parent company of K&G Fashion Superstore. "We've had the opportunity to work closely with Blair as we developed his BU clothing line, and we recognized that his warm personality, impressive fashion sense, and ongoing commitment to give back to the community exemplify the K&G brand."

Last year, K&G Fashion Superstore launched the exclusive BU Collection — a premier line of men's tailored suits. The current collection includes two- and three-button, 100% wool three-piece suits and complementary dress shirts and ties. K&G Fashion Superstore plans to expand the line and introduce new BU-branded merchandise and accessories in 2013.
Underwood selected K&G Fashion Superstore to launch the line because of its proven track record of bringing well-made designer clothing to the public at affordable prices. With the new advertising campaign, featuring Underwood and the tagline, "It's time 2 BU," K&G Fashion Superstore will bring consumers a multidimensional fashion experience, from in-store to online, which highlights the store's wide assortment of brand-name pieces to help shoppers express their own personal style.

K&G storefronts will feature images of Underwood from the new campaign, as will the K&G Fashion Superstore website, KGstores.com. Consumers will be able to interact with top looks found online through a custom BU tab found on the brand's Facebook page beginning August 20. Fans will also receive fun facts about Underwood and the campaign through the BU tab, creating a sharable social experience.

Fans of K&G Fashion Superstore on Facebook will be able to enter a sweepstakes to win a $250 K&G gift card through a social contest from August 20 — September 4, 2012.

About K&G Fashion Superstore
With over 95 locations in 25 states, K&G Fashion Superstore offers quality brand-name and private-label men's, women's, and children's clothing, shoes, and accessories at discounted prices. K&G's value-oriented superstore approach offers first-quality, current-season merchandise comparable to that of traditional department and specialty stores. K&G's merchandising strategy emphasizes an assortment of styles and labels across all major categories, from tailored clothing to casual wear in sizing from petite to big & tall. For more on K&G, visit KGstores.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KGfashion. Twitter: https://twitter.com/KGfashion.
About Men's Wearhouse

Founded in 1973, Men's Wearhouse is one of North America's largest specialty retailers of men's apparel, with 1,162 stores. The Men's Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of men's designer, brand name, and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings, and accessories and, Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores carry a limited selection. Most K&G stores carry a full selection of women's apparel. Tuxedo rentals are available in the Men's Wearhouse, Moores, and Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores. Additionally, Men's Wearhouse operates a global corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Twin Hill in the United States and Dimensions and Alexandra in the United Kingdom. For additional information on Men's Wearhouse, please visit the company's websites at http://www.menswearhouse.com, http://www.kgstores.com.

Bella Notte Linens, a Designer Bedding Company, Announces Deadline for Christmas Delivery

The luxury bedding company Bella Notte Linens will continue to take orders throughout the year as usual; however, to ensure a delivery by Christmas orders must be received by Bella Notte Linens by October 15th, 2012.

Bella Notte Linens is a custom luxury linen company with hundred of combinations between their 28 fabric collections and 17 expertly designed colors. Each piece of bedding linens is custom made and dyed upon order, guaranteeing the highest quality available to fashion jackets customers. All of Bella Notte Linens' luxury linens may be purchased individually in order to create a one of a kind bed that is completely unique.

Earlier this summer, Bella Notte Linens announced the addition of 5 new fabric collections, each with multiple pieces, and 2 new hues to add to their designer color palette. All of Bella Notte's luxury bedding comes in all of their beautiful colors to suit any home decor or for creating and designing inspired rooms. The new collections by Bella Notte Linens are Amalie, Betty, Chesapeake, Davenport and Loulah. These luxury bedding collections range from soft, washed linens to lush, decorative velvets and everything in between. The 2 new colors for the year are Perfect Peach and Bordeaux, both looking exactly as one would think.

TheGardenGates.com is a top retailer of Bella Notte Linens as well as other home decor products including home fragrances, furniture, lighting and more. The online lifestyle boutique is also home to outdoor decor and patio furniture, women's clothing and jewelry and artwork by local New Orleanians.

Be Present Launches Piece-Dyed Collection

Denver-based yoga clothing company, be present, is bringing a collection of brand new women's dyed tops into its Fall 2012 line. This marks the first season that not only these styles have been seen from be present, but also the method by which they are dyed.

The Piece-Dyed Collection includes four ne fashion coats online w tops for women: a full-zip hooded sweatshirt, a U-neck Modal? tee and a Modal? blended tank. These items are dyed after the knitting process and each is done individually, by hand. This process by which the tops are dyed mean each item is unique and one-of-a-kind. Two dye patterns are available in each of the four new styles: ombre and stripe.

The word ombre comes from the French word meaning "to shade." This is a dip dye effect that shades the garment, with one color graduating into another. be present is offering two variations of ombre shades in each of the four styles. Flamingo fades into Currant in one variation and Burnt Orange fades into Chocolate in the other.

The striped dye pattern is available in Seaweed & Ink and Red & Currant. All of the tops have thick, alternating colors running the entire length of the garment.

All Fall styles, including the new piece-dyed collection are will be available for retail sale on the company's website, http://www.bepresent.com with new selections added daily. Wholesale orders are currently being taken for the new line as well. be present suggests all wholesale inquiries be directed to wholesale(at)bepresent(dot)com.

be present, clothing for the yoga lifestyle, was established in Colorado in 2002 by Amy Lopatin Dobrin and Jon Dobrin. All be present clothing is proudly made in the USA. The brand remains at the forefront of the yoga apparel industry, continually designing clothing that is original and functional.

The Newly Relocated evo Seattle Store Opens Its Door and You’re Invited

evo, Seattle's leading retailer of action sports gear and fashion apparel, announced it has opened the doors to its newly relocated Seattle store at 3500 Stone Way N. Seattle, WA 98103, in The Fremont Collective Building. It is time to celebrate!

Media Day: Thursday, November 8, 2012 | Community Day: Saturday November 10, 2012

On Thursday, November 8, 2012, evo invites members of the media to evo Seattle for a store tour with evo Founder Bryce Phillips, evo President & CEO Atsuko Tamura, and/or new Director of Retail and New Store Development, Jerry Chevassus. There will also be a live art demonstration by local celebrity artist Jeff "Weirdo" Jacobson who will be painting live in the evo art gallery from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

"I'm excited to paint at the evo event because it will give me a chance to show people my art in a live setting. I'm also stoked it will be a new original piece that is in the same vein as my Weirdo x Spacecraft collaboration for 2013!" says featured artist Jeff "Weirdo" Jacobson.

On Saturday, November 10, 2012, evo invites the community to enjoy a day of celebration, shopping and giving - all starting at 11am! Stop by and have some fun and help support the Service Board, a local organization that mentors and supports at-risk youth. To learn more visit theserviceboard.org.

• Check-in for Charity: evo will donate $1 to the Service Board on behalf of every customer that "checks-in" at evo Seattle on Facebook.com/evo.
• Live music from Carson Henley: Two sets will be playing from 1:00-1:45 pm & 3:00-3:45 pm. From November 8th- 15th, fans can go to Protosong.com/evo, to download a special playlist featuring Henley and others. Fans can choose what to pay for the entire playlist of new music, with all of the proceeds going to the Service Board.
• Silent Auction: In collaboration with evo vendor Spacecraft Collective, Jeff "Weirdo" Jacobson will be on-site completing his mural in our art gallery. The silent auction for the mural will be from November 10, 2012 through November 19, 2012. (For bidding information click here). Again, all proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Service Board.

The New evo Seattle: What's new?
The new evo Seattle, their flagship store, has 50% more floor space, allowing room better merchandising, dedicated service areas and is staffed with more employees to serve customers. It has more parking and easy access to and from I-5, Hwy 99, plus better public transit service and access to the Burke-Gilman trail.

More Brands. More Selection.

With more floor space, evo Seattle can offer its customers a wider selection from the best ski brands like K2, Armada skis & outerwear, Atomic, Line, Rossignol and many more. evo also carries the best snowboard brands like Burton snowboards, Burton outerwear, Never Summer, Lib Tech and Union Bindings. The store also carries accessories you need to make the best of your day up on the mountain from Dakine, Smith, Bern, Electric, Oakley, Giro, Dragon, Rayban, and GoPro.

Expanded Women's Outerwear and Clothing Section + a Great Men's Selection

evo buyer, Kara Wedmore, says "Stop by evo to check out our new and improved women's section! We have everything to keep you warm and cozy this winter with apparel, footwear and outerwear - featuring brands such as Prana, Volcom, Toms Shoes and The North Face." The new store has beautiful shopping areas dedicated to men's and women's products, featuring the best assortment of technical wear to casual clothing for the action sports, active lifestyle customer.

The new evo Seattle presents a broader array of popular local brands like Casual Industrees and Brixton, along with world famous brands like Quiksilver, Obey, Billabong, RVCA, and Patagonia.

Art. Community. Culture.

Art Gallery: evo builds on the success of its art gallery at the former location. The gallery in the new store is integrated into the main sales floor, and will feature local artists and brands that are inspired by action sports to seamlessly tie together sport, community and culture. New exhibits will rotate monthly (on the first Fridays in synch with the Fremont Art Walk). Spy Optics will be the first to display in the new evo art gallery.

South Wall Project: evo adapts its "West Wall Project" concept to a larger south facing wall on the corner of Stone Way and N 35th St. The wall has featured murals from Push/Spy Optic, Obey, Patagonia and Spacecraft in the past, and the new location is even better placed to allow commuters of all types – by foot, car, or bike - to enjoy various artists' work. For the grand opening, the crew from Electric Coffin has been hard at work painting the South Wall with a mural from Burton Snowboards. This LED lit wall will be a beacon of inspiration and collaboration. The South Wall art is scheduled to be changed at least 2-3 times per year.

New Sound System: Skullcandy has installed a state-of-the-art sound system throughout the store. evo plans to continue to host ski and snowboard movie premieres and special events to continue being a gathering place that builds a sense of community. The evo store will also hold in-house events like avalanche awareness educational clinics, new product introductions, and focused themes such as an evening specifically for women, or for backcountry enthusiasts, as well as other activities. The new store will also continue serving as a venue for events that support evo's favorite charities like the Service Board and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Puget Sound. To create excitement and provide entertainment to the events, evo is working with new companies like Protosong.com and local music artists.

Transportation: The new store is located at 3500 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103, on the border of the Wallingford and Fremont neighborhoods. Access to evo Seattle has never been easier – whether by foot, car, bike or public transportation. Just a few short turns from I-5, HWY 99 and the Burke-Gilman Bike Trail, evo is now more centrally located and easy to find, with plenty of parking in the back and next door to The Fremont Collective Building. Customers can also take Metro Transit bus routes 26, 30, 31, 32, and 46.

Hiring 30+ employees. Accessible Expertise. Better Service.

With the expansion of evo Seattle's new location, evo hired over 30 new store employees and promoted several employees to bring customers an even more enriching store experience. Jerry Chevassus, evo's new Director of Retail and New Store Development, says, "The Assistant Managers, Darren, Nicole, and Tom, bring a great mix of talents from business savvy, technical product knowledge, are enthusiastic about what they do, and have prior management expertise in the action sports industry. All three are local talent and come from within evo. I am excited that we are able to 'promote from within' and that we are able to build on our tremendous tribal knowledge at evo."

Remember to Wax Your Skis and Snowboards. evo's new Service Shop is Open.

• Repairs & Mounts: evo's full service repair and tune shop is open and ready for everything from side wall and edge fixes to having your new pair of fat skis mounted up. All tunes get hot waxed with Swix Wax.
• Pro Tune: Includes minor p-tex, side and base edge sharpening & beveling, base flattening, base structuring, ceramic side and base edge polishing, and a hot wax.
• Basic Tune: Side and base edge sharpening, beveling, base flattening on the belt, and a hot wax.
• Edge & Wax: Side edge sharpening and beveling along with a hot wax.

The Fremont Collective Building:
evo's flagship store is a part of The Fremont Collective building. This 25,500 square foot building is also the home to two amazing restaurants, Joule and The Whale Wins. While the three businesses are separate, the building experience is integrated such that customers can enjoy shopping, and grab a bite to eat. The Fremont Collective building also features a skate park – All Together Skate ("ATS"), which will open its doors at a later date, bringing Seattle its only indoor skatepark.

About evo:
evo explores the collaboration between culture and sport by seamlessly joining art, music, clothing, and the ever-changing sports we love. Our aim is to bring all things relevant to the urban, action sports lifestyle into one creative space. Whether it is on the website, on the phone or in our store, our focus is to make all who come into contact with evo feel welcome and excited about their experience.

evo Everywhere: evoBlog | evoFacebook | evoTwitter | evoYoutube | Instagram @evo | evoLinkedIn

Suggested Hashtag: #evoseattlemov women's jackets e
View this release online at: http://culture.evo.com/2012/10/evo-seattle-opens-its-doors-you-are-invited
Photos: Flickr

Media Contact:
evo Marketing | Chris Dickerson
cdickerson (at) evo (dot) com
206.817.3425
SOURCE: evo

Plastic Pipe In Home Renovations is Easiest

Home improvement is still possible under a tight budget when plastic pipes are used for plumbing needs. Whether old pipes need to be replaced or extended, it's not a problem because plastic pipe can be connected easily even to a metal pipe system. They cost less, weigh less, and join effortlessly through the use of cement solvents. A hacksaw is all you need, some compression fittings and cement to create lasting waterproof joints.

Plastic pipes do not react to chemicals and electricity. It is also smooth inside ensuring that no corrosion or rusting occurs. Plastic pipes do not rust or corrode, they are "self cleaning", lightweight, usually do not sweat or freeze ( even in the cold January Winnipeg Canada wint women's coats ertime temps), and lastly offer overall excellent water flow rates. Some codes allow for plastic pipe to be used only outdoors for drains or only for cold water supplies , whereas other municipals and locals are more liberal in their allowances of the use and uses of plastic pipe and piping.

If you use plastic for hot water lines, it is always a wise precaution to reset the temperature-pressure relief valve on your hot water heater for no more than 175 degrees Fahrenheit or its equivalent in metric Celsius temperature scales. It possible to connect a plastic pipe to an already existing metal pipe system using special fittings and adaptors.

One of the major reasons overall that plastic pipes have become so downright popular - not only with do it yourself home handyman and those doing the renovations themselves , but also with professional tradespeople and plumbers is the ease of which they can be worked with and assemblies constructed: the rigid and flexible forms. Depending on the type of plastic it is made of, rigid or firm pipes are used for hot and cold water systems. No doubt about it. Cutting "rigid pipe' really demands precision. Its like the old joke about the fellow who applied for a job at British rail that the interviewer stated demanded more than the highest level of precision - even more precise than a Japanese machinist. It turned out his job was to slice ham at a kiosk and dole out the intended amount only, no more. Solvent cement can easily glue pieces together. They are also a popular choice for drain-waste-vent (DMV) systems. Before purchasing plastic pipe it is always most wise and prudent to check with your local authorities regarding current or even upcoming building codes. Building and safety codes change so much all the time that those in the carpentry and plumbing trades will tell you have be involved and working all the time - "the codes change". Those that a hiatus to try some other venture often find that if they come back ready to work at a job site or job in their chosen field at a building project that they are often lost, even overwhelmed with all the changes that were mandated in their industry in their time away. A home project involving the installation of a new sink might use chlorinated polyvinyl pipes (CPVC) for hot and cold water lines. Another type which is the polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC) may be used for the drain line. Both are rigid pipes.

Flexible plastic pipe use is limited only to supply systems. Various types of plastic piping suitable for drain waste , vent systems, irrigation systems, building sewers, sewer mains as well as hot and cold water distributions. Generally, they are used for interior systems for hot and cold water. Plastic pipe can also be used for exterior water supply systems. Three types of plastic polymers are used in the manufacture of plastic pipes , each have their own uses advantages and disadvantages in plumbing , heating and air conditioning installations. These products and components are PP polypropylene, Polybutylne (PB) and PE that is polyethylene . The names in the plumbing and heating trades for these product types are branded from their organic chemistry nomenclature themselves. In remodeling jobs, flexible pipe is preferred for passing through lawn irrigation system, floor, walls, and ceilings. These pipes are strong there's a chance they might be damaged so don't bend on sharp curves. An even bead of glue should appear around the pipe joint and joints. Do not apply so much cement , and be overly liberal in its application that it serves ultimately to block the pipe opening and restrict flow and flows.

Lastly you can work with plastic plumbing pipes in renovation projects with a fine-toothed hacksaw or plastic pipe-cutter, miter box, cleaner,solvent-cement,brush , file or utility knife or knives. Although plumbing bonding cement all by its lonesome will generally finish off in a satisfactory joint, in the heating and plumbing trades many pro plumbers prefer overall to clean thoroughly the material surfaces of the pipes and piping materials by brushing on a preparatory coat of priming solvent. You would not paint a prize classic car without the use of a proper cleaning and undercoat and the same can be said to be working with pipe and piping . Who knows what this plumbing will endure over the years.
Who knows in the future who will be gratefull for your solid efforts long after you are gone. Indeed California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was proud that his work as a mason had survived the California earthquakes. Cutting plastic pipes - a flexible plastic pipe is generally soft and pliable enough to be cut easily and simply with a sharp knife or even a large pair of shears that you might find at a big box hardware store or even often at simple corner "dollar stores". No matter what most tools now are almost all made overseas in China. What happened to good old fashioned sturdy and well made tools manufactured and assembled right here in America by Americans. Fittings should be matched after the pipes have been cut in order to make sure they connect perfectly. Caution: plumbing and bonding cement mixtures are hazardous . The fumes are potentially even carcinogenic . Follow your local safety rules and work in a well-ventilated area. The distance between the faces of the fittings should be measured. Also measure the depth of fitting holes and add to the first measurement. This makes the total length. Flexible plastic tubing - commonly made of polyurethane materials - are great for cold water plumbing use and uses whereas polybutelyne materials are the preferred choices by plumbing professionals for hot water piping . This is especially the case when it comes to hot water pipes leading from or even adjacent to hot water heaters -both gas and electric. If you use a clamping arrangement to attach an insert fitting , as opposed to bonding cements, then take good care and attention to tighten the 2 clamps fully with a screwdriver of your choice and preference. Here are the list of materials and tools needed: To attach an insert fitting simply join the two by a good rigid insert fitting along with two small clamps. The procedure is to simply slip a clamp in a loose fitting arrangement approx one half of an inch for each of the two pipes being fitted or joined together.

Your Cat's First Visit To The Vet

If you have a new cat or kitten in your lif women's coats e, or soon plan to bring one (or more) into your family, at some point you will find yourself making an appointment for a first veterinary visit. Regardless of their background or state of health, new pets should be seen by a veterinarian.

At the very least, an office visit provides an opportunity to learn about caring for your cat; in many cases it is also necessary for the diagnosis of potentially harmful problems such as intestinal worms, ear mites, nutritional disorders and heart murmurs.

If you are unfamiliar with the veterinarians in your area, try talking to friends or co-workers about their experiences. Veterinary clinics may differ from each other in a number of ways, and the more you learn about these differences the easier your decision may be. Consider whether you would prefer a cat-only practice, or one that sees other companion animals as well.

Would you feel more comfortable in a solo practice or a large, multi-doctor practice? Are you more likely to trust years of experience, or a recent graduate who may be more knowledgeable about the newest technologies?

Is a general practitioner preferable, with his or her broad training, or would you instead choose a specialty practice where veterinarians are board-certified in internal medicine, surgery, cardiology and other areas? In addition to the referrals of others, it is beneficial to visit a veterinary hospital before you make an appointment. By making prior arrangements, you can request a meeting with the veterinarian or staff and a tour of the facilities, including the examination rooms, surgery suites, dental equipment and hospital or boarding area.

Prepare a portable carrier for your cat several days in advance of her veterinary visit. Line it with a familiar blanket and allow her to sniff the carrier and to climb in and out at will; curiosity can be encouraged by occasionally placing some catnip or edible treat inside for her to discover. Practice closing and reopening the door, perhaps carrying it short distances in the house. Finally, take it to the car and then back into your home.

By the time of the appointed day, she will be much more comfortable. Dont worry if she vocalizes throughout the short drive; there is usually no need to tranquilize a cat for a brief trip. The cat carrier is an important piece of equipment; without it cats can interfere with driving, and are at high risk of escaping when the door is opened. The den-like carrier also shelters the cat from the overstimulation of the unfamiliar outdoors.

The waiting room of a veterinary hospital can be a frightening place for kittens and cats. It is important to keep your cat confined in her carrier, even if you have to fight the urge to hold and comfort her (being held is small comfort to a cat barraged with the sights, sounds and smells of other animals). The carrier should remain closed even in the examination room, until the veterinarian has entered and is ready to begin the examination. Cats permitted to jump out and investigate the room often become quite agitated by its odors of disinfectant and traces of previous animals -- greatly increasing the stress of the impending physical exam.

Take the time to summarize a list of questions for the doctor. During your brief wait, a hospital staff member may arrive to take information and perhaps perform a brief pre-exam of your pet, including her temperature and heart and respiratory rates. You may also have access to videotapes or reading material about cat care.

The veterinarian will take a few moments to say hello and learn about your cats background; he or she will then perform a thorough, but efficient, physical examination. Veterinarians are trained to learn as much as possible without causing unnecessary stress to an already-nervous pet. Once he or she has listened to your cats chest, looked in her mouth, eyes and ears, gently felt her abdomen and examined her skin and hair coat (while simultaneously evaluating the whole cat and her general health), it will be time to administer any needed vaccinations or medications -- again, with the efficiency of a professional trained to minimize stress.

Blood, feces or urine may be needed for laboratory tests. When the examination is over, you will have the opportunity to ask questions -- be sure to write down the answers if they seem unfamiliar or complicated.

What questions should you ask? Some examples might include: What is the protocol for telephone calls if I have further questions? How do you handle after-hour emergencies? Do you accept walk-in patients or only those who have appointments? Do you refer patients to specialists in case of difficult problems and, if so, where? What is your protocol for spaying or neutering? Do you provide behavioral services?

The services of a good veterinary hospital expand well beyond the initial physical examination. Your cats first veterinary visit, and that fresh new folder labeled with her name, may be the start of a lifelong partnership in which problems both large and small will receive good care.