Monday, June 16, 2008

A Healthy New Year Includes Chocolate

By Gerene Schendel Chocolate lovers will rejoice when they hear that it has actually been researched and concluded that it is a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. The resourceful Mayans and Aztecs were the first tribes that discovered this substance 3000 years ago in Central America. The pods were from the cacao trees and were fermented to make a strong bitter drink called xocoatl, meaning” bitter water”. On occasion maize or vanilla was added to the bitter liquid to make it more palatable. Cocoa beans were also used as currency. The Swedish botanist Linnaeus, introduced the systematic task of classifying plants. In 1730 he gave them latin names and the cacao tree was given the identity Theobroma, meaning ” food of the gods”, or “divine food”. Cacao bean trees bear fruit nearly year-round and the flavors of the beans vary depending on the time of the year they are harvested. Two harvests are gathered per year, November to January known as the “Christmas crop” and a smaller harvest in June, known as the” St. John’s crop”. Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, the author of a rare book on gastronomy titled Physiolgie du Gout in 1826 stated “The persons who habitually take chocolate are those who enjoy the most equable and instant health, and are the least liable to a multitude of illnesses which spoil the enjoyment of life.” New and constantly emerging studies indicate chocolate can treat depression, because it contains phenylethylamine, a slight anti-depressant similar to our body’s own dopamine and adrenaline. Chocolate also tends to increase levels of serotonine which aids persons with depression and PMS symptoms. The cocoa butter aspect of chocolate acts similar to olive oil, containing a number of essential oils that are beneficial for strengthing the bones, hair folicals and nails. Flavonoids that chocolate contain, appear to prevent cell damage and inflamation, also benefiting the skin from aging. This divine food contains vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D and E. Minerals include calcium, potassium,sodium, magnesium, iron ,zinc, copper, chromium and phosphorous. With the 136 studies done thus far on the health benefits of chocolate, studies confirm that cocoa contain antioxidants which fight free radicals that form cancer and anticoagulants which are the same properties of asprin and prevent blood clots, increases blood flow and less platelet stickiness. It has also been sited for improving bad cholestrerol by as much as 10 percent. Each American consumes about 12 pounds of chocolate per year, now you have permission to enjoy the rich, creamy deliciousness of chocolate. After all everything was put on this Earth for a reason, but also everything should be enjoyed in moderation. Gerene Schendel is passionate about chocolate and she invites you to follow your bliss. Sign up at http://www.mytastefultreats.com and receive weekly emails for easy to make dessert recipes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerene_Schendel http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Healthy-New-Year-Includes-Chocolate&id=411822 amscot pay day advance no teletrack payday loan bad credit loan bad credit car loan albany
Posted by jemmie in 12:31:53 | Permalink | Comments Off

Sunday, June 8, 2008

5 Ways To Be Romantic This Valentine’s Day

By Joel Heyn Did you know that most people don’t know how to give a good romantic gift for Valentines Day when people expect it more than ever. But , with a little creativity, Valentines shopping is easy to do. “Every year people are faced with the same dilemma, Valentines Day is supposed to be fun and romantic, but more often than not it just turns out being a total disaster.” A simple way to improve your gift giving effectiveness is to choose a few all time favorites as well as a few that are extra spicy!To help out this Valentines day, allow me to suggest 5 simple ways to make this Valentines Day the best ever. 1. Many women don’t want chocolates, many women trying to manage their weight hate it because they feel guilty that it will make them fat when all they want is to feel sexy. 2. The 3 words I love you used at anytime or many times throughout the day can be priceless if heartfelt 3. A vacation or ticket to an exotic getaway really says “you mean a lot to me and I enjoy spending time with you!” 4. Flowers- They never go out of style, even if a woman tells you she doesn’t want or like flowers a careful selection of her favorite colors in flowers can reunite lost love in a big way 5. The most romantic and intimate gift is exotic and unique lingerie. This is a Playful and surefire way to capture her heart, along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers your gift becomes irresistible. Copyright 2007 Andrea Segovia Andrea Segovia is the young entrepreneur behind the Private Belladonna Club featuring Exotic Lingerie and Fashion Styles from around the world. More info is available at http://www.vuazul.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Heyn http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Ways-To-Be-Romantic-This-Valentines-Day&id=450908 paycheck calculations fast cash payday loans for bad credit car loan for bad credit in florida payday yes
Posted by jemmie in 03:42:11 | Permalink | Comments Off

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Are Hoodia Diet Pills The Diet Breakthrough Of The Decade?

By Jade Rose What Is Hoodia Gordonii? Contrary to popular belief it is not a cactus Hoodia Gordonii is a small succulent plant with a purple flower, this small plant can only be found in the Kalahari deserts of Africa. Knowledge of these small succulant plants unusual properties to control and suppress the appetite has been known for hundreds of years by the native Africans in the Kalahari dessert. For hundreds of years the Africans have used this plant to help stave off hunger pains, and thirst while out on long hunting trips. There are over 20 different varieties of the Hoodia plant, but only one of these species is able to suppress the appetite, and is believed to be able to help in the never-ending struggle to lose weight. This particular species is called Hoodia Gordonii. Is Hoodia Gordonii Really All That Effective? There is no doubt that the Hoodia Gordonii plant has the ability to stave off hunger pains, and is useful for those who are looking for a weight loss treatment, free of side effects. What people really must make sure of before buying the first bottle of this miracle cure they find, is that Hoodia Gordonii preparations may vary in potency, or may very well be a scam designed to make a few bucks off of the multi billion dollar weight loss industry. Before buying Hoodia diet pills make sure that the company that you are buying from has certification that the Hoodia used in their diet pills is in fact Hoodia Gordonii, from the deserts of Africa. Another thing that consumers should be aware of is the potency of the preparation. If a company selling Hoodia diet pills does not list their ingredients on their bottles, or have very little information about the potency of the preparation in their advertising then it is likely that they are using very low grade Hoodia, or very little of it. It is also important to look into the supplying company of the Hoodia diet pills, are they a legitimate business? And how long have they been around for? These are important questions that you must first find out about before buying Hoodia Gordonii diet pills. These factors are the answer to the questions does Hoodia really work? And could very well be the answer of whether Hoodia diet pills will be beneficial for you. If you have any hesitation about a companys products, or arent sure whether Hoodia will work for you, why not find the companies that are offering a free trial? For further information about Hoodia Diet Pills, and how to get a free trial see http://www.know-your-rightsonline.com/Hoodia.htm or see our Blog at http://www.know-your-rightsonline.blogspot.com This article was written by Jade, and may be used for free as long as the links remain in tact. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jade_Rose http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Hoodia-Diet-Pills-The-Diet-Breakthrough-Of-The-Decade?&id=366972 personal loan comparrisons in ireland payday loan without a checking account christmas no faxing payday loan student loan lenders without co-signer or bad credit
Posted by jemmie in 00:18:36 | Permalink | Comments Off

Friday, May 30, 2008

Are You Engaged?

By Ian Christie You need to be aware of a significant career management danger. In this tough economy and job market, your professional expectations may be unmet. Whether it is job satisfaction, career development or job search success, things may not be going your way. When this happens, there is a natural tendency to disengage, to unplug. You go through the motions, but part of your mind is elsewhere; unfocused. You can instantly recognize people who are fully engaged. They are focused, working on what is most important at that time, and committed. And you can recognize those who are not. Which are you? Why your head should be in the game Here is what happens when you arent fully engaged. Your efforts are scattered. You dont do your best, which hurts you and hurts your employer, colleagues and clients. With one foot out the door and one in, you are dissatisfied which often negatively impacts your personal life. You are certainly not using your talents to their fullest. You are wasting your precious time and may be a productivity risk to your employer. You arent making a difference. In short, you are sabotaging your career. Certainly, we all have days when our motors just arent running at full speed. Thats fine. What you should be concerned with, however, is identifying if you are habitually disengaged, and if so, resolve to snap out of it. What can you do about it? 1. Diagnose yourself Take a page from Dr. Phil and accept reality. Is your head really in the game or not? Here are some statements to test yourself: * I am frequently or always dissatisfied with my work situation and I havent done anything concrete to resolve it * I tend to complain, put the blame on others, or I have developed a cynical attitude * I always have one foot out the door, keeping my options open, but never acting on them * I jump from job to job, assignment to assignment without really settling, or making a difference * I havent made a noticeable difference where I work or the projects I work on * My performance barely meets expectations, or worse * My mind wanders during my work day and I have trouble focusing and delivering on projects and responsibilities * I feel bested or outclassed by colleagues or customers when I am discussing work-related things. I dont have a lot to say. * My presentation is weak, sloppy or lacking direction * I dont have a plan as to what my next steps are from now, going forward If you answered yes to 1 or more of the above, then follow the remaining steps. 2. Try and figure out why One way to do that is to review your history. Is this the first time you have been in this situation or is it a recurring pattern? If the later, then the chances are that it is you rather than your environment. If the former, what is it about your current situation and environment that is causing it? 3. What choice can you make right now that will make a difference? A common reaction is to identify some large change and focus on that as the answer to our lack of engagement. If I only had this job, or worked for this company, then I would give 110%.” Maybe. But what about today? We choose how we react to our environment. What can you do today? Here are some things you can do: Change your attitude. A reality-check can do wonders in changing behavior. Refocus. Go deep. Overreact. Throw yourself into your work or job search. Do your best. Immerse yourself and see what happens. Identify what motivates you and focus on building that. See if you can inject more of those motivations into what you do. In particular, those things which align with the priorities of your employer, or your own business. Find the good in your situation. What can you identify about your job or situation that is positive? Be thankful for what you have. Identify what the key success criteria are for you, for your employer, colleagues and customers. Determine how you can be successful in the current environment and focus on that. 4. Medium-term strategies: Go internal. Build on what you have started in the short-term. How can you turn this situation around and be a rousing success story? Adjust your expectations. Goals can be energizing if we actively pursue them, or a real drag on our energy when we keep them alive without making progress towards their fulfillment. Resolve to pursue those goals that mean something to you and dump the rest. Make a change. If you need to make a change, do it. But, do it with determination, passion, and focus. Get help. If you recognize a long-standing pattern of behavior and believe that its roots run deeper than career management issues, then seek qualified, professional help. Special Advice for Job Seekers As a job seeker in a tough market, you need to be engaged on at least two levels. Obviously, the first level is applying yourself with focused determination to the process of the job search itself. The second level is less obvious. You must demonstrate that you are fully engaged in your industry, profession, or particular specialty. Believe me, you will stand out more if you ooze commitment to your profession. See Creating your own Opportunities for some ideas. Being engaged or not is the ultimate personal choice. It requires consistent, daily resolve to back it up. Not being engaged is self-sabotage. Get in the game! Ian Christie is a career coach, entrepreneur, former Monster.com Sr. Director & former executive recruiter. Ian is a career expert with many published articles and media interviews. Visit BoldCareer for free career resources & personalized career services. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Christie http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-You-Engaged?&id=96569 25000 unsecured loan personal loans norfolk va quick funding hard money loans purpose of sba express loan
Posted by jemmie in 12:38:44 | Permalink | Comments Off

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Got An Anxiety Problem? Need Help?

By Peter Crump A general anxiety disorder can be defined as a state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties. It can be extremely debilitating, and dealing with general anxiety disorders can vary enormously from person to person. Heres a few suggestions of some things that many people find useful in dealing with general anxiety disorders. 1. Meditation. This is a form of relaxation for most people. One of the most effective methods of dealing with anxiety and depression can be relaxation. By focusing on ones inner self you can let go of the problems and the fears that seem to plague our lives and forget for a while, and this can foster a deeper form of relaxation. This can allow for a clearer view of a problem, and often after some time practicing meditation people can come up with their own solutions to their own problems. But it can certainly be relaxing and calming, both of which are useful for anyone suffering from general anxiety disorders. 2. Exercise can also be extremely useful. Vigorous exercise can pick you up and leave you feeling great. This is the opposite of how a debilitating anxiety attack can leave you. Often after anxiety attacks you are left feeling depressed and run down, and exercise can pick you up out of this rut and reinvigorate you. It makes those endorphins zing around you body leaving you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious. 3. Yoga is a form of exercise, but low impact exercise. It is a slower form of more fluid movements which tend to be more stretching than vigorous exercise. It is a discipline of fluidity and is extremely relaxing and calming, but still produces some of the benefits of the endorphins that more vigorous exercise produces. 4. Talking it out. Sometimes when afflicted by some form of general anxiety disorder it is useful to talk about the things that are making you feel anxious. By letting the feelings out it can help to lighten them. Find someone you really trust to let it all hang out to and unburden yourself. By vocalizing your feelings of anxiety you can help reduce them, with the right person. 5. Any other form of relaxation that works for you. Everyone has their own relaxation. Find out what yours is. Take a bath, or a long walk. Watch a movie or just read a book. General forms of anxiety disorders can leave us feeling on edge and strung out, and sometimes some good relaxation can help. Many of these suggestions will help, and if you combine 2 or 3 you may be surprised. They may not be a complete answer but they will certainly give your life a boost that it may need. To find out more about Anxiety visit Peter’s Website Anxiety Attack Relief at http://www.anxietyattackrelief.com/ and find out about recognising anxiety signs and more about anxiety relief Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Crump http://EzineArticles.com/?Got-An-Anxiety-Problem?-Need-Help?&id=270803 houston bad credit bankruptcy car loan payday loans for military personal loans and athensga 10 000 unsecured loan
Posted by jemmie in 02:16:39 | Permalink | Comments Off

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Using Seminars To Market Your Business And Grow Sales

By Ron Finklestein A good seminar can be worth a fortune to the people who attend. But, as any good presenter knows, the investment in money, including travel expenses, is considerableso considerable value must be given in return to the attendees. I have attended and conducted hundreds of seminars, and noticed only a small number of attendees derive anywhere close to the benefit of what is possible. I have seen attendees from all over the world who are exposed to some powerful and life-changing tools, techniques, and information from real experts. Yet few derive even a small fraction of value from the golden tips being offered by the speakers. As both a presenter and attendee, I see this situation as a terrible waste. A good seminar can help bring your personal and business success to a whole new level, both for the presenter and the attendees. Creating a Great Seminar Creating a great a seminar is not as easy as it first may appear. The presenters must be sure to present their credentials in the best possible light without misrepresenting or misleading those credentials and accomplishments. As a presenter, if you dont walk the talk, the value of what is taught is questionable. To avoid wasting your time and money, as well as the attendees money, present what you know and know what you present. Seminars are great ways to allow people to see you in action and the attendees can self-select into what you teach and potentially become great clients. Dont think of your seminar attendees as customers. Think of them as clients. A customer is transaction-driven. I sell a product and the customer buys a product. There is no value provided other than buying a product. I am not interested in having customers. I believe I have a moral obligation to provide the best possible information to conference attendees while creating long-term relationships at the same time. Having clients implies a moral obligation to their welfare. As a presenter, make it easy to allow attendees to get the most out of the seminar or conference. Send them pre-work if that makes sense. Give them homework. Be sure to supply conference or seminar evaluations. You want to know what works and what doesnt. You must always have the best interest of your audience in mind. Be sure to put testimonials from past attendees on your web site. Make sure they are real. You can obtain testimonials by asking people who attended past seminars what they feel they got from the seminar and using comments from the conference evaluations. Preparation before the Seminar As a presenter, I want to know that my message is getting through and the attendees are receiving significant value from the material. They deserve the very best you have to offer every time you speak. To the presenter: practice, practice, practice! I have seen too many presenters wing it and, believe me, you can tell. That is not fair to your audience. Have quality handouts and be clear in presenting your material. I find Toastmasters to be a great place to practice small segments of the talk that may be difficult for others to understand. The feedback you receive is invaluable. It is better to practice with a friendly audience that understands you are practicing then practice in front of a live audience who may not be as forgiving. The attendees than can make a good presenter great and a great presenter even greater. Before arriving at the seminar I would suggest you do the following: Write down some specific seminar goals. Search out some solid actionable ideas that will improve your business and yourself. Network. Introduce yourself to as many attendees and speakers as you can. Pass out your business card and request them from others. If the seminar or conference is long enough to have breaks, sit in a different seat after each break. You can meet some great associates and make life-long friends by networking. Take good notes. Keep a separate sheet with ideas you plan to implement after the event. Before you leave the event, narrow the number down to no more than five. Writing them down helps you remember them and reinforces the learning you expected to receive at the event. Ask questions both during the Q&A sessions as well as during the breaks. Do not limit your questions to just the speakers. Ask your fellow attendees questions as well. It will help you create dialogue with people you dont know, and sometimes you hear a different perspective that makes a confusing concept easier to understand. It is also a good opportunity to begin creating relationships with fellow attendees. If it is a longer program with multiple speakers, choose and focus on just one to three presenters whose work you’d like to further study and implement. Buy the books and/or recordings of those you choose for home study after the event. It will reinforce what you learn. When you return home, take action immediately. Don’t delay. Studies have shown that the longer you wait, the higher you likelihood of doing anything at all is reduced. Purchase the CDs or DVDs of the seminar you just attended if they are offered. Review them as soon as possible. You will be amazed that while you thought you heard 100 percent of the information, you probably got no more than 40 percent or so. You’ll feel like you are listening to a whole new seminar! To both the presenters and the attendees: be sure to follow up with the people you meet at these events. This follow-up can be the difference between success and failure. A well-chosen seminar is a great learning opportunity. But you can dramatically increase the value by using the ideas you learned and following up with the people you meet. When I first started conducting seminars, my biggest surprise was that most successful entrepreneurs in attendance are the very best students. They come with a clear goal in mind and they are looking for that big idea that can totally change their businesses and their lives. On the other end of the spectrum are the people who take no notes, and within a few days have forgotten most of what was presented. No one can retain but a small fraction of what is heard just once. I consider myself a perpetual student of business and of life. When I am speaking at a seminar, if my schedule allows, I attend each and every session. And often I discover new ideas and brand new ways of looking at things. A seminar can be one of life’s best experiences and learning opportunities. My advice is to attend as many as you possibly can. We cannot know all there is to know and many times we forget what we know. As a presenter, understand there are people in the audience who are more knowledgeable than you. Thats okay. Also understand that you are considered the expert and you need to provide value. Value to me is providing information they can use, both in business and in life, to make significant changes to help them along their path to more success. Dont take that responsibility lightly. This material has been excerpted from 49 Marketing Secrets (THAT WORK) to Grow Sales. This book includes: 9 Winning Marketing Strategies, 8 Branding and Corporate Image Strategies, 6 Media Strategies, 3 Networking Strategies, 9 Technology-Based Marketing Strategies, 6 Event Strategies, 8 Sales Strategies The book will be available second quarter 2006. To learn more check www.49marketingsecrets.com The author does a yearly conference that attracts 300 business owners. This conference is call Celebrating Success! NEO Business Conference. To learn more go to www.neobusinessconference.org. Ronald Finklestein, President of AKRIS, LLC, is a small business success expert, business coach, consultant, speaker, author, and trainer, and has published three books, Celebrating Success! Fourteen Ways to a Successful Company (http://www.yourbusinesscoach.net), The Platinum Rule to Small Business Mastery (http://www.celebrating-success.com) and 49 Marketing Secrets (THAT WORK) to Grow Sales (available second quarter 2007). He contributed to 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. Finklestein is available for coaching and consulting and for speaking engagements, workshops, and seminars. Check out http://www.whysellingdoesntsell.com You can contact him at info@yourbusinesscoach.net or reach him at (330) 990-0788. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Finklestein http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-Seminars-To-Market-Your-Business-And-Grow-Sales&id=476924 uk personal car loan payday ok ace payday loan mesa arizona payday loans encinitas california
Posted by jemmie in 06:51:23 | Permalink | Comments Off

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Wedding Gift Giving – FAQ and Answers Too

By Nily Glaser Over time, our visitors, both Invitees and Marrying Couples, have asked many questions regarding Wedding Gift Giving This article is formatted as Questions and answers. A-wedding Day hopes that they will help answer some of your questions. If not, please feel free to Email us your questions. Please note that Q stands for Question S stands for Statement A stands for Answer WEDDING GUESTS ASK: Q. I am invited to a wedding. The invitation arrived and with it a wish list and store registries where the bride and groom entered the items they want to receive. S. I do not plan to attend. Do I need to send a gift? A. You do not have to, but it is a nice gesture to send a gift whether or not you plan to attend. Q. Do I have to give an item chosen by the bride and groom? A. No! While it is nice to help the couple acquire items they have chosen, a unique gift can be just as and even more welcomed. Q. Do I have to purchase from one of their bridal registries? A. No. You may shop anywhere, though the bridal registries will inform you of which items have already been purchased. Q. Can I purchase a gift for the wedding itself rather than for the future? A. Absolutely! Providing the bride and groom receive it in time for the wedding. In fact it is a good idea because just about any gift used at the wedding will become a cherished keepsake. Q. What would make a memorable gift for the wedding? Any item personalized with the bride and groom’s first names and wedding date such as: Toasting Flutes, Cake Servers, Unity Candles, etc… One, a few or even an entire collection of Wedding Accessories such as: Toasting Flutes, Cake Servers, Unity Candles, Guest Books and matching pens, Garters, Ring Bearer Pillow, hankies, caketops etc… But DO NOT make it a surprise gift. Consult with the bride and groom to assure that they do not have these items yet. If not, find out if they plan a theme wedding and purchase accordingly or better yet, let THEM CHOOSE the items. Q. Can I shop on line for wedding gifts? A.Sure! Actually this is the easiest way to engage the bride and groom, near or far, should you need their input in choosing a gift for the wedding. Shopping online is your most convenient way to acquire unique gifts which may not be available in stores. Ideas: Personalized wedding gifts, personalized candles, etc… When you shop on line, a click of the mouse or a phone call from your home or office, allows you to purchase, gift wrap, enclose a personalized gift card and ship a gift to directly to the couple. Q. Should I bring my gift to the wedding site? A. Preferably not! Most wedding sites do not provide security. Thus, Gifts can easily be damaged or misplaced or, sad to say taken. The bride and groom are much too busy and excited to worry about gathering up gifts. Thus, some gifts could easily be left behind. Q. How do I make sure that the bride and groom receive my gift? A. Send the gift to the Bride’s address, grooms address or the address on the RSVP envelope that came with the wedding invitation. BRIDES AND GROOMS ASK: S. We plan to give each other gifts at the wedding. What is the best time to do so? A. Gift exchange between brides and grooms has become rather popular. The best time for brides and grooms to exchange gifts is at the ceremony, as soon as they are no longer bride and groom. That is immediately following the officiant presenting the new Mr. and Mrs. but after lighting the Unity Candle. Q. What kinds of gifts will be appropriate? A. Give each other gifts that are keepsakes. Personalized gifts and jewelry top the list. S. As a blending family, we plan to acknowledge our kids as part of our union. We would like to give them special gifts at the wedding. Q. What is the best time to do so? A. This is a wonderful way to welcome your kids into the new family creatid by your union. The best time for you to give your kids a gift is at the ceremony immediately following your gift exchange, or immediately after your rings exchange and vows. This is especially appropriate if you plan to include the kids in your vows and, if age appropriate, in lighting the Unity Candle. Q. What kinds of gifts will be appropriate? Here a piece of jewelry such as the family unity jewelry (pendants, rings, lapel pins/tie clips etc…) will be a perfect gift. Q. Are there specific etiquetes regarding giving gifts to our wedding party and family? S. We need some ideas of gifts of appreciation to our bestman, maid of honor, bridesmaids, ushers, groomsmen, parents grand parents flower girl and ring bearer (boy). A. Gifts, their cost and whether you should give everyone the same gift is at your discresion. But since you asked, we’ll provide you with some ideas. IDEAS for GIFTS for WOMEN Gifts for Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, mothers, grandmothers A. The most appropriate gifts will be keepsake mementos. The mothers and the maid of Honor generally receive gift of greater value than the bridesmaids, but this is not mandatory. Gifts personalized with either their names, title (mother, maid of honor etc…), or bride and groom’s name and wedding date serve as both thank you and keepsake mementos. Ideas: Personalized candles, frames or photo albums to later add your wedding pictures to, jewelry, some part of their wedding attire, toasting flutes or mugs, jewelry boxes, key chains, clocks, make-up kits, crystal or silver vases, crystal bowls, collectibles etc… Pampering gifts Ideas:bath oils, gift baskets, candles, a day at a spa etc… IDEAS for GIFTS FOR MEN Gifts for Best Man, Groomsmen/Ushers, fathers, grandfathers A. Here too the most appropriate gifts will be keepsake mementos. The fathers and the best man generally receive gifts of greater value than the Groomsmen/Ushers, but this is not mandatory. Ideas: Personalized candles, frames or photo albums to later add your wedding pictures to, beer mugs or pilsners, toasting flutes, drinks shakers, can cooler koozies, money clips, travel cases, wood jewelry boxes, unique items reflecting their individual interests, bar sets, desk clocks, business card holders, key chains, pocket watches, Swiss Army products, high quality pens/pen sets. IDEAS for GIFTS FOR PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS A. Wedding mementos including a special album, picture frames and video/cd of your wedding are most appreciated by parents. They will display them and re-live your happy day every time they look at your wedding pictures. IDEAS for GIFTS FOR FLOWERGIRL(S)/RING BEARER(S) Ideas: Here your gift such as a coloring book set, or books about being a flower girl or ring bearer may will depend on the age of the child. However, long lasting gifts can be given to a child of any age. Ideas: Jewlry, jewelry box, silver bank, a framed photo of him/her with you on your wedding day, something relating to the child’s interest, a stuffed animal etc… IDEAS for GIFTS FOR GUESTS S. It has become customary to gift your wedding guests with wedding favors to thank them for helping you celebrate your big day. Actually, favors should be multi-purpose. ideas: Insert place cards in Small frames, Insert place cards in silver holders, order personalized pens and have each guest keep the pen after signing your guest book, place a dessert (Candy, nuts, cake, etc..) in a keepsake container, etc… Assign one of your attendants to announce that these are Thank you souvineers from the bride and groom. S. We plan to give our guests memento thank you gifts. Q. Should we also send them Thank-You notes? A. Absolutely! Each guests gave you a gift personally. Most guests put thought into what to get and purchased, wrapped and delivered it to you on or before your wedding. You must acknowledge their efforts individually with a Thank-You note. S. We have a large wedding party. By the time we add both sets of parents, grandparents and a few other relatives, we come up with more than 10 men and more than 10 women. We are on a budget. Giving each a large gift is prohibitive but we do not want to give “cheapy” gifts. Q. Can you help? A. We hope so! You must consider your budget when choosing your gifts but you do not necessarily have to pass up gifts you like. Always remember that a little creativity and thoughtfulness can go a long way. If you are creative you can put together gifts from the heart. Write or draw someting special and place it in a frame. find small items that will be appreciated by a sports enthusiast, stamp collectors, a gardening buffs, etc… and make little gift baskets. Your thoughtfullness will be appreciated by the recipients. Otherwise, choose two gifts – one for the men and one for women – and buy them in bulk. Many retailers will give you a price break based on quantity – IF YOU ASK THEM TO. This will help keep your costs down and save you time too. If you shop on-line Email a note to the online vendors asking if they can give you a break for buying X number of the same item. They may not offer it but some may consider doing so when requested. We at A-wedding Day do. S. Be aware that because of the way internet shopping carts are set up, the discount will not show up on your online confirmation. The vendor will have to deduct the discount when charging your credit card and will need to email you the amount actually charged. It should reflect your cost after the price reduction. Q. When is the best time to present our thank you gifts to our parents, grandparents and wedding attendants? A. You may do so at the rehearsal dinner because of the intimate setting with your family and closest friends. Or, you may choose to present each in a private setting where you can express your gratitude to each participant individually. Copyrights 2007 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser of A-wedding Day. Please feel free to post this Article in your newsletter, on your website, and forward it to your friends. If you post or otherwise publish this article, please ensure that you post it as is with no additions or deletions and that the copyright as well as the author’s entire bylines box remain intact. As follows: Copyrights 2007 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, Nily Glaser the CEO of A-wedding Day. is a published author who has presented workshops to wedding professionals all over the USA. A wedding Day a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a Discount Bridal Mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. To read other articles by Nily Glaser CLICK HERE Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nily_Glaser http://EzineArticles.com/?Wedding-Gift-Giving—FAQ-and-Answers-Too&id=493255 paycheck withholding personal loan with low score rentals in san diego no credit check online loans
Posted by jemmie in 08:27:08 | Permalink | Comments Off

Monday, May 19, 2008

Rainy Day Crafts for Kids

By Michael Russell Bad weather days can keep your kids indoors, but television isn’t the only answer to inactivity. Simple and fun craft projects that can be done with items you probably have around the house can easily become a fun family activity! Edible Jewelry. This is a very creative and fun way to play with your food! You will need shoe string licorice (not the rope style, as the licorice will be the string) and goodies that have some sort of hole in them. Example would be: Cheerios, pretzels, gummy lifesavers, mini donuts and dried apple rings. String the items along the licorice ‘thread’ and tie the two ends together. You can make necklaces and bracelets! Edible play dough. If you have young ones who tend to eat their play dough – this is a nice alternative. Mix together one half cup of honey, one half cup of smooth peanut butter and one cup of dried milk powder. Mix until you have the dough consistency you like, adding more powdered milk if it feels sticky. If you like, you can work in a few drops of food coloring at this stage. Then let the kids play with and eat it! This is meant for a single use, don’t store this longer than one day. Sponge stamps. For this, all you need is any type of sponges you can find. The more different the textures of sponges, the more fun the designs are. Just cut the sponges into different shapes with scissors. The kids can dip the sponge pieces into paint and create their own works of art. For more creativity, try gluing the sponge pieces onto a 3 inch paint roller. Maracas. For home made maracas, all you need are paper plates, dried beans and tape. Give each child two paper plates. Have them color and decorate the bottom of the plates any way they wish. Fill one plate with about cup of dried beans, place the other plate on top, face down and tape together – making sure you seal all the way around. The hollow area creates the space for the beans to shake around and make noise! Homemade clay. There are lots of recipes out there for homemade clay, this one is very easy, if a little messy! You will need, flour, 12 day old slices white bread (with the crusts removed), cup of white glue, food coloring. Tear the bread into chunks and put in bowl, add the glue and mix really well with your hand until it becomes a unified mass. Turn out onto a floured board and need until the clay is no longer sticky. You may need to add tiny bits of flour as you go. To color the clay, pull off a chunk and add a drop or two of food coloring. Knead well to incorporate the color. Let the kids form whatever designs they like, then air dry the pieces. It will take a day or two depending on how big the pieces are. Paint the dried clay designs if you like. Clean up with soap and water. Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Crafts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell http://EzineArticles.com/?Rainy-Day-Crafts-for-Kids&id=289957 hard money residential loans payday loans with bad credit with western umion online-personal-loan bad credit car loan corvallis
Posted by jemmie in 02:54:31 | Permalink | Comments Off

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Tanning Oil: Good for Your Skin and Pocket

By Sam Daniel It is summer once more and this means tan is the latest fad again. Tan emphasizes ones figure and features. In order to get that great looking honey skin tone, you need to find the best tanning oil for you. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect tanning oil for you: 1) The sun and you. Know your skin type first. This will help you determine the perfect product for you. It will also let you determine the amount of time you can stay under the sun. Some skin easily burns, peels, tans and some are really sensitive. This can depend also if you are Caucasian, African or Asian. It is better to do some testing and researching first. 2) Skin needs moisture. Check the moisture that tanning oil can give your skin. Sun can really dry out your skin to the extent of dehydrating it. So do not forget to moisturize too. There are few tanners that act as tanning agent and moisturizer at the same time. Also, look for products that are not sticky and feels light when applied on skin. There are some tanning oils with this kind of attribute that you can easily find in the market nowadays. 3) Strictly for indoor use. There lots of indoor tanning oils especially designed for use in tanning beds. Although most oils are for outdoor use, some opt for oils because of the moisture that they provide. Never forget to check the label first that indicates it is safe for tanning bed use because oil can sometimes cause damages to the surface of the bed. 4) Easy tan Self tanning oil can help you achieve tan without exposing yourself under the sun. Self tanners can also be used to cover up those tan lines or if you have an uneven tan. 5) Price and benefits As much as possible, choose a product based on the benefits that it can give you and not on the price. You may have probably bought the cheapest one, but only to realize in the end that it has very poor outcome. However, if you really are on a tight budget there are some good drugstore finds or homemade ones. 6) Tanning oil made at home These things will really help those budget-conscious beauties and even the ones with very sensitive skin. What is good about these homemade tanning oils is that you know exactly what is in the product. Some might have ingredients that are not really good for the skin. 7) Survey helps Ask your friends and relatives for opinions. Some might suggest the best products that they have tried, but keep in mind that what is good on someone does not necessarily mean it is good for you too. It will always depend on your skin type and what your skin needs. 8) Types of tan Decide on the kind of tan you want to achieve. Different products also offer different protection for your skin. As you are exposed to the sun, your skin looses the natural nutrients and your tanning oil should be the one to provide you with the minerals, amino acids and moisture that it needs. Some want their skin lightly blushed, average tan and even complex tan. 9) Less sun is better The lesser time you will be exposed under the sun, the better the product is. This is good because you will have less chance of having skin damages caused by sun. Do not stay under the sun too long in order to tan yourself. Overexposing yourself can harm your skin. It is better to tan yourself gradually. Never forget to drink lots of water and fruits to give you and your skin natural moisture. Furthermore, do not forget to wear your sunglasses to protect your eyes. tanning-hq.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Tannning Comfortably. If you want to read or share information on Health and Fitness:Beauty, you’re always welcome! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Daniel http://EzineArticles.com/?Tanning-Oil:-Good-for-Your-Skin-and-Pocket&id=240094 bad credit secured personal loans uk get an unsecured loan with a very low credit score no hassle payday loans hard money lenders in antioch ca
Posted by jemmie in 04:13:13 | Permalink | Comments Off

Sunday, May 4, 2008

10 Reasons I Love Marketing

By Debbie LaChusa Marketing is the profession I chose in college. Yes, I am one of the few people who is actually working in the field she studied in school! Why did I choose marketing? Why do I still enjoy it after 21 years? Here are the Top 10 Reasons I Love Marketing. (1) It’s never boring. No two days are ever the same. Because no two projects are ever the same. And, because no two clients are ever the same. So even if I am doing the same task there are always enough variables to keep in interesting. (2) It’s creative. Marketing is about generating ideas. It’s about creating ways to make more, get more and sell more. It’s a creative industry, filled with creative, idea-generating people. And I LOVE creating! (3) I get to learn about all kinds of businesses. Over the past 21 years I have created and implemented marketing plans for clients in every industry imaginable. I’ve marketed fitness, new cars, new homes, resale homes, newspapers, websites, hotels, restaurants, products, and the list goes on. In the process, I get to learn about each of these businesses and it’s fascinating. (4) It involves writing and I love to write. Writing is one of my favorite creative outlets. To have the opportunity to do it every day in my work is pure joy! (5) It enables me to have my own business. When I decided I wanted to be home more with my kids, I was able to successfully open my own business because I knew how to market. And, it continues to allow me to successfully open new business ventures. (6) It lends itself to freelance and independent work. Marketing isn’t just something you can do in a 9 to 5 job. There are many freelance and independent work opportunities available. Because of this I was able to easily transition from a full-time marketing job to my own business. (7) I get to meet all kinds of interesting people. From clients, to the media, to production vendors, to partners, to podcast interviewees, I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people over the past 21 years. And, I continue to meet new ones every single day. It’s awesome! (8) It’s always changing so it keeps me on my toes. It seems they are always inventing new ways to market. In the past two years alone I’ve had to completely learn about Internet Marketing, Blogging and Podcasting – things I knew nothing about before. I’m telling you, it keeps my brain young! (9) There are so many facets to a marketing career. Over the past 21 years, I’ve worked in advertising agencies in production, media and account services. I’ve been a marketing director on the client side. I’ve run my own virtual marketing agency, DLC Marketing. And, I’ve had the opportunity to create and build 10stepmarketing, Twin Connections and now 6FigureWorkAtHomeMom. (10) It has supported me well over the past 21 years! While I admit I didn’t make much my first few years out of college (talk about living on peanuts!), for the most part, marketing has allowed me to make a good living doing work I enjoy. What about you? Do you LOVE what you do? If not, isn’t it time you found your passion and pursued it. Make that your marketing step this week. Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free Marketing E-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_LaChusa http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Reasons-I-Love-Marketing&id=447945 reviews of bad credit auto lenders magnum funding cash loans when buyer does not get loan commitment does seller keep earnest money hourly paycheck calculators
Posted by jemmie in 23:52:37 | Permalink | Comments Off