How to Cope with Financial Troubles
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D,
You may have heard about the recent tragic murder-suicide in the Los Angeles area. A man shot and killed his wife and five children then turned the gun on himself, allegedly because he and his wife lost their jobs. According to police, this is the fifth mass murder or suicide of a Southern California family in a year.
Amid tough economic times, some people see no way out and resort to extreme and lethal actions. My message today is a sincere and heartfelt plea directed at those of you who are grappling with emotional distress caused by job loss or financial woes.
Coping with a recession is challenging for everyone. We are forced to stand by helplessly as our nest egg gets scrambled and our job-security becomes threatened. However, most will deal with these short-term setbacks in stride and find a way to get through temporary difficulties without entertaining drastic and self-destructive thoughts.
But some people choose death over perseverance, and for these people, their problem is short-sightedness. The inability to see beyond the current predicament can make one feel like there is no way out and no hope for the future. But there is always a way out if you take the right actions! Life is more valuable than money and material things. We have learned time and time again that money does not solve all problems and does not guarantee a happy life. No matter how dire your circumstances are, the future is full of potential for those who work toward it. If you do find yourself harboring dangerous thoughts due to economic stress, please reach out to a friend, therapist or someone from your local place of worship today. Take a valuable life lesson from the recent tragedy and push yourself to see beyond the agony and stress of the moment. You are definitely worth the effort!
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Power of Negative Thinking
The Power of Negative Thinking
by Remez Sasson
Negative thinking appears to be more prevalent than positive thinking. It seems that with most people positive thinking requires some effort, whereas negative thinking comes easily and uninvited. This has much to do with education and the environment one has been living in.
If you have been brought up in a happy and positive atmosphere, where people value success and self-improvement, then it will be easier for you to think positively and expect success. If you have been brought up under poor or difficult situations, you will probably go on expecting difficulties and failure.
We all view everything through our predominant mental attitude. If our thoughts are positive, that is fine, but if they are negative, our lives and circumstances will probably mirror these thoughts.
If you believe that you are going to fail, you will unconsciously sabotage every opportunity to succeed. If you are afraid of meeting new people or having close relationships, you will do everything to avoid people and relationships, and then complain that you are lonely and nobody loves you.
Do you often think about difficulties, failure and disasters? Do you keep thinking about the negative news you have seen on the TV or read in the newspapers?
Do you see yourself stuck and unable to improve your life or your health? Do you frequently think that you do not deserve happiness or money, or that it is too difficult to get them? If you do, then you will close your mind, see no opportunities, and behave and react in such ways, as to repel people and opportunities.
The mind does not usually judge or examine thoughts and opinions before accepting them. If what it hears, sees and reads is always negative, it accepts this as the standard way of thinking and behavior.
The media constantly bombards the mind with a lot of information about disasters, catastrophes, wars and other unhappy events. This information sinks into the subconscious mind, and then manifests as your habitual manner of thinking. By occupying the mind with depressing and pessimistic thoughts you radiate negative energy into the surrounding world, thus creating and recreating more negativity, failures and disasters.
The mind is neutral energy. The way you think determines whether the results are positive and beneficial or negative and harmful. It is the same of energy acting in different ways.
The good news are that persistent inner work can change habits of thinking. You must be willing to put energy and time to pursue positive thinking, in order to change your mental attitude.
A few Tips:
- Each time you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, reject the thought, and think a positive one instead.
- If you catch yourself visualizing failure, visualize success instead.
- If you hear yourself uttering negative words, change to positive words instead.
- When you say, "I cannot", say, "I can".
- Do you repeat negative words and phrases in your mind? Change them to positive ones.
- Open your mind to positive attitude and expect positive results.
- Decide that from today, from this very moment, you are leaving negative thinking behind, and starting on the way toward positive thinking and behavior.
It is never too late to change your attitude and your life.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Remez Sasson teaches and writes on positive thinking, creative visualization, motivation, self-improvement, peace of mind, spiritual growth and meditation. He is the author of several books, among which are "Peace of mind in Daily Life", "Will Power and Self Discipline", "Visualize and Achieve" and "Affirmations - Words of Power".
by Remez Sasson
Negative thinking appears to be more prevalent than positive thinking. It seems that with most people positive thinking requires some effort, whereas negative thinking comes easily and uninvited. This has much to do with education and the environment one has been living in.
If you have been brought up in a happy and positive atmosphere, where people value success and self-improvement, then it will be easier for you to think positively and expect success. If you have been brought up under poor or difficult situations, you will probably go on expecting difficulties and failure.
We all view everything through our predominant mental attitude. If our thoughts are positive, that is fine, but if they are negative, our lives and circumstances will probably mirror these thoughts.
If you believe that you are going to fail, you will unconsciously sabotage every opportunity to succeed. If you are afraid of meeting new people or having close relationships, you will do everything to avoid people and relationships, and then complain that you are lonely and nobody loves you.
Do you often think about difficulties, failure and disasters? Do you keep thinking about the negative news you have seen on the TV or read in the newspapers?
Do you see yourself stuck and unable to improve your life or your health? Do you frequently think that you do not deserve happiness or money, or that it is too difficult to get them? If you do, then you will close your mind, see no opportunities, and behave and react in such ways, as to repel people and opportunities.
The mind does not usually judge or examine thoughts and opinions before accepting them. If what it hears, sees and reads is always negative, it accepts this as the standard way of thinking and behavior.
The media constantly bombards the mind with a lot of information about disasters, catastrophes, wars and other unhappy events. This information sinks into the subconscious mind, and then manifests as your habitual manner of thinking. By occupying the mind with depressing and pessimistic thoughts you radiate negative energy into the surrounding world, thus creating and recreating more negativity, failures and disasters.
The mind is neutral energy. The way you think determines whether the results are positive and beneficial or negative and harmful. It is the same of energy acting in different ways.
The good news are that persistent inner work can change habits of thinking. You must be willing to put energy and time to pursue positive thinking, in order to change your mental attitude.
A few Tips:
- Each time you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, reject the thought, and think a positive one instead.
- If you catch yourself visualizing failure, visualize success instead.
- If you hear yourself uttering negative words, change to positive words instead.
- When you say, "I cannot", say, "I can".
- Do you repeat negative words and phrases in your mind? Change them to positive ones.
- Open your mind to positive attitude and expect positive results.
- Decide that from today, from this very moment, you are leaving negative thinking behind, and starting on the way toward positive thinking and behavior.
It is never too late to change your attitude and your life.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Remez Sasson teaches and writes on positive thinking, creative visualization, motivation, self-improvement, peace of mind, spiritual growth and meditation. He is the author of several books, among which are "Peace of mind in Daily Life", "Will Power and Self Discipline", "Visualize and Achieve" and "Affirmations - Words of Power".
Thursday, August 27, 2009
7 Ways to Save on Health Care
Follow these tips to start cutting medical costs without compromising the quality of your care.
Maybe your health insurance premiums have skyrocketed since last year. Maybe your employer is shifting more medical fees onto you. Or perhaps a new diagnosis, emergency-room visit, or other life change is leaving you with more health-related expenses than you ever expected.
For all of these reasons and then some, Americans are spending more on their health than at any time in history, according to the National Coalition on Health Care. The good news? There are ways to start saving on medical expenses without compromising the quality of your care. Follow these seven tips to get started.
1. Shop around.
All health insurance plans are not created equal. In fact, according to a National Committee for Quality Assurance study, providers vary widely in their levels of service, approaches to preventative care, and accessibility of treatment. For this reason, it's important to compare plans before you choose one. Even if you've had an insurance plan for years, don't stop shopping to make sure your benefits and costs are competitive.
2. Get healthy.
It may sound like a no-brainer, but the healthier you are, the less you'll have to spend on health care. More than 70 percent of employers currently offer, or plan to offer, financial incentives to employees who participate in company wellness initiatives, reports the National Business Group on Health. In addition, smoking can add hundreds of dollars to your annual health-care costs, but once you've been smoke-free for a year, some insurers will reverse the charges.
3. Invest in an HSA.
According to experts, one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to health care is not investing in a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA). With an HSA, people who are enrolled in a high deductable health plan (HDHP) put a certain amount of money from each paycheck into an account for future medical expenses. The money isn't taxed, and if you don't use it all in a given year, you can simply carry it over into the next year.
4. Invest in an FSA.
Like an HSA, a flexible spending account (FSA) offers a tax-advantaged way to save for medical expenses. In this case, though, you don't have to be enrolled in an HDHP to reap the benefits. However, there is a "use it or lose it" provision, so you'll have to spend the money you save within the year. In both cases, be sure to check with your plan to make sure your expenses are approved by the IRS as a qualified medical expense.
5. Think free.
If your health insurance plan offers free exams or wellness services, it's important that you take advantage of them. These may include potentially life-saving screenings, such mammograms or prostate specific antigen tests (PSAs), as well as exams to monitor your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. If you don't have insurance, seek out neighborhood screening programs.
6. Save on prescriptions.
The cost of prescriptions is continuing to rise, but there are several ways to save on medications. Be sure to ask your doctor for samples, especially if it's a one-time treatment. For longer-term therapy, request generics, and shop around to compare costs at local drugstores and through mail-order pharmacies.
7. Plan ahead.
All too often, people wait until they're older or until they really need health insurance to invest in it. But not surprisingly, the young and healthy get the lowest rates. So try to get a policy while you're still young. That way, you'll pay a much lower premium and prevent costly emergency medical expenses that could deplete your savings down the road.
Maybe your health insurance premiums have skyrocketed since last year. Maybe your employer is shifting more medical fees onto you. Or perhaps a new diagnosis, emergency-room visit, or other life change is leaving you with more health-related expenses than you ever expected.
For all of these reasons and then some, Americans are spending more on their health than at any time in history, according to the National Coalition on Health Care. The good news? There are ways to start saving on medical expenses without compromising the quality of your care. Follow these seven tips to get started.
1. Shop around.
All health insurance plans are not created equal. In fact, according to a National Committee for Quality Assurance study, providers vary widely in their levels of service, approaches to preventative care, and accessibility of treatment. For this reason, it's important to compare plans before you choose one. Even if you've had an insurance plan for years, don't stop shopping to make sure your benefits and costs are competitive.
2. Get healthy.
It may sound like a no-brainer, but the healthier you are, the less you'll have to spend on health care. More than 70 percent of employers currently offer, or plan to offer, financial incentives to employees who participate in company wellness initiatives, reports the National Business Group on Health. In addition, smoking can add hundreds of dollars to your annual health-care costs, but once you've been smoke-free for a year, some insurers will reverse the charges.
3. Invest in an HSA.
According to experts, one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to health care is not investing in a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA). With an HSA, people who are enrolled in a high deductable health plan (HDHP) put a certain amount of money from each paycheck into an account for future medical expenses. The money isn't taxed, and if you don't use it all in a given year, you can simply carry it over into the next year.
4. Invest in an FSA.
Like an HSA, a flexible spending account (FSA) offers a tax-advantaged way to save for medical expenses. In this case, though, you don't have to be enrolled in an HDHP to reap the benefits. However, there is a "use it or lose it" provision, so you'll have to spend the money you save within the year. In both cases, be sure to check with your plan to make sure your expenses are approved by the IRS as a qualified medical expense.
5. Think free.
If your health insurance plan offers free exams or wellness services, it's important that you take advantage of them. These may include potentially life-saving screenings, such mammograms or prostate specific antigen tests (PSAs), as well as exams to monitor your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. If you don't have insurance, seek out neighborhood screening programs.
6. Save on prescriptions.
The cost of prescriptions is continuing to rise, but there are several ways to save on medications. Be sure to ask your doctor for samples, especially if it's a one-time treatment. For longer-term therapy, request generics, and shop around to compare costs at local drugstores and through mail-order pharmacies.
7. Plan ahead.
All too often, people wait until they're older or until they really need health insurance to invest in it. But not surprisingly, the young and healthy get the lowest rates. So try to get a policy while you're still young. That way, you'll pay a much lower premium and prevent costly emergency medical expenses that could deplete your savings down the road.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Top Dogs: Which Breed Is Right for You?
Top Dogs: Which Breed Is Right for You?
The White House just got a little busier with the arrival of Bo, the Obamas' new Portuguese water dog. But it wasn’t Bo’s cuteness that sealed the deal. He’s allergy-friendly for daughter Malia. The breed you choose is as important as the man you marry, so which dog is right for you? Read on to find out…
You might be ready to take that adorable pup home, but are you sure it fits your lifestyle?
“You’re making a commitment for the life of the dog, which can be 10 to 15 years," says Lisa Peterson, director of club communications at the American Kennel Club.
Like a good marriage, dogs can bring many benefits: improved mood, and lower blood pressure rates and stress, according to many studies. But, as with a spouse, it’s all about compatibility: Are you active or a couch potato? Do you have small children or an elderly relative living with you? Are you willing to shell out for grooming or a daily dog walker? Do you have allergies, like the Obamas’ 10-year-old daughter, Malia?
As you search among local animal shelters or breeders, here are some breeds to help you get the best match:
The Sneezer
Do you have allergies that keep you from owning a dog? Some breeds can help accommodate your health issues.
Dogs to avoid: People with dog allergies aren’t allergic to the animal; it’s the protein in saliva and dander that trigger reactions. So stay away from any dog with a double coat (huskies, Samoyeds, Akitas, Pomeranians): They shed a lot, Peterson says. Avoid droolers, too, such as bloodhounds and Saint Bernards.
Best dogs: Poodles and poodle crossbreeds (Labradoodles, for example) are an option for allergy sufferers. Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some, like poodles, have minimal dander. Plus, they’re outgoing, easy to train and come in many sizes. “Poodles are an old breed and are great family dogs,” Peterson says. Portuguese water dogs, like Bo Obama, are also great choices.
Runners-up: The bichon frise, the Chinese crested, schnauzers, the Soft-Coated Wheaten terrier.
Celebrity dogs: Ivana Trump has a toy poodle; Maria Menounos has a regular-sized poodle. Schnauzer fans include Bo Derek, Bob Dole and Tommy Lasorda.
The Time-Crunched Professional
For you, lunch is a frozen meal at your desk. “After work” means post 8 p.m. When you finally get home, playing catch with Rover for an hour takes a back seat to chores and phone calls.
Dogs to avoid: The Border collie, and most other herding dogs. “They need a lot of attention and exercise,” Peterson says. Other dogs to avoid: sporting dogs (golden retriever, Irish setter) and working breeds (Greater Swiss mountain dog, Akita). These were bred to do certain jobs, like pull sleds, work with fishermen or help on hunts. “Without a job, they get bored very quickly – much like the time-crunched professional,” Peterson says.
Best dogs: Smaller dogs such as a French bulldog or Lhasa Apso are lower-energy options, needing only one or two walks per day. “They don’t require an hour of Frisbee playing or anything,” she says. Want a bigger dog? Peterson suggests English bulldogs, which also don’t require much exercise. You also might consider getting an older dog; it won’t have the energy levels of a younger pup.
Runners-up: Lap dogs (Maltese, bichon frise) may work, but watch out – many small dogs, like the Jack Russell, need a lot of exercise.
Celebrity dogs: English bulldog devotees include Michael Phelps, Adam Sandler, Kelly Osborne and Anna Kournikova. Martha Stewart and Fred Durst have French bulldogs.
The Jock
Nothing sounds better than a weekend in the great outdoors and you’d love a furry companion to keep up with you.
Dogs to avoid: Those looking for a jogging or hiking buddy should steer away from toy breeds or anything under 20 pounds, Peterson says. “They’re small and they may get underfoot.” They like brisk walks, but they’ll handle flatter terrain or dog parks better. Also, as a general rule, “push-face” dogs (such as bulldogs, Boston terriers and mastiffs) can overheat and suffer from exhaustion.
Best dogs: Sporting breeds would be the best match for the hiker: the German shorthaired pointer, the flat-coated retriever, the Labrador (recently named the most popular dog of 2008) or golden retriever. They’re meant to be with their master, Peterson says. “And they’re always wondering ‘What are we doing now? What’s next?’” For jogging buddies, look to herding dogs such as the German shepherd, Border collie, Lab and even some feisty terriers, like an Airedale.
Runners-up: Working breeds, such as the Samoyed or Boxer. Peterson also recommends hounds, which have a lot of stamina and can follow a trail – Scottish deerhounds, whippets, and greyhounds are all good choices. Doberman pinschers and Rottweilers are also up for a jog, plus they’ll scare the heck out of potential muggers.
Celebrity dogs: Labs have fans in Candace Bushnell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary Kate Olsen, Sarah McLachlan and Minnie Driver. The All-American golden retriever is owned by Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Buffett, Kristin Davis, Matt Lauer, Renee Zellweger, Sheryl Crow and Tom Cruise.
The Fashionista
You enjoy splurging on great hairstyles and cute clothes. You also don’t mind doing the same for your furry friend.
Dogs to avoid: Some dogs – like the Pomeranian or Newfoundland – just have too much hair to be comfortable wearing clothes or sweaters. Also, dogs in the working breed – genetically geared to be busy – probably won’t have the patience for costumes or primping, Peterson says.
Best dogs: Toy pooches work best for a hand-held lifestyle. “Yorkshire Terriers are called a ‘bag breed’ because they don’t mind being carried around in little bags,” she says. Want a well-coiffed dog? Try the Pekingese or toy poodle – both require regular grooming. Well-dressed dogs don’t have to be small. Bigger dogs such as greyhounds and Dalmatians also need sweaters for cold weather.
Runners-up: Other portable pooches are Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers and Tibetan spaniels. For dogs with a distinctive mane, try the borzoi, chow chow or puli. And if you like to dress up your canines, check out the miniature pinscher, Italian greyhound or dachshund.
Celebrity dogs: Paris Hilton, Christina Ricci, Hillary Duff and Madonna have Chihuahuas. Yorkshire terriers are toted around by Venus Williams, Naomi Watts and Missy Elliot.
Check out our Top Dogs slideshow.
The Carpool Mom
With kids around and their friends at the door, your house is overflowing with activity and energy. You want a child-friendly dog that’s easy to discipline.
Dogs to avoid: If you have little children who aren’t fully coordinated, stay away from fragile toy breeds like the Italian greyhound, Pekingese or miniature pinscher, Peterson says. “A toddler might fall on them or pull their hair. These dogs are especially vulnerable [to rough handling].”
Best dogs: Sporting and herding breeds. Sporting dogs include Labradors and golden retrievers. Herders include corgis, bearded collies, collies (like Lassie) and Shetland sheepdogs; all are good with kids and love to hang out with their people, Peterson says. Even intimidating-looking dogs can be wonderful friends to children – check out the Newfoundland and bull terrier.
Runners-up: Old English sheepdogs, beagles and boxers are all intelligent and good with children.
Celebrity dogs: Paul McCartney once owned a sheepdog. David Duchovny has a collie/terrier mix; Edie Falco has a Labrador/shepherd mix; and JC Chasez has an Akita-shepherd mix.
The Empty Nester
Your kids are out of the house and you’d love a companion for walks, bike rides or just to watch TV.
Dogs to avoid: Some dogs, such as the Pekingese or kuvasz, may be more aloof than you’d like. Also, puppies and very active dogs might be more than you want to handle at this point, Peterson says. Some active dogs become more difficult to manage as you get older.
Best dogs: Many in the non-sporting group are ideal for the empty nester: the Boston terrier, the French bulldog, the bichon frise or, Peterson’s pick, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. “They can be as active as you want,” Peterson says. “They’re as happy taking long strolls as they are watching TV from your lap.” Some dogs are so attached to their owners that they may “shadow” them. Kerry Blue terriers and Vizslas fall into this camp.
Runners-up: More senior people can also consider adopting any adult dog instead of a puppy, Peterson recommends.
Celebrity dogs: Stevie Van Zandt, Tracey Ullman and Michael J. Fox all have had Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
The Single Woman Who Wants a Protector
You lock your doors at night, but you’d like a backup alarm. Why not try one of these furry personal protection systems?
Dogs to avoid: Labs and golden retrievers love people – even if that person is a burglar. “They’ll answer the door and act like, ‘c’mon in!’” Peterson says. Also avoid dogs that aren’t barkers, such as the Italian greyhound or whippet.
Best dogs: Pooches don’t get any tougher than a Doberman or Rottweiler, but they require a large home. Medium-sized dogs such as American Staffordshire terriers, mini bull terriers and Dalmatians are wonderful protectors.
Runners-up: A dog doesn’t have to look tough to be a watchdog. Vocal pooches, such as Scottish and Cairn terriers, and Lhasa Apsos probably will raise the alarm if an intruder comes around. “They’ll make you feel safe,” Peterson says.
Celebrity dogs: Anne Bancroft owned an American Staffordshire terrier; Bernadette Peters, Kelli Williams, Rosie Perez own bull terriers.
The Apartment Dweller
Live in a walk-up or in a smaller space? Find a pooch that doesn’t mind cramped digs and won’t annoy the neighbors.
Dogs to avoid : Obviously, stay away from giant breeds, such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards. But space isn’t the only issue; “chattiness” can also be a problem. “Norwegian elkhounds are known for barking, so they may not be the best choice in an apartment,” Peterson says. More barkers: Pomeranians, and West Highland and Norwich terriers.
Best dogs : Boston terriers, cocker spaniels and Maltese are small and, generally, not noisy.
Runners-up : But you don’t have to stick with petite dogs. “Greyhounds and whippets make excellent pets in small spaces as long as they get their long walks, too,” Peterson says.
Celebrity dogs : Jessica Simpson is a Maltese owner. Oprah Winfrey is fond of cocker spaniels. Bo Derek is a greyhound owner.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Can You Make Money Online?
I have Placed Ads Of Ones I Use Now and Have Made A Good Income from both.I have tried quite a few but these two work.But you can decide for yourself.
More and more people now visit the internet on a daily basis,and as a result the amount of money spent there is steadily increasing. Consequently an excellent money making opportunity would be to start an online business. Depending on the time and money invested, an online business could earn up to thousands of dollars a year. Online business ventures are typically not difficult to find, and really anyone can find one that matches their talents, but it may be difficult to achieve the goal of making money if the business is not reputable.
The internet has become a valuable tool in every way, shape, and form. There are endless opportunities waiting to be taken and anyone can start at any time. Making money online is now considered to be one of the fastest growing areas for people to invest their time in when they become tired of the 9-5 routine. There is no ‘quick fix’ answer however to find your most profitable approach though, because we all have different skills and what will work well for one person might be a complete disaster for another. Making money online is not only about capitalizing on your successful opportunities, but knowing when to phase out the ones that are not profitable. The research involved with making money online is relatively simple.
When money is made on the internet, the income begins to increase gradually. The work may begin slowly at first, but as your skills increase, your work output and efficiency will increase and so will your ability to make more money. Earning money by working online has many benefits, one of which is working from the comfort of ones own home. This can also backfire on certain people when the commitment isn’t made to be responsible and have the discipline to work from home. The more one increases the effectiveness of work from their home, the more money they stand to make.For someone who is computer and internet savvy, starting an online business is considerably easier than for one who is not as familiar with the internet. The main problem most people have with starting an online business is maintaining focus.
Working from home can be challenging for those who have difficulty managing and prioritizing their routine and comittments. Working online requires a lot of discipline as there are many distractions.
It is important to treat any online money making opportunity with the same respect and dedication that any other job would require. The more one increases the effectiveness of work from their home, the more money they stand to make.
Many people are constantly on the lookout for better income opportunities to help them become financially independent. It may sound simple to make extra money, whether online or off line, but in reality it will take time and effort. Investing time may be challenging depending on daily demands, but is often required. There are actually simple ways that will enable one to make some extra cash without that much difficulty. All that is needed is persistence and hard work to make any endeavor successful.
Making money online is not as easy as some people believe. It can take time and if you are just starting out it can be very frustrating. Making money online is a great thing. You don’t have a boss and you work whenever you want.
Making money online can be a very profitable and most exciting opportunity available for anyone. Imagine being able to take orders every hour of the day on autopilot. Making money online is not something you can learn in books. You can surely learn things to maximize your chances of making money online and minimize the risks of taking the wrong turns, but in the end you have to try and learn from your errors. Making money online is always a good topic to write about.Lots of people are searching for the ways to make money online. So writing about your own experiences will be useful for people who are in need of such Information.
Making money online definitely can be done.It can be achieved with the right approach, but there is one thing that’s for sure it won’t always come easy. Making Money Online is not as hard as some would have you believe,but also it is not as easy as placing one ad and watching the money roll in.The challenge is there though and the rewards are plentiful.
More and more people now visit the internet on a daily basis,and as a result the amount of money spent there is steadily increasing. Consequently an excellent money making opportunity would be to start an online business. Depending on the time and money invested, an online business could earn up to thousands of dollars a year. Online business ventures are typically not difficult to find, and really anyone can find one that matches their talents, but it may be difficult to achieve the goal of making money if the business is not reputable.
The internet has become a valuable tool in every way, shape, and form. There are endless opportunities waiting to be taken and anyone can start at any time. Making money online is now considered to be one of the fastest growing areas for people to invest their time in when they become tired of the 9-5 routine. There is no ‘quick fix’ answer however to find your most profitable approach though, because we all have different skills and what will work well for one person might be a complete disaster for another. Making money online is not only about capitalizing on your successful opportunities, but knowing when to phase out the ones that are not profitable. The research involved with making money online is relatively simple.
When money is made on the internet, the income begins to increase gradually. The work may begin slowly at first, but as your skills increase, your work output and efficiency will increase and so will your ability to make more money. Earning money by working online has many benefits, one of which is working from the comfort of ones own home. This can also backfire on certain people when the commitment isn’t made to be responsible and have the discipline to work from home. The more one increases the effectiveness of work from their home, the more money they stand to make.For someone who is computer and internet savvy, starting an online business is considerably easier than for one who is not as familiar with the internet. The main problem most people have with starting an online business is maintaining focus.
Working from home can be challenging for those who have difficulty managing and prioritizing their routine and comittments. Working online requires a lot of discipline as there are many distractions.
It is important to treat any online money making opportunity with the same respect and dedication that any other job would require. The more one increases the effectiveness of work from their home, the more money they stand to make.
Many people are constantly on the lookout for better income opportunities to help them become financially independent. It may sound simple to make extra money, whether online or off line, but in reality it will take time and effort. Investing time may be challenging depending on daily demands, but is often required. There are actually simple ways that will enable one to make some extra cash without that much difficulty. All that is needed is persistence and hard work to make any endeavor successful.
Making money online is not as easy as some people believe. It can take time and if you are just starting out it can be very frustrating. Making money online is a great thing. You don’t have a boss and you work whenever you want.
Making money online can be a very profitable and most exciting opportunity available for anyone. Imagine being able to take orders every hour of the day on autopilot. Making money online is not something you can learn in books. You can surely learn things to maximize your chances of making money online and minimize the risks of taking the wrong turns, but in the end you have to try and learn from your errors. Making money online is always a good topic to write about.Lots of people are searching for the ways to make money online. So writing about your own experiences will be useful for people who are in need of such Information.
Making money online definitely can be done.It can be achieved with the right approach, but there is one thing that’s for sure it won’t always come easy. Making Money Online is not as hard as some would have you believe,but also it is not as easy as placing one ad and watching the money roll in.The challenge is there though and the rewards are plentiful.
Chakra Meditations
Chakra Meditations
If you are unfamiliar with the Chakra Energy System, meditation is a great way to understand its power. According to ancient Hindu teachings, chakras (translated from the Sanskrit word meaning wheel or disk) are “spinning wheels of light” located in seven different places within the human body. Conceiving of the human body as a series of energy-conducive "chakras" is a helpful device for achieving inner peace and finding happiness.
The following meditating techniques may be used in its entirety for chakra alignment, or broken up for individual concentration. To begin, find your comfortable place and slowly close your eyes. You need to go deeper to address your body from toes up to your crown, relaxing each body part along the way. Take a few moments to go inward.
Root (red) – This area centers on digestion as well as reproductive well-being. Visualize a glowing red pool of light emanating from your midsection. Expand it and breathe into it. Experience any blockages and gently tell yourself that your energy flows freely through your midsection. Concentrate on changing the brightness and texture of this red light. State that you are safe and healthy in the root of your being.
Spleen (orange) – The area just above the root chakra is the seat of creativity and addresses the bladder, kidneys and adrenal glands. From the glowing, red pool of the root chakra, see the light expand slightly up your body and change to brilliant orange. Breathe into it. Change the intensity of the light with each breath. Look down through it and see where the orange light meets the red. Address your feelings and tell yourself that you are a glorious, creative being.
Solar Plexus (yellow) – Located approximately two fingers below the center of the rib cage and above the naval, this addresses your body’s use of food, liver health and the pancreas. See the orange pool of light expand upward to fill this next chakra with bright, yellow light. This is about how you relate to the world and others in it. Take a moment to review any challenges with your job or other people. Release them through this light and out through the top of your head into the universe. Say to yourself that you deserve to trust and have trust in your life. Look down through the yellow into the orange and the red. Visualize each colored light in perfect alignment.
Heart (green) – Located directly behind the heart on the spine, this addresses the heart, the thymus gland and immune system. This is the seat of emotion, healing and soul connection. Breathe and visualize the yellow light expanding upward and filling the heart area with soothing, vibrant green light. Pulse this light with your heartbeat. You are loved and you are alive. Expand the green out from your body and bring it back into alignment. Just feel and breathe for a moment.
Throat (blue) – Mid-way up the neck, this point addresses the larynx, thyroid and hearing functions. This is the seat of self-expression and intellect. Breathe into this area and visualize it filling up with brilliant blue light. You may wish to emit a sound or sigh as you experience the flow of this blue light. This is a good time to inventory any fears you may have and release them with burst of laughter. Breathe and look down through the blue to the green to the yellow to the orange to the red and visualize them in perfect alignment.
Third Eye (indigo) – On the forehead between the brows is the eye of wisdom and seat of Divine Intelligence. Addressing mental activity, optic nerves and the pituitary gland, this is where your consciousness and unconsciousness converge. See this indigo pool of light shoot a beam out into the universe to connect with the Divine. All is well here. This is your opportunity to recharge. Say to yourself that this is your time to quiet your mind for learning and divine guidance. Listen for any intuitive messages that may come to you. Bring your beam back into your eye and focus it upward to the top of your head.
Crown (violet) – Visualize a great sky of golden light. Shoot a violet beam through the top of your head to connect to this sky of golden light. Visualize perfect alignment from red to orange to yellow to green to blue to indigo to violet, all connected in a glowing, vertical string to the sky of golden light. Feel the joy and peace. Let it pulse through your chakras giving new life to each color. State to yourself that you are connected with all that is and that you are healthy, safe, abundant, creative, loved, respected and cherished. Stay in this moment as long as you like. When you are ready, slowly come back into the room.
Utilize chakra meditating techniques like these during times of stress or unbalance.
If you are unfamiliar with the Chakra Energy System, meditation is a great way to understand its power. According to ancient Hindu teachings, chakras (translated from the Sanskrit word meaning wheel or disk) are “spinning wheels of light” located in seven different places within the human body. Conceiving of the human body as a series of energy-conducive "chakras" is a helpful device for achieving inner peace and finding happiness.
The following meditating techniques may be used in its entirety for chakra alignment, or broken up for individual concentration. To begin, find your comfortable place and slowly close your eyes. You need to go deeper to address your body from toes up to your crown, relaxing each body part along the way. Take a few moments to go inward.
Root (red) – This area centers on digestion as well as reproductive well-being. Visualize a glowing red pool of light emanating from your midsection. Expand it and breathe into it. Experience any blockages and gently tell yourself that your energy flows freely through your midsection. Concentrate on changing the brightness and texture of this red light. State that you are safe and healthy in the root of your being.
Spleen (orange) – The area just above the root chakra is the seat of creativity and addresses the bladder, kidneys and adrenal glands. From the glowing, red pool of the root chakra, see the light expand slightly up your body and change to brilliant orange. Breathe into it. Change the intensity of the light with each breath. Look down through it and see where the orange light meets the red. Address your feelings and tell yourself that you are a glorious, creative being.
Solar Plexus (yellow) – Located approximately two fingers below the center of the rib cage and above the naval, this addresses your body’s use of food, liver health and the pancreas. See the orange pool of light expand upward to fill this next chakra with bright, yellow light. This is about how you relate to the world and others in it. Take a moment to review any challenges with your job or other people. Release them through this light and out through the top of your head into the universe. Say to yourself that you deserve to trust and have trust in your life. Look down through the yellow into the orange and the red. Visualize each colored light in perfect alignment.
Heart (green) – Located directly behind the heart on the spine, this addresses the heart, the thymus gland and immune system. This is the seat of emotion, healing and soul connection. Breathe and visualize the yellow light expanding upward and filling the heart area with soothing, vibrant green light. Pulse this light with your heartbeat. You are loved and you are alive. Expand the green out from your body and bring it back into alignment. Just feel and breathe for a moment.
Throat (blue) – Mid-way up the neck, this point addresses the larynx, thyroid and hearing functions. This is the seat of self-expression and intellect. Breathe into this area and visualize it filling up with brilliant blue light. You may wish to emit a sound or sigh as you experience the flow of this blue light. This is a good time to inventory any fears you may have and release them with burst of laughter. Breathe and look down through the blue to the green to the yellow to the orange to the red and visualize them in perfect alignment.
Third Eye (indigo) – On the forehead between the brows is the eye of wisdom and seat of Divine Intelligence. Addressing mental activity, optic nerves and the pituitary gland, this is where your consciousness and unconsciousness converge. See this indigo pool of light shoot a beam out into the universe to connect with the Divine. All is well here. This is your opportunity to recharge. Say to yourself that this is your time to quiet your mind for learning and divine guidance. Listen for any intuitive messages that may come to you. Bring your beam back into your eye and focus it upward to the top of your head.
Crown (violet) – Visualize a great sky of golden light. Shoot a violet beam through the top of your head to connect to this sky of golden light. Visualize perfect alignment from red to orange to yellow to green to blue to indigo to violet, all connected in a glowing, vertical string to the sky of golden light. Feel the joy and peace. Let it pulse through your chakras giving new life to each color. State to yourself that you are connected with all that is and that you are healthy, safe, abundant, creative, loved, respected and cherished. Stay in this moment as long as you like. When you are ready, slowly come back into the room.
Utilize chakra meditating techniques like these during times of stress or unbalance.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Yoga or Pilates: Which Is Right for You?Find Your Mind-Body Match
These days, you can’t turn on the TV without hearing some celebrity extol the benefits of yoga or Pilates. Madonna credits her hard body to the former; Jennifer Anniston owes her lean muscles to the latter. A-listers seem to know which discipline is right for their bodies, but which one is best for you? According to the experts, that depends on your goals. To help you pick the perfect exercise, we rounded up a Pilates instructor, a yoga teacher and a neutral third party for a side-by-side comparison…
The Mentality
Yoga
This discipline has an Eastern-based philosophy. “Yoga is a journey of self-discovery,” says Leigh Crews, a registered yoga teacher (RYT) and spokesperson for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The mind, not the body, is the main target. Yoga teaches relaxation and meditation, and not just in the studio. “[What students learn in class] transfers into the rest of their lives as well,” Crews explains. “Instead of laying on the horn when they get cut off on the freeway, they practice yoga breathing and remain calm.”
And during the yoga session itself? Students fall into a meditative, peaceful state of mind.
But if you’re not into meditation, should you try yoga anyway? Absolutely, Crews says. “There are eight [parts] of yoga, and spirituality is only one of them. Many Western classes tend to focus more on breathing and movement.” (
Pilates
Pilates is more concerned with strengthening the body than the mind. But it still requires the mind to be engaged – no auto-pilot here. Movements are deliberate and focused. “Pilates is also called ‘contrology,’” says June Kahn, owner of June Kahn’s Bodyworks, LLC, and director of Pilates for Lakeshore Athletic Clubs in Boulder, CO. “It’s using the mind to control the muscle.”
Verdict
“Both exercises have a mind-body connection,” says Edward Jackowski, Ph.D., founder of the New York City-based fitness company Exude and author of Escape Your Shape: How to Work Out Smarter, Not Harder (Fireside, 2001).
The difference? “Yoga focuses more on meditation, whereas in Pilates the goal is to get your mind into the spot where it can control the motions.”
The Movements
Yoga
Most poses are static, meaning that they’re held for a long period. They’re not counted in seconds, but rather, in breaths. Often, you move deeper into the pose with each breath you take.
Pilates
There are two types of Pilates. Floor-based Pilates takes place on a mat on the ground, using elastic bands and the Pilates magic circle (exercise ring) to build strength and add resistance. In machine-based Pilates, you use two machines, called the Cadillac and Reformer, which are a system of springs and pulleys that add weight and resistance.
In both types, exercises are performed in sets and repetitions. While you do hold some moves for a certain number of breaths, as with yoga, in Pilates you remain in regular motion for the majority of the class.
Verdict
“People gravitate to things they are already good at,” Jackowski says. “Those with flexibility are more apt to choose yoga, while those who are stronger gravitate toward Pilates.” However, he recommends people not simply opt for the easiest workout, but rather the type of exercise that will most benefit your body.
The Physical Benefits
Yoga
Yoga keeps the body supple, pliable and flexible, which helps you perform daily movements better. “Yoga is functional training,” Crews explains. “It requires lots of different muscles to work together, training them to perform in the way we use them in everyday life.” (Compare this to isolation exercises such as biceps curls, which work only one muscle at a time.)
Athletes can also benefit from yoga. “With any sport, you tend to overwork one muscle group over another,” Crews says. “Yoga will pinpoint this imbalance, forcing the weak muscle to work harder and forcing the tighter muscle to stretch.”
Pilates
“Every Pilates exercise combines flexibility and strength,” Kahn says. Pilates emphasizes your core, or “powerhouse” muscles, which run in a circle around your lower back and abdomen. Whether you’re doing abdominal work, leg lifts or upper body exercises, all movement originates from the core in Pilates.
“[A strong core] allows you to have more power and improved performance in sports,” Khan explains. “You’re better able to power and propel yourself through movements.”
Dancers have known this for years. “Ballerinas flow beautifully through their movements. They look like they’re floating,” Kahn says. Watch an experienced Pilates practitioner, and you’ll notice the apparent ease of her movements, as well. But don’t be fooled – it only looks effortless. Moving through the progressions is challenging and requires a lot of strength.
Verdict
In general, yoga is the best choice if you want to increase range of motion and overall flexibility, Jackowski says. “If you have a weak back or core section, pick Pilates.”
The Ultimate Goal
Yoga
Yoga encourages practitioners to turn inward for self-evaluation, to be introspective. The end result is a calmer demeanor and mindset. “Stress reduction is a documented benefit of yoga,” Crews says. (See related article: Baxter Bell’s Secrets to Stress-Free Living)
Pilates
“Pilates is corrective in nature,” Kahn says. In fact, Joseph Pilates founded this exercise in the early 1900s to help wounded World War l soldiers recuperate.
Many physical therapy centers offer Pilates sessions for those who have been injured in sports or car accidents, or are suffering from chronic neck or back pain. Often, these sessions can be covered by insurance.
“The movements help realign the natural curves to your spine and fix imbalances caused by poor posture,” Kahn says.
Verdict
“Stress relief is really the core of yoga,” Jackowski says. “Pilates was developed more for rehabilitation purposes.”
The Bottom Line
Try yoga and Pilates at least three to five times each before you make up your mind. And if you want to lose weight, don’t forget your running shoes: You won’t lose fat without cardiovascular exercise.
Can’t choose between yoga and Pilates? No worries. The two disciplines complement each other. If you strengthen your abs in Pilates, it will be easier for you to hold certain poses in yoga. Becoming more flexible in yoga will allow you to move through Pilates progressions with more ease. “There is no one exercise that by itself is pure fitness,” Jackowski says.
So why limit yourself? Do them both. Just make sure you’re being guided by a trained professional.
For yoga: A yoga teacher (RYT) registered with the Yoga Alliance, a non-profit organization that sets standards for yoga training, will have at least 200 hours of training; there is also a 500-hour level.
For Pilates: Look for an instructor certified by STOTT Pilates or the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA).
The Mentality
Yoga
This discipline has an Eastern-based philosophy. “Yoga is a journey of self-discovery,” says Leigh Crews, a registered yoga teacher (RYT) and spokesperson for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The mind, not the body, is the main target. Yoga teaches relaxation and meditation, and not just in the studio. “[What students learn in class] transfers into the rest of their lives as well,” Crews explains. “Instead of laying on the horn when they get cut off on the freeway, they practice yoga breathing and remain calm.”
And during the yoga session itself? Students fall into a meditative, peaceful state of mind.
But if you’re not into meditation, should you try yoga anyway? Absolutely, Crews says. “There are eight [parts] of yoga, and spirituality is only one of them. Many Western classes tend to focus more on breathing and movement.” (
Pilates
Pilates is more concerned with strengthening the body than the mind. But it still requires the mind to be engaged – no auto-pilot here. Movements are deliberate and focused. “Pilates is also called ‘contrology,’” says June Kahn, owner of June Kahn’s Bodyworks, LLC, and director of Pilates for Lakeshore Athletic Clubs in Boulder, CO. “It’s using the mind to control the muscle.”
Verdict
“Both exercises have a mind-body connection,” says Edward Jackowski, Ph.D., founder of the New York City-based fitness company Exude and author of Escape Your Shape: How to Work Out Smarter, Not Harder (Fireside, 2001).
The difference? “Yoga focuses more on meditation, whereas in Pilates the goal is to get your mind into the spot where it can control the motions.”
The Movements
Yoga
Most poses are static, meaning that they’re held for a long period. They’re not counted in seconds, but rather, in breaths. Often, you move deeper into the pose with each breath you take.
Pilates
There are two types of Pilates. Floor-based Pilates takes place on a mat on the ground, using elastic bands and the Pilates magic circle (exercise ring) to build strength and add resistance. In machine-based Pilates, you use two machines, called the Cadillac and Reformer, which are a system of springs and pulleys that add weight and resistance.
In both types, exercises are performed in sets and repetitions. While you do hold some moves for a certain number of breaths, as with yoga, in Pilates you remain in regular motion for the majority of the class.
Verdict
“People gravitate to things they are already good at,” Jackowski says. “Those with flexibility are more apt to choose yoga, while those who are stronger gravitate toward Pilates.” However, he recommends people not simply opt for the easiest workout, but rather the type of exercise that will most benefit your body.
The Physical Benefits
Yoga
Yoga keeps the body supple, pliable and flexible, which helps you perform daily movements better. “Yoga is functional training,” Crews explains. “It requires lots of different muscles to work together, training them to perform in the way we use them in everyday life.” (Compare this to isolation exercises such as biceps curls, which work only one muscle at a time.)
Athletes can also benefit from yoga. “With any sport, you tend to overwork one muscle group over another,” Crews says. “Yoga will pinpoint this imbalance, forcing the weak muscle to work harder and forcing the tighter muscle to stretch.”
Pilates
“Every Pilates exercise combines flexibility and strength,” Kahn says. Pilates emphasizes your core, or “powerhouse” muscles, which run in a circle around your lower back and abdomen. Whether you’re doing abdominal work, leg lifts or upper body exercises, all movement originates from the core in Pilates.
“[A strong core] allows you to have more power and improved performance in sports,” Khan explains. “You’re better able to power and propel yourself through movements.”
Dancers have known this for years. “Ballerinas flow beautifully through their movements. They look like they’re floating,” Kahn says. Watch an experienced Pilates practitioner, and you’ll notice the apparent ease of her movements, as well. But don’t be fooled – it only looks effortless. Moving through the progressions is challenging and requires a lot of strength.
Verdict
In general, yoga is the best choice if you want to increase range of motion and overall flexibility, Jackowski says. “If you have a weak back or core section, pick Pilates.”
The Ultimate Goal
Yoga
Yoga encourages practitioners to turn inward for self-evaluation, to be introspective. The end result is a calmer demeanor and mindset. “Stress reduction is a documented benefit of yoga,” Crews says. (See related article: Baxter Bell’s Secrets to Stress-Free Living)
Pilates
“Pilates is corrective in nature,” Kahn says. In fact, Joseph Pilates founded this exercise in the early 1900s to help wounded World War l soldiers recuperate.
Many physical therapy centers offer Pilates sessions for those who have been injured in sports or car accidents, or are suffering from chronic neck or back pain. Often, these sessions can be covered by insurance.
“The movements help realign the natural curves to your spine and fix imbalances caused by poor posture,” Kahn says.
Verdict
“Stress relief is really the core of yoga,” Jackowski says. “Pilates was developed more for rehabilitation purposes.”
The Bottom Line
Try yoga and Pilates at least three to five times each before you make up your mind. And if you want to lose weight, don’t forget your running shoes: You won’t lose fat without cardiovascular exercise.
Can’t choose between yoga and Pilates? No worries. The two disciplines complement each other. If you strengthen your abs in Pilates, it will be easier for you to hold certain poses in yoga. Becoming more flexible in yoga will allow you to move through Pilates progressions with more ease. “There is no one exercise that by itself is pure fitness,” Jackowski says.
So why limit yourself? Do them both. Just make sure you’re being guided by a trained professional.
For yoga: A yoga teacher (RYT) registered with the Yoga Alliance, a non-profit organization that sets standards for yoga training, will have at least 200 hours of training; there is also a 500-hour level.
For Pilates: Look for an instructor certified by STOTT Pilates or the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA).
How To Create A Unique Content For Blog?
When managing a blog, one thing to remember is that fresh, unique content written by you is always going to be king. However, there may be times when you may get writers block, where you basically just run out of topics to write about. If you ever find yourself in this situation here are a few things you can do.
1.) Post a Previously Posted Article.
This is not the best strategy but it can get you out of a bind when you know an article is due on your blog, and you don't have one to post. Although it is not the best strategy, you can increase its effectiveness by choosing an article that returned positive feedback or an article that was popular among readers.
2.) Borrow an Article.
There are websites on the internet that are referred to as article submission sites. These websites are dedicated to copywriters, authors, journalists, columnists and anybody else who writes and is looking to get exposure. These websites allow article submissions that can be used as content on other websites or blogs. Typically the only stipulations are that you give credit where credit is due by notating the author of the article and any other reference material the author has included in article source information.
3.) Hire a Writer or a Slew of Them.
This may not be within your budget at first, but hiring a writer to help create fresh content will free up your time to concentrate on other marketing efforts. If you have a teenager, this a great job to give them. You can also allow guest article submissions. You may get requests from avid readers or industry enthusiasts to place their articles on your blog. This is a good strategy because it portrays to your readers that you are willing to allow others to help you communicate your idea, and posting articles by other writers gives a fresh perspective on the topic your blog is focused on.
4.) Create a Cache or Reserve of Articles.
Every writer gets writers block, but there will also be times when your ideas are flowing like Niagara Falls. When you find yourself being able to write, it is a good idea to write as many articles as you can, and stash them away for future use. This is a very common strategy many writers use, from song writers, to stand up comedians. Anybody who writes for a living knows the ideas are not always there so when they are, take advantage.
5.) Post Photos and Videos
Posting articles on blogs is the normal and most popular form of sharing information in blogs. However, photos and videos can be very affective as well and they tend to add a different energy and zest to your blog. If you post audio clips, videos and images on your blog, your readers will enjoy the varied forms of media that they can access from your blog, and you will expand your appeal. You can also use other peoples clips on your blog by embedding video from other sources such as YouTube.com. Adding articles should be fairly strait forward but adding photos and videos can be a little more involved so I will post additional information on adding images and creative your own unique videos in future posts.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Most Affiliate Marketers are Promoting Best Selling Products
Upload the banners and links and all the creative marketing resources that the poker affiliate program provides you and be ready to start. Seventh among the Affiliate Affiliate marketing is a great way to start in making money online. Fill out a simple form, Marketing Tools for success, find some successful companies that use affiliate marketing.However remember, without action, you cannot blame this affiliate marketing article or any article for that matter. In any case, affiliate marketing is set up to be that of a finder’s fee situation because you are bringing new businesses to the client.
If you don’t have a website you can still take come up with a good affiliate marketing strategy for yourself.Most affiliate marketers are naturally go to promote best selling products in each category and the most popular category which love by most affiliate marketers is internet marketing make money products. 2) Can help build your own list simply sending visitors to your affiliate websites through your affiliate URL is not good marketing. For your affiliate marketing website online, don’t just post the referral links to the affiliate websites.No doubt affiliate marketing can make you a lot of money, but if you want to be at the top of the food chain and make the kind of riches that the top guns make, you do need your OWN product. As the market leader in affiliate marketing solutions, Commission Junction offers many advantages for both merchants and affiliates. More Guidance” Cutting Through the Information and Finding the Right Program for You” Whether you have already decided on which affiliate network marketing program you are going to use to make money on the internet or you are still looking for more answers to your questions there is place where you can go to receive more help than you will from any actual program out there. The only thing Dell lacks that can benefit affiliate marketing is great landing pages that explicitly outline the details of the coupon.The Pay-Per-Impression and Pay-Per-Click Model are not common to be used in Affiliate Marketing anymore. In affiliate marketing, the affiliate is compensated for every visitor, subscriber and/or customer provided through his efforts. It is feasible to make as much money with affiliate marketing as it is through a conventional online business that sells products or services. Product Endorsement: You’ll realize very quickly that the Affiliate Program is just a form of the Product Endorsement Joint Venture that we’ll talk about now, so hopefully we have taken a commonly understood form of internet marketing and will begin now to expand the scope, and your understanding.In Reselling you are taking the offensive, instead of the defensive approach to affiliate marketing or online advertising. The only way it can be easy for you is if you keep learning and researching the strategies and tricks of affiliate marketing, but most of your knowledge will come from personal experience. Google Adsense is actually some sort of an affiliate marketing program. Finding help and resources for making money online or by affiliate marketing are some of the most sought after subjects on the internet.There are design principles that you must follow when you build your website to achieve success in affiliate marketing.
Truth: Affiliate networks are a powerful solution to the knowledgeable Internet Marketing Merchants. “Pay per lead affiliate programs” allow you to develop multiple streams of income from one business, one marketing effort, and one website.
For that reason, understanding just what affiliate marketing is and how it works is how you’ll know if this is the right place for you to be in. But if you are prepared to put that time and energy into your affiliate marketing business, then you will, in time, reap the rewards of all your hard work. I Have tried alot this is one That Does Pay and Is Easy To Use
Affiliate marketing is quite complex, and it would be impossible on the limited space here to explain all you need to know to succeed in affiliate marketing.
If you don’t have a website you can still take come up with a good affiliate marketing strategy for yourself.Most affiliate marketers are naturally go to promote best selling products in each category and the most popular category which love by most affiliate marketers is internet marketing make money products. 2) Can help build your own list simply sending visitors to your affiliate websites through your affiliate URL is not good marketing. For your affiliate marketing website online, don’t just post the referral links to the affiliate websites.No doubt affiliate marketing can make you a lot of money, but if you want to be at the top of the food chain and make the kind of riches that the top guns make, you do need your OWN product. As the market leader in affiliate marketing solutions, Commission Junction offers many advantages for both merchants and affiliates. More Guidance” Cutting Through the Information and Finding the Right Program for You” Whether you have already decided on which affiliate network marketing program you are going to use to make money on the internet or you are still looking for more answers to your questions there is place where you can go to receive more help than you will from any actual program out there. The only thing Dell lacks that can benefit affiliate marketing is great landing pages that explicitly outline the details of the coupon.The Pay-Per-Impression and Pay-Per-Click Model are not common to be used in Affiliate Marketing anymore. In affiliate marketing, the affiliate is compensated for every visitor, subscriber and/or customer provided through his efforts. It is feasible to make as much money with affiliate marketing as it is through a conventional online business that sells products or services. Product Endorsement: You’ll realize very quickly that the Affiliate Program is just a form of the Product Endorsement Joint Venture that we’ll talk about now, so hopefully we have taken a commonly understood form of internet marketing and will begin now to expand the scope, and your understanding.In Reselling you are taking the offensive, instead of the defensive approach to affiliate marketing or online advertising. The only way it can be easy for you is if you keep learning and researching the strategies and tricks of affiliate marketing, but most of your knowledge will come from personal experience. Google Adsense is actually some sort of an affiliate marketing program. Finding help and resources for making money online or by affiliate marketing are some of the most sought after subjects on the internet.There are design principles that you must follow when you build your website to achieve success in affiliate marketing.
Truth: Affiliate networks are a powerful solution to the knowledgeable Internet Marketing Merchants. “Pay per lead affiliate programs” allow you to develop multiple streams of income from one business, one marketing effort, and one website.
For that reason, understanding just what affiliate marketing is and how it works is how you’ll know if this is the right place for you to be in. But if you are prepared to put that time and energy into your affiliate marketing business, then you will, in time, reap the rewards of all your hard work. I Have tried alot this is one That Does Pay and Is Easy To Use
Affiliate marketing is quite complex, and it would be impossible on the limited space here to explain all you need to know to succeed in affiliate marketing.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Recipe Chicken, Broccoli, and Cherry Tomato Fusilli
For a one dish weekday meal, serve fusilli with chicken, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. It has half the fat of spaghetti and meatballs, plus combines a healthy dose of vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 30 min Level:
Easy Serves:
4 servings Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (each about 8 ounces)
3 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
1 tablespoon kosher salt
6 cloves garlic, 2 smashed and 4 minced
2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
3 slightly heaping cups small broccoli florets (about 7 ounces)
12 ounces spinach fusilli pasta (about 3/4 of a pound box)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon chile flakes
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus more to pass
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a small saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the chicken, broth, 1 teaspoon of the salt, smashed garlic, and parsley. Bring just to a boil, remove from the heat, and set aside, covered, until just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken, strain the broth. Pull the chicken into strips and put in a bowl with about 1/4 cup of the broth. Reserve the rest of the chicken broth.
Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously. Add the broccoli and cook until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer broccoli with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Return the water to a boil, add the fusilli and cook, stirring occasionally until al dente to tender but not mushy, about 8 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, combine the minced garlic, oil, and chile flakes in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until lightly browned and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, until somewhat soft, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of the broth, the remaining 2 teaspoons salt, and stir in the butter and 1/4 cup of the pecorino until incorporated. Stir in the chicken and broccoli, bring to a simmer, and remove from the heat.
Drain the pasta in a colander in the sink. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the remaining 1/4 cup pecorino. Pour the sauce over the pasta, season with pepper, and toss to combine. (If the sauce around the pasta seems "tight", add a little more broth, until it loosely naps the fusilli.) Serve in large bowls and pass additional cheese at the table, if desired.
Cook's Note: Once you've poached the chicken in the broth it doubles in flavor. Freeze or refrigerate any leftovers for other recipes.
675 calories 24 grams total fat 8.5 grams saturated fat 65 grams carbohydrates
Beware of Scavenger Debt Collectors
Beware of Scavenger Debt Collectors
Debt > Beware of Scavenger Debt Collectors
You defaulted on your credit card debt a long time ago. Your credit report indicates that the debt was written off by the credit card company a year ago. Your account was turned over to a collection agency who sent you a few form letters and called you a few times, but eventually they gave up and now you're home free. You think you got out of paying this debt, right? Don't get too comfortable just yet.
There is a new investment opportunity and it isn't real estate. It is debt collecting. Groups of investors are forming companies and purchasing old debt from original creditors for literally pennies on the dollar and are going after old, written off credit card debt with a vengeance. The industry is so lucrative that two of these investment companies have made the Fortune 500 list.
The term that has been coined for companies who purchase uncollectible, written-off debt is "scavenger debt collectors" but few of them will admit they are collection agencies. They usually call themselves litigation firms to scare the hell out of you, and they use very aggressive collection techniques that often violate the provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Many of them claim that they are not bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, but they most certainly are.
Scavenger debt collectors buy old debt for just pennies on the dollar and try to collect the whole amount due plus interest. For example, suppose you owed Citibank exactly $1,000. Citibank wrote off the account when they couldn't collect from you, turned it over to a debt collection agency, who also couldn't collect from you. Now, Citibank has sold it to a scavenger debt collection firm for about $70.00. And the scavenger debt collector is going to come after you for the entire $1,000 plus interest. Pretty lucrative, huh?
Of course, the scavenger debt collectors know that most of what they have purchased is uncollectible -- that's why they bought it for just pennies on the dollar. But they are going to use intimidation tactics to collect as much as they can. Please do not let them scare you. Most of what they say is bluffing to get you to send them as much as you can as quickly as you can to avoid being sued.
If you are contacted by a scavenger debt collector, this is what will happen:
First of all, they will let you know that they are a "litigation firm" who is preparing the papers to sue you, but they wanted to contact you and perhaps work out some sort of settlement or pay off agreement. They will lead you to believe that if you don't pay, you will be sued in the next few weeks. But remember, they are probably not a litigation firm and the person on the phone is just a regular debt collector, but he or she will lead you to believe he is an attorney or a paralegal who works for a law firm, when in fact, they are just regular debt collectors. Do not let the "litigation firm" term scare you. Ask the person with whom you are speaking if he/she is an attorney and if the company is an actual law firm. In fact, ask a lot of questions about who it is that now owns your old debt. Chances are you will find that they are a group of investors who aren't really a litigation firm.
Secondly, the scavenger debt collector won't tell you that they purchased the debt for .07 to .10 cents or even as little as .03 cents on the dollar. They will go into a grand epic tale about how their investors purchased this debt and they must get their money back. If you tell them you don't have the money, they will try to determine how much you do have and will start telling you they will accept 80%, then 70%. The collector might tell you he has to consult with the investors and find out if he can offer you a really good deal -- 50%. He calls you back and says he was able to convince them to accept 50% as payment in full provided you can get it to them in the next five days.
The truth is that they will accept as little as 25 percent as a settlement. They will likely not accept anything less than 25 percent because they purchased your debt to make a really nice profit.
If you refuse to pay, they will turn your account over to a real attorney, who will send you a threatening letter in yet another effort to intimidate you into paying. Note that attorneys are forbidden from sending letters claiming they will sue when they won't or can't, so if you receive such a letter from a real attorney, pay attention to what it says to determine if you are really going to be sued. Does the letter say they are exploring their legal options or that papers are being prepared for suit? If it says the latter, you are probably getting sued for real since attorneys can't say it if it isn't true.
In any event, they will not actually sue you unless their asset search reveals you have assets to seize. They aren't going to spend any money suing you if you don't have anything. After all, you can't get blood out of a turnip. And don't think you can hide assets, because with today's computers and vast databases, they can find out what you have in checking accounts, savings accounts, what real estate you own, etc. You really have very little privacy anymore in terms of your finances.
What property can they seize? It depends on what state you live in. Some states, like Texas, are very debtor-friendly and creditors can't do much. But other states, such as Vermont, are creditor-friendly and they can attach your wages, levy your bank account or put a lien on your property.
Scavenger debt collectors are notorious for purchasing really old debt -- debt so old that the statute of limitations has run. If a debt collector contacts you regarding an old debt, do not admit that you owe the debt and do not agree to make any payments. Simply tell them that the "statute of limitations has run on this debt and do not contact me again". If they continue contacting you, send them a certified letter, return receipt requested, telling them not to contact you about the debt again. Remember -- DO NOT ADMIT THAT YOU OWE THE DEBT, DO NOT AGREE TO PAY THE DEBT, AND DO NOT AGREE TO SEND ANY MONEY TO THEM. If you do, then the statute of limitations might start running all over again, giving them the legal right to sue you.
Debt > Beware of Scavenger Debt Collectors
You defaulted on your credit card debt a long time ago. Your credit report indicates that the debt was written off by the credit card company a year ago. Your account was turned over to a collection agency who sent you a few form letters and called you a few times, but eventually they gave up and now you're home free. You think you got out of paying this debt, right? Don't get too comfortable just yet.
There is a new investment opportunity and it isn't real estate. It is debt collecting. Groups of investors are forming companies and purchasing old debt from original creditors for literally pennies on the dollar and are going after old, written off credit card debt with a vengeance. The industry is so lucrative that two of these investment companies have made the Fortune 500 list.
The term that has been coined for companies who purchase uncollectible, written-off debt is "scavenger debt collectors" but few of them will admit they are collection agencies. They usually call themselves litigation firms to scare the hell out of you, and they use very aggressive collection techniques that often violate the provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Many of them claim that they are not bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, but they most certainly are.
Scavenger debt collectors buy old debt for just pennies on the dollar and try to collect the whole amount due plus interest. For example, suppose you owed Citibank exactly $1,000. Citibank wrote off the account when they couldn't collect from you, turned it over to a debt collection agency, who also couldn't collect from you. Now, Citibank has sold it to a scavenger debt collection firm for about $70.00. And the scavenger debt collector is going to come after you for the entire $1,000 plus interest. Pretty lucrative, huh?
Of course, the scavenger debt collectors know that most of what they have purchased is uncollectible -- that's why they bought it for just pennies on the dollar. But they are going to use intimidation tactics to collect as much as they can. Please do not let them scare you. Most of what they say is bluffing to get you to send them as much as you can as quickly as you can to avoid being sued.
If you are contacted by a scavenger debt collector, this is what will happen:
First of all, they will let you know that they are a "litigation firm" who is preparing the papers to sue you, but they wanted to contact you and perhaps work out some sort of settlement or pay off agreement. They will lead you to believe that if you don't pay, you will be sued in the next few weeks. But remember, they are probably not a litigation firm and the person on the phone is just a regular debt collector, but he or she will lead you to believe he is an attorney or a paralegal who works for a law firm, when in fact, they are just regular debt collectors. Do not let the "litigation firm" term scare you. Ask the person with whom you are speaking if he/she is an attorney and if the company is an actual law firm. In fact, ask a lot of questions about who it is that now owns your old debt. Chances are you will find that they are a group of investors who aren't really a litigation firm.
Secondly, the scavenger debt collector won't tell you that they purchased the debt for .07 to .10 cents or even as little as .03 cents on the dollar. They will go into a grand epic tale about how their investors purchased this debt and they must get their money back. If you tell them you don't have the money, they will try to determine how much you do have and will start telling you they will accept 80%, then 70%. The collector might tell you he has to consult with the investors and find out if he can offer you a really good deal -- 50%. He calls you back and says he was able to convince them to accept 50% as payment in full provided you can get it to them in the next five days.
The truth is that they will accept as little as 25 percent as a settlement. They will likely not accept anything less than 25 percent because they purchased your debt to make a really nice profit.
If you refuse to pay, they will turn your account over to a real attorney, who will send you a threatening letter in yet another effort to intimidate you into paying. Note that attorneys are forbidden from sending letters claiming they will sue when they won't or can't, so if you receive such a letter from a real attorney, pay attention to what it says to determine if you are really going to be sued. Does the letter say they are exploring their legal options or that papers are being prepared for suit? If it says the latter, you are probably getting sued for real since attorneys can't say it if it isn't true.
In any event, they will not actually sue you unless their asset search reveals you have assets to seize. They aren't going to spend any money suing you if you don't have anything. After all, you can't get blood out of a turnip. And don't think you can hide assets, because with today's computers and vast databases, they can find out what you have in checking accounts, savings accounts, what real estate you own, etc. You really have very little privacy anymore in terms of your finances.
What property can they seize? It depends on what state you live in. Some states, like Texas, are very debtor-friendly and creditors can't do much. But other states, such as Vermont, are creditor-friendly and they can attach your wages, levy your bank account or put a lien on your property.
Scavenger debt collectors are notorious for purchasing really old debt -- debt so old that the statute of limitations has run. If a debt collector contacts you regarding an old debt, do not admit that you owe the debt and do not agree to make any payments. Simply tell them that the "statute of limitations has run on this debt and do not contact me again". If they continue contacting you, send them a certified letter, return receipt requested, telling them not to contact you about the debt again. Remember -- DO NOT ADMIT THAT YOU OWE THE DEBT, DO NOT AGREE TO PAY THE DEBT, AND DO NOT AGREE TO SEND ANY MONEY TO THEM. If you do, then the statute of limitations might start running all over again, giving them the legal right to sue you.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Middle Eastern Recipe Turkey Kibbeh
Turkey Kibbeh
Provided by PREP TIME
30 minutes COOK TIME
1 hour 10 minutes LEVEL
Easy SERVES
6
Kibbeh, a seasoned lamb and bulgur mixture, is one of the national dishes of Lebanon. It's often served raw, drizzled with olive oil, with slices of sharp white onion and fresh pita bread alongside, but is also baked or stuffed and deep-fried. This baked version uses lean ground turkey to cut fat and finely shredded zucchini to keep it moist while baking. Make it a meal: serve with toasted pita bread and a salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
Kibbeh
1/2 cup bulgur
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (see Tip)
1 1/2 pounds 93%-lean ground turkey
1 medium zucchini, finely shredded
2 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Yogurt sauce
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
1 small tomato, diced
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450° F. Coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray. Place bulgur in a small bowl and cover with hot water.
Heat oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in pine nuts.
Drain the bulgur, pressing on it to remove any liquid. Transfer to a large bowl and add turkey, zucchini, marjoram, cumin, salt, allspice and cayenne. Gently mix until combined. Pat half the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the onion mixture, pressing it gently into the turkey layer. Cover with the rest of the turkey mixture, pressing gently into the onion layer. Cover with foil.
Bake the kibbeh for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165° F, 10 to 15 minutes more.
To prepare yogurt sauce & serve: While the kibbeh is baking, combine yogurt, cucumber, tomato and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Cut the kibbeh into 6 squares and serve warm with the yogurt sauce.
Tip:
Tip: To toast pine nuts: Cook in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving
Calories 296 kcal
Calories From Protein -
Calories From Carbs -
Calories From Fat -
Carbohydrates 17 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Monosaturated Fat -
Polysaturated Fat -
Protein 27 g
Potassium 361 g
Sodium 397 g
Iron -
Cholesterol 67 g
Folic Acid -
Nutritional Bonus:
Per serving
Vitamin C (20% daily value).
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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Affiliate Sales Increasing Tips
The question "How can I increase affiliate sales?" should be the one thing that you ask yourself on a recurring basis if you hope to be a long-term success in Internet marketing (IM). The reason you should be asking yourself that, even if you already consider yourself a success at IM, its that stagnation and resting on laurels that has doomed many IM people to over the years. So don't fall into that trap.
Much of this sort of marketing shares some common precepts with traditional types of real-world marketing. Always do what's called a "PDCA" (Plan, Do, Check, Act). This means you should be planning constantly, when it comes to your affiliate marketing and sales goals. Are you planning a new marketing campaign? How about planning for a new website theme or design? Customers quickly tire of the same website theme or tired old products.
Next, are you carrying out your plan (the "Do")? Have you taken your email list of customers and website subscribers, for instance, and made plans for sending them a new salesletter, touting the benefits of a new product you're selling, or one of your own affiliates is selling? Do you send these people newsletters that are content-rich and enticing to them?
After that, are you gauging the results of these campaigns and mail-outs? What's your "conversion rate?" This means how many people, once they come to your site, are clicking through your landing page and actually buying whatever it is you're selling. If the rate is minuscule, or they're not even bothering to go past your landing page, then you need to revisit your marketing campaign. This is all involved in checking, by the way.
Lastly, are you acting on all your research and either strengthening what you've found to be successful, or reconfiguring what you've found to be failing? This is acting upon what you've checked up on. No marketer worth his or her salt fails to do these things. In addition, when you do, in fact, make PDCA a part of "growing your garden" (your customer base), you'll find great things will eventually happen.
Remember, increasing affiliate sales involves having a good website, for starters. It should be visually interesting and filled with useful information that's easy to find. It also needs to have an effective landing page that entices visitors to head over to view the products you're selling. It should have a mechanism for collecting emails, also.
It's from these addresses that you'll build lists for targeting marketing campaigns, too. Just remember to give these people a free gift of software or an eBook, or something (you can get them for free, generally). Put all of these activities together and wrap them up in a nice, bright red PDCA bow, and you should have at least a solid foundation for increasing affiliate sales.
Much of this sort of marketing shares some common precepts with traditional types of real-world marketing. Always do what's called a "PDCA" (Plan, Do, Check, Act). This means you should be planning constantly, when it comes to your affiliate marketing and sales goals. Are you planning a new marketing campaign? How about planning for a new website theme or design? Customers quickly tire of the same website theme or tired old products.
Next, are you carrying out your plan (the "Do")? Have you taken your email list of customers and website subscribers, for instance, and made plans for sending them a new salesletter, touting the benefits of a new product you're selling, or one of your own affiliates is selling? Do you send these people newsletters that are content-rich and enticing to them?
After that, are you gauging the results of these campaigns and mail-outs? What's your "conversion rate?" This means how many people, once they come to your site, are clicking through your landing page and actually buying whatever it is you're selling. If the rate is minuscule, or they're not even bothering to go past your landing page, then you need to revisit your marketing campaign. This is all involved in checking, by the way.
Lastly, are you acting on all your research and either strengthening what you've found to be successful, or reconfiguring what you've found to be failing? This is acting upon what you've checked up on. No marketer worth his or her salt fails to do these things. In addition, when you do, in fact, make PDCA a part of "growing your garden" (your customer base), you'll find great things will eventually happen.
Remember, increasing affiliate sales involves having a good website, for starters. It should be visually interesting and filled with useful information that's easy to find. It also needs to have an effective landing page that entices visitors to head over to view the products you're selling. It should have a mechanism for collecting emails, also.
It's from these addresses that you'll build lists for targeting marketing campaigns, too. Just remember to give these people a free gift of software or an eBook, or something (you can get them for free, generally). Put all of these activities together and wrap them up in a nice, bright red PDCA bow, and you should have at least a solid foundation for increasing affiliate sales.
Friday, August 14, 2009
14 Days, 14 Ways to the Best Sex Ever
14 Days, 14 Ways to the Best Sex Ever
By Dana Demas,
Ignite a slow burn - or a roaring fire - with these 14 tips.
Day 1: Get a sugar high.
Chocolate is good for your sex life! The sweet-tooth favorite may give you the same lusty endorphin boost as first-time lovers.
Women who ate chocolate every day had higher libidos, better arousal and were more satisfied with their sex lives than women who didn’t indulge, Italian researchers found in a 2006 study. Munch on 3.5 ounces of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate per day, and you’ll help your ticker too.
Day 2: Do your Kegels.
Improve your vaginal health and your “arousability” with Kegel exercises, named for Dr. Arthur Kegel, who introduced them in the 1940s.
It’s one of the easiest ways to improve vaginal tone, boost orgasm quality and bring blood to the entire pelvic region, which improves tissue health and lubrication.
Locate your pelvic muscles by stopping the flow of urine mid-stream. Squeeze and release them when you’re not in the bathroom. (Kegels done while urinating may lead to bladder infections and other problems.) Do three sets of 10 a day. For more on Kegels, click here.
“The genitals are no different than anywhere else in the body,” says Judith Florendo, a Chicago physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction. The muscles act as a pump, bringing oxygen to the tissues and pushing toxins out, she says. You can do Kegels during sex, too. It creates more friction for you and your partner.
Day 3: Just do it.
Say ‘yes’ to sex more often (start tonight), says sexpert Laura Berman, Ph.D.
You’ll notice a greater sense of connection to your partner, which will make you want to have more sex.
Research shows that most women enjoy sex once they start having it, so say ‘yes’ even when you’re not in the mood.
Day 4: Laugh.
It’s great foreplay, no exertion required.
Several studies have found that laughter lights up the frontal lobe of the brain, which is associated with emotion. It increases blood pressure and heart rate too, mimicking the signs of arousal so you’re primed for better sex. Try reading a funny book or catch your favorite late-night show with your honey. Then turn out the lights.
Day 5: Visit Victoria.
Buy some beautiful lingerie for yourself. Choose something sexy. You’ll feel great secretly sporting a lacy thong and matching bra under your clothes. And anticipating his reaction to the ensemble will ignite a slow burn within you too.
Day 6: Rediscover the clitoris.
“It is very common for women to be unable to reach orgasm through intercourse alone,” says certified sex therapist Annette Demby.
You can feel orgasms in the vagina or all over the body, but it generally starts from the clitoris, she says.
Focus on stimulating the clitoris during foreplay and intercourse with your fingers – or his. If that doesn’t work, try a small vibrating bullet. It can fit between you and your partner during intercourse (so he’ll feel it too).
For more help priming for the 'big one,' check out Orgasms 101.
Day 7: Fantasize, solo or together.
Women who fantasize have more satisfying, rich sex lives. In fact, women who reported submission fantasies had more positive attitudes about sex, felt less guilty about sex and were more open to a variety of sexual experiences, according to a 1988 study by Canadian sex researchers Lisa Pelletier, Ph.D., and Edward Herold, Ph.D.
So tap into your dream life or, if you need help, read some erotica and see where your imagination takes you!
Day 8: Separate.
Too much togetherness often saps the passion right out sex, says sex therapist Esther Perel in her book, Mating in Captivity (HarperCollins).
Do your own thing for a couple of nights. Pursue an old hobby or explore an untapped interest – by yourself. It'll recharge your relationship.
Day 9: Be adventurous together.
The tried-and-true get results, but doing something new and even a little risky with your partner will give you a dose of the infatuation you had at the beginning of your relationship.
A sense of anxiety intensifies attraction between two people, psychologist Arthur Aron found in his 1974 relationship studies. So this Valentine’s Day skip dinner, and try rock climbing, bungee jumping or another thriller activity instead.
Day 10: Forgive.
People who forgive something hurtful from their past have better relationships and greater levels of commitment, research shows.
A 2001 study out of Hope College in Michigan found that those who forgave felt less negative, angry and out of control than those who held on to their hurt. Forgiveness may be the greatest gift of all – for your partner, your relationship and yourself.
Day 11: Masturbate for each other.
It’s the best way to show one another how you like to be stimulated. Long-term lovers can discover new sensations by pushing the boundaries and watching their partner touch themselves, says sex therapist P. Michele Sugg. And new couples can learn how to better turn each other on.
Day 12: Smell the roses.
You don't have to restrict fresh flowers for special occasions. They’re not just beautiful; they also act as an aromatherapy aphrodisiac.
There’s good reason roses symbolize love. They contain the natural chemical compound phenylethylamine (PEA), which has sexy, mood-altering effects. PEA gushes out of the brain when we fall in love, says sex researcher Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love (Owl Books). So sniff deeply for better sex and a better relationship. (Guys, here’s a hint: Surprise flowers are always a hit.)
Day 13: Take a mini-vacation.
Sometimes you need to get away to rediscover the sex goddess lurking within.
Vacations offer the chance to reconnect, with yourself and your partner. Less stress, better sleep and an escape from the routine and responsibilities can create the perfect atmosphere for more satisfying – and more frequent – sex.
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Day 14: Eyes wide open.
Keep your eyes open and locked on each other during sex, including when you orgasm, says sex therapist David Schnarch, Ph.D., in his book, Passionate Marriage (W.W. Norton & Company). You’ll tune into nuances in one another’s response, he says, and discover a new intensity that’s worth the uneasiness you may first feel!
By Dana Demas,
Ignite a slow burn - or a roaring fire - with these 14 tips.
Day 1: Get a sugar high.
Chocolate is good for your sex life! The sweet-tooth favorite may give you the same lusty endorphin boost as first-time lovers.
Women who ate chocolate every day had higher libidos, better arousal and were more satisfied with their sex lives than women who didn’t indulge, Italian researchers found in a 2006 study. Munch on 3.5 ounces of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate per day, and you’ll help your ticker too.
Day 2: Do your Kegels.
Improve your vaginal health and your “arousability” with Kegel exercises, named for Dr. Arthur Kegel, who introduced them in the 1940s.
It’s one of the easiest ways to improve vaginal tone, boost orgasm quality and bring blood to the entire pelvic region, which improves tissue health and lubrication.
Locate your pelvic muscles by stopping the flow of urine mid-stream. Squeeze and release them when you’re not in the bathroom. (Kegels done while urinating may lead to bladder infections and other problems.) Do three sets of 10 a day. For more on Kegels, click here.
“The genitals are no different than anywhere else in the body,” says Judith Florendo, a Chicago physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction. The muscles act as a pump, bringing oxygen to the tissues and pushing toxins out, she says. You can do Kegels during sex, too. It creates more friction for you and your partner.
Day 3: Just do it.
Say ‘yes’ to sex more often (start tonight), says sexpert Laura Berman, Ph.D.
You’ll notice a greater sense of connection to your partner, which will make you want to have more sex.
Research shows that most women enjoy sex once they start having it, so say ‘yes’ even when you’re not in the mood.
Day 4: Laugh.
It’s great foreplay, no exertion required.
Several studies have found that laughter lights up the frontal lobe of the brain, which is associated with emotion. It increases blood pressure and heart rate too, mimicking the signs of arousal so you’re primed for better sex. Try reading a funny book or catch your favorite late-night show with your honey. Then turn out the lights.
Day 5: Visit Victoria.
Buy some beautiful lingerie for yourself. Choose something sexy. You’ll feel great secretly sporting a lacy thong and matching bra under your clothes. And anticipating his reaction to the ensemble will ignite a slow burn within you too.
Day 6: Rediscover the clitoris.
“It is very common for women to be unable to reach orgasm through intercourse alone,” says certified sex therapist Annette Demby.
You can feel orgasms in the vagina or all over the body, but it generally starts from the clitoris, she says.
Focus on stimulating the clitoris during foreplay and intercourse with your fingers – or his. If that doesn’t work, try a small vibrating bullet. It can fit between you and your partner during intercourse (so he’ll feel it too).
For more help priming for the 'big one,' check out Orgasms 101.
Day 7: Fantasize, solo or together.
Women who fantasize have more satisfying, rich sex lives. In fact, women who reported submission fantasies had more positive attitudes about sex, felt less guilty about sex and were more open to a variety of sexual experiences, according to a 1988 study by Canadian sex researchers Lisa Pelletier, Ph.D., and Edward Herold, Ph.D.
So tap into your dream life or, if you need help, read some erotica and see where your imagination takes you!
Day 8: Separate.
Too much togetherness often saps the passion right out sex, says sex therapist Esther Perel in her book, Mating in Captivity (HarperCollins).
Do your own thing for a couple of nights. Pursue an old hobby or explore an untapped interest – by yourself. It'll recharge your relationship.
Day 9: Be adventurous together.
The tried-and-true get results, but doing something new and even a little risky with your partner will give you a dose of the infatuation you had at the beginning of your relationship.
A sense of anxiety intensifies attraction between two people, psychologist Arthur Aron found in his 1974 relationship studies. So this Valentine’s Day skip dinner, and try rock climbing, bungee jumping or another thriller activity instead.
Day 10: Forgive.
People who forgive something hurtful from their past have better relationships and greater levels of commitment, research shows.
A 2001 study out of Hope College in Michigan found that those who forgave felt less negative, angry and out of control than those who held on to their hurt. Forgiveness may be the greatest gift of all – for your partner, your relationship and yourself.
Day 11: Masturbate for each other.
It’s the best way to show one another how you like to be stimulated. Long-term lovers can discover new sensations by pushing the boundaries and watching their partner touch themselves, says sex therapist P. Michele Sugg. And new couples can learn how to better turn each other on.
Day 12: Smell the roses.
You don't have to restrict fresh flowers for special occasions. They’re not just beautiful; they also act as an aromatherapy aphrodisiac.
There’s good reason roses symbolize love. They contain the natural chemical compound phenylethylamine (PEA), which has sexy, mood-altering effects. PEA gushes out of the brain when we fall in love, says sex researcher Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love (Owl Books). So sniff deeply for better sex and a better relationship. (Guys, here’s a hint: Surprise flowers are always a hit.)
Day 13: Take a mini-vacation.
Sometimes you need to get away to rediscover the sex goddess lurking within.
Vacations offer the chance to reconnect, with yourself and your partner. Less stress, better sleep and an escape from the routine and responsibilities can create the perfect atmosphere for more satisfying – and more frequent – sex.
Free Travel Guides and Brochures - Browse destinations, pick travel guides that you'd like, receive guides Free by mail or download. Click Here
Day 14: Eyes wide open.
Keep your eyes open and locked on each other during sex, including when you orgasm, says sex therapist David Schnarch, Ph.D., in his book, Passionate Marriage (W.W. Norton & Company). You’ll tune into nuances in one another’s response, he says, and discover a new intensity that’s worth the uneasiness you may first feel!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Fusilli with Garden-Fresh Tomato "Sauce"
Fusilli with Garden-Fresh Tomato "Sauce"
Provided by PREP TIME
35 minutes COOK TIME
35 minutes LEVEL
Easy SERVES
6
This easy uncooked sauce is perfect on a hot summer night. You can serve it right away, but it tastes even better if everything marinates for an hour or so. To feed more people, simply add a little more of each ingredient—especially the tomatoes. Halved cherry tomatoes are a nice alternative to field tomatoes.
Ingredients:
3 cups diced, seeded ripe tomatoes
1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
2 scallions, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup crumbled feta cheese, (4 ounces)
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
12 ounces whole-wheat fusilli, or other whole-wheat pasta
Preparation:
Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, scallions, garlic and oil in a large bowl; toss to mix well. Add feta cheese, olives, parsley, basil, balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar and lemon juice; toss again. Season with salt and pepper.
Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil. Shortly before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to the sauce; toss to coat well.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving
Calories 387 kcal
Calories From Protein -
Calories From Carbs -
Calories From Fat -
Carbohydrates 49 g
Dietary Fiber 7 g
Fat 17 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Monosaturated Fat -
Polysaturated Fat -
Protein 10 g
Potassium 272 g
Sodium 513 g
Iron -
Cholesterol 17 g
Folic Acid -
Nutritional Bonus:
Per serving
Vitamin C (35% daily value), Fiber (26% dv).
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Childhood Obesity Costs
Obesity Related Health Care Costs are Soaring
Americans spend about 9% of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses, [1] and that amount will only increase if the current trends continue.
High personal costs: Severely overweight people spend more on health care and medicine. In fact, they often spend more on health care than current smokers. [2]
Direct national cost: The direct costs of treating obesity-related diseases are estimated at $61 billion. [3]
Indirect national cost: The indirect costs of obesity (such as missed work days and future earnings losses) have been estimated at $56 billion dollars per year. [3]
Rising disability claims: Being severely overweight makes it much harder to manage basic activities like bathing, dressing and getting out of bed. The number of people filing for disability is rising rapidly, and the fastest growing cause of disability is type 2 diabetes. [4]
Economic Disparities
Childhood obesity is having a larger impact on children from low-income families.
Poor health care: Over 1.6 million children were unable to get needed medical care because the family could not afford it. Medical care for an additional 3 million children was delayed because of worry about the cost. [32]
Limited access: In part because they lack access to healthy food and sports facilities, children from lower incomes are more likely to be overweight or obese. [33]
Fewer opportunities to stay healthy: In a study of 200 neighborhoods, there were three times as many supermarkets in wealthy neighborhoods as in poor neighborhoods [34] leaving fast food restaurants as the most convenient meal option for many low income families.
Get Involved
Join the Healthy Schools Program
Join the empowerMe Kids' Movement
Subscribe to one of our Newsletters
Support Our Work
Help cultivate a healthier generation of children today so that we will have a healthier America tomorrow.
Founders
American Heart Association
William J. Clinton Foundation
Partners
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Americans spend about 9% of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses, [1] and that amount will only increase if the current trends continue.
High personal costs: Severely overweight people spend more on health care and medicine. In fact, they often spend more on health care than current smokers. [2]
Direct national cost: The direct costs of treating obesity-related diseases are estimated at $61 billion. [3]
Indirect national cost: The indirect costs of obesity (such as missed work days and future earnings losses) have been estimated at $56 billion dollars per year. [3]
Rising disability claims: Being severely overweight makes it much harder to manage basic activities like bathing, dressing and getting out of bed. The number of people filing for disability is rising rapidly, and the fastest growing cause of disability is type 2 diabetes. [4]
Economic Disparities
Childhood obesity is having a larger impact on children from low-income families.
Poor health care: Over 1.6 million children were unable to get needed medical care because the family could not afford it. Medical care for an additional 3 million children was delayed because of worry about the cost. [32]
Limited access: In part because they lack access to healthy food and sports facilities, children from lower incomes are more likely to be overweight or obese. [33]
Fewer opportunities to stay healthy: In a study of 200 neighborhoods, there were three times as many supermarkets in wealthy neighborhoods as in poor neighborhoods [34] leaving fast food restaurants as the most convenient meal option for many low income families.
Get Involved
Join the Healthy Schools Program
Join the empowerMe Kids' Movement
Subscribe to one of our Newsletters
Support Our Work
Help cultivate a healthier generation of children today so that we will have a healthier America tomorrow.
Founders
American Heart Association
William J. Clinton Foundation
Partners
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Super Page Tuesday Get All You Need Here
Good Morning,
Here is a few of my Favorite Freebie and Coupon Sties.Hope You Take the time to look at them.
In todays ecomoney we need to save all we can.I have found that by using coupons and getting all the Free Stuff I can I can really see My money go futher.
Store Discount Coupons save in an overall way that when combines with other coupons can add up to big savings.
And Always look for the grocery stores that double the coupons.Like Hitting a Jackpot.
Lots Of Free Stuff Coupons Discounts All For The Taking
Get Your 100% Real Freebies
Lots Of Free Stuff Coupons Discounts All For The Taking
This is the Only Place To Go ====>Free Freebies All New NO LIMIT
An easy to use,1-stop shop for EVERYTHING free on the internet!new 100% Real Freebies posted
Click Here
Join FreeFlys and get Free Samples of NAME-BRAND PRODUCTS! Click Here
100% Free Magazines!
No Credit card required. No Shipping Costs.
100's of magazines to choose from, All 100% Free!!! Click Here
Enfamil LIPIL® Formulas. Free sample Click Here
Here is a few of my Favorite Freebie and Coupon Sties.Hope You Take the time to look at them.
In todays ecomoney we need to save all we can.I have found that by using coupons and getting all the Free Stuff I can I can really see My money go futher.
Store Discount Coupons save in an overall way that when combines with other coupons can add up to big savings.
And Always look for the grocery stores that double the coupons.Like Hitting a Jackpot.
Lots Of Free Stuff Coupons Discounts All For The Taking
Get Your 100% Real Freebies
Lots Of Free Stuff Coupons Discounts All For The Taking
This is the Only Place To Go ====>Free Freebies All New NO LIMIT
An easy to use,1-stop shop for EVERYTHING free on the internet!new 100% Real Freebies posted
Click Here
Join FreeFlys and get Free Samples of NAME-BRAND PRODUCTS! Click Here
100% Free Magazines!
No Credit card required. No Shipping Costs.
100's of magazines to choose from, All 100% Free!!! Click Here
Enfamil LIPIL® Formulas. Free sample Click Here
Monday, August 10, 2009
Updated List Of Freebies & Samples &What To Do W/Them
What To Do With Samples And Freebies
1.Make First Aid Kits
2.Make Travel kits for all
3.Leave Snacks in car for Kiddies
4.Great for Ladies Personal Items
5.Diapers on The Go and Other Items
6.Gift baskets(really no one minds you still have to buy a basket)
7.Emergancy Powdered Drink Mixes to go With Bottled Water
8.Any Free Paper Products Is A Must and You Save Money
9.Parfum Samples For Your Purse
10.Just Nice Way To Stock on Thing
11.Try Before You Buy It No Wasting Money
12.Pet Freebies I Need Say No More On That One
Feel Free To Add Your Ideas
Follow This Link To The Best Site Anywhere For Free Freebies and Samples as well as Coupons and More
Get your Free Samples. Updated with a complete new list of Free Stuff every 24 hours. Get yours Now! Click Here
1.Make First Aid Kits
2.Make Travel kits for all
3.Leave Snacks in car for Kiddies
4.Great for Ladies Personal Items
5.Diapers on The Go and Other Items
6.Gift baskets(really no one minds you still have to buy a basket)
7.Emergancy Powdered Drink Mixes to go With Bottled Water
8.Any Free Paper Products Is A Must and You Save Money
9.Parfum Samples For Your Purse
10.Just Nice Way To Stock on Thing
11.Try Before You Buy It No Wasting Money
12.Pet Freebies I Need Say No More On That One
Feel Free To Add Your Ideas
Follow This Link To The Best Site Anywhere For Free Freebies and Samples as well as Coupons and More
Get your Free Samples. Updated with a complete new list of Free Stuff every 24 hours. Get yours Now! Click Here
Just Look Around Today.Share Your Thoughts and Ideas !!Thanks To All
Not Much Going On.
I have Posted quite a bit of information.I was hoping you would want to take a look at past Blogs.
I have tried to ballance between Healthy Diet Habits and Money Making.Two of the subjects on a lot of peoples minds these days.
I also have Links to Several Free Sites For Free Items and Coupons
I personaly save a lot of money getting Freebies and coupons.You may want to give it a try.
This World is changing,I am not sure how much more change we can all handle.I just take one step at a time and try to pass along info to others.
Well feel free to post I would Love to here from You .
Follow me and I will follow you
Layla
I have Posted quite a bit of information.I was hoping you would want to take a look at past Blogs.
I have tried to ballance between Healthy Diet Habits and Money Making.Two of the subjects on a lot of peoples minds these days.
I also have Links to Several Free Sites For Free Items and Coupons
I personaly save a lot of money getting Freebies and coupons.You may want to give it a try.
This World is changing,I am not sure how much more change we can all handle.I just take one step at a time and try to pass along info to others.
Well feel free to post I would Love to here from You .
Follow me and I will follow you
Layla
The Food Guide Pyramid
The Food Guide Pyramid
The Food Guide Pyramid is a practical tool to help you make food choices that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Using the Pyramid enables you to eat a variety of foods daily so that you can get the nutrients you need.
To make the most of the Pyramid, you need to know what counts as a serving.
Food Group--Serving Size
Bread--1 slice bread, 1\2 bagel or English muffin, 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal, 1\2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta, or 5-6 small crackers
Vegetable--1 cup raw, leafy vegetables, 1\2 cup cooked or chopped raw vegetables or 3\4 cup vegetable juice
Fruit--1 medium piece of fruit, 1\2 cup mixed fruit or 3\4 cup fruit juice
Milk--1 cup milk or yogurt, 11\2 ounces natural cheese or 2 ounces process cheese
Meat--2 - 3 ounces cooked lean meat, poultry or fish (about the size of a deck of cards)
Other foods which count as 1 ounce meat: 1\2 cup cooked dry beans, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons peanut butter or 1\3 cup nuts
If You Want To Know More
A nutrition expert can help you develop a personal action plan for improving your eating habits while keeping the fun in food. A registered dietitian (R.D.) is an authority on food, nutrition and health, and can provide valuable information and advice.
To locate a registered dietitian in your area, ask your physician, or call the consumer nutrition hot line (800/366-1655) of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics, the public education center of The American Dietetic Association. Registered dietitians are available to answer your food and nutrition questions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time. In addition, you can listen to nutrition messages in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. central time.
The Food Guide Pyramid is a practical tool to help you make food choices that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Using the Pyramid enables you to eat a variety of foods daily so that you can get the nutrients you need.
To make the most of the Pyramid, you need to know what counts as a serving.
Food Group--Serving Size
Bread--1 slice bread, 1\2 bagel or English muffin, 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal, 1\2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta, or 5-6 small crackers
Vegetable--1 cup raw, leafy vegetables, 1\2 cup cooked or chopped raw vegetables or 3\4 cup vegetable juice
Fruit--1 medium piece of fruit, 1\2 cup mixed fruit or 3\4 cup fruit juice
Milk--1 cup milk or yogurt, 11\2 ounces natural cheese or 2 ounces process cheese
Meat--2 - 3 ounces cooked lean meat, poultry or fish (about the size of a deck of cards)
Other foods which count as 1 ounce meat: 1\2 cup cooked dry beans, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons peanut butter or 1\3 cup nuts
If You Want To Know More
A nutrition expert can help you develop a personal action plan for improving your eating habits while keeping the fun in food. A registered dietitian (R.D.) is an authority on food, nutrition and health, and can provide valuable information and advice.
To locate a registered dietitian in your area, ask your physician, or call the consumer nutrition hot line (800/366-1655) of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics, the public education center of The American Dietetic Association. Registered dietitians are available to answer your food and nutrition questions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time. In addition, you can listen to nutrition messages in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. central time.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A Refresher On Water for Long Life and Health
Nothing refreshes like an ice-cold glass of water on a hot summer day.
Water replenishes the body's cooling system, enabling it to survive sweltering heat or elevated body temperatures due to exercise. Sweating cools the body by evaporating water on the surface of the skin and dispersing excess heat.
But until the tap runs dry, most people take water for granted. Recent contamination of municipal water systems in the Midwest due to flooding, as well as a disease-borne outbreak in Milwaukee last (month), devastated millions of people.
Water's Lifeline
Although deficiencies of other nutrients can be sustained for months or even years, a person can survive only a few days without water. Indeed, experts rank water second only to oxygen as essential for life.
In addition to offering true refreshment for the thirsty, water plays a vital role in all bodily processes. It supplies the universal medium in which various chemical changes of the body occur, aiding in digestion, absorption, circulation and lubrication of body joints.
For example, as a major component of blood, water helps deliver nutrients to body cells and removes waste to the kidneys for excretion. Enzymes essential to digestion are also primarily water, working to break down food so that nutrients can be absorbed in the intestine.
Water comprises about 50 to 70 percent of body weight in humans. Males on average have a higher percentage of body water than females, because they tend to have less body fat. The more body fat in individuals, the less water therein. A decrease of as little as 10 percent of adult body water due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea is considered serious, and in a young child, could be fatal.
Average adults need about 64 ounces (eight cups) of fluid each day for optimal health. Although experts generally advise drinking several glasses of water a day, the need for fluid can also be met by consuming a variety of foods and beverages.
Milk is about 87 percent water; meat ranges from 40 to 75 percent water; and vegetables are as much as 95 percent water. Even foods normally considered "dry" such as cereal and bread contain about eight to 35 percent water.
Water supplies small amounts of many minerals vital for life, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, copper and magnesium. Minerals such as calcium are essential to bone formation and blood clotting, while magnesium is needed to produce energy and conduct nerve impulses. Different concentrations of these minerals determine whether water is considered hard or soft.
Hard water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium and is often associated with residues or crystals in the teapot over time. The principal mineral of soft water, on the other hand, is sodium. Soft water dissolves soap better, leaving fewer mineral deposits, and is therefore often viewed as more desirable.
But it's been suggested that sodium in soft water contributes to increased incidence of high blood pressure and heart disease in some populations. According to Jennifer Orme-Zaveleta, chief of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) drinking water health assessment section, "Drinking water is not a significant source of sodium in the diet. You get much more sodium from salty foods, even in areas with a relatively high sodium concentration in the water, than from water itself"
Water replenishes the body's cooling system, enabling it to survive sweltering heat or elevated body temperatures due to exercise. Sweating cools the body by evaporating water on the surface of the skin and dispersing excess heat.
But until the tap runs dry, most people take water for granted. Recent contamination of municipal water systems in the Midwest due to flooding, as well as a disease-borne outbreak in Milwaukee last (month), devastated millions of people.
Water's Lifeline
Although deficiencies of other nutrients can be sustained for months or even years, a person can survive only a few days without water. Indeed, experts rank water second only to oxygen as essential for life.
In addition to offering true refreshment for the thirsty, water plays a vital role in all bodily processes. It supplies the universal medium in which various chemical changes of the body occur, aiding in digestion, absorption, circulation and lubrication of body joints.
For example, as a major component of blood, water helps deliver nutrients to body cells and removes waste to the kidneys for excretion. Enzymes essential to digestion are also primarily water, working to break down food so that nutrients can be absorbed in the intestine.
Water comprises about 50 to 70 percent of body weight in humans. Males on average have a higher percentage of body water than females, because they tend to have less body fat. The more body fat in individuals, the less water therein. A decrease of as little as 10 percent of adult body water due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea is considered serious, and in a young child, could be fatal.
Average adults need about 64 ounces (eight cups) of fluid each day for optimal health. Although experts generally advise drinking several glasses of water a day, the need for fluid can also be met by consuming a variety of foods and beverages.
Milk is about 87 percent water; meat ranges from 40 to 75 percent water; and vegetables are as much as 95 percent water. Even foods normally considered "dry" such as cereal and bread contain about eight to 35 percent water.
Water supplies small amounts of many minerals vital for life, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, copper and magnesium. Minerals such as calcium are essential to bone formation and blood clotting, while magnesium is needed to produce energy and conduct nerve impulses. Different concentrations of these minerals determine whether water is considered hard or soft.
Hard water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium and is often associated with residues or crystals in the teapot over time. The principal mineral of soft water, on the other hand, is sodium. Soft water dissolves soap better, leaving fewer mineral deposits, and is therefore often viewed as more desirable.
But it's been suggested that sodium in soft water contributes to increased incidence of high blood pressure and heart disease in some populations. According to Jennifer Orme-Zaveleta, chief of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) drinking water health assessment section, "Drinking water is not a significant source of sodium in the diet. You get much more sodium from salty foods, even in areas with a relatively high sodium concentration in the water, than from water itself"
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Figuring Out Fat In Your Foods
With so much information available about the effects of dietary fat on health, understanding the role fat plays in a well-balanced diet can be pretty confusing. To cut through the confusion, it's important to remember that fat is an essential nutrient that everyone needs to stay healthy.
Fat is a valuable energy source and carries fat-soluble vitamins needed for proper growth and development. It also contributes important taste and textural qualities that are part of enjoying food.
Too much fat, however, can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity and other health problems. When moderating fat intake, it's important to consider these points:
Health authorities recommend Americans consume 30 percent or less of their total daily calories from fat, with 10 percent or less of those calories from saturated fat. Remember, the 30 percent refers to your total fat intake over time, not single foods or meals. Use the following chart to guide your fat intake.
If you eat this Total fat Total saturated
number of calories per day fat per day
per day: (grams) (grams)
1,600 53 or less 18 or less
2,000 65 or less 20 or less
2,200 73 or less 24 or less
2,500 80 or less 25 or less
Use the Nutrition Facts panel on the food label to help determine how much fat is in foods. Remember, it's the total fat intake over time that's important. A food high in fat can be part of a healthy diet as long as it's balanced with other lower-fat food choices.
All fats are a combination of saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Each of these types of fats have different effects on the body, but all contain nine calories per gram.
Blood cholesterol levels are influenced by family history, weight, age, smoking, physical activity and eating habits. Studies have shown that diets which are too high in certain saturated fatty acids and dietary cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol.
Fat is a valuable energy source and carries fat-soluble vitamins needed for proper growth and development. It also contributes important taste and textural qualities that are part of enjoying food.
Too much fat, however, can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity and other health problems. When moderating fat intake, it's important to consider these points:
Health authorities recommend Americans consume 30 percent or less of their total daily calories from fat, with 10 percent or less of those calories from saturated fat. Remember, the 30 percent refers to your total fat intake over time, not single foods or meals. Use the following chart to guide your fat intake.
If you eat this Total fat Total saturated
number of calories per day fat per day
per day: (grams) (grams)
1,600 53 or less 18 or less
2,000 65 or less 20 or less
2,200 73 or less 24 or less
2,500 80 or less 25 or less
Use the Nutrition Facts panel on the food label to help determine how much fat is in foods. Remember, it's the total fat intake over time that's important. A food high in fat can be part of a healthy diet as long as it's balanced with other lower-fat food choices.
All fats are a combination of saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Each of these types of fats have different effects on the body, but all contain nine calories per gram.
Blood cholesterol levels are influenced by family history, weight, age, smoking, physical activity and eating habits. Studies have shown that diets which are too high in certain saturated fatty acids and dietary cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol.
Friday, August 7, 2009
How to Stop Memory Loss
By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.,Published February 21, 2009
You’ve lost your car keys. But it hardly matters since you can’t remember where you parked the car. Some memory loss is normal. But how do you know when something more serious is going on? Read on to find out…
We all want to have instant recall. The sad truth? Once we pass our mid-20s, memory slowly declines.
By our 50s, we start to misplace things, forget appointments, and never mind trying to learn new names. Lists are essential, and we just get better at faking it at meetings.
But what leads to memory loss? And what can we do to safeguard our brains?
Health conditions. Strokes, infections, brain tumors and hormonal disorders like overactive or underactive thyroid can bring on dementia. HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis (in its later stages), herpes and bacterial meningitis can also have a profound effect on thinking and memory.
Vitamin deficiency. Run short on certain vitamins, such as B1 (thamine), B12 and folate, and recall declines as well.
Drugs. These include sedatives, sleeping pills, over-the-counter antihistamines (including many cold remedies), antidepressants and prescription painkillers. Illicit drugs such as Ecstasy can permanently impair memory.
Head injury. Blows to the brain, even mild concussions, have an impact. As boxer Mohammed Ali sadly learned, repeated whacks to the head trigger dementia and lead to Parkinson’s disease.
Alcoholism. Alcoholics eventually deplete thiamine, a B vitamin.
Stress and depression. Prolonged stress, often accompanied by interrupted sleep and a preoccupation with problems.Depression can disrupt focus and responsiveness.
These steps can help keep your brain sharp:
Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Both may lead to narrowing of the arteries, lessening blood flow. Less blood to the brain means your memory will suffer. Raising your HDL, or good cholesterol, may stave off the problem as well. In a British study of 3,700 people, those with low levels of HDL had a 53% greater risk of memory loss than those with the highest levels.
Exercise body and brain. Exercise is great for the brain, increasing blood flow and oxygen, and stimulating the growth of new neurons to keep you smart. Exercising your mind is key, too: stimulating puzzles, games and reading helps you stay sharp.
Skip the chips. A healthy diet including lots of green leafy vegetables and fish is a boon to your memory. According to an Italian study, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish, as well as flaxseed, walnuts and soybeans, improve concentration. And green leafy vegetables contain lots of vitamin B (which prevents strokes that can lead to dementia).
Quit smoking. When British researchers tested middle-aged smokers and nonsmokers, they found that smokers had the worst scores on tests measuring memory and other brainy tasks.
Raise a glass. One alcoholic drink a day appears to be healthy for the brain and heart. In fact, one study indicated that people with dementia who had a drink daily had a slower decline than those who drank nothing. But drinking more than 14 drinks a week may raise the risk.
Party on. Have fun with your friends, sign up for new activities, gab on the phone and head to gatherings you enjoy. A University of Michigan study found that just talking to someone for 10 minutes improved memory and intellect on tests shortly afterward.
Unwind. People with higher levels of stress hormones have poorer memory than those with normal levels. So when you feel a stressful moment coming on, try this instant relaxation exercise: Shut your eyes, breathe in deeply through your nose and blow out through your mouth. Repeat at least five times, and you’ll be sure to find your car – and your keys – later.
But how can you tell if it’s a minor memory problem or a serious condition?
Dementia – often called senility – slowly progresses with old age, first eroding memory, attention, language and problem solving. More than five million Americans live with dementia, and two-thirds of them have Alzheimer’s disease, which is a branch of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is more common in women (more than half the cases) than men. Although most dementias strike later in life, Alzheimer’s can hit in the 40s as a slow, steady loss of brain cells. As the disease progresses, patients lose control of their bladders and bowels, and develop severe mood swings. They live about four to six years after diagnosis.
Click here for more Alzheimer’s information.
Diagnosing the Brain’s Decline
A neurologist diagnoses Alzheimer’s through memory tests that confirm dementia and by ruling out other causes, such as strokes and tumors.
Ask these questions to gauge how serious the condition is:
How frequent are the memory lapses? Occasional forgetfulness is not unusual. But frequently forgetting where the car is or when appointments are may be a sign of severe dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Do the memory lapses interfere with day-to-day life? Failing to eat meals, manage personal hygiene, clean clothes or remember regular routes are not normal, and may indicate severe dementia.
Does the person sound like a broken record? Frequent repetition of the same information or questions is a red flag. So are forgetting familiar things such as a friend’s or relative’s name.
Does the person seem confused? Henry Fonda’s character in On Golden Pond lost his way, panicking in a familiar place. Like the movie character, a person with dementia may have trouble following a conversation, lose his place in a game or forget how he arrived at a new spot.
Is the memory loss progressive and disproportionate to that person’s age? If the progression is relentless and the person seems much less functional than her peers, she may have Alzheimer’s.
Talk to your doctor if you think you’re experiencing memory loss.
Could You Be Depressed?
Depression affects 20 million people a year, compromising their ability to function normally. Find out if you're just blue or if you might be clinically depressed.
You’ve lost your car keys. But it hardly matters since you can’t remember where you parked the car. Some memory loss is normal. But how do you know when something more serious is going on? Read on to find out…
We all want to have instant recall. The sad truth? Once we pass our mid-20s, memory slowly declines.
By our 50s, we start to misplace things, forget appointments, and never mind trying to learn new names. Lists are essential, and we just get better at faking it at meetings.
But what leads to memory loss? And what can we do to safeguard our brains?
Health conditions. Strokes, infections, brain tumors and hormonal disorders like overactive or underactive thyroid can bring on dementia. HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis (in its later stages), herpes and bacterial meningitis can also have a profound effect on thinking and memory.
Vitamin deficiency. Run short on certain vitamins, such as B1 (thamine), B12 and folate, and recall declines as well.
Drugs. These include sedatives, sleeping pills, over-the-counter antihistamines (including many cold remedies), antidepressants and prescription painkillers. Illicit drugs such as Ecstasy can permanently impair memory.
Head injury. Blows to the brain, even mild concussions, have an impact. As boxer Mohammed Ali sadly learned, repeated whacks to the head trigger dementia and lead to Parkinson’s disease.
Alcoholism. Alcoholics eventually deplete thiamine, a B vitamin.
Stress and depression. Prolonged stress, often accompanied by interrupted sleep and a preoccupation with problems.Depression can disrupt focus and responsiveness.
These steps can help keep your brain sharp:
Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Both may lead to narrowing of the arteries, lessening blood flow. Less blood to the brain means your memory will suffer. Raising your HDL, or good cholesterol, may stave off the problem as well. In a British study of 3,700 people, those with low levels of HDL had a 53% greater risk of memory loss than those with the highest levels.
Exercise body and brain. Exercise is great for the brain, increasing blood flow and oxygen, and stimulating the growth of new neurons to keep you smart. Exercising your mind is key, too: stimulating puzzles, games and reading helps you stay sharp.
Skip the chips. A healthy diet including lots of green leafy vegetables and fish is a boon to your memory. According to an Italian study, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish, as well as flaxseed, walnuts and soybeans, improve concentration. And green leafy vegetables contain lots of vitamin B (which prevents strokes that can lead to dementia).
Quit smoking. When British researchers tested middle-aged smokers and nonsmokers, they found that smokers had the worst scores on tests measuring memory and other brainy tasks.
Raise a glass. One alcoholic drink a day appears to be healthy for the brain and heart. In fact, one study indicated that people with dementia who had a drink daily had a slower decline than those who drank nothing. But drinking more than 14 drinks a week may raise the risk.
Party on. Have fun with your friends, sign up for new activities, gab on the phone and head to gatherings you enjoy. A University of Michigan study found that just talking to someone for 10 minutes improved memory and intellect on tests shortly afterward.
Unwind. People with higher levels of stress hormones have poorer memory than those with normal levels. So when you feel a stressful moment coming on, try this instant relaxation exercise: Shut your eyes, breathe in deeply through your nose and blow out through your mouth. Repeat at least five times, and you’ll be sure to find your car – and your keys – later.
But how can you tell if it’s a minor memory problem or a serious condition?
Dementia – often called senility – slowly progresses with old age, first eroding memory, attention, language and problem solving. More than five million Americans live with dementia, and two-thirds of them have Alzheimer’s disease, which is a branch of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is more common in women (more than half the cases) than men. Although most dementias strike later in life, Alzheimer’s can hit in the 40s as a slow, steady loss of brain cells. As the disease progresses, patients lose control of their bladders and bowels, and develop severe mood swings. They live about four to six years after diagnosis.
Click here for more Alzheimer’s information.
Diagnosing the Brain’s Decline
A neurologist diagnoses Alzheimer’s through memory tests that confirm dementia and by ruling out other causes, such as strokes and tumors.
Ask these questions to gauge how serious the condition is:
How frequent are the memory lapses? Occasional forgetfulness is not unusual. But frequently forgetting where the car is or when appointments are may be a sign of severe dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Do the memory lapses interfere with day-to-day life? Failing to eat meals, manage personal hygiene, clean clothes or remember regular routes are not normal, and may indicate severe dementia.
Does the person sound like a broken record? Frequent repetition of the same information or questions is a red flag. So are forgetting familiar things such as a friend’s or relative’s name.
Does the person seem confused? Henry Fonda’s character in On Golden Pond lost his way, panicking in a familiar place. Like the movie character, a person with dementia may have trouble following a conversation, lose his place in a game or forget how he arrived at a new spot.
Is the memory loss progressive and disproportionate to that person’s age? If the progression is relentless and the person seems much less functional than her peers, she may have Alzheimer’s.
Talk to your doctor if you think you’re experiencing memory loss.
Could You Be Depressed?
Depression affects 20 million people a year, compromising their ability to function normally. Find out if you're just blue or if you might be clinically depressed.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
5 Ways to Go Green During a Recession
During a recession it helps to look at any means to save money. The more conscious we are of the fact that we throw money down the drain, the more dollars and cents we save in the process. Every bit counts and you'd be surprised at the difference it can make in your weekly budget.
By implementing green tips at the same time you'll not only help your own pocket, but also planet Earth. The following 5 green recessions tips will give you a good head start in becoming more environmentally conscious and money smart.
Just remember, the following tips are barely the tip of the iceberg in regards to ways in which we can look after the planet. By implementing small steps at the time we can all do our bit toward a greener world.
Save energy
The easiest way to save energy is to buy energy efficient light bulbs for our homes. In summer, turn off your thermostat and use thick curtains to insulate your home rather than switching on the air conditioner. If you need to use the air con, set it to be at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter turn the thermostat down a couple of notches. Here is a list of 101 other ways to save energy at home.
Save fuel
Saving fuel is easier than you think. You can start by reducing the amount of time you just hop into the car to drive around with no particular destination in mind. If you live in a city with a good transport system then you could consider going public and leave your car home. This will help you to save gas and money. Even better would be to walk.
I actually own a scooter. These motorized bikes are highly effective for city traffic as you'll never run out of options to park. Plus they are very cost-effective. I barely spend $2/fuel each week. Plus scooters are fun to boost.
Another option is to carpool with friends from work. By sharing one car between several people you reduce emissions and lower the cost of transport for all involved.
Here is a list of other ways to increase mileage and decrease your fuel costs.
Save water
The first step you can do to save water at home is to turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. The same rule applies for when you shower. Turn the water off while you soap your body then turn it back on to rinse. Doing this will save quite a bit of water each time you take a shower.
Faucet aerators are small devices that are attached to your water taps. They cost between $0.50 - $3.00 each and can save you a lot of money by reducing water flow to 2.0, 1.5 or 1.0 gallons per minute at normal pressure rates.
You can also save water by using a bucket to wash your car instead of using a hose.
Here is a great list of 49 other ways that you can save water. I gaurantee you'll learn something if you go through the list.
Shop with intelligence
Smart shopping can also save money and energy. The first step to smart shopping is to always shop with a list. Unless you have a list – and stick to it – you will only end up buying unnecessary things, such as snacks and "spur of the moment" products.
Refuse to buy products with excess packaging. The more we force manufacturers to listen, the sooner they will stop waste - at least we hope so.
Buy organic. Organic products might be more expensive e.g. You won't save money, but you will contribute toward a greener planet.
Use re-usable shopping bags and give plastic a wide berth. Plastic takes around 500 – 1,000 years to decompose naturally! Stop buying and using plastic-packaged products and switch to recycled or re-usable bags and products instead.
Buy second-hand. This doesn't apply for food products, but you will pick up many bargains from garage sales and thrift shops. Granted, buying second hand is not for everyone but judging by the success of garage sales, it is a popular way to save money AND contribute to a greener world. As a matter of fact I just hosted a garage sale a couple of weekends ago and made over $700! within 7 hours - not bad for a days work!
Save money
While all the above tips help to save money in some ways, saving money as a primary means can make or break your budget. The fastest way to saving money is to stop spending it. Look at situations in your day-to-day life where you tend to buy impulsively.
It could be when you are feeling down, stressed or pressured. Analyzing those potential money thieves are important if you want to take control of your money. Shopping for happiness doesn't work. In fact, I believe that the best feelings are always experienced BEFORE we buy something. The anticipation of buying a certain product results in a bigger high than actually having it in the end.
If you buy on impulse only to feel rotten right afterward, stop. Just by cutting back on small expenses each week you can save a nice bit of money by the end of the year. When we spend cash we tend to – conveniently – forget about it. A coffee here, a magazine there can add up.
By implementing green tips at the same time you'll not only help your own pocket, but also planet Earth. The following 5 green recessions tips will give you a good head start in becoming more environmentally conscious and money smart.
Just remember, the following tips are barely the tip of the iceberg in regards to ways in which we can look after the planet. By implementing small steps at the time we can all do our bit toward a greener world.
Save energy
The easiest way to save energy is to buy energy efficient light bulbs for our homes. In summer, turn off your thermostat and use thick curtains to insulate your home rather than switching on the air conditioner. If you need to use the air con, set it to be at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter turn the thermostat down a couple of notches. Here is a list of 101 other ways to save energy at home.
Save fuel
Saving fuel is easier than you think. You can start by reducing the amount of time you just hop into the car to drive around with no particular destination in mind. If you live in a city with a good transport system then you could consider going public and leave your car home. This will help you to save gas and money. Even better would be to walk.
I actually own a scooter. These motorized bikes are highly effective for city traffic as you'll never run out of options to park. Plus they are very cost-effective. I barely spend $2/fuel each week. Plus scooters are fun to boost.
Another option is to carpool with friends from work. By sharing one car between several people you reduce emissions and lower the cost of transport for all involved.
Here is a list of other ways to increase mileage and decrease your fuel costs.
Save water
The first step you can do to save water at home is to turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. The same rule applies for when you shower. Turn the water off while you soap your body then turn it back on to rinse. Doing this will save quite a bit of water each time you take a shower.
Faucet aerators are small devices that are attached to your water taps. They cost between $0.50 - $3.00 each and can save you a lot of money by reducing water flow to 2.0, 1.5 or 1.0 gallons per minute at normal pressure rates.
You can also save water by using a bucket to wash your car instead of using a hose.
Here is a great list of 49 other ways that you can save water. I gaurantee you'll learn something if you go through the list.
Shop with intelligence
Smart shopping can also save money and energy. The first step to smart shopping is to always shop with a list. Unless you have a list – and stick to it – you will only end up buying unnecessary things, such as snacks and "spur of the moment" products.
Refuse to buy products with excess packaging. The more we force manufacturers to listen, the sooner they will stop waste - at least we hope so.
Buy organic. Organic products might be more expensive e.g. You won't save money, but you will contribute toward a greener planet.
Use re-usable shopping bags and give plastic a wide berth. Plastic takes around 500 – 1,000 years to decompose naturally! Stop buying and using plastic-packaged products and switch to recycled or re-usable bags and products instead.
Buy second-hand. This doesn't apply for food products, but you will pick up many bargains from garage sales and thrift shops. Granted, buying second hand is not for everyone but judging by the success of garage sales, it is a popular way to save money AND contribute to a greener world. As a matter of fact I just hosted a garage sale a couple of weekends ago and made over $700! within 7 hours - not bad for a days work!
Save money
While all the above tips help to save money in some ways, saving money as a primary means can make or break your budget. The fastest way to saving money is to stop spending it. Look at situations in your day-to-day life where you tend to buy impulsively.
It could be when you are feeling down, stressed or pressured. Analyzing those potential money thieves are important if you want to take control of your money. Shopping for happiness doesn't work. In fact, I believe that the best feelings are always experienced BEFORE we buy something. The anticipation of buying a certain product results in a bigger high than actually having it in the end.
If you buy on impulse only to feel rotten right afterward, stop. Just by cutting back on small expenses each week you can save a nice bit of money by the end of the year. When we spend cash we tend to – conveniently – forget about it. A coffee here, a magazine there can add up.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
10 Easy Ways To Save Money
1 Cook at home often: If both the husband and wife work, this is likely to be very difficult. Start out with the habit of cooking at home once a week and slowly increase the frequency until you find a balance between saving money and getting stressed out.
2 Make your own coffee: Everyone seems to have heard of the latte factor. Even though the author may have overestimated the savings from skipping a latte at Starbucks, don’t underestimate the ding it puts in your pocket in the long run. You don’t have to entirely ban drinking coffee, but skip it as often as possible unless you make it at home
3 Brown bag lunch at least a few days a week: Lunch times are great opportunities to network and make connections that could improve your career growth. So unless there is a common eating area for brown baggers, you may choose to limit brown bagging lunch to three days each week. Find a balance between saving some money and making the connection. In my case, I take my lunch with me 2-3 times a week and eat out the rest of the time
4 Make a list before going shopping: They call it impulse buying for a reason. Humans simply have a very tough time resisting the temptation to purchase extras while shopping. Without a list you will buy items that you simply do not need. Even worse is when your forget to purchase the actual item you came to the store for in the first place. If you plan on cooking at home, pre-plan a rough menu and make a list before you go grocery shopping. Getting all that you need in one trip can help avoid another unnecessary trip and temptation.
5 Go grocery shopping while you are in a hurry: Maybe you need to go out in a couple of hours. Or your favorite show is going to be on TV after a couple of hours. Try to squeeze in the grocery trip in that intermediate time. Armed with your grocery list, you should be in-and-out very quickly with little time for meandering and getting tempted to buy things you don’t need.
6 Watch out for expiration dates on perishable goods: This one seems intuitive when you read it, but I am surprised at how many people do not pay attention to expiry dates. No point getting a gallon of milk if it is going to turn sour with a couple of days. Same goes for meat, eggs, yogurt, spreads, frozen items, deli/bakery items etc. Some people say you can use a few items a few days after expiry – but I personally value my health more than money and would rather avoid buying such items in the first place.
7 Buy in bulk whenever possible: When it comes to non-perishable items, buy in bulk whenever you find something on sale. The items I usually stock up on are, cereals, tinned goods, rice, beans, pasta, coke, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, toilet paper etc. For such items, shopping at warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club etc can save you quite a bit of money, provided you stick strictly to your shopping list when you shop at these places
8 Buy generic products whenever possible: Does it really matter whether your cereal is made by Kellogg's or is the store brand? Does it matter if your milk is Oak Farms or the store brand? For a few things (like soda in particular), I prefer brand name products. For others, I do not mind generic store brands if they can save me money. Find what works for you and switch to generic brands for at least a part of your grocery list.
9 Use grocery store bags to line trash cans: This may not work if you use a massive trash can but we use a small sized one for which the grocery bags are a perfect fit. This not only helps us save some money, but reduces our environmental foot print and avoids the kitchen from stinking from a huge overflowing trash can.
10 Consolidate and pay off debt as soon as possible: If you carry any debt, focus on consolidating it to a lower interest and paying it off as soon as possible. Money paid in interest is money thrown away! Why spend your hard-earned cash to make the financial institutions rich?
GNCCFCD9366162
2 Make your own coffee: Everyone seems to have heard of the latte factor. Even though the author may have overestimated the savings from skipping a latte at Starbucks, don’t underestimate the ding it puts in your pocket in the long run. You don’t have to entirely ban drinking coffee, but skip it as often as possible unless you make it at home
3 Brown bag lunch at least a few days a week: Lunch times are great opportunities to network and make connections that could improve your career growth. So unless there is a common eating area for brown baggers, you may choose to limit brown bagging lunch to three days each week. Find a balance between saving some money and making the connection. In my case, I take my lunch with me 2-3 times a week and eat out the rest of the time
4 Make a list before going shopping: They call it impulse buying for a reason. Humans simply have a very tough time resisting the temptation to purchase extras while shopping. Without a list you will buy items that you simply do not need. Even worse is when your forget to purchase the actual item you came to the store for in the first place. If you plan on cooking at home, pre-plan a rough menu and make a list before you go grocery shopping. Getting all that you need in one trip can help avoid another unnecessary trip and temptation.
5 Go grocery shopping while you are in a hurry: Maybe you need to go out in a couple of hours. Or your favorite show is going to be on TV after a couple of hours. Try to squeeze in the grocery trip in that intermediate time. Armed with your grocery list, you should be in-and-out very quickly with little time for meandering and getting tempted to buy things you don’t need.
6 Watch out for expiration dates on perishable goods: This one seems intuitive when you read it, but I am surprised at how many people do not pay attention to expiry dates. No point getting a gallon of milk if it is going to turn sour with a couple of days. Same goes for meat, eggs, yogurt, spreads, frozen items, deli/bakery items etc. Some people say you can use a few items a few days after expiry – but I personally value my health more than money and would rather avoid buying such items in the first place.
7 Buy in bulk whenever possible: When it comes to non-perishable items, buy in bulk whenever you find something on sale. The items I usually stock up on are, cereals, tinned goods, rice, beans, pasta, coke, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, toilet paper etc. For such items, shopping at warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club etc can save you quite a bit of money, provided you stick strictly to your shopping list when you shop at these places
8 Buy generic products whenever possible: Does it really matter whether your cereal is made by Kellogg's or is the store brand? Does it matter if your milk is Oak Farms or the store brand? For a few things (like soda in particular), I prefer brand name products. For others, I do not mind generic store brands if they can save me money. Find what works for you and switch to generic brands for at least a part of your grocery list.
9 Use grocery store bags to line trash cans: This may not work if you use a massive trash can but we use a small sized one for which the grocery bags are a perfect fit. This not only helps us save some money, but reduces our environmental foot print and avoids the kitchen from stinking from a huge overflowing trash can.
10 Consolidate and pay off debt as soon as possible: If you carry any debt, focus on consolidating it to a lower interest and paying it off as soon as possible. Money paid in interest is money thrown away! Why spend your hard-earned cash to make the financial institutions rich?
GNCCFCD9366162
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