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วันศุกร์ที่ 31 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Man Made Diamonds – Save Big Money And Avoid Mined Diamond Scams  

Adroit shoppers know that man made diamonds offer superb value and mirror mined diamonds, allowing jewelry lovers to look glamorous and bank the colossal difference in cost.  This point is punctuated along with exposing the inherent pitfalls when considering a mined diamond.

High quality man made diamonds are a bargain at about $80 per carat, and they do not increase in price exponentially as carat weight increases.  For example, a one-carat synthetic diamond costs about $80; a three-carat man made diamond w
uld then sell for $240.  A one-carat mined diamond that sells for $3000 would go for $45,000 in a three-carat size, all things being equal, which with mined diamonds is never the case.  Perplexing comparative evaluations, exponential price growth, consumer confusion, and the reality of diamond industry antics is why the mined diamond business is awash in dirty tricks.  Here are descriptions of the most sneaky and pervasive mined diamond scams: 

THE BLUE-WHITE SCAM:  A jeweler tells you, "This is a blue-white diamond."   This is a very old term.  The dealer will probably tell you that it is a better diamond, but actually it is just the opposite. Blue-white refers to the fluorescence that results in natural light, which contains ultraviolet wavelengths. This blue fluorescence actually makes a colorless diamond look a little oily or milky in sunlight and decreases its value.  

THE LIGHT MAKES WHITE SCAM:  Bright lights make every mined diamond look better.  Of course, every jeweler wants to show his or her diamonds in the best light, but there are some lighting tricks you should avoid. Some bulbs have a strong blue component, which makes yellow stones look whiter. Special bulbs are often used with strong ultraviolet wavelengths, which make most diamonds fluoresce blue. This also has a whitening effect for stones in the lower color ranges.

THE GRADE BUMPING SCAM: A jeweler exaggerates the grade.  The FTC says that a jeweler must be accurate within one grade of color and one grade of clarity on a diamond. So many jewelers bump the color and clarity just one grade. Unfortunately, this can mean a great deal of money if you are talking about a fine-quality, 1-carat diamond. For instance, you might find a stone that the jeweler quotes as a 1.00 carat F color / VS1 clarity for $6,500. However, if you sent it to a reputable gem lab like GIA, it would come back as a G color / VS2 clarity, which is only worth about $5,500. This means you lose (and they profit) about $1,000.

THE FRACTION SCAM: The tag says 3/4 carat, and the FTC allows jewelers to round off diamond weights. So a diamond labeled as 3/4 carat in weight might actually weigh anywhere between .69 and .81 carat. This could mean a significant amount of money, since diamond prices leap at certain popular sizes. In this example, you might be buying a .69 carat round G/VS2 worth about $2,100... but paying for what you thought was a 0.75 carat worth $3,000. You lose $900.

THE LASER DRILLING SCAM:  Dealers drill holes to burn out black carbon spots.  About 1 in 3 diamonds in the United States is laser drilled.  Dealers use lasers to drill a tiny hole into the depths of a diamond to burn and evaporate large black inclusions to make them disappear. The trouble with this little trick is that laser drilling can make the diamond a little more fragile to breaking with a good knock. Most dealers trade laser-drilled stones for much less.

THE HIDING THE FLAWS SCAM:  Every jeweler hides flaws under the prongs if he can.  In many cases, this can make an I1 clarity appear like a VS2 if you look at it in a ring setting. Structural flaws like feathers and cleavages can be damaged by the high pressure exerted by the prong on the diamond to hold it snug in the ring.

THE FRACTURE FILLING SCAM: New treatments to make flaws invisible.  There is a new process patented a few years ago that melts a kind of crystal into surface-breaking fractures in a diamond. This technique will slide by consumers unnoticed.  The treatment is considered slightly fragile because it can be damaging under the extreme heat of a torch when the diamond is set into a ring. Fracture-filled diamonds should trade for much less than diamonds without this treatment, but in reality they often sell for as much or more because they look like a higher, more expensive clarity grade.  

THE CHEMICAL COLOR COATINGS SCAM:  A little paint goes a long way.  This very deceptive practice involves a little point of blue or purple paint on the lowest tip of the diamond, called the culet. This is small enough that you might not detect it, but the location spreads the color throughout the stone. This counters the yellow tint in lower color grades, making a diamond look like a more expensive, colorless grade. 

Man made diamonds or synthetic diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory under controlled conditions.  If anything about synthetic diamonds is called into question it is that they are too perfect.  And since all mined diamonds have inclusions, flaws, and birthmarks, under magnification a trained jeweler can tell the difference.  Considering that man made diamonds cannot be distinguished with the naked eye, lab-created diamonds have aesthetic beauty matching—often besting—mined diamonds, and huge savings are realized, jewelry lovers must regard synthetic diamonds as an intelligent option.  Plus, there is no insurance to buy after purchasing man made diamond jewelry and the thousands of dollars in savings can be banked!


About the Author

Robert Joseph is an expert jeweler and founding partner of http://www.diamondnexuslabs.com a renowned online jewelry store that specializes in pristine affordable diamond simulants set in Solid 14K Gold.



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Women's Air Force Ones  

Air Force Ones look great when you see them, but finding Women's Air Force Ones at the stores is impossible. Where can you shop to buy Women's Air Force Ones? Women's Air Force Ones aren't available in stores, so many women have trouble finding the colors and patterns they want. Nike Air Force Ones are actually available in a huge variety of styles, colors, and patterns. You can buy them low-top, high-top, even mid-top, in metallic, white-on-white, black-on-black, neutral tones, bold colors, or eye-catching patterns. There are n
w Women's Air Force Ones scheduled to be released from Nike for the next three months. After that, Nike will probably continue to bring new variations of their highly popular shoe. How do you find women's Air Force Ones? They can be purchased online at many different retailers, including Nike itself. Look on the web to find all the colors and styles you could want – there are even plenty of pairs for the men in your life. These shoes are highly popular in the online community, so you'll find plenty of sites to choose from. If one site doesn't have what you want, check with Nike itself – they should have a little of all their available Air Force Ones in both women's and men's styles. Air Force Ones were the first Nike shoes to be made with Nike Air technology, and Nike has continued making these signature shoes the good, old-fashioned way. Modern times have made even Nike's technology more top-shelf, and today Air Force Ones are made with the newest Nike Air methods. Air Force Ones may be classics, but they still have to be fresh and new enough for Nike customers – men and women. Women's Air Force Ones suit any woman who appreciates comfortable, durable footwear that still matches beautifully with other items in her closet. Sometimes, women have a tough road to walk – it certainly helps when the shoes are comfy and feel great. Nike technology ensures that you're going to get a quality product (after all, Nike is widely regarded as the best in the biz when it comes to the athletic shoe), and the many styles of Women's Air Force Ones promises that you'll get what you want. Women have earned the right to be choosy with their shoes, and Nike Air Force Ones honor this very basic feminine right. Look for online retailers selling women's Air Force Ones, and let your own personal style shine. There are enough patterns and colors of Air Force Ones to keep you busy shopping for a while, and that might be the best part about shopping for these shoes. You know they're quality because they're made by Nike, a shoe company that is well-known and respected for their achievements in athletic shoes. Women's Air Force Ones come in enough different styles to satisfy even the most picky female, so what are you waiting for?
About the Author I've spent several years writing articles/blogs where I've not only honored my writing ability I also improved my researching skills.

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Jesus Wasn'T A Christian!  

For many THAT is like getting thrown into a pool of cold water. Say what! What happens when we put Jesus in our "Religious Christian box" is that we LIMIT him to only those thoughts contained in our BOX. We know we can't box Jesus in, but we do it almost subconsciously, and we do it to our peril.

Many religions have sprung up and taken on the moniker- Christian. So,which one really is the real deal?

In fact, Jesus didn't come to establish yet another religion. Catholicism had sway over the Christian domain an
kingdom for many years, but as it turned out all those Crusades and shady Popes (there were many good ones too) put a blight on what the phrase "universal church" should really be. If there is a universal church it's the one that simply IS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

While many wonder just what it was that Jesus did for eighteen years (12-30), I have a larger question.

Why is it that much of Christianity acts as though Jesus really did die?

Jesus died on the cross and then came back and showed us that there is an eternal life, and that he can and did communicate with us in the spiritual body; however, many act as though he really did die because they don't or haven't heard from him in 2,000 years. Does it really make any sense that we who are Christians aren't hearing from the one we profess to have made numerous religions? What's so hard to understand about the phrase "I am with you ALWAYS" (Matt. 28:20).

Jesus is ALIVE and to place 2,000 year old words above and higher than his NOW word(s) just doesn't make sense to me. Maybe it's because I am more into the INNER, esoteric, and more INTIMATE nature of the spiritual relationship. Some simply say it's because I am deceived. Sine I'm not into the duality of who is right and wrong, let me just end by saying, I sure love my current relationship with Jesus so much better than the one I had five years ago: even a year ago! :-)

About the Author:

As a spiritual-futurist, I interpret current events in light of possible macro-universal forces at play leading up to 2012, but not limited to it.

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Facing The Unknown  

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/facing-the-unknown-811289.html

About the Author:

Michael A. Verdicchio offers a FREE special report, "9 Keys to Answered Prayer!" for signing up to his weekly news letter, "The Pep Letter," at onfidenceandjoy.com">http://www.confidenceandjoy.com He also offers a FREE "71 page eBook, entitled, "Keys To Enriching Your Life Now!" at http://www.EnrichingYourLifeNow.com Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous projects and productions including Mike's Pep Talks!

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Anti-Wrinkle Cream - Information For The Effects of Wrinkle Creams  

A wrinkle cream that contains vitamin C can reduce wrinkles, thicken skin, and provide protection from the suns damaging rays.

Anti wrinkle creams are special creams, formulated to help reduce the appearance of aging. There are special creams for different problems and different stages of life. There are anti wrinkle creams for people in their thirties and anti wrinkle creams for people over 50. Each one of us try various methods in order to look young. Getting rid off the wrinkle is most cumbersome and we try everything to reg
in that very charming glow of the skin we used to wear. Considering the huge market some innovative company brought in the market a cosmetic that proclaimed that help remove the wrinkle.A good wrinkle cream may work to prevent new wrinkles and some are even able to reduce the ones you have to be less obvious. You can reverse the clock and be a 20-something again, but you can take decades off your appearance due to the effects of wrinkle creams to protect and to heal.Some wrinkle creams act mostly to preserve or add moisture to the tissues. A healthy water intake is essential to your whole body and naturally to the skin, but some moisturizers can actually add some moisture and all help hold in the moisture that is there. Skin that is rich in water will show existing wrinkles less than parched skin will.If you have delicate or sensitive skin then it is advisable that you examine the texture and consistency of each product. Another point to consider is the environment because some product might have some ingredients which would not be as effective in the different environment.Here are some of the most common ingredients that are used in anti wrinkle creams.* Vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to be a good vitamin for skin.* Tretinoin (or retin-A). The effects of retin-A or tretinoin will be similar to vitamin A, as it is a similar ingredient. It can be also be used to treat acne and sun damage.* Hydroxy acids (including Alppha hydroxyl acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids). Hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of the acids contained in fruit. They remove the upper layer of old dead skin and stimulate the growth of new skin.* Vitamin A (or retinol). Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant and is used in many anti wrinkle creams.Your anti-wrinkle regimenAn anti-wrinkle cream may lessen the appearance of your wrinkles, depending on how often you use it, the type and amount of active ingredient in the wrinkle cream and the extent of the wrinkles you want to treat.But if you want to take the guesswork out of your skin-care regimen, try these more reliable ways to improve and maintain your skin's youthful appearance.    * Protect your skin from the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the natural aging process of your skin, causing wrinkles and rough, blotchy skin. In fact, sun exposure is the No. 1 reason for aging signs in the skin, including uneven pigmentation. Protect your skin — and prevent future wrinkles — by limiting the time you spend in the sun and always wearing protective clothing and hats. Also, use sunscreen when outdoors, even in winter.    * Choose products with built-in sunscreen. When selecting skin-care products, choose those with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Also, be sure to select products that block both UVA and UVB rays.So do wrinkle creams work? It depends on what you want them to do. If you expect anti wrinkle creams to magically remove all of your wrinkles, then you will be disappointed. Some anti wrinkle creams will have a significant effect, but to what extent it improves your skin's appearance depends on the type of wrinkle cream you are using, whether it is suited to your particular problem and skin and the length of time that the wrinkle cream is used.Even if they are considered one of the best anti wrinkle creams or have done well with all the ratings, anti wrinkle creams need to be tested against your particular needs.
About the Author Read out Makeup. Also check out for  pregnancy and rosacea

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The Right Cure For Bad Breath  

It is estimated that one in four people suffer from bad breath. If you are, or could be, one of them, read this article to determine the likely cause of your bad breath. Once you know the cause, the cure becomes much simpler.

When you are looking for a cure for bad breath, you will have to examine the cause of the bad breath in order to treat it effectively. Bad breath is a common condition that affects one in four people and it is good to know that there is a cure and bad breath can be treated effectively.

There are
any causes of bad breath including oral bacteria, foods, smoking, dentures, and dry mouth. Each of these different causes of bad breath will be related to either chronic or short-term bad breath. You can find a cure for bad breath for each of these conditions.

Oral Bacteria

Oral bacteria is a number one cause of chronic bad breath and can be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing of your teeth and regular brushing or scraping of your tongue. Oral bacterial lives in your mouth and seems to favour the tongue as one of its favorite hiding spots. You must dislodge food particles and plaque from your mouth so that bacteria cannot thrive in your mouth. When you adopt a regular brushing and flossing routine, you can eliminate oral bacteria and bad breath from your life.

Food Caused Bad Breath

Foods such as onions and garlic can cause short-term bad breath and it is recommended that you eat a sprig of parsley, cloves, fennel seeds or peppermint to mask the odour. The odour cannot be eliminated because it originates in your intestinal tract and you must wait a day for the odour to leave your body naturally.

Smoking Caused Bad Breath

Smoking causes chronic bad breath from the smell of the tobacco and because it leaves your gums and teeth prone to gum disease which causes bad breath. In order to prevent the risk of mouth and gum disease and bad breath caused by smoking, it is recommended that you quit smoking.

Dentures And Bad Breath

Dentures can cause chronic bad breath when the dentures are not cleaned regularly. Food particles can be caught in the appliances and unless the dentures are washed regularly, the food particles will help oral bacteria thrive in your mouth.

Dry Mouth Caused Bad Breath

Dry mouth is a condition that can cause short-term or chronic bad breath because moisture helps to clean the tissues of the mouth. If the mouth is too dry, bacteria cannot be moved away from the mouth. You can drink the recommended daily amount of water and juices to replenish the moisture in your mouth tissues and this will help to flush out oral bacteria. Brushing and flossing must be regularly maintained when a dry mouth condition is present to prevent bad breath.

If you want to find a cure for bad breath, you must match the remedy to the cause of the bad breath. When you have found a cure for bad breath that works for you, you will feel like it is a new beginning.


About the Author Few things are detested more than bad breath, both by sufferers and those who come into contact with them. Find your answer to this problem at http://yourbadbreathcure.com/

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The Coffee Facts And Trivia You Can Enjoy  

Coffee is actually a term that was once used for a wine that was made from the berries of a coffee tree. In fact, the black wine, as it was referred to during that time, is used in religious rites as wine by people of Mohammed. Of course, as time passed, coffee became a staple and not just wine for religious ceremonies.

Caffeine, although universally taken, is actually one of the substances that are being prohibited by the International Olympic Committee. In fact, there are athletes that are banned from competing because of caffe
ne.

They must not have 12 micrograms of caffeine in their urine. This can be reached when you drink about five cups of coffee straight. And here we thought it is only steroids were being banned in the Olympic battle ground.

Did you know that the body can absorb as much as 300 milligrams of caffeine at one time. This can be gotten from about 4 cups of coffee. Additional cups don't work because after this limit is reached, they don't provide any more stimulation. In fact, the body has an internal system that neutralizes caffeine every hour.

Coffee in the cowboy era makes theirs by straining ground coffee in a clean sock and then dousing them in cold water. This is then heated over fire. Hmm... Coffee in socks! Yukk!

In Paris, the first coffeehouse was opened in 1689. Its name Caf Procope was taken from the owner Francois Procope. The caf caters to artsy people in the city.

Cappucino is actually the result of several word derivations that are used in different ways. The most original derivation was from an order of friars, the Capuchin. Their name comes from the term used for the hood part of their habit, the cappuccio. Since the color of the cappuccino resembles the habit- coffee topped with cream or milk- it has since began to carry that name.

Countries used different ways to grade their coffee. For instance, in Costa Rica coffees are graded according to the bean. In Kenya, they use the standard A, B, C system which are already in place as grading system for most products on the market.

Different countries drink their coffee in different ways. The Moroccans for instance add peppercorns while those from the Middle East use cardamom and spices. Austrians love putting whipped creams into their coffee cup while the German and the Swiss like it with chocolate. Egyptians drink it black while the Italians use sugar. The turks even use coffee in their wedding feasts.

Turkish bridegrooms present coffee to their new wives. The custom even mentions that failing to do so can be a grounds for divorce. There are coffee houses in Yugoslavia that are known as kafano. They will brew your own coffee while you wait. They use deyza, an open pot and use tiny cups called the demitasse.

About the Author:

Information on kombucha tea can be found at the Types Of Tea site.

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Recipe For Delicious Homemade Candy - Mint Chocolate Truffles  

Making candy can be a really fun activity. And the results are so worth the effort. Whether for a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it, turning out your own candy is very rewarding. Here is a great recipe for chocolate candy--my favorite! These delicious Mint Chocolate Truffles are from a recipe I got years ago from a Cooking Light magazine.

MINT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

1/3 cup semisweet mint-chocolate chips
4-oz Neufchatel cheese, softened
16-oz pkg powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup s
fted powdered sugar
2 tbsps semisweet mint-chocolate chips

Place the 1/3 cup mint-chocolate chips in a microwave safe medium to large bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the chips are almost melted. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.

When chocolate is cooled, add the Neufchatel cheese and beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar to the mixture and beat until well blended. Press the mixture into a 6-inch square on heavy-duty plastic wrap and cover with additional plastic wrap. Chill at least one hour. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and cut truffle into 48 squares. Roll each square into a small ball and place on waxed paper. Roll half the balls in the unsweetened cocoa and the other half in the powdered sugar. Place the 2 tablespoons of the mint-chocolate chips into a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Microwave on high 1 minute or until the chips are softened. Knead the bag until the chips are smooth. Make a tiny snip in one bottom corner of the bag. Drizzle chocolate over the balls that have been rolled in cocoa. Serve at room temperature.

Note: I got this recipe from Cooking Light in 1999.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's Sweet Treat recipes, visit http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com

For her vintage recipes, go to http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com

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วันเสาร์ที่ 25 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Calvin Klein 2005 Spring Collection  

Calvin Klein – a name we all recognize and a designer who is world renowned for his fabulous fashions. So how did Calvin Klein come to be.?
As a young boy in the 1940s Calvin was already pre-occupied with designing and sketching fashions for women. The boy grew into a young man earning scholarships to both the New York High School of Art and Design; and the Fashion Institute of Technology. This was at a time when America was just beginning to develop its own originality and uniqueness. Eventually he teamed with his childhood friend
arry Scwartz

Their very first products were coats for women and men. From coats to ready to wear women's sportswear with clean lines that were simple and effective. Then came men's fragrances, underwear, and designer jeans. Designer jeans that anyone could afford was a new idea and it very quickly took over the jean market. Soon men's shorts became sexy and a desirable market was created. Then when it was least expected Calvin Klein launched Obsession, Eternity, Escape, ck One, and Contradiction; all household words of fragrance, all obsessions in their own time. CK Be was created by Calvin Klein in 1996 and features a fresh oriental woody fragrance that blends musk, mandarin, magnolia, peach, sandalwood, mint, lavender, bergamot, and juniper berry making it a memorable fragrance for both men and women. In 1996 CK the unisex fragrance took the market by storm.

Calvin Klein was the youngest designer to be awarded Coty Award – not just once but for several years -1973, 1974,1975, 1982, 1983 and 1986, Calvin Klein also won the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for outstanding design in both women's wear and men's wear.

Today Calvin Klein, Inc. is a globally recognized fashion, design and Retail Company determining the future of fashion design. Not only is it globally recognized in the fashion industry it's a household word.

The Calvin Klein Spring 2005 Collection combines natural tones, using soft flowing fabrics and clean lines. This spring Calvin Klein launches its new line of Choice Calvin Klein - Young Contemporary Jeanswear. The denim line includes dark vintage, sandblast, bleached blue and graffiti denim washes. It will feature a unique branded pocket stitch for fashion items, and the jeans will be will be offered in a variety of fits. The non-denim line features vibrant colors and patterns and of course company logos. This line offers satin bombers, sweater knits, t-shirts, halters, and layered tank tops. Choice Calvin Klein is branding itself as a young contemporary lifestyle brand.

The fall line by Costa stays true to the Calvin Klein brand: clean, supple, luxurious clothes made for city life. The fall wardrobe is rich in detail, finish, and texture, with a slim, somewhat sixties silhouette. The line includes sleek navy suits with small jackets, and just above the knee skirts, black cashmere, and A-line fur combining mink and shearling. Even the basics consist of satin roll necks, and lean pants.

Both the 2005 Spring Collection and Fall Collection are worth having a look at. Fabulous fashion ideas worth considering. You can have a look right here at
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2005RTW/complete/thumb/CKLEIN


About the Author Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing estate jewely & costume jewelry for all occasions, as well as a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

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Where to Do It?  

Let your venue dictate your theme wedding! When planning a theme wedding, one of the best ways to incorporate a theme is by selecting your location.

There are endless locations where you can hold your wedding.

Think outside of the box and try some unusual attractions instead of the traditional community hall or hotel. Here are a few suggestions on selecting your location:

ค Are you in love with twinkle of the cityscape lights at night? Try holding your wedding in a skyscraper! Many
buildings have corporate rooms th
t you could rev up for your wedding.

ค Are you a book worm – did you meet your fianc้ at school? What about holding your affair at a library? You are sure to find an "aisle" you can parade down.

ค Is your idea of a great night out a dinner and a movie? Hold your wedding at a local movie theatre. Try finding an older theatre with some character or a huge theatre like an Imax. Get married right on stage!

ค Do you have a love of golf or bowling? Get married right on the premises! Walk down the first tee or down the bowling lane into your loved ones arms.

ค Is there a historic building in your area? Check out your local listings for buildings or restaurants with some
"haunting" effect.

ค Love the thought of travel; jetting off into the sky. See if you can hold your wedding in a local airplane hanger.

ค Other places to consider are: Beaches, Gardens, Plantations,
Vineyards, Parks or Zoos!

Anything can work just use your imagination and go for it!
About the Author Kari White is an experienced event and wedding planner. As a result of numerous requests, she has now completed the Unique Theme Wedding Planning Guide which can be found at her web site along with a free weekly newsletter. Do yourself a favor and check it out today.
http://www.uniquethemeweddings.com


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6 Ways To Overcome Shyness And Gain Confidence  

Many people have problems with shyness and confidence. Most of these problems can be overcome by applying easy to learn tips and ideas designed to overcome shyness. Here are 6 simple tips to overcome shyness and boost your self confidence.

Are you shy? Do you have difficulty coping with people or situations? Then I have good news for you. You do not have to suffer from shyness and you should not feel insecure and fear that you are being judged with every step you take.

Winning the war with shyness takes practice, but is
definitely well worth the effort as the result is increasing confidence and self esteem. Wake up feeling good about yourself, able to face the world with confidence and security and the knowing that no feeling of shyness can come in your way of achieving your desires.

There are hundreds of books written on the subject of how beat shyness and gain confidence, but there are a few techniques that anyone can practice. Here are 6 suggestions of techniques on how to overcome your shyness:

1. Every morning, as soon as you get up, get in front of a mirror and say out loud "I feel terrific! I feel terrific! I feel terrific!" Repeat this affirmation with enthusiasm at least ten times everyday until it is ingrained into your subconscious mind. If you feel a little self conscious to begin with lock yourself in the bathroom. The results will amaze you.

2. Feel good about yourself. Look your best. Dress up more often. This gives you an extra feeling of confidence and self esteem. On its own just knowing that you look good will boost your confidence and reinforce with others that there are things about you that are worth getting to know.

3. Take a risk at least once a day. It is very invigorating and conquering fears by taking risks helps you grow in confidence and self esteem. Start with small risks and fears and as you overcome them move onto bigger things. There's nothing you cannot do. Being confident in knowing that change can only help you grow, and boost your self confidence.

4. When you are engaged in a one to one conversation, or with a larger group of people, let them know that you are shy. This prevents them from misreading you and they are far more likely to invite you into the conversation rather than leave you just listening and wishing you could contribute. Many people, me included, find following a conversation in a noisy room difficult. If you are having difficulty say so and move so that you can hear. People respect honesty, and vulnerability and you will attract more honest people into your life as a result.

5. Rejection is a fact of life that everyone experiences. It is rarely you that is being rejected. If you are rejected, for example if you ask someone for a date, remember that everyone has different likes and dislikes. You may be attracted to one type of person and not others. The same applies to other people and you are probably just not their type. That does not devalue you in any way. Accept this and know that you will get over it. Never take it personally and keep in mind that if people reject you it is because of their own likes and dislikes and not because of who you are. You are equally entitled to reject others because of your likes and dislikes.

6. Engage in an activities that make you feel excited and good about yourself or start a hobby that gives you a feeling of relaxation. This could be anything from gardening to Tai Chi to Karate. Take some lessons, learn or master a musical instrument or take singing lessons. Do something that excites you and take a risk. Exploring things that make you feel excited is a great antidote for shyness.
About the Author John Edmond recently obtained a degree in creative writing and now writes on a number of topics including self help, personal growth and self esteem.  Go to http://www.buildingselfesteem.info for more information

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Give Yourself Positive, Nurturing Messages  

I don't know about you, but I find that negative or hurtful messages zing their way into me faster and easier than positive ones. If, in an hour, seven people gave me real, glowing compliments, and one person criticized me, it is the criticism that I would notice, absorb, and obsess on for weeks. It is the criticism that I would turn over and over, looking at from all angles, like a misshapen stone.

It's not hard to find criticism. It's all around us--in the way the media says our bodies should be perfect. In people judgin
how we live, because they feel insecure about themselves. And of course, perhaps most powerfully, are all the negative messages we were taught and given as children, critical messages that we still play through our minds.

So how do we turn the tide on this wave of negative messages? An important factor is purposely looking for and including positive messages in your life, on a regular basis. You deserve to see your own beauty--and to be as happy as you can be.

Give yourself the gift of loving, positive messages:

* Recognize and acknowledge some good things about yourself.
Write out a list of things that you like about yourself, or that other people have told you they like about you. Write as many as you can. Then go through each one. Think about it. Acknowledge it. Accept it and take it in. Putting your energy into this, and really opening yourself up to this, can help you heal some old hurts, and work towards opening yourself up to more positive messages.

* Praise yourself as you would a child.
Kids need praise and positive feedback to feel good about themselves, and we give that freely to kids. Well, adults need it, too. So whenever you do something that you would appreciate or like in a child...being kind to someone else, being tender, standing up for yourself or someone else, doing something that feels good, accomplishing something big or small...then give yourself some praise. Don't be stingy with praise. Lavish it on you the way you would a child. Acknowledge the wonderfulness in you, and make a habit of it. It really will help you feel better.

* Allow real compliments and praise to sink in there.
Allowing compliments and praise to really touch you, including the ones you give yourself, is something you may have to consciously do, but it's important to do. If you have trouble keeping hold of the good things people say, write them down, then look at them often.

* Read affirmations that appeal to you.
Read some affirmations from a book, online, or from affirmation cards, or write your own. Just read the ones that feel like they fit you, that have messages you need to hear. Do this often, so you open up to the messages.

* Associate an object with a positive message about you.
Pick an object, preferably a small one, one that you like or that makes you feel good--maybe a stone, a book, a note, a little toy that you can carry around with you. Now think of a positive message about yourself--just one--and repeat it over and over while you look at the object. Tell yourself that whenever you look at that object, you'll be reminded of that positive message about yourself.

* Put positive messages all around you.
Write out positive, loving messages and put them in places you'll find them--inside books, on your computer screen, in your wallet, in your pockets. Put them on your refrigerator or mirror.

* Choose the words you use for yourself purposefully.
Words have a powerful impact on how we feel and think about ourselves and others. Words can hurt, flatten, and wound. Words can also encourage, empower, heal. Choose words, when you think about yourself, that are positive, kind, and loving.

* Listen to alternative, healing music.
If you only look for one song, check out Libby Roderick's "How Could Anyone," on her cd If You See a Dream. The lyrics are a powerful, healing affirmation: "How could anyone ever tell you, you were anything less than beautiful, how could anyone ever tell you, you were less than whole?"

* Listen to children's music.
I'm not kidding. There are some wonderful, empowering, encouraging children's songs. Check out "Proud of Me" and "Me" sung by Sesame Street's Grover on "The Best of Grover"; "Happy Place," "It's okay," "Sing a happy song," "We'll Fill the World With Love," amd "What a wonderful world" by Rosenshontz, "Believe in Yourself," "But I Like You," by Sesame Street;

* Read a book or comic strip that makes you feel good.
Feeling good helps get you into that receptive space where you can take in good messages. A book that always makes me feel good, and gives me positive, healing messages is 39 Ways to Open Your Heart by Arlene Gay Levine and Karen Kroll. The messages are like healing affirmations, and the artwork is stunning.

Another of my favourite things to read when I want a huge splash of good feeling is any of the Rose Is Rose collected comic strips. They affirm the playful child in me, and usually reading them in large doses (such as a book) leave me feeling happy. You can check out thirty days of the comic strip here, or check out these Rose Is Rose email greetings that give you the feel of what the comic is all about.

* Write yourself a loving letter.
Write yourself a letter that mentions all the things you love about yourself. Go into as much detail as you want. If you have trouble writing it, think of a friend who loves you, and try to write it from their perspective. Then mail yourself the letter.

Repeatedly telling positive messages to yourself, and taking them in, can work to build up your love for yourself, and help you to be more open to the good things within you, and arouond you. It can also build up your resistance to critical, hurtful messages, and help you to feel happier. So what are you waiting for? Give yourself a positive message right now. And believe it.

Resources:

* Levine, Arlene Gay and Karen Kroll. 39 Ways to Open Your Heart, Conari Press: California, 1996.
A beautiful book with loving, healing messages that read like meditations, and stunning, beautiful artwork. It seems to be temporarily out of print, but you can usually find copies at AbeBooks.com
* Rose Is Rose, 30 days online Rose Is Rose email greetings
* watch some of my affirmation cards online
* Libby Roderick's "How Could Anyone" song

ฉ Cheryl Rainfield, 2002
http://www.CherylRainfield.com
All rights reserved.

* * *

If you like this article, you may post it on your website or use it in your print publication, as long as you provide a link back to my site (http://www.CherylRainfield.com), and credit me. I'd also really like to know where you put my article, but you don't have to let me know in order to use it.

* * *
About the Author Cheryl Rainfield is an artist and writer. She has a site on loving yourself that offers free whimsical e-cards, a
screensaver, articles, and virtual affirmation cards online.
http://www.CherylRainfield.com


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What Are The Causes Of Acid Reflux?  

Acid reflux doesn't happen on its own or by coincident. There are many factors that cause acid reflux to happen. You can find out more about it when you stop and look around at the food that you are putting into your mouth.

Usually, unhealthy food is the one that causes acid reflux. You can check against this list to see if you are eating too much of a certain unhealthy food that is contributing to your acid reflux experience.

The first on the list would be caffeine. If you are drinking too many cups of coffee in a day to k
ll sleepiness or simply just addicted, you can now start looking for something else that can substitute it. Your cup of coffee is one of the causes of acid reflux.

Second on the list are fried and fatty foods because it stimulates the stomach to produce more acid to digest it. Increase of acid, increases the pressure in the stomach thus causing reflux of the food from the stomach to the esophagus.

Another group of unhealthy food that causes acid reflux are chocolates, alcohol and tobacco. If you take any of these regularly or in big amounts, it is about time you avoid it.

Besides unhealthy food intakes, other possible causes of acid reflux are tight clothes that cause your stomach difficulty in digestion, citrusy and high in acid fruits like oranges, and surprisingly, large meals.

You can easily find solutions for these external problems by discarding clothes that are uncomfortable, too small or don't fit anymore. You can still take your meals, but keep the portion small and eat more frequently. Large meals are one of the causes of acid reflux and taking your food in a different method will help. For fruits, you can eat other fruits and less of citrusy ones. Exploring other fruits may help you discover your liking for different fruits.

There you have it, a list of food that are causes of acid reflux and also other external factors that may contribute to your experience.

About the Author:

Wondering how to Cure Acid Reflux? Signup for your 100% FREE Acid Reflux Natural Cure tips newsletter

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A Quit Smoking Tip That Can Change Your Life  

A Quit Smoking Tip That Can Change Your LifeDo you want to quit smoking? There is a very powerful quit smoking tip that can literally change your life &' because it would ensure your 100% success. Do you want to know what this is? Read on and find out all about it.What You Need To Quit Smoking Once For AllI read once a quip that made me smile &' Who says quitting smoking is difficult? I have quit it five times and there is nothing to it. Yes, usually this is what happens. You think you left smoking for good and the habit is behind yo
. Then, you just smoke once with your friends &' for the sake of old times &' and that is it.In your mind, this is just a one-time-smoke bit; nothing to worry about. This would be like an occasional chocolate cake slice when you diet. However, in no time, you find yourself treating yourself on a regular basis, and supposedly out of the blue you will back smoking regularly again. You need to know and keep in mind that getting back to smoking is extremely easy. You also need to know what you would encounter when you attempt to stop smoking. The withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and painful. Are you ready to tackle this problem head on? Do you know what medication can help you with the withdrawal symptoms? Do you know how long it takes to get rid of the habit? You need to have nerves of steel and a high level of commitment to get yourself rid of this toxic habit.The Difference Between Success And Failure &' A Great Quit Smoking TipWhen you decide to quit smoking, take another decision in your mind. Decide never to smoke a cigarette that is bought with your money, and never carry a pack on you. How this quit smoking tip helps you stay off cigarettes? Read on.


1. The first part of the quit smoking tip &' never buy your own cigarettes means that if you smoke you would need someone to offer you one. Most people do not like to share their cigarettes on a regular basis and if you are identified as one who is out for freebies, you would very soon be a loner.


2. The second part of the quit smoking tip &' never carry a pack of cigarettes with you. This means that you cannot depend on having a cigarette when you need one &' behavior change &' and hence, you would outgrow the dependency on it over time.


Click here to find more information on quit smoking.

About the Author:

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Oatmeal-Apple-Raisin Muffins  

Oatmeal-Apple-Raisin Muffins

These muffins are not only tasty, but they're also a good source of fiber. In recent years, health experts have come to realize that fiber is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. Using Canola oil also increases the health benefits of these muffins.

1 egg
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added)
1 cup oatmeal (either quick-cooking or old-fashioned oatmeal; I like to use the old-fashioned)
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup cooking oil
2 cups fl
ur
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 apple chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Chop apple and put into a mixing bowl. Add the raisins. Measure out the remaining ingredients. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Grease muffin cups and fill to 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove from the muffin tins. Makes 2 dozen muffins.

Hint: Instead of greasing the muffin tins, use cupcake papers. That way you won't have to work so hard to scrub out your muffin tins.

*******************
About the Author LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books: "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)" and "Preserve Your Family History (A Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Oral Histories" (e-book). You are invited to order a book from Rural Route 2. You are also invited to sign up for LeAnn's FREE! monthly newsletter, Rural Route 2 News. Visit — http://ruralroute2.com


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When to Use High Heat on Your Barbeque  

If you have ever burned the food on your BBQ then this is the article for you!

While some people really seem to have a knack for barbequing – always grilling up a perfect meal – for the rest of us, it is something that must be learned, not something that just comes naturally.  Believe it or not, there is technique involved.  It's not just a matter of following your cooking instincts. 

One of the main secrets of knowing exactly how to make a beautiful, tasty meal every time is knowing how and when
o use high heat or very hot coals.

Though you may have heard the term "seal in the juices" when it came to barbequing, you may even have tried some techniques every now and then, but unless you're doing it properly, you won't be getting it right.  For the best results, many barbeque chefs cook vegetables and medium-rare steaks by first using a high heat in order to sear the outside of the food and seal both the juices and the flavors inside. 

Though this technique is good for foods that you don't want to cook thoroughly, it shouldn't be overused.  If you're cooking a meat such as hamburgers or pork ribs, they must be cooked all the way through in order to avoid bacterial contamination.  Therefore, searing them to seal in the juices doesn't do anything but give you dry, or charred food.

This can be explained by understanding the way that meat cooks on a barbeque.  As it is heated, the cells and the fibers of the meat will tighten, squeezing out much of the juices.  Therefore, if you're only cooking a meat partially, searing it will help to seal in the juices by quickly cooking the outer layers of the food.  However, if you should leave the food on this high heat, the inner layers will cook too quickly, vaporizing all of your precious and tasty juices.  Try the technique a few times until you get it right.  Pay attention to what you're doing, so that when you do accomplish the right technique, you know how to repeat it.

When you are using high heat, the rule of thumb is to cook on each side for a maximum of five minutes (a total of ten minutes).  After ten minutes, anything that you're cooking should be moved aside to a medium heat so that it can finish cooking at that lower temperature.

There are many ways to recognize how hot your fire really is, to make sure that it's always perfect for any kind of food that you're cooking on your barbeque.  One of the most common tests is simply to hold your hand a couple of inches away from the grill.  If you're only able to keep it there for about a second, your grill is at a high heat (that is, over 600บF).  If you're able to hold your hand there fore a few seconds, it's at a medium heat (around 400บF).  At a lower heat, you'll be able to hold your hand there for over five seconds.

Remember, when it comes to high heat, practice makes perfect, and the perfect is well worth the practice!


About the Author

Richard Cussons is a prolific and diverse writer. You can find out more about the origins of barbeques at http://www.barbecue-grill-online.com/



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วันเสาร์ที่ 18 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2552

REKINDLING THE ROMANTIC FLAMES  

As Cupid's arrows fly through the air, it's the time of year when our thoughts lean toward romance. For those that have been with their significant other for what seems like forever, here are a few ideas to rekindle the flame.

*Go to your local florist for leftover rose petals. Sometimes you can get them for free. Otherwise its usually $2-3 for a bag. Rose petals have many uses. Use these as a trail through the house leading to a candlelit dinner or a romantic rendezvous. Cover the bed in rose petals or shape them into a hear
on his/her pillow. Place petals and floating candles in a warm tub for your sweetie. Use them as fragrance in a homemade valentine. Use as potpourri and place them in a gift bag with special boxers or lingerie.

*Plan a romantic scavenger hunt. Write up clues ahead of time. Leave small gifts or poems at each site that leads to the next. Example: "This is where we shared our first kiss," or "Please arrive at 123 Main Street at 7:15 p.m. for your next clue." Leave a new shirt or a pretty sweater requesting it be worn at dinner that night. With planning, clues can be planted at a restaurant, the local florist, a friend's home (or your own), or a local hotel where you've left a note at the front desk. The options are endless!

*Send romantic e-mails to your sweetie all day long. Let them know of your plans for the evening (slowly but surely.) Example: E-mail #1: " I'm looking forward to spending quality time with you tonight." E-mail #2: "On your way to lunch, please stop by A Touch of Class Florist. There's a message waiting." E-mail #3 " I've planned a romantic evening, please dress accordingly for dinner at 7:00 p.m." E-mail #4 "Please go to 123 Main Street. I'll be waiting at 7:00 p.m." Use YOUR imagination!

*Leave balloons, notes or small gifts where your sweetie will see them throughout his/her day.

BALLOONS -- Put one large heart-shaped balloon in the driver's seat or fill the car with red and white balloons so they are seen when they leave for work. Balloons are also great to fill the bedroom or office. Leave rolled up notes inside the balloons or use permanent marker on the outside. "Be mine" "I love you" and "You are my everything" all work great!

HEART NOTES: The same thing can be done with hearts cut out of construction paper. Give your loved one a "heart attack." Cover the bedroom door with homemade hearts with a special message printed on each. Place them on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, or car windshield ... anywhere they'll be seen. You'll be remembered ALL day!

SMALL GIFTS: Place a favorite cookie in his briefcase or a rose on her dashboard. Write poetry. Draw a picture and frame it. The gifts don't have to be expensive only heartfelt.

REMEMBER: Valentine's Day is but once a year, but love and romance are forever!
About the Author The author, Tami McRaney, is a mother of four and stepmother of three. She has worked as an office manager in the entertainment and security industries. She is now a SAHM to four teens, ages 13-19. She is editor and publisher of the busy parenting magazine, ON THE GO TOO. Check out the website: www.onthegotoo.com or e-mail: editor@onthegotoo.com for ezine/newsletter information.


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Tummy Tucks and Pregnancies  

Tummy Tuck - The Post-Pregnancy Answer?

Getting your body back to normal after a pregnancy can be a tricky business. When it comes to stretch marks and loose skin, there is no real effective method of treatment other than the surgical option of an abdominoplasty, a.k.a. a tummy tuck. Your skin is capable of expanding to accommodate a gradual weight gain, but when you are pregnant, it must expand relatively quickly to accommodate the growth of the baby. Consequently, the deeper layers of skin may tear forming thin white lines ac
oss your stomach. You may become frustrated (to say the least), and many women experience a big blow to their self esteem. However, a tummy tuck can remove most stretch marks and tighten any loose skin. In fact, deciding to go for a tummy-tuck seems a reasonable course of action considering that 130, 000 tummy tucks were performed in the United States in 2005.Before jumping onto the tummy tuck train, some important issues should be considered. A tummy tuck requires invasive surgery; therefore information on the matter should be gathered in order to determine whether or not it will truly benefit your life.Tummy tucks can leave permanent scarsThe surgery will leave a scar that runs from hip to hip, unless you have decided on a mini-tuck, in which case the scar will be about 6 inches long. A scar can take up to 9 months to fade, and until then, it will actually appear to worsen. However, the incision is made along natural creases in your skin, and is easily covered by underwear and bikinis.Tummy tucks can cause problems with future pregnanciesMost surgeons will advise their patients to wait until after their last pregnancy before undergoing abdominal plastic surgery. The body's expansion during a pregnancy can cause the stomach muscles to separate again; so if you are planning more than one child, it is best to put the tummy tuck on hold.Tummy tucks are not magicalIf you are unhappy with the look of your body, a tummy tuck can be a step in helping you to achieve your ideal figure. However, because of its highly invasive nature, you must be prepared to take good care of your brand new tummy. The recovery time can take up to 3 weeks. You must protect your stomach from the sun before going under the knife. Smokers will need to put away their lighters for 2 weeks before and after the surgery. Exercise can help speed up the healing process (although not immediately after the surgery). A healthy diet is important as well, but nothing too severe as your body needs the appropriate nutrition in order to properly heal.Do some researchIt is important to choose a surgeon who is properly qualified. Not only must he/she be board certified, but also certified by a reputable board. Start by looking into the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also verify that your surgeon is qualified to perform several kinds of abdominal plastic surgery and not just tummy tucks.If a full traditional tummy tuck seems too daunting, and/or too expensive, you could opt for a mini-tummy tuck. The surgery is less invasive, recovery time is shorter, and the scar is smaller. It is worth a consideration if you are unhappy with the post-pregnant state of your body.
About the Author Read out Pregnancy massage. Also check out for  atlanta plastic surgery and aloe vera drink

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Why Is Sex A Four Letter Word?  

Why Is Sex A Four Letter Word?

One reason why sex is still such a
taboo subject that can hardly ever be discussed with a straight face, is that
there is so much hypocrisy.

The "sex trade" is one of the biggest revenue producers, both online and off.
Yet hardly anyone will admit to being
a part of it.

Please, don't get me wrong, there are
different aspects to the sex discussion that I am talking about.
The perverts and pornographers who involve children in what is supposed to be an adult a
d consensual act, deserve the comtempt and harsh treatment they receive.
Both from society and the penal system!

But my amazement is that healthy, "normal" adults become stammering, head bowing, face averting
indivuduals when the topic of sex comes up.
These "grown ups" know that sex is part of being an adult and a natural part at that, yet if and when there is a
problem, they are hesitant and timid about seeking help.
In my experience, even some Doctors are
less than helpful when asked sex related questions.
No wonder that stastics show that teenage and other unwanted pregnancies are not going down as fast as they should, even given all the information that is supposed to be readily available.
Information by itself does no good, it must be explained and make sense, before
it will serve its desired purpose.

Telling someone to use a condom, for instance, without telling them why, how it works and how to properly use it, will not help them make an informed and
self-protecting decision.

When someone who enjoys an active sex life starts to lose interest,
shouldn't it be treated the same as if they were no longer interested in eating?
I know that you can live without enjoying sex, but why.
Certainly not because you are too afraid
or ashamed to be seen as a "pervert"

So, please everyone, lets get real!
Everyday there are less and less things
we can control and enjoy responsibly.
Let sex be one of them!
Happy Year!
Live! Laugh! Love!
Yvonne
About the Author Yvonne is doing her part to prevent sex and sexuality from sinking back into the gutter, where it does NOT belong.
Visit here site for advice a selection of natural sex products.
http://www.herbalhealthyskin.com./sexual_health.html.html


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Factors To Consider When Choosing A Wedding Photographer  

Photography is an art and it takes a passionate and skilful photographer to fully capture the beauty of his/ her subject(s). Choose your wedding photographer after careful deliberation and with prudence. After all, how you will remember your wedding day will depend on your memories and the wedding photo album. Memories fade away, but pictures last forever.

Sourcing a Photographer

You can look for a photographer in your locality by examining various sources such as the Yellow Pages, billboards, newspapers, or the Web
Of course, the best option remains the 'word of mouth' recommendation. A friend/ relative who got married recently can give you an honest opinion and have a first-hand knowledge of the photographer's professionalism.

If they strongly recommend their photographer based on what he/ she did for their wedding, grab the opportunity to enquire further. However, restrain yourself from booking him or her until you have a look at his/ her portfolio! Beauty is subjective and for all you know, you may not agree with your friend's or relative's perception of "what is beautiful." It makes sense to decide based on your personal preferences.

Important Factors to Consider

You should choose a photographer based on his/ her technique and pricing.

Technique: A wedding may be captured using various techniques or styles such as traditional, formal, casual, or candid. A skilled photographer should include a variety of techniques in his offering. Choose someone who incorporates various styles in his/ her photography and adapts to every occasion and moment. He or she should take casual and candid pictures that are natural and spontaneous rather than make you 'pose' for every snap. Always choose a photographer based on his entire work, not selective work as shown in his/ her portfolio. His/ her portfolio will include only the best of his/ her work, which can be misleading.

Price: Are you wondering how much of your wedding budget you should allocate to the wedding photographer? The standard norm is to allot about 10-15% of your total wedding budget for the photographer, which can be anywhere from $500 to $10,000. You can get a basic package for a price of $1,500 or, if you have a small budget, you could try hiring a part-time photographer or a student photographer. Prior to finalizing the deal with the photographer, make sure to enquire about what is included in his/ her services.

After you have scrutinized the technique, style, versatility, and price the photographer offers, you can schedule a meeting with him/ her. Before the meeting, you should already have a good idea of what the photographer has to offer and the objective of the meeting should be mainly to validate your decision. Be yourself, try to strike a good rapport, and discuss your wedding details.

Photographer's Personality

It is vital for you to strike a good rapport in the initial meeting. If the photographer's personality or demeanour does not match yours (if there's no fit), he/ she will be unable to mingle with the guests or interact with them when taking pictures. Also, good results in the form of good pictures are possible only if you feel comfortable collaborating with the photographer.

Brief the Photographer About the Wedding

Once you have decided to hire the photographer, briefly outline the details of the wedding such as location, date, time, sequence of events, and other aspects that the photographer needs to know. This will give him/ her time to plan his/ her activities as well as come up with creative and innovative ideas or ways in which he/ she can present your wedding with elegance, grace, and charm.

We hope these tips will help you make the right decision in choosing the appropriate photographer. As years pass by, you will be able to show your children, friends, and relatives what a splendid wedding yours was and also bring back fond memories of the wedding to your partner. We cannot stop time, but it is possible to capture the most memorable moments of our lives for ETERNITY!

About the Author:
This article was submitted by eWeddingTalk.com, a wedding blog discussing wedding-related matters, including wedding favors & wedding gifts. Read more!

Finding The Ergonomic Office Chair That's Right For You  

Ergonomic is much more than a fancy buzzword used by chiropractors and office furniture salespeople. Ergonomic office chairs can improve your posture, help you with back problems and make you a more efficient worker. Here's what you need to know to make the choice that's right for you.

Most of the modern workforce spends much of the day in an office chair. When you think about it, you probably spend almost as much time in your chair as you do in your bed. Your body needs to be supported well in order for you to work efficiently

There are many different ergonomic features that improve the quality of a chair. Armrests, back supports and the height of your chair all work together to support your body. Other settings, such as the angle of your chair and the way you face your desk, can make a big difference, too.

The height adjustment on your ergonomic office chair will support the lower part of your back, also called the lumbar region. Chairs that offer mid-back support and upper-back support are also available. Make sure your chair offers all three types of support, especially if you are working in your chair all day. You can use the tilt function on your chair to recline yourself slightly, which is a better position for your back.

You will also need to pay attention to the seat of your chair. The bottom of the chair, also called the "seat pan," should distribute your weight evenly. Make sure that your chair has a rounded front, which will help improve your leg circulation. It's important that you have enough hip room in the chair so you can sit fairly far back. Sitting too far forward can cause back problems and pain.

Armrests are actually very ergonomically important, if you have room for them at your desk. It's not always possible to fit armrests on chairs that are used at low desks. Armrests can help to reduce the pressure that is placed on your back, and can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, too. Look for armrests that are adjustable in height. These are helpful if you'll be doing a wide variety of tasks on your desk, such as writing, reading and using a computer.

Your perfect ergonomic chair will be determined by a variety of factors. You'll have to consider your frame size, the height of your desk as well as the tasks that you are doing in that chair. Since most people use a computer at their office desk, make sure that you find a chair that supports long hours of typing. Using armrest and getting the right lumbar support is key for computer users.

This may sound like a lot of factors that have to go into your choice, but each of these areas is important to think about. Given the fact that your chair can have a profound impact on your posture, your health and your overall vitality, buying the right chair just makes good sense.

Jamie Jefferson shares the best office supply coupons where you can subscribe for free coupon updates for your favorite office supply stores or products. She also posts the latest Office Depot Coupons

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Changing Beliefs With Emotional Freedom Technique (eft)  

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and it's an energy-based therapy that focuses on the energy meridians (or energy channels) of the body. In some ways it's similar to acupuncture but without the needles. It was developed by Gary Craig from the discoveries of Dr. Roger Callahan and is a simple technique that often provides rapid relief from physical-emotional issues such as trauma, phobias, grief, anger, guilt, anxiety, addictive cravings, fears, pain, depression, headaches and much, much more. It consists of tapping lightly
n a set of meridian points while focusing on an issue or emotion.

At the core of EFT is the belief that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system. Gary Craig calls this principle the 'discovery statement' and it underpins all of EFT. Through tapping on a set of the body's energy meridian points, while focusing on the negative emotion or issue you wish to clear, EFT can restore the body's energy balance which results in a clearing of the negative emotions (and relieving any physical symptoms associated with it).

When I first heard of EFT I thought it was only used to clear physical ailments that had an emotional component, and since I didn't have any ailments at that time, I didn't pay too much attention. Then, when I was reintroduced to EFT last year (through a little exercise called Tap O the Morning that you can try for yourself at the end of this article), I felt my energy shift from 'ho hum' to absolutely buzzing in the space of 1 or 2 minutes. That got my attention!

Totally intrigued, I started madly researching everything I could find on EFT. I learnt how, in addition to providing relief for physical-emotional issues, it could be used to enhance emotional wellbeing, change limiting beliefs and install new empowering ones, and how it could even help to bring to the surface those subconscious beliefs you didn't even realise you had. Because EFT works at the energy level I realised I could use it to quickly and easily change my vibration in any moment.

Since I knew the Law of Attraction responds, not to my thoughts, but my vibration, I became excited at the potential it had to enhance my law of attraction efforts.

I have used EFT to shift stubborn negative emotions and been surprised at how quickly it can do so. What used to be 'blue' days can now be 'blue' minutes using EFT and tapping to clear each layer of emotion as it arises, then tapping in more positive emotions to finish.

I have also used EFT to clear some limiting beliefs around money that I recognised were sabotaging my attraction efforts and also to 'tap in' and vibrationally align with my affirmations. While there are plenty more limiting beliefs I need to work on, I'm pleased with the results to date and, I have to admit, I'm now a convert to EFT.

I also use a variation of the EFT exercise Tap O the Morning at the start of each day to set myself up emotionally and vibrationally for the day ahead. I can feel my energy shift during the tapping and, if I skip a day, for whatever reason, I really do notice a difference in my outlook and energy. It really has given me 'emotional freedom' to pursue being, doing and having what I really want in life.

Yvonne Ellis has been studying personal and spiritual development for over 20 years. She teaches and coaches in these areas and is co-author of the website AttractLikeMagic where you'll find loads of information about the Law of Attraction and the Universal Laws including free eBooks to start off or enhance your Law of Attraction library. For more information on changing beliefs with EFT and the Tap O the Morning exercise please visit AttractLikeMagic.com

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What's For Dinner? - 30-minute Menus For 2009 - 10th Edition  

March is here so I have lightened the menus just a bit; it may not be any warmer outside but March's arrival always makes me realize that Spring is on the way. I have also included a 'bake once - eat twice' combo to help with the food budget and time management.

Fried shrimp is a favorite at our house any time. This recipe for shrimp tempura from the Gourmet cookbook is the best I have ever found. It is quick, easy, and tastes delicious!

You will find that I use several cooking methods, mix and match, to get dinner on
the table quickly! (The ingredients in parenthesis show some of my quick-prep steps.) You can always substitute your favorite made-from-scratch recipes when you have more time.

I hope you have a great week!

Sunday:
Poached Fish in White Wine Sauce (frozen fish fillets)
Duchess Potatoes (instant garlic mashed potatoes)
Baby Peas (frozen peas)
Baked Tomato Halves
Coconut Cream Pie with Berries (prepared graham cracker crust, instant pudding mix)

Monday
Chicken and Dumplings (crock pot; frozen dumplings or pastry sheets, cream of mushroom soup; save some chicken for Thursday)
Asparagus / Tomato Stir Fry
Stacked Brownies (purchased brownies and ice cream)

Tuesday:
Fire Cracker Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa (canned pineapple and chilies)
Sauteed Pierogies (frozen pierogies)
Green Beans
Fresh Baked Jumbo Cookies

Wednesday:
Quick Baked Ziti (vegetarian; jarred pasta sauce, bagged shredded cheese)
Panned Spinach (bagged baby spinach)
Individual Cherry Pies (purchased pastry shells, canned cherry pie filling)

Thursday:
Warm Chicken Citrus Salad (chicken from Monday, bagged salad greens, jarred citrus)
Triple Corn Chowder (canned corn, purchased corn chips)
Pecan Pie (purchased pecan pie)

Friday:
Blue Cheese Encrusted Beef Stew (prepared pie crust, beef gravy, canned potatoes and carrots)
Tossed Salad (jarred salad dressing)
Apple Dumplings a la Mode (purchased ice cream, prepared pie crust)

Saturday:
Tempura Shrimp (cleaned and deveined shrimp)
Udon Noodles with Soy Dressing (purchased noodles)
Steamed Julienne Vegetables (bagged julienned vegetables)
Fresh Fruit Baskets (puff pastry, canned whipped cream)

I sincerely hope you have fun with your meal planning and preparation,
Elizabeth Randall and Family

These and other menu and party ideas can be found at http://www.MomsMealConnection.com

The 30-Minute Menus give you instructions for preparing your complete meal in 30 minutes - flat! Party in a Bag offers ideas for 30-minute appetizer courses or cocktail parties

MomsMealConnection is designed to help busy moms everywhere prepare meals - family meals, holiday celebrations, and special dinners plus entertaining. I am the mother of five grown children who are now starting families of their own so to say that I have 'been there, done that' is an understatement! My trick is to plan weekly menus and grocery shop only once per week. I am a firm believer that once-a-week meal planning and grocery shopping saves a lot of time and money! We can all use more of those commodities

I sincerely hope you have fun with your meal planning and preparation,
Elizabeth Randall

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History Of Human And Meat Eating  

It must have felt unnatural at first, to eat animal flesh. After all, we\'re not so far removed from animals ourselves. Perhaps it even felt cannibalistic. There might not have been that much intellectual distinction between humans and other animals. When humans were pure vegetarians, they were living in harmony with the earth and with the other creatures co-habiting the planet with them. Their closest animal relatives, apes, were vegetarians. Eating the products of the earth, like plants, grains and fruits that they could gather and eat
would have seemed the natural order of things.

But necessity is the mother of invention. Prehistoric men who lived in frozen geographies, or who lived in an area that became devastated by fire, would have eaten anything to survive. Just like the soccer players whose plane crashed in the mountains of Chile, and were forced to eat the flesh of other players who died in the crash, earliest man at some point had to make the choice for survival, and that could have consuming meat for the first time and changing human history - and health - forever.

We can imagine that men first ate meat that had been charred or cooked by virtue of being caught in a natural forest fire. They might have subsequently eaten raw meat, if necessary, but we can also imagine that our earliest digestive systems rebelled against eating raw meat.

Imagine having eaten raw foods and vegetables for eons, and all of a sudden, incorporating meat products into your system. You may have heard friends who were vegetarians tell stories of trying to eat meat and becoming violently ill afterwards.

Biologists will tell you we\'re really not designed to eat meat, but we adapted to it. However, in the timeline of human history, eating meat is a relatively recent evolutionary development.

About the Author:

To read about calories in watermelon and square watermelon, visit the Watermelon Facts site.

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วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 16 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Changing Careers, Changing Wardrobes: From Corporate America to Event Planner  

Several women are now making the leap from careers in Corporate America to being their own boss in the creative industry. As entreprenuers, most of their "extra" income is put towards building the business, leaving little money to build a new wardrobe.

It truly takes guts to go out on your own and we're going to help you make the transition. First, hold on to your black, blue, gray suits. You can even hold on to those "sensible" black pumps. Use these pieces as the foundation for your new wardrobe. Th
n, try adding the following pieces to your update your wardrobe to your current position.

- Two pairs of comfortable strappy heels- one in black and one in some outrageous color like hot pink.
- Buy shoe jewelry (like the old school shoe buckles like your grandma used to wear). You can find them at Nordstroms or at Bakers Shoes. You are going to put these on your old "sensible" shoes. As an event planner, you will be running around quite a bit and you still need to be comfortable.
- Three slip tops: one sequined, one like a camisole, and another with a slight shimmer. These tops should fit very well and should be any color but black.
- As many brooches as you can get your hands on. You will use these to accessorize your current outfits.
- Two nice party dresses in any color but black. Bluefly.com has hot dresses from designers like Nicole Miller and ABS Allen Schwartz for exceptionally reasonable prices.
- One tailor boucl้ blazer in pink or purple. Believe it or not, Wal-Mart has an adorable one from their George Line for $26.
- A nice cashmere sweater set. It's classic and can go with everything. Score a sweater for well under $60 from stores like Macys or Smartbargains.com

The above items can help you easily transform your wardrobe from corporate drag to perfect planner. As an event planner, you must be stylish, and nothing is more stylish than the color black. For evening events, take that black suit and pair it up with a colorful sequined top and a pair of strappy heels (head directly to DSW shoe warehouse for evening shoes from folks like Via Spiga at ridiculously low prices). Add the brooches along with cute button earrings and Voila! You have the perfect planner outfit. For events during the day, wear either a pair of pants or a skirt from one of your non-black suits with your cashmere twin set. Again, throw on one or two brooches, some simple pearl earring and a pair of your sensible shoes (don't forget the shoe jewelry) and you will be ready to go! Now go forth and plan!


About the Author Kathryn "The Budget Fashionista" Finney is the Chief Shopping Officer and Founder of Kate Magazine and The Budget Fashionista- one of the most popular shopping blogs on the web. She is also the Chief Shopping Officer of TBF Group, LLC, an internet based company focused on providing the best shopping and fashion advice on the web.

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Health and Fitness Tip - Health and Fitness Magazines  

Top health and fitness magazines that can be used as great resources.

Health and fitness are very important topics to women.  With so much that we do as moms, it's very easy to let our health and fitness be pushed aside.  As a mom there is so much to do and not enough time, the story of our lives, but we all know that we have to "make" the time to take care of ourselves.  Health and fitness magazines are a great source for new healthy recipes, exercise and beauty tips and well being.  Here a
e the top 5 health and fitness magazines:

  • Shape -   Shape offers content in healthy eating, getting fit looking great and feeling healthy.
  • Self – Self provides for the well rounded women content in beauty, fitness, health, nutrition, well being and style.
  • Fitness – Fitness provides content on healthy eating, fitness tips as well as beauty, relationships and mind and spirit.
  • Health – Health offers information about food, fitness, beauty and wellness.
  • Family Circle – Family circle deals with family issues on health, diet, fitness and nutrition.  A great magazine to keep your family healthy and happy.

Cori Sachais Swidorsky resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a  work at home mom/stay at home mom.  Owner of the Informing Women Newsletter and website http://www.informingwomen.com  Writes an advice column for a community newsletter, has an inspirational piece being published in Chicken Soup For The Recovering Soul, and has articles published on many work at home, home based business, tips and hints, and parenting websites.


About the Author InformingWomen.com

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For Sale By Owner Is A Mistake  

Do you think you'll save a lot of money if you sell it yourself? Get ready for a rude awakening, and call a good real estate agent.

Don't sell it yourself! Sometimes a "FSBO," or house "for sale by owner" can sell as fast, and  for as much as it would have if listed with a real estate agent. Sometimes. Before you decide to give it a try though, consider the following ten points.

1. Most buyers work with agents. They look through MLS listings. If you don't list with an agent, most
uyers will never see or hear about your home. It's hard to find that "right" buyer or get top dollar when your invisible to most of the market.

2. FSBOs get lower offers. It's only logical. The buyer thinks you'll take less because you're saving the commission! Save $10,000, get $10,000 less - where's the advantage in that?

3. You pay advertising. All the costs the real estate office normally pays are yours if you sell it yourself. How much will you spend on ads if it takes a a year to sell?
 
4. You don't have the resources. The agent has books of sold properties to look at, for example, to determine the best price for your home. You can get that information by digging through county records, but you do have to value your time too, right?

5. You may not know the market. What's the target market for your house? Young couples, retirees? What features are they looking for? You should know these things before you write your ads. An experienced real estate salesperson will know.

6. You may not know the laws. What about written disclosures, and who pays the real estate transfer tax? Just because you sell it yourself doesn't mean you get to ignore the laws.

7. You may not be a good salesperson. How do you develop rapport and properly answer objections? Will your defensiveness scare off a buyer who criticizes your home? Think back to your own purchases. You know a good salesperson makes a difference.

8. A real estate agent handles the paperwork. Can you help the buyer properly fill out an offer to purchase? Do you have the other closing documents ready?

9. Real estate agents negotiate for you. When is the last time you learned a new negotiating technique? Do you know how to counter-offer without angering a buyer? A good salesperson is trained in these skills.

10. You may not save a penny. Documents, newspaper advertising, signs for the yard, and more - it's all your expense when you sell it yourself. Then after your hard work, you get low offers, and negotiate poorly? The truth is that sellers often net less money from the sale when they try to save the commission.

You can see why most "FSBO" sellers eventually turn to a real estate agent for help. You can learn to do many of the things an agent does, but is it worth it to spend all that time and maybe not even save any money? Don't sell it yourself unless you really know what you're doing, and you're ready for the hassle.


About the Author

Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit  http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com



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How to Attract Personal Happiness  

A Networking Masterclass instruction from one of the original masters - Margaret Stead - teaches you two simple exercises to help you 'Master' fundamental networking skills - understanding others, developing rapport and practising empathy.

The 'Golden Rule' occurred in the Greek and Chinese cultures thousands of years before the Christian era: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The spirit of the Golden Rule is one of generosity and altruism and is at the heart of any personal networki
g and 'right' living. Ralph Waldo Emerson said 'To have a friend, you have to be one', and his words are as true today as they ever were.

You can test this out yourself by completing the following simple exercise:

List ten people you know best: 1 - 10After each name, write an 'H' if the person is happy, or an 'N' if the person is not happy. (H/N S/N) Then write an 'S' if the person is selfish or a 'U' for unselfish. Rimland in Psychological Reports (51); Brain/Mind Bulletin 1983 defines 'selfish' as:

"A stable tendency to devote one's time and resources to one's own interests and welfare - an unwillingness to inconvenience oneself for others.

"In his experimental study, the 2000 individuals who completed this exercise reported very few individuals who were both happy and selfish. The findings represent an interesting paradox.

Selfish people are, by definition, those whose activities are devoted to bringing themselves happiness. Yet at least as judged by others, these selfish people are far less likely to be happy than those whose efforts are devoted to making others happy.

So the Golden Rule in networking, as in life, is if you think about the other person rather than yourself, not only is that going to increase your empathy and rapport skills but it will make you a much more attractive person to know and be a magnet for personal happiness.

Another vital part of your networking skills is your ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with others. Successful rapport building will attract others to you and in turn attract personal happiness.

To build rapport successfully with another individual you need to understand 'where' they are coming from and have 'empathy' with them.

People often think of empathy as a mystical commodity, a special, almost uncanny ability to experience the thoughts and feelings of someone else. In fact 'empathy' is quite simply applied imagination and only requires a little exertion and discipline.

The next time you are sitting in a room conversing with three or more people, try this very simple activity:

Temporarily remove yourself from the conversation. Be very quiet for a few moments. Pay particular attention to the person doing the most talking.

Imagine the following things: Imagine the physical sensations the speaker is experiencing.

Mentally place yourself in that person's body, sitting or standing in a particular position, eating the same food, drinking the same drink.

Mentally become that person. Do you feel energised? Tired? Irritated?Imagine what kind of day the speaker has had - using all your knowledge about the speakers' day. If you know little about the person, guess.

Continue to imagine yourself as that person. How does your day colour and affect what you are saying? Imagine the person's relationship's to everyone in the room - including yourself.

Continue to mentally be that person. What kind of feelings are generated by the people around you? How do they affect the things you say?Now step back into yourself and rejoin the scene. Does your own role in the conversation feel different? Empathy, like memory is a creative act, not a mystical property and it requires imagination and practice.

It lies within the grasp of all of us.


About the Author Margaret Stead - Positive Psychologist, Career, Executive and Dream Architect Coach, helps individuals, executives and business leaders achieve their goals and experience genuine fulfilment with their work and career choices.You can signup for Margaret's FREE newsletter and learn more about these terrific resources at http://www.careersnet.com and http://www.careersnet.co.uk and NOW http://leadership-executive-coaching.com

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The One Piece Takeaway In Your Golf Swing (pt. 1)  

One conscious move for your backswing? Wow! Do you mean that
a main part of my backswing can be done with one simple movement?
Read on to learn some needed understanding of how this can be
achieved.

For your short iron hits your backswing is not as long as it is
for your longer irons and woods. One conscious move, done
correctly, is all you need to get your golf club far enough away
from the ball from where you can apply the desired hitting force.
However, there is an important "but".

Oh yes!
long with the "one conscious move" there is a whole
bunch of "don't move this and that". But, don't think you have
to remember all the "don't moves". They are remembered by the
thought of "controlled body movement".

By following the instructions of control and movement in my
upcoming putting and swing modules, you will automatically be
doing a ‘one-piece takeaway'. In fact, I have designed a putting
method which uses the first inch or two of the takeaway movement
of your basic chipping, pitching, and full swing skills.

Amazing! You can practice the early part of your ‘one-piece
takeaway' by learning and using my putting technique.

The instructions which tell you how to do the one piece takeaway
are in Part 2 of this title. But, first....

Some Body Awareness Stuff

When you stand at ease in your attention position your body,
arms, legs, and head have a beginning, natural position to each
other. There are basic movements which you can do which will
maintain most of your natural body position. Three of these
movements are:
1. Bending forward at your hips
2. Bending your knees evenly
3. Reaching your arms forward from your shoulders

(Hmmm! Do these 3 movements or positions remind you of something
you do when you golf? Or when you see other people golf?)

When you swing your golf club you will do one or more movements
which cause part of you to move away from your natural body
position. If you keep these unnatural movements to a minimum
you will have far less trouble with your golf swing.

It is easy to recognize unnatural movements. Think of how
comfortable you are in a standing position without being rigid.
When you make any movement from this position you will use some
muscles. You will feel less comfortable, even though some
movements are done within an acceptable range of comfort.

As you read this try a variety of bending or turning movements
in various parts of your body. You will find some which are
harder to do and which feel quite uncomfortable.

Hold both comfortable movements and uncomfortable movements at
a position away from your starting position. You will become
aware that within seconds it becomes harder to hold these
positions.

Now, make a comfortable movement to a comfortable position and
hold it. While in this position try a second movement. Think
about how hard it is to maintain the first position while you
do the second movement. Repeat this idea by firstly moving into
an uncomfortable position to begin this test.

The final test is to hold your left thumb with your right hand
and then try a variety of movements. It does not matter if they
are golf related movements or not. Your hands and arms will be
in the same position as they are when you hold a golf club. As
you experiment with a variety of movements ask yourself:

* Does this feel comfortable?
* Does this feel uncomfortable?
* For how long does a test movement feel comfortable?
* When does a test movement begin to feel uncomfortable?
* Does a test movement change the pressure of how you hold your
thumb?
* Does one part of your body begin to feel uncomfortable as you
move another part of your body?

Let your thoughts wander around trying different variations
of this test to find positions and movements which feel
comfortable or uncomfortable.

This test will help you to learn more about movements related
to your putting and golf swing. When you begin to follow my
instructions involving basic body movements and control you
will be more aware of your positions and movements which are
comfortable or not.

The goal is to guide your golf movements towards total comfort
and control. This includes being comfortable during and at the
end of the movement you are doing. Incredibly, you will find
that you will be establishing takeaway motions which will give
you a feeling of weakness but which set you up for explosive
and accurate power in the return part of your golf swing.

Do You Get Tired While You Golf? Here's What Might Be Happening!

No matter what your physical strengths are you will experience
some level of tiredness as you play the last few holes of your
round of golf. You may not notice this tiredness if you are
fairly strong. But, it will occur in the "small" muscles used
to control your swing movements.

You will be using one or more movements which take part of your
body, arms, or hands out of their natural alignment. Tired
muscles will make it more difficult to either maintain unnatural
positions or make it more difficult to do the adjustments built
into your swing which control unnatural body positions.

The first collapse in this scenario will be that your timing
of 2 or more movements will fail. You will feel awkward or weak
during a golf shot. Often, you will blame some technical part
of your swing such as your grip or weight shift or whatever.
As you become more tired you will have problems doing one or
more of your takeaway movements. The result is a poor golf swing.

A Move Which Can Cause An Unwanted Move

(Pictures and video clips are shown at my website
http://basicbodymovementforanygolfswing.com/onepiecetakeaway.html

Many golfers have learned to rotate their hands to begin their
takeaway or backswing movement.

When you rotate your hands you also rotate your forearms. This
causes pressure in your elbows and shoulders as your forearms
move out of their natural position to your body.

This turn of your hands can be a contributing factor in "the
flying elbow" movement. ("Flying elbow" is the name given to
the "flaring outward" of the right elbow from the body as you
raise your arms, hands, and club part way through your takeaway.
Left elbow for left-handers.)

When you begin to lift your arms you feel additional pressure
at your shoulders and elbows. As well, you are trying to position
the golf club in the ideal parallel position to the target line.
Moving your elbow out from your body is the easiest way to
relieve the pressure and to align your club at the top of your
takeaway.

If you do not move your elbow sideways from your body you will
have to develop an opposite turn of your hands and forearms to
remove the discomfort and to align your golf club for a better
swing back to the ball. This opposite rotation of your hands and
forearms starts part way through your takeaway --- about the time
any movement is reaching the end of its comfort zone. Movements
become difficult and the harmony of movements suffers. This
happens more often as fatigue sets in near the end of a round.

True. Golfers are successfully doing this corrective move. But,
it is an additional movement in their takeaway which has to be
done in time or in harmony with other movements. Any additional
or unnecessary movements take time to do. OR, they occupy some
of your swing thoughts.

You can add these movements if you think they will help your
"grooved swing". But, you must understand that you will have
to practice more often just to maintain your harmony of more
movements. You must realize that if you start getting poor
results with your swing that the early stages of the problem
most likely will be a breakdown of your timing and not some
fault of a part of your swing movements.

Here are the movements in this example:
* Turning your hands
* Turning your upper body
* Lifting your arms
* Moving your elbow sideways OR
* Turning your hands the opposite way from the first move
in this list.

This is a lot of work just to get the golf club far enough away
where you can generate a desired blow on the ball.

Cont'd in Part 2
About the Author Copyright by Glen Osborne
July 2004
artcomment@basicbodymovementforanygolfswing.com
http://basicbodymovementforanygolfswing.com


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