Nonitage

You return home after a tough day and slip into a bath.

The taps trickle, the candles glow, the water, warm and soothing, soaks into your skin and the ballad of the moment defines your mood.

Your thoughts drift and the challenges of the day melt away. You’re dreaming of being on a beach. A turquoise tide tumbles on a sandy shore and the warmth that fills your pores now is the warmth of the sun. You feel wonderful and drift deeper and deeper and begin to picture the life you’d love…

Things haven’t been right for a while. You’ve felt like you’re turning up to work, hanging out for the weekend - which turns out to be a bit bland and samey, just like work. Days float by. You’re aware that life is lacking excitement and I know you’d love to change that. The problem is ‘how’.

If you are serious about making changes then read on:

1. How uncomfortable is life really? A while ago I emailed my newsletter database list. I offered every person on that list the opportunity to get out of a rut and gain sufficient confidence to change their life within a year. ‘Yeah,’ they said in their droves. ‘Pick me! Pick me!’ a massive sixteen percent of my database responded. Problem was this though: when they discovered they needed to do something the willing sixteen percent fell to one point four percent.

Decide now who you want to be. Do you seriously want to change Life? If so read on. If you just want to gripe and hope that life will miraculously change then stop reading now. The good advice in this article is not for you.

2. Accept that life changes when you change. Do you want to look back at life in twenty years and see that your life is no happier than it was twenty years ago? Accept now that life will only change when you change it. No one will do it for you. Expecting life to change without doing anything any different is the definition of madness.

3. Be responsible Don’t blame your boss, your partner or your children. Your life is your responsibility. Take responsibility and understand you are the creator in your life. You have made everything happen and will make everything happen. 4. Learn to understand yourself. Knowing what you don’t like or want is easy. Take the time to understand what you do like and what you do want. Try to do things that moves you towards pleasure, rather than avoiding pain.

5. Have courage Have the courage to take some action. Small action is fine. Little steps lead you a long way over time. Find people who support you and learn to ignore the ones who get in your way with discouragement. Read books that help you learn more about what you want to do. Find a personal development group, go on a workshop or find a coach.

If you enjoyed this article take a look at more information on discovering & understanding your life purpose - www.UnstoppableLife.com

Best Wishes

Jo Ball Founder, Unstoppable Life

Just about every woman’s weight fluctuates at least a little bit. As we age our bodies can also change shape. These changes are a result of many things - child birth, stress, menopause, additional pounds, or loss of weight. The reality is, that the world can’t have a all size 5 women.

If we are a size 3, it seems we want to be a size 9 so we have a fuller looking figure. If we are a size 9 we want to be a size 5. There’s just no making women happy. Add the media blitz on the perfect body, it seems we are always feeling inadequate.

Not to worry, it’s quite easy to make yourself look a few pounds lighter, or to accent your finer points and hide your not so perfect body parts. There are also things you can do to make a small frame look a little larger.

Just because you’ve gained a couple of extra pounds, you don’t have to go looking for a moo moo to wear. Accentuating your finer points is easier than you think. When you accent your good points, the not so good ones fade into the background.

Use illusion to make yourself look two or three sizes smaller. Choosing clothing to suit your shape, skin color, and lifestyle can cut your wardrobe spending in half. Think about all the things you can do with that extra money - buy more jewelry, or how about some new pairs of shoes. After all us women can never have enough of jewelry or shoes.

The average woman wears 25% of her wardrobe 85% of the time. So what happens to the rest of those wardrobe items. Well they hang in the closet gathering dust until they come back in fashion 10 or 15 years from now.

Because fashion changes so quickly, there is no point in stocking up on most wardrobe items. Yes, there are the basics that never go out of style such as classic black or white pants, dresses, and skirts. Traditional blazers and tops. But the rest of those wardrobe items will most likely be out of style in less than a year.

So if you’re not going to wear it “right now” this “season, leave it at the store. Even when an items on sale, it’s only a deal if your actually going to wear it.

Here’s some tips to help you dress to look thinner:

Dark colors - black, navy, burgundy, dark blue, and gray are thinning Use one color in various shades from head to toe Avoid large patterns and horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes are okay as long as they aren’t too big. Don’t use loose fitting clothing. Contrary to popular belief they don’t make you look thinner. As well avoid bulky sweaters. Use belts, accessories, and jewelry to draw attention away from your troubled spots. Use flat cut pants and skirts, as well as low rise pants Wear skirts that fall just below the knees for longer looking legs Avoid shiny fabrics, velvets, and velours If you are large busted wear a full figure, well fitting bra Heel will add height and shape your legs Dark panty hose will thin your legs Wear shirts that’s fall below the waist. Avoid shirts that tuck in. Asymmetrical or tiered skirts will make your legs appear thinner and longer Wear a fitted blazer Use your hair and makeup to draw attention to your face

So don’t worry if your weight fluctuates or you put on a few extra pounds, don’t fret. Use these tips to make yourself look a little slimmer. Remember fashion is all about you! And being comfortable with who you are! Big or small your wardrobe, makeup, hair, and jewelry can make a fashion statement that won’t go unnoticed.

Buying diamond jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of diamond jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality diamond jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Diamonds A diamond’s value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. However, scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of “slightly included” may represent a different grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in the scale. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

As with other gems, diamond weight usually is stated in carats. Diamond weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat. If the weight is given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last decimal place. For example, “.30 carat” could represent a diamond that weighs between .295 - .304 carat. Some retailers describe diamond weight in fractions and use the fraction to represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as 1/2 carat could weigh between .47 - .54 carat. If diamond weight is stated as fractional parts of a carat, the retailer should disclose two things: that the weight is not exact, and the reasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance being used.

Some diamonds may be treated to improve their appearance in similar ways as other gemstones. Since these treatments improve the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement. One type of treatment - fracture filling - conceals cracks in diamonds by filling them with a foreign substance. This filling may not be permanent and jewelers should tell you if the diamond you’re considering has been fracture-filled.

Another treatment - lasering - involves the use of a laser beam to improve the appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or pots. A laser beam is aimed at the inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by the laser beam to remove the inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone does not require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as a comparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. That’s because an untreated stone of the same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell you whether the diamond you’re considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory created gemstones, such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detected by the instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.

Microdermabrasion is a skin peeling and renewing technique that removes layers of dead cells to reveal the newer more refreshed layer of your skin. There are many ways of accomplishing this, some gentler than others and some more effective than others. The sun, pollution, stress and the years can really leave their mark on our skin, microdermabrasion, tries to remove and minimize these signs of wear and tear. Microdermabrasion is not a new anti-aging technique, it goes as far back as the Egyptians, who used to apply abrasive masks made from alabaster particles. Many methods were used to reveal this most appealing layer of younger skin In their desire for younger, unblemished skin, people have used acids, plant extracts, fire and other extreme irritants! Microdermabrasion has evolved to a more high-tech procedure using laser resurfacing, which has replaced the more recent chemical peel.

Do You Need Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is a superficial treatment, it will NOT remove deep wrinkles and scars. However, if you want to remove fine lines and even out skin tone, this procedure has proven to be very beneficial with minimum risk and rapid recovery. The pluses of microdermabrasion are that:

It does not require you to have anesthesia. It is painless. It can be repeated frequently and at short intervals. Is quick and easy to perform. Does not require any major interruption in your life.

The most obvious limitations to microdermabrasion is that it needs to be repeated, as it’s effects are not lasting. A word of caution, please be careful when choosing a professional in this field or, any other for that matter. There are millions of dollars being made in this ever-growing cosmetic service and unfortunately, not ever practitioner is as skilled as he/she claims! Our face is the most distinguishing feature on our bodies and while we may want to make some improvements, we don’t want to risk disfigurement. Facial rejuvenation procedures that require surgery and laser dermabrasion are, in my opinion, best left to a very skilled, competent cosmetic surgeon. I wouldn’t trust my face to any other! However, meicrodermabrasion can be gentler and much less invasive that those requiring the skills of a professional. There are now packaged, microdermabrasion kits, that you can purchase online, in drugstores or your favourite department stores.

Know your skin type and ingredients to which you might be allergic FOLLOW THE LISTED INSTRUCTIONS IN THE KIT! Here is one of the gentler”at home” microdermabrasion products I have found. It’s called “Renewing Microdermabrasion Complex” and it does just that! It renews, plus it is made from all natural ingredients, including comfrey and green tea. Want to start gently?

Here is a sampling of the best maternity shops online. You’ll undoubtedly find one or several that match your budget and style! Remember to feel good it helps to look good, so why not indulge in a maternity outfit or two?

BabyStyle http://www.babystyle.com In this store you’ll find maternity fashions at reasonable prices, with free shipping on large orders! Babystyle also offers a selection of what they call ‘transition’ maternity wear… clothes you can wear after the baby comes but before you are ready to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothing!

Motherhood http://www.motherhood.com This is another great maternity stop for moms looking for well-priced maternity clothes for all seasons. Motherhood contains a comprehensive selection of maternity wear and nursing items for moms young and old alike.

Bella Blu http://www.bellablumaternity.com Designer maternity fashions for the fashion conscious mother. If you are looking for something hip and stylish, check here first!

Mom’s Maternity http://www.momsmaternity.com This store features maternity clothes, lingerie and more for tall, petite and plus sized women.

A Pea in the Pod http://www.apeainthepod.com Slightly more expensive maternity clothes and accessories. Considered one of the more popular maternity outlets.

Mimi Maternity http://www.mimmaternity.com Fashionable maternity clothing for hip mothers everywhere.

Maternity Mall http://www.maternitymall.com Features maternity fashions from a variety of top label and designer maternity fashion providers.

Don’t forget many traditional retailers also offer a wide selection of exceptional maternity wear and clothing. The stores listed below carry traditional and maternity clothes for fashion and budget conscious moms. Here are some other places you should consider when shopping for maternity wear:

Target - http://www.target.com

Old Navy - http://www.oldnavy.com

Gap - http://www.gap.com

If you are really looking to save dollars, you should consider buying second hand maternity wear online. E-bay is one of the world’s largest online auction houses, and here you’ll find literally thousands of choices when it comes to maternity wear. Most sellers will post pictures of the assorted clothing they have for sale, and very often you will find designer maternity items at a fraction of the cost a retailer would sell them for.

What to Buy? Are you wondering what your maternity wardrobe should contain? Though women have varying preferences and styles, there are a few items that every woman should have in her maternity wear closet. Among these include:

- Jeans

- Pair of black or khaki slacks

- One skirt or dress

- Variety of Maternity T’s and Tops

- Maternity Bra

You may or may not have to buy maternity underwear. While some women find the support in these comforting, others find that traditional bikini underwear purchased a size or two larger than normal work just as well, and are less expensive and come in more colors and styles.

You will find that your breasts are growing throughout your pregnancy. A good maternity bra is recommended. You should buy a bra that allows a little room for expansion however, as your breasts will likely inflate even more when they fill with milk close to delivery.

Remember that as a pregnant woman you deserve to look and feel your best. Don’ t hesitate for a moment to pamper yourself and purchase a few items that will not only help you look great, but will help you feel great during your pregnancy.

Summer is here! Are you prepared to be a sun-loving beauty? This checklist for Summer Preparation will give you a good start for swimsuit season.

Exercise - Ladies, there’s nowhere to hide it anymore. The big, bad cellulite fairy visited during the winter again. Or does cellulite reproduce when it’s cold? Either way, get out your walking shoes and hit the streets. Or grab an exercise video and shake it until it melts off.

Pluck or wax those eyebrows. - The bright sunlight will show every little straggler. There’s nothing worse than looking like Bert in a bikini!

Swimsuit Shopping - Although most women would rather have a root canal than to go swimsuit shopping, it is a necessary evil. If your options are to go swimsuit shopping or to run around the pool in a worn, baggy, see-through swimsuit - please drag yourself to the store! I’ll be the one hiding in the stall next to you, laughing as I try on yet another swimsuit over my undergarments and try to figure out exactly what I’m looking at.

Body Hair - Let’s face it. Winter is not the time we are most diligent about keeping up with shaving or waxing. If you’re dreading another year of shaving, check out semi-permanent laser hair removal. http://laserhairremovalodyssey.blogspot.com

Feet - Eew! Those scratchy, rough, lizardy-feet need to go away now. Buff them or grab a power sander, but get them looking like skin again before sandal season. Once you’ve got people-feet instead of hobbit-feet, then dust off a bottle of toenail polish, grab a toe-ring, and make them pretty.

Now you’re ready for swimsuit season. Grab a little drink umbrella, drop it into your diet Coke and enjoy your summer, as the sun goddess that you are!

If you’re still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don’t really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it. September Birthstone: Sapphire Birthstone Properties: Brings physical and emotional balance. Alternative Birthstone: Agate Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gemstone given for anniversaries of the 5th and 45th years of marriage. Taken from the Greek word for blue, “sapphirus”, sapphires have a time-honored tradition with priests (who considered them symbolic of purity) and king s (who considered them symbolic of wisdom.) Sapphires were mined as early as the 7th Century BC in India and what is now Sri Lanka. Today they are found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Madagascar, and the United States. Against Which All Others Are Measured Sapphires, like rubies, are a variety of corundum. The sapphire’s color spectrum includes pink and lavender varieties, a rare orange hue, and, of course, the velvety blue sapphire that earned the gemstone its name. Because of the way in which corundum crystals are formed, large sapphires are rare…and valuable. The priceless 563-carat Star of India, on display at New York City’s Museum of Natural History, is the largest and most famous of “star sapphires” (sapphires that are cut to reflect light from inclusions within the stone to reveal a bright six-legged star pattern). To Your Health So strong was the power of a sapphire, it was alleged that a venomous snake put in a vessel made of sapphire would quickly die. Sapphires therefore earned the reputation as an excellent all-purpose medicine and were ingested as an antidote to poison. Additionally, sapphires were ground into powders as a remedy for everything from colic to rheumatism and mental illness. Sapphires were also believed to be able to stop bleeding and cure disorders of the eye. The Eyes Have It Egyptians associated the clear sapphire with the eye of Horas — the all-seeing, all-knowing “eye in the sky” — while the gemstone was used by the Greeks to to tap into the subconscious mind by stimulating the opening of the “third eye.” A Mirror of the Soul Husbands and wives in ancient times frequently exchanged gifts of sapphires. Although the fact that sapphires represent sincerity and faithfulness was undoubtedly the primary reason it was a popular marriage gift, another motive may have been at work: it was believed that a sapphire would not shine if worn by someone who was wicked or impure. Sapphires were considered to be so powerful they continued to protect the original owner even after being sold. Say it With Sapphires Clear sapphires, like diamonds, are the guardians of love. When exchanged with a loved one, sapphires enhance feelings for one another and attunes the two psyches. Sapphires have the power to banish envy and jealousy, and are said to promote chastity in virgins and fidelity in marriage

If there is one occasion that everyone wants to celebrate with photographs, it is their wedding. It is an occasion that every one wants a degree of professionalism, and many people want to ensure quality. Therefore there are many opportunities for a photographer to make money, if they are willing to cover weddings.

A contract for wedding photography is very important, go to your local library and have a look at sample wedding contracts and do not forget to include a disclaimer. Your disclaimer should clearly state that you are not responsible for photographs that do not come out for equipment failure, which is not your fault. You should also use a disclaimer to say you are not responsible for photos misplaced as a result of sending the film away to be processed. You definitely do not to be sued for breach of contract on your first job.

Before the wedding has started, you should have in writing how many photographs need taking, and be aware of the cost of processing, and the cost of the albums. All that is necessary is that you estimate how long the session will take and add your hourly rate to the figure. Pay special attention to specific requests of the families, they may have a long lost cousin, coming, and they particularly want separate photos of them. It is important you can talk with each family well before the ceremony and establish exactly what they require. Remember that a lot of the guests will also be recording the ceremony, or aspects of it, so avoid unnecessary competition, get as many of the photographs done before the ceremony as you can. Be aware that some venues restrict the places that you can photograph from, so make sure that you are fully aware of this before the ceremony. It is important that you pick the correct vantage point before the ceremony. Do your homework properly, because verbal referrals will be very important for you from this type of business.

Before the ceremony make a complete list of all the photos that will be required. Here is a fairly standard list PRE-CEREMONY: Bride with her mother Bride with her father Bride with both parents Groom with both parents Bride with her immediate family Bride with grandparents Groom with grandparents Bride with maid of honor Groom with best man Bride with flower girls, etc. Groom with ushers The flowers Any other special requirements. JUST PRIOR TO CEREMONY Groom’s mother entering church with usher Bride’s mother entering church with usher Groom’s father entering the church Bride with father, about to walk down the aisle Any other special requests. WEDDING CEREMONY Bride’s and groom’s attendants as they walk down aisle Bride with father walking down the aisle Bride with father approaching groom at altar Shots of wedding party at the altar Shots (if permitted) of bride and groom at altar Bride and groom kissing Bride and groom leaving altar Any other special requests. POST-CEREMONY Bride alone at altar Bride and groom at altar Bride and groom with bride’s family Bride and groom with groom’s family Bride and groom with minister, priest, rabbi, etc. Bride and groom with wedding party Bride and groom kissing A photograph of the bride and groom’s hands, entwined with the wedding ring. Bride’s attendants (all) alone Ushers alone Any other special requests. RECEPTION Entry of wedding party Different shots of guests (table to table) Different shots of guests not at tables Bride and groom dancing Parents of bride and groom dancing The wedding cake Bride and groom cutting the cake Bride feeding groom Groom feeding bride Best man’s toast Bride and groom kissing Bride tossing the bouquet Groom removing bride’s garter Groom tossing the garter The band The servers The “getaway” car, especially if decorated Bride and groom driving away in car Any other special requests.

Not every wedding you cover will want every type of photograph, but it will be a good idea to write down a list of what is required, for your first few weddings, because if you forget, you cannot organise a re run. Also you must remember that it is a sentimental day for many people, and there will be opportunities for unusual photographs, keep a watchful eye out for the child guests, at some point the possibility of an unusual photograph is going to present itself. Weddings are all fairly standard, but most people like to add a reminder of poignancy or humour. It will be a good idea to get yourself invited to the wedding rehearsal, that way you can meet the guests, and be more comfortable with them on their big day.

The film is a large outlay for a wedding, but most people will be prepared to pay up to 50% before the day, which will be sufficient to cover your expenses. Do you use digital or film, for the big day. Digital photographers can use Photoshop to enhance your wedding photographs with such techniques as hand-tinting, flaw removal, montage, changing images from color to sepia and black and white, and much more.

We always hear about communication being the key in a
relationship. If we are always talking and not listening, then
communication becomes meaningless. It’s not easy to hear what
someone else is saying, especially when our feelings, thoughts
and opinions are different. Here are three reasons why learning
to listen benefits our relationships. 1.Shows Respect - When
having a discussion, listening to the other person shows that
you respect what they are saying. Even if we disagree with
what’s being said, we still need to respect their thoughts and
feelings. 2.Helps Us To Understand - It’s difficult to
understand what someone is trying to tell us if we aren’t
listening. Listening helps to understand why someone is feeling
a certain way. Once we understand, we can move forward with the
situation and take the steps needed. 3.Helps To Be Approachable
- In relationships, it’s important for someone to feel they can
to talk to us about anything. Learning to listen can help others
feel comfortable approaching us any time they need or want to
discuss something. We are likely to have a more open and healthy
relationship if we are approachable. We want others to respect,
understand and be approachable to us right? Work on learning to
listen and watch your relationship grow in positive ways.

There are many positive correlations between love, sex and health. Being so, it has produced many questions…..

Have you wondered if an active sex life can truly alleviate pain?

Do sexually active people have fewer colds and bouts of flu?

Is it true that married people live longer than single or divorced people?

Can an active sex life help prevent disease and illnesses by strengthening our immune system?

I have these answers and more, read on….

An active sex life is both stimulating and rejuvenating to the glandular system. When we make love the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the prostate and testes in men, and the ovaries in women are thoroughly exercised.

The net result is that people in love look and feel better about themselves. Activation of the sex center in the brain has health effects on other brain centers. Every cell in the body gets this message and is strengthened by it.

An active sex life strengthens our immune system. Scientists have compared the nerve endings of happy, loving and sexually-fulfilled people with unhappy and sexually-unfulfilled people.

Apparently, large numbers of immune-system cells were gathered near the nerve endings in the “happy” people. A similar microscopic exam of “unhappy” and depressed persons showed no such gathering of immune-system cells.

Scientists theorized that the nerve endings in the “happy” group were releasing neurotransmitters. These are chemicals, like adrenalin and acetylcholine, that facilitate the transmission of nerve messages.

Scientists concluded that these neurotransmitters could attract, feed, and strengthen the various immune-system cells. During sex, the heart beats twice as fast, pumping blood to the pelvis, breasts, nipples, and surface of the skin, helping get rid of toxins and bringing in nutrients.

We also breath twice as fast, bringing in more oxygen. Muscles are tensed and relaxed, alternatively. Of course, not much good is realized by those who rush through lovemaking in ten minutes or less.

But for those who spend a leisurely hour or two, the benefits can be considerable.

You, and you alone can determine the success or failure of your sex and love life; your physical, mental and spiritual health; and almost every other aspect of your life.

Women’s Sexual Health

www.a1-natural-health-and-beauty.com