Women, Love and Lifestyle

Bridal Lingerie Explained

2008-04-09T20:37:00.001+07:00

by: Jason Mark Hulott

A wedding gown is the centerpiece of a wedding. But if the gown is the centerpiece, the lingerie is the largest flower in the centerpiece. Without the right lingerie, a wedding dress doesn't fit the theme. Who would think to wear cotton panties and a simple bra underneath a wedding dress? Bridal lingerie can make or break the effects of a wedding dress. Different styles of lingerie can enhance or hide parts of the body that the bride feels are prominent.

What type of lingerie a bride gets depends on the style and length of the wedding gown. The choice also varies with the bride's body shape. Dresses that show some skin, or shorter dresses, will need an "invisible" undergarment that doesn't get in the way. Women who wear strapless dresses cannot wear a bra. In this case, adhesive cups or breast petals are tasteful and attractive. Breast petals cover the nipple and center of the breast. They can be made of polyester or silicone gel, and ensure that nothing comes through the gown that doesn't belong. For women who need to enhance their breasts, a bustier or push-up bra can do wonders to make them appear larger and fuller.

Bridal lingerie is reminiscent of the old corset/bustier style of the Victorian Era. But unlike the old style, newer types actually emulate comfort. They also offer the control that brides need underneath all that fancy ribbon and lace. Modern corsets tighten and form the waistline. They can be of a lace-up style or made from naturally stretchy material like spandex. Bustiers are also popular wedding lingerie. They emphasize and control the bust. And a simple pair of panty hose or control-top panties can support and tighten the rear.

It is usually the maid of honor who chooses the bridal lingerie. However, she only chooses lingerie for the wedding day itself. Sometimes the wedding night. It will be up to the bride to choose lingerie for the honeymoon. Each occasion will dictate a different kind of lingerie, since each has its own emotional context. For the wedding ceremony, lacy or patterned fabrics are not recommended. They can show through the gown, making it look somewhat sloppy and distasteful. Seamless undergarments and thongs are good for those who are comfortable in them. Especially if the bride wears a short dress or one that reveals the panty line. A bodysuit that covers both the breast and the torso will serve as a slimming garment, if the wedding dress is thin.

Finding bridal lingerie is a very important job. The bride will be wearing the wedding lingerie for more than twelve hours. She will need something that is comfortable while still being classy. Lingerie for the wedding night is easier to choose. No one but the bride and her new husband will see this lingerie. It's all about romance. Frilly, lacy lingerie is sexy and provocative without heading into pornographic. For the honeymoon, pornographic is good. Almost expected. But the theme doesn't have to be taken too far. The maid outfits and the fishnet stockings should be spared for later, when men and women need to spice up their sex lives, not on the honeymoon, when sex is most of the reason for celebrating!

Purify Your Body With Natural Body Detox

2008-04-09T20:30:00.001+07:00

by: John Khu

Like every thing else the human body needs to be cleansed inside out every now and then, otherwise the accumulation of harmful, or in some cases even poisonous elements, may cause serious diseases, mental and physical fatigue, pains in various parts of your body, and an overall degeneration. So if you are trying to retrieve that lost spark, if you want to regain that zest for life, natural detoxification is the way to go. Get rid of those terrible toxins by natural body detox methods.

Detox methods clean the blood in your liver, through the kidneys, lungs, skin and intestine. And natural body detox methods are the cheapest and safest way of cleaning your body thoroughly.

Obviously, as a preparatory measure, prior to the beginning of your natural body detox, you have to bar further toxins from entering your body. Products which we consume regularly, such as, coffee, nicotine, refined sugar, alcohol, saturated fats, all contain toxins. So stop indulging yourself before you start natural detoxing. Other products of day to day use such as shampoo, toothpaste, soap, floor cleaners etc all contain toxins, so for the time being check the use of all that stuff.

Having stopped effectively the entry of more toxins, you can begin with the actual natural body detox process. Here are some of the ways in which you can have a natural body detoxification:

Natural Body Detox Method #1:Juice Fasting: this method requires you to drink only glasses of juice for up to three days. The juices of fresh fruits and vegetables of all kinds except citrus fruits like oranges and lemon. However, before continuing this method of natural body detox for more than three days you should always consult a doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Natural Body Detox Method #2: Water Fasting: water fasting is perhaps the most effective way of natural body detox. For a day or two, you are supposed to live on a diet of water only. What happens is that the water flushes the toxins out of your system, but keep in mind that before extending this for more than two days consult a doctor or a health specialist. Like juice fasting water fasting too should be done while you are at home, in order to cope with the discomforts like headache etc while the toxins are being flushed out.

Natural Body Detox Method #3: A Healthy Diet: Good eating habits are not only a measure of natural body detoxification, but a healthy diet is something you should follow all year round for general benefits. Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, raw nuts keep your system healthy and cleanses it too.

Natural Body Detox Method #4: Saunas: a sauna or a steam bath cleanses the dirt out of your body pores, so it not only detoxifies through your skin but also does away with the toxins deposited in the fat cells. Saunas are therefore a must in natural body detoxing.

Natural Body Detox Method #5:Skin Brushing: another method that enables you to detoxify your body through your skin, instead of your internal organs is skin brushing. Take a dry skin brush, and in gentle circular motions brush your skin, starting from your feet. This gets rid of the dead calls of your skin and cleans it.

Before getting started zero in upon the method(s) that suit you best and follow it. Natural body detox is something we all need, but get to know about the various methods and before undertaking a rigorous routine always consult an expert.

Tips for Losing Weight After Pregnancy

2008-02-27T11:32:00.001+07:00

Every woman gains weight when she 's pregnant, and many women lose all the extra pounds soon after the baby is born. For others, though, every new child adds an additional 10 to 25 pounds that seems almost impossible to get rid of.

If you know that you tend to put on weight during a pregnancy because you never really lot the extra pounds after your last baby was born, it 's a good idea to discuss the issue with your doctor during your prenatal visits.

She'll make sure you're getting the nutrition you need, and will help you avoid gaining more weight during the pregnancy than you should. However, with the various hormone changes, weird food urges, and the lower rate of exercise that most of us get when we're carrying a baby in the womb, it 's not always easy to follow the doctor 's advice. If you have "morning" sickness all day long, ice cream is sometimes the only thing you can get yourself to eat.

So, what do you do to get rid of the extra pounds after the baby is born?

First of all, have one more talk with your doctor. Make sure that you don't have any lingering nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia, that a diet could make worse.

If you find yourself eating "comfort food" to counteract unhappiness or stress, ask your doctor to check to see if you have post-partum depression. Depression is common after a child is born, and it often causes people to gain weight, but it 's treatable - so there 's no reason to let it drag you down. If it 's a problem for you, talk to your doctor.

If you're going to breastfeed, getting nutritional advice from your physician is particularly important. Fortunately, nursing your new baby may actually help you lose the extra weight - but under any circumstances you need to make sure you don't short-change the baby (or yourself!) by going on a crash diet.

With your doctor 's approval, you'll want to get back into normal daily routines as soon as you can. Don't over-do, of course, but start moving again if you tended to sit a lot during your pregnancy. Habits are easy to build, and difficult to break.

To help you get back into walking for exercise, think about getting a front carrier or sling so you can take your baby with you on short walks through the neighborhood instead of always putting him in the stroller. The baby will enjoy being close to mom (it 's a great way to put a fussy baby to sleep), and you'll have more fun, too. And you'll lose more weight when you walk because you're carrying the baby.

Since you now have a new family, it 's a good idea to learn as much as you can about healthy eating, so all of you can feel your best and be as healthy as possible. If you've slipped into sloppy eating habits during your pregnancy because cooking right just seemed like too much trouble, now is the time to snap out of it and put those veggies back on the menu.

Eat a big salad at the beginning of every meal, and make them fun - with lots of variety and taste - so it starts to become second nature. Be sure you always have more veggies on your plate than anything else, as well, because that way you'll be able to fill up and feel satisfied without being tempted to weigh yourself down with the calories that hide in bread, pasta, red meat and desserts.

The one thing that will be the most helpful to you is to remember that the way you eat now will influence your new baby 's health for many years to come. Many people have discovered that they have a hard time losing weight until they realize their own eating habits may be hurting their kids.

Doing something for yourself might feel like a bother and too much work, (especially if it means cooking a real meal instead of grabbing a pizza), but doing the same thing for people you love is fun and feels completely worthwhile. Of course, your baby wont be eating those veggies for a while, but you'll want to get in the habit now.

Like most people, you'll probably discover that it 's easier to stay committed to your baby 's health than your own. It 's just human nature. Fortunately, good eating habits help both of you stay healthy, and it will help you lose weight.

If your baby grows up in a household where good, wholesome food is always a high priority, and where sweets and other treats are only given only on special occasions, your child will grow up strong and healthy. If you take the time now to learn how to eat right, you'll naturally lose your extra weight while you eat those veggies, and the whole family will benefit from your efforts.

About the Author

Too tired to cook healthy meals every night? Cook once a month, fill your freezer with your own delicious, home-cooked meals, and eat good every day! Learn how at EasyDoesItDiet.com

Explore Your Sexuality By Watching Videos

2008-02-27T11:25:00.002+07:00

Change in culture is always visible with change in the kind of movies that are made and released across the world. Sometimes in some parts of the globe, there may be drastic changes that might not be acceptable elsewhere. This often leads to a delay in releasing the movie in the countries that have not seen such drastic culture shifts. We often find that controversial movie do not get released in theaters.

However, we soon see them appear on the shelves in movie stores. Getting CDs of these movies is not at all difficult. There are, however, a certain category of movies which just do not get sent to theaters. Instead, they are only out on CDs and DVDs. Adult videos fall into this bracket as most people who are interested in watching them prefer to do so in the privacy of their homes rather than in the company of the general public in movie theatres.

However, we do know of pornographic movies that were released in certain theaters way back in 1972. One movie among these that did exceptionally well was The Devil in Miss Jones.

As the years moved on, we began to see immense advancements in technology. People now started using video cameras to shoot these adult movies. This technological advancement led to a majestic leap in the growth of the adult industry and there has since been a consequent boom in demand for these movies.

Since a lot of such movies would not be shown on TV for obvious reasons, the only way in which people who were keen to watch these could do so was by waiting for the videos to be released. And then came the big Internet boom.

When the Internet was introduced, people realized that they no longer needed to wait for the movie to be released. Neither did they have to depend on friends to smuggle in the videos for them. One could simply download the videos from the Internet. As a result of this, those movies that were banned in a particular state could still be downloaded and watched by people living there.

This is how the adult movie industry makes its big bucks these days. Moreover, it is not considered a violation because authorities mostly do not get notified of the same.

At the same time, in other parts of the world, rules are slowly being relaxed with regard to the distribution of adult videos. This only makes it easy for people to gain access to them.

Nowadays they don't have to sneak into the stores or wait for nightfall to borrow or watch them. Today there are many couples around the world who are dealing with intimacy issues and see no way of solving them. If they seek the guidance of a counselor or talk to friends they might manage to get the same advice. A revolution in this arena is that many have discovered adult videos.

These videos help couples with intimacy problems to find answers for many of their queries. These videos have occasionally been used to bring such couples closer and rejuvenate their relationship. It is almost like a miracle cure for married couples who are going through difficult phases or who are trying to break barriers and learn to bond. The same can be said for singles that are stepping into relationships but are afraid of going further for fear of rejection.

It is all a matter of personal discretion and the willingness to experiment with what God has given us. You have to figure out whether or not this seems to be the right choice. If not, then you will have to look for other alternatives to add some spice to your lives.

About the Author

Interested in adult products? Visit: Adult Pay per View and find out about Adult PPV and also about Adult Pay per View. For the discerning adult.

What is Tantric Sex?

2008-02-26T11:22:00.000+07:00

Tantric sex has many names in today 's culture: spiritual sex, sacred sexuality, spiritual union, and others. However, a common denominator in all these names is that they all relate to some level of spirituality.

Tantric sex is indeed related to your spiritual well-being because even though you are engaging in the sexual act, the purpose is not really to reach orgasm but to unite with your lover in ALL possible aspects. To put it simply, tantra lovemaking is not about intercourse per se, it 's about uniting or fusing together your bodies, and in the process connect with your partner in mind, body and spirit.

Tantric Sex History

Tantric sex has its roots in India some 4,000 years ago, where it was viewed as - what else - a spiritual tradition. It started to be known in the West in the early 1800s but it never really had a tremendously huge following.

However, in the late 1960s, a rebirth of the practice was reaching new heights in India and this led to its consequent re-emergence in Western culture. Today, tantric sex awakening is reaching an all-time high because you now also have such high profile couples advocating the benefits of tantric sex. For instance, when Sting mentioned on Oprah that he and his wife Trudie engage in tantric sex, which enable them to experience 'five or six or seven hours of lovemaking', the whole world wanted to find out what tantric sex is all about!

As mentioned, tantric sex is not just about 's ex', it involves many things: tantric breathing, tantric sexual massage, creating a scared tantric place, meditation, prolonging sexual intercourse, and even tantric after play. All of these have a special purpose in tantric lovemaking.

Tantric Sex vs. 'Normal' Sex

The main difference between tantric sex and lovemaking as we commonly view it today is this: reaching an orgasm. With regular sex, you have a goal - to reach your climax and that 's it. However, since men and women have different needs, more often than not, one of them (mostly women) do NOT reach their sexual goal (climaxing) and so there is a lot of pent up sexual frustration in today 's relationships. It is thus no wonder that a lot of relationships have underlying stresses.

Consider these common scenarios.

- He reaches his orgasm but she never does, resulting in sexual frustration for her.
- He 's a very caring guy and wants her to experience sexual pleasure but it takes her a long time to 'come' and so it 's building up performance anxiety and sexual frustration for him.

In contrast, Tantric sex is not about reaching an orgasm. It 's about union. The main purpose is to connect with your lover in all aspects: heart, mind, body and soul. Does this mean you don't reach an orgasm with Tantric lovemaking? Of course not!

On the contrary, Tantric sex practitioners swear that they have never had more body-rocking and mind-blowing orgasms before they tuned into to Tantra sex. So don't worry; you're in for A LOT of sexual pleasure with this form of spirituality.

Getting Started with Tantric Sex

The best way to get started with Tantric sex is to start slowly. Begin by viewing your sex partner in a different light. Try to see her as a goddess, a sexual playmate that you hold in the highest regard, and that making love to her is not just about physical pleasure in your groin area but about ecstasy in all aspects of your being.

Try this exercise: get a piece of paper and list down all the beautiful qualities or everything you like about your woman. Some men like to list down everything, even 'great cook!' or 'best woman driver I know' because, according to them, it helps them appreciate her more. Others, however, prefer to just list down sexually-related aspects such as 'I love how her hair sways when she 's on top of me', or 's he has the best looking ass I know'. Write down whatever aspect you feel like listing that will make you see her in a whole new light. Whatever works for you!

After creating your list, look over it and then close your eyes and revel in each of these qualities. Now, picture making love to her. Don't you see her now more than just someone to reach an orgasm with?

Lastly, people who engage in Tantric sex love it because 'things just keep on getting better'. Tantric lovemaking believes in this doctrine: practice, practice, practice! Yet at the same time, Tantric sex provides immediate improvements in your sex and spiritual life. So go try it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

About the Author

Gabrielle Moore is owner of The Female Orgasm Revealed, a site to help men please their female partners with an orgasm every time. For more information, go to: http://www.femaleorgasmrevealed.com

Choosing a Good Mattress for Pregnancy

2008-02-25T11:16:00.000+07:00

One of the symptoms of pregnancy is back pain. A woman is carrying a growing weight in her tummy and this puts a lot of strain on her back.

While some cases of back pain may only last for a few days or weeks, some people suffer recurring back pain for their entire pregnancy. This is due to day after day of strain on the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the lower spine. The strain can produce either sudden or gradual painful muscle spasm or tension.

Studies have actually stated that direct medical costs for back pain reach approximately $24 Billion every year while indirect expenses total to roughly $35 Billion. With these staggering amounts, back pain is surely something that everyone should avoid.

What can a woman do during pregnancy to help her aching back? One of the most common contributors to this pregnancy back pain is sleeping on a bad or sagging mattress. Because people don't get a good night sleep, they can wake up mentally and physically distressed. Even if one would choose to ignore the pain and get on with her daily routine, the strain will still cause pain and may even lead to arthritis and many other conditions later in life.

To avoid this, one might want to purchase a better mattress for pregnancy. Besides, a good mattress can also bring about restful sleep, which is absolutely needed to replenish the used up psychological and physical energies.

The following are helpful tips on choosing the right mattress for you and your family:

Tip #1: Do initial research

Do you need a twin, single, double, full, king or queen mattress size? Choose one that can accommodate your entire body. Bear in mind that sizes sold in the United States may vary from those sold in the United Kingdom and other countries. Hence, compare the sizes and choose the most suitable one. Also, many home furnishing stores carry exclusive lines these days so do extensive comparison-shopping beforehand.

Tip #2: Take someone to go with you when you shop

This is important since you need to have a second opinion before you finally buy that mattress. Many people get swayed either because of the low price or design so it is better to bring someone along to give that helpful, honest opinion.

Tip #3: Consider the levels of comfort

As much as possible, ask for available mattress catalogues. These contain illustrations or cutawaysof the mattress interior. Check the layers and see if there are enough pads, toppers and foam. If you are in a home furnishings store, you can also try to ask if you could lie down on the mattress and give it a test Try various sleeping positions and see if your lower back, shoulders, legs and hips are supported well while lying on the mattress. Remember that there is no one ideal mattress. People have different perceptions of ease and comfort, hence, it is best that you try lying on the mattress first. Comfort does not mean that the mattress has to be stiff, though, just so you can be sure that it has the necessary support for your body. Which brings us to the next tip.

Tip #4: Consider the level of support

You would want your mattress to be firm yet still soft enough to conform to the curves of your spine and the rest of your body. The mattress has to help you maintain the same natural alignment of your body. This is important because you would not want to injure your bones especially your spine.

Tip #5: Give emphasis on value

There may be low priced mattresses available and these may seem nothing different compared to the more expensive ones but more often than not, there is a reason for the price discrepancy. More expensive mattresses guarantee good quality. Also, some cheap mattresses may initially do the trick, however, they may later sag and would need additional pads and toppers, hence, it comes out expensive as well.
There are a lot of mattresses available in the market today so you need to make the right choice. After all, you will be using the mattress every single day. Treat yourself to a good and informed choice.

Once you have a new mattress, add a large pregnancy pillow to curl up with and your comfort is assured.

About the Author

Monica Nelson writes about health topics, about womens health issues, and about early pregnancy symptoms and the benefits of omega 3 fish oil for healthy babies. Always talk to your doctor about health issues such as pregnancy.

Pregnancy Diet - 7 Effective Guidelines Of A Healthy Pregnancy Diet

2008-02-24T11:06:00.000+07:00

Many expectant mothers often overlook the role diet can play in their baby 's overall health and nutrition. The popular adage "eating for two" isn't quite what is necessary, in fact, there is such a thing as gaining too much weight when it comes to pregnancy, (most physicians agree that 25-40lbs is optimum). An expectant mother should read up on prenatal health and diet and speak to her doctor about the foods she should eat, and those she should avoid to give her baby the best start in life.

A baby 's time in the uterus is the most important time it can have in regards to development; it will serve for the foundation for the rest of its life. Mothers oftentimes take this very seriously and change their diets drastically to benefit their unborn baby. This should, however, not be undertaken alone. A doctor should always be consulted when changing any diet while pregnant. There are many books also available that offer mothers information and guidelines for eating healthy for baby. Some guidelines to follow are:

1) The food pyramid. While small things may shift and change over time, it is still the best guideline for the different types of food to get throughout the day.

2) Know your colors. Varying the color of your vegetables, though it may be a simple guideline, works. The colors oftentimes represent the different types of nutrients in those vegetables, so eating a colorful palette will ensure a variety of nutrients are being attained. Dark green vegetables are rich in iron and should always be on the dinner plate.

3) Small meals. Eating smaller portions more often throughout the day has proven to be much better than larger meals spread out. Overeating is a mistake often made by mothers and should be avoided.

4) No diets! In decades past doctors didn't know this was a big no-no, some even prescribed diet pills to expectant mothers! Not only will eating healthfully be best for your baby, but it is also the most healthful way for mommy to stay in shape when she 's pregnant.

5) Vitamins are supplements only. All too often people think that a good vitamin can replace healthy eating. This isn't at all the case; many nutrients can be attained only through certain foods, so it 's important to take prenatal vitamins regularly, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

6) Watch the sweet stuff. If at all possible, desserts and sweets should be avoided, but in the rare instance of a bad day, sweets are permitted, but only at a minimum.

7) Water, water, water! Water helps to prevent early labor so drink up! The best way to get the amount of water needed for a healthy pregnancy is to invest in a large water bottle. Keeping it with you and sipping on it throughout the day will make it much easier to keep track of your progress.

While it may be difficult to follow a healthy eating regime, always remember that another person 's health is at stake. Some specifics to follow are:

- 2 servings of fruit
- 6 servings of water, juice, or milk
- Avoid foods with fat
- 3 servings of vegetables
- 6 servings of whole grains
- No sweets except as a rare treat
- 3 servings of proteins

Keep in mind that these are only general recommendations and no one can replace the suggestions of your doctor as every pregnancy is different and will require different things.

About the Author

Abhishek has seen many childbirths in his huge family! Visit www.Childbirth-Guru.com and Download Abhishek 's FREE Report "How To Dress And Look Your Best During Pregnancy!". If you are an expecting mother, or have just delivered, you can get some very valuable information about Pregnancy and Childbirth. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! www.Childbirth-Guru.com

8 Sex Positions

2008-02-23T20:52:00.004+07:00

Sex shouldn't resemble Naked Twister. Too much twisting and contorting can leave a woman feeling like a sexless member of Cirque du Soleil. "Unlike men, women can lose an orgasm almost in the midst of having one," says Ian Kerner, Ph.D., author of She Comes First and He Comes Next. The solution? This simple series of positions, designed to help you flow naturally from move to move without ending up like a flesh pretzel.

Missionary

It's tame, but it's a natural starter because of strong eye contact, says Kerner. "But men often ejaculate faster because of the friction." To last longer and keep her happy, switch to a move that maintains clitoral pressure without so much thrusting.

Spider

Sit back and pull her toward you while you both lift your knees. "Physically, it allows her to feel a deeper, more intense, more intimate stimulation than missionary, with less friction," says Candida Royalle, author of How to Tell a Naked Man What to Do.

Reverse Cowgirl

Encourage her to turn around and face away from you. This creates G-spot stimulation for her, and the change will help you hold out longer. If she seems uncomfortable on top, resume the spider or try the spork, two natural transitions

Doggy-style

"It's the most arousing position for men, because it's the most primal," says Linda Banner, Ph.D., author of Advanced Sexual Techniques. The angle also allows for deeper penetration, which ups your chances of stimulating her G-spot.

Belly Flop

Grab a pillow and enjoy a little downtime. "Lay the woman on her stomach with the pillow under her hips so her pelvis is angled and you have a better chance of hitting her G-spot," says Banner. Extend your arms to keep the weight off her.

Lazy Man

Here's another move that maintains intimacy. Simply lean back and gently pull her on top. "This can help women feel in control," says Sarah Janosik, a sex therapist and cofounder and clinical director of the Austin Center for Sexual Medicine.

Spork

Similar to spooning but slightly more ambitious, this position makes a natural bridge to more creative positions. "If she's limber enough, he can also lift her leg, thus increasing penetration," says René Hollander, Ph.D., a sex therapist.

Man Chair

Once past the basics, positions become "more about psychological novelty," says Kerner. Doggy-style is about your dominance, but from there you can naturally transition into this rear-entry position that puts her in the driver's seat.

Move logically between positions to increase her arousal.

Article source: www.menshealth.com and find other sex position at xxxsecret

Take An Online Pregnancy Test For Free

2008-02-22T15:08:00.003+07:00

To take an online pregnancy test, you'll need to answer some questions. These questions are related to signs that indicate pregnancy. To take an online pregnancy test, answer the questions below. Please note - it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after conception. Once implantation happens, you can begin to experience one or more of the signs that indicate you are pregnant. Are you experiencing any of these signs:

1. Light Spotting? Spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your next period begins. Light bleeding from implantation tends to be pinkish or brownish.

2. Urinating More Often? Frequent urination is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation.

3. Elevated Body Temperature? A slight increase in body temperature at ovulation is normal. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated for the next two weeks can be one of the early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period? A missed period is one of the obvious pregnancy signs when you take an online pregnancy test. However, you can miss periods for other reasons such as illness, stress and reactions to foods or medications.

5. Tiredness? A lack of energy as a pregnancy sign may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to new hormone levels during pregnancy.

6. Feelings of Nausea? Feeling nauseated can happen any time, day or night, although 'morning sickness' is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Only about half of pregnant women will experience nausea.

7. Tender Nipples and Breasts? When you take an online pregnancy test, answering yes to this question can indicate pregnancy. These feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to new hormone levels.

8. Darker Areolas? If the area around the nipples becomes darker, this can be a pregnancy indicator. It can happen as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may also look more prominent.

If you are answering 'Yes' to one or more of the questions above as you take an online pregnancy test, you should confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.

About The Author

Olinda Rola

Read more at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/ovulation-tests.html about ovulation tests and fertility monitors. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of articles on health, ovulation, fertility, prenatal vitamins, pregnancy and caring for yourself naturally.

Handbags- Choosing The Right Fit For Your Body Type

2007-11-30T20:26:00.000+07:00

Handbags have become the most popular accessory on the market over the past year. With thousands of styles to choose from, finding the perfect handbag that fits your style can be difficult. As smart as women are, we still tend to pick the wrong bag for our body type. Believe it or not ladies, a fabulous handbag can ruin your whole look if it doesn't match your fit.

When I say "fit" I mean the size of your body. We all are aware of the different shapes and sizes of women. But, did you know that certain handbags look better on certain people? I know...your thinking, "WHAT!" It 's hard enough having to deal with weight issues, now we have to worry about our handbag making us look bigger? Relax, I'm not saying that your handbag will make you look bigger. I'm just saying that a handbag that complements your size as well as your look, is always best.

Lets say you are 5'-9" and thin. You are the luckiest of all body types because you can pretty much get away with any size handbag. With the length of your body you can wear a large tote. These bags cover the middle of the body and allows the body to still be shown. Try not to get too carried away with your sizing though.

Remember, there are handbags for wearing and handbags for travel luggage. We don't wear our luggage for everyday wear. Your body will look especially nice if you are carrying a smaller handbag. Just be sure it fits snug under your arm. Wearing it this way shows off the waist line. It also makes the body look longer for those who are going for the tall look.

Lets say you are 5'-3" and round. You are going to want to go with the smaller handbag. These bags will make you look taller than you really are and if worn under the arm, draws attention to the top of the body. Larger bags will only make you look shorter. And quite possibly wider.

Lets say you are 5'-6" and curvy. Look for a handbag that accentuates your waistline. A satchel in medium or the hippie in medium will look great for your size. Wearing medium sizes are best for your body type because it falls just above the waist. Showing off that sexy curve of yours that 's just above the hip area.

Lets say you are full figured or plus sized. Wearing larger bags like the large tote are best for your body type because they are made wider and larger and help to make the body look smaller. A smaller handbag with smaller straps will only add to your size and possibly make you appear bigger than you really are.

Making the right choices for you handbag is essential when putting your whole look together. Having a handbag that is too small or too big can ruin a great look. You wouldn't put on a patent leather shoe with sweats would you? No!! Wearing the wrong handbag can do the same damage to your look. Some handbags can flatter your body type, whether it be big or small. Also, try mixing up your handbags.

Also, try to wear a different handbag for different occasions. If you are wearing jeans, wear a sportier handbag. If you are dressed up for a special occasion, wear the clutch or one of the smaller bags. Just try to match the bag with the shoes. We all have to have a brown and black handbag. Having more than one handbag is a must!

About the Author

To find the best deals on Coach Classic Signature handbags visit my
Coach Classic Signature handbags website. My lens will contain all the coach handbags you could ever want for a fraction of retail prices. The website is http://www.squidoo.com/coach-classic-signature-handbags

First Kisses: A tip for the girls

2007-11-24T21:04:00.000+07:00

This has always driven my husband crazy, every girl should try it at least once! When you are alone, talking and just hanging out, start looking at him intensely while his talking, like you are super interested in what he's saying. Then as he's talking, move in closer until you are right up in his face. While he's still trying to figure out what you are doing, take one hand and slip it under his belt and pull him to you. Right before you lips meet stop look him straight into his eyes and just brush your lips on his, or give him a gentle like on his bottom lips, before going in for the kill.
Try it, you won't regret it!!

Sex Tips for Virgins on Their Wedding Night

2007-11-24T16:09:00.002+07:00

How to Make Your Wedding Night Unforgettable
If you'll be a virgin when you get married, you're probably feeling some apprehension about what will happen on your wedding night. Here are tips and advice to help things go smoothly.

How to Communicate BEFORE the wedding night
Pick a quiet moment to ask your soon-to-be-spouse "are you feeling nervous at all about our wedding night?" Odds are, he or she will be relieved to have the opportunity to talk about it. Talk about what your hopes and fears are. You may want to visit a counselor, or talk about sex during your pre-wedding counseling. If you are too nervous to bring up the subject of sex, consider leaving a magazine open, or even forwarding this article in an email.

Will she bleed? Will it be painful?
When a woman loses her virginity, it is possible for it to be a little bloody or painful. However, it shouldn't last for too long, and it is almost never very serious. To make things easier, make sure there's plenty of foreplay before you try penetration. You'll also want to have a good lubricant. I recommend a brand called "Slippery Stuff" because it is safe to use with latex, and it's glycerin-free. (Glycerin can cause yeast infections.) Even if you use a lubricated condom, you'll want to use extra lube. And, if you're afraid of bleeding on the hotel sheets, bring a towel with you, or your own sheets.

Will he be able to maintain an erection? What happens if he can't?
The pressure of the wedding night can be too much for many men. If things aren't "working," try to change up the mood. Spend some time kissing, and fondling each other. Perhaps make a game out of how many different body parts you can kiss, or be a little more serious by talking about the wedding, your love for each other, and milestones ahead of you.

Will I be any good? How can I wow my new husband or wife?
Sex, like most things, takes practice. You are likely to be a little clumsy and to feel a little goofy. Take things slowly, and try to listen to your partner. Find out what feels good, and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to ask! But don't concentrate on how mind-blowing (or not!) the physical feelings are. Instead try to be gentle with one another, and focus on how amazing it is to finally be in each others arms as a married couple.

Learn how to french kiss.

2007-11-24T16:06:00.000+07:00

Do you want your first french kiss to be very special. What are some of the things you need to know about french kissing.

French Kiss tip one.
It seems basic but brush your teeth and use a tongue scraper. No one likes bad breath.

French Kiss tip two
Get in a good position and hold your lover gently. It is hard to kiss when your back is hurting. Hold your partner so she does not get pushed arround.

French Kiss tip three

Angle your face so as not to bump your nose.
French Kiss tip four

Kiss normally for a while, before going anywhere else like french kissing.
Then use your tongue to gently play with your lovers lips. If she responds then play with her tongue with your tongue.
No slobbery kisses please.
French Kiss tip five.
Explore the rest of the mouth. Best to breath through the nose. Also use your hands to touch your lover lightly. Holding the head or hair can be a turn on.

No biting please!

12 Tips to Keep Your Mood Alive

2007-11-24T16:03:00.000+07:00

The trick to keeping sexual desire alive is to never let your fires go out completely. Keep your fire smoldering at all times by feeding your sensual mind. If your fire never goes out completely, then it won’t be hard to light it up into raging flames when the situation calls for it.

With the busy fast paced life most women live and the many roles they play, sexual identity often gets lost in the shuffle and desire dwindles.

You need to nurture your sexual identity. It is as important as being a mother, friend, wife or housekeeper, etc.

Feed your sensual mind with these hot little tips to keep your fires smoldering.

*Think sexy thoughts. Allow yourself to fantasize. Enjoy the view of that rugged construction worker down the road. Let your mind wander. Think about your lover frequently and what you would like them to do to you or what you’d like to do to them.

*Relive exciting sexual experiences throughout your day. Remember how you felt when your lover touched you last night or last week.

*Touch yourself sensually periodically throughout your day. Run your fingertips gently across your arms, inner thighs, calves, face, or neck. Tease yourself by brushing against your breasts. Caress yourself.

*Read arousing material regularly. This may be in the form of an erotic story or a romantic story. Whatever it is that excites you. You can read alone and let your desire build for later or read something immediately before lovemaking to really get you hot and ready.

*Make yourself feel sexy by dressing in something stimulating such as lingerie, a silk slip, short skirt, silk blouse or anything that makes you feel sexy. You can also feel incredibly sexy by going without your bra and underwear throughout your day.

*Do kegel exercises while in the car or sitting at your desk at work or watching TV.
This means you squeeze your vaginal muscles as if you’re trying to stop the flow of urine and hold. Then repeat. You will feel a surge of arousal in your vaginal area. These exercises will also strengthen your vaginal muscles.

*Masturbate regularly. You can either take this all the way and orgasm, or you can just masturbate enough that it stimulates arousal and then stop and let it build. The more you have sex the more you will want it, so if you masturbate frequently to completion, your level of desire will increase and stay alive.

*Participate in daily physical exercise. Exercise stimulates our happy hormones, which will increase sexual desire.

*Listen to erotic stimulating music. If you’re in the mood you can dance to the music and touch your self.

*Watch arousing movies. This does not have to be straight out porn. Find something sensuous, sexy, romantic and loving.

*Spend quality sensual time with your partner on a regular basis. Perhaps you could share a passionate meal together complete with music, candles and flowers and feed one another. Take intimate walks together. Shower together.

*Encourage your partner to court, romance and pursue you and you do the same. Express your affection to one another on a regular basis.

The key to keep your mood vibrant is to participate in these activities on a regular basis not just when you want to make love. Make yourself feel sensually alive at all times and you will find that it’s easy to be in the mood.

Erotic massage is a great way to keep the mood alive. Pease go to this link Erotic massage

About the Author
Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., is a sex counselor/educator and author helping monogamous couples increase sexual satisfaction, be better lovers and keep the passion alive. She is also author of the hot new sex guide for couples titled, "The Lovemaking Smorgasbord - A Couple's Menu for Feeding Passion & Fidelity."
http://www.smolderingembers.com/smorgasbord.html

Designer Clothing Makes You Look And Feel Confident

2007-11-24T12:37:00.000+07:00

Designer clothing is the icon of fashion. Designer clothing is desirable for so many people and the higher price of many items set the clothes apart from the crowd creating an air of exclusivity. Designer clothes have exclusive styles and patterns and are made with high quality materials and master craftsmanship which gives them an increased longevity and makes them better value for money.

Designer Clothes

The appeal of designer clothes is that, although they are not totally unique, they are by nature reasonably exclusive. Designer clothing look great because the designers are experts at cutting expensive fabrics into perfect pieces to sew together into great garments. Designer clothes are far superior to the three dollar shirt bought off the street as they are better quality which lasts longer both practically and style wise, than high street clothing. A savvy shopper does not have to be in one of the fashion capitals such as New York or Paris to buy designer clothes. The internet is now a wonderful source for shoppers who can pick garments from styles made by trendy designers from all over the world.

Clothes

In recent times a world wide trend has been witnessed of buying designer clothes. These designer clothes range from jackets, shirts, T shirts, casuals, formals, under garments to every kind of men and women apparels. A consumer that buys designer clothes wants clothing that is cut from the finest fabrics and carefully sewn into stunning garments. Some fashion clothing is designed so that they look very casual but they still have a distinctive air of understated elegance. Whatever your shape or size there are designer clothes & accessories that will make you look chic & feel confident.

Buying Designer Clothes

Trendy people buy the latest fashion apparel to stand out from the crowd and look good amongst their peers. The latest trends include designer t-shirts, handbags, fashion dresses, skirts, jackets, pants and more. People buy what they want to show off. Depending on a person’s budget, fashion taste and their size and shape will ultimately decide on what type of designer clothing they choose to purchase and wear. Buying fashion clothing online is the easiest way to access the leading designers who clothes you wish to wear. Unless you have your own private jet and limitless credit card to travel to the fashion capitals of the world.

Our society relies on fashion as a form of expression; this is why designer clothing is so popular nowadays. Designer clothes are all the rage, and for those who choose to buy them become the centre of attention. Everyone should feel good about the way they look during their life and designer clothing is a great way to attain the look you are seeking. For some people, the entire point of designer clothing is the snob appeal (for the most part) and so buying knock offs would defeat the entire purpose, as you can spot a cheap imitation a mile away and that is not the image they are trying to portray.

About the Author

Nigel is a successful webmaster and publisher of an Online Shopping website. This site showcases, among other topics, the UK 's leading Designer Clothing and Cheap Designer Clothing stores.

Different Types Of Asthma, The Causes And Remedies

2007-11-24T12:36:00.000+07:00

Asthma is an illness where irritants cause inflammation of the bronchial tubes, as they become very sensitive, and thus making it difficult to breath. Contraction of the muscles around the wind pipe can be a result of this inflammation. The inflammation can also cause excessive mucus in the air passage as well as swelling of the lining may occur if its an airway inflammation.

Age is not a factor as far as asthma is concerned though it 's notable that around 50 percent of the cases initiate in children below the age of 10. And among these children around 65 percent are boys compared to only 35 percent girls. It is one of the chief culprits as far as respiratory illness among teenagers and children are concerned. Though its observed that the condition may improve with age. 17 million American citizens are asthma patients according to estimation.

Asthma is a lung disease which can be reversed either with treatment or it may heal spontaneously. Obstruction or constriction of the airway is the characteristics of Asthma. Lack of breathe called dyspnea and mild wheezing constitute the moderate symptoms of asthma while fatal respiratory failures are the grave symptom. The mild symptoms may occur before a serious attack.

People suffering from asthma face difficulty breathing out but can breathe in without any problem. During inhalation the diaphragm lowers pushing the ribs out and thus enlarging the lungs to let air around any blockage. But during exhalation when the rib cage closes in, the diaphragm moves up obstructing the air from moving around the blockage.

Two types of asthma

Intrinsic asthma and extrinsic asthma are the two types of asthma. When allergy to some kind of external material causes asthma its called extrinsic. And when an obvious external agent is not identifiable it is called intrinsic asthma.

Substances like dust, pollens, dander, food, molds, feather pillows, some types of food additives etc may cause spontaneous allergic reaction in some children which may be a beginning of extrinsic asthma. It is a hereditary disorder called atopy where the body has an inclination for allergic reactions.

An intrinsic asthma usually follows a serious respiratory infection to which no external allergen can be associated. An intrinsic asthma condition may worsen due to emotional stress, changes in temperature or humidity, fatigue, irritants, exposure to fumes and gases etc. some people may be patients of intrinsic as well as extrinsic asthma.

All asthma attacks are not of the same degree. The oxygen supply to the critical organs may get severely affected due to closing of the airways in a serious asthma attack. This may lead to a medical emergency condition. Severe asthma attacks are known to be the reason for many deaths. An asthma attack gives a person a sensation similar to drowning.
Actions like medication or other remedies can be used to prevent an asthma attack if the asthma symptoms and its warning signs are learnt.

There may be long phases of time when an asthma patient either shows very few and feeble symptoms of asthma or doesn't show any at all. But asthma attacks can also be seen to last for prolonged periods.

The cough may sound dry and stretched during a severe attack. A a thick mucus is expectorated as the attack abates. Small children don't produce the mucus after an attack. The breathing is normal between severe attacks.

In symptomatic asthma it is typical for the breathing sound to get reduced. Also forced exhalation for long periods is typical of air passage blockage. Lung hyperinflation is usually very common in children. Tachypnea, tachycardia and diaphoresis may coincide with severe attack. The patient may not be able to speak without pausing to catch a breath after every few words. Initial signs of respiratory failure are lethargy, confusion and darkening (purple or blue) of the skin due to lack of oxygen called as Cyanosis.

Possible asthma remedies

Various drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin may initiate an asthma attack. Even chemicals like Tartazine (yellow food dye) can cause an asthma attack. Heavy work and exercise may cause huge loss of moisture and heat in the upper airways. This may be followed by bronchospasm leading to exercise induced attack. Even exercise can be an attack initiator.

When treating severe asthma patients the target is to address the symptoms like coughing, wheezing, inflammation, airway swelling, lack of breath and lower them while an attempt is made to increase the pulmonary ventilation. Following a severe attack the treatment usually is focused on addressing the initiating factors like the irritants or the allergens in the environment.

In a process similar to vaccination, asthma may be treated by injecting the patient with limited amount of the antigen causing the attack when the cause of the asthma is identified as a particular toxin, bacterium, virus or other substance foreign to the body. This way the response of the immune system to the antigen is brought under control.

About the Author

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Asthma Symptom Cure to learn more about asthma condition symptom and other natural asthma treatment solution.

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Accessories For The First Time Mom

2007-11-24T12:27:00.000+07:00

Deciding which pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies are essential can be an stressful task, especially for new parents. Purchasing supplies that you later find you did not need is frustrating. Stores carry a multitude of different brands, options and styles of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies.

How is a new mom to sort it out? Preparing a list of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies that doesn't break the bank can be done with a little help. Here are a few pointers to get started.

When shopping for a back-saving pregnancy pillow, try to choose one that will serve as a nursing pillow later on. A nursing pillow can be a breastfeeding mother 's best friend. A nursing pillow is used to help position a mother 's arm and the baby comfortably during a feeding.

If you have a drowsy eater, you may grow weary before the baby is done nursing if you are not using a nursing pillow for support. Choose a pillow that is machine washable and be sure to purchase several well fitting slip covers.

Sore nipples can be a problem during pregnancy, but especially during breast feeding. Keeping a tube of lanolin on hand to apply on a regular basis is a must for breastfeeding mothers. Don't wait for sore nipple to become a painful problem. Prevention is always best. Applying lanolin twice a day will help prevent sore nipples and ensure pain free breast feeding sessions.

Breast feeding supplies like a breast pump, breast milk pads, nursing bras and burp cloths are staples in a nursing mother 's bag. The most expensive breast pump is not necessarily the best.

A manual breast pump is often all that is required and they are less expensive than electric or battery operated pumps. Models like the Advent Isis are ideal. They are gentle on the breast and mimic the suckling action of a baby.

Another necessary item on your list of breast feeding supplies is the breast milk pad. Sudden letdown can leave you with an embarrassingly wet front. Breast milk pads are designed to catch leaking milk and keep your bra dry.

Washable breast milk pads are more cost effective than disposable ones. A cloth or disposable diaper can even serve as milk catcher for the overachiever who produces mass quantities of milk.

One area to spend a little extra is the bra department. A good quality nursing bra can be worn during your pregnancy and will serve you well for months of breast feeding after the baby arrives. A nursing bra with adjustable cups is an excellent choice to prevent the bra from becoming ill fitting as you lose your pregnancy weight.

Your collection of breast feeding supplies is not complete without a bag of burp cloths. Breastfeeding can get messy at times, so tucking a burp cloth into the cup of your bra while nursing will help keep you and your baby dry. Cloth diapers with the padded center make the most durable and absorbent burp cloths.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not require a large quantity of supplies and high-tech gadgets. Your body prepares for pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally, leaving only a few convenient essentials for the new mother to collect.

You should not have to mortgage your home to prepare for a new baby. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood can be enjoyed without a shopping cart full of expensive supplies.

About the Author

Breast feeding is an important aspect of your new born baby. Mike Selvon 's portal has more information about pregnancy and breastfeeding accessories. Visit our portal and leave a comment at our breast feeding blog.

The Silent Killer

2007-11-24T12:25:00.000+07:00

Hypertension is running rampant today. Millions of people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, but what may be worse is the fact many people have it and are not aware they do!

Hypertension can be a very serious disease. If left uncontrolled, it can bring on heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease as well. Because it often shows no symptoms, it has been named the silent killer.

However, it doesn't have to be a killer. If controlled, a person diagnosed with high blood pressure can live a full and healthy life. The key is controlling it.

It 's all about control

In fact, living with hypertension is all about control. When a person has high blood pressure, there are several parts of his or her life he or she must control. Weight, salt intake, general food intake and alcohol, are all among the different things a hypertension patient must control.

First, one of the top causes of hypertension is obesity. This is why a person with high blood pressure must do everything possible to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Second, whenever anyone is diagnosed with hypertension, the first thing he or she is warned about is eating too much salt. Salt has a negative effect on blood pressure. Some medications that are prescribed to control it are geared towards getting salt out of the system. These medications are known as diuretics.

Also, even a person who has reached a healthy weight must remember to eat a healthy diet. This is because junk food has the ability to raise the blood pressure of even the thinnest person. A healthy diet for a hypertension patient includes an ample intake of fruits and vegetables.

If someone was looking to get hypertension, he or she may be able to achieve this goal simply by abusing alcohol. Alcohol intake must be monitored closely when a patient is dealing with this dangerous disease.

It almost goes without saying that smoking is taboo. This is true whether or not a person is suffering from hypertension.

Take a walk

Not only must hypertension patients avoid things, there are also things they should be adding to their daily routine. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is very beneficial to a person who is trying to lower blood pressure. This exercise is important because it can help remove salts from the system, as well as help the patient control weight.

Exercise doesn't have to be done everyday but should be done consistently. Three times a week at a minimum is the general rule for aerobic exercise. Unlike some aerobic exercise programs, which are meant to be done everyday, moderate exercise, can be very beneficial to the person looking to control his or her blood pressure. A fifteen to twenty minute exercise session, such as going for a walk, may be all it takes to turn the corner on hypertension.

And there 's medication

Eating well, controlling weight, and exercising are always going to be helpful to a person 's health. However, often medication will be needed to get a person 's blood pressure back down into the normal range.

Being told that you need to take medicine is not a death sentence. It is true, however, taking medication for hypertension is a big responsibility. This medicine must be taken everyday and the doctor 's prescription must be followed exactly.

Part of taking blood pressure medicine properly is following the doctor 's orders as to what time of the day to take the medication. Taking it with or without food is another thing your doctor will instruct you on while he is writing out your prescription.

Work with your doctor

Lastly, it is very important that you let your doctor know how your medicine is affecting you. Often times, a person taking blood pressure medicine will have no ill effects whatsoever, but if he or she does, it is very important to notify the doctor. Today there are many different types of medications and finding the right one and the right dosage may take some adjusting. This is just part of the procedure we go through to get and keep a handle on hypertension.

Always remember, it is important to have your blood pressure checked even if you don't have a history of high blood pressure. This is a disease that can sneak up on you very quickly and one of the keys to controlling it is to keep your eye on it.

About the Author

The author of "The Silent Killer" has been diagnosed with hypertension almost 30 years ago. He, has built a Website all about hypertension. It includes information everyone should know about "The Silent Killer." This free Website can be found at Symptoms of Hypertension

Herbal Treatments for the Flu

2007-11-24T12:20:00.000+07:00

There are a variety of illnesses a person can come down with throughout the year. One of the most miserable, and unfortunately most common is the flu. While the flu may keep you in bed for a few days, that does not mean you are helpless when it comes to alleviating the symptoms.

There are a few different treatments available. Some prefer to go to their doctor and get tested to make sure they have the flu, and then take prescription medications. Others seem to prefer more holistic or self-healing methods, and herbal treatments. There are a number of herbal remedies that can help with almost all aspects of the flu.

Echinacea is a very popular herbal treatment. This herbal remedy is famous for stimulating the immune system. As one may expect, anything that boosts the immune system 's ability to react and respond faster is bound to lead to a faster, less eventful recovery.

For many people, Echinacea also reduces the severity of certain flu-related symptoms. Any reduction in symptoms like congestion, fever, and muscle pain will make getting well much easier. Echinacea comes in different varieties such as liquid, powder, and as a dried root. This type of herb is best used only for short-term duration.

Ginger is another type of herb which may prove useful in treating flu symptoms. This herb has been shown to reduce fever and pain. It also helps many individuals to relax. Getting plenty of rest is vital to a speedy recovery from the flu.

The antiviral properties of ginger make it very useful for getting rid of the flu. Ginger also has a delightful, spicy clean taste and scent. No matter how sick you are feeling, the aroma of ginger works its way in your system to help you feel better.

Elderberry extract is another type of herbal treatment which individuals have used to combat flu symptoms. This herb has been shown to reduce the severity of several flu symptoms quickly and efficiently. Research done during the 1999 - 2000 flu season in Norway revealed patients recovering, on average, four days faster than people that did not take elderberry extract.

According to some studies, Elderberry works its charm by weakening the virus 's ability to pierce cell membranes. This herb has been known to work well against influenza strains A and B, as well as several other virii.

No anti-viral arsenal could possibly be complete without Garlic. This pungent bulb has been known for centuries to cure everything from warts to witchcraft. Not surprisingly, when microbes were discovered, the role of Garlic in combating viruses and bacteria received some attention.

In modern times, Garlic is still making headlines. One of the strongest antimicrobial chemicals found in garlic is called Allicin. As bacteria become resistant to our most powerful antibiotics, this natural chemical is proving to vanquish even the most stubborn mutants. Furthermore, raw garlic can prevent all sorts of harmful bacteria from colonizing the digestive tract. Garlic is considered one of the safest herbs, and can be found in almost all kitchens, individuals taking medications or about to undergo surgery should check with their doctors before taking.

While chewing on a fresh clove of garlic is likely to keep just about anything away, the liquid gel form works just as well on many ailments. Some have stated that fresh garlic may be the better variety to take in order to combat the flu. Taking this natural antibiotic is almost certain to yield results for the person suffering with a bout of the flu.

Some people may find that they obtain the best results when combining certain herbs. Teas which contain various herbs can be quite helpful in getting rid of the flu. Peppermint and rosemary combined together in a single tea may have forceful effect on flu symptoms. Like ginger, their aromatic flavor and strong aroma have a way of knocking through congestion and opening up the air passages.

In some cases, herbal treatments have centuries of tradition to attest to their efficacy. Modern scientists are also finding the validation for these traditions in the form of reproducible and predictable results in their laboratories. For someone suffering from the flu, herbal supplements may provide fewer side effects, and make the patient feel more comfortable. These items may provide a natural way to fight the influenza virus, while making the symptoms less severe overall. Nevertheless, it is always important to read about the herbs beforehand to determine which ones to take. It is also important to consult with a doctor to make sure the herbs will not interfere or react with other medications.

About the Author

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on The Flu.

How To Place A Secure Order When Online Shopping

2007-11-24T12:18:00.000+07:00

Online shoppers have a variety of options available to them for placing an order. Online shopping is already rather convenient for a number of reasons including convenience and the ability to shop for items from retailers around the world. The ability to place orders in a variety of different ways makes online shopping eve more desirable for some consumers.

This article will discuss some of the options available for placing an order when online shopping including using the website to place the order, calling customer service to place the order and faxing or mailing orders.

Placing Orders through the Website.
One of the most popular options for placing orders when online shopping is to place the orders directly through the online retailer 's website. In most cases online retailers offer the ability to add items to a virtual shopping cart while browsing through the available items offered for sale. After the consumer is done shopping he can review the contents of his shopping cart and add, subtract or modify the contents of the shopping cart as necessary before proceeding to the checkout process of the online shopping experience.

During the checkout process the consumer provides information such as credit card information and billing address as well as the address to which the consumer would like the items shipped. The online shopper can choose to have the item shipped to himself or to others. Although shopping online is generally considered to be safe, consumers should verify the website is being made through a secure server which will protect sensitive information. One way to do this is to look at the website address. Secure websites start with https:// while websites which are not secure don't start with https

Calling Customer Service to Place an Order.
Online shoppers may browse for items online but may decide to purchase items by calling a customer service representative instead of placing the order online. Customers may choose this option for a number of different reasons. Some online retailers may not have an option for completing the purchase online or these features may not be functioning correctly and in these cases the shopper will likely place the order over the phone. However, there are situations in which a consumer may opt to call customer service to place the order even when it is possible to do so online.

This may include situations in which the order is particularly complex or situations in which the consumer has questions he would like answered before placing an order. Online shoppers who make a purchase this way should have all of the necessary information available before contacting customer service. This information includes the product number, billing information and shipping information.

Faxing or Mailing Orders

Online shoppers can also place orders by faxing or mailing the order to the online retailer. The consumer may browse for items online and even print the order form from the online retailer 's website. Although this is not the most common method of online shopping there are some consumers who still use this method. One of the examples to using this method is the ability to pay for an order with a check instead of a credit card. A credit card will likely be required for orders placed online or with a customer service representative.

Customers who fax or mail an order form may have the option of using a credit card to pay for the order but may also have the option of using a check as well. This is ideal for online shoppers who either do not have a credit card or do not want to charge items to a credit card. Although there are some advantages to this method of placing an order from an online retailer there is one major disadvantage to this method.

This disadvantage is the order may take longer to process than it would through other methods. When a customer places an order through a website or on the phone the order is typically processed instantly. However, when the consumer mails the order form it may take a few days to arrive and then may require extra time for processing. Even orders which are faxed in may not be processed immediately despite arriving quickly.

About the Author

Joseph Jordan. Professional Internet Marketer. Over 30,000 Digital Products Online. Instant Download! Ebooks, Softwares, Scripts, Movies, Musics, Videos, and more 100% Secure!

Good Online Shopping Advise

2007-11-24T12:16:00.000+07:00

If accepting payments, as far as the check out, most merchant accounts (electronic gateways) provide an API to integrate into your shopping cart. This API will help to verify the credit card. A third party processor basically has a merchant account issued to them and they allow you to use it. Usually the payout is every couple of weeks. There might be no charge on the set up and the discount rate is usually a bit higher than a regular merchant account.

An electronic payment gateway is basically the same thing as the point of sale terminal at the grocery store. As far as search engines; each company has their own algorithm to determine placement. A long time ago, they went by the META tags, but those are hardly used anymore because that was abuse. Now it goes by the title, heading, and content. If you would like to learn more about that kind of things then you can go to a different site and ask them or read about it.

You can go all over the Internet and see all kinds of things that you that might cost a lot more in store then on the net. Some times it is a lot better that you go on line then to the store. But that is just what I have heard from a lot of my friends and family. They say that they find things on the net that would cost them a lot of money if you go to the store.

It depends on where you are buying it. Some companies also accept Pay pal but most accept credit card orders. Some, you can e-mail them and ask them for an address to send a check. Unfortunately, there is not too much you can do about the shipping. But every company is different. Find the book you want & then do a search for that book to see what others charge.

There are tens of so-called coupon websites that track discount coupons, sales and rebates. Have a look on what has been selected as the best by human experts. Most coupon websites are affiliated with online merchants and are paid by merchants per sale (pay-for-performance) or are paid by merchants for impressions or clicks (pay-per-click).

In any case they are obliged to follow merchant 's promotion policy. It means they show discount coupons and sales merchants have issued for them especially. There are other special promotions merchants offer to their newsletter subscribers only. There are special promotions merchants offer to online visitors only.

Online merchants operate 24x7 and worldwide. They don't offer few hours huge savings or closing up savings (for 4 years of my extensive shopping experience I have not seen such a case). From time to time they offer one day special saving (Friday sales, for example). Are there really huge savings? Yes they are. I personally bought many items 50-60% cheaper than regular price and 10-15% cheaper than on auctions. The scheme is as follows: you find merchants that have the item you are looking for on their shelves and then find discount coupons for that merchants.

Where to find discount coupons depends on your goals. The common disadvantage of near the all coupon websites is their inability to point the exact merchant for the keywords you are looking for (though some of them, uses keywords to describe deals). It means that coupon websites are good to answer if the specific merchant has discount coupon for the moment, and they are not so good to answer where to find the item with the best price.

You should always search the web site first and try all the words that you might think the item that you are looking for is under. If you find it make sure that you check the price and how long it will take for them to get it to you. That way you know about when to expert it in the mail. If you would like more information of the item you can email the web master or the person that is selling it. You should always do your homework on the item that you wish to buy or look over the web site and see what you think about it, ask question and see what they have to say.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant at http://www.KrishnaDesign.com/. At KrishnaDesign.com Shops, you can enjoy yourself while searching through top-ranked webstores for all your shopping needs. Whether it be clothing, jewelry, or flowers, you will find it all at KrishnaDesign.com Shops! Click here to shop by category: http://www.KrishnaDesign.com/menu/category.html.

Shopping Online With Credit Cards And Wholesale Items

2007-11-24T12:09:00.000+07:00

Almost all of the online stores that I shop at require a credit card. I don't know of any that doesn't require one. The use of a credit card also helps protect you from any fraud in the case of not receiving what you ordered; shipment is lost during delivery, etc. Most credit card companies will cover this kind of stuff.

Looking partially to shop for things online and partially to sell things. But I guess both would stem from my buying things online, so I'll start there. I have a lot of wealthy friends who love to look for bargains, so I recently decided to try doing some sales. Anyway, I have looked all over the place and have found some interesting deals. Basically want to find a site somewhere that has very good wholesale prices, like maybe something that some type of dealers would use I guess, on a variety of things.

My friends, as well as myself, are interested in buying many different things. They are mostly interested in electronics, video games, sunglasses, and watches. I am interested in those as well as clothes. I want to find these at the best possible wholesale prices so I can order them and then resell them to others. I would not be keeping any inventory. People would just be telling me what they're interested in and I'll try to find a good deal on it, order it, and then mark the price up a bit and sell it to them, so I can make some profit but still give them a good deal. An added bonus would be if there were a phone number I could call to get a price for a specific item, as I am not always able to get to a computer or a catalog.

Generally speaking, the idea of buying things for wholesale, in other words, low, prices and retail them to your friends at street prices is good. You have a demand from your friends and you have the source where to buy the needed items. The problem is to keep the balance between the profits from the trade; sure you want it to be the highest possible, and the risk of loosing money-buying things on the Web at a very low price.

Online price may differ from merchant to merchant as much as. Two or three years ago there was a company that announced to be the first online merchant selling under wholesale price, it used the advertising model of profit. Despite of that, I found some items like cameras, I checked prices and found that they were cheaper at other companies on the web due to running promotion of those items. It is funny that very popular shopping, price comparison, does not detect the lowest price if this price corresponds to running promotion at merchants' site. To minimize the risk, it is very useful to evaluate the merchant where to buy. There are companies that do the job of merchants' ratings very well. If you find the lowest price, you'll be able to assess the merchant, for example, whether its customer service is good enough, to make the final decision.

As to me, I use the golden middle reasonable discounts and low risk. I have chosen about 200 merchants whose solidity I am aware of. You can do the same. Then I traced promotional offers (coupons) for those merchants. My profit was 20-30% with every sale and completely no problems with wrong orders and refurbished items. I found that a lot of purchase through my website is performed by customers ordering 5-10 of the same items at ones. Sure they were of your kind of guys making their own profit. There are a lot of people out there that like to do the same thing and just buy wholesale and sell them. But there are others out there that buy wholesale because they have a big family to feed or they are just on a set beget and that is the only way that they can get what they need for there family if they buy if wholesale. But like I said just go and look around and see what you come up with check out there web site get the name and then go from there.

About the Author

5 Commandments Of Cooking Healthy Meals

2007-11-24T12:07:00.000+07:00

Cooking healthy for your family is important for everyone. Not only will you be eating healthy meals, but your children will learn a lot from eating healthy. They will get to experience healthy foods that they may have not even tried before, or wanted to. They will learn how to cook healthy meals so that they can pass down this tradition to their own children in the future. They will also come to enjoy healthy meals better than junk or foods that are bad for them.

Cooking healthy meals for your family will give everyone the energy they need for a full day, give them better concentration and focus, and help them do well in life. This will not deprive your family in any way. You will all be getting the proper nutrients you need without completely passing on all treats. Eating healthy is important for your health – not just now, but for the future as well. Studies have shown that eating healthy can help to reduce the risks of various ailments, heart disease, stroke, and many cancers. You can help your family lead a healthier life by cooking healthy meals.

Guidelines For Healthy Cooking –

1) Use Plenty of Fruits And Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are often overlooked in today’s diet. However, fruits and vegetables are very important because they have vitamins, minerals and even antioxidants to keep you healthy, strong and help you fight illnesses. It is important to use fresh ingredients when cooking. Do not overcook your vegetables, as this will take out some of the nutritional value of them. Consider serving your vegetables raw or just blanch them (boil for about 5 minutes). Kids will especially love blanched veggies because it brings out their colors and makes them a little bit softer. Blanching doesn’t take out nutrients because you are only boiling them for 5 minutes. Just wait for the water to boil and place the veggies in. Put them on ice after the 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. You may also want to serve fruits with dinnertime as well. Most people don’t and that is why most people don’t get enough fruit in their daily diet. Serve a fruit and veggie with each meal.

2) Stick To Lean Meats And Fish: Lean meats and fish are an important part of your diet. However, too much meat can actually cause health problems. This is why adding fish to at least two meals a week can increase your health. Lean meats are better for you because they have less fat and sometimes less cholesterol than the other meats. Look for lean meats in your grocery store. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of fish: salmon, tuna steaks, haddock, cod, etc. Fish has important fatty acids that are excellent for your body and mind.

3) Watch The Fat You Use: Try to wean off of real butter and other fatty foods. If you must use real butter remember that just one tab of it a day is enough – no more. There are other options to choose from than just butter or lard. Add some of these items to your kitchen and your meals: olive oil, avocado, vegetable oil, butter spread made from olive oil, etc. You can also try using spices for your meals instead of fats. Try balsamic vinegar on your salad instead of salad dressing, or vinegar and olive oil. These can make great alternatives to other fatty foods.

4) What You Drink Counts Too! Do not forget about what you drink. As adults, we tend to not pay any attention to what we choose for beverages. A simple can of soda can have a lot of calories, sodium, sugar, and more in it. It doesn’t really matter if it is diet or not. It is still unhealthy. Cut down on drinks like soda, juices, coffee, and tea. You can healthily have coffee and tea about two times a day – that’s two cups a day, especially if you use sugar and cream. Try using lemon in your tea instead of honey or sugar. The best thing to drink is water. Always try to choose water over any other drink. Kids should not have more than two cups of juice a day because of the sugar. Make sure they get water everyday – and you too!

5) Treats In Moderation Are Ok: This is not a fad diet. This is a lifestyle change for you and your family. Yes, you can have treats in moderation. Have something every once in a while.

About the Author

Are you ready to give healthy cooking a try? Start by getting your free menu planning basics report now at: http://www.menuplanningcentral.com

3 Top Cooking Light Recipes Your Family Will Love!

2007-11-24T12:01:00.000+07:00

Light cooking is fast becoming a popular way to prepare tasty dishes as people get more concerned about health and fitness issues. We cover some easy and varied meal options here :

1. A Tasty Recipe for Shrimp and Squash Penne
Ingredients: 2 tbs olive oil, 4 cups of julienne yellow squash, 3 cups julienne zucchini, 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined, a quarter cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp each of dried basil and dried oregano, half tsp salt and a quarter tsp black pepper; also essential are 3 cloves of garlic, minced, 4 cups hot cooked penne, half finely sliced fresh chives/green onions and a quarter cup of fresh Parmesan cheese

Method: in a large-sized non-stick pan, heat oil on medium heat; put in the squash and zucchini and stir fry for ten minutes before adding the shrimp and sauteing for another 3. Next, pour in the juice and remaining ingredients, stirring continuously for two minutes before mixing the shrimp mixture, pasta, chives and cheese in a bowl, tossing slowly to mix well.

2. An Easy Risotto Dish With Arugula and Toasted Garlic
Ingredients: 3 and a half cups of low-salt chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves of garlic-finely sliced, 1 and a half cups of raw Arborio rice, half cup chopped onion and dry white wine each, a quarter tsp each of salt and pepper and 4 cups of trimmed arugula

Method: simmer the broth in a small pan taking care not to bring it to a boil while on low heat. In another pan, warm oil over medium heat then add the garlic, stir-frying it for 3 minutes till lightly browned. Take out the garlic using a slotted spoon and keep it aside. Put in the rice and chopped onions, sauteing for 5 minutes before pouring in the wine then adding the salt and pepper and cooking till the wine is almost soaked up (approx. 1 minute). Stir gently, add warm broth a little at a time till absorbed; add last 1/2 cup (may take about 20 minutes). Take off the heat, adding in the garlic and arugula trimmings.

3. A Tangy Ginger Lime Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients: a third cup all-purpose flour, 10 cups sweet potato, finely peeled and sliced, a quarter cup of butter, one third cup of light brown sugar, 1 tbsp lime rind, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp each of shredded orange rind and ginger; also called for are 1 tsp each of low-salt soy sauce and salt, a quarter tsp of black pepper and cooking spray.

Method: heat the oven to 425 degrees F while you prepare the rest of the ingredients: with a light hand, spoon in the flour into a measuring cup, level off excess with knife; mix this and the potato into a large bowl and toss gently. After this, melt the butter into a saucepan over a slow fire, adding in the sugar and remaining ingredients, stirring gently to cook for a few minutes till the sugar melts. Pour this over the pre-prepared potato mixture and mixed well before spooning it in to a low 2-quart baking dish, pre-coated with cooking spray. Proceed to cover and oven-bake this dish at 425 degrees F for close to an hour (or till done) and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving!

About the Author

Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available!

Eating Whilst Pregnant - A Guide Through the Minefield

2007-11-24T11:58:00.000+07:00

When you are pregnant there is lots of advice on what you should and shouldn't be eating. This guide is designed to help you sift out the facts from the old wives tales.

It is important to eat a balanced diet whilst pregnant to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs. It should also give you the energy you require to care for your growing baby.
You should try to eat:

* Plenty of fruit and vegetables (aim for 5 portions a day) these can be fresh, tinned, dried, frozen or in juice.
* Plenty of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes - try to choose wholegrain options
* Foods rich in protein such as lean meat and chicken, fish (aim for at least two servings of fish a week, including one of oily fish), eggs and pulses (such as beans and lentils). These foods are also good sources of iron.
* Plenty of fibre. This helps prevent constipation and is found in wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, pulses and fruit and vegetables
* Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which contain calcium to help growing bones

Vitamins and Minerals:

* Folic Acid - Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Ideally you should take a daily 400 microgram (mcg) Folic Acid Supplement from the time you start trying to conceive until the end of your first trimester (12 weeks). However if you haven’t been taking it start when you find out you are pregnant. You should also eat foods containing folate - the natural form of folic acid - such as green vegetables and brown rice, fortified bread and breakfast cereals.
* Iron - Pregnant women can become deficient in Iron so make sure you eat lots of iron rich foods such as red meat, pulses, green vegetables, bread and fortified breakfast cereals. Try to have some Vitamin C (found in fruit juices, and fruit and vegetables) at the same time to help your body absorb the Iron. If your blood iron levels become low your midwife will recommend some iron supplements. (Note: Although liver contains Iron it is best avoided during pregnancy - see below - What to Avoid)
* Vitamin D - Vitamin D is found is a small number of foods but we get most of out Vitamin D from the summer sunlight. If you are not spending much time out in the sun it is worth taking a 10mcg supplement daily. (Note: If you are out in the sun take care not to burn)
* Vitamin A - Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A as too much is harmful to your unborn baby. (See below – What to Avoid.)

What to Avoid:

There are some foods is best to avoid during pregnancy because they may make you ill or could harm your baby.

* Some Cheeses - You should avoid soft, ripened cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and blue veined cheese such as Stilton. You should also avoid cheeses marked as ‘unpasteurised’. These cheese may contain a bacteria called Listeria which may harm your unborn baby.
* Pate - Pate could also contain Listeria so should be avoided
* Eggs - Avoid raw egg and food containing raw or partially cooked eggs. This is because of the risk of salmonella which can cause food poisoning. It is OK to eat eggs which are cooked through so both the white and yolk of the egg is solid.
* Meat - Avoid raw or undercooked meat. Make sure all meat you eat is cooked right through so it is piping hot and no pink meat is left. This is especially important with poultry and food containing minced meat like burgers and sausages. This is because raw and undercooked meat might contain bacteria which could cause food poisoning. Also make sure you wash your hands after dealing with raw meat and all raw meat is kept away from food ready to eat.
* Liver and Vitamin A supplements - You need some vitamin A, but having too much means that levels could build up and may harm your unborn baby. Ask your GP or midwife if you want more information.
* Some types of Fish - Fish is good for you and your baby and shouldn't be avoided all together however it is not recommend you eat Shark, Marlin and Swordfish because the high levels of mercury they contain could damage the baby’s nervous system. For this reason also you should limit your Tuna intake to a maximum of 2 tuna steaks of 2 medium sized cans per week. Also have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.
* Raw Shellfish - Avoid raw and undercooked shellfish as it may contain bacteria which may cause food poisoning.

Peanuts:

Serious allergies to nuts and nut products and some seeds affect about 1 to 2% of people in the UK. Your baby may be at higher risk of developing a nut allergy if you, the baby 's father, brothers or sisters have certain allergic conditions such as hay-fever, asthma and/or eczema.

If your baby is in this higher-risk group, you may wish to avoid eating peanuts and peanut products when you're pregnant and breastfeeding.

Alcohol and Caffeine:

Opinions vary on how much, if any, alcohol is safe to drink whilst pregnant. The Food Standards Agency recommend you limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 units once of twice a week.

Caffeine should also be limited although it isn’t necessary to cut it out completely. It is important not to drink more that 300mg a day as high levels of Caffeine can cause babies with low birth rates and even miscarriage.

Each of these contains roughly 300mg of caffeine:
- 3 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)
- 4 cups of instant coffee (75mg each)
- 3 cups of brewed coffee (100mg each)
- 6 cups of tea (50mg each)
- 8 cans of cola (up to 40mg each)
- 4 cans of 'energy' drink (up to 80mg each)
- 8 (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50mg each). Caffeine in milk chocolate is about half that of plain chocolate

Remember Caffeine is also found is some cold and flu remedies so always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking anything.
Foods you DON’T have to avoid (dispelling the myths):

It is OK to eat the following:

* Shellfish, including prawns - as long as they are part of a hot meal and have been properly cooked
* Live or bio yogurt
* Pro-biotic drinks
* Fromage frais
* Crème fraîche
* Soured cream
* Spicy food
* Mayonnaise, ice cream, salad dressing - as long as they haven’t been made using raw egg. Generally, mayonnaise, ice cream and salad dressing you buy in shops will have been made with pasteurised egg, which means it’s safe to eat. But it’s better to avoid home-made versions if they contain raw egg. You should also avoid soft ice-cream (more commonly known as Mr Whippy) from machines as it 's possible that the pipes in the machine can harbour bacteria if not cleaned correctly. If you're not sure about any of these foods when you're eating out, ask staff for more information
* Honey - it’s fine for pregnant women but honey isn’t suitable for babies under a year old
* Many types of cheese including:
- Hard cheese, such as Cheddar and Parmesan
- Feta
- Ricotta
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Processed cheese, such as cheese spreads

About the Author

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