DAILY TIPS

The Job Interview From Start To Finish ;

2010-03-30T21:48:00.001-07:00

The questions you ask are usually used by the interviewer to evaluate your fitness for the job. You should research enough to be able to ask questions that are not found in obvious places such as the organization's annual report. Find out about the job and the company when it's your turn to ask questions. Ask the questions you prepared in advance. Feel free to ask for specifics about who you would report to and the duties involved. Be prepared to ask at least three questions in areas concerning the job, the company, the industry, external influences.

Do not ask questions that raise red flags
By asking "Is relocation a requirement?" the interviewer may assume that you do not want to relocate at all. If you do not mind relocating, try asking "I understand that most companies like their executives to spend time at their various major locations. Could you tell me how often I might be asked to relocate over five or ten years?"

Answer a question with another question
If the interviewer asks you what salary you expect, try answering by saying "That is a good question. What are you planning to pay your best candidate?"

Rehearse your interview
Role play with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent information about yourself in 15 minutes. Videotape the interview to identify unwanted gestures. If videotape is not available, use your telephone answering machine to record an interview: listen to your diction and speaking speed.

Avoid negative body language
One purpose of an interview is to see how well you react under pressure. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:

Frequently touching your mouth
Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
Gnawing on your lip
Tight or forced smiles
Swinging your foot or leg
Folding or crossing your arms
Slouching
Picking at invisible bits of lint

Another purpose of an interview is to see how well you communicate. Remember that communication is a two-way street; you must both listen and talk. If you are talking too much, you will probably miss cues concerning what the interviewer feels is important.

Make a connection
The purpose of the interview is to see how well you might fit into the organization. Successful interviews are one that concludes as if you and the interviewer are long lost friends. Tips to make a connection include:

Be optimistic and try to make others feel comfortable
Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. When appropriate, give examples through short, interesting, and humorous stories about yourself. Try to envision what functions you would perform that would benefit the organization and discuss those activities.

Dress properly
One component of the interviewer's job is to make a judgment concerning your ability to fit in the organization. One factor influencing that judgment is the attire you wear for the interview. Find out about the company's expectations for personal appearance--dress expectations, hair length, facial hair, etc.

Be on time
Most organizations look at hiring, at the entry level, prospects who will become professionals. If you are a professional, you work until the job gets done--which may be longer than 8 to 5. Being on time (or early) is usually interpreted by the interviewer as evidence of your commitment, dependability, and professionalism.

Send a "Thanks for the Interview" note
After an interview, send a thank-you note. After the final interview, time the thank-you note to arrive during the week you believe the hiring decision will be made. These notes serve as a reminder to the interviewer concerning your appropriateness for the position. You may mention a topic discussed during the interview.

When the job contact was made through the Internet or e-mail, send an e-mail thank-you note immediately after the interview. Mail a second letter timed to arrive the week before the hiring decision will be made.

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Kryssa Lighthall - About the Author:

Kryssa Lighthall is a writer for http://www.careersinhouston.com. Find Houston Jobs at the leading online resource for Houston Employment, CareersInHouston.

Best Tips to Get Job in USA

2010-03-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

onomies of the world providing good employment opportunities. In order to get a job in USA one has to be qualified enough with potential skills as per the requirement standards of the job profile. But in the last few years due to recession there are reports of job losses in the country. USA jobs are particularly market driven hence any effect on the current market can play a vital role in determining one's job security in the country to some extent. Jobs in USA offer immense employment opportunities for immigrants who come to develop their own career, though in this regard one has to possess H1 Visa or L1 Visa with specific work permit.

Many jobs in Washington are usually government centric as the city houses many important government official departments of the country. The recent slow down in US economy has vastly affected jobs in USA. Statistical figures reveal that the unemployment rate has reached an all time high of 7.6 percent and the number of unemployed people in USA is bound to increase by 4.1 million in the coming 12 months. One of the major worry factors about jobs in USA is the fact that there's less of job security. Though some cities in USA still continue to thrive well inspite of economic recession, as jobs in Florida offers good employment employment opportunities.

Jobs in New York are usually centered around the US automotive industry as it offers wide variety of employment opportunities. But in order to qualify for such jobs in USA one needs the right training along with a specialized technical degree from a renowned college or university. This automobile industry is fast spreading its wings in other parts of the country too. As those jobs in Texas particularly in the field of the automotive industry has widely become high-tech and technological, and so one needs to have rigorous training in this field to make a career.

The city of New Jersey offers unique employment opportunities. Facts indicate that New Jersey’s total production rate was $434 billion. Its important to note that almost all the prominent New Jersey’s counties are regarded as USA's richest counties. Though the region is well known to specialize in agro products such as nursery stock, vegetables, fruits and nuts, sea-food and dairy products, jobs in New Jersey are also centered around pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, food processing, production of electric equipment, publishing and tourism.

Its estimated that health care industry in USA is rising rapidly as the health care expenditures are supposed to increase to $2.72 trillion in 2010, on an average health care industry is now going to increase to 7%. While we talk of the Helthcare jobs in USA, its important to note that hospital care jobs, physician and clinical services are widely preferred by many. Nursing Jobs in USA have made great headways with new technological inventions which has prompted the introduction of imparting new methods of training courses to the aspirant nurses. These jobs in USA are in great demand.

The job openings in the field of health care are particularly offered in job positions such as Physical Therapist, Biochemist/Physiologist, Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapist Assistant, Audiology Technician, Patient Care Technician, Coding Compliance Specialist and physicians.

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/best-tips-to-get-job-in-usa-1269737.html"
Prem - About the Author:

Prem is an associate editor for the website www.naukrihub.com It is committed to providing visitors with complete information on latest jobs in India, job Market in India, Europe, UK, jobs in New Jersey, Delhi job fairs, Nursing jobs in USA, America and all over the World

Tips to Find the Best Loan

2010-03-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

How to Find the Best Loan?
At present it is difficult to meet someone who did not use a credit in one form or another, whether a bank loan, car dealers, credit supermarkets to purchase of consumer goods. When it comes to loan on the house, buying a business, buying expensive things choose the loan must be based on a well meaningful, serious decision, we are talking about major financial commitment for many years.

It would seem to be a universal algorithm that helps to choose the best, most suitable option.However, there is no such algorithm, prove this is not hard, just look at the variety of bank advertisements that offer all you want up to free loans, low or even zero initial payment, etc. All companies claim to have the best interest rates for a loan financing, so you need to know who truly offers the best deal for you.

Typically, they focus attention on one loan factor, or other factors not mentioned at all. Here is a simple calculation to attract the attention of a potential client, knowing that not everybody know the lending details.

Usually we have no time to search the best option for the loan, and we are not thinking long time, rush to the first offer which seems us as the best. In this case the effects of advertising are working. We are not prepared to have on hands the most optimal version of a credit for our needs. But the version of the best conditions of the loan should always be ready for use at any time.

Almost every person applied for a loan can get it regardless of his financial situation. The only question is under what conditions he will. The greater risk for the bank to experience problems of loan repayment, the more disadvantageous for the customer requirements for obtaining credit.

When you apply to a financial institution with the loan, you will be evaluated by them for the value of risk of bad loans. Just like you should have 100 points when you open a bank account your financial status will also be evaluated by the point system.

What are the main factors that will influence on the calculation of your ranking?

- The history of your payments. This includes not only the time you pay the bills, but with some regularity, you make a zero balance your credit cards. This factor will give you 30-35 points.
- The number of credit cards that you constantly use. On the one hand the more credit cards in your use the more common possible limit. That means a less risk for lender. On the other hand, it is important whether you do the minimum payments and decrease total available credit or your payments allow you to keep a high free credit. This important factor is valued as 20-25 points.
- Duration of use credit cards. The more time you are actively using credit cards, the more trust you get from lender. This figure is estimated to be 10-15 points.
- Availability of your other bank loans. If you already have credits and successfully guided them, then you know how to handle money. This indicator is usually estimated at 10 points.
- How often do you apply for the loans? If you frequently apply for the loans, it will work against you, even if you successfully repay them. This is a signal for a lender that you are constantly in money need.
When bank grants you the loan it takes into account your age, work experience, income, education, social status, whether the refusal to grant loans, whether you own real estate or renting property.

When you begin to search for a lender sometimes you get a surprise: each of the lenders has shown that he has the most favorable credit conditions and him comparative table follows that this is true.
Which of these best suits you? To answer this question, make our comparison table. Fill in this table the following estimates:

- One-time costs on the loan. This includes charges for loans, charges for the transfer of funds, other charges. Typically these costs are based on percentages from the loan amount.
- One-time credits on related services. These include credit insurance, life insurance of the borrower, notary services.
- Fixed costs. This is the annual interest rate on the loan and the monthly charges on the loan balance.
Draw up a table for each company offering you services on credit, you can easily find a lender with the most suitable for your circumstances.

When you are armed with the data obtained, please follow next advice. Good advice is to find companies that provide results with research of a lot of home loan and interest rate in the market. They research a lot of companies to find out the best offer and service on base a ratio of a quality to a price and they recommend only qualified, reputable and responsible of them.

Finally, having their own research results presented in the table and the opinion of independent experts, you are now ready for free consultation with a representative of credit companies.

It is very difficult to find the best offer you need among the large number of companies. The best way to have a right decision is familiarized with opinion of independent experts. To do so it is necessary find out the company that provided you with objective and independent information about various products and services. You could look at one of such company on http://www.vengos.com which has inspected a lot of companies to find out the best offer of loan on base a ratio of a quality to a price. As result they recommend one of the most qualified, reputable and responsible of them with the best quality for optimum price. It is represented on http:// http://www.loan.vengos.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valory_Nester

Craze of Studying Abroad

2010-03-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

Courses and Programs for Graduation

There is no limit to number of programs and graduation now days. Each development in field of science is a separate area which can be worked upon. American universities offer you courses and degree programs in almost all of these domains and you can carry on your research and development work there with advanced sources and means. Higher mathematics, engineering and aeronautical sciences are hot picks in science category whereas humanities students prefer to take sociology, public administration and history subjects for their graduation.

Hostels and Accommodations

American colleges and educational establishments are spread over acres of land area and provides lush green and healthy atmosphere for students and residents. These have luxurious and comfortable hostels for students which are usually divided into wings. It provides you all facilities like that of cafeteria, gyms, elevators, Washrooms, tennis courts and dancing and painting room to make living their interesting.

Renowned Universities

There are many renowned colleges and university campuses in America which takes in thousands of students every year. Valdosta state university, Michigan state university, Ball state university, New York University etc are some of the dream colleges of student from all over the world. These have comprehensive curriculum along with fantabulous infrastructure for students to learn and grow and have bright career opportunities.

Valdosta state university is situated in Georgia and it was founded in 1606. It is one of the oldest establishments in America and it is known to bring out bright and skilled manpower in various domains. It is quite popular amongst international students for their graduation studies. There are well furnished classrooms with all equipments and a faculty base of more than 600 teachers. Every teacher is proficient in six different languages so that foreign students do not face any kind of problem.

You can visit official state university website to get complete details about courses and programs offered in his university. Valdosta state university is one of the universities in America which provides graduate and post graduate programs in 28 different domains and brightens up your career opportunities. Log on to official website to get all details.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Mize_Russell

FTCE(Florida teaching certification examination)STUDY GUIDE

2010-02-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

Florida law requires all the prospective teachers to take a serious test for a legal authorization to teach. The test comprises of the basic skills-General Knowledge Test (GK), Professional Education test (PEd), and subject area examinations (SAE).

The GK test has total four subsets that include an essay, reading, mathematics, and English language test. The PEd (Professional education test, helps in testing the art of teaching and professional practices. The SAE (subject area examination) tests the examinee in the specific subject. The FTCE test carries all multiple-choice questions, excluding the essays.

People passing with flying colors in their academics fail to clear the FTCE test. The FTCE guide from teaching solutions will help you with your preparation for FTCE. The FTCE guide includes all the test topics and helps in very systematic study. Here is a brief overview of what the guide contains.

Study tips and technique

Mathematics: The simple technique is to break the question into smaller fragments and solve them individually.
Reading: The GK test also carries a reading part. The tips in our guide will help you with the reading comprehension.
Essay: The most important aspect of the GK test is the essay, which many people finds difficult. Our test guide includes certain vital tips that will help you to write a perfect essay.
English Language test: The simple tips and learning techniques in our study guide are perfect for a great score; irrespective of the language you speak.
Multiple Choices: The FTCE has all multiple-choice questions (except essay). The multiple choices are designed to puzzle you. But following our simple tricks and tips, you are sure to score high.
PEd (Professional Education test): The FTCE study guide will help also you through this section of the test.
SAE (Subject Area Examination): The FTCE guide contains meticulous information about each subject. You will get tips for the multiple-choice questions as well as an essay required in the few subjects.
Flash Card Study System: Flashcards are a very effective and efficient way of studying. Our study guide will help you learn this unique technique.
The FTCE guide is a step-by-step instruction for a sharp mastery of all the FTCE content including essays. It contains practice questions that are similar to the real test, which help you to improve your score. We encourage you to study smartly, instead of just studying for long hours.

Our course is heavily focused on self-help because it helps you in better understanding and thus yields good results.

Our extensive study guides are written by the experts in the related field and will surely help you achieve a competitive score in the FTCE and give you, your most wanted career option.

If you are interested in learning more about FTCE Study Guide, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.
THE LINK FROM; Teachingsolutions

Teaching Solutions provides test success systems to help you prepare for the FTCE Exams. Visit our FTCE Study Guide page for more information.

STUDY TIPS FOR ALL AGE STUDENTS

2010-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

With school started back up for the season for basically all education levels by now many of us have begun to think about all of the studying we or our children will have to do in the up coming months. But how do we or our children get the most from our studying so that it is not time spent on a useless activity. Anybody can sit down and read a textbook or notes but not everybody ahs the ability to retain that information as well as they may like to and need to in order to be successful in their education. What some people don't realize is that the smallest interruption or the most distant distraction can seriously affect study time. There are a number of ways though that you or your child can make the most out of their study time and really make there time spent work for them.

Studying should always be done in a quiet area that will stay quiet throughout the length of the allotted study time. Although some individuals feel that they study better with background noise in many cases this is hardly the way that it is as the music is a distraction if not a conscious distraction then a sub-conscious one. Understandably it can be difficult to keep a quiet area open to one member of a large household for any length of time but if it is conceivable you could make it a quiet time for everyone. For those that do not have to study it would be a perfect time for reading a book or the newspaper. If it is not possible to have complete silence though studying should at least be done in a quiet room where the door can be closed. After switching to studying in quieter rooms you will soon see the difference in the outcome.

Studying on an empty stomach can also result in wasted time. When we are hungry our minds tend to wander from other things to our feelings of hunger which can distract studying and result in not being able to retain what we are reading. Even if you are studying before dinner that will soon be finished it is a good idea to have a small, healthy snack so as to take your mind of your stomach. Many people are amazed at how much not studying on an empty stomach improves their retention of the information.

Finally, one of the most important things to do when you're studying to help yourself is take regular breaks, even if only for five minutes to stretch or get a drink. The reason this helps so much is because monotony tends to make our minds wander away from the task at hand which is exactly what you do not want to do when studying important information.

We all want to be successful in our education pursuits but with life's many different aspects we can get caught up in distractions easily and often. Follow a few simple rules and you will be able to make the most from your study time..............Author;Tara Smith

Honeymoon planning Tips

2010-02-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

1. Consider a mini-moon
If your finances or schedules don't allow for you to leave on your honeymoon immediately after your wedding, consider taking one or two days in a close-by location for a 'mini-moon'. After your wedding, you'll need a little decompression time and a mini-moon can be a cost-effective solution.

2. Use online resources
Many wedding planning websites, like OneWed.com, also offer destination wedding and honeymoon planning tips, specials, and ideas. The same resources that can help you save money on your wedding can help with your honeymoon.

3. Consider a travel agent
Today, most people book their own travel online. But, an experienced travel agent can help you get the best deals, and find the perfect locations.

4. Set a realistic budget, and set it early
If you’ll be paying for your wedding and your honeymoon out of the same checkbook, you'll want to keep your finances in mind as you're planning your wedding. Don't count on wedding gifts as a way to finance your honeymoon.

5. Start early
Even if you aren't going any place exotic, you'll want to start your trip planning much earlier than you normally would. The closer you get to your wedding, the busier you'll be and you don't want your honeymoon plans to get lost in the shuffle.

6. Put everything in your maiden name
It may seem cute to purchase your plane ticket in your new married name, but don’t forget, if you’re leaving right after the wedding, you won’t have time to legally change your name. If your Passport and driver's license have different last names, make sure to bring along a copy of your marriage license to explain the difference.

7. Book activities, bring reading material
For the past six months you’re every conversation has been taken up with wedding talk. You and your fiancé may need a little time to remember what else it is you like to discuss..............the link is from....www.sheknows.com/articles

How to save money on your Wedding

2010-02-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

Go off season
Winter weddings, even late fall and early spring weddings are less expensive than summer weddings.

Go off hours
In the same way that weddings not in the peak season cost less, weddings on Friday, Sunday, or even Saturday morning or afternoon are all less expensive than a Saturday night wedding.

Cut the guest list
This one is obvious, the more people you have, the more money it will cost.

Cut down your wedding party
A large wedding party is one of the hidden costs of a wedding. It’s true that your bridesmaids will pay for their own clothes, but you’ll buy a bouquet for each of them, as well as a gift. You’ll also have to invite all of them to the rehearsal dinner. Remember, for each bridesmaid you will probably also have a groomsman who needs a boutonniere and a gift as well.

Have a limited bar
Instead of having a fully stocked open bar, consider serving just one or two mixed drinks and wine and beer.

Close the bar during dinner
Only serving wine during dinner will not only cut down on your costs, it will also keep your guests from over-indulging. Instead of having bottles on the table, have waiters pour for your guests. This will not only look classy, it will prevent over-pours and save you money.

Ask about larger tables
Most tables are generally set for eight, but if you can set tables for 10-12, you can reduce the number of centerpieces you need. Discuss this idea with the caterer or venue manager.

Have a small wedding cake
This is an oldie but a goody. The cake you cut is small and decorative, meanwhile in the kitchen the catering staff is serving up the exact same cake only in sheet cake form.

Give your florist some wiggle room
Unless flowers are absolutely your obsession, consider letting your florist make centerpieces out of what’s inexpensive and available the week of your wedding.

Research online
Sites like OneWed.com not only offer ratings and reviews of vendors, they also offer great discounts on everything from wedding dresses to wedding shoes. Wedding blogs and forums offer a great chance to get ideas from other brides about how to cut costs without cutting style..............the article is from...www.sheknows.com/articles

Career Planning Tips

2010-01-11T22:35:00.001-08:00

1. Never Stop Learning
Life-long learning is your keyword.
The world is constantly changing, and everybody is looking for new ways of doing business.
If you have decided that your current skills are good enough, you have also decided that your current job is good enough.
But if you want a career in the future, you should add regular updates to your skills and knowledge.
2. Ask, Listen And Learn
A good listener can learn a lot.
Listen to your co-workers, your boss, and your superiors. You can learn a lot from their experience.
Ask about issues that interest you, and listen to what they say. Let them tell you about how things work, and what you could have done better.
Most people will love to be your free tutor.
3. Fulfill Your Current Job
Your current job might be best place to start your career.
It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes free.
If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career.
Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible - right inside your own organization - especially if you have proved to be a valued employee.
4. Build Your Network
Your next career step might arise from your contact network.
Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contact networks?
If you have a good contact network, it is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new opportunities.
Spend some time building new contacts, and don't forget to maintain the ones you already have.
One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what is new about their careers.
5. Identify Your Current Job
Your current job should be identified, not assumed.
Make sure you don't work with tasks you assume are important. This is waste of time and talent.
When you start in a new job, talk to your superior about your priorities. If you're not sure about what is most important, then ask him. And ask him again. Often you will be surprised about the differences between what you assume, and what is really important.
6. Identify Your Next Job
Your dream job must be identified.
Before you start planning your future career, be sure you have identified your dream job.
In your dream job, you will be doing all the things you enjoy, and none of the things you don't enjoy. What kind of job would that be?
Do you like or dislike having responsibility for other employees. Do you like to work with technology or with people? Do you want to run your own business? Do you want to be an artist, a designer or a skilled engineer? A manager?
Before building your future career your goal must be identified.
7. Prepare Yourself
Your dream might show up tomorrow. Be prepared.
Don't wait a second. Update your CV now, and continue to update it regularly.
Tomorrow your dream job may show up right before your nose. Prepare for it with a professional CV and be ready to describe yourself as a valuable object to anyone that will try to recruit you.
If you don't know how to write a CV, or how to describe yourself, start learning it now.
8. Pick The Right Tools
Pick the tools you can handle.
You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. Studying at W3Schools is easy. Taking a full master degree is more complicated.
You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials (like the one you find at W3Schools). Doing short time courses with certification tests might add valuable weight to your CV. And don't forget: Your current job is often the most valuable source of building new skills.
Don't pick a tool that is too heavy for you to handle!
9. Realize Your Dreams
Put your dreams into action.
Don't let a busy job kill your dreams. If you have higher goals, put them into action now.
If you have plans about taking more education, getting a better job, starting your own company or something else, you should not use your daily job as a "waiting station". Your daily job will get more and more busy, you will be caught up in the rat race, and you will burn up your energy.
If you have this energy, you should use it now, to realize your dreams........................... LINK SOURCE; http://www.w3schools.com/cert/career_tips.asp

How to Become Wealthy

2010-01-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

#1: Change the Way You Think About Money The general population has a love / hate relationship with wealth. They hate people who have it, but spend their entire lives trying to get it for themselves. The reason a vast majority of people never accumulate a substantial nest egg is because they don't understand the nature of money or how it works.
Cash, like a person, is a living thing. When you wake up in the morning and go to work, you are selling a product - yourself [or more specifically, your labor]. When you realize that every morning your assets wake up and have the same potential to work as you do, you unlock a powerful key in your life. Each dollar you save is like an employee. Over the course of time, the goal is to make your employees work hard, and eventually, they will make enough money to hire more workers [cash]. When you have become truly successful, you no longer have to sell your own labor, but can live off of the labor of your assets.
#2: Develop an Understanding of the Power of Small Amounts The biggest mistake most people make is that they think they have to start with an entire Napoleon-like army. They suffer from the "not enough" mentality; namely that if they aren't making $1,000 or $5,000 investments at a time, they will never become rich. What these people don't realize is that entire armies were built one soldier at a time, and so will their financial arsenal.
A friend of mine once knew a woman who worked as a dishwasher and made her purses out of old liquid detergent bottles. This woman invested and saved everything she had - a few dollars at a time. Now, she has a portfolio worth millions upon millions of dollars, all of which was built upon small investments. I am not suggesting you become this frugal, but make a point to put two or three dollars a day into an investment account. Before you know it, you are savings just shy of $1,000 a year. Do not despise the day of small beginnings!
#3: With Each Dollar You Save, You Are Buying Yourself Freedom When you put it in these terms, you see how spending $20 here and $40 there can make a huge difference in the long run. Since money has the ability to work in your place, the more of it you employ, the faster and larger it will grow. Along with more money comes more freedom - the freedom to stay home with your kids, the freedom to retire and travel around the world, or the freedom to quit your job. If you have any source of income, it is possible for you to start building wealth today. It may only be $5 or $10 at a time, but each of those investments is a stone in the foundation of your financial freedom.
#4: You Are Responsible for Where You Are in Your LifeYears ago, a friend told me she didn't want to invest in stocks because she "didn't want to wait ten years to be rich..." she would rather enjoy her money now. The folly with this school of thinking is that the odds are, you are going to be alive in ten years. The question is whether or not you will be better off when you arrive there. Where you are right now is the sum total of the decisions you have made in the past. Why not set the stage for your life in the future right now? How do you do that?...
#5: Instead of Buying the Product... Buy the Stock!Someone once asked me why they weren't wealthy. They always felt like they were putting money aside, yet never seemed to get any further ahead. The answer is simple... I told them to stop buying the products companies sell and start buying the company itself! According to a survey of America's affluent (those who make over $225,000 a year or own $3,000,000 in assets) showed that 27-30% of all the income the wealthy earned went into investments and savings. That isn't a result of being rich... that is why they are rich, and some of you reading this right now are not. When the pain of getting out of the bondage of financial slavery is greater than the pain of changing your spending habits, you will become rich. Either change, or be content to live like you are.
#6: Study and Admire Success and Those Who Have Achieved It... Then Emulate ItA very wise investor once said to pick the traits you admire and dislike the most about your heroes, then do everything in your power to develop the traits you like and reject the ones you don't. Mold yourself into who you want to become. You'll find that by opening yourself up and investing in yourself first, you will begin to provide ways for money to flow into your life. Success and wealth beget success and wealth. You have to purchase your way into that cycle, and you do so by building your army one soldier at a time and putting your money to work for you.
#7: Realize that More Money is Not the AnswerMore money is not going to solve your problem. Money is a magnifying glass - it will accelerate and bring to light your true habits. If you are not capable of handling a job paying $18,000 a year, the worst possible thing that could happen to you is for you to earn six figures. It would destroy you. I have met too many people earning $100,000 a year who are living from paycheck to paycheck and don't understand why it is happening. The problem isn't the size of their checkbook - it is the way in which they were taught to use money.
#8: Unless Your Parents were Wealthy, Don't do what They DidThe definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If your parents were not living the life you want to live - then don't do what they did. You have to break away from the way the past generations managed their finances if you want to have a different lifestyle than they had.
To achieve the financial freedom and success that your family may or may not have had, you have to do two things. First, you have to pay off all your debt. Make a decision that you will not allow yourself to be in debt any longer, and then when you have, do everything in your power to get out of debt. Put as much money as you can toward your payments, and before long, you will be able to 2.) start investing in stocks and / or mutual funds.
Purchasing equity is vital to your financial success as an individual. Not only does it provide extra income in some cases [through means of a dividend], but also provides the opportunity for your fortune to grow in synch with that of a company. Nowhere else can your money do as much for you as when you use it to invest in a business that has wonderful long-term prospects.
#9: Stop WorryingThe miracle of life is that it doesn't matter so much where you are - it matters where you are going. Once you have made the choice to take control back of your life by building up your net worth, don't give a second thought to the "what ifs" of finance. Every moment that goes by, you are growing and getting closer and closer to your ultimate goal - control and freedom.
Rest assured, it will happen. If you are diligent and work at it, the day will come when you make your last payment on your car, your house, or whatever else it is you owe. Once that happens, do everything you can to avoid going into debt again. When you see it for what it really is - slavery - you won't have a problem rejecting it.
BY Joshua Kennon,........... LINK SOURCE;http://beginnersinvest.about.com/library/nwealthy.htm

12 Quick Career Success Tips

2010-01-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Think building blocks- skills, talents,strengths that you assemble as you progress your career
Ensure employability through continuing education and professional development
Think roles rather than just jobs
Market yourself and what you have to offer
Be resilient - leave your ego behind
Stay culturally current
Be a compelling communicator
Find a mentor or coach
Build financial independence
Think like an outsider
Decide if you want to specialise
Don’t beat yourself up if everything does not happen as you expect it.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements is author of the Career Accelerator Self Coaching Workbook...............................................................................................................BY DRAGONS DEN, LINK SOURCE;http://goalsandachievements.com/career/12-quick-career-success-tips/

Ten Tips for the Best Education for Your Child

2010-01-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

Most parents whose children reach school age envision sending their children off to school in their new shoes and backpacks and waving as the bus pulls away. This role in their child's school experience would involve packing lunches, driving on field trips, bringing in cupcakes and helping with home work. But for many parents this dream quickly evaporates when they realize their child is struggling, not excelling, in school.
Whether a child is gifted or learning disabled, unique students who don't fit into the traditional mold of learning soon find that school is a daily dose of frustration, humiliation, and failure. Parents of these students are often caught by surprise when their role shifts from one quiet support to that of educated advocate.
Don't assume anything.
Helping your child does not take away from the other children. Your child has a constitutional right to an equal and adequate education.
Be clear on what you think the problem is before you initiate a meeting. The school may not realize there is a problem.
Research the problem and possible solutions before you meet with the school.
Be positive in negotiating with the school. Show a willingness to cooperate and do your part to help. But you are the expert on your child and his or her best advocate. Some gentle and persistent pushing may be necessary.
Insist on testing if it is needed and educate yourself on the meaning of the results.
Be present in the classroom, offer help, pay attention, notice, and always monitor your child's progress or lack there of.
If you reach a stalemate and the school is unable to help your child adequately, don't settle. Find the help your child needs outside of the school. If possible, try to integrate this into the regular school day.
Never forget that your child possesses the ability to learn, he or she just learns differently.
Be prepared for anything. It may work out the way you anticipated, but as long as you are there for your child, he or she will be okay. ; By: Wendy Sand Eckel (2000)....................... LINK SOURCE;http://www.ldonline.org/article/7749

9 Tips To Become A Good Parent

2010-01-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

If you are a parent then you know how much happiness children can give you. But you also aware of the tough times and situations you had to go through when raising them. Parenting a child can be difficult. Even the most patient and careful parents can make mistakes. Here are 9 tips to help you become a good parent. 1. Love your children.Alright I know you love your children but how do you show that love? Do you tell them everyday that you love them? Do you kiss them often? Do you hug them? Always tell your children how special they are. Tell them how much they mean to you and give them lots of hugs and kisses. 2. Give safety to your children.Most children are often scared e.g. when a lightning strikes or when they have a bad dream etc. Other children are insecure by nature. The fact is that all of them need to feel safe. Depending on your children's nature, take the appropriate steps to comfort them and protect them. I know you protect your children but do you show or explain to them how you protect them and why? 3. Spend time with your children.Your Children need your attention and your time. Spend some time with them doing nice things like reading a book, taking a walk or playing a game. You can let your children help you clean the house or water the flowers. It is a fact that bad children behavior is a result of the lack of attention, so spend some time with them and make them feel responsible. 4. Reward your children. All children need to feel they play a significant role inside the family. That's why they will always try to learn and advance. And they will need to know they're doing right. So, when they learn something new or when their behavior is appropriate, tell them how important that new thing was and how proud you are of them. But you also have to tell them that they should always keep trying to learn more. 5. Create a consistent set of rules.All families have certain rules, especially when it comes to children. Your family rules don't need to be the same with the rules of other families but they need to be clear and straight. Rules should not change often and if that happens make sure your children understood everything that's new. Rules should apply to all cases and situations like when you hire a baby sitter or leave your children to your parents etc. 6. Keep a regular schedule for your children.Children need to follow a strict schedule most of the times. A schedule will help them become disciplined individuals. For example you can make sure the entire family eats at certain times every day, if that's possible. You can send them to bed same time every day except, let's say, Saturdays or Fridays. Do your children brush their teeth when they wake up and before they go to bed? These are just some examples of a regular schedule. 7. Listen to your children.Children always have something to say. They seem to have a strong opinion about everything and at the same time they keep asking all kinds of questions. Always listen to their words. Sometimes they will ask complex questions that will surprise you. Take some time to discuss with them and try to give simple and meaningful answers. 8. Don't criticize your children.All children make mistakes. As I said nobody is perfect, even grown individuals make tons of mistakes. When your children make mistakes don't criticize them. They need to know what they did wrong and why is that thing wrong, so take some time to explain to them all they need to know. Criticize the behavior, not the child. 9. Don't spank your children.Most parents feel so frustrated and confused at times that they lose their temper and spank their children. Spanking achieves nothing but fear. If you feel frustrated or angry take a break. Try to control yourself. If you can't control yourself how do you expect to teach your children discipline and self control? You see, raising a child can be really tough and there isn't a perfect way to raise children because no parent or child is perfect. If you feel you need help or extra information on the art of parenting, then you might want to grab this parenting toolbox that will help you improve the relationships between the members of your family and become a great parent.
By Maria Markella,............. link source;http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parenting-secrets-9-tips-to-become-a-good-parent.html

LIST OF ONLINE DATING TIPS

2010-01-09T10:44:00.001-08:00

There’s a nervousness, thrill, and excitement that occurs when meeting a person for the first time face to face. Yet amongst the thrill, remember to always be on your guard when going out on a date with someone you barely know.
Here are 12 tips on dating safety to help you get started:
1. Arrange to meet him. Don’t let him pick you up from your home.
2. Meet in public places. If possible, double date or go out with a group of people.
3. Go Dutch by paying half of the bill. That way you won’t feel under any obligation to return the favor.
4. Remember that alcohol affects your judgment and lessens your inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at all times and don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what you are doing.
5. Use your own mode of transportation. And leave with a full tank.
6. Don't assume that a man is safe just because he claims to be religious.
7. Don’t let him know where you live. If you want to see him again, arrange a second date and then take it from there.
8. Avoid secluded areas such as parks.
9. Listen to your gut. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. And if you haven’t met him before, and you know at the beginning of the date that something doesn’t feel right, then leave immediately.
10. Always let someone else know where you're going and who you'll be with. You might even consider arranging a time to call and check in. Or you could arrange to meet up with friends later that night.
11. Give him your cell phone number instead of your home phone number.
12. Always remain alert. Even if you’re having a blast and the chemistry is great, it’s a good idea to remain alert the whole evening. Make sure you have a cell phone on you.
Dating safely is very important. In the initial stages of dating, you are still getting to know someone you know little about. By creating a safe environment to know the person, you’re creating a better situation for you.............. LINKS SOURCE ;http://bestlovetips.com/html/list-of-online-dating-tips.html

LOVE TIPS(BASIC)

2010-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

TRUE LOVE OR FAKE LOVE - HOW TO KNOW IF IT IS REAL
Finding out if what you have is true love can be tricky. Feelings must be analyzed before they can be identified for what they truly are. The best way to find out how you really feel about someone is to sit down and dissect the relationship.
Signs Of Not Real Love
Possible signs that it isn't true love is you...
think of your partner as absolutely perfect
are concerned with your needs first
need to spend all your free time with your partner
quickly became infatuated with your partner
tend to be jealous easily
can't come to a compromise after fighting
Signs Of A True Love
Possible signs that what you have may be true love is you...
accept your partner and their flaws
are concerned with your partner's needs first
are comfortable being apart from one another
slowly fell for your partner
trust your partner completely
are able to resolve a fight and grow stronger through it,........................... LINK SOURCE;http://bestlovetips.com/html/list-of-online-dating-tips.html

10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL CAREER

2010-01-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

1. Make Career Planning an Annual EventMany of us have physicals, visit the eye doctor and dentist, and do a myriad of other things on an annual basis, so why not career planning? Find a day or weekend once a year -- more often if you feel the need or if you're planning a major career change -- and schedule a retreat for yourself. Try to block out all distractions so that you have the time to truly focus on your career -- what you really want out of your career, out of your life.
By making career planning an annual event, you will feel more secure in your career choice and direction -- and you'll be better prepared for the many uncertainties and difficulties that lie ahead in all of our jobs and career.
2. Map Your Path Since Last Career PlanningOne of your first activities whenever you take on career planning is spending time mapping out your job and career path since the last time you did any sort of career planning. While you should not dwell on your past, taking the time to review and reflect on the path -- whether straight and narrow or one filled with any curves and dead-ends -- will help you plan for the future.
Once you've mapped your past, take the time to reflect on your course -- and note why it looks the way it does. Are you happy with your path? Could you have done things better? What might you have done differently? What can you do differently in the future?
3. Reflect on Your Likes and Dislikes, Needs and WantsChange is a factor of life; everybody changes, as do our likes and dislikes. Something we loved doing two years ago may now give us displeasure. So always take time to reflect on the things in your life -- not just in your job -- that you feel most strongly about.
Make a two-column list of your major likes and dislikes. Then use this list to examine your current job and career path. If your job and career still fall mostly in the like column, then you know you are still on the right path; however, if your job activities fall mostly in the dislike column, now is the time to begin examining new jobs and new careers.
Finally, take the time to really think about what it is you want or need from your work, from your career. Are you looking to make a difference in the world? To be famous? To become financially independent? To effect change? Take the time to understand the motives that drive your sense of success and happiness.
4. Examine Your Pastimes and HobbiesCareer planning provides a great time to also examine the activities you like doing when you're not working. It may sound a bit odd, to examine non-work activities when doing career planning, but it's not. Many times your hobbies and leisurely pursuits can give you great insight into future career paths.
Think you can't make a hobby into a career? People do it all the time. The great painter Paul Gauguin was a successful business person who painted on the side. It actually wasn't until he was encouraged by an artist he admired to continue painting that he finally took a serious look at his hobby and decided he should change careers. He was good at business, but his love was painting.
5. Make Note of Your Past AccomplishmentsMost people don't keep a very good record of work accomplishments and then struggle with creating a powerful resume when it's time to search for a new job. Making note of your past accomplishments -- keeping a record of them -- is not only useful for building your resume, it's also useful for career planning.
Sometimes reviewing your past accomplishments will reveal forgotten successes, one or more which may trigger researching and planning a career shift so that you can be in a job that allows you to accomplish the types of things that make you most happy and proud.
For more about accomplishments, read: Tracking and Leveraging Accomplishments.
6. Look Beyond Your Current Job for Transferable SkillsSome workers get so wrapped up in their job titles that they don't see any other career possibilities for themselves. Every job requires a certain set of skills, and it's much better to categorize yourself in terms of these skill sets than be so myopic as to focus just on job titles.
For example, one job-seeker who was trying to accomplish career planning found herself stuck because she identified herself as a reporter. But once she looked beyond her job title, she could see that she had this strong collection of transferable skills -- such as writing, editing, researching, investigating, interviewing, juggling multiple tasks, meeting goals and deadlines, and managing time and information -- skills that could easily be applied to a wide variety of jobs in many different careers.
For more about transferable skills, read: Transferable Skills.
7. Review Career and Job TrendsEveryone makes his or her own job and career opportunities, so that even if your career is shrinking, if you have excellent skills and know how to market yourself, you should be able to find a new job. However, having information about career trends is vital to long-term career planning success.
A career path that is expanding today could easily shrink tomorrow -- or next year. It's important to see where job growth is expected, especially in the career fields that most interest you. Besides knowledge of these trends, the other advantage of conducting this research is the power it gives you to adjust and strengthen your position, your unique selling proposition. One of the keys to job and career success is having a unique set of accomplishments, skills, and education that make you better than all others in your career.
For more about researching careers, review our Career Research Checklist.
8. Set Career and Job GoalsDevelop a roadmap for your job and career success. Can you be successful in your career without setting goals? Of course. Can you be even more successful through goal-setting? Most research says yes.
A major component of career planning is setting short-term (in the coming year) and long-term (beyond a year) career and job goals. Once you initiate this process, another component of career planning becomes reviewing and adjusting those goals as your career plans progress or change - and developing new goals once you accomplish your previous goals.
9. Explore New Education/Training Opportunities It's somewhat of a cliche, but information really does lead to power and success. Never pass up chances to learn and grow more as a person and as a worker; part of career planning is going beyond passive acceptance of training opportunities to finding new ones that will help enhance or further your career.
Take the time to contemplate what types of educational experiences will help you achieve your career goals. Look within your company, your professional association, your local universities and community colleges, as well as online distance learning programs, to find potential career-enhancing opportunities -- and then find a way achieve them.
10. Research Further Career/Job Advancement OpportunitiesOne of the really fun outcomes of career planning is picturing yourself in the future. Where will you be in a year? In five years? A key component to developing multiple scenarios of that future is researching career paths.
Of course, if you're in what you consider a dead-end job, this activity becomes even more essential to you, but all job-seekers should take the time to research various career paths -- and then develop scenarios for seeing one or more of these visions become reality. Look within your current employer and current career field, but again, as with all aspects of career planning, do not be afraid to look beyond to other possible careers.
Final Thoughts on Career PlanningDon't wait too long between career planning sessions. Career planning can have multiple benefits, from goal-setting to career change, to a more successful life. Once you begin regularly reviewing and planning your career using the tips provided in this article, you'll find yourself better prepared for whatever lies ahead in your career -- and in your life................. Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms................. ABOUT THE AUTHOR;Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com.

PET CARE TIPS

2010-01-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Clean FiltersWhen feeding my tropical fish I unplug the filter for their feeding time (about 15 min.) The filter doesn't pull their food into it. It keeps the filter clean much longer.

Flea ControlThe best and most effective means of controlling fleas that hitchhike into your home is to vacuum vacuum vacuum. A moth ball or two in your vacuum canister or bag (2.94 a box) will kill them for up to one month. Putting out mothballs will kill fleas in problem areas. Continue to vacuum in case any eggs hatch afterwards. Also you can bring your pet inside for a short visit to rid your home of fleas. Flea eggs hatch off animals and baby fleas live on ordinary house dust. They only need protein (blood) when they start to reproduce. Adult fleas will jump on the pet, and you can treat them afterwards. This takes more work, but it is safer as it does not use a lot of spray chemicals which can be absorbed into bare feet, and the cost is minimal.

Cheap Flea Prevention
Our dog had a lot of fleas and was scratching so much she had hot spots and her fur was falling out. We used expensive flea shampoo but nothing helped. We started using Lever 2000 deodorant soap and the fleas jumped off of her. Her hair has grown back and she rarely scratches any more. (Always consult a vet before administering any home remedies.)

How to Keep Animals Off Furniture
A great way to keep dogs and especially cats off of furniture is to put double stick tape (preferably poster tape) on the areas you want to prevent the animal from scratching or sitting. It does not hurt the animal, is inexpensive and does not harm the furniture if changed monthly. In time they will learn not to scratch or sit on the area even after the tape is gone. To keep cats from digging in your houseplants, put decorative rocks on top of the dirt.

no Office Visit Fee For Rabies Shots
If you have a pet that annually needs a rabies shot check with your local pet supply store (Petsmart in this area) about discount times. Locally a pet can be vaccinated for only the cost of the rabies shot weekdays from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. That's a tremendous savings, especially if you live in a state where the vaccine cannot be ordered and administered by you.

Spaying And Neutering Pets
Check your area for 'snap' Programs or Spay / Neuter Programs by your local spca. I found out that my local spca will send me a certificate (upon receiving payment first) that can be used at my veterinary office for much less than it would have cost me for using the same veterinary doctor/hospital! To neuter our male kitten my cost was only 19 instead of 68!

Puppy Trouble This is a tip for any puppy owner who couldn't stop his puppy from swallowing something he shouldn't. Recently my pup swallowed a buck-eye (a large seed from a tree). I called the vet emergency line and they said it was toxic. They recommended that I come to their office immediately so they could induce vomiting. I continued to call vets to get a second opion. A different Vet said to put about 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of salt on the back of her tongue and she will vomit. It worked within five minutes and I recovered the buck-eye. Ultimately this saved me a vet trip that could have cost over 100. Always consult a Vet first, every situation is unique.

Multiple CatsWith four cats of our own and fostering a mom and her four babies, odor and cat hair (I vacuum a lot!) are issues. Use long, under the bed, tupperware sweater containers for litter boxes. It tends to mask the odor better because there is more surface area for them to utilize. Also put paper under the scoopable litter and change the paper after you scoop. It prevent urine from building up on the bottom of the container and leaving an odor.

Save Big Money on Kitty LitterI have many cats--all are inside kitties--and was seeking a way to use litter that was safe (non-clumping) but cheap. I started using Feline Pine (pine pellets) which I loved for the ease of use and pleasant scent, but discovered a way to really save money. The Feline Pine runs about ten dollars per 20lb. bag. I now buy woodstove pellets at my local feed and grain or hardware store (just call and ask if they have them in stock ahead of time). The cost? Woodstove pellets are only $3.99 per 40lb. bag.

Help For Hot Spots My dog occasionally gets small reddish 'hot spots'. These look like areas that are maybe just getting licked too much. A little dab of Crisco rubbed in once (repeat in a couple of days if needed) clears these right up. It will look like the dog just licks the Crisco right off again but it still works great. No more painful looking spots on Spot! (Note: Always check with your veterinarian before trying or administering any procedure not prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. We make no representation that this or any other tip is advisable for your animal.)

Pamper Your Horse No expensive shampoos are necessary to make your horse happy! Simply buy regular on-sale people shampoo and use a mixture of dreft and water to dip the tail in a bucket to soak for awhile. Softens the hair and promotes easy combing. For stubborn burrs stuck in manes and tails use vegetable oil let it soak and the burr falls apart in your comb. Avon's Skin So Soft used on both you and your horse will keep you both fly free for an afternoon's riding. Happy Trails to You! (Note: Always check with your veterinarian before trying or administering any procedure not prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. We make no representation that this or any other tip is advisable for your animal.)

Pills For Your Pooch I have a hard time giving my golden retrievers pills. I found that if I break off an inch or so of a banana and push the pill into it my dogs love taking their pills!

Cheapskate PurebredsAim High! Want the best-bred best-cared for pet of all? Be specific when considering the pet of your dreams: color, age, size, temperament matter. Then be flexible. Look through pet classifieds, specialty magazines, and internet sites to see who has pups/kittens for sale. Ask who has the best animals in online discussions. For example, top breeders often have finished showing and breeding their best dogs, and may be willing to part with older dogs, retiring them to a good home. They often have potential champions needing more space, time and attention than is available.

Small Pet Bedding I save money on litter for my guinea pig bedding by shredding my old bills etc. and then mixing several handfuls of the shredded paper in with the expensive litter. This basically doubles the life of the litter and recycles the old paper. T

Male Cat Spray I have four male cats who sometimes like to 'spray' their territory. I have a spray bottle with 1/2 cup White Vinegar, one cup of Ammonia and the rest with water. I shake it up and spray, wash the area and then spray again to make sure the area does not smell. I use white vinegar (1/4 c.), ammonia (1/4 c.) and baking soda (1/4 c.) in the wash to clean all clothes that also might have their 'scent' to remove their odors also.

Free Doggie Bones!Our two huge dogs enjoy real bones although some vets don't recommend them we have always indulged....we find that at our locals grocers, if we go to the meat counter, and simply ask for a 'bone for our dog' they produce wonderful huge bones. Some are shoulder joint bones, etc, but they are enormous and free. Frequently meatcutters keep them behind the counter or in the back. If you ask for a bone for your dog, they generally have one, ask them if they charge for them. If unable to find one, for an occasional treat, check out the meat counter and you may find a huge 'soup' type bone for as low as 25-50 cents.

Dog Bed Instead of throwing away our families old pillows and pillowcases, I use them for beds for our dog. I can remove the pillowcase to wash as often as I need to. I air out and wash the pillow as often as needed and when it is necessary I throw it away and use another one. If the dog is the only one ready for a new pillow I can purchase a pair at Sams Club for about six dollars and they last for months. Our dog sleeps just as comfortable as she would on an expensive dog bed, if not better. (This 'bed' is already broken in!)

Protect Privacy/pamper a Pooch
We all understand the usefulness of protecting our privacy by periodically shredding certain documents that we no longer need. But what are we to do with the mountains of shredded paper we produce? Why not donate it to your local animal shelter? The shredded paper is great for lining cages and is in great demand at most shelters. And think about it who's going to go 'pawing' through your personal documents after the shelter is finished with them?!

Cat Hair Removal To remove most pet hair from furniture, especially cat hair, put on a pair of latex gloves and rub hands over furniture in one direction. Hair will clump for easy removal.

Removing Pet Hair From Carpet No matter which type of vacuum I use I have found out it is nearly impossible to remove all of the stray hairs my dog sheds on a daily basis. There are a few simple tricks that I found to be helpful. Take a broom and make short 'sweeps' towards yourself over the carpet after vacuuming. The friction helps pull the hair together in a pile that can be easily picked up and thrown away. Another option is to dampen a sponge or rag and wipe across the surface. This will roll the hair together making it even easier to collect..........LINKSOURCE ;http://www.circleofchristianwomen.com/MyWebs/selfhelp/Petcare.htm

Preparing A Family Budget

2010-01-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Every family should have some sort of family budget to take control of finances. Find out why preparing a family budget is so crucial to your family’s financial wellbeing and how you can get started.
One of the aspects of family life that people rarely enjoy dealing with is to set a family budget. It can be an arduous task filled with disagreement. One family member might see entertainment as a fundamental part of the budget, while another views it as a luxury that isn’t needed. Finding a common middle ground and sticking to it will guarantee financial success.
A budget is essentially a summary of lists of intended expenses and expected incomes. The aim is to strike a balance between income and expenses. Setting up a family budget can be different from one family to another based on their specific needs. While one family might feel content to save a certain percentage of their income to buy a car another would be satisfied with the idea of keeping their older vehicle and dedicating those funds to an annual family vacation. And not all family budgets are set in place by the family while sitting at their kitchen table. Some family budgets are designed by experienced financial planners and agents. But the intention is always the same, planning for present expenses and also preparing for the unexpected.
When you set out to set a family budget it’s imperative that you consider all of the financial needs and goals of each individual and also the family as a collective whole. Therefore it’s important to include the cost of items such as:
* Children’s college funds.* Saving for a new home or home improvements.* Retirement savings.* Saving for the unforeseeable, such as car repairs or loss of employment.
Every conceivable expense needs to be calculated as you work through the process to set a family budget. Naturally the adults will have the last say as they are generally the ones contributing the income to the running and maintenance of the household. Children’s needs have to be addressed as well, including the possibility of having to purchase items such as prescription eyeglasses or braces. If you don’t have a medical insurance plan to help supplement the cost of these items, they can take a fairly good bite out of your budget.
There are professional financial planners who are highly experienced in working with people to set a family budget. They generally do charge for their services and if you are trying to save money they can be viewed as either an investment or perhaps just an expense if you feel you can handle the process on your own. Another alternative might be to research any workshops in your area that are designed to help when it comes time to set a family budget. These can be either low-cost or no-cost and the information is extremely valuable.
Going through the motions to set a family budget can save you a substantial amount of money over time. No one likes to fall short in the financial department and not be able to provide for their family. With a reasonable budget in place, money worries can be a thing of the past, it just takes some planning and dedication.
Recommended Reading:Ultimate Debt Guide
Thanks to this guide complete with worksheet and personal coaching, my family and I will be complete debt free in 42 months (including paying our house mortgage in full). The principles taught in this program are simple, yet incredibly powerful. See for yourself. Click here to get Scott Steven's Ulitmate Debt Guide. ...........................................................................................................LINK SOURCE ; http://www.ourfamilybudget.com/preparing-a-family-budget.html

FAMILY BEST BUDGET TIPS

2010-01-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

The key to any family budget is to not spend more than I make. Here are some tips for living within my means.
Many families find themselves struggling to live within their means, either because they have too much debt, or because their spending habits/patterns are uncontrolled and they simply don’t know how to change. Here are some quick tips on reining in that spending, and keeping yourself debt-free.
1.Don’t use credit cards.
If you have credit card debt and are carrying large payments at high interest that are crippling your budget, talk to a community credit debt counselor. There are many groups that offer this service for free. They’ll help you to understand how the debt can be cut down faster, and whether a consolidation loan is a good idea. Credit cards are a temptation to spend money you don’t have. If you must have one card, leave it in the care of the person most responsible for your family’s financial health, and never use it except for emergencies that can be paid off within a short time.
2.Budget your money and expenses.
Even a simple budget in a notebook will work, or you can go to a spreadsheet on the computer. Gather all your bills, and calculate your monthly expenses, remembering to include a 1/12 portion of any annual expenses. Then take your gross income and figure out how much has to be set aside per week for absolute essentials. Whatever remains, is what you have for optional spending like savings, education or retirement funds, and entertainment.
3.Before you buy, ask yourself if you really need it.
That could be anything from a new stereo system, to a new car. Ask yourself if it’s worth going into debt for, or just how far it will stretch the family budget. Remember that you need room in your family finances for emergencies, and stretching your discretionary dollars to the limit, is never a good idea.
Recommended Reading:Ultimate Debt Guide
Thanks to this guide complete with worksheet and personal coaching, my family and I will be complete debt free in 42 months (including paying our house mortgage in full). The principles taught in this program are simple, yet incredibly powerful. See for yourself ................................................................................... LINK SOURCE;http://www.ourfamilybudget.com/tips-for-living-within-my-means.html

77 EASY TIPS TO RELAX

2010-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

No matter if you work in an office or at home, the following tips can help you make it through a stressful day.
Be Positively Selfish: Take time for yourself. If you aren’t good to yourself, you’re not going to be good for anyone else. Take a walk in the woods, soak in a tub; but, do it alone. Even if you don’t have kids, you can learn from this article about how to ‘gift’ yourself during stressful times.
Environment Matters: You don’t eat in the bathroom, and you don’t sleep in the garbage bin. But, if you take a look around, you may find that you’re simulating those negative environments in your office or bedroom. Spend time cleaning the clutter, as a pleasant environment contributes to a pleasant state of mind.
Productivity is Key: Although you may feel as though you can’t lift your pinky finger, thanks to apathy or depression, systematic productivity can help you feel good about yourself. Do one thing at a time and enjoy it; or, at least enjoy getting it done. Learn more from this free book about how to prevent stress through positive productivity.
Self-Massage: Learn how to relieve headaches, tired eyes, sore muscles and more through these short videos. Each video tackles a specific problem, and they’re all rated highly. This means you don’t need to stress out about paying a massage therapist; although a professional massage on occasion will help you feel righteous about yourself.
Learn How to Breath: Breath focus is a common feature of several techniques that evoke the relaxation response, a technique first developed in the 1970s at Harvard Medical School by cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson. Learning how to breath is one method involved in that technique, and a major factor in avoiding stress and fear.
Don’t Worry: Whether you’re spiritual or religious or none of the above, your ability to believe that everything will turn out ok is key to peace of mind. The saying, “Things happen for a reason,” may help you see the bright side in dark situations. Or, you can learn how to stop worrying unnecessarily through some techniques developed by Dale Carnegie in 1948.
Consider the Source: Relying on other people’s opinions is good for certain decisions. But, consider the source: if that person is placing a burden on you with guilt, wrong information or other negative motives, then you can detach from that source for some inner peace. Use the tips at this link to learn more about how to discern ‘good’ information from ‘bad’ sources.
Break the Monotony: Women and children are constantly warned to change their patterns if they walk every day to the same location. The reason behind this advice is safety, but it also helps bring vitality to life and a sense of control and peace. Change up your lifestyle (especially if you’re single) to see if you achieve the same feelings…turn off the TV and exercise, invite friends over for a game of cards or even think about a new career.
Get More Exercise: Stress may affect your heart, but stress from exercise strengthens your heart. You may hate to exercise, but you can find ways to move without calling it “exercise.” Walk around the mall and window-shop, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Do some housework or create a garden. Exercise can elevate your mood, help concentration and focus and help you sleep better at night.
Control the Noise: If you live near an airport, try to move. If your roommate watches car races all day long, buy some headphones for your roommate (and try to remember that car racing is seasonal). The point is to learn how to control the noise in your environment for your peace of mind. Noise pollution can take a toll on your health and happiness. See “Music Tips” below for more information.
Music Tips
Music can prove relaxing or stressful, depending upon your situation. The following tips may help you decide when, where and what you want to hear to help you focus and remain calm.
Learn About Music: Music can manage pain, improve mood and mobility, reduce the need for pain relievers and sedatives, relieve anxiety, lower blood pressure, ease depression and enhance concentration and creativity. Yes, really. Give it a shot.
Get a Beat Going: Research has shown that music with a strong beat can help provide sharper concentration and more alert thinking. Plus, rhythmic music may change brain function and treat a range of neurological conditions, including attention-deficit disorder and depression. Use music with a beat when you’re feeling down and need to focus.
Slow it Down: If you want to relax, the last thing you need is ‘dance fever’ music. Instead, choose something soothing. If soothing music can help overcome anxiety, stress and maybe even depression in pregnant women, it may work for you, too.
Control Your Environment: Why listen to news when you’re preparing a meal? You want love in that food, not stress. Whether upbeat or soothing, music can alter your environment, and never forget that you can control of the music choice and volume.
Music Therapy: Music can be used to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs for individuals of any age. If you want to learn more about how music affects you and your environment, visit the American Music Therapy Web site.
Eating Tips
You are what you eat…so if you eat junk food on the run, expect a lousy day. Sugar, salt and fatty foods are a great way to avoid the ability to focus and the peace of tranquility. The following tips will help you manage your intake for optimum health and well-being.
Eating Causes Stress: Even if you’re digging into your favorite food groups, eating causes what is known as “oxidative stress.” But, antioxidants can fight that situation, and healthy compounds found in fruits and vegetables will do the trick.
Manage Stress with Food: While eating food is stressful, certain foods are more harmful than others. Some foods can help you manage stress, some can help elevate your mood and others can calm and relax you. Try food, instead of drugs, to help manage your day. But, try to avoid overeating, as this activity can lead to obesity, which can lead to poor sleep and even more stress and depression.
Eat Your Good Cholesterol: And, help to eliminate the “bad” LDL cholesterol with certain foods such as oatmeal, olive oil, certain nuts and more.
Eat Fresh: You can avoid budget stress, achieve a calm mind and sleep better if you eat meals that are fresh, rather than salty and fatty foods and “junk food.” Overeating — and eating the wrong foods — are major factors that work against focus and tranquility. Use a meal planner like this one to help lower your stress about cooking, too.
Eat Regular and Right: No matter if you eat 100 calories per hour, three full meals with fruit snacks in between, or just three meals…a regular diet will help you sleep better and also will help you maintain energy and brain power throughout the day.
At Work
There is mounting evidence that work can age you, thanks to the stress involved in deadlines, negative environments and little room for mistakes. But, if you can apply some of the following tips, perhaps you’ll begin to feel younger and more tranquil:
Work in Fresh Air: If you can, try to work or study in fresh air. Open a window if possible or make sure ventilation is working well. Fresh air helps to keep your mind clear and focused and revitalizes your body.
Introduce Plants to the Indoors: If you can’t introduce fresh air, Plants help to absorb pollutants and they raise the level of fresh oxygen in the air, too. Plus, plants add visual appeal, and taking care of them often adds to one of life’s joys.
Take Sun Breaks: Take breaks to stand outside on sunny days. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is known to occur in individuals who don’t get sufficient amounts of sunlight. Melatonin, which is a sleep-related hormone, is secreted in increased levels in the dark. Good for sleep, but not for work.
Eliminate Tobacco Smoke: If you still smoke, do it outside. Don’t bring pollutants into your work or home environment, even if you continue to ingest them internally. This habit also helps to eliminate second-hand smoke, a problem that can cause cancer and other health problems for others.
Find Birds of a Feather: Those birds tend to flock together…if you want to get work done, hang around with the workers. If you want to relax, avoid the gossips, nay-sayers and whiners. If you work solo, try to stay in touch with positive people through social networks such as FaceBook, Twitter, etc. You can turn social networks off and on during the day, just like the phone.
Create a Focus: Even if you’re not interested in what you’re doing, try to fake it. Dr. Anne Reith, author of several gooks on student success, suggest pretending that you are a reporter who must write an article on a lecture. This type of concentration works during that board meeting as well.
Exercise Before or During Work: University of Bristol researchers found that employees who enjoyed a workout before going to work — or exercised during lunchbreaks — were better equipped to handle whatever the day threw at them. Try these “workexercise” tricks to get started and build from there.
Be in the Moment: In other words, avoid multi-tasking. While conducting two or more tasks at one time might seem productive, in reality you avoid focusing on a single task to completion. Multi-tasking the antithesis to tranquility.
Let Go: Of control, that is. You are not the Master of the Universe, even if you’re the boss. Learn to separate yourself from your tasks and learn how to delegate. Others will be happy for the responsibility and you will be less stressed and more focused on your priorities.
After Work
Develop Supportive Friendships: You may not want to develop these friendships among co-workers, vendors or other people who affect your work. Instead, look to family, friends outside of work and others who maintain similar interests and a desire to relax in a healthy way.
Help Others: One way to forget your own problems is to help others. One person even discovered that it helped his business when he helped his competitors. If you can’t go that far, at least help your neighbor, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or travel while helping to build homes. This is a great way to focus on gratitude.
Avoid the Bar: If you have a habit of visiting the local bar after work, try something different. Take a walk, head home and have a glass of wine with dinner instead. You may sleep better, and you can avoid all the bar drama and Karaoke as well.
Take a Class: Expand your horizons and develop more self-confidence through adult-learning classes. Instead of using these classes to advance your career, branch out into something different. Learn (or re-learn) how to cook healthy meals, take a yoga class or learn how to dance. You’ll focus on your new learning, which is a great way to put the workday behind you.
Make New Resolutions: You don’t need to wait for the New Year to make new resolutions. Create goals, and take baby steps each day after work to reach them. With each small step toward your goal, you may feel a sense of renewed focus and accomplishment.
In the Evening
Sometimes the best way to avoid stress in the future is to take care of things now. This includes the following items:
Plan Your Wardrobe: Plan ahead for what you’ll wear to work the next day or even for the entire week. If you need to do laundry or iron a piece of clothing or clean your shoes, this is the time to do it. Although you aren’t a kid in school anymore, laying you’ll be happy you took care of yourself when morning comes around (this article also shows you how to clean out that closet).
Prepare for Work: If you need to prepare for a meeting the next day or for other activities, make sure you have everything you need now. That way, you can wake up peacefully, knowing that you are in control of your destiny. If, as in this article, you must prepare for work in a home office, take heed and learn how to separate your office from your personal life.
Identify Stressors: Begin to identify the things that stress you out during the workday. Make a list, and begin to weed out those stressors. For those triggers you can’t eliminate, begin to find ways to make them less stressful.
Simplify Your Plans: While you’re taking care of the things you need for the next day, you can begin to see some items on your list(s) that you can eliminate. Take care of priorities, then see what you can eliminate…maybe you’ll have some time for that relaxing walk in the sun during lunch, rather than yet another meeting.
Identify the Source: As you begin to simplify your plans for the following day, touch base with how you feel about these eliminations. Maybe the stress is coming from inside you, and not from outside? If you can identify the source of your stress, this revelation could help you to obtain some peace.
Plan for the Unexpected: What if you lose your job tomorrow? Don’t be stressed; be prepared! Develop a “Plan B” during this time each day that will help you face the unexpected. Update your resume, learn new skills, and create goals that are achievable over a period of time. If you’re prepared for the unexpected, you’ll feel more confident and at peace.
Before Bed
There are many things you can do to invite tranquility into your life so you can sleep well. Here are a few of those ideas:
Pamper Yourself: Some folks think that manicures and pedicures are a waste of money, but one session with a professional can make a person feel like new. You can do this at home, too. Take care of your body and you’ll feel good about yourself. Plus, you can rest easier when you know you look your best (this includes men).
Home Spa Experience: If you have a hot tub, you already know how even a short soak can bring relaxation into your life. But, you can set up a spa in your bathroom, too. This link will take you to an article that will help with your home spa experience.
Practice Meditation: Meditation is not easy, especially if your head is spinning with things you MUST do. But, begin slowly and you may discover that meditation is a great practice, and it could help bring tranquility into your life.
Learn Visualization: Based upon guided imagery, you can learn how to imagine your future, one filled with a focus on success and tranquility. Can you have both? If you can visualize it, perhaps you can! At the very least, visualization is a great way to focus and to relax.
Light Exercise: If you’re feeling “antsy” before bed, try yoga to calm your body and soul. While some people can engage in vigorous exercise before bedtime, rigorous exercise is detrimental to sleep for others. You’ll need to discover what works for you.
Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation: When you tense and relax all the muscle groups in your body, you can relieve tension and achieve relaxation in minutes. You can try this in bed, too, to speed sleep your way.
Make Love, Not War: If you have a partner, you may know that sex provides a great way to relieve stress and tension. While you may not feel like making love when stressed, this actually is the best time to take a break and spend time with your partner. It sure beats arguing before bedtime!
Limit Fluid Intake: While fluids, such as water, are necessary for top-notch body functions, try to reduce the amount of fluids you drink before you sleep. This reduction can help you sleep through the night, rather waking in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
Try Trytophan Instead of Pills: Tryptophan, an amino acid found in foods such as turkey, chicken, fish, pheasant, partridge, cottage cheese, bananas, eggs, nuts, wheat germ, avocados, milk, cheese and the legumes, can make you sleepy. Tryptophan helps the body produce the B-vitamin niacin, which, in turn, helps the body produce serotonin, a remarkable chemical that acts as a calming agent in the brain and plays a key role in sleep.
Fall Asleep to Music: You may not like any songs on this person’s list, but it’s a starting point. No matter whether you like soft rock, classical or country music, you can create a playlist that will help you focus more on the music and less on the tornado in your head. Falling asleep to music may help you wake up in a different mood.
During the Night
If you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, then you aren’t achieving a path to tranquility or the ability to concentrate during the day. There are few tips listed here, because if you practice many of the other tips in the other categories, you may find yourself sleeping better anyway!
High Quality Sleep: How long do you sleep? Sleep deprivation can cause fatigue, reduce brain function and reaction times, and alters mood, among other negative side effects. Plus, lack of sleep can inhibit your desire to exercise or to do other things that will reduce stress and help you to relax. Try to get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.
Use Earplugs if Necessary: Does your partner snore? Is the neighbor having a late-night party? While many earplugs may prove uncomfortable, try moldable earplugs that you can shape and fit to your ear. You will achieve a great night’s sleep, but make sure that alarm clock is set to “high” so you wake up!
Help for sleep: Consistently poor sleep now is associated with overeating and obesity. But, exercise and a balanced diet will help you tackle several problems at once. Plus, attention to your environment and what you eat and drink are huge factors that you can control.
Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders often are caused by a number of factors, including heavy meals, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Other problems for a healthy sleep include stress, depression, late vigorous exercise and emotional or mental problems. Try to eliminate as many causes for irregular sleep as possible.
Get Help: If you have eliminated all possible problems for sleep disorders and you still can’t sleep, then seek help. Continued sleep disorders can lead to physical disorders and emotional problems. An article like the one linked here can give you information you might need to tackle various sleep problems, one problem at a time.
In the Morning
If you’re stressed or depressed, the best time to get yourself in the mood for the day is in the morning. While you may not want to get out of bed, perhaps some of the following tips can help revitalize you and relieve some of your stress.
Wake up to Music: While some people might want to hear soothing music in the morning, try something with a beat, instead. The beat could help move your heart and breathing to go in sync with the music’s beat. But, if the music makes you jittery, slow it down.
Deep Breathing: Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. At the same time, deep breathing can help you focus and feel re-energized. Before you leave the bed, do some deep breathing exercises to get your blood moving in a positive way.
Morning Massage: You don’t need to leave your bed to practice some stimulating massage. Big stretches, head massages and “scalp tapping” can stimulate your body and soul. Try the routine suggested in this article at the UK Guardian.
Stretch: As you age, you begin to lose some muscle tone and range of movement. Simple stretching can help you retain your range of motion. But, be careful: stretching also can cause injuries, so start slowly. A side benefit is that stretching gets your blood moving, helping you to focus.
Eat Breakfast: Yes, this is the most important meal of your day. You are “breaking a fast” that you endured during sleeping, and what you ingest now can make or break your morning. If studies show that children who eat breakfast perform better in school, it doesn’t take much thought to realize that adults could feel and perform better at work.
Take a Walk or Exercise: Like stretching, walking can contribute to brain ‘fitness’, but it also helps to strengthen your heart and can delay or prevent major diseases or illnesses. Exercise, also, can help you feel on top of the world, especially if you exercise in the morning. You get a kick-start, a new focus on your day, and this practice also helps you to sleep at night.
Start with Green Tea, Not Coffee: A cup of green tea can fill you with antioxidants and is a healthy lifestyle choice to start your day. If you feel the need for caffeine, you can find it in some green teas to help wean yourself away from the brew.
Drive Time
Ever feel that road rage coming on while driving to and from work? Here are a few solutions that can help you focus and retain a tranquil morning.
Manage Your Time: Plan to arrive early, so if traffic is slow you won’t be late. Often, road rage occurs when we’re angry about the inability to control a situation. If you plan for enough time to travel, you can retain your equilibrium.
Breathe Through the Tension: Did you learn how to breathe correctly to relieve tension? Use your knowledge now to make it to the next stoplight.
Listen to Audio Books or Music: Use this down time to listen to music or to catch up on your audio “reading.” Soothing music, upbeat dance tunes or funny audio books can help break any tension you might feel. And, you might just sing along to release some anger. Just be sure to concentrate on traffic when you’re moving again.
Take Public Transportation: If you take the bus or train, you might find time to catch up on your reading. Leave the driving to someone else and arrive unhassled and fresh to and from work.
Ride Share: While ride-sharing helps cut gas costs, it also can keep you in line. You might curse at another driver when alone, but you might hold your tongue with someone in the car. You can relieve that tension later on the treadmill. Use local tools like the one linked here for Cal Poly students to find a person to ride with you.
Try Automotive Aromatherapy: New studies have shown that the smell of cinnamon or peppermint might take the edge off road rage during your next traffic jam. Peppermint and cinnamon odors boost motivation, performance, and alertness while cutting fatigue and stimulating the brain.
Be Productive: If down time is what gets under your skin, turn that traffic jam into a production session. Make sure a tape recorder is with you at all times, so you can take notes or dictate letters.
Maintain Healthy Choices
Even if you can’t afford health insurance, think about spending a few dollars here and there on health maintenance. Silent killers, such as cholesterol and high blood pressure are especially important to monitor. If you are in good health and you know it, it’s easier to focus and maintain a relaxing lifestyle.
Learn About Blood Pressure: A stressful life can lead to higher blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Your systolic blood pressure should be below 140 and your diastolic blood pressure below 90. Certain individuals need to achieve even tighter control of their blood pressure.
Get a Blood Pressure Monitor: You can check your own blood pressure daily or even twice a day. Additionally, owning a cuff means that you can check your blood pressure after exercising. This tool is a huge help for you and your doctor as you can help that doctor stay on top of any changes in your health plan.
Check Cholesterol Levels: The only way to know if you have a healthy cholesterol level is to get it checked. If you have not had your levels checked in the past year or two, get them checked now. The ideal level for your LDL (”bad” cholesterol) is less than 100. Keeping your HDL (”good” cholesterol) levels up is also important. Know your lipid levels and talk to your physician about the best plan of action to keep your cholesterol levels ideal.
Keep a Journal: When you document your progress in a journal, you can begin to see your progress in all your goals. This is a tool that help you reach for more changes that will help you avoid stress and meet tranquility head on.
Understand Stress Myths
Finally, it’s good to understand that some stress is good. Stress can force positive and healthy changes, and — since relaxation and focus is the opposite of stress — you can use stress as a measurement to determine your progress toward a better life. The following myths may help you understand whether a renewed focus and tranquility are possibilities for you…since stress is, after all, unavoidable.
Stress is the Same for Everyone: No, it’s not. Some younger folks or healthier people or those who have a higher tolerance for risk may handle stress better than others. Some people thrive on stress, while others need more serenity in their lives. Only you can determine where you stand on stress boundaries.
You Can Avoid Stress: Stress is everywhere so you cannot avoid some stress, but you can do something about the level of stress you experience. Each day brings new surprises, and not all those surprises are great for your peace of mind. However, if you’re prepared to meet these challenges head on with a healthy body, a great support group and preparation, you may experience a new focus and serenity.
You Know When You’re Stressed: Not necessarily. Some people have been under so much stress for so long that it feels like a way of life. Minor stress symptoms, such as headaches and heartburn, cannot be ignored, however. Before long, you may experience major symptoms such as heart failure or stroke. At that point, it may be too late to turn your life around. Don’t let your stress, even minor, gain the upper hand over your health, focus and tranquility.
All Relaxation Techniques Work: Every person responds to different techniques in different ways, just as every person reacts to stress differently. Some people may need to use a punching bag before he or she can relax. Others may just need five minutes of a beautiful sunset to turn a day around. You won’t know what works for you until you try it, however. So, get started with this list to find what works for you. ...................................................................................... LINK SOURCE ;http://nursingassistantguides.com/2009/just-relax-77-easy-painless-tips-to-focus-invite-tranquility-in/

28 TIPS TO HELP YOU RELAX(STRESS RELIEF)

2010-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

Stress relief tips
At home or at work1. Sit still and focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply for eight seconds, then exhale slowly for eight seconds. Repeat this five or six times. It helps bring more oxygen to the brain.2. Stretch. With your chin down, slowly roll your head from shoulder to shoulder.
3. Make faces (try immitating Jim Carrey) in a mirror to stretch out tense facial muscles -- and provide a good laugh, too!
4. Be optimistic. Think of ways to turn difficulties into opportunities.
5. Count your blessings. Make a list of everything you're grateful for (and keep it handy for your next bout).
6. Find a stress-free sanctuary. Go to a spot where you can find some peace and privacy, even if it's a bathroom stall.
7. Go for a walk around the block.
8. Visualize. Breathe deeply and think of a place that gives you comfort: a private beach, a garden, a cozy room.
9. Turn off the ringer on your phone.
10. Have a banana. It'll boost your energy and replace potassium, which is depleted quickly during times of distress.
With the kids11. Cloud-watch. Looking for interesting patterns together will calm you both.
12. Stretch together.
13. Let them brush your hair. While they play, you'll get a scalp massage.
14. Hug.
15. Gently massage your child's shoulders or feet, then let her massage yours.
16. Have a stock of activities that you know will keep your child occupied for a few minutes while you sip some tea.In the middle of a task. 17. Minimize negative self-criticism. Delete the chatter in your head and choose constructive ways to look at yourself and the situation.
18. Check in with your body. Is your jaw clenched? Are your shoulders up around your ears? If so, adjust your body position.
19. As a general rule, remember to keep your head up, your shoulders down and your back and jaw relaxed. And don't forget to keep breathing.
20. Focus. Think about what you're doing instead of how you're doing, Packed for pressureKeep a stash of de-stressers on hand. Here are some items to include.
21. A picture of a favourite relaxation spot or a book of beloved quotations or treasured poems.
22. An item that's guaranteed to give you a good chuckle: maybe a Slinky or a rubber chicken.
23. Ginger. Add a pinch of powdered ginger to hot water for a soothing drink. Don't exceed three cups a day and if you have intestinal difficulties, speak with your doctor first.
24. Chamomile tea.
25. Calming scents. Essential oils such as lavender, geranium, petitgrain, sandalwood, neroli, ylang-ylang and bergamot soothe and relax. Combinations of these oils can be used in either spray, roll-on or diffuser form.
The buddy systemStrike a deal with a trusted friend or co-worker to be stress-busting pals. Some ideas:
26. "5 x 5" -- take five minutes to talk about the problem and another five minutes to work on a solution.
27. Whine! Bellyache about what's making you feel stressed. Get really dramatic and by the end you may both find yourselves laughing hysterically.
28. Trade shoulder massages.
The preceding tips were compiled with the assisstance of Penny Lawson, wellness professional; Helen Martinic, dietitian; and Dana Sinclair, sports psychologist..................................... LINK SOURCE;http://www.canadianliving.com/health/mind_and_spirit/28_tips_to_help_you_relax_instantly

TIPS FOR SAFE, SMART SEX

2010-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

It is always smart to talk about sex with your partner, a peer educator or a healthcare professional before you make the decision to have sex. While sexual intercourse always involves some risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease, there are definitely ways of making your sexual experiences safer. Here are 10 simple things you can do, say and think about now before you have sex:
1. Talk smart sex first. Have smart sex later. STIs and unintended pregnancies affect both partners, not just one person. If you feel uncomfortable discussing sex and birth control with your partner, then you shouldn't be having sex. Be straightforward and talk about sex beforehand so both partners know what to expect. It's easier to be rational and reasonable before you're in the "heat of the moment."
2. Don't feel pressured to have sex. Or have sex out of fear - fear of hurting someone's feelings by saying no or fear of being the "only one" who isn't doing it. Virtually everyone wants to fit in with his or her friends, but you should never compromise your values to be "part of the crowd." If you don't want to have sex, be honest, discuss the reasons behind your decision with your partner and stay true to you.
3. Don't abuse alcohol/use drugs if you think things could get physical. Drug use or alcohol abuse interferes with decision-making, which can lead to date rape, forgetting to use contraceptives or contracting an STI. The lowering of inhibitions that often accompanies alcohol use might make you think you'll enjoy sex more, but in fact, for a variety of biochemical reasons, too much alcohol actually makes sex less enjoyable for both men and women.
4. Two are better than one. To help prevent both pregnancy and STIs, you should correctly and consistently use a birth control method like the Pill, contraceptive injection or diaphragm (for pregnancy prevention) and a condom (to prevent STIs). Condom use is essential, especially in relationships that are not monogamous. If your partner says no to contraceptives that may prevent STIs, like condoms, it's probably time to rethink your relationship. Nothing is worth the potential lifetime consequences of a few minutes of unprotected fun.
5. Use the buddy system. If you go to a party or a bar, go with friends and keep an eye out for each other. Agree that you won't leave with another person without telling someone. Sometimes a friend's "second opinion" could help prevent you from making decisions that you might regret later.
6. Remember that "no" means NO and passed out doesn't mean YES. Being drunk isn't a defense for committing sexual assault. If you are too drunk to understand a person trying to say no; if you are too drunk to listen and respect a person saying no; or if you have sex with somebody who is passed out or incapable of giving consent, it can be considered rape. Click here to read about how men and women can avoid the consequences of date rape.
7. Respect everyone's right to make his/her own personal decision - including yourself. There is no imaginary "deadline," no ideal age, no perfect point in a relationship where sex has to happen. If your partner tells you that he or she is not ready to have sex, respect his/her decision, be supportive and discuss the reasons behind it. It is everyone's ultimate right to decide when and how they have sex - be it the first time or the tenth time.
8. Be prepared for a sex emergency. Consider carrying two condoms with you just in case one breaks or tears while it's being put on. Both men and women are equally responsible for preventing STIs, using contraceptives and both should carry condoms. Sometimes things go wrong even when you try to do everything right. Women should also know about emergency contraception or EC. Taken within 72 hours of intercourse, EC may prevent pregnancy. 9. The best protection doesn't mean less affection. Abstinence is actually the most effective way to protect against STIs and prevent pregnancy. But practicing abstinence doesn't mean you can't have an intimate physical relationship with someone - it just means you don't have vaginal or anal intercourse. There are many other ways to be intimate and not have intercourse - just be aware that alternatives, like oral sex, carry their own risks. 10. Make sexual health a priority. Whether you are having sex or not, both men and women need to have regular check-ups to make sure they are sexually healthy. Women should have annual gynecological exams. ,....... link source;http://www.smartersex.org/safe_sex/safe_sex.asp

Changing Jobs

2010-01-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Concept of Changing Jobs: Especially if you are pursuing a career in support functions, planning to change jobs on a regular basis, such as once every 2-3 years, can be a judicious strategy for advancement. This includes both changes of position/responsibilities within a given firm and changes of employer. An alternative and complementary strategy is redefining your job.
Rationale for Changing Jobs: Broadening your experience across job functions will enhance your value, and help you in surviving layoffs. This is particularly true in Wall Street firms, where relatively thin staffing in Support functions places a premium on the ability to multitask across disciplines. Also, in today’s business environment, with mergers, downsizing, and other upheavals, it is increasingly rare for people to spend an appreciable length of time with a given employer. Partially as a result, the stigma that used to attach to "job hopping" (frequent changes of employer) is very much diminished today.
Moreover, there is an increasing trend among employers to treat long-term, loyal employees (what few are left, that is) as if they lack energy, ambition, and perhaps marketable skills as well. Otherwise, per this line of reasoning, they would have obtained better-paying, more responsible jobs elsewhere. When such long-term employees find themselves out of work due to layoffs, they may have some difficulty getting hired elsewhere because of this mindset. Thus, in today’s world, it actually may be a high-risk strategy to stick with one employer for a long time, even if you have that opportunity.
Finally, changing employers is traditionally the fastest path to securing a significant hike in pay. Most firms tend to have restrictive rules on the rate of pay increase available to existing employees, even those changing jobs or gaining promotions.
Caveats on Changing Jobs: If you are the sort of producer who controls your firm’s relationships with a group of specific clients, most notably a financial advisor, you should be very careful about changing firms.
First, shifting their accounts to your new company will be burdensome to your clients. A significant number may prefer to remain clients of your current employer rather than endure these transitional problems. Other clients may have their primary loyalty with your current firm, rather than with you.
Second, there may be legal or contractual impediments to your bringing existing clients along to your new employer. These impediments must be explored in detail, with appropriate legal help, before considering any such move...........THE LINK FROM; http://financecareers.about.com/od/changingjobs/a/changejob.htm THE AUTHORE;By Mark Kolakowski, About.com Guide

SOME MORE HOT TIPS FOR JOB

2010-01-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

Not taking the opportunity to ask intelligent questions about the company and/or positionThe interviewing process is not just an opportunity for the company to evaluate your fit for the position; it?s also your opportunity to evaluate how well the company and the position match your ideal job. Asking questions not only helps you determine how well-suited you are for the position (and it for you), but also clearly indicates that you have done some basic research about the organization. Don?t ask questions just for the sake of asking questions. Intelligent, poorly-worded questions can frequently do more damage to your reputation than remaining silent.
Failure to practiceEven the best public speakers need to take the time to practice delivering and answering detailed questions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will get with your answers and the material, allowing for a much smoother delivery. Talking too much (or not at all)
The best answers are succinct, but detailed. Interviewees who ramble on and on come across as trying to compensate for some weakness, while those individuals who just sit there and stare appear as though they are in shellshock (and maybe in over their heads). Neither of these scenarios is ideal in an interview situation. Choose your words carefully and sparingly, but don?t be a mute.Bad-mouthing previous managers or companiesOne of the fastest ways to turn off an interviewer is to bad-mouth your current or previous employer. This raises questions about your loyalty and integrity, and labels you as unhappy and a complainer. Even if you worked in a sweatshop with no lights, running water, or meal breaks for 18 hours a day, keep all negative commentary to yourself.Fail to explain why they are a good fit for the position (and the company)If you leave it up to the interviewer to evaluate if you are a solid fit for the company, then you risk the chance that they might not make the decision you?d like to hear. Make it easy for the interviewer for hire you by connecting your experiences, talents, and strengths to the job description.Don't state that you want the jobOnce the interview has concluded, if you want the job, let the interviewer know that you are still interested in the position. Since the interview is as much about your evaluation of the company and the position as it is them evaluating you, don?t assume the interviewer knows you still want the job. Reiterate your interest and inquire about the next step in the hiring process. ..........................................................................................ABOUT THE AUTHOR;Laura Adams is a qualified careers advisor with 11 years experience. Teaching Careers Information - Resources, News, Tips and Views to help Teachers find their dream jobs. http://www.Teaching-Job.info

Top 10 Things People Do Wrong at Interviews, And How To Avoid Them

2010-01-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

face-to-face interview is the most stressful part of the job search for many individuals, but it is also a critical component of the recruiting process. Up until this point, you have been able to hide behind your resume and cover letter. As the selection process starts to draw to a close, though, it?s time to impress the hiring team. A large part of a successful interview is avoiding potential pitfalls that can undermine your ability to impress the hiring team. The top ten critical mistakes that people make when interviewing for a position are:
Arriving late to the interviewArriving late makes a strong negative first impression and will raise questions in the interviewer?s mind about your reliability and punctuality. Always ask for directions to the interview site and double-check a map so that you know where you are going. Don?t forget to allow extra time for traffic and other unforeseeable events.Poor dress attire and groomingRemember that professional companies are looking to hire professional individuals, not the beach bum who just shook the loose sand from his hair. Dress conservatively in a well-fitting suit and keep jewelry, makeup, and fragrances to a minimum. It?s also important to always take a shower, brush your teeth, and comb your hair before an interview as well to present to clean, polished image.Failure to do research about the company prior to the interview
Show you are interested in the company for by doing some outside research before the interview. This attention to detail sends a clear message to the interviewer that you are serious about the position and are willing to go the extra mile. This research will also help you determine if the company?s industry, products/services, and culture are a god match for you.Failure to give specific examples of your experience and measure your skills against the positionInterviewers want to know more than just the bare bones of your experience. They are interested in the specifics of task how you performed, challenges you have faced, and the methods you have used to overcome those challenges. This is especially true of behavioral interviewers. Take the time to give the interviewer specific examples of how you have performed and how these collaborate to the duties of the position. If you can draw a clear parallel between your work experience and the position you are interviewing for, you have a much higher chance of being successful in the interviewing process.................................................. THE LINK FROM;http://tipsandjobs.com/article5.html