How to Use Overture to Identify a Hot Demand

The Overture Search Tool is a wonder to behold. There are so many tools and so much help available at the site that when you visit you will be asking why nobody has told you about this before now. The costs are small and the services are large and extremely helpful to Internet entrepreneurs. It is free to join the site and there are so many ways for you to help yourself.
You can locate the best keywords for your business you can find out what the top bid is on the best key words and you have to opportunity to place a higher bid. For only the very small price of $1.99 you can get even more help….and from professionals.

There are a couple of differences to take note of, however. The free service gives you access to the STST. The way that overture will make a profit here, since the service is free, is by selling you the best key words. There’s nothing wrong with that…everybody has to make a profit to stay in business. The Keyword tool on Google gives a complete different set of Keywords. They don’t sell the keywords so it makes you wonder which list of Keywords are the best.

If you have not yet made use of Overture, this is certainly a tool you should take the time to explore. Bidding very high on the best Keywords can move your advertisements into the top ten search results in the major search engines very quickly.

We all know that search engine optimization (SEO) is the key to making sales and making use of Overture is one of the best ways to accomplish that task.

Overture was originally named GoTo dot com. It changed its name to Overture in October, 2001 and was purchased by Yahoo in 2003.

By : The Author

The Key To Distributing Articles

So you have written a great article on your area of expertise, but how are you going to distribute it? This is where many people fall-over in the article publishing business. If you create an article and put it on your site people aren’t just going to turn up and read it. This reminds me of an old story I was told by a friend.

When he was a child he decided to make chips and sell them to make some pocket money. He made the chips and set up the stall in his parent’s kitchen. Of course being young and naive, he didn’t tell anyone he just expected people to turn up! Of course they didn’t. The same goes for your article writing. In order to be successful, you must circulate the article.

The best way to circulate the article is to use one of the top distribution services and article directory services. For example:

• Articlesnet.co.uk
• Isnare.com
• Submityourarticle.com

These companies will either put your article up on their site, and due to the high traffic readerships of these sites you will gain extra readers. Alternatively if they are a distribution service they will email your article to lots of ezine and newsletter authors. They, in turn, will then email your article to all their readers. Obviously the article has to be of a high enough standard. Many of the distribution services have arrangements with other large article sites and will automatically submit your article to these sites.

One final tip to aid in circulating your article is to create an RSS feed. You can then distribute your article RSS feed and ping all the major RSS search engines. They will index your article and this again allows you to tap into many more readers.

I hope these tips help you in your article publishing. ^.^'

By : The Author

Obama Presses for Quick Jolt to the Economy

James E. Clyburn, left; Steny H. Hoyer; John A. Boehner; and Nancy Pelosi, House leaders, met with President Obama on Friday.

Image By : Jackie Calmes & David M. Herszenhorn
Re-Post By : The Author

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Friday stepped squarely into the fractious effort in Congress to assemble an $825 billion economic recovery package, seeking to quell criticism from both parties and to retain leadership on an initiative that could define his term.

Through his budget director, Peter R. Orszag, Mr. Obama committed to seeing that three-quarters of the combined spending and tax cuts would be used within 18 months, to provide the fiscal jolt that economists say is needed to jump-start the economy.

Mr. Orszag’s letter of assurance to Congress sought to rebut some Republicans’ accusations that little of the spending in the House version of the package would get into the economy quickly enough to be effective.

For the first time as president, Mr. Obama also met with the leaders of both parties in Congress, in keeping with his campaign promise of bipartisanship.

Yet in a polite but pointed exchange with the No. 2 House Republican, Eric Cantor of Virginia, Mr. Obama took note of the parties’ fundamental differences on tax policy toward low-wage workers, and insisted that his view would prevail.

At issue is Mr. Obama’s proposal that his tax breaks for low- and middle-income workers, including his centerpiece “Making Work Pay” tax credit, be refundable — that is, that the benefits also go to workers who earn too little to pay income taxes but who pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Republicans generally oppose giving such refunds to people who pay no income taxes.

“We just have a difference here, and I’m president,” Mr. Obama said to Mr. Cantor, according to Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, who was at the meeting.

Mr. Emanuel said that Mr. Obama was being lighthearted and that lawmakers of both parties had laughed.

Mr. Cantor, in an interview later, had a similar recollection. He said the president had told him, “You’re correct, there’s a philosophical difference, but I won, so we’re going to prevail on that.”

“He was very straightforward,” Mr. Cantor added. “There was no disrespect, but it was very matter-of-fact.”

In a day focused on the economy, Mr. Obama also attended what is now a daily economic briefing at the White House, met with his staff about his first budget, due next month, and conferred privately with Timothy F. Geithner, his Treasury secretary nominee, who is likely to be confirmed by the Senate on Monday.

As for the stimulus package, the president told reporters, “It appears that we are on target” toward adopting the recovery plan before Congress recesses for Presidents’ Day on Feb. 13.

As he opened their meeting, Mr. Obama told the lawmakers that “there are still some differences around the table and between the administration and the members of Congress about particular details on the plan.”

“But what I think unifies this group,” he said, “is recognition that we are experiencing an unprecedented, perhaps, economic crisis that has to be dealt with and dealt with rapidly.”

Having invited lawmakers to present their ideas for doing that, Mr. Obama is getting an earful. The process is shaping up as a first major test of his presidential leadership, with many of his campaign promises, as well as the livelihoods of millions of Americans, at stake.

Mr. Obama did not lay down a comprehensive plan but made clear his policy preferences, reflecting campaign promises on energy, education and health care, along with traditional stimulus proposals for aid to states and expanded unemployment compensation and food stamp benefits.

Mr. Obama left it to the Democratic-controlled Congress to fill in the details. His differences with his own party in the House are mostly minor, and the House Democrats’ package is expected to be passed next week. But a new Senate plan diverges in several ways from what House Democrats and Mr. Obama favor.

The Senate bill would restrict states from using their federal relief to expand Medicaid to cover more people. And while the House version would provide a single extra payment to Social Security disability beneficiaries, the Senate version would give $300 to all Social Security recipients and to disabled veterans.

Democrats are eager to help Mr. Obama succeed, knowing that their success rides on his. Still, they are refusing to cede their status as leaders of a co-equal branch of government, as they say Republicans did under President George W. Bush.

Republicans, for their part, do not want to be seen as obstructionists of a popular new president in a time of national distress. Yet especially in the House, where most Republicans hail from ideologically conservative districts, the opposition members view the stimulus debate as an opportunity to rededicate their divided, demoralized party around the one idea that unites it: big tax cuts, even if that means opposing Mr. Obama.

But House Republicans do not have enough votes to prevail. And events on Friday made clear they do not pose a united front with Senate Republicans.

In a speech, the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, countered criticism from party conservatives, like many in the House, who oppose compromise with Mr. Obama.

“Anyone who belittles cooperation resigns him or herself to a state of permanent legislative gridlock,” Mr. McConnell said. “And that is simply no longer acceptable to the American people.”

Senate Republicans have not signed on to the House Republican plan that Mr. Cantor and the House minority leader, John A. Boehner of Ohio, presented to Mr. Obama. It omits the Making Work Pay tax credit, which Obama aides have called “nonnegotiable,” in favor of reducing the two lowest income-tax brackets, to 10 percent from 15 percent, and to 5 percent from 10 percent, a move that would benefit even the richest taxpayers.

Those “are not the right kinds of cuts,” said Bob Williams of the Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan research group. “You want to put money in the hands of people who will spend it.” And the poorest Americans are “the only people we know will spend the money.”

The House Democrats’ plan calls for roughly $550 billion in spending and $275 billion in tax breaks. Republicans have said they are alarmed at the size of that package, but they have not specified what dollar amount or ratio of tax cuts to spending they prefer.

Mr. Obama is likely to have to show some deference to Republican proposals, and there already are some under discussion that could gain traction. Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the senior Republican on the Finance Committee, said Friday that he would fight to include a provision to spare at least 24 million middle-class families in 2009 from having to pay the alternative minimum tax, which applies when tax filers do not pay enough taxes to meet minimum thresholds under the traditional income tax system.

Peter Baker, Michael Falcone and Sheryl Gay Stolberg contributed reporting.

A version of this article appeared in print on January 24, 2009, on page A1 of the New York edition.

Re-Published By : The Author

Why It Matters To Me

I have tried to write a blog post about my political perspective no less than a dozen times since I started blogging in October. I fill pages full of words. I save it all, but I just cannot do justice to my feelings. I wish I had a gift for writing so that I could truly express on paper (or screen I should say) what I feel in my heart...but the words just will not come.

I first started trying to write something clever and pithy about why I'm a liberal back in October when we were still in the midst of the election. It was scrapped. I tried to put facts and figures into a logical argument for why I feel the way I do, but it got boring really fast. I also tried to pour out my feelings of pride and relief on election night when Barack Obama was elected by such a huge majority but again, the words just wouldn't come.

Those of you that know Joe and me are probably aware that we are more liberal than your average Utahan. I would guess that if I asked you which of us was more passionate about it most of you would say Joe. The thing is, I'm not sure that's true. Joe likes to talk about it a lot more than I do, but when it comes to politics my feelings are fierce. I find it difficult to discuss with people because my emotions run so close to the surface on the subject. Yesterday as I watched

Barack Obama be sworn in as the President of the United States I wondered why it matters so much to me. I'm not African American. I don't come from a disadvantaged or minority background. I'm educated, upper middle-class white all the way. So why did it literally bring tears to my eyes to listen to him speak to our country yesterday?

I think the answer is hope. Hope that if this man can become the President of the United States, my children and YOUR children will grow up in a world where they can be anything they want to be. Hope that the people in this country can return to a "we" mentality instead of a "me" mentality. Hope that we can somehow reach equal ground where everyone has enough to eat and somewhere safe and warm to sleep. Hope that greed will be replaced with generosity. Hope that freedom will spread by example instead of by force.

"There is no obstacle that can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change."

"There is no doubt that our road will be long. That our climb will be steep. But never forget that the true character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard. I ask you to help me reveal that character once more, and together, we can carry forward as one nation, and one people, the legacy of our forefathers that we celebrate today." (Barack Obama, Jan 18, 2009 at the Lincoln Memorial)


To be led into this era of change by someone who can inspire confidence and hope is a true gift and I pray that God will guide him every day as he makes decisions that affect us all and that God will guide us every day as we make decisions that affect each other. It matters to me because our world matters to me.

By : Natalie Tibbs

Re-Published By : The Author

‘Tis the Season for Flower Girl Dresses and Children’s Formal Wear

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s the season for children’s formal wear. Weddings call for flower girl dresses and boy’s tuxedos, as well as for First Communion dresses and boy’s suits. What’s in this season? Read on to find out!

Flower Girl Dresses

When it comes to flower girl dresses, you have several options that will bring smiles to the faces of your attendees, and make your flower girls feel like little princesses. A sleeveless satin bodice with a satin skirt and organza overlay is a simple but stunning combination. Scattered colored stones with a matching band at the waistband coordinates well with the attire of others in the bridal party. Depending on the age of the flower girl, choose either tea length or floor length.

For a feminine yet upscale look, choose a flower girl dress that is tiered in the back. A full peau satin skirt with one tier in front and three tiers in back, accented with a large bow with tails and fabric roses, will make the day special for both the flower girl and the bride.

If you’re budget conscious, don’t overlook some of the discount flower girl dresses that are available online. Just as beautiful as the pricier flower girl dresses, you can find satin and organza dresses, as well as tiered dresses, for between $35 and $80.

Communion Dresses

Every little girl will remember her First Communion for the rest of her life, so Communion dresses are an important part of the ritual. An organza scalloped princess style gown with coordinating veil will make her feel special, as will the simple lines of a satin Communion dress with lace and a removable bolero jacket.

Boy’s Suits

This season, there are many choices for boy’s suits. Whether it’s his First Communion or whether he’s attending in a family wedding, he’ll be thrilled to wear a traditional five-piece suit. Double-breasted jackets are back in style, and come in white for the perfect First Communion outfit. For a more formal occasion, a boy’s tuxedo - with or without tails - is always appropriate.

Christening Dresses

When it comes to girls’ christening dresses there are many choices. An all-white batiste dress with smocking on a bodice dotted with white pearls, along with matching bloomers, is adorable. For more traditional christening dresses you can choose a length of up to 32 inches with intricate embroidery and a matching bonnet. Keep in mind that a christening dress is something that can be handed down for generations, so choosing a timeless style may be in order.

Christening Outfits for Boys

For boys, christening outfits are usually five-piece sets that consist of a shirt, pants, bowtie, vest, and hat. The typical pant length is either shorts or knickers. Some sets feature brocade, while others have satin trim.

How to Buy

With the Internet, a wide variety of children’s formal wear is available at the click of a mouse. Plus, you’re more likely to find discount flower girl dresses and bargains in children’s formal wear at an online store. When ordering online, look for a company that not only offers flower girl dresses, boy’s tuxedos, Communion dresses, and christening dresses, but that also asks you for the date of the event. Before ordering, check out the sizing charts, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Then, on the big day, make sure that your little ones enjoy themselves, and feel as special as they look!

By : The Author

12 Critical Tips to Saving on Airport Parking

Off-site airport parking is a boon for travelers. Often they prove to be cheaper than parking lots run by airports and online discounts and other conveniences make the option even more attractive.

Satellite parking lots face competition and so it is easy for those in the know to save big.

Here are a few insights:

1. Keep a tab on offers. As the race for success becomes intense, all sites run attractive offers giving away coupons or web only deals. Many offer an e-coupon that entitles the user to a day’s free parking at selected parking lots. This means a saving of US$ 18. Other offers give away a day if you park for two days or 50% off on the first days parking fee.

2. If you are a frequent user of parking lots check for offers where a parking operator with a major presence near airports you use offers a 50% discount if you purchase a certain number of parking vouchers online or on the phone using your credit card.

3. Many parking sites have a different rate for different parking positions. Check on the kinds of parking and rate differences. You could save up to $ 55 for a seven day parking.

4. Ask for rates depending on the length of stay. Rates vary so if you are going to need parking for a week then you could get a higher discount than the daily rate on offer.

5. Many run a frequent user program where repeat customers are offered many facilities. This is similar to frequent flier programs.

6. Find out if the lots you use offer special discounts to members of AARP, AAA, or other such organizations. In fact, AA members save between 10-20% on parking. Some sites even offer the service of picking up and dropping your car from the airport terminal.

7. Do your research well compare providers, the rates on offer, as well as facilities at the place you need to park. If you are clever you can get more for less.

8. Before you travel use the internet to check on daily and weekly parking offers. There are free days, discounted weekly rates, and guaranteed rates on offer at various times. You can avail the offer by making a booking online or printing out the page with a code and presenting it to the cashier at the parking lot.

9. Keep track of promotions especially during holiday seasons. Many lots accept coupons and give away discounts offered by consumer products.

10. Often pre-booking parking can get you a saving of even 60% and more.

11. Hotels often offer parking specials, so make use of the extra facility being offered by the hotel you plan to stay in.

12. Some travel agents who book flight tickets offer advice or coupons for parking at the point of exit and entry. Ask you agent when you book your flight.

Off site parking is not just fast and convenient it can be a saving too.

By : The Author

4 Baby Care Tidbits Every Parent Should Know!

New parents face many problems and issues that they are expected to understand and deal with immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do not come with an instruction book so here are a few topics that you may need to know about.

Bathing Your Baby

Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off one to two weeks after their birth, only give her sponge baths. A cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with alcohol can help to dry the umbilical stump or follow your pediatrician’s directions. After the stump falls off, you can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub.

Caesarian Delivery

A caesarian is usually performed to make delivery safer for you or your baby. C-sections can be done for many different reasons including stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other problems. It does not matter if you deliver vaginally or by a caesarian section, you are still a mother with a beautiful new blessing.

Circumcision

Many doctors agree that there may be some benefit to circumcision, but it may not be absolutely necessary. It may help to lower the risk of urinary tract infections and eliminates just about any chance of penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause long-term emotional problems for your child.

Crib death (SIDS)

Many studies have been done regarding SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between SIDS and the following things:

-> Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than females

-> Prematurity makes it more likely

-> Minority children are affected by it more often than non-minorities

-> More children of young, single mothers die from it

-> Children who live in a home with one or more smokers are more likely to be affected

Some people say that sleeping with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to say that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep.

Back sleeping is what most pediatricians recommend for babies to decrease the SIDS risk. The reason for this is widely debated between health experts. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

By : The Author

Your Eyes Have It

Your eyes demand attention whenever you are talking to someone or even glancing in their direction. They are an important feature of your face and the skin around the eyes can bring the eyes to healthy life or contribute to a dull, lifeless look.

Naturally as you age the skin surrounding the eyes develops fine lines and deeper wrinkles. This is because the delicate skin around the eyes is very different to the rest of the skin on your face. It is much thinner and in fact has very few oil glands which can keep it naturally moisturized. This means its dries out faster and being thin, if not treated gently can stretch and tear, causing bags and sagging.

For this reason is it important to treat the eye area gently and don’t wipe or rub the eyes harshly, instead just patting the area without pulling is recommended.

Puffiness around the eyes is common on waking but can remain throughout the day for a variety of reasons including tiredness, smoking, drinking alcohol, diet and even hormonal changes. If you do have a problem with puffy eyes try elevating your head slightly at night on a higher pillow and drinking plenty of water throughout the day to cleanse out your blood system. One cause of puffiness can be as simple as the cream you are using. Eyes are naturally sensitive and will water continuously to cleanse them of impurities. When using creams around the eye area make sure you don’t apply them too closely to the eye and seek out natural skin care creams without harsh chemicals and additives.

The cream will ‘creep about 1 centimeter by itself so just apply creams on the bone below the eye area. The cream will make its way further on the skin but not into the eyes themselves. When applying eye cream place a little of the cream onto your ring finger and gently pat the cream around the eye and dab gently to absorb, do not rub. You only need to apply a tiny amount of cream around the eye to bring satisfactory results in fact too much cream can irritate and cause the puffiness you are trying to avoid.

At LanaB we have developed a 100% natural eye cream that can be used safely around the eye area without causing irritation. Included in the ingredients are Jojoba and Avocado oils as well as Vitamins A and E, these combine to treat fine lines and wrinkles effectively and moisturize and balance the skin around the eyes.

By : The Author

Call for Abstract! Social and Societal Influences on Equity in Health, Crete, Greece

5th International Conference in partnership with Greek School of Public Health Canadian Society for International Health June 9, 11 2009, Crete, Greece

Call for Abstracts Deadline for Submission: January 30, 2009

The 5th International Conference of the International Society for Equity in Health will be hosted by the Greek School of Public Health in Crete. The meeting will bring together, researchers, policy-makers, practitioners and others concerned with equity in health to develop and international health agenda for governments, universities and organizations all over the world.

The 5th International Conference theme is "Social and Societal Influences on Equity in Health". The Conference will explore this theme through a varied program of plenary sessions, forums, poster sessions and scientific sessions. We invite your participation in the advancement of knowledge, exchange of experiences and promotion of equity in health.

There is a special interest in abstracts that reflect a multidisciplinary conceptualization of health equity; that analyze or compare rather than just describe; are not limited to one measure of health, one age group, or one population subgroup; address issues of generalizability of findings beyond the particular population studied; include and compare different age groups and both genders; address access/utilization/appropriateness of health services for meetings different levels of needs within and across populations. There is also interest in abstracts that give evidence of linkage with policy or other constituencies that influence equity outcomes, and in work that provides evidence of analyses determinants of impact on equity outcomes.

Session Formats

Please read carefully the following descriptions before sending us your proposal.

Poster Session

This is a visual presentation of a paper using charts, photos, drawings and/or text mounted on a poster board. Presenters will be expected to be present at specific times to discuss their work with conference participants. Each presentation will be allocated a space 950 mm wide x 2380 mm high and must be designed so that it can be pinned or tacked to a poster board.

Scientific Sessions

Each presentation will be 15 minutes, followed by a short discussion with the audience. The Conference Planning Committee will appoint a session chairperson. Three to four papers will be presented per session; each session will be two hours. It is expected that the person submitting the proposal will make the presentation.

Workshops

Will be 2-3 hours in length and interactive in nature. There will be approximately 30 people participating in each workshop. Workshop organizers will be chosen by the Conference Scientific Committee. Selection Criteria

The selection of abstracts for presentation or for poster sessions will be around January 30, 2009.

By : Gabriella Bidwell

Re-Published By : The Author

Natural Mineral Makeup - 3 Reasons Why It Should Be Your Natural Summer Sun Protection

Find out why Mineral makeup could be your natural solution to a sweat free, acne free, sunburn free and fabulous looking summer…

Mineral Makeup is the natural solution for any person looking for natural sunscreen this summer. Especially if you are looking for a gentle and safe sunscreen. Then look no further than your makeup bag for fabulous looking results and full spectrum sun protection.

Here are the top 3 reasons why mineral makeup should be your sunscreen of choice:

1. The two principal ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens, giving full range UVA and UVB sun protection.

Zinc oxide is the top ingredient in mineral makeup. Because it absorbs both UVA and UVB rays of ultraviolet light very effectively it is the most widely used ingredient in sunscreen products. This mineral helps protect against sunburn and other damage to the skin caused by ultra violet light.

Titanium dioxide is also widely used as a sunscreen. Because of it’s brightness and very high refractive index, next only to diamonds in brightness, this mineral added to mineral makeup gives your face a radiant glow.

2. Mineral Makeup helps fight acne. And that is very good news if you want to wear makeup out doors in the hot summer. If you have acne, then you probably know that wearing makeup and cosmetics when you are going to be sweating only aggravates and worsens your acne.

Mineral makeup is your solution. It is inorganic, and repels bacteria feeding moisture from entering your pores, yet the minerals are ground so that they lay weightlessly on your skin and do not clog the pores.

3. Mineral Makeup does not “melt”off your face when you sweat. Because it contains titanium dioxide, which turns the extra moisture into a strong steralizer, the moisture cannot be absorbed by the minerals and thus the makeup will not move or run off in the hot summer sun. This makeup stays put.

The steralizing effects of the makeup also give it a powerful punch in the acne fighting department. No wonder dermatologists love it, and call it “the skin care makeup.”

By : The Author

Natural Home Treatments For Cellulite

CELLULITE

“Cellulite” is a skin condition that gives the appearance of small bumps and ripples under the skin. The bumps are caused by the underlying fat cells growing too large and stretching the natural fiber compartments that hold the skin to the underlying layers of tissues.

“Cellulite” is ordinary fat, but ordinary fat that affects the appearance of the skin. Strands of fibrous collagen tissue connect the skin to the subcutaneous layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a rippled appearance of the skin.

Women tend to have cellulite more often than men because they have a vertical pattern of collagen in the underlying layer that holds the fat cells, and when the fat cells become very large, they bulge out of the chambers and appear as cellulite. In men, the pattern of collagen is tighter, in a diagonal pattern, and they have thicker skin, so there is less bulging of the individual fat cells. Another factor in cellulite is high levels of estrogen, since this hormone has a direct effect on the holding capacity of fat cells through the increase of alpha-adrenoreceptors, the chemical doorways that tell your fat cells to hold on to their contents. Poor diet, bad circulation, and poor lymphatic circulation can all contribute to the appearance of cellulite.

TREATING SKIN WITH CELLULITE

There are several extra steps you can take for the treatment of cellulite. Consider your skin care regimen, and fine-tune it to meet the needs of skin that has a tendency to swell with fluids, store fat and have poor circulation.

Nutrition:
Although cellulite is a skin condition, it’s closely tied to the storage of excess fat. If you are significantly overweight, you should certainly alter your diet. The dietary enzyme bromelain can improve overall circulation to your skin and adipose tissues by removing the buildup of fibrin on the walls of blood vessels. Treating cellulite requires a two-pronged approach – one being the shrinking of the fat cells themselves, the second being the regeneration of collagen and strengthening of the skin outside of the swollen fat cells.

Cleansing:
When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area where cellulite occurs. At first, use a circular motion and then a brushing motion upwards towards the bowels. This will improve circulation and edema, and help remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the tissues and interstitial spaces around the collagen and fat cells.

Other Treatments
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Dry Skin Brushing:
Learn to dry brush your skin at least twice every day – upon rising and before going to bed. Skin brushing provides many benefits in the treatment of cellulite. First of all, it’s “exercise” for you skin, and strengthens the underlying dermis and pattern of collagen in the subcutaneous layer. It stimulates the growth and repair of the tissues by increasing blood flow to the area. It also helps remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the interstitial fluids surrounding the tissues for disposal. Dry brushing is good for you skin all over, but if you are suffering from spider or varicose veins, brushing these areas vigorously several times every day, first in a circular motion and then upwards towards the colon, can improve the appearance of cellulite.

Hormones:
Cellulite is often associated with the use of HRT and birth control pills. High levels of estrogen from these medications can cause an increase in the fatty tissues ability to store fats and cause them to bulge, pushing out the skin and causing cellulite. If you are using birth control pills for contraception, you may want to ask your doctor for a lower-estrogen dose formula or a non-hormonal form, such as an IUD. If you are on HRT, you may want to consider switching to a lower dose, adding progesterone cream, or using a weaker formula, such as an estrone cream.

Habits:
Get out of the habit of crossing your legs, knees and ankles. This reduces circulation and increases swelling. Try to keep moving regularly, neither sitting nor standing for long periods.

Exercise:
Regular exercise is necessary for the improvement of cellulite. Not only does it help reduce the appearance of cellulite by burning the fatty acids that are causing the cellulite. It also improves circulation and helps to remove toxin-filled wastes away from the skin. Take up a walking program, or sneaking in a set of exercises in the restroom during breaks. Teresa Tapp’s “T-Tapp” program is renowned for short, effective exercise movements that reduce cellulite and increase overall blood and lymph circulation. Rashelle Haines program “LifeLift” is also excellent for improving lymphatic circulation, burning excess fat and glucose and improving muscle and skin tone.

Body Wraps:
Body wraps, both professional and homemade can improve the appearance of cellulite. Body wraps use a combination of minerals and herbs that stimulate the fat cells to release their contents, they absorb toxins from the skin and reduce swelling. Generally you will find stimulant herbs like kelp or algae that stimulate the fat burning process in the cells. You will find cosmetic clays that will remove toxins and wastes from the pores, and horsetail and horse chestnut that reduce edema (swelling) and provide minerals for strengthening the skin. These formulas are applied to the skin with the use of compression wraps. For recipes for doing home wraps, go to the Botanical Beauty Lab website.

Massage:
Massage, particularly the kind that improves lymph flow, is very good for reducing the appearance of cellulite. It improves the removal of metabolic wastes and toxins from the interstitial tissues around the adipose tissues, and gives the skin a smoother appearance. There are many professionals offering massage for cellulite, including lymphatic massage and endermology, but if that is out of your budget, you may want to try a home massage device. Many are available, from a simple round-prong hand tool to a powered massager that provides heat, massage and suction similar to the professional endermology machines.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR CELLULITE REDUCTION

Alfalfa is a natural diuretic that helps balance the body’s interstitial fluids and reduces edema and swelling. It’s also a phytoprogesterone, which helps balance the excess estrogen that can exacerbate cellulite.

Borage Oil contains high amounts gamma linoleic acid, which is an important fatty acid to the strengthening of cell walls.

Bromelain is a naturally occurring enzyme in natural foods that aid in the digestion of proteins. The consumption of bromelain aids in the removal of fibrin buildup in fine blood vessels. This improves and increases circulation to the skin, and aids in repair and rejuvenation.

Horsetail or Horse Chestnut herb contains high levels of the mineral silica, which is used in the repair and maintenance of skin cells.

Cider Vinegar contains an array of important enzymes and aids in balancing body pH. It’s also a good source of potassium, which is necessary for fluid balance in the body.

Coconut Oil contains medium chain triglycerides which are easily absorbed and used by the body for fuel. It has the capability of stimulating the thyroid gland, which increases body temperature and metabolism and is known for improving the burning of excess fat.

Ginkgo Biloba is a natural blood thinner that increases the microcirculation to skin and fat cells.

Gotu Kolu is a natural source of caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the beta-adrenoreceptors on the surface of the fat cells to release their stores of fatty acids, aiding in the burning of excess fat.

Green Tea is a mild stimulate that contains caffeine as well as powerful antioxidants that aid in the proper replication and repair of skin cells.

MSM is an important mineral that is necessary for skin cell repair.

EXTERNAL TREATMENTS FOR CELLULITE

Aloe Vera contains alatoin, which sooths and heals skin. It has been shown clinically to increase microcirculation of the skin and to speed healing of skin tissues.

Betonite Clay is a natural mineral clay that is known for its ability to absorb impurities and toxins from the skin through the pores.

Horsetail, ginkgo biloba, kelp and green tea also work externally and can be added to lotions or creams for massage into problem areas.

Many experts have recommended using coffee grounds as a scrub for cellulite prone areas. The grounds work as an exfoliant, as the caffeine absorbs into the skin and stimulate the beta adrenoreceptors in the fat cells to release their contents.

Dead Sea Salts and Kelp or bladderwrack contain powerful minerals that aid in the repair of skin cells as well as the mineral iodine which can aid in the metabolism of the underlying fat cells.

There are also many commercial formulas and methods for the reduction of cellulite. Most contain caffeine or a similar chemical called theophylline or aminophylline. Many also contain kelp, bladderwrack and other herbs mentioned herein.

Just remember that cellulite reduction is a two step process. The cause of cellulite is over-sized fat cells that have stretched out the collagen structure underlying the skin. The first step is to reduce bodyfat, and many herbs and nutrients both external and external can accelerate the process. The second step is to increase the strength of the skin and the collagen webs under the subcutaneous tissues. Skin and collagen require vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to rebuild themselves properly. Excess fluids can exacerbate the problem, so proper fluid intake and circulation is important. Drink plenty of fluids, and stay active to increase the circulation of the lymph system. With a little diligent effort the appearance of cellulite can be reduced.

By : The Author

Natural Face Packs

The article Natural Face Packs gives an insight about natural face packs. After reading this article, you will be able to get maximum benefit from your face pack. This will help you in staying healthy and looking energetic and cool.

There are different varieties of face packs to keep you and your face healthy and young. These facial packs contain many healthful and beneficial substances and necessary vitamins that are necessary to keep your face skin glowing. These facial packs foster skin by improving its color and by cleaning and reducing interstice. Facial packs improve the blood circulation within the veins of the face. These facial packs are easy to use and you can take care of your face and neck well, at home.

The effect of any facial pack on face is only temporary, so it is a must to use face pack 2 to 3 time in a week time. A mix of face pack is needed to be prepared, just before it is required to use. A face pack is applicable only on clean skin and that too without any cosmetics on skin. Before applying facial you will need to take steam bath with chamomile, lime, sage, and peppermint.

If you have dry skin, take 5 to 10 minutes steam bath, atleast once in every two months.If you have oily skin, take steam bath about 15 minutes atleast twice in a month.

You can replace steam bath by warm compresses. In warm compress, a bath towel is moistened with extracts of different herbs and flowers. Then this moist towel is pushed on the face and neck gently and kept in contact until it turns cold.

There is a need of different face packs for different type of skins. If you have dry skin, use the extract of mint, petals of rose, jasmine, chamomile, lime, leaves of raspberry, strawberry and black current.

If you are dry skinned, your face pack will be; a mix of nettle, plantain, coltsfoot, calendula, aloe, St. John’s wart, eucalyptus, birch buds and milfoil.

No matter, what type of skin you have, you will need to apply the pack in the whole face and neck bottom up. Do not apply the face pack around your eyelids. After applying the face pack lie down and allow the pack to set for about 15 to 20 minutes. Use only low-neck pillow, so that your face do not elevate too much.

To remove the face pack, especially off fat skin, soften the water with boric acid and use lemon juice to acidify it. You also can use juices of orange, cranberries or red current etc for acidification. Take wads of cotton, dip it into acidified water and then use it to remove your face pack. If you have normal skin type, you can use herbal extracts, tea, milk, etc to remove your face pack.

You are strongly advised to not overdone your face pack, especially when it turns into a solid pellicle. Do not put face pack on your face for more than 15 to 20 minutes, otherwise it will cause strain and tiredness.

Use of face packs varies according to climate, skin type and age also. Face packs may be of different type, for example; face pack made of fruits or sour cream and cream, etc.

No matter what type of face you have, the use of face pack will make your face skin shiny and glowing.

By : The Author

Recycle Without Leaving Your Chair

Recently, recycling has been given a lot of media coverage across the world. However recycling it isn’t anything new; it’s been a common practise for thousands of years. Going way back to 400 BC, Archaeologists have found evidence of recycling in waste dumps, but with the scarcity of new materials back then, people were left with little choice but to reuse whatever they had.

The modern world has taken a much more comprehensive approach, and the internationally recognised recycling symbol has certainly played its part. Big businesses are under increasing pressure to be seen to address the issue of recycling in a positive way, and one of the main areas that always falls under scrutiny is paper recycling. As much as 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials, and as a result, many multinational companies now print their documents on recycled paper or even offer paper-free billing to customers. In fact, more and more of these organisations now use the environment in advertising campaigns to let people know just how much they’re doing to help the planet.

From carbon footprints to those of endangered species, individuals can also play a key role. Recycling isn’t just about breaking down and reusing waste, it can also be about reusing items just as they are. In attics, box rooms and cupboards right across the globe, there are a whole host of useful yet unwanted items gathering dust. In recent times people have started to realise that these things may actually be worth something to others and themselves; from old LP’s to books on bees and just about anything else imaginable, there’s a booming online classifieds market that can boost your bank balance and be good for the planet too. It’s a win-win situation.

As the old saying goes “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”; this has never been more relevant than in today’s society where it’s becoming more important to be seen to be green. Listing your unwanted items online is a quick and hassle-free way to do your bit for the environment without even leaving the comfort of your chair, which incidentally is also a good thing as you’re not using any fuel! It’s easy to buy and sell online and it saves you having to endure a wet car boot or garage sale on a cold Sunday morning. Another benefit of online classifieds is that it’s simple to search for what you actually want without having to hunt through lots of other things first.

So what does the future hold for recycling? Well, it’s unlikely it will just pedal off into the sunset any time soon. With the amount of money currently pouring into environmental issues, there’s a good chance everyday life will change again in the future. From different food packaging to new bio fuels for transport, recycling will continue to have an impact on everyone and the planet for a long time to come.

By : Isla Campbell

Re-Published By : The Author

Reincarnation of the Seoul: South Korea’s Rebirth from Flames

On the evening of February 10th, 2008, disgruntled 69-year old landowner Chae Jong-gi, upset over having been underpaid for land sold to developers, sprayed paint thinner onto one of his nation’s greatest and most recognisable landmarks, and then set it alight, making his escape as the Namdaemun Gate was immersed in flame. Despite the efforts of around 360 fire fighters, the fire raged out of control, destroying the gate’s ancient wooden structure.

The Namdaemun, or Sungnyemun gate (literally ‘Gate of Exalted Ceremonies’), was first constructed in 1398, and served as the main southern entrance to the great walled city of Seoul for a period of 600 years, right from when Seoul first became the capital of South Korea. Its destruction sent shockwaves through the nation, with many Seoul citizens gathering to watch in horror and dismay as their country’s number one national treasure was reduced to ashes and soot.

South Korea is, however, not a nation easily disheartened. For a country that is predominantly Buddhist, reincarnation – if you’ll pardon the pun – is very much a part of life. And in the true spirit of Buddhism, the phoenix of Seoul has risen from the ashes of the devastation of January 2008 to celebrate the Vesak, an occasion that marks the birth of Buddha, and celebrates the history and culture that has helped shape South Korea into a country both harmonious and prosperous.

Determined by the Lunar Calendar, Bucheonim osin nal (‘the day Buddha arrived’) takes place at a different time every year, and in 2008 fell on the 12th of May (it will take place on the 2nd of May in 2009). While obviously mainly celebrated by the quarter of Seoul’s population that are of the Buddhist faith, Buddha’s Birthday is a festival experienced and enjoyed by the whole city. Throughout May, colourful lotus lanterns are hung in the grounds of many of the 10,000 Buddhist temples that are scattered around Korea, and the lanterns of the Seoul temples are even known to spill out onto the streets of the city, climbing the walls of many of the restaurants and hotels in Seoul, which is an added bonus for tourists who have come to be catch glimpses and photographs of Seoul’s most inspiring and enlightening festival.

Other activities that take place during this period of Buddhist celebration include Buddhist bead-making, parades honouring the deity and rituals held within the Buddhist temples themselves, such as chanting ceremonies and the all-important Bathing of Buddha – the washing of a statue of the young Buddha, which represents the cleansing of greed, hatred and other evils from the mind, body, and from society itself.

By : Daniel Collins

Re-Published By : The Author

Bridal Shower Invitations: 5 Things to Consider

There's not supposed to be any moment in a woman's life as exciting and meaningful as her wedding day. And while the idea of a perfectly happy bride is wonderful, the person hosting the bridal shower may feel more than a little pressure to make her so. You aim to make the bridal shower an absolutely perfect event that the bride will never forget. An important part of planning a great bridal shower? Choosing great bridal shower invitations, of course.

1) Invitees

The number of people invited to the bridal shower will have a definite effect on the bridal shower invitations. Especially for those planning with a limited budget, the cost of a ton of fancy invitations for a ton of guests can get out of hand. Before you can be sure about the kind of invitation you want for a bridal shower, it's important to think through your guestlist. When you consider the number of attendees, it's much easier to judge what kind of invitations your can get without breaking the budget.

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2) Theme

When choosing bridal shower invitations, you'll also need to consider the theme of the shower. Sometimes this theme can follow the wedding theme, such as a beach side bridal shower for a beach wedding. Other times, it can be something racy and fun, such as a lingerie bridal shower. If there is a set theme for the party, the bridal shower invitations should make that clear.

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3) Design

How your bridal shower invitations are designed will generally be decided by your theme. But it will also depend heavily on the tone of the shower. Will it be a formal bridal shower? Then formal invitations are your best choice. Hosting an informal get together with the girls? Then go with fun, colorful bridal shower invitations. It's important to remember that your invitation design will give your guests the first hint of what kind of party to expect.

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4) Printing

There are countless options for printing your bridal shower invitations. For bridal shower planners on a budget, it's often best to print your invitations on a home printer or in a printing shop. Easier (but generally more expensive) is purchasing invitations. When you buy ready made bridal shower invitations, you can either purchase them pre made, or have them custom printed according to your design. To save time and effort, many people choose to order bridal shower invitations over the internet.

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5) Wording

When thinking of the wording for your bridal shower invitations, there's a lot you'll need to keep in mind. The wording you choose should always reflect the bridal shower's theme and its level of formality. Your bridal shower invitations' wording also needs to go over any information you guests must know, such as gift or wardrobe requirements.

By : The Author

How to Make Your Own Bridal Shower Invitations

It used to be that when you received an invitation to a bridal shower, it was either a very stodgy thing printed professionally on Crane paper or one of those fill in the blank kind of things. Bridal shower invitations are now becoming a source of pride for many future brides. Invitations that clearly broke the bank are not always the goal. Something different that everyone will remember fits the bill. If you subscribe to this way of thinking and strive to make your own bridal shower invitations, then I can help give you a few pointers.

You should jot down all your ideas before you even buy one envelope. Roughly draw what you picture each of your ideas will look like. Think about how the bridal shower invitations will be addressed and how they will open. Put together a list of items needed for the ideas you like the most. Then think through how much it will cost to send the invitations. Often, it is easy to weed out certain ideas because the materials will just cost too much. Work on the wording of your invitation once you decide on the winning idea. This is an important step, so you do not accidentally buy paper or cards that are too small for your message or leave too much wide open space that you then have to fill with impromptu design.

You can order or purchase all the materials after you have a firm design concept. Do not try to save costs by getting envelopes that do not match the invitations. Your bridal shower invitations themselves do not have to be color coordinated with your envelopes, but they need to be of equal card stock and fashion. If you are going to handwrite the invitation message, a set of specialty calligraphy pens will be invaluable. If calligraphy or penmanship is not your bailiwick, consider purchasing a stencil set. There are people who will provide their fancy handwriting for your bridal shower invitations for a small fee. Lastly, whatever the design, people love accessories on their invitations. Those of you making exciting 3D pop out invitations and cards shaped like wine bottles have the accessories thing taken care of. What prospective guests would not want to be greeted with music, feathers, ribbons or painted somethings when they open their bridal shower invitations? Make them have some flair.

I will close by saying that, if anywhere in this process, you decide it is too frustrating or you do not have time to have a regular job and make bridal shower invitations, abandon ship for the sake of your sanity. It is completely respectable to have your invitations outsourced. There are incredible companies and small boutiques online and on main street that exist because they provide cool and distinctive bridal shower invitations that will wow your guests. This is supposed to be fun. Do what is best for you.

By : The Author

Distinguishing A Womans Integral Signature Perfume Scent

All of us love to smell great, and all of us are pulled in by a certain kind of scent. At the same time, just as we are attracted by a certain perfume, we are displeaseed by others.

We frequently show ourselves through the utilisation of perfumes, and the kind of scent that we use the most to show our own personality is one that is often named our signature fragrance.

What regulates our alternative for our very own signature scent? It depends from person to person, since our bodies have a certain chemical makeup that is unique by itself. It is determined by our own genetic traits as well as by the lifestyle choices that we make. It is also the reason why some scents that we like to smell on others may not smell as good on our own skin.

There is an assumption floating about among biochemical experts that our choice of signature smells depends on which of our four senses – the sense of smell excluded – influences our personality. A person can either be sight-dominant, taste-dominant, touch-dominant or sound-dominant. Whatever sense drives our personality more also plays a larger role in our choice as to what our signature scent may be.

People who are sight-dominant are very visual. They derive pleasure from the things they see more than anything else, and they often can describe the things they see with vivid accuracy. Such people are often very energetic and full of life.

The signature scent for most sight-dominant people is either floral or fruity. Such a scent gives off a lot of energy, and such energy matches the florid personality of a sight-dominant person more than any other.

Food plays an important role in the lives of taste-dominant people. They do not eat food just for the sake of eating; every bite they take in is chewed slowly and savored for each and every distinguishing taste registered on their tongue. Taste-dominant people are gourmets and epicureans – they get their pleasure from eating exquisite food. They see food more than just a way to nourish bodies, and neither do they see it as something to be abused. They have a healthy respect for food.

Such people who are taste-dominant often go for signature scents that have a hint of the aroma of food in them. It is not surprising for them to choose to wear perfumes made from vanilla or chocolate, or from fruits like oranges and strawberries. They find such scents delicious.

Touch-dominant people love getting in close contact with other people. Whenever they talk, they often hold the arm or the hand of the person they are talking to just to make sure that they have that person’s attention. They are also creatures of comfort. They love soft things and warm things. Touching silk or velvet with their bare fingers or letting their feet sink in the sand bring so much pleasure to them. More often than not, they also have pets that they adore so much.

Such touch-dominant people are often attracted to the warm scents like musk, sandalwood or amber. Perfumes made from these bases appeal to touch-dominant people because of their innate heat and the intimacy they imply. Soft, warm and comforting scents are the signature scents of touch-dominant people.

People who are sound-dominant tend to love music to a fault. They can recognize the intricacies of rhythm and melody and translate it, just like one would translate a foreign language. They also love to talk, but they love to listen just as much as they love to talk, simply because they like hearing nuances in other people’s voices. Such people are also great at mimicking sounds or impersonating the way another person speaks.

The signature scents suited to sound-dominant people are spicy scents or oriental scents, made with not just spices but also with exotic flowers like the lotus or the jasmine. Such a scent has layers upon layers of complexities in it, and it suits a person who can strip away layers from something as complicated as sound.

Each person has a different signature scent. What is yours?

By : The Author

Discover Fun And Pleasure Health Spa Hot Spring Vacation

Now is the time to discover the fun and pleasure of a health/spa and hot spring vacation. An excellent escape from the ordinary, is a Health/ Spa holiday, or a few days at a natural hot spring resort. A health/spa and natural hot spring getaway is a perfect holiday for young and old alike.

Maps, Google Maps) Description: a newly-renovated, small, but full-featured health spa with heated pool, hot tub, sauna, weight room, and dancefloor. To complete your health spa experience, sink into a deep Japanese soaking tub prepared with flower blossoms and infused with tropical fragrances. To complete your San Diego health spa experience, sink into a traditional soaking tub prepared with rose petals and infused with tropical fragrances. Therefore there has been a natural growth of bathhouses, spas and health resorts and alternatives to the sauna and lakeside spa. By 2007 the golf course will be complemented by tennis courts, indoor heated lap pool, outdoor recreational pool, gymnasium, sauna and health spa.

For those who are conscientious of health, an interesting and unique party is an at home spa party. At the in home beauty and spa party you recreate a health spa in your own home! Under Georgia law, health spas are required to include a seven-day right to cancel clause in every contract. Georgia law limits health spa contracts to no more than thirty-six (36) months. Health farm breaks and holiday spas and vacations, plus spa weekends and short breaks. If you are considering joining a health spa in order to get into shape, you should take into consideration a number of factors.

Joining a health spa, fitness center, gym or sports club can be a great way to improve your physical condition. An ever-changing lunch menu at the health spa resort features tantalizing delights, from healthy pizzas, sandwiches and even burgers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner feature healthful spa cuisine served in the sunny Fleur-de-lis. All the health spas include the use of all facilities and an excellent buffet lunch. Other health spas focus on outdoor recreational sports such as tennis, golf and swimming.

By : The Author