Sexual Addiction

There are many things that people find themselves addicted to, but not all of them are things that you may think of. Smoking, drinking, and gambling are all common, but there are some other addictions that may seem to be a bit fuzzy. If you have never met with someone who has a sexual addiction, you may think that this is just something that is made up. What you should know is that it is a real sickness, and it is not just someone who wants to have sex all of the time. There is more to it than that.

Sexual addiction is more than just being in the mood all of the time. Everyone has a different sex drive, and that can change from week to week. Addiction is more about being completely unable to control those urges, and doing things that can hurt others and that are illegal and immoral just to satisfy those feelings. That is when the trouble comes in and when sexual addiction can hurt many people, and mess up the lives of those who love the person with the addiction.

Anyone can have a sexual addiction, but some hide it better than others. This could be the married man that says he is working late each night, but then going out to pick up a prostitute three, four, or more times a week. This may also be the person that hurts children because they can not control themselves. Most with a sexual addiction have no idea that this is a problem for them until they have crossed a line and get caught doing it. Some know, but they have no way to control it. Some won’t and can not be stopped until they are behind bars for doing something illegal or because they have hurt someone.

Luckily, there are treatments for sexual addiction. The main problem is realizing that there is a problem with this. Most don’t believe such a problem is really an addiction, and those that have it can hide it, in many cases, much easier than someone who has a drinking problem, or that has a gambling addiction. If you or someone you know has issues with a sexual addiction, find more resources that can help you know what to do next, where to go for help, and what recovery can do to change an out of control life into one that is happy and fulfilling.

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Why I Love My Sony Camera

When it came time to buy my digital still camera, I went with one that I knew worked well. I knew a few people that had Kodak digital, and I saw the results. This is what I got. However, when it came time to buy a digital camcorder, I made my choice by shopping around and finding what I thought was the best based on my own specifications. I also wanted to be sure that I go the best deal that I could. I wanted one for less, but I also wanted a brand name that I could trust. That is when I got my Sony camera.

There are a lot of things that all digital camcorders have in common. They basically function the same, but how they go about things is what makes them all different. There were quite a few of the features on the Sony camera that I loved, but could get on other cameras. It was a matter of what I needed to use the most and how easy those things were to get to. On the Sony camera, for example, there is a function that offers a back light when shooting in darker situations. Because I knew that was something I was going to be doing a lot of, I chose this model, mostly in part because the backlight switch was easy to find and I didn’t have to go through the menu to get to it.

Another thing that I loved about the Sony camera that I chose was that it had a touch screen. A lot of them come with this, but I like the way that this one worked. I tend to have long nails, and of all the touch screens I tested out, this one was the one that worked the best, even when I had to touch with the end of my nail. That meant that I wouldn’t have to fuss with the Sony camera when shooting to get things to do what I wanted them to do. Ease is always important, and it a huge consideration, at least in my case.

Even better, the Sony camera that I got was one that was on display. It was the last one in the store. I got it at a great price, and may not have gotten another brand with equal features for the same price. I know that Sony is a company that I have trusted in the past, as each Sony item I have had in the past has worked and lasted very well. I got my camera in a store, but you can also find some of the best deals online. Shop both to make sure you get what you want at a price you can easily afford.

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Having Fun With Satellite Images Of Earth

There is something fun and something a bit scary about the satellite images of Earth that you can find online these days. What is amazing is that though these images are not really in real time, they can be updated every few years, and that may change any time soon. The ones that you see in some places are years old, but you may find very new ones when you look in larger, urban areas. You could spend hours looking around the globe for things that you want to see.

You can start out with finding satellite images of Earth in relation to where you live. If you live in a rural area, you may not see much, but the coverage is rather good in most places. You can add your address to see if the images can come up for you. You can look at these satellite images of Earth from up high, or you can zoom in with in a few hundred feet of your own home. When I did this, I could see my car parked out back, and I could also see some things about my neighbors. I could tell when the picture was taken by some details that I saw.

You can also zoom in on anything else in the world. If you want to see satellite images of Earth that include the pyramids, or perhaps the Sydney Opera House, you can do that rather easily. You may have to search around, but you can see many neat things through satellite images of Earth that you may never get a chance to see in person throughout your lifetime. It’s not the same, of course, but it can be a rather remarkable experience. Places we have never seen are almost like a dream, but seeing the satellite images can make them more real to you.

What can be scary about these satellite images of Earth is how close they can come to your home. As of the present time, most images are at least a few years old, so immediate spying is not really an issue. However, if you are having problems with some stalking you, or you simply want to keep your life and your home private, this can feel like an invasion. There are many phone listings online that allow you to opt out of being listed simply because they offer these images with your address, and many feel that this is just too much information for just anyone to find.

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How to save money on groceries every time you shop

Food costs take a bigger bite out of the family food budget than just a year ago. During the recent gas price crises, we soon discovered that the hikes in the price of gas increased transportation cost of the food at the grocery store, causing a significant jump in prices. Downsizing of product amounts in canned goods also has raised the cost of food. While the price may remain the same, you're getting less in quantity. So it's essential to make a plan to save money on groceries, as possible. Here we have five easy ways to do just that, each and every time you shop.

1.Shop the sales. While this may mean visiting a few different supermarkets, this single measure can save you 20% on a week's worth of groceries! If you think this is too time consuming, consider that you can save money on groceries, to the tune of $80 a month, assuming you spend $400 a month on food. That's significant. Besides, shopping a few stores for the sale items means that your list will be fairly short at each store, making for a quick trip through the express line. If you put that $80 into a savings account, you'll have a whopping $960 at the end of the year. That's worthwhile!

2.In addition to sales, don't forget the dollar type stores. You'll find canned goods at half the price of the supermarket. Things like laundry and dish soap, toiletries, makeup and school supplies are just a dollar. Big savings!

3.Know your prices! Homemaking websites often have free printable 'price books', where you fill in the regular price of items you typically buy. This helps you save money on groceries, because you won't be fooled by a grocery flier advertising items at regular price. The price book system also allows you to spot a really good price when you see it! If you see your favorite brand of coffee discounted by a couple of bucks as a promotion, stock up on as much as you can. Non-perishables and freezer foods are excellent candidates for your strategy to save money on groceries.

4.Plan your menus. If beef, pork or chicken is on sale, plan a couple nights of meals around these meats. When you're serious about saving money on groceries, you can save even more by buying in quantity, 'value pack' sizes. Freeze what you won't use this week and pencil in dinners for future weeks. This strategy can boost your grocery savings by another 10-20%.

5.Become a coupon nerd. Organize your coupons so that you use them before the expiration date. Keep your eyes peeled for when that food shows up on sale. Then, use that coupon for even more savings.

To save money on groceries does require a bit of organization, but that's it. Using all of these grocery budget saving tips can save a dedicated grocery shopper anywhere from 40-50%! Think what you can do with that extra money!

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Ten inexpensive alternatives to pricey wrinkle reducing creams

On every woman's short list of concerns about her body is wrinkles! Even young women in their early twenties are thrown into a tizzy when they spot that first telltale sign of what's to come. The so-called 'laugh lines' at the corners of your eyes. Your Mom might come up real close to inspect this disaster, saying “What wrinkle are you talking about? That's not a wrinkle! This – pointing to one of her own – is a wrinkle!” Maybe it's just set in a woman's genes. The wrinkle alert. That's when you start obsessing, just like you might over a stray gray hair. It becomes time to go shopping for wrinkle reducing cream!

The only trouble with this plan is that, while there are a plentiful supply of wrinkle reducing cream products, they are very expensive. They can cost anywhere from $20 to hundreds of dollars, for a little, tiny jar. Few of us can afford to lay out that kind of money and hope for the best. It's not like you can return it if you don't like it! For the price of some of the high-end wrinkle reducing creams, you could go on a weekend getaway with your sweetie! On the other hand, wrinkles are anathema to every woman I've ever known.

With this dilemma in mind, we've put together a list of ten inexpensive and effective alternatives, a couple of which are probably already in your frig! These may not be as delicate as dipping your pinky in an elegant little jar of commercial wrinkle reducing cream, but they'll keep your wallet fatter and your face wrinkle free far into the future.

When you wash your face, use a glycerine soap. This won't dry your skin or leave a residue. Glycerine soap is great for people with sensitive skin.

Our next, rather unorthodox, wrinkle reducing cream 'product', is mayonnaise. Yes. A tablespoon is all you need for a treatment. Just rub it all over your face and neck and let it sit there while you relax in the tub. When you get out of the tub, rinse it off for the silkiest skin you've ever felt. Be sure to lock the door, so your husband doesn't barge in and start laughing. Wrinkles are serious business! You can use this treatment once or twice a week. Don't get it in your eyes!

Numbers 3, 4 and 5 of the top home wrinkle reducing cream agents all act as astringents, tightening the pores and firming your skin. Separate an egg, beating the white lightly, reserving the yolk for another use. Spread the egg white over your face and neck. It dries quickly and you'll feel the firming action almost immediately. When it's dry, rinse it off. You'll see the wrinkles diminish. Next, apply a cotton ball soaked with witch hazel (available at any drugstore for about $1) over your face and neck, which while being astringent, also softens the skin. Before bedtime, follow up with some rose water as a mild astringent and further softening. Do the egg yolk routine just once a week and the witch hazel and rose water every day.

The next three wrinkle reducing cream products in your wrinkle fighting arsenal are cocoa butter, avocado oil and jojoba oil, all of which can be purchased in bulk at health food stores. Each of these are powerful natural anti-wrinkle oils which you can use as a night cream, diminishing wrinkles as you sleep.

Vitamin E can be purchased in gel caps or small bottles. It's well documented that direct application of vitamin E to the skin helps heal and renew skin cells. Vitamin E is so effective, it will even remove scars over time, with regular use.

Our last inexpensive wrinkle reducing cream product is a good sunscreen. Use one with an SPF factor of at least 30, whenever you go outdoors. UVA and UVB rays are a major contributor to wrinkles.

Try these inexpensive, natural alternatives to commercial wrinkle reducing creams for just three months and behold the difference!

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How to write a feature article that sells fast!

If you're a freelance writer, or just want to be one, you know you've got to start somewhere. Sure, you'd love to land a piece in a nationally, or internationally, circulated publication. It usually takes some time to establish yourself as a writer who delivers the goods, on time. Start small and work your way up. You know that if you write a feature article that's published in a national magazine, your magazine writing future is virtually assured. So, how do you go about landing that contract? At what point in your career should you pitch a feature article? Must you have several clips under your belt before making this bold move?

Let's take a look at what magazine editors snap up when they peruse the pile of queries and submissions which land on their desk each day. A good feature article can sell tens of thousands of magazines at the supermarket racks. Here are the ground rules on how to write a feature article that catches that editor's eye.

First, you must understand that most magazines plan their issues at least nine months ahead of publication. So if you're submitting a query in March, you'll be targeting a December issue, so you'll want to write a feature article suited to that month or season.

Second in importance is researching past issues of the particular publication you want to target. Food is your thing. Go through the archives of the publication to see what they've featured in past years, writing style

Now for the pitch. Let's say you want to write a feature article for a foodie magazine. In March, you need to think December holiday festivities and all that encompasses. Decorating cookies with the kids. Making home made eggnog. How to cook a goose. Entertaining.

However, to catch the attention of the editor, you need to have an unusual slant. Do you have an old Irish neighbor who makes his home made eggnog every year, distributing his cheer to one and all? This can form the backbone for you to write a feature article, which has that down home flavor of the individual, an old guy who keeps the family tradition and little secrets you won't find in a commercial eggnog from the supermarket. So what do you add to the mix? That human factor. Use your interviewing skills to draw him out. Spend a little time and you'll probably learn a secret or two about making the best eggnog, in the old world style.

This is what an editor looks for – an off-the-beaten-track take on a much belabored, but perennially favorite topic. There's no question that food magazine readers want to know how they can make the holidays memorable. If you write a feature article which not only answers their question on how to make eggnog, but makes the tradition come alive, in a sophisticated, slice-of-life piece, you – and the editor – have a winner.

As for when you might be ready to write a feature article: you don't need clips, if your quality of writing speaks for itself. You really have nothing to lose, except your time. Besides, you can always submit to other publications. Just stick to the submission guidelines and you'll be fine.

Magazine editors want a feature article that they can summarize on the front page, making that issue fly off the shelves. 'Authentic eggnog: a recipe from an Old World artisan that you can make yourself!' Sure, I'll read that feature article.

Perhaps the most important point to remember when you write a feature article is that you need to inspire and motivate your reader to know what you know and to convince an editor of the same! What are you waiting for?

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Popcorn Gift Baskets

Munching in front of a movie or a big game is all part of the experience. Popcorn Gift Baskets make a great present or you can treat everyone that comes round to visit. There are so many flavors these days that no one can become bored with popcorn. There are even savory flavors, as well as sweet, so you can have two courses!

When ordering a Popcorn Gift Basket as a present for someone, you can ask for a message to be included. With so many flavors around, there is bound to be something that appeals. Many people pop their own corn in popcorn machines but it's nice for someone else to do the work now and then.

Popcornopolis are proud of their fresh ingredients and handmade popcorn. No preservatives are used and the Popcorn Gift Baskets are actually in tins, so the produce keeps well. In addition to popcorn, the company offers caramel apples, candied nuts and confections. There are various cones and gift sets, including the Ultimate Gift Basket, containing 8 cones; Caramel, Cheddar Cheese, Cinnamon Toast, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Kettle Corn, Zebra Chocolate, and Caramel Almond. The basket also has Rocky Road Bark (dark chocolate, marshmallows and crushed almonds); four differently flavored caramel apples and a tin of praline almonds.

Munchiegifts.com offers the Movie Time Popcorn Candy Basket containing a variety of candy and two microwave popcorn bags. There are various bags and tins including the 4lb Bag Gift Set with two bags of popcorn in flavors of your choice. This Popcorn Gift Basket also comes with a bottle of Buttery Salt.

Daleandthomaspopcorn.com has a feast of popcorn and chocolate combinations. The Easter Gourmet Chocolate Gift Tin has Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel Popcorn, two boxes of popsters (mini chocolate balls in milk chocolate and dark chocolate flavors), and two popcorn bars (Belgian dark chocolate). The Easter Gift Tower contains the same but with extras, including a bag of Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Drizzle Corn. Their ultimate Popcorn Gift Basket is the Gift Basket of Decadence, containing six bags of popcorn flavors; Chocolate Chunk N'Caramel, Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Drizzle Corn, Twice as Nice Chocolate Drizzle Corn, Chocolate and Peanut Butter Drizzle Corn, Almond Biscotti, and Frosted Gingerbread. Also included are 12 boxes of pop truffles.

Kukuruza.com has more than 25 varieties of popcorn. The Spring Basket includes Cheddar, Caramel, Mixed Fruit and Rocky Road. The Birthday Favorites Variety Pack has Caramel Corn, Cheddar Cheese Corn, Triple Nut Caramel, and Tuxedo. The 10 Gallon Popcorn Tin has a variety called Candy Cane and customers can pick their own flavors from different categories. Classics includes Krackle Korn and Butter and Sea Salt, Spices and Fancy Nuts has Cashew Caramel and Buffalo Wing N'Blue Cheese, and Decadent has Tuxedo: Chocolate/ White Chocolate Caramel and Coconut Macaroon.

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How to write articles about travel that sizzle, without ever leaving home!

We all remember those grade school assignments involving a report on “What I did on summer vacation”, right? Some kids in my class apparently had a far more exciting summer than I, with trips to Disneyland, Hawaii and Yellowstone Park. As a matter of fact, I sometimes wondered if they'd actually made these trips, or had just gone to the library and done some research. These kids either had a heck of a good summer, or were early-flowering creative writers. I wonder how many went on to write articles about travel. Probably not many, but the point here is that if you want to write articles about travel, research on the net provides all the material you'll need.

Growing up in San Francisco, our family vacations consisted of weekend outings in Golden Gate Park – which, incidentally, I found fascinating and thrilling – or perhaps a picnic in Marin County. By the time I visited Disneyland, the summer vacation reports were no longer assigned! Not until I took a creative writing class in 9th grade did I realize that imagination and research were a winning combination. Our final consisted of a paper which described an activity we loved and which incorporated illustrations and photos. I decided to write a travel article of sorts, detailing the wonders of the northern California coastline.

This was my first attempt to write articles about travel. Although not well traveled at the time, I went for the 'write what you know' strategy. My outline was broken down into all of the segments of West coast beach attractions. I gathered magazine photos to paste into my report in the appropriate places – remember, this was the 1960s. I knew nothing of copyright laws. No one but the teacher would see the piece. For me, the challenge was to present my passion for the sea in the most convincing manner. I was rewarded with an A grade, much to my surprise.

So, if you want to write articles about travel, where do you begin? Let's say you have not been so fortunate as to have visited the highlands of Ireland, although you'd jump at the chance. You've heard of the armchair traveler. Do some intensive research on the net. Check out some travel guides from the library. Search out travel website articles on the highlands. See what others have written, with an eye  to the focal points. When you write articles about travel, you need a slant, highlighting some aspect of the destination. For example, you might write about the distinctiveness of the culture, or ferret out little-known but quaint hotels, B&B's, restaurants and pubs. You might make your focus the history of the area and historical sights.

As for photos, when you write articles about travel, including photos is a must if you want to get published. Short of traveling to a faraway destination, you can buy some nice photos from the stock photo sites, which, depending on your topic and the publication, may do the trick in capturing an editor's attention.

If you decide to write articles about travel, based on past vacations, you doubtless have some good original photos of the area which serve to highlight your topic. If you kept a travel journal, you've got all the notes you need to flesh out your article and make it sizzle with your target audience.

Travel articles hit the spot with both vicarious and real time travelers. If you're a travel buff, you can write articles about travel destinations you might only dream of visiting. Do your research and let your imagination and creativity fill in the gaps. Over time, you can build a client base that adds a little bit of satisfying income.

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Surprise Birthday Party

In my opinion, holding a great surprise birthday party is somewhat of an art. After all, half of the birthday party surprises that people throw don't really come off. Oh sure, the recipient pretend to be surprised, but most of the time people suspect something before hand. They may not know exactly what type of surprise birthday party they are getting, but they know that something is awaiting them.

When I try to hold a surprise party, I make sure that everything is perfect. Rather than sending out birthday party invitations in the mail, I deliver each one personally. I make sure that everyone knows exactly how the surprise birthday party is going to go. They all know when to meet, where to meet, and what to do to make sure that the party arrangements remain secret. After all, what is the point of going through all that effort if you're not going to really carry it through?

Most of the surprise birthday parties I've been in have been held at people's houses, but in my opinion it's a lot easier to organize a surprise party somewhere around town. In a public place, having a crowd standing around won't attract attention. On top of that, the lucky birthday boy or girl is less likely to notice that all their friends cars are parked around the area. You don't need to necessarily rents a venue, but that can be a lot of fun. Renting a room in a restaurant or club is a great way to hold a surprise birthday party on the town. Alternately, you can simply have it in a public place. Have your guests come to a park, for example, and have a barbecue there.

Of course a surprise birthday party can not be perfect without good party favors. After all, everyone will want a little souvenir to take away with them to remember the day. You can hand out little goodie bags, but it is even better to come up with something that captures the theme of the party. If you are very cloak and dagger about it, for example, you can hand out little spy toys to all the guests. It doesn't really matter if it is a great present, and you probably should not spend a lot of money on the party favors. The important thing is that it helps people remember all the fun they had at the surprise birthday party.

Good intelligence will also help you to hold the best birthday party surprises. For example, you will need to discretely find out what kind of cake the birthday boy likes best, what kind of food he likes to eat, and even what sort of music he enjoys. That way, you can cater exactly to his tastes without telling him what you're up to.

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Teen weight loss programs need to be structured a bit differently than for adults!

There are plenty of teens who want to lose weight, but you need to understand that, due to your stage of physical development, a teen weight loss program has special requirements which differ from adult weight loss programs. First, your calorie requirements are greater in your teenage years. Your body and all of its parts are still growing. Your nutritional requirements are greater. For example, teens can consume milk by the gallon in a single day. The calcium goes towards your still growing bones. Let's take a look at how to construct a safe, but successful teen weight loss program.

First you'll want to determine if you're really overweight. Many teens compare their bodies to anorexic celebrities or underweight models and decide they need to lose weight. Here's how to establish a good benchmark of your true body weight and fat condition. This method gives you your Body Mass Index (BMI) which calculates a weight-height ratio. Let's say you're 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weigh 145 pounds.

Converting your height to inches, we get 66. Multiplying your height in inches by itself gives a result of 4356. Now multiply your weight by 703, for a result of 101935. Dividing the weight result (101935) by the height result (4356) gives you the result of 23.4. This is your BMI. Guess what? You are not overweight! If your BMI is 25 or more, you are considered overweight. If your BMI is more than 30, this is where you are considered obese. What the BMI algorithm does not adequately address is bone structure. If you have a large bone frame, your BMI may be above 25, without you being overweight.

Before embarking on a perhaps unnecessary or undesirable teen weight loss program, ask your doctor for an assessment. He or she will check your bone structure, usually using your wrist as a measurement. Your doctor will also consider your age and general history.

If your doctor says you should lose some weight, ask for nutritional guidelines and a recommendation for a teen weight loss program that will work for you. Ask if you should take a multiple vitamin for additional insurance. At your age, you need a complete repertoire of nutrients necessary to good growth and development. Besides, a vitamin pill does not have any calories!

If your doctor recommends that you lose 10-20 pounds, this is easily accomplished within 1-3 months. Cut out fatty foods, like the greasy burgers and fries, replacing them with lean broiled meats. Have a salad full of veggies you like for lunch. For breads and cereals, go for the whole grains. Reduce portions at each meal by just a quarter of what you'd normally eat. This constitutes a healthy teen weight loss program.

If you need to lose a substantial amount of weight, your doctor or a nutritionist can structure a complete diet that allows you to safely and successfully lose the weight. Remember, too, that if you lose a large amount of weight too quickly, it's highly likely that it will all come back within a year. A successful teen weight loss program is one that's sensible!

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Secrets of a tasty and healthy, quick weight loss diet

Most of us could stand to lose a few pounds. Whether your aim is to look stunning on the beach in a teeny bikini, or attend gala events in an elegant LBD, you know you'll look and feel just a bit better by losing some fat. If you've calculated your BMI, you know where you stand. OK, so you've got to lose some weight. Americans are an impatient folk, fueling demand for a quick weight loss diet program. There are so many weight loss programs, it's hard to know where to start. However, weight loss is an individual thing. While your neighbor might shed ten pounds in a couple of weeks, you might struggle for a month to drop that much weight.

If you're prepared for and determined to commit to a quick weight loss diet program, we've got the skinny on the project! No matter how much weight you want to lose, you can do it, simply by adhering to a few simple diet 'rules and regulations'.

First, you need to identify your goal. Be realistic. Conventional wisdom says that losing seven pounds a month is a reasonable and sustainable goal. So you want to push the envelope to ten pounds a month – that's doable, so long as you eat sensibly and don't cheat. Reduce your calorie intake by an extra 100 calories per day, exercise an extra 10-15 minutes a day, cut out the sugar and fat and you're well on your way to a quick weight loss diet that walks the talk.

Drinking those eight glasses of water a day – ho-hum, you say. The fact of the matter is that drinking plentiful amounts of water is an essential component of the successful quick weight loss diet program. Drinking water flushes your system of toxins, while giving you a feeling of fullness. Keep a water glass close at hand and sip regularly. You'll be less inclined to go for a calorie laden treat.

Menu planning is a cornerstone of the quick weight loss diet program. You'll want to start with plenty of veggies and fruits, for snacks and at meal time. A fruit smoothie, made with fruit and yogurt, makes a nutritious, filling, low calorie and nutrient-packed breakfast that will keep you feeling satisfied and energetic until lunch. A chef's salad, packed with green leafy vegetables, a bit of meat and a vinaigrette dressing is a dieter's delight and gets that quick weight loss rolling.

How you partake of your meals counts! Don't wolf down your food. Take it easy and  savor each bite. Just because you're pursuing a quick weight loss diet doesn't mean it shouldn't be tasty – taste is where it's at and what leads you to success.

Counting calories is necessary, as is choosing the foods you eat. A dinner consisting of a big dinner salad and a nice sized filet of fish is a tasty, low calorie choice. Eat slowly, taste every bite. Take your time. Follow up with a dessert of fruit or cheese and a cup of tea. This is how you can succeed in a quick weight loss diet that puts the nicely fitting LBD and teeny bikini in your near future.

In a word, the success of any diet rests on not feeling deprived. Fill up on good healthy foods, low in fat and high in fiber. Indulge in fish and lean meat entrees. Spice up that salad with artichoke hearts marinated in olive oil. Throw in a tomato and a hard boiled egg. Reduce your blood pressure with a bit of garlic.

If you're looking to lose weight quickly, plan your menus with foods you like and which are low in calories and nutrient dense. Avoid sugar and fatty foods. Drink lots of water. You'll then have a quick weight loss diet that works!

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How to Buy Quality Unfinished Wood Furniture

I have several friends who enjoy restoring old tables, chairs, and other furnishings in their free time. They then turn around and either resell the pieces for significantly higher prices than they originally paid, or use any items that they grow attached to. Buying, restoring, and selling unfinished wood furniture is actually quite a common hobby for people that like to work with their hands, so if that's something you'd like to get into yourself, read on.

Many newcomers tend to think that all unfinished wood furniture is more or less the same. But just because your untrained eye can't spot any differences from one pine table to the next, that doesn't mean the pieces are exactly the same. In fact, the quality of unfinished wood furniture varies a great deal, so there are a few basic things you should look for before spending money on your next restoration project.

First, you'll want to start by trying to find any obvious flaws. This includes things like knots in the boards, as well as streaks of sap or other discoloration. While it's not likely that you'll end up with absolutely perfect pieces each and every time, you should never buy unfinished wood furniture if these types of blemishes jump out at you -- unless you don't care about quality or craftsmanship. It's true that some flaws can be covered up during the finishing process, but why create extra work for yourself if you don't have to?

Second, you should check to make sure that your unfinished wood furniture has been put together reasonably well. Are all the boards aligned? Are the surfaces well sanded to cut down on rough edges? Are all the pieces joined solidly, or does the item feel like it'll fall apart as soon as any weight is put on it?

And finally, you should consider the price that you're paying. Unfinished wood furniture prices usually reflect the quality of the piece, so that "bargain" you think you're getting could end up costing you more time to repair and finish in the end. By paying a bit more for better quality, you'll be able to create a nicer finished product that you can turn around and sell for a tidy profit or keep as the centerpiece in your living room. I guess it all depends on what your goals are.

Now that you know how to buy quality unfinished wood furniture, the only thing left to do is start shopping. You can either buy from online outlets or visit local retailers to see what they have in stock. Once you get started on this kind of project, it's very easy to get hooked, so don't be surprised if you find yourself buying more unfinished wood furniture than you initially planned on!

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Are you one of the 51 million people still using a TV antenna for reception?

The planned transition of television reception, from analog to digital, has apparently been in the works for years. Not being the technical type, I only became aware of the issue during the last year. I suspect I'm not alone. While the majority of television viewers currently use cable or satellite TV services, there are an astonishing 51 million viewers who use only a TV antenna for their programming. This amounts to about 17% of the population in this country.

It's interesting to note that, according to the government statistics, approximately 16% of the U.S. population now lives on an income that's at, or below the poverty line. This might lead you to the conclusion that there's some relationship between these two statistics. While most of us are able to afford a cable or satellite TV service, there are tens of millions who cannot.

Surely you've been bombarded with ads on local news channels, warning of the February 17th deadline, when the transition from analog to digital goes live. Our government had promised to provide $40 coupons for converter boxes to people who still rely on the TV antenna for their reception, in order to assure that these people could continue to receive television reception, uninterrupted.

However, just a month or so ago, the government ran out of coupon funding. People who had requested a coupon are now on a waiting list. Congress did respond, enacting legislation which would defer the transition from analog to digital to June 12th, so that the millions of people still using a TV antenna while having no converter box, would have time to receive the coupon allowing them to continue to have television reception. Unfortunately, this legislation evidently didn't have the 'teeth' required to prevent television stations from overruling the legislation and instead, going right on with the February 17th blackout for those caught in this converter box bind.

While Congress is aware that this is happening, they don't seem to want to do anything about it. This presents an interesting question. The airwaves, over which television signals travel, belong to the public, not to any individual television station. Nonetheless, some of the network and local stations are proceeding as though that is not the case. Those with only a TV antenna will be blacked out.

So how do these television stations justify their position? They have cited 'engineering costs' as a major reason. When you put this through the double-speak translator, it means that they have contracted to implement this change on February 17th and don't want to reschedule these services, to avoid rescheduling fees. The analog to digital engineering is a fait accomplis. It's not as though the television stations must keep engineers on staff in order to effect the change.  It's a sure bet that the transition will be made by contracted engineers, not by employees.

It's hard to see what difference it makes to the television stations, whether the change is effected on February 17th or June 12th.

So who are these millions of people, who will no longer be able to view their TVs, only because they still use a TV antenna? Elderly people on fixed incomes and those unfortunate enough to be poor. Those of us with cable and satellite service will not be affected. However, odds are you know someone who is not so fortunate. We must press Congress to enforce the June 12th legislation.

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UCLA Film School

The movie industry is a fiercely competitive one and gaining qualifications is a recognized route into this exciting world. The UCLA Film School has an excellent reputation and is a part of the only institution in the United States to offer Theatre, Film and TV studies. The school's list of alumni is most impressive and includes iconic figures such as Jim Morrison and James Dean. Actors to graduate include Jack Black, Mark Harmon, Tom Skerritt, and Ben Stiller. Film directors include Francis Ford Coppola, Rob Reiner and Alex Cox.

The curriculum delivers BA, MA, MFA, and PhD programs in Theatre, Film, TV, and Digital Media. There are also opportunities to study specialist subjects, such as Cinematography, Animation, and Documentary. Students can learn about screenwriting, directing or producing and go on to successful careers. The UCLA Film School was established in 1919 and is an integral part of Los Angeles culture. The campus is located close to Westwood Village, right in the heart of the entertainment district with a variety of shops and restaurants.

There are also Summer Programs on which students can enroll for Film Courses, Acting and Performance. In addition to the permanent faculty staff, visiting experts come to teach. These guests are high profile figures in the entertainment industry and well known actors also give their time and talent to the students. The local community works well with the UCLA Film School and there is an Internship Program, supported by the school and local employers.

Potential candidates into the school may be able to take advantage of Donor Funded Awards and Scholarships that are available. Students are very fortunate in being in this facility, where the student to teacher ratio is an impressive 6:1. Pastoral care is also important within the school and counseling and advice is offered through the Student Services Office. The amenities are first class and the best teachers are attracted. It is a well-rounded curriculum, covering the theory, history and artistic value of film.

Movie heritage is a valued part of UCLA Film School. The UCLA Film and Television Archive holds 220,000 film and television titles and is an important resource, larger than at any other University. The archive also stores a collection of newsreel footage. Production studios and individual actors have contributed to its funding. The school's exhibition space screens films and videos from the archive.

This unique educational establishment is not just concerned with the classroom. It owns The Geffen Playhouse, so named following a large donation of money by the film producer and record company chief, David Geffen. It is a respected theatre whose stage productions attract a host of talented actors and actresses. Past performers include Peter Falk, Carrie Fisher, Alicia Silverstone, and Martin Short. The theatre stages five plays each season on the main stage with more plays hosted in a smaller space.

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Understanding Women

It is a strange thing to say, but there are many otherwise intelligent men who have an inability to understand women at all. It isn't just that men and women have different communication styles. For guys like this, It is like women come from another planet. These men have trouble getting dates, don't tend to keep close relationships with female friends, and even get into difficulty with female coworkers in the workplace. Understanding women isn't just a matter of learning to meet singles and mingle effectively – for some guys, a whole set of social skills is lacking.

I had a friend who definitely fit into this category admirably. He had some female friends, but would always be embarrassingly awkward around them. He always asked me questions about understanding women – broad questions that I couldn't answer easily. He'd ask what women wanted, how to get them to like you, and things like that. It was kind of embarrassing for both of us now that I think about it. It was like his problems understanding women were so deep that he needed someone to explain how to have a conversation.

He ended up getting one of those books on how to meet attractive women and, for about half a year, he treated it like it was his Bible. He would always go out to meet singles in bars, and try to get as many phone numbers as he could. The first few times he struck out horribly, but soon he was getting up to the task. He was having an easier time understanding women, and they were having an easier time relating to him.

The only problem was that he still couldn't deal with women as friends. He would get to a certain point in the relationship and no further. He could understand how to seduce women and make them like him, but he could not keep their interest for more than a month.

By this point, he was much less afraid of women than he used to be, so I sat him down and decided to have a little chat. I told him what he needed to hear – that there was no big secret to understanding women. Each woman is different, and like men, women have be treated as individuals. Of course this is an obvious truth to me, but for him it was sort of a revelation. Once he heard it, his whole mode of interacting changed. He was no longer the slimy guy who I used to know. Suddenly, he was a down to earth decent sort of guy who was staying in touch with his female friends and meeting some great girls. I don't know what the breakthrough was, but I'm glad that he now understands women.

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Underwater Welding

My good friend Mike has never been able to hold a job for long. Although he is an interesting and intelligent guy, he's a little bit flighty. He gets bored of something almost as soon as he starts it, and as a result he has switched jobs a number of times. He has good intentions, but the follow-through is not there.

That is why when he first told me that he had an underwater welding job, I was little bit skeptical. Jobs in underwater welding are very difficult and very dangerous, and I didn't think he would stick with it for very long. The pay was excellent – everyone knew that – but the work involved long hours and high risks. It seemed like the kind of thing he would try a brief adventure in and get sick of.

When six months later he was still an underwater welder, however, I became curious about it. I asked a little bit about the underwater welding, and found a wealth of information. Apparently, it is a fascinating job. It combines all the adventures of diving with the technically complex duties of a welder. Underwater welding does have its risks, but it pays extremely well. Best of all, you get to work on some fascinating construction projects. They call you in to maintain bridges, dams, and other underwater structures. Working on such mammoth constructions must be pretty interesting, and I bet it really gives you a sense of accomplishment.

I was so impressed by his tales of underwater welding that I started to think about getting into it myself. I have always been interested in the maritime trades, and being an underwater welder seems like a great way to get involved. Underwater welders are called upon to fix ships as well as more permanent structures, so is a great way to get involved in boat work. I haven't started it yet, but I really am thinking about it.

I have started taking a diving course. I figured that I could get involved in underwater welding if I liked it. So far, the diving course is pretty fun. It is harder work than I had imagined. It can really hurt to dive to low depths, and it can be disorienting when you first start it. Nonetheless, it looks like it will be a great bit of fun to get my commercial diving certificate. After that, who knows. Underwater welding is certainly something I would consider.

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Why and How to Buy Unlocked Cell Phones

I spend a lot of time browsing through online auction sites. I think it's fun to look at all the different products that people are buying and selling, especially since many of the items can't be found in regular stores. Want that classic video game you used to spend hours playing as a kid? Chances are it'll be on eBay! It's also interesting to be able to track the hottest retail trends and fads. Remember when Tickle Me Elmo dolls were flying off the shelves? I knew they were popular without ever stepping foot in a Toys R Us because I saw how much people were bidding for them.

These days, I'd have to say that unlocked cell phones are some of the most popular products around. I see so many auctions for these things that I finally had to look into them to see what all the fuss was about. After doing some research and finding out how convenient these handsets are, I now understand why people are scrambling to buy unlocked cell phones. Here are the basics.

Unlocked cell phones are handsets that can recognize and respond to SIM (subscriber identification module) cards from any service provider. Locked units, on the other hand, are programmed to respond to a single provider and won't work on another carrier's network. What's the point of this? It's so that the carriers can offer "free" handsets with long-term contracts without having to worry about getting burned by customers who sign up just for the phone and then try to break the agreement.

There are a couple of good reasons why people might want to buy unlocked cell phones. The first is if you really want a phone that is not offered by your current provider. For instance, when the iPhone came out, it was available only to AT&T Wireless customers because Apple had a binding deal with that company. But of course, tens of thousands of Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint subscribers wanted the iPhone as well, so it wasn't long until hacked versions appeared on the market. A second reason for wanting unlocked cell phones would be if a carrier is offering a terrific rate on long-term contracts, but only throws a cheapo phone into the bargain. It might still be worth your while to sign up for the contract, and then swap out the SIM card to a handset that you like better.

Finding unlocked cell phones is relatively easy these days. Auction sites like eBay remain a top destination when shopping for these handsets, and many third-party vendors are setting up their own online retail sites as well. If you're having trouble finding unlocked cell phones in your area, you can also just purchase the locked version and then bring the phone to a specialist who can unlock it for a fee.

So if you've got your eye on a cool new phone that isn't supported by your carrier, don't fret. All you have to do is find a retailer that sells unlocked cell phones and you'll be ready to go in no time!

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Pssst! Want to know the secrets of the latest in trendy clothing? Used clothes!

For the most part, women and teenage girls are devotees of fashion trends. We peruse the fashion magazines, watch what celebrities are wearing and dream of having that fabulous wardrobe which sets us apart from the crowd. Avant garde. Daring. Classy.

Unfortunately, for the majority of fashion fans, our budgets just don't stand up to the prices of the latest designs off the Paris runways, or even the knock offs at your local department store! What to do, what to do? When the money in your wallet won't get you the fashionable wardrobe of your dreams, it's time to make lemonade! The answer to the slimmest of budgets is used clothes! The used clothes market encompasses such diversity, mixing decades of stand out fashions from which you can concoct a wardrobe that catches the eyes of everyone interested in fashion.

If you're an avid fashion follower, you've probably noticed those women who just seem to have that elusive panache. While their costumes seem to draw your eye, what exactly is that secret artistic ingredient in the composition? The imaginative fashionista adds up to a charismatic person, willing to buck the conventional tide and follow the art of dressing, much as a painter splashes color on a canvas.

When you shop for clothes at the department store, what you find is what 'everyone' is wearing this season. Be brave and break that mold! These days, new clothing is often poorly constructed, of inferior materials and a mere echo of the individual spirit. On the other hand, the used clothes shops stock designer and retro clothing   which are attractive, well constructed and individual. After all, you won't find that bias cut dress or feathered hat in this year's seasonal offerings. When you buy used clothes, you can set yourself apart from everyone else. Yes, you can be individual in your clothing choices!

There is something romantic and nostalgic in the used clothes market. Your wardrobe is just one way to express your individualism, your unique personality. As a bonus, you can have the wardrobe of your dreams at very little cost. It doesn't get much better than that.

Besides, shopping the thrift, consignment and retro shops is a great shopping adventure. You never know what treasures you might turn up. You're also virtually guaranteed that you won't see another woman wearing your costume.

Another advantage of shopping the used clothes shops is that you'll find combinations of clothes that you can mix and match seamlessly. While the clothes and accessories might have been in fashion decades apart, you can develop an eye for those that work today. An outrageous, wide brimmed felt hat from the 60s, trimmed with silk flowers, may be the perfect complement to a Lauren Bacall styled gabardine suit. Complete your outfit with a pair of 1970s platform shoes and costume jewelry from the 1940s. Wow! You're a knockout!

Don't be a fashion snob by just going with the flow. There's much to be said for striking out on your own. Your used clothes purchases may well start a new fashion trend, borrowed from the past. Go get your dream wardrobe, on a shoestring budget. That's the essence of the avant garde fashionista!

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Saving And Reading Users Manuals

In a prefect world, you would know how to use everything you buy, and you would never have a problem with any of them. This is never the case, as things are changing and evolving with each passing year. In fact, something that you bought a year ago is probably obsolete now, and the newer version probably works in a whole new way. You may not know how to use it, and that is why most things come with users manuals. Reading and finding them can be a bit tricky though.

If you were smart and thought ahead, you have saved the users manuals to every single thing in your home that came with one. That means you only have to find them to use them when you have a problem or when something new comes up. Find a safe place in your home to save them all in one place, or you may have them scattered in the bottoms of many different boxes in all areas of your home. This might make it downright impossible to find what you need, or you may never find the users manuals that you seek, even when they are in your own home.

When you can’t find what you need, you may find some users manuals online in digital form. This is not the case for all electronic items, but some of the ones that are not new to the market have this online. You can search for the manufacturer and your particular model number to see if any users manuals online come up. If not, you may be able to order them from the manufacturers web site, or you can look at classified advertisements and places like eBay to see if anyone has one that they are selling or giving away.

You may never need to use your users manuals for anything other than setting up your new item. Once you are done with the basic setup, don’t throw your book in the closet just yet. You should always skim through the entire thing to see if there are any additional features of which you were not aware. Some things today do more than what you buy them for, and those features may be very useful to you. Look through for more options, and learn how to use all of the things you are interested in before you stash your owners handbook into the closet or drawer for later reference.

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Using Vitamins And Supplements

You could be very healthy, but you probably have a few things that you wish were better with your body. You could be one of those people that gets sick very easily, or perhaps you don’t get sick very often, but when you do, you have a hard time shaking it off. You may also have some small problems that are troublesome, but there is not much your doctor is willing to do to help you out. In these cases, you may benefit from some vitamins and supplements if you take the time to find out what you should be doing.

I have a friend that has about six bottles of vitamins and supplements on her kitchen counter. This surprised me because she is very health, but then, I thought perhaps they were the reason why. She didn’t seem like a health junkie though, so I asked her what they were all about. Some were just daily vitamins that many of us take, but there were some others. She explained that two of the vitamins and supplements were there to help her with bruising. She bruises easily, and the one stops that if she can remember to take it.

Some say that you can load up on vitamins and supplements if you feel a cold coming on. The most common of these practices is to take a lot of vitamin C all at once. There can be some problems with this, and it does not work like you might think. Even though you may think of vitamins and supplements as things that are healthy because they are natural, that is far from the truth. You can get sick from too much vitamin C all at once. Instead, take some each day and that should help you just fine when you get sick.

One thing you should always remember when thinking about taking vitamins and supplements is that though they are natural, they have other problems as well. Some do not work, but that is simply a matter of trail and error. The bigger issue with vitamins, minerals, and supplements is that some will interact with your prescription medications, if you take any, and those reactions can be deadly. If you start taking something new, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin. Vitamins and supplements can be helpful, but you don’t want them to be deadly.

Though vitamins and supplements can do wonders for your health, you don’t want to use them as if they are a replacement for living a good life. In other words, you still have to try to eat right and to get the exercise that you need. Those two things are more powerful than anything that comes in a bottle. None of us are prefect, however, so that means vitamins and supplements can make up the difference when we have less than perfect days. Just use them wisely and they can be a great addition to your daily health regimen.

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Defining the war on terrorism

Ever since the infamous events of 9/11, our government made significant efforts in  creating a new buzz phrase, 'the war on terrorism'. Politicians repeated this buzz phrase so often, it quickly became a household phrase. It's well known that when a motto or phrase is repeated often enough, people will eventually accept and believe it. Such buzz phrases are not accidental, but intended to serve as a rallying point around which the public will stand.

Ask anyone you know, “What is the war on terrorism?” and the initial response might well be a look of incredulity. “Why, it's the war in Iraq! (or Afghanistan or maybe Bin Laden)” would be likely answers.

The use of these words, in context, is puzzling indeed. War is a state of terror if you're in the war zone. While war used to be conducted on a defined battlefield, this is no longer the case. If you're a civilian living in a country at war, it's as likely that you'll be maimed or killed as not. Being that civilian is to live in a state of constant terror.

So, after hearing this rallying cry for the thousandth time, I decided to consult my dictionary for the straight scoop. Here's what I found.

Terrorism is defined as “the use of force or threats to intimidate etc., especially as a political policy”. Well now, this would seem to apply to any nation at war. Nations that foment war always have a political purpose at the core. It may not be the one that's advertised to the public, but you can bet it's politically inspired.

What does the dictionary have to say about war? “1. open armed conflict, as between nations 2. any active hostility or struggle 3. military operations as a science”.

So the war on terrorism is a war on war? Wow. That's a good one. What brainiac coined this phrase?

This warrants a further look at the concept. Our dictionary friend defines terror thusly. “1. intense fear 2. one that causes intense fear; the quality of intense fear”. What about the word terrorize? “1. to terrify 2. to coerce, make submit etc. by filling with terror”. Surely these words characterize the experience of war.

Now, what's a warmonger? Dictionary says “one who advocates, or tries to cause war”. You put it all together and the conclusions are obvious.

The phrase, 'war on terrorism' must be the product of someone with a quite poor command of the language. Why not, 'war on Bin Laden'? Perhaps 'the war on the warlord' (a local ruler or bandit leader) might be more accurate, but perhaps it just doesn't have the right cadence. Besides, how could the politicians then shift our focus to Iraq?

It's both ridiculous and tragic that the perpetrator has, to date, not been captured. A single individual. U.S. special forces are highly skilled groups. They can find and capture anyone, anywhere, no matter how well protected or important that individual might be. Find Bin Laden, and the world will cheer. His organization might survive, but his capture would surely give a new would-be leader pause.

Such a failure begs the question: is it a war on terrorism, as described? How do the military bases at key oil field locations fit in to this equation?

Perhaps we need to examine our dictionary definitions and take a closer look at this term – the war on terrorism.

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Properly Doing Weight Lifting Exercises

If you know that weight lifting is something that is good for you, you have probably worked it into your workout routines. If you don’t, you should consider adding weight lifting exercises to get the most benefit from working out. Men and women alike can benefit, even though some women are scared that they will build large muscles. Don’t worry, they won’t. However, no one should do this if they are not sure how to do these exercises the right way. Without proper form and care, injuries are almost certain.

Those starting out with a weight lifting routine should take it easy. They should choose a weight that they can lift with ease at first. Most recommend doing three sets of ten reps to start out. Through this, it should be somewhat of a struggle to keep going, but not so much that a person is not able to lift the weight at all. This is not as hard to figure out as you may think. Whether using free weights or barbell for your weight lifting exercises, this is something you can pick out rather easily.

Once you have found the right weight to start your new weight lifting exercises, there are some things that you should do before you lift. The first would be to be sure that you have stretched very thoroughly. This will prevent you from ripping your muscles if you get too into your workout. You should always take it easy, but it is common for some people to go overboard with weight lifting exercises when they first start out. This is usually because of enthusiasm with the new program. Well stretched muscles are the best in this case, and with all exercise, for that matter.

Once you know you are warmed up, you have to be sure that you have the right posture when you are doing your weight lifting exercises. This means keeping your back straight when you are lifting free weights, and making sure your arms are moving in the right direction so you do not damage your joints. When you are doing weight lifting exercises on a weight bench, you must be sure you are lifting straight up and that you are not wavering with a heavy weight in your hands. Proper form means both better results and safety.

You also have to be sure that you are allowing enough time in between your weight lifting exercises. You should probably lift three times a week with a day in between each one. When you lift, you are causing small tears in the muscles. When those tears heal, more muscles is built. You have to give your body time to repair. Also, put a bit more protein in your diet when you are going to be exercising with weights. That gives your body what it needs to build that muscle and to keep you strong.

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White Gold Jewelry Instead of Platinum

I love to accessorize with nice rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and spend a considerable amount of money on these products every year. I have a sizable collection that continues to grow with each new piece I add. I used to prefer platinum items because the color offsets my skin tones very nicely, but that took a massive toll on my budget. So these days I've turned to white gold jewelry instead, and absolutely love being able to purchase beautiful pieces for a fraction of the cost.

I'm surprised at how little most people know about white gold jewelry. It's almost exactly the same as the more traditional yellow version, except for the types of alloys used in the manufacturing process. White gold jewelry is often mixed with silver and palladium, and then plated with rhodium to give it a platinum-like finish. In fact, it's hard to tell quality white gold jewelry apart from platinum, especially when just looking at it with the naked eye. There are some issues with the rhodium plating wearing off after a while, but that can be fixed easily and inexpensively with a quick trip to the jewelers.

Other than that, however, white gold jewelry is every bit as durable and valuable as the yellow variety. Plus, this alloy looks terrific no matter what form it takes. I have a number of rings that are all positively gorgeous, while my favorite necklace is a breathtaking piece that never fails to elicit tons of compliments whenever I wear it. White gold jewelry makes a perfect setting for diamonds, so it's no wonder that the tennis bracelets I own earn a lot of nice comments as well.

You're probably wondering how I afford all of these items, right? Well, since I don't make even close to six figures, I just have to be a smart shopper in order to feed my addiction. I have never, ever paid full retail price for any piece in my collection -- not even the to-die-for items that I had to scrimp and save for months to buy. Instead, I force myself to have patience and wait for sales. Moreover, I've been known to buy white gold jewelry online from various discount shops and wholesalers at cut-rate prices. It does take some time to find reputable online dealers who sell the genuine article at these discounts, but once that happens, it's an easy matter to go back again and again. What's more, since I'm such a good customer, some of these online shops even allow me to request specific pieces that I want, and then they go out of their way to track down the merchandise for me. Now that's amazing service!

Anyway, if you're addicted to accessorizing as much as I am, then I recommend buying white gold jewelry instead of platinum. You'll save money and be able to buy more stuff this way -- and no one ever has to know the difference!

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Making a Profit on Wholesale Pocket Knives

I've wanted to set up shop as a wholesaler for a long time now. I've always known that there's good money to be made this way, but I haven't really had sufficient motivation to put all my effort into such a venture. However, now that things at my regular job are slowing down, I've finally got time to see if I can make a go of my own business. Plus, I have a great connection that can get me a deal on wholesale pocket knives, which is a product I'd be interested in selling, so this seems like the perfect time to get started.

Obviously, choosing a product to sell is one of the most important considerations for anyone wishing to set up shop as a distributor. Fortunately, almost anything will work for you as a wholesaler, be it sunglasses, costume jewelry, athletic apparel, shoes, handbags, or whatever else you can think of. As long as the item is in demand, you ought to be able to realize some sort of profit on the transaction. As I mentioned before, I have a friend who can hook me up with awesome deals on wholesale pocket knives, so that's why I'm going to focus on these products at the beginning.

Now that I have a product to sell, the next thing I have to do is set up a reliable distribution chain that allows me to purchase wholesale pocket knives from my supplier and turn around and sell them to my customers. I have the supplier phase worked out, at least for the time being. As my business grows, I'll likely want to start making my purchases from several different sources, but for now my friend will do. Finding customers for my wholesale pocket knives will certainly pose a challenge in the initial stages. I'll probably have to do a lot of marketing and make a ton of cold calls in order to find some takers, but I have a few leads to work with, so I'm not too worried.

I'll also have to locate cheap storage or warehouse space where I can keep my wholesale pocket knives while I try to find buyers. In the beginning, I might be able to use my garage, but I'll eventually want to move the products to an off-site location when I start dealing in the massive quantities required in order to make a profit. While I'm out there looking, I might as well check around for office space as well. There could come a point in time when I'll appreciate having an entirely separate area to go to while working on buying and selling wholesale pocket knives.

Becoming a wholesaler is actually not that complicated. I've outlined the major hurdles above, and while I'm sure I'll run into additional obstacles once I start selling my wholesale pocket knives, I'm confident I'll be able to roll with the punches and work things out in the end. No matter what happens, I'm excited to embark on this next chapter in my life!

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See how a wooden garden gate adds charm, elegance and whimsy to your entry way

Realtors often extol the virtues of what they call 'curb appeal'. This term refers to how passers-by see your home from a street side view. A neat lawn, beds of flowers, garden furniture, lighting and pathways all play a part in creating a lovely first impression of your home. One quite inexpensive, but impressive addition to your home's curb appeal lies in the wooden garden gate.

Wooden garden gates evoke memories of the Secret Garden, nostalgia, charm and elegance all in a single statement. Garden gates, placed at the street entrance, make a silent but definitive separation from the rest of the world and your own castle. People walking by may pause to try to see what lies beyond. The simple act of placing a barrier, albeit an attractive one, creates mystique. “Oh I wish I could see more of this private retreat.”

The style of wooden garden gates offer a refinement of the concept. A plain, white picket, wooden garden gate, protecting a charming cottage garden is a visual feast of nostalgic proportions. Without the garden gate feature, that very same cottage garden of delphiniums, mallows and daisies might present an unfocused, rather messy looking conglomeration, going without notice. Enter the simple wooden garden gate and you've got a mood!

If your garden design is more formal, with lush beds of English-style perennials, neatly trimmed and sporting blooms with each season, a more elaborate style of   garden gate is preferred. In keeping with this garden design, try a more elegant wooden garden gate style. A taller gate, with finely stained and sanded pillars and posts, reminiscent of the Victorian age, may be the perfect complement to your entry's appearance.

A modern garden that's more in line with a free form design can make good use of pergolas and arbors, allowing you to enhance your entry's charm with a romantic planting of climbing roses, lilacs or wisteria, which invites the viewer to take a closer look.

Should you decide to install a wooden garden gate, you have a variety of wood and finishes from which to choose. The picket fence may be simple pine, while that Secret Garden look may call for elaborate carved railings in a fine finish.

You can purchase a garden gate from online vendors, or you can make it a DIY project, if you're handy with tools and have some patience for the task. In either case, this is an inexpensive way to add that sought after curb appeal and greatly enhance your own experience of the garden you've toiled over these many years.

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4 Cup Coffee Maker

The secret to always fresh coffee? As simple as a 4 cup coffee maker!

That favorite American beverage, coffee, is only as good as the coffee used and the freshness of the cup. The coffee connoisseur can not bear a cup that's been sitting in the pot for more than half an hour. There's nothing worse than a cup of Joe that has developed that stale, flat taste acquired by sitting around languishing in the pot. The reason is simple. The essential oils of the bean, which are paramount to good flavor, are quickly lost once the pot's been brewed. If you're single, or a couple of empty nesters, the 4 cup coffee maker was made for you. You'll consume the coffee at the peak of freshness and won't end up pouring any of this expensive beverage down the drain.

If you've got a family or entertain guests often, that 12 cup coffee maker comes in handy. However, if you're working at home today and the rest of the household is out, consider buying a 4 cup coffee maker for those times when you just want a couple of cups. It's so easy and quick to brew this little pot, supplying you with a fresh cup all day long, if you're so inclined.

Most avid coffee drinkers use a mug, rather than a teacup sized container. So keep in mind that while it's called a 4 cup coffee maker, the actual yield in a mug is more like two cups. So much the better for freshness!

These small coffee makers are also useful for those of you who enjoy coffee at all hours. Station that coffee maker on your nightstand or at your desk, for effortless enjoyment while working, reading or watching the tube.

Tired of the time and effort required to make coffee in my French press, I recently purchased a 4 cup coffee maker of the electric persuasion, just for the convenience. I find that it's undeniably faster and I also use less coffee. So this minuscule investment ends up saving money and coffee tossed because it's not up to my standard of freshness.

Now, this is not to say that the coffee you use is not important. A poor quality coffee does not make a good cup of coffee! You don't need to spend a tremendous amount of money on the fancy and expensive boutique coffees. At least one manufacturer of canned coffees now features all Arabica beans, which to my way of thinking, has a better flavor. Arabica also contains less caffeine than the Robusta beans. This is an important consideration for me, because at the rate I consume coffee, I'd probably never sleep if I drank only Robusta.

Now here's the formula for the most flavorful cup of fresh coffee in your new 4 cup coffee maker: start with cold water, adding a tablespoon of good quality coffee for each cup (not mug). Flip the switch. Pour and drink promptly! That's all there is to it!

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Writing a travel journal that captures your travel memories for a lifetime of enjoyment

Taking a vacation is usually a much anticipated and exciting prospect. You're off to visit a new place, or revisit an old, but favorite, destination. It's odd, but true, that most travelers, while spending considerable time, effort and money getting to that first day of vacation, few include writing a travel journal, detailing their adventures, in their plans. Anyone who's taken a vacation to their dream destination can tell you that those memories fade over time. The overall impressions stay with you, but the most enjoyable memories often consist of small events which might be easily forgotten in a few years. Writing a travel journal keeps those events fresh in your recall and can provide years of enjoyment.

We all usually keep family photo albums to mark our life events, kids growing up, weddings, graduations and the like. Just a glance at a photo of Mary's birthday or a backyard barbecue brings the memories of that day back clearly. However, when you're traveling, everything is new. It's hard to take it all in and record all of these new experiences with only a camera. It only makes sense that writing a travel journal enhances your experience and memories long after you've arrived back home.

Buying an inexpensive tape recorder makes it easy to write a travel journal, without investing much of your time while on vacation. Bring your recorder with you everywhere you go. As you're sightseeing, hang it from a cord around your neck. When you spot a little child, playing with her dog in front of that quaint bakery, record a few words that capture your sensory perceptions. What caught your attention? The child's long braids, fragrant smells from the bakery entrance, her sweet demeanor and the dog getting a bit of her cookie? It's the small events that add up when writing a travel journal, making it possible to vicariously relive your vacation in depth, far into the future.

Let's say you've just toured the Colosseum in Rome. You joined a group hosted by an independent tour guide, a fountain of information on the history and anecdotal lore. In fact, you'll learn so much, you might forget half of the knowledge you acquired within a week, unless you record brief notes and observations as you tour.

Writing a travel journal is somewhat akin to being a reporter. Take a few minutes each evening to transcribe your impressions in as much detail as possible. You don't even need complete sentences – it's the bare bones flavor of the experience you're after.

Postcards are abundantly available and are valuable in jogging your memory when writing a travel journal. Use a paper clip to insert the postcards on the relevant pages of your transcribed notes. When you get back home, assemble your notes and postcards in your unique travel journal, fleshing out your notes.

Writing a travel journal is easy enough. You don't need to be a professional writer to create a travel album that allows you and future generations of kids and grandkids to see a bit of the world through your eyes during that moment in time. It will be a fascinating read!

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