The day you finally get to "tie the knot" is on its' way, but first there's the hen party to organise. There are lots of hen night activities you could do as party of your classy hen night. Here's a few ideas to get you started.
One popular activity for a classy hen night is to have a Murder Mystery Night. This is a fun and entertaining evening, usually at a hotel or restaurant-type location, with professional actors playing out the story, with clues for you to solve.
Another good idea is to try a Cheese & Wine Evening. Simply pop down to your local supermarket and explore the huge range of wines and cheeses on offer. It's an opportunity to try new flavours you've never experienced before, and the variety also makes a great talking point for the evening. Try searching out local independent organic food stores and delicatessens to find unusual specialities and delicacies.
If you were thinking about having a daytime activity instead of the traditional hen night, you might want to consider pampering yourself and your hens at a Health Spa, or why not have an afternoon tea party or meet in a coffee bar. You could all the members of your party to bring along any photos they may have of you when you were younger, to add a nostalgic touch to the event. Museums, art galleries, exhibitions and events are also popular daytime hen activities - or perhaps explore the outdoors with a trip to the countryside.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have fun, relax, and enjoy the company of your friends and family at this special time in your life.
When choosing a hairstyle for women forty years of age and over, we must first consider what the factors will be that has lead to the consideration of changing a hair style. Throughout a woman's life, she has travelled through her teenage years, young adult years to her mature years. I would like to refer these years as chapters in a woman's life.
A young teenage girl will have vibrant healthy hair that holds its natural color and wave. As we get older cell re-generation slows causing the hair to become dull and lifeless, even the pigment whitens leading to grey hair. When we hit forty years of age there will be several other factors such as, greying and hair thinning.
If it does not get any worse we will also have to consider why we want to change our hair style and where in our life will the hair style fit in. Is the hair cut because we have had enough of the same style or is it because we are re-entering the workforce after we have raised our family.
Just like looking in the wardrobe where we will see the chapters in our lives on full display. We will see our house clothes, our party clothes, maternity wear and our corporate clothes. Well once the children are out of the way, we will no longer need our maternity clothes as that chapter has ended in our lives.
The same with our hair. For a woman over forty to change her hairstyle she will need to consider why. Is the reason just for change, to cut away long time consuming hair or does your hair make you look older then you really are? No matter what the reason, changing your hair style is a major decision and one not to be taken lightly.
I have always advised clients that whenever they are contemplating change, to visualize that change and to see if it will meet their expectations and fit in with their lifestyle. Gather all the information you can such as photos from magazines, hair styling products and if they will suit your hair. This point is very important as some hair styles require different product to maintain, so you will need to know if the product will suit your hair or is there an alternative.
Talking with friends, family and your hair stylist will help you to make the correct choice, and remember, hair styles for women in their forties and over, still look great and making a change is making a change to build your self esteem and self confidence.
We absolutely love talking about hair styles when it comes to making a fashion statement. The most common questions I have been asked has formed my website. The site is packed with information dealing with all aspects of haircuts for women providing up to date information and resources.
Do you remember an old saying about eating an apple a day to keep the doctors away? A lot of people underestimate the value of good old apples. The apple is one of the best whole fruits, a super food we must eat every day if we want to feel a.
Well, all whole fruits contain valuable minerals, vitamins, enzymes and fiber. You are wondering why apples?
1. Fiber.
Apples are rich in fiber pectin, which we, ladies, need a lot to have clear complexion, metabolic balance, low blood pressure. Pectin (soluble fiber) lowersnot only cholesterol but also body fats. How great is that?!! Apples improve indigestion, and also help with some digestive concerns (for example, if you have a diarrhea - have an apple; if you have a constipation-have an apple!).
2. Antioxidants.
Apple is full of antioxidants to fight free radicals (which, we know,can cause illnesses) and support our immune system, heart and brain.
3. Detox.
Apples and their juice are perfect detox/cleanse food which is beneficial for the liver. They cleanse intestinal tract with fiber which is also very helpful if you want to maintain a healthy weight or to loose extra pounds. The pectin in apples not only reduces cholesterol, but also removes toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, and the residues of radiation.
4. Energy booster.
It is also a perfect healthy snack and natural energy booster. Apples low blood sugar and make us happier and less stressful which benefit emotional depression. Nature gives us apples in the fall, when the nights get longer and seasonal depression might occur. Why is that?
But we have to remember that apples contain natural sugars, so we have to do some exercises to maintain the same weight if we decide to eat as many apples a day as we can.
And, unfortunately, apples contain the highest level of pesticides (along with peaches), and it means that we have to buy them organic (local only if you know the farmers and which fertilizer they use).
Let us remember about healing properties of apples and eat them with the seasons to feel and look fabulous.
Irina Wardas is a founder of NaturalCounselor.com and works with women who have stress or weight management issues and are experiencing increased appetite, mood swings, insomnia and lack of energy.
To get your free copy of her eBook " How to Feel and Look Fabulous One Step at a Time" go to her website: http://www.naturalcounselor.com
Don't forget to visit her Blog with health tips and recipes you can use every day.
When you are young and first have breasts, your breasts are typically perky. If they are heavy, they sag quickly. Even a young but well endowed woman can end up with droopy breasts if she does not take care. Gravity spares no one and all the weight will take its toll on your natural bra, the skin that holds up your breasts. Your best bet, from the moment your breasts develop is to start wearing bras when you are awake.
Support is everything. Even if your breasts are smaller, they may stay perkier longer, but as you get older, gravity will take its toll on you. On top of that, your skin loses its elasticity as you age and breasts, like everything else will sag.
So how do some women, in their forties, fifties or older have such fabulous bodies? They have gorgeous breasts to set off that perfect dress. Is it all due to plastic surgery?
Not necessarily. For one thing, these women take care of their bodies. They have great bodies to showcase because they watch their diet and exercise seriously, regularly, (possibly even daily) to keep their figures.
All that exercise, especially running and land activities will mean bouncing breasts, which doubles the effect of gravity as it jars the skin that supports your breasts. Support is critical. Smart women wear sports bras when they work out, jog, run, or engage in land exercises. Swimming is fine as the water supports your body, but anything out of the water requires decent support. No doubt, sports bras aren't that attractive but they are what you need to protect your breasts from the droop-inducing effects of gravity.
When it comes to that gorgeous, low cut dress, or any outfit they are going to be seen in, for that matter, they get their foundations right. They wear bras that actually hold everything in place, so that the clothes hang well on their bodies, making them look fabulous. Cosabella bras have the support necessary to give you the perky breasts that are oh so sexy. Invest in them so that your clothes will always hang well on your body. These are the well kept secrets of older women with great bodies.
As mums we already have a busy life and it is a well known fact that women are great at juggling a hundred and one things at once. But when it comes to taking on a small business as well, things get a little more challenging. As any business mum already knows it can be challenging trying to juggle the children and a business smoothly but it can be done and you don't need to be 'superwomen'.
Organisation and a 'great well oiled plan' is the key if you wish to create a successful business and lifestyle.
When becoming a mum in business it is important to have a balance between your children/family and your small business, otherwise your new business will take over. A business doesn't grow over night so don't try and make it - a few extra hours a week will not achieve this.
If you want to create a successful professional small business you will need to make some decisions about when you are going to work in your business and who will look after the children at those times. So here are some great tips to help you successfully juggle both:
1. Have a routine and plan your day. Write down everything you need to do and achieve. Include personal and business goals and then put together a weekly action plan and daily task list. It will make it easier if you can dedicate set days to your business and then you can do all your business tasks on those days.
2. Separate your work and family time. Make a clear distinction between the two. Set time aside for your family and avoid working in family time. Trying to work with children in tow is not a great recipe for success and not very fair on your children.
• Set up an office environment away from the children. - This will help you to focus on work and be professional.
• When making phone calls - children will always interrupt so make your business calls when they are asleep or when someone else can watch them. It is not professional to make calls with noisy children in the background.
• Do the day-to-day running of the business. If you look after your children full time, working when the children are asleep can be a great option.
3. Have set working days. This will help you to focus on your business with no interruptions from your children. If you need some additional time to concentrate on the business then consider having your children looked after for a period of time each week by a relative or friend, Childcare or Family Day Care or a Nanny?
4. Get help from experts. If you try and do everything yourself, you will pay a high price - your health, family time and an unsuccessful business. Outsource tasks to experts; use their knowledge to help you grow your business. Recruit a PR person, a bookkeeper, an admin person etc.
5. Know what you want to achieve from your business. Having definite objectives will help you to work towards your goals. Break them down into smaller goals that you can achieve as you work towards your ultimate goals. It is much better than having everything going round in your head and being unsure whether you are actually achieving anything.
By following these few steps, your business will develop the strong foundations it needs to succeed. Remember, building a business takes time, and you must be patient and dedicated to be successful.
| A great way to help you successfully juggle being a Mum and an Entrepreneur would be to connect with other business mums, just like you on our website. Get your free access by going to http://www.businesswomenunite.net where you can also discover tips and strategy that women just like you are using every day to grow profitable businesses! |
"An increasingly insistent voice from deep within beckons us ...imploring us to explore aspects of ourselves that have been dormant during our years of caring for others and focusing on their needs." Dr. Christiane Northrup
There's definitely an up and a down side to getting older. For instance, who knew that perimenopausal symptoms, some of which, like poor co-ordination, seemed to oddly mimic early first pregnancy, could begin at age 43? I certainly wasn't ready for that and my mother, my friend and my Jin-shin-do practitioner had to tell me that what I was experiencing was perimenopause.
The initial stages of perimenopause seemed okay, but as the process deepened, my energy plummeted severely and I felt emotionally disconnected. As the hormone changes intensified, combining with my particular body biology and habits, I was quietly developing osteoporosis.
After I traversed perimenopause and became a menopausal crone, I began my counselling program at City University in Vancouver. My course started one month after I became menopausal, which I found interesting, and somehow fitting. My energy was more stable now, and the focus of learning skills to help me with my work with women gave my life meaning.
This new stage of my life also coincided with my aging mother, who was developing Alzheimer's by then, leaving her independent living situation and moving to our community, where my brother and I set her up in her own apartment with private caregivers for several hours per week. While I wasn't responsible for her day-to-day care, as my brother was her self-appointed case manager, the initial adjustment to having my mom 'in my backyard' so to speak, was pretty challenging. I was dealing with the stress of my first year in grad school (after about 20 years), and I was very stressed. Having my mother in my in my community meant that she was 'in my face', and old issues surfaced. Over the years it's been a chance to let go and grow for both of us however.
Despite the challenges midlife throws us, I've always seen this time as an opportunity to get to know oneself better. Something in us holds out an invitation to go down deeper into ourselves and to find out what it is that we yearn to do with the rest of our lives.
| Through her 'Odyssey of Change' coaching program, Ellen Besso offers Midlife Women the opportunity to navigate the midlife maze and find joy & fullness in their lives. Personal action plans include strengthening the body-mind connection; releasing beliefs that limit growth; & specific actions to move you forward into your ideal life. Ellen is uniquely qualified to be your guide because she has personally journeyed through perimenopause and into an inspired life as a menopausal crone! Her professional credentials include certification as a Martha Beck Coach and an M.A. in Counselling from City University. |
I'm sure you've heard about the importance of keratin to your skin health and the look of your skin. Keratin is important to keep your skin looking good, so it must be good to find keratin in your skin care products right?
Maybe.
First though, lets have a look at what keratin actually is.
Keratin is a "structural protein". It is tough and fibrous and helps hold your skin together firmly, and prevent sagging. As a structural component of our skin keratin has a major role in skin health. All good. This is found in a number of areas in our bodies, like our nails and teeth as well as our skin. As you can see keratin can be both hard and soft. It's hard in nails, for instance, and is soft in skin.
Keratin in our skin forms below the surface, and gradually works it's way up to the surface where it forms a protective layer. It is formed by what are known as keratinocytes, which are living cells which exist in our skin.
So isn't it a good thing if we see keratin on the label of our skin care products and anti aging products?
That depends. You see not all keratin is created equal, and some keratin is better than other keratin. You need the right type in your skin care products, or it won't do very much at all. I mentioned that keratin is found in various parts of the body, including the nails and skin. So most keratin that is used in anti aging skin care is derived from animal sources that contain keratin. In particular hooves, horns and feathers.
All these animal products are basically melted down and subjected to high temperatures, and extracted from these animal products for use in skin care products. However the problem is that the process used to extract the keratin, and specifically the heat to which it is subjected, changes it's form by a process known as hydrolyzation.
Hydrolyzation basically means that the chemical properties of the ingredient are changed. And for keratin, the hydrolyzation means that it is changed to a form that is no longer useful to our skin.
So is keratin in our skin care products good? No, not if it's been extracted by use of the traditional extraction process and it's been hydrolyzed.
Wait a moment though, because that's not the end of the story.
There is a small company in New Zealand that has found a way to extract keratin from the wool of New Zealand sheep in a way that does not lead to hydrolyzation. So the keratin is not degraded, and is still "bio available".Ie it remains in it's natural form. It's called "Functional Keratin".
So if you find this type of keratin in your skin care products then yes, that's good. Very good.
Problem is, the major skin care manufacturers don't use Functional Keratin because it's more expensive. And they are in the business of keeping their product costs down to keep profits up. So as long as they can say there is keratin in there, that's good enough.
So how do you go about getting your skin care products with keratin in them with the "bio available" form?
Can you get skin care products with keratin in them with the "bio available" form?
Yes you can. It's in a skin care range manufactured by a small niche skincare company and it's extremely effective. It's been described as "liquid skin" and works, according to current scientific studies, to stimulate the production of new skin cells to replace the old ones. This helps improve elasticity and firmness in the skin, both extremely desirable outcomes.
So to answer the original question, is it good to find keratin in your skin care products? No, not if it's traditionally extracted, it won't do much. Yes if it's Functional Keratin because it will do it's job of firming your skin and making it look healthier and younger.
Ahhh, but where do you find this tiny niche skin care company?
| Want to know more about Natural Skin Care with Functional Keratin? Visit Peter's Website Natural Health-Natural Skin Care and find out more about Organic Skin Care Products at http://naturalskinhealth.com/ |
Do soy and menopause actually have anything beneficial in common with each other. Has the soy menopause equation been hyped into the outer limits?
Treating menopause with a natural solution has been a huge quest for many women over the last decade. The search for natural remedies has led many to believe that the high phytoestrogen levels found in soy products will in fact relieve the symptoms of falling estrogen levels which occur with the onset of menopause.
With that in mind think about how the soy industry has been promoting soy products. Yes, soy is safe and has been eaten for centuries in Asian countries but look what the western media has done with it.
It's not like we in the western world would add turnips to virtually every food on earth. You now find soy in not only in tofu, miso and tempeh where it belongs but a huge variety of everything you can imagine.
Hot dogs, burgers, cheese, tons of cereals, protein powder and sports bars to just scratch the surface and we haven't even mentioned the soy milk and supplement market.
In exploring the signs and symptoms of menopause we have discovered that the main mechanism in symptoms such as hot flashes is vasomotor controlled.
A research study was conducted at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine looking at the effects of phytoestrogen soy supplements in women aged 45 to 55.
While some women reported a diminish in the severity of the hot flashes it had no effect on their frequency.
Another recent study and the Mayo Clinic has shown no benefits on menopausal women taking soy isolates which contain the high levels of phytoestrogens.
It appears that the soy isolates are just not cut out to work well to control vasomotor symptoms. In fact, soy isoflavones which are aromatase inhibitors actually lower the levels of estrogen your body makes which is far and away counter productive in trying to control those vasomotor reactions.
Bottom line? Is the soy and menopause relationship a farce? Maybe not in some women but caution does need to be considered in the actual amount of soy you consume on a daily basis.
Some studies seem to indicated that phyoestrogens may have a stimulating effect on the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue so like all things in life moderation may be a key here.
Remember, all people are different and will experience different results with different products. Some may benefit, some may not. It is up to you to be the judge.
It does appear that a well rounded natural approach is best effective in dealing with the signs and symptoms of menopause and these things include a healthy diet, exercise and a variety of natural products that work together in an overall plan.
There is much more information online about the signs and symptoms of menopause if you know where to look so log on and do some research. You will find there are a variety of ways to deal with menopause and one or more of those ways may be what you are looking for.
If you are looking for answers concerning Soy And Menopause cruise on by our website Menopause Signs And Symptoms and find out what many women are finding out and why. You to can beat the menopause symptoms hands down!
For years, many women of all ages have suffered embarrassment from having small, sagging or underdeveloped breasts, which often leads to low self-esteem. And they are looking for natural methods of Breast Enlargement.
If you have ever wished that your breasts were larger, bigger or more attractive and beautiful in shape and touch, there are practical, low cost, safe alternative that is completely natural: -
- Breast Enlargement pills or cream that is ability to naturally balance female hormones and promote breast size and firmness. Most women notice significant growth within 3 months. There are many different Breast Enlargement pills and cream to be chosen in the market, we need to know how to select highest quality Breast Enlargement pills and cream? Which will be better - Herbal Breast Enlargement pills that are made of natural ingredient or others in chemosynthesis component?
- There are some books that are telling you how to use your mind to increase the size of your breasts, like Hypnosis. Have you tried it and get good result?
I believe that most women want to have larger and more attractive breasts and really want to get most helpful information for them to select the best method or product for breast enlargement. And there are many women have success experience can share with others.
If you have any experience or have problem in selecting highest quality Breast Enlargement pills and creams, and want to find helpful information about this.
I remember the turning point clearly. I was in the eighth grade, standing outside of the cafeteria in my lime green polyester skirt, when I discovered something that has been a constant and unwelcome companion ever since: a little roll of fat below the elastic waistband where there once was only flatness. I had recently started to feed myself chips and sodas as after school snacks, but I just knew my body would stay as trim as it always had. Based on the soft evidence before me, my body had no plans to abandon natural laws and cooperate with my new eating regime.
It became more than just speculation at that moment, that my body did indeed have a mind of its own. I'd had hints in the past, but I figured it was just slow to catch up. For instance, it didn't grow boobs when I wanted it to (nor were they as big as I would have liked, once they did show up). My period didn't start in the 4th grade, as I had fervently wished on the first star on many nights; it showed up in the 6th grade instead. While my body did bend and jump and run well enough to stay in shape for dance recitals, and make the cheerleading squad, the bump in my nose was surely keeping the boys away---and did I have to be so tall (5'3") for the school dance?
Now at almost 45, I find myself still in this battle with "my" body. Why can't it stay thin without exercise and eating right (whatever that means)? And am I going to have to have my flaws surgically altered at some point? I mean, the hundreds of dollars spent on products wasn't doing all that much. And my hair! Is it right for my features and couldn't it be easier to style in the morning? Is it too aging or does it make me look like I'm trying too hard to look young (which is exactly what I'm up to)?
Ugh. My body, as usual, just isn't cooperating. Admittedly, the damn thing is still here even with my decades-long smoking addiction (which is on its way out -again). And I'll also be the first to show surprise that for some reason, lately, I just don't have an interest in alcohol (and thank God, because that one definitely got in my way). Maybe that has to do with the long-overdo divorce? Hmmm. Maybe the small seed being planted lately in the media---where having a body that doesn't resemble a supermodel's is becoming something to tolerate---has taken root?
Intellectually, I get those Dove commercials with the plus-size models and I absolutely can't wait for the next episode of Carson K's 'How to Look Good Naked.' I get that we are all "supposed" to (is that an order?) love our bodies. You know, love yourself. Self-love. The "L" word. Well, I can say for certain that I don't LOVE my body despite its ability to put up with all sorts of interference and the fact that it actually does look a little better than the gals selling Dove.
All these years later, my body is still here--and still has a mind of its own--and that has to mean something, doesn't it? What I've done and thought and said up to now hasn't worked. So what will? My body is clearly not going anywhere and is definitely not going to defy gravity or physics in this lifetime. So now what?
What I know from years of therapy, journaling and Oprah, is that this goal of weight loss is NOT a complete-and-total-change-forever goal. There are two reasons that this goal is likely to be temporary once again:
1. Being skinny takes me out of what I lovingly call, the Girl's Club. By that I mean, I don't get to bitch about my body and its lack of desirability with my friends and female coworkers when I look, well, desirable.
2. The second reason this goal may be almost met and then abandoned, is that it makes me a candidate for sex. Eeek. While I am a big fan, it comes with a lot of complications. Hangers-on or a broken heart and plus I'm a MOM and we aren't sexy just in case you were wondering. I mean I'm actually gonna need the 15 lb. cushion to send that message. Right?
So back I go to eating right and exercising and sleeping more than 8 hours a night and taking vitamins. I'm on my way to looking good---once again. I am doing the bodywork I need to do to accomplish this goal, that I have accomplished and unaccomplished many times. This goal is all I think about, even now, while that little voice in the back of my head is saying, "Until the next time that you stop working out or start eating whatever you want or..." I know it. My body knows it. And frankly anyone that's been paying attention to my version of chitchat knows it. So what's different today?
Something shifted this morning. Something really important just kind of happened to me mentally. I'm not sure how, but I have a feeling as to why. I have been reading and listening to tapes and taking seminars for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is that it's my job. And with these new pieces of information and encouragement, I have recently declared (for possibly the 30th time in my life) that I will, once again, lose 15 pounds and look great soon. The Epiphany-- with a capital "E"-- that you've all been waiting/reading for is: why don't you relate to your body the way it has related to you and be your body's friend for a change?
This isn't the same thing, in my mind, as LOVING my body. That's not realistic for me. But my body has actually been pretty cool to me, considering the way I've been treating her. And she is a 'her', by the way. She sits quietly in the background while I take her for these roller coaster rides when I'm bored or angry or sad or lonely. The term "roller coaster ride" is my shorthand for binge eating or drinking or sex with just anyone. It's been my way of dealing with the outside world. My reasoning is to make myself/her incoherent on the inside and then the outside won't feel so bad. It hasn't worked yet, but when it does, I'll let you know. And in the meantime? She brushes herself off after each episode and gets up the next morning and keeps going.
I look down today and see my tired, slightly lumpy body as, quite possibly, the most remarkable creature I can think of-a true friend. This friend has hung in there despite my attempts to stop hanging out with her. She has really come through, even though she hasn't been given any encouragement from me to stay consistent and trustworthy. Admittedly, she is not very energetic and feels a little sad and there is that literal pain in my/her neck, but all and all, she's trying. She gets it done. Day after day.
If I really was carting around a friend at all times, how would I treat her, I wonder? Would I let her only sleep a little and not as much she needs? Would I feed her whatever's easiest? Would I let her sit all day on an uncomfortable chair while she works? Would I insist she wear shoes that hurt her feet so that she looks good to others?
Would I point out how puffy her eyes are and how her hair is doing that weird flippy thing on one side again? Would I compare her to the celebrities in People magazine and complain to her that she doesn't measure up? Would I tell a friend to skip some of her pap smears and mammograms because they are inconvenient and might show something she doesn't want to see anyway?
And of course my answer is no. I might share some things eventually and delicately, but I wouldn't blame her for these things. I'd point them out as possible improvements, if she is so inclined. And what isn't in my "friend's" power to fix? Then I would accept those things as part of who she is and like her anyway. Maybe even love her, if that's in the cards, as I get to know her again for the first time in thirty-plus years.
I am holding the idea of body-as-friend in my mind today. As I move throughout today (thanks to her) I will continue to focus my mind back to this bizarre, yet exciting, realization---my body is not my enemy and is quite possibly my friend. While I haven't been much of a participant in this friendship, she has, and I owe her big time. I may slip back into old habits, but I have the intention, at least for today, of making a new habit---treating my body like the lifelong friend she is.
She really has been a great one. I only hope I still deserve her.
Stephanie Goddard (Davidson) is considered a subject matter expert in workplace communications and specializes in leadership and interpersonal skills training.
Frequently appearing as a guest on radio programs and published in numerous articles on workplace communications, Stephanie is also a nationally certified trainer for Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People; DDI programs; Ridge's People Skills for Managers and Individual Contributors; Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; FranklinCovey's Project Management and master certified in Achieve Global's Management Programs; as well as an instructor with the American Management Association.
The most inhuman and cruel practice of burning alive the wife on the pyre of her dead husband is being called "Sati". This demonic Sati has been in practice since ages and periodically, here and there we still here such painful truth !! What could be the fault of the women for going to this extremely horrible situation of sitting on the pyre of their husbands. In a narrow minded society where women were never respected for either their beauty or for their talents, marriage, dowry, service to the in-laws and other chorus of house keeping etc were superseded suddenly on the death of their husbands. It was immaterial, if the women were young or elderly, barren or have children - small or grown ups, boys or girls, it becomes her unpardonable fault to being alive while her husband departed her once for all. It was not only in India that this practice of willingly or unwillingly accompanying the dead body of husband prevailed. In many parts of the world, this customary practice of burying everything that was used by the person, along with the dead, was very much prevalent. All the household things, clothes, ornaments, food items, crockery were buried along with his grief-stricken wife. As the time passed, people realized the need to reuse the household articles and recycle the ornaments but continued with burning and burying the unlucky wife, a punishment for her being alive when the husband was dead. She was considered bad luck and an ill omen for the entire family and stood dejected and rejected. On the ground or on a pulpit, a bed is prepared of dried wooden logs along with other inflammable fuel such as grass dried cow-dung made in the shapes and sizes of pizza. The dead body is placed over the pyre compelling the unlucky wife to sit near the feet of the corpse or laying her beside. The pyre thus covers the duo of one dead and one alive. Setting ablaze the pyre, the wife burning is carried out before the eyes of hundreds of people, relatives and unrelated general citizens of the area. The cries of the burning wife rend the thick smoke but do not rend anyone's heart watching this heinous crime. At this present time in India, a section of the same people are somewhat kind to let the widow live as long as she wishes but she has to live entirely secluded, eating plain food without any spices, wearing plain white piece of cloth, with shaven head, walk barefooted and live without any adornment. What a tasteless life ! She is considered a living bad omen to the entire family and society. Hence, she is not allowed to come out before anybody during auspicious occasions such as marriage and is not allowed to participate in any matrimonial function with her status as that of a widow. That is why women who have seen such a social boycott and degradation, disenchantment and dullness of life, choose to sit on the pyre of their beloved husband, ablaze themselves to gain the name of "Sati Savitri" rather than undergo this torture throughout their lives. Unless the authorities come out clearly to ban such social boycott against women and punish publicly those aiding and abetting such a shameful and uncivilized practice, I am afraid; many more women will become Satis. The concerned men of that society should learn to respect their own women, allowing them to lead a normal life, chose the life style, and stay in dignity. Neither the society can take pride nor make progress in any humanitarian sciences, punishing for nothing their own women by setting them ablaze on the pyres of their dead husbands. On the contrary they must come out and help the widows by offering whatever possible help they could, even dignifying the widows by marring them.
It is exciting to see so many women in mid-life, women of the Baby Boomer generation, creating their own enterprises...whether they are starting businesses, authoring books, producing works of art, creating non-profit foundations, starting online businesses or establishing solo-service practices. Some are making the leap and are leaving public and private sector jobs to start these enterprises. Some are straddling both worlds until they are ready to completely jump into their new lives. No matter the how, there seems to be a common thread among women as to the why. What explains the reason for this movement of women...in their forties, fifties and sixties to start over, to create something new or to recreate their lives? The answers lie in both developmental and societal factors. Now, most of us think of development as pertaining only to children but, in fact, development is a lifelong process from birth right through old age. Different stages of life will have us facing and hopefully mastering different developmental imperatives. Mid-life is truly a time of reevaluating and regenerating the self. It's about looking back on what we have accomplished and saying "That was good and I want to do more of it"; or "That was good, and I want to do something else"; or "That was never a right fit (did it to take care of family, didn't know the possibilities, etc.) and I really want to do something else". Without this reevaluation and regeneration, people can lose hope...their sense of purpose...their sense of well-being. Without it, life becomes stagnant, predictable and lacks the spark of challenge. We've all seen people who are living like this...frustrated, unhappy, going to jobs they no longer like or even worse...hate, waiting for retirement, forgetting to even dream. Or people who are obsessed with preserving youth and indulging in the trappings of youth as a way to avoid facing old age. A woman's desire to recreate herself by creating a new enterprise is a healthy and appropriate answer to this developmental imperative. It's discovering and bringing into reality more of who she is. And as a whole, we see that mid-life women are experiencing more self-awareness which in turn leads to more self-confidence. Then there are the societal factors that have contributed to more and more women coming into their own. If we look back, we recognize the rapid development of the roles of women; we can see the leaps women have taken especially in the last 30-40 years. There are so many choices that are now available...and women are seizing the opportunities. They see and appreciate their options and give themselves permission to exercise these options. Mid-life women are finally taking their longings to be and do something more...something different...and are saying "It's my turn". And as more and more women create through these new enterprises, the more abundant life becomes for us all. Kate Sanner is the CEO and founder of Vivacity. As "Jump Instructor", Kate helps a woman on the verge of doing great things to take the leap into the life she has been dreaming of...whether it's starting a business, writing a book or fulfilling a life long ambition. Once a woman has made the jump, Kate then provides tools and resources so that a woman can continue to take herself to new levels and to maximize and monetize all her efforts for continuous growth, financial gain and success. She is also a podcaster, Ezine publisher and internet radio show host. To get a FREE copy of Vivacity's "The Think and Play BIG System"™, a 10 Step, 46-page guide,- a $57 value - that shows you how to bring your vision for your enterprise into reality and onto new levels, go to http://vivacitynow.com and fill in your first name and primary email address in the box in the upper right hand corner, then click on Yes, Send My System Now.
My wife and I often believe that women are undervalued in the workplace and that most women have the ability to become successful with their own home business. These days many more people are looking for an extra stream of income. The world wide recession is taking its toll on almost every working family in most of the countries around the world. Starting your own home business can mean the difference between living a really successful lifestyle and just surviving by living on the bread line. We have found that more men come to us looking for an extra stream of income or change of job than women. We have never really found out why this is, and it seems strange why more women never give the home business opportunity market a try. The women who do give the home business opportunity a go succeed as well as the men, with many women sometimes out performing men in the same identical home business opportunity. So come on ladies take a look at the possibilities for your future success. We have no real answer to why more men than women come into this type of business opportunity, as women are just as capable as men when it comes to running a home business. We would go a step further and say that more women should give it a try because it can fit nicely around your family circumstances by working the hours you choose to work. Even if you have a part time or full time job this type of business can easily be done on a part time basis, leading to a full time income while working part time from home. Times are getting harder as this world wide recession deepens, with fuel costs, utility bills, food and commodities all spiralling upwards. With all this happening We believe now is the time to seek out an extra stream of income, and become successful before you leave it too late. These opportunities are there for anyone who has the desire for more income and a better life, there are no barriers or excuses because almost anyone can be shown how to be successful with a home business opportunity. We would love to see more women coming into this business, and we believe that women have all the abilities needed to successfully manage their own home business with ease. Here are our top two tips when choosing any home business opportunity. Choose your sponsor with care they can make the difference between you becoming successful or a failure in business. Choose well and choose wisely, we wish you a successful and happy life whatever you choose to do. Robert and Karen Waugh If you are one of the many people looking for a better life, please take a look at what we are doing and see how we can honestly help you to achieve your dreams, desires and a better lifestyle. Take our FREE Tour and visit us at http://www.incomepool.com
Be sure that you have the backing of a team of experts as well as your sponsor.
If these two points are not firmly in place you could be on dodgy ground and your whole business be at risk before you even start.
I was sitting in a park recently watching my children play with their grandparents and all at once I heard this deep, booming voice from a distance say, "You must make contact if you want to stay in the game." I turned to my left and saw a coach working with a girl's softball team - instructing them on their swing and explaining the importance of making contact between the bat and ball at just the right moment. This made me think about the idea of contact. For me, contact is about making connections in the relationships I care about - both personally and professionally. If you look up connection in the dictionary, its meaning is "linking things together, the joining of two or more parts or people." How are you linking people, things, and places together in your life? Are you connecting on a regular basis with yourself, your mind, your body, your relationships, and your creativity? Given our busy lives as women, we have to be very intentional about making contact with others. Whatever path you choose as a woman - be it career-focused, family-focused, or an integration of the two, making contact and connections is important. Why? Because connecting is vital to our survival in this game called living a meaningful life. I have the good fortune to spend quality time with many smart women. One of the things they all have in common is a great support system. From friends, family, colleagues, coaches, mentors - these women are clear that making contact and connecting is essential to their success on every level. Smart women know that a solid support system makes the painful times in life bearable, the stressful times more manageable, and the good times all the richer because they are shared. I recently returned from a retreat with one of my Women's Circles where we spent time connecting with ourselves and with each other, and also making plans about the parts of our lives we wanted to become more intentional about. Each women created a vision for the next chapter of her life including who, what, and how she wanted to connect or "make contact" with the people in her world. When we are clear and focused about who we intentionally want to connect with, we become more present, lighter, and happier. Having a vision of what our next chapter will be - and who will be in it - is key to a meaningful life. As summer begins to wane and you open your door to autumn, think about the connections and relationships that are so vital to your life. Because, remember - you must make contact to stay in the game! Copyright © 2008 Joy Chudacoff WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions, a Certified Professional Coach and Professional Speaker. To read more articles by Joy and learn more about her Success Circle workshops, teleseminars or keynote topics, please visit her website,http://www.SmartWomenSolutions.com or contact Joy at Joy@SmartWomenSolutions.com
Unorthodox Natural Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatments - Stop the Discomfort in 12 Hours
Objavio/la mufaIf you ever had a yeast infection you know how uncomfortable they can be. Many over the counter drugs only provide short term relief without actually correcting the root cause not to mention the side effects associated with many over the counter drugs. An alternative is using natural vaginal yeast infection treatments. Health studies show that many natural yeast infection treatments actually are more effective then over the counter drugs due to they tackle the root cause of why the infection started. Yeast infections occur with your body has an unbalance in the good bacteria that resides in your body. Everyone has what is called good bacteria in their body to fight off infections. However, when bad bacteria enters into your body it creates an unbalance resulting in an infection. So what natural vaginal yeast infection treatments work? One of the most popular and effective is Yogurt from your local grocery store. It has been proven over and over again to be one of the best all natural vaginal yeast infection treatments. You see yogurt is loaded with the good bacteria your body needs to fight off infections and be healthy. No wonder yogurt is so healthy... By applying yogurt to the infected area you get an bump in good bacteria restoring balance in your body to combat the infection. Now don't go and pour yogurt all over yourself. A popular method and a little unorthodox is to dip a tampon into the yogurt and insert into the vaginal area for several minutes. I know...I know but it really does work. This allows the good bacteria to coat the infected area and begin the process to restore balance. It may sound a little unorthodox at first but it actually is a natural and effective way to get rid of your yeast infection quickly. Click HERE! and learn about additional highly effective natural cures for yeast infections giving you fast relief in as little as 12 hours! If you have the symptoms of itching and burning discomfort here is a all natural cure available to you Right HERE!
Miss America is one of the world's popular pageants. Developed by the Miss America Organisation, the Miss America program exists to personal and professional opportunities for young women and to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community. The program gives young women a platform to express their view points, talents and accomplishments to audience at large. Every beauty pageant participant world wide and needs to discover what it takes to win the best world beauty titles. We all enter pageants to be the best and win. It is important to look your best at all times to impress judges and get audience vote. I personally had a good share of the frustrations and heartaches of loosing in pageant, because of hard work, learning and perseverance I won at the end. Top world pageants like Miss America needs careful preparations, and lot of time invested in learning winning techniques. First impressions last, and in pageants it is most vital to maintain positive habits and make time to discover how you can make head turning entrance and leaving a lasting impression that make you completely unforgettable. Judges are people and you have to impress them very well in order to get their vote. Every competition has secrets to winning, participating in National and international pageants are a tough game, most contestants prepare years in advance. Those who can afford it hires experts trainers to coach them and others just buy good guidance books with all the secrets and tricks. Self enhancement and empowerment is important in winning any competition, as a contestant you must have knowledge and learn all the techniques, formulas used by former winners and experts, times changes too, so constant update on what is new in the world of pageants is important. Imagine feeling so confident and beautiful, walking into a room and making heads turn. Imagine the ability to engaging people in conversation and feeling at ease, and most important leaving unforgettable impression on everyone you meet. Any aspiring pageant winner need to be equipped with skills to achieve all the above. All of this is possible when you take time to invest in yourself. It is not everyone who was blessed with natural talent Most of us have to learn to master the art of winning, and most times we surprise ourselves with the outcomes.
Many may believe that women in the Asian population are oppressed and dominated by men. This may be true in some cases but it is important to look at objectively. Has it been misinterpreted and hence misunderstood purely because of a few 'stories' exploited by the media? Or is there truth in this matter. Let's try to figure this out! From experiences, observations and research conducted, I have seen the weakness of women and how, in a nutshell, 'what they bring on themselves'. Most young women I know in Asian culture are (to put it mildly) doormats. Look at it this way, I'm no feminist so don't go start thinking I am. This is based on what I've seen! It's very easy to blame men especially in this 'equality for all' era regarding issues faced by women but its simple, due to the nature of women, they are putting the pressure and giving into the pressure themselves. Let me run you through an example, A friend of mine...hmmm...lets call her Sara, is contemplating marriage to a guy or should I say 'boy' (still pretty immature). Anyway! This 'boy' (lets call him Danny boy) can't offer her much with regards to security and..wait for it...equality! Sara knows of this but that dreaded soft spot she has for him is over shadowing her judgment, which is only human I guess but lets look at the equality side of this. Danny boy's criteria; 1. Doesn't want Sara to work with other men (keep in mind Sara's profession is in a male dominated field) What a nerve, yes I know. However, Sara is justifying these actions to others around her but what Sara doesn't realise is that she's subconsciously convincing herself. A lot of people do that when they want something to work! But it needs to be noted that we're just kidding ourselves. Oh yeah, did I mention the tiny tiny detail that the above rules don't apply to our Danny boy? Enough of the example (it's a true example by the way). More seriously, these issues are faced all the time and women are digging a hole for themselves. I guess they're thinking that they can have an influence and their own way after marriage but that isn't the case. Boys like our Danny boy here are mere control freaks whom show people a certain degree of respect, if you can call it that, before marriage but deep inside they know this will not be case after marriage. It's about power and control and owning something you can rear. You're no animal dear! What women don't know is that they're pretty much exchanging what they believe in, their career and aspirations and their friends for a one way marriage.
2. Talk to them in general even her own cousins! (I hear you gasp)
3. Wants to control her 'activities'
Q. I took a friend quiz in a magazine and it says that I don't make a very good friend. Can that really be true? A. First, let me say congratulations! If the quiz said that you don't make a very good friend then you must have answered the quiz honestly, at least from the friend quiz author's point of view. Now let's delve into the content of the quiz. The bad thing about a friend quiz is that it is automatically biased by the author's opinion of what makes a good friend. For example: There might be a question that asks: Your friend wants you to cover for her by telling her mother that she is sleeping at your house when she is really going to an all night party with her boyfriend. Do you say: A. "No problem." B. "I'll do it but I'd rather not." C. "No way, you're on your own girlfriend." What's the right answer? Well, the morally right answer is obviously "C". Would that make you a better friend that either "A" or "B"? Yes, actually, it would. There is a very good chance that something bad is going to come out of the all night party. Your friend could get drunk and become a victim of date rape, get injured or killed in a car accident, or get arrested if the police raid the party. As a good friend, you should care more about your friend's safety and security than her having a good time doing something that she has to lie about. However, if the friend quiz rates you a snitch because you answered "C", then, according to the author, you're not a good friend. Look. You don't need a friend quiz to know if you're a good friend, or if someone else if a good friend to you. Take the quiz for the fun of it, but don't take it seriously. Your heart knows if you are a good friend and what it means to have a good friend. Trust your instincts and not some stranger's value system. A person's friendship is far to valuable a gift to trust the results to a friend quiz.
SHE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT Who Is Some Who Loves You? 1. Someone who sees the best in you. If you were lucky enough to grow up with healthy parents, you have experienced the feeling of having someone who has always looked at your good qualities. Many of us missed that experience. You will be a lucky person if you have found a mate who is always looking at your 'silver lining'. Too often today people are more than willing to judge you by your errors, not by your potential. 2. Someone who gives you the benefit of the doubt. There are so many times in your life when you need that little edge, that little opportunity to take just that extra step. It can seem as if your efforts are going nowhere and although you want to keep moving forward, there are so many negatives staring you in the face. That person who knows things could go either way for you but takes that leap to believe you will make it is the person who is more valuable to you than gold. 3. Someone who watches over you. You need a guardian angel who is there, waiting to catch you if you fall, ready to help you when you stumble, ready to pave the way for you when you cannot get moving. There are people who love you who do just that. There are people who do not make a big deal out of saving your bacon. Do you know who they are? 4. Someone to watch you back. You never know these days who is waiting to catch you off guard, to make sure you don't do well, to sabotage your efforts. You like to think that people will rejoice when youdo well. Many don't. If someone 'has your back' and runs interference for you when you are trying to run the gauntlet through life, give that person a big 'thanks' plus lots of your attention. 5. The person who tells you we all make mistakes. You hate to be around that judgemental, harsh person who reminds you, 'I told you so', when things so south. You don't need anyone else telling you what you already know. On the other hand there are people who just let you know that the only way any of us learn is through experience. When you have really ended up in the dumper and blew it, stay close to the one who knows that the person who hasn't done anything wrong hasn't done anything much. 6. The person who gives you advice from the heart, not from the head. When the situation gets rough and some big decisions need to be made, it's fine to have people outline the pros and cons of a problem and give you 'head' answers. But if you need a nudge sometimes to tip the scales, you always listen to this person who knows you must do what will let you live with yourself and have self respect. 7. The person who won't be the 'yes man' who agrees with you No one who loves you is going to give you the green light and tell you to let er rip if it's clearly going to be bad for you. It's sad that often you surround yourself with people who tell you what you want to hear. The one who loves you will tell you to get help for a drinking or drugging problem, to stop the extramarital affair, and to be a good and decent person. 8. Someone who tells you to knock back, smell the roses, and enjoy life part of the time. If you are a person who is a real performer and doer, there are likely to be people around you who enjoy the fruits of your labor and want you to do even more. Sometimes you may even see yourself as only valuable when you are giving, doing, and performing. Listen to the person who tells you that life is short and you need breaks and some R&R. That is the person who is looking out for you and your health. 9. The one who smiles at you and means it. The person who loves you looks at you with eyes that smile and mean it. Too many people give you that slick smile, that quick pat on the back, and then forget that you even exist. The eyes are the windows of our soul and you can read into a person's smile if it is saying, 'You are a fine person and I want to be with you as long as possible'. Don't fall for any phony smile that attracts you off in another direction, only to leave you stranded and alone. 10. Someone who sees you as beautiful, inside and out. You know you aren't perfect. There are only too many examples of you looking around and thinking that you have flaws and aren't like the people on television. The person who loves you sees you through eyes of acceptance with no conditions. As you gain a few pounds and your hair gets thin, the person who sees you as attractive, inviting, and appealing is the person who loves you all the way, no strings or demands.Nowadays, it's really important to know who loves you. Everything in our society is throw away, and many people have carried that over into the most important relationships in their lives. Think hard and look carefully.
Create Time To Share And Time On Your Own. Establish time to spend together and time for yourself. Although you need the time together to nurture your relationship, it is important to have a good balance. You are not the Mini-Me of each other. You each have your own values, interests and needs. Make sure your couple time is about quality, not quantity. Set up boundaries so the family and friends know that this is your sacred time. Now, it’s time to shift focus on you. Having shared perspectives and similar interests does not mean that you have to participate in all activities together. Creating personal time for yourself is important for your personal growth. However, don’t use personal space as an excuse to not make time for each other. It is imperative that you articulate to each other the need for this time, so that no one feels neglected. Be Patient with Each Other. No one is perfect. It is important that you accept and love each other, quirks and all. Your relationship is a shared territory. It requires love, work and patience There is a learning curve in relationships and for some the learning never stop. There is a difference in how the two of you relate, interact and live. You come to realize each others’ strengths and weaknesses. View each other’s abilities and personality as a gift. Be more flexible in your viewpoints. Work on win/win methods, so that no one has to lose. It’s more important to understand and value each other’s viewpoint, rather than trying to agree or disagree with it. Respect Each Other. Respect each other’s values. Respect each other’s time. Respect each other’s space. Respect each other’s privacy. Respect each other’s weaknesses. Respect each other’s point of view. Respect each other’s faith. Respect each other’s friends and family. Respect each other’s job or career. Respect each other’s culture. Respect each other’s sense of humor. Respect each other’s character. Respect each other’s choices. Respect each other’s belongings. Respect each other through love. Highlight What's Right. Highlighting what’s right builds up, rather than tears down. Constant criticism diminishes self-esteem. This is why verbal and emotional abuse can be so damaging. No one wants to start or end their day with a laundry list of complaints. Take time to appreciate what’s going right in the relationship. Make it a habit of complimenting each other on something besides physical appearance. Build up each other’s confidence .Point out noteworthy or small tokens of appreciation. Take the time to show gratitude. When people feel good, they want to share that feeling with others. Listen. If we spoke less and listened more, it would eliminate many of our communication problems. However, humans are conditioned to listen with the intent to respond. When was the last time you listened attentively to your significant other? Do you listen and then try to solve a problem? Do you listen and then offer advice? Do you listen and then criticize or belittle? Do you listen and then self-reference? When you listen, it builds trust. Your significant other feels understood and will share more with you over time. The next time you see your significant other in a contemplative state, tell them you’re available to listen. . Let Go Of Emotional Baggage. It’s time to unpack your emotional baggage. You can not undo the past. Bringing past pain into a present relationship is like mixing dirty clothes with laundered clothes. The old emotions need to be resolved before you can be yourself in your current relationship. Emotional baggage contributes to insecurities, poor judgment, cynicism and indecisiveness. Trying to protect your feelings will hinder your freedom and growth. Think about why you continue to allow yourself to suffer with this pain? Is there someone you need to forgive? Are you carrying around resentment and guilt? Talk about the situation with your significant other, so they can have a better understanding of what you are going through. If the pain is too unbearable, seek professional help together or alone. Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach an Author of Successful Thinking for a Successful Life: How to Banish the Unhealthy Thoughts and Habits That Limit Your Success. Her Successful Thinking™ program is an affordable coaching resource that offers support and encouragement when there are roadblocks to success. You can find out more about the program at http://www.thinkandbesuccessful.com or sign up for her free Be Inspired newsletter at http://www.smartbeecoaching.com
When shopping for lingerie online, some of the item descriptions can be confusing, especially for those purchasing a gift for that special someone and are not familiar with all the lingerie terms used to described a particular fabric or style. So, let's cover some of these terms so you can be better informed when choosing your lingerie.
First, some commonly used fabrics you may not recognize. These are charmeuse, chiffon, jacquard, lace and satin. When you see these terms, the material/fabric of the item is being described. Charmeuse is a very satiny, very soft and flowy non stretch fabric. This fabric is typically used for chemises and camisoles, slips, gowns, robes, short sleeping sets, and even blouses.
Chiffon is a fabric of sheer silk or rayon. It is a lightweight material with a slightly rough feel to it. It can be made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibers, but is usually associated with silk or nylon and can be dyed to most any shade you like. Chiffon is very delicate and must be hand washed very gently. Lace is a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open web-like pattern. A Jacquard fabric has a pattern of some kind pressed into the solid background. It can be a flat or a raised pattern. It can be of any type fabric such as a knit or a spandex. Satin is a smooth fabric, as of silk or rayon, woven with a glossy face and a dull back.
Now lets discuss a how they describe an item having some sort of decoration on the fabric - this is called embroidery. So if you see an "embroidered lace babydoll", you know it's a lace babydoll with some kind of decoration or enhancement. You may also see the term 'appliqué'. This is a decoration or ornament made by cutting pieces of one material and applying them to the surface of another.
Men, if you are buying for your beautiful woman and she's self-conscious about her breasts hanging a little, you need to be familiar with the terms 'underwire'. Bustiers, bras, and other 'underwire' items have wire sewn into the fabric under the breasts to add support. You may also see items with 'boning'; these are rigid plastic or metal strips sewn in shape wear to give structure, support and body contouring.
There are several other fabrics available which you may be familiar with, such as silk, rayon and of course leather. There are also many other terms which we did not discussed, but the ones we went over will give you a little more familiarity with what's out there. Happy lingerie shopping!
| Susan is the owner of Seduction Lane Lingerie. An online retailer of sexy lingerie, costumes and intimate apparel. Visit http://www.seductionlane.com for a vast selection of sexy lingerie at great prices. |
Have you seen the tv commercial that focuses on a woman stuck in bumper-to-bumper highway traffic with her partner and kids? She squirms and looks very uncomfortable, embarrassed and maybe even in pain. Suddenly a porta-potty floats gently down from the sky! The woman relaxes and smiles, and a picture comes on the screen showing a popular disposable pad/diaper product.
I find this commercial disgusting and demeaning. It's just a grab for a new market using any angle possible. And it's downright silly too - having a toilet come down from the sky!
It's true that many women suffer from some urinary incontinence or urgency. Sometimes it begins after pregnancy and birth, sometimes with the hormone changes in perimenopause. Some women just 'leak' when they laugh from a young age. But I hardly think a disposable pad for incontinence (billed as the traveller's porta-potty) will make everything tickety-boo!
Yes, these products are helpful in some circumstances, but why, why, why, don't we hear about products that can tone, build and strengthen the bladder? This is a preventive approach and the products that don't heal the symptoms wouldn't be necessary (or not for many years anyway)? Can't our allopathic medical docs get on board with the idea of 'complementary medicine', like in Britain. When allopathic medicine combines with natural (i.e. herbs, homeopathics, mega-vitamins, trace minerals, etc.) we get the best of both worlds. If it's good enough for the Queen of England, why isn't it good enough for us?
| Through her 'Odyssey of Change' coaching program, Ellen Besso offers Midlife Women the opportunity to navigate the midlife maze and find joy & fullness in their lives. Personal action plans include strengthening the body-mind connection; releasing beliefs that limit growth; & specific actions to move you forward into your ideal life. Ellen is uniquely qualified to be your guide because she has personally journeyed through perimenopause and into an inspired life as a menopausal crone! Her professional credentials include certification as a Martha Beck Coach and an M.A. in Counselling from City University. To find out more about Ellen's work and read articles written by her contact: |
What is a women's centre? The definition is fairly subjective:
- If you are a woman who is abused, a women's centre is a place to find guidance or a respite from life's difficulties.
- If you are a new Canadian, a centre can offer an introduction and warm welcome to your community.
- If you are a senior woman looking to connect with others, a women's centre can provide a network of friends.
- If you are a young woman struggling with body image and self-esteem issues, it can offer support.
- If you are a mother, a women's centre can provide lessons in parenting.
- If you just need someone to talk to, a women's centre volunteer will listen.
- Community Kitchens
- Kitchen Table Literacy
- Women's Business Clothing Project
- Young Women's Outreach
- Women's Family Law Clinics
- Entrepreneurial Skills Training
- Employment Counselling
- Peer Counselling
In addition to these core services, which are usually offered at no charge, many women's centres offer workshops and seminars on topics pertaining to self-care and life balance.
If you read this list and thought, "I had no idea", you are probably not alone. Such is the reality facing women's centres in Ontario. To borrow a marketing term, these centres have trouble with their "brand". Although they provide valuable services to thousands of women across the province each year, they are not well known, even in their own communities. They are also easily confused with other services, like women's shelters.
Many centres were established to assist abused women (hence the association with shelters), but have expanded their range of services to help women of all ages and backgrounds through a variety of life's challenges - divorce, loss of employment, poor self-esteem, grief, and transitions to a new community or new life situation. And they do all of this on a shoestring budget.
Funding Challenges
Like many small agencies, these centres lack a consistent and reliable funding stream that would allow them to expand and promote their program offerings. Byfunding many centres through the Ontario Women's Directorate, the provincial government offers some stability. Although generous, government funding is not enough, so most centres rely on fundraising and donations to help cover costs.
In most cases, fundraising is still not enough. The amounts the centres raise are small in comparison to the need. Why? Women's centres spend the vast majority of their budget on programs, leaving little for marketing and publicity. Without a marketing budget, it is difficult to attract attention and fundraising dollars, especially when centres are competing against larger organizations with deeper pockets and the ability to mount large-scale fundraisers.
With nothing to spend on flashy events, most women's centres rely on small fundraisers, like bake sales, walkathons, and book sales. Some run larger events, like awards ceremonies, luncheons or dinners. And most derive some funds from the nominal fees they charge for membership in the centre. Combined, these small amounts are a great help, but they are not the consistent and reliable funding that many women's centres require.
Not that a lack of funding seems to be much of an impediment. Even while focused on making every penny count, the women running these centres never lose sight of their mission. They continue in their way, quietly and without fanfare, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
That they can provide high-quality services on such a low budget shows resourcefulness, determination and ingenuity. Just imagine what these women could do if they had no worries about funding.
Women who live in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and areas can learn more about women's centres by visiting the Halton Women's Centre
A small sampling of programs from centres across Ontario demonstrates the tremendous diversity of services available.
| Evelyn Mackenzie writes frequently on behalf of the Halton Women's Centre about women's issues and the value of community supports for women. |
"The only difference between a man and woman climbing the ladder of success is that a woman is expected to put it in the closet when she's finished with it", said American cartoonist Barbara Dale. Is it surprising then that a working woman (and we mean one that holds a job outside her home) is actually some kind of Wonder Woman! Isn't it remarkable that women in business control over nine million ventures contributing nearly US$ 4 trillion to the economy? You have to ask, how on earth does she manage?
From the get-go, women in business have been given the big brush off. Read anything to do with business leadership and you'll find that the star cast features the same bunch of men. "Women" as economic beings! Definitely, nah! And yet, ninety percent of American women will need to fend for themselves financially at some stage of their lives.
Over half the jobs created since 1992 can be attributed to the women in business owning the firms providing the employment. According to a study conducted sometime back, the glass ceiling that undoubtedly exists in the corporate world is not the only reason why there are more and more women in business. The boredom that comes with a paid job, along with a working environment that usually stifles creativity has as much to do with it. A lady president of an organization that deals with issues faced by women in business says that turning to entrepreneurship is not something women do just to "feel good"; their reasons are grounded in hard nosed reality. And they're as successful as men because of it. Programs such as Women's "Brain" -Storming On The Playground™ provide a platform to women in business to share their motivations and experiences with like-minded people.
Yet, few would deny that there are some important differences between the men and the women in business. Men are good at creating and following a "top to bottom" hierarchy, and letting people know who is boss. Women, on the other hand create horizontal networks, and believe in nurturing relationships. Men will focus on business goals possibly to the exclusion of everything else, and fall back on logical reasoning during decision making. Women in business employ different techniques, giving greater importance to the process, or the means rather than the end. While men stand up for individual rights and entitlements, women are less likely to do so, preferring to go with group opinion. However, men are very good at mentoring and passing on their expertise to those younger or less experienced, but it's rare to see women in business mentoring others, especially other women.
Clearly, some of this can be explained by the fact that women are more concerned about fulfilling their affiliative needs, rather than satisfying their desire for power or money. No surprise that they put more emphasis on benefits such as flex time, child care facilities and retirement benefits.
And to those who wonder how women in business can ever be good "businesswomen", we'd like to present one startling fact - women owned firms outpaced overall business growth by over two times. If there are still any skeptics around, all we can do is to quote Barbara Dale once more. "I am a working woman. I take care of a home. I hold down a job. I am nuts."
| Hi, I'm Akhil Shahani, a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed. If you like to work smart, check out http://www.SmartEntrepreneur.net It's full of articles and resources to help you start and grow your business successfully. Please visit us & download our special "Freebie of The Month" at http://www.smartentrepreneur.net/freebie-of-the-month.html |
Different types of bridal shower party games must be considered for a bridal shower party depending on how well the guests know each other. It's generally good to have a mix of icebreakers and games played between people comfortable around one another.
To keep people from awkwardness, play music. Try to avoid written games-instead, have guests call out answers. Don't pick games that may embarrass your guests, and try to avoid personal topics.
Here are some possible games that you can arrange.
What Comes Next
Read the beginning of a known quote; the first person to shout out the rest wins.
For instance: You say "A stitch in time..." and someone calls out "...saves nine!" If the person calls it out before you finish your sentence, bonus points may be awarded.
Bride's Words
This one is for older audiences, so make sure young children aren't around. When it is time for the bride to open presents, write down (without her knowledge, of course) what she says as she opens each gift. After she's done, tell everyone that this is how she will describe her wedding night, and read the comments back to her!
Spice Guess
Collect as many spices as possible and place them all in unmarked containers. Have guests taste a bit of each and try to guess what spice is in the container. In the end, the guest with the most number correct wins.
Advice Compare
Sit in a circle, and have each guest relay the best and worst advice they've ever received from their mother or grandmother. Write these down; in the end, have the guests vote on the best "good advice" and the worst "bad advice". Winner of the best advice gets a prize, and the winner of the worst advice gets a booby trap! This game is best played with no more than 15 people.
Clothespin Game
Clip a clothespin to each guest's clothing as she or he arrives. During the party, if someone hears another person say the word "bride", he or she takes the other person's clothespin and clips it onto herself. At the end of the party, the person with the most clothespins wins. You can choose a word other than "bride"; however, be sure that it will be spoken often, but not too often.
Memory Game
Put twenty or so wedding-related small items onto a tray, and cover them with a napkin or tissue. Have your guests sit in a circle, and place the tray in the center for two to three minutes. Then, cover the tray again and ask your guests to write down every item they remember from the tray. In the end, the guest with most correct guesses wins, and penalties are awarded for items not on the tray (to prevent random guessing).
Bride's Outfit
Let the bride know ahead of time about this game. About midway through the party, have the bride leave the room quietly and listen from where she can't be seen. Then, ask about what the bride is wearing, whether her hair is up or down, what color her dress or shoes are, what her favorite food is, etc. Ask as many questions as you want; in the end, prizes are awarded to the people who missed least (or didn't miss anything).
Bridal shower party games is a unique way to turn a special occasion into a memorable party.
| Written by Karin Koch: http://www.decor24.com Get more information on Bridal Shower Party Favors |
Women are often targeted by attackers because we make a few common mistakes about personal safety that present us as easy crime victim prospects.
- We tend to be accommodating, to a fault
- We ignore our gut feelings
- Automatic trust is common with women
A few things to remember as we get into more detail about the common mistakes we make that put us in danger.
- Attackers are insecure, have low self-esteem, feel out of control of their own lives and choose to control someone or something else in order to feel powerful again.
- Attackers look for those who appear weaker than they are (mentally, physically) to attack.
- Attacks may be verbal, mental, emotional or physical.
Too Accommodating
Women tend to be accommodating because we want people to like us and we enjoy being helpful. Although these traits are not bad they may allow us to be taken advantage of and pushed too far. This is where an attacker, known or unknown to you sees weakness and opportunity.
Solution: Establish and enforce personal boundaries. Know what distance you are willing to go and go no further. This will keep you from giving your power away to someone else.
Ignoring Gut Feelings
As women, we are generally much more in tune with our intuition or gut feelings than men are. However, we also tend to overlook, ignore and justify actions that are not in line with our gut feelings in order to be liked and to be nice.
Solution: Realize gut feelings are survival instincts you were born with. They will always lead you the right way. Follow them.
Automatic Trust
Because women have been raised to be nice and do good things for others, we often trust untrustworthy people automatically. We can all think back to a time we trusted someone and should not have.
Solution: Trust you gut feeling (intuition) without questioning or trying to justify it. It doesn't have to be logical to be right. You will "feel" if someone is trustworthy or not. A good personal boundary to establish and enforce is, "If it feels wrong, avoid it."
Although women may be targeted by attackers, these safety tips will help all of us avoid the personal safety mistakes that portray us as good victim prospects.
| Bonus Safety Tip: Women are stronger and more capable of protecting themselves than most will ever believe. And now I would like to offer you free access to printed and audio versions of the "Seven Deadly Personal Safety Mistakes" when you subscribe to my free weekly Safety Quick Tip via email. You can get your instant access at http://www.PersonalSafetyTrainer.com |
