Archive for May, 2008

Love is a Decision

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

By Gayle Santana NOTE: If you are in a relationship where you are suffering abuse or endangerment of yourself and your family of any kind, this article is not for you. Get help, now! My husband and I have survived being married for 32 years. It was not 32 perfect years by any stretch of the imagination. We are as opposite as two people could be. We married young and added 5 children to the mix. Here are some of the decisions we made along the way that have helped us to stay together. -TAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF WHAT IS GOOD. A few times in our marriage, divorce crossed my mind. If you are married long enough, it will! But I took an assessment of the man I have in front of me. When I weighed the pros and cons I realized that what I had wasnt half bad. You have to know that every relationship has its cross to bear. A good friend of mine who I consider a serial divorcee once said, If I had known then what I know now, I would have stayed with my first husband. You see, you will have those times where you question why you should stay in this marriage but do keep in mind that everyone, no matter how perfect their relationship looks from the outside, has experienced some great degree of difficulty and thats putting it quite mildly. -ALL THINGS WILL NOT BE EQUAL. If you expect things to be equal in a relationship, youd better think again. You have to think in terms of giving. Am I doing my part? Is there anything I can do to make things better? And when you dont have much to give, ideally, your mate will fill in but keeping a scorecard wont make for a good relationship. -USE THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE AND RESPECT. Ive heard people speak of their mate in such derogatory terms that its no wonder things arent working. Check your conversation with and about your mate. Speak positively. You may begin to see your mate in a totally different light. -TAKE ACTION. Date Night, love talk/notes/calls. New relationships work because of the effort expended. When I first suggested date night on a weekly basis my husband protested. Now he looks forward to it as much as I do. So even if its a one-sided effort, dont worry, action is infectious. Eventually your mate will be inspired to contribute. -LOOKING/SMELLING GOOD Trust me what you see as your flaws, most of the time, do not really matter to your mate. Be flirtatious, be sexy. They make sexy clothes, underwear and lingerie in EVERY size. And smile! It makes wrinkles null and void! -GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO LET YOUR MATE KNOW YOU CARE. I do 99% of the cooking in our home. But I really dont mind because my husband is always appreciative, complimenting me on everything he enjoys and always thanking me for doing it. I let him know that I appreciate the things he does too. He fixes and builds and I never have to touch the yard. But every couple brings different interests and skills to the marriage. My sister and eldest daughter are the ones with a toolbox. My youngest son is a chef so hes the chief cook in his relationship. You have to appreciate what is in your world and dont compare it to so-called norms. -FORGIVENESS The ability to let go and move on is key. You must judge your relationship by your own rules. Even if those rules dont match the societal norms. Hillary Clintons husband publicly humiliated her in the eyes of many. Hillary made her own decisions as to what do about it and divorce was not her answer. Dr. Wayne Dyer says Be independent of the good opinion of others. This is particularly true in marriage. Tonight, as I write this, my husband cooked dinner, a rare but delicious occasion. Included were home-made lemonade, a hot towel to wipe my hands afterward and an order to sit down and do nothing because I deserve it. I could write a book about all the gory details that went on between the wedding and this loving relationship you see before you, but you should know its kind of like childbirth. You experience all of this horrific pain and after you see that sweet little baby, you forget all about what you went through. Make a decision to love the one you are with today. I did and I dont regret a moment of it. Gayle Santana has been married for 32 years. She a mom, grandmother, successful entrepreneur and an aspiring writer. Please email her at gayle@pvsnetwork.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayle_Santana http://EzineArticles.com/?Love-is-a-Decision&id=186501 need a personal loan to pay off credit cards but my credit is poor 60 day loan what is project payday at home business sales calls reap payday

Fun with Play Dough for Less than $1!

Monday, May 26th, 2008

By Nicole O’Reilly Kids love modelling and play dough is the perfect medium for preschoolers. It is easy and cheap to make, uses the most basic of ingredients (even I have them in my cupboard!) and is long lasting. Toddlers enjoy the squishy, squashy nature of play dough even though they may not actually create anything. Once your kids reach 4 and 5 years old you can show them how to roll, cut and pinch the play dough to make little creatures and people. By making your own play dough you have the choice of which colours you produce; bright or pastels, marbled, or even glitter. Your kids can help you to measure out the ingredients and knead to dough and see how truly simple it is to produce at home. Another option is to add lemon, orange, peppermint or vanilla essence/oil. This helps extend the shelf life of your play dough, prevent mould, and it smells great as well! Play dough will keep for at least two months if kept in a sealed plastic bag or container and longer if you store it in the fridge. Salt dough is another modelling material that is simple and inexpensive to make. It is similar to play dough in consistency but can be baked to give more permanent results. The pieces can then be painted and varnished and given as gifts to grandparents. Ideas for salt dough include christmas decorations, buttons, brooches or personalised door hangers. Kids love the stuff, so if you are keen to try your own you’ll find the recipes for both play dough and salt dough here. Most of all, have fun and enjoy your kids creativity with this great material! The place to go for all your games needs for 0-6 year olds is Kids Fun and Games. Educational baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and more. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_O’Reilly http://EzineArticles.com/?Fun-with-Play-Dough-for-Less-than-$1!&id=58259 hard money lenders in tn personal installment loans what percentage is child support from your paycheck in georgia payday loan instant no fax

Cool Comfort for Hot Summer Days

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

By Aldene Fredenburg If people think about it at all, they probably think of chocolate as a cold-weather treat. Mugs of steaming hot chocolate, topped by swirls of whipped cream; homemade Toll House cookies, fresh and warm from the oven, plentiful chocolate chips still melting as you eat themthese are perfect comfort foods for winter weather. But one favorite is a definite summertime treat. Remember chocolate ice cream sodas? Once a soda fountain standard, theyve disappeared along with the fountains that were so popular decades ago, replaced by fast food places like McDonalds and Burger King with their burgers, fries, and thick shakes. Its not easy to find a chocolate ice cream soda anymore. Luckily, theyre easy to make. A little seltzer water, some chocolate syrup, and a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and voila! Youve got the best summer treat there is! First, make sure you get seltzer water, not club soda; club soda has a bitter taste not suited for ice cream sodas. Pour a bit of the seltzer into a tall glass, pour in a dollop of chocolate syrup, and stir it up; then slowly fill the glass with the seltzer, stirring constantly. Carefulthe stuff fizzes, so go slow or your glass will overflow. Leave room in the glass for a big scoop of your favorite chocolate ice cream. If you want, top the whole confection off with a swirl of whipped cream and a bright cherry. Grab and straw and a long spoon, and enjoy! Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aldene_Fredenburg http://EzineArticles.com/?Cool-Comfort-for-Hot-Summer-Days&id=259142 hard money lenders that do business in connecticut are cash advances taxed as income easy payday loan sallie mae personal loans

Setting A Good Wedding Budget

Friday, May 9th, 2008

By Rose Lenk Depending on where you live, the average wedding can cost thousands of dollars. While some are in a position to spare no cost when planning the perfect wedding day, others simply can’t afford to or would rather see their hard-earned money used for something more permanent, like a new house. Weddings are a big business, and if you go the traditional route by hiring a wedding planner, you can soon see the costs of your wedding spiraling out of control. While I’m not saying that you should not hire a wedding expert, they can be a huge help in planning and organizing your big day, you should do a little research on your own and come to the planning table with a strict budget in mind. And when costs seem too high, do not be afraid to offer some cost-saving ideas of your own. After all, it’s your wedding and your wallet. The wedding reception is where you will spend the bulk of your wedding budget, almost 50% of it in fact. So, this is an area that you should pay particularly close attention to. Most of the money spent for a reception is spent on alcoholic beverages and the reception meal. You should shop carefully and keep your budget in mind when choosing caterers and meal menus. If you are still having a hard time meeting your budget, you may have to eliminate alcoholic beverages or cut your guest count to put your bottom line back in the black. The bridal gown is also an area where a lot of money can be spent. Go to the bridal gown store with an idea of what you are willing to spend on the perfect dress. Browse the discount rack first before you start looking through the catalogues, you may be surprised by what you find. Also start shopping well in advance of the big day. A dress that is too expensive today can be marked down in the future, but you can’t take advantage of markdowns if you wait till the last minute to find your wedding gown. When setting up your budget you also need to factor in the cost of photography/videography, music, flowers, invitations and other expenses which can quickly add up. Keep in mind that while a wedding budget has a strict bottom line, there is plenty of room to splurge on the more expensive band if you are going to cut costs somewhere else. So, instead of keeping each aspect of your wedding day perfectly in line, focus more on what the whole day is going to cost you and wiggle and adjust until you are comfortable with what you are spending. About The Author Rose LenkFor more wedding tips and articles visit me at http://www.mauiswedding.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Lenk http://EzineArticles.com/?Setting-A-Good-Wedding-Budget&id=231780 no credit check apartment renting in chicago greensboro apartments no credit check hard money loaners maine fast cash nh

Understanding Depression

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

By Henry Anderson It’s normal to feel low or down at some point in a persons life. Depression however is a totally different matter , as it is an illness which affects the whole of a person, in other words the mood, thoughts and body. It influences everything from the way a person eats and sleeps to the way that they feel about themselves and think about things. Depression or depressive disorder is very different from a simple feeling of being low. It is not a sign that a person has a weak character or a condition that can simply be wished away. People with this disorder can’t just snap out of it and feel brighter. when someone has depressive disorder and they do not look for suitable treatment, their symptoms can last for weeks, months, or sometimes even years. Obtaining the appropriate treatment for depressive disorder can help most of the people who suffer from depression. Depression symptoms can be different from individual to individual and can also depend on the severity of their depression. Depression will affect a persons thinking, behaviour, feeling, and physical health. Affects in Thinking When it comes to thinking, a person could have problems with focus and decision making. Other people may find that they have problems with their short term memory and seem to forget things all the time. Depression is mainly characterised by feeling pessimistic, feeling guilty, thinking negative thoughts, self-criticism and low self-esteem. When a persons depression is more severe, they may have self destructive thoughts. Affects in Feelings An individual might have feelings of sadness for no reason and might even find they no longer enjoy the things that they once enjoyed doing the most. It is quite common to become apathetic, lack motivation, feel tired or slowed down all the time and even have trouble controlling their temper. Affects in Behavior When a person is feeling depressed, the negative emotions that they feel can cause them to act more indifferent, it is also likely that a person may withdraw from the social circles they usually inhabit as they feel uncomfortable being around other people. A persons appearance and hygiene may suffer in cases of extreme depression. The lack of motivation in a person with depression affects their productivity at work and responsibilities at home and as a result these areas are neglected, they may even have trouble getting out of bed. Affects in Physical Health It is common that a person with depression suffers with chronic fatigue and even excessive sleeping whilst others may be unable to sleep or not sleep very well. Those unable to sleep may just lay awake for hours or wake up a lot of times during the night whilst the people that over sleep can spend all day asleep and still feel tired. A lot of people with depression suffer from a loss of appetite, complain of aches and pains and feel lethargic or slowed down whilst others may feel restless and unable to sit still. Depression is found in a person if they show these symptoms for at least several weeks, but it is not a good idea to diagnose yourself, so seeking the help of an expert as soon as possible is highly recommended. Depression is treatable so getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is imperative. Clinical Depression Treatment is you free resource for depression and depression related information. Visit Clinical Depression Treatment to find out more. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Anderson http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-Depression&id=516560 poor credit car loan no teletrack cash advance payday loan payday loan default home loan for people with bad credit

The Easiest Weight Loss Ever

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

By AJ Stamp Lets talk about the easiest weight loss ever. The easiest form of weight loss would require no work, no thought, no extra effortsounds good doesnt it? Easy weight loss is possibleusing the power of your mind. You may not believe it, but your mind is a powerful tool that is responsible for your success or lack of success in life. If you believe that you’ll never be able to lose weight, then you are setting yourself up for failure. Youve no doubt heard the saying what the mind believes can be conceived. Its a true statement. If you believe that you are a thin person, then your subconscious mind will do everything in its power to make it happen. Saying positive thoughts to yourself is not enough though; you must believe it. And you must feel the emotions that go along with what you want. How would you feel if you were at your goal weight? Hold on to that feeling, and tell yourself that you are happy you are at your ideal weight. Positive affirmations work best when they are said in the present tense. So how do you make your subconscious mind work for you? Hypnosis is one option that works wonders, and positive affirmations can make a difference also. Hypnosis works by reprogramming your subconscious mind to believe you can and will meet your goals. Hypnosis can be performed by a therapist, or you can purchase hypnosis sessions on CD. Positive affirmations are statements that you make to yourself on a daily basis. Look at yourself in a mirror and say positive statements that are in the present tense, such as I’m so happy that I’m at my ideal weight. Although you may not believe yourself at first, after time it’ll become much easier. If you cant afford hypnosis sessions, and you keep forgetting to do your positive affirmations, there is a simpler solution. Download a track onto your mp3 player. Not just any track, but one that is laced with subliminal messages. Subliminal messages work in the same way that hypnosis works. These messages are heard by your subconscious mind, and the more often your mind hears them, the more your mind believes them. This is the easiest way to make your mind work for you; you don’t have to put in any effort besides for pushing the play button. Whatever your diet and exercise plan, you can achieve your goals faster with the power of your mind. When your mind is in sync with your goals, you may achieve the easiest weight loss ever. AJ Stamp is a health and fitness junkie. To follow her weight loss journey, visit http://www.BodyForLifeChallenge.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AJ_Stamp http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Easiest-Weight-Loss-Ever&id=518523 get my credit score free credit reports online bad credit education loans whats a perfect credit score