Spring break article

Here Comes The Bride

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:46:27 +0000

Here Comes The Bride

by: Tracie Johanson

In case you hadn't noticed, it's now officially spring! Kids are enjoying Spring Break from school, the birds are starting to sing, flowers are pushing up through the earth, and everything is wonderful.....unless you're one of the thousands of women planning a spring wedding!

Spring / early summer is the most popular time for weddings. But no matter when you're planning your wedding, the stress can be overwhelming! The average cost of a wedding in The United States is over $22,000. About $7,630 of that is spent on the wedding reception (source: American Wedding Study, 2002). From increasing costs to angry relatives to the never-ending guest list, a wedding brings stress and frustration for the bride.

Unfortunately, we often resort to binge eating and 'comfort foods' during times of stress, which of course puts on the pounds and creates even more stress! "I bought WHAT size wedding dress?!?!?"

Approximately 7 out of every 10 brides crash diet or starve prior to their wedding date (source: www.fresnoweddings.net). CRASH DIETS AND STARVATION DIETS ARE THE WORST THING WE CAN DO! "If you crash-diet, you run the risk of comprising your health ... so that your hair, skin, nails don't look good for your big day or in the wedding pictures. If you want to lose weight before your wedding, look for a balanced eating plan" (source: Suzanne Henson, coordinator of the University of Alabama-Birmingham's EatRight Weight Management Program).

So what's a blushing bride to do if she has only six weeks until her wedding, and the stress is building up faster than the potluck table at church? There is hope.....

First of all, START EXERCISING NOW. It's crunch time, and while the old 30-minutes per day, 3 times per week may work for the general public it's probably not enough for the bride. Shoot for 30-minutes per day, six days per week. Be sure to include both cardio and resistance training so you'll get some muscle tone while you're burning fat.

Second, banish all high-fat junk food from the house. Be strong! You can do this! No Twinkies, no bacon, no chocolate cream pie. Eat plenty of lean protein (skinless chicken breast, fish, etc.) and absolutely PIG OUT on fresh vegetables! Drink plenty of water, and in all cases avoid the empty calories found in soda, alcohol and that sweet kids juice.

Finally, be wary of the weight-loss 'tricks' that you'll hear from your girlfriends. There is no magic pill that will make you a size 6 by the wedding, so don't experiment. Don't starve yourself because that will make you grumpy, make you retain fat, eliminate muscle tone, and set you up for failure. Don't listen to the gossip about the newest 'cabbage diet' or 'grapefruit diet' or 'Hollywood diet'. Instead, stick with a balanced diet and exercise.....this is the ONLY proven way to lose fat and look your best.

Two more bits of advice for the bride: Eat breakfast the morning of your wedding day - 8 out of every 10 brides don't eat breakfast (source: www.fresnoweddings.net) which will only make you miserable and weak during the reception! Most importantly, remember that he knew exactly what you looked like when he proposed to you, and he still proposed! He loves you the way you are, and all these fears about size and weight and unfounded anyway!

Relax, enjoy yourself, and make the lifestyle changes that will bring results. Have a great wedding!

About The Author

Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, 30-Minute Workout For Women. Pick Up The Pace is a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. For more information please visit www.letspickupthepace.com or email us at info@letspickupthepace.com.

* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: www.letspickupthepace.com.

* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on www.letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

Mink Coat Care

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:46:06 +0000

Mink Coat Care

by: Daniel Sickafus

We recommend storing your Mink coat with a professional furrier in the Spring of each year. While it's there, have the furrier condition, clean and glaze it, regardless of how often it was worn. Keeping your mink coat at home over the Summer will reduce it's life. Both normal and cedar closets are not suitable for storage unless they are equipped with proper air circulation, constant 50oF and 50% humidity to maintain valuable moisture. Also, the smell from the use of cedar and mothballs will adhere to fur, leathers and wool, creating lasting unpleasant odors. The smell of both moth and cedar balls often adhere to Mink and other fur and creates unpleasant odors. Proper cleaning and annual conditioning will remove most odors.

While you have your Mink coat at home, allow your garment proper space in your closet. Never keep your valuable Mink coat in a plastic bag. Your fur requires proper air circulation; Use a cloth bag when traveling or transporting your precious Mink to and from storage.

Do not sit too long on your Mink garment, as this may lead to crushing. Refrain from excessive use of shoulder straps while wearing your Mink, as this too will lead to pre-mature wear. If your Mink coat gets wet, shake it off and let dry naturally. Using heat can cause both fur and leather to dry out. If your Mink garment gets soaked, it will need special attention, by a fur specialist.

Be sure to have proper annual care including cleaning. This process replenishes essential oils necessary for the longevity of your Mink coat. Mend any small tears immediately. Often times delaying a repair can lead to an expensive replacement of complete Mink pelts.

Your Mink garments and other furs, leathers, Minks and fine outerwear will provide you years of enjoyable wear when they are professionally conditioned and stored. Each spring store your garments in a temperature and humidity-controlled vault. Keep your garments away from heat, home humidity and moths.

A mild rain will not ruin your fur. Just hang the garment up to dry in a well-ventilated room away from direct heat. After it is dry, give the fur a vigorous shake. If your fur gets thoroughly soaked, bring it to a professional furrier for proper treatment.

About The Author

Daniel Sickafus

Manufacturer and retailer of Shearling Coats and accessories.

http://www.VillageShop.us

Why Your Headline Will Make You Or Break You In Project Management!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:07:49 +0000

Why Your Headline Will Make You Or Break You In Project Management!

by: Arne Yri

The value of a proper headline when dealing with a project (or anything else for that matter) cannot be stressed enough...

Yep! I'm talking of the headline of your email correspondence here...

It only makes the day for a project manager so much more comfortable (not to mention easier), when he/she has to find something in a hurry...

And, usually...

What else... normally...

is a project other than...

"In A Hurry..."

So, if you'd just give me an appropriate headline, I'm very apt to forgive everything else, and especially typos;-) - slang or whatever have you.

The need for understandable language however...

Still though, just my 2 cents...

Whenever I got e-mails of character "more or less garbled", I'd call back to make sure the importance of such a post... And, if nothing else, make the person understand the value of an appropriate - to the CASE headline!

ALSO:

Whenever I had to send people e-mails myself, I'd ALWAYS follow-up through a personal visit (in person) or follow up the e-mail by a phone call...

( That is, if the message was of particular imporance or of any urgency of nature, of course. Sometimes both... - when extremely important as to avoid EVERY possibility of a misunderstanding)

AND:

I cannot STRESS enough the importance of this!

Besides...

In the end... I cannot even count the endless millions saved from being flushed down the sewers of project-managemen-hell - purely by following this simple... little... routine...

The most obvious reason is that you get to eliminate the fuzz and the potential B.S. INSTANTLY...

BUT...

The most important (perhaps) and not always so obvious reason?

This way there will be NO phreaking way anybody involved could ever lamely excuse themselves with the so popular and widely used:

"Ohhhh! Oh my... I didn't know that..."

Or BETTER Yet! ---> You won't Even have to put up with the even more so annoying:

"Oh... I didn't know that... I NEVER got anything like that from you..."

Just try applying this strategy yourself... Just once!;-)

It'll only take a few more (no need for more than 2 to 5 more minutes normally) minutes of your day...

.BUT, I'll promise you... These 5 more mins will more than be worth it by the end of your week...

BECAUSE:

While the other guy still is scrambling around, you have eliminated just 1 more obstacle that otherwise could've set you hours, and even days and weeks back due to stupid mis-communication and needless errors...

And, just so you know, this ONE tactic alone, made it possible for me to go in - take over projects other people - more experienced - more "skilled" and longer in the trade than me - had to abandon...

.Projects gone so astray that you'd be embarrassed (and then some) to call it YOUR assignment...

Still though, among others - this one thing made it possible - not only to rescue these lemons that no-one wanted...

.but, without exception, it made it possible to do so (rescue them) - within 90 days and less.

Making them absolute killer money machines in a snap...

No matter what size - no matter how down the sewers the project ever was...

And, usually...

The project never took more than 3-4 weeks to be back on its feet...

So, the morals here must be:

NEVER - EVER underestimate the power of seemingly small,

and unimportant things like these...

In the end, these are the nuggets that

will separate the loosers from the winners...

And, in my experience as Project Manager, you, the Project Manager live a potentially "Dangerous" life...

You are like a King/Queen, but without land of your own...

And, the head of the Projectmanager will always roll first, unless you have done your work - backing yourself up...

.Documenting EVERY little bit of your work, and more...

But, when the documentation is secured, and your proper means of communication are provided for... Your time as emperor is way more secure and successful...

Not to forget, but so much more fun!

Best Regards and Much Success

Arne Yri

How To Run A Kick-Ass Project

That Will Rake IN The Fungolas

Big Droves Of Crisp CASH & Profits

EVERY Time - No Matter What!

http://www.ProjectManagementMadeEasy.com

About The Author

Arne Yri

Use This Article Freely, as long as intact in its entirety, links and

everything. This disclaimer included. Only use at own risk.

http://www.ProjectManagementMadeEasy.com/disclaimer.htm

Project Rescue Operator:: Goes In To Rescue Havoced

Projects When Others Have To Throw In The Towels...

It's Spring - Time for a Compensation Program Tune Up

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:14:50 +0000

It's Spring - Time for a Compensation Program Tune Up

by: Michael Maciekowich

It's Spring - Time for a Compensation Program Tune Up

Now that winter has passed, the annual ritual of spring cleaning is in full swing. Spring cleaning is more than cleaning the windows and clearing the cobwebs that hid in the corners during the winter. ?Spring is a time to take a serious look at your compensation program and begin planning for the next budget cycle. Depending on your organization's fiscal year, it may also be time to determine appropriate market adjustments and pay increases for the coming year,? said Michael Maciekowich, National Director, Astron Solutions.

Compensation program spring cleaning is more than looking at the market and determining adjustments. It is a time to step back and determine if the system remained in alignment with organizational and employee needs. Most organizations have long-term strategic plans with short-term objectives to determine progress. A compensation program designed at the beginning of a long-term strategic cycle also needs flexibility to address yearly short-term organizational objectives. As new objectives come to the forefront, or current ones are modified, the compensation plan must also change.

This is a different way of thinking about compensation programs. There are a number of tools and processes to help with this matter. One is a survey of the compensation program's effectiveness for users, including executive management, department management, and employees. The focus of this annual survey is the following:

? What aspects of the current compensation program were most effective in the past year?

o What aspects seem to have had a positive impact on employees in terms of retention and morale?

? What aspects of the current compensation program were least effective in the past year?

o What issues did human resources seem to spend the most time discussing with employees and managers?

? What should be the focus of the compensation program in the coming year?

o What are managers' and employees' expectations in terms of compensation determination?

? What will prevent this from happening?

o To what extent do managers and employees understand current financial issues facing the organization?

With this understanding, human resources must answer the following five questions:

? What external market challenges or pressures will be placed on the compensation system in the coming year?

o Has the market shifted? Is there a new strategic need in the organization that will alter our market focus, either by type of job or market definition? Is the organization in a position to remain competitive?

? What internal job equity challenges or pressures will be placed on the compensation program in the coming year?

o If a job evaluation system is used, are the factors and factor weights applicable based on current strategic direction? If not, what modifications are required?

? What employee equity challenges or pressures will be placed on the compensation program in the coming year?

o Have recent market adjustments and system modifications forgotten the employees? Are we able to attract employees without causing internal pay compression?

? What financial challenges will impede the ability of the organization to successfully fund and implement needed compensation program elements?

o Can the organization sustain past financial commitments to the compensation program? If not, how will spending priorities be set?

? What changes need to be made as to how employees are recognized and rewarded for their contributions to the organization?

o Do the current recognition and reward mechanisms work to motivate employees to contribute to the organization's strategic direction?

With these questions answered, human resource next must develop a strategic response. Take the five questions above and overlay the four question survey responses. This helps to develop a strategic response to each of the five key compensation issues. Here are basic examples of the thought process for auditing current compensation processes:

? External Equity Issues: Most effective. Continue current process.

? Internal Equity Issues: Least effective. Additional focus on internal job placement required.

? Employee Equity Issues: Least effective. Serious compression issues developed that need further action.

? Ability to pay issues: Most effective. Required funding of the program is understood and available.

? Reward and Recognition Issues: Most effective. High level of satisfaction with current performance assessment and rewards systems.

With this information in hand, the final step is to create a focused strategic response to present to senior management. The result is a fresh look at your compensation program and a focused direction for the year ahead.

About The Author

Michael Maciekowich is a National Director for Astron Solutions. His areas of expertise include the development, design, and implementation of executive, physician, and employee total cash compensation and performance management systems in all industries. His primary focus is the integration of compensation and human resource strategies with organization-specific missions, visions, values, and strategic operating plans. Michael has twenty-five years of consulting and industry compensation experience. He can be reached at 800-520-3889 or michaelm@astronsolutions.com.

Astron Solutions is a consulting firm dedicated to the delivery of HR consulting services and supportive technology. For more information about giving your compensation program a spring cleaning, call Astron Solutions at 800-520-3889 or visit http://www.astronsolutions.com.

info@astronsolutions.com

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:49:40 +0000

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

by: Bonnie P Carrier

Open Windows ? Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze ? The air smells fresh and clean ? Buds on the trees are beginning to open ? Tiny flowers are popping up threw the ground ? Finally that little bird with the red breast is back

All of these can only mean one thing ?Spring? has arrived.

Those days of blustery storms and frosty drafts have come to an end.

With spring comes a renewed burst of energy. Having been shut inside for months we now want to get up, get going and do things.

This presents a marvelous opportunity for home decorating, a chance to give the inside of our homes a fresh clean look to match the emerging new look outside.

You now want to think light, bright and breezy, exactly like a beautiful spring day.

The following are a few ideas to help get you started.

Hang a wreath covered with pretty silk flowers on the front door. This makes a cheerful greeting to anyone entering you home.

Replace heavier drapes with lighter fabric and color. For example: Pastel colored shears or Caf? Curtains. If privacy is not an issue, try just a lightweight valance or scarf across the top of the window. The idea here is to let the sunshine in.

A new fresh look for you furniture might be just the ticket. Slipcovers are the perfect solution. If the budget is a concern, slipcover just one piece in the living or family room. Another idea is to cover the dinning chairs; this in itself will give a kitchen or dinning room a fresh look.

Painting rooms a lighter color can make a dramatic change. In fact color can completely alter the look and feel of a space.

Bring in spring with accessories.

Floral arrangements

Lighter weight throws, it can get a little chilly in the evening

Decorative pillows in lighter colors or with a floral pattern

Lighter weight area rugs like sisal, which will also work great into the summer, as they are easy to clean. Choose a natural color sisal rug and get creative, use stencils, paint squares, stripes or applying appliqu?s.

Scent is another part of your spring home decorating. Candles and Potpourri are not just for the winter months. There are many lighter scents perfect for bringing in spring. The following are just a few examples of what is available.

Lilac

Rose

Tulip

Heather

No matter what changes you decide to make in your home decorating this spring here?s something to remember, ?As the days become warmer open those windows and let the fresh air fill your home.? It?s one of the best ways of bringing spring in and best of all its Free.

One final thought, even though the snow is gone and the grass is turning green, please remember our feathered friends. They will always give us enjoyment and entertainment no matter what the season maybe.

This is a share ware article. Give this article away fro free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright ? 2004 bonnie carrier.

About The Author

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Having been a homemaker for over 23yrs has provided years of experience in budget decorating and organization. Stop by Savvy Home Decorating -www.savvy-home-decorating.com- for ideas and tips on budget decorating:

10 Facts You Might Not Know About St. Patrick's Day

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:35:54 +0000

10 Facts You Might Not Know About St. Patrick's Day

by: Niall Cinneide

The tradition of St. Patrick?s Day began hundreds of years ago when a boy in Roman England was captured and taken to Ireland as a captive where he found God. It is said that St. Patrick could hear from the angels, and that he had raised people from the dead. He was a very active missionary throughout Ireland for 30 years, and that is why he is called the patron saint of Ireland. There have been many legends attached to this saint, and they have lasted throughout the centuries. This holiday began as a Holy Day in the Catholic Church, but over the years this religious Catholic saint?s day has turned into a more secular celebration of the upcoming new spring.

Here are a few facts for St. Patrick?s Day:

- March 17th, the day of celebration, is the day of Patrick?s death.

- St. Patrick, the patron saint of the Irish, was not from Ireland.

- Patrick was an old time missionary in Ireland during the 4th century.

- He brought many people to conversion and into the Christian religion.

- The Shamrock, symbol of St. Patrick?s Day, was a plant with three leaves that Patrick used to demonstrate to the pagans the trinity of God ? Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

- Maewyn is the name St. Patrick was born with. His name was changed by the Bishop in a monastery in France, after he escaped his captivity. He was not religious at all when he was a child.

- The first St. Paddy?s day parade in America was in 1737, 40 years before the Revolutionary War.

- The first day of spring is March 21st and this could be the reason St. Patrick?s Day celebrations have caught on so big.

- Everyone turns Irish for a day ? just wear green, the sign of life.

- Irish dishes include Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, Irish cream pie, Irish soda bread, scones, Irish cheese bread, and all of these would be a good choice on St. Patrick?s Day.

There are many traditions and legends that have been passed down through the generations, so even the barest of facts have gotten confused. It is not even certain exactly when Patrick was born, the actual date varies about 30 years in early 300 AD but the day of his death is certain, March 17, and that is the important day.

So whether you are celebrating the life of a glorified Catholic saint or the oncoming spring and all the new growth and new life possibilities that a new life can encompass, it really doesn?t matter. Wear something Green, grab a green hat, give someone a shamrock and join in the parade. Good luck and Blessings are meant for all!

About The Author

Niall Cinneide loves to celebrate St Patrick's Day. He publishes news, views and information about St Patricks Day at St Patricks Information.

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:59:31 +0000

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?

by: Charles "Chuck" Harmon

Have you ever wondered how anyone got the idea to start sleeping on springs in the first place?

I mean, think about it for a minute, what would it feel like to lay down on the bare springs?

And why is it, that laying on springs with some kind of material over them, is considered any better?

The creation of a coil spring mattress was first documented, by patent, in 1865, and there have only been a couple of minor changes, to that original design, in the following 140 years.

During that same period, we went from plowing fields with oxen, to men living in space.

Don't you think it's conceivable that we could find new ideas and materials to improve the mattresses we spend 1/3 of our life on?

The differences, between a regular coil spring mattress and a memory foam mattress, will be presented, to help you understand the difference.

The Difference In Total Body Support

One way, in which a memory foam mattress is better for you is the characteristic of total body support.

A memory foam mattress and a coil spring mattress differ greatly in this respect. A coil spring mattress makes your body conform to it.

The pressure, or force, from the coil springs, in the mattress, is exerted against your body.

It's kind of like a push and shove match. You're pushing down on the springs, forcing them to retreat and they're shoving back against you, trying to uncoil.

On a coil spring mattress, your body must adjust to the mattress's shape.

This is why you complain of sore muscles and stiffness, when you wake up in the morning.

With a memory foam mattress, the opposite happens.

The foam material conforms to your body, because your body exerts it's force onto it.

So, as you lay down, you will feel the memory foam altering to accommodate you, leaving you with a feeling of total relaxation.

It is because of this ability, of a memory foam mattress, to totally support your body and adjust to your weight, that the movements of the other person in the bed will not affect you.

Since coil spring mattresses do not conform to you, they cannot spread your weight evenly.

Another Difference Is Temperature Sensitivity

Another difference, between coil spring and memory foam mattresses, is that memory foam mattresses have the ability to respond to different temperatures.

The memory foam is able to sense the different temperatures of your body and either remain firm or soften.

This leaves you with a nice cozy feeling when it has absorbed your heat and softened up.

Coil spring mattresses are unable to do this. They cannot react to your body heat, and this is why someone, who is sick with a fever, would feel more comfortable on a memory foam mattress.

Plan a trip to your local mattress store to try lying on the coil mattress vs. the memory foam mattress and see if you don't agree that there's no comparison in comfort levels.

http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org

About The Author

Charles "Chuck" Harmon researches and writes consumer awareness articles. Get his free report: How To Avoid The 5 Deadliest Sins Most People Commit When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress at: http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org.

Tips for Organizing your Scrapbook Photos

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:59:33 +0000

Tips for Organizing your Scrapbook Photos

by: Lisa Fleming

As winter turns to spring each year, many of us turn our thoughts to spring cleaning. Our lists of projects typically include mundane tasks such as sweeping the garage, cleaning the gutters and washing the windows. So why not add a little pizzazz to your spring cleaning this year by tackling a fun project like organizing your scrapbook photos? ?Fun?? you say. Well yes, organizing your photos can be fun if you have some tips on how to do it. Read on to learn how to gather, sort, label and store your photos so that they?re ready for your scrapbook albums.

Gather your photos

Throughout the years your photos may have ended up in various places - the attic, the garage, closets, desk drawers, etc. It's also likely that you have some in old photo albums and on your computer. The best way to get started is to bring all of your photos and photo albums to a workspace where you can spread them out (e.g., a large table) so that you can inventory what you have. It's up to you whether or not you want to take your photos out of your old photo albums at this point or just put a sticky note on each album to indicate what's in it. (Note: Many old photo albums are not photo-safe; the quicker you get your photos out of them, the better it is for your photos.) If you do have photos on your hard drive or online that haven't been printed yet, you can spend a few minutes at your computer jotting down some notes about those photos (e.g., which years they're from, what events they cover) and bring these notes to your workspace. Even if you don't intend on putting all of your photos into scrapbook albums, having them all organized will help you plan your scrapbook projects.

Sort your photos

While there are lots of different ways to sort your photos, many people find it useful to sort them chronologically and by event. If you have photos going back many years, you may want to sort them by decade or groups of years (e.g., early 90s, mid 90s, late 90s). Once you have them in a rough chronological order, you can then divide them by event and/or theme. Ideas for events/themes include vacations, holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby's first year, school, sports, clubs, military, legacy/heritage, family/general, etc. Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong way to sort them; everyone's photos are unique, so create categories that make sense for you. For example, some people have vacation scrapbook albums, and they keep all of their vacation photos together in those particular albums. Other people prefer to keep the photos from their vacations in a general scrapbook album that covers one or more calendar years. Either way is fine. The point of sorting your photos is to take an inventory of what you have and decide how you'd like to group them.

Label your photos

After your photos are sorted, it's a good idea to label some of them. To do this, you should use a photo labeling pen that is designed specifically for writing on the backs of photos. (Note: Regular pens and pencils should not be used because the ink and lead can damage your photos.) There's no need to label all of your photos; just label one or two of each group of photos so that you know what they are. For instance, if you've found some old birthday party photos you can just jot down whose birthday it was, the year, and how old he/she was. Or if you've found some old wedding photos you can jot down whose wedding it was, the year and where the wedding was held. The goal here is to make a few notes so that it's easier to remember what the photos are about when you're ready to put them into an album.

Store your photos

Once your photos are sorted and labeled, it's time to store them in a photo-safe manner until you're ready to work with them. To keep your photos safe, there are three elements you need to protect them from: heat, humidity and light. These elements contribute to the deterioration and fading of photographs. So photos should not be stored in attics, garages or unfinished basements, and they should not be left in the sunlight. You'll also want to be sure that any container you store your photos in is acid-free and lignin-free. Acid and lignin are substances found in paper (e.g., in some envelopes, accordion files, etc.), and these substances can harm your photos. A great way to store your photos in a safe and organized fashion is to use a photo case. Many scrapbook retailers carry them, and the cases come in a variety of sizes and colors. To view photo cases as well as other scrapbook supplies, visit http://www.scrapbooktown.com.

And that?s all there is to it. So make this spring cleaning a ?scrapbook spring cleaning? by getting your photos organized.

About The Author

Lisa Fleming is an avid scrapbooker and the owner of Scrapbook Town. Scrapbook Town is a scrapbooking website that has scrapbook supplies, ideas and information. You can visit Scrapbook Town at http://www.scrapbooktown.com.

scrapbooktown@earthlink.net

Spring Cleaning For Today's Mom

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:16:06 +0000

Spring Cleaning For Today's Mom

by: Amy Allen Clark

With spring comes all of the beauty of the changing season. We finally began to see our grass; we enjoy seeing the new buds on our trees, and the sweet smell of a good April shower. What also comes along is the dreaded ritual of spring cleaning. Maybe you went through this awful experience as a child. Your mother would be pulling all the linens, washing the drapes, deep cleaning every nook and cranny of your home and then collapse after a full day of cleaning. I don?t remember this as being a fun ritual for our family and have decided to try a different method of cleaning in our own home.

Spring cleaning ironically is not as necessary as it once was. Back in the olden days, spring cleaning was a much different concept then it is today. This cleaning was a necessary routine because of how they had to heat their homes and keep them lit. Using kerosene, wood, gas, oil, and candles caused the house to develop dark sooty grime around it. This grime created the need for a deep cleaning of the home. Their deep cleaning restored the beauty of the home and also gave them the opportunity to get out the lighter linens, rugs, and furniture that they used during the warmer seasons. Not only did they divulge in spring cleaning, they also did fall cleaning as well to prepare them for the cold season of winter.

Today we do not have the need to do spring cleaning although in many families it is a ritual that brings about peace and renewal in our homes after an entire day or week of intense cleaning. In this day and age, however, it is hard to be able to set aside that much time to get all of these tasks done. Our schedules and days are so full that it hard to devote more than the few hours necessary just to keep our home running smoothly.

Instead of doing one deep cleaning I have vowed to ?spring clean? all year long rather than trying to set aside a specific time to do this. With a very busy toddler and just the daily maintenance of my home, there are days when I feel really proud of myself if I can get out of my pajamas. If you are anything like me, try and incorporate these tips into your daily routine so that you can relax while everyone else is tired and haggard from their day of spring cleaning. Here are a few ideas for getting these tasks done:

Begin by making a checklist of everything that you would normally do during your spring cleaning. Things like washing all the linens and drapes, wiping down baseboards, washing windows inside and out, cleaning out your pantry, washing your shower curtains, organizing your linen cabinets, wiping down walls, and cleaning doorknobs and light fixtures.

Take inventory of your cleaners and the tools that you will need in order to accomplish all of the necessary cleaning. Nothing is worse then getting ready to do your task and then finding out that you are missing that one component needed to complete your task. Put the items that you will need on your shopping list and get these items on the day that you perform all of your errands.

Continue doing your normal daily routine, but add an extra hour each week towards accomplishing just one of these tasks on your list. Check off the items that you accomplish and press on to the next one. By just devoting one hour a week towards your spring cleaning goals you will have a more manageable deep cleaning routine.

Clear out as much clutter as you can. Make a box for trash and a box for charitable donations and fill these with all of the unnecessary clutter in your home. By donating these items to those less fortunate you will gain so much. Not only will someone who needs these items more benefit from your donation, but you can receive a tax break and reclaim space in your own home. I have decided to look at every item in my home in a new light. There was a time when I used to want to fill my home with loads of stuff. Now I look at everything as one more thing to dust and care for. If you don?t like to dust it, don?t love the item, and want an organized home- donate it!!

Keep a caddy of cleaning supplies on each floor. I find it much easier to clean my house when I know that the tools that I need to accomplish my task are just a few steps away. Keep your checklist either in one of your caddies or somewhere that is accessible so that you can always stay on track with your deep cleaning.

Do your cleaning when it is convenient for you. Some people work better during morning hours while others of us would rather be snoozing and do better in the evening. Take advantage of the times that you work best. If you would rather break the hour into smaller increments that is totally up to you. The idea behind all of this is to make it as easy as possible so fit it in wherever and whenever you can.

Put your spring cleaning task on your calendar each week. It sounds silly, but don?t you remember your appointments and engagements better when it is written on your calendar? It is hard to ignore scheduled tasks in glaring print. Write your tasks in red, capitalized, or exclamation points- anything you can to draw your eye to the one task for the week.

Enlist your helpers to help you on these tasks. Your children and your husband can be active participants in getting your home organized just like they help to contribute to the clutter. Schedule dad for clearing out the garage, taking inventory of the tools you will need to do your gardening, cleaning out the basement, or other tasks inside and outside of the home. Children can aid in cleaning their own rooms by helping to remove some of the clutter in the house. Involving your family can be beneficial in showing them all that you do to keep your house running smoothly.

It is hard to accomplish tasks around the house if you have a poor attitude about what you are doing. Unfortunately, every house requires a little maintenance and your attitude towards your work can be the difference in your spring cleaning being bearable or just plain awful. I certainly don?t jump up and down when I clean and it isn?t my favorite thing to do, but I take great pride in keeping my household running smoothly. Turn on some fun music, watch television while polishing tables, do whatever you can to make getting your home clean easier and fun.

About The Author

Amy Allen Clark is a stay-at-home mother of a two year old son. She is founder and creator of http://www.momadvice.com. Her web site is geared towards mothers who are seeking advice on staying organized, living on a budget, and for those seeking work-at-home employment. Please visit her site to sign up for her free monthly newsletter filled with more great tips to help simplify your life.

amy@momadvice.com

Insomnia: Break the Cycle and Get Some Sleep!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:16:16 +0000

Insomnia: Break the Cycle and Get Some Sleep!

by: Kristina Haisten

Insomnia is a common sleep sickness that affects many people around the world. For some, it is a chronic situation that may require medical attention; for others, an occasional nuisance. Whichever applies to you, a few tested methods can help.

You know the frustration of looking repeatedly at your clock while tossing and in your bed. It's mental and emotional stress to say the least. Just when you think you might drift off due to pure exhaustion, your alarm rings and you dread trying to get through the day with no energy.

Well, it?s time to break that cycle. Here are some tips to help you fall asleep faster and sleep better through the night.

1) Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time, EVERYDAY, even on the weekends. Some insomniacs try to catch up on lost sleep by napping on Saturday or Sunday or ?sleeping in?. This is the biggest mistake you can make. You will disturb your body clock and make your insomnia worse. If you can't sleep one night, get up the usual time the next morning. If you?ll stick with a schedule, you?ll set your body clock and start sleeping like a baby. You might even find you can do without an alarm altogether.

2) Don't eat within 4 hours of your bedtime. If you?re really hungry have a very light snack or a glass of milk. But don't indulge in an "eat-all-you-can" feast right before bedtime. Your body has to work hard to digest that food and this could result in discomfort while you?re trying to sleep.

3) Don't drink caffeine or alcohol. Both can increase your heart rate and keep you from relaxing enough to fall asleep. Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, but once that drowsiness wears off, the restlessness will begin.

4) Manage your stress and develop outlets to work out problems during the day. Find ways to relax and stay fit. Exercise daily to release tension. Other ways to find harmony are meditating, practicing yoga, use the power of prayer or use breathing exercises to relax. Try not to take your worries to bed with you; remember that you can?t do everything at once. A good night?s rest will better prepare you to face your problems.

5) Never force yourself to sleep. Don?t concentrate on falling asleep, just try to empty your mind. Sleep comes best if you are in a relaxed and comfortable state. Just lie down, relax, and let the sleeping fairy cast its spell upon you.

6) Fueling your body with nutritional foods and making sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to have a strong body during the day will also help you sleep at night. Choose a healthy eating plan that provides the appropriate mix of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

About The Author

Kris Haisten provides health and nutrition advice and promotes good health thru Fruta Vida International.

For a complete nutritional supplement with a great taste visit http://www.Frutavidarightnow.com

Kris@haisten.net