Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Love, Life and Longing

My heart yearns for contact. I feel that this desolate life, its segregations and vanity has kept to me its vastly aggressive and alluring, if not impressive, promise of seductive isolation. I am not saying that I am lonely… that would be a cynical way of presenting one’s situation when there’s isn’t much about except that single human longing to be touched, physically and mentally and in what . . .

How to Give the Perfect Massage!

Let's face it, sometimes we could all use a good back rub. Massages have been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve certain types of muscle pain, improve posture , and relieve soreness (especially from sports and other related fitness activities). A massage also improves circulation and flexibility. Increased circulation of the blood helps you to eliminate toxins, feel great, and pro. . .

Mens Wedding Rings - Should a Man Wear One or Not?

Strange as it may seem the use of a wedding ring by men was not common until recently. Whereas women have worn wedding rings for eons, men have not. The use of rings as a symbol of everlasting love enshrined in marriage can be traced back thousands of years. But not so much for men.It was, in fact, during the second world war that the use of wedding rings by men became more common. (Note that m. . .

Guys Love What Women Don't

Remember last week’s column when I talked about that annoying little habit women have of wanting to eat food off a man’s plate when they’re out with one of us at a restaurant? Well, I had a certain lady write me an email in response, and she told me that she somewhat agreed with me re what I was saying, but, added that it really didn’t matter too much as, “...getting upset about us eating food . . .

Women Own The Holidays!

This week we’re gonna get serious and deal with one of life’s greatest mysteries - why are almost all of the gift giving holidays slanted towards women?I know, I know, this is gonna arouse a little controversy, especially from some of you women out there. And ladies, please don’t take this the wrong way - I still love ya‘ll as much as ever, but I have to tell it like it is. Bottom line, gift gi. . .

Women Own Weddings!

This week we’re going to cover the subject of weddings from the man’s point of view....That’s right, this week we’re gonna cover weddings from the man’s point of view. And why not? It’s June, right? The big wedding month? Well, okay then, let’s get down to business. Of all the activities or events that there are out there, one of the most feminine dominated ones are wedding ceremonies. Okay, la. . .

If He Insists That You Work...

Once, when asked about her life, former First Lady Barbara Bush said, "I married well." Is it wrong to want to marry well? Ladies, it's all about survival - and it's all about what you will be able to do for your children. Marry well, and you will never have to fear the basic survival issues, such as illness and unemployment - threats that single women (especially single mothers) have to face . . .

Girls Only - How To Have It All ...

You return home after a tough day and slip into a bath. The taps trickle, the candles glow, the water, warm and soothing, soaks into your skin and the ballad of the moment defines your mood. Your thoughts drift and the challenges of the day melt away. You’re dreaming of being on a beach. A turquoise tide tumbles on a sandy shore and the warmth that fills your pores now is the warmth of the sun.. . .

Facial Exercises – a New Trend In Non-Surgical Facial Toning

There is a moment in everyone’s life, when you notice for the first time, (it may be for some around your 35th birthday), wrinkles and sagginess on your face. These may appear as a result of stress-filled days, good and bad personal experiences, genetics and a host of other factors influencing your life. At first, looking from different angles in the mirror you think, perhaps you can do somethi. . .

Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your body will undergo many hormonal changes. These hormone fluctuations can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms including: nausea, fatigue, bloating and fluid retention and mood swings. What’s a pregnant woman to do? Believe it or not, there are many changes you can make to your diet that will help minimize many of the common p. . .

Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Choosing The Right Foods

So you need to gain weight but don’t want to gain too much weight during your pregnancy right?There are many things that you can do to improve your diet and ensure that you gain a minimal but healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. Choosing the right foods is important because you will be able to loose weight more quickly after delivery if you manage your diet during pregnancy. So here is wh. . .

Are American Women Driving Their Men Away?

Recently, I stumbled across something on the internet. A particular website caught my eye... and provided a solid hour or more of eye-opening reading. What was it?This website offers little in the way of looks, and a lot in the area of crassness and yukky language. However, looks don't always matter these days when it comes to websites. What matters is what you're reading. And this website more. . .

Big Fine Women

Sometimes those of us of the male persuasion don’t like to admit things that we hold deep inside for fear that we’ll be made fun of. All of you men out there know exactly what I mean - if we admit we like to burp loudly, then we’re accused of being savages, therefore we can never admit to it. That also goes for a lot of other things that we like to do, but, if I write about any of them here thi. . .

10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware Of

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and incre. . .

6 Reasons to Exercise During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising during pregnancy can have additional benefits. Generally, exercise should be light, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes. Heavy exercise can divert blood flow from crucial areas and most women that exercise regularly should tone down their workouts during pregnancy.Walking, swim. . .

Fashion Tips: Express Yourself With Colors

Feeling troubled over what color to wear? What color makes you look good? Well, fashion is all about yourself. What you choose to wear every morning tells a lot about you and how you felt that day. Even your little handbag carries a little story. Mixing and matching is a personal choice, you create your very own style! Well, let’s get to understand and have fun with colors White A popular col. . .

The A To Z Guide For Your Wedding Day

AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally any people with some sort of responsibility on the big day. How many attendants are up to you but you need to consider the size of the church and your budget for the outfits and gifts. You need to rely on these for some of the organization of the day so choose carefully, the last thing you need is someone i. . .

The Beautiful Bride To Be – Beauty Tips For The Big Day

It goes without saying that we all want to look our best for the big day. So preparation is the key. Take care of your skin, hair and body in the months leading up to the wedding and you will have a good base to start from.Starting with body, you want to look slim and happy in your wedding gown not bloated and insecure so watch what you eat in the months coming up to the wedding and exercise re. . .

Wedding Dress Styles – What’s Available

There are so many styles of wedding gown to choose from, which makes it difficult when deciding which type of gown is for you. What type of bride are you? Vintage couture, Romantic plush, or Simple elegance, what ever you fall under there is a gown out there to suit your style.Vintage GownsVintage gowns come in many styles from the medieval princess look, The Charleston swing era, or the Bohemi. . .

Mindfulness and Marriage: Moving Along

Marriage has to be the greatest opportunity for mindfulness on the planet. I used to think that parenting took top honors, but really, a good marriage lasts a lot longer than a good childhood. After all, the kids do move out eventually, but the spouse stays. Never the type to do things half-heartedly, my husband and I up the ante when it comes to spending time together. We have breakfast togeth. . .

Do Words Really Hurt

Have you ever been told by someone that you love or by someone of higher authority that words don’t hurt? Have you been told that as long as you are not being hit, that it is ok to be abused?Well think again because "ABUSE" is abuse whether it is done physical, emotional or both and it affects women’s health just the same because both can leave lifetime scares that will and can hurt you in both. . .

Wanted… Experienced Women who can Make a Difference

The kids have taken the best years of your life. You gave it all willingly – even through the tantrums and the constant ‘Why? Why?’ of childhood into the raging hormones and cupboard raiding of teenage. Now they’ve moved on and you’ve moved to mid-life. With the financial pressures of raising a family gone, you’ve begun to think about you for the first time in a couple of decades. You find your. . .

Things That Grown Women Just Don't Wear...

Apart from diapers, you mean? Even then, that's questionable since we do use sanitary napkins...which...erm, some kids liken to a nappy. I know of one mother who actually said it was a nappy to her kids! I was like....argh, eugh, gross...but she took it in her stride, raising her eyebrows asking, "What do YOU suggest I tell them?"I don't know...but I told my son that it was none of his business. . .

Soft Hair And Skin Au Naturelle

Just picture this, your walking down the beach front, its a warm sunny day, a light breeze in from the sea is gently blowing through your hair gives it more waves than the ocean. People look at you, men admire your hair and the women are jealous, some ask how come your hair is so soft and shiny. At the same time they notice how baby soft your skin looks, you look at them with a knowing smile an. . .

Symbolism of Wedding Rings

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -C.G. JungRings have been exchanged as a symbol of the bond of marriage for so long, and in so many different cultures, that the origin of the practice is obscure. Certainly, the circle of a ring represents undying love and the continually renewed vows of the marri. . .

Get Radiant Skin Fast

Winter is a tough experience for any skin type. Even if you have an oily skin, you may suffer from severe skin dehydration due to prolonged exposure to central air heating, contrasting temperatures, and harsh winds. People with acne can hardly balance the act, torn between the need to calm down those nasty pimples with alcohol-based toners and pimple-drying masks and desperate need to slap on t. . .

Obese Mothers Make Obese Kids!

A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that the doctors start giving attention to the children of overweight parents very early- by the age of 4 at the latest. "We found dramatic increase in body fat between ages three and six", said Dr Robert Berkowitz, who led the study. He was also quoted saying " We should be doing prevention and treatment programs at a much earl. . .

Satirical Poetry About Tony Blair

All Hail.Is your hospital full of aliens, despite new cleaning firms,Antenna waving buggies, And creepy crawly germs,Then dont waste another second, now were into election spin,Just complain, over and again, and up pops smiley smiley grin.You just have to critiscise, or mention cancellation lists,And smiley smiley grin appears, always eager to assist,He doesnt actually do much, just smiles and . . .

Keep a Man Coming Back for More

Ben* has been happily married for 19 years. He recently told me the prime reason he married his wife is because, "She was the only girl I dated who could control me."I had no idea what he was talking about. I don't know many people, men or women, who enjoy being controlled."What do you mean?" I asked."I dated a lot of girls, some of them pretty seriously. I was actually close to being engaged t. . .

Times Are Changing for Woman Entrepreneurs

Although the definition of an entrepreneur, “One who undertakes to conduct an enterprise assuming full control and risk.” is not gender specific, it is no wonder that most entrepreneurs are men. Because women tend to undertake the greater share of raising children and keeping the house together, many women simply do not have the time to start a business! As a woman entrepreneur, and the current. . .

Top 10 Fashion Mistakes: What NOT to Wear

Image includes everything that is in your appearance – not simply how well you put your makeup on and style your hair, and not just how expensive is your bag, but also how well you put all these things together. Sometimes a tiny flaw can ruin the carefully concocted look. Don’t let that happen to you. Fashion Mistake #1. Skirt too skimpy. The skirt should not rise up to mid-thigh when you sit d. . .

Getting the Most Out of a Natural Breast Enhancement Prod...

1.) Try to avoid caffeine - this includes chocolate, coffee, caffeinated sodas, tea, etc. These foods can throw off your hormonal balance, interfering with successful breast growth.2.) Reducing stress by exercising moderately, getting plenty of sleep and eating the right foods that keep blood sugar stable is a must for keeping hormonal balance, which provides an excellent conduit to breast grow. . .

Down Low and Debatable

Black women talk candidly about men “on the down-low”. Warning: If you freak out at the mention of the word sex, reading this article may distort your moral values.On a blustery winter morning in December 1999, Essex Garvey, a stay-at-home mom of four, was sorting laundry, when a glaring exhibition caught her eye. On the TV was a woman recently diagnosed with HIV. Noting the pained look on the . . .

Nurturing the Women

Female friendships that work are relationships in which women help each other belong to themselves. – Louise Bernikow, AMONG WOMENA woman must have courage to become a mother, whether by natural means or through adoption. A woman who gives birth requires a copious amount of courage in order to get that big creature out of a womb through such a tiny tunnel and into the world. It seems strange t. . .

Of Super Mice and Supermen, and the Magic Apples of Avalon

Recently, a Japanese study showed dramatic results of organ fat loss and increased muscle strength, in test rats fed rare phytochemicals from baby green apple skins. Without additional vitamins or supplements, these rats lost 27% of their internal organ fat -- “belly fat” in you and me-- and increased in muscle strength by 16%, in just three weeks. Should these findings translate to humans, we. . .

Mama's Dilemma: It’s Girls-Night-Out and You’re Addicted ...

As usual you’ve got minutes to get ready before heading out the door. You throw back a sip of coffee, brush your teeth, and: Wrestle into a sweatshirt to match your flannel pajama bottoms; Fasten yourself into paint spattered sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt; or Slide into your ‘I hope nobody I know sees me in these’ jeans and ‘should have been thrown out already’ sweatshirt.If any of the above a. . .

Fashion Trends Spring 2005

The spring 2005 fashion trends show clothing and accessories that are very feminine and full of color, style and patterns. What are the experts forecasting for spring?Fabric – Romance is in the air. The fabrics this season will be more feminine and light. We will see a lot of soft flowing fabrics such as chiffon and silk. A new trend this season is the big bold prints in wild designs. No longe. . .

Being Scared Through Food That's Shared

Most of you who read my columns know that I love women. Absolutely love them. To me, women are God’s finest creation, and then some. The most pleasurable and meaningful things I’ve ever done in my life involve women, and I’m more than proud to admit it. But, even with all the things they have going for them, even with all of their plusses, women do manage to do one thing that drives me absolute. . .

Relationship Advice: First Date Sex? Should You?

Everybody on TV seems to be tumbling into bed on the first date these days, but should you? Absolutely not, and I don't care if you've been celibate since 1996.Here's why: Chances are, you've just met the guy. You know nothing about him, let alone whether he bathes daily, or if he's one of those losers who picks his nose at stoplights. My OB/GYN estimates that two out of five people are walking. . .

Mindfulness and Housework: Vacuum This

As a guest on a local television show recently, I decided to bring along my vacuum cleaner. No, it wasn't for a segment on household hints. I wasn't there to share secrets for deep-cleaning a carpet. Instead, I was using my vacuum cleaner as a memorable visual (aural?) aid to talk about mindfulness. My host, Roland, gamely turned it on during my bit, and we attempted to shout over the roar of t. . .

Dog Jewelry: Express Your Love For Mans Best Friend

Dog jewelry is a favorite not only amongst dog lovers, but also amongst those who like to own different kinds of animal jewelry. Dog jewelry ranges from bracelets to charms to totems to specially made dog jewelry for men and women. Most of the high end quality dog jewelry is made from yellow gold or white gold, but may also be made in sterling silver. These are the more expensive varieties of d. . .

Homemade Facial Mask Recipes

Have you ever calculate how much money you have spent for beauty purpose in a month or a year? $200? $500? or maybe $1000 or more?Maybe it's time for you to stop wasting too much money by trying some cheaper beauty products which also will bring you the same results (or even more) compare with those expensive ones.These are all natural homemade facial mask recipes, which you can prepare easily . . .

Knowing Your Toilet Paper

At work several days ago, I walked into the kitchen area of our office early one morning to grab a large cup of coffee. Having slept nada the night before due to my typically horrible nocturnal habits, I desperately needed some chemical means of survival for the upcoming day. While walking in to grab some that I secretly hoped was stronger than a five day old Nu-Way hot dog, I heard Ray and Bob. . .

Fun Dating Ideas to Spice Up Your Marriage

One of the best benefits of marriage is that you have a permanent dating partner. Don't let the fun end after the honeymoon. Here are some ideas for fun dates. Spend an afternoon at the opera. These aren't as expensive as you might think. Check out a local college for possible discounts on campus performances. If you go, be sure to check out the plot of the story beforehand. Sample a variety . . .

Burberry for Dogs?

Burberry is one of the world's famous designer brands. But branded trenchcoats and sweaters for dogs? A thought that may make you raise your eyebrows!Is today's designer fashion selling out? Despite what you might think, high-class designer labels also cater for your pets nowadays as does British luxury label Burberry who has just released their own collection of Burberry clothing for dogs. Mos. . .

I Want To Be A Work-At-Home Mom - Can Someone Show Me How?

A recent study by The National Survey of Entrepreneurial Parents showed that 22 percent of women who ran a business out of their home pull in $50,000 or more a year, and 39 percent earn $30,000 or more. This shows that more and more women are going for it and making their dream of working from home a reality!Is this for me?The decision to start your own business is a major one and not to be tak. . .

Looks or Heart?

No matter how you want to spin it, beautiful people are just that, beautiful. However, to what degree does it play into you finding your perfect match? Seemingly, most of us are engulfed by a blitzing media that sells everything from lingerie to exotic cars with some gorgeous blonde or brunette sitting next to it. An idea that if it’s candy to the eyes, it will sell to the general public more r. . .

Silver Tarnish and Removing Silver Tarnish

Each year we get hundreds of emails from silver jewelry lovers. They find that their lovely silver jewelry has tarnished. Many sellers do not clearly explain the process of silver tarnishing to buyers and buyers are shocked to see their gorgeous silver jewelry gradually change color to a darkish dull shade of yellow, brown and even black. So what exactly is silver tarnish? Can the process of si. . .

Seeking Your Passion? Inquire Within!

We hear a lot these days about “passion.” Everywhere we look, it seems like someone is telling us to “find our passion,” to “follow our passion,” to “live passionately.” In the abstract, it sounds like wonderful advice, but certainly there are not few among us who are thinking, “Where am I even supposed to look?” or even: “I don’t think I have a great passion!” But what if it isn’t so hard! Wha. . .

Should Women Fake It?

Learning how to establish a healthy sexual relationship.(Black Leather Couch Tales) As soon as Chelsea walked in, she plopped down on the couch and announced, “I am so frustrated.” “Hello Chelsea,” I said.Ignoring my greeting altogether, she continued, “No really, Coach, I am.”A few months earlier, Chelsea, a successful, attractive and very fit thirty-something lawyer, had been involved in a s. . .