Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Fitness Tips For Looking Your Best On Your Wedding Day

Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. Selecting a dress that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But what happens when you look in the mirror and don't think you look quite as good as you could? When this happens it’s not uncommon for brides to try quick-fix diets to help them get in shape. Unfortunately, many dieting brides make fitness mistakes that n. . .

Stop And Smell The Citrus

Rejuvenation essential for busy Canadian moms(NC)-Ask a typical Canadian mom if she works full-time and you know what she'll answer. Moms have to be multi-taskers: they hold down demanding jobs, raise children, prepare meals, do the wash, manage the household budget, take care of the home and nurture relationships with their husband and extended family. Personal time is virtually non-existent; . . .

Ladies, Is Your Valentine the Cheating Kind?

According to statistics, 50% to 70% of men cheat on their mates. What type of man is most likely to cheat? Ruth Houston, infidelity expert and author of “Is He Cheating on You? - 829 Telltale Signs” says, “Some men are more likely to cheat than others. You can tell by looking at certain things in their background, their past history, or certain character traits.”What about the man in your l. . .

Syndrome X - What Is It And Have You Got It?

Syndrome X or the X factor as it is sometimes known was first described in 1988 by Professor Gerald Reaven , an endocrinologist at California’s Stanford University after twenty years of study. Since this first identification the understanding of Syndrome X has come a long way.Before we define Syndrome X we need to clarify the role of insulin in the body. When we eat carbohydrates – which are ba. . .

Five Easy Ways To Bring Family Time Into Your Day; Balanc...

The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More and more time is spent rushing from job to after school activities or evening meetings. It's easy to get over whelmed and to loose a sense of family and relaxation in our homes. Here are a few ideas to help strengthen your family and to keep some of life's pressures and stresses out of the home.~ Be involved but learn how to say No, once in a w. . .

Effective Ways To Remove Dark Cicles Under Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are known to be signs of stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, malnutrition, allergies etc. They can have an enormous effect on your appearance. Luckily you can easily make them disappear naturally or by applying some some ingredients or products to the affected area.The easiest and healthiest ways to remove dark circles would be by getting plenty of sleep, rest, increas. . .

Am I Weird If I Date Online?

True story: A few years back I was working with a client who had recently moved to Los Angeles. She was single, did not know many people in the big city, and felt a little lonely. I innocently suggested she give online dating a shot. It seemed like an easy and pressure-free way to meet people, and I had other clients who enjoyed their experience and were in good relationships as a result. . . .

5 Ways to Entertain Your Kids When They're Off School but...

1. Put in a DVD/video. What is it about children that they can watch the same movie over and over again? Take advantage of this fact. 2. Barter with the parent of your child's friend. She can take them to a movie or watch them at her house for the day. Just be sure to return the favor on a weekend or day your home business is closed.3. Check with your local YMCA or museums. Many of them offer s. . .

Natural Progesterone and Estrogen as an Alternative to HRT

A Dec. 30, 2003 Associated Press article stated that about one quarter of women who stopped taking hormone replacement therapy because of its risks wind up resuming HRT because of menopause misery.This article verifies what we have been saying all along; "No treatment is NOT an option." Women need an alternative treatment to hormone replacement therapy. Otherwise, their lives can be quite miser. . .

Spotlight on the Asian-Themed Wedding

Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this might come as a surprise. After all, nothing could seem further from the Laura Ashley vision we get when thinking of a wedding.And in fact, that's one of the forces behind the rising popularity of the Asian-themed wedding: how it turns things upside-down. In fact, in a Chinese-style wedding, white is bad (it's the color of death) and red . . .

How to Wind a Wrist Watch

Many of my lovely lady customers write to me after they purchase an antique wrist watch with a mechanical movement asking which is the correct way to wind a watch. They ask if it needs to be wound forward or both forward and backward. And they also ask how much should they wind it, how often should they wind it, and how to tell if there is real resistance at the end of the wind?How to wind it. . . .

Feng Shui Monsters Under Your Bed

Good feng shui often requires making wise decisions based on your specific circumstances, rather than blinding following an ideal rule. The feng shui rule for storing things under your bed is "don't do it." But for those who live in small homes every inch of possible storage space is precious. If you are faced with cluttering up some other area of your home with stuff that otherwise might be pu. . .

How Valentine’s Day Gifts Can Expose a Cheating Husband

If you have the nagging feeling that your husband may be having an affair, this is the ideal time to confirm what you suspect. The Valentine’s Day gifts he gives or receives can provide you with tangible proof of his infidelity. If your husband has a lover he’s certain to buy her a Valentine’s Day gift; whether he receives one in return or not. This could prove to be his undoing. An observant w. . .

Don't Sell Grandma's Jewelry at a Yard Sale...What's It W...

IDENTIFICATIONBefore you can find out what a piece of jewelry is worth, you need to find out what it is. This can be as simple as turning it over and finding a maker's mark or complicated as in "hours of research". First thing first: Examine your jewelry for a maker's mark. Look on the back or on the clasp. Thoroughly examine every inch of the piece. If you see a maker's mark, start your . . .

Guide to a Growing Trend: The "Green" or Ecological Wedding

Does it seem like the phrases "ecology" and "wedding" could hardly have less in common?With the average wedding costing well over 15 thousand today, one would think so. And yet, the "green" or ecologically-friendly wedding is gaining momentum across the nation.The green wedding, like any other wedding style, has its tribal features. By tribal, I mean the signs and signifiers that help tell the . . .

Amaterasu The Goddess of the Sun

Amaterasu is a shining example of how adversity can help us to 'blossom and bloom' more at times. She helps us look for the lesson to be learned when the adverse times come into our lives. In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu (pron: Ah-mah-te-lah-soo) is the radiant and compassionate Japanese sun goddess who ruled the sun, cultural unity, weaving and agriculture. So she was responsible for illimina. . .

Just Do It

In our society people can name a hundred reasons or shall I say "excuses" why they should not do something that they dream of doing, while finding one good reason is hard to find. We have become a culture full of dreamers, "one day I am going to..." We have become scared of taking a risk for fear of failure and continue to wait for the right time to pursue our goals. What are you waiting for? . . .

Face Masks

Face masks make the difference between good and great skin. They are good for giving your skin a good flush out. Masks can help to clear congested skin or give dry skin a moisture boost.Clay masks with stimulating ingredients such as rosemary and eucalyptus are best for spotty, oily skin, while rehydrating aloe, honey or milk proteins will nourish dry skin.Apply face mask for 5 to 20 minutes. W. . .

The Art of Letting Go

It has been six months since I left the corporate world – and there are some things I will always miss. Like saying good morning to colleagues on my way to the office where I worked every day. Or getting caught in the excitement as we prepared for another big meeting or presentation. I now realize what a huge transition this was, moving from a corporate headquarters with hundreds of employees t. . .

Celebrate Every Year After Forty, with a Mammogram

Celebrate the month of your birth by having a mammogram - toast your life with this fast, easy and noninvasive test. A first mammogram is a right of passage for most women at forty. 66.9% of women over the age of forty have had baseline mammograms to establish and document their breast health. But 30% of women have somehow missed this important message and it is an especially important one . . .

“An Ultimately Feminine Experience”

Having my period is a feminine experience. I don't think of menstruation as a punishment, a sentence, a burden or something I want to be rid of. It is the natural flow of female hormones. Those hormones protect my bones, my heart, my sex drive, my skin and more. And I know that menstruation is often a barometer of a woman’s reproductive health, showing that her body is running smoothly. Me. . .

Preserved Flower Candles

Preserved Flower CandlesPutting flowers in your candle will add a unique look, while preserving your favorite flower.Written by Expressive CandlesWe have been asked many times, how to put flowers and other objects on the outside of a candle. So, we'll be showing you how it is done. The most important thing to remember is to be safe. Putting anything on your candle such as paint, dried flowers, . . .

Wedding Planning: Involve your Fiancé in 10 Easy Steps

He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now, you're swimming in a sea of euphoria with no horizons. Good thing, too, because there are literally a thousand things to arrange before the big day. You do the research, buckle under and dive in. But you find your fiancé's ardor for the event itself seems to have cooled. It's not that he isn't mad about marrying you; after all, he is a gr. . .

Marking Togetherness: Beyond the Unity Candle

By now, surely everyone's familiar with the unity candle, but did you know there are other unification ceremonies to choose from when planning your wedding?Although the unity candle seems to have been with us forever, in reality it's only about ten years old. During those years, more "two-become-one" motifs have arrived to round out the theme.Unification ceremonies are not only a symbol of toge. . .

Do Achy Backs Really Save Big Buck?

Does clipping really save big bucks? That's the general question coming from thrifty shoppers with scissors in hand, aching backs, arched over piles of coupons to clip. Is it worth all the time spent clipping and sorting? The answer from lots of expert shoppers is "yes". And the reason is obvious. Many name brand products can be purchased much cheaper than the generic brands. Of course, there i. . .

Infidelity Advice: How Gifts Can Expose Your Cheating Hus...

Beverley was ecstatic when she discovered a box containing a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gold bracelet she’d been admiring at her favorite jewelry store. Thinking it was a surprise gift from her husband, Beverley said nothing about what she’d found. But the box soon disappeared. Several weeks later, at her health club, Beverley saw a woman wearing a bracelet exactly like the one she’d seen in th. . .

Wedding Favor Creator

Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to include in your wedding preparations. Unfortunately, there are too many "cookie-cutter" type favors out there, which portray the couple’s lack of interest in providing something unique.Here is a Wedding Favor Creator for you to use for your upcoming wedding or one that you’re planning for your best friend. You can mix and match to your. . .

Soothing Symbols as Home Decor?

Did you know that our bodies can automatically react to certain environmental changes and stimuli, even to symbols you might use as decorative accents? I have a little experiment for you to try in a moment so you can experience the power of this idea. Once you see the reactions that can occur, you may find you will want to to use this idea towards creating more soothing and peaceful home and of. . .

Authentic Success

A More Effective WayI own a stack of self improvement books ten feet tall. Achievement seminars I've attended number in the dozens. I had been trying to improve myself since the second grade when Mrs. H. burst my young bubble. Although I went on to fourteen more years as a star pupil, I never forgot the way she made me feel - not good enough. And through the years whenever a co-worker, boss, or. . .

Make an Easy Lotion For Your Skin

Years ago I found out how incredible easy it is to make lotion. It is so inexpensive and organic that I wondered why anyone would even consider spending a dime on the chemical rich lotions on the market.Besides I had an added incentive, I have eczema, so I am extremely sensitive to what I put on my skin. Making my own lotion was a great alternative for me.To begin, for a lotion base all you nee. . .

Be Thankful for a Faithful Husband

If your husband is faithful, you have much to be thankful for. Faithful husbands are in short supply. While 3 out of 4 wives assume their husbands are faithful, only 1 wife in 4 can truthfully make that claim. According to statistics, 3 out of 4 men cheat on their wives. 2/3 of those wives (approximately 26 million women) have no idea their husbands are having an affair - despite the presen. . .

Prenuptial Agreements

"Til death do us part" is still the language used in most weddings. Couples enter marriage with the hope of making a lifetime commitment. If this goal is not reached or if a spouse dies, the desire to be a couple is so ingrained that most will marry again.The inability of the marriage laws to meet the needs of many couples makes the concept of a marital agreement quite positive, despite the bad. . .

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care w...

“Every person is born perfect. Inferiority is a mistake of the mind, a cloud covering the light. Dissolve the clouds by observing a balanced life with healthy habits. Nourish your mind and body. Connect with your own inner self. Celebrate your own magnificence and your beauty will always shine through.” align=right---- Dr. Rama Kant Mishra, renowned Ayurvedic physician and dermatologist The Thr. . .

Graceful Menopause With The Help Of Ayurveda

Menopause is a unique experience for every woman. It is the ending of a woman's monthly menstrual periods and ovulation. It also signals other changes to the body and mind, brought on in part because the body begins producing lesser amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (among others). Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman's life. How a woman views this time. . .

The Wright Place- Finances

Women have a love/hate relationship with money. Most of us do not enjoy dealing with it, yet we know not having finances under control will cause our entire family to suffer. A recent guest on the show Karen Franks, explained how important your credit is and how you should check on it often. ‘At least twice a year”, says Karen Franks. Checking our credit is one important proactive way we can ma. . .

Creating Good Feng Shui in Baby's Room

Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of thought and planning from what diapers the baby will wear down to the decoration and arrangement of baby’s room. Today’s parents want to create a haven for their little one that will help the baby feel comforted and nurtured, as well as stimulated enough so that they thrive. Increasingly, parents are going beyond the traditional coordinated “them. . .

Women and Workplace Stress: It's More than the Job!

It’s More than the Job: Women and Workplace Stress! Stress in the workplace has become a occupational health and safety risk worldwide, including the U.S. Debate centers around who is responsible for illness related to stress if the workplace is contributing. Research shows that a majority of work-related stress is borne out of attrition and the requirement for more in less time by employees. O. . .

Divine Food for Divine Beauty

Excerpted from the book “Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You” by Tonya Zavasta. The book is available at: http://www.beautifulonraw.com/html/righttobe.html The phrase "natural beauty" has been abused and misused beyond restoration. The modern use is almost never associated with its true meaning. Someone said there should be a portrait of a . . .

Feng Shui Guidlines for Storage Spaces

Professional organizers and helpful-hint sources often recommend storage solutions such as shelves above doors and in corners, hooks on the backs of doors, and peg-board or tools and small appliances. They are masters at maximizing every square inch of a closet with bins, baskets, shelf dividers, and multiple hanging rods. What they don't realize is that, from a feng shui perspective, these tec. . .

Mrs. Disney

Warren Beatty once observed," That if you get married in Hollywood, you should always do it before noon. That way if it doesn't work out, you don't kill your evening." But in 1925 Walt Disney, still getting his feet wet in Tinseltown was not interested in pampered starlets. His eye was on a employee of his named Lillian Bounds, originally from Lewiston, Idaho who worked for him as ink paint . . .

January Soul Snacks

Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs: creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less. Here's a week's worth, specially designed to help you infuse this cold season with joy and warmth. Day One Regardless of how you're doing with your New Year's Resolutions, let us take this day to put a positive spin on things. Ask yourself: In what ways is your life right on track? What. . .

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the Holidays. Now you are overweight, bloated, tired and broke, and you are promising yourself that you are going to change all that this year!There are two reasons why New Year Resolutions don't work; 1st we try and take on too much, 2nd we don't believe in ourselves. In the world of resolutions, "Size does matter". You can turn your resolutions in. . .

Getting An Exciting Life After A Break Up

Breaking up. The End. The journey is over. You feel rejected. Hopeless. You don’t want to go back in the jungle again. You may even have that dread feeling of failure. Suddenly, all the love songs at the radio seemed to have been written for you. You want to stay in bed. Shut all the doors and the windows. Bring the kids to your relatives for a while. You don’t feel like talking to an. . .

Choosing The Right Music For Your Wedding

OverviewI suppose a typical Christian wedding in the UK can be divided into 4 main sections and these are: The ceremony Pre-meal drinks Wedding breakfast Evening receptionI suppose about half of the weddings I come across have the ceremony in a church so this means that if they do require me to provide live music; it will be during the drinks before the meal and the wedding breakfast. Everyone'. . .

The Secret to Keeping your Budget on Track

"Don't find fault; find a remedy." -- Henry FordB-u-d-g-e-t. The very word can cause us to tremble in our new boots! But a hard-working soul need not fear -- there's a simple way to win the battle of the budget. It's great fun, and what better time to get started! So what's the secret? *** Build Some Rewards and Fun Into Your Budget! ***Think this tip is too simple to be effective? Conside. . .

Embossed Votive Holder Shade

Embossed Votive Holder ShadeCreate the look of a Stained Glass Votive HolderSupplies Needed:Most items can be found in the Scrap booking/Stamping section of your local craft store.Straight-Sided Clear Glass Votive HolderVellumCraft Markers of various colorsHole PunchDecorative StringEmbossing Powder in your choice of colorVersamark Ink PadEmbossing Heat ToolScissorsTape Measure or Ruler1. Measu. . .

Unique Tin Can Candle Holders

Ah yes the good old Tin Can. The tin can has been around for years, providing many different projects to be made from tin cans. They are one of the most versatile mediums for crafts, besides wood and foam. Best part about them, they are cheap. Tin cans can be used to make all kinds of candle holders, providing a unique touch to your home or garden. In this article, we will share some ideas on h. . .

Holiday Beauty Do's and Don'ts

Why is it that whenever you go to a holiday party, you can always find someone who doesn't look how you would expect? Is it because you think they overdid their fashion or make-up, or is it a touch of envy?Beauty queen or fashion disaster, it's up to you. If you want to shine for the holidays, take note of these do's and don'ts to spruce up your look and receive raves from your friends and fami. . .

Women: Are You Selling Yourself Short? Pricing for a Heal...

A few years ago, Vlasic Pickles teamed up with Walmart to sell a gallon of pickles for the unheard of price of $2.97. They sold over 240,000 gallons of pickles a week. Vlasic loved the sales numbers, only to discover that profits were shrinking by 25% or more, since they only made a penny or two of profit on each jar. Vlasic filed for bankruptcy in 2001. This story (fully described in Fast Comp. . .

How to Choose Fine Pearls

Pearls are very alluring and hold a quality that both defines elegance and natural beauty. There are more varieties and availability of pearls today than ever before. The “cultured pearl” now rivals with fine diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.Today most pearls are cultured, meaning that the mollusk is purposely inserted with an irritant or “nucleus” from which it creates a pearl. A. . .