Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Bay Leaf Ritual for the New Year

HI would like to share with you a ritual I do every New Year's that is quite involved and requires a lot of thought and meditation time. It is derived from an ancient Greek ritual for prosperity and fertility. As you may recall, ancient Mediterranean Kings and Queens used to wear garlands of bay leaves (as well as olive leaves) as crowns. Bay leaves, and often bayberry leaves, are often used in. . .

Three Faces of Hope

Recently I returned to my Oxford Dictionary to refresh my memory on the definition of hope. I've grown uncomrotable with how easily we as a culture use the word hope to dismiss the very essence of what the word is intended to convey. How has the word hope come to be its own worst enemy? Do we as a culture still have hope? What does it mean to hope? Oxford offers hree words that define hope. . .

Seven Home Hair Color Tips for Great Results

Some hair professionals may try to discourage you from doing your own home hair color, saying that drugstore hair color products are harsh and the results can be uncertain. But the truth is that you can achieve excellent results and save a lot of money by coloring your hair at home as long as you know a few basics about choosing the right color and applying it correctly. Here are seven of the m. . .

Things You Ought To Know First Before Undergoing Liposuct...

According to the medical dictionary of Medline Plus, liposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction with specialized surgical equipments, typically performed by a plastic surgeon.With the removal of excess body fat, the body appearance improves and evens out distorted body parts. Breasts, buttocks, abdomen, and the face area are some of the most popular body parts that undergo liposuc. . .

What's It All About

For most people life is a fairly ordinary existence - and when I say ordinary I mean a contented, ‘far from perfect’ way of life. And that’s okay… until something major happens to rock the boat. Divorce, illness, redundancy, an accident or the death of someone close – any one of these events is enough to get you thinking about your own morality. When you realise how thin the cord of life is you. . .

Making the Faith/Hope Connection

You have hope in your life, expectations, desires, a feeling of confidence in what you intend for your life. You know where you want your hope to lead you. But what is the path that you will need to create to continue your journey? What is the connection from hope to faith, and faithful living?Going back to Hebrews 11 we discover some clues. After gathering the evidence of Abel, Abraham and. . .

What Do You Hope For In Your Life?

What do you hope for in your life?It's a simple enough question, but one I find most people are at a loss to answer, or at least uncomfortable considering. I sometimes hear people hope for good weather for an event or a trip, or a sports victory, or even a good parking space at the mall. I rarely hear people hope for anything large or having substance, as if to do so is a voodoo curse.So, no . . .

Alcohol And Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there . . .

Dietary Precautions During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you should be sure to wash all raw vegetables prior to consumption. Raw vegetables have the potential to carry toxoplasmosis, which is a parasite that is typically carried in the feces of cats. It can sometimes get into the soil and contaminate fruits or vegetables.Many women are interested in trying natural alternatives to medications during pregnancy. Some turn to herba. . .

Smoking During Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there . . .

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.The first thing to remember is that the idea that you s. . .

Exercising After Pregnancy

Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within 6 weeks of giving birth, though this time frame might be slightly longer for some women, including those recovering from a C-section. Most women recovering from a C-section will be able to exercise after there incision has healed and their doctor has cleared them for exercise.Just how soon you begin an exercise program will depend . . .

Exercise During Pregnancy

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.Before you start any exercise program during pregnancy it is essential that you consult with your healthcare provider. For some women it may be more. . .

Hair Care Home Remedies

Save money and give yourself a break from the chemicals found in most hair care products by using the following natural home remedies.Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands and applying sparingly onto your hair. You don't want to overdo it - too much will make your hair look greasy. Shampooing your hair less frequently also helps with the frizzies. Excess shampooing strips. . .

Dog Jewelry: A Celebration of Man's Best Friend

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan KunderaThe idea of wearing jewelry with dog motifs may seem strange to most people. The dog is normally not anywhere near as graceful as the cat or the dolphin, which both make fo. . .

Baby Jewelry: Infant Fashion as Keepsake

Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute touch, and it can be a keepsake for when the baby is all grown up. The sentimental value that comes with baby jewelry cannot be measured. Sometimes certain items of jewelry come with memories; like this bracelet one was bought right after little Sarah took her first steps, or this pendant was bought soon before Davey started to say his first . . .

Garnet is January's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it. January's birthstone: GarnetGarnet Powers: Facilitates night vision, ensures successAlternative Birthstone: Emera. . .

Panda Jewelry: an Eye on Our Endangered Wildlife

Thinking of an adorable motif to wear or give away to friends, but tired of cliches? Maybe you've bought too many ballerina figurines or puppy plushies. It's time to experiment with a different theme. The idea of panda jewelry is a unusual and is associated with environmental and ecological issues.If you want to distinguish yourself from the boring routine of giving away cute cuddly teddy bears. . .

Horse Jewelry: Bold and Free

A popular motif in jewelry, even among city dwellers, is horses. Horse jewelry is enigmatic and evokes a sense of strength as well as of mystery. Now one would have to ask: why horses? Why care about an animal rarely seen in the city anyway?Horses symbolize freedom, and pride in freedom. Wild horses come with the connotation of spiritual and emotional independence. Have you ever seen or read "T. . .

Dolphin Jewelry Promotes Environmental Awareness

"And when the day comes that we can communicate intelligently with dolphins, they may introduce us to the concept of survival without aggression, and the true joy of living, which at present eludes us. In that circumstance what they have to teach us would be infinitely more valuable than anything we could offer them in exchange." -- Horace DobbsFirst of all, let's take a look at the rationale b. . .

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by imagination not tradition. Never mind etiquette, tradition and timelines. That information is outdated and stuffy. Do what will make you and your guests happy. It is a time for fun and celebration, not pomp and ceremony! Long gone are the days of "assigned" seating arrangements and cookie cutter reception programs. Everyone waiting to. . .

Dating Tip: Don't Work Too Hard

Remember Jerry Hall, the model who married Mick Jagger? Jerry was famous for making this statement: "My mother said it was simple to keep a man. You must be a maid in the living room, a cook in the kitchen, and a whore in the bedroom." I don't know about you, but if keeping a man meant all that work, I'd have stayed single. In addition to that pearl of wisdom, Ms. Hall offered this one: "Even i. . .

Prom Updo Hairstyles

How can I get that classy updo prom or formal hairstyle? First you need medium to long length hair. You will also need some ponytail holders, gel, and long pins. The trick to getting your updo to look its best is to use several of these pins in different directions to hold your hair in place. Don’t rely on too much hair gel as this just makes your hair stiff. You want your hair to be able . . .

8 Minute Dating - For Singles With No Time For Small Talk

You will get to a certain age where, no matter what city code you live in, you will not be content with the date or dates you are currently having. If you're dating without success and your big event or events are turning into dating flops, then perhaps it's time to 'save time' and find a fast, free, fun, good or make that great, group of singles who are looking for the same thing you are.It's . . .

Getting Back Your Sanity Or a Day At The Home Spa

We all need to get back our sanity, our needs to recoup from life of work, children, hubby whatever so here is an idea that I came up with. Recouping after a hard week of just everything how about having a day at the spa? We need take time off for ourself's something we women seldom do - We take care of the house, take care of the children, take care of the sponses, work and if we have any free. . .

SEX, Self esteem, and ME !

I have touched on so many emotions in the past and I am still feeling the need to share yet another. I have spoken on women's issues mainly, yet trying to keep men on a fair plain, mainly due to the facts and studies that more women experience self-esteem issues and jealousy monsters than men. Most of our emotions are gender friendly, except of course the ever so dreaded PMS and Menopause thing. . .

Female Self Pleasuring Tips For The Adventurous Woman

Unlike men, whose sex organs are available for self pleasure by stroking and stimulating any time of the day, women have to contrive to entice their clitoris out of hiding and available for pleasuring. One of the most common female self pleasuring tips is the use of sex toys and gadgets. Luckily for us, female self pleasure toys can be found in our very own kitchen. Sure, jokes have been made a. . .

6 Useful Tips to Cut Wedding Costs

Weddings are very nice occasions people want to attend to. But they can be time consuming and demand enormous attention on the part of the couple with lots of things to prepare for, in order for their wedding to be memorable. They can be very expensive, too. So how can you prepare for your wedding if you wan to save and are on a budget? Here are some tips. Invitations. If you think that invitin. . .

Breast Feeding - Frequently Asked Questions

Breast-feeding is one of the most natural things in the world. Many women have questions about breast-feeding. There are myths and facts about breast-feeding. These will be discussed in the list of questions and answers provided below.Q. What are some myths about breast-feeding?There are many myths about breast feeding such, as you cannot take any medication while breastfeeding. Most medication. . .

Painful to Touch and to Discuss

Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS) is a touchy issue for women. Literally. VVS is a chronic and persistent inflammatory condition characterized by severe pain on attempted vaginal penetration. VVS is the leading cause of dyspareunia (pain caused during intercourse) in reproductive-aged women.Until recently, the only reliable treatment for VVS was surgical removal of the vulva itself. Fortunatel. . .

The Pros & Cons of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues". Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day! There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits. Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderfu. . .

Creative Ways to Storing Jewellery

Do you have trouble trying to store jewellery without it getting all tangled, earrings separated from each other, tipping out your whole jewellery box just to find one piece of jewellery?? Well here are some tips for on storing your jewellery in a neat and decorative fashion.Designing and selling jewellery both on a website and from home I need to be able to display my earrings in an organised . . .

How I Easily Lost 21 lbs. in Just Weeks- Without Getting ...

“When I stepped on the scale, I started to cry.” For this 56-year-old grandmother, every weight loss plan had failed. Now- finally- she reveals her 10 simple secrets for weight loss success…I was shocked. After the holidays, I stepped on the scale and discovered I was 30 pounds heavier than I had ever been in my life.I’m a 56 year old grandmother (somebody please tell me how that happened) and . . .

Creating A Wedding Budget You Can Afford

The most important part of planning a wedding is setting your budget. Your budget is important because it is next to impossible to know what you can afford for each major part of the wedding if you don’t set an overall cost that is comfortable for you. You will probably find that deciding the budget is the hardest job to do because, of course, you want to have the best and most memorable weddin. . .

Online Dating

Dating has become easier for everyone due to the emergence and success of online dating websites. You can choose the site that suits you best, look for people who have the features you desire along with common interests and contact them immediately. Some dating sites are featuring their own instant messaging for members to instantly communicate with each other. This is a great way to make conta. . .

Are You Trying too Hard to Be Happy?

We all want to be happy. However, if a woman pushes herself to emotional and mental exhaustion in order to reach “perfect” happiness, she could suffer from a condition she probably has never heard of: Missing Mother Syndrome.When Megan Meadows (not her real name) came to me, she just wanted to lose weight. “Look at me!” she shouted, pinching her thighs. “I am fat! I am ugly! I hate my body!” W. . .

A Tumbleweed Christmas

In those days, I worked for the Dept. of Motor Vechicles, in the state of California. I lived in Lancaster, California, which is about 50 miles north of Los Angeles. This is dessert area. Very hot in the summer time and snow every three years in the winter time.This particular winter was an easy winter. At least the weather was easy. My life started to crumble before my very eyes.At the ripe ag. . .

Today's Woman

She is a guide, mentor, mother, nurturer, wife and friend. She is many things to many people. She is Today's woman. She is a new woman in ever changing new world or is she? She gives and she takes only what is earned. She speaks up even when it feels uncomfortable. When life gives her lemons Today's woman takes those lemons and makes lemonade or does she?As a woman today I have the same goals i. . .

Fashion Tips: Dress to Look Young

Dress to look young? Well think about it, how are you normally dressed? How do you normally present yourself to others? Unknowingly, a lot of us have been wearing clothes that made us appear older than we actually are, especially due to the nature of our work.To maintain a youthful look, a lot of women have invested heavily on skin care products. Many at times neglecting the very basic, the clo. . .

Common Sense Approach To Pregnancy Weight Loss

Ok so everyone gains weight while they are pregnant. This is perfectly normal. It is also perfectly normal for a woman to want to lose that weight after pregnancy. We have established this much at this point in time. There is absolutely nothing wrong with aspiring to get yourself back into shape right after your pregnancy, in fact I certainly encourage it!It is important however that you take a. . .

Pregnancy Weight Gain - The Mystery Solved

It is important that you remember that weight gain is a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. You have to gain weight in order to provide a healthy and comfortable home for the child that you will be nurturing for the next nine months.Most women want to know what the ideal weight is during pregnancy. Honestly, there is no one answer. Weight gain will vary from woman to woman. There is no one ‘i. . .

How To Avoid Swelling When Pregnant

Edema, otherwise known as swelling, will affect almost all women at some point during their pregnancy. Swelling or Edema is most often the result of excessive levels of hormones coursing through your body.Really, the best thing you can do to combat swelling is to drink far more fluid. It may seem counter intuitive, but the more juice and water you drink the less water your body will hold onto a. . .

Morning Sickness - All Day Sickness!

Morning sickness should be referred to as all day sickness. While some women will sail through pregnancy with nary a symptom of nausea, others will find themselves severely ill for weeks on end.Morning sickness is actually a misnomer. It can strike at any time any day for several days at a time. Most women will experience morning sickens during their first trimester, when hormone levels are rap. . .

The Best Postpartum Exercise

Would you like to know the best exercises are after your delivery? When it comes to post pregnancy weight loss, no two exercises are alike!In the time frame immediately after pregnancy, you will probably want to stick with light activities such as walking or flexibility training. Stretching will help keep your body limber and help the blood circulate through your body, causing you to feel more . . .

The Importance Of Prenatal Vitamins

One of the most important things you can do if you are thinking about becoming pregnant is start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mg of folic acid. Folic acid is an essential nutrient that can help prevent birth defects in newborns. If you start taking a prenatal supplement before you even try to become pregnant, you will have the best chance of ensuring a happy and healthy journey on. . .

Sex During Pregnancy

It is important that you nourish your relationship as much as your nourish your unborn child during pregnancy. Most women find that their bodies grow large and unwieldy during pregnancy. Many women are surprised to find that their sex drive actually increases during pregnancy, particularly during the second trimester. This is due to the increased amount of blood that is coursing through your pe. . .

Stress Relief During Pregnancy

If you truly want to ensure a great pregnancy, you should work on keeping a healthy and positive physical, mental and spiritual state. There is substantial evidence which suggests that a mother’s physical and mental wellness during pregnancy can affect not only the outcome of their pregnancy but the well being of their child later in life. You relationship with your baby begins at the moment of. . .

Reason For and What To About Losing Lashes

Everyone wants to have long gorgeous lashes and unfortunately, it's usually the men that are blessed with the long silky variety. We have to work at it. And this generally means wear and tear, not to mention a few lost lashes along the way. So, here are a series of questions and answers that will make you more knowledgeable on the care of your lashes. My lashes are falling out! What does this m. . .

Pregnancy Exercise

One of the best things you can do to prepare for pregnancy is start exercising regularly. You don’t have to join the Boston Marathon, but even walking around the block a few times per week will help tone and condition your body and help you prepare for the journey ahead.Women who regularly engage in some form of exercise before and during pregnancy are more likely to experience quicker and less. . .

Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy

You probably became familiar with Kegel exercises during your pregnancy. Kegel exercises are equally important after pregnancy to help restore the tone and strength of your vaginal wall.Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic muscles, which weaken during childbirth. Why would you want to strengthen these muscles? If they are weak, you could have bladder control problems. You may also find t. . .