Overview of Cozumel In Mexico

Clint Leung

The island of Cozumel is only 12 miles (19 km) off the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula's east coast and 44 miles (71 km) south of Cancun. For years, Cozumel was a quiet sleepy island that didn't get many visitors until Jacques Cousteau did a documentary on it after discovering the world class scuba diving at the Palancar Reefs nearby.
Since 1961, Cozumel has been known as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. In fact for decades since that time, the only tourists visiting the island have been primarily scuba divers. Mainstream tourists went to the resort intensive Cancun in the mainland instead. However, Cozumel became a regular cruise ship port of call in recent years and today it is one of the busiest with two separate terminals. It is common to have five or even six different cruise ships at port on any given day. I've been to Cozumel twice, the first time staying several days on a scuba diving vacation and the second time for a day via cruise ship (also scuba dived during my second visit).

As a result of the cruise ship boom, there has been lots of retail development along the main waterfront road of Avenida Rafael Melgar in the island's only town of San Miguel de Cozumel. There are countless jewelry and t-shirt shops most with staff standing in the entrances enticing visitors to enter their stores. Both silver and liquor can be good bargains here. There are also some nice Mexican crafts shops too. The one problem that we found was that after about 4 jewelry shops, they all started to look the same. It was almost a retail overload. For those who came for a wilder time, there are some bars such as Carlos 'n' Charlie. The town's main outdoor square, Plaza del Sol, is just opposite the main ferry dock to the mainland. There are usually street vendors and artists in the Plaza as well local entertainment during some evenings. The artists do some amazing artwork with spray paints and their prices are very reasonable. San Miguel's main tourist area can be very busy during the day when the cruise ship passengers are in town but since most ships depart at dinnertime, the evenings are actually very quiet. The only tourists left at night tend to be the scuba divers staying in Cozumel.

Most of the hotels and resorts are south of San Miguel and are not within walking distance. However, there are numerous white taxicabs that are readily available. The larger and more luxurious resorts tend to be even further south of town along the southwestern shores. This is actually not surprising since most of the best scuba diving sites are southwest of the island. An easy way to see the 33 mile (53 km) by 9 mile (14 km) island is by renting a scooter or a 4x4. I once rented a scooter and zigzagged along most of San Miguel's streets to see the neighborhoods. Then I went on the main road leaving town and went south. After passing by the larger resorts and going around the southern tip of the island, I found the beaches along the southeastern shores. The shores near San Miguel along the crowded west coast are not known for beaches but the southeast part here have some really spectacular ones. Even better is that there is very little traffic here so the beaches are pretty quiet. Sometimes people can park their scooters and enjoy a beach all for themselves. There are a few stops with refreshments and more souvenirs at prices even better than in San Miguel. After traveling north again, there is a road about halfway up the island that goes across and takes you back to San Miguel entering the town's east side. My scooter tour of the island took just over 2 hours and cost $25 US for the rental. Cozumel has several ancient Mayan ruins but they are not nearly as large or spectacular as the ones on the mainland. After seeing some photos of them in advance of my trip, I didn't even bother to see the ruins.

Cozumel is a nice port of call for cruise ships as there are many shopping opportunities. Passengers who scuba dive or snorkel can easily book directly with the many dive shops in San Miguel without going through their cruise ships which will cost much more. For cruise ship tourists who do not intend to do any water sports and have some time after shopping, it is highly recommended to rent a scooter or 4x4 to tour the island. This is also a nice way to spend the last day of a scuba dive vacation in Cozumel.

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery ( http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.

Introducing yourself to your client with a self-portrait
Brenda Huckle

All day we are presented with advertisements and information of all forms. The goal is to
catch attention. The quickest way to do so is with an image. This is not something that
should be short cut, yet it doesn't have to be complicated either. Admit, you will always look
at an image first- So does your client.

Photography is an incredible tool if used properly. It can be a very simple appearing image,
yet it may contain all the information you may need to catch the attention of your viewer.
Properly creating an image is the key. To start you need to have a message you are trying to
get across. This means grabbing a piece of clip art or a passport image of yourself is not
going to cut it. What you are saying is you are lazy in this area. How does this represent the
rest of your company or business? Know your message then lets plan the image.

Style, this is where we start. Images can be of anything, so starting with style helps. I give an
example to the people I photograph by using my style; I will use this for an example. Put this
into your situation.

If I were to describe my style, may it be where I am, if I have reached this goal, or where I
would like to be, I would say personally in clothing would be the artistic flavors of India. At
least the clothing and Jewelry I have found in the United States imported from countries also
including Malaysia. In terms of clothing I would say a rayon cotton blend, fitting in the right
areas, but mostly loose clothing. Darker wood and metal colors in the pant or body out fit,
and embroidered designs around the edges. Shoes I would say from, Melrose Hollywood, tall
and funky, a little wild but neat almost always leather, (mostly the seem to come from Italy.)
Metals would be more earthy metals, such as bronze, or even to the tones of white gold.
Flowing pirate or poet type shirts I love. Nails of a french tip, Hair long and healthy, with tints
of highlights. Something such as a multicolored earth metal toned scarf around the waste as
the waste may be an accent. Necklace may be from Africa, the size of a silver dollar may be the
pendant, hung high on the neck with a close fitting thick necklace.

The interior of the room would be described as of a nice Spanish style texture on the inside
walls. Two toned brightly colored walls of either a rust or olive. Open spaced are around with
few but fine pieces of artwork, statue type. A large Black and white print framed in a dark
hand carved wood frame. Myself placed comfortably on a soft arched sofa with long armrest
rolling to each side. A couple pillows rest on the on the couch.

The feeling of my face would be gentle and sincere, personal looking into your eyes. Holding
a glass of ice water in a clear simple crystal glass. In front of me, laying on a coffee table of
similar wood to the frame of the image would be my portfolio, clearly visible and open to a
great image that you as my view would have interest in.

The room would be warmly lit with golden tones, maybe a slight soft focus, it would be
cropped to show me sitting on the couch, seeing the portfolio clearly and coming just above
the print on the wall . It would be a horizontal image coming to the bottom of my shoe.

This is how to develop an image. A self-portrait to say, so your client know who they are
working with. No words. This image we just created would have all the attention to detail of
my style, it would show what I do and my personality as a friendly personable person.
Consultations are the key to my business, introducing myself to my clients is a friendly way
to start. After they know whom I am viewing my work becomes personal. What it says is who
I am and what I do in the flash of a second.

A professional executive portrait is nice. People can identify you. A self-portrait people will
know you. In your business, how would you describe what you do? Are you quick to throw it
out there or are you concerned about the details of your business? This can work for each
department; there are so many ways to go. Just open your mind.


Brenda Huckle, Proprietor/Photographer Genuine Image Photography Seattle Washington
www.geuineimage.com Brenda@genuineimage.com (206) 898-1032

Jewelry Christmas Gifts That Sparkle and Shine

Sam Serio

The joyous season of Christmas is steeped in tradition, and gift giving is one ritual that is inseparable from this holiday. Who hasn't had difficulty at one time or another in choosing a suitable present for a beloved family member or a dear friend? Fortunately, jewelry Christmas gifts are widely available and there is an endless variety of styles from which to choose. Twinkling and shining, they reflect the nature of that season to be jolly.

Sparkling and glittering are two words that would describe diamonds. Browse through the World Wide Web and you'll see a plethora of online stores that showcase jewelry Christmas gifts. Imagine a woman's pleasure at the shimmering sight of diamond snowflake dangling earrings or a glittering diamond bracelet adorned with traditional symbols associated with Christmas. Men, on the other hand, will surely appreciate flashing yet tasteful diamond cuff links. Other gemstones make wonderful jewelry Christmas gifts. Sapphires or rubies set in gold, sterling silver or platinum will gleam subtly from rings or necklaces.

Not all jewelry Christmas gifts that glitter need to be expensive, though. Whimsical and unique designs at an affordable price for the holiday season abound. For instance, brightly colored, rhinestone encrusted pins shaped like Christmas trees are widely available. For young recipients, bracelets, necklaces or anklets made from gold- or silver-plated metals, engraved with their names for a personal touch, will fit snugly in any Christmas stocking. Stores or web sites that specialize in vintage and antique items also offer bright jewelry Christmas gifts. Take your pick from pieces such as brilliant poinsettia-shaped hairpins or nativity-inspired pendants dotted with Swarovski crystals.

For many centuries, men, women and children have been eagerly counting the days until Christmas morning, when everyone would rush to the Christmas tree to open their presents. The giving of gifts is a time honored tradition, and the selection of presents that will be appreciated and enjoyed by those whom we love is no trivial task. Scintillating jewelry Christmas gifts have always been part of that tradition and they continue to contribute to the glow that the holiday season brings.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

The Modern Bridesmaid Has Style!
Sher Matsen

It's a whole new day, and there is a whole new look for bridesmaids. It's a welcome change from the past years. At it's not just the bridesmaids look that has gotten a facelift, the brides are sporting a whole new look too.

Traditional wedding gowns and traditional white will always be a choice. That's a tradition that's just not going to disappear. And that's okay. But the choices now available for the modern bride are welcome change, allowing those creative juices to flow, and one's own personality to stand out.

The history of the bridesmaids attire is quite interesting. In past centuries brides wore elaborate colorful gowns, and bridesmaids wore similar gowns. This was to disguise the bride and protect her from being kidnapped by evil spirits. By the Victorian era things had changed producing brides that wanted to stand out in the crowd. Thus the formal elaborate white wedding gown entered the wedding fashion scene. However the bridesmaids attire didn't change, remaining bold and frilly.

Well this century bridesmaids have a lot more to say about what they wear. Not only have the traditional dresses taken on a more sophisticated and elegant look. Many brides now let their bridesmaids choose their own dress based on the chosen color scheme. All bridesmaids weren't created equal. By allowing them to choose a dress that flatters them, you have happier bridesmaids and better photo ops.

Gowns and dresses worn by the modern bridesmaid are often functional enough for other formal events and gatherings. A much smarter alternative to the expensive gown that's worn once then buried deep in the closet never to be seen again. We all remember wearing one of those "awful" dresses at some point.

There are also no longer fast and set rules on how many bridesmaids you must have. The size of your wedding often relates to how many attendants, and these days the choice is entirely up to you. Tradition has gone out the window, a pleasing thought for many future brides. You can even have more than one maid of honor if you wish. The rules you must play by are your own rules.

The same new rules apply to your flower girl[s] and ring bearer[s] choose more than one, have only one, have one of each. The best age range for this very important little people's job is between 5 and 7. Younger children have a harder time staying focused. Now if you don't' mind if they mess up a little bit, then by all means you can choose a younger child. After all they can be a great source of amusement! Older children will also be thrilled to be chosen to man the guestbook or help guests. It makes them feel extra special.

The more bridesmaids you have the more coordination and communication your going to have to take care of. Remember you'll have plenty of issues to deal with from dresses, to nails, to hair, to jewelry. So don't choose more bridesmaids than you think you can handle. This is supose to be a happy time for you and stress doesn't make a person happy.

Forget the old theory that if you don't include everyone that's close to you, there will be hard feelings. Most women have outgrown this childish thought pattern, and recognize that the modern bride has tough choices to make to stay within budget and fulfill her special day. Sometimes a future bride just has too many close friends to have them all in the wedding party. Relax! Invite them to the wedding, and if you want ask them to do special favors such as perhaps your nails or your hair, depending on their own unique talents.

The maid of honor has a role to play besides in the wedding party. She needs to be the brides right arm and help with any wedding tasks she can. She can help select the wedding gown, get the invitations in order, arrange a wedding shower, help with choosing a reception location, help decorate, or even help prepare the food. The duties that can be assigned to your made of honor are endless, just be sure not to overwhelm her with too many requests. Your maid of honor is like the brides personal first aid kit. Ready to fix anything that's broken.

Bridesmaids also play an important role by planning the bridal shower, preparing munchies, cake, or sandwiches for the shower. They are also there to support and help the bride whenever they can.

For the modern bride these are happy times, choices are endless, you can make your fashion statement and let your bridesmaid's make theirs. No more having to follow traditions unless you want to. Planning the perfect wedding has never been easier!



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Jewelry Shoppers Top Ten Tips

Sam Serio

Buying jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you're considering a gift of jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here's some information to help you get the best quality jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Top Ten Tips

1.When you're in the market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love, shop around. Compare quality, price, and service. If you're not familiar with any jewelers in your area, ask family members, friends, and co-workers for recommendations.
2.Ask for the store's refund and return policy before you buy.
3.Check for the appropriate markings on metal jewelry.
4.Ask whether the pearls are natural. cultured, or imitation.
5.Ask whether the gemstones have been treated. Is the change permanent? Is special care required?
6.Make sure the jeweler writes on the sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem's weight or size. Some jewelers also may supply a grading report form a gemological laboratory.

In addition, these tips apply when you're shopping for jewelry online:

7.Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.
8.Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.
9.Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.
10.If you have a problem with the jewelry you purchased, first try to resolve it with the jeweler. If you are dissatisfied with the response, contact your local Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection agency.



The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.

How to Get Your Talent Online and Earning Income
Lorene Radenz

Finding fresh ideas for an internet business is a difficult task. Everyone is good at something but they don't know how to cash in on their knowledge. You may think what you know is of no value but you're wrong! You would be surprised to find out how many people are earning a comfortable income on seemingly trivial subjects.

Find Your Niche

You've heard it before but it bears repeating. Why? Because it works! The key is to be happy doing what you enjoy and what you're good at, and then build your online business based on those factors. If you don't enjoy the subject, you will bore of it quickly and it will seem like any other job. You will be learning more as you go, so make it interesting. Find something people are attracted to or something that solves a problem.

Are you good at services? Many services can easily be transferred to an online business as well. Putting up a website and announcing what you have to offer can get you more sales than you can imagine. Display samples of your work if possible. Testimonials from satisfied customers are crucial. If you must, do some work for free in exchange for testimonials.

Try writing an e-book containing all you have learned on a certain subject and put it up for sale on your website. Then start an affiliate program to increase sales. For example, did you just buy a car? "How to Shop for a New or Used Car Without Being Cheated" can be valuable to other people in the market for a car. Most will be willing to pay for the information in order to save money in the long run. If you haven't bought a new or used car but will be doing it soon, research the topic extensively, buy your car, and write your e-book!

If you're the artistic type, making homemade jewelry, blankets, and craft items could be the thing for you. If you have been doing this already then you have a start. Put these items up for sale on your website or auction them off. It's not as difficult as it sounds. Many people make it a full time job going to rummage and estate sales, then selling their goods for a hefty profit.

Have a Business Plan

First of all, make a list of all the goods or services you want to provide. This can be a short list that you can add to later. Know who your potential customers are and how you will reach them.

Know what your goals are and don't get sidetracked until you're satisfied in your accomplishments, then you can move on to the next. Too many projects going on will leave another area lacking. Learn step by step and stay with the plan.

Set up a budget and stick to it. This will include any materials, software, web hosting, and marketing. When setting this up, do research on what is available and how much it will cost. Where else but online can you set up a business for such little cost?

Burn the Midnight Oil

If you're working now, don't quit your day job just yet. It takes time and patience to establish an online presence and you still need your job to pay the bills and any expenses your online business incurs. Keep learning about things you're interested in so when your first business takes off, you can open up another and create multiple streams of income.

With every new avenue of income, you gain security. If the market changes and one venture isn't earning you the income it used to, then you will have another to fall back on. Keep updated on trends current and marketing. These rapidly change. What's hot and what works one day may be outdated and ineffective the next.

Don't Give Up

Your internet business will start off slow so have patience. If you stick with your plan and nurture it, you will begin earning trust from the online community and the money will start coming in. Don't be afraid of failing, everyone has that fear when they just start out and not everything works. It's NOT taking any action that will get you nowhere.



Lorene Radenz is the owner of http://www.ibizedge.com Your All-In-One Resource Guide for Online Business, providing ideas, resources and webmaster tools for entrepreneurs.

New Website, Secure Ordering, Gifts for all occasions

Jenny Spaulding

New Website,Great Prices,Secure ordering, credit and debit cards excepted. 100% committed to bringing you the best quality and customer service possible,We offer a full line of merchandise from nic-nacs to birdhouses, to find jewelry,Plenty of home decor and we have just added our Christmas Cheer items.
www.impressionsgiftsonline.com/

Hello My name is jenny and i have been in business sinse 1991 and now I am pleased to bring it to you on line.We are based in Michigan.

Hill tribe silver jewelry from northern Thailand
Susi at Jewelry Crossings

Hill tribe silver jewelry from northern Thailand, though hundreds of years old in its distinct design, works well accessorizing even the most up-to-date fashion trend. Hill tribe bracelets, for instance, can feel classic or contemporary or ethnic, depending upon their individual motif and design.
Over 100 years ago, the Hilltribe peoples migrated south from China into what are now Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The main profession of all these tribes is farming, and all of them tend to migrate whenever they feel that the soil at their present location is becoming depleted.
Approximately twenty distinct tribes of semi-nomadic peoples, collectively called hill tribes, live in the mountains along the Burmese and Laotian borders of northern Thailand. The largest and most prominent hill tribes are the H'mong, Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Meo, and Karen. Culturally the tribes are of interest because their relative isolation has enabled them to retain almost unchanged customs and traditions that go back centuries.
Each tribe is district, with its own culture, religion, language, art, and dress. With Thailand undergoing rapid modern development, it is difficult yet to say whether these tribes will continue in there traditional ways of life, or whether they will eventually be absorbed into the surrounding and ever more-encroaching Thai society.
A rich part of their cultural tradition is the making and wearing of silver jewelry. What once was a artistic skill honed in the tiny tribal villages in the mountains of northern Thailand now can be found produced in the factories of Thailand's second largest city, Chang Mai. On Wualai Street in Chang Mai all manners of silver jewelry and silver objects are crafted. Intricate patterns of hill tribe-inspired designs-bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings-are hammered out by Thai silversmiths.
Aside from the work of the Chang Mai city artisans, a buyer of silver in northern Thailand can still purchase the less refined silverwork of the hill tribes.
Surprisingly enough, most hill tribes even today prefer silver to paper for money; the women usually wear their wealth in heavy chunky necklaces and earrings. Hill tribe jewelry purchased in northern Thailand is usually sold by the actual gram weight multiplied by the gram price of the day.
On the web site, www.jewelrycrossings.com, several beautiful designs of hill tribe bangles and bracelets are available in sterling silver. Intricate designs of woven or braided sterling as well as delicate sterling silver mesh work capture the spirit and essence of this ancient craft. You can also find authentic Thai baht chain necklaces made in polished sterling silver. The baht chains are available in four popular lengths: 16", 18", 24" and 30". The classic baht chain necklace is comprised of small rectangular links weighing a particular "baht" weight.
- Susi, Silver Jewelry Crossings
For twenty-two years I have been involved in the gemstone and jewelry trade-first as owner of an incorporated company in Singapore, then Thailand, and for the last ten years in Northern California. Throughout my career my reward has come from the knowledge that I have gone the extra steps to ensure my customers' absolute satisfaction.

The Bigger the Carat the Better the Wedding?

Donna Monday

Ahh . . . sweet romance.

The flowers. The chocolate. The late night whispers of "I love you."

For most people in love, the culmination of months of togetherness and special friendship comes down to one single moment: The marriage proposal - - featuring a simple, but elegant, diamond engagement ring.

Of course, if you're a celebrity, a simple ring may not have enough wattage to suit your tastes. Thus, we see many celebrities sporting five-carat to seven-carat diamond studded engagement and wedding rings.

Well, if you can afford it, why not flaunt it, right?

Take for instance the recent marriages of Britney Spears and Star Jones. When Britney Spears got engaged to her former back up dancer, Kevin Federline, she promptly bought herself an awesome-looking five-carat diamond engagement ring. (Does anyone really believe that Kevin bought this for her on his dancer's salary?)

Britney bought herself the ring she felt she deserved - nothing wrong with that. Then, she and Kevin quickly made the leap to matrimony in a matter of months with a surprisingly nice (no lip kissing of Madonna) wedding ceremony.

As for Star Jones, it's not known whether her stunning seven-carat princess cut diamond ring was bought or donated, but she too happily skipped off to a wedding ceremony with all the trimmings.

So, does all this extra diamond wattage mean that celebrities have a better wedding ceremony than everyone else?

Absolutely, not.

There's absolutely no proof that their multi-carat diamond rings and fancy wedding accommodations gave them any more satisfaction at the alter than Joe and Jane Doe's down right sparse nuptials in a run-down back yard.

Buying the biggest and fanciest diamond engagement ring on the planet doesn't guarantee anything but a nice piece of ice jewelry to show off to your family and friends. Other than that, celebrities have the same odds for a successful, happy union as the rest of us.

And that's the way it should be.


Copyright 2004
Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com


Prom: The night you'll never forget and it didn't even break Mom and Dad
Rose DesRochers

My daughter's grade 8 grad is coming up in June and I was eagerly thinking of ways to keep the cost down. Even grade 8 grad is a big time in a girls life. This is a night for my daughter to remember but it shouldn't cost me and my husband a fortune.

For many parents prom is an expensive time of year and families are struggling financially to give their son or daughter the perfect night that they will remember a life time. Well there is no reason why you can't give them that night but on a budget you can afford. I have put together ten tips to help you save a few dollars.

Attending a prom doesn't have to cost a fortune. Prom night doesn't have to break us. Girls the memories of prom will not be if you spent 20 dollars to get your nails done or arrived in a limo. The memories will be of who you were in school and the special times that you all shared.

1.The Tuxedo: Boys why bother renting that tuxedo when you can purchase a nice suit that you can wear again for under the cost of renting that tuxedo.

2.Hair and makeup: Girls the cost of hair and makeup is expensive. The boys are lucky they don't have to fork out this one. Hair, Makeup you're looking at an additional 80 dollars. For makeup call your local department store and see about getting your make up done on Prom day, also call around to your local salons and see if they have a package deal that includes both hair and makeup. You can also save money by having your mother put up your hair. Look at some of the styles for prom online and make a fun night with mom practicing the styles before the prom. You could also get in touch with Mary K and plan a makeup party early in the afternoon on prom day and the Mary K host will do your makeup free.

3.Limos: They are nice but they are so traditional and cost a lot. Why not gather a group of your friends together and do something off the wall. Arrive at your prom on the city bus or contact your school and rent a school bus for the evening and have all your friends pitch in.

4.The dress: Girls purchasing a new dress will cost you 200 dollars and for what something you won't wear again or will sit in your keep sake box. Why not shop on Ebay or your local used clothing store and get a dress for under the cost and then just pay the additional cost to have it dry cleaned. You may also want to check around with family and see if they have a bridesmaids dress or maybe your cousin still has her prom dress that you can borrow.

5. The flowers: Purchasing flowers from the flower store is going to cost you around 20 dollars. You can go to the craft store purchase the supplies to make your own corsages and boutonni for half the cost. They are so simple and fun to make. Make a fun day of it and invite your g/f over to make them with you.

6.The photos: Why hire a professional photographer when you can have dad take some nice photos with his digital camera and you can delete the ones that you don't like. Then you can save even more money by emailing them to friends and family.

7.Parties: Save on the big prom party. Gather a bunch of your friends together and have a fun post prom party. Some ideas might be a pool party or a bowling party.

8.The Jewelry: Girls, girls why pay the expensive cost of Jewelry when Mom and Gradma might have their own personal jewelry store right in their bedroom. The sentiments of borrowing something from Grandma will be more special than anything new that you purchase from the store for this special day.

9.The dinner: Save money by having a backyard barbeque or a romantic dinner at home with candles and the works and order take out.

10. Nails and Shoes: If your city has a beauty school, you can make a nail appointment and have a student put nails on you for a discounted price . You can exchange shoes with friends or purchase a nice pear of white pumps that you can wear again and again.

I hope that these ten useful tips will help you save money and still have your unforgettable night.


Rose DesRochers, Canada
admin@todays-woman.net
http://www.todays-woman.net
Rose is a published author and web columnist. She is also the founder of Today's Woman a supportive online writing community for men and women over 18.

A DEAD-END BOOK COVER, A LAPIS LAZULI MOMENT, A SACRED SUNRISE

Rolf Gompertz

A creative dead end can produce wonders.

That was proved to me once again in a most dramatic way. It involved the cover design of my new book, a provocative biblical novel, titled, "Abraham, The Dreamer / An Erotic and Sacred Love Story."

I had submitted my thoughts for the cover design to the publisher (iUniverse.com). I explained that the story is about a love triangle, involving Abraham, his wife Sarah, and her handmaid, Hagar, "the other woman." I suggested that the cover capture that relationship.

Of course, there's much more to the story, and I filled in the details at some length. After all, this is not a contemporary novel in a contemporary setting. We are talking about life 4000 years ago, with its many gods and goddesses, its child sacrifices and erotic Sacred Marriage Rites. Abraham's wife, Sarah, could very well have been, what I portray her to be, a high priestess serving Inanna, the great goddess of Love and War. We have Abraham, who turned against his society to follow a new and different God. What made him do that, I wondered, as I tried to recreate his life and tell his story. Furthermore, what made him transfer his love from Sarah to Hagar?

I tried to give the designer a sense of the individuals and of the story that lay hidden in the laconic biblical account.

When the cover design came back to me I knew I was in trouble. The artwork suggested a knightly romance set in England during the Middle Ages. But the story is about Sumer, Canaan and Egypt, and nomadic, biblical characters who lived some three thousand years before the Middle Ages. How could the designers have been so far off the mark? I learned, what I had not known before, that the design department was not set up to provide original artwork. The designers could only work with existing stock art and clip art. Though plentiful, this art could not produce the "look" that I was looking for.

I was now faced with two problems. First, a deadline. I had about two weeks to come up with an idea that could be made to work. Otherwise, the book would be canceled and I would have to start with it all over again as a "new" project.

Second, I didn't know if I could come up with a satisfactory, workable cover idea. I considered hiring an outside graphic artist. A quick check indicated that there would not be enough time for this and that it would be costly, if not prohibitive.

So I did what was only proper under such circumstances: I freaked out! Or, to be perfectly honest, I freaked out - some more! I was desperate. I knew I had to stop thinking about the original cover concept. I had to stop my circular thinking, or, to put it another way, I had to start thinking outside the box. In short, I had to think creatively.

The creative process itself is elusive. It works in a most mysterious way. It usually consists of stating the problem, defining it and turning it over to your mind to think about and solve. I have often found that the answer, the solution comes to me when the mind is relaxed and at rest. Invariably, I wake up at two or three in the morning. At first I'm annoyed. I wonder why I woke up. Then I lie quietly. Presently, I become conscious of some answer or solution to a "problem" floating into view.

The first thought that came this way was "lapis lazuli." I had used lapis lazuli jewelry in the book on several significant occasions. The gold-speckled, deep-blue gemstone was highly prized in those times. In the book, it is presented as a gift to Sarah, the high priestess, during the Sacred Marriage Rite. Elsewhere, I have Abraham giving Hagar a lapis lazuli necklace and matching earrings upon consummating their love. A lapis lazuli-colored scarf also figures meaningfully in the story.

"Yes," I thought to myself. "That's it! That's my cover. A lapis lazuli necklace and earrings and a lapis lazuli scarf. A perfect metaphor for the full story."

I was elated, exhilarated. I loved the simplicity of the idea, the richness of the deep-blue color, the poetic symbolism.

But there was only one problem: I could not locate images of the scarf and jewelry. I even had trouble locating an image of a lapis lazuli gemstone. Though I still had a couple of days left to find the right image, I now feared that my book would be canceled since I had nothing for the cover.

I paced nervously through the house that evening, going back and forth between bedroom and study. I paused before my nature pictures which cover the walls, photographs that I had taken of sunrises and sunsets, lakes and oceans, trees, flowers and clouds. I don't know why I turned to these images -- perhaps to relax me, to comfort me, to inspire me, which they have always done. Suddenly, my eyes fixed on a blazing red sunrise, with a white cloud spiraling into the sky, hovering over a dark lake.


Whenever I looked at that spectacular image, in the past, it always left me awed and breathless. This time, however, the sunrise addressed me in a new way - its blazing colors spoke to me of erotic passions, its cloud spiraling upwards spoke to me of the sacred and the heavenly, of dreams and dreamers, the fiery pillar emerging out of the darkness spoke to me of the immanent and transcendent God, the great Mystery, the awesome Mystery, the holy Mystery, the loving Mystery in which we move and live and have our being.

Yes, this was the cover! This was my cover! It had emerged from the wondrous mystery of the creative process. It reminded me, once more, to stay loose, remain flexible and trust that process, that Mystery, in all its creative variations.

Copyright 2002 Rolf Gompertz. All rights reserved.


Rolf Gompertz is the author of eight books, including, "Abraham, The Dreamer/An Erotic and Sacred Love Story," a biblical paperback novel about the turbulent relationship between Abraham, his wife, Sarah, and "the other woman," Hagar. It may be browsed and ordered online at www.iUniverse.com, www.amazon.com,
from any bookstore or iUniverse's toll free number 1/877/823-9235.
Author contact: mailto rolfgompertz@yahoo.com


Enhance Fashion with Silver
Nerello Glasure

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about having fun with style. We think silver is the perfect compliment to your wardrobe's style. Yes, a great way for even the most conservative to move safely into the unsafe style zone! Silver pieces hold their style and a zany piece can be forever trendy.

Silver jewelry accessories are used as a form of an individual's personal expression and fashion art. When thinking of personal expression styles we tend to look at clothing, hair styling, and jewelry accessories. The almighty Silver being a key jewelry accessory, adding flare and creative artistry. Now compare Silver's cost effectiveness to both clothing and hair. Clothing has to be replaced periodically, and your hair has to be cut and styled. Ahh-but buying an artistic silver jewelry accessory is a one time expense, but a gift to yourself that keeps on giving over time.

Silver is flexible and appropriate for both daytime and evening wear. It is often used to accent casual fashions, sportswear, and elegant ware. It is the simple elegance of silver, this elegance gaining great favor in the worldwide fashion industry. In the winter worn with navy, black, and other dark colors, silver stands out and accents the winter wardrobe well. As well in the summer, worn with open and light-weight clothing, silver looks great and is comfortable against the bare skin.

Silver is known for its shiny bright hue when used in its polished state, but has gained extreme popularity in a duller matte finish or a combination of the polished and matte. Silver possesses working qualities similar to copper and gold, but enjoys greater reflectivity and can achieve a brilliant polish and shine. To make it durable for jewelry, however, pure silver (99% fineness) is alloyed together with small quantities of copper and other metals. In many countries, (92.5% silver, 7.5% other) is the standard for sterling silver.

However, silver is often mixed with a variety of alloys. The added alloy gives the silver hardness, durability, and uniqueness. Without the alloy, the silver piece would be too soft to wear. The mix toughens the silver and makes it possible to use silver for odd shaped jewelry, silverware, picture frames, and more.

Silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. So, when in fashion do as the fashion-what-its do, use Silver in its many forms to forego dowdy formalities to keep your style unique, fresh, and captivating.



Nerello Glasure [Fashion Artist of Zany Wearables: http://www.zanygiftware.com and a Publishing Member of the Wine Resource: http://www.winedefinitions.com.]

Planning Starts with the Basics

Jonathan Citrin

When developing a plan for your finances, the toughest question often is: "Where do I begin?" Before investing in stocks and bonds or buying life insurance, before implementing any change or making any decisions, you first need to analyze and understand your entire financial picture. Two documents allow you to do just that. A Balance Sheet and a Cash Flow Statement enable you to take an in-depth look at your current financial situation and make better decisions about the future. With a little work, you can develop these two tools and be on your way to a solid plan for your finances.

Balance Sheet

A balance sheet is a snapshot of your personal finances at one point in time. It contains two main elements: what you own (assets), and what you owe (liabilities). Your net worth is expressed as: Net Worth = Assets - Liabilities. That is, what you own minus what you owe.

A balance sheet clearly lists all assets and liabilities. Examples of assets include: house, investments such as stocks and bonds, savings and checking accounts, 401(k), IRAs, business interests, artwork, and jewelry, among others. Liabilities include mortgage balances, credit cards, education loans, and any other debt. Once you have created a list of everything you own and everything you owe, simply subtract the sum of the assets from the sum of the liabilities- this is your net worth.

The ultimate goal of most investors is to increase their net worth. The balance sheet is a very useful tool to identify strengths and weaknesses in your current finances, as well as to determine your goals for the future. Someone with a disproportionate amount of liabilities might set a goal to eliminate this debt. On the other hand, someone with a positive net worth (more assets than liabilities) might plan to save and invest towards retirement, college, or another goal.

Cash Flow Statement

After analyzing your balance sheet and determining your goals, you need to decide how to fund these goals. A well formulated plan is one not only with realistic goals, but also a sensible means of achieving them. That is, having goals is good, but you must be able to pay for them. Using a cash flow statement will enable you to determine how to pay for your goals.

A cash flow statement is a detailed look at all money coming in and going out over a period of time. It illustrates what you earn (revenue) and what you spend (expenses). Your net cash flow is expressed as: Net Cash Flow = Revenue - Expenses. That is, what you earn minus what you spend.

Some examples of revenue include: salary and wages, self-employment earnings, dividends, interest, and other investment income. Expenses may include: mortgage payments, rent payments, insurance costs, utilities, clothing, food, child care, alimony or child support, travel, entertainment, loan payments, education costs, taxes, charitable contributions, gifts, and gasoline. After listing all you earn and everything you spend, you can calculate your net cash flow by simply subtracting expenses from revenue.

By analyzing your cash flow statement, you can more easily cut expenses and identify excess net cash to use towards your goals. Generally, someone with negative net cash flow should first concentrate on cutting expenses to achieve positive cash flow before attempting to save or invest towards any future goals. Once positive net cash flow is achieved, excess money can be used directly for funding and achieving your goals.

In developing a balance sheet and a cash flow statement, it is important to remember one general rule-of-thumb- Quality in - Quality out. The more detail and care you put into your planning documents, the more effective they will be. A plan is only as good as the effort you put forth when creating it.

About The Author: Jonathan Citrin provides financial goal planning services. Go to http://articles.citringroup.com for hundreds of educational articles about Personal Finance, Retirement Planning, Investment Planning, and College Savings.

Celebrating the ME in MumME
Peggy Porter

Copyright 2005 Peggy Porter

Another Mother's Day is upon us. A day in which our loved ones bestow us with handmade gifts, breakfast in bed, supper out and sometimes even jewelry!!! It is a day for our family to show how much they appreciate the job we do.

I remember after my first child was born, I developed this deep respect for other mothers and immediately felt connected to all of them. I felt a bond that only strengthened the further into motherhood I went.

So on this very special weekend, I want to honor, not only my own mother, but all mothers. You hold a very special place in my heart and I know first hand the challenges and rewards that we experience on a daily basis. Motherhood is several professions rolled up in to one; nurse, teacher, housekeeper, referee, cook, manager and many more. The pay is poor but the benefits are the best.

My wish for all mothers is that you don't wait for the one day of the year before YOU recognize the contribution you make in the lives of others. It is so important to appreciate, on a daily basis, the job you do. We often second guess our mothering ability. We focus on the times we lost patience instead of the times we didn't. We count the times we yelled instead of the times we said I love you. We fixate on the mess of the house instead of recognizing that the time spent reading with the kids was a better decision.

As this Mother's day rolls around, sit back and enjoy every second of the love and appreciation bestowed on you. It is a day to relax and reap all the rewards of motherhood. When this occasion passes however, make a point to keep that appreciation and love flowing from within you. At the end of your day, recognize the contribution you have made. Focus on what you gave to your family, not what you didn't. Value your own self worth as a person and a mother. Honor yourself daily with a few words of encouragement or another act of self-care. Take time for you. Celebrate the ME in MumME because she certainly is someone to celebrate. Cheers!!!


Peggy Porter is a nurse, Wellness Coach, and author of YumME MumME Makeover-How to Balance Womanhood and Motherhood by Nurturing the Me in MumMe. If you are a Mom and want to start creating a healthier balance in your life, go to www.seekingbalance.ca and register for Peggy's free monthly teleclass and Ecourse! For more info you can also email peggy@seekingbalance.ca or call 506-832-0117.

Design Your Own Beautiful Wedding Ring

Donna Monday

It used to be that if you wanted to buy a nice custom-made wedding ring, you'd have to visit some fancy high-end jewelry store and be willing to part with a large portion of your wedding budget.

Well that's still the case for some people, but thanks to our modern times it's now possible for you and anyone else who wants a custom wedding ring to create a unique diamond wedding ring from the comfort of your own home.

Oleg Cassini will have nothing on you as you sit in your chair sipping a soda looking at the various wedding ring photos that your favorite online jewelry store makes easily available.

You will quickly see that it's easy to design your own wedding ring online. The first thing you want to look at when you set out to build your own wedding ring is the setting. You'll have your choice of wedding ring settings in various metals like: gold, white gold, sterling silver, and platinum. While studying the stylish settings, be sure to check your ring size for accuracy in purchasing a comfortable fitting wedding ring.

Next, you'll want to select the right diamond to fit your setting. The common diamond cut shapes are: round, pear, emerald, princess, marquise, oval, radiant, heart, and Asscher. You will probably take a while just studying all the attributes of the various diamond shapes and sizes. Of course, you can always choose to purchase the setting online and then take it to your local jeweler to have it fit with a diamond.

You are the designer extraordinaire! You are not bound by what someone else thinks you will like. So, go ahead and feel free to create your own wedding ring. There's nobody else to please but you.

And you will just love the results.


Copyright 2004
Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com


Bridesmaid Gift Etiquette
Melissa Pearl

It is customary for the bride-to-be to give each of her bridesmaids a bridesmaid gift to thank them for their time, effort and investment. Gifts can be presented by the bride-to-be anytime all the bridesmaids are together and have quiet moment. Gifts are also given to the junior bridesmaids and, if appropriate, the flower girl.

Often all the bridesmaids receive the same gift; with the exception of the maid of honor, who is usually given a more extravagant gift than the others since her duties exceed the other bridesmaid's. Each bridesmaid gift can also be a variation on a theme (ex. each a different color necklace) or completely different items for each bridesmaid.

Bridesmaid gifts are often jewelry to wear at the ceremony that can also be worn for years to come. But bridesmaid gifts can also include a photo album / scrapbook, spa gift certificate, or even matching gloves to wear at the wedding ceremony.

There are many opinions when it comes to the price of bridesmaid gifts. Generally gifts are purchased a month or so before the wedding, spending up to $100 per gift. Some consider the gift's price should be in alignment with the cost of the wedding; others feel the more time the bridesmaids have spent helping, the more costly the gift; and still others feel the bride-to-be should spend what she sees fit and can afford.

By giving a gift to her bridesmaids, the bride-to-be is thanking her bridesmaids for all of the time (and money) they have invested in her wedding. Bridesmaid's gifts are her token of appreciation and friendship.

No matter what is chosen for the bridesmaid gift, enclosing a card with a handwritten note or poem makes it even more personal.

Melissa Pearl offers affordable, designer-made pearl and crystal illusion necklaces that are perfect for bridesmaid gifts or bridal shower favors.

Let's Pretend

Anita DeFrank

Children have amazing and wild imaginations. The next time you hear "I'm bored" or "What can we do", give them a few household items, or let them make their own and watch them expand into endless hours of fun and entertainment. The following are just a few ideas to get the fun started and be sure to use your imagination too!

--->Make an Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses can be a lot of fun, spark creativity and also be great exercise for the little ones. These can be set up in and out of doors. Pillows, chairs, tires and stools are just a couple of things that can be used to be climbed, jumped and skipped over, through, around and under. Time each child as they scramble their way through and have a race. Best thing about these is that once they've done everything they can think of with the first one, it can be torn down and set up again another way. Have each child take turns in choosing the way it's set back up.

--->Let's Play Dress Up
Don't give away all those old shoes, shirts, pants, hats, gloves and costume jewelry! Set aside a special drawer or box for these item to play dress up. Have children act out their favorite play, television show or put on a fashion show. You'd be surprised exactly how cute she really looks in your old high school prom gown. Be sure to take snap shots or keep the video camera rolling!

--->Kid's Caf�
Set up old card table and let the children play restaurant. Have children make up or use play money and menus. Children that can't write yet can draw the food items on the menus. Give them some paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, a little notebook and they're open for business. Take turns being waiter, customer and busboy (or girl ).

--->Go Camping
This too can be played in or out of doors and the possibilities are endless. If you have a smaller pop-up tent, it can be set up in the living room. If you're taking this activity outdoors, you can hang an old sheet over a clothesline securing with rocks at the bottom. Have children draw or cut out windows if you're using an old sheet. (Remember to keep for the next camping trip.) Set up some lawn chairs around your faux fire and tell stories, sing songs, make smores in the microwave or any other favorite camping activity. Go all the way and sleep there tonight!

--->Movie Night
Go to your favorite video rental store and have your child help pick out a movie for the whole family. Have children make tickets for the show, play money, popcorn, baggies of dried fruit, paper cups of juice or any other favorite snacks. Set these items up for "sale" and have each family member "purchase" their tickets and munchies. Then sit back and enjoy the show!

Anita DeFrank is a busy work at home mom who specializes in helping others become successful home business owners. Visit her site MommysHelperOnline.com for more information how you can too.

Everything Old Becomes New Again
C.L.Hanna

Think that something you have had since you were a teen-ager can't be worth much?

Think again! Even if you are only now in your twenties...it won't be long until that dress, purse, tie, jewelry, perfume bottle or sport memorabilia will be sought after. It never ceases to amaze me just what can become the hottest collectible at any given moment...and it never ceases to bring me joy to find that I have it! Right now, I am enjoying watching my daughter get excited over a 'find' that I used to wear or use (and which I had hoped that I would never see again)! The styles and designs that are being lauded as the 'latest thing' all look very similar to the things that my parents abhored and would not allow me to wear - no matter how much I pleaded. They aren't new to anyone over 40 years of age. My mother had sweaters that I begged off of her in the 1970s - because they were from the 1950s and were cool once again. While others were sporting copies - I was wearing 'the real thing'.

What do you have that is now on the 'Hot List" of "Cool Stuff"?

Well...it just might surprise you. So many times, as I walk through a flea market or antique shop, I over-hear other shoppers saying, "Oh, I used to have one of those"... followed by the sound of disbelief when they look at the price tag ... followed by the words, "I should have kept it!" While it may be difficult to imagine that the toy or book or dish we use today could be worth ten times more than it's original purchase price in the future, it does happen - and here are just a few tips on recognizing a potential treasure:

The Maker, Author, Celebrity, etc. - Knowing a bit about who made the item - and when - is always important. Knowing what a person has accomplished and how they stand out in their field is also key. You will probablly want to take care of anything directly linked to someone who is a celebrity due to setting a record - or making a box office smash - especially if they did it despite exceptional odds or if they were able to do it repeatedly...not necessarily while being the most popular or socially accepted among their peers or fans. Of course, we have seen this to be the case, as well, when someone who has had no time to really make much of a history for themselves - become an unforgettable part of history through their untimely death. While unforeseen events often trigger the sudden rise of an items' particular value...timing can be everything when it comes to the collectible market. You've got to"know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em".

Dates, Signatures and Marks - Know what your item should say (or not say) and what identifies it as the 'real McCoy' - McCoy pottery pieces have many different identifying marks which were used since the company first began...some are very similar in the way they look and some very different. What was made, when it was made and where, being some of the determining factors for which mark was used. Lack of that knowledge has caused more than one disappointment to be sure. Having a treasure right under your nose and letting it go for a quarter or fifty cents when it is worth five dollars or more can leave you with a sick feeling. Tossing away something your Grandfather gave you, because you find it unattractive - only to find that it is irreplaceable is...(well, maybe we shouldn't open up a wound that deep). Keeping something in the best condition possible, is only part of what it takes for an item to be considered valuable. In fact, some things are not required to be in pristene condition...but instead, are expected to have certain wear asssociated with them...however, all items with moving parts, for instance, should have all of their parts and the parts should be working for most to be considered of any worth. We all know to look for signatures, of course, but being sure that a signature is not forged is not always easy - in fact, it is one of the most common mistakes made by enthusiastic collectors. If you are putting out any amount of real cash - get an expert's opinion before committing.
With All Of This In Mind..What Do You Have?

If you are like most of us, you have things from your past...and somewhere in the future, some of those things are bound to become worth some money. When and just how much...is anybody's guess. Some items are a little more predictable than others, though. The more rare, because of how it was made, or how long the artist created, or the effect of the author's writings on society, or even because of who owned it, are all to be considered. What you don't know can hurt you, financially speaking, and yet the average person can easily be the owner of any number of items that will be valuable tomorrow. If you want to test something out - ask your pre-teen what they think...if they say it's cool hold onto it for a few more years - it's almost certain to be in demand as retro, if nothing else! If you are holding onto something that you believe to be valuable now - don't let someone sell you short...if you don't know enough about the item find someone you can trust to educate you on the item...or educate yourself at your local library - or online. The Internet is a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Everything old truly becomes 'new' again in a new generation's eyes and while chances are you will not get rich off of your past - handing it over to someone for a fair price based on it's true worth - can be a very rewarding way of preserving it!



C.L. Hanna is the owner of "HEART'S DOOR", which specializes in the creative use of collectibles and vintage items in home-decorating. Having been involved in Interior Decorating and collecting for over 20 years she recently took her shop online at www.heartsdoor.org

Dear Tech Support

Dr. Dorree Lynn

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed that the new program began making unexpected changes to the accounting modules, limiting access to flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.9 but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

Desperate

Dear Desperate,

I regretfully inform you that the technical problems you raise often come with the system purchased. Evidently you did not look around at similar systems or read the fine print prior to making your purchase. Many in your situation try quick solutions, immediately try other systems, are driven to drink or in total frustration simply trash the current system. Unfortunately our current state of technology remains limited and whatever your upgrades, there are always glitches.

I recommend you get technologically proficient with what you have, learn every default capability you can and keep clicking buttons until one works. If your system crashes, wait. Sometimes you may have to turn off the machine and give it a rest. Miraculously, for unknown reasons, glitches may disappear. Another tool to use with your new upgrade is patience. I understand this is not what you bargained for, but it helps. There are times the system will right itself if you simply wait long enough. And, trust me, you will never know why.

If nothing else works, try talking to your machine. I know the system you selected does not include that in the instruction manual, but it is a trick I have learned over the years. And foolish as it may seem, perhaps when no one is looking, caress your machine and give it a kiss.

Your system is only as good as the user and when upgrading, there can be no such thing as foolish pride. So if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. If all else fails and your system continues to deteriorate, please call in a certified technician before it is too late.

Life is too hard to do alone,

Dr. D.

Dorree Lynn, PH.D.


Dr. Dorree Lynn is co-founder of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Psychotherapy and a practicing clinician in New York and Washington, DC. Dr. Lynn served on the executive board of the American Academy of Psychotherapists and she is on the editorial board of their publication, Voices. She is also a regular columnist for the Washington, DC newspaper, The Georgetowner. Dr. Lynn is a noted speaker and well known on the lecture circuit.

Sex Toys - There's One For Everyone
Steven S. Ng

Dongs & Dildos

The most common of sex toys, dildos or dongs are designed for stimulation by vaginal and anal insertion and stroking. Dildos come in many shapes, sizes, color, texture and other accessories. Dildos do not vibrate and any vibrating sex toys would be categorized under vibrators.


Vibrators

Vibrators are any sex toys that vibrate. These are mainly designed for intense stimulation on the clitoris or vulva. Some can be used for insertion and some for external use only. Vibrators are commonly combined with other sex toys so you have vibrating dildos, vibrating eggs, vibrating undies and some even comes with a hands free kit or a remote control. They can be powered by battery or electricity. Vibrators are also commonly used in combination with other sex toys such as dildos.


BDSM

Bondage & Sadomasochistic. Pleasure from consensual inflicting or submitting to physical abuse. There are a variety of bondage gear and S&M toys designed for BDSM play. These include blindfolds, costumes, cuffs and leashes, whips, body jewelry, clips. An excellent range of Bondage Gear can be found at www.stockroom.com Or if you are new to BDSM, you can read all about it here


Lubricants

Potions and lubricants complement lovemaking and it blends well too with sex toys. Most sex toys have an increased effect when used with lubricants. There are three main varieties of lubricants; water based, silicone based and petroleum based. Water and silicone based lubricants are safe to use with condoms. Petroleum based lubricants such as Vaseline shouldn't be used with latex materials, such as condoms and diaphragms, as they can break down the latex material. Lubricants can also be used for body massages (massage oils). They come in a variety of aromatic, flavored and even edible lubes.


Toys For Men

Until quite recently, sex toys have been focused on women. Toys for men are designed for added stimulation and to create heightened sexual fulfillment skills. These toys can be used to help achieve harder erections, for solo masturbation or for men to men action. Some of the catergories in toys for men include cock rings, penis pumps, love dolls, penis extenders, and other novelty items. Some love dolls are designed after real life porn stars and are extremely lifelike. Toys for men are also widely used during BDSM play.


Aphrodisiacs

Alternative energy booster, either herbal or tonic, designed to improve sexual vitality and sexual desire in men and women. They can be used to achieve a stronger erection or to create a sexual desire. Some natural aphrodisiacs includes yohimbe, ginseng, deer velvet, and other herbal extracts. Aphrodisiacs and sex toys are perfect for creating a heightened sexual satisfaction. Read more about aphrodisiacs.

Anal Toys

Anal toys for rear penetration comes in a variety of silicone or non-silicone and vibrating or non-vibrating toys. Unlike dildos, anal toys usually comes with a flanged base or attached to a string to prevent accidental slippages. Butt plugs and anal beads are the more common of anal toys. Some anal toys can also be used for vaginal insertion. Just be sure to slip a condom over when switching from anal to vaginal.


Harnesses

Harnesses are specially designed straps that enables sex toys to be attached. They can be worn by a man or a women so they can keep their hands free. Harnesses are either strapped to the thighs or hips and can be used with a matching dildo.


Others

Sex toys and human sexuality is limited only by our imagination. Some of the sex toys or sexual aids that are not categorized in the above are love swings, erotic games, edibles, safer sex (condoms), female condoms, genital jewelry and other novelty items.

If you would like to take a look at the various sex toys, you can visit:

http://www.sextoysnirvana.com


Steven consults and provides advice to the online store http://www.SexToysNirvana.com which provides various adult toys and novelty products.

The Best Gifts

People who sell information are still very unfamiliar with the profitable
marketing advantage online newsletters can actually be to their business. In fact,
most of these people will avoid them completely simply because they don't
understand them; even though newsletters carry an air of prestige about
them.

Most of us are already familiar with what a newsletter is. Almost every
church, organization, club or group publishes their own newsletter for
their particular members. Then, there are corporate newsletters that are
distributed by the larger companies. In this case, newsletters are
normally given to employees to keep them in touch with management
activities and new policies and procedures.

There are also some national newsletters. These are normally targeted to
a specific group of people like business managers and corporate executives.
There is a BIG difference between newspapers and newsletters.

Newspapers normally contain the "whole" story, while newsletters only
present the "cream of the crop," or the "best of the best" in a condensed
format. In addition, newsletters are short, while newspapers are long. If
you receive a company newsletter, you can read every single word in
less than 20 minutes. But do you know anyone that reads every single word
of a newspaper? Don't most people just flip through the pages and only
read what is interesting to them?

Online newsletters are intended for a specific target market. Look at some of
the examples we have cited previously. Club newsletters are published for
its members, just like church newsletters are published for their
congregation. You never find a Baptist Church taking out a 12-month
subscription for a Catholic newsletter. And you never see the Accountants
subscribing to the Cake Baking monthly newsletter. Newsletters
are intended for a specific target market.

Online newsletters and online marketing has literally boomed! Large companies have
been forced into and laying off workers. These highly skilled
workers decided to open their own home businesses instead
of risking another unemployment crisis! People soon found it more
profitable and secure to work for themselves.

So, because online internet marketing has grown so vast -
it is now necessary to narrow your market and advertise your products to a
specific target-market. Back in the old days mail order basically consisted
of marketing small gadgets, jewelry and recipe books. But now, internet
marketing is one of the fastest growing industries in the world! You can purchase anything
from groceries to clothing to electronics to long-distance telephone
services on the internet- including anything in-between.

Now, because of these wide variety of different items being purchased no
business can survive unless they advertise to the target-market of their
specialized products. In other words _ you wouldn't be able to sell exotic
chocolates and desserts to diabetics or software to people who don't own a
computer. Regardless, if you are giving away your product free of charge -
these groups would not be interested in it. So your advertising would be a
waste of time.

Here's where online newsletters come in. Since it is much more importants to
"target" your audience (rather than just simply marketing to everyone);
you can effectively accomplish this goal by publishing an online newsletter.

Newsletters are different from other advertising vehicles because you
normally only mail them to a subscription list. Subscribers can even pay you
a certain amount, per year, to receive your newsletter. This means, you
are paid UP FRONT but you must budget this money throughout the year, or
the length of the subscription.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY PUBLISHING YOUR VERY OWN NEWSLETTER
Kevin Purfield

People who sell information are still very unfamiliar with the profitable
marketing advantage online newsletters can actually be to their business. In fact,
most of these people will avoid them completely simply because they don't
understand them; even though newsletters carry an air of prestige about
them.

Most of us are already familiar with what a newsletter is. Almost every
church, organization, club or group publishes their own newsletter for
their particular members. Then, there are corporate newsletters that are
distributed by the larger companies. In this case, newsletters are
normally given to employees to keep them in touch with management
activities and new policies and procedures.

There are also some national newsletters. These are normally targeted to
a specific group of people like business managers and corporate executives.
There is a BIG difference between newspapers and newsletters.

Newspapers normally contain the "whole" story, while newsletters only
present the "cream of the crop," or the "best of the best" in a condensed
format. In addition, newsletters are short, while newspapers are long. If
you receive a company newsletter, you can read every single word in
less than 20 minutes. But do you know anyone that reads every single word
of a newspaper? Don't most people just flip through the pages and only
read what is interesting to them?

Online newsletters are intended for a specific target market. Look at some of
the examples we have cited previously. Club newsletters are published for
its members, just like church newsletters are published for their
congregation. You never find a Baptist Church taking out a 12-month
subscription for a Catholic newsletter. And you never see the Accountants
subscribing to the Cake Baking monthly newsletter. Newsletters
are intended for a specific target market.

Online newsletters and online marketing has literally boomed! Large companies have
been forced into and laying off workers. These highly skilled
workers decided to open their own home businesses instead
of risking another unemployment crisis! People soon found it more
profitable and secure to work for themselves.

So, because online internet marketing has grown so vast -
it is now necessary to narrow your market and advertise your products to a
specific target-market. Back in the old days mail order basically consisted
of marketing small gadgets, jewelry and recipe books. But now, internet
marketing is one of the fastest growing industries in the world! You can purchase anything
from groceries to clothing to electronics to long-distance telephone
services on the internet- including anything in-between.

Now, because of these wide variety of different items being purchased no
business can survive unless they advertise to the target-market of their
specialized products. In other words _ you wouldn't be able to sell exotic
chocolates and desserts to diabetics or software to people who don't own a
computer. Regardless, if you are giving away your product free of charge -
these groups would not be interested in it. So your advertising would be a
waste of time.

Here's where online newsletters come in. Since it is much more importants to
"target" your audience (rather than just simply marketing to everyone);
you can effectively accomplish this goal by publishing an online newsletter.

Newsletters are different from other advertising vehicles because you
normally only mail them to a subscription list. Subscribers can even pay you
a certain amount, per year, to receive your newsletter. This means, you
are paid UP FRONT but you must budget this money throughout the year, or
the length of the subscription.

Resource Box
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Kevin Purfield owns the Wealth System Online Resource Directory
where you can find everything you'll ever need to start,
run and grow a home based business at:
http://www.wealthsystemonline.com
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