Teen Jewelry Fashion Exposed

Sam Serio

Teenagers are a fickle bunch. At that stage of physical and psychological growth, they are constantly experimenting with things to improve their image and their look. Teen jewelry fashion plays a major part in the development of their identity and efforts to either blend in with the crowd or establish their own unique persona. Any parental endorsement of fashion accessories is akin to the kiss of death, and adolescents look to other influences when it comes to teen jewelry fashion.

The celebrities that teenagers see in music videos, television programs or movie screens are largely responsible for dictating trends in teen jewelry fashion. The oversized, ostentatious accoutrements favored by rap musicians have spawned the hip-hop jewelry trend, and teenagers have been patronizing lower-priced but accurate replicas of celebrity bling bling. Instead of the diamonds and other precious gems used in celebrity jewelry, cheaper zirconia and base metals are used for duplicates. Body jewelry (both the pierced and non-pierced types) that is unusually designed and made with inexpensive materials has also seen an increase in teenage patrons.

Beaded jewelry and woven friendship bracelets and rings are some of the other hot trends in teen jewelry fashion. Many teenagers make these dress accessories themselves and give them to friends as gifts. These are personalized with beads that have the letters of the recipient's name on them are incorporated into the woven fibers. Many teenagers also wear certain types of jewelry to identify them as part of a clique or group. These may take the form of uniquely designed pendants, rings or charms that have spiritual or mystical overtones.

Feminine teen jewelry fashion styles are also influenced largely by young celebrities today. Items worn by teen stars, such as Hilary Duff's slave bracelets, are copied by her non-celebrity counterparts. However, whimsical designs are still hugely popular among this set of young consumers. Gold- or silver-plated jewelry and jewelry that has gemstones has not lost its following among teenagers.

Some masculine teen jewelry fashion trends, on the other hand, tend to lean more toward beadwork, silverwork, leatherwork, and unusual stones. Teenage guys seem to think that sporty-looking accessories, such as so-called surfer-dude necklaces and arm bands made from bone, wood, or shell beads on a rubber or leather cord are cool. Stainless steel jewelry is popular with them, too.

Jewelry has been used by all people throughout history as marks of beauty or to denote social status. Adolescents are not immune to these patterns; in fact they are probably even more susceptible to them because of their need to simultaneously conform and stand out. Teenage jewelry fashion is part of their social arsenal and a tool in the development process.


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.

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.

Turquoise Necklace Facts and Beliefs

Sam Serio

'Pieces of sky.' That's how turquoise was called by some Native American tribes. Indeed, it requires no great stretch of the imagination to understand why turquoise was referred to as such. Just as the heavens could be a peaceful or stormy blue, so could turquoise seem to express different moods with its different shades of blue and green. Wearing pieces of sky in a turquoise necklace is a provocative and attractive idea.

Known as the birthstone of December, turquoise can be opaque or translucent, and a turquoise necklace made of beads conveys an iridescent, whimsical effect. Some jewelry designers set their turquoise necklaces in platinum, silver, or gold; at times, they use other gemstones in conjunction with turquoise for a complementary, enhancing effect. Chokers or neckbands decorated with turquoise are also popular as fashion accessories.

Necklaces made from Persian or Iranian turquoise are the most expensive, since this variety of turquoise is considered to be of the highest quality. However, less expensive varieties are available from Mexican, Chinese, Egyptian and American sources. Turquoise necklaces are popular items in Native American and Southern jewelry collections, but by and large, they have found their way into mainstream culture. They are perfect for casual wear, especially during summer, but can also be worn combined with other jewels for more formal occasions. Socialite Nicky Hilton, country singer Lari White and actress Ali Landry are some of the celebrities who have been photographed wearing turquoise necklaces.

According to gemologists, turquoise is believed by people of different cultures to have healing, protective, and restorative powers. Folklore also tells us that turquoise would fade or change color when the wearer was in danger or if a lover had been unfaithful. Whether a person believes in such tales or not, the fact remains that a turquoise necklace and other pieces of turquoise jewelry are not only fashionable and beautiful dress accessories, they have also played a major role in the shaping of various cultures as well.


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.

SEO Writing Strategies for Graphic-Oriented Sites
Karon Thackston

by Karon Thackston © 2003
http://www.copywritingcourse.com

As a copywriter, I'd love to tell you that every site on the Web needs tons of copy. However, the simple truth is not all do. Many sites simply produce better sales when they use more graphics than words. Since search engines are hungry for words you simply have to use copy if you plan to get ranked high. Quite a dilemma, isn't it?

So what do you do if you're a graphic designer, if you sell jewelry, or if you have another site that needs more pictures than copy? Don't despair. There are some strategies that can help you reach a happy medium satisfying both your visitors and the engines.

1. Use Descriptions - Place keyworded descriptions under each graphic on your pages. Just a sentence or two for each one can add up and give you enough room to achieve good keyword saturation.

2. Break the Copy Into Sections - Instead of having all 250-350 words of copy in one place, break your copy into small sections. For example, place a headline and three sentences at the top of the page, a few words under your bottom navigation bar, and a short paragraph above your "Order Now" link. The engines will find the words regardless of where on the page they are, but your visitors won't be overwhelmed by seeing all the copy in one place.

3. Don't Neglect ALT Tags - Don't abuse them, either! ALT tags (technically known as image alt attributes) are designed to give short descriptions of graphics on your page. They are read to those who can't see well (when they use special text-to-speech software). Abusing ALT tags by stuffing them full of arbitrary keywords or extremely long descriptions is frowned upon by the engines. However, feel free to assign a short keyword phrase that describes each graphic you have.

4. Go Below the Fold - Copy can always be placed "below the fold." This term is used to describe the section of your index page that is not visible when the page first loads. In order to see it, the visitor would have to scroll vertically. If you've designed your index page to be fully visible without scrolling, consider using the space below the design to insert your copy.

5. Use the Sidebar - If your site design uses a sidebar for the navigation links, use the empty space for short bits of copy. Even the statement "Order ________ Now" will give you one more instance of keyword placement.

6. Create Bulleted Lists - Many people don't perceive lists as copy. For this reason, you can use bulleted lists (or numbered lists) where traditional "sentence" copy wouldn't work. Tip: Instead of creating a list that reads:

We meet all your ____ needs by:

�offering the lowest price.
�providing first-rate service.
�shipping your order in just 24 hours.

Create a list that reads like this:

At ABC Company, we offer you:

�the lowest price on ______.
�first-rate service. Ask us any questions you have about ____.
�shipping of your _____ in just 24 hours.

See the difference? More keywords in the same amount of copy.

If you use a little creativity, you can get enough keyword saturation in your copy without it cluttering up your site. This is sure to please both the search engines and your site visitors.



Copy not getting results? Let Karon write targeted, SEO copy for you. Visit her site at http://www.marketingwords.com, or learn to write your own copy at http://www.copywritingcourse.com. Don't forget to subscribe to Karon's free ezine at http://www.marketingwords.com/ezine.html

Looking Fab at The Beach!

Sher Matsen

It's that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials - sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great - got the basics covered but what about the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you've got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you're swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you'll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it's unattractive, so don't let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn't hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you've got all the daily essentials in your bag - sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you'll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it's waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It's also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It's important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we've got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you're planning to wear a swimsuit it's usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you're not chasing down change rooms. So great - first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you've got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that's easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.

If you're planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you'll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you're worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they'll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what's perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that's got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I'm starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I'm heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it's versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it's cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that's big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that's full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won't be out a lot of money and I won't feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I'll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you're fussy about tan lines you'll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That's it - simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!


Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Jewelry and Gemstone Care & Cleaning Tips
Sam Serio

Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants; no doubt about it everybody loves beautiful gem stone jewelry. Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling and negligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous for years to come.

1.Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise. Even the hardest gem of them all, diamond, can shatter in two with a single well-placed blow. Never remove rings by pulling on the stone: that habit may result in a loose, then lost, gem.
2.Most importantly, store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.
3.Rings in particular tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, particularly if you wear them all the time. You need to clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine. To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle dish soap. Use a bowl of water rather than the sink to eliminate the risk of anything going down the drain. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth (you want to make sure threads won't catch on the prongs) For diamond, ruby or sapphire, a touch of ammonia in the rinse water won't hurt a bit and can add extra sparkle (for platinum and gold only, not silver!). Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds and rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems many not be, in particular emerald, opal, pearls, peridot: when in doubt, leave it out.
4.Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light.
5.Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, require special care because they are rocks, not crystals of a single mineral like transparent gems. There gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it. Never use and ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution.

A little care and common sense can add life, luster and longevity to your precious jewelry and gems. Protect your investment by following the above guidelines.


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.

Selling on Ebay and Wholesale .... Would You Like to Resell Mexican Products for Great Profits ?

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Diamonds in the Ruff: How to find a good personal trainer.
Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT

The question of how to find a good personal trainer is as old as the industry itself. In fact, it usually gets transformed into an even bigger question - should you even HIRE a personal trainer? Conveniently enough, the answer to one of those questions will dictate the answer to the other one - every time!

The short and simple truth of the matter is that you should only hire a personal trainer if you can find an effective one that is right for you. Here are several things to consider before you decide!

Professionalism

The term professionalism should cover our prospective trainer's skills, as well as his/her ability to act in a professional manner. Both are critical to the training process, and if a trainer is lacking in either department, it will spell doom for your program eventually, either in the short term, or later on down the road.

The days of personal trainers just being jocks with a certification are (thankfully!) coming to a close. Today's personal trainer needs to be a consummate professional with regard to his/her actual skills, as well as ability to treat their clients in a professional and business-like manner.

For now let's just agree that if your trainer doesn't have a clue about how to get you in shape, you probably don't want to hire that trainer!

What about their level of professionalism? A good personal trainer will always maintain their professional bearing. They don't need to be some stick in the mud with no personality, but there are several things that a trainer should NOT be doing during a training session. These include things like staring at themselves in the mirror, daydreaming, excessively talking to other people, talking on their cell phone, checking out members of the opposite sex, and just generally not focusing on you during the workout.

Your trainer should look professional as well. Although the actual clothing standards vary widely, some things that you should not see are excessive body jewelry, the latest fashions such as arm bands, beanie caps, combat boots, etc., or any clothing or accessories that are worn simply as decoration or because the style is in. The latest styles have absolutely nothing to do with your training program!

Credentials

Which level of personal training certification is the best has been and continues to be a matter of extreme debate. This article will not propagate that debate with further discussion of the details. However, what you should take home is the fact that regardless of your fitness goals, your trainer should be qualified to train YOU.

For general health and fitness, any of the top 10 nationwide certification agencies offer acceptable programs. A brief list includes - but is not limited to - the International Sports Sciences Association, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. There are others, and your trainer should be more than happy to point you to the website that governs his or certification, so that you can learn more on your own.

For more specific considerations like training for a sport or athletic competition, your trainer will need a higher degree of expertise. The American College of Sports Medicine has a great program and is one of the most recognized certifications for sport specific training.

You should ask very specific questions about how a potential trainer is going to tackle the particular issues that you want covered during your training program.

Facility

Regardless of your potential trainer's credentials and professionalism, you need to know where you are going to train. The industry standard of only working out at a gym is being challenged more and more these days. It is possible now to find a trainer who will come right to your house and train you, or possibly meet you outside, or in your housing area community fitness center. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you have to go to the gym if you want a personal trainer!

Schedule

One of the biggest issues for trainers and clients alike is scheduling. After all, you both have to be in the same place at the same time for a minimum of 30 minutes, and possibly as long as 90 minutes. A good trainer will try to find a way to fit you into their schedule. It won't always be possible, especially with a highly sought after trainer, but if the trainer truly wants to help you, they will do their best to fit you in.

Rapport

Having a good rapport with your personal trainer is crucial! If you and your trainer don't get along, it's a waste of time for both of you. You will likely end up more frustrated than ever, thinking that even a professional couldn't help you!

Working with a personal trainer that you like is necessary, and on the flip side, the trainer should like you as well. You don't necessarily need to pick out curtains together, but you should at least be able to carry on a comfortable dialogue while you exercise. Most good trainers are good communicators as well, but if the two of you aren't very comfortable with each other, then it will cause tension and increase the risk of your program meeting with failure.

A good personal trainer will agree to meet with you face to face before you actually sign up for a training program. Some trainers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, and that is the perfect time to size up your trainer to make sure they fit your needs!

You should take home the fact that the definition of a good personal trainer is someone who is not only a professional, but is also appropriate for your specific personality, needs, goals, and desires. You may be working with this person for awhile, so choose wisely!


Aaron Potts' experience as a Fitness Professional has included management positions with local and nationally known fitness facilities, as well as in-home and outdoor training with clients from all walks of life. Find out more about Aaron's programs at his personal training site at http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com

What to Buy Them for Christmas - A Simplified Approach

L.A. Nelson

Got something you didn't want last Christmas? Or the Christmas before that? Well, you're not the only one.
They got stuff they didn't want either. "They" are your gift-recipients, the ones you gave a stale fruitcake or a can-opener or that tacky multi-colored Christmas-themed sweater to. The same fruitcake and sweater that
someone, most likely, gave you.

You hated it didn't you? So why pass it on? Probably because you just didn't know what to get them. In today's fast-paced world, we hardly have time - or
take time - to listen to what our family and friends really want.

Or we half-listen and think we're on to something. Your wife complains the microwave is on the fritz all year.
But do you think she wants to find a kitchen appliance under the tree? And really, does your husband need yet
another color-coordinated shirt and tie?

So what's a clueless gift-giver to do?

First, tune in. Listen to what your loved ones say they want, they wish for, they'd like to have someday.

Second, understand gender differences. Men and women don't generally desire the same types of gifts. Most women like jewelry, for example, but only some men wear jewelry, many do not. Not everyone is the same, of course, so make sure you know the taste and style of the person you're buying the gift for.

Third, don't confuse personal gifts with business gifts. A man shouldn't give a ring or "eau de sexy nights" cologne to his female colleague. She's bound to take it the wrong way.

Finally, if all else fails, just follow this simple gift-giving guide:

For her:
Women want to feel pretty, no matter how old we get. My 70+ year-old mother still slathers on scented lotion and dusting powder after a bath. Bath and body oils or a spa basket, which can include fragrant soaps, lotion and bath gels are always a good choice. Or buy her one of her favorite fragrances. Many come in gift sets, coupled with scented lotion or soap. And please, don't forget the jewelry!

For him:
Men like their toys, whether it's a powerful stereo system or a new Ferrari. Of course, if neither is in
your budget you can always get him a high-tech gift such as a handheld computer from Palm, Casio and other
companies. Is he a golfer or into fitness? A new golf shirt or gloves, even personalized golf balls make
great gifts or stocking-stuffers. Men like personal gifts too, but know your man. Would he prefer a new watch, to a gold chain or bottle of cologne?

For kids:
Children change so rapidly from year to year, that it's often hard to know what will hold their interest and keep them challenged. Make sure the gift is age
appropriate so he or she can play with it now. A pre-schooler will get much more use out of an activity center than an older child's toy like Merlin. Give
them different types of toys so they have a variety of activities to choose from. In other words, don't give them all dolls or all trucks. Add some educational games to the mix. And buy what the child likes. If he prefers a train set to racing cars, the train set will get used.

For mom and dad:
You can pretty much follow the For her/For him suggestions. But, depending on how old they are, you may have to age-up a little. An older woman would
probably prefer a more traditional fragrance like Chanel No. 5 or Halston to Harley Davidson's Destiny. A string of pearls or a pretty brooch are always nice. If dad's a golfer, a fisherman or enjoys some other activity, find an item he can use or something related
that's fun.

For friends and others:
If you're close to the person, gifts can be more personal: bath sets, clothing or accessories, a piece of jewelry. Give a business associate an organizer or a small travel case. Or you can give anyone a more generic present like a gourmet gift basket that may include candy, fruit, nuts or other food items. This kind of gift makes a lovely addition to any home.

And, it sure beats that stale fruitcake!

Copyright © 2001 L.A. Nelson

Save on holiday gifts - most items mentioned in this article can be found at The Art of Gifting
http://www.artofgifting.com

Find this article at:
http://www.artofgifting.com/giftgiving.html

L.A. Nelson is a cable television marketer, a freelance writer and a member of the Writer's Guild of America.
This article may be freely published on your website, in your newsletter, or in your eBook, as long it is used in its entirety and the copyright notice and resource information at the end are left intact.

Tips for Increasing Your Profits with Gift Certificates
Rena Klingenberg

Tips for Increasing Your Profits with Gift Certificates

by Rena Klingenberg
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com

Offering gift certificates is an excellent way of increasing sales by solving your customers' gift-giving problems. Often people would like to give your products as gifts, but are hesitant to choose a specific item for someone.

I'm a jewelry artist, and when I realized I was losing sales to these potential customers, I started offering gift certificates - and discovered a wonderful sales tool.

Wherever you sell your products - at retail locations, shows, home parties - be sure to have an eye-catching sign advertising "Gift Certificates Available in Any Amount". And tell undecided customers about it verbally, too, emphasizing the benefits of a gift certificate, and how much their recipient will enjoy choosing the exact item they want.

How to Make Your Own Gift Certificates

Use your computer and printer to make special, fancy certificates using perforated paper or postcard stock you can find in office supply stores, and have matching fancy envelopes to go with them. They don't need to cost you very much, but they should really look like a special, festive gift to give them extra appeal!

Consider adding enticing photos of some of your most popular products. My gift certificates have a neat vertical border of jewelry photos on each side.

Here's the information your gift certificates should have on them:

-your business name and location, plus other contact info
-a "To:" line
-a "From:" line
-an "Amount:" line (for the dollar amount)
-"custom orders welcome", if applicable
-the expiration date, if you want to limit the time period the certificate can be used
-the certificate's unique number - on your computer or by hand, print a unique number (101, 102, 103, etc., or whatever numbering works for you) on each certificate's bottom corner, so each can be individually accounted for.

When you sell the certificate, you should write the dollar amount and expiration date (if any) on the certificate yourself, and then have the person purchasing the certificate fill out the To and From lines, so it will be in their own handwriting for the recipient to see. Then enter the certificate's information in your log.

How to Keep a Gift Certificate Log

It's important to keep a log of each gift certificate you sell. Keeping a record of each certificate sold will ensure that you don't wind up honoring a counterfeit certificate, or one with a changed dollar amount when someone comes to use it. My log has 6 columns, and for each certificate I sell, I record in my log:

-the certificate's unique number
-the purchaser's name
-the recipient's name
-the date sold
-the dollar amount of the certificate
-the date redeemed
-optional seventh column: expiration date.

I keep my log sheet and a stack of ready-to-sell certificates together in a two-pocket folder, along with a fancy pen for filling out the gift certificates in style when they're sold.

Use Gift Certificates to Their Fullest Profit Potential

Gift certificates can be a great source of back-end sales. When the recipient comes to redeem the gift certificate, it's easy to sell her an add-on item or two. Often she is already predisposed to splurge on something to go with the item she's getting for free with her gift certificate, and needs only a little encouragement from you to purchase extras. For example, in my case, the recipient will often purchase matching earrings to go with the bracelet she gets for free with her gift certificate. So be sure to show enticing things to the recipient that could accompany the item she chooses for her gift!

Use a gift certificate sale as an opportunity to add two new customers to your mailing list: the person who purchased the certificate, and the person who received it. Obtain permission from each to add them to your mailing list. Both of them are now pre-sold on your products, your service, and especially on your solutions to their gift-giving problems. There's a good chance they will respond favorably when they receive a special offer from you before gift-giving holidays.


Jewelry artist and publisher of http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com , a free online resource of articles and tips to help jewelry artists achieve their goals.

Selling Your Jewelry Creations Online

Lee Dobbins

Selling your jewelry creations online requires different skills and supplies then selling at shows or on consignment. You'll need to develop good computer and digital photography skills as well as set up a shipping area and buy shipping supplies.

Jewelry is a very visual product to sell - potential customers need high quality photographs that display the piece in detail as if they were holding it in their own hands. A good quality digital camera with zoom capabilities is essential for taking photos of jewelry.

Unfortunately, just buying a good camera probably isn't going to be enough to make your photos stand out. You'll also need good lighting and a light box for the photos to come out their best. You can buy professional lights and a light box or go the homemade route. I use a clear plastic storage box as the light box and set up adjustable plant lights on the sides and top - all these materials can be found at Walmart or any discount store. To take the photos, set the box on it's side with the open end facing you, set the jewelry inside the box and take the photo. The clear plastic will diffuse the lights to prevent glare and make your photos more clear.

Once you have taken your photos, you will need to upload them to your online selling venue. There are 3 ways to sell online - having your own web page, selling in an online mall, and selling at an online auction. Having your own web page requires a bit more skill as you will need to write the code for the page yourself, hire someone to do it or buy a package that helps you do this. Selling in online malls and auctions is usually a bit easier as you can post your information on a form that is uploaded and you don't need to know much about html coding. Personally, I have found that selling at an online mall is the best way to go - the auctions are overcrowded with jewelry of all types and it is extremely difficult to get any qualified traffic to your own website without spending a fortune.

Along with your photos, you will need to provide an excellent description of your jewelry. I suggest you take 3 photos of the piece and then write a paragraph description on the piece listing the materials used the size and any outstanding features. Don't be afraid to be creative in your description!

The final phase to selling jewelry online is collecting the money and shipping the product. You need to decide what form of payment you will accept. Will you take credit cards or only accept credit through Paypal? Personal checks, or only money orders? I love Paypal as it is so quick and easy but there are fees associated with it. Many of my customers pay with personal check and I have never had a problem in 6 years of doing business online.

Once you receive payment, you can ship out the jewelry! This is your opportunity to make a good impression and gain a repeat customer. To make shipping easier, it's a good idea to setup a shipping station which includes a table to package and wrap on, all your packing material, tape, boxes and mailers, your return address stickers and any promotional items you like to put in the package.

I like to package my jewelry in gold foil boxes and ship those inside a bubble mailer. The boxes are only about 20 cents if you buy them in bulk and they look so nice to the customer when they open their package. Also, have some promotional cards, business cards, pens or discount certificates made up and include those with your URL so the customer can come back and buy more!

Lee Dobbins is a jewelry designer and writer for Artisan-Jewelry-Online.com where you can read more about making your own jewelry

Feel free to reprint and distribute this article as you like but please do not change the article and you must include the resource box with all it's active links.


Protect Your Investment - Caring for Your Jewelry
Lisa Jay

Sterling Silver & 14kt Gold:� Both will tend to tarnish over time.
-Store all precious metal jewelry in a zip lock bag to protect it. This does not stop the discoloration, but will drastically slow the process.
-Use a polishing cloth as needed for cleaning your jewelry.
��
Jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals:
-Store all jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals in a zip lock bag to protect it.
-Check the instructions on your jewelry cleaning solution prior to placing any items with stones in it to be cleaned. Some stones, such as turquoise, and freshwater pearls cannot be placed in most jewelry cleaning solutions.
-Do not wear your jewelry when you are showering or washing dishes.
-Use caution when wearing lotions and perfumes, for they will discolor gems such as turquoise.

Pearls: �Special care should be taken with pearls. They are much more fragile than most gemstones.
-Use caution when using hairspray and perfumes. Let dry completely before donning your pearls.
-Cleaning pearl jewelry: wipe with a clean dry soft cloth after wearing them.

Lisa Jay is a freelance writer and the jewelry designer behind Lantana Designwear. You can visit her websites at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.com and www.JewelryMakingHQ.com
Be sure to sign up for her newsletter at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.com/signup_newsletter to receive information on jewelry, fashion and womens issues.

5 Tips To Selecting A Great Dog Gift

Teresa James

You can have lots of fun selecting a dog gift for someone who absolutely adores dogs. And you'll be happy to know that no matter what size budget your working with there are lots and lots of wonderful gift ideas to choose from.

In fact you may have so many great choices that you could easily become overwhelmed.

So let's start by learning how to narrow down the flood of choices a bit. Narrowing the choices to match the gift to the person will get you well on your way to selecting that perfect dog gift.

Tip #1 - Determine How Much You're Going To Spend

Deciding how much you're going to spend on your dog gift is definitely going to narrow your choices.

But this is a good thing . . . because wonderful dog gifts are available in almost any price range.

And by narrowing your options based on price, you've just made your gift selection search a lot easier.

Tip #2 - Decide Who The Gift Is For

Is your gift for a current dog owner? If so . . . would you like the gift for the dog owner or for their dog?

If you're dealing with a bona fide dog enthusiast . . . either type of gift is appropriate and would be welcomed.

You'll want to think about starting with what you know already about the person as well as their dog.

Deciding if the gift is for the person or the dog will help narrow the many choices even further.

Are you buying a gift for a dog caregiver? Maybe for your dog sitter, dog walker, dog groomer or veterinarian or anyone else who you trust enough to care for your beloved pet?

Is the dog gift for someone who is actively involved with dogs? Or are you looking for a gift for someone who just loves dogs, but doesn't own a dog right now?

Tip # 3 - What's The Special Gift Giving Occasion?

Is there a special occasion coming up that calls for a dog gift?

Special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, get well wishes, pick me ups and pet loss condolences or memorials are all good reasons to give a dog lover a gift.

And there are times you may give a gift just because you care. What category does your dog gift fit into?

Some gifts can be personalized to special occasions with imprints, photos or amusing accessories.

A gift that is customized for the special occasion will be really welcomed and show that you put extra thought into your gift selection.

Tip #4 - How Does Your Dog Lover Express Their Fondness For Dogs?

To select a great dog gift you'll need to know a little about how your dog lover likes to express their passion or fondness for dogs.

Does he proudly wear dog breed clothing, display dog art prints & posters or like to collect dog figurines and other dog related knick-knacks?

Or maybe she likes to pamper her special pooch. Buying her little dog all sorts of treats, dog carriers, designer dog clothes and elegant dog jewelry.

Tip #5 - Don't Overlook Your Dog Lovers Other Interests & Hobbies

You may find that the perfect gift is one that combines a favorite hobby or interest with their love of dogs.

If your dog lover is a big sports fan maybe he would like a dog clothes outfit that reflects his favorite team.

Any dog gift with team colors and logos on them will be a hit when his friends come over to watch the big game. If you don't think his pooch would like to wear a dog shirt, a dog bandana might be a better choice.

Do you need to get a dog gift for a dog lover who plays golf? Then she would probably love some dog breed golf club head covers.

They can really add a sense of fun and style while protecting their valuable clubs.

The choice of dog lover gifts seems endless, but now that you know how to narrow your focus you'll be able to pick great dog gifts every time.

Just think about who you need the dog gift for, and have fun. The best gifts are the ones that make the moment special and get us all to smile.

Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live.

Courtesy of http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners.

Read more about selecting great dog lover gifts at http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-lover-gifts.html , http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-art.html

Fruity Fashion Picks & Tricks for Summer
Sher Matsen

Summer is here so it's time to freshen up that wardrobe and make your fashion statement for the season.

If you've had a look around the stores or boutiques you'll notice some of the pretties clothes and accessories are displaying fruit. Very upbeat and refreshing after the winter blah.
Well placed appliqu�s, amusing details, juicy colors make these articles of clothing girlish and flirty. The perfect look for weekends and casual days. We've got cherry print dresses, pineapple topped shirts, melon and kiwi print pants and host of other deliciously flavorable garments. If your wardrobe doesn't consist of a lot of fruit why not added some fruit jewelry, Lemons, grapes, cherries - what ever your favorite you'll be in style.

Some of our favorite designer fashion fruit picks this month are:
A cotton graphic T from J Crews selling for $28.00
Satin cropped fruited pants from D&G seliing for $365.00 available at Neiman Marcus stores
A Silk cherry print skirt by Beth Bowley selling for $170.00
A cotton cherry print dress by Moschino Jeanna selling for $430 at Sloan
Leather shoes with faux wood heal from Faryl-robin selling for $89.00
Rhinestone and Lucite lemon necklace from Alexis Bittar selling for $212
Straw hat with glass fruit charms from Hat Attack selling for $88 at Big Drop
Canvas cherry wallet with strap from Louis Vuitton selling for $300

Yes my picks are designer picks and a little bit on the pricey side, but you will find similar garments for affordable pricing at your local shops. You'll find affordable blouses, t tops, pants, skirts, and dresses that fit this seasons look. Affordable costume jewelry in the fruity theme can be found online at several different stores including us at Estate Jewelry International. The fruity jewelry dating from the 1950s is a wonderful new addition for this season

This season is a season of nostalgia because the last time we saw fruity patterns so popular was back in the 1950s. Fruity in moderation is the key to wearing these prints. Here's a good rule of thumb - if it looks good on a 5 or 6 year old then it's not for a grown women.

If you're in your 20s-30s you can choose one item that is a big and bold fruit to make your outfit standout. Don't get carried away. One will make a statement.

If your in your 40s fruity sweetness can quickly sour. Avoid big and bold, rather opting for mini fruit motifs. Small delicate non overpowering fruit is the key here.

If your 50+ then no more than a hint of fruit is for you. How about a cherry tote bag or a pineapple brooch pinned to your blouse, or some strawberries on your flip flops. Remember light is much tastier!

This season has a wonderful mix of cuts and styles, from tunics to fitted blouses, to convertible halter dresses. There are choices for all ages, shapes, and sizes. You'll find fruity prints from head to toe, so enjoy and wear what feels right and looks good. Remember to you can always accessorize with fruity jewelry, belts, and shoes. Make your fashion statement!


Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Link Myths

Scott J. Patterson

As competition among websites increase, close attention is being paid to rankings in major search engines. Since a high ranking in a keyword can "make or break" a business, webmasters are looking to find any method to increase their ranking. By examining the algorithms of Google and other search engines, it is easy to see that a high value is being placed on the number of links (and quality) pointing to a website. As a result, most webmasters have realized the importance of finding partners to link to their Internet business.

Although link exchanges are vital to any marketing plan, there are some myths that are perpetuated by many so-called "experts". To run a smart link exchange campaign, it is important to understand these myths and make sure that you do not fall for them.

Myth 1 - Link to every site

When I first started my link exchange campaign, I would link to every site possible. As a result, my rankings suffered. As I learned more, I discovered that I could improve my listings by linking to sites that complemented my own. In order run a smart link exchange program, it is important to focus on linking to sites that are closely related to your product or service without being a direct competitor.

For instance, my original site sells Ethnic Jewelry. So, I look for link partners among other jewelry stores that do not sell the same type of jewelry that is listed in my store.

Myth 2 - All people will add my site if I add theirs first

To receive a link from an Internet business, most people will usually add the site's link first. Unfortunately, not every potential partner will add your link even if you have already added theirs. Sometimes a website is just not interested in linking with your site. The problem is many webmasters will not let you know that they are not going to link to your site. So, you might be linking to a website that is not returning the favor.

A great way to ensure that you are only linking to reciprocal sites is to put each link into a "temporary position" until you receive validation that the site is listing your business.

Myth 3 - The name of my website should be in the title of the link

Another mistake I made when I first started out, was to have the name of my website in the links that were pointing to my business. Eventually I learned that many search engines, especially Google, pay attention to the title of the link pointing towards your site. So, if you are looking for top placement for specific keywords, then they should be used in the title of the link instead of your website name.

Taking the Ethnic Jewelry example from above, your link title would look like this:

Ethnic Jewelry Store: Here we sell evil eye jewelry and Turkish jewelry.

Myth 4 - Only link to sites with a high Google Page Rank

In my opinion, the biggest "Catch-22" for webmasters is that many sites will not link to an Internet business unless it has a certain "Google Page Rank". But at some point, every site has started out with a low page ranking. So how did they get a high ranking if no one would link to them in the first place?

Instead of focusing on a page rank, many successful websites look instead at the quality of the Internet business. If it is evident that the webmaster has taken the time to create a quality site, then you can assured that a high ranking will eventually happen! By linking to a well designed website, you can be ensured that the value of your link will increase as the website gains a high ranking.

Myth 5: Put all the links on one page in no particular order

When the Internet first gained popularity, webmasters used links as a way to help their visitors. Initially, they placed links as way to complement the content of the website. As the important of links increased, the focus shifted from helping the visitor to helping the webmaster.

Instead of dumping your links onto a single page, you can help both your partners and visitors by creating a directory. Here, you place each link partner into a specific category. This will help visitors (and search engines) navigate your site with ease.

Myth 6: I should avoid all types of "automatic" link programs

Many Internet marketers recommend avoiding automatic link exchange software. They feel that using these programs will actually hurt your rankings rather then help. But, there are a lot of great link exchange websites that automate the process of finding links hurting your search engine rankings.

For instance, http://www.linkmarket.net and http://www.gotop.com are two excellent sites that allow you to shop for link partners. When you find sites that are complementary, you add them to your "basket" and the link exchange websites sends out an automatic email requesting the link. These two sites allow you to save time, while avoiding the "black hat" techniques that are prevalent among many automatic-linking services.

While exchanging links can be a time-consuming process, it is well worth the effort. By taking time to properly link to complementary websites, you will find that your rankings in important keywords will improve.


Scott Patterson brought his online store: http://www.mizambar.com to the top of the Google search engine by exchanging links. To find out how he did this and other techniques with NO computer experience, check out his site: http://www.buildingastore.com

Cheap Halloween Costumes
Kathryn Finney

This past week, I wrote in the weekly newsletter about how hard it is to find cool halloween costumes without going into debt. I asked my fellow fashionistas for advice and here are some of the best ideas- all for under $20 bucks.

For the Single Girl:

Queen of the World. This is a Halloween favorite. Head to your nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill for old prom/evening dresses, or the back of your closet for those "forgotten" bridesmaid dresses. The puffier and gaudier, the better. Go to Claire's Boutique and purchase a tiara (usually around $5 to $10), several "diamond" rings, and elbow-length, white gloves. Throw on the rhinestone jewelry, correct that posture, and purchase �Hello' (a.k.a the British �People') at your local Barnes and Noble. Now, here is the piece de triumph: Have your male spouse/friend/partner be your man-servant, "James", for the whole night. Total outfit cost: $20.00-$80.00, depending on the size of your kingdom.

Marathon Runner. Toast the Olympics and dress like you're a marathon runner. Purchase a tank, shorts, and tennis shoes (the Canadian Athletic apparel store ROOTS has some great Olympic items at their online store). Since it is the end of October, go ahead and wear tights underneath those short shorts. Print out a race number on your computer, pin it to your tank, and you are ready to go. Total Outfit cost: 0.00-$40.00, depending on the medal you are seeking.

Christina Aguilera. All you need is a big blonde wig (think drag queen), black eyeliner, a plaid mini-skirt, a cropped top, and some thigh-high boots and you are set. It is helpful to bring a little CD player and have "Genie in a Bottle" playing in the background. Total Outfit cost $10.00-$50.00, depending on the size of your record contract.

For couples:

Ward & June Cleaver. The fifties look was very hot this summer, so head out to your local department store or thrift shop and find fifties-inspired, a-line dresses for a fraction of their normal price. Check out post summer sales at your local department store like Macys. Add a simple strand of pearls, pearl earrings, a waist apron, sensible pumps and you are ready to go. Have your significant other dress as Ward. Total Outfit cost $40.00- $80.00, depending on whether the �Beav' needs braces.

Game Show Host and Pretty Helper Girl. This is a perfect costume for couples. Head out to your nearest thrift store and find the cheesiest late 70s/early 80s polyester, double knit suit ensemble for men and 80s deranged bridesmaid dress for women. Purchase a children's play microphone (Target has some for super cheap prices). Buy the cheapest hair spray you can find (All Net is good) and tease your hair like you are from the Jersey shore. Get a piece of cardboard, cut out a star about 8 inches in diameter and glue on gold glitter. Write the word "Grand Prize" in silver. To keep you smiling for the entire night, try this beauty pageant trick- put Vaseline underneath your upper lip. $60.00-$100 for both costumes, depending on whether or not your show picks-up for another season.

With A Group of Friends:

Sloth. This is the easiest and cheapest costume. Don't wash your hair or take a shower for two days, roll out of bed in your PJs and you are set! This costume is particularly effective if you get six friends to go as the other six deadly sins: greed, envy, wrath, gluttony, pride and lust. Total Outfit cost- $0, depending on how sinful you are willing to get.

1970's Television Family. There are so many great ones to choose from: the Partridge Family, Brady Bunch, Evan's family from Good Times, Donny and Marie Osmond, and the Jeffersons. The family you chose depends on the make-up of your group of friends, but putting together the outfits is almost as much fun as the actual Halloween event itself. Make a date and head straight to your local thrift store or your parent's closet. Total Outfit Cost- $20.00 and up, depending on how "dy-no-mite" you want to be.



Kathryn "The Budget Fashionista" Finney is the founder and Chief Shopping Officer of TheBudgetFashionista.com (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com), a popular website that provides realistic fashion advice, shopping tips and sale event information to budget conscious consumers. Known as "the stylist to the cheap," Kathryn has been around the world searching for the perfect bargain on designer goods and is willing to get the bargain by any (legal) means necessary.

Focus on Your Target Audience!

The home party business in the United States is growing and growing! This type of home-based business draws busy moms and housewives as well as professional saleswomen who are tired of the daily grind on the normal business world. The Direct Selling Association estimates that total industry annual sales for the home party business were over $8.5 billion. This figure represents an increase by more than $2 billion from 1998 to 2003. These numbers are expected to soar in the next few years. With more and more women looking for a business to call their own, the home party business industry will continue to grow by leaps and bounds!

Operating a home party business is simple and easy to get into. Since the 1960s, when Tupperware and Stanley Products held a large chunk of the home party business, this form of home-based business remains popular. Most home parties follow a similar pattern. A hostess opens their home to an independent representative. She allows the representative to promote products that the guests can purchase and have delivered to them at a later date. The hostess receives free products just for hosting the party and the representative earns commissions on each sale.

There are unlimited choices as to companies that offer sales opportunities for those wishing to start a home party business. Home shopping parties of today offer plenty of fun and chitchat. That�s one reason they are rising in popularity. Another is the great variety of home party businesses that offer a wide selection of products to choose from.

Here�s a sample of home party businesses.

-Home & Garden Party is a home party business that featuring a variety of home decor items. Available for purchase is quality stoneware pottery, candles, beautiful floral products, and home decorating accessories.

-Shavonne Jewelry offers high quality jewelry products at below market prices. There are no significant fees to start selling as there are with many other party-plan companies.

-Girls Night Out For Fun is a home party business that specializes is lingerie and other fun items. Its �for ladies only� format is a great opportunity to talk with other women and shop for intimate apparel is a cozy atmosphere.

A Home Party Business Could Be Your Ticket
Daegan Smith

The home party business in the United States is growing and growing! This type of home-based business draws busy moms and housewives as well as professional saleswomen who are tired of the daily grind on the normal business world. The Direct Selling Association estimates that total industry annual sales for the home party business were over $8.5 billion. This figure represents an increase by more than $2 billion from 1998 to 2003. These numbers are expected to soar in the next few years. With more and more women looking for a business to call their own, the home party business industry will continue to grow by leaps and bounds!

Operating a home party business is simple and easy to get into. Since the 1960s, when Tupperware and Stanley Products held a large chunk of the home party business, this form of home-based business remains popular. Most home parties follow a similar pattern. A hostess opens their home to an independent representative. She allows the representative to promote products that the guests can purchase and have delivered to them at a later date. The hostess receives free products just for hosting the party and the representative earns commissions on each sale.

There are unlimited choices as to companies that offer sales opportunities for those wishing to start a home party business. Home shopping parties of today offer plenty of fun and chitchat. That�s one reason they are rising in popularity. Another is the great variety of home party businesses that offer a wide selection of products to choose from.

Here�s a sample of home party businesses.

-Home & Garden Party is a home party business that featuring a variety of home decor items. Available for purchase is quality stoneware pottery, candles, beautiful floral products, and home decorating accessories.

-Shavonne Jewelry offers high quality jewelry products at below market prices. There are no significant fees to start selling as there are with many other party-plan companies.

-Girls Night Out For Fun is a home party business that specializes is lingerie and other fun items. Its �for ladies only� format is a great opportunity to talk with other women and shop for intimate apparel is a cozy atmosphere.


Why do Some Get Filthy Rich Online and Others Don't?
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What is the definition of 'happiness?' Is it material wealth filled with fancy cars, a dream house, extravagant furs and jewelry? Or is happiness simply having a roof over your head? Food in the fridge? Having a child? A pet? A swimming pool? A designer Gucci bag? Parents? Grandchildren? Love? Money? The perfect job? Winning the Lottery?

According to the American Heritage� Dictionary, 'happiness' is derived from the Middle English word hap - meaning 'Luck.' But does happiness really have anything to do with 'luck?' Based on this description, one could assume that if you avoided a fatal traffic accident but got fired by coming late to work, you would be filled with 'happiness?' Is it luck or what you make of it? Maybe, 'happiness' is exactly defined by its indirect alias: happ iness - perhaps, happiness is in fact defined by the fortune that we permit to happen.

Do you recall a time....ah, let's say when you were about 5 years old - what defined happiness back then? Was it getting a puppy for Christmas? Or maybe, you were a child of divorce; and all you wanted was for Mom and Dad to get back together again? Then as you got older, you were hoping that someone would ask you to the prom...that would've made your day, maybe your life...for the moment. During college, good grades made you happy, but it was short-lived. Because in the real world, you had to look for a job, and competition was stark. It's an employer's world....you thought. But then, you got the perfect job - now you could be happy - or could you?

Life requires more than just what we want. Inevitably, one must understand to truly find 'happiness,' he must make his own happiness 'happen.' Sounds a bit redundant, but truthfully, there is no set guidelines that will bring one happiness. There is no 'magic wand' we can wave to bring joy into our lives. Human nature thrives on the thrill of the chase. We dream and we hope for the next big break - it is the grand adventure of living.

We are hopeless creatures of comfort. We like having and accumulating things. Whether one admits to it or not, to a certain degree, we all try to keep up with 'the Jones.' We work so we can pay our rents, mortgages, credit card debts, school loans, car payments...the list goes on and on. And at some point, we realize, that aside from having most of what we want, we still aren't happy. Now since we've learned to adapt to new standards which we've created for ourselves, we find that we have less time, less patience, less sleep, which equates to more stress, more worry and more aggrivation. So, is happiness honestly just comprised of 'things?'

Sometimes, we virtually trade our lives for not only basic necessities, but for excessive items and services as well. We become so obcessed with finding happiness, that we lose sight of the fact that happiness is within - always. Certainly you've heard of individuals trying to 'find themselves,' or 'rediscover themselves...' The reason they are attempting these innovative approaches is because they are seeking inner happiness. But the point has been missed: Happiness is already there.

Disappointments and tragedies in life will come and go, but happiness never leaves you. The human's capacity to be resilient to trials is unfathomable. We can lose our jobs, but be grateful for our spouses. We can lose our homes to nature, but be thankful to be alive.

Spiritually speaking, there's a saying that 'God only gives what one can take.' Whether it be God, Allah, Budah, or Jesus Christ - the basic precept remains the same: Survival. We survive, we overcome, we live. And happiness is a big part of how we live. You'll hear gamblers spending their last change, all the while praying to God, '....please, God - just this one last time....if I win, I'll never ask you for another thing.' And sometimes, we, ourselves have been in situations where we've asked for things, like, '....God, if you let me have this job, I won't bother you again..." and we know that this is further from the truth. We ritualistically begin bartering with the Higher Power, or we utter constant complaints of unhappiness and despair, because we can't have our ways.

Again you see that happiness is a perception of each individual. We are instinctively compelled to find fault in our lives. By human nature, we begin our 'fault-finding' mission the moment we're capable of free-thinking. It is then, that we lose sense of self-worth and the bigger picture of vitality altogether. Stuck in the patterns of the happiness paradox, we simply cannot find where our happiness has gone.

It's not a matter of bargaining, it's not an issue of money or fame - instead, happiness is what you resolve to accept. If we live through optimistic hope; if we dare to dream; if we empower ourselves to fully live; then we have regained our sense of happiness. There is no in between. There is no other replacement. We only have one physical life to live - we have no choice but to make the most of it. We might as well live happy.

�2005 - The Pardox of Happiness
by C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer

See this and other articles like this one at www.HolisticJunction.com

The Paradox of Happiness
C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

What is the definition of 'happiness?' Is it material wealth filled with fancy cars, a dream house, extravagant furs and jewelry? Or is happiness simply having a roof over your head? Food in the fridge? Having a child? A pet? A swimming pool? A designer Gucci bag? Parents? Grandchildren? Love? Money? The perfect job? Winning the Lottery?

According to the American Heritage� Dictionary, 'happiness' is derived from the Middle English word hap - meaning 'Luck.' But does happiness really have anything to do with 'luck?' Based on this description, one could assume that if you avoided a fatal traffic accident but got fired by coming late to work, you would be filled with 'happiness?' Is it luck or what you make of it? Maybe, 'happiness' is exactly defined by its indirect alias: happ iness - perhaps, happiness is in fact defined by the fortune that we permit to happen.

Do you recall a time....ah, let's say when you were about 5 years old - what defined happiness back then? Was it getting a puppy for Christmas? Or maybe, you were a child of divorce; and all you wanted was for Mom and Dad to get back together again? Then as you got older, you were hoping that someone would ask you to the prom...that would've made your day, maybe your life...for the moment. During college, good grades made you happy, but it was short-lived. Because in the real world, you had to look for a job, and competition was stark. It's an employer's world....you thought. But then, you got the perfect job - now you could be happy - or could you?

Life requires more than just what we want. Inevitably, one must understand to truly find 'happiness,' he must make his own happiness 'happen.' Sounds a bit redundant, but truthfully, there is no set guidelines that will bring one happiness. There is no 'magic wand' we can wave to bring joy into our lives. Human nature thrives on the thrill of the chase. We dream and we hope for the next big break - it is the grand adventure of living.

We are hopeless creatures of comfort. We like having and accumulating things. Whether one admits to it or not, to a certain degree, we all try to keep up with 'the Jones.' We work so we can pay our rents, mortgages, credit card debts, school loans, car payments...the list goes on and on. And at some point, we realize, that aside from having most of what we want, we still aren't happy. Now since we've learned to adapt to new standards which we've created for ourselves, we find that we have less time, less patience, less sleep, which equates to more stress, more worry and more aggrivation. So, is happiness honestly just comprised of 'things?'

Sometimes, we virtually trade our lives for not only basic necessities, but for excessive items and services as well. We become so obcessed with finding happiness, that we lose sight of the fact that happiness is within - always. Certainly you've heard of individuals trying to 'find themselves,' or 'rediscover themselves...' The reason they are attempting these innovative approaches is because they are seeking inner happiness. But the point has been missed: Happiness is already there.

Disappointments and tragedies in life will come and go, but happiness never leaves you. The human's capacity to be resilient to trials is unfathomable. We can lose our jobs, but be grateful for our spouses. We can lose our homes to nature, but be thankful to be alive.

Spiritually speaking, there's a saying that 'God only gives what one can take.' Whether it be God, Allah, Budah, or Jesus Christ - the basic precept remains the same: Survival. We survive, we overcome, we live. And happiness is a big part of how we live. You'll hear gamblers spending their last change, all the while praying to God, '....please, God - just this one last time....if I win, I'll never ask you for another thing.' And sometimes, we, ourselves have been in situations where we've asked for things, like, '....God, if you let me have this job, I won't bother you again..." and we know that this is further from the truth. We ritualistically begin bartering with the Higher Power, or we utter constant complaints of unhappiness and despair, because we can't have our ways.

Again you see that happiness is a perception of each individual. We are instinctively compelled to find fault in our lives. By human nature, we begin our 'fault-finding' mission the moment we're capable of free-thinking. It is then, that we lose sense of self-worth and the bigger picture of vitality altogether. Stuck in the patterns of the happiness paradox, we simply cannot find where our happiness has gone.

It's not a matter of bargaining, it's not an issue of money or fame - instead, happiness is what you resolve to accept. If we live through optimistic hope; if we dare to dream; if we empower ourselves to fully live; then we have regained our sense of happiness. There is no in between. There is no other replacement. We only have one physical life to live - we have no choice but to make the most of it. We might as well live happy.

�2005 - The Pardox of Happiness
by C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer

See this and other articles like this one at www.HolisticJunction.com


C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer
www.HolisticJunction.com
www.MediaPositiveRadio.com

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