Super Ping

Plenty of moms today stay at home. After a year of battling the decision to quit my job, I finally “put my foot down”, as they say, and returned home to raise my daughter. It wasn’t the easiest decision, but, let me tell you, it sure wasn’t the toughest! I enjoy every minute of being home to raise my child. Furthermore, being home has done wonders for my family as a unit, and drawn us closer together. When I was working my full time job I barely had time to prepare a decent meal. But today? I’m a health nut, and so is the whole family (ha)!

But now, there’s another dilemma.

Being a stay at home mom has not affected my personality, of course, so I still have a lot of creative energy pent up inside! I thought to myself one day, “what better way to use this energy than to work towards a goalperhaps start a business?” Not only would it bring in a nice supplementary income for my family, but having a business (or craft or hobby) would enhance my creative skills and strengthen my business expertise. I call it the project of my lifetime.

The first thing I did was a little soul searching to seek God’s direction for the type of business or project He would have me to embark on. I realized right away that although my personality was suited for several types of business ventures (selling crafts, designing websites, or providing secretarial services), I would soon either have to narrow it down to one choice, or start a business that combined all or most of my skills and interests. For me, choosing the right business was the hardest part. Once I settled on freelance web design and writing, it soon became my ultimate goal to find out as much as possible about these particular industries. In my thought, education and information is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. My goal was to be a professional in my field. This is where networking is highly important.

If you’re like me, the internet is probably one of the very best tools you can use for research. Not only is it a few feet away from me as I embark on my daily chores, but I keep my computer on at all times. Thankfully, we are using a broadband connection and can stay online 24/7 without having to worry about tying up the phone line. This, I should stress, is very important for moms who have businesses that require them to be online quite often, but who will need access to the phone as well. Once online, I begin my networking research by going to a search engine. My favorite one is Google (www.google.com) just because of its enormous searching capabilities. As a former library assistant, I can attest that Google is highly recommended in the academic and librarianship fields. I search for information in my fields using as many search terms and combination of terms as possible. With each result that I feel is important to me, I visit its webpage and bookmark it for future reference. Once I’ve bookmarked a bunch of pages, I go through each of these websites and study them, taking notes on what I feel is important to me in my field. I promise, you will find contacts this way, and it will be so much easier to network once you have a list of people whose companies and organizations you have researched online. In addition to an internet search, I feel that it is also important to find any books or other publications that are related to your industry. Study them and find out more about the authors. Find out if they have websites and how to reach them. Now that you have a compiled list of contact people, it’s time to work the list! Before contacting these people individually (they are probably very busy), see if they offer newsletters, or other mailbits. You are looking for information on how they got where they are today. Remember, you are the amateur. They are the professionals. So, any information you receive from this contact list regarding their biographies and information on the field itself is important enough for your notes. Take plenty of notes, and keep them in a file folder. Every time you find a new piece of information on your subject matter, drop it in your file folder. And finally, if you absolutely need to contact your list of professionals for more information, I would recommend sending an email.

But don’t forget about networking with fellow amateurs! You can make some of your best friends and closest contacts online by joining mail lists such as Yahoo groups or MSN groups. These groups along with technologies such as Instant Messenger make it easier for you to find people with similar personal and professional interests and literally network with them on a regular basis. You will find out so much about your industry and probably learn more from each other regarding your profession than in any other way.

Last but not least, be sure to network with the most important contact of all: your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember that it is He who gave you the passion and the calling, and it is He who will be with you each step of the way on your new journey.

Happy networking!

– Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.

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Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio, Calabria, in Southern Italy. Versace received his love of fashion and first lessons on dress-making from his mother. Initially Versace trained as an architect, but soon he followed his mother into the fashion business. Versace worked for a number of top Italian fashion houses, but in 1978 with the help of his brother Santo he launched his own label. Versace was a great fashion pioneer who combined the worlds of high style and pop culture. He was a charismatic and accomplished designer of clothing and theater costumes. Versace appreciated a range of historic attire which he incorporated into his designs and he was greatly influenced by Andy Warhol and modern abstract art.

Wowzer! Best describes the fashions designed by Gianni Versace. He was notorious for designing garments that would shock and startle our senses. Versace saw his designing as an art form. He initiated clothing that was visually excessive and provocative- fashions that confronted accepted codes of taste, beauty and sexuality. Fashion became entertainment, to be watched and admired - not simply worn. For Versace nothing was too extravagant too crazy or too risque. Yet no matter how extravagant or provocative Versace’s clothes were always strikingly well designed garments designed to flatter the body.

Versace was the designer of choice for many of the rich and famous: pop stars such as Elton John, and Madonna; film stars such as Will Smith, and Elizabeth Hurley and even royalty - Princess Diana. The wealthy were drawn to his clothes like magnets, and that enhanced his reputation. However, Vercasse did not design simply for the wealthy his clothes were very much available to the average person. In 1985 he launched the Istante label in 1985; and after years as Gianni’s muse, his sister Donatella became his co-designer and launched the Versace diffusion range, Versus, in 1989. These labels featured clothes within the budgets of many consumers; not only were they priced lower than the custom-made clothes, but they were also aimed at younger markets. In 1988 Versace received the Cutty Sark Award as “the most innovative and creative designer in the world”; and in 1993 the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded him the American fashion Oscar. On July 15, 1997 Versace was shot to death outside his South Beach home in Miami, Florida by a crazed gunman name Andrew Cunanan. Since his untimely death in 1997 the Versace fashion house continues to grow under the creative leadership of his sister Donatella and the business acumen of his brother Santo. Donatella’s daughter Allegra inherited 50% of the company last summer when she turned 18. However, Donatella is still very much in charge. The days of the wet-look, shocking pink PVC and as much flash and flesh as a catwalk can take are long gone. The new Versace is growing up. “I’m not blind,” says Donatella. “I know that most women don’t look like models. We had to start addressing other parts of a woman’s life. The fashion business is a very different place from when Gianni started the label.” Donatella’s mind is very much on the continued success of Versace. With Donatella at the helm, and Santo and Allegra at her side, they continue to grow and develop the Versace Product Lines with fabulous designs unveiled for the 2005 Spring Season. The proof is in the Versace spring fashion line - Have a look for yourself! http://www.newyorkmetro.com/fashion/fashionshows/05/spring/runway /versace/ http://www.milanfashionshows.com/spring2005/versace/photos.htm http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2005RTW/review/VER SACE© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Sher has 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.

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Our summer season has finally made its way into July, marking
what most of us consider to be the halfway point of the season.
Soon enough, we will struggle to fit another weekend getaway
into what is left of summer before having to dismantle the laid
back attitude of the summer sun. Students of all ages will be
returning to their campuses, only to recall and share the fond
memories with other peers.

There is still time to get the most of the warmth and sun before
having to cope with facing the inevitable reality of
responsibility. There are some relatively unknown tips that can
aid in your quest of the everlasting summer, even for those in
regions where piling snow will replace the thick green blades of
grass.

Find Close-Out Swimwear with Style

Now is the season to gather up all the latest closeout bikinis and
one-piece swimsuits that are holding back the fall and winter
gear from reaching the store shelves. Even top designer swimwear
gets discounted in the off season. To make sure that your new
suit has the staying power for beaches to come, there are some
simple rules to follow when selecting the right suit.

• Printed Fabrics versus Solids. Prints are trendy, and they
  tend to go out of style much faster than solid patterns. There
  are exceptions to the rule, and common sense plays an important
  role.
• Pastels and Neon versus the Basic Eight. Like printed
  fabrics, funky colors are seasonal. It is best to pick the
  bikini with the basic eight colors. They are always in style,
  and you don’t risk the obsolescence of your new suit.
• Slingshot Bikini? Every year there is a new take on the
  bikini. Although the cool fads might last a few seasons, they
  can drop off the radar at any minute. Unless you have inside
  information from a reliable source, stick to the basics.
• Trust A-List Designers. Designer swimwear
  manufacturers usually have a longevity that can be trusted. Top
  designers set the stage that others so diligently follow. They
  are the trend setters, and finding their swimwear at discounted
  pricing is fabulous, especially if your style will last more
  than one season.
• Go Directly to the Source. By heading right toward the
  designer, there is no middleman getting in the way. Web sites
  are easily updated and many of the top designers have online
  bikini and swimwear galleries to browse. Checking at the
  closeout specials often allow you first-hand knowledge of the
  newly discounted swimwear.

Even as the summer draws to a close, begin thinking about your
winter getaway to the tropics. There is much to plan, and being
prepared with your swimsuits is priceless. Concentrate on other
aspects of your travels knowing that you have paid less for the
best swimwear available.

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Every time an individual or an organization starts to think about raising funds for their projects the main question which arises in their mind is what should be the way to raise funds. One should be really careful when implementing an idea which is powerful enough that it starts to attract people enough that they happily take out time to listen to your cause.

Before getting started first evaluate how much money you need, what would you or your fellow members like to do. Then determine a right time and place i.e. holidays, football match to maximize the output of your efforts. It also depends on how soon you need the money, which means you can wait till the holidays for the money. Before starting on any idea do a research about what was successful in the past and based on that you should try to come up with an approach which is unique and exciting for you and others. It would be wise that if in the past you had great success with the same fundraising ideas, stick to them; then you can implement little changes to make them more interesting and exciting.

Also make sure you are selling a quality product (buttons, badges, flowers etc) which is cost effective and anyone can merrily open their pockets for it. The more people will find it affordable the quicker you will get success. And when you will start keeping the benefit of your audience in mind, you will attract more people to pay for your cause.

Fundraising is a hard task but you can make it easier for yourself by doing a complete homework before going out to ask people to pay.

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A lot of individuals deal with money problems at some juncure in their lives For that reason, bad-debt will likely be encountered. Individuals sometimes can deal with these crises due to job loss, separation, sudden loss in the family or just plain bad personal cash management. Small companies generally encounter these problems inside the 1st few years of business. At fault for a venture bankruptcy can vary from increased competition, mistakes, loss of important clients to identify a few. Whatever the cause, bad-debt can lead to insolvency. However, there are bankruptcy alternatives that can preserve your individual credit report and your business credit standing.

Insolvency is described as a lack of ability of an individual or an organization to satisfy money owed to creditors. If filing, the debt holder is obligated to surrender all exemption free property and inventory for cut-rate sale. While individual items are retained, you will also pledge a definite share of your gained revenue to the creditors based upon an agreed upon repayment plan. Your credit rating will become zero for a while, which means that you will not be capable of receiving financing for any private or business establishment for a extended time.

Problems such as these can stimulate incredible worry. Bankruptcy legal proceedings are highly abrasive and may contribute to bitter thought processes and actions. Looking for advantageous ways out of an unhealthy position prior to going to dissolution court is advisable. Debt negotiation could perhaps be the alternative for you.

perhaps you are curious why a creditor would wish to work with yourself to resolve the debt think of that settlement is an option for them likewise. In certain insolvancy judgments a lender holding non-secured debt may possibly receive nothing at all. Notwithstanding, when a client works out a settlement the bank will at least recoup some, if not every bit, of the debt the banks hold. Think about also that when you total up the accrual that has been paid before along with the past due penalties and over-limit fees the creditors may have possibly charged, the bank might be satisfied even prior to the debt liquidation.

Debt negotiation is a reasonable alternative for people seeking help with overdue payments. When a solitary monthly payment is lost in the mail, almost all credit cards incur an extremely hefty interest charge that then weighs on the present total due. This rate increase will make it a degree more problematic to pay back the charge card in the following months which may most likely send your debt whirling out of control. Debt negotiation will let you to pay your debt with simply a part of what you owe without tearing down your credit rating for 10 years.

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Graduation Gowns

In the initial years when graduation gowns were first worn, it was on a daily basis as official attire of people who had lesser degrees in a number of ancient universities. Today the gowns are worn during graduation ceremonies for students who have attained qualifications like diplomas, bachelor degrees and Masters degrees. The gowns are a significant part of the graduation regalia which consists of a hood or sash, caps or stoles.
The designs and shape of the graduation gowns have significant meaning to the title that is being bestowed to the student or students wearing the gown during graduation. The type of material that makes the attire differs widely because of the kind of qualification that is undertaken.
People who have attained a higher degree and level of education usually pit on a gown that is far more superior in quality to the ones that undergraduates or bachelors degree graduate put on. The color and type of material also applies to the other aspects that are found in the graduation gowns like the sleeves. When looking for gowns for a graduation ceremony, one should put into consideration the material that was used to make it. Expensive materials tend to last longer than cheap ones and mare usually worn by deans and members of the faculty.
GraduationSource, a leader in graduation regalia products since 1960.

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Going through menopause and suddenly feel like life’s stresses have just become a thousand times more difficult to deal with? Find yourself crying at Oprah more than you used to, or worse, crying at reruns of the Flintstones? Finding that your cute 3-year-old nephew or granddaughter is suddenly… well… a little childish, making you irritable? Finding yourself depressed?

You’re not alone, and it’s not just a case of the blues. Menopause alters your core body chemistry, after all - and with that, the physiological ways in which you manage your emotions are also changed. However, there are a few simple ways in which you can stabilize what’s going on in your head:

Get some sleep! Unfortunately, a common side effect of menopause is the inability to sleep, either due to night sweats or other aches and pains. For night sweats, lower your room temperature (even use the air conditioner year-round, if you must!), reduce your caffeine intake, and get some exercise. All of these things, of course, contribute to sleeping well throughout your life, but those who sleep soundly and deeply when approaching menopause are mentally better equipped to deal with stresses.

Watch what you eat! Let’s face it - we all get a little down if we find ourselves sagging or having gained a few pounds, and in menopause, we don’t metabolize calories as quickly as we did when we were younger. In general, eating more healthily, as well as reducing your daily calorie intake by 200 calories (about 1 candy bar) will not only keep you fit, but keep you from grabbing the Ben & Jerry’s out of late-night-depression.

Talk to someone! Of course, if what you’re feeling is beyond melancholia or “the blues,” please speak to your doctor openly and honestly about what you’re feeling. He or she may recommend a number of treatments, therapies, or even medications to get you through this difficult time.

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You’ve heard that old saying: True beauty comes from within. Well, now nutritional experts have confirmed that you really are what you eat.

Forget French fries and fatty hamburgers. If you want to look beautiful and feel young and healthy, you’ll eat a generous variety of super foods that have been proven to work wonders on the human body.

Whether you’re on a low fat diet, low carb diet, or no diet, adding these super foods to your plate should become as second nature to you as putting your lipstick on in the morning.

Healthy Skin - Eat: blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, purple grapes, pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes.

Healthy Eyes - Eat: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, turnip greens.

Strong Bones - Eat: yogurt, kefir, soy, tofu. Drink: skim milk.

Reduce Stress - Eat: beans (navy, pinto, red, black, etc.), green beans, sugar snap peas, green peas, chick peas.

Boost Immune System - Eat: turkey, skinless chicken breast, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach. Drink: black or green tea.

Sun Protection - Eat: tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit.

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The probability of scooping the Euro millions jackpot is a distant 1 : 76 million but the likelihood of winning a money prize is a fairly decent one : twenty-four. If the jack-pot is not won in a given lotto draw, it is brought forward to the next week that will result in an ever increasing jackpot value. Recent regulations added on the 9 February 2007 restrict the amount of consecutive roll-overs to eleven, with the jackpot rolling out to smaller value levels succeeding the 11th draw if the prize is not collected.

The Euromillions lottery or the Euro Lottery, as it is normally best-known, pools the ticket revenues of the nine partaking European countries showing a gigantic Euro Millions jackpot. With the number of countries joining the Euro on the increase, this will without question will lead to more countries partaking in the European lottery. A growth in the amount of people partaking in the EUROMILLIONS will lead to a continued growth of the already sizeable EuroMillions jackpots.

The recent rules also initiated Euro Millions Super-Draw which happen twice yearly and offer jack-pots in the region of 100 million pounds. The difference with Super-Draws is that the jack-pot must be won during the week of the lotto draw; as a result, if there is no lottery ticket matching, all the drawn numbers then the top prize will then be allotted to the lottery ticket holder(s) in the succeeding winning prize level.

Each participant has to select five main numbers from 1 to 50 plus two Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 9. During the lottery draw, five main plus 2 lucky-star numbers are then chosen at random from two lottery draw machines containing numbered lottery balls.

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It’s easy to overlook health insurance policies when preparing for a college career. Most students are at an age where the need for a health insurance plan is the last thing on their mind. Teens imagine that they will be alive forever and naturally they can never become ill. Unfortunately, regardless of how healthy a person might seem there is no guarantee of their continuing good health. A student medical insurance plan is not only a luxury, it’s an essential.

Individuals who are included in their parent’s health insurance are more often than not covered up to they’re twenty-three. For anyone who doesn’t have coverage under a family insurance, a fundamental part of preparation for going to school should be researching an affordable health insurance plan. So what’s significant in health insurance for college students? Deductibles: It is a yearly payment made prior to your health benefits starting, much like an auto insurance policy. To illustrate, should your deductible be 500 dollars, 500 dollars has to be paid prior to receiving benefits associated with your insurance plan. So what’s your co-pay? When you have paid your deductible, virtually all medical insurance policies expect you to pay a percentage of the bill of every doctor’s visit, medicine or procedure. This, put simply is a co-pay. What does your insurance cover? Numerous policies include Health Maintenance Organization or PPA. In essence this can mean particular doctors might not be included in your list of health professionals and might not be covered by the medical insurance policy. A directory of approved health professionals are included with your medical insurance policy, consider this thoroughly when choosing a health insurance policy for college students.

What exactly is catastrophic coverage? Limits are commonplace in health insurance plans targeted at college students particularly as far as serious illness, and for most medical insurance for college students, it’s normally less than a regular insurance policy. What about the limits? Student medical coverage policies normally include limitations. Look over your insurance policy and discover the extent of your policy.

Keep any health insurance details secure at all times. It’s not just not possible to plan for an accident or illness, they are also likely to happen when least convenient. Ensure to be acquainted with your student medical insurance policy, whether through your parents or with your own plan.

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