Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Love Healthy Chocolate - Woman Freed of Fibromyalgia Symptoms

This is a wonderful testamonial from a woman riddled with numerous health issues among them fibromyalgia and cancer. Watch her truly touching video and hear her tell how simply eating Healthy Dark Chcolate, Xocai products helped change her life for the better, forever.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Living Green - Electricity

We use electricity for many things in our lives, and often do so without thinking twice about it. We turn on the switch for lights in our home and turn on electronic devices all the time. Yet we need to do our best to save as much power as we can.

The types of light bulbs that you are using can be a problem for the environment. There are many places that sell those that are energy efficient though. You can get them in any size you need for all the rooms in your home. They are becoming less expensive and what you do spend on them you will get back from having a lower electricity bill each month.

It is very simple to cut back on the amount of lighting you use. During the day open curtains and allow the natural sunlight to shine through. Then you will only need to turn on the lights at night when the sun goes down or on cloudy days.

The use of sky lights has become very popular for businesses and even in newer homes. This allows the sun to be shining through the ceiling and so less electricity has to be used. Some of the larger retail stores such as Wal-Mart now use this as much as possible.

Look up as you walk through one of their stores. You will notice during the day they don’t have very many lights on at all. Sometimes a cloud will roll in front of the sun and you will notice it immediately gets darker in the store than it was before. They are saving a huge amount of money on electricity and they are also helping the environment.

There are many ways in which you can generate electricity too that comes from alternative power. You can place solar panels on your roof which will collect electricity. That is a source your home will use for some of its needs when you turn the power on to use one of your appliances or other electrical devices.

Should you run out of the solar power that has been collected it will immediately kick over to the regular electricity without any interruption to you at all. There is also the use of wind and water power in some areas. Take a look at these alternative methods and see what you can do with them for your own home.

A big waster of electricity that pollutes the environment is leaving light bulbs burning on your porch when you are away from home. You don’t have to go without lighting when you return but you don’t need to do it that way anymore. There are some great alternatives to consider.

You can place decorative solar lights along your driveway. Some of them are very short while others are tall lantern style. It is completely up to you which look you would like to have for the landscaping of your home. Since you don’t need to plug them into an outlet you can place them anywhere you would like to out there.

These lights collect power from the sun in the day time and as soon as it gets dark they will illuminate your hard. When they run out of solar power they will turn off. Should they have enough to last all night then they will turn off when they sun comes up and start collecting energy to use all over again.

Another alternative is to install a motion light. This is a type that doesn’t have to be left on when you leave home. When you pull into your driveway it will turn on based on the movement it has detected. It will remain on for a short period of time which allows you to get safely into your home with the light you need.

The use of windmills in many areas to create energy is also being looked at. Sometimes water known as hydropower is available too. However, the kind of light bulbs you use can help you get the most out of these programs.

If from start to finish everything in your electricity gathering and using process is eco-friendly you won’t feel bad about consuming it to operate lights and the electronics that you use in your home and business.

Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week - Angel Kisses Jewelry

Angel Kisses Jewelry is a collective of related artists. Michelle Aguilar, her mother Sherry Hadley, and sister Annette Crews create one of kind jewelry pieces using semi-precious stones, glass beads and their own handmade polymer clay beads and pendants. Many of their creations are available as full sets of matching earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. They really do make unique pieces any woman would be glad to wear around town.


“Each of our pieces is unique. We spend a lot of time selecting the best available materials to ensure our final pieces are unlike anything else. The art of jewelry design is a form of self-expression. We each bring ourselves into our designs and continually strive to learn and perfect new techniques and materials. This broadens our available selection to our customers.

We love to create and inspiration can strike at the funniest times. Sometimes we are inspired by fashion or art, and other times it's like a mental getaway in your head while you type an email at work. We have each had our own arts and crafts we have been helplessly addicted to throughout the years. I think the inspiration and draw for our jewelry is that we sit down with a pile of beads or a clump of clay and we have a gorgeous piece that we can instantly wear out the door when we are finished. It's like instant gratification for crafters.”

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Living Green - Recycling

Recycling is one of the easiest as well as most effective ways that you can help the environment. There are plenty of different products at home you can separate from your trash for this purpose. It is convenient if you buy plastic trash barrels and label them for the individual products.

You should have one barrel or container for glass, plastic, and cardboard. If you drink sodas out of cans then have one for those aluminum cans as well. Find out where you can take each of these full barrels to be recycled when you need to. There should be at least one local recycling centre for them in most towns.

You may also find receptacles in your apartment building or at some local businesses where you are allowed to dispose of your recyclable items. They are just huge containers that get emptied out on a regular basis. This is perfect when the community doesn’t have any other method for taking in the items to be recycled.

If your community doesn’t offer recycling collection centers then you need to see what you can do to get them in place. You can contact your local officials in person or with a letter asking them to consider offering them. Explain your concerns that without such receptacles in place people won’t be encouraged to recycle in your area.

The concept of recycling can extend to your schools and place of employment as well. Do your best to get this important issue recognized everywhere you can. In many instances people just need to be educated and then reminded about the benefits of recycling for our environment.

Your information can motivate them to take part in the program. Don’t overlook the importance of letting children know either. They are often very excited by recycling and find it to be thrilling. They can often help encourage their parents to take part in such efforts as well.

Buying products that have been recycled such as paper products is a great way to show your support for these efforts. You will notice some greeting cards are made from recycled paper. Even supplies such as napkins used in fast food restaurants can be made from recycled paper.

It is also very simple to carry around a large mesh bag when you are going to shop for a few items. Rather than getting a paper or plastic bag from the store you can place your purchased items into your own bag. Look for one that is durable so it you can reuse it over and over again. Many shops are now selling inexpensive bags that you can use for this purpose.

Kevin Spacey Explains Network Marketing

Very succinctly, Kevin Spacey explains the concept of network marketing in this short trailer.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Living Green - Introduction

Introduction

With all the information out there in the news and on the internet most people are at least aware of pollution problems. The issue is more serious in some areas but the fact remains that we all contribute to it. The concern is that with more people on Earth now and more pollution we are harming our environment.

Since we breathe the air that is out there what is in it should be a top concern for each of us. Yet we often go about our day without thinking twice about it. Yet there are more than enough individuals suffering from health concerns due to what they have been breathing in for years to make us sit up and take notice.

With all of the pollutants out there right now, imagine what it will be like for future generations. You may not care much as you won’t be around. Yet you will have family and friends who will need to deal with the problems. Even your or your friends own children and grandchildren who are the next generations will be affected by it.

Each of us though has the power to make some positive changes. Some people believe that living green is a waste of time because you are only one person. Yet if each of we individuals all do our part it would have quite a significant impact overall.

The efforts of only one person over the course of one lifetime will significantly reduce the amount of pollution out there. Teaching children from a young age what they can do and why will allow that process to continue being implemented in our society as well.

We also have the responsibility to let our governments and businesses know that we expect them to take action. Buy what you can from companies that do have living green concepts incorporated as part of their operating policies. At the same time you need to influence your government to place laws into effect that limit the amount of pollution that can be emitted by companies as well as by individual vehicles on the roads.

If you are ready to start living green and to do your part to reduce the carbon footprint you have placed on this Earth it is time to learn about the various ways you can do so. It is never too late to make some positive changes to your behavior so that you can live healthier and so can everyone around you.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Love chocolate?

Nature demands balance despite what we demand of ourselves. I’ve added healthy chocolate which is very high in anti-oxidants and nutrients as a nutritional supplement to my diet. I’ve been using it for about a month now. My pain level has lessened slightly and for the first time in 4 years I can wiggle the big toe on my right foot!



I was so impressed that I signed up with the company - MXI. Their unique product is a healthy chocolate called Xoçai (sho-sigh), a rich, dark, Belgian chocolate.



Chocolate always manages to get attention because so many of us enjoy it. The health benefits of dark chocolate have been all over the news. It seems the cocoa bean is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, higher than any other fruit or vegetable. To this they also added the Açai berry which has also been in the news lately.



MXI uses a patented cold processing technology so that none of the goodness in the cocoa bean is lost. This chocolate has no fillers, caffeine, waxes, refined sugars or bad fats. And it tastes absolutely delicious.



Raw unprocessed cacao is getting so much attention because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties. As much of my problem stems from inflammation this property was one that got my attention. The catechins and epicatechins in chocolate have been associated with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthening the blood vessels as well as other cardiovascular breakthroughs. The other properties in cocoa have been known to help diabetes, fibromyalgia, depression, macular degeneration, etc.



I was attracted to this product because I love chocolate and was so tired of being in pain all the time. I wanted to improve my diet without gaining weight. Also, from a business standpoint, it made so much sense.



First of all, it turns out that 9 out of 10 people crave chocolate, 50% can not live without it and the average American eats 12lbs. per year (18lbs. in the UK). As a business person this not only spoke volumes toward repeat users but also toward massive interest, especially during these difficult financial times.



Second, as 90% of distributors like me will have little or no network marketing experience, I wanted a product that would appeal to them. Because it is chocolate, I am not changing their habits by asking them to talk about and consume something they are not already consuming on a regular basis. Nine out of 10 people are going to consume chocolate no matter what; whether it is good for them or not. This chocolate is good for them.



One nugget of chocolate equals the antioxidant level of ½ pound of spinach. An ounce of the chocolate beverage equals a pound of broccoli. The antioxidant ORAC value (how antioxidants are measured) is 9 to10 times higher than a similar ounce of Goji, Noni or Xango. People will eat chocolate over taking pills, potions and functional beverages any day. This product is so delicious, it is easy to talk about, sample and because it is healthy (the highest antioxidant levels out there), why wouldn’t people switch chocolate brands?



Finally, the compensation plan is very rewarding and global expansion is wide open. The company’s top earner has already made over $1 million and the company just turned 3 ½ years old.



I am building a great international team here and would like to invite you to join me. Canada is off to a fantastic start. The company is in Japan and shipping to Australia and New Zealand and has just entered the UK.



I am looking for leaders who want to work with me and become a part of a company that is quickly charting its own course. If stability, timing, good leadership and a hot product are important to you, then e-mail me at celticbookcellar@hotmail.com or call me at 631-983-2051 (USA no.). If you have Skype (skype.com) on your pc we can talk voice to voice without incurring any long distance charges. Or you can send me your phone number and your preferred times to call I would be pleased to call you.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Etsy Twitter Team Featured Shop of the Week -Maine Lee Crochet




The Etsy Twitter Team's mission is to bring Etsy sellers who use Twitter together to become the authority on Twitter for all things handmade.

Ginny, from Maine Lee Crochet, has been in business on Etsy since March 2008. She makes gorgeous all crochet or knit items like hats, socks, scarves, dishcloths, and towels with crochet tops . Everything is handmade by her and ready to ship.

Ginny says about her handicrafts, “My product is high quality and made with my heart. I love what I do and I hope it shows in my items. If I don't like the way something turns out it doesn't get listed for sale. My ‘oops’ products stay at my house for my own use.”

Ginny promotes her shop in a number of different ways. She says, ”I use MySpace, word of mouth, I leave business cards where ever I can. I use the forums a lot. I also visit the chat rooms on Etsy and talk about my items, the way they are made, and the material used.”

She ships internationally! Stop by her shop for some good crocheted love!


Sunday, February 15, 2009

Bargain Hunters Paradise

If you are looking for a good bargain, this is a great time of year to find one. Retailers are trying to get rid of any leftover holiday and winter related stock, as well as make room for upcoming spring fashions. This can be the best time of year to buy coats, jeans, and other cold weather wear.

Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to make a list of what you are shopping for. Start by going through yours and your child’s closets and drawers evaluating what will still be able to be worn this year. Then, make a list of what you and your family actually need. When you go shopping with a list in hand, you will stay on budget and be less likely to buy impulse items.

At the same time, keep an eye out for each retailer’s weekly sales flyers. Each store will likely have a big sale on one or two items, in order to draw shoppers in. It may take a little bit of time to run around to each store in order to buy just the sales items, but it could save you a lot of money. Keep an eye on your gas gauge too, as sometimes it may actually cost more in the long run to chase after those bargains!

If you are crafty, you can buy plain items, such as t-shirts and let your kids customize them. Some easy ways to do this are with fabric paints or iron on transfers.

While many people head straight to retail stores, going to consignment shops, yard sales, and sites such as eBay can be more budget friendly. Before buying any used clothing, check for any tears, rips, or stains.

Happy hunging!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Shake Those Winter Blahs

Does all this winter weather have you and your family suffering from cabin fever? Does your family have the winter blues? It’s time to take them on a winter picnic! Rent some movies, throw a blanket on the floor and cook up some summer heat inspired recipes. Gather your family around and enjoy a good old fashioned ‘picnic’. You’ll have everything you need minus the ants!

Nothing says summer fun like good old classic picnic food. The following recipes will have you celebrating in no time.

Keep in mind that these are the basic recipes. Use your imagination to modify them in any way. If you’re craving something a bit spicier, add some chilli powder to the corn before cooking or jazz up the burger recipe by adding some smoky paprika or Cajun seasoning. You might like to add pepper jack cheese and guacamole for a “south of the border twist.” Your options are limitless with this menu!

Potato Salad
3 pounds potatoes, cooked until tender, cooled, and cubed
6 hard boiled eggs, cooled and chopped
½ chopped sweet onion (as in Vidalia or Maui)
2 stalks chopped celery

Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared mustard (such as yellow or Dijon)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine the dressing ingredients first, adding a bit of each at a time until you get a consistency and taste that you like, then set aside. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, egg, onions, and celery. Pour dressing on top and mix until salad and dressing are combined.

Veggie Pasta Salad
1 (16 ounce) package pasta cooked and cooled
1 and a 1/2 cup finely chopped veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, and onions
1 red or yellow pepper, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
1 packet dry vegetable soup mix (such as Knorr brand)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until well blended

Basic Burgers
2 pounds ground beef
3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoon liquid smoke flavouring
Grill seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste


Directions:
Preheat a grill pan; meanwhile, mix together the ingredients. Form the mixture into 6 patties. Place the patties on the grill grate, and cook until your desired level of done.