Well, it's almost that time of year again - the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you are going to give those people on your "hard to shop for" list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don't you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift? Give them the gift of improved health and fitness.
The gift of fitness is something that you can give to virtually everybody on your shopping list -- from your parents, to your spouse, a friend, your siblings, an employee or co-worker, even your children. And it's a gift that is invaluable. After all, who doesn't want to look better, feel better, and be healthier?
And, it's a gift that you can truly feel proud to give. When you give someone the gift of fitness, you are helping him open a door to better health (both physically and mentally). It's a gift that genuinely shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits.
Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of many diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem and increases stamina.
Certainly many people on your shopping list would find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. If the people on your list are like most of us, they've probably even mentioned how they want to drop a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide them with extra motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles in getting fit). They'll be more motivated to start an exercise program when given a gift that helps them immediately take action to kick start their workouts (personal training gift certificates and gym memberships are especially good for helping with motivation).
While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable, they don't have to be expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5 or range into the $100s of dollars. Here are a few suggestions in the various price ranges:
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
myladies Make Your 'House', a 'Home'
When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite flower arrangement, crisp and folded napkins on the table, take time to think about comfort, family time and kids activities also when decorating or designing your house. A lively place full of warmth and chatter is what makes a 'House' a 'Home'. There are times when we overlook some important details to give that 'Designer Touch' to our houses. Household accidents, unhealthy personal conditions and lack of family activities are the result.
To avoid such a situation, take care to make your house a comfortable and healthy place to live in. Look around you and observe carefully if any difficulty and threats are being posed due to faulty placement and wrong choice of objects. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Rubber Mats: Though not much decorative, rubber mats are the best things to have outside your bathroom or near the kitchen sink. They will help avoid slipping and add safety to your home. Never use any kind of rugs at the top or bottom of stairs.
2. Work Delegation Diary: Keep a diary in a conspicuous place and write down in it, the daily chores of all members. Make sure everyone takes turn feeding the pet, mowing the lawn, dusting the furniture and setting the dinner table.
3. Sitting Space: Keep some extra, light-weight chairs or stools that can be carried to any place to make immediate sitting space. Garden sitting space, preferably under a tree or any other shade, is a lovely idea for spending family time. Get cane chairs or a bench placed in your garden. Chairs and a table in the porch is another great idea.
4. Door Knobs: Round door knobs give your room a nice appeal, but are down on the Comfort-level. Children and Elders suffering with Arthritis etc. find if difficult to grip them. They are also difficult to grasp with wet hands. They can be replaced with Lever Handles both on the inside as well as the outside for ease and comfort.
5. Showers: Though showers are top on Elegance list and Hand Showers are blamed for 'spoiling the look' with their long hose, there cannot be anything better than an adjustable hand shower with a hose for bathing big dogs and kids.
6. Lighting: Make sure that all your rooms have ample light. Reserve subtle lighting and other lighting effects for special occasions and parties. Good, clear light helps maintain everyone's health care easier and is especially good for school-going children and elderly people.
7. Artifacts: The next time you see your little kid hardly daring to breath when passing by your favorite antique lamp for the fear of breaking it, you know its the time for a revamp. Place glass objects and other breakable treasures in safer areas so your family members can move freely without worrying about spoiling your decor.
8. Comfort Level: At all times, keep in mind that your home needs to be comfortable and not rigid. Things get monotonous when they are 'too perfect'. A cozy nook by the window with a small coffee table, extra pillows thrown in for a comfortable tête-à-tête, a sparkling fireplace with a warm rug sprawled across are some examples.
9. Family Space: A 'Home' is all about a family! Include in your design/decor, special 'Family' places like a sufficiently large dinner table, a card table for indoor games etc. Like I said above in 'Sitting space', a mini dining table or wicker table-chair set in your garden or under a tree in the backyard is a lovely idea. If you have a spare room for your crafts, make a separate shelf for Family crafts like Scrapbooking. A Wall Gallery of photos is a great way to bind family members - past and present.
You know what works best for your family. So develop this list further according on the needs of your family and watch your pretty house t
To avoid such a situation, take care to make your house a comfortable and healthy place to live in. Look around you and observe carefully if any difficulty and threats are being posed due to faulty placement and wrong choice of objects. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Rubber Mats: Though not much decorative, rubber mats are the best things to have outside your bathroom or near the kitchen sink. They will help avoid slipping and add safety to your home. Never use any kind of rugs at the top or bottom of stairs.
2. Work Delegation Diary: Keep a diary in a conspicuous place and write down in it, the daily chores of all members. Make sure everyone takes turn feeding the pet, mowing the lawn, dusting the furniture and setting the dinner table.
3. Sitting Space: Keep some extra, light-weight chairs or stools that can be carried to any place to make immediate sitting space. Garden sitting space, preferably under a tree or any other shade, is a lovely idea for spending family time. Get cane chairs or a bench placed in your garden. Chairs and a table in the porch is another great idea.
4. Door Knobs: Round door knobs give your room a nice appeal, but are down on the Comfort-level. Children and Elders suffering with Arthritis etc. find if difficult to grip them. They are also difficult to grasp with wet hands. They can be replaced with Lever Handles both on the inside as well as the outside for ease and comfort.
5. Showers: Though showers are top on Elegance list and Hand Showers are blamed for 'spoiling the look' with their long hose, there cannot be anything better than an adjustable hand shower with a hose for bathing big dogs and kids.
6. Lighting: Make sure that all your rooms have ample light. Reserve subtle lighting and other lighting effects for special occasions and parties. Good, clear light helps maintain everyone's health care easier and is especially good for school-going children and elderly people.
7. Artifacts: The next time you see your little kid hardly daring to breath when passing by your favorite antique lamp for the fear of breaking it, you know its the time for a revamp. Place glass objects and other breakable treasures in safer areas so your family members can move freely without worrying about spoiling your decor.
8. Comfort Level: At all times, keep in mind that your home needs to be comfortable and not rigid. Things get monotonous when they are 'too perfect'. A cozy nook by the window with a small coffee table, extra pillows thrown in for a comfortable tête-à-tête, a sparkling fireplace with a warm rug sprawled across are some examples.
9. Family Space: A 'Home' is all about a family! Include in your design/decor, special 'Family' places like a sufficiently large dinner table, a card table for indoor games etc. Like I said above in 'Sitting space', a mini dining table or wicker table-chair set in your garden or under a tree in the backyard is a lovely idea. If you have a spare room for your crafts, make a separate shelf for Family crafts like Scrapbooking. A Wall Gallery of photos is a great way to bind family members - past and present.
You know what works best for your family. So develop this list further according on the needs of your family and watch your pretty house t
What Women in Business Want
The number of women doing business is going to amaze you. It is predicted that by the year 2005, 40% of all firms will be woman-owned.
What is it that drives women into business? A lot of things, probably. But a few commonly known are financial security, additional income, sense of achievement, productive accomplishments etc.
Once into business, Women part ways with their male counterparts. Their ways, their means and even their goals take a different path. They are
hardly interested in the usual clichés of 'Hardcore Business Tactics' like Professional Ethics, Business Etiquettes, Corporate-Wars and the stuff, if
stretched beyond a line.
A Woman in business cannot derive any satisfaction from stealing away business from a fellow business owner. Much less will be her satisfaction in drawing attention to her business by cold advertising or bad-mouthing a competitor.
Why so? Because this is NOT what a women wants from her business! This is not what she believes will help her business! If you are of the opinion that steady sales will put a business woman's mind to rest, you've got it wrong. Nor can a big, one-time deal do that. Some green bucks may bring temporary happiness and comfort, but definitely not what a woman seeks in order to keep her business going great guns.
Then, what is it that a woman wants? If not money, steady sales, exposure to public - WHAT ELSE? Here's the answer to this age-old stumper - Relationships!
It's Relationships, long-lasting business and semi-personal relationships that spell the success of a woman-owned business. It is only when she develops strong business relationships and a satisfactory level of networking, that she is assured of a good footing for her business. She is assured that these relationships will help her when nothing else is working for her business.
If you are a business woman, it is possible that you have still not realized what you exactly want. But, some more time, experience and meditation upon this subject will bring you to the same conclusion - that you are looking for Relationships! Relationships with your clients, fellow business owners and even competitors will be the strength your business will be based upon.
Start building relationships this very moment. Do an 'extra little thing' for your clients, know your competitors, mix-up with fellow business women. Some places to start are
http://www.dotcomwomen.com/forums
http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/bb
http://www.mothersworkathome.com/phpbb2
Keep in mind that WOMEN WANT RELATIONSHIPS! Network with other women, make your clients feel special, love your competitors and before you know, your business starts thriving on relationships.
What is it that drives women into business? A lot of things, probably. But a few commonly known are financial security, additional income, sense of achievement, productive accomplishments etc.
Once into business, Women part ways with their male counterparts. Their ways, their means and even their goals take a different path. They are
hardly interested in the usual clichés of 'Hardcore Business Tactics' like Professional Ethics, Business Etiquettes, Corporate-Wars and the stuff, if
stretched beyond a line.
A Woman in business cannot derive any satisfaction from stealing away business from a fellow business owner. Much less will be her satisfaction in drawing attention to her business by cold advertising or bad-mouthing a competitor.
Why so? Because this is NOT what a women wants from her business! This is not what she believes will help her business! If you are of the opinion that steady sales will put a business woman's mind to rest, you've got it wrong. Nor can a big, one-time deal do that. Some green bucks may bring temporary happiness and comfort, but definitely not what a woman seeks in order to keep her business going great guns.
Then, what is it that a woman wants? If not money, steady sales, exposure to public - WHAT ELSE? Here's the answer to this age-old stumper - Relationships!
It's Relationships, long-lasting business and semi-personal relationships that spell the success of a woman-owned business. It is only when she develops strong business relationships and a satisfactory level of networking, that she is assured of a good footing for her business. She is assured that these relationships will help her when nothing else is working for her business.
If you are a business woman, it is possible that you have still not realized what you exactly want. But, some more time, experience and meditation upon this subject will bring you to the same conclusion - that you are looking for Relationships! Relationships with your clients, fellow business owners and even competitors will be the strength your business will be based upon.
Start building relationships this very moment. Do an 'extra little thing' for your clients, know your competitors, mix-up with fellow business women. Some places to start are
http://www.dotcomwomen.com/forums
http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/bb
http://www.mothersworkathome.com/phpbb2
Keep in mind that WOMEN WANT RELATIONSHIPS! Network with other women, make your clients feel special, love your competitors and before you know, your business starts thriving on relationships.
women Balancing Work and Home
Work is addicting...and more so when your computer is your office or shop! And while you spend hour upon hour to network with other netpreneurs and provide online customer services to your clients, you tend to neglect a dozen odd household jobs.
Hours seem to fly by when work online. As for your household duties, with great effort, you just take care of the most basic ones like fixing dinner, driving your kids to school etc.
Cleaning, Organizing, Buying Groceries, paying your bills, going to the post office etc. are postponed till the last hour. So how do your balance your work along with your home?
There are two important steps to do this. First, make yourself realize the fact that you HAVE TO take some time out for your home and there is no excuse in the world to avoid that.
Secondly, start organizing your available time. Here are some quick steps to help you balance your work as well as your home.
1. Divide available hours between your home and your work diligently.
2. Set timers when you are working online.
3. Maintain a 'To Do' list or a diary.
4. Picture yourself going through the troubles of paying your bills later than allowed.
5. Set aside some time for all those jobs which require you to go outside. For e.g. going to the market, post office, bank etc. Try to coincide these with each other. Say, for example, you could take care of these after driving your kids to school.
6. Make up your mind and start some kind of organizing/ decorating/ renovating activity around your house. These are so addicting that once you start, you will enjoy yourself a lot.
7. Similarly, take up your favorite hobby in the afternoon. You will love the change and enjoy getting creative.
8. Plan weekly activities. Take up cleaning once a week. Go for outings once a week. Call upon a friend once a week. This will help you maintain your social life as well.
9. Surf the net for information related to a hobby. This will get you started with that hobby and also give you the much needed break from work.
10. Surf the web with your hubby or children. Show them websites of their interest. That way, you will also get to spend more time with them.
Just like the old saying - 'You Eat to Live, You do not Live to Eat', I'll say
'You Work to Live, You do not Live to Work'. It's no use being successful on the cost of your home and your family.
The 'Dot Com Women' of today are not women who stay online for hours with a guilt feeling on the back of their minds. They are women with a strong desire to succeed in their personal and professional lives. And you are one of them! That's why you chose to read this, isn't it?
Good Luck with your efforts to striking a balance between your work and your home!
Hours seem to fly by when work online. As for your household duties, with great effort, you just take care of the most basic ones like fixing dinner, driving your kids to school etc.
Cleaning, Organizing, Buying Groceries, paying your bills, going to the post office etc. are postponed till the last hour. So how do your balance your work along with your home?
There are two important steps to do this. First, make yourself realize the fact that you HAVE TO take some time out for your home and there is no excuse in the world to avoid that.
Secondly, start organizing your available time. Here are some quick steps to help you balance your work as well as your home.
1. Divide available hours between your home and your work diligently.
2. Set timers when you are working online.
3. Maintain a 'To Do' list or a diary.
4. Picture yourself going through the troubles of paying your bills later than allowed.
5. Set aside some time for all those jobs which require you to go outside. For e.g. going to the market, post office, bank etc. Try to coincide these with each other. Say, for example, you could take care of these after driving your kids to school.
6. Make up your mind and start some kind of organizing/ decorating/ renovating activity around your house. These are so addicting that once you start, you will enjoy yourself a lot.
7. Similarly, take up your favorite hobby in the afternoon. You will love the change and enjoy getting creative.
8. Plan weekly activities. Take up cleaning once a week. Go for outings once a week. Call upon a friend once a week. This will help you maintain your social life as well.
9. Surf the net for information related to a hobby. This will get you started with that hobby and also give you the much needed break from work.
10. Surf the web with your hubby or children. Show them websites of their interest. That way, you will also get to spend more time with them.
Just like the old saying - 'You Eat to Live, You do not Live to Eat', I'll say
'You Work to Live, You do not Live to Work'. It's no use being successful on the cost of your home and your family.
The 'Dot Com Women' of today are not women who stay online for hours with a guilt feeling on the back of their minds. They are women with a strong desire to succeed in their personal and professional lives. And you are one of them! That's why you chose to read this, isn't it?
Good Luck with your efforts to striking a balance between your work and your home!
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