5 Great Anti-Aging Tips That Don't Come From A Bottle~!!

Image by vmiramontes

Growing old gracefully is an idea that seems to have disappeared within the last few years. With the rise of plastic surgery and increase in sun bed users; it is easy to see how this theory has become lost in a world of leathery skin and stretched out faces.

1) Drink Water
The first tip for anti-aging is: never underestimate the power of water! Drinking eight glasses of water a day is proven to flush waste out of our systems and rehydrate the skin. Sixty four ounces is the minimum required daily, yet most people barely reach four. Another fact that goes hand in hand with drinking water in helping you look better; is sleep. Between six to eight hours is the average amount of sleep that an adult needs to function well, and look fresher as a result.

2) Exercise
Exercise is a simple yet effective anti-ageing tip that can cost absolutely nothing! Firstly, it reduces your risk of obesity, which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease and some cancers amongst other ailments.  It also is brilliant in reducing stress levels and improving circulation, which will make your skin look instantly healthier and more glowing.

3) Stop Smoking
The second leading cause of premature wrinkles is cigarette smoking. Smoking over a long period of time also leads to yellowing skin and rotting teeth. However, the leading cause of wrinkles is over-exposure to UV rays, with sunbeds being a leading cause of cancer. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 helps protect your skin from the rays that would make it appear old and leathery.

4) Eat a Balanced Diet
An important part of keeping your skin looking healthy by natural means is your diet. Oily fish are proven to help your skin as they act as an anti-inflammatory, and are also proven to lower the risk of heart disease. The high water content in vegetables will also help your skin glow.

5) Cut Down On Makeup
Something that may prove to be a serious problem to many women- but that would definitely help you stay looking young- would be to ditch the slap! Most foundations clog your skin, making you more prone to spots, as well as settling into wrinkles, making them appear more noticeable. Also using too many moisturizers to clean your face can actually do the complete opposite! Using a simple combination of warm water and soap can clean your skin more efficiently than all of those bottled cleansers.

Using all of these tips are bound to make you feel and appear younger. However, if all else fails, a sure-fire way to maintain healthy skin is to slip on a pair of dolce and gabbana glasses. Protect your eyes from the sun, and look great whilst doing it!

Do you have any tips and tricks for growing old gracefully? Share them in the comments below!

Charlotte di Placido is a self-confessed beauty addict who admits to spending the majority of her wage on products- and writing about those products for Valley Optics

Why the Burger Restaurant Landscape is Changing

For a long time, the burger industry was based on a few fast food giants. When you thought of hamburgers, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s probably popped into your head. That mindset has changed quite a bit changing as new players moved onto the scene. Many people across the country are finding that they now suddenly have more appetizing and higher quality choices when they want to bite into something juicy.

While the average customer is a creature of habit, plenty of consumers are trying something new. This means that these stores are starting to challenge the fast food heavyweights. Many underserved areas are getting new restaurants, despite the recent economic conditions.



Five Guys is Surging
Though the first Five Guys location was opened in 1986, the organization has recently experienced record growth. Five Guys has over 1,000 locations were operating as of April 2012 across 40 US states and 6 Canadian provinces. With eggy buns and complimentary peanuts, this fast, casual restaurant famous for its great burgers has a lot to offer.

Five Guys has done a lot to separate themselves from similar business ventures, and that includes allowing customers to draw on note cards. Critics in the Washington D.C. area have long praised the company, and fans have a major presence online. Cultivating this following has helped make them so popular.

The Iconic In-N-Out Burger
As Five Guys expands west, they'll have to compete with the established and growing In-N-Out Burger chain. Since it's been in business for more than 60 years with a lot of history, the company has attracted a loyal customer base. By expanding into new areas outside of its California roots, it's really starting to grow.

In-N-Out Burger is admired for its treatment of customers. It's one of the few fast food chains that pays employees more than the minimum wage. This helps it to stand out from a variety of stores that aren't as respectful when dealing with their human resources.



Smashburger is on the Rise
Smashburger shares its name with the process they use to cook certified 100% Angus ground beef. Since they often server alcohol in addition to soft drinks and malts, they have been able to capture a segment of the market that's not well served in the world of fast food. The restaurant also markets regionalized burgers in different areas.

That could help them more effectively compete with local restaurants. By offering alternative sides like fried mild green chilies, Smashburger has helped to cultivate a unique image that stands out from the crowd.

With many Americans facing economic struggles in recent years, this trend towards more expensive, higher quality burgers is interesting. But after all, for a few dollars more, who wouldn’t want a great tasting, juicy filling burger offering a better customer experience that traditional fast food outlets.

John Russell authored this post on behalf of MenuCoverMan.com, where you can learn more about leather menu covers before buying and expect fast service with ultra-low pricing.

3 Of The World's Most Expensive Motorbikes

A luxury motorbike is a dream for many people, and the most expensive types in the world certainly stretch the definition of what a bike can do. Luxury bikes are typically defined by their extreme power, rare materials and limited numbers, as well as by their extreme engineering. In some cases, the most expensive motorbikes in the world are not technically safe for driving on public roads, and are closer to works of art than anything else. The most expensive, as of 2012, include the Macchia Nera Concept from Ducatti, the Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition, and the Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike.

3 - Macchia Nera Concept
$201,000
This Ducatti mod has a 998RS engine, and is designed to be the ultimate track bike. It uses alloys on major parts for lightweight design, and is engineered for F1 and MotoGP performance. Nicknamed the ‘Black Spot,’ this concept bike boasts 185 HP, and features a V2 four stroke engine, as well as a liquid cooling system and a 5 speed manual gearbox. The frame of the bike is made from carbon fibre and titanium, and it has an electric starter. The Ducatti build was designed by Aldo Drudi, and the bike made its debut in 2003 as a track prototype, before becoming a 2004 concept model. The bike is typically shown as part of the Macchia Nera Concept Tour, with people able to pay to test it out on tracks.

2 - Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition
$275,000
This luxury bike is distinguished by its titanium chassis and carbon fibre bodywork, as well as a unique see through engine covering, and a fuel injected 2,150cc billet motor. The Ecosse has 200hp, an adjustable saddle for ergonomic driving, and a bespoke timepiece attached to the controls. Other distinctive features include Berluti Italian leather in the saddle. Only 10 units have been produced by Ecosse Moto Works, a company that specialises in bespoke bikes using rare and exotic materials. Of these ten bikes, some of the first batch were sold to China, while others have been bought to display as works of modern art. Ecosse may yet supersede the bike, however, with their ES1 custom model.

1 - Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike
$555,000


Not technically legal to drive on the road as the result of its immense speed, this half a million dollar superbike has an 8.3 litre, V10 engine, and can theoretically hit the astonishing speed of 400mph. The Tomahawk can also reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, and has 500 horsepower. 

Unusual in the sense of having four wheels, a few copies of the bike were sold through Neiman Marcus for Chrysler. The monocoque manufacturing design of the bike means that it depends on rear wheel acceleration, and also features twin throttle blades and 12 five watt LEDs. The front suspension includes a mounted ball joint, 20 inch stainless steer rotors, and dual hub steering with a rocker arm. Another bike that’s more of a work of art than a functioning road bike, the Tomahawk is one of the most sought after automobiles in the world.

Sebastian works with DirectAsia - If you're looking for motorcycle insurance in Singapore then make sure you visit their website. They might even be able to insure you on some of the above bikes!

Private Jet Charter Services ~ The Sky's The Limit~!!

I remember as a little girl being flown in a private jet that my father had chartered in order to show his children the world from above.  I recall seeing patchworks of land in various multitude of colours and the cars, that were teeny tiny in their scope.  It was the first and only time I have ever been in a plane.  The Private Jet Charter Service he rented even had paper bags in which we were encouraged to vomit in, if the turbulence was too much for our young, untrained stomachs.  

Air charter private jets are becoming more and more feasible for people to rent in order to fly the skies and see the views.  Whether it be for business or pleasure, private jets are being used for individuals, groups, cargo, air ambulance and even aerial photographers are taking advantage of private plane flights.

A good charter service will take care of all of your travel needs, including ground arrangements, meal planning and even event planning.  It is clear that as your life accelerates, your time is quite valuable, this gives charter services an advantage over commercial flights which can leave you waiting for delayed flights and sometimes dampen your commitments by missing events and meetings.  Private jets are able to better fly in and out of small airports, gaining an upper~hand on time commitments and travel issues by delivering you closer to your destination.

There are many things one should consider before hiring a private jet service.  You should know the company in which you are dealing with, are they credible, do they have impeccable business standards, do their pilots have the standard air time requirements, does the airplanes they advertise match the planes they actually use??  Each of these points should be taken into consideration as you investigate if this type of travel benefits you.  You wouldn't want to be in the air and then realize that the company isn't as reputable as they wanted you to believe.

If I could travel anywhere on a private jet, it would be visit all my online friends and take them for a flight, show them the world from above and delight in their smiles and laughter.  Where would you go if you could travel anywhere??

  **  This is a sponsored post for, Clear Jet, however, all points and views are my own.  **

Coaching Drills ~ Putting the Finesse in Sports~!!

Anyone who has ever played in team sports is fully aware of coaching drills and how advantageous they can be to the sport in which you participate in.  Coaches and their drills are synonymous with the sports in which they are teaching.  A good coach will have every tool in his/her repertoire in which to try and successfully put their team in the winner's circle.

Coaching is a teaching/training process in which individuals/teams get support while they are learning to achieve their sporting goals.  Not every coach teaches in the same methods, some use visuals, some wish to improve physical or mental skills and other believe in working with their team in order to better themselves and their efforts in order to move forward from their present situation.

Coaches and their drills are often kept as highly guarded secrets as I remember when my oldest daughter was in competition dance and whenever we attended competitions, other coaches would possessively guard their dance drill techniques from other dance schools.  You were not allowed to bring video cameras into the auditoriums for fear of "stealing" another coaches drill secrets and incorporating them into your own style.  The wild eyed looks on some of the dance coaches and the threats that could ensue are something not uncommon in competitive fields of sports.

A successful team has a coach who knows their stuff, who applies their drills with finesse and brings awareness to the team through their own styles and techniques.  They do research and try through trial and error what drills work for them and which do not.  If you are a coach who is looking for drills, there are many places online which can accommodate such requests, they offer tips, tricks, techniques and customer support for all your sporting needs.

Coaching drills are a language in which coaches use to help their teams from where they are to where they want to be.  A coach teaches and supervises, moving everyone with direction, instruction and training.  It is assumed that a coach knows more than their players as well as having more experience and training while maintaining their own rules and regulations while keeping team spirit alive.

  **  This is a sponsored post for Total Coach, however, all the points and views are my own.  **

ACTOR/ACTIVIST LEVAR BURTON SHARES W/ PARENTS IDEAS FOR TALKING TO THEIR KIDS ABOUT AURORA

LeVar Burton, host of READING RAINBOW, believes that parents should never shield away from tough subjects, as our focus are children.  The Aurora violence was beyond our imagination.   READING RAINBOW is much more than a television show or an APP, it is a beloved and trusted channel for us to speak to people and it is our responsibility to reach children in these powerful and terrifying times.  LeVar’s message gives families a sense of calm helping us all believe that “we can get through this.”

LeVar felt compelled to write this video and film it in central park for children and families everywhere to help them communicate to their children about this senseless act of violence that tore apart mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, children and parents.

Or visit READING RAINBOW’S FACEBOOK PAGE

http://www.facebook.com/readingrainbow

Thank you Levar for your words, your thoughts and your commitment to changing that which needs to be changed~!!  You are an inspiration to us all~!!

Child's First Garden: Easy Herbs and Flowers

It is never too early to get children involved with gardening. It is suggested that not having enough contact with nature can affect their health, academic performance and overall well-being in a negative way. Not to mention, gardening teaches them to appreciate nature, and gives them a little exercise and vitamin D. Ideally, when you hire a nanny, you should make sure that they share your same passion for nature so they will be thrilled to help your child with their garden.

Herbs
Some people assume that children can only grow flowers and basic plants, but there are a few herbs that they can easily grow as well. They will love knowing that something they grow with their own two hands contributed to the delicious meal being put on the table.

• Basil – Can you really ever have too much basil in the house? It can be used for pesto, mixed in salads or used in a ton of recipes. Be sure to purchase seeds that are guaranteed to be fusarium-free.

• Thyme – This evergreen offers a lovely fragrance early in the season, and is ideal for making spice rubs.

• Chives – The great thing about chives is that they will come back year after year.

• Oregano – If you want a plant that is a little different, opt for Bristol Cross oregano; it can be placed in a hanging basket, and it grows in a unique ball shape.

• Mint – This is the perfect herb for beginners because it is one of the easiest plants to grow. If you hire a nanny without a green thumb, even they will be able to help your child grow mint.

• Others – Although not all herbs are safe  for children to handle, they can also grow dill, tarragon, sage, parsley, chervil, rosemary, coriander and savory.

Flowers

• Sunflowers – Children love sunflowers because they are so cheerful and vibrant. The seeds are large so they are easy to plant and when they ripen at the end of season, they can eat them.

• Snapdragons – These flowers are as fun to play with as they are to grow. They can easily be planted in beds or containers.

• Daisies – These are often favorites of little girls because they are simple yet pretty. There are many different varieties and some are easier to plant than others.

• Lady’s Mantle – Although not a common plant, these flowers are easy to grow and turn a child’s garden into a magical place. They have large leaves that manage to hold onto drops of morning dew, which sparkles like diamonds in the morning sunshine.

• Pansies – It is pretty much impossible to kill pansies. They come in a multitude of colors from black to purple to blue to yellow so they can mix and match and create a unique display.

Vegetables

• Cherry Tomatoes – These are a must in a child’s vegetable garden. They need full sun, a stake and a lot of compost.

• Snow Peas – This is a quick growing crop that does well in a small space. Snow peas prefer a partially shaded location.

• Potatoes – Here is a crop that is nearly guaranteed to be delivered every time. When the leaves die and the plant collapses, the potatoes are ready to harvest. These can even be grown in old garbage pails or large Rubbermaid containers too.

• Pumpkin – Every child must have a pumpkin growing in their garden so they have their very own one to cut come Halloween. Hopefully you hire a nanny that understands how to use those pumpkin stencils better than you, right? When the pumpkin feels hollow when you tap it, it is ready to harvest. This often takes up to 120 days!

Article provided by nanny.net, your #1 source for everything nanny-related.

Christian Rehab ~ A Faith Based Choice to Freedom~!!

Today many people are looking to rid themselves of their personal "demons" and often, Christian Rehab centers offer a solution that not only heals the body, but also works on healing the mind and the spirit also.

Many people who are seeking, find themselves frustrated with life and turn to other venues in order to compensate for their lack of faith.  A point in one's life is reached where the addictions are more of a burden than the burdens themselves and many turn to rehabilitation centers in order to find the correct path in which to travel.

Regardless of one's faith, it is important to note that recovery works best when individuals work on their body, mind and spirit collectively.  Choosing a Christian Rehab program that works for each person is the next step in the correct direction.

There are basically three types of faith based recovery programs:

1.  100% Christian based programs that have little medical therapies such as clinical counselling or credentialed staff, they are essentially, centers run by recovering Christians.

2.  A "work~based" drug and/or alcohol programs are generally free to the individual provided you are willing to work 8 ~ 12 hours per day to offset any costs you may incur as well, daily prayer and scripture are normally used.

3.  Combines all different types of treatments, including both Christian and standard approaches.  Generally its regarded as the more successful approaches but is hindered by cost as usually on insurance coverage applies when seeking this type of assistance.

People are are completely in tune with their spiritual growth begin to recognize the value of that growth as they connect with others, leaving their addictions behind.  Returning to one's life can be just as addicting and with Christian Rehab centers, these tenets and morals are highlighted through scripture and inspirational attitudes.

When your spirituality is awakened, it is believes your body's craving of substance abuse subsides, replacing negative with the positive, and bringing a joy for life through God's grace and forgiveness.  Many people have walked the darker path, my own sister included, and has come out shining on the other side.  Though it can be a long, hard road to travel, being focused on the positive will in turn, bring positive to each individual the more the effort is issued.  Never give up and never surrender to those addictions that make you less of a worth than you truly are~!!

If you require help for your addictions, the first step is always to admitting to having a problem, there are many programs in each community, intended to set you on the correct path to truth.  Continue walking the path brothers and sisters and you will find where you are needing to go.

  **  This is a sponsored post for Pacific Hill, however, all points and views are my own.  **

An Introduction to Dumpster Diving

Intro image CC via Flickr

What, you’ve never heard or partaken in a spot of dumpster diving? What in god’s name have you been doing all your life? Your sheltered life needs some form of excitement in it and dumpster diving is definitely the way to go. Ok, we’re joking; you’re not really a weirdo if you’ve never jumped into the hobby of dumpster diving, but you’re intrigued by what it could be, aren’t you? Well then, you'd better read on!

Ok, so dumpster diving. It’s basically what it says it is: diving into dumpsters. That’s a bin for any of you not accustomed to American parlance. Of course you don’t literally dive in though, that would be ridiculous and dangerous.

The idea around it comes from this new-age concern for trying to stop waste. In the west, we tend to discard a lot of food, clothing and basic items because we’re used to such a luxurious lifestyle of abundance. The US, for instance, wastes 40-50% of its food produce due to government-imposed ‘use-by’ dates, so it’s no wonder that dumpster diving has started to catch on.



Basically, you’ll find yourself a skip or rubbish bin and, as you can imagine, just start wading through it to find items of worth. It sounds disgusting, smells probably horrendous, but there are a lot of companies out there who bin a lot of perfectly usable items – and people have started to realise this.

Supermarkets, for instance, are legally forced to bin items which have passed their sell-by or use-by date. But, in theory, these food items – like cereal – would be fine to eat as long as they didn’t contain any dairy or ingredients which tend to go-off or become mouldy. Dumpster divers will poke their head and hands into the supermarket’s skip and take home their winnings – all for free.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? You’re coming around to the idea and you want some of that dirty rubbish all in and around your face. The thought of cutting down on your bills every month with a spot of dumpster diving appeals and you’re not ashamed who knows it. But wait! There is a bit of a legal issue.



Firstly, you’re trekking onto private property, so in theory you’re trespassing. Likewise, you’re taking something which you didn’t pay for. Ultimately it’s a bit of a grey area. While you’d be technically subject to prosecution should the owner of the dumpster in question want to press charges, the likelihood of them doing so is low since most people don’t really care about the stuff they throw away. That’s why they threw it away.

Supermarkets have been less happy with the divers in recent years as they feel like there’s huge scope for the diver to take plenty of produce which they have paid for. And, if you think about it, the image it portrays for the supermarkets is extremely negative. Would you want to shop at a store which has dozens of people searching through their bins every night?

So be careful out there. Dive responsibly, be respectable to each individual company and don’t take cheese and milk.

Of course, if you're looking for a way to kickstart your finances that doesn't involve wading around in waste, there's always forex trading from www.IronFX.com!

Planting Ant Repellent Flowering Plants

Ants are among the most irritating pests to have around; plus some species deliver stings that itch and blister. So, it's no wonder that people want to get rid of them and keep these insects away from homes and gardens. One way to prevent ants from making a home inside your property is by growing plants that repel ants. But for those who also want to add cheer to their garden, flowering plants are wonderful options. Here are some nice options.

Lavender
Lavender is certainly a fantastic choice. It's a plant that produces beautiful flowers that add a splash of elegance to any garden. But more than that, the scent that the plant creates, which is very appealing to people, is very repulsive to ants. Planting lavender in a garden or having a pot indoors will help keep away ants. In addition to this, lavender leaves and flowers can be dried. Once these are dried, these can then be crushed and sprinkled near or on areas where ants are usually found. Lavender oil, which can be bought in aroma therapy stores, can also be used. Cotton balls soaked with the oil can be placed in crevices or holes that ants use to get inside a house. The oil can be wiped onto ant trails to confuse and keep the insects away.

Tansy
Another effective ant repeller is the herbaceous flowering plant, tansy. Tansy has fern-like leaves and lively yellow flowers. It is often planted with other fruit or flowering plants that attract ants or aphids to reduce infestations on such plants. This is called companion planting. Apart from ants, tansy also fends off flies. The dried and powdered flower heads of tansies have been used as insect repellents for many years. Flowers can also be dried and chained together, making a wreath-like decoration that also wards off various kinds of pesky insects. Leaves and branches can also be placed near windowsills and doors to prevent ants from entering. Tansy also has other beneficial characteristics. For instance, it has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Marigold
Ants do not like the pungent odor that marigolds produce. Marigolds are often used as companion plants for eggplants, tomatoes, as well as root crops or legumes. The roots of the marigold plant releases a chemical that wards off a number of bacteria and insects found underneath the soil. To deter ants and other insects, such as mosquitoes, use marigolds as border or put in pots to place indoors. Unlike tansy, marigolds aren't very invasive. But they have to be replaced each year as these are annual plants.

Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family, and it is well-known that ants hate mint, particularly peppermint. These are low maintenance plants that can survive the sun and the shade. These can be used as border plants to barricade a property from ants. Creeping or low-growing varieties can be planted at the base of plants that attract aphids and ants, such as roses. These can also be used as pretty hanging plants. Pennyroyals create charming lavender flowers that repel not only ants, but also mice, fleas and many other pests.

All in all, ants can either be repelled by or attracted to the scents that flower petals produce. So, if you don't want them around, go for flowering plants or foliage that ants do not like.

Citations:

• Photo courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The article is by Claire Brent, who writes for several pest control companies. She regularly contributes articles about natural pest control methods to http://www.preventivepestcontrol.com .

5 Trail Running Myths Debunked

The following article will debunk some of the most common myths, or excuses, people often use to avoid getting into trail running:

1. Trail Running Is too Dangerous Because the Risk of Injury is Far too Great
As long as you take a few precautions, the risk of hurting yourself trail running is no greater than regular running. Instead of running your regular distance, you should instead only run for the regular amount of time that you normally run. Especially during your first few trail runs, make sure not to push your body too hard, so you can remain stable, balanced, and alert. Taking smaller steps will keep you better balanced and will reduce the risk of falling or spraining your ankle. The most important thing to remember when trail running is to always stay alert.

2. It Is too Dangerous Because I Might Get Lost
Though you certainly need to be more careful when trail running, taking a few simple precautions will eliminate the risk of getting lost. If you are unfamiliar with the trail or it is your first time trail running, you would be best advised to go with a friend or a group of friends, or at the very least bring a map with you. You should also make sure to bring your cellphone in case something goes wrong. Instead of running in a loop, you should run to a certain point and then turn around and go back in order to reduce the risk of getting lost. Make sure to take notice of what the trail looks like and look for landmarks. You should also mark the trail regularly for your way back.

3. Trails Are too Rough and Difficult to Run on
Too many people have the wrong idea in their head when they envision trail running. They picture a giant obstacle that is nearly impossible to overcome, but the trails are there for the purpose of being navigated. Most trails are flat, smooth, and easy to navigate. There will be a few obstacles, like deep slopes, streams, and rocks, but as long as you know what to do when you encounter these obstacles, they will seem more like a fun challenge than anything. When you come across a steep ascent, slow down right before and prepare for it. When you are running down a deep slope, make sure you keep your eyes ahead of you and your body in full control to avoid falling. The method of running through trails is really not as technical as it is common sense.

4. Running Trails Will Damage My Race Training Routine
Many race runners think that the difference between trail running and track running will mess up their routine. They liken trail running to train for a race to an NFL punter thinking bench pressing will make him a better kicker. However, this is not the case at all. In fact, trail running, which will develop the exact same muscles you need to run your race, will challenge both your mind in muscles in a way that will encourage development that would not otherwise be possible. By exposing your ligaments and your joints to the different ranges of motion that trail running requires, you will be strengthening them and also lessening the risk of injury in your future. Your mind will also be exposed to different challenges that will help it to persevere through any struggles on the track during a race.

5. I Do Not Have the Right Equipment for Trail Running
Too many people are under the impression that trail running is much more involving than it really is. You do not need to prepare for a three-day hike; you are just going for a run. The truth is you do not need to dress much differently than you would for a regular run. If you have a pair of sneakers and some shorts, you are ready for trail running. Items like bug spray, sun screen, and a water bottle will help make your life easier if running through the woods, but there is no vital equipment you need to go trail running that you do not already have as a runner. If you are unfamiliar with the trail, it would be wise to bring a map, and you should bring your phone with you just in case you get lost.

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The Most Important Skill for Self-Defense: Mental Preparedness

Mentally preparing yourself for an attack of any kind is the most important, and sadly neglected, part of anyone’s training. People can learn the physical moves that are necessary to protect themselves in a relatively short period of time, but it can take years to learn how to be mentally prepared to pull the trigger or strike with deadly force. Few people appreciate the importance of this skill for self-defence.

Ready or Not Here He Comes
One thing you can bet on if you are ever attacked is that your assailant is mentally prepared. He has thought through what he is going to do and psyched himself up, so to speak. He is alert and ready to ruin your day, whereas you are asleep in your bed or just walking down the street thinking of everything other than self-defense. Your attacker is like a raging bull and you are like a little fluffy white kitten with sleep in your eyes.

Fighting is not second nature to us humans. We have to be taught to go from the mindset of the kitten that is helpless to that of a tiger that is perfectly capable of protecting himself. Bottom line is you have to be able to go from your normal nice guy persona to a raging tiger in a split second; that is how you will be able to keep yourself form being injured, or worse.

The Flick of the Switch
In any self-defense situation whether you are armed or not you have to be able to go from relaxed to ready like the flick of a light switch; it has to happen that fast. So how do you learn to do that? When you go to shoot your gun for example, do not be casual about it.

You set your gun down on the table at the firing station and take a few steps back. If your gun is holstered that works as well. Take a moment to collect yourself. Think about something that stirs deep emotions for you. Think about your children if you have them. Think about your wife or husband. What would it feel like if any one of these people were violently murdered? Bask in the anger that comes to the surface. When you feel that rage you step up to the firing line and grab that pistol and shoot. If it’s in your holster draw and fire the moment you are in the firing zone. Imagine the person who killed your loved ones is standing in front of you with a gun drawn. Focus on that anger as you fire with your own weapon.

Then when you step away from the firing line take a deep breath and relax while thinking about something that gives you peace. When you step up to the firing line again make that switch to anger about someone who has hurt you or your family. Do that over and over again. Step up, get angry, step back and relax. You can do the very same thing if you are practicing martial arts. Be relaxed and calm before you enter the training area. The moment your foot steps onto the mat you get angry. You are training your mind to make the switch from mild mannered kind person to a precision fighting machine that can protect yourself and your loved ones. With some practice it becomes like the flick of a light switch. You can turn it on and off at will. If you are ever attacked you just flip the switch.

The Element of Surprise
One of the most important principles of self-defense is the element of surprise. Ever hear of someone disarming an attacker with a gun drawn? It’s not because he was faster than a bullet; it was because he did what was unexpected. Let’s take that gun example.

If someone has a gun pointed at you, you need to get within arms- length if you can. If you have determined that your assailant is going to pull the trigger you attack. You knock the gun away and strike with a deadly blow. The key here is surprise. By attacking you are doing the least expected thing. If your assailant thought there was even a remote chance of you knocking his gun away he wouldn’t be close enough for you to do so. When you attack, his brain has to go through the following steps in order for him to pull the trigger.

Acknowledge you are actually attacking him.
Sift through a number of possible responses
Decide upon the response
Act on the decided course of action
Your attacker has to do all that before you ram your finger in his eyes or crush his throat. Bottom line is you don’t have to be faster than a bullet; you just have to be faster than your opponent. Action takes fewer steps and gets a head start. Now I’m not saying go and try to disarm an armed attacker. I just want to demonstrate how effective and important the element of surprise is.

Close Cousins
I bring up anger because fear is its close cousin and it’s easy to swap one for the other. Fear causes you to hesitate or even fail to react at all. Fear makes you slow and saps your strength. You have to be able to take that fear and turn it into anger which can be your friend. Anger gives you strength and focus. Anger gives you the courage you need to do what you have to do to stay alive. Like the light switch you have to be able to flick it on and off on command. You remember that next time you step on the mat to train or step up to the firing line and draw your weapon. When you are finished training, take a deep breath and relax; your job is done.

Adam works for the Gun Safe Store AND teaches firearm safety. The gun safe store has a wide variety of gun safes and pistol safes.

How To Look Beautiful Without Make-up

How To Look Beautiful Without Make-up
They say that beauty is only skin deep, but I think it goes much deeper than that. It is all about attitude and presentation. You don’t need make up to make you pretty. You were created beautiful just the way you are. Besides, applying makeup is a hassle and it costs time and money.! Let’s look at a few natural ways to take care of the beautiful you!

Start from Scratch
In the morning, wash your face thoroughly with a gentle face wash. If you take a shower in the mornings, use a hydrating shower gel. This will help your skin retain its natural moisture. Each day, you should protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, so apply sunscreen before going out each day. In the evening, use a cleanser that is made for your ski type to remove the dirt that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day. You should exfoliate the skin on your face twice a week too, which clears up the dead skin cells. Keeping your skin clean will help prevent blackheads and pimples.

Head to Toe
Your face is only one part of your body that needs special attention. Your hair also needs a shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for your hair type. Keep you dead ends trimmed. To add some pizzazz, get a trendy haircut. Look at magazines to get an idea of what is trending. You can get help from your hairstylist. They can help you choose a haircut and style that brings out your natural beauty. Also, check out inexpensive hair accessories, such as barrettes, clips and head bands. Make sure you keep your eyebrows sculpted nicely. Your fingernails and toe nails should be clean and trimmed neatly. Practice daily good dental hygiene too. This is very important. Brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day. You can carry a small bottle of mouthwash for in between freshening, if necessary. Use a moisturizing lotion twice daily. Use your moisturizer in your morning routine and right before you go to bed. If you have dry skin, look for special moisturizers that help repair dry skin. If your skin is oily, use a moisturizer that is lighter than most, so that you don’t clog up your pores.

Work it, Honey
Getting exercise is a great way to enhance your natural beauty. Doing at least 30 minutes of exercise each day will make you feel better and look great. Walking, jumping jacks, sit ups, and squats are all good exercises. Do 30 – 45 minutes of aerobics for a cardiovascular workout. Exercise also helps you to sleep better at night. Speaking of getting some ZZZZZ’s, you need to get at least 8 solid hours of sleep each night. It is good for your body and your skin. If you do not get enough sleep, it can cause dark circles and bags under your eyes.

Wrap it up
Wear nice clothing, such as dresses, skirts, nice slacks, and blouses. Try to stay away from sweat pants and floppy clothing, unless you are exercising. Pick out an outfit that compliments your body, but keep it modest. Wearing clothes that are several sizes too small is not appealing. Make sure you wear clothes in your size range too. Don’t be afraid to speak with a salesperson to find out what size you are. Don’t forget to add the accessories and matching shoes! It is amazing how shoes and jewelry will finalize any outfit and make you stand out like never before.

The Total Package
Follow the tips that were mentioned, so that you can go out and paint the town, not your face. You can look like a million bucks without having to spend it!

Ashley Evans enjoys sharing beauty tips.   She also reminds her clients to take great care of their teeth.  A healthy smile consists of yearly visits to your dentist and having great dental insurance to keep your mouth protected.

Ten Amazing Benefits of Yoga

There is no one who can't benefit from yoga. What follows are ten benefits of practicing yoga and why you should give it a try!

1. Within the body, someone who regularly practices yoga will find it leads to a reduction in blood pressure. In people who have been diagnosed with hypertension, daily yoga has been shown to reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the need for medication.

2. The practice of yoga can amp up the speed of metabolism. With continual practice, hunger cues are reset and you can ward off the feeling of being ravenous. With hunger well-controlled, weight loss becomes more efficient, while the fact that your muscles are working on a daily basis contributes to their ability to burn fat and calories faster.

3. Yoga is an excellent form of stress management. Through breathing techniques and muscle control, total relaxation can be achieved by routine practice. The movements of yoga enable you to loosen your body and that, in turn, allows stress to exit the mind.

4. The development of core muscle strength is a benefit of yoga. The many poses enable the practitioner to become familiar with muscle groups in the body, while gaining better control over them. When you are aware of how your body works, you gain strength.

5. One benefit that doesn't get much attention is the power of yoga to diffuse anger. Yoga by its very nature encourages calmness. When you are in the midst of the controlled breathing of yoga, you realize these techniques work well, both in and out of a yoga class, to exhale anger out of your body. Staying calm is the antithesis of holding anger.

6. Practicing yoga regularly is a blessing for sufferers of chronic pain. Because yoga is a series of slow and purposeful movements, the low-impact nature of the practice makes it ideal for those with pain. Spinal compression is reduced and tensions ease. Some practitioners of yoga have reported the reduced need for pain medications due to the effect of yoga on their pain levels.

7. Those afflicted with obsessive compulsive disorder who have taken up the practice of yoga have reported a decreased need for medication to handle their symptoms. Some have even said they were able to stop taking medication completely.

8. Yoga gives a huge boost to your hand and eye coordination, dexterity and reaction time. All of those need regular use to stay most beneficial to you. Yoga gently exercises them so they are ready when you need them in everyday situations.

9. Attention, memory and concentration are all areas that are improved by practicing yoga. As little as 8 weeks of performing yoga can cause a marked increase in these skills.

10. There is promising evidence that suggests the practice of yoga can elevate the level of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. Low GABA levels are found in patients with Alzheimer's. Meditation, such as with yoga, has shown promise in slowing Alzheimer's progress.

There are truly limitless benefits when someone takes up yoga. From mind and spirit, to body and brain, yoga benefits every part of the human body.

Dylan Johnson is a writer for Fusion Fitness and Yoga. The have personal training, boot camp and yoga classes for all. 

7/11 Foods That May Be Killing You and How to Avoid Them

They're called convenience stores for a reason—they're convenient. They are easy to locate, and you can run in and grab whatever you need without the hassle of large grocery stores.

The problem with convenience stores is that they make snacking more convenient. They appeal to the impulse buyer by placing the candy bars right next to the register. We tend to buy items at convenience stores that we would otherwise overlook, or we run in and grab a quick snack because we don't have time for a full meal.

Convenience stores harbor an array of bad food choices. The following are just a few of the worst items you could eat from the convenience store.

Lay's Classic Potato Chips
You would think that buying the individual pack would be a healthy choice over buying the big bag. Though you're right, the individual packet of Lay's chips is still unhealthy. It contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, 170 mg of sodium and 10 grams of fat. This snack is completely void of any and all nutritional value and is very high in sodium.

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Peanut Butter
Most people make the mistake of choosing one of these because they think the granola and the peanut butter are healthy. Though they're better for you than a candy bar, they're still unhealthy. One of these granola bars contains 190 calories, 7 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein and 180 mg of sodium. And you know what keeps the peanut butter and granola sticking together? It's not the peanut butter—it's sugar.

Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its may be tasty, and you may think that they're healthy because they're a cracker, but these orange squares are actually bad for you. They contain a great amount of oil, which makes them more fatty and contains more calories. A single serve pack of Cheez-Its contains 180 calories, 290 mg of sodium and 9 grams of fat.

Hostess Pudding Pie
They look tasty. In fact, they are tasty. But these little ditties are very, very bad for you. One package of these treats contains 75% of both your saturated and trans fat daily allowance. Racking in at over 520 calories, 24 grams of fat and 45 grams of sugar, these need to be avoided at all costs.

Sports Drinks
Most people visit the convenience store and pick up a bottle of Gatorade or other sports drink. They assume they're making a healthier choice over pop, and most people consider it to be almost the same as water. The problem is that sports drinks are not healthy. A 16-ounce bottle contains 120 calories and around 30 grams of sugar, which is the exact same as a regular can of pop. In fact, drinking one bottle of a sports drink every day can result in gaining 12 pounds per year.

Beef Jerky
Before you "snap into a Slim Jim" or other brand of beef jerky, be very cautious about what you're about to consume. The top brand jerkies contain MSG and sodium nitrate, which both contain carcinogenic effects. A small 1-ounce serving of jerky can have around 700 mg of sodium. People who suffer from high blood pressure or other cardiac issues need to stay as far away from jerky as possible. Jerky also contains a large amount of preservatives, so it doesn't contain any fiber or antioxidants.

Feeding yourself at the convenience store is not a healthy choice. If you do find yourself needing a quick snack, opt for a single serve whole grain cereal cup, such as Cheerios, or a low fat yogurt (just be sure to check the expiration date). Though they may not be as tasty as some chocolatey goodness, they’ll be better for you in the long run.

Jade Cook is a writer.  She enjoys giving tips on fashion, relationships, cooking, and shopping.  Jade recently wrote about her favorite recipe for salsbury steak.

World's Best Guitarists

If there’s one sure fire way to get music fans into a heated argument, it’s to start a discussion about who are the world’s best guitarists. It’s a very emotive and subjective issue, and the answers will vary depending on musical taste and personal preferences. There are however some names which keep coming up again and again in these sorts of discussions.

Jimi Hendrix
There are only a very few people who have changed the face of world music forever, and one of these is Jimi Hendrix, who exploded onto the rock scene in the late 1960s. The sound he got out of his guitar was like nothing the world had heard before, and his untimely death at the age of 27 guarantees that his music remained high profile through the 1970s too. He was the first to use the pedal extensively in his guitar playing and this added to the unusual sounds. He is one of the most influential guitar players of all time, and was named the best guitar player ever in a survey by Rolling
Stone magazine.

Eric Clapton
Clapton was originally a blues player, and found fame with the Yardbirds before breaking away and forming his own band, Cream. He was well-known for writing his own material and his guitar solos as he was for cover versions of songs by the likes of Bob Marley, and although he has retired from the music scene in recent years he still features highly on lists of the world’s best guitar players. Clapton was a seasoned performer in his own right, and sang as well as playing on most of his most memorable hits. Clapton is unusual in that he does not have a preferred brand of instrument and has played many different types of guitars over his career.

Edge
There was a point in the 1980s when U2 were Ireland’s biggest export, and it would be difficult to name a band which had had more international success over the past 30 years. The Edge’s distinctive guitar sounds is what made the band stand out from the crowd, and many have tried to emulate his sound on their own Rickenbacker 620 Fireglo, with varying degrees of success. U2 may not have as a high a profile as they did a few years ago, but they have an extensive back catalogue of hits and have influenced many of the next generation of guitarists.

George Harrison
The two high profile members of the Beatles were John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and guitarist George Harrison is often overlooked in the popularity stakes. However, his guitar sound contributed greatly to the success of the band, and the Beatles transformed the face of popular music across the world in the 1960s. Harrison had solo success after the break up of the band, and was a high profile campaigner for human rights until his death in 2001. Harrison was a fan of the Rickenbacker brand of guitars, and many a young player wishing to emulate his style has picked up a Rickenbacker 620 Fireglo and strummed a few chords. 

Citations:

• Image courtesy of Matt Gibbons

Peterborough Music offer the Rickenbacker 620 Fireglo guitar, a favourite of The Edge and many other top guitarists.

Interesting Facts About Sign Language

Sign language is a great way to communicate with other people, and it has been a breakthrough for those who are deaf or unable to speak. Most people who don't have to use sign language don't know much about it, but the language is extremely interesting, and those who learn it can find it extremely beneficial.

The use of sign language dates back a very long time. The origins of American sign language travel all the way back to the 18th century. While there is no real explanation for how American sign language came to be, many believe that certain events led up to its inception.

American sign language and French sign language are very similar, and it is believed that American sign language was developed with French sign language  and American Indian sign language as a base.

If you use sign language, or if you're simply interested in it, the following are some interesting facts.

1. Sign language is not the same in every country, just like verbal language. Just like different countries have different languages, different countries also have different signs.

2. There is not a sign for every word in the English language. Sometimes one sign will refer to an entire phrase if said verbally.

3. Research has shown that teaching babies sign language—even if they don't have a physical reason to learn it—will improve their cognitive development.

4. In 35 states, sign language is considered a foreign language and can earn you college credits.

5. Sign language can use different emotions. It can be used for poetry, comedy and sarcasm, as well as tell lies and have a regular conversation.

6. If there is no sign for an English word, it is spelled out using the sign language alphabet. All names—both first and last—are spelled out.

7. The grammar in sign language is much different than the grammar in spoken English.

8. Babies are able to communicate physically before they're able to communicate verbally, which is why sign language is recommended for younger children.

9. In order to communicate effectively, you must pay attention to the body language, facial expressions, gestures, hand position, hand movement and hand shape of the person who is signing. All of these items help determine the emotion of an individual.

10. American sign language is the third most used language in the United States, following English and Spanish.

11. American sign language is also known as ASL, but it is not just used in America. It is the recognized sign language used for both Canada and Mexico too.

12. 9 out of 10 children who are born deaf do not have deaf parents.

13. When a deaf child is born to non-deaf parents, it takes much longer for sign language to be taught, as parents often need to learn sign language as well.

If you are interested in taking a foreign language, you may want to consider sign language. Great colleges are always excited to meet new and prospective students, and learning a skill like knowing sign language will  help make your entire life more successful.

Hans Shultz is originally from Germany and is a writer.  He likes to write articles on various topics including language and communication.  Hans also writes for Accent Pros and recently started writing about Accent Pros language classes.

Photo credit: maare6

Tips for Getting Free Stuff

When you are trying to build your savings, nothing is better than receiving free products or services. Believe it or not, there are plenty of free things out there waiting to be claimed by you. You are probably thinking that nothing is ever really free; so, there must be a catch somewhere. Well, the payment that you will have to put into your free items will only be your time and attention, but never cash. That price has to be pretty attractive to anyone interested in saving money.

1.    Find Free Samples
There are plenty of companies out there that are either new, or are offering a new product or service. These companies are often willing to give you a free sample in the hopes that that sample will entice you to return and spend your money on more items. A great way to stay in tuned to these offers is to sign up for free newsletters and electronic offers. If you’re like me, you typically choose to opt out when a company asks for your email address because the spam emails can become annoying. This is why you should create a second free email address just for these situations. You can have your personal email address separate from your free offer email address. You can then periodically scour your second email address for emails containing valuable deals and precious free samples.

2.    Complete Surveys
Companies want information from you. They want to learn the tastes and preferences of different demographics. This is why your survey answers are quite valuable. In return for answering a few questions, many companies will offer you a free gift to compensate you for your time.

3.    Visit Trade Shows
Stay aware of when trade shows are being held in your area. You may be required to pay a small entrance fee to enter the show, in some cases you will not, but once you are inside, you can find that many of the businesses at the show will have great samples and giveaways. Many businesses will give away small items such as shirts, pens, or other items with their business information printed on the side so that you will remember them later.

4.    Volunteer
You can get many services performed for free if you are willing to volunteer for students. This can range from getting your hair cut to having dental work completed. The students need practice and you can often get this work completed for free if you are willing to be a test subject of sorts. This might sound risky, but remember, these students are always supervised and the instructors would not allow them to work with the public if they did not show the competency to do so.

5.    Review 
Companies are always looking for ways to get their brand out into the public eye. If you enjoy being creative and writing about your opinions and experiences, start a blog in which you review products and services. If you generate enough buzz, companies will be willing to send you free items or give you free services in exchange for a review on your blog. Obviously, in this case, you would want to concentrate your review topics on the types of items in which you personally like, want, or need.

As you can see, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can get plenty of goods and services for free or next to nothing. Of course, in some of these cases you are going to have to do a little bit of work on your end, but in many cases the value will greatly outweigh the cost. 

Debbie Phillips enjoys writing about ideas to help stay at home moms from saving money to keeping the kids busy at FreeStuffandSamples.com.

Why Collect Coins?

Collecting Coins is an interesting hobby that’s fun for young and old. A lot of our customers are grandparents that are building their collections for their grandchildren and it becomes a positive medium for the grandchildren to work on, to get them out of the modes of looking at some of the drugs and the gangs and some of the negative places they have to put their energy, coin collecting is a very positive place to put energy for young and old.

Isn't Coin Collecting Expensive?
Most people think that coin collecting is a very expensive hobby that all these coins cost lots and lots of money, it is true that we have expensive coins in our inventory; we have coins that sell for 3-5 thousand dollars in our inventory, but the majority of coins sell for under $50. I have 3 coins that I’d like to show you today that are fun, interesting, and a good place to start that don’t require a lot of money. In fact, they’re less than $20 a coin. In 1897, which was exactly 110 years ago today, the mint made a silver dollar; they’re 90% silver and a little bit less than an ounce of silver, (with silver around the $12-$13 mark these coins melt around $10-$11 a coin).

Morgan Silver Dollar:

The second coin that I want to talk about today is a – and I have it right here – it’s a Morgan silver dollar but it’s in mint condition;mint condition meaning it was never circulated, it was never put in change. The 1897 that I spoke about earlier is a circulated coin, it’s a coin that was put in circulation, it’s a coin that was spent and it over the bar a few times in the wild west and it circulated but it’s 110 years old and it dated 1897. The 1921 Morgan is the last year that they made Morgan dollars before they started the Peace Dollar, and this coin is in mint condition, it’s never been in circulation and we have it in an air-tight holder to preserve the quality of the coin. 

Mercury Dime:
The third coin that I want to talk about is a coin that I am really excited about, I saved the best coin for last, and this coin sells for under $20. The US mint made mercury dimes, (pictured left). We call them the winged mercury and it has a little branch on the back and they were made from 1916-1945, they’re made of 90% silver, if you were to have a few Mercurys today they’d melt at probably over a dollar a coin just for the silver. But these coins have not been made since 1945, the end of the second World War, if you can remember back to the end of the second World War, all you veterans out there this is a great coin because the second World War ended in 1945. This is a mercury dime and it is the last year of issue, it’s 1945, but it’s in mint condition; mint condition means that the coin was never spent, was never passed over the bar, it never was used for change.  It’s probably the history that fascinates me personally the most.
Every coin has a story to tell. So whatever your motives for collecting coins, have fun with you endeavors.  

The Tower Mint are producers of custom coins and medals in the UK. 

Image: Credit Credit