Nicholas Sarkozy's Divorce

An expected divorce of the French President Nicholas Sarkozy and his wife Cecilia (2nd marriage for both) has recently been announced. The conservative politician Nicholas has Virgo Ascendant with Mars placed in the 7th house (house of marriage) indicating more than one relationship and disputes in married life. Adding to this, the Lord of 7th house Jupiter is placed with debilitated Ketu deteriorating the problems further. There is no wonder in his separation and divorce in both the marriages.

In Cecilia's case, the Lord of 7th house Saturn is placed in the 5th house without any severe affliction but Mars is placed in the 4th house with Rahu and it is aspecting the 7th house indicating terrible confrontation in married life. Nicolas is currently under the influence of Sun-Venus-Saturn period. Cecilia is currently under the influence of Venus-Moon-Saturn period. Saturnine influences in relationships have major obstacles and Saturn's cold hand descend the relationship.

The composite charts Sun conjunct Venus signifies true love. So, there was also a good deal of affection and a spirit of adventure between them in the good times. But Cecilia has Sun in Scorpio and Nicholas has in Aquarius. They often live apart even when they are together. Note that Nicholas's Saturn is in conjunction with Cecilia's Sun marking a difference in social status, age and distance in general. From the very beginning, Cecilia Sarkozy refused to be just 'Nicolas' wife'.

Upheavals and family changes were on the cards.

We wish the couple all the luck for their future endeavors.

Get daily free Aries Horoscope, Taurus Horoscope, Gemini Horoscope, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces Horoscope at Ganeshaspeaks.com

Colonial Style Porch Ceiling

Astrology Forecast for February 2008 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs

February is going to be a month for changes with two eclipses and Mercury in retrograde... and so many holidays! We'll be ready for parties, we'll be ready for endings and beginnings, and we may run into many old friends along the way. The planets will be getting along well this month. There won't be any planetary squares and only one opposition towards the end of the month. There may be changes ahead, but most of them will not be too painful.

The month begins with Venus and Jupiter snuggling in Capricorn, and that could bring some unexpected pregnancies. It could also bring some financial prosperity. Mercury and Neptune will also be singing together with Mars doing a little backup for them on Groundhog Day. We may have some very creative ideas, and the energy to make them real through Sunday, February 3rd.

Mercury will be in retrograde through the 18th, and this will definitely be a time for old friends -- some living, some gone. Always Mercury's retrograde is good for ghost hunting, but with Mercury doing the back swim in Aquarius, it will also be a time for hunting old friends. It will be a greatB66 time to reconnect with everybody, so if you are thinking of an old friend, go ahead and look them up.

We may really feel like dancing on Fat Tuesday, February 5th, with Venus and Uranus holding hands. The sun will also be moving to conjunct Mercury and the Moon for the solar eclipse. There could be all kinds of opportunities in love, money, science, travel, and just plain new ideas through the Chinese New Year (the year of the rat) on February 7th.

Our imaginations will be active and some of us may be quite inspired the weekend of February 9th with the Sun crossing Neptune. And, we will probably be ready to follow-through with some of those ideas through Thursday, February 14, Valentine's Day, as the Sun then moves to radiate Mars. We will be feeling very frisky for Valentine's Day, so get out and have some fun! It will be a great day for meeting new people.

Venus will be leaving Capricorn and crossing into Aquarius over the weekend of February 16th. We may be feeling like getting out of our caves and maybe visiting some friends.

Mercury will be at direct station on Monday, February 18th, Presidents' Day, the Sun will enter Pisces on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, February 20th, many of us will witness a full moon lunar eclipse in Virgo. Mercury will cause transportation and communication problems from the 17th through the 19th. The Sun will be winking at Pluto as it enters Pisces on the 19th. We will be feeling a deeper part of ourselves, and community groups could make some positive changes. Then the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse comes, making us wonder what really is important. Get ready! Some of us will be breaking up, and some of us will be making up. Some of us will be making money, some of us will be quitting our jobs. It will be a time for changes.

The weekend of February 23rd could bring some problems with authority figures with the Sun and Saturn at a standoff. Or, we may find ourselves back at the office working this weekend. But, things will become more artistic and pleasant by Tuesday, February 26th as Venus crosses Mercury. Things should be smooth sailing all the way through Leap Day, February 29th!

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. (This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this bio is included.) http://www.sparrowmoon.com/

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Fantastic Tips to Remodel Kitchen Cabinets

The most important things in your kitchen are probably your cabinets. Ok so they don't actually do anything, but without cabinets where on earth would you store all of your endless gadgets? They also look fantastic, they add to the style of your kitchen. They are used to store food and all the junk that you accumulate over the years.

Kitchen cabinets can also be used to make your kitchen appear more modern. This is why you should consider remodeling your kitchen cabinets.

DIY

Yes, believe it or not it is possible to do this project by yourself! But first you should consider what you want to do. You could remove the whole cabinets and replace them with new ones. Or you could simply refinish the doors. In this case decide on the color of stain or paint that you want to use. If you want to do this project by yourself then you should go to one of the many hardware stores to get help and supplies, these include Lowes, and Home Depot. The staff in these shops are extremely helpful and will help you to chose the right cabinet designs.2205

If you want to know more about these shops you can visit their websites at www.lowes.com and www.homedepot.com. The often list a selection of their special offers on this website which is a fantastic way to save money on your kitchen renovation project. You should be able to get a rough idea of cost by looking at these websites.

You can also repaint your kitchen cabinet doors so that they tie in with your kitchen theme. You should first decide the color of the paint that you want to use to paint your doors, this is especially important if you are intending to have this fit in with a certain theme. If the theme of your kitchen is cherry, then you could try painting all of the cabinets in your kitchen red. Similarly if you have an ocean theme then you could paint them in an ocean color. You get the idea! Whatever theme your kitchen is you will be able to find a great color to use at one of the home improvement stores.

To learn about which types of paint you should use, and how you should complete the project you should ask for help at one of the many home improvement stores in your area. A quick visit to Lowes or home depot can provide you with a lot of information to help get your kitchen cabinet project off the ground.

Being really interested in refacing, Linden Walhard is editing different short articles in this particular field. His work on granite kitchen countertops can be discovered on http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com and also different websites.

Split Level House Renovations

The most popular Split Level house renovations are projects to finish unfinished or partly finished areas, opening up the main floor, updating the kitchen, adding bathrooms to the main (formal living area) floor and to the upper level (bedrooms area).

Many people want to create more openness in the main floor of a split level, which usually consists of living room, dining room, kitchen and possibly a bedroom. Openness can certainly be achieved by removing some of the walls between rooms. You will need to be sure you know which walls are load-bearing walls. For example, you might want more openness between the kitchen and the dining room. Either removing the wall or replacing the wall with a counter will open up the area and feel more spacious. Removing the wall between the living room and dining room can also open up the area and make it more conducive to entertaining.

It is not uncommon for split level homes with four levels to have an unfinished bottom level. Finishing this area is really no different from finishing any basement. It will be important, however, to check on ceiling he2238ight early in the planning stages of the project. A number of split level homes have lower ceilings on the bottom floor.

The desire to add a bathroom to any home is quite common. Split levels often offer two important opportunities for bathroom additions. First, most split level homes were not built with a bathroom on the main (formal living area) floor. Many homeowners would like to add at least a half-bath or powder room on the main floor for the comfort and convenience of guests or for elderly or disabled family members. Determining the location of the new bathroom is a challenge in most split levels. Logic and cost-consciousness would suggest locating the new bathroom near (next to, above or below) existing plumbing. This allows you to use existing supply and removal pipes. Depending on the floor plan, however, this might not be workable. Location of pipes to a new bathroom on the main floor will also require some attention to the ceiling height of the floor below (if there is one). If the lower level has typically lower ceilings, placement of plumbing might depend upon where you can run pipes without making the lower level unusable. You can get a quick estimate of the cost to finish a split-level homes basement at www.remodelestimates.com

Adding a bathroom on the bedroom level is also a very popular renovation to a split level. Many split level homes have only a shared bathroom on this floor. Other designs include a very small master bathroom. Whether your remodeling plan involves adding a second bathroom or enlarging a master bathroom, it will be necessary to sacrifice space somewhere on that floor. Again, you will probably want to try to build the new bathroom close to existing plumbing, if possible to reduce the amount of work required and to control the cost of your renovation. Enlarging a master bathroom in a split level will almost certainly require taking space from the bedroom. One solution might be a bump out or add an addition that spans both the bathroom and the master bedroom. The key to success for remodeling projects is to be organized - try getting an organizer like the one at www.remodelingorganizer.com

Although split level home designs present some unique challenges to remodelers, with a creative eye to design, careful planning, and attention to detail, most of the changes you might want to make are possible.

Dan Fritschen, the remodel-or-move guru is President and Publisher at ABCD Publishing and operates three very popular websites including http://www.remodelormove.com which helps homeowners make this important decision on the basis of knowledge and reliable cost estimates, a He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

Kitchen Renovations For Newbies - No Seriously!

If you are considering revamping your kitchen then it can be a scary daunting task. To help you out we've written some very helpful tips that you must bear in mind. Your kitchen renovation should be carried out:

- In a kitchen, preferably your kitchen. That is unless of course you're a builder!
- During daylight hours
- Not while there is anything else that might take your mind of the task in hand. Especially floods and tornado's, oh and possibly fires too.

You should carefully plan every part of your kitchen revamp so that you don't get swamped with things that need doing. You can't just wing it and get stuck in, planning is absolutely imperative. This is a great excuse... oh sorry reason to go to the pub and plan. Just remember to tell your wife that you are going out to plan her perfect kitchen.

The pub is a great place to plan as not only will you be able to plan in peace but you will also be able to learn about other peoples mistakes.

If you are considering revamping your kitchen then you could consider installing matchless lighting systems, these mean that you will no longer have to use a match to light your cooker. There are many more kitchen renovation ideas that can be found on the Internet.

So what tools will I need?

Whatever task you are doing you need the right tools, you wouldn't go to the pub without a beer now would you? Well it's sort of the same thing with the tools that you need. The actual tools that you need are:

- in someone else's tool boxes
- a pair of pants that show off your butt crack
- cans of beer to give to the person you're borrowing the tools from
- beer to drink while 'working'
- some form of distraction, but nothing too distracting like crying babies!
- telephone in case you need to call for an ambulance
- at least 10 people to help you
- the number of at least 1 professional for when you mess things up.

You should start off my putting your plans on the table, putting your hands in your pockets and sighing. If your wife asks you a question then all answers should start with a sharp intake of breath, especially if you are discussing prices.

When is the best time to remodel your kitchen?

You should ideally remodel your kitchen straight after something really bad has happened and destroyed your kitchen. In other words, you shouldn't do it unless you really need to. Another reason the best time to redo your kitchen is after some form of disaster is because you will have the insurance money to pay for this.

If part of the house does get destroyed don't get too upset. This is especially the case if you wanted to revamp any of the rooms in your house anyway. A brand new kitchen is great for so many reasons, for a start you don't need to clean the cooker out for a very long time!

Hopefully this article has helped show you the light side of kitchen renovations.

Ray Walberg writes primarily for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com, an online site on kitchen cabinet, furniture and other problems. Recording his experience in works on brand-new kitchen cabinets the columnist expressed his capability in the field.

Central Vacuum, Whole Home System

Central Vacuums have been around for years in more expensive homes and in commercial applications. Basically the central vacuum power unit is located away from the areas to be cleaned in a central location hence the name central vacuum. The central vacuum unit is usually located in the basement or garage and occasionally in a separate structure out side the house or building. Aluminum or reinforced plastic ducting is installed throughout the house providing strategically placed inlets in each main room. Installation of a central vacuum system is normally done during new house or building construction. Retrofitting a house or office with a central vacuum is normally cost prohibited. When it comes time to clean a centrally located switch is thrown and the remote unit creates a strong suction. A cleaning unit comprised of a hose, wand and power head is attached to the inlet. Usually there is an electrical outlet adjacent to the inlet providing electricity to the power roller or beater bar in the tool head. Cleaning then done in a similar manner to that of using a canister vacuum. When the room is clean then the process is completed in the next room until the whole house or office is cleaned. Then the central vacuum is turned off until needed again.

A major benefit of the central vacuum is that the unit dust, Mold, allergens and pathogens are not reintroduced to the room being cleaned. All vacuumed materials are transported to a central location where they are deposited. Many new central vacuum units exhaust directly to the outside which further removes the airborne contaminants from the building. Units that do not exhaust to the outside are also efficient in removing contaminants through the use of HEPA filters. One disadvantage to installing a central vacuum is comes in the form of duct maintenance. Ducts will need to be cleaned every couple of years depending on the level of use. Normally cleaning done using a brush on a snake that is run down each duct while the system is running. This assures that the suction remains strong throughout the house. In generally central vacuum systems are relatively quiet during operation. This is important if cleaning activities must be done in office spaces during work hours. Most people who have used or own central vacuum units feel they are the best way to clean.

James Kesel, MS is the publisher of the Vacuum Cleaner Information website. Providing information on all vacuum cleaners including Kirby, Dirt Devil, Romba, Dyson and Eureka Vacuum cleaners.

A Stair Lift Guide

There are three ways of providing access between floors for the handicapped or disabled; residential elevators, stair lifts and platform lifts. By far the most popular method of residential lift is the home chair stair lift.

The reasons why they are preferred by the majority is because of ease of installation and price. Residential elevators and platform lifts start at around 10k to 16k. The price of a home stair lift will depend on its type. A straight type will range in price from 2.5k - 4k, whereas a curved model is custom made and will cost anything between 5k to 20k. The complexity of the installation ultimately dictates the cost of installing a curved lift. The cost is impossible to know before the supplier carries out an onsite inspection.

Drive Type

There are four types of drive types. However, the vast majority of new stair lifts use the rack and pinion system.

Most cable drive systems use a strong steel cable - aircraft cable is the norm. The main disadvantage of this type of drive system is that the ride can be less than p5B4erfectly smooth. However, technology has moved on and those companies that still use this drive system say that the ride is as smooth as any other type. Summit and Ameriglide stair lifts both use this drive type.

Chain drive systems are used only for heavy duty models. They are loud and not really used in residential stair lifts.

The screw drive uses a lifting mechanism with a screw driven actuator. This is powered by a rechargeable battery. Again, this type is not used in home models.

The rack and pinion drive system is by far the most popular type for residential stair lifts. Rack and pinion systems - meaning gear and teeth - used to have to require regular cleaning and replacement of gear oil. However today's home units have sealed drive systems that require no maintenance at all.

The Track or Rail

This is the base along which the carriage travels. The track is always fitted to the stairs and never to the wall. This means that a track can be fitted to either side of the stairs. Tracks used in straight stair lifts are made of extruded aluminum whereas curved ones usually use a mixture of both steel and aluminum.

Power

With early designs the power source was AC mains. But today, most stair chair lifts are powered by DC 12 volt rechargeable batteries. Batteries are preferred because a trailing cable is used with AC mains powered stairlifts. The cable is reeled out and reeled back in each and eve5B4ry time the chair travels up and down the stairway, which causes wear and tear. Also, battery powered units can still be used during power outages. Some states prohibit the installation of any appliance unless it is installed by a qualified technician.

Swivel Seats

All makes of stair chair lifts offer this option. There are two types; 90 degree and 180 degree swivel seats. A 90 degree swivel seat is mounted on the upstairs side of the chassis and fold in one direction. A 180 degree swivel seat folds in both directions. One manufacturer, Stannah, makes a motorized swivel seat.

Self Diagnosing

Many brands like the Acorn Superglide and the Stannah stair lift have integrated circuit boards that can help diagnose problems with your lift and decrease maintenance costs.

Accessories

All manufacturers offer a mixture of accessories either as standard or optional. What you choose will affect the cost of the stair lift.

Perch stair lifts allow the passenger to remain standing. This is excellent for those who have problems bending at the knee. The Acorn Superglide Perch is one such example.

Just about all home units come with safety belts. Some brands come with retractable lap inertia belts, while others offer 3-point fixed shoulder belts.

Installation

Installation of today's straight models is quite easy. Many manufacturers and dealers encourage customers to self-install. However, a custo516mer should never self install and the Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer's Association strongly advises against it.

The installation of a residential lift really can allow someone to regain their home and independence. The chair stair lift that is best for a customer will depend on their requirements and budget.

Follow the links for more information on a stair chair lift, wheelchair stair lift and the handicap stair lift.

Kitchen Renovation Tips to Help You Save Money

Not that many people know how to use a power tool or even a paintbrush, even although some people pretend to know! The easiest tip when renovating your kitchen is to hire someone else to do the job for you! Even if you have experience doing DIY projects you may lack the time required to complete such a demanding project. If you do have enough time and knowledge then there are still some important tips you should consider in order to save time and money.

The very first tip for anyone planning to renovate your home is to plan how your kitchen will look. You should draw out a plan of your room and then plan where you want everything to go. If you're not much of a drawer then you can purchase a number of computer software that will allow you to prepare your kitchen. Computer programs are a great way to see how your kitchen will look when it's completed.

To discover some interesting ideas how to make your kitchen easier to use there are a number of sites on the internet that can offer advice. These websites offer lots of photos that show completed kitchen designs. These sites can provide a wealth of information to help you get your kitchen completed without the stress of not knowing what to do!

Don't Forget To Remodel The Details

You can apply some new paint in order to brighten your kitchen, but there are a few extra things that you should do in order to complete the look. If you are repainting your cabinets then you should defiantly replace the knobs and drawer handles. These are quite cheap and can give your kitchen a completely new look.

Few people bother to replace the electric sockets, but it really is a shame. Once you have repainted your wall old sockets will stand out like a sore thumb, you need to replace these in order to make everything look brand new. Electric sockets are available in a number of different colors, but I would avoid painting them where possible.

If you decide to paint the walls and ceiling of your kitchen then it's a good idea not to paint them both the same color. If you paint the ceiling the same color as the walls it can make your room feel very low and small. A good color for a ceiling is always white, however if you don't want to use white a slightly lighter shade of the color you're using on the walls should be fine.

Before you start doing any of your work and choosing which items you want to use you should first work out how much you can afford to spend on the complete project. Then work out an individual budget for each section. It's a good idea to set this budget in stone and don't deviate from it.

Linden Walhard's publications can be encountered on quite some online publications with information about home repair and decorating. You can come across his publications on how to install granite c285ountertops at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com

Label the Electrical Panel

One of my pet peeves of contractors; more particularly, electricians has followed us in every single house we have lived in. Label the gosh darn on-off switches that are in the main electrical panel, will ya!

There is nothing more frustrating when one needs to turn the power off for a certain electrical outlet / light switch. You know what is going to happen, right?

The light switch you need to turn off the power will be the one that is the furthest away from the electrical panel. And, of course there is no label on any of the on-off switches which lead you to having to guess through trial and error, one switch box at a time, which one of them provides the power for the area of the house containing the light switch.

Why are the on-off switches in the electrical panel never labeled? Especially the one you want?

Are electricians lazy? Well, to be honest, that is very debatable. There are building codes and electrical codes and laws of physics which electricians need to adhere. But, none of those codes indicates that the wiring or rewiring16D0 job is not finished until the switch box is properly and accurately labeled. Or, do they?

So, today's waste of 1/2 an hour with a dozen trips up and down the stairs from one end of the house on the main floor to the electrical panel room at the opposite end of the house in the basement was not enjoyable. Of course, not all contractors, electricians and the like are plain lazy and do just enough to get paid and then leave. I am sure any electrical contractor you would use would never do that. It will always be your neighbor who encounters this situation, right? :-)

And, if you are the home owner, for gosh sakes, when you actually do find the on-off switch on the electrical panel that is the one you want, label it yourself! No, you will not remember the next time you need to find it again.

For more lessons learned from our own home renovation experiences, visit our blog, Daily Home Renovation Tips at the following resource link: http://DailyHomeRenoTips.com/

Environmentally Friendly Architecture Design

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.

2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.

4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.

5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.

6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom
2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada
3. House Energy Rating - Australia
4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

James Heimler, Architect Los Angeles California, owns one of the leading firms in green architecture and environmental sustainable design practices.

Label the Electrical Panel

One of my pet peeves of contractors; more particularly, electricians has followed us in every single house we have lived in. Label the gosh darn on-off switches that are in the main electrical panel, will ya!

There is nothing more frustrating when one needs to turn the power off for a certain electrical outlet / light switch. You know what is going to happen, right?

The light switch you need to turn off the power will be the one that is the furthest away from the electrical panel. And, of course there is no label on any of the on-off switches which lead you to having to guess through trial and error, one switch box at a time, which one of them provides the power for the area of the house containing the light switch.

Why are the on-off switches in the electrical panel never labeled? Especially the one you want?

Are electricians lazy? Well, to be honest, that is very debatable. There are building codes and electrical codes and laws of physics which electricians need to adhere. But, none of those codes indicates that the wiring or rewiring16D0 job is not finished until the switch box is properly and accurately labeled. Or, do they?

So, today's waste of 1/2 an hour with a dozen trips up and down the stairs from one end of the house on the main floor to the electrical panel room at the opposite end of the house in the basement was not enjoyable. Of course, not all contractors, electricians and the like are plain lazy and do just enough to get paid and then leave. I am sure any electrical contractor you would use would never do that. It will always be your neighbor who encounters this situation, right? :-)

And, if you are the home owner, for gosh sakes, when you actually do find the on-off switch on the electrical panel that is the one you want, label it yourself! No, you will not remember the next time you need to find it again.

For more lessons learned from our own home renovation experiences, visit our blog, Daily Home Renovation Tips at the following resource link: http://DailyHomeRenoTips.com/

Mouthwash Dispensers - A Guide to Buying Mouthwash Dispensers

Bad breath is a condition that virtually affects anyone regardless of age and gender. To help get rid or prevent bad breath, make sure to gargle with a good mouthwash at least twice a day to eliminate bacteria that causes bad breath. The next step in finding a good brand of mouthwash is to fight mouth bacteria effectively. Store your good mouthwash in high quality mouthwash dispensers.

What it is

A mouthwash dispenser is used to store mouthwash more effectively than regular bottles can. It comes with a pump and tube opening where you can dispense mouthwash easily and more sanitarily. You can mount the dispenser on your bathroom wall or countertop for easy dispensing of mouthwash. This product usually comes in many types of materials, the most popular of which are porcelain and glass.

A porcelain dispenser is made from high quality porcelain and is more affordable. It also comes with a pump and nozzle for easy dispensing. You can place this in your kitchen or bathroom counter top. The other type of dispenser is the glass type, which is made from glass and more expensive than porcelain. The glass type is usually heavier, has less space for holding mouthwash

When looking for the best mouthwash dispensers, make sure to consider the storage capacity. If a lot of people will be using it (as in the case of a big family), then the bigger it is, the better. Also make sure that the dispenser has a stable base so that it does not slip and break on your countertop. You don't need to spend a lot on mouthwash dispensers of you know where to shop.

More information on Mouthwash Dispensers is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer reviews and information.

Log Home Products

Take advantage of these remarkable Log Home Products.

Before you grab your first tool, you should have a good idea of how log cabins are made, how they are assembled and how everything fits together. That's why there are many log cabin DVD sets on the market that show you exactly how a log cabin is built, from clearing the land to putting up your mailbox. Even if you have hired a company to put your log cabin home together for you, this is one useful product that will help to demystify the whole home building process. These DVD sets usually range anywhere from $100 to $200 in price and contain as many as eight separate DVDs.

If you are looking to have your own log cabin home, chances are, you are looking for lighting fixtures that present a certain style and grace. While the average lighting store offers dozens of different styles, you might have to go online to find exactly the style you are looking for. There are dozens of sites online that offer log cabin products such as specialized lighting fixtures that blend in perfectly with the natural appearance of a log cabin home. Don't settle for outdoor lighting fixtures that don't match the dcor you are going for, get the products you want for your beautiful new home.

One set of wood working tools you will need for sure, so you can add any final touches to your beautiful new home all by yourself. From durable chisels and saws to other handheld woodworking tools, making sure you have the right tools for your personal projects is very important. Don't approach the various jobs you have planned for your home with worn out woodworking tools, get the best new tools available for less online.

These are just a handful of the many outstanding log home products available to each and every new log cabin owner out there. The log cabins is the most beautiful, durable and striking style of home in the world; make sure you are ready to turn your new house into a home with the best in log home products this season.

Mountain Home Building Products offers the highest quality Log home products for your Log Cabin.

Wood working tools, solid wood siding, artistic antler castings, hand forged lighting and a complete line of log finishing products that works to clean, preserve, stain, protect and seal your log home.

Visit us at: http://www.mountainhomebuildingproducts.com

Bathroom Wall Tile Design

When fitting the bathroom tiles, there are many aspects that need to be taken care. The foremost is to select the tiles and the materials that they are made of. Since, there will be dampness in the bathroom it is always advisable to fit tiles which are made of non-porous materials. Ceramic tiles are usually used for the wall tiles and the design depends upon your choice. Ideally the wall tile should match the color of the wall and the floor tiles. Some people also use contrasting tile colors for their bathroom wall tile design and the floor tile design.

There are many designs that can be considered. If you think that your bathroom wall tile design should have a light texture you can fix blue and white floral tile murals. You can also use backsplash tile accents, phoenix bird decorative tile or even pomegranate tree and peacocks. I was checking out a tile catalogue and found many exciting tile designs and at reasonable prices. There were Armenian flowers, circular fish design tile, trees of life tile, cobalt blue peacock and many other exciting designs. The tiles are all priced at $18 a piece. The ascent tiles are costly but they make amazing bathroom wall tile designs when they are placed in-between the ceramic tiles on the bathroom wall. The size of the accent tile design is 15*15 cm and they are available in wooden framed and unframed style.

You can either fit a single tile in between the plain ceramic tiles or you can create a row or design of the designer tiles in-between the ceramic tiles. It all depends upon your choice but if you are interested you can take the help of a designer to finalize the design for you. Before you start installing the tiles you should have your bathroom wall tile design handy so that you can share it with your tile installer. It is important for you to check the quality of the tile before you fit them. Apart from selecting the non-porous tile variety you should ensure that the tiles do not fade and are able to withstand high temperatures.

Generally the tiles are expertly glazed and fired at 1850 F to give the classy finishing. It is always recommended to order a couple of sample tiles initially to check out whether they actually go well with the wall design. Once you are satisfied with the bathroom wall tile design pattern you can go ahead and order the exact number of tiles required.It is important that you hire an expert installer for the installation job or get the proper information to installing tile if you plan on doing it yourself.

To find a few tile design ideas and more information on installing tile so you know the bathroom wall tile design you pick turns out how you want Click Here

Things To Consider When You Modernize Your Bathroom

In a recent survey of home owners 75 per cent of those who 18 months ago were thinking about moving house are now going to stay put and look at modernising their current home. And with the current state of the housing market on both sides of the Atlantic who can blame people. So of these people which parts of the home are most likely to have money spent on them to modernise them and bring them up to date?

An obvious candidate for modernisation is the bathroom, for so long a neglected room in the house, the modern bathroom is now becoming a real status symbol.

This is in the main down to the fact that it is now possible to actually make a feature out of the smallest room, on top of this fact most homes now have at least one en-suite bathroom. The beauty of modernising a bathroom is that you can really spoil yourself with how you bring it up to date. Unlike most rooms in the house the bathroom is a very personal room so the additions and changes that you make to it are really only there for your convenience. When modernising a living room everyone gets to benefit from a new television set or couch just as with the kitchen, everyone gets to benefit from a new oven, fridge or kitchen units, but a bathroom is yours.

The bathroom really has moved into the modern age, just visit any plumbers merchant or bathroom store and look around at the gadgets and gizmo's that are now available to adorn your bathroom.

You may even decide to stick with a plain old white sink but bring it up to date with your choice of taps, these can make a huge difference to what may be a standard white wash basin. A set of antique look taps on a standard sink, along with a wise choice in bathroom tiles can give the bathroom the look of an old country cottage, whereas a sharp clinical pair of modern design taps on a plain white sink, coupled with the use of some bold glass tiles and a striking bathroom mirror can give a very futuristic look to your bathroom.

Self closing toilet seats which instead of closing with an almighty crash when you let go of them, slowly close to a stop, a bit like watching treacle running off a spoon. Under floor heating which warms through your bathroom tiles so when you wake up and go to the bathroom you don't have to tip toe across a freezing cold tiled bathroom floor.

Sinks also now come in all shapes and sizes, in the old days you were restricted to two types of sink, both the same design but one was white and the other was a horrible avocado colour, not exactly spoilt for choice. Today you can pick from many differing designs and colours, white still being the most popular choice but available in so many more different styles.

It is possible to add quite a bit of monetary value and chic to a bathroom without spending vast sums of money. Likewise it is possible to get the same effect as above but by spending a small fortune on the bathroom.

For instance, you can now get a shower enclosure that comes complete with a steam and sauna facility as well as built in seat and radio for your comfort and if you'd like a massage then just get to your feet and the high pressure water jets from the side of the enclosure will blast away your aches and pains. All this is a bit different from when I was a child, all we had back then was two rubber cups that fitted over the taps to channel the water through a shower head, the height of high - tech!

If the thought of an all singing, all dancing shower doesn't appeal to you what about a remote controlled shower that up to five different people can pre-set their favourite temperature, no more messing around trying to find the ideal setting. These showers can be turned on and off at the press of a button from up to 10 metres away and will even tell you when the shower is up to temperature.

So if you're fed up with your current house and would like to move but daren't take the risk in the current climate why not treat yourself and splash some money out on modernising your bathroom, a little bit of money spent here can go a long long way.

I try to pass on my musings on life and experiences in a way that people may find interesting to read.

Bathroom Floor Tiles

You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform.

Harwood E Woodpecker

Surface Protection Products

Houses are expensive to build. From the basic framework to the finishing touches of the perfect flooring, the right cabinetry and the decorative front door, everything costs money. Contractors know that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen, and something expensive needs to be replaced or repaired. Contractors and builders can save time and money by using surface protection products to prevent damage to fixtures.

Surface protection products will more than pay for themselves in the time and money saved by not having to replace or repair anything in the home. Products a5B4re available to protect just about any surface in the home during construction. As word spreads that these surface protection products are used and save the new homeowners money by preventing costly delays, a builders image will improve.

FLOORS/CARPETS - Instead of nicking that beautiful wood floor that was just laid, or tracking stains all over the pure white carpet the homeowners have chosen, floors are easily protected while the rest of the job is finished by using surface protection products. Tacky mats are also available to trap dirt and debris from being tracked through the new home.

WINDOWS - Window protection prevents scratching of the glass while allowing natural light inside. It is easy to install and easy to remove, providing protection with UV resistance.

DOORS - Doors can easily be wrapped in a protective sheet to prevent dirt smears, dents and paint overspray. Door protection is light colored, so any important site information can be written on it by the construction crew without damage to the door. Door protection is cost effective and can be ordered in custom sizes if needed.

COUNTERS - Easily modified to fit any surface, counter protection products come in economy, standard, deluxe and premium varieties. All but the economy style are made of thick durable corrugate attached to strong plastic sheeting to provide protection not only to the countertop but to the front of 583the cabinetry as well.

CABINETS - Durable cardboard sheeting is easily attached to cabinet fronts to protect them from dings, scratches, overspray and dents. It can be re-used until it is torn.

BATHROOMS - Tub damage is a very common event and can really add unexpected costs to building a home. There are various styles of tub protection on the market from liners to covers. Each has their merits but the keys to preventing damage are eliminating the use of bath tubs as garbage cans and preventing contractors from standing in the tubs, grinding screws or nails into the finish of the tub or shower pan.

Toilet protection is available as well. It locks on securely and protects the entire fixture during construction.

HVAC - Inexpensive HVAC protection is worth its weight in gold - it keeps screws, nails, dust and debris from falling into the heating ducts. This simple product can save you a lot of money spent in cleaning the duct work after construction is finished.

Builders and contractors everywhere can benefit by using surface protection products during the construction process. Many of the products are reusable from job to job, and can be printed with the name and/or logo of a business for promotional purposes. Time and money is saved by reducing the amount of replacement and repair needed when finishing up a construction job.

Mike Blake is co-founder of Blake Products and has several patented and patent pending surface protection products. Through his experience in the construction industry, he recognized opportunities to save builders money through preventable damage. For a complete line of surface protection products, please visit http://www.blakeproducts.com your Surface Protection Center.

Tile Bathroom Counter Top

Tile bathroom counter tops will upgrade your bathroom. Few projects can improve the bathroom of your home more than tile bathroom counter top installation. Tile counter tops are not only beautiful, they are very practical too. You can spend much money to have a ceramic tile bathroom counter top installed or you can do it yourself. In this article see the steps to install a ceramic tile bathroom counter top.

First choose your tile. This is tough, since there are many choices of ceramic tile for bathroom counters. You must choose between an endless variety of sizes, colors, textures, grades, finishes.

Decide how you will trim the tile too. If the edges will be exposed, choose tile with finished glazed edges. Some floor tiles have glazed edges and look great as counter top tiles. Porcelain tile is used often in bathrooms. Since porcelain tile has a slick glass-like finish it's easy to clean and great for a bathroom. Also many porcelain tile models come with all kinds of trim pieces for edges and accessories. Accessories include soap dishes, towel racks and related fixtures.

Part of the art to installing ceramic tile counter tops is deciding how to arrange tiles. How do you start? Where should cuts be made? Which layout looks most attractive? After your base is installed, try laying some tiles, without adhesive, on the counter and see what looks best. Try different arrangements to see what you like. Move the dry tile around and save yourself a lot of time ripping out tile and starting over.

The base for the tile is important. Your tile bathroom counter top can be installed over many materials. Formica is a good base. Just check with your dealer to choose an adhesive suited for the surface. A favorite base is cement board. With cement board you can use ready mixed latex glue as an adhesive for ceramic tile counter tops.

When you're ready to start laying your ceramic tile, it's much like laying a floor. Spread the adhesive over an area with your tile trowel. Spread the adhesive with the notched side of your trowel to get the right amount of adhesive. The size of the trowel notches and the angle of the trowel determines how much adhesive you apply.

Lay your tiles following your plan you made with the dry tile. Use spacers to get the gaps between tiles consistent.

You cut tile at edges or around fixtures using a cutter board or a wet saw. Finish trim using tile nippers. After the tile adhesive is set, prepare to grout. Choose sanded grout if the joints are 1/8 inch or larger. An excellent alternative for a tile bathroom counter top is epoxy grout, which is excellent on any tile surface in a bathroom. Epoxy grout doesn't stain and is completely waterproof.

Those are the basic steps to completely update your bathroom with a tile counter top. This beautiful, practical surface can last for decades with minimum maintenance!

Have other questions about a tile bathroom counter top? I know laying ceramic tile can be puzzling.

Visit InstallingCeramicTile.Net to get answers to your questions and get some great resources to speed you to success with your project.

Al Bullington admires the beauty of ceramic tile from his home in the country.

Shutters Basics

Window shutters add a nice touch to a homes exterior. In other parts of the world, especially Europe and the Caribbean, shutters serve a functional purpose. They cover windows by night or in bad weather to keep out bad weather or cold air. By day they are pushed open from the inside and secured in place to let daylight and the suns warmth into a home. This is especially important in communities where the majority of residents lack central heating or air conditioning.

But in many industrialized nations, housing includes shutters more as accent pieces or adornments than as functional window covers. Shutte5B4rs may cover the homes largest windows, the windows on the front side of the house, the windows on the sides as well as the front, or every window in the home.

Shutters typically coordinate with a homes design to bring out a certain style in its appearance. For example, you can get shutters that are rectangular-shaped, or those that come in other forms. Here are some things to consider when selecting shutters for your home.

1. Does the homes exterior paint or paneling come with matching shutters? If so, consider using these to match the existing design, even if you had the siding done first and now want to add shutters. If not, check with the home supply provider for suggestions about the type of shutters that will go well with your current outdoor siding. You may be able to look at a print or online catalog, or view samples at the store. Some stores provide references of previous customers who have purchased these shutters, and you may be able to talk with them about their level of satisfaction or drive by their homes to have a look.

2. Choose a coordinating design and color. If your homes siding or finish does not come with matching shutters, check out several possible options before selecting one for your home. Popular styles are made of aluminum and vinyl, along with other materials that are weather-resistant, so find out whats available, along with the merits of each.

3. Compare styles to find5B4 one that suits your homes design and structure. Some shutters come with two matching panels, while others have four. You can get louvers, but keep in mind these can collect dust and may be difficult to clean. Even when operational shutters are not needed, some people choose to install them for special effect on their homes.

4. Find out all you can about the products quality. Ask the sales associate about each products durability and lifetime expectancy. Also ask about how to clean various shutter types, and what type of special cleaning substances will be needed, if any. You might also want to know about any particular conditions that afflict certain products. Wood shutters, for instance, may tend to get dry rot, termites, or other wood-associated conditions. Any type of shutter might attract insect nests, and aluminum shutters may be prone to rusting.

What are the best shutters? The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are certainly more expensive than plywood. The most w571orthless type of protection is the often employed use of various types of tape over the windows. This practice does little or nothing to prevent breakage, may result in large, more dangerous pieces of flying glass, and is extremely difficult to remove after the storm.

With todays changing global climate, and the increase of tropical storms frequency, some regions of the world will need to equip themselves with window shutters to prevent damage to their properties.

A house shutters can really make a big difference, learn how you can find the right kind of Shutters for your home, visit http://shutters.zupatips.com

Persistence Pays Off

Persistence is to success as excuses are to failure. Never, never give up - there is always a way.

Jim Rohn said, "If you want something, you will find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse." And he should know. A college drop-out, and in a rut, in debt and unable to see his way out by his mid-twenties, Jim set out to achieve more. And he did. His persistence paid off and by age 31, he was a millionaire.

If you want more, you WILL find a way, because there always IS a way. With persistence and consistent action you will make it happen. If you don't believe me, keep reading.

Did you know that Thomas Edison had over 10,000 failed attempts to create the light bulb before he was successful? His persistence was as valuable as his invention. 10,000 failed attempts and look what he created! Even if you're not out to change the world, what could you create with an unresolved persistence?

Allyson Felix made it to the Olympics in just over one year. With an intense training schedule of five to six hours per day, her persistence paid off. By the end of her training season in 2003, she had broken many records, including one set by Olympic Gold Medalist, Marion Jones. At the 2004 Olympics, she won the Silver Medal by running a 22.18 in the 200-meter race. Amazingly, she did all of this while being a high-school senior and a freshman college student.

Persistence always pays off - and sometimes big time! It's a known fact that more business deals are inked when one of the parties is persistent. Now, being persistent is not the same as being pushy; rather, it is voicing your ideal fit and expertise to someone that may not be aware of the benefits they will receive working with you. They will appreciate your persistence and the benefits - but you have to make them known.

You've probably heard of Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, and their best-selling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Did you know they marketed the original books to over 130 publishers, over a two-year period before a struggling publisher agreed to publish it. That's two years of phone calls, foot-peddling and persistence that started a best-selling book series. The authors knew the value of the book, it came down to making it known to the right publisher. Once the publisher saw the value, they knew what the benefits would be. Their first book went on to sell 8 million copies in 39 languages. And to date, the series has sold more than 100 million copies in over 45 languages.

At one point, JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series was on welfare and so broke that she wrote her story on pub napkins. She could have easily given up on writing, but she was persistent in her passion. She finished the first Harry Potter novel, found a literary agent and went to work marketing her book. Today, she is one of the wealthiest women in the world, with a net worth of about $1 billion dollars.

There are thousands of examples of ordinary people achieving extraordinary goals; these are just a few examples of how persistence paid off. Achieving your goals requires you to take consistent action, be persistent, and maintain a resolve to simply not give up. Below are steps you can take today, to get you closer to achieving your goals.

1. Take Measurable Actions - Every Day!

Persistence takes action. Take at least 3 actions every day that support goal achievement. If you need funding for your venture, then get on the phone and find an investor. If you want to lose weight, then eat well and exercise. If you want a new job, then take steps to make yourself a prime job candidate for the right company. Consistent action and persistence pays off.

2. Keep Showing Up

If you believe in what you're doing, just keep showing up. You never know when your break-through opportunity will appear, so bring your best to every situation. When the right opportunity appears, you'll be ready!

3. Remain Objective About Your Obstacles

Don't get emotional about the obstacles in front of you. Remember, there is always a way, and your success is inevitable. You just have to figure out how to move over, around or under your challenges.

4. Learn to Say "Next!"

Don't take rejections personally; they are nothing more than the natural process of weeding out the sub-prime opportunities. You're on the road to success and want to put your energies toward something that will be ideal for all parties involved - including you. The right opportunity will be met with an enthusiastic "Yes"!

5. Track Your Progress

It's easier to be persistent when you can see how far you've come. Track your progress and achievements so you can see how much closer you're getting with every step forward.

The road to success isn't always easy - but it isn't always hard. There may be times when you have to talk yourself through periods of self-doubt, and there will definitely be times when you defy the odds. Never, never give up because there is always a way to achieve your goals and experience the life you truly desire.

Every action of every day between now and your goal achievement counts. Take action, bring your best, find solutions to your obstacles, and say "Next!" to your rejections. Feel good about how far you've come and be persistent until you achieve your goals!

2007 Anne Bachrach.

Anne M. Bachrach is President of A.M. Enterprises in San Diego, CA. Anne has 23 years of experience training and coaching. The objective is to do more business in less time through maximizing people's true potential, and ultimately leading them to an even better quality of life. For more information on our services and learning tools, call Anne at 858-456-0160, or e-mail anne@accountabilitycoach.com

Persistence Pays Off

Persistence is to success as excuses are to failure. Never, never give up - there is always a way.

Jim Rohn said, "If you want something, you will find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse." And he should know. A college drop-out, and in a rut, in debt and unable to see his way out by his mid-twenties, Jim set out to achieve more. And he did. His persistence paid off and by age 31, he was a millionaire.

If you want more, you WILL find a way, because there always IS a way. With persistence and consistent action you will make it happen. If you don't believe me, keep reading.

Did you know that Thomas Edison had over 10,000 failed attempts to create the light bulb before he was successful? His persistence was as valuable as his invention. 10,000 failed attempts and look what he created! Even if you're not out to change the world, what could you create with an unresolved persistence?

Allyson Felix made it to the Olympics in just over one year. With an intense training schedule of five to six hours per day, her persistence paid off. By the end of her training season in 2003, she had broken many records, including one set by Olympic Gold Medalist, Marion Jones. At the 2004 Olympics, she won the Silver Medal by running a 22.18 in the 200-meter race. Amazingly, she did all of this while being a high-school senior and a freshman college student.

Persistence always pays off - and sometimes big time! It's a known fact that more business deals are inked when one of the parties is persistent. Now, being persistent is not the same as being pushy; rather, it is voicing your ideal fit and expertise to someone that may not be aware of the benefits they will receive working with you. They will appreciate your persistence and the benefits - but you have to make them known.

You've probably heard of Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, and their best-selling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Did you know they marketed the original books to over 130 publishers, over a two-year period before a struggling publisher agreed to publish it. That's two years of phone calls, foot-peddling and persistence that started a best-selling book series. The authors knew the value of the book, it came down to making it known to the right publisher. Once the publisher saw the value, they knew what the benefits would be. Their first book went on to sell 8 million copies in 39 languages. And to date, the series has sold more than 100 million copies in over 45 languages.

At one point, JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series was on welfare and so broke that she wrote her story on pub napkins. She could have easily given up on writing, but she was persistent in her passion. She finished the first Harry Potter novel, found a literary agent and went to work marketing her book. Today, she is one of the wealthiest women in the world, with a net worth of about $1 billion dollars.

There are thousands of examples of ordinary people achieving extraordinary goals; these are just a few examples of how persistence paid off. Achieving your goals requires you to take consistent action, be persistent, and maintain a resolve to simply not give up. Below are steps you can take today, to get you closer to achieving your goals.

1. Take Measurable Actions - Every Day!

Persistence takes action. Take at least 3 actions every day that support goal achievement. If you need funding for your venture, then get on the phone and find an investor. If you want to lose weight, then eat well and exercise. If you want a new job, then take steps to make yourself a prime job candidate for the right company. Consistent action and persistence pays off.

2. Keep Showing Up

If you believe in what you're doing, just keep showing up. You never know when your break-through opportunity will appear, so bring your best to every situation. When the right opportunity appears, you'll be ready!

3. Remain Objective About Your Obstacles

Don't get emotional about the obstacles in front of you. Remember, there is always a way, and your success is inevitable. You just have to figure out how to move over, around or under your challenges.

4. Learn to Say "Next!"

Don't take rejections personally; they are nothing more than the natural process of weeding out the sub-prime opportunities. You're on the road to success and want to put your energies toward something that will be ideal for all parties involved - including you. The right opportunity will be met with an enthusiastic "Yes"!

5. Track Your Progress

It's easier to be persistent when you can see how far you've come. Track your progress and achievements so you can see how much closer you're getting with every step forward.

The road to success isn't always easy - but it isn't always hard. There may be times when you have to talk yourself through periods of self-doubt, and there will definitely be times when you defy the odds. Never, never give up because there is always a way to achieve your goals and experience the life you truly desire.

Every action of every day between now and your goal achievement counts. Take action, bring your best, find solutions to your obstacles, and say "Next!" to your rejections. Feel good about how far you've come and be persistent until you achieve your goals!

2007 Anne Bachrach.

Anne M. Bachrach is President of A.M. Enterprises in San Diego, CA. Anne has 23 years of experience training and coaching. The objective is to do more business in less time through maximizing people's true potential, and ultimately leading them to an even better quality of life. For more information on our services and learning tools, call Anne at 858-456-0160, or e-mail anne@accountabilitycoach.com

Do You Know What Triggers You?

Do you ever wonder why you're able to get along so well with some people, while others send you up the wall? Why is it that one of your children seems to make parenting seem easy, while the other child seems to be a constant challenge in your life? Do you ever wonder why at one moment you so adore your partner, and the next moment you're questioning why you ever got into the relationship? Let's take a closer look at what causes these triggers in our lives.

The people, things, and ideas in the world that we have a strong reaction to, that we reject, hate or judge, represent parts of ourselves that we have disowned or rejected. Sigmund Freud referred to this as the repressed side of us and Carl Jung called this our shadow side. In any case, many in the field of psychology or personal growth arena look at these "button pushers" as our teachers, bringing us gifts. The gifts are the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, increase our self-awareness597 and become more balanced and at peace in our present lives and in the world.

Think of all of the people who upset you or "push your buttons". Do they have similar traits or aspects to their personalities or do they fall within a few categories like selfish or self-centered or perhaps know-it-alls or whiners or super achievers? Could this be because you've never allowed yourself to be selfish? Has you role always been to be selfless? Have you lacked the ability to express what you know with confidence and self-assurance? Have you received the message that it's never okay for you to whine? Have you not been able to become that superachiever you've always wanted to be?

As long as a trait or aspect of ourselves is denied or disowned, we will continue to attract people into our lives that carry that trait and "push our buttons"...if not a partner, child or friend it might be your boss, subordinate or the waiter at your favorite restaurant. Once we embrace a disowned part, or at the very least, learn to accept that part within ourselves, it will no longer wield the same power over us, triggering us the way it once did.

For More Articles by Therapists on this and other Topics, go to http://www.therapylinx.com

10 Steps To Achieving Maximum Performance Through Recognition

As a conscientious leader, you can:

Build a high performance team

Value your team members

Bring out the best in each of the members of the team

Employees will actually become a part of the team. This will happen when they feel included in plans for the future and when they feel rewarded for achieving goals. Everyone wants to be part of the team, part of the company, part of the big picture.

Being included doesnt mean being consulted or being asked for approval. It does mean taking those employees into consideration and keeping them informed of the plan and the progress.

Being rewarded for achieving goals doesnt have to include money or awards but in fact could be just high 5s and back patting as steps are achieved along the way. Show them that you understand that they actually helped achieve that goal. I read that at MDI, every time a major contract was signed, a giant gong in the entrance room was gonged loudly enough so everybody in the building heard it and knew of that success. Timing is important

The word rewarded, conjures up thoughts of money or gifts that are considered expenses or costs. Rewards can of course range anywhere from a thanks, you did a good job to Cash bonuses and everywhere in between. Promotional products fit almost every catagory except cash.

Rewards can be the success of the company and the continuance of operation or even expansion which could lead to promotions and long term employment.

Actual rewards should be considered as investments.

PLAN REWARDS

Set criteria for awards program, Present lasting, personalized awards

Standard, classy timeless awards stand the test of time

A personalized award will be kept and treasured

A functional gift will be used and discarded.

Trendy and gimmicky gifts are fun for a while

When your company name is on an award, you are in fact advertising your company while rewarding or acknowledging someone. Everyone will see the image you project.

Set clear objectives for your company

PHILOSOPHIES

Management & Shareholder needs

Company Vision and Mission Statements

PRODUCTS

Main or Key products

Ancilliary products

Possible new products

TIMELINE

Short term goal, 1 year goal, 5 year goals, beyond Year end

Expansion/merger/takeover plans

SET CLEAR GOALS FOR MONTH, YEAR AND FUTURE (in measurable terms)

Product Volume

Dollar Value

Dates

Measureability

Progress tracking

WHO IS ON YOUR TEAM???
Yourself
Employees
Staff
Suppliers
Customers
Community

10 STEPS TO ACHIEVING MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE THROUGH RECOGNITION.

1. Timing, Timing, Timing. (Not Location, Location, Location)

2. Quality (not cheap, does the trick)

3. Appropriateness (choose the award to match the event)

4. First Impression, Last Impression (there is a 'right' time to make it the best)

5. Corporate Image ( everyone sees what you project. Be good and be constant )

6. Achievability of contests or programs ( make sure you get winners)

7. Image building. Communicate/advertise the program, the winners (You want your image to travel.)

8. Reciprocation creates obligation payoff repayment (be cognizant and make it your advantage.)

9. Consistency exudes reliability ( you see this in all the major players )

10. Focus on all, one at a time
-Business
-Product
-Customers
-Suppliers
-Employees
- Families
- Community

Is it all about Recognition, Promotional Products, Awards Program and Incentives? NO!! It's about business. It's about you. It's about them.

You've heard it said 'Business is Business' but I believe more and more that 'Business is Family'. Sure there are times when bad things happen but you get over it, solve the problems and get back to business. Get the 'family' working again.

My name is Rod Winning I own and operate Winning FairWays Inc. Promotional Products for Success I can be contacted at rod-fairways@hotmail.com www.winningfairways.com

Rod Winning is President of Winning FairWays Inc. Promotional Products for Success. http://www.winningfairways.com contact him at info@winningfairways.com or at rod-fairways@hotmail.com

Stress Management Techniques

The simple realization that you are in control of your life is the foundation of stress management

Living with high levels of stress, can putt your entire health at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional stability, as well as your physical health. It tapers with your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life.

Causes of Stress

Stress may be because of any physical, chemical, or emotional factors that cause bodily or mental unrest and that may even cause physical sickness. Stress also has effects on the immune system. Chronic (long-term) stress has the effect of (wearing down) the iB68mmune system, leading to an increased susceptibility to colds and other infections.

Physical and chemical factors that can cause stress include trauma, infections, toxins, illnesses, and injuries of any sort. Emotional causes of stress and tension are numerous and varied.

How to Manage Stress

Stress is a daily part of our life; it would be absolutely foolish to think that we can eliminate it from our lives completely. What we can do is to manage it and not let it cripple us.

Learn to say (no) : This is the most important step,know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or professional life, refuse to accept extra responsibilities that you know will cause you distress.

Avoid people who stress you out : If someone constantly causes stress in your life and you can not turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship entirely.

Take control of your environment : Avoid environments that stress you, if traffic is got you tense, take a longer but less-traveled route. If shopping is an unpleasant chore, do your grocery shopping online or ask someone to help out.

Avoid heated topics : If you get upset over religion or politics, avoid talking about them. If you repeatedly argue about the same subject with the same people you are bound to be stressed.

Know your limits: evaluate your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. If you have got too much on your plate, drop tasks that are not truly necessary to the bottom or eliminate them entirely.

Express instead of bottling up- If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and polite way. If you do not voice your feelings, resentment will build creating unnecessary stress.

Compromise- When you ask someone to change their actions, be willing to do the same. If you both are willing to bend a little, you will find a middle ground.

Be more assertive- If you need something ask for it. Deal with problems head on, doing your best to anticipate and prevent them.

Manage your time better- Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you are stretched too thin and running behind, it is hard to stay calm and focused. But if you plan ahead, you can avoid these stress-inducing pitfalls.

Do not try to control the uncontrollable- Many things in life are beyond our control particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control.

Look for the Bright side- When facing major challenges try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth.

Share your feelings- Talk to a trusted friend or a therapist. Expressing what you are going through can be very therapeutic, even if there is nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.

Learn to forgive- Let go of anger and resentments35F.Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.

Include relaxation time-Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Do not allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

Create a Support system- A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life

Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.

Eat a healthy diet- Start your day right5A2 with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

Reduce caffeine and sugar- The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you will feel more relaxed and you will sleep better.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs- alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Later the stress simply piles on plus your health starts to suffer.

Get enough sleep-Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

Ashish Bhattacharya armed with a degree in East Asian Therapies from China, Currently working in a Mauritius Spa Resort, one of the leading Ayurvedic Spa Mauritius.

Find the Absolute Secret to Your Success

Life can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. Juggling a job, a family, friends, and finding time alone can be quite a circus act for some people. Sometimes, just keeping a head above water seems like a modicum of success. But, with only one life to live, would you like to do better than just getting by? Would you like a fantastic life of wealth, love, and happiness? Then, you need to find the absolute secret to your success.

No gimmicks, no get-rich-quick schemes. No hypnosis or even hocus-pocus. The secret is simply finding the key to your ultimate success. Once you use the key to unlock the door of your potential future, boundless success is just around the corner. After you read about the secret and put it into practice, you life will start a positive change overnight.

How you approach life, how you envision yourself and the future will completely change, once you have read, and put into practice the six steps to success in all areas of your life. How do I know? For the answer to that question, you need to know a little bit of history.

Originally, 8 books were published in 1926. As the Little Red Book hit the shelves, many people started receiving the benefits of knowing the key found in knowing the secret to personal success. An abnormal high percentage of people soon became millionaires. However, supposedly in a bid for power, the all-powerful Church banded the sale of the book in 1933. As a result, the secret was lost for a time.

Until one day, a gentleman found books in his grandmas attic. Saddened at her passing, and curious as to why she kept these books hidden away, he sat down to read. As a result, he learned the key to success in every avenue of life, and he decided to share the answers he found within the pages.

Instead of printing and marketing 8 books, he chose to consolidate the valuable information contained within the pages into one single volume. He knew the books combined only contained the one key to his present success.

The young mans solution is not a bunch of fad answers to lifes problems, nor is it a feel good message to cover up the challenges either. The message deals with changing your view about life and how to approach challenges and triumphs, and practical advice on how to make the key turn your own personal lock of success and happiness. Once you have the key, you too can find the absolute secret to your success.

As the late great Albert Einstein once said "The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results". Is it time for you to change what you are doing and achieve the results that you want? Or are you going to go through the rest of your life slowly going insane? Only you have the power to choose the next step and what direction you will take.

Paul Sutherland is an Accelerated Business Growth Coach. His company - Daniel Thomas International is also heavily involved in personal development and growth. For that reason a website http://www.perfected-products.com was created. Here you will find some of the very best tried tested and proven methods for creating the life you really want to achieve.

Don't make the mistake of trying the same old things and expecting different results. Make a real difference in your life right now and find out what works in the real world.

Define Motivation

Motivation can be defined in a number of ways. Generally, it is defined as a driving force that initiates and directs behavior. In other words, motivation is a kind of internal energy which drives a person to do something in order to achieve something. It is a temporal or dynamic state within a person which is not concerned with his/her personality. There are different types of motivation such as achievement motivation, affiliation motivation, competence motivation, power motivation, and attitude motivation.

Motivation is based on three specific aspects such as the arousal of behavior, the direction of behavior, and persistence of behavior. Arousal of behavior involves what activates human behavior and direction of behavior is concerned with what directs behavior towards a specific goal. Persistence of behavior is concerned with how the behavior is sustained.

Various studies have been conducted to understand the different motives that drive a person to success. Motives are categorized into three: homeostatic motives, nonhomeostatic motives, and learned or social motives. Almost all the motives belong to one or more of these three groups.

Motives such as thirst, hunger, respiration, and excretion are included in homeostatic motives. Nonhomeostatic motives include required activities such as seeking shelter and curiosity about the environment. Curiosity, a desire for novelty, power, achievement, social affiliation, and approval are considered as learned motives or social motives.

Motivation is essential to be successful in any endeavor you undertake. It can be positive or negative, subtle or obvious, tangible or intangible. It is very important in workplaces as it plays a key role in the effective performance of employees. In industry, managers play a significant role in employee motivation. They use different motivation techniques to improve productivity, thereby promoting cooperation between employees and employers.

Learning is somewhat interrelated to motivation. In education, instructors also use motivation techniques in order to motivate the students to learn. It is essential to increase student motivation as it can make a student more competent. Also, motivation encourages self confidence and problem-solving skills.

1C8CMotivation provides detailed information on Motivation, Daily Motivation, Employee Motivation, Motivation Posters and more. Motivation is affiliated with Christian Motivational Speakers.

Journaling To Track Your Successes

Often times people will start out on projects or set goals and after sometime lose the sight of the end result. They get distracted or they just do not know where they actually started nor how far they have come. For this reason they have little idea of how far they have to go to reach the end result. Using a journal to track your successes in any project or goal can assist you in reaching your desired result. Even the experts in the fields of motivation and inspirational personal growth suggest using the writing down of your successes as a tool to keep you on track.

To write down your successes or accomplishmentsACD helps you to first of all recognize that you have successes. Sometimes when you go through your day, you do not realize that simple little things are in fact a success. This makes you more aware of the things that you do or say that take you one step closer to your desired result.

Writing down your successes creates milestones that you can look back on and see how far you really have come in your journey to your future. There are times when discouragement will get the best of us. However, with a road and markers to look back on it is easier to continue forward and with more enthusiasm than you would have had if you had not taken the time to write down the successes you had in your everyday life.

To write down your successes regularly also encourages habits of success. Once these habits are in place then you become more motivated to do more and be more in the realm of your day. In many cases people who take the time to write down their successes reach their end result and reach them quicker. This allows them to start new projects, have more goals, and dream much bigger than they thought they could.

Once you realized the value and the importance of writing down accomplishments a person can then celebrate their successes. Treat your self to something special when you complete the desire goals you have set. Cheer and applaud! It is amazing how great we feel when we get that kind of recognition for finishing what we start.

Where you have come from determines where you will go

Check out this valuable tool that can assist you in tracking your successes at http://www.365daysofsuccessesjournal.com

For more resources and to learn more about being the best you that you can be visit http://www.inpursuitofwealth.com

From Internet Entrepreneur and Writer Bonnie Holscher

Treatment for Depression - What You Can Do To Help Yourself

The treatment for depression often involves medications like antidepressants or therapy. In addition to the treatment that your mental health provider suggests, you can also do some things help yourself. You should discuss an overall treatment plan, including medications, therapies, and self care, with your mental health providers.

Some of the self care treatment that experts often recommend include:

• Change Negative Thinking: Depression can cause negative thinking in many people's lives. However, these negative thoughts can reinforce and feed on themselves. Changing negative thinking into more realistic thoughts can help some people. "Positive thinking" isn't a cure and negative thinking can be part of a lifetime habi2234t, making it hard to change. Some individuals do find it helpful to systematically identify negative thinking and replace those thoughts with realistic thinking with facts.

• Choose Healthy Habits: Healthy habits will not only help your physical health, but it will also help your mental health. Some of the healthy habits that you should aim for including getting enough sleep (but not too much) each day, eating healthy foods, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Bad health, nutrition, and lifestyle can contribute to the problem, so making healthy choices can help you better manage the illness.

• Exercise Regularly: Studies have shown that exercise can help improve symptoms and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Exercise benefits individuals both physically and mentally. Try activities that you like and create realistic goals for yourself.

• Reduce Stress: Reducing the stress in your life can also help you get a better handle on your problem. Identifying your stressors, learning to relax, and planning ahead can all be positive self care treatment methods.

• Find Supportive Relationships: Supportive relationships can help you deal with your depression and create a more positive atmosphere around you. Try turning to friends and family members that you feel will support you through your treatment. You may also want to try a support group to connect with others who understand what you are going through.

In addition to your other treatment for depression, you can use some or all of these self care ideas within your overall treatment plan. Discuss what you can do to help yourself with your mental health provider, who will often be able to provide you with additional resources and ideas.

Learn more about depression by visiting Depression Answers We've got information on everything from types of depression to chronic pain and depression

Repossession Laws - A Review of the Legality of Self-Help Repossession

State and Federal Courts have long struggled with balancing the interests of debtors and secured creditors when it comes to the issue of self-help repossession. Self-help repossession refers to a creditors seizure of property that is the security interest (or collateral) of a loan. For example, when a bank seizes a persons car because he was delinquent on the car loan, the bank has performed self-help repossession.

Generally speaking, section 9-503 of the Uniform Commercial Code gives a secured creditor the right to take possession of collateral if the debtor falls delinquent on the loan. However, there are some limitations. For example, a21DB creditor cannot repossess collateral if doing so involves a breach of the peace. A breach of peace is somewhat of an ambiguous term, however, the use of physical force to repossess a car for example would be considered unlawful.

Aside from litigation over whether a creditor has breached the peace, there has been a considerable amount of case law on the issue of whether a debtor is entitled to a hearing prior to repossession. The concerns to both parties are significant. The creditor is motivated to take possession of collateral quickly and inexpensively since delay could result in damage to the collateral, depreciation to the collateral, and/or time for an embittered debtor to thwart future repossession attempts. On the other hand, depriving a debtor of property without first being heard poses serious risks to the debtor. Often such surprise tactics leaves debtors without necessary housing or transportation. Further, repossession without a court hearing deprives a debtor without his day in court.

This is a similar argument to the one the plaintiff made in the Supreme Court case of Fuentes v. Shevin. That case involved the issue of whether repossession without judicial intervention violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution as a deprivation of property without due process of law. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment only protects against state action. Since a secured creditor is considered a private party, it is immune from those Constitutional provisions. The subsequent case of Flagg Brothers v. Brooks contained a similar decision and creditors rights to self-help repossession have generally been immune against federal attack.

If you are a debtor facing repossession, you may want to be hasty in trying to resolve the issue with a creditor. Do not expect a court hearing first or you may find yourself without transportation.

Ben Moskel is an attorney and a member of the New York State Bar Association. He publishes articles on the issues of car repossession, debt collection, and other debtor creditor issues.

Build Self-Confidence & Leadership Qualities - 3 Tips for Leadership Behavior

Leadership behavior can be illusive because it is related overt actions, rather than simply having managerial skills. But you need to build self-confidence, if you are lacking in that leadership quality. There are many leadership qualities, but it is distinguished by being among the highest all. I will present 3 tips and explore ideas to help you get confidence and develop the leadership behavior, which you need to advance in your company, in this commentary.

You will be hard pressed to win a position of leadership without self-confidence. Leadership is not as easy to perform as it is to intellectualize. The first thing, of which you need to be aware, is that leadership qualities are behavior oriented.

Book learning and reading editorials are all good and fine; but book knowledge is not going to automatically give you the leadership behavior, which it takes to be a true leader. There16D0 is an old adage, which states, "Actions speak louder than words." This is especially true when discussing leadership behavior.

All great leaders are as such because they get the confidence and admiration of people with whom they come in contact. Good managers, on the other hand, rely heavily on skills rather than leadership. Communication skill, organizational skill and scheduling are much more important to managers than they are to true leaders.

Please do have the mistaken notion that those skills are unimportant leadership qualities, because they are very important skills in leadership. But true leadership behavior relies much more heavily on personality development than it does on simple managerial skills.

There are some individuals who seem to develop leadership behavior naturally. The common man on the street is not looking to be a leader and does not need to get confidence, as does a leader.

Leadership Quality

Your leadership behavior depends on personality traits such as: humility, sensitivity, integrity, sincerity, a sense of commitment, courage, wisdom, compassion, honesty, confidence, an optimistic attitude, determination, and to be passionate about all of your endeavors. But if you want to be a leader in your company, you need to first develop within your mind leadership behavior.

The first tip is one, which may have heard a thousand times, "Dress for Success." But it is true. It does not matter one iota if you are a guy or a gal, get clothes that speak volumes about your self. Outward appearance is a leadership quality, which you can develop without necessarily working on your personality traits.

Guys, you really need to learn how to tie your tie. Clip-on ties are tacky. You never know when you will need to loosen your tie; let's say in a lengthy business meeting, for example.

There are two fundamental tie knots: the Double Windsor Knot and the Four-in-hand Knot. The Double Windsor Knot is used for thin materials like silk; and it is worn with wider lapels. Ties made of wool, and those that are hand-knit, are generally much too thick with which to tie a decent Double Windsor Knot. The Four-in-hand is normally used when a smaller knot is required.

A hair stylist could do wonders for the way you look and feel too. Get a haircut and dress for success. You will feel cool, and it will help you build self-confidence.

The second tip to build self-confidence is, take a public speaking course. Public speaking is the first behavioral leadership quality, on which I will focus. You could be the most qualified employee in the company to lead the discussion, but you may need to get the confidence it takes to stand in front of an audience.

Public speaking is an ability that you can develop. Guiding principles and good speaking techniques, which you can get in a public speaking course, can be helpful for you to hone your leadership behavior. It will make it easier for you to build self-confidence by devoting time to develop the leadership behavior of public speaking.

A speech class that concentrates in public discourse may help you overcome your dread of speaking in public. It could help you to get confidence; and have self-assurance that people will actually be listening to your message rather than evaluating your speaking style.

You may have low self-esteem because of your background, which naturally includes how you were raised. You might try to hide in the crowd instead of stepping up to the plate to volunteer for activities like talking during a business meeting.

You will need to build self-confidence if you expect to advance in your career. You may have already read, and even be very knowledgeable, about the concept of how to get confidence. But confidence is not something your can learn merely by reading a book. You need to take actions steps to build self-confidence and to get the confidence that you need to lead a group discussion, for instance.

The third tip is; play-like you already have self-confidence. You do not have to be an actor and you can even start off by play-acting in private if you are terribly insecure. I used to be insecure too, but I overcame my insecurities. So don't give up. It may not happen overnight, but you can speed-up the process with some effort.

You can build self-confidence that you are capable, but you really need to work on it. But you might have insecurities, which are buried deep within your subconscious mind, that are holding you back.

Leadership Quality

Your subconscious insecurities may overwhelm your conscious thoughts. You need to find a way to control what that little voice inside of your head, which we all have, says to you if you truly want to develop leadership behavior.

Speaking of that "little voice" inside of your head, I used to really be cursed by it. But I found a way that actually helped me change what the little voice inside of my head says to me; and by doing so I am now much happier now than I ever imagined I could be.

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