Belly Rings: Sexy is as Sexy Does
December 30, 2006
Body piercings have been the object of much controversy — besides being an artistic expression and a celebration of one’s physical endowments. The belly ring is such a piece of jewelry.
In times of old, body piercings were treated differently, depending on the culture. As most body piercings had ritual or ceremonial value, many cultures prohibited specific types of body piercing that were purely for the sake of adornment. The warriors of old Central and South American civilizations sported body piercings, specifically in the nose area, in order to appear more intimidating to their enemies. On the other hand, lip piercings and decorations were meant to enhance attractiveness, especially among women of the day and age.
And while body piercings were more or less common in ancient Egypt, the ancient Egyptian pharaohs actually appropriated specific types of piercings. For example, no one BUT members of the royal family should wear a belly ring, on pain of death! Talk about the price of vanity.
Nowadays there is still some stigma associated with body piercings, especially among young women. It may be true that piercing is not always a safe practice, but more and more tattoo parlors are adopting measures that will ensure that infection is at least avoided. The increasing popularity of body jewelry cannot be ignored, especially since things like the belly ring and lip ring are making their way to MTV!
Yes, we’re talking about Britney Spears and her belly rings. We’re talking about the famous “stars and moon” dangling belly ring she wore to the MTV music awards last year. We’re also talking about Christina Aguilera and her “Nirvana nipple ring,” among lots of other unconventional accessories — made slightly less unconventional by their appearance on international TV.
Belly rings are popular among young people who like to get together and dance. Dancers on TV are popularizing it as a sexy accessory. There are no pharaohs nowadays who would want to lop off Britney Spears’ head for donning this spectacularly alluring piece of jewelry. From a status symbol to a sexy fashion accessory, the belly ring sure has come a long way.
Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at Bookmark to: 
Experience Mothers Day In A Whole New Way
December 30, 2006
Mother’s Day is the day when sons, daughters and husbands buy gifts and flowers to recognize the incredible work mom has done raising the children. But some moms are unknowingly cheating themselves out of the full experience of Mother’s Day. Many moms treat Mother’s Day as a completely external experience when Mother’s Day could be about so much more than just the well-deserved flowers and gifts.
Just Gifts & Flowers May Not Make Mother’s Day Special
All the gifts and flowers in the world will not make Mother’s Day special unless you, Mom, are making Mother’s Day a truly special day. Make this Mother’s Day a truly special Mother’s Day by recapturing that wonderful feeling of anticipation you felt before your child’s birth and that incredible feeling of elation you felt when your child was born. Embrace the feelings you felt when you held your baby for the first time. And then reflect upon the special moments you felt as your child developed into the wonderful son or daughter you have today. Do you feel that welling up of emotion when you think about your child in this way? Feels good; doesn’t it?
Make This Mother’s Day Special by Sharing Your Feelings
Now that you have these special feelings on Mother’s Day, share them with your child. If your child lives too far away to visit, then experience these memories and feelings as you speak with your child on the phone. If your child is close enough to visit, then recapture these feelings while you are with them. Tell your child how you felt as you prepared for their arrival and how you felt on that incredible day when they were born. Then tell your child about the special childhood memories you cherish and why those memories are so special to you. End the conversation by telling your child how much you love who they have become and how they have made your life so much more complete.
This Mother’s Day Will Have More Meaning When You Share Your Feelings
By experiencing Mother’s Day in this way, you may feel you are doing all the work when this day is supposed to be the day you don’t lift a finger. But experiencing Mother’s Day in this way will give back far more than you give. You will feel so alive this Mother’s Day that the gifts and flowers will have more meaning for you and your children. You will remember what is important in life. You will make this Mother’s Day a truly special Mother’s Day by experiencing it both inside and out.
Lisa Dunning is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Specializing in Parent/Child Relationship issues and author of “Good Parents Bad Parenting: How To Parent Together When Your Parenting Styles Are Worlds Apart”.
Lisa Dunning is a columnist for Las Vegas Family Magazine & Los Angeles Family Magazine and provides expert relationship and parenting advice for television and radio programs throughout the country.
To learn more about Lisa Dunning, her parenting book and other services, visit her website at http://www.LisaDunningMFT.com
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses - More Style, Same Utility
December 30, 2006
At one time, promotions on television advertised a new, sexier you if you elected to lose the glasses and pop in a pair of contact lenses. This image has always been demonstrated in Superman comics, television programs and movies.
He’s a bit of a geek or too normal a guy, but when the glasses come off - he’s Superman. Fortunately, the image- makers and shakers that relegated eyeglasses to the awkward, the nerd gear of decades past has begun to embrace glasses for the fashionable, functional necessity they have become.
The differences between glasses and contact lenses are more related to personal issues of comfort than to image. Arguments can be made in support of contacts over eyeglasses.
For example, contact lenses are worn directly over the eye allowing natural vision and no distortion as some eyeglass wearers may experience because of the small gap between the lens of the glasses and your eye.
There is always a constant awareness of the frames as well as the reflections off the backside of the lens. While most eyeglass wearers become so accustomed as to hardly notice the discrepancy, it becomes more pronounced when switching between contacts and glasses.
Glasses can fog up when the temperature changes and they might be a distraction during physical activities, especially sports where you don’t want your glasses to be broken. Contacts suffer neither of these. Eyeglasses can be made with tinting lenses that allow them to turn into functional sunglasses, but contact lens wearers can pick any pair of sunglasses they want.
For the particularly fashion conscious, contact lenses coordinate with everything in your wardrobe. But for all their differences, both require cleaning and gentle care. Both correct astigmatism (irregular cornea shape) and with modern technology, both are very affordable. A new pair of eyeglasses and a new pair of contacts is comparable in price for the same prescription.
The decision between contacts or eyeglasses is no longer one associated with social stigma or social image, but rather of the image and look you want to project to the world. It’s all truly dependent in this day of modern fashion on what makes you feel comfortable and look great.
Discover important advice and information about contact lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What’s the best cleaning solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/
Consistent Boundaries Makes Discipline Easier
December 30, 2006
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many times, however, either the children are in charge or the parents are so eager to be liked, that whatever rules and standards are talked about, few are enforced, especially on a consistent basis.
Children, whether they are two or 18, feel more confident when they know that you, the adults, are in charge and that their environment is predictable and safe. They need to be taught what is right and wrong, what is acceptable and what is unacceptable, what is appropriate, and what is rude and out of place.
Though they will get mixed or conflicting messages from the television, magazine and friends, they need you to set and enforce clear, respectful rules and limits. They need to know that you expect them to do and be their best.
By providing this guidance you will help them learn how to be responsible, contributing members of society.
Consistency in discipline is the number one factor in successful families: It is important that love, respect, cooperation and expectations are unconditional.
Consistent boundaries within the family are pretty predictable; for instance:
* They will grow up knowing that mom and dad must know the 4 Ws before they are allowed to leave with friends. WHO are the friends, WHERE are they going, WHAT are they doing, and WHEN will they be home.
* A child can count on dinner being at six o’clock or there about.
* They need to know that bedtime is 8:30 on school nights and that homework is done before playtime.
But sometimes in life, opportunities come up that make boundaries and rules flexible. A relative visits from out of town, so it might be okay for the kids to stay up till 9:30 one night to enjoy the experience. Rules can bend occasionally, but if they get broken, we are all in trouble.
As long as the family knows that in general, there is a structure that they can count on and limits to what is accepted and what is not, they will flourish in a system that gives them guidelines and direction.
Consistent boundaries and standards give a child and the whole family a feeling of security and safety. It is within this environment that self-discipline and life skills begin to flourish and develop.
When we, as a community as well as a family, give consistent messages to our children concerning dangerous and unkind behavior, it will be easier for them to forgo temptation to participate. It is our responsibility as adults to help them learn and live by the basic rule that actions have consequences.
Those children who develop a habit of thinking about the connection will be in a position of strength. Their choices will be immeasurably easier to make because they have been given a framework for decision-making.
Repair or rebuild the boundary, if necessary
I encourage you to be firm, consistent and kind in your discipline. It is vital to always follow through. Don’t make threats, make promises. If you take away TV privileges the first time he doesn’t take out the garbage, but ignore it the second and third time, he will soon learn that you don’t always mean what you say. The child will learn how to be a manipulator, and you will still have the misbehavior to deal with. You are the adult, and so it is your job to repair the fence when it is broken or stretched out.
Boundaries don’t fence us in but rather they allow us freedom to grow and develop, knowing that we are safe and loved unconditionally. It is never a guessing game of what will happen but rather a sure foundation.
You can do it. I believe in you. You are doing the most important job in the world, raising self-disciplined, thoughtful and contributing children.
© Judy H. Wright, Author, Speaker and Life Educator www.ArtichokePress.com
This article was written by Judy Wright, parent educator and author. Feel free to use it in your newsletter or publication, but please give full credit to the author and mention the contact information of JudyWright@ArtichokePress.com, 406-549-9813.
You will find a full listing of books, tapes, newsletters and workshops available on finding the heart of the story in the journey of life by going to www.ArtichokePress.com
Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
December 30, 2006
Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
by: Leo Nov
A wet basement can quickly develop into a complete disaster. Many maintenance systems are installed in the basement. These systems generate moisture leading to potential water related problems. A periodic inspection will provide accurate indications for a water problem somewhere else in your home and can help preventing a much bigger damage.
Heating and Air Conditioning System
HVAC systems must be regularly inspected if located in the basement. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow it to flow. Do not overlook the filters and replace when needed. When inspecting the HVAC, take a close look at the ductwork. Deteriorating insulations must be treated and sealed.
Ceiling and Walls
Moisture walls are a red flag for a water problem in the basement and may be a hint for internal leaks. Take a look at the walls and search for stains. If visible, follow the trails to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.
Pipes
A common problem is pipes condensations caused by pipes sweating. This problem promotes mold and corrosion if ignored. To reduce condensation, consider installing insulating on all pipes.
Sump Pumps
Sump pump assist in keeping unwanted water out of your basement. When checking the pump, make sure the outlet pipe is not clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Test the pump by filling the pit with water to make sure the pump is working. Check that the pump is running and that it is actually pumping out water. Clean the air hole in the discharge line. Make sure that the motor is running well and that there are no strange noises. If you own a battery operated pump, check the battery and replace when needed. Keep in mind that all problems must be fixed immediately.
leon@restorationsos.com
How to Bake: Muffins (with recipes)
December 30, 2006
Muffins are a mainstay around our house. They are as nourishing as they are good to eat. They are quicker and easier to make than cookies and usually contain much less sugar and fat. We usually eat them for breakfast but like them with any meal. (For Easter, we served cranberry nut muffins with a ham dinner.) They work well for snacks and desserts as well. Extras can be frozen and heated in the microwave for hot muffins anytime.
Today we will make muffins using the "muffin method". (Just as there are two major makeup methods for quick breads, there are two methods for muffins-the muffin method and the creaming method.) In the muffin method, the liquids and the dry ingredients are mixed separately and then stirred together until just combined. We will include tips and instructions to make the perfect muffin and some streusel and topping recipes to crown your creations with.
To make muffins using the muffin method, choose a favorite muffin recipe that does not call for the creaming of sugar into the fat. (Look for a recipe that calls for oil or melted butter.)
In preparation, grease the muffin tins. We like the spray oils from an aerosol can to reach the corners of the tins. Be sure to cover the top edges where the muffins will flow when baking. (You can use paper liners but since the batter adheres slightly to the paper, you will have slightly less volume to the muffins.)
Set the oven to preheat. Temperature is one of the secrets to those nicely domed muffins that you find in the better bake shops. Commercial ovens use precise heat settings and timers. In the kitchen, we can approximate those results by:
? Making sure that the oven is completely heated before baking. We like to let the oven sit at full temperature for at least ten minutes before baking so that the heat is well-absorbed into the structure of the oven.
? Closing the door as quickly as possible to keep the heat trapped.
? Setting the temperature at a higher initial setting and lowering the temperature later. The higher heat creates a burst of steam that lifts the batter.
? Placing the muffins in the upper third of the oven where it tends to be hotter and more constant.
Always measure flour precisely using a scale if you have one. Muffin recipes are sensitive to the ratio of flour to liquid. Too much flour and the muffin will not rise properly and will be dry. Too little flour and the muffin will flow over the edges of the muffin cup rather than dome nicely. If you need to fine tune your favorite recipe, change the flour by a tablespoon or two.
To make cake-like muffins, use a lower protein flour-cake or pastry flour. Higher protein all purpose or bread flours will make a muffin that is chewier and more bread-like.
Back to the mixing:
Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl to make sure that the baking powder and other ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
Whisk the egg in a separate bowl with a French whip or fork. Add the other liquids and whisk again. (Some recipes will instruct you to stir the sugar and salt into the liquids, rather than add them to the dry ingredients, to make sure that they dissolve completely and are evenly dispersed. We prefer to do this with all muffin recipes that are not creamed.)
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the liquid all at once. Stir with a spatula until mixed well and moistened-some lumps will remain. Do not over stir-stirring too much will develop the gluten in the flour and the muffin will not be tender and crumbly. To avoid over stirring, we prefer a spatula to an electric mixer.
If you are using fruit in your muffins, fold them in gently at the end of your mixing with a minimum number of folds. Fruit crushes easily in the thick batter and the juice will stain the batter.
Fill the muffin tins with a large spoon or ice cream scoop. Make sure that the muffin tins are evenly filled so that they bake evenly. Most recipes direct that the muffin tins be filled 2/3’s full to allow room for expansion. If your batter is at the right consistency, you can fill the tins for a nice dome on the muffins.
Bake the muffins until they are a light golden brown. The muffin top should spring back when gently pressed with the finger and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Over-baked muffins will be dry and tough. Under baked muffins may be moist and heavy.
It is easy to tear apart hot muffins trying to lift them from the tins. Instead, let the muffins sit for a few minutes and you should be able to easily lift them out intact. Place them on wire racks to continue cooling.
Muffins are best served hot and do not keep well beyond the first day. Freeze any extras.
Now for those streusel recipes that we promised:
Brown Sugar and Nut Streusel Topping
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cold butter
1. Chop the walnuts into small pieces.
2. Stir the walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.
3. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry knife or two table knives.
4. Spoon the streusel mixture over the muffin batter evenly before baking.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon good quality cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl. When you remove the muffins from the tins, dip the still hot muffins in the butter and then roll the tops in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Dennis Weaver is the general manager at The Prepared Pantry (http://www.preparedpantry.com) with recipes, ideas, and the best selection of mixes and ingredients. Visit the free Bakers’ Library for more articles like this, free baking guides, and tested recipes.
