About Lipsticks

For most people the holidays like Christmas, Chanukah and New Years are special occasions that allow families to reunite and spend quality time together. Accompanying the festivities are often parties and dinners that can result in weight gain. Many people often seek ways to reduce weight after the holidays are over.

This is not a time for panic: crash diets and extreme exercise programs almost always fail and should be avoided. Weight loss should always be part of a sensible balanced program of exercise and diet and most experts agree that moderation and consistency are better than excess.

Strategies to Prevent Weight Gain

To help prevent weight gain it is important to assess your behavior and environment and adopt healthy habits

The amount and types of foods you eat, and your physical activity habits are important factors in controlling weight. The environment in which you live may also contribute to the adoption of poor eating or exercise habits. This is especially true in today's society, which is dominated by speed and convenience.

For example, escalators, elevators and remote-control appliances make us less physically active and walking is less frequent than in prior years. Also, greater availability of foods that are high in calories, fat and added sugars, and larger portion sizes promote unhealthy eating behaviors.

In addition, reputable organizations, government agencies and independent researchers agree on the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent weight gain.

Effective weight management involves behavior modification which is a lifelong commitment and includes at least two components:

Healthful eating in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing a reduction in total calories, a lowered fat consumption, and an increase in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, is an essential part of weight control.

Increased frequent and regular physical activity of at least moderate intensity is also required.

Health professionals also recommend a prescription for health and weight loss that includes:

? Moderate physical activity on most days of the week of at least 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes per day for children.

? Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and reasonable portion sizes at home, in schools, at worksites, and in communities.

? Drinking at least eight glasses of pure water.

In addition to exercise and a healthy diet, the use of Wu long tea (also spelled oolong tea or wu long tea) is growing in popularity as a wholesome and flavorful way to limit weight gain.

Will drinking Wu long tea really help lose weight?

For many, Wu long tea is a helpful addition to a comprehensive weight loss program. Wu long tea tastes good, contains health benefits that lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and a cup of Wu long tea in the morning can serve as a reminder of a healthy life style.

Wu Long tea has become a premium weight loss tea that many are discovering for the first time. If you have never enjoyed the great taste and slimming health benefits it is known for, you are truly missing an incredible opportunity. Originating in the Fujian Province of China, Wu Long tea has gradually been introduced into Western culture. Of all the tea, Wu Long represents the Chinese culture best.

Those who enjoy the flavor and rich aroma unique to slimming Wu Long tea truly understand the art of drinking it ? slowly and delicately. Using a tiny teapot and small teacup, they are inheriting a rich tradition, started by the Chinese generations ago. The health benefits of Wu long tea are many:

? Rich in Theaflavin, Tea Polysaccharides and Tea Catechin, antioxidants that assist in the reduction of plaque in the arteries, in lowering cholesterol and in producing slimming effects.

? Helps regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics.

? Burns 2.5 times more calories than Green Tea, ideal for weight loss.

? Promotes clear, youthful looking skin.

Scientific studies have established that tea is high in health-promoting polyphenols that protect us against cancer and other diseases. Wu long tea is particularly high in “polymerized polyphenols” which according to recent studies helps to increase energy expenditure.

One recent study found that energy expenditure increased by 10% for a period of 2 hours after drinking wu long tea. This was significantly higher than the energy expenditure observed after drinking other types of tea.

Another study found that wu long tea can suppress lipid metabolism which has the effect of suppressing fatty accumulation and body weight increases. The study concludes that long-term consumption of wu long tea is beneficial for the suppression of diet induced obesity.

Health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and catechins are present in all types of tea, but hand picked wu long tea is the best source because the pickers are selecting the best leaves from the tea plant. Machine harvesting is indiscriminate and should be avoided - older leaves and twigs are harvested along with the newer leaves.

Wu long tea is not a miracle cure for weight problems. Weight loss involves following a sensible, healthy diet, and a change in lifestyle to include an adequate amount of exercise. Wu long tea however, can give you the extra boost to help in your weight loss plans, but it must be used as part of an overall strategy to improve your living habits.

Enjoy the holidays and the festivities involved, don?t undertake crash weight loss programs and adopt a healthy lifestyle including Wu long tea!

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

Self-esteem is a greater predictor of a child?s success than intellectual ability or natural talent.

Numerous studies support this notion. For instance, a longitudinal study by The London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance followed the fortunes of all babies born in a particular week in Britain. There was clear evidence that children with a higher self-esteem at the age of 10 got more kick to their earning power later in life than those with higher maths, reading and other academic abilities.

The study found that ?high self-esteemers? had less chance of being unemployed later in life and if they were, they would soon be back in the workforce.

Parents and teachers intuitively know that feelings of self-worth and positive self-esteem are important. But what is self-esteem and how do you know if your child has healthy self-esteem or not?

Self-esteem is a healthy and optimistic view of one?s value. If a child evaluates him or herself positively and realistically rather than negatively and unrealistically then it is usually deemed that they have healthy self-esteem.

Most of the research available tells us that children with healthy self-esteem do the following:

1. Take reasonable risks. They will try new tasks even if success is not assured.

2. Display favourable attitudes to others. Children with healthy self-esteem don?t need to put others down to feel competent. They get a kick out of others performing well and are not threatened by the success of siblings or friends.

3. Generally behave well. Children with healthy self-esteem generally believe ?I am okay as I am.? They do not have to find their place in their family or in groups through misbehaviour.

4. Highlight their own strengths, successes and skills. Healthy self-esteemers neither put themselves down when they do well nor do they exaggerate their own skills or successes to gain a sense of superiority. They tend to make realistic appraisals of their abilities.

5. Downplay and accept mistakes, failure and imperfections. They don?t dwell on mistakes or failure. They seem to understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. They are annoying and hindrance but they don?t necessarily prevent them from trying again.

6. Are willing to try and show initiative. Conversely, children with low self-esteem give up easily or show little confidence in areas that are new.

7. Acknowledge their own contributions to success. They take realistic credit for their successes without be boastful or saying that any achievement happened due to luck or good fortune.

8. Compare themselves to similar children or young people, not glossy images. It is natural and healthy to compare yourself to others but the choice of yardstick is critical. Children and young people with low self-esteem tend to use unrealistic figures as yardsticks for success. While we often encourage kids to aim high, kids with low self-esteem are easily put of by failure so the choice of role model is critical.

9. Have a positive outlook and use positive language. Take note of the language a child or young person uses. Healthy self-esteemers know how to positive track or reframe negative situations into positives and low self-esteemers so problems rather than challenges.

10. Believe that personal limitations can be worked on. Children with healthy self-esteem know that success is linked with effort. That is, hard work is no guarantee of success but it certainly increases its likelihood.

In the past it was thought that we could enhance self-esteem by simply making a child feel good about themselves. This is too simplistic indeed.

The building blocks of self-esteem are multi-dimensional and include the following four aspects:

? positive parent, family and teacher interactions and expectations
? positive peer interactions
? coping skills and,
? successes that demonstrate competence and mastery.

Parents and teachers need a range of skills and strategies to help children develop a healthy self-esteem and maintain it even when events conspire to really challenge them.

Self-esteem building is important as the way a child perceives him or herself is far more important in determining future outcomes than pure ability and academic competence.

Michael Grose is a popular parenting educator and parent coach. He is the director of Parentingideas, the author of seven books for parents and a popular presenter who speaks to audiences in Australia, Singapore and the USA. Take the Does your child have high self-esteem? quiz at http://www.parentingideas.com.au

Looking your best is easy with these simple cosmetics tips!

Keep your cosmetics fresh

Makeup does have an expiry date! It might not be written on the packaging, but there will come a time when your cosmetics won't be as vibrant, smooth or nice to wear as they used to be. Not only is it a good sign that you're possibly in the wrong season, it's also important if you want to be looking your best! Keep your makeup rotated every 6 months or so.

Make sure you're wearing the right cosmetics for your skin tone

The tragic flaw many people make when buying cosmetics is not matching them to their skin tone. This makes it almost impossible when trying to find the right foundation and concealer, but it also affects the lipstick and eye shadow you should be wearing. There are ways to determine skin tone, and you should base your cosmetics selections around the right tone:

Ruddy skin tone is associated with burning easily, but also with becoming easily flushed or pink-cheeked.

Yellow skin tones respond poorly to yellowish foundation and concealer and make the skin look more flawed than it did before.

Yellow-olive skin tone is easily identified because it's mainly found in people who tan easily and don't burn often. So if you come in from the beach a shade other than bright red, yellow-olive is you!

Olive skin tones are slightly gray or ashen, do not burn easily and have greenish undertones.

Neutral skin tone has no obvious yellow, olive or ruddy tones, nor any features of these skin tones.

Cosmetics counter assistants will be able to assist you in determining your skin tone, and also offer you the best options for cosmetics and colors. Similarly, you will find great tips just by looking through fashion magazines: ruddy skin responds well to earthy colors such as browns, greens, corals and reds medium yellow and ruddy skin tones go well with both light and dark browns darker olive skin looks great in more vibrant shades of ruby and cherry and dark skin tones love more natural, soft pinks, corals and browns.

Wearing the 'wrong' cosmetics for your skin tone can result in you looking washed out, accentuating blemishes and otherwise causing flawed skin.

Learn to apply your cosmetics properly

Make sure you don't look like a … well, clown … after you put your makeup on in the morning. Most of us learn how to put on our faces from our friends in junior high or our mothers, and that's all well and good until we have to go to an important business meeting and we realize we actually don't know how to apply eyeliner!

Many makeup artists will actually visit you in your own home or as part of a cosmetics party and teach you how to do it properly, or you can visit a cosmetics counter and have them take you through the process. There's more to a great look than just throwing your makeup on, but there are simple and easy tricks that will have you looking gorgeous in no time!

Foundation: don't forget to blend foundation into your neck, or you'll end up with an unsightly line around your jaw apply concealer after foundation!

Eye shadow: apply your base color from the inside out, then define your eyes with a darker shade in the crease of your eyelid for extra definition, use a light shadow on your brow bone.

Eye liner: steady your hand by resting on a flat surface, and always apply from the inside to the outside of your eye extending the liner beyond the end of your eyelids will give a great exotic look!

Mascara: two layers is best apply the first layer downwards from the roots, then again upwards from the midway point of the lashes apply a finer layer to the bottom lashes so you don't look like a panda, then leave for a couple of minutes and repeat.

Lipstick: the way you apply your lipstick depends on the shape of your mouth, but make sure your lip liner (if you use one) matches the color of your lipstick, use a base or primer, apply color with a lip brush and remember to blot finish off with an application of lip gloss for perfectly luscious lips.

Accentuate your best features, improve the rest.

Barb S - your personal beauty expert. See our name brand salon hair products makeup and cosmetics at http://www.Stuff4Beauty.Com

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games played in casinos worldwide. It's no wonder that the game of Blackjack has been studied by many gambling professionals. Through this intense study methods have been revealed which allow players to subtly increase their odds while playing the game of Blackjack. Many people think that Blackjack is just another game of chance, like a slot machine or roulette, but this simply isn't the case. If you compare the odds of blackjack to other casino games that you will run into, you will find that the odds of blackjack are much better.

The blackjack card game is very popular worldwide, and some speculate that it may just be the most popular card game ever. Blackjack is enjoyed by people in nearly every casino worldwide, and even played by many religiously online. Blackjack websites have grown in number over the years, and can offer a convenient place to play or just go for a few practice hands.

What has made blackjack such a popular card game? One of the main reasons is that when blackjack is played properly, the house has an edge of a little less than 1%. When you compare this number to other table games at the casino, you can see that the odds of winning with Blackjack are much higher than anything else.

With these kinds of odds, why are casinos still making money with Blackjack and not losing it? Basically, it?s because most players who play Blackjack don?t play the game properly or well enough to make a good living off of it. It?s a shame that most players give up such a great advantage just with lazy playing.

The fact of the matter is that as a player, you can affect the odds of your Blackjack playing. Unlike real games of chance like roulette, the decisions you make during the game of Blackjack ultimately affects your odds and how many times you will end up winning your hands. It would be smart to research more about how to increase your odds at Blackjack. People have been increasing their odds in Blackjack for years, and thus their pocketbooks, too. Casinos try to spot out these Blackjack professionals, but it's not like they can completely stop them since what they do is completely legal - it isn't cheating in any way shape or form.

In Blackjack, instead of the game being based on a chance set of independent events, it is dependent on the cards that have been previously played. This is the main reason why it isn't cheating, you're simply making smart decisions based on the cards that you've already seen.

In a nutshell, the large cards left in the deck, yet to be played, favor the player. The smaller cards yet to be dealt favor the dealer. This is the main reason why card counting is important in Blackjack, and will increase your odds of winning more often than not. There's many places with free information online that will help your Blackjack game. Take advantage of this advice, it can't hurt.

Find out more information about blackjack odds at online blackjack odds. A great resource for beginners to learn how to play blackjack and also for experienced players who can find out how to count cards like a professional blackjack player.

DVD cases help you store precious memories that were collected through your digital camera and converted into DVDs. It can be considered to be your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your DVDs. DVD cases come in many shapes and colors and can either be in the form of individual plastic DVD cases, jeweled DVD cases, or wallet-type DVD cases.

When it comes to choosing the best DVD case for your use, consider your need before buying. If you need a DVD case to pull out a single DVD to take somewhere, then individual DVD cases are better. You can buy numerous single DVD cases and stack your DVDs and read the labels to choose the required DVD. However, wallet-type DVD cases are better to store large amounts of DVDs, as they save on precious room and greatly reduce bulk. There are some models of wallet-type DVD cases that hold hundreds of DVDs in less than a third of the space numerous individual cases require. Wallet DVD cases are also called portable DVD cases and are made of special nylon pockets. They are considered to be a better alternative when traveling, as they take up less space and weight. So the next time you go traveling, just grab your favorite DVDs, put them in a case, and take your portable DVD player along to have a good time watching your favorite movies on the road.

There are many electronics accessories shops available both online and offline that sell not only sell DVD cases, but also portable DVD player cases and DVD storage cases. While shopping online, one just has to use Google to see the various online shops that sell the cases, and upon visiting the individual site, go down the DVD cases menu bar to choose the appropriate case. Then, of course, the final decision lies in the budget and needs of the individual buyer.

DVD Cases provides detailed information on DVD Cases, Portable DVD Cases, Portable DVD Player Cases, DVD Storage Cases and more. DVD Cases is affiliated with In Wall Speaker Wire.

What is credit? What is a credit report? What is a credit score? Where can I safely get a copy of my credit report for free? These are some of the most important questions in personal finance and they will be addressed in this article. The subject of credit scoring has become an increasingly hot topic, and for good reason. For many years, the general public only associated the concept of credit scoring with the need to purchase high&amp#8722ticket items such as a new car or a home. Today, credit scoring goes much further. Your credit score can affect your ability to get a good rate on commodities such as car insurance, cell phones, or even determine whether or not you get the job that you want. Indeed, the financial snapshot provided by the credit score has also become a gauge for many employers, especially those who seek to place employees in a position of financial responsibility.

What is Credit?

Credit is like a report card telling you how well you have paid your bills. Credit is a record of how you pay your credit cards bills, auto loans, mortgage loans, etc. Whenever you buy something with a monthly payment, the people who you collect your bill report this information to create a credit report. Examples include buying furniture on credit or using a Best Buy store card to purchase a computer. Exceptions include utility bills, cell phone bills, and rent payments. Collection accounts, court judgments where you owe money, and bankruptcies are also part of your credit.

Who Collects My Information?

There are only three companies in the U.S. that collect all your credit information. They receive this data from all of your creditors, like the credit card company or your auto loan company. The companies are Equifax, Transunion, and Experian, also known as credit reporting agencies or credit bureaus. They compile all the information they receive and create a credit report on you.

What is a Credit Report?

A credit report is a document that shows all the information collected by the credit bureaus. A ?tri-merge? or ?merged? credit report contains the information from all three credit bureaus in one report. This report lists all your past credit accounts that have been reported to the credit bureaus. The report lets you know how much money you owe to creditors, what your available balance is, and your complete payment history, including any late payments. The credit report can also list your current and former addresses and even employers. Additionally, the credit report will also give you a number that each credit bureau assigns to you, called a credit score.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a number from 300 on the low end to 850 on the high end. Each of the three credit bureaus will evaluate your credit to determine your score, and each bureau will give you a score. The higher the number, the better the credit history. But, exactly how do they assess what?s on your credit report to give you a number?

What Makes Up My Credit Score?

There are five parts to your credit score (also known as FICO score). Points are awarded for each of these five parts, and a high score is most favorable. The factors are listed below in order of importance.

1. YOUR PAYMENT HISTORY &amp#8722 35% IMPACT on your credit score

Have you paid your credit accounts on time? Paying debt on time and in full has the greatest positive impact on your credit score. Late payments, judgments and charge&amp#8722offs all have a negative impact. Missing a high payment will have a more severe impact than missing a low payment, and delinquencies that have occurred in the last two years carry more weight than older items.

2. HOW MUCH YOU OWE vs. AVAILABLE CREDIT &amp#8722 30% IMPACT on your credit score

This factor marks the ratio between the outstanding balance and available credit. Ideally, the consumer should make an effort to keep balances as close to zero as possible, and definitely below 30% of the available credit limit when trying to purchase a home. The more you owe compared to your credit limit, the lower your score will be.

3. LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY &amp#8722 15% IMPACT on your credit score

This portion of the credit score indicates the length of time since a particular credit line was established. A seasoned borrower or longer credit history will always be stronger in this area. However, you can get a high score with a short credit history if the rest of your credit report shows responsible credit management.

4. TYPE OF CREDIT &amp#8722 10% IMPACT on your credit score

A mix of auto loans, credit cards, personal lines of credit, and mortgages is more positive than a concentration of debt from credit cards only.

5. INQUIRIES &amp#8722 10% IMPACT on your credit score

This percentage of the credit score quantifies the number of inquiries made on a consumer's credit within a six&amp#8722month period. Each hard inquiry can cost from two to 25 points on a credit score, but the maximum number of inquiries that will reduce the score is ten. In other words, 11 or more inquiries within a six&amp#8722month period will have no further impact on the borrower's credit score. Note that if you run a credit report on yourself, it will have no affect on your score. Credit scores distinguish between a search for a single loan and a search for many new credit lines, in part by the length of time over which inquiries occur. If you need a loan, do your rate shopping within a focused period of time, such as 30 days, to avoid lowering your credit score.

Additional Resources:

To order your free credit report, go to this outlet established by the U.S. Congress:

www.annualcreditreport.com

To read the Fair Credit Reporting Act, go to:

www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/frca.htm

For the Federal Trade Commission's information on consumer credit, go to:

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/index.html

To get additional education about your credit and how to improve credit scores, go to:

www.ivanbarriga.com

Mortgage Consultant Ivan Barriga at http://www.ivanbarriga.com has helped over 300 families buy homes and plan their mortgage strategy. Barriga is a Illinois native and MBA graduate of the Kellogg School of Management, #1 ranked business school in U.S. (Business Week 2005). He is also a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (CMPS), a designation achieved by the top professionals in the mortgage industry. He is a recognized expert in the area of mortgage planning, cash flow management, and real estate equity management.

“I am a Certified Mortgage Planner. I help clients successfully manage their home equity to increase liquidity, safety, rate of return, and tax deductions. Unlike a traditional loan officer, my role is to help clients integrate the loan that they select into their overall long and short-term financial and investment plan to help minimize taxes, improve cash flow, and minimize interest expense.”

The art and science of permanent makeup goes by many different names: micropigmentation, permanent cosmetics, derma pigmentation, intradermal cosmetics, dermagraphics and cosmetic tattoos. As the procedures associated with permanent makeup become more main stream the public becomes more aware of the benefits, especially for individuals that suffer from illness, disease, injury or scarring. In my recent article “Building a Bridge: Cosmetic Surgery and Micropigmentation” I explored the relationship between cosmetic surgery and permanent makeup. I would now like to discuss how permanent makeup can work as part of the solution for a variety of medical conditions.

Physicians as Partners

According to the Third Edition of “Medical Issues for Permanent Cosmetic Technicians” published by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals “permanent cosmetic professionals are part of a new and exciting trend in the aesthetic medical arena”. It goes on to say that plastic surgery and dermatology centers are now offering permanent makeup procedures in order to attract new patients. At times physicians recommend permanent makeup to compliment other cosmetic procedures, such as Botox or a face lift, but it also helps the patient feel better about themselves and the way they look during or after a difficult illness or injury. The artistic eye of a trained permanent makeup practitioner can analyze color and form to achieve the best look when the doctor has exhausted medical and surgical options.

Know Your Medical History

It is important that the permanent cosmetic professional inquire into a client's medical history. For specific medical related issues the physician should approve the procedure. Healing time and the strength of the immune system are incredibly important. Some of the most common medical conditions that warrant permanent makeup are cancer patients experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy and areola repigmentation after breast reconstruction. It is preferable to have permanent makeup applied before chemotherapy or in the early stages of treatment to reduce stress and promote healing. A Doctor's release should be provided. Permanent makeup can also be used to assist patients that suffer from Vitiligo-the absence of pigmentation in the skin, Trichotillomania-a condition that causes compulsive plucking of hair or Alopecia-a condition that leads to complete or partial hair loss. Permanent makeup can also help Hypothyroid patients who have thinning eyebrows. Individuals who have recently had a facelift or plastic surgery should wait until their physician has determined they are healed, this can take six months or more, but patience will guard against infection. Anyone with medical issues that create a higher risk for infection, such as an artificial hip, mitral vale prolapse or autoimmune disorders should be on an antibiotic. If you are on medication consult your doctor, it is essential that you do your homework.

Toxicity Issues and Camouflaging Scars

Permanent makeup is also a viable alternative for individuals that suffer from allergies or toxicity issues. Patients should talk with their doctors about potential side effects related to pigments then consult a trained permanent makeup practitioner. In many situations the pigments are less toxic than applying conventional cosmetics every day. Individuals that suffer from arthritis, loss of vision or neurological problems that cause painful or unsteady movement of the hands can also enjoy the freedom achieved through permanent makeup. In her book “The Essence of Beauty” Dr. Adrianna Scheibner, M.D. says in Chapter 9 “the applications of the procedure [derma pigmentation] within the realm of medicine are numerous”. “In the past few years,” Scheibner continues, “corrective camouflaging has emerged as a useful service to dermatologists and plastic surgeons when they can no longer medically improve a patient's appearance”. Camouflage, applied by an experienced permanent makeup professional, is a tricky procedure. In the “Procedures of Macro-Theory Dermagraphics” printed by the American Institute of Permanent Color Technology it states that “the application of camouflage is unlike any other procedure…when applying camouflage you actually are taking something away, or diminishing something that already exists, from the skin. Because of this, camouflaging is an imperfect procedure”. Camouflaging is difficult and the results never exact. Camouflaging strives to recreate the skin?s natural appearance realistic expectations are essential with this type of procedure. Also, when seeking assistance with scar camouflage the procedure should be done when scars are a pale white color, not red or pink.

There are many potential issues when a candidate for permanent makeup suffers from illness or injury. The permanent makeup professional you choose should have experience and provide you with referrals from previous clients and a portfolio. An experienced permanent makeup professional will know the right questions to ask during your initial consultation and will guide you through the safest and healthiest way to looking your best. To learn more about permanent makeup visit my web site www.DawnColors.com.

Dawn Willard?s extensive career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling. Twenty-three years as a photo and film stylist taught Dawn and array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard?s foray into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has explored a variety of techniques and has clients coming to her from Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, New Hampshire, New Mexico and numerous towns in western and central North Carolina. She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

With allergies on the increase and sensitivities to synthetics becoming life threatening,we are looking for products which aren?t going to make us sneeze or break out in rashes or irritate our children?s sensitive skin. We scan the supermarket and health food store shelves and find there is a huge range of products on our shelves that claim to be ?all natural? and ?organic?, but are they?

When it comes to skin care or body products, the ingredients used are generally derived from plants. We want to know that these plants have been grown or farmed in such a way that they are not laced with chemicals, pesticides or hormones, which subsequently leech into our skin and cause us harm.

Organic farming means farming in a way that cares for the environment, without relying upon synthetic chemicals and other unnatural interventionist approaches to farming and food production. Hence, organic food comes from organic farms utilising the best of both traditional agriculture and modern techniques.

Rather than using synthetic pesticides to kill pests, farmers prevent pests by planting a diverse range of crops, by rotations, using natural biological and environment friendly applications, and conserving natural ecosystems. This means no artificial pesticides, no herbicides, no hormones and no growth promotants that have questionable place in our aim to maintain healthy bodies.

The same logic of natural and preventative health management (rather than reactive disease management) is applied to GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms, that the organic industry prohibits in the production of organic foods. With many safe and proven forms of farming already available, the organic farmer believes it is important to allow Mother Nature to provide us with food the way nature intended. For organically processed foods and personal care products, only minimal processing is permitted, with a limited number of non-agricultural but natural or traditional ingredients allowed. Hence no synthetic chemicals, unnatural dyes, colourings, flavourings or other additives are permitted.

Now you know how they grow it, but how do you know the farmer is following the rules. You look for the Certification Logo on the packaging.

SO WHAT IS CERTIFICATION? The certification program was set up in the 1980s by the BFA to ensure that what was claimed to be organic was just that. It required an independent set of Standards and an independent team of assessors (known as auditors) to ensure that farmers, processors and others in the production chain were complying with the rules and regulations laid down by the organic community.

To obtain organic certification for a product, a minimum of 95% of all ingredients of agricultural origin must be certified organic. The remaining 5% of ingredients however are also bound by strict guidelines. They are, for example, not permitted to be synthetic chemicals or artificially processed ingredients.

There are two levels or categories to certification:Farmers require a minimum of three years of organic management before they can carry a certification stating ?Organic?. There is a transitionary certificate called ?In Conversion to Organic? which can be borne after the first 12 months of organic production until the three-year period is complete. In both instances, foods bearing either label confirm that those products are being produced organically.

SO WHO MONITORS THE MONITORS? The BFA, via its certification arm, is strictly scrutinised both nationally and internationally by organisations such as AQIS ? the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service as well as IFOAM ? the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, and other international government authorities. There are no substitutes or half-measures in organic farming and production. The BFA is a not-for-profit co-operative, owned by its members, which ensures that the true interests of the organic community are maintained and upheld.

SO WHY PURCHASE CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCTS? Every time you purchase certified organic products you are investing in the future of your country, its hard-working and caring farmers and their families. This is a future we can ill afford to ignore. We have the power to make a difference. One thing we can do every day to support our sustainable agricultural future is to purchase certified organic products.

Of course the personal health and wellbeing benefits of organic products are well documented. No wonder this industry is growing at the rate it is. People around the world are awakening to a realisation of what they have been missing out on for decades.

The benefits of certified organic products and processes:

* Independent third-party guarantee of quality, and purity of ingredients.

* Safe, clean and potent plant extracts of high vitality.

* Sustainable agriculture that respects, supports and nurtures the complete ecology and energy of our planet.

* Authenticity and integrity of organic and natural claims.

*Prevention of damage to the environment and humans by the poisonous chemicals used in conventional agriculture.

While 'natural' and 'organic' claims abound, the only way you can be sure is by using a fully certified organic range of products. Many may claim to use organic ingredients, but none have achieved third party independent certification without the display of the Certified Organic Logo.

Michelle Wollaston is a wellness consultant and distributor of the world's 1st range of Certified Organic products. For more information on these products please visit http://www.miessenceorganic.com For more articles please send an email to borganic@bigpond.com. This article can be reprinted freely provided it is published in its entirety

Just by reading the newspaper or by watching the evening news you will find that the incidence of date rape is up and the number of assaults on women has significantly increased! How can a woman help avoid these tragedies? One way is to arm herself with what appears to be an everyday cosmetic that will give her more peace of mind when out and about. Lipstick pepper sprays are just the thing!

We are used to women applying lipstick almost anywhere. Just about every woman carries a lipstick in her purse or pocket. Well, now a woman can be 'armed' without anyone being aware of it.

Lipstick pepper spray is a small but effective canister containing pepper spray which, when sprayed in the face, will stop any attacker in his tracks and let him know that he messed with the wrong woman.

You might ask how much damage can be contained in a small lipstick tube. If you were the attacker, you would be very surprised when you were sprayed again and again. In fact, a small lipstick case can contain about 20 half-second sprays with a range of 10 feet or so. That's enough power to give you time to get away and call 911.

One other thing — not only people can pose a danger. You might also be threatened by a dog or other animal. One or two squirts from a lipstick pepper spray and the animal will scram very quickly.

Lipstick pepper sprays were designed to protect women from any attacker. They are small, compact and almost unnoticeable but pack a wallop. No woman should be without one.

Don't be the next victim of an attack of any kind. Lipstick pepper spray could save your life.

LRZ Enterprises, Inc. wants to help keep people safe and secure from attackers and home invaders by offering the best line of self defense and home security products.

Visit us at: http://www.feelsafeandsecure.com/pepper_spray.html

http://www.feelsafeandsecure.com/pepper_spray.htmlDon't be the next crime victim!

Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino's culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the best of nature's paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.

Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines' deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.

Paradise Philippines is endowed with a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.

Paradise Philippines boasts of some of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature's paradise Philippines' splendor under the spell of cool paradise Philippines' mountain breeze.

Here are some featured destinations and paradise spots that is living proof of Paradise Philippines' reputation of being called Paradise Philippines.

Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines

Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) - The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first phase of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort &amp Spa, which is building 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.

Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines

Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos into the local economy.

Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines

Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.

Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras - An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include this paradise in their itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by news about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of foreign guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.

Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines

The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country's last frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. With more than a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is also home to Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines

Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a span of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to look down into the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera mountain ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.

Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines

Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm even the most insensitive among men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder that is hard to shake off.

Cebu City, Paradise Philippines

Cebu City drew 403,326 international visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of foreign travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed that Cebu City attracted 1,813 overseas Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.

Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town's main attractions are Saud Beach, known for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of green lushes and blue waters of South China Sea.

Bohol, Paradise Philippines

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches.

About the Author: Eligio Tapiador Jr is a freelance webmaster, web developer, SEO Specialist, and a Web Designer base in Manila, Philippines. He own and manages several sites like http://www.wowparadisephilippines.com/ and http://www.qoobe.org/