Tie a bow in your hair

  Steps on How to Hair Bow

1.  Begin by taking one small section of hair from each side of your head.  The bigger the sections, the bigger the bow.

2.  Tie the two sections together with an elastic to create a half ponytail.  Don't pull the ends through the elastic the last time you wrap it to create a loop like the picture on the right.

3.  Split the loop in half to create two smaller loops and clip one loop aside for later.

4.  Use your fingers to spread out the loop and push it flat against your head into a bow shape.  Insert one bobby pin going from top to bottom and one going from bottom to top. 

5.  Repeat on the opposite side to finish the bow shape.

6.  Pick up the remaining ends of the ponytail and wrap them up and around the elastic to hide it.  Secure it with bobby pins underneath.

11 Tips on How to Love Yourself First So Everything Else Falls Into Line

11 Tips on How to Love Yourself First So Everything Else Falls Into Line

13 Ancient Egyptian Beauty Secrets

13 Ancient Egyptian Beauty Secrets

  Trust  historic beauty recipes rather than today's lotions and potions. And we all know why 
  Cleopatra  The woman who is an iconic symbol of Beauty. She wrote books on Beauty Secrets she found throughout her life. Things like Exfoliants, Eye Creams, Hair Extensions are all coming from Ancient Egypt. But they were pure and natural in those times unlike now. So keep on reading to reveal those secrets...

• Many Egyptian women used Sea Salt from The Dead Sea. Cleopatra used this salt in her bath. This Sea Salt was a skin rejuvenator and it combats skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. 

• The combination of Milk and Honey was really popular as a face mask or body wash. Also try honey with cinnamon

• A hair mask  made with Coconut Milk and warm Extra Virgin Olive Oil to strengthen and condition hair. 

• Aloe Vera played a HUGE part in Egyptian and Indian beauty routines. It was used for skin, hair, healing burns etc. Eaten sometimes to improve digestion and lose weight.

• Avocado was used to reduce the puffiness under eyes.

•  Body Sugaring removes Body Hair. It removes the hair from roots and when it grows back, there will be less of it and softer. 

• Rosemary Oil, Castor Oil and Almond Oil was used to stimulate hair growth. 

• Egyptian women used a lot of Aromatic Oils for a clean hygiene. The most popular were frankincense and myrrh essential oils.

• The combination of Honey  and Baking Soda  use as a facial scrub. 

• Coconut Oil, Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter can be used as hair gels and to hold their hair in place. 

DIY: 7 ways to get rid of dark circles/ANY type of scar/Stretch Marks.

DIY: 7 ways to get rid of dark circles/ANY type of scar/Stretch Marks.

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These 7 ways I am sharing, are the MOST EFFECTIVE ways that make scars disappear, no matter what type they are (acne scars, tissue scars etc). 

1st Solution:

1/2 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp yogurt (at least 10% fat)
4-5 drops Lemon Juice

Directions:

You can find turmeric powder in any Asian/Indian stores. Mix the ingredients together in a small container and Apply it on the scar. Leave it on for as long as you can but at least more than 10 mins. It won't show results only in one go. Repeat daily until the scars or dark circles are completely gone. Usually takes about 2 weeks.

2nd Solution:

Aloe Vera Gel

Directions: 

You can find this gel at any drugs stores/pharmacies. Take some gel (depends on the size of the scar) and rub it on the scar in Circular Motions until your skin absorbs it.

3rd Solution:

1 tbsp Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp turmeric powder/ gram flour

Directions:

Mix them well and apply it on the scar. Leave it as long as you can. You can also rub ONLY olive oil and leave it on the scar overnight. It will be more effective.

4th Solution:

A slice of lemon

Directions:

Just rub it on the scar in circular motions. Do not rinse it off. Leave it over night and rinse it in the morning. Or leave it as long as possible.

5th Solution:

Cocoa Butter

How Natural is Natural? 10 Ways to Tell if a Product Is (Or Isn`t) Really Natural

Written by Beth Greer.

“Natural,” “Nontoxic,” or even “Eco-Safe” on the label of your shampoo, deodorant or makeup, makes you think it’d be made with healthy, safety-tested ingredients, right? Well, not always. Unlike drugs, The FDA doesn’t review cosmetic or personal care ingredients for safety before they hit the market. Also, manufacturers routinely do something known as greenwashing: using misleading, vague or even false claims about the eco/health benefits of their products. That leaves us wondering whether our lipstick, skin cream or wrinkle serum is safe. Reports say that many contain chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, hormone imbalances, birth defects, neurological issues and other health problems.

What we put on our skin matters. Our skin is not a barrier...it allows microscopic chemicals to enter our bloodstream which can impact our physiology. What happens inside our bodies when we are exposed to minute amounts of synthetic chemicals every day, for years? No one really knows. So it’s best to play it safe and choose natural, nontoxic products. But, there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to knowing exactly what to look for on the label. To help you out, I’ve created my Top 10 Greenwashing Watchwords. These are words and phrases that will help raise your awareness about the subtle distinctions and nuances being used on ingredient labels on your makeup and personal care products.

Top 10 Greenwashing Watchwords

#10. “Environmentally Friendly” “Eco-Safe” There are currently no specific government or official standards for these terms. Plus, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers these phrases to be too vague to be meaningful.

#9. “Dermatologist Tested” “Sensitivity Tested” “Hypoallergenic” According to FDA, manufacturers are not required to perform any tests or provide evidence that products were actually tested by a doctor. Look for the organization behind these claims other than the company making the product.

#8. “Allergy-Friendly Fragrance” “Fragrance-Free” A product might be made with essential oils instead of synthetically made fragrance oils (which can be allergy triggers), but also contain questionable chemicals like DEA, SLS and artificial coloring. “Fragrance-Free” does not necessarily mean no fragrance. It might contain synthetic fragrances that are used to cover up the chemical smell of other ingredients.

#7. “Nontoxic” Nontoxic does not mean Not Toxic or Not Harmless. It indicates it’s a safer alternative than some other hazardous ingredients, and implies it will not cause adverse health effects. But, there are no specific government or official standards for this term.

#6.“Derived From...” “Derived from coconut oil,” for example, is deceptive, because to create cocamide DEA from coconut oil requires the use of diethanolamine – DEA... a carcinogenic synthetic chemical. Therefore, it is no longer natural...or safe.

#5. “Free of...” Watch for hyping what’s NOT in the product. For example, a deodorant claiming “No CFCs.” Chloro-fluorocarbons were banned in 1978, so if the product contained CFCs it would be illegal. Or a cream claiming “No Parabens” but substituting Phenoxethanol, which, according the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), if absorbed through the skin (at 100% concentration) can cause reproductive damage. Skin creams and baby lotions generally use 1%. Does that make it safe?

#4. “Certified Green” The term “green” implies a product has some environmental benefit or causes no harm to the environment, but the FTC and the International Standards Organization (ISO) consider it to be too vague a word to be meaningful. Also, watch out for self-made seals. Certified by whom? Choose neutral third party seals.

#3. “Natural” This word can give the illusion that the product is “of nature," when it’s not. One large, brand name company claims "100% NATURAL” on the label of its moisturizers but uses synthetic surfactants, preservatives and fragrance. That’s not very natural! However, not all “natural” products are bad! Check the NPA (Natural Products Association) Natural Standard for Personal Care Products guidelines.

#2. “Organic” Some major brands say “organic” but contain few or no organic ingredients. One shampoo company claims their product creates a "truly organic experience" yet it contains sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol and D&C color, which are synthetic chemicals that pose health risks. A study from the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found several mislabeled “organic” personal care products.

#1. Made with... The phrases “Made with lavender” or “Made with real lemon” for example, might be only contain 1 % of those ingredients, with the rest being synthetic. Or “Made with essential oils” might be only 1or 2 drops of the good stuff. Look for a percentage on the label to be sure.

My advice? Read makeup and personal care ingredient labels like you would food labels. Learn which chemicals to avoid. Here’s a list from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

For more practical, simple solutions on how to have a super healthy home or work environment, visit www.BethGreer.com

Homemade "Vicks Vapor shower disks"

Homemade "Vicks Vapor shower disks"

Have you seen the commercials for the Vicks Vapor shower disks?  You put one of these disks in your shower, and voila thanks to the vapors in it, you're magically healed, your cold is gone

Sarah's Homemade Vicks Shower Disks
-Baking soda
-Water
-Essential oils: eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender.
-Muffin tin
-Muffin liners

1) Add baking soda to a mixing bowl.
  1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water (plus maybe a few tbls more

2) Slowly add water until you've made a thick paste.  add a little water a time.  You'll want the mix to feel like putty.

3) Add 10-15 drops of each essential oil.

4) Spoon in to a muffin tin, and bake, for 20 minutes at 350.  THEN  essential oils to the cooled "disk. 

5) Pop out of the paper liner,  put them on the floor of the shower 
6)Store in ziploc bags or stack in a mason jar w/lid.

While many foods taste great, they are also powerful healers in a vibrant multicolor disguise. The best healing remedies also taste fabulous (I can’t say that about any prescription medications). Plus, foods won’t cause the nasty common side effects that most drugs cause.
1. Cherries
Muraleedharan Nair, PhD, professor of natural products and chemistry at Michigan State University, found that tart cherry extract is ten times more effective than aspirin at relieving inflammation. Only two tablespoons of the concentrated juice need to be taken daily for effective results. Sweet cherries have also been found to be effective.
2. Blackberries 3. Raspberries 4. Blueberries and 5. Strawberries
Dr. Nair later found the same anti-pain compound in berries like blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries
6. Celery and Celery Seeds
James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, found more than 20 anti-inflammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds, including a substance called apigenin, which is powerful in its anti-inflammatory action. Add celery seeds to soups, stews or as a salt substitute in many recipes.
7. Ginger
Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body and has been widely used in India to treat pain and inflammation. A study by Indian researchers found that when people who were suffering from muscular pain were given ginger, they all experienced improvement. The recommended dosage of ginger is between 500 and 1,000 milligrams per day. If you’re taking medications, check with your health practitioner for possible herb-drug interactions.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric (curcuma longa) is the yellow spice commonly used in Indian curries. In research it has been shown to be a more effective anti-inflammatory than steroid medications when dealing with acute inflammation. Its main therapeutic ingredient is curcumin. Research shows that curcumin suppresses pain through a similar mechanism as drugs like COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors (without the harmful side effects). Choose a standardized extract with 1500 mg of curcumin content per day.
9. Salmon 10. Mackerel and 11. Herring
Many fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring also contain these valuable oils. Omega-3s convert in the body into hormone-like substances that decrease inflammation and pain. According to Dr. Alfred D. Steinberg, an arthritis expert at the National Institute of Health, fish oil is an anti-inflammatory agent. Fish oil acts directly on the immune system by suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of cytokines, compounds known to destroy joints. Many other studies also demonstrate that eating moderate amounts of fish or taking fish oil reduces pain and inflammation, particularly for arthritis sufferers.
12. Flax Seeds and Flax Oil
Freshly-ground flax seeds and cold-pressed flax oil, contain plentiful amounts of fatty acids known as Omega-3s. Do not cook with flax oil otherwise it will have the opposite effect-irritating the body’s tissues and causing pain.
13. Raw Walnuts and Walnut Oil
Raw walnuts and walnut oil also contain the same powerful Omega-3 fatty acids that fight pain and inflammation in the body.
When it comes to pain, food really is the best medicine.

       GREEN TEA'S HEALTH BENEFITS
We’ve all heard that “green tea is good for you” but how many of us actually know why? Despite the fact that green tea remains one of the most popular beverages around the world, its health benefits are somewhat mysterious.
Though WebMD reports more than a decade’s worth of research about green tea’s health benefits, some of those studies question green tea’s role in burning fat, lowering cholesterol and fighting some diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
So, what do we know about green tea?
Green tea has antioxidants: Also called catechins, the antioxidants in green tea help fight the cells that can damage DNA and cause cancer and certain types of heart disease. These same properties are found in grapes, berries, red wine and dark chocolate, however green tea’s minimal processing makes it a good bet. Even though we still condone eating tons of fresh fruit and vegetables, one recent estimate said green tea has 10 times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies.

Green tea has properties that might help fight cancer: As vague as that may be, scientists and researchers have identified a compound in green tea that can prevent and slow cancer growth in laboratory testing, however we don’t know how much green tea a person would need to consume in order to reap those benefits.  Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, the American Cancer Society’s strategic director of nutritional epidemiology, told WebMD that one of the biggest challenges to such research is finding populations that drink enough green tea and have for a long time. “With cancer, it’s always difficult to find the exposure time or the point at which the cancer cells begin to develop,” she said.
Green tea can help with weight control. Some nutrition professionals argue that green tea can aid in weight loss. If you’re drinking green tea while you’re eating pizza and cake, you won’t lose weight. However, green tea is thermogenic, so it can raise your core body temperature and help you burn more calories. So, if you’re already exercising and eating well green tea can help you meet your goals.
The quality of the tea you buy is important. While you might still get some of the nutritional and antioxidant benefit from drinking a beverage brewed with store-bought green tea bags, a higher quality green tea is called Matcha tea. Matcha is covered before it’s picked to emphasize the flavor and color and is stone-ground before being packaged into small-batch tins. In the Japanese culture, drinking Matcha tea is an important ritual, however in Western cultures, many people drink it solely for the taste and health benefits.

Have you been wondering “what’s all the fuss about green tea?” Now you can stop wondering and start drinking…green tea, that is. This flavorful beverage offers many health benefits to anyone who drinks it regularly. Green tea contains a potent plant nutrient known as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, for short. But don’t fret, you don’t have to keep track of its chemical name to reap the health benefits. Here are 9 reasons to start drinking green tea or continue drinking it if you’re already hooked.



1. Green tea is a superb fat fighter. Its active ingredient, EGCG, increases the rate at which fat is burned in your body.
2. It targets belly fat. Research at Tufts University indicates that EGCG in green tea, like other catechins, activate fat-burning genes in the abdomen to speed weight loss by 77 percent.
3. It keeps energy stable by balancing blood sugar levels. EGCG improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that can result in fatigue, irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods.

4. Research shows it may be helpful against lung cancer. In an April 2010 study published in Cancer Prevention Research, EGCG was found to suppress lung cancer cell growth.
5. It may halt colorectal cancer. In numerous other studies, EGCG appears to inhibit colorectal cancers.
6. In research it appears to cause prostate cancer cells to commit suicide. A March 2010 study in Cancer Science indicated that EGCG aids the body by causing prostate cancer cells to commit suicide.
7. It may prevent skin damage and wrinkling. EGCG appears to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals. Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing damage so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other signs of aging.
8. It contains a potent antioxidant that kills free radicals. Because it is a potent antioxidant it can positively impact a lot more than skin cells. Free radicals are increasingly linked to many serious chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
9. It tastes good. If you’re not wild about the flavor, try a few different kinds. Try it iced or hot. Add some of the natural herb stevia to sweeten it if you want a sweeter drink. I wasn’t crazy about green tea the first few times I tried it, but now I love it with a fresh squeeze of lemon and a few drops of stevia over ice–et voila! Green tea lemonade. Mmmmm.
Reap the Rewards
Add one or two teaspoons of green tea leaves to a cup of boiling water, preferably in a tea strainer. Let steep for five minutes. Pour over ice if you prefer a cold beverage. Most experts recommend three cups daily. And, don’t worry it contains a lot less caffeine than coffee or black tea.

By Mother Teresa

No More Excuses

TenTips to Help You Stay Positive

The following ten tips can help you to experience the power of positivity:

• Keep a journal of things that make you happy, things that you enjoy, and people that you love. Read over what you’ve written frequently.
• Try to use positive statements, like “I can” and “I will” as much as possible.
• When you find yourself framing something negatively, turn it around and try to see the positive aspects of the situation.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Indulge in things that you enjoy.
• Smile.
• Be active. Physical activity can actually help you to build a positive attitude and maintain your sense of optimism in the face of struggles.
• Imagine successful outcomes. When you’re uncertain about something, close your eyes and see a positive outcome.
• Don’t let stress get the better of you. Take a deep breath and let your worries dissolve. 
• Have Faith and believe you also deserve to have what makes you happiest ,have a negative thought ,shake your head and change the channel  do this as many times as needed till your thoughts change

Dealing with Difficult People: How to Protect Yourself

At one time or another we all have to deal with difficult people.

The Whiner.  The Victim.  The Steam Roller.  The Know-it-All.  The Cry Baby.  And let’s not forget Sarcastic Sam.

Some difficult people become Masters specializing in just one technique – others do their damage by mixing it up.  No matter what the “technique”, most difficult people have the same goal:  they crave power and control over people and situations.
Additionally, not all difficult people you may have to deal with are difficult all the time.  For that matter, if you’re honest, it is most likely that, with very little thought, you can conjure up a time or two when you were a little difficult to deal with yourself.
No matter whether confronting an “always” difficult Know-it-All boss, or an occasionally Sarcastic Sam (or Samantha) Spouse – you are not defenseless.  The following are a few suggestions for dealing with both full and part-time difficult people.

Don’t Take it Personally

Ironically, one of the most useful techniques is not to become defensive when defending ourselves from the damage difficult people attempt to dish out to us.  Difficult people feed on the energy of our defensiveness.  The more angry or upset we become, the more in control the difficult person feels.
We become defensive when we take things personally.  When we take everything a difficult person is capable of dealing out personally we become frustrated and tend to express our defensiveness via our own negative responses such as anger or perhaps guilt.
The next time you are dealing with a difficult person focus not on how to defend yourself – instead focus on remaining calm.  Remaining calm is a signal to the difficult person that you are not relinquishing control.  It may take quite a few “sessions” – but if this technique is used consistently and repeatedly, the difficult person comes to understand that you are your own person with your own power and do not make it a practice of relinquishing control to others.

Walk a Mile in Their Moccasins

No matter how difficult a person may be, taking a moment to muster a little empathy is huge when it comes to creating positive outcomes when dealing with difficult people.  Don’t be stingy when it comes to making an effort to empathize with a difficult person.  Most difficult people are difficult because they have needs that are either not being met or they think aren’t being met.  A sarcastic co-worker who mocks your work may suffer from extreme insecurity.  While you certainly can’t expect difficult people to share their true motivation for being difficult, quite often an empathetic response can help to soften their demeanor towards you.

Take Care of Yourself

Not taking it personally and showing empathy when dealing with difficult people can be very useful.  However, perhaps the most useful technique when dealing with difficult people is creative visualization.  And, while creative visualization may be the last technique mentioned here, it is actually the first technique to employ before attempting not taking a difficult person personally and instead attempt to show them some empathy.
Difficult people are negative people – and it is important to protect yourself from the negative energy difficult people throw at you.  You not only have a responsibility to attempt to come to a positive resolution with a difficult person, your first responsibility is to respect yourself and protect yourself from their negative energy.  Creative visualization can be a very effective means to do just that.
For instance, the next time you have to deal with your Know-it-All boss visualize yourself placing a bullet (and negativity) proof wall between you.  Starting your day by visualizing yourself surrounded by a protective bubble or aura is also very powerful.  Or perhaps you visualize yourself as King or Queen and are protected by a moat surrounding the thick walls of your castle.
The very practice of visualizing you are protected from difficult people creates the positive energy necessary to deal with difficult people effectively.

Visualization Techniques: Detailed, Consistent, Believed

 Creating Reality

The hardest part about doing a thing, getting a thing, or becoming some “thing” – whether it is something that we need or something we desire (want) is belief.
For instance, we may need to get a new job because we need to make more money, or we may desire a new job because there are things about our current position we don’t like.  Maybe we consider it boring and want something more challenging, stimulating.
Of all the “New Age” techniques for manifesting our goals (making them “real”), creative visualization is perhaps the best known – unfortunately it is perhaps also the most misunderstood.
Misunderstanding the how and why visualization works often results in failure.  It is easy to become disillusioned about the power of visualization when, no matter how often or hard we concentrate on visualizing the outcome we desire it just doesn’t happen.
Many Americans first became aware of “visualization” as a technique when the Russians used the technique as central to training Olympic athletes – with great success.  Since that time, the idea of visualization as a tool to live a better life has become practically a mainstream assumption within American culture.
Visualize what we need/want and it will come.
And then it doesn’t – and all too often, rather than educate ourselves as to why it may not be working – we just give up and settle living lives in which we do not manifest our greatest potential(s).
To this day most of the best athletes employ creative visualization as a central part of their training program.  For those of us who like numbers, early Russian studies indicated that those who spent 25% of their time engaging in physical training and 75% of their time mentally training had more success than those who spent 100% of their time physically training.  In our everyday world, what that would look like to someone who wanted to improve their ability to say run a mile more quickly, and normally physically trained one hour a day 4 days a week would have more success if they spent one of those hours visualizing running their mile more quickly.
However, it is important to note that the Russians had their athletes engage in a very disciplined program.  The Russian criteria for this “mental rehearsal” included:

• Very detailed visualizations
• Visualization exercise(s) performed frequently and consistently

This means that while “daydreaming” may certainly be somewhat helpful when it comes to manifesting a goal or desire – following a consistent schedule and setting aside regularly scheduled times to practice creative visualization will most usually provide better results.

Creative visualization must be detailed

A common complaint of people wishing to employ creative visualization is that they can’t “see” – or create a clear enough picture.  They close their eyes and maybe all they see are colors, or even just a “blank screen.”  They are having trouble visualizing.  This is where detail comes into play.  So far we’ve been concentrating on visualizing (“seeing”) as it relates to improving athletic performance; however, creative visualization is just as powerful technique for achieving any goal or desire.  For example, you have decided to pursue finding another job.
You’ve set a scheduled time to visualize (say right before getting out of bed in the morning and right before going to sleep at night – both great times to visualize.)  You close your eyes and start thinking that you want to get a picture of your new job – and get nothing.  The more you strain to “see”, the blanker your mental screen gets.  Now is a great time to remember that you have five senses – not just one.
If you can’t see your new job – can you hear it?  Imagine a conversation you may have with a colleague or superior.  A very detailed conversation where you are expressing yourself to others with extreme confidence and competence.  Your listener, in turn, responds as you would wish them to in the most optimal circumstances you can imagine.
Can you smell your new job?  Perhaps your desk is near the coffee maker.  Now the conversation you have imagined has smell attached to it.  Can you touch your new job?  Maybe you can feel yourself standing by your desk with a cup of coffee in your hand having that successful conversation with your colleagues.
Now that you can hear and touch your visualization, you try to imagine you can see yourself at your new job, but – darn – all you can see is the color red.  Ask yourself, what is red about my new job?  And you realize that it is the tie or sweater a colleague you are speaking with is wearing.  Before you know it you can see, hear, and touch your new job – exactly as you desire it to be.

Creative visualization must be practiced consistently

Remember that creative visualization is often referred to as a “mental rehearsal”.  Those in theatre – actors, directors, and technical staff – have an intimate understanding of the importance of rehearsing – and they rehearse often.  Nor do they leave rehearsing to chance, there is a formal schedule put into place.  At first rehearsals are scheduled quite frequently.  In these first rehearsals performances are usually pretty choppy.  People forget their lines; actors have not completely embraced their characters.  Props are missing.
But, with frequent rehearsal, performances begin to improve.  Eventually, this scheduled, consistent, and frequent rehearsal results in performances where the actors forget they are on stage and become the play.  This is an excellent example of the power of creative visualization when it is performed in a scheduled, consistent, and frequent manner.

The role of belief in creative visualization

“To be it, you must believe it.” This statement is true on many levels.
First, psychologists report the power of something they term “self fulfilling prophesy.”  The basic premise is that whatever one believes about themselves or their circumstances – whether positive or negative – have a powerful impact on their behavior, thereby quite often causing this belief to become true.
For example, if a student believes they will flunk a test, it is likely that their study habits will be negatively impacted, reducing the amount of material they remember.  In addition, the thought that they will flunk the test causes them to become anxious and this high level of anxiety negatively impacts brain function.  The result?  At the very least that student does not perform to their true potential on the test and it is quite possible that the student will actually flunk their test.
The theory of self fulfilling prophesies makes a lot of sense when you consider the strong relationship between an individual’s level of self confidence and the beliefs they have about themselves.  If a person has no confidence in their ability to pass a test it follows that they have no faith that engaging in behaviors that support passing the test will be effective.  For example, they may not study as often or as long as they need to – or not take advantage of working with a study group.
However, visualization techniques can change a negative self fulfilling prophesy into a positive self fulfilling prophesy.  For instance, frequently, consistently, and in a detailed manner visualizing one’s self actually taking the test successfully is very powerful.  For one, the level of self confidence is improved.  Those who feel confident are not focused on perfection, they are focused on realizing their full potential.  In this case it is passing the test – not necessarily getting the highest grade in the glass.
An example of a specific visualization for passing a test is, as one is studying, to visualize placing information into a file folder and placing that file folder in a file drawer.  When taking the test and “stumped” for an answer, simply close your eyes, visualize the file drawer, open it, and pull out the folder with the correct answer.  This sounds silly – but there is science behind it.  This visualization helps to create new neural pathways and, when the visualization is used when trying to come up with the right answer or information needed to be able to solve a problem, the pathways to that specific information needed are engaged.  In other words, a “short cut” to the information needed to pass the test is created in the brain.

Detox with 4 Super Foods to Remove Toxins From, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Drugs & GMO By-Products

26th September 2012
By: JB Bardot - naturalnews.com

Detoxing can be hard on your body and cause a wide variety of alarming side effects. After all, the substances being removed are usually pretty horrible, consisting of toxic chemicals from Teflon, vaccines, pesticide residues, pharmaceutical drugs, chemotherapy residue, heavy metals, aluminum, radiation, and even by-products from GMO foods. There are numerous detoxing agents and methods available — some more costly than others — and some producing very intense experiences with potentially dangerous side effects.

However, there are several ways to remove these noxious substances gently, with kindness to your system. These techniques may take a bit longer to achieve completion; however, if you have the time and are sensitive, or just don’t like pain, one of these methods should work for you.

Pectin

Fruit pectin is probably the most gentle method of detoxing contaminants. Pectin comes from the fibrous portion of the fruit and is most commonly found in the pith of limes, lemons and other citrus fruit as well as in apples. Other sources of pectin are bananas, grapes, carrots, and cabbage. Pectin helps to release heavy metals, chemicals and other substances into the blood stream, where it binds to them and flushes them from the body. Simply eating fruit high in pectin will help to cleanse your system, or you can add a pectin product to a glass of water, organic grape juice or fresh veggie juice to speed the detox process. Beware of pectin sold in grocery stores, as some brands may contain MSG. Check health food stores for the best products.

Cilantro

The delicious culinary herb cilantro, happens to be one of the most effective and gentle detoxifiers of mercury, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. You can buy cilantro juice at health food stores or simply include the fresh herb in your diet as pesto or seasoning to control the amount consumed and limit unwanted side effects. It’s inexpensive and works without the addition of man-made chemicals. Cilantro also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, quickly reducing infection and inflammation as it works to clear your system.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a single cell algae sea vegetable that grows in fresh water. Some of the best cholrella reserves have come from Japan; however, use caution when buying Japanese chlorella due to possible exposure to radiation from Fukushima. Chlorella is an easy-to-digest superfood best known for being able to remove mercury and other heavy metals from the cells. Too much chlorella can produce side effects — mostly in the digestive tract — where it works best to bind to mercury, eliminating it. Start with the lowest quantity and work up slowly for a gentle detox.

Wheatgrass

Juicing fresh produce and grasses such as wheat or barley grass provides an excellent way to remove toxins from the system. Wheatgrass is high in nutritional content, and provides vitamins, minerals and all nine essential amino acids. Wheatgrass can be a powerful detox, so start slowly with only a small amount of juice to keep it gentle — 1/2 ounce a day — and work up to avoid symptoms.

Using gentle detoxing products requires that you repeat treatments over a period of time until all symptoms have cleared. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, dizziness and fatigue. Additionally, detoxing can cause a flare-up in your condition temporarily. It’s just the toxins leaving your system and should pass shortly. If side effects are severe, reduce the quantity of whatever you’re using to detox. If the symptoms continue, stop and consult your natural health practitioner for further instructions.

Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries like many other fruits are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as slow the aging process. Perhaps you’ve heard about the controversy between the FDA and the cherry industry and wondered what the fuss was about. Are cherries not as healthy to eat as you thought they were? Should you stop eating cherries? The answer is no.

The controversy is over certain health claims made by the cherry industry and those who sell products containing or made from cherries such as pills, capsules, and juice—and not the health benefits of cherries. While numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the health benefits of cherries, the FDA says that makers of products containing cherries cannot claim that their products prevent, treat, or cure a specific disease such as gout or cancer. The FDA says that these types of claims imply that cherries are “drugs” that cure a disease—without the backing of controlled double-blind clinical trials.

For the general population however, the bottom line is that there’s no reason not to eat cherries. There are two types of cherries, sweet and tart or sour cherries. The most popular type of sweet cherry is the Bing cherry, which is sold fresh in the grocery store. Tart or sour cherries are canned and used in pies, dried into fruit snacks, and made into juice concentrate. Like most other fruits, cherries are fat-free, low in calories and sodium, and high in certain minerals and vitamins such as potassium, Vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins.

Most of the scientific research has centered on the health benefits of tart cherries. Sweet and tart cherries contain pigments called anthocyanins, antioxidants that give cherries their dark red color. Tart cherries are among the top fruits as far as antioxidant levels go. Tart cherry juice and dried tart cherries are even higher in antioxidants than blueberries and more powerful than Vitamin E. Anthocyanins have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and according to the American Chemical Society, eating 20 tart cherries (or drinking the equivalent in juice concentrate) a day could provide the same pain relief that aspirin or ibuprofen do.

Researchers in Texas recently discovered that tart cherries contain high levels of melatonin; an antioxidant and substance produced naturally by the body that is thought to help slow the aging process as well as fight jetlag and regulate sleep. Eating tart cherries, particularly Montmorency tart cherries, can actually increase the levels of melatonin in the body.

Although many of the studies concerning cherries are preliminary and require additional research, the health benefits of eating cherries, both tart and sweet, and drinking cherry juice concentrate are indeed many. Cherries are a potential source of treatment for diabetes achieved by lowering blood sugar levels, may help prevent colon cancer, significantly reduce pain due to muscle damage, provide relief from the pain of gout and arthritis, and lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, a contributing factor in heart disease and strokes.

The only company I truelly trust with all my web site needs: http://dmarketingllc.com/site/

Welcome to Dominion Marketing!

For over 20 years Dominion Marketing, located in Sedalia, Missouri, has been involved in marketing in one form or another. Writing, shooting and editing TV commercials for a local cable company was the beginning.  The natural evolution was to keep up with the times and technology to the Internet.
We now focus exclusively on web marketing by offering our clients everything from website development, web video production and social media marketing.

Web Development

Having a website is essential in today’s market, but even that is not enough. You have to get people to the site and, more importantly, convert them from visitors to customers. We at Dominion Marketing do everything we can to help make your online marketing efforts get the highest return possible. We design attractive, functional websites that are easy to navigate and provide the opportunity for your visitors to connect with you, increasing your chances of making the customers. Find out more here.

Mobile Websites

Are mobile websites important to businesses?  The answer is YES, for most.  And here is why:

• There are 285.6 million mobile subscribers in the United States -- that’s 91% of the population!    CTIA
• Smart Phones will pass PCs as the search device of choice by 2013    Gartner
• One-third of mobile searches are tied to local.    Google
• Mobile search will represent 20% of all search traffic by 2012.    RBC Capital Markets
• $2.2 billion of physical goods will be purchased via mobile device in 2010.    ABI Research

What all of this means to you is this:  If your website is not smart phone friendly, you are losing potential business.

Web Video Production

The popularity of video online is growing by leaps and bounds. Now, having video on your website is almost expected and Dominion Marketing has the experience, equipment and software to produce quality video content that will help in the all important process of converting website visitors to customers. Get more info here.

Social Media Marketing

Understanding how to use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others to attract people to you, your site, and your store can be a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Dominion Marketing will help guide you through confusion and set you on your way to promoting your business on the web inexpensively and effectively. Click here for more information.

About Relax Travel Being travel lovers ourselves is why we became travel agents. We make around 4-6 trips a year and whenever we travel we always tour resorts in the area we are staying so we can see what to recommend to our clients. We take training and knowledge about different destinations very seriously and hold specialist certificates to many popular destinations. Whether it be a vacation, honeymoon, destination wedding or just a weekend getaway, the most important thing we can do for our clients is make sure they get the best value possible. Whether it is a $500 or $5,000 vacation we work hard to find the best price for our clients. We would never ask a client to book a trip with us when they can find a better deal somewhere else. We don't have any hidden charges or fees, we only work off of the commission that is paid by the tour operators. If you use us, we get paid. If you don't use us, we don't get paid. Did you know that all of those big online booking engines are just electronic travel agencies? They get paid when you make a booking, and you do all of the work for them. Our main objective is to find the very best price for our clients everytime. Please put our knowledge and experience to work for you today. You have our promise that we will work hard to earn your business. Please check out our customer testimonials page and see what some of our customers have to say! We accept cash, approved checks, and major credit cards for payment. Book early, and you may be eligible for a small up front deposit with convenient payment options. TOP 10 REASONS TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT 1.You've Googled "Mexico vacation" and come up with 17.8 million responses. Need a little help editing those choices?   2.Remember when you used that obscure website to book your hotel, and when you got there you spent your beach vacation overlooking a parking lot?   3.How many hours were you on hold with the airline when your flight was canceled because of a snowstorm?   4.Did you really mean to spend your honeymoon at that resort whose one tiny pool was filled all day with 12 screaming children?   5.Who knew that when you booked that "villa" in Tuscany, it would be a small room with a kitchenette and no air conditioning? Funny, it looked much better on your computer screen.   6.No one explained to you that in July, it's winter time in Rio, and so you showed up there with nothing but five Hawaiian shirts and three pairs of swimming trunks.   7.How about the time you really needed a restful vacation, and you ended up in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and someone threw up on your shoes?   8.Yes, I guess that hotel must have used a telephoto lens when they took a picture of those guest  rooms that you saw on their website.   9.I suppose contacting the Attorney General to resolve the fact that that Internet site has billed your credit card three times instead of once is the only route to take at this point. 10.It was definitely odd that there were no cab drivers at the airport at 3 o'clock in the morning when you finally landed in Costa Rica, but booking a transfer to your very remote hotel would have been a good thing to remember when you purchased your airline ticket and hotel online. Welcome to Relax Travel. A travel agency located in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Use our Website as a resource to find and plan your dream vacation, cruise, honeymoon or destination wedding. We would like to provide you the best values possible on every trip imaginable, whether it be $500 to $5000 or more. The truth about travel agencies! Travel agencies get paid by suppliers for selling their products, so whether you use your local travel agent, or an online travel agency, someone gets paid by the supplier. The online travel agencies ask you to do all of the work, and they still get paid! Will the online travel ageny be there when you need help, and want to talk to a real person? Will the online travel agency get to know you, and what you are looking for? Why pay more, and risk your money and vacation with a website! We routinely beat the prices our customers find online, and they have a better vacation! Please feel free to browse through our site and give us a call at 816-419-1516 to start booking your trip!                                               http://www.relaxtravel1.com/Pages/default.aspx

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Cinnamon & Honey for LIFE

Cinnamon and Honey; The Almost Cure All!

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey

Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before
breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.