But just because youmight be getting a little bit older and wiser it doesn'tmeanyou can't look as vibrant and youthful as you feel. Thereis away to grow old gracefully while holding back the tell-talesigns of aging.1. Do you still wear clothes that you looked good in when you were younger and possibly slimmer? Yes [] No []2. Has your hairstyle remained the same for the last 5 years? Yes [] No []3. Do you sport a ponytail, moustache or beard? Yes [] No []4.

Do you regularly wear jeans or a denim jacket? Yes [] No []5. Are cowboy boots still residing in your wardrobe? Yes [] No []6. Do you wear a gold necklace, bracelet or earring(s)? Yes [] No []7. Have leathers made a come back in your wardrobe? Yes [] No []8. Do you ignore unruly eyebrows, excessive ear hair or nose hair? Be honset! Yes [] No []If you can answer YES to more than a handful of thequestionsabove then you could take years off your appearance justby making more informed clothing and grooming choices.Get informed.

Talk to an image consultant or read my book...http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=105======================================= is an image consultant who has helpedhundreds of men of all ages look and feel fantasticby getting to grips with their image. Her books include:"The 80/20 Makeover" and "Does My Belly Look Big In This?"Buy the common-sense British Bloke's style guide here...http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=105=======================================.

And why don't they just come right out and say FAKE fur instead of trying to dress it up with a fancy foreign word? Thank God for jeans?I gotta find the Fashion Holy Book. I know there has to be one out there somewhere that says that it's a sin to wear the same thing as you wore last year. Or maybe it's just sometimes that it's a sin. I dunno. All I know is that the ladies section has to be really big.

Like maybe everything but the last seven pages. Guys don't seem to matter quite as much. It's sort of like an afterthought thing just so we wouldn't be offended. They ? whoever "they" is ? could have left us out completely for all I care.Thank God for jeans?I can't understand it. Why sometimes looking "layered" is good and sometimes it isn't.

Why sometimes croc (apparently "they" couldn't spell the entire word) is good and sometimes it isn't. Why big old-looking broaches are sometimes good and sometimes they aren't. And why anyone would ever frown on micro-mini's is beyond me. OK, so I'm I guy. I'll let that one go.Thank God for jeans?And how can pleats be in or out? What about tweed? Is it good or not? Why do ladies handbags need to match their shoes? Can summer shoes be the same as winter shoes? Probably not, huh? And what's wrong with tie dye for cryin' out loud? Looks cool to me.

And what's the deal with buying jeans ? brand new, mind you - that look like they've already been worn for two years? I never have been able to figure out that one.But yeah, thank God for jeans?I can't understand it. Are guys dress jackets now supposed to have two, three or four buttons? Are pleated dress pants in or out? What about casual slacks? Cuffs ? yes or no? Tuck or don't tuck? Why can't neckties be any width we dang well want? And why do we even wear the silly things in the first place? Why is it important for all the men to look like penguins when they dress for formal occasions? A zebra look makes just as much sense to me.Thank God for jeans?And have you looked at underwear lately? (Do I need to rephrase that?) Now I understand that the ladies like to do all sorts of push up, push out, accent, emphasize, enhancement stuff. But guys ? we're getting out of control! Holy smokes. I thought the intent of our under-layer was to keep our goodies in place and prevent excessive scuffing against whatever outer-layer we happened to be wearing. I've even seen articles describing what kinds of underwear the celebrities are wearing.

Why would we care? I'm just not understanding any of this.Thank God for jeans ? and good old briefs? I guess I never will comprehend any of this fashion "in style" stuff. Seems to me that if we're clean and comfortable ? including warm, cool or dry depending on the weather ? we're good to go. I just can't see that anything else matters much. Of course, I'm just an old country boy. What do I know?.

Find out the floor space in your new home. Be practical and:

? Make a list of "must haves."

? Arrange to put all other things in storage or have an auction or garage sale.

? Put aside things you want to give to charity.

? Disconnect, clean, and repair appliances a week before packers arrive.

? Make arrangements to transport plants and pets or find new homes for them. Most packers will not transport plants and pets. You will need to take them by car, train, or plane to your new destination.

Here are a few guidelines:

? Hire professionals to pack fine china, breakable antiques, silverware, furniture, and heavy appliances. This will save breakage costs and the consignment can be insured.

? Undertaking to handle the bulk of packing yourself, it saves money. Start with non fragile things: books, clothes, linen, shoes, as well as inexpensive kitchen ware.

? Use small boxes ?no box should weigh more than say 15-20 kilos.

? Jewelry and other irreplaceable items should be handled and transported personally. Pack with bubble wrap and carry it yourself as luggage.

? Boxes must be of the ideal size and good strength.

Wardrobe boxes are ideal for expensive clothing. Use padded dish boxes for packing chinaware. Use free boxes obtained from the supermarket for jeans, t-shirts, shoes, toys, and everyday non-fragile items like tea cups and coffee mugs.

? Use as buffer: old newspapers, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and towels. Every item should be wrapped individually. Fill empty paces between objects with torn paper bits so that things don't rattle around when shifted.

? Pack plates and glass objects vertically instead of flat.

? Seal boxes using duct tape or plastic strapping used by movers.

? Mark each box clearly?put a number or code that corresponds to your master list. Paste a label with name, address, destination, and contact number. Use pre-printed labels or an indelible marker.

? Boxes containing fragile items should be marked clearly as "fragile" with an arrow showing which the "top" side is.

? Make an inventory. Include a detailed list with corresponding box number and which room it is for in the new home.

? Pack a first day box. Mark it to be opened first.

Load it last. It should contain: medicines, food, baby needs, and copies of house documents, emergency numbers, soap, towels, and insecticide. Include a few sleeping bags in case of emergency.

Move economically. Make a plan or timetable. Start weeks in advance.

Try and locate a plan of your new home so that you can decide what to take with you and what to store..

You don't have to look like a model, but taking care of your appearance can help you feel like one.

Create a date

At least once a week, you and your partner need to get out of the house and on a date. Too often, long relationships think that they are ?past' that, so they settle into a dull life of staying at home. When you were first dating, you went to the movies and out to eat ? why not try to do that more now? Sure, you won't be able to do it every week, but if you try, you will both have something to look forward to.

Stop your thinking

Many times, a woman can become frustrated by everything that she is handling, especially when she's a mom as well as a career woman. When this happens, you might feel as though you could scream at your partner for not being helpful enough, romantic enough, etc. But is this really going to reconnect your relationship? It can help to stop your thinking for a few seconds before you share these kinds of feelings.

You might find that you're actually feeling something else that's not directed at him.

Put the spotlight on him

When you take the time to do something special for someone else, you will reap the benefits of feeling closer to them as well. Something as simple as packing a lunch or writing a love note in their wallet can be a great way to help your partner know that you care. Everyone likes to feel special.

When you can't get away

It's time to be creative if you're unable to get away from the house. Maybe you can create date night at home, or work together on some goals that you've wanted to accomplish. Play board games ? do whatever you both like to do together.

If you have a home remodeling project, don't leave it just for him, do it together to get more couple time.

Getting out of town

One of the best ways to reconnect as a couple is to head out of the house for a few days. There are numerous bed and breakfasts that you can visit for only a small expense. You don't even have to leave the room if you don't want to, but the time away from your normal distractions can help you get back in tune with what your relationship needs..

I even remember the weight of the stocking cap my mother knit to match the checkerboard cardigan - that matched the blue one she knit for my brother.There is a magic in handmade clothing that transcends the colors, the styles, even the quality of the handiwork. It's as if every stitch and every knot was imbued with the love of the hands that crafted them. And so it was only right that when I was carrying my first child, I picked up crochet hook and thread and started making the clothing she'd wear home from the hospital.I didn't stop there, though. Making clothing for babies is more than a way to save money or create unique clothing styles. It's a way to surround them with love, to weave your wishes into the fabric as you shape and create each piece.Over the years, I have sewn, knit and crocheted sweaters, sunsuits, dresses, short sets, blankets, quilts, hats and pants for all five of my children.

Beginning with their homecoming outfit, each of them had special clothes that I'd designed and created just for them. I would say that it is perhaps a conceit, a fond wish of my own that my feelings about dressing my babies with my own hands would have transferred themselves to my children - except:A month ago, I dropped by my daughter's apartment. The baby girl I dressed in a strawberry printed romper - each stich carefully placed by hand, each with a whispered wish and a blessing for her good fortune - is 22 now, a college graduate with a home of her own. Tossed over a table in the corner is a blanket I crocheted for her when she was three from odds and ends of yarn. On her walls are pictures of herself wearing a sweater I made for her - the same sweater, at 3, at 5, at 7.

The same sweater now clothes the teddy bear sitting on her dresser.Except:My 19 year old son, fully grown and living on his own, still owns the knit baby blanket that wrapped him on his trip home from the hospital. He creates and makes his own clothes - imaginative and unusual - and in the patches on his jeans and his jackets, I find bits and pieces of shirts and shorts and sweaters I made for him over the years.My 15 year old has tucked away the first party dress I made for her - when she was six months old. She never said a word to me about - I found it in her 'treasure memory box'. And the two youngest boys? At 10 and 12, they each have their favorite blanket - ones that I knit for them when they were born.There is magic in your hands when you create clothing for your baby, the magic of a mother's love that is never, ever completely forgotten..

Our touch of class, our exclusivity, our warm smiles and great products sets us apart from all others."The first stop on the gifting adventure will take celebs to the always en vogue "Fashion Studio," where they will be treated to $800 in designer clothing from "Fray", a unique womenswear line made in India. Select celebrity guest will also have "Fray" red-carpet gowns available to them to wear to the Emmy Awards show and keep, a $3000 value. "Edun", a contemporary men and woman's collection by Bono, will give guests $300 in jeans and tees. "Misa B.G.," is providing guest with $2600 in stylish handbags with coordinating belts.At "Ali Baba Cavern of Jewelry," A-list guests will have the option of receiving on loan, over one million dollars in diamonds from "ANF Rare Jewelry" for the red-carpet, plus $1000 gift certificate to shop at the store. "Niessing" is providing retreat goers with $1000 in jewelry for their unique collection of diamond and precious stone gems set in gold and platinum bands.

"AQUANAUTIC", the most sophisticated watch in the world, is giving guests one of their unique time pieces, a $6000 value.The third stop on this luxury adventure is the "Tropical Gardens", where exotic flowers by AVA's Garden, lounge furniture by "TARA on Main Street", and drinks by the "Margarita King," create a wonderful atmosphere for guests to get the perfect tan by celebrity tanner "Jimmy Coco Mobile Tanning Pros," plus they'll also receive products from his "Tanning Essentials" line $500 value. "Nikki Beach" is giving A-list guests a sun package that will include a $5000 Nikki Beach membership card, $300 in clothing from the Nikki Clothing line, a $300 in restaurant gift certificates, a stay at the "Hotel Carl Gustaf" in St. Barth, a $1700 value, and Ana Taina is giving $150 in their exotic oils and perfumes.Next stop for retreat goers is the "Serenity Spa Lounge," where they can sip on "Izze" sparkling juices and "Volvic" French water, as they enjoy onsite services from "LPG ONE" that includes a Endermology treatment room, a $1500 a gift certificate for services and a $1600 machine to take home. "Rene Furterer" will have a hair specialist onsite for hair care consultation with the Rene Furterer Capilliscope machine and give guests $100 in hair care products. "INspaLA.com Mobile Wellness Spa" will provide guest over $350 in services such as: Acupuncture, Tarot, Astrology Birth Charts, and Reflexology Massages, plus a $250 gift certificate.

"Kookoon" is giving guest a $1000 designer silk comforter set, while Dove chocolate provides guests with a moment of escape with the ultimate decadent pleasure of their silky smooth chocolate miniatures and cookies. Destination "Sail Away" is offing guest an exclusive vacation from "Bora Bora Nui Resorts", valued over $5,000. The celebrity guests will enjoy a four day three night stay at this five star resort embraced by a gorgeous, half-mile long white sand beach - the most beautiful in Bora Bora. "Escape", will also give guests a mini retreat to swim with the Dolphins at "Dolphin Spirit of Hawaii". Two days of heavenly bliss await guests as they are invited to enjoy the crystal blue Hawaiian waters with the joyous Spinner dolphins, an $850 value.

(Selected guest)The final stop at "Style 2005: Escape" is Destination Gadgets. A-list guests will be given hot new technology from "Palm", the "LifeDrive" mobile manager. The perfect gift for celebs on the go, it's a mobile pc with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology built in, a $500 value. "Marsus" and "Moonsus" is providing retreat goers with designer laptop carrying bags and designer totes designed with a balance of aesthetics and that professional look, a $450 gift.The Style 2005: Escape Pre-Emmy Retreat will be an adventure that celebrity guest will not want to end, and with a $40,000 gift bag at the end of their journey you can see why. At Escape there really is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.$6,000.00-Bea Valdes Designer Hand Bag???????????? www.beavaldes.com $6,000.00-AQUANAUTIC Watch?????????????? www.aquanautic.com $5,600.00-Nikki Beach Sun Package ??????????????????????? www.nikkibeach.com $5,125.00-Bora Bora Nui Vacation?????????????? www.boraboranui.com $3,100.00-LPG ONE gift Certificates and Services www.lpgone.com $2,600.00-Misa B.G.

Handbag & Matching Belt???www.misabg.com$2,500.00-Niessing Jewelry ????????????www.niessing.com $1,700.00- Hotel Carl Gustaf Stay???????????????????????????? www.hotelcarlgustaf.com$1,000.00-ANF Rare Jewels Gift Certificate??????www.anfrarejewels.com $1,000.00-Kookoon Silk Bedroom Gift Set??????www.kookoon.com $850.00-Dolphin/Spirt of Hawaii Swim???????????????? www.dolphinspiritofhawaii.com $800.00- Isis Jewelry????????????www.isisjewels.com $800.00-Fray Designer Tunics from India??????www.fraygirl.com $600.00-Inspala.com Gift Certificate??????www.inspala.com $500.00-Palm LifeDrive Mobile Manager??????www.palm.com $500.00-Jimmy Jimmy Coco's Tanning Package www.mobiletanningpros.com $450.00-Moonsus Tote & Laptop Bags??????www.moonsus.com $345.00-Tasha Carter Satin Kimono Dresses??? $300.00-Mocha Designer Clothing $300.00-Edun Jeans & Tees?????????www.edun.ie $200.00-Maggie Coulombe Silk Sarongs $150.00-Ana Taina Beauty Oils & Perfumes???????? www.anataina.com $100.00-St.Martin Bathing Suits & Swimwear ???www.stmartin.com $100.00-Klorane Eye Care Products $100.00-Rene Furterer Hair Care Products??????www.renefuterer.com $100.00-Energetix Magnetic Therapy Jewelry???? www.energetix.com $100.00-Equinox Guest Pass???????????????????????????????? www.equinox.com ????$85.00-Go Smile Teeth Whitening System???www.gosmile.com????$20.00-Margarita King Bottle Of Margarita???www.themargaritaking.com????$20.00-Jake Coco Limited Edition CD??????www.jakecoco.com Total $41,045 VIP Celebrity Gift Bag.

manufacturing was in a deep depression. Products were too costly, of poor quality and not innovative enough.Now, again, America is ranked No. 1 in manufacturing (World Competitiveness Report, 1996).Mass customizationAmerica's No. 1 standing is primarily due to the manufacturing revolution that has been under way since 1985. This quiet revolution is built on the unsurpassed innovative spirit of the American people.

Innovation is one of the qualities upon which America is founded. American manufactures are the world's leading innovators. The right combination of technology and people is a good foundation for any company. These technologies are leading to a major new phenomenon: mass customization, which is the ability to customize products literally in quantities as small as one, while producing them at mass-production speeds. Mass customization in the Information Age is replacing the mass-production model of the Industrial Age.The ultimate outcome will be simultaneous manufacturing.

Here, even as the customer is giving the order, the product starts to be manufactured. It may seem like a fairy tale, but the time is fast approaching when a customer will stand at a retailers fitting room, download their personal measurements into a computer, choose the pattern and variety of material wanted for their clothing and before they leave the outlet their order is in production. Now that's a truly empowered customer!Over the past few years, there have been a number of articles written on lasers. Each author lists applications as it relates specifically to their area of expertise. However, what EdgeWISE Tools would like to do in this article is to stimulate you to visualize all the different ways you can use a laser to produce a variety of products.

Let your imagination go. Don't fear the unknown. Those that can see the future have the greatest opportunity to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. "Carpe Diem" - seize the moment!Why use a Laser?In 1985, thermal contact cutting tools were developed for roll feed plotters. The "Hot Tip" became the first large format cutting system introduced to the sign industry.

This process became the corner stone that most plotter manufactures built on. Through evolution, the cutting hardware has changed and significant strides have been achieved. We have seen progressive steps taken to where technology is today.Most old manufacturing technology uses contact cutting tools; where the tool actually contacts the surface, it is meant to cut. The cutting tools must be re-sharpened or replace often and as the tool wears out the quality is compromised. This antiquated method has become an additional source of income for the manufactures because they now get to market one or more consumable tools.

Contact manufacturing with all its additional costs can now be replaced with a more economical solution.The next giant evolutionary leap in cutting manufacturing is the replacement of contact cutting tools with non-contact tools. The next logical step is to use laser technology for mass customization. The traditional high cost of laser technology has delayed the development of the Roll Feed Laser (RFL). A day is like a year in technological development terms. However, recently the cost of laser technology has been reduced to the point where today it has become an affordable means of manufacturing.Roll Feed LaserIn 1988, research and development began on the first Roll Feed Laser system (RFL).

This research developed more than just a new product. It developed new concepts in manufacturing and new ways to manufacture. The realization of mass customization is appearing using lasers. The combination of these two things EdgeWISE Tools calls the laser manufacturing revolution. This laser manufacturing revolution we are beginning to see is becoming bigger than anyone has yet imaged.

There are literally hundreds', if not thousands', of markets and industries that have yet to be discovered.Can you change?As history has proven, there are always those people that lack the foresight and intuition to respond to the changing trends of time. Ten years ago, in 1986, industry scoffed at the idea of a large format, computerized, cutting system becoming the main work tool for the trade. The resistance to change at that time was severe. Seven years ago most plotter manufactures laughed at the idea of a low wattage Roll Feed Laser system and could not see the potential for manufacturing one. Look at what is happening today, Since 1990, the number and diversity of applications for low wattage CO2, Nd:YAG and Diode laser systems have exploded.

The CO2 laser market has grown on average of 60% per year. More people are recognizing the benefits of using a CO2 laser over other traditional manufacturing tools. Machinery like dies, routers, hot knives, and mechanical engravers are being replaced with affordable low wattage RFL systems. Ink jet printers, in some applications, are losing ground to the advancing low wattage laser used for marking.What does this mean?In what other business can you invest in a piece of equipment to produce such a variety of different products? Products can be manufactured using plastic, woods, fabrics, rubber, and metals. Because the kerf is very narrow and the laser controlled by a computer nearly any design can be cut.

It is just as easy to cut one design as it is to cut a million. Comparing this too most manufacturing equipment, you could invest $50K to $500K on an offset printing press. However, you can only use this equipment to print on a specific type of material. A silkscreener, sign maker, engraver, or for that matter most everyone in the manufacturing field, will purchase a specific piece of manufacturing equipment to accomplish a specific task. A machinist may be one of the only people that will purchase a piece of equipment and be able to work a small number of different materials.

The machinists' limitations show up in the restricted types of designs he can shape. Nevertheless, even a machinist's tools cannot work with the variety of materials and designs that one can attain using a Roll Feed Laser.Acquiring capital equipment is usually difficult for a new or growing business. Capital investment is one of the major issues for a new or growing business. To a start-up company, or a company that is seeking to reinvest, capital investment is the one main issue that is becoming harder to justify. A piece of capital equipment that is designed for just one purpose is not cost effective when a multifunctional alternative is available.

The capital investment to produce an exclusive product has become such an immense cost that these moneys are rapidly shrinking. Switching to the use of a laser for manufacturing is a contemporary new process. A process that, if not adhered to, could cost the business owner market share, and ultimately his market completely. Most of us have known someone that this has happened to in the past. Reluctance to change can cause the demise of any very good company.

EdgeWISE Tools is unaware of any other process that can produce the variety of products and open up design creativity as much as what you get when you use the RFL. Nowhere else can you work with paper to plastic to wood and pretty much everything in-between and back again with one piece of equipment. The only challenge now is left up to the ingenuity of the owner or operator to produce the product.Since a laser does not come in contact with or use force on the material being manufactured spoilage can be drastically reduced. Lasers will increase a companies yield. Some surveys show a yield rate of 95% to 99%.

Having owned a graphic arts manufacturing facility in the late 1980's, on the best of days the yield was 80% to 85% and on average the yield rate would be 75% to 80%. The lack of contact with materials attributes to the higher yield rates. Because the process of using a laser is automated, the process tends to be far more repeatable than most methods. Once the process starts, it is frozen and day to day repeatability is maintained.The future is at hand!Imagine the industrial revolution...now imagine the industrial revolution with mass customization. A comparable example mass-customization is the jeans industry.

Only the affluent could afford to purchase a pair of custom-made jeans from a tailor. Most consumers can only buy jeans in sizes manufactured to suit the cost of production, not body shapes. As mass-customization technology is available, manufacturers need to again provide the American people with a quality product. The jeans and roll feed laser industries are forerunners in the race to make mass-customized products accessible to consumersThe industrial revolution made products affordable by mass-production. This mass-production required only one setup to produce thousands of pieces.

The cost for tooling is one of the largest expenses, which controls the break-even-point. During the industrial revolution, customization was compromised to maintain low manufacturing costs. Today, however, you have the opportunity to choose to take the next step to processing power, user-friendly software, low wattage laser technology, and minimal to no setup time. As you contemplate capital investments, consider end-product quality, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of roll feed laser technology.Written in 1996 by:Patrick J. Momany, Founder of EdgeWISE Tools, Inc.

www.ewt-inc.comEdited by:Marty Kalberer, Laser Systems Engineer..

Leave all your negative thoughts at home.

2. Keep Your Expectations in Check: Don't start imagining yourself at the alter with your date. Ask yourself these 3 questions: Do I like the person? Does the conversation flow easily with one another? Is there any kind of attraction? That's it. If you answer yes to these questions, then be open to seeing the person again.

3. Dress Appropriately for a Date: Be presentable, neat, well-groomed and in casual dress clothes.

Don't come in a t-shirt and jeans for men and for women, do not come dressed to kill by looking overly sexy like you are going to a nightclub. Strive to look like the guy or girl next door and someone who would be proper to bring home to their parents.

4. Be Prepared to discuss Five General Topics: Prepare a list of topics such as current events; a subject of personal interest such as your volunteer activities, your work or outside work interests; any books you are reading; any movies you have seen lately and favorite sports to watch or participate in. Do not talk about your divorce or your last boyfriend. If you have children, you may talk about them briefly- do not bore your date with hours of stories about your kids.

5.

Use Your Values as Your Guideposts: Know what's most important to you and look to see if your date has similar feelings. Pay close attention to anything that makes you uncomfortable-your gut is usually right!

6. Pick a Quiet Place Where You Can Talk: Meeting at a coffee house or a bookstore is best. You may decide to take a stroll if it feels right. Don't get involved in a meal since paying for the meal may become an issue.

Also, don't go to a show or a movie where it's difficult to talk.

7. Plan on Spending One to Two Hours Max: The purpose is to see the person and to get a feel of a person. It's best not to drag the date on. Besides, you need to leave some stuff to talk about during subsequent dates!

8. It is Best to Meet During the Day: It is more relaxed to meet in the late morning or afternoon during the weekend.

A week day evening is the next best thing. Weekend evenings are too much pressure and feel like a serious date. You may be tempted to do stuff you will later regret!

9. Always Be Courteous and Kind to Your Date ? Even if You are not Interested: You never know where you will see him or her again and who his or her friends are. Always treat people the way you wish to be treated

10.

If all goes well: Women- be open to going out again. Studies have shown that women have gotten married to men that they were not really interested in at first. Men- trust your gut- if you are not attracted- be pleasant and be honest. Never say, "I'll call" and not call!

By following the above tips you will most likely have a more pleasant first date experience. Hopefully, it will lead to future dates if you so desire

If you wear jeans and a T-shirt one day and a business suit the next, what is it expressing about you? Is it that you are sophisticated one day and unsophisticated the next? Actually, your outer appearance expresses very little about who you truly are. Instead, when we talk about expression, we should look at what's harder to change about ourselves. Our habits. The words we use. How we treat people.

And, most importantly, how we express our spiritual gifts.Ah, spiritual gifts. That elusive term. It's also known as your calling. But how do you express those properly? We could each have similar gifts, but decide to express them differently. For example, let's say that 3 women are trying to figure out the best way to express their calling of teaching.

One woman might become a high school teacher. Another might teach English in a foreign country. While another woman might home school her own children. Who is expressing their spiritual gifts properly? All of them. It is a personal decision.

You might say that the first two women are career women. Some women might look down on the woman who chose to be a stay-at-home mom. But is this fair? Does that mean that the way she is expressing her spiritual gifts is any less fulfilling or any less valid? No, not at all. The concern about others judging us is often what stops us from getting comfortable in our own skin. What if our family doesn't like what we're doing? What if our friends think the path we're taking is weird?Too many of us are embarrassed about what others will think of our spiritual journey.

We end up sabotaging our own happiness. We are missing out on the great opportunities that will open up once we get comfortable in our own skin. As you begin reflecting on your spiritual gifts it's great to keep track of your progress. You can do this throughout the day or at the end of the day. You could add your thoughts to a journal or record them on a microcassette recorder.Here are 3 questions to ask yourself to begin the process of getting comfortable in your own skin:

1. "Have I taken the time to identify my spiritual gifts?" Get in touch with those inklings, those glimpses of what your calling might be.

   For example: 1) topics that you are continually drawn to, but you aren't sure why; 2) what you do in your spare time that makes the day more enjoyable; 3) things that you do that make it easy to lose track of time when you're doing them.

2. "How am I expressing my spiritual gifts?" Remember that there are many ways to express who you really are. You might try one way for a while and find that it isn't a good fit. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to make changes at a pace that is appropriate for you. Expression of your gifts is so personal. No one has the right to tell you that you are doing it right or wrong.

3. "Am I genuinely happy with my personal and professional life right now, in this moment?" Are you just postponing your happiness until you accomplish your goals? Maybe you're even envious of what others have accomplished in their lives. Happiness isn't in the accomplishment. It's in the journey. If your goal in life is to become rich, you might be so focused on your current financial state that you are missing out on the lessons to be learned in the journey. If you are striving to express your spiritual gifts, life will seem almost effortless.

   You will meet the right people and find the right opportunities. That is where you will find your happiness.

You truly will be comfortable in your own skin -- inside and out..

Follow these top 20 tips and be on your way to loose jeans and a new you.

Diet:

Here are 10 top tips to lose one pound per week through diet.

1. Skip the large bakery muffin and instead eat one slice of whole wheat toast topped with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

2. Replace eggs and cheese with scrambled egg whites.

3. No large french fries. Instead, eat a yogurt and fruit parfait.

4.

Skip the Ben & Jerry's ice cream; replace it with a light ice cream or frozen yogurt.

5. Say no to the handful of m&m's at the receptionist's desk.

6. Eat one ounce of soy nuts and skip the 3 ounces of roasted almonds.

7. Eat a cup of strawberries instead of a whole banana, and cauliflower instead of a baked potato loaded with butter and sour cream.

8. Cut out all calorie counting beverages.

9.

For lunch, skip the cheese on the salad or sandwich, substitute mustard for mayonnaise, and replace potato chips with soy chips.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

10. Skip 1 biscotti and 1 large mocha.

Exercise

Here are the top 10 ways to lose one pound per week through exercise:

1. Take a brisk 30 minute walk every day.

2. Spin for 30 minutes at a moderate pace.

3. Do housework in your home for one hour.

4.

Walk one mile in the morning and one mile in the evening.

5. Do 35 minutes of Pilates.

6. Do 35 minutes of Power Yoga.

7. Run up and down stairs for 15 minutes.

8. Dance for 40 minutes.

9.

Play Frisbee with the family dog or friend for one hour.

10. Wash windows for an hour.

Losing one pound per week does not have to be grueling. These top 20 ways to lose weight are simple to follow. Try them, lose those last few stubborn pounds, and be on your way to a new you.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on weight loss. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of weight loss.
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