Monday, June 16, 2008

Window-Dressing: How to Make Your Own Wallpaper

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Philip_Nicosia]Philip Nicosia Gone are the days of limited mobile phone customisation, when all the possible modifications come with the cellular phone package as it is bought, or have to be bought separately at the store. Aside from the many stylish accessories out in the market, such as cellular phone covers, casings, and straps, you can also make use of ring tones, screensavers, and wallpapers to personalise your phones interface. Due to the increased connectivity and additional functions of newer models, it is quite easy to make your cellular phone screen appear just the way you like it. Nowadays, your cell phone wallpaper can match your every mood. To personalise the look of your phone screen, the wallpaper in particular, you can choose between the files already provided in your cellular phone, and the many phone wallpaper size photos found on different Internet sites. One such site is www.ringtones.lt, where you can find wallpapers of popularanimation characters, celebrities, sports cars, athletes, movie stills, and more. Of course, you can also make your own, and it should not cost a lot. After all, its the best way to guarantee that your mobile looks as different as can be. Ready to make your own customised wallpaper? Heres how: If your cellular phone is equipped with a camera, the pictures taken with it are often ready to use as wallpapers. Therefore, the most up-to-date wallpaper is merely a click away. Take pictures with itlots of pictures! Not only will it provide you with a wide selection of wallpaper images, the practice will also help develop an artistic flair in you. This way, you will be able to take better pictures and find better subjects to take pictures of, whether or not you have had training in photography. You can also make sure of it by finding simple photography tips from online sites and forums, and applying a certain style that you find interesting. You can keep the photo wallpapers interesting by using the pictures you took during rare trips or a vacation in a faraway land. Some exciting subjects are festivals, odd-looking animals, extreme games stunts, and maybe your first hot-air balloon ride. On the other hand, you need not look farther than your very own backyard to be able to take worthy photos. Some examples are pets, the sunrise or sunset as it is seen through your window, portraits of your loved ones, a flower blooming in your garden, and your favorite food served on a decorative plate. Meanwhile, for the most unique wallpaper, you can just go ahead and take pictures of yourself. For those who are more skilled in design and the use of design software, you may also try drawing your own wallpaper using your computer. Be sure to check the image size and type of file that is compatible with your unit. You can then upload it to your mobile phone using Blue Tooth or a USB connection. While your phone screen is quite small, remember that there are no limits to the modifications you can do. All you need to do is imagine, then create the picture. Ringtones.lt is a site specialising in the different genres of [http://www.ringtones.lt/ ]ringtones, [http://www.ringtones.lt/wallpapers.php ]cell phone wallpapers and [http://www.ringtones.lt/cell-phone-screensavers.php ]cell phone screensavers. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Nicosia http://EzineArticles.com/?Window-Dressing:-How-to-Make-Your-Own-Wallpaper&id=179546 private money lenders how to determine taxes on paycheck payday loan without a checking account short term loans
Posted by shandy in 11:38:19 | Permalink | Comments Off

Thursday, June 12, 2008

How To Lose 10 Pounds In 3 Days – Is This Really Possible?

By Susan Dean Whether you are looking to lose 10 pounds in 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks or whenever, you really need to stop and think about your lifestyle first. What are you eating now, how much exercise do you do, what type of work do you do, what are you health issues? All these questions need to be answered and then you can sit down and work out how you are going to lose this weight. You also need to ask yourself do you need to drop pounds quickly or can you do it over a longer period of time? It is much better to drop them over a longer period of time than a quicker time period. But then again what works well for one person does not for another. There are many diets out there that are available to you that can help you get weight off quickly. There are pills and potions that can assist as well. To shed weight quickly also depends on how over weight you are in the first place and what your metabolism is like. As I said before what is easy for one person is hard for another. But really for everyone it is vital to do it slowly. Eating foods low in calories and amounts along with regular exercise including aerobic activity and weight bearing exercises will do the trick but again it will not happen over night. You will see a drop in one week, which is usually a fluid drop but a drop nonetheless. Then every week after that you will see more falling off, but only if you keep eating the way I suggested before and keep on exercising regularly. When you exercise you burn calories and when you build muscle you burn calories. Combine this with eating fewer calories and you cannot not lose weight. This way also helps you get into a healthier lifestyle that you can continue for the rest of your life. But if you are really desperate to lose 10 pounds in 3 days or 7 days for example then it is possible to do this too. But you cannot stay on this type of diet for a long period, as it will be dangerous to your health. For more detailed information on how to lose 10 pounds in 3 days visit http://www.lose-10-pounds-guide.info, a popular website that provides heaps of fast weight loss tips and advice. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Dean http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Lose-10-Pounds-In-3-Days—Is-This-Really-Possible?&id=443982 small unsecured non pay day loans unsecured personal loan poor credit money now loan cash advance company
Posted by shandy in 10:47:30 | Permalink | Comments Off

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Hinduism and the Senses

By Mahu D There is a light that shines beyond all things on earth, beyond us all, beyond the heavens, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This is the light that shines in our heart. ‘Chandogya Upanishad’ 3.13.7 (1) This ‘light’ has many names and is perceived by different Hindu practitioners in a variety of ways. The two prominent and broadest categories are the Monist and the Theist conceptions of the divine. The monist sees the divine in impersonal terms, whereas the theist regards the divine as a loving personal god. Perception of the divine can be a crucial factor in determining the individuals prime method of approach, of which there are traditionally three; The path of devotion (Bhakti Marga); the path of knowledge (Jnana Marga); and the path of ritual/action (Karma Marga). Although these three paths are not mutually exclusive, one may tend to take precedence over the others. For example, the monist philosopher Sankara of the ninth century A.D taught that the divine was best approached via knowledge, yet he wrote devotional songs. An the theist philosopher Ramanuja, who lived some 200 years later, taught that the divine was ultimately encountered through devotion, while recognizing the value of correct knowledge. Monism and Theism present contrasting views of the ‘light’ that dwells within and shines beyond. Monism, as the name suggests, views the light as ‘all-God’, while Theism makes a distinction between the lights ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ designations. The inner light is that of the individual, which is a distinct entity from the outer light which is the intelligent creator God. Both ‘lights’, however, share a unified commonality. Both ‘ lights’ shine as one. The following extract from the Upanishads can be understood from both Monist and Theist perspectives; ‘Put this chunk of salt in a container of water and come back tomorrow.’ The son did as he was told, and the father said to him: ‘The chunk of salt you put in the water last evening bring it here.’ He groped for it but could not find it, as it had dissolved completely. ‘Now take a sip from this corner’, said the father ‘how does it taste?’ ‘Salty’ ‘Take a sip from the center – how does it taste?’ ‘Salty’ ‘take a sip from that corner -how does it taste?’ ‘Salty’ ‘Throw it out and come back later.’ He did as told and found the salt was always there. The father Told him: ‘You of course, did not see it there, son; yet is always was right there.’ ‘The finest essence here – that constitutes the self of this whole world; that is the truth; that is the self (Atman), and that’s how you are Svetaketu.’ ‘Chandogya Upanishad’ (2) Here, the unified commonality of divine essence is explained, by way of a practical demonstration, given by a father to his son. The salt, when dissolved in the water, is both immanent and transcendent simultaneously. The father explains that it is like the ‘Self of the whole world’, the universal Atman, otherwise known as Brahman. As the salt is present in every drop of water, similarly, so is the Atman omnipresent in reality. And as the father points out to his son; ‘That’s how you are’ (TAT TVAM ASI) too. And so, the universal Atman, or Brahman, is said to be ‘at one’ with the Atman, or self, within. Moksha can be said to be realization of this inner Atman, or self, while still alive in this present body. This is known as’Jivanmukti, the living freedom’(3). According to the theists perspective it is achieving ‘unity’ or ‘conscious conformity with God’ (4). According to the monist’s perspective it is realizing ‘ that is how you are’ (TAT TVAM ASI) all along, and recognizes no distinction what so ever. Yet, to the unenlightened, the Atman, like the salt in the water remains invisible. and when the son ‘groped for it’ he ‘could not find it’. As the Isa Upanishad explains; ‘The senses do not reach it, for it is always one step ahead’ (5). So it would appear that the Atman is beyond the senses, which presents the seeker with a further obstacle to be overcome. In order to penetrate the inner Atman the constant barrage of sensory input needs to be bypassed. We are told in the Upanishads that the Atman, or self, is like the driver of a chariot; the body is like the chariot itself; the mind like the reins of the chariot; while the senses are like the horses that pull the chariot. The upanishad continues; He who has not right understanding and whose mind is never steady is not the ruler of his life, like a bad driver with wild horses. But he who has right understanding and whose mind is ever steady is the ruler of his life, like a good driver with well trained horses. He who has not right understanding, is careless and never pure, reaches not the end of his journey; but wonders on from death to death. But he who has right understanding, is careful and ever pure, reaches the end of the journey, from which he never returns. ‘Katha upanishad’ (6) Here we have a clear contrast between the individual who is caught in the wheel of Samsara, described here as wandering ‘from death to death’, and the one who has achieved Mosksha, ‘From which he never returns’. Control of the senses is achieved through the various Hindu spiritual practices such as meditation, the performance of rigorous physical austerities and devotion. These approaches are known collectively as yoga. The Sanskrit root meaning of yoga is ‘to join’ and it is the method by which an individual becomes joined with the divine. The vedantist Scholar Sri Aurobino (1872 – 1950) described the aim of yoga as the liberation and perfection of the inner ‘Atman’. It is to advance beyond the mind and unite with the divine source (7). So, command of the senses is an imperative step to wards the final release from the cycle of rebirth, but the inner quest does not end there. Yoga is not the end, it is the method, or vehicle, by which the Atman is reached, beyond the senses. It is the process that still the turbulent waters of perception in order to see a clear unbroken reflection of the true self. A further aspect of Monism is Advaita or non-dualism. In contrast to the dualistic theory of the cosmos, which views spirit and matter in direct opposition with one another, Advaita sees no such conflict. All is God and all is one, therefore everything exists in complete harmony. All else is ‘Maya’ or illusion, and release from the cycle of Samasara is comparable to waking up from a dream. Maya was a vital component of Sankara’s philosophy. Also, around a thousand years before Sankara, Krishna, the leading character in the ‘Bhagavad-gita’ Proclaimed; I am not revealed to every one, being veiled by my magic trick-of-illusion; ’tis deluded and does not recognize me the unborn, imperishable – this world. 7.25 (8) In the Bhagavad – gita Krishna is portrayed as the absolute Brahmin (7.29), who dwells in the heart of all living beings and supports the cosmos (18.61). He is the supreme unity of Sankara’s philosophy (7.4-7; 11.10-32) that transcends the illusion of opposites (7.28). He is also the personal God of Ramanuja (11.3) who waits at the end of the path of devotion with open arms and a loving smile (7.21; 11.54). Krishna tells us, concerning samsara, that it is a misconception (2.17-22,30), if only we would withdraw our senses, and detach ourselves from wrong desires (2.55-58), and make him our true desire (7.11), through yoga (2.47-72), then we would achieve release (2.51) ‘from the dubious and vulnerable character of human existence.’(9). When the wise rests his mind in contemplation on our God beyond time, who invisibly dwells in the mystery of things and in the heart of man, then he rises above pleasures and sorrow. ‘Katha Upanishad’ (10) When the senses are brought under control, the mind is at rest, and the inner light has dawn, then the individual is filled with the warmth of that inner flame and finds contentment. The unbend-ed joy of life is untouched by momentary delights and the blackest heartaches (bhagavad-gita 2.15). not unlike St. Paul, the individual who has calmed his inner ocean and crossed over to the other side into ‘the mystery of things’ has learned the secret of being content in any and every situation’ (Philippians 4:12). And having found his inner Atman he is ready to cross the cosmic ocean to ‘Our God beyond time’, never to return. (1) Mascaro, Juan (trans), 1965 ‘The Upanishads’, p.113 (Penguin classics) (2) Beckerlegge, Gwilym (ed), 2001 ‘The World Religions Reader. 2nd edition’, p.252 (Routledge) (3) Swami Vivekananda, Beckerlegge, Gwilym (ed), 2001 ‘The World Religions Reader. 2nd edition’, p.297 (Routledge) (4) Swaman, K., Beckerlegge, Gwilym (ed), 2001 ‘The World Religions Reader. 2nd edition’, p.293 (Routledge) (5) ‘Hinduism. Units 7-10′ 2000 (Open university) (6) Mascaro, Juan (trans), 1965 ‘The Upanishads’, p.60-61 (Penguin classics) (7) Beckerlegge, Gwilym (ed), 2001 ‘The World Religions Reader. 2nd edition’, p.298 (Routledge) (8) Egerton ‘trans’, Beckerlegge, Gwilym (ed), 2001 ‘The World Religions Reader. 2nd edition’, p.269 (Routledge) (9) Sivaraman, K., Beckerlegge, Gwilym (ed), 2001 ‘The World Religions Reader. 2nd edition’, p.291 (Routledge) (10) Mascaro, Juan (trans), 1965 ‘The Upanishads’, p.59 (Penguin classics) Mahu D http://www.freewebs.com/protevangelium/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mahu_D http://EzineArticles.com/?Hinduism-and-the-Senses&id=88932 low rate personal loans no credit check loans think cash loans unsecured loan guaranteed
Posted by shandy in 03:06:22 | Permalink | Comments Off

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Latest Car Model Of The Globe Can Be Yours With Personal Car Loans

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Stanhop]Ruth Stanhop Personal car loans are an easy way to realise your dream of owning your favourite car. With personal car loans you can purchase a car of your choice in a highly convenient and hassle free manner. There are two types of personal car loans available in the UK market: Secured personal car loans: you need to pledge collateral to avail such a loan. These loans come with low interest rate, longer repayment period, higher loan amount and small monthly installments. Unsecured personal car loans: you dont need to offer collateral but the rate of interest might be on a higher side. On the other hand, there is no danger of collateral repossession and this loans are approved swiftly too. People with bad credit history too can apply for a personal car loan. This [http://www.apply-4-personal-loans.co.uk/personal-car-loan.htm]loan can be provided to you in spite of county court judgments, defaults, missed payments, mortgage arrears, bankruptcy etc., against your name. Before applying for a car loan you are advised to calculate the total expenses expected in buying a car. It’s advisable to do a comprehensive research on various loan options and a comparison of various car loan packages before sealing the deal. Research on Internet will not only save your time and money but will also provide access to a wide array of personal car loans deals with a click of mouse. Borrowers are also advised to understand the terms and conditions of the deal before signing the final agreement. About The Author :The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting Apply-4-Personal-Loans as a finance specialist. For more information please visit: targer=_new http://www.apply-4-personal-loans.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Stanhop http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Latest-Car-Model-Of-The-Globe-Can-Be-Yours-With-Personal-Car-Loans&id=238346 payday loan maryland payday loans yucca valley california unsecured personal loan poor credit hard money real estate loans
Posted by shandy in 23:51:38 | Permalink | Comments Off

Friday, May 30, 2008

Are Liberal Arts Degrees Really ‘Liberal’?

By Samantha Sebring The study of liberal arts is a classic discipline, intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills instead of focused professional or occupational skills. The scope of the liberal arts has changed with society. It once emphasized the education of elites in the classics but, with the rise of science and humanities during the Age of Enlightenment, the scope and meaning of “liberal arts” expanded to include them. A degree in liberal arts can provide the basis for career advancement as it trains students to write effectively and think analytically while also allowing them to explore the nature of the various liberal arts fields of study. Some popular liberal arts fields of study include the following: Early Childhood Development If you are interested in early childhood development and want to become a public school teacher, you must complete a bachelor’s degree. All states require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for a teacher’s license. An online degree in Early Childhood Education provides academic requirements for various career levels in occupations related to childcare and early childhood education in the public and private sectors. The bachelor’s degree generally takes four years to complete. The bachelor’s degree courses typically focus on classroom issues and Pre- Kindergarten through third grade instructional methods. Sociology Sociologists study human behavior as it pertains to human interaction within the guidelines of an organizational structure. Human behavior is greatly influenced and governed by social, religious, and legal guidelines. A sociologist studies these behaviors and the influences that preserve certain behaviors and change others. Sociology is also a broad science that covers many different disciplines in the social sciences. Sociology also studies more tangible measures of human behavior such as class or social status, social movements, criminal deviance, and even revolution. Philosophy A philosophy major is the most general type of college degree you can obtain. It focuses on the “nature of being”, knowledge, and contemplating right and wrong in moral issues. A philosophy degree trains you to become both regimented and creative, learning to reason through abstract questions. Students will apply their knowledge to form an argument for debate. The principles of philosophy affect other fields of study such as physics and religion. Every religious belief and field of science is subject matter in philosophical inquiry. Skills that are helpful in your philosophy program are puzzle solving skills, debating, critical thinking and reading skills an organized thought process, and the ability to think outside of the box. Education for Liberal Arts Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies or Bachelor of Science degrees consist of an integrated core curriculum in the arts and sciences combined with student directed specializations. The liberal arts degree is popular for those with higher career ambitions, as well. Many future law or foreign services professionals find that getting a liberal arts degree such as political science is a great starting off point in their academic pursuits – it’s both personally rewarding and beneficial for the courses they will take as they progress. A BA in liberal arts can also provide the foundations for careers in medicine and business. Students with a degree in liberal arts enrich their existing knowledge of the world and develop a broader framework for understanding social change in a global context. If you think a liberal arts degree is what you are looking for, search our database for an online degree program today. Compare all liberal arts degrees online. —– About the Author Samantha Sebring is an inhouse writer for Online Degree Today.com. She has been writing distance learning education pieces since 2005. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Sebring http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Liberal-Arts-Degrees-Really-Liberal?&id=264613 bad credit car loan delaware ge money personal loans keywords pay day loans payday lenders with actual phone numbers
Posted by shandy in 11:41:50 | Permalink | Comments Off

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Garden Decor

By Jimmy Sturo Garden decor refers to the decoration of a garden area using different accessories, bird feeders, ornaments, yard benches and chairs, artificial fountains and vases as well as plants that can help make gardens look beautiful and attractive. The more unusual and unique these knick knacks, the more appealing the garden turns out to be. Tasteful knick knacks arranged thoughtfully in a garden accentuate the beauty of the plants and flowers. As a result, there are many garden accessories that can bring out different decorating styles and provide a reflection of the owners personality. Just about any accessory can be added to give a garden a unique identity. Antique compotes, garden thermometers, table top urns, French wire decor, sun catchers, indoor plant holders, decorative weathervanes, unusual pottery, ethnic objects, and outdoor antiques–the choices available are endless. Whether using a professional gardeners know-how or a beginners enthusiasm, accessories for the garden can result in an immensely pleasing garden. While small plots can be do-it-yourself projects, larger gardens may call for more professional attention. Experienced gardeners can be hired professionals to administer to a larger plot that could use a little bit of landscaping. Landscaping adds levels to a garden making it more interesting. Depending on the available space, choosing and planting certain plants is important so that the garden always has some blooms. Large gardens need more physical labor in the form of soil additives for maintenance, lawn mowing, pruning of plants, spraying of pesticides, etc. Making use of professional services in such instances can ensure a healthy and neat garden all year. Gardens provides detailed information on Gardens, Flower Gardens, Garden Dcor, Garden Furniture and more. Gardens is affiliated with Flower Gardening. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo http://EzineArticles.com/?Garden-Decor&id=253058 cash advance battle creek mich credit card cash advance amount of tax out of paycheck easy to get personal loans
Posted by shandy in 01:32:22 | Permalink | Comments Off

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Friends – They Can Make You Or Break You

By Gabriel J. Adams Your life is profoundly influenced by outside sources. The shows you watch, the things you listen to and the people you hang out with have a big impact. The people you associate can either make you or break you in life. You may not believe that its very important. However, the people that you are around the most are your biggest influence. Most of us see a great number of people every day. Its well known that in every social situation there are groups. Think about where you work. You tend to hang out with people that have common interests with you. However, it may not be that simple. When you are constantly around the same people, your level of success strongly coincides with their level. This is a phenomenon that is present throughout the world. Even in the world of sports this happens quite frequently. The term playing to the level of the competition refers to how a team changes their style unconsciously. The better team will often play down to the level of the other team. The worst team will often play above themselves to match the competition. Not only does this happen in sports, but in everyday life. Study after study has proven this true. Take an underachiever in any field and place him/her with a successful group of people. After a very short period of time that person will also be a success. On the other hand, if you take a successful person and surround him/her with underachievers and he/she will also underachieve. It is an amazing phenomenon but it works nevertheless. What does this mean for you? Associate with the best people in your field. Quit hanging out with unsuccessful people even if they are your friends. Dont totally disown them by any meansjust dont hang out as often. The more you are around successful people, the more successful you will become. Opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the view of Drug Addiction Recovery Texas / Sitemap which the author would like for you to visit. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams http://EzineArticles.com/?Friends—They-Can-Make-You-Or-Break-You&id=486117 no credit check homes in humble texas the risks of an unsecure short term loan personal loans & private lenders & toronto ontario cash advance payments
Posted by shandy in 06:06:43 | Permalink | Comments Off

Thursday, May 15, 2008

A Quick Guide To Yard Bridges

By Charles Truett Have you looked around your yard lately? Is it rather grim and boring, dreary and unwelcoming? Maybe you need to consider some updating with yard bridges. Yard bridges can give your yard a whole new look and feel. If its time for some new landscaping think about how yard bridges could be used to connect certain areas or draw attention to others. Yard bridges can make a real improvement in your whole outdoor living area. You may want to begin your quest for yard bridges by looking for some online guides to yard bridges. Online sites will have information and color photos of many different kinds of yard bridges. You will also be able to find patterns and instructions for making your own yard bridge. If you decide you would rather not design or build your yard bridge you can hire a contractor or carpenter to do the work. Make sure you hire someone who has experience and is willing to build the type of yard bridge you have in mind. You will find that there are many benefits to having yard bridges as part of your landscaping design. Yard bridges add to the beauty and value of your home. Yard bridges can make the difference between a yard that you love to spend time in and a yard that you avoid. If you are new at yard bridges you may want to take the time to read up on the subject. Visit different websites and look at gardening and landscaping magazines to get ideas. Talk to professionals or friends that have yard bridges and ask what they would recommend. Yard bridges: a lovely solution to a boring yard or garden. We have a large number of styles and varieties of yard bridges available online. For more information and to learnmore about yard bridges, visit: Yard Bridges Online Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Truett http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Quick-Guide-To-Yard-Bridges&id=84985 philadelphia pay day advance cash advance loans locations in zip 43015 personal loans bad credit pay day cash up to 600 uk
Posted by shandy in 04:46:53 | Permalink | Comments Off

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Totally Charming – Charms Of Yesterday And Today

By Tracy Stillman Charms have a long and colorful history, but as their name suggests, their initial use had more to do with the paranormal and mysterious than cosmetic jewelry. Coveted by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, it wasnt until the late 19th Century that their rise to a predominately fashion-oriented audience took hold. Nevertheless, more than other forms of jewelry, charm bracelets and necklaces often tell a story. The ancient Egyptians, people obsessed by beauty and mysticism, were the first culture to make collecting charms for bracelets and necklaces an exclusive hobby, creating bejeweled charms of precious metals and gemstones. These LA-esque bling-obsessed poseurs of yesterday, fashioned all sorts of charms to ward off evil, denote status, and like their other beaded designs, prepare them for a glorious afterlife. While we have no idea how they fared in that higher place, we can thank them for leaving some remarkable pieces of jewelry and an art that has transcended through the ages. Not to be outdone, Christians in Roman times used a special charm called an ichthys shaped in a child-like image of a fish. You might think ichthys means fish in some archaic tongue but, it is in fact, an acronym from the ancient Greek for Jesus Christ Gods Son Is Saviour. Given this literal interpretation, its hardly surprising these fish-shaped charms were a mark for certain death to bearers if discovered. However, they were successfully used as a method to identify fellow Christians, although they were kept well hidden under clothes unless in a safe environment. Similarly, centuries later, medieval knights adorned themselves with charms when heading into battle in the hope their charms would mysteriously bring victory and safety. Their wives too wore charms of precious metals as tokens of luck during childbirth and to ensure their family was protected against disease. Even surgeons of the day wore them, and given the patient mortality rates, you can understand why they needed all the help they could get! You can still find bracelets from this time in English antique stores. Theyre very expensive but utterly fascinating. Although charm bracelets and necklaces never completely died out, by the Renaissance, attraction to all things mystical waned. It was Queen Victoria who rediscovered their appeal during the 19th Century. She often said she was not really interested in jewelry, but given the collection of treasures she amassed, it seems quite likely she had her fingers crossed behind her back when she said this. The Queen had effigies of her children and later grandchildren made, which she attached to bracelets. She often included them as gifts to female member of her enormous, extended family the most popular being portraits of her beloved Albert. Its from Victorias interest that charm bracelets and necklaces became family heirlooms with enormous sentimentality attached to them. For families, each charm told a story of the previous wearer and also provided an opportunity for the current generation to add onto for the next in the family line. As eras changed, so did the styles of the charm bracelet. Consequently today, antique charms reflect designs from the Georgian through to Art Nouveau periods. During and after World War II, collecting charms for bracelets and necklaces became even more popular. Soldiers picked up charms throughout Europe and Asia as mementos for their loved ones and the increase in travel meant charms were bought as souvenirs by those lucky enough to be able to afford leaving their own shores. Modern charms can be made from just about any material, cost permitting. Gold and silver aside, some of the most magnificent charms are studded with precious jewels or the jewels themselves set in drops. Thankfully, the production of pewter has made charm collecting far more accessible for most of us and you can find truly lovely and interesting charms at very affordable prices in both silver and gold colors. Of course, there are no rules when beginning to create a charm bracelet or necklace. Its probably best to stick to one color metal but the theme can be anything you want ancient Egypt, celestial (sun, moon and stars), animals or insects, fashion etc. Charm bracelets make ideal, interesting and cost-effective presents as the recipient can then add charms of their choice. It also means you can present further charms on other occasions to add to the bracelet. Most importantly, like anything to do with beads and jewelry-making, creating charm bracelets and necklaces should be fun! About the Author: Tracy Stillman is a freelance writer and the owner of Not Just Beadz, an online bead shop which provides quality beads and beading supplies at affordable prices. http://www.notjustbeadz.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Stillman http://EzineArticles.com/?Totally-Charming—Charms-Of-Yesterday-And-Today&id=388930 va personal loans hialeah car loan for people with bad credit how to make fast cash magnum payday loans
Posted by shandy in 03:34:55 | Permalink | Comments Off

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Your Best Beauty Asset – Let It Shine

By Suzann Kale Attitude – what’s inside your head; your posture; your facial expressions; how gentle you are with yourself and others. Attitude is the one beauty asset that can make or break a look. Woman #1: Attractive but Not Gorgeous. Have you ever seen a perfectly coiffed woman with flawless makeup and an outfit to die for? Just for fun, let’s add some Cindy Crawford sunglasses and a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes. When you get close to her, you realize she’s wearing Adrienne Vittadini Perfume. But wait – something’s still not right. Why are you not dazzled? Could it be something as simple as a slouch? We’re not advocating perfection. Trying for perfection is stressful. We’re advocating a natural confidence, irregardless of exterior trappings. Woman #2: Breathtaking but Not Runway-Pretty. Let’s look at another woman. She has no makeup on – maybe a light dusting of powder over plain features, and some lip gloss. She’s wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. She doesn’t wear perfume because co-workers in the office have complained of allergies. Yet she’s dazzling. People on the street turn to look at her. How could this be? Our jeans woman walks tall. Her shoulders are back, her frown lines are minimal – from not frowning, not from Botox. Her stride is steady. You feel you could have coffee with her and tell her all your secrets and she’d still like you. She’s not in an enormous hurry, and her awareness is centered, not scattered. How do we know all this? It shows in her appearance. We hear it in her voice when she speaks in a comfortable register and volume. Her hair is pulled back with a simple clip, and some stray locks have come loose – but it’s silky and shiny. You can imagine her casually pulling out the clip, running her hands through her hair, and effortlessly putting the clip back in. It’s About Self-respect You’ve seen this before, haven’t you? Beauty is all about attitude. Your attitude toward yourself, and the way you look at others. It shows in the way we talk to ourselves in our heads; in the way we treat the waitress at lunch; in how we gently offer to help a colleague who’s behind in her paperwork; in how we smile at the person behind us in a long, slow post office line. It shows when we offer to take a message for someone rather than just say they’re not in. When we choose a pet from the pound instead of a breeder. Oh yes, it totally shows. So how’s this for good news: Your most powerful beauty asset is 100% free. It’s a choice; a decision we make. It shows in the details. How we respect ourselves and others. We may not have perfect red fingernails, but our nails are filed and our cuticles cared for. We may buy clothes at the discount store, but they fit well. We may have some gray in our hair, but boy does that hair shine. We eat a healthy diet, and our eyes sparkle. Cigarettes? No thanks, they ruin a look. A confident attitude starts on the inside. It’s our default way of thinking and acting. But what about those of us who don’t have it inside? How do we get it? Working It From the Outside In Easy – we start on the outside, and let it work its way in. We walk tall and make that a habit. We anticipate success in our projects and relationships, and catch ourselves when we hear negative voices in our head. We get organized at home and at the office, get our clothes in order, sew those buttons on, tell our people we love them, get rid of clutter in our personal papers. For more ideas, see True Beauty – How to Get It at My Makeup Mirror. In the meantime, here’s how to get started: 1. Monitor your voice. Let it be softer if need be. 2. Be aware of your habits. No need to shriek into the cell phone in public. No need to rush into that parking spot that someone else also wanted. (You’ll probably get a better parking spot the next time around the block.) 3. Watch your posture. Bad posture is a huge attitude-buster. 4. When someone approaches you at the office, smile. It doesn’t have to be a big grin or anything major. Just a slight smile to put them at ease. You’ll be beautiful. You’ll be an inspiration for others. And although it’s all in your head, it will affect every aspect of your life. Suzann writes for the website My Makeup Mirror – a potpourri of articles, product reviews, and how-to’s on hair, cosmetics, and well-being. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzann_Kale http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Best-Beauty-Asset—Let-It-Shine&id=476120 unsecured business loans from banks auto loans bad credit loan car financing instant guaranteed personal loan hard money personal loan lenders in los angeles
Posted by shandy in 23:22:10 | Permalink | Comments Off