One of the most beautiful of the bride’s adornments at a wedding is the bouquet. Normally constructed of fresh flowers, the wedding bouquet would last for a week or two, and then have to be dried or tossed. Today that is not the case; today’s modern bride has options that are more permanent.

There are various bridal books, magazines and shops to help you choose the perfect style and color. The arrangement you select should be a reflection of your personality and/or the color scheme of your wedding.

A growing popularity in wedding flowers is silk flowers. Silk flowers are non-allergenic, will never wilt and can be kept as a remembrance of your special day for years to come. Another advantage over silk flowers is their cost and durability.

Another option for the wedding bouquets is stunning handmade porcelain flowers. Porcelain and silk flowers are available in traditional styles. With a seemingly unlimited array of colors, these amazing creations last a lifetime. Many come with a display stand included in the purchase price, so your wedding bouquet now has become an exquisite family heirloom.

As you plan your special day, consider the option of a porcelain handmade bouquet. The cost is a bit higher, yet the memories of your ceremony will be with you forever. In addition, your wedding bouquet will be with you as well, a permanent reminder of your love for each other.

New synthetic diamonds are so closely resemble mined diamonds that the naked eye cannot tell the difference, often saving consumers enough money to make a down-payment on a new home or buy a car. Unfounded diamond jeweler arrogance, pretentiousness, and snootiness has gone too far!

My girlfriend has been parading around town with a magnificent 4-carat Round Brilliant cut synthetic diamond set in a stunning 14K solid gold filigree solitaire ring setting for a year now. She has been to restaurants, work, shopping, night clubs, museums, and parties. Family and friends have scrutinized her ring. She has been stopped repeatedly by others who were dumbfounded by her ring. Hundreds of people have seen her ring, astonished by its majesty, gushing about it. And despite its ostentatious size, no one has asked if it is a fake diamond!

How could this be? The latest breakthrough science in lab-created diamonds has brought them in line with mined diamonds. Long gone is the aurora borealis or “disco ball” effect that was seen in synthetic diamonds of the past decades. New millennium synthetic diamondswith similar hardness, clarity, fire, and brillianceare indistinguishable with the naked eye and simply don’t look fake. High quality synthetic diamonds even have the coveted hearts-and-arrows effect.

This begs the question: If one were to saunter into a jewelry store with a synthetic diamond, can a jeweler tell the difference? Since all mined diamonds have color disparities (flaws), birthmarks (flaws), and inclusions (flaws), and lab-created diamonds have none of the above, a trained eye can tell the difference. A sneering glance under a loupe or even under discriminating examination with a magnifying glass, a jeweler will often proudly declare a synthetic diamond as a fake. Modern synthetic diamonds are too perfect in the world of jeweler snobbery when pushing over-priced high profit diamonds is the agenda at hand.

With the use of scientific testing equipment, mined diamonds will conduct electricity and synthetic diamonds will not. That is because mined diamonds are a carbon gem material and synthetic diamonds are polycrystalline. A thermal probe will produce different readings, differentiating the two. But does this really matter to a jewelry lover who is interested in aesthetic beauty and saving thousands of dollars? In the year my girlfriend has been showcasing her synthetic diamond on her finger; no one has walked up to her with scientific equipment asking to test her gemstone.

Why do virtually all brick-and-mortar jewelers carry only mined diamonds? Why do jewelers scoff at synthetic diamonds? You need to look no further than your wallet. A 1-carat high quality mined diamond is about $3000, a 2-carat about $18,000, a 3-carat about $40,000, and a 4-carat goes for about $90,000. Respectively, synthetic diamonds run about $79, $158, $237, and $326. It’s about the money. Don’t kid yourself.

It’s also about indoctrination. For over a century, the diamond cartel has spent billions of dollars convincing the public that jewel quality mined diamonds have intrinsic value like gold. Not true. Why? During this time DeBeers has limited production, bought up supplies from others, stockpiled inventory, and imposed its monopoly position on jewelry manufacturers in the successful effort to keep prices inflated. And to make matters worse, the diamond industry as a whole has a checkered past with conflict stones, debt-slave child labor in India used in cutting operations, and shady techniques used to enhance perceived quality to further squeeze out ridiculous prices from beleaguered jewelry lovers.

Smart jewelry shoppers today are considering synthetic diamonds as an alternative to mined diamonds for some very savvy reasons: (1) They can acquire fine jewelry pieces set in solid 14K gold. (2) They will save literally thousands of dollars. (3) There is no need to buy insurance. (4) When wearing there synthetic diamond jewelry nobody will know that they are not mined diamonds unless they tell them!

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As winter draws near, the threat of colds and the flu looms large. If you happen to be pregnant right now, doctors say you should be doubly careful, since even a simple virus can leave you feeling more stuffy, as well as achier and crankier than usual.

One reason is because the high estrogen levels present in pregnancy cause mucous membranes to dry out, and swell - making any congestion from a cold or even an allergy feel much worse. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby pushes harder against your diaphragm, lung capacity is also reduced, making it harder to breathe. So, even a slight respiratory infection can seem disastrous. Although pregnancy doesn’t increase your susceptibility to the flu, if you do get sick you are up to 5 times more likely to develop a serious complication - including pneumonia or bronchitis. If you’re like most women you may feel a bit hesitant about using any medication while you are pregnant, since even doctors prefer to stick with natural treatments, particularly during the first trimester. However, in the event that you do need more help, don’t hesitate to check with your obstetrician, since there are a number of safe and effective medications you can try.

Your Pregnancy Medicine Chest: What’s Safe, What’s Not

If a hacking cough or chest congestion is getting you down, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter products like Robitussin, Robitussin DM and Vicks plain cough syrup. These medicines are considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy, and most will offer at least some relief.

If you are running a temperature - particularly 101 degrees or more - the March of Dimes says Tylenol is your best defense. And, it might also be crucial to insure the health of your baby. Studies show that letting a high fever languish during pregnancy increases baby’s risk of neural tube defects, a life threatening malformation of the brain or spine. Sustaining a temperature of 102 degrees or more during your first trimester might also increase your risk of miscarriage.

While the recommended dosage for Tylenol is 2 regular strength tablets every four hours, be sure to check with your doctor first. Also important: Keep taking your prenatal vitamins, especially while you are sick. A study of some 2,000 pregnancies conducted at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in England found that women who took a multi- vitamin high in folic acid during pregnancy were able to reduce their baby’s risk of birth defects, even if they ran a fever.

If your flu or cold is complicated by diarrhea, don’t be surprised if your doctor doesn’t prescribe anything for the first 24 to 48 hours. As long as you drink plenty of fluids to reduce your risk of dehydration, it’s usually safe to wait it out. In the event that you do need treatment, drugs like Donnagel and Kaopectate are often recommended. Since neither one is absorbed by the body, they never reach your baby

What you want to avoid: Any of the newer anti-viral medications for the flu. Most have not been tested in pregnancy . Also pass on most decongestants unless specifically prescribed by your obstetrician.

For all natural treatments, nothing works better than pampering bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids and in particular, have yourself a bowl or two of chicken soup or two. Not only is this a great comfort food, studies have documented the soup stops the movement of immune system cells to the site of inflammation - which in turn helps reduce symptoms like coughing and sneezing.

You can also try hot tea with honey, particularly if you have a sore throat. The steam from the hot liquid will decrease your congestion, while the tea can act as a mild anti-inflammatory. Studies have also shown honey has mild antiseptic qualities and could help control the local growth of bacteria.

Pregnancy Cold and Flu Alerts:

While in most instances you can ride out a cold or even the flu on your own, do make certain to call your doctor immediately if:

Your cold produces green or yellow nasal mucous, or if it lasts more than 7 days - you could have sinusitis, a bacterial infection that does require antibiotic. You are running fever, even if other symptoms seem mild. Diarrhea or vomiting continues for more than 36 hours, if cramps are severe; if diarrhea or vomit contains blood; if you exhibit any of the signs of food poisoning including fever, chills, and other flu- like symptoms.

For more detailed information on all pregnancy health concerns visit http://www.PamperingMom.com

Many years ago, I made friends with a professor who taught business communications in a respectable Long Island University. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this self-reliant, well-educated, and good-looking woman could be the victim of domestic abuse. Yet, she was. As our friendship grew, she began to trust me and tell me about the awful experiences in her past. She had stayed in that abusive marriage for over fourteen years. When her son turned fourteen, for his sake as she put it, she ended the marriage. Fortunately for her, it was an opportune time because the husband had a girl friend who had become pregnant by him.

It is not always that easy. Most of the time the abusive partner does not want to let go and women cannot leave even if they want to, or if they do, they face poverty, stalking by their exes, or death.

During the last couple of decades, thanks to more awareness nationwide, domestic violence is being treated as a social and medical issue. This has led to opening of shelters and educating the caregivers and the public nationwide. Most states now require domestic violence courses for granting medical licenses.

Even with all the steps taken, experts agree that statistics of domestic violence are understated. In the United States a woman is battered every fifteen seconds. Seventeen percent of the adult pregnant women and twenty-one percent of pregnant teens are battered. The most important clue to abuse of a woman is child abuse. Children raised in a violent home are seventy four percent more likely to commit a crime against another person and fifty percent are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Violence is the reason stated for divorce in twenty two percent of the marriages and domestic violence is the leading cause of injury in women.

Statistically, the domestic abuser is a male, although sometimes these roles may be reversed. The abuser uses threat of violence or violence itself in order to gain power, domination, and control over his partner. The events are usually progressive. They may begin with verbal abuse, belittling, making the woman lose confidence in herself and her actions. Afterwards, they escalate into shouting, pushing, and beating. Added to all this are an extremely insane, and uncontrollable jealousy and attempts to limit the actions of the woman to reach her family and friends or any kind of help. Thus the victim, progressively and on purpose, is caused to be isolated from the outside. Although some abusers may be helped by psychotherapy and behavior modification therapies, most abusers will not stay in therapy long enough.

Abuse and the tendency to control can be recognized even in a dating relationship. These are “forgiven” because the victim “loves” the abuser. She also mistakenly may believe that she can change the behavior after marriage and children. Unfortunately this is not the case. The controlling behavior continues all through the relationship and even after the divorce. After the divorce many men continue this control by not paying court ordered child-care or alimony payments.

Although abuse is expressed in many different ways, usually there seems to be a repetitive pattern or cycle of violence escalating to a higher level at each incident. The pattern circulates like this:

* After each incident the abuser apologizes.

* Promises are made for rehabilitation attempts.

* The abuser blames the victim.

* After some thought he denies, minimizes or rationalizes his actions.

* He brings gifts and is very charming for a short while.

* Soon both parties forget the incident.

* No abuse takes place for a while.

* Tension starts to rise.

* Minor incidents as if making mountains out of molehills begin.

* Communication breaks down.

* Victim and the family start being very careful around the abuser. “Walking on egg shells syndrome”

* Explosive episodes start and abuse -physical, sexual or emotional- occurs.

Abusers may also show behaviors that represent their own personal dynamics, pointing to behaviors they observed when the abusers were children, events within current or past relationships, or their evaluation of what they can lose at each episode.

Abusers exist in all levels of society, in all age groups, and socioeconomic levels. Abusers carry some or all of these characteristics:

* Violent temper

* Limited tolerance for frustration

* Jealousy, often to the extreme, erupting in violence

* Ego problems - He is (men are) always right.

* Career disappointments- even when they seem to be successful to others

* Accepting no responsibility for the abuse

* Inability to accept blame for any failure

* Suffering from depression, which they hide very aptly

* Attempting to isolate spouses and children

* Having a history of abuse in their childhood or within their family

* Increasing abusive behavior when the partner is pregnant

* Making promises for change and for things getting better

* Believing abusive behavior to be necessary to control the family and the children

* Having their abusive skills “improve” with time

* Demanding sexual practices not desired by the partner, leading to marital rape

* Exerting control over the partner by threatening suicide or homicide

An abused woman suffers emotional, psychological, physical and financial problems. Ninety per cent do not report it to their physicians and when asked about the scars they invent stories to cover up the abusive partner. Most of the time the covering up of the victim is due to her assessment of the risk in her situation. She may have fear of retribution for herself and her children if the abuser learns that the violence is disclosed. She may also feel shame and humiliation of what is happening to her. She may think she deserves the abuse for any number of reasons. She may feel other people, her physician, co-workers etc. may be too busy. She may be unfamiliar with the help available in her community.

Just like the abusers, victims too exist in all levels of society, in all age groups, and socioeconomic levels and have certain characteristics:

* Fifty percent of them experienced violence in the family they were raised.

* They marry young to escape their family.

* They have often been in an another previous abusive relationship

* They feel guilty to disturb others with their problems

* They feel responsible for the abuser’s actions

* They may be protecting someone else other than themselves, usually their children.

* They will do anything to keep the abuser calm and not angry.

* They feel powerless with no choices

* Since abuser has taken control of her, the victim loses the ability to make decisions and seek changes.

* They show anxiety for making the routine decisions in everyday living, fearing a negative reaction to any decision they have made on their own.

* They have feelings of helplessness and isolation especially created and reinforced by the abuser.

* They have very low self-esteem, again intentionally reinforced by the abuser.

* They suffer from medical problems, depression, substance abuse, and psychosomatic illnesses.

* They don’t sleep well mostly due to the concerns of violence and safety of themselves and their children.

* They are always on guard.

* They try very hard to make the home safe for their children because of that they take the blame for the abuser’s actions.

When anyone meets such a person and wants to help them there are messages to be given when the time is appropriate. The victim needs to know that she will be believed and listened to, that she does not deserve this treatment, that abuse is a common problem, that she is not alone because help is available.

A Battered Woman’s Bill of Rights

She has:

* The right not to be abused

* The right to be angry over past beatings

* The right to choose to change the situation

* The right to freedom from the fear of abuse

* The right to request and expect assistance from the police and social agencies

* The right to share her feelings and not be isolated from others

* The right to want a better role model for her children

* The right to be treated like an adult

* The right to leave the battering environment

* The right to privacy

* The right to express her own thoughts and feelings

* The right to develop her individual talents and abilities

* The right to legally prosecute the abuser

* The right not to be perfect

———-

Child abuse and domestic violence often exist together. The following symptoms in children should alert us to examine their situation more closely.

Prenatal:

* Miscarriages due to beatings or mother’s stress

* Poor health due to lack of proper nutrition or mother’s stress

Infants:

* Crying and irritability

* Sleep disturbances

* Digestive problems

Toddlers and Preschoolers:

* Being more aggressive or withdrawn than other children

* Impaired cognitive abilities

* Delays in motor or verbal abilities

* General fearfulness or anxiety

* Stomach aches and nightmares

* Lack of bowel and bladder control over three years old

* Lack of confidence to begin new tasks

School Age:

* Poor grades and/or special classes

* Failing one or more grade levels

* Poor social skills

* Low self-esteem

* Aggressiveness

* Outbursts of anger

* Bed-wetting or nightmares

* Digestive problems, headaches

Teenagers:

* Poor grades, failure, quitting school

* Low self-esteem

* Refuses to bring friends home, stays away or runs away from home

* Has no or few friends or withdraws from them

* Feels responsible for taking care of home and mother

* Violent outbursts and destroying property

* Poor judgment and irresponsible decision making

* Immaturity

* Inability to communicate feelings

* Bedwetting, nightmares

* Severe acne, headaches

* Joining in on beatings of mother

* Females getting hit by boyfriends

* Males hitting their girlfriends

SUGGESTIONS IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

If you find yourself facing a violent incident:

* Leave the physical presence of the batterer if possible.

* Leave home; locate your escape items.

* Get to a room with a lock on the door and a telephone.

* Call 911 or call the local shelter for battered women.

* Have your children call the police.

* Scream so your neighbor may hear and call the police.

* If you have to leave your children in the home contact the police immediately.

* If you leave by car, lock your car doors immediately and do not unlock the doors until you arrive safely at your destination.

* Check yourself and children for injuries and go to the hospital if necessary.

* Try to protect yourself in any way you can, if you can’t leave.

The items you may need for a comfortable, safe escape:

* MONEY : Always have some hidden. If you can’t keep it at home keep it in an easily accessible place, night or day. Plan to have enough for rent, phone calls, gas, food etc.

* KEYS : have extra sets both for the car and the home. One for you, the other to put some place else other than the home or to give to a friend for safekeeping.

* EXTRA CLOTHING : Consider the fact that you might have to escape in any season. Choose the clothing accordingly.

* IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS : Have a plan to gain quick access to them. At least have copies made.

1. social security numbers - his, yours, and children’s

2. birth certificates- yours and children’s

3. pay stubs -his and yours

4. bank accounts

5. insurance policies

6. marriage license

7. driver’s licenses -yours and a copy of his

8. any ownership papers of property

9. copies of all you monthly bills

10. valuable jewelry

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

1. local police department or 911

2. shelter and another alternative shelter

3. victim’s assistance

4. probation officer

5. social services

6. your counselor

7. his counselor

Sources:

My Personal Notes

Salber and Taliaferro “The Physician’s Guide to Domestic Violence” Volcano Press 1995

June Sheehan Berlinger, R.N. “Domestic Violence”

Jacobson, Neil and Gottman “When Men Batter Women: Insights into Ending Abusive Relationships” Simon and Schuster 1988

Laser hair removal is heavily advertised but little is known about this technology. However, that will change after you spend 58 seconds to read every word of this article and become well-informed on permanent hair removal. After analyzing the facts you will be able to make a decision on whether or not laser hair removal is right for you. How It Works

The laser is used to quickly and gently remove unwanted hairs. , Laser hair removal uses a light wavelength that targets dark colored materials on your skin. This is usually the pigment of the hair. A hand held device is then used to target these areas and remove hair from them. This procedure works best for those with fair colored skin and dark colored hair. With darker skin, it is harder to target these areas. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower and more sessions are required. Also, you’ll want to find a doctor with greater expertise if you do have darker skin.

Laser Hair Removal must be individualized for each patient.

Different types of hair respond differently to the laser procedure. Coarse dark hair seems to respond the best to laser treatment. Light hair is much more difficult to treat. Blonde or red hair becomes extremely complicated. With lighter hair, results are variable and you must have multiple treatment sessions.

Actually, almost everyone requires multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. This is because hair grows in cycles. Not all of the hairs are in the growth phase at any given time. Additional sessions insure that you catch all of the hairs when they are in the growth phase.

Cost of Laser Hair Removal

The costs of laser hair removal can vary depending on your location. However, they range from $300.00 to $500.00 per session. Because this is a form of medical care, it is always best to seek the clinic with the highest quality rather than the lowest price. Laser hair removal requires many years of training, individual attention, experience, and a trained, caring, and professional staff.

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Most patients do experience some very minor side effects after each session. This is usually in the form of a mild sunburn-type sensation that goes away in 2-3 hours. Moisturizers and cool compresses can help to relieve any discomfort during this time. Any small blister areas that may appear should be treated with a topical antibiotic until resolved. Because you have been exposed to this particular form of light ray, sun block should be used for up to 6 weeks after treatment if you expect to be exposed to the sun. Any further instructions should be given by your doctor.

If you tired of waxing or shaving, laser hair removal may be the perfect solution for you. Now that you know more about it, you should be able to make the right choice for you.

Bridal lingerie can be a thoughtful and lovely gift for any bride. Today’s selection of bridal lingerie runs the gamut from classic and elegant to racy and revealing. While nowadays, we think nothing of giving these garments as a gift, the presentation of bridal lingerie has had significant symbolic meaning in the past.

In year’s past, bridal lingerie composed a significant part of the wedding trousseau of a bride to be. The collection of such items for the trousseau represented the symbolic transition from bride to wife and from girl to matron. In Victorian times, a trousseau was considered to be a symbol of wealth and status. In addition to walking dresses, teatime outfits and evening gowns, hand embroidered bridal lingerie was a major component of the bridal trousseau. A typical trousseau of a Victorian bride might include traveling dresses, gaming dresses (for outdoor wear), separate ensembles for breakfast, lunch and dinner, several opera gowns and bridal lingerie including muslin and silk robes, slippers, pantaloons and corsets. It was not inconceivable for a Victorian bride to change her outfit 4-5 times per day.

Outfitting a trousseau with bridal lingerie and other items was a fairly common tradition well into the twentieth century. For the elder women in the family, the creation of bridal lingerie was an expression of love and care for the bride to be. It was not uncommon for a mother to spend years preparing her daughter’s trousseau. A single item such as a robe or evening cap could take months to embroider. In particular, the robe was one particular piece of bridal lingerie that received special care. A mother might begin designing the pattern while her daughter was still in babyhood.

Today’s bridal lingerie has lost much of its symbolic appeal. The purpose now is to excite and titillate, not to express a change in status. Bridal lingerie of the past was soft and romantic, with the focus on fabric and detail and not on revealing the female form. However, as notions of sexuality and the marital relationship have evolved, it has become progressively more daring.

Creating a trousseau with your own bridal lingerie can be a wonderful way to remember your wedding. Although gathering a trousseau is a custom that harkens back to Victorian times, there is nothing to say that you have to be Victorian in your choice. You can put together an eclectic mix, each reflecting various facets of your own personality. If you really want to follow tradition, you can fill your trousseau with items of hand tailored bridal lingerie.

If you are having your wedding gown custom made, you may want to consult your tailor about creating several items of bridal lingerie in the same theme and style as your wedding dress. For example, if your wedding gown is soft and romantic, bridal lingerie in the same vein can be a lovely and romantic addition to your wedding ensemble. If your wedding gown is more sleek and modern, you may want to create a simpler design. As with any piece of custom made clothing, hand tailored bridal lingerie is likely to fit much better than anything store bought. However, although having your own custom made and tailored is a romantic touch, keep in mind that the cost can be prohibitive.

Creating a trousseau with your own bridal lingerie, whether purchased or handmade, is a wonderful way to revive a romantic tradition. Years later, you can look back on the wonderful memories that you have created with items that are near and dear to your heart.

We’ve become a society obsessed with our looks.

It’s been noted that we spend more on beauty products in the west than we do on education. Why are we so obsessed? Because it’s easier and more affordable than ever before.Anti-aging skincare technology has progressed leaps and bounds. We know more about the skin today than we ever did. There are advanced skincare products that can erase years, and of course, the plastic surgeon has perfected his trade such that procedures are easier and cheaper than ever before.

Are we justified in our obsession?

They say that beauty is only skin deep, and while I believe this to be true it’s also important to do what feels right for you. If keeping up appearances gets you through the day then, by all means, that’s what you need to do, however I must add that I’m not a fan of going under the knife. With the huge advances made in skincare products today, I’d much prefer taking the less invasive route. Here’s a few age related tips and remedies that will help boost your skin’s appearance at any age without needles and knives. 20 Something Your skin is at its peak of beauty in your twenties, however nurture its beauty and always use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. Of course this should continue at any age.

Avoid oily makeup and coverups. Use an oil free moisturizer every day. This is also a good time to begin using an eye cream under the eye area at night.

Try using products that contain green tea which have shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. 30 Something Your 30’s is when your skin is beginning to become a bit drier and sun damage may begin to appear. It’s time to start using thicker moisturizing creams so as to lock in high contents of moisture. Continue with eye creams at night and use your sunscreen religiously. Also, skin bleaching products may need to be used to diminish dark spots from sun damage. Hint: Put your moisturizer on over damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture.

40 Something It’s time to kick it up another notch. Your forties is when your skin loses much of it tightness. It may begin to look dull and your pores may become larger. Blotches, freckles, age spots, discoloration, and changes in skin color may become much more visible. Retinoids, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids can improve the look of your skin and your 40’s would be a good time to begin using them. Of course it’s essential that you continue using a thick moisturizer and eye serums on a daily basis.

Home microdermabrasion kits are also an option that can result in a smoother more even appearing skin texture and tone while rejuvenating your skin’s texture and color.

50 Something Changes in your skin have reached high gear. Menopause has assisted in the loss of Estrogen which is what has given your skin its elasticity and kept it hydrated, however since those estrogen levels have diminished, you will begin seeing wrinkles form around your eyes, drooping eyelids and expression lines around the mouth and forehead.

Begin using anti-aging or wrinkle reducing formulas such as vitamin A (Retinol) or Glycolic acid products. Retin A has proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture, skin tone and color, as well as your skin’s hydration levels.

Glycolic acid will trigger new formation of collagen to plump cells and reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Postmenopausal women can also use a cream containing progesterone that may improve skin elasticity and firmness.

60 Something By age 60 all types of collagen are significantly below their youthful levels. There are, however wonderful hydrating creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy acids (Glycolic acids), soy, green tea and retinol (vitamin A) which your skin will need now that it is drier and showing major signs of age. The alpha Hydroxy acids will help reduce droopy skin and the retinol will reduce your fine lines. 60 Plus Your skin’s texture will become visibly less smooth and you will most likely begin to see age spots. You’ll appreciate the early care you’ve given to your skin because the signs of aging will be minimal, however, if you haven’t started early you’ll clearly notice the effects of neglect.

While it’s never too late to take care of your skin the damage you already have will be difficult to reduce without special medical treatments such as botox or perhaps surgical procedures. All the above should continue to be applied but it is wise to consult your physician on advanced treatments.

If you haven’t yet reached 60, the best skin care advice is to follow a good skin care regimen at an early age. It’s an easy habit to get into and best of all, you’ll thank yourself later on.

A name that will haunt me for a long time to come after reading an article in the local newspaper is that of science fiction author Mr L Ron Hubbard the creator of a controversial organisation called Scientology. Many famous stars are devout dedicated followers and Tom Cruise is the one that comes to mind that impelled me to write this article

Before I go any further passing any judgement on the rules of this establishment. First let me congratulate Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who are expecting their first baby, which brings me back to Mr L Ron Hubbard and Tom Cruise his apostle.

Many cult rules and regulations will never make sense to the outsider, but this is one outsider trying to come to terms with one of the rules of the Scientology organisation.

And that is to gag the woman in childbirth

Expecting a baby is a happy event, but childbirth comes with pain for the one who is heavily pregnant. Even though this a wonderful time for the future parents it is the woman who gets to suffer. For the partner in crime they stand back and watch while wiping the sweat from the brow of the woman struggling to bring the baby/infant into the world.

Women on the labour bed will never be a pretty sight, most images that the husband/boyfriend sees of there beautiful wives or companions are like that of a drowned rat or a cockroach on its back fighting for survival to get through the agony. Scientology rules state, that mother remains silent through the birth and to decline a dose of comforting medication to ease the pain.

Does this organisation not teach the meaning of the word compassion?

Women are stressed enough when giving birth without being bullied by people who think they know what is best. How could they possibly know?

Doctors have a tough job as it is making sure that there are no complications with the delivery, so should the patient become anxious at any stage then matters can become dangerous, especially if the patient has her sights set on obeying orders from an organisation instead of the medical staff.

In some cases you could be faced with a life and death situation for mother or unborn child where lack of concentration in the right department is ignored.

Be sure to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your pregnancy not an author. For an example, who do you approach with a toothache, definitely not Joe Bloggs next door?

Childbirth can be dangerous for mothers who may not go the full term; childbirth has been the cause of death in the labour room. Pain comes with child bearing to an extent where choices have to be made where the tears of joy are for the birth of a bouncing baby girl or boy not tears of pain after following orders from dictators. Put the shoe on the other foot. Why do actors have stunt men? I rest my case.

Scientology says if mother as much as groans it will affect baby’s sanity, a lame excuse for such absurd nonsense, lets not go down the road of sanity. Listen up guys especially science fiction writers and actors. Stick to what you know and do best. God had his reason for planting the seed into the female species to amass population and bear the pain of childbirth.

Doctors/surgeons whether delivering babies or giving patients a face lift are very intelligent clever and educated people who you may bet were brought into this world by a screaming mother, no one is exempt..

If taking someone’s sanity means more doctors dentists nurses psychologists teachers professors I could go on and on, I say scream the house down

It Is Okay To Have A Bad Day

Why does it seem that some of us are not entitled to have one bad day out of the week. You arrive at the office and because you are not your usual cheery self, everyone thinks something is wrong with you. Everyone else can come into the office any day they want and have the worst day and attitude, but as soon as some of us have just one bad day…………….I guess that means it’s time to “Shut the State Down!”

Everyone is entitled to have a bad day. There are those people that are just happy about everything and that is perfectly okay, but let the rest of us have our days and stop judging us. Sometimes we may not be having bad days, we are just meditating and wish not to be disturbed. Sometimes we may have a lot weighing on us and we are contemplating outcomes and we wish to be left alone. If we want to talk……we’ll kindly let you know. Some of us are there at work, but we’re not alert and really awake until after 12:00 noon. Maybe we just hate our jobs period and we are working on our strategies on how we are going to look for something better. You never know what’s going on people’s minds. You can’t immediate make an assessment of someone just because they’re not up to talking to you on a particular day.

Have some consideration for other’s feelings. If someone you know is normally a very talkative person, but on a particular day she decides she wants to be quiet…leave her alone! When she feels like talking to you, she will do so. If you are normally a talkative person and people tend to scatter when they see you coming, you might need to be quiet sometimes because you talk too much!

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Monica M. Burns copyright2005 Monica M. Burns. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Monica M. Burns is a writer, expert author, and editor of Monica M. Burns, Inc. Information Publishing, small web based businesses providing informational self-help products for women. She has authored several eBooklets and other reading information materials and is a featured Expert Author on many websites. She has also contributed to several poetic anthologies. If you would like to publish any of this author’s articles electronically or in print to your websites, ebooks, newsletters, or ezines, you MUST include this resource box.