How Much is a Thousand Dollar Rebate Worth?

Obama wants the average American family to have a thousand dollar rebate from oil company profits. How much value does a thousand dollars have in today's market. On the practical side, it would almost pay a month's mortgage or even bring down the balance some of a maxed-out credit card, a car payment or even a loan. Certainly, the same amount would buy enough school supplies, shoes, clothes and groceries for a few months or it might almost pay for a weekend get-a-away for a family of four. In other words, it won't help alleviate debt for the long term.

Like a six hundred dollar tax rebate, it would have to be given on a monthly basis to do already cash-strapped individuals any good at all. On the creative consumer side, it would buy an Apple Ipod, a new Dell computer, a Gucci handbag, a pair of Jimmy Choo's, or Manolo's. For the men, it'd pay for a couple of made- to-measure shirts from Turnbull and Asser, or some hand-tooled leather cowboy boots, a carton of hand-rolled cigars and a case of twelve year old OldFitzgerald Prime Whiskey with enough left over for a mixed box of Allen Brothers prime aged steaks.

What kind of savings plan would a thousand dollar rebate buy in today's market, a high yield CD with a thousand dollar deposit and a three point four nine percent interest and left in for a year might add up to a small nest egg at the end of that time. Like the tax rebate, it will be a one time offer much like handing the struggling taxpayers a bent shovel in order to dig their way out of debt.

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Unleash the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle

On my 12th birthday, at 7:12 pm God gave me the second greatest gift that any girl could ever want. I got my period. My first greatest gift was my boobs and I had already had them; so I was pretty damn happy. I read the book, "Are You There God it's Me, Margaret," twice and identified with the main character's anguish over getting her period. To date, this is still one of my all time favorite books in the world. My mother told me that when my menstrual cycle started that would mean that I had blossomed into a woman capable of giving life and that I should never let a boy come near me. My father gave me a $20.00 increase in my weekly allowance the day my period started. "You are now a young lady and you need the extra money to buy special girlie things," my daddy said. Ever since my period entered into my life; I have always loved her and she has always been my best friend.

When I was fifteen, she did not come home for two months. I was hoping that she had not run away with a boy-- but unfortunately my instincts were right. After this incident I always tried to control her with synthetic hormones, fertility charts, sexual positions, and a variety of other barriers but she has always had a mind of her own. There were times that I really, really hated her too-- like right before a hot date; a trip to the amusement park, and surprising me while I was wearing my white jeans in my seventh grade home economics class; not to mention the funk that she would put me in alerting me that she was on her way home. Thirty years later I have learned that my menstrual cycle is not simply designed to notify me of whether or not I am ovulating or pregnant; my menstrual cycle holds within it the key to healthy balance in my biological, psychological, and spiritual well-being. As women we are biologically designed to be the emotional givers and nurturers of life. We cook, clean and take care of other people and if it was not for our periods we would never know when to sit down and allow someone else to nurture us and bring us a cup of tea.

Most theorists, scientist, and researchers believe that the primary purpose of the menstrual cycle is to create and prepare a woman's body for pregnancy. Due to groundbreaking new studies on the impact of hormonal changes on a the female brain and how this affects her behavior, I believe that the menstrual cycle is nature's alarm system that provides women with the emotional, psychological, and cognitive adaptive skills and clues that allow them to function and survive in a male dominated society. A woman's menstrual cycle is nature's psychological and biological navigational map that is designed to guide and instruct her on how to improve her life and maximize her full potential.

The menstrual cycle's ebb and flow is not only connected to the waxing and waning of the moon, each week of the cycle is symbolic of the weather cycle of winter, spring, summer and fall as well. Each season of the weather has secrets, rituals and responsibilities that must be utilized to maintain a harmonious flow of nature that stabilizes the environment to maintain and perpetuate the cycle of life. If squirrels do not hide food in the late summer and throughout fall, their species would cease to exist. The same natural wisdom that tells birds when to migrate, bears when to hibernate, and flowers when to blossom is encoded in the menstrual cycle of each woman. Modern women have been conditioned to curse and hate their menstrual cycle as interference in their daily life as opposed to embracing its innate knowledge, wisdom and practical common sense.

A woman's mood, memory, and cognition are affected by her menstrual cycle. The first day of a woman's period is day one of her menstrual cycle. During the two weeks before a woman releases an egg (before ovulating) her moods are dominated by estrogen. Estrogen is an antidepressant hormone that promotes bonding in sexual and non-sexual relationships. Estrogen gives women their secondary sex characteristics, lubricates the vagina and helps it to maintain a thick lining, causes the lining of the uterus to thicken, increases connections in the hippocampus the part of the brain responsible for long term memory, and regulates the liver's production of cholesterol. Testosterone levels also rise within in the first half of the menstrual cycle. Testosterone is responsible for increased mental focus, better mood, increased spatial ability, more energy, muscle and bone growth, more risk-taking, increased orgasms and interest in sex. Testosterone increases your overall sense of well-being and self-esteem. Estrogen and testosterone reach a crescendo together during, spring the second week of the menstrual cycle. During winter and spring, the first two weeks of our menstrual cycle, our brains are more active, rational, focused, and we are better able to hear positive words.

After a woman ovulates her moods are dominated by progesterone which rises in the second half, third week of the menstrual cycle. A woman's sex drive decreases after ovulation. Progesterone neutralizes the effect of estrogen and testosterone. Progesterone causes breast tenderness, sleepiness, fuzzy thinking and increased hunger and thirst. Progesterone lowers anxiety, diminishes anger and is an overall mood stabilizer. After ovulation progesterone causes a woman's body temperature to rise just as the sun increases the heat during the summer. Progesterone is similar to valium; it has a sedative affect that creates a warm, fuzzy, environment to support a growing fetus. In the second half of your menstrual cycle, during late summer and fall, you are more likely to hear and talk about negative emotions. You are also more likely to hear negatively charged words, see yourself as fat, criticize yourself and others and be more intuitive.

Most women tend to be social beings interested in relationships and pleasing others. One of the primary purposes of a woman's menstrual cycle is nature's way of helping her to look inward and take notice of her own needs, desires, strengths, weakness and overall biological and psychological well-being. Do you know the perfect week during the month of your menstrual cycle to travel to unknown destinations, take an exam, end a relationship, clean the garage, be creative, get a pedicure, take a vacation or hang out with your girlfriends? Each week of the menstrual cycle is broken down into a season that correlates with its biological and psychological characteristics. Each season of the menstrual cycle will give suggestions that will help you utilize nature's energy force to maximize your full potential.

Winter 1st Week Release Reflect Week

Like winter, the uterus is barren and empty. The uterus relieves the pain of the past by physically drawing a woman's attention to her body, her emotions and her surroundings. Winter provides the opportunity for renewal.

The first day of your period begins the menstrual cycle. This is the best time of the month to go within and nurture your soul. This is the perfect time for painting, drawing, journaling, meditating, beading, knitting, crocheting, and reading. Be selfish with your time, energy and resources. Don't censure your tears, you need quiet time and space to renew your spirit and become whole again. Connect with yourself and ponder what things, projects or people that are working in your life. Release all things that are not good for you emotionally and psychologically, as natures is doing physically.

This is a good time to work on projects already in progress, and brainstorm new ideas. Watch what you say and how you communicate with others. Your words may be perceived as brutally, icy-cold, brisk, crisp and straight to the point like a freezing winter morning. Your words may be truthful and honest, but without estrogen and testosterone fully restored you lack the hormonal cushion to soften the cold blow of words and emotions that were held back during spring and summer. Spiritually, this time of release, urges you to say things that you would never say so that you can cleanse your psyche and maintain emotional and psychological balance in your life. This is the perfect season of your menstrual cycle to ponder whether or not you should break up with your boyfriend or divorce your husband. You should also ask yourself whether or not you are genuinely happy with your job, school or other endeavors in your life. Wisdom of winter is self-reflection without judgment.

A couple days into winter is a good time to have a heart to heart talk about what is ailing you, just remember to be cautious about how it comes out. What is good about this season of the month is that it connects you to the truth of your heart and soul. Don't be afraid of this truth let it guide you and blossom in spring. Take care not to say something that you may regret in the spring, after the ice melts.

Go to the movies, coffee shop, or book store drink a warm of cup of tea and relax. Aaaah!

Spring 2nd Week Sexy Power Week

Ruled by Estrogen which causes the lining of the uterus to grow and thicken, and promotes growth and development of all parts of the reproduction system and breasts.

In spring time the ground is moist from the melting snow and pouring rain falls. The flowers are blossoming, the grass begins to grow and birds and other creatures are singing mating calls. Mother Nature is extremely busy creating, procreating and dancing. Nature is wet, buoyant, and flourishing.

This is the best week of your menstrual cycle to clean your garage, do laundry, any activity that requires a lot of physical energy. Due to estrogen's affect on the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for long term memory, this is the perfect time of the month to take standardized tests, written exams, and go on job interviews. Your verbal ability is at sharpest; you will not be at a loss for words during this week. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Rationally, this could be the perfect week to break up with your boyfriend; hormonally this may not be the best week if you are simply attracted to your work colleague. Look at your assessment during the winter season to determine if you are speaking from your soul of libido.

Due to an increase in testosterone this improves your spatial ability. If you are traveling to an unknown destination, this is the best week of the month to go. Your brain is better able to read maps. Thanks to testosterone and estrogen this is your sexy, flirty season. If you are unhappy in your relationship, this is the week that you are more likely to cheat on your mate. If you are in a happy relationship, this is the week that you will feel more attracted to your mate and want to engage in sex. The mucus in your vagina is wet, stretchy and slippery. You body is creating the perfect environment to conceive new life physically, spiritually, and psychologically. The wisdom of spring is, "I can do anything, I am confident, beautiful and successful." This is your season of power.

This is the perfect time to shop for new clothes and shoes, try on new make-up, dye your hair, go on vacation with your mate; visit your in-laws (especially if you don't have a good relationship with them--you are emotionally stable and capable of overlooking negative comments and judgments). If you are going to host a party and you want to look and feel your absolute best plan it during the spring week of your menstrual cycle.

Late spring, early summer is when you are most fertile.

Summer 3rd Week Laid-back Relax Week

Just like the summer months your temperature rises. Progesterone makes the lining of the uterus stronger and spongy, just like the thick, lush, grass that covers the ground in summer. Summer is ruled by progesterone which causes breast tenderness, sleepiness, fuzzy thinking and increased hunger and thirst. Progesterone lowers anxiety, diminishes anger and is an overall mood stabilizer.

Summer is the week of your menstrual cycle when you are tired and sleepy no matter how much sleep you get during the night. If while driving home from work you can barely focus on the road or keep your eyes open, after 8 hours of sleep, it's just your summer season injecting your body with valium, nature's chill pill. Your body just wants to sleep, eat and drink. It's not your imagination that you are extra tired and sleepy, it's the summer heat sedating you, stealing all of your energy and ambition. Go to bed earlier than usual and eat breakfast in the morning. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

This is the perfect week to get a pedicure and manicure, a body message, and relax on the beach. This is the best season of the month to take an all girl vacation for two primary reasons. Now that you have ovulated there is a decrease in your sex drive, therefore you are not looking at the romantic scene from the beach wishing your boyfriend was there to cuddle with you. Secondly, your sense of taste is heightened and you and your girlfriends can pig out at the buffet bar, when hormonally food could not taste any better. Summer is the perfect time to chill out with your girl friends, drink ice teas, ice cream sundaes and watch chick flicks in between naps. The wisdom of summer is to live in the moment and take time to enjoy life.

The challenge of this week is remaining focused, organized and energetic. Try to get your work clothes together the night before, cook meals for the week in advance and do not schedule any projects or events that require an extra expenditure of energy and time.

Fall 4th Week Wise Wacky Week

The ground is dry and covered with leaves this is an infertile season. Fall can be a beautiful season if your body is balanced in winter, spring and summer with a balance of exercise, nutrients, vitamins and rest. If you have been exercising and eating a well-balanced diet, fall is a breeze. It's like going outside and being prepared for snow, rain or heat all in the same day. You know in advance that the weather is unpredictable due to climatic changes and you are prepared for Mother Nature's myriad of possibilities.

The fourth week, of the menstrual cycle is when women experience premenstrual syndrome. Think of hormones as having many of the same capabilities as the sun. When the sun begins to withdraw in the fall, this causes unpredictable weather and it affects chlorophyll's ability to use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into a tree's food. This causes the leaves to change colors, die and eventually fall from the tree branches. Progesterone's laid-back effect withdraws 2-3 few days before your period, leaving your brain susceptible to stress. This is why you may cry easily, be argumentative, combative and feel depressed. This causes a hormonal imbalance that is responsible for many of the mood swings that some women experience before their periods. If you are crying over greeting cards, commercials, or someone not liking your new lipstick color, you are probably in the fall season.

Due to a decrease in hormones, your chemicals are imbalanced. This is not the best week to break up with your boyfriend, ask your husband for a divorce, kick your children out your home or try to put them up for adoption, or quit your job. Watch what you say because under stable hormonal weather conditions, you may have a totally different perspective or viewpoint. Your chemicals are imbalanced therefore you are more likely to be negative and critical of yourself and suffer from low self- esteem. Remember to tell yourself that your thoughts and negative self-talk are colored by the reduced sun light and changing weather conditions--these are not your true colors. You should not shop for clothes, new makeup or a new hairstyle during the fall season of your menstrual cycle because your estrogen levels are low and you are less likely to be analytical, rational and positive. In addition, you may have retained water and feel achy; this is not the best time to really see how beautiful you will look in a new sexy outfit.

Fall is a very special season because it is a reflection of your overall physical and psychological health. Fall brings you the spiritual lesson of being grounded and rooted in good health and sound mind; otherwise you will be susceptible to high winds blowing you in several directions like falling leaves. The most important lesson of this season is to postpone making any life changing major decisions until the sun returns.

The wisdom of fall brings two lessons: The first lesson is that you should pay close attention to what is missing or out of balance in your life. The second lesson is for women to learn to be patient and loving with them selves.

Herewith listed are some suggestions that will make fall a bearable season: Exercise, stretch, do yoga, or meditate daily. Take vitamin supplements, increase your intake of B6 found in bananas, soybeans, fish, bean, leafy green vegetables, raisins. Increase your intake of magnesium which is found in cashews, almonds, buckwheat. Boost your calcium intake found in milk products, tofu, okra and broccoli. Watch your diet by cutting back on caffeine, sugar, salt, sugar and white flour. Drink herbal teas and plenty of water.

When progesterone subsides this induces menstrual bleeding, a woman's body releases the uterine lining, thus turning fall into winter, the first week of the cycle.

Finding Houses For Your New Property Business

Last time we looked at Market research and one of the topics to be researched was properties that are currently available to rent in your locality. You can find these on your competitor's web sites and listed in the local press. Make a list of ALL the property available near you. It's an excellent exercise to type them out on your word processor and list them in order of price. Most property letting agencies list prices as PCM. That's price Per Calendar Month, though in some areas prices are listed on a per week basis, especially in and around London. Make sure when you compare prices, you are comparing like with like. You'll need to double check to see how the agencies list properties in your country, in your area.

As each newspaper ad appears, enter the new prices on your list in the correct position, cheapest first, most expensive last. What's the point of this? You are soaking up almost without noticing what a detached bungalow might be worth (rental wise) in one area of your town or district, or a two bedroom apartment in another. It's all part of building your knowledge into becoming THE local expert in property rentals. And when it comes to valuing properties for rental for real, you will already have a comprehensive register to refer to. True, these properties are not yours, not yet, but that doesn't matter, you can go to school on these valuations, and they will teach you a great deal.

But of course you need properties to let yourself, so let's get them. But where are you going to find them? They are out there and they are waiting for you, believe me, more than ever before. Here's where. 1. Do you or any of your friends or relatives have any property sitting empty? Has anyone you know passed away recently? If so what has happened to the house? Do you know of any property that has been up for sale for months and hasn't sold? Any of these could be your first instruction. Check out with the owners and casually ask them if they have considered letting. If a property is standing empty it is costing money. If it is let, it is producing money, and that's a big difference. And think about this. When people inherit property why are they always in such a hurry to sell anyway? The answer of course is money, they have probably never seen so much cash before, and can't wait to spend it on a world cruise and a German sports car. But what happens in a year or two when the money has gone? They are back to square one. Stoney broke.

But if the house is rented out, that property will generate money forever, not counting the fact that over time it will increase in value too. You can only sell a house once, you can rent it forever, and like everything else over time those rents will increase. If you know someone who is desperate to sell a house they have inherited, have a word with them. Point that out to them. Why Sell? Why do people sell? It is a mistake. If they are desperate for some cash they could always see the bank manager and take out a loan, but keep the house. It is a cash cow, always has been and always will be.

Secondly, why not rent out the house you live in now? What! Yes, I'm serious, you want property to let don't you? Why not start with your own? Perhaps the kids have grown up and left home and you are now bouncing round in a large 4 bedroom home. Do you really need all that space? You probably don't. So why not rent a smaller cheaper two bedroom bungalow to live in for a year or two, and rent out your house? You're not selling your home after all, and if you miss it that much you can always move back into it when the tenancy agreement expires. And if you are going to rent out your own home, make sure you value it highly, because there is no point in going to all that expense and trouble unless you are making money doing it. Right? Value it highly and if it lets, you make money, if it doesn't let, so what, you have lost nothing. I have done this twice and it worked very well for me.

But we want more, of course we do. Put on your walking shoes and get out and take a trip round the area. Take a notebook and visit all the sites where postcard ads are displayed. This might be at the post office, a works canteen, a supermarket, shopping malls, the newsstands, anywhere where small ads await you. It's common to find properties listed there. May be two or three on each site on a good day. Jot down the details and especially the telephone numbers and return home. Of course these properties are not yours either, but with a little effort they could be. How? By ringing the owners of course.

Cold telephone calling is not an easy thing to do, and should only be done when you are feeling at your brightest. Make a couple of notes of what you have to say before you call anyone, as we can all dry up on the spur of the moment. Smile, and ring them up. You don't have to see a person to know if they are smiling, you can hear it in their voice, and don't we all prefer to deal with cheerful attractive people? Everyone's attractive on the telephone! You ring, and the person answers. Imagine it is someone advertising an apartment to let for £500 per month. Be polite, say good morning, be honest and upfront and tell them that you have recently started a new lettings agency, that you have good tenants waiting, (you will have the moment you begin to advertise, and I'll come back to that.) and that you might be able to let their flat. Sit back and wait for their response!

Some landlords will not speak to agents under any circumstances. Some landlords would not do business with an agent even if you offered them £10,000 per month and free beer forever. Life's like that. Landlords are the same as the rest of us, some are open-minded and will consider any reasonable suggestions, others are closed minded and stupid, some are downright rude, abusive even. Good luck to them. All you were trying to do was help them let their property, and if they couldn't see that, it's their loss.

Some landlords might say "no I need £500 just to cover the mortgage so I couldn't afford to pay an agent fee on top." That's OK, you could pay them that £500 per month, if you let the property for £550 per month, (allowing for your 10% commission)and that's so close to their price as makes no difference. Suggest putting the flat on your books for £550. At this stage all you want is the instruction. In the initial period price is secondary. Get the instruction first, and then worry about letting the property afterwards. Tell the landlord you would be happy to put it on for £550, and as it will be on the basis of no let - no fee, what has the landlord got to lose? Nothing, in effect they are employing you for FREE, they only pay you anything if you succeed. Most intelligent people could see the merits in that.

And then there are the amateur landlords who have no idea what they are doing. Perhaps they have inherited granny's house, and they really don't want to sell it, but on the other hand they are too busy to be chasing round after tenants all day. Perhaps they don't know how to find tenants, or how to reference tenants. Not everyone knows this, don't imagine they do. These landlords are precisely the kind of people you are looking for. They are the perfect client for you and when you come across them, court them furiously. You could solve all their property problems for them, and make some money for yourself. Suggest they might like to meet you at the property that is to be let.

If they show any inclination to do this, make an appointment to go and see them as soon as possible. Don't make the appointment for next week; don't make the appointment for tomorrow, what about this afternoon? What about in twenty minutes? Enthusiasm is everything. Huge & Impressive probably couldn't meet them in half an hour, but you could. Take your camera and ask if it is OK to photograph the house. Take your diary and note everything that needs noting. You don't need to measure the rooms, no letting agency does that, don't even consider it, as it would be a waste of time and could cause you headaches in the future if you made a mistake.

Remember, you will do anything within reason to land that property, and if it includes going out in the rain in ten minutes time, then do it. You can do exactly the same thing by ringing private small ads you see for property to let in the local paper. Ring them up, introduce yourself and offer your services. Offer them a small discount if need be. But remember this, you will be backheeled many times, rejected, but hey so what? You will also be invited to take it further plenty of times too, I guarantee it. Why? Simple, because there are so many new and amateur landlords out there, many of whom have property standing empty, and many of whom simply cannot afford to have no revenue. If they do, they run the real risk of the house being repossessed if the mortgage isn't paid. Not all landlords are rolling in cash, it's very easy to get into buy-to-let property, but sometimes very difficult to get out of it. These landlords are trapped, they HAVE to let the property and that is why many will be only too pleased to hear from a cheery character (You!) who might solve all their problems. Be persistent, keep at it, and once you have put together three or four properties you will be a step closer to truly launching your business.

It is important that from day one that you include actual properties to let in your initial ads, because that is the main reason most of your potential customers will read your ad, to see what you have available. Be creative, be enthusiastic, be clued up and confident, and you will attract properties and you will let them. Believe me, there are many desperate landlords out there and they will instruct you if they think you might shift their empty houses and apartments.

Take another look at the other agent's ads that run week-in-week-out in the local papers. They can only afford to pay for these ads because they are producing the business. But a word of caution here. All property advertising always produces less response than you optimistically imagined. But that's OK, because every property you sign up and rent out will produce for you around a £1,000, up towards $2,000 in revenue over the year, some more, some less. So you don't need to sign up and let tens and dozens from each ad, nice though that would be. If you can sign up two or three in a week, and let one or two of them when you are starting out, then you are doing very well, and your business will grow surprising quickly.

If you rent just one property a week you'd be on target for more than fifty successful lets by the end of the year. If you do that you are on target for a £50,000 per year income, (almost $90,000) and that is before all the other revenue streams that you can tag on that we will look at a little later. Yes I know you will have expenses, but what business doesn't? I let twelve properties in one month during my first year, and you can imagine how delighted I was with that, and there is absolutely nothing to stop you doing the same.

Just the opposite in fact, because as I said earlier, there are more properties to rent around the world today than there has ever been before, and more people seemingly wanting to rent them. Yes there is competition, of course there is, but you are on the way to becoming THE expert on rental property in your area because you are studying everything there is to know, and because YOU are far more enthusiastic than your tired rivals who don't really care whether they miss a particular property or not.

Look out for the next article in this series entitled "Finding Tenants For Your Property Business" and good luck with your business in the future.

Productivity Tips for Travelers - How To Be A Productive Road Warrior

You have seen them, they all look alike, the regular ‘road warrior’ with their determined expression, wrinkle proof suit and pulling a beaten up carry on bag…whether you travel a little or a lot with your company there are many ways you can boost your personal productivity when you travel. These before, during and after strategies will help you maximise your time, limit your stress and overall increase your travel productivity.

Before You Travel

Buy the tools – you wouldn’t build a house without the right tools, travel is no different. To be a productive traveler you want to ensure you have a variety of tools to assist the comfort and productivity of your trip. Tools to consider purchasing are quality luggage, Ipod, noise cancelling earphones, soft briefcase and GPS system.

20-22 inch Carry On expandable luggage – I like Briggs and Riley, it is durable, light weight, expandable, self healing and well made. Check out http://www.briggsandriley.com. These are allowed in the US and other countries as carry on baggage. When you are buying luggage look for features such as pull along, strong wheels, stability foot on the bottom (in case it gets too heavy), external zippers (to hold travel documentation and the Ziploc toiletry bag) and also make sure the pop up handle is a ‘one pull’ action.

IPOD or MP3 – this is not a luxury, this is a requirement for any travel. I have a created a selection of play lists, including one with very relaxing music so that when it is time to sleep I can turn to this group and fall asleep.

Noise canceling earphones – these are a little bit of a luxury, but I wouldn’t travel anywhere without them. My husband previously flew many long international flights and he turned me onto this great invention. I prefer the Sony small ear bud type and take them where ever I go http://www.sony.com

Briefcase – I like a soft tote briefcase that allows me to include personal and work related items. My favourite is from Coakley Business Class (sorry guys these are just for women) and they are the best travel briefcase I have ever found (and you can use it everyday!) [http://www.coakleybusinessclass.com]. For the gentleman, try the soft Samsonite one, it has great suspension in the shoulder strap. When looking for a brief case also make sure it has the feature to be able to slide it over your carry on luggage (many have a soft strap or a zippered section to allow you to do this).

GPS (Global Positioning System) – this was the best gift I ever got! They are now getting smaller and smaller and are perfect to plug into your rental car when you arrive in another city. Also when we were in Italy last year we downloaded the European maps and it was great fun to get around tiny little towns. I have named mine ‘Bella’ – she keeps me company when I am driving late at night or in a city where I don’t know my way.

Consider clothing – When you are regularly on the road I suggest a few strategies to help make your life easier for both packing and arriving looking together.

Travel Outfit – Create your own travel outfit, yes it can be the same every time. Mine is a pair of black pants, black top (I have a short sleeve one for summer and a long sleeve one for cooler months), pantyhose and a pair of black patent leather flat slip on shoes. I wear the same silver jewellery with it all and I know when I arrive at the security line I don’t have to remove anything (except my shoes) – that is why pantyhose (or socks) are good when you have to take off your shoes. The fabric of this outfit doesn’t crease and is comfortable (which makes a huge different on those long flights).

Airport shoes – think about the quality and make of the shoes you wear to the airport. I suggest slip ons of some description so you are not awkwardly trying to tie up laces or straps. Also ensure they are comfortable and well made as you often have to walk long distances between gates or to the parking area.

Carry a pashmina – for the ladies, I recommend you invest in a dark coloured pashmina that has many uses. On the plane it is a great blanket (and so many airlines in the US don’t supply pillows and blankets). When I rent a car it becomes a booster seat for me (he he). When I have to sit on an airport floor (yes I have done that living here in the US) it is great to place on the floor … oh and yes I can wear it if I need to keep warm.

Jewellery – wearing the same silver jewellery when I travel I know I can wear it the next day and I can walk through the screening area without having to remove it. It simplifies the process and speeds up the line.

Belts – if possible, don’t wear an outfit that requires a belt as it is only one more item of clothing you have to remove at the airport line.

Productive Packing – there are many opinions on what to pack and I find the most productive way for me is having a series of pre-packed bags. This includes luggage, carry on plane survival kit, brief case, make up and toiletry bags.

Pre-packed luggage contents includes:

 Ziploc toiletry bag

 Underwear

 First aid items (band aids, safety pins and head ache tablets)

 Make up bag

 Gym gear

 Clothes brush (I have a long haired cat and her fur seems to make its way across the world with me)

 Book of interest

 Cell Phone charger

 Laptop power pack

 Stamped stationery (note cards and envelopes)

Carry on plane survival kit contents include:

 Ipod

 Noise cancelling earphones

 Spare battery for noise cancelling earphones

 Lip balm

 Eye mask (for those long flights)

 Pen

 Eye drops

 Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste

 Breath mints

Make up kit – ladies if you travel a lot I suggest you buy a full set of make up and make up brushes and tools and keep them in a separate make up bag so you never have to go looking for something and you never forget something on your trips.

Ziploc Toiletry Bag contents include travel sized:

 Decanted shower gel

 Skin care

 Hair care products

 Travel sized perfume or aftershave (most brands now supply a smaller size compliant with airline safety standards)

 Toothpaste

 Spare contact lenses

Many department stores and pharmacies carry a range of travel sized products. I was fascinated when I was in Sephoria in Times Square recently that the merchandising near the payment counter had changed significantly and provided 50+ choices of regular band products in travel sized convenient containers.

Plastic helps – My friend Camille was an airline goddess for many years and gave me this great tip, using the plastic you receive from your dry cleaners around your clothes helps avoid creases.

Duplicate copies – to be more productive (and for a few extra dollars) consider investing in duplicates of everything you travel with. If you are a regular traveler, having a pre-packed bag will allow you to leave with minimum notice and save time and stress before any trip. On your list of items to buy you could include:

 Toiletries available in travel size

 Brushes – make up brushes, hair brushes or combs

 Cell phone charger

 Laptop power pack

 Make up

 Stamps and stationery

 Spare items i.e. pantyhose, clothing brush.

Choose your seat – I like to sit in an aisle seat so I can get in and out and I don’t feel cramped by others. For longer flights (especially the red eye), my friend Shawn books the window seat so you can lean against the window to sleep, choose your seat wisely. If you have an option of an exit row choose this seat as it gives you more leg room. You may like to check out http://www.seatguru.com – it is a great website to see exactly what your seat will be on most major airlines.

Pre-print your boarding pass – whenever possible go online 24 hours before you fly and select your seat and print your boarding pass. This will save you time in the long lines at the airport check in and also help you find the seat you want.

Join airline clubs – if you fly frequently to same cities join the airline programs of those major airlines so you can also gather frequent flyer miles for all your travels. You may be able to use them for a fun trip with those you care for later on.

Join airline lounges – if you fly with the same carrier regularly to invest in a membership for that lounge so you have a quiet place to snack, get changed or to catch up on reading. I noticed in Australia this was a great use of money and well worth it however in the US the gates and lounges are so spread out and there are so many options to travel with different airlines this hasn’t been a worthwhile investment for me here, however if you fly the same airline every time it might be worth it for you.

Create a one page itinerary – create a one page template that includes your confirmation codes of all flight details, hotel and rental car information. Include on this template all your frequent flyer clubs and associations also so that if you arrive and they haven’t included this in your booking you can quickly get credit for your travel.

During Your Travel

Allow extra 30 minutes – add at least 30 minutes onto any amount of time you think it will take you to get to the airport or park. This additional time will save you stress if you are stuck in traffic, can’t find a car space or the security line is longer than you expected. If you have pre-packed a book or magazine you can use that 30 minutes to read or to connect with a friend or client.

Know the Parking Garage – if you regularly travel on the same airline, know the shuttle system or design of the car park so you can get in and out quickly.

Take your ticket – when you receive a parking receipt/ticket on your arrival place it in the same compartment of your bag or briefcase so you know where to find it upon your return.

Write the parking space on your ticket – in the US the parking garages are so big that I always write the colour and space on my parking receipt so that when I arrive back after a few days away (often late at night), I can quickly find my car and not waste time wandering around the parking garage.

Ground transport notice – when you enter an airport, notice where the taxis, rental car shuttles or parking garages are. This will save you time when you return and allow you to quickly make your way to the next place.

Regular rental – Use the same rental company each time you travel will also boost your productivity because you will expect a certain standard each time you fly. You might also consider joining their frequent customer program too. I like using Enterprise because they are affordable and also each time you arrive they look so happy to see you and they pay attention to small details including water bottles in the car and also pre-printed local lists of radio stations and areas of interest.

Play music – by creating different play lists on your IPOD you will enjoy your travel more if you can listen to music and block out the noise around you. This is effective in the airport lounge, at the gate and on the plane. You might also like to include a CD in your packing checklist for the rental car.

Getting through security – there are several tips to help you get through the line faster:

 Wear an outfit that doesn’t require any removal of items or have any metal.

 Place your cell phone and keys into your briefcase or purse before entering the security line.

 Keep your Ziploc bag of toiletries in an outside zippered compartment for quick access.

 Get your laptop out of your briefcase before you reach your place in line.

 Place your laptop, shoes and toiletries in one container on the security screen belt.

 Keep your boarding pass and photo identification in your hands.

Check in or carry on – I always carry on luggage (up to a five day business trip), I have learnt to pack well and have invested in a minimum number of outfits. I think there is so much time wasted waiting for luggage (not to mention the concern it may not arrive with you!) wherever possible try and carry on luggage for your business travel.

Laptop … or not – if your trip doesn’t require you to take your laptop, leave it at home. It is one less thing to juggle through security and some laptops add significant weight to your briefcase. Leave it behind if you can. If you have to take it with you consider buying a smaller, light weight model one that is easy to use and you can balance in small places. You do pay more for smaller, lighter models but it is money well spent.

Keep a reading file – as you collect articles, newspapers or journals you want to read, take them with you when you travel. Each week I receive the Philadelphia Business Journal and I take it with me on the plane to read and enjoy. It is a paper that keeps my interest and small enough it doesn’t crowd the person beside me.

Buy bottled water – part of my routine as soon as I get through the security line is to head to the nearest store to buy 2 bottles of water. During the flight it is essential to drink water to keep you hydrated, two bottles allows me to drink before the plane arrives (has been helpful when there are large delays) and during the flight.

Eat healthy – many airlines don’t supply quality food on board so try to find healthy solutions within the airport to satisfy your hunger. You may also like to buy something to eat on board for longer flights so you are snacking on healthy items. I like to travel with a bag of almonds and pecans so that I always have a yummy (and healthy) snack available. AS you are flying from the same airport each week, become familiar with the food offerings inside the terminal so you can quickly find something you enjoy eating.

Hotel routine – no matter what time I arrive at a new hotel I have the same routine. I open my suitcase, remove my suit and hang it on a hanger. If it has gathered small creases in the travel I take it into the bathroom, hang it up and turn on the hot shower to create a ‘steam room effect’ and this removes any creases. Now for my Australian readers who are experiencing a drought right now that seems very wasteful so you may want to hang these clothes while you are showering the next day to avoid water waste. You might like to take this opportunity to iron your clothes instead. I then plug in my laptop, set up my cell phone charger, set my alarm and pull out the documents or reading for the next day. By having the same routine each time you will be productive and not forget important details (and you save time in the morning also).

Exercise – if you don’t have a gym in the hotel consider either taking a walk outside at the beginning of your day or exercising in your room. I often place a towel on the floor and then do a series of stretches, yoga, sit ups and push ups. You can establish a routine especially for travel that doesn’t require any equipment i.e. push ups, sit ups, squats and any yoga.

Call a client – you often have down time in the airport so it is a great time to reconnect with a client or colleague. I use this time to touch base with important people in my life and it becomes part of my business development time.

Be strategic – time in hotel rooms can be lonely or unproductive so I use this time to design new products, review my business plan, catch up on reading and design new models or programs for my business. Some of my best ideas have come while sitting in my hotel room – use this time for strategy and thought space instead of turning on the TV to keep your company.

Stay connected – when you arrive at your location notify someone important to you. I like to call my husband when I have arrived in my hotel so he knows I am safe and sound and I get to hear his voice. Calling your family or friend is a great way for you to keep connected on the road.

Write thank you notes – because I carry stamped stationery with me when I travel, I use the flight home to write notes to people I met during my trip. When I arrive my next destination I post them. It is a great way to reconnect with people after you have met them and is a productive use of flight time.

After Your Travel

Know the quickest route home – understand the quickest and least traffic congested way to get out of the airport so you can be home with those you care for in the smallest amount of time. Where I live there are 2 major ways home and if you take the wrong one at some particular times during the day it can add up to an hour to your ride home (not so much fun after a long flight) so know which ways are best at different times during the day.

Unpack quickly – if you arrive home early enough, unpack your bag, refill any necessary toiletry items and allocate clothes for washing or dry cleaning.

Refill and replace – update any items in your ‘pre-packed’ toiletries or luggage that need attention to save you time for future trips. Note any additional items you may have forgotten on this trip and place them in your luggage so you don’t forget them next time.

Debrief your trip – recall any items you missed, notice things that you enjoyed or frustrated you and make the changes that are within your control. Each time you travel you may learn something new that will help you save time or save you frustration for your next travel experience.

Thank your team – if you have an assistant, let them know what went well about the trip and any enhancements you would like to make for your next trip. Thank your travel agent for the trip planning and also let them know if something didn’t go well and discuss how to fix it for the next trip. Thank your client for the opportunity to work with them. If you experienced great service at some point in the trip take the time to email or write a thank you note to that organisation. The simple art of thanking people is often overlooked but is one of the most powerful things you can do to boost your productivity and make someone else’s day!

Gather your receipts – there is so much paperwork collected on trips including boarding passes, rental agreements, and food and hotel receipts. Keep this in a central place when you travel (I take a clear plastic folder for this very purpose each time I travel). When you arrive home quickly sort through the paper, action business cards and file any receipts or keep them aside for your clients. Process all your paper within 24 hours.

Action business cards – if you have met new people during your productive trip take the time to now action those cards. You might like to write a ‘nice to meet you’ note, scan them and add them to your database and write a note for any follow up action required. Following this process diligently each time you travel will avoid piles of business cards gathering on your desk (reminding you of action you haven’t taken!)

Be grateful – if you are travelling for business it means you have a successful job that is supporting you and your family. Stop hating it and start enjoying it. Giving thanks for the opportunity to see new places, meet new people and share your experience is a privilege.

Change your language around travel, enjoy it, embrace it and you will be more productive! Next time you see another road warrior smile at them and let them know you understand. You can be more productive every time you travel by applying these before, during and after you travel strategies… now where am I off to tomorrow?

How to Write a Wedding Thank You Note

Writing a wedding thank you note is to many a daunting task. That is unfortunate because it is not a difficult job, but it's also understandable that it seems overwhelming to some. Once upon a time, writing a thank you note was a skill that every child learned somewhere between learning to brush their teeth and the difference between a salad fork and a dinner fork. That was then... Now few learn the skill prior to when they find themselves with a huge stack of thank you notes to write after opening a mound of wedding presents.

Plan Ahead

First, if you are reading this at the start of your wedding planning process, address your thank you notes at the same time and in the same way as you addressed your wedding invitations. Once done, simply place your addressed thank you note envelopes in a box waiting for the big day and one aspect is already taken care of in a way that provides aesthetic continuity with your wedding.

Handwritten

Of course, many people today won't bat an eyelash at an emailed or typed thank you note, but you want your guests to know that you truly value them and their contribution to your life. A neat, handwritten note will express that much more than words can say.

Be Timely

When it comes to wedding thank you notes, sooner is better than later. Putting the job off only communicates that you do not truly appreciate your guests - that you are only fulfilling an obligation. You don't want that. Rather, redeem the time you have. Keep your note book and cards with you. If you find you have a wait at the doctor's office or airport, pull it out and write a few cards. In most cases writing only two or three thank you notes each per day will accomplish the job in less than a month.

Be Personal

No one likes a "to whom it may concern" thank you note. Be sure to include the specific gift and the individual's or couple's names. Likewise, a brief statement like, "I'll always treasure the memory of how I use be welcomed into your home on Saturday mornings as a child," or "it was a special treat to see that you were able make it to our wedding after all" makes sure your note expresses how much you truly value the individuals you are writing to.

Be Brief

Save your novel or travel diary for later. The point of a thank you note is to express your gratitude for their gift and for them in general. To accomplish the task you need roughly four to five short sentences.

Writing a thank you note after your wedding need not be the overwhelming experience so many of us dread. Expressing your appreciation in a timely and personal manner is not difficult and making the effort to write that thank you note can pay great dividends in growing relationships.

Buying Cheap Leather Handbags - 5 Handy Hints For Finding the Best Possible Deal

If you are wanting to buy a cheap leather handbag then I would love to share a few handy tips that could end up saving you a lot of money.

It could also make the difference between you buying exactly what you want (and being wonderfully happy with your new bag), or being desperately unhappy with the whole experience.

Tip #1: USE AN AUCTION SITE.

I have put this first, and in capital letters, because it is the most important tip I can share with you.

Without doubt it really is the only way that you are going to get exactly what you want, in the price range that you are wanting to pay.

And, when it comes to selecting an auction site you are not going to find any better than eBay. You will never find as large a range of items, at incredibly low prices anywhere else ... fact !!

eBay is quite possibly the most "price sensitive" marketplace in the world, for just about anything imaginable. They also have better consumer protections in place than most other auction sites, which is important consideration for the online shopper.

Tip #2: Know EXACTLY how much you are prepared to pay.

Picture this scene. You see a bag you just have to have. You place a bid. 2 seconds later you get outbid. You go a little higher. You get outbid again. You go a little higher. You get outbid again. Can you see the dangerous pattern here ?

Do not get involved in a bidding war. Make sure you know exactly when to stop, or you will end up winning the item but not at the discount price you were hoping for.

The great thing you can always count on eBay for, is that there will ALWAYS be another item exactly like the one you really want.

Tip #3: Check on the Seller.

eBay provides you with quite a bit of information about the seller, that the seller has no control over.

Try and deal with a seller who -

already has a number of completed deals
has been an eBay member for a while
has a very high positive feedback rating (better than 98%).

Email the seller with any/all questions that you may have BEFORE you bid on any item. Remember that under eBay's terms and conditions that your bid is a binding contract to buy.

Once you start using eBay you will get "hooked" and will buy again for sure. So, do not start off your eBay account by getting negative feedback for yourself from a disgruntled seller.

Tip #4: BE SENSIBLE.

This is also extremely important. eBay is just like anywhere else in the world, where there are plenty of fraudsters waiting to take your money. I am sure you will have heard plenty of horror stories.

Don't let this stop you though. Basic common sense is all that you need to apply.

It is exceedingly difficult for fraudsters to maintain a high positive feedback over a number of deals (they will quickly get negative feedback from their buyers), which is why it is important to check those seller details that eBay provides for you.

If you are looking to buy authentic designer leather handbags then be sure to communicate in detail with the seller (by email , or even by telephone if they list a telephone number on their auction) beforehand, and ask them to provide the proof of authenticity.

You will find a lot of "knock-offs" and replicas ... so don't get caught.

Never pay using any method where you cannot get your money back on a fraudulent deal. This includes Moneybookers, direct bank drafts and transfers. Stick to the well tried and trusted methods like Paypal, where you have some recourse if everything goes bad.

Tip #5: Use a specialist directory site for your search.

More and more specialist eBay directory sites are coming online every day.

Why use them ? Because they automatically collect the exact live eBay auctions that you are looking for, and display them in one easy to navigate place. They save you the time and effort of searching through the whole of eBay yourself.

They are just information sites though. They are in no way involved with any deal that you may make. Your deal is always still just between yourself and the eBay seller.

Check the authors bio box below here for just such a directory that lists cheap leather handbags for sale on eBay.

I hope that you have found this article interesting, and that you can now shop more confidently online to buy that perfect bag you have always wanted.

Thank you for reading.

Rodney's 5 Ways to Find More Joy - Even When You Don't Feel Well or Have a Lot of Money

You think you have problems? Living with three chronic illnesses (migraine, Celiac Disease and Periodic Paralysis) I probably have more excuses to whine than you do. What I have learned to do instead is find joy in the simple things. Here are some everyday ways to increase the joy and happiness in your life.

1) Listen to music. I hated doing paperwork in my job as a quality manager, until my son gave me an MP3 player. Now, I pop those ear pieces in and power through stacks of mindless (but necessary) reports while spending quality time with Johnny Cash, U2 or K. T. Tunstall.

2) Buy someone else a soda. This one is a triple threat because you get to take a little break, got something in your stomach and enjoy a bit of company. For me, I believe the part that makes the most difference is having someone to talk to. Feeling connected to the people around you can make a huge impact on your joy and happiness.

3) Get something to eat. This happens to me a lot: I am busy working, walking or shopping and suddenly everything annoys the crap out of me! People. Stranger's haircuts. Stories on the radio. When I feel like that, I even get annoyed at the sound my shoes make when I walk. Then, when I eat a little lunch or dinner, the world is suddenly okay again. Testing has shown me that these mood swings are caused by blood sugar changes. So, check your blood sugar if you want to, or just get something warm and filling in your belly.

4) Clean something. Maybe you get in the emotional doldrums too (even when your blood sugar is fine). When nothing is going right, or I just feel sluggish and do not know what else to do, I have found that straightening SOMEthing really helps me. I believe it is because I get up and get moving, make a noticeable change in my environment, and actually accomplish something useful. Try it with something simple like organizing your tools, straightening your desk or putting away the silverware. It is amazing how much accomplishing SOMEthing can improve your mood.

5) Get some sleep. I had a couple of bad days just lately. My blood sugar was okay. I was not going into a paralysis attack. No sign of a migraine. Still, something was not right. Maybe you have already guessed it, but I was getting a cold. I felt tired, like I needed to just sleep, because that is exactly what I should have been doing. Five doses of cough medicine and a handful of Ibuprofen later, and suddenly I was feeling much more rested, joyful and happy.

Boosting your mood does not have to be complicated or expensive when you pay attention to what works for you. To boost your own mood, try these five simple techniques, and see for yourself which ones work best for you.