How to Start an eBay Business

John Evans

With the phenomenal success of online auction website eBay,
there is no surprise when it is revealed a record number of
individuals are flooding the popular website with upstart
businesses. The ease of use and huge client base allows
anyone interested in becoming an entrepreneur to start
their own eBay business. Anyone who has ever wanted to
become an entrepreneur and work for themselves has an
excellent opportunity to do so on the World Wide Web.
Instead of having phenomenally high start-up costs, you can
develop a highly functional business for an extremely
minimal cost. If you are wondering how to start an eBay
business, look no further than the online auction’s website
to help you with detailed step-by-step instructions for
starting your own ebay auction business.

Regardless what you choose to sell on eBay, there is a
buyer out there! It may be strange someone would want your
1970s harvest gold canister set, but fear not—there is an
individual somewhere in the world who has been earnestly
seeking your retro chic item for the perfect addition to
their kitchen. If you have a particular passion or hobby,
think of translating it into a business. Maybe you
hand-knit cool caps or create jamming jewelry. Unique and
one of a kind creations are quite popular with eBay buyers
who are seeking that perfect item for themselves or a loved
one. Undoubtedly the most popular genre of items on eBay
is antiques. If your passion is collecting items from days
gone by, consider turning it into a viable income by
developing an eBay business. Instead of renting a space in
an antique mall or renting a tradition brick and mortar
storefront, you can save money by settling your business on
eBay. Additionally, you can work around your
responsibilities and life in general to create a
specialized schedule that fits into your lifestyle using
your home as a base. You will save a great deal of money
by working from home as opposed to a traditional job when
you factor in the commuting costs, including gas and car
maintenance, costs for your business wardrobe, and other
daily items, including childcare and food expenses.

When choosing what items to put up for auction on eBay,
keep in mind all items must be shipped to the buyer. For
this reason, you should elect to put easily-shipped items
up for sale. Additionally, you will need to make sure you
have the proper shipping materials available to ensure the
items arrive in the same condition they left in. The
United States Postal Service will ship Priority Mail boxes
directly to individuals who order off their website. The
Priority Mail system enables sellers to mail auction items
in a special box that is included into the price of the
shipping. The newest addition to this class of boxes
include a flat rate box, which allows the contents to be
shipped at one low fee regardless of weight. All items
must fit easily into the box for this rate to apply.
Whatever your choice for shipping agency, ensuring your
items can be mailed cheaply and easily, will result in more
of your items successfully selling at auction.

Finally, when you start your eBay business, take great care
in deciding what type of items you wish to sell. Creating
a special niche just for your items will encourage buyers
to become repeat customers. Providing your website with a
professional image that best displays your goods is
essential to the lifespan of your eBay business. It has
been proven people are most likely to purchase items from
individuals with professional-looking websites, as they
best promote competency and reliability. In this theme,
your user rating will play a great part in the success of
your eBay business. For each successful auction
transaction, the buyer will provide feedback noting your
services. Businesses with high amounts of positive
feedback will gain the highest number of customers.

John Evans runs http://www.SuccessAlert.com,
and has written the book Success Alert - Conversations with Successful Internet
Entrepreneurs which has been widely acclaimed in a variety of online and print
media. If you're interested to find out how to start an ebay business this book is an absolute must-read!


Pierced Ear Problems and Solutions
Sam Serio

The practice of ear piercing dates back to thousands of years ago. From jungle tribes to desert nomads to royalty, pierced ears were indicators of both beauty and social standing. Ear piercing is just as popular today, with both men and women having one or both earlobes pierced. Certain preventive and maintenance procedures need to be observed in order to avoid and treat pierced ear problems either on the lobe or on the cartilage.

A sizable percentage of individuals experience minor problems in the period following piercing. You've heard the saying 'cleanliness is next to godliness.' Here, it is suitable to say 'cleanliness is key to avoiding pierced ear problems.' It's important for the person performing the piercing to operate in clean surroundings, use sterile equipment and employ a sanitary piercing technique. Ideally, piercing should be done in a clinical setting, but many jewelry stores in malls offer the service and this is acceptable only if the conditions are sanitary and the staff knowledgeable so that the risk of pierced ear problems is minimized.

Another problem arising from ear piercing is an allergic reaction to the metal from which the earring is made, especially nickel. The studs to be used should be hypoallergenic and totally nickel-free; ideally, stainless, surgical steel or 14-karat gold should be used for first piercings. However, remember that even 14-karat gold can contain nickel and may cause irritation in some people. Using surgical steel is still the safest bet to avoid pierced ear problems of this type.

Redness and inflammation, two other common pierced ear problems, can be prevented or treated if proper hygiene is practiced. After the prescribed healing time, the earrings should be removed and the holes washed with soap and water daily. Additionally, the holes should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and an antibacterial ointment may also be applied to the holes before the earrings are reinserted in order to prevent infection. If infection does occur, a physician may prescribe antibiotics to treat the problem.

Pierced ears are always fashionable, and the process is almost always safe, quick and convenient. It isn't at all difficult to care for newly pierced ears. However, it never hurts to be extra cautious and err on the side of caution rather than experience painful and inconvenient pierced ear problems.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

10 Easy Ways To Promote Your Website For Cheap Or Free

Jen Merkel

Please consider this article for your website or newsletter - printed or virtual. Permission to reprint if byline stays intact and links are activated on the Internet. You may make minor formatting changes or correct any typos. If you use it, please notify me and send a copy of your publication.

TITLE: 10 Easy Ways To Promote Your Website For Cheap Or Free
AUTHOR: Jen Merkel, Freelance Writer
WORD COUNT: 1,482
URL: http://jenmerkel.bravehost.com
Mailto: jen.merkel@cox.net

"10 Easy Ways To Promote Your Website For Cheap Or Free"
© 2004 Jen Merkel

You've built your website and you're quite proud of it. The graphics look nice, it has a few interesting pieces of information and it showcases your subject perfectly. But how do you draw people to it and get that hit counter climbing without breaking the bank? You've got your meta tags in place but you just can't afford to pay the humungous fee to be a featured advertiser on a mega-search engine. Here are a few easy and quick ways to publicize your website which are either cheap or free.

1. Link Exchanges

One of the most effective ways to get traffic moving into your site is to list it as a link on other sites of interest to your target market. If you don't already know of another site similar to yours, just do a Google search using a few appropriate keywords. By using Google to do a search on the words "link exchange" you will also find entire sites - some free, some with a fee - with directories of sites willing to exchange links. Once you find a site, see if they have a links page and scan it to make sure yours would be a good fit. Usually instructions on exchanging links are somewhere on the website, but if they're not simply e-mail the webmaster or site owner and ask if they have a link exchange program. Be sure your site does not compete with theirs. After all, you will have to reciprocate with a link to their site on your own. Corporate sites don't normally do link exchanges, you will have much better luck with a site owned by an individual or small business. If you don't have a banner, you can create one for free online. A very user-friendly site for this is www.addesigner.com, but there are several others out there as well.

2. Join a Web-Ring

Web-Rings are a way of driving traffic to your site from others similar to yours. You simply place a web-ring banner on your home page using specified HTML code and you're automatically part of the network. When a visitor clicks on the web-ring banner at one member's site, they are directed to the next site in the web-ring, potentially yours. There are some things to consider when joining a web-ring. For example, when one of your site's viewers clicks on your web-ring banner, they are being directed off your site onto someone else's. If you join a web-ring, find one matching the interests of your target market that doesn't have a large number of members competing with you. For example, if your site sells aquariums, join a site for tropical fish enthusiasts rather than one with for people who sell pet products.

3. Host a Contest

Everyone loves to win a contest, and if yours offers something of value to your target market you can spark a lot of interest. The prize doesn't have to be big - maybe a $10.00 gift certificate, a set of books, a pretty piece of jewelry you purchased on closeout, or of course one of your products. You may be able to get prize donations from your link partners or others in your network simply by offering them credit and a link on your site throughout the contest. It's also smart to offer extra entries to a contestant if they refer someone else - word of mouth (or e-mail) is extremely powerful!

4. Win an Award

This may take some legwork on your part, but it could be well worth it in the end. If your site is rich in content and appealing to the eye, you have a good chance of winning some sort of web award. Simply do your Google search on "website award" or "site of the day" and research the links for application procedures. If you win, the payoff will be the privilege of posting an award banner on your home page for all to see. The site hosting the award will literally be sending visitors to you by way of a link.

5. Put a Link in Your Signature Line

The easiest and quickest way to get publicity for your site is to put a link in your signature line. Every e-mail you send will announce your site, and including an enticing one-line ad such as "enter our contest to win a $10.00 gift certificate" will likely increase your traffic.

6. Join an E-mail Group

In case you aren't familiar with e-mail groups, they are basically networks of people with a common interest or purpose, using e-mail to communicate to each other. Using a single e-mail address, you can send a message to a whole group of people with interests similar to yours. Rest assured, no matter what your target market is, there is an e-mail group for it. It is important to keep in mind that most frown upon advertising and all ban spamming, however you are usually allowed to put a link in your signature line and make special announcements. Just be sure you actually contribute to the discussion - don't just assume you can use the list for free advertising or you will be shunned very quickly. Two of the most popular websites for e-mail groups are Yahoo Groups (http://groups.yahoo.com) and Topica (http://www.topica.com), both of which offer free memberships.

7. Publish a Newsletter

It can be sent daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, but be sure you send it out on a regular basis. Mine is published weekly on Fridays without fail. My readers have learned to look for it and I'd never consider letting them down by missing a deadline. Aside from being consistent, it is a cardinal rule to offer something of value to your readership. Don't use it solely as a venue for advertising - there are plenty of places to put text links and banner ads within it. To maintain readers, you will need to include some helpful information as well. If you aren't much of a writer, there are articles available on the web that are free for publication, providing you include a link to the writer's website and a promotional paragraph. If you have a hard time finding these, consider posting a call for submissions on writers' websites offering $5.00 and free promotion via a byline. You will be pleasantly surprised how many people respond with fresh and well-written ideas.

8. Purchase Advertising

Think advertising is expensive? Think again. There are countless inexpensive opportunities for advertising on the Internet. Start by looking for sites which target the same market you do, providing they don't directly compete with yours. Chances are they have a link for people interested in advertising on their site. If you can't find it, simply e-mail the webmaster or site owner and inquire. Another option is to do a search on eBay. Many sites put banner ad placement on auction. You can find ad spots on eBay for as little as $5.99, but remember, it is an auction, and someone could easily beat you out. I recently saw a banner ad auction get up to $269.00. Don't forget however, because it's an auction, you have the power to limit the amount you will pay a your maximum bid. It is important to have a banner ready to go, since you will usually need to obtain permission from the website's owner before bidding on the auction. Always read the terms of the auction carefully, to make sure you understand the dates your banner will be up and exactly where it will be placed.

9. Promoting Your Business Using an Online Network

Just starting to catch on is a unique way to network with other small businesses by way of shared advertising. The basic idea is to swap business cards, flyers, or coupons (called "fillers") for your site with other small business owners. They will put your fillers in their customer orders and you will put their fillers in your orders. Many groups put together bags or packs with a compilation of member fillers along with other goodies the recipient will enjoy. These can be given out at area businesses, schools, day care centers, parties... the list is endless. If you have trouble finding a networking group think about starting one of your own.

10. Write an Article

With a little work and a free morning, you should be able to put together a couple of paragraphs for a "how-to" piece on your area of expertise. Just be certain it somehow relates to your website. Use your article in your own newsletter or search on writers' websites for sites or e-zines looking for articles that may be a good fit for your piece. Whether or not they pay for publication they will be an excellent way to get the word out about your site. Just be sure to keep your byline brief and don't reference your website within your article unless absolutely necessary.

Jen Merkel is a freelance writer living in Chandler, Arizona with her husband and two children. Working from her virtual office, Jen offers business writing services (press releases, proposals, etc.) as well as assistance with meeting and incentive planning. Please visit her website at http://jenmerkel.bravehost.com or send her an email at jen.merkel@cox.net.

Jen Merkel lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband and two children. Working from her virtual office, she offers business writing services (such as press releases, reports and proposals) as well as meeting planning assistance. Please visit her website at http://jenmerkel.bravehost.com or email her at jen.merkel@cox.net.

Precious Stones - The Big Five Part 3 The Sapphire
Sam Serio

The sapphire, protector of the innocent, celestial guardian of truth, bringer of health and youth, symbol of the heavens and birthstone for the month of September, is in fact the same stone as the ruby, the mineral corundum.

The blue corundum, ranging in color from the lightest blue to deep blue and black, is the same stone as the ruby, the only difference being in the color. The choicest color is the soft velvety blue, approaching the cornflower in shade and exhibiting that color vividly by artificial as well as by natural light. The deeper-colored stones are known as male, and the light-colored ones as female sapphires. Although choice sapphires are rare, a much greater quantity of good and large stones are to be had than of rubies, and therefore the price of a large sapphire does not advance in the same proportion as the price of a large ruby.

The word "sapphire" which means blue is of the same form in nearly all the early tongues, thus showing that they were in use by the ancients. Sapphires are found in many parts of the world and are usually found in the same locality as the ruby. The largest number and finest quality of these stones come from Thailand and India, and are found and recovered in much the same way as the ruby.

The sapphire is next to the diamond in hardness and it is this quality that makes it impervious to wear and insures its sharp edges and corners against years of use. Like the ruby the value of the sapphire is determined by its color. The finest stones are a deep blue and the deeper the color the more highly it is prized if its translucency is not impaired. Although the sapphire with its many shades of blue is considered the most desirable stone, it is also found in other colors such as red, green, yellow and pink.

The Oriental emerald or green sapphire does not approach the beryl or true emerald in depth of color, but because of its superior hardness and brilliancy, added to its extreme rarity, it is the most valuable of green gems. The Oriental amethyst or purple sapphire sometimes reflects a red color by artificial light, and is valued highly as a gem stone; the common amethyst is softer, less brilliant, and loses by artificial light. The various other colored sapphires, such as yellow or Oriental topaz, light green or Oriental aquamarine, greenish-yellow or Oriental chrysolite, and aurora red or Oriental hyacinth, are all valuable as gem stones when they are pure, well cut, and have pronounced colors-in fact, the name Oriental is given to distinguish the corundums from the less valuable minerals of the same colors which they resemble, but which they greatly surpass in beauty and value because of their brilliancy and superior hardness.

Asterias or star stones are corundums of three different colors; the star sapphire proper is a grayish blue, the star ruby red, and the star topaz yellow. These stones are usually cut cabochon or convex, and display under the rays of the sun, or when exposed to one candle or other artificial light, a beautiful star with six points. This star is produced by foreign substances in the corundum, and the lapidary brings about the regular effect by cutting a pointed carbuncle so that the center of the star begins at the apex, and the six bright stripes radiate to the base of the stone. The bright lines of the star following the light move over the surface of the stone and produce a remarkable effect. These stones are amongst the most wonderful of mineral productions, and good specimens are very valuable. The corundum cat's-eye, called Oriental girasol or sunstone, has a bluish, reddish, or yellowish reflection of light of a lighter shade than the stone itself, and which moves on the convex surface of the stone like the lines of a star stone.

To this day, sapphire is one of the most important members of the family of gems and is certainly one of the most favored by jewelry artisans worldwide. Consequently, there is more "hanky-panky" with treatments, alteration of color and various other techniques to disguise or improve flaws etc., than almost any other precious stone. Buyer beware of bargains that look "too good to be true". Deal with reputable jewelers both online and offline. The sapphire is the birthstone for September.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

How To Choose Diamond Earrings

Arthur Tschopp

Diamond beauty versus cost: What is the best combination?
Better quality diamonds are more brilliant and beautiful, but they command higher prices as well. This article explains how to find the best value in diamond stud earrings: the brightest diamond for the lowest cost.
For those who can afford it, we recommend an excellent cut diamond of G-H color and "eye-clean" clarity. This is a moderately priced diamond, but earrings of this quality will produce the same dazzling shower of light as those costing thousands of dollars more.
There are three simple reasons: first, it is the excellent cut that breathes life and sparkle into a diamond. Second, most experts agree that a G-H color appears colorless when mounted, so spending more for D-E-F color diamonds isn't necessary. Third,a diamond of SI2 clarity is "eye-clean", meaning it has no flaws visible to the naked eye, but costs a lot less than the higher clarity grades.
Excellent bargains with only a slight compromise in beauty can be found in the I1 Clarity range as well, as long as the cut is good and the color is in the G-H range.

For those who are on a budget, don't feel embarrassed to buy diamonds of a lower quality. All diamond earrings sparkle when they are worn on a woman's ear, and let's face it: for the same price, many women would rather wear 1 carat studs of a lower quality than 1/2 carat studs of a higher quality.

Fast Fact: there are many good websites to purchase diamond stud earrings. Our top recommendation, however goes to a specialty site www.diamondstudsonly.com. They sell the same color, clarity and cut grades for about 25% less than the typical "sale" price in a retail jewelry store (and other internet stores), and they back it up with a price comparison tool that allows you to view prices for earrings of the same quality on many other major internet jewelry sites. You will also have the security of their free insurance against loss of any kind for a full year.

Choosing the right Color:
The finest diamonds are colorless, rare and expensive. On the GIA grading scale, D-F are considered colorless, G-I near colorless and any grade J or below shows an increasingly yellowish tinge. Beyond the preference for a whiter stone, however, the color of a diamond does not affect its brightness or sparkle.
Fast Fact: Most experts agree that, when mounted, diamonds in the "G-H" range appear colorless, and represent a much better value than "D-F" stones which command significantly higher prices.

Choosing the right Clarity:
Diamonds with fewer flaws (inclusions) are rare and therefore more highly prized. In many cases, these flaws don't detract from the beauty of the diamond because they are invisible to the naked eye.
Fast Fact: Any grade "SI2" or above has inclusions that are "eye clean", not visible to the naked eye. An "I1" grade can be an excellent value, particularly if the inclusion is on the outer edge. "I2" grades can still exhibit a fair degree of fire and light. "I3" grade diamonds are noticeably more opaque or dark to the naked eye.

Choosing the right Cut:<</strong>
More than any other attribute, it is the Cut that makes a diamond brilliant and beautiful. A diamond that is well cut reflects light internally and displays a dazzling shower of light back through the top of the stone.
Fast Fact: When viewing a diamond, look directly into the center: if there are dark facets in the center or a dark ring around the center, or if the diamond appears opaque, it is probably due to poor cut.

Brilliance, Dispersion and Scintillation:
The secret of a diamond that is properly cut is that it returns a measurably greater amount of light, which is displayed as brilliance, dispersion and scintillation. This is the true measure of a diamond's beauty.
Brilliance: The total amount of white light, both external and internal, returned from the diamond to the eye of the observer.
Dispersion: Flashes of color, or fire, particularly when viewing a diamond in strong, direct light.
Scintillation: Reflections and flashes of white light from the diamond's surface as the diamond, observer or light source moves.

Click here to view photos along with the above presentation

Mr. Tschopp is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and has over 15 years of experience in the diamond marketplace.

Why Ebay auctions are the easiest way to start making money online today
Christopher Kyalo.

Did you know that most people who make big money on the net do so by selling dubious money-making schemes to others?

And they seem to get better at it every day. They have mastered the art of using enticing headlines that grab you by the neck and pull in sales even from Spam. Make no mistake about it, these guys know human nature and use their knowledge to the maximum. This gives an honest guy like you and me no chance at all. Little wonder that so many of us have lost so much money online, ordering "guaranteed money-making schemes" that never worked.

This article is not supposed to discourage you or kill your dreams of making it big online. The aim here is to give you the facts. Facts that will help you decide on a course of action that will change your online fortunes.

The facts are that there are thousands of people making money online. This is a fact that the hype and scum artistes have cashed in on to sell their schemes, which benefit nobody else but themselves.

The facts are that vast majorities of people who make money online, genuinely, make it using well-known web sites.

So while your efforts to be original and unique are appreciated, would it not be a better idea to find a proven, easy way to make money online? You can then use your profits to finance all the other adventures you have in mind, and your experiences to help you succeed much more easily with project number two.

You would naturally want to get the information to succeed from an expert. An expert being somebody who has made money from the particular well-known site you have chosen to go with.


Let us say that you make the wise decision to zero in on the single site that has had the highest number of publicized cases of people who have actually made money. Real people with real names and addresses. The site is of course eBay.com.

You would naturally want to get your information from an Ebay expert.

Actually there is such a person. Somebody who has made over $350,000 in sales, in less than one year, working part-time. Somebody who has successfully auctioned a wide variety of items like: Wide screen TV sets, wedding dresses, DVD players, garden ornaments, jewelry, designer goods, VCRs, tools, binoculars, cars and even information products.

Brian McGregor is such an expert and he has documented all his experiences and some simple steps and ideas to follow to ensure that you are successful with Ebay. It is all in an amazing ebook aptly titled "The eBay Formula." It is available at this link:-

http://www.workwinners.com/ezGaffurl.php?offer=ckyalo&pid=19

By simply understanding and knowing what you are doing, you can be very successful doing your online business through Ebay.

The traffic on Ebay is massive, check out the figures for yourself at any source you trust. eBay.com has a staggering 10 million items on sale at any point in time. The site gets 1.5 billion auction page views each month. This is the key that makes it so easy for ordinary people to make money on Ebay. It is simply a matter of taking your products to where the customers are waiting for it. But you need to know what you are doing. It all boils down to getting the formula to maximize your auction effectiveness.


Christopher Kyalo is a writer/marketing expert who makes money online only by posting free articles. Visit his blog which is loaded with free tips and secrets at www.big-online-story.blogspot.com

"Using Images in Your Salesletter: Three Tips Guaranteed

Cory Rudl

Placing just one or two carefully selected images within
your salesletter can be worth thousands of dollars in sales.
In fact, just one image that brings your eBook, software,
audio product, or free bonus items to life can have a real
impact on your bottom line!

For consumers, there's no doubt that buying products online
is a whole different ball game compared to buying from a
"bricks and mortar" store. There's no face-to-face
interaction, and they can't touch and examine the product
they are thinking of purchasing.

So anything that you can do to make consumers more
comfortable buying a product online is well worth the
effort. And adding a few images to humanize your web site
and show off your products -- including digital products --
is one way you can do this.

Of course, any images in your sales copy should complement
the copy itself and add to your overall sales message.
Remember, they're not decoration.

In other words... no "stock" images of a man with a
briefcase to illustrate a business product, or of two people
shaking hands to promote a suite of training products!

Remember: Your sales page is valuable real estate, and every
pixel on that screen contributes to the overall impression
visitors will get of you and your products or services -- so
you have to be careful how you use that real estate.

THREE IMAGES YOU MUST HAVE WITHIN YOUR NEWSLETTER

There are three areas in your salesletter where using the
right image can make a HUGE difference to your sales:

1. RIGHT UP FRONT: A picture of you! You might think that
placing a picture of yourself in your copy is a bit
big-headed. Not at all... not only does this establish that
there IS a real person behind your web site, but it also
makes your whole salesletter that much more personal.

Of course, you shouldn't go overboard and scatter your
holiday snaps throughout the copy -- that will just distract
from your sales message. A friendly portrait shot near the
top will do the trick. Obviously, try to choose a good
picture, not just a grainy web cam shot. ;-)

2. WITHIN TESTIMONIALS: Images of satisfied customers. The key
thing with testimonials is to make them credible. Using
pictures of your satisfied customers alongside their
testimonials puts a face to the words, and makes it clear
that these are real, and not faked, testimonials.

So when you receive a good testimonial from a customer,
always ask for a picture. If they have one of themselves
using your product or service... all the better! Don't worry
too much about quality -- the most important thing is that
they are genuine.

3. IN YOUR PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: The product shot! This is the
MOST IMPORTANT of all the three images, and it can make all
the difference when it comes to closing a sale.

The thing is, people shopping online can't touch the
product... so they need to see as much detail as possible
during the sales process so they're comfortable with what
they're buying.

If you sell a tangible product like jewelry or cameras,
then you should place a well-taken shot prominently within
your product copy, as well as next to the "call to action"
when the customer is finally deciding whether to buy.

And if you mention any cool features -- like a special lens
for a camera, for example -- provide an image of this too.
If you sell a software program or training course, you can
also include screenshots and samples.

The key is to make your product look as DESIRABLE as
possible.

At The Internet Marketing Center, we've tested the impact of
images, product shots, and screen captures on sales... and they
really DO make a huge difference.

But what if you sell a digital product like an eBook or
downloadable software? Well, you can still create a
desirable image quickly and cheaply...

TIPS FOR CREATING HIGH-IMPACT EBOOK "COVERS" AND DIGITAL
PRODUCT "BOXES" THAT GENERATE MORE SALES

Of course, a digital eBook doesn't have a physical cover,
and software that customers can download doesn't come in a
box!

But a product image -- even a digitally created one -- that's
placed within the product salescopy and next to the "call to
action" makes people feel like they're buying a "real"
product... and this gives it a lot more value in the eyes of
consumers.

The bottom line is that a good "cover" WILL help you
maximize sales. And a professional-looking "box" image for
other digital products does the same.

So what makes a great eBook cover or digital product box?

- It must look professional. A quick trip through web sites
selling digital products will reveal tons of different
designs, and you'll quickly see which ones work and which
don't.

- It must be eye-catching. Make it something people would
pick up in an offline store. This helps if you want to use
the image to promote your product on other web sites.

- The cover or box must be suitable for the product's
contents. For example, if your product is an eBook on
gardening tips, use a gardening image. Check out the covers
of books on your topic, or the boxes of software, sold in
offline stores to get some ideas.

- Keep the writing on the cover or box to a minimum. Ideally,
you'll want to include just the product's name or title,
sub-title if applicable, and author if applicable (and
only if they are well known in their field). And remember
that the final image will be small, so only include written
content that's absolutely essential.

- Don't go overboard with the colors. No -- bright green and
pink DON'T go together! Try this handy free tool for seeing
which web colors go well together: http://www.colormatch.dk

- Stick to clear, legible fonts. Use fonts like Arial or
Verdana. Avoid "script" or unusual fonts that are hard to
read. And only use one font!

- Give it a 3D appearance with the title repeated on the
spine, and a shadow. This makes it more tangible in the
eyes of the customer.

If you have some design experience, you can take a shot at
creating your cover or package yourself using imaging software
like Photoshop or PhotoImpact.

A word of caution, though... if your design skills are not good,
go to a professional or use custom software. Bad design and
poor-quality images are worse than no images at all, and you
could actually end up losing sales!

Try finding a designer through Elance, or use one of the many
eBook cover design services or software providers available
on the Internet.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Images in your sales copy really can make a difference to
your sales, but only if you use them sparingly and
strategically.

Well-positioned pictures of yourself -- and of your
satisfied customers -- make the customer feel like they are
buying from a real person with real customers -- not just
some anonymous web site.

And eye-catching product shots do a great job of supporting
your salescopy. Your customers won't judge your eBook or
other products on their "covers" or "packaging" alone, but
product images can provide credibility and make your
products more desirable and tangible in the eyes of your
customers.

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** Attn Ezine editors / Site owners / everyone **
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Corey Rudl is the owner of four highly successful online businesses that attract more than 1.8 million visitors per month and generate over $6.6 million each year. He is also the author of the #1 best-selling Internet Marketing course online.


Questions to Ask a Credit Counseling Service about Debt Relief
Tim Gorman

Debt relief is a topic on a lot of consumers' minds these days, and with good reason. American credit card debt in 2001 was $692 billion, triple the amount from 1989. In that same time period, the average credit card increase for a middle-class family was 75%. The amounts were even higher for low-income families and senior citizens. At one time, such a high amount of credit card debt would seem frivolous as buyers spent money they didn't have on luxury items such as electronics or jewelry. Today, however, in less stable economic times and a poor job market, more people are turning to credit cards as a way to extend their income. More and more debt is being rung up for everyday items such as groceries and medical bills. How can people get real help with debt relief?

Credit counseling services were originally established by credit card companies who wanted to get at least some of their money back before a client decided to declare bankruptcy. While that may seem shady to some people, for others it is a legitimate way to pay the debt they owe.

When seeking debt relief, however, be wary and be an informed consumer. Do your research before signing on with any one service. Here are some questions to ask:

* How much does it cost? Many less-than-reputable services charge hundreds of dollars to start up, money that doesn't go to any of your creditors.

* Does the service notify credit bureaus about your enrollment in their program? Some do and some don't. Creditors may still elect to put a bad mark on your credit report, but the agency you are looking at for debt relief shouldn't.

* What services are offered? Do they offer a range of solutions from trouble-shooting before finances are a big problem to debt management. Beware of companies promising too quick a solution or promising to "fix" your credit report.

* What are the benefits of belonging to one particular group over another? For example, some services offer newsletters and budgeting tips, all to help you become more stable when your debt is paid off.

* Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? If that is not advertised, check them out with BBB first.

With time, patience and diligence, you can become debt free.


Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com. He provides more debt relief, consolidation and free debt consolidation information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

5 Ways to Win the War on Clutter

Dietta L. Stewart

5 Ways to Win the War on Clutter
By: Dietta L. Stewart

I had probably walked past that closet a hundred times, each time telling myself
how badly it needed cleaned. But each time I had an excuse. A good one too,
I'd get to it next weekend. Finally, after many weeks of putting it off I opened
the door to my youngest daughter's closet. It had been declared a hazardous
area, I would need special equipment before moving in. Armed with my 13-gallon
trash bag I took a deep breath and ventured in. What a mess. A half hour into the
task I wondered if there was an end to the mounds of Barbie shoes, jewelry beads,
crayons, (hey, these are brand new crayons!), Barbie clothes, doll house furniture-
You get the idea.
About 3 hours and 5, yes 5 trash bags later, I was finished. The closet had been
seized and conquered. I had won one more battle over clutter. I wondered if I'd
ever win the war. I decided that I could. I'm going to show you how you can too.
Clutter is a monster that grows and multiplies without warning and appears when we
aren't looking. Clutter is a thief of peace and balance. It takes up space in our homes,
and our hearts. Clearing the clutter out of your life is surprisingly liberating. Even after
cleaning a small space like a drawer in your kitchen you will suddenly feel lighter.
Choose today to restore energy and vitality to your life by clearing away the clutter.
Here are 5 easy ways to get you started.
1. Define Clutter. What does clutter mean to you? In order to defeat something you
have to know what it is you're fighting.
2. Take one area at a time. Sort through your stuff, clean and dust as you go. Get
rid of things that no longer fit who you are.
3. Do regular clutter maintenance to keep it from getting out of control. Create a
a schedule for major clutter clearing, like spring and fall, or every New Year's day,.
4. Create a space for everything.
5. Decide what areas won't be clutter free. Unless you live by yourself or with
someone who is very neat, you have to deal with other people's clutter. If we
let it, clutter can cause many the argument, heartache and headache. To
alleviate the stress of trying to control someone else's clutter accept that some areas
will always be cluttered unless the person or people creating the clutter changes or
cleans it up. This is okay. Every where we have lived my husband has created a
spot where he puts everything he brings into the house and leaves it there. Magazines
mail, tools, you name it. In the past I would let this frustrate me and I tried my best to
change it, after over ten years of marriage it still hasn't changed. I don't think it ever
will, so I have learned to live with it. When I'm in the mood I clean it up. When I'm
not, I leave it.


Dietta L. Stewart is the Editor of the monthly newsletter Balance Boosters and the author of
The Balanced Woman: A Christian Woman's Guide to Balanced Living. To subscribe to her
Free newsletter send a blank email to mailto:balanceboosters-subscribe@topica.com or
Visit her website at http://www.balanceboosters.com New subscribers will receive her latest
Report "52 Ways to Balance Your Life" free.


5 Steps to Write an Irresistible Tip Sheet
Susan Harrow

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You have permission to publish this article in its entirety
electronically, in print, in your ebook, or on your web
site, free of charge as long as no changes to the content
are made and you include my byline, copyright, and resource
box. Please notify me of publication by sending an email
with a copy of your publication to:
mailto:newslettereditor@prsecrets.com Thanks!

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5 Steps to Write an Irresistible Tip Sheet

A tip sheet is a list of 5-15 points that highlights your
expertise while providing solutions to personal or
professional problems. It begins with one or two short
paragraphs followed by numbered tips.

1. Number your titles.

- 8 things every business person should know about the
Internet.
- Help! My doctor is killing me: 6 strategies to save your
life.

2. Keep to a format. Clever title.

- Gains the readers attention instantly. Introductory
paragraph.
- Explains what you will cover. Useful tips.
- Outlines informative and entertaining data gathered from
your expertise that benefits others. Include anecdotes,
quotes, statistics, stories, and facts that support your
findings.

3. Make a statement with your style.

If you already have a recognizable style or voice, use it.
Editors prefer substance with style over flat facts.

4. Use examples of the kind of clients you prefer.

This is one valuable piece of information that will help you
to write a tip sheet so it will bring you the business you
want without having to blare it. In other words the right
people will be attracted to what you have to give. Use
examples that include the kind of clients or experiences you
want. I remember one of my jewelry designer friends telling
me a particular pitfall when selling a line of earrings. She
had one type of dangly thing a ma gig readily available in
red and yellow both of which the buyer ordered. She then
asked the buyer, *Would you like to buy them in purple
also?* The buyer responded, *I don't know, show me the
purple.* She realized that the buyer couldn't make the
visual leap to imagining the earrings in purple. This buyer
is not alone. Many people, no matter what their profession,
don't see how you can help them unless you state it
explicitly. Odd as it may seem it must pertain to them or
their business exactly for them to understand you're a match
with what they need.

5. Nudge that funnybone.

Humor makes a piece more attractive to journalists. They
want to entertain their audience even if the subject is
serious.

Write your tip sheet today!

Learn more about writing tip sheets and other materials to
gain publicity for your business, product or cause in *Sell
Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*(HarperCollins). Go to
http://www.prsecretstore.com for your free excerpts today.

Copyright (c) 2002-2005 Susan Harrow, All Rights Reserved.

Susan Harrow, CEO of PRSecrets.com and BookedOnOprah.com,
is a top media coach, marketing strategist and
author of *Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul*
(HarperCollins), *The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on
Oprah*, and *How You Can Get a 6-Figure Book Advance.*
Clients include CEOs, bestselling
authors and entrepreneurs who have appeared on
Oprah,60 Minutes,NPR,and in TIME, USA Today,Parade,
People,O,NY Times,WSJ,and Inc.

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day

Yan Berry

The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls has fascinated brides for centuries. People believe that wearing pearls on their wedding day will bring bliss to their marriage.

Pearls are classic wedding jewelry. How do you choose that perfect pearl necklace?

Here are some tips:

There are four types of pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in oceans. They are more valuable than freshwater pearls for their rarity and high luster.

Akoya pearls are the most popular. These pearls are valued for their rich color, mirror-like finish, and appealing roundness.

As with any other gemstones, the value of pearls is determined by their quality.
A pearl's quality can be A, AA, AA+, AAA, AAA+. The last two, AAA and AAA+ pearls, have the best quality and they are most valuable. For pearls of the same size, an 'A' quality pearl necklace costs only a small fraction of AAA quality pearl necklace.

The quality and value of pearls are based upon six criteria: luster, nacre, surface, color, shape, size and matching. The educated buyer uses his or her preferences to decide which criteria are most important.

Nacre: Most buyers of pearl jewelry pay most attention to the pearls' nacre thickness. Nacre is the coating that a pearl oyster produces to cover the pearl's nucleus; it is the key to how long pearls last. You should look for pearls with nacre thickness over 0.4mm.

Luster and Surface: Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. A strand of pearls with high luster, mirror finish and clean surfaces is most desirable and valuable.

Color: It is a personal choice. Consider buying a pearl necklace whose color will complement your clothing and your skin tone.

Size: The price of pearls that are larger than 7mm varies greatly. People usually buy the largest pearls they can afford.

Shape: Round pearls are most desirable and valuable.

Matching: For a pearl necklace or bracelet, matching refers to the ways in which all of the pearls are similar. It is difficult to find enough identical pearls to make a well-matched pearl necklace; therefore such a necklace commands a top price.

After you have decided the type, color, size and quality of pearls that you want, think about your budget. Take your time to shop around and find that perfect pearl necklace for your wedding day!

Copyright: © 2004 by Yan Berry


Mrs. Berry is a pearl expert and the founder of Premium Pearl, a leading online provider of high quality pearl jewelry.

Beads-A Sign of the Times?
MJ Plaster

When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads-beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.

The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word "beads" may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you're a product of the 50's, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you're a product of the 60's, you may think of "love beads," which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it's difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.

From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications

Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can't actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.

Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.

In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.

Modern Beads

Now that we've strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today's jewelry scene? They're everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.

Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins-yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you'll find beads everywhere.

The Many Faces of Beads

Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today's beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today's look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.

The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn't want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you're auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.

Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It's everywhere, and it's calling your name.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/beads.htm and http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/ in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Bewitching Jewelry -- Amulets, Talismans and Charms

Sam Serio

Throughout the ages, men and women have used gemstones and crystals in personal ornaments and body decorations as bewitching jewelry. Wearing them as charms, talismans or amulets, they were believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits (or attract benevolent ones), keep one safe from harm, or to find love. To this day, many people of all ages and from all walks of life believe in the magical power of certain gems and make bewitching jewelry part of their everyday attire.

Take pearls, for instance. In the olden days, if a maiden wanted a man to fall in love with her, she would put pearls ground into a fine powder into a glass of wine and somehow get him to drink it. A pretty costly way to catch a man, that method. Nowadays, wearing pearls is believed to enhance one's inner character and bring about peace and serenity. Gold is another example of bewitching jewelry. Since time immemorial, it has captured the fascination of all people, and is one of the cornerstones of the science of alchemy. Gold is used to enhance the power of other gemstones, hence its popular use as a setting. It is also believed to attract wealth and influence, because the wearer is perceived to be strong and powerful.

Bewitching jewelry is not confined to fashionable purposes. The Indian warriors of old used to have swords that were adorned with garnets, secure in the belief that this would bring them luck in battle. Today, garnet jewelry presented as a gift signifies the giver's feelings of eternal love and commitment. It can also be worn as a charm to increase sensuality and sexuality. Similarly, diamonds are said to aid in the release of sexual tension and to help the wearer enjoy a fantastic sex life. I wonder what that says about girls who treat diamonds as their best friend?

Sapphires are benevolent examples of bewitching jewelry. Aside from preserving friendships and promoting loyalty, they are also believed to protect the wearer from capture. Turquoise is likewise popular as a talisman because of its alleged property of changing colors when the wearer is in peril. Plus, it is used in amulets in many cultures because it is believed to be a bringer of luck.

There are many, many other beliefs regarding the use of gemstones as bewitching jewelry. They may be worn as talismans, charms, amulets or simply as fashion accessories. But for many people today, as in the ancient times, jewels are chosen not only for their beauty, but for the perceived benefits that they will bring to the wearer as well.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality
William Lezubski

Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is the "Ultra Plus" in the elite cruise domain. Their promise is to always go above and beyond. Their passion is to exceed your expectations. Their reward is achieving excellence in your eyes. "Faultless"!

Silversea offers flexible "Personalized Voyages" where guests choose the length of their voyage and ports of embarkation and disembarkation. Prices are based on a simple daily rate. For as little as US$100 per person, guests on all ships may embark earlier than the standard 3PM and disembark as late as 5PM.

Atmosphere:

Genuinely hospitable, and sociable with the emphasis on excellence. Each and every special touch is introduced with such style and finesse you'll quickly feel like a preferred member of the world's most intimate country club. A ceremonious white gloves greeting and flute of chilled champagne welcomes you. Available in your suite is Bvlgari toiletries and plush robes. Placed on your pillow, Godiva chocolates.

Service:

Silversea's mission is to deliver guest comfort and benefits at a level unparalleled in the hospitality industry. Which is why the crew to guest ratio is (1.34:1). Expect to be treated with loving care with your space and privacy respected (there is no ship photographer to insist upon a pose). Dining staff is handpicked from the very best hotels and restaurants. Gratuities are not required.

Accommodations:

All accommodation is in ocean-view suites (80% with private teak (verandas). Beautifully appointed with a rare degree of finesse and refinement, every suite features a marbled bath with a full-size tub (double sinks on Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper). There are seven different types of suites ranging in size from 240 square feet (Vista Suite) up to 1400 square feet (Grand Suites).

All suites include Bvlgari soaps and lotions, continuously restocked cocktail cabinets, direct dial phones, TV/VCR, personalized stationery, private safe, refrigerator, sitting area with desk, terry cloth robes, walk-in closet. Larger suites have living areas, and some offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms with jacuzzis, and even two or three verandas. The sky is the limit! For families and friends, there is the opportunity to travel in separate suites yet share a semi-private deck area.

The emphasis on excellence is shown to impressive effect in the sumptuous furnishings and fine appointments in majestic suites like no other. Spacious, classic sanctuaries, over 80% have teak verandas. Selection ranges from the 240 square foot Vista Suite through to the pinnacle of good living -the Royal, Grand and Owner's Suites. The latter three suite styles were designed for those whose standards for luxury are higher than most. Guests enjoy such perquisites as afternoon canap�s, valet service, complimentary laundry, and dinner at the Officer's Table (on Silver Shadow� and Silver Whisper�, a plasma TV and Bang & Olufsen sound system join two other TV/VCR combinations). Fresh flowers and a bottle of prestigious, award-winning Philipponnat champagne await all suite arrivals.

Dining:

Accompanied by an extensive selection of fine wines certain to amuse the palate of the most discriminating connoisseur, dining is a wondrously engaging affair with an open seating policy where guests dine with companions of their choice at the time they prefer. In the intimate Le Champagne (Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper) and Saletta (Silver Cloud and Silver Wind) guests will relish an incomparable gastronomic experience under the culinary eye of Joachim Koerper, chef-owner of Spain's Relais & Chateaux - Relais Gourmands Michelin Two-Star Restaurant Girasol. Oenophiles and gourmands might wish to arrange a private dinner in Saletta or Le Champagne where a personalized menu is crafted by Silversea's Executive Chef and Head Sommelier (an additional charge will apply).

Entertainment:

In The Bar, music is live and the dance floor beckons as it does in The Panorama Lounge where favorite songs of yesterday and today invite you onto the spacious floor (select voyages feature gentlemen dance hosts). The Show Lounge presents a full spectrum of colorful shows, and the stylish casino, alive with energy, is reminiscent of the Riviera.

On Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow the "fine art of the smoke" can be practiced in The Humidor where the finest cigars and cognacs may be enjoyed (created by Davidoff it has a dedicated ventilation system). The elegant, refined Champagne Room is the perfect venue for a glass of bubbly. On many itineraries a complimentary shoreside excursion is featured for your interest - "The Silversea Experience."

Public Rooms and Facilities:

Silver Cloud and Silver Wind: The Restaurant, The Terrace Cafe, Saletta, The Panorama Lounge, The Bar, The Show Lounge, Mandara Spa, Fitness Centre, Beauty Salon, pool, pool bar, Internet Point, boutique, jewelry boutique, casino and card room, library, launderette. Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper also have a Davidoff Humidor, poolside grille, Le Champagne, Observation Lounge, and Bvlgari Gallery.

A Specialty Cruise For Everyone! Experience Cultural Feasts, Fine Wines, And Pro Golf Excursions With Class

Culinary Cruises:

Choose a Silversea culinary cruise and experience a cultural feast of the lands visited. Each of these selected itineraries features the Epicurean artistry of acclaimed chefs of Relais & Ch�teaux-Relais Gourmands. These rising stars of the culinary world will offer entertaining and educational cooking demonstrations and prepare a lavish five-course gourmet meal.

Wine Series Cruises:

On select voyages, explore the world's fine wines. Enjoy excursions to vineyards, lectures and tasting guided by top experts and wine makers. Guests will taste exceptional wines on board and ashore.

Silver Links� 365 Golf Series:

On every voyage on Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, hone your game with personal lessons from a PGA-classed pro utilizing the latest V1 video-computer technology. Also, join our pro for escorted excursions to play in most ports.

The Silversea Experience�:

On many itineraries Silversea features a complimentary shoreside excursion designed to increase your understanding and enjoyment of the people and places visited.

Personalized Voyages:

Silversea's Personalized Voyages now aboard all ships gives guests the flexibility and convenience of creating their own luxury cruise vacation. Guests choose the length of their voyage, port of embarkation and disembarkation.

Silversea Reassurance Program:

Guests who cancel their cruise for any reason up to the last minute will receive 100% cruise credit on a future cruise.

Past Guest Benefits Silversea Venetian Society�:

From the moment you complete your first Silversea cruise, you become part of a special family of friends - the Venetian Society - an extraordinary assembly of travellers who enjoy seeing the world in luxurious fashion while receiving exclusive members-only benefits and privileges.

Additional Benefits and Complimentary Cruises for Members:

To thank you for returning to Silversea (again and again!) they offer guests who have sailed 100 days or more an additional 5% savings on any future cruise. For 250 days, guests receive 10% savings. Reach the prestigious 350-day milestone and Silversea will reward you with a complimentary 7-day cruise. At the 500-day milestone, a complimentary 14-day cruise is yours to enjoy! After the 500-day milestone, earn a 7-day cruise for every additional 150 days sailed. Benefits are subject to change, so be sure to read the Silversea's member updates.

The Silversea Fleet:

Sleek and exquisitely appointed Silver Whisper, Silver Shadow (28,000 tons), Silver Cloud and Silver Wind (17,000 tons), narrow the gap between ocean-liner and small ship cruising. Offering all-inclusive convenience, the very personal pleasures and ultra-luxurious elegance of a private yacht, the amenities of a country club and the sumptuous furnishings, fine appointments and service of a premier hotel. Smaller, they are able to venture into a wider range of ports including cozy harbours and remote hideaways never accessible by the mega-ships, yet they still provide ample comfort and stability for a cruise on the seven seas. All ships proudly execute Silversea's mission to deliver guest comforts and benefits unrivalled in the cruise industry. (Silver Cloud and Silver Wind were refurbished in 2003/2004).

About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is the owner and author of "Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site" available at www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com A great source for Discounted Caribbean Cruises!

The Deadly Itch!

Arun Pal Singh

Copyright 2005 Arun Pal Singh

It is a story about Manku, a blind man who was lost in a maze of wealth. It is a story about each of us. Read and interpret carefully.

Manku was a poor blind man. He worked very hard to feed his family and himself. After day's toil everyday he could barely manage to survive. He was a talented man but the man he worked for did not pay him well. Manku never complained but always got sad when he received his monthly wages.

He wanted a good house. Good clothes for his children, a lot of jewelry for his wife and all possible comforts of life that money can bring. But everything seemed just a dream. He worked hard everyday on the same wages as the time passed by.

One day he considered going to maze of wealth. He had heard about this earlier too but people were speaking loudly now. He had always laughed at this earlier as he never believed in rumors. But now he had a reason to ponder. Sonkulat, his friend who went there had returned richer now and was all ga ga about this maze.

Manku decided to visit Sonkulat.

It was a maze located in a jungle in southwest and was full of wealth. There was an entrance door which led inside the maze. The maze was dead dark inside. Nothing visible inside. One has to grope inside that dark to find anything.

'It would not make much difference to me, I already do that', Manku thought.

There is only one door inside in that maze full of pitfalls that will lead to wealth house. But careful! You need to avoid pitfalls. Use my tip. Stay along the wall and feel for the door.

Manku did that. He stayed along the wall. But he could not avoid the falls. Sometimes it took days to come out of the pit. He struggled and struggled. A year passed and Manku came back, empty handed...

'You liar! You made a fool of me. There is no door there. It is a wall all around. No wealth there..' Manku yelled at Sonkulat while he listened.

'I will have to go back to job and spend my life in poverty' Manku sighed and went for his old master.

But Manku was wrong. There was a door indeed. It did lead to store house of wealth. Only he could not find it. Only if he knew why did he fail!

Manku had a strange uncontrollable itch that would appear suddenly and last for minutes. He would never know how he missed the door. But every time he was close to the door he would feel like itching. He would leave the wall to satisfy his itch. After his severe itch got controlled he would restart in opposite direction. He would complete the whole circle again to reach the door from the other side and his itch would strike again.

He missed the door many a times. Finally he decided to come back. He stopped pursuing his dreams.

Manku is back to his job now. He works everyday with a conviction that he is destined to be poor. He is no way content but he shows that he is.

Manku will never attempt to be rich again.

Every time you have failed and have an urge to quit, think. You might be about to succeed. Do not let your dreams be prey of that urge.

Beware of that urge. It is worse than the itch Manku had.

People become successful because they do not quit.

Wish you success.



Arun Pal Singh, a successful marketer and writer offers a unique and duplicable business opportunity at http://www.homeforprofits.com. To avail his free Income Course, send an e-mail to subscribe@homeforprofits.com with subject 'subscribe'.


Think Outside the Box: Home Business Idea's
John Evans

Imagine never having to leave your home to work. Not
having to deal with traffic, office politics, annoying
co-workers, or pretentious bosses make excellent arguments
to working out of the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, you can create your own schedule and work
around your responsibilities currently in your life.
Whatever your needs, starting a business is a monumental
task and you should carefully weigh all your home business
idea's. There are a great many options for an entrepreneur
to consider when developing a home business, so choose an
option that fits into your passions, experiences, and
lifestyle.

There are a variety of types of home businesses. You may
wish to sell goods over the internet or provide necessary
services for potential clients. In this advanced age of
technology in which we all live, more and more individuals
are turning to the World Wide Web for a variety of reasons.
Whatever you wish to be the focus of your business, there
is certainly a market on the internet. There are people in
every corner of the globe on the search for everything
under the sun. The trick being owning an entrepreneur home
business is marketing your products or services for your
target audience.

When it comes to ideas for home businesses, the sky is the
limit. Whether you choose to sell custom jewelry over the
internet or hock home-made jam, businesses that sell a wide
variety of products prove to be quite successful internet
ventures. With the popular of online auction sites and
marketplaces, including the phenomenally-successful eBay,
the world of online vending is made a great deal easier.
Using these websites, you can easily promote your business
and goods to a huge bank of customers who use the site on a
regular basis to purchase any item you desire.

If you wish to sell services, the internet is an excellent
place to start. Especially if you have experience or
training in a technical field, hocking your services online
are an excellent place. There are many individuals in need
of technical assistance and website development. If you
have the capability to provide such services, you should
seriously consider starting an internet-based consulting
firm. Regardless what your skills may be, there is
certainly a market on the internet.

When you embark on the quest to being an internet-based
business, you should take great care to sort out reliable,
legitimate opportunities from scams. Many potential
entrepreneurs are scared away from beginning their own home
business due to the vast amount of scams present. These
false opportunities promise money made quickly but often
result in money lost. When you come across an opportunity
that sounds too good to be true, it very well may be.
Approach each potential opportunity with great wariness and
extreme caution. If necessary, you may wish to contact the
Better Business Bureau for information on any company who
is promising fast money. Beware of pyramid schemes that
will take away most of your hard earned profit.

Whatever you ideas you choose to explore for developing
your online business, committing to a business plan will
ensure your success. If you have the skills and drive,
your business will become a viable means of income for
your and your family. Whether you choose to use this
business as a buffer for your budget or your main means of
income, thinking outside the box and developing a multitude
of ideas will assist you with finding the perfect business
idea. Developing an internet business may be done out of
your home but is no laughing matter. It will take a great
deal of hard work and discipline to get your business off
the ground, but focusing on the perfect idea will make it
a labor of love.

John Evans runs http://www.SuccessAlert.com,
and has written the book Success Alert - Conversations with Successful Internet
Entrepreneurs which has been widely acclaimed in a variety of online and print
media. If you're interested to find home business ideas this book is an absolute must-read!

Airport Travel Tips: Reducing Waiting Times

Marisol Boatwright

Key Travel Tips
Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint.
Before you go to the Airport
�Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport.
�Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only.
�Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
�Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
�Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
�Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
�Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
�If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.
�Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
�Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
While at the Airport
Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.
�Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
oMobile phones
oKeys
oLoose change
oMoney clips
oPDA's (personal data assistants)
oLarge amounts of jewelry
oMetal hair decorations
oLarge belt buckles
�Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
�Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.

Marisol Boatwright is an Independent Travel Agent with Global Travel International. She has years of experience in the travel agency business and wants to help people with their travel needs. Whether it be for hotel or air reservations, auto rentals, cruises, or vacation packages, Marisol will be able to help.
http://boatrighttravels.globaltravel.com
mailto:boatwrim@bellsouth.net

Get Busy on A Thoughtful Valentine Gift
Tracy Brant

This article may be freely published with the bylines. Please notify Dateable.com at articles@dateable.com when you decide to publish.
*************************************

Forget the overpriced flowers, clich� heart-shaped candy box, and predictable greeting cards. Show your significant other that you care enough to put serious thought into the gift. Nothing says "I love you" like paying attention.

Some of you just hate Valentine's Day as a commercialized artificial demand to demonstrate your affection by shopping- get over it. You don't have to spend a lot of money or observe the floral ritual, but can you really afford give the impression that you are the Curmudgeon of Romance? I think not. This is not the time to be an activist. If you must, do something special on February 13th to register your disgust with the system. But do something.

This requires you to spend some time thinking about the object of your affection. What do they like to do? Do they collect something? Is there something they keep meaning to do for themselves that you can do for them? An indulgence or small luxury you can treat them to?

Before you rush off to eBay to find a gift- there is a No-No List. For a woman, no matter how much she needs one, do NOT buy her a vacuum cleaner or a handy car emergency kit. "I just want to make your life easier, honey!" Time and place, dude- make her life easier with a new mulch shovel on Arbor Day, not The Big Romance Day. Same goes for men's gifts; even if they really want a riding mower, save it for a birthday. Certainly don't buy them the tools they need to fix YOUR car. Or a gift that reflects the job you want them to get, the clothes you think they should start wearing, or the healthy habit you think they should have.

Gifts should show that you spent time, and thought, not money. Sure, some people love expensive gifts, but more likely, it will look like you spent money to hide the fact that you couldn't think of something good. If you spend a bundle, do it because you tracked down something rare and wonderful. Never spend big money if money is a big issue in your relationship. Spend time, not cash.

So, what is on the Yes-Yes List?

GIFTS OF SERVICE. Give a weekend of your time fixing or cleaning everything that needs it, without making the person feel be-holdin' for it. Give a gift certificate for a meal you cook and clean-up after, especially if you never do that. Even if you can't cook, the effort will be both amusing and thoughtful. Do dishes for the first time in your life- find someone who knows how and ask them. The fact that you did that will be impressive. Give a weekend of your time waiting on her (or him) hand and foot. Fetch her purse, open every door, call her m'lady and focus on what she wants next. Ever painted someone's toenails? Be her loyal servant for a day or two (and see what you learn about her.)

GIFTS OF ORIGINALITY. Did you know that you can hire an artist for a reasonable sum and get custom art or illustration. Have a favorite poem illuminated buy a calligrapher. Make something with your own hands- jewelry, art, pottery, carving, or his portrait in tile mosaic- walk around an art store for ideas. Or have something with personal importance framed elaborately- a cocktail napkin you saved from your first date- the ticket stubs from the movie where you first whispered, "I love you."

GIFTS OF COLLECTABILITY. Do they love a particular author, actor, or movie? Track down a first edition book, a movie theater lobby poster, or an autographed item. Buy a sheet of uncut collector cards for sports teams, comic book heros, or fantasy games. Movie animation cells, rare recordings, and hard-to-get editions from other countries- all of these show you did some work to get them something they will love.

GIFTS OF ROMANCE. These are particularly special if you are normally not a sappy, gushing, romantic fool. Have trouble expressing your feeling in words? Spend time writing her a poem or an essay about what she means to you. Give the gift of attention- remove all the things that normally keep you from relaxing together. That can be tough for working families. Farm out the kids, put away the work, ignore the undone housework, and spent time reminiscing about why you love about each other. Make a lot of all the things you like about the other person and read it outloud. Make the list loooong and feed him/her a candy heart or peeled grape with each item. "Over the top" is the key. Be a fool for her/him.

GIFTS OF RELAXATION. Get a fancy hotel room in your own city, order in room service, and watch movies for a whole weekend. If your partner has kids, YOU arrange the babysitter (enlist a relative). Give her a certificate for a spa weekend or a women's retreat. Give him a afternoon at a men's spa for his first facial and massage. Get lightly-scented massage oil and set up a "spa" at home.. perhaps hire a professional massaage therapist to give you his-n-hers massage or foot reflexology.

Getting the idea? Put away your credit card and start brainstorming- Valentine's Day is just round the corner.

Dateable.com is an exciting online community for singles, couples and romance lovers.
Dateable.com has romantic resources, advice, poetry, greeting cards, and more.
Dateable.com also features specialty matchmaking services. Whether you are looking for a soulmate or a playmate, visit http://dateable.com

Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings, or Is Moissanite a Mans Best Friend?

Peter Crump

As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens moissanite wedding rings become popular at an even faster rate. Wedding rings for men are here to stay and so are mens moissanite wedding rings.

What is moissanite I hear you ask? Moissanite is the newest jewelry stone which is taking the jewelry industry by storm. And whilst moissanite is popular amongst the women, mens moissanite wedding rings are taking off.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal, or jewel, which was only discovered in 1893. It was originally found in tiny quantities in a meteorite which had fallen in the Arizona desert. It was discovered by doctor Henry Moissan, after whom it was named.

It exhibits many of the qualities of diamonds and looks identical to diamonds to all but a few of the most experienced jewellers. So identical in fact that sohisticated equipment is needed to distinguish it from diamonds. Moissanite even outperforms diamonds in most of the natural qualities for which diamonds are so renowned. Most importantly, it is much cheaper.

Moissanite is second only to diamond in hardness, and is harder than any other jewel. It does not scratch, fade or change color. It has more brilliance than diamonds or any other popular gemstone.

It occurs naturally on earth but only in tiny quantities so it was not until the late 20th century that it became available in sufficient quantities for jewelry making. This followed extensive research on moissanite and the discovery of a reliable method of making it in a lab to very high quality.

Whilst a new jewel in its own right it was immediately compared to diamonds due to it's high quality and much lower price. Now moissanite engagement rings are a hit amongst women, and mens moissanite wedding rings are following fast.

As a man does not generally wear an engagement ring his wedding ring may be the only piece of jewelry that he wears so mens moissanite wedding rings are designed to catch the eye, unlike womens wedding rings which are designed to complement the engagement ring rather than detract from it.

Many mens moissanite wedding rings are often set in either gold or two tone white gold/yellow gold. As moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds he has a choice of more stones and bigger ones, so often buys a ring with 2, 3, 4 or more stones in it. Moissanite is not graded in carat (karat) weight exactly like diamonds but it's comparable diamond carat value is usually offered so that buyers can see exactly how much stone they are getting for their money compared to buying a diamond.

For example it is very possible to buy mens moissanite wedding rings with a number of moissanite stones of 3 to 5 mm diameter of somewhere around 1.5 carats (diamond equivalent weight) for around $500 - $800. Or a single moissanite stone of 7 to 8 mm diameter.

Compare that price to buying the same ring with equivalent diamonds and you will be very pleasantly surprised. And your ring will look just as good, or better, than the equivalent diamond ring. And usually the modern man understands that money spent at the start of the relationship is money that is not available later on when the important things, like kids and a house, arrive.

So men, if you really want a wedding ring that shows off exactly who you are with style and sparkle, but don't want to spend so much money on it that it makes you uncomfortable, then a mens moissanite wedding ring has to be considered.

But which one? That's up to you.

Find out more about Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings as well as Moissanite engagement rings, moissanite bridal rings and moissanite stones at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.
© 2005 Peter Crump.

Straddling the Science/Magic Line: A Look At Magnetic Therapy
Maya Talisman Frost

What's the difference between science and magic? It's our understanding of what makes something happen.

If magic is hocus-pocus, science is simply well understood hocus-pocus. Fire? Solar eclipse? Volcanic eruption? Earthquake? Once we can explain it, it becomes science. But sometimes we're stuck straddling that science/magic line.

Consider magnets.

Remember when you were a kid back in elementary school and you first discovered the wonder of
magnets? What a thrill it was to explore the possibilities! There's nothing like messing with natural
forces to spark a child's imagination.

Thirty five years later, I'm still fascinated by magnets. Magnetic therapy has been used for thousands of years
in Asia and Europe. Some believe that magnets help restore the flow of blood through the capillaries, therefore assisting in the flushing of toxins that may accumulate due to injury or illness. Magnets have been
used to relieve the pain of arthritis, carpal tunnel, migraines, joint injuries, menstrual cramps, and much
more. There has been some research in the last couple of years indicating that magnetic therapy may offer
relief to those suffering from depression and attention deficit disorder.

Yet we're not sure how--or if--this really happens. It's got to be some kind of placebo effect, right? We're all looking for simple solutions to help us feel better. Sometimes we want things to work so much that they
actually DO. Does that mean it's all a bunch of hooey?

I've learned a lot about magnets since my husband started developing and distributing Bodylinx, a line of inexpensive magnetic bracelets. Tom stated right from the beginning that he wanted to downplay the jewelry's
possible health benefits. He likes the bracelets because they're fun-you can play around with the magnetic links and rearrange them. Though he remains reluctant to promote a healing property he doesn't really understand, some of his customers are strong advocates magnetic therapy.

We believe whatever we tell ourselves. If we want to think that a bracelet helps our arthritis, we are free to
believe that. And if it turns out to be true, did it work because we believed it or because there is some kind of science/magic at work?

As important as it is to question our beliefs regularly, it's also crucial that we become willing to suspend
disbelief. Fifty years ago, nobody would have believed that we'd have spacecraft landing on Mars and sending
us digital images of the craters there. As a species, we have broken barrier after barrier by daring to believe the impossible one small idea at a time.

We need to accept that there may be therapies that work even if we can't prove they do or understand how
it happens. This doesn't mean we have to be gullible or stop questioning. We simply need to entertain the
possibility.

Whenever possible, I like a hefty dose of science to back up my beliefs. There is a magnetic field present
on our planet. Fortunately, we don't often shoot out into space and have to deal with the physical effects
of that. What about those who do?

Remember the early days of space exploration? We had to wait several hours after splashdown before the
astronauts appeared at any press conferences.

It turns out that human bodies must be properly reintroduced to the earth's magnetic field. In recent
years, the scientists at NASA have learned how to facilitate this physical readjustment. They now have the astronauts change into special suits embedded with magnets as soon as they land. They slip into their orange suits and voila--they're ready for the cameras!

There is a great deal we are learning about magnets, and it's not just to help those who've blasted off into
space for a while. Magnetic wraps have been used for decades to help racehorses heal after injuries. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from trainers to support the continued use of magnetic therapy for horses.
Horses don't tend to say much about their beliefs, so it's hard to point to the placebo effect as a possible
explanation.

The most compelling idea about magnetic therapy is that we may need it now more than ever. We used to walk barefoot in the forests and plains. We had direct
contact with the earth as we slept, hunted, and harvested. We were surrounded by vegetation and natural rock formations.

Not anymore. We've built concrete sidewalks, roadways, foundations, and buildings. We travel in cars
and trains, essentially encapsulating ourselves. We've created a world of barriers between the earth's natural
forces and our bodies. It's reasonable to consider that this may be affecting us physically in ways that are
difficult to diagnose.

The earth has so much to teach us. Sometimes we know what works long before we understand why it
does so.

We've never questioned the fact that being surrounded by nature helps us feel soothed, refreshed, and
invigorated. Scientific research now shows us more specifically how the earth helps us feel better. We
benefit from the negative ions near the ocean, our brains respond to the binaural beats present near
waterfalls or during rainstorms, and our bodies react positively to a restored connection to magnetic
forces.

I'm not likely to latch onto the latest pharmaceuticals or tout the benefits of new-fangled remedies. But the old ones? There's no big company poised to reap huge rewards by promoting them, and consequently, we're not likely to hear about them on the evening news or
be bombarded with television commercials praising their
potent power. I always like supporting the underdog, and in this case, that underdog is backed up by plenty
of science of the unprofitable kind.

We would do well to restore our connection to the earth and the powerful forces that help us maintain our health naturally. How wonderful that we can benefit from negative ions, binaural beats and magnetism
without dealing with health insurance or spending a lot of money at the drugstore.

The next time you take a walk in the woods, stroll along the beach, or stretch out in a meadow, remember
the magic of magnetism. Recapture the wonder you had as a child, and celebrate the fact that sometimes
the simplest solutions are still the ones that fill us with awe.


Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 80 countries. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, visit http://www.massageyourmind.com. To learn more about Bodylinx magnetic bracelets, visit http://www.bodylinx.com.

The Gift Shopping Blues

Carolyn Schweitzer

When it comes to great gift ideas, I have about as much imagination as a hamster. (If they were imaginative, hamsters wouldn't run endlessly in those little wheels). It's odd, really. I'm what you'd call a "natural" when it comes to shopping. I LOVE to shop. Give me an entire day at Filene's Basement and I'm in Heaven.

For the uninitiated, Filene's Basement is one of the most famous bargain basements in the United States. Lurking beneath Filene's Department store in Downtown Boston, "The Basement" is a place where merchandise is continually marked down and competition for the best buys is fierce. There's even a day each Spring when wedding dresses sell so cheaply that scuffles break out in the aisles.

I prefer my shopping nonviolent. But still, the prospect of a great big store full of unexplored "stuff" is more exciting to me than a giant Easter Egg hunt is to the average five year old. I know I'm going to find Easter Eggs (i.e., "hidden treasures"). I just have to uncover their secret little hiding places. That's part of the fun!

I have one small problem, though...

Shopping is only fun if I'm not looking for anything in particular. As soon as there's a "list" involved, it starts to feel like work! Add in the idea that I'm looking for some very special (yet unspecified) item for someone else, and the pressure's really on. If someone says to me, "You must go forth and find something for less than $100 that will make your mother-in-law ecstatically happy", it stops me cold. I become as helpless as a man (Sorry guys!).

Gift Shopping. Arrrghh!

"What", I ask myself, "is my Mother-in-Law's version of an Easter Egg ?" Where are all those clever gift ideas when I need them? Where are they ever?

Panic sets in. Procrastination comes next. Pretty soon I've buried the whole thing in my subconscious, hoping it will "just go away". It doesn't, of course. Like school exams and work deadlines, gift-giving occasions keep on coming -- inevitably and way too often. And those great gift ideas remain as elusive as ever.

So what's a person to do?

My answer was always to get a big pot of coffee and pull an all-nighter.

Umm, I mean, I'd wait until the last minute and then shop until the stores closed. Sure, I'd manage to come up with a few decent gift ideas and some passable gifts. But it's no way to live. And I always knew I could have done better.

I knew things had to change. I knew I had to uncover the secrets possessed by the expert gift-givers...

You know the type. They're the people who smugly announce that they've been done with their Holiday shopping for weeks, when you haven't even started yours -- much less given it any serious thought. They're never at a loss for great gift ideas and they can produce the perfect greeting card at a moment's notice. You won't catch them dashing out to the Quickie Mart for wrapping paper or ribbon; and they have an uncanny knack for finding gifts that are clever, original, and appropriate for any and every occasion. Most distressing of all, their gifts are always heartwarmingly thoughtful!

I pondered my situation for a long time (years), and finally I knew what I had to do. My mission was to transform myself into the sort of magician who could produce great gift ideas and fabulous gifts at the drop of a hat. It's been a long and painful journey, but I'm happy to report a measure of success. Finally, I can look a gift-giving occasion straight in the eye and say, "Hah!! You're not so tough!"

My two most formidable weapons are my "gift closet" and my "little black book". The gift closet is stocked with a variety of gift boxes, gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, and colorful ribbons and bows. There are plenty of little gift cards, as well as greeting cards ranging from Holiday themes to Sympathy to New Baby. Additionally, I've amassed quite an assortment of gifts-for-any-occasion. Some are purchased with people in mind and others because I know they'd be perfect for something.

The "little black book" is just what it sounds like, only it's not filled with phone numbers. Instead I jot down brief notes based on what I learn about people. If someone mentions a hobby or collection, it goes in the black book. If they hint at something they're just dying to have, it goes in the book. If I notice a fondness for a certain type of jewelry or style of dress, I'll make a note of it. Sometimes I even ask leading questions, waiting for a moment when the future "giftee" is distracted, and therefore unsuspecting. I might even ply the giftee's friends for information, admitting only that "I'm curious". All of this has turned me into a bit of a detective -- a secret agent, if you will. And it's actually kind of fun.

In fact, I think I've found a whole new kind of Easter Egg hunt. The hidden treasures are now the little pearls of wisdom I pick up by spying on the experts, and the tidbits I gather on "giftees" during my covert operations. Once I've gathered enough "eggs", I'm armed and ready. I know exactly where to go and what to do. So now, when everyone else around me is in a panic over gift ideas for the coming holiday season -- or for tomorrow's office party-- I'm one of the smug ones. It's a wonderful feeling. And it sure beats running in that little wheel.



Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of "Great-Dog-Gift.com" Check out "The Dog Gift Shopper's Guide for Dog Lovers" at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/dog_gift_3.html , where you'll learn to hone your skills no matter what you're shopping for. If it's jewelry, stop by http://www.thejewelrymine.com and if you like great bargains, visit http://www.netbrainer.com to learn how to find great deals on eBay.


This Season Has A Wonderful Mix of Cuts and Styles
Sher Matsen

Summer is here so it's time to freshen up that wardrobe and make your fashion statement for the season.
If you've had a look around the stores or boutiques you'll notice some of the pretties clothes and accessories are displaying fruit. Very upbeat and refreshing after the winter blah.
Well placed appliqu�s, amusing details, juicy colors make these articles of clothing girlish and flirty. The perfect look for weekends and casual days. We've got cherry print dresses, pineapple topped shirts, melon and kiwi print pants and host of other deliciously flavorable garments. If your wardrobe doesn't consist of a lot of fruit why not added some fruit jewelry, Lemons, grapes, cherries - what ever your favorite you'll be in style.
Some of our favorite designer fashion fruit picks this month are:
A cotton graphic T from J Crews selling for $28.00
Satin cropped fruited pants from D&G seliing for $365.00 available at Neiman Marcus stores
A Silk cherry print skirt by Beth Bowley selling for $170.00
A cotton cherry print dress by Moschino Jeanna selling for $430 at Sloan
Leather shoes with faux wood heal from Faryl-robin selling for $89.00
Rhinestone and Lucite lemon necklace from Alexis Bittar selling for $212
Straw hat with glass fruit charms from Hat Attack selling for $88 at Big Drop
Canvas cherry wallet with strap from Louis Vuitton selling for $300

Yes my picks are designer picks and a little bit on the pricey side, but you will find similar garments for affordable pricing at your local shops. You'll find affordable blouses, t tops, pants, skirts, and dresses that fit this seasons look. Affordable costume jewelry in the fruity theme can be found online at several different stores including us at Estate Jewelry International. The fruity jewelry dating from the 1950s is a wonderful new addition for this season

This season is a season of nostalgia because the last time we saw fruity patterns so popular was back in the 1950s. Fruity in moderation is the key to wearing these prints. Here's a good rule of thumb - if it looks good on a 5 or 6 year old then it's not for a grown women.
If your in your 20s-30s you can choose one item that is a big and bold fruit to make your outfit standout. Don't get carried away. One will make a statement.
If your in your 40s fruity sweetness can quickly sour. Avoid big and bold, rather opting for mini fruit motifs. Small delicate non overpowering fruit is the key here
If your 50+ then no more than a hint of fruit is for you. How about a cherry tote bag or a pineapple brooch pinned to your blouse, or some strawberries on your flip flops. Remember light is much tastier!

This season has a wonderful mix of cuts and styles, from tunics to fitted blouses, to convertible halter dresses. There are choices for all ages, shapes, and sizes. You'll find fruity prints from head to toe, so enjoy and wear what feels right and looks good. Remember to you can always accessorize with fruity jewelry, belts, and shoes. Make your fashion statement!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.