The Trick To Avoiding Unwanted Holiday Pounds: Get Organized

by: Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch

It's the mother of all hangovers - the holiday weight gain. The average person gains between 2-5 pounds over the holiday season, so while it's may not shock you to learn on January 2rd that you've creeped up a bit, it's definitely disheartening. It's so hard to resist the cookies and cakes and extra helpings of mashed potatoes…and it's only once a year, right? Take heart in knowing that you can enjoy yourself this holiday season without getting smacked in the face come January. It just takes a little organization now to save yourself later.

Sarah on "not getting swept up in the moment"

It seems like once December hits, it's an eating and drinking roller coaster ride and I'm the first one lining up. Whether it's the goodies in the office, the after-work parties, or the weekend get-togethers, I definitely get caught up in the moment and indulge. I have to remind myself that while it's once a year, I don't have to have everything, so I've instituted a new rule to avoid the holiday bulge. I let myself have one treat daily. So, if I want to have a slice of cake, that's fine, but I can't pop Godivas in my mouth at my desk later that day. One treat makes me feel like I've indulged without the overindulgence."

Alicia on "keeping my schedule sacred"

I feel pulled in so many directions during the holidays. On top of the usual stuff, there are gifts to buy, parties to attend, a house to decorate - it gets crazy. I have found in the past that I tend to drop the "me" time and end up skipping workouts to fit in other tasks. Last year, I made my workouts sacred time and never strayed. It helped me get through the stress of the season and also let me eat a few extra treats without the guilt."

Three Tips for Getting Organized & Trimming the Fat from Your Holiday Season:

1. Keep Track!

This is the #1 rule of many diets and once you start writing down what you ate, you'll be surprised at how many calories you're consuming. If it goes in your mouth, keep track and write it down (and yes, that fistful of red and green M&Ms should be included!).

2. Be Accountable.

There is a reason the buddy system works. People generally want to avoid disappointing others. If you think you're going to overindulge this season, find a buddy who will keep you accountable. Pick a date (Jan 2nd is always good) and make a bet, then tell your friend that you'll check in with your weight. If either of you has gained more than 3 pounds from your starting weight, you owe the other one $150. We chose $150 because it is not an inconsequential sum. You can go with less, or more, just make sure that it is a number that will motivate you to avoid the gain. With real money at stake, you'll be surprised at how you can resist that sprinkle cookie at the office party.

3. Eat Well When You Can.

Nobody is perfect and there are just going to be some nights that you ate a handful of tiny quiches for dinner but on the nights that you are home with no obligations, make sure you eat healthy meals and snacks. If you have a hard time with meal planning, we are huge believers in the Five O'Clock Scramble (www.thescramble.com). Buy the cookbook or sign up for the online meal planning system. You put your brain on auto-pilot and make whatever Aviva Goldfarb has on her healthy menu.

About The Author Buttoned Up is dedicated to helping stretched & stressed women get organized. Co-founders Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch team up with a group of Gurus to give you tips & products for all your messy, stressed needs & introduce "imperfect organization." Visit http://www.getbuttonedup.com to see which Guru matches your style & get info on Everyday Life, Life Essentials & Life Events The author invites you to visit: http://www.getbuttonedup.com

Article Source:
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How to reserve a holiday home in Naples, Florida

by: Teddy Lupain

Naples, the "crown jewel of Southwest Florida" has developed the reputation as the centre of Southwest Florida’s entertainment for many reasons. A holiday rental in Naples offers a taste of all that has made this part of the world such a hugely desired holiday destination. Shopping, restaurants, multiple, challenging golf courses, excellent fishing, incredible landscapes and of course the fine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Within easy reach of some of the finest beaches on the west coast of Florida, holiday rental accommodation in Naples can often be found within walking distance of an endless stretch of blissful white sand washed by the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, villa and apartment rentals in Naples being highly sought after by anyone with a craving for sun, sea and sand, particularly those hoping to swop the cold and gloom of winter at home for the kind of idyllic weather that can be relied on virtually all year round in Florida. Golfing holiday accommodation in Naples is something to be considered for a family vacation as the exclusive golf resorts in the area can offer so many other opportunities for sport, leisure and recreation that people of all ages are sure to find plenty of pastimes that will appeal to their interests, where any of the holiday villas in Naples are so close to the sea, a wide range of watersports are easily available to the visitor, including sailing and fishing, and with so much urban culture waiting to be discovered in the cosmopolitan city of Naples, holiday accommodation on Florida's Gulf Coast anywhere else would simply struggle to compete with the variety, diversity and versatility that is guaranteed when you choose an apartment or villa rental in Naples.

A holiday rental in Naples allows you to either discover the island seclusion of Marco Island or the Isles of Capri, or the wild tropical wilderness of the Everglades. Close by, the city of Bradenton offers a long historical and cultural heritage, which will undoubtedly give you a magnificent understanding of the history of the area whilst staying in Naples holiday accommodation.

Naples is the commercial centre of Southwest Florida, and as a result has the best shopping and most extensive range of internationally renowned restaurants. A self catering holiday rental in Naples will certainly not leave you wishing for more choice of cuisine!

Away from the shopping in Naples, the edge of the city is marked by one of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches. The incredibly fine white sands of Naples Beach are a huge attraction to the area, with immense tropical beauty and warm, quiet waters lapping gently on the shore.

Naples can boast the honour of having the highest ratio of golf courses to golfers in the USA! There are 35 golf courses in Naples to choose from, when you take accommodation in Naples, and there is a variety of style of course whilst maintaining meticulous standards.

About The Author I write articles for Lupain Holiday Rentals. Browse our website to see the full range of self catering accommodation in Naples. Lupain Holiday Rentals for the best holidays in Naples. The author invites you to visit: http://www.lupain-holiday-rentals.com

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_5880.shtml

Developing Your Interests - How to Find Your Soul-Longing Career

By Kathi Calahan 

Some of us move from career to career, never really knowing where we belong.

Others know right from the start where they are destined to make a living and then go out and do it. Cortney Litwin is just such a person.

Growing up, she always had an interest in writing, astrology and public speaking. In her 20's Cortney studied astrology endlessly. In her 30's she honed her writing skills to perfection by going back to school and getting a degree in journalism. During her 40's she found opportunities to use her love of public speaking and began broadcasting for several radio stations.

While her parents may have hoped she would go into the family business (they made that famous wide belt Elvis wore during his last performance), the tailoring business was just not for her.

All the while, she continued to find work that matched her skills and interests.
If we could have watched the evolution of Cortney's Life's Work, it would have looked something like this:

• Early in life she made a point of following her interest in astrology, dream interpretation and other metaphysical studies.
• She also expanded her three favorite values, which included the exploration of spirituality and personal growth, developing her creativity and becoming a positive force in the world.
• Her interest in writing and understanding why people act the way they do helped her become a positive force in the world through her great love of helping people and through the study of spiritual astrology.
• She has finally developed the perfect career for her, which includes her most important skills, interests and values. Ever expanding her talents, as the industry changed so did she. Not once did she ever want to get out of her career field. She had found her purpose.

Today, Cortney beams when she talks about her work. "I'm a writer of metaphysical articles and an astrologer. I'm also a co-host personality of the internet radio show, "The Cosmic Sutra," where I share my astrology and dream interpretation expertise with callers."

Because Cortney had the foresight to develop and capitalize on the benefits of her spirituality and personal growth, she now provides spiritual and relationship insights to people who listen to her radio show and read her thought-provoking articles.

If you are one of the millions who do not yet know where you belong in a career, don't give up. There are solutions. Look back like Cortney did at your early God-given skills, interests and values. If you cannot quite put them together and see your career options, find a career counselor who will help you sort it all out. You may find yourself ready to start that dream business you've been thinking about from home.

For updates on how to find your best career/personality match, go to Life's Work Career

[http://www.godseer.com/]

For further information on the Spiritual application of this subject go to [http://www.godseer.com/index_files/Page7850.htm] To your career success!
© 2008
Certified Behavioral Therapist and Spiritual Career Counselor, Kathi Calahan, helps others find the work best suited to their personalities. Her background includes teaching at two different California community colleges, a business representative at the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce and for many years developed her spiritual side by working as a Professional Psychic. Helping others discover their life's work is done through her company, Finding God - Practical & Spiritual Solutions to Everyday Problems. godseer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathi_Calahan

Aligning Personal Interest With The Career

By Shen Gerald 

Unless one is born with a silver spoon, more often than not, a human being has to work at some point of his or her life. We can safely say that a very significant amount of our waking hours is spent working or making a living. There is no denying that we need many things like food, shelter and daily resources in order to survive. Unfortunately, on this planet called Earth, we have to work in exchange for these necessities.

Given the fact that we spent a large part of our life working, how can we make our job and career more pleasant and enjoyable? A very important consideration for work enjoyment is to find a job that is aligned with our personal interest.

For example, if you enjoy and is good at drawing and painting, you may want to find a job that allows you to do just that. You may want to thrive towards being a graphic designer because this job takes full advantage of your passion and skill for drawing and painting.

In life we have to thrive towards our goals. It is not just enough to hold onto an idea. We have to make the necessary decisions and take the appropriate actions towards the attainment of our goal. Therefore, even when one knows what he likes and wants to be, he must still strive towards realising his dream.

For example, a person likes to draw and want to be a graphic designer, he must do something that makes him one eventually. He might have to take the relevant trainings and courses to get the appropriate qualifications. In another word, he needs to spend time and effort to increase his chances of succeeding at his goal of being a graphic designer.

So, in the nutshell, we should align our interest and talents with our work. An additionally, we will need to make the necessary decision and execute the subsequent actions to make our dreams come true.
I hope that this article has been useful. Thank you for reading.

The author runs Job Lense, a website which provides job references to many genres of careers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shen_Gerald

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/950554

The Common Sense Holiday Cooking Survival Guide

By Monica Harris 

Ahh the holidays - A time for joy, a time for cheer, a time for screaming and running in circles....

Holiday cooking is probably one of the most memorable and enjoyable aspects of the season, but it can also be a huge source of consternation and hair loss.

Well fret not. I have worked my fingers (and web browser) to the bone to put together these few tips to help get you through the holiday cooking gauntlet.

1. PLAN AHEAD!

Okay so this sounds pretty commonsensical, but you would be surprised how many people fly by the seat of their pants when they're cooking. All this can do for you is provide the opportunity for multiple trips to the store for things you could have gotten the first time around had you only PLANNED BETTER!
Make a decision about the meals and desserts you want to make, and then draft your shopping list accordingly. Refrain from making last minute changes - don't put that added stress on yourself - remember - IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!

2. Don't Be Afraid to Make Extra

I have members in my family that are NOTORIOUS for either showing up unannounced, or for bringing unexpected guests. But it's the holidays! You don't want to let situations like that cause you stress, and you certainly don't want to have to eek out small portions like the cranky lunchroom lady from high school - so be prepared! Squeeze in that extra chair - the more the merrier!

3. Embrace Technology - Kitchen Gadgets are Good Things...

My grandmother taught me this lesson pretty early in life. Now keep in mind that my grandmother is truly old school. She was born and raised in Edonton Georgia, and she learned how to cook on a potbelly stove that used wood for fuel. I can't imagine trying to get an oven to the right temperature with various sized logs, etc, but she did it. Anyway, she truly appreciates the value of a good kitchen gadget. I remember the look on her face the first time she used an electric knife - now that's entertainment. There's no sight on earth like an elderly woman grinning and hacking away at a turkey leg. Good times. Simply put, there are numerous inexpensive items out there that you can use to organize and prep your food to make this process easier and in some cases even fun! The time you save will is priceless.

4. Use Your Kids

Your kids are your labor force. Have them schlep for you. They have all this boundless energy - why not harness it for the purposes of making your life easier? Also, referring back to Tip #3, your kids will love using those kitchen gadgets when and where appropriate (in many cases they are kid safe). Assign them those jobs where they can make a contribution without making your life more difficult. And they'll enjoy being included in the preparations! Imagine how proud they will be to tell everyone what they made.

5. Don't Panic! 

Keep your calm and remember that there is always a solution for any problem you may encounter. Take a step back from your situation and weigh your options. There is always something you can do to recover from disaster. Also remember that Holidays are a time for friends and family. In many cases they will be more than willing to lend a hand if you find yourself in over your head.
So sally forth, my confident holiday compatriots, and gird your pork loins for the heat of battle; secure in the knowledge that just a little common sense and advance planning can bring you through the holiday season with style and a minimum of weeping and despair.

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Dress Up Fun for Girls is Free

Having a computer opens up a ton of opportunities for you. Having an Web association is even better as you'll be able to have access to simply regarding something from data to fun games. Therefore, if you would like to offer your youngsters something fun to play with, why not try some dress up games that are out there for free on various net sites.

These games will be for girls, for boys or for both boys and girls. For girls there are several games that involve Barbie dolls, or different dolls, whereas for boys there are games that involve cowboys, Indians, historical figures and all completely different interesting characters. There are also celebrity dress up games that involve choosing the outfit and therefore the accessories for a celebrity like Britney Spears or Elvis Priestley. Next, there are dress up games in which you can opt for the garments for a dog or another pet. Some dress up games with weddings are highly modern and are among very little girls' favorites. Games that involve dressing up a couple also are highly entertaining and sought after. Multicultural dress up games will be very informative and can provide a chance to very little girls to find out concerning the atmosphere and all the nations of the world.

You do not have to be a child on order to play such dress up games. Considering the very fact that these games mean a ton of fun, this may build this activity one that can facilitate your relax and smile. Therefore, maybe this is all you wish to finish up a troublesome and stressful day at work. Thus if you have got a child you can play along, but whether or not you do not have children you can also have a blast while attempting to try and do a make over on a doll, a celebrity, a cute dog or why not a cowboy or a historical character. These dress up games will help you pay some quality time with your children or have some fun by yourself. The games involve a little bit of creativity and imagination, thus they are highly educational. Kids will learn a heap concerning the things of clothing, regarding how to dress, how to use create up or how to decorate a space or a house or maybe an event like a wedding.

Is it all for free? The solution is yes. There are a number of dress up games that are accessible for free and you simply need to stay on-line and strive diverse outfits, build ups, environments, decors and thus on. Therefore, if you're searching for a little fun for yourself or your children, simply browse the Net for a few entertaining dress up game and begin using your imagination while you and your kids create a new character, doll, celebrity, couple, wedding setting etc.

UBAYNNA - About the Author:

Steve Flores  has been writing articles on-line for nearly 2 years now. Not solely can this author target  Dress Up Games
You'll be able to also take a look at latest website concerning :
Dress Up Games For GirlsWhich reviews and lists the best
chibis dress up games

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/dress-up-fun-for-girls-is-free-3539963.html

Get your Family a Trampoline for Fun and Exercise

Not too long ago, it was very common for children to spend their summer days bouncing on a trampoline. In the back yard or out in the garden, nothing is more fun than bouncing as high as you can, trying to reach the clouds on your trampoline. Games are easy to play on a trampoline. From playing popcorn, a game where you jump on a trampoline with little plastic balls and try to catch as many you can without dropping them or stopping bouncing, to practicing different kinds of dives for the swimming pool, a trampoline is one the most fun and versatile toys a child can have.

Safety concerns over the last twenty years have really made the traditional trampoline lose popularity and make parents afraid to have them in their yards for liability reasons. A trampoline is not as risky as most people think as long as safety procedures are followed. A simple trampoline net can eliminate many of the greatest risks that children face when using a trampoline. The pure joy and gleeful squeals that children make on a trampoline really make it toy you should seriously reconsider for your home.

From an adult perspective, trampolines are great exercise devices to increase your strength and flexibility. It is one of the most fun types of exercises out there for adults. Doing jumps for 20 minutes on a trampoline is the exercise equivalent of running 3 miles. It is a great aerobic activity that has minimal impact on your ankles and knees. Some exercise programs still rely on the trampoline principles but have taken the small trampolines out of the home and turned them into bouncing balls.

For people with mobility or knee issues, the modern exercise half moon balls can be difficult to stand and balance on. Unlike a trampoline where the surface is flat unless you begin to bounce, the balls are rounded and really make it difficult to stand up straight on them.

Trampolines are a great aerobic exercise for adults for one more reason. Bouncing on a trampoline with your happy, playful children feels nothing like exercise. It is fun, it is spontaneous, it brings back warm memories from your childhood and above all else, and it is something that is easy for your kids to get involved in. In fact your kids will initiate exercise activities on the trampoline and keep you motivated to keep going. Don't waste your time on a treadmill. Have fun with your kids and love it. Get your family a trampoline.

Claire Jarrett - About the Author:

SuperTramp offer trampoline accessories

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/get-your-family-a-trampoline-for-fun-and-exercise-4217602.html