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 We
might live in a world of credit and instant gratification, but as this
country’s recent economic troubles have shown us, owing isn't owning,
and being able to live within a budget is a lot more important than
creditors would like you to believe. Budgets, are in fact, one of the
greatest tools you can use to achieve your financial goals, live within
your means, and save up money for the fun things in life.
Here's
how it works: you assess the flow of money in your household, namely
where it comes from and where it goes. Draw out your budget (in a
spreadsheet, on a graph, with crayons- whatever works for you.) Then,
you evaluate that. Are you spending too much money on something you
don't need? Are there areas where you'd like to save money? How much
money can you afford to save each month? If you are currently in debt,
look for ways to make the largest payments possible until you're in the
clear. Next, draw up the budget you would like to be keeping, being
realistic about living expenses. If you have long term financial goals,
draw those out on a timeline so that you can see how they can and will
be achieved.
Finally, you'll want to find a program or
bookkeeping method that will allow you to easily track your earnings
and spending. After that, you just start living your new budget. It
might take a month or two before you can fully transition to your new
budget, but don't give up. Then, continue to refine your budget as you
go. It will be a lot easier to save up for your dream vacation if you
know where the savings can come from!
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It
isn't always easy to change time zones and adjust immediately, but if
you follow the following steps, you'll be that much closer to being
able to avoid jet lag.
 1)
Before you leave, or once you board the plane, set your watch to your
destination's time zone. You might even choose to adjust your sleep
schedule a day in advance, going to bed early if you're flying east or
later if you're flying west.
2) Drink plenty of water before,
during, and after your flight. The humidity level on planes is
extremely low- if you drink 8 oz. of water every hour you will merely
be replacing the water loss through your skin.
3) Sleep
according to the time zone you're going to. Choose flights that will be
conducive (Many would rather fly overnight and arrive early in the
morning so that you can sleep on the plane, rather than staying awake
over an 8 hour flight).
4) If you arrive during the daytime,
spend time outside (in sunlight, specifically). This will help your
body's internal clock catch up with time changes.
5) If you arrive in the evening, have something to eat, take a hot bath, and go to sleep.
6)
Get up at a reasonable hour your first day in the new location,
regardless of what time you went to bed- this will get you started on
your new time schedule. If you need help waking up, eat an apple or
exercise- avoid using caffeine to get you going.
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| Leadership Tips for the Office |
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There
is a big difference between being a boss and being a leader. Not
everyone is inherently a leader, but it is a skill that can be learned
and practiced by anyone interested. The trick is to understand what
inspires people to follow and trust in others to lead them. To begin
with, know the people who you are leading. You don't need to be good
friends with them, but if you understand how they think, you'll be able
to communicate your ideas and passions to them more effectively.
It
should go without saying that the best way to lead is by example, but
far too many people miss this simple fact. Lead by example, take
responsibility for your actions, and make sure that your decisions are
well thought out. Solicit input from employees only when you actually
intend to listen- and when you do use their input, give credit where it
is due. Communicating successes and recognizing your employees' hard
work will go a long way toward letting them know that you appreciate
their work. When you delegate tasks out, do so with clear expectations
and deadlines.
Sometimes, what it all comes down to is having an
idea that you are passionate about. When you are inspired by your
goals, it will be infectious. The difference in morale is astonishing
when everyone truly believes in the goals they are working toward. If
you can share your enthusiasm with your employees, you'll be on your
way to achieving your goals and establishing a role as their leader,
not just their boss.
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| Antioxidants: Where To Find Them |
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 We
all know that antioxidants are one of the greatest things that food has
to offer...well, at least, one of many important nutrients we stand to
gain from eating whole, healthy foods. Antioxidants are known to help
prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, slow (and perhaps even prevent)
the aging process- both internally and externally- and generally do the
body a whole lot of good by sweeping up free radicals and escorting
them out of the body before they can do any damage. So, where to find
antioxidants in their natural state? Let's take a look:
Fruits:
Berries, especially blueberries, cranberries and blackberries, are rich
in antioxidants. Other good choices include apples, cherries, grapes,
and tomatoes.
Vegetables:
Spinach, broccoli, carrots, and artichoke hearts are all high ranking
options. Serve with garlic for even more antioxidant power!
Beans/Legumes: Black beans, pinto beans, and red kidney beans are all great choices.
Nuts: For health benefits, choose raw and unsalted almonds and walnuts.
Whole Grains: Look beyond wheat to bulgur, quinoa, and amaranth for new grains your diet.
Tea: Green tea is very high in antioxidants and can be mixed with other herbs for boosted health effects!
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In this Issue:
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Contact Information
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Name
Phone
My Website
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Are You Smarter Than Your Phone?
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Smart
phones are all the rage these days and for good reason- they can do
just about everything! Need directions? Want to check your email? Feel
like watching a little TV while you wait? Want to take a
spur-of-the-moment picture? A smart phone can do all of that and more!
In fact, almost no one is actually using their smart phone to its
fullest capacity. In fact, most people don't even use a regular cell
phone to its fullest capacity. So why do we need smart phones?
Technology
is bringing us closer and closer to an age of instant access, and, as a
result, instant gratification. It isn't enough to have a calendar with
the full moon and new moon listed, we now have widgets that will track
the moon phase constantly, including planetary alignment. Smart phones
are amazing things, and can get you out of a jam- instead of being
lost, you just turn on your GPS or look up directions on Google Maps.
Just remember- interacting with your phone is no substitute for
interacting with other human beings.
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Tips for Entertaining
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When
hosting an affair of any nature- whether it is a summer barbecue, a
swanky winter holiday affair, or a birthday party, you have several
tasks as a host. The first is to ensure that you have a comfortable and
conducive atmosphere for your event. It may seem like common sense, but
you'd be surprised how many people fail to take into account a clear
space for dancing to music, whether live or Deejayed. If you are
serving food any heavier than light finger foods, make sure that there
is ample seating for groups of people to sit and eat.
Speaking of
food, make sure you've planned for your culinary offerings to be
accessible to your guests. Placing the food in an open space or on a
table that can be approached from both sides is helpful. Consider
separating your food and beverage offerings to prevent overcrowding in
one location. Finally, have a designated space for people to leave
dirty dishes and empty classes. This will make it easier for you to
clear the room easily throughout the party, resulting in a party space
that is clear of clutter.
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Exercise with Your Kids
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It
stands to reason that you want to be healthy, and that you want to have
healthy children, so why not combine the two? You wouldn't serve your
child a plate of fruit and vegetables while you chowed down on a
hamburger and fries, so why put your children out of the way when you
work out? Obviously, there will be times when an adults-only workout is
desired, but by inviting your children to exercise with you, you get to
spend quality time with your children while ensuring their health now
and into the future.
Help your little ones develop healthy
habits, like taking time each morning to do some stretching exercises.
Take walks together- and don't forget to invite the family dog! As your
children get older, they can walk the dog by themselves. Ask your
children to join you in a few simple yoga poses- they will enjoy the
fun animal names (upward and downward dog, cat and cow, fish pose, etc)
and the two of you can make yoga into a fun game while building strong,
flexible bodies together. Even if your kids don't pick up the
activities you love to do, they will have learned that it is good to
have exercise activities built into the schedule, and can find those
that suit them best as they grow up.
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