Get a Jump on Mother's Day 2009 Shopping

Mother’s Day 2009 is Sunday, May 10th.

Anna Jarvis, as a memorial to honor her mother, created this relatively modern holiday on May 12th 1907 – the second anniversary of her own mother’s death. Jarvis worked tirelessly to establish Mother’s Day as a national holiday and later as an international holiday. Her efforts were not in vain, as Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates all over the world.

Before Jarvis, women’s peace groups marked an earlier version of “Mother’s Day” after the American Civil War by mother’s who had lost sons in the conflict.

There were even earlier precursors to the holiday we celebrate today, such as “Mothering Sunday” which was celebrated in the 16th century in the United Kingdom and also ancient holidays to honor mothers such as the spring festivals of the Greeks honoring Rhea, wife of Cronus and mother of the gods and goddesses. A Mother's Day-like festival was celebrated in ancient Rome dedicated to the worship of Cybele, a mother goddess. These ceremonies to honor Cybele began some 250 years before Christ was born. Known as Hilaria, this Roman religious celebration lasted for three days - from March 15 to 18.

Through the efforts of Anna Jarvis, the holiday was officially declared by some states beginning in 1912. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother's Day, as a day for American citizens to fly the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war.

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
- Abraham Lincoln

Buy great gifts for mom here:

Swine Flu in a Nutshell

Today’s “Hot Trend” is really a health emergency. So here are the facts about the Swine Flu in a nutshell.

Caused by a virus common in pigs, this virus has developed the ability to jump and be spread from human to human. The good news is that it seems to respond to antiviral drugs. Swine flu symptoms similar to those of regular flu - fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Human infection from pigs are most likely to occur when people come in close proximity to infected animals, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. There is no danger of catching Swine Flu from eating pork.

Human-to-human transmission of swine flu is believed to occur the same way as the common seasonal flu, through the sneezing and coughing of people infected with the influenza virus.

Another way people become infected is by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. So some of the ways to avoid catching the flu are:

1) Cover nose and mouth

2) Wash hands often

3) Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

4) Avoid close contact with sick people

If you feel you are coming down with flu symptoms see a doctor immediately- and try to avoid social situations. For example, if you feel you are getting sick, don't get on public transportation and go to work. Call in sick and go to a doctor. Your health is important and if you do have the Swine Flu, you want to get treatment right away and not spread it to anyone else.

The best way to stay healthy is to follow the precautions set out by the Centers for Disease Control and be proactive about your health. VitaPal.com has a huge selection of Vitamins, Supplements, Homeopathic Remedies for adults and kids. Free Shipping on orders over $100.

Susan Boyle Goes To Hollywood

It happened so fast that you may have metaphorical whiplash. The UK’s Susan Boyle who left Simon Cowell uncharacteristically speechless on “Britain’s Got Talent” with the juxtaposition of her unpolished frumpiness and stunning vocal abilities has had a makeover. It was bound to happen so let’s not get too disappointed. It will be now interesting to watch whether or not the public will continue to embrace her as the poignant diamond in the rough too long overlooked by a culture obsessed with “traditional” beauty when she herself is now corrupted.

I don’t blame her. This diamond deserves to treat herself to some polishing. I just hope that by doing so, her inner beauty does not dull.

Treat yourself to some polishing of your own…

Outside…



and inside….

Madden 2010 Revealed Tonight!

This just in: It's been announced that Jimmy Fallon will be revealing the eagerly awaited Madden NFL 10 video game on The Late Show tonight. Fallon also confirmed that they will be playing the game on the show to spotlight its new features. Speaking as someone who's been playing video games since the "Pong" days... I can't wait!

If you love video games and budgets are tight, you can join Gamefly.


It works like Netflicks. Just rent the games, keep them for as long as you like and send them back when you are done. You can also rent-to-buy. With over 6,000 games, it's a great resource in these tough economic times so you don't have to sacrifice your favorite pastime to save money.

Love, Tudor Style

I love history and am a big fan of period dramas. “The Tudors” on Showtime is my current obsession. The art direction is beautiful and the acting is engaging - especially Natalie Dormer who for 2 seasons played Anne Boleyn with the depth and complexity she undoubtedly possessed. The series has had some criticism due to the fact that for the sake of drama the writers have some artistic license. I am forgiving because I am sure it will spark a desire in many to further study that most interesting time in European History - The English Reformation. It has for me. It has also highlighted the dangers of marriage between church and state as I couldn’t help but think of the poor serfs who were forced to live and die by the personal desires of a "Sovereign" as well as the "Princes of the Church" who also sought to control them in the name of God.

With the recent publication of Henry’s letters to Anne Boleyn, we see that whether one was born in Henry’s time or today, the human condition has remained the same. People want what they can’t have and Henry VIII was no different. His passion for the woman who dared to say “no” to his sexual advances led many to the scaffold and changed the course of history.

This series is fascinating. Buy it here:






There is no doubt that Henry was a passionate man who bucked the convention, which bound nobility of the time, and rather than form a union to gain political advantage, married for love. Find YOUR passionate love with the help of a7 Day Free Trial @ Chemistry.com
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Big Fan of "The Biggest Loser"

The seventh season of the weight-loss competition is almost at an end. It has ballooned to 2-hour episodes – a half hour gain from previous seasons. I am not complaining. I’ve been a fan since Season 1 and have become attached to it’s rhythm and a formula which includes the recap of last week, the challenges, the “last chance” workout and even the editing of the weigh-in process where the sound of the beeping scale is interspersed with the faces of the cast and trainers in various states of surprise, shock or triumph which may or may not reflect the true outcome on the scale. The formula works, as does the mission of the show which puts special emphasis on the obesity crisis that is affecting many young Americans today. The transformations are truly stunning but let’s not forget that most overweight Americans will never get the chance to be on “The Biggest Loser” and must simply look to it for inspiration.

Thankfully, I have never had to face such a daunting weight-loss challenge where I had to lose hundreds of pounds, but at one point in my life I lost 40 pounds and thankfully have kept it off for over 10 years. This was the result of a lifestyle change, not a diet, and the incorporation of exercise in my daily life. Commendably, during most weigh-ins on the show, “The Biggest Loser” goes out of it’s way to make the point that losing weight so rapidly is just not feasible in “real life” and stress more realistic and healthy goals for the viewer.

The show also stresses that any positive change is not going to happen unless one takes action. Along with some not-so-subtle product placement, “The Biggest Loser” gives viewers suggestions and motivations to make healthy changes in their lives. I love it!

Speaking of product placement - “The Biggest Loser” contestants have successfully used Bodylastics in their workouts. Bodylastics is an affordable and portable substitute to the home gym system – an ideal solution for home resistance and strength training.

Take action for your health! Click on the ad below to get them now!




The other ingredient to a healthy lifestyle change is diet. Medfast is a doctor-recommended diet plan that you can try for 2 weeks free by clicking the ad below





Congratulations on taking action for positive change!

Married and Dating?

With all this talk of online dating, let me assure my married readers that just being in a committed relationship does not mean that there isn't a website for you. The most famous (or infamous depending on your point of view) is AshleyMadison.com which specializes in online dating for married people. The thought of this site's existence brings many irate comments on various blogs where it is mentioned. Obviously, infidelity of a spouse is painful to say the least, but in spite of this fact AshleyMadison boasts close to 3 million members.

"Infidelity is a fact of life and we do not judge the many reasons why people sign up for their free Ashley Madison membership," said AshleyMadison's founder Noel Biderman. "Services like Ashley Madison did not invent the behavior of infidelity. Instead, www.AshleyMadison.com provides a safe and successful platform for those individuals who've decided to proceed down this path."

The site's demographic is 70 percent men and 30 percent women. The average male member is in his mid- to late-30s or early 40s and has been married five to 10 years. According to the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, approximately 50 percent married women and 60 percent of married men will have an extramarital affair at some time in their marriage. This being the case, Noel Biderman (who describes himself as happily married with children) has seen a need in the market and filled it. Interested?
Click the banner below to explore AshleyMadison.com for yourself.

Dating for Digitals

43 year-old business executive Neenah Pickett has launched a website titled 52 Weeks 2 Find Him to help her find a husband and she’s enlisted the help of the world to aid her in her search. It’s an interesting experiment and I’m eager to see how it pans out. My real hope is that we understand that true love starts with the self. That aside, I have personally known 3 people who have met and married with the help of Internet dating sites so I know it has helped many people find a life partner. If you are in the market for a mate, join the digital daters. There's no shame in placing a personal ad. These days, everyone is doing it....

Yahoo Personal's is a great place to start! Good luck!



While you're at it, why not try Match.com as well? You can check out the prospects for 3 days free! Try Match.com




Just like the lottery, you have to be in it to win it! Go get 'em!

Earth Day 2009 - How Can I Help?

Today, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, is Earth Day. This beautiful planet we call home can be compared to the only ball in the playground that we all have to share.

The state of Seattle, Washington is named for the Native American leader who said, “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” ~Chief Seattle, 1855. I find this beautiful and poignant truism a motivation to make small changes in my life that may seem like a drop in the bucket, but benefit the Earth.

Here are some ways you can start making a difference today.


1) Buy Green:
It is vital that businesses trying to do the right thing when it comes to our beloved Earth are supported. When other businesses see that the public supports this type of business, they will also adapt and promote Earth-friendly standards. In the meantime, wherever possible, let’s say “hey! I caught you doing the right thing” by spending our money in Earth conscious businesses.

For example, the web-based, family-owned business “Baby Earth” offers eco-friendly baby products and is committed to making your baby’s world as healthy, happy and safe as possible. Click the ad below to shop at Baby Earth.




2) Bring your lunch:
A reusable lunch box will lower the packaging waste that enters our landfills.

3) Seal your windows:
One of the major drains on home energy is inadequately sealed windows. If the $150-$200 a pop on eco-friendly windows sounds steep, you could try a cost-conscious alternative and simply install weather stripping. This can cost approximately $4.48 for 10 feet of black foam tape and approximately $1.98 for a 10-ounce caulking tube. Properly sealing your windows can cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent.

4) Unplug appliances:
According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, “standby power” accounts for about 10 percent of all residential electricity used nationwide. Make it easy by Connecting your appliances and electronics to a power strip and simply shutting it off when not in use.

5) Use a fan:
According to Progress Energy, “Fans used to supplement air conditioning save energy by permitting a higher thermostat setting. Air movement from the fan evaporates moisture on the skin and makes a person feel cooler. With this cooling effect, most people can raise their thermostat three to four degrees and feel just as comfortable. And that can mean savings of around 25 percent on your cooling costs. For every degree you raise the air conditioning thermostat, you can save 7 percent to 10 percent on cooling costs. However, there are no energy savings if you use a ceiling fan and do not raise the air conditioning thermostat.”

6) Switch to Compact Florescent Light bulbs:
CFL’s cost a little more than a traditional bulb but they drain about a quarter of the electricity that their incandescent competitors do and they last eight to 15 times longer – so are basically more cost-effective.

7) Get Serious – Grow your own food!
Many city-dwellers don’t have the practical space needed for gardening, but if you do, growing your own food can benefit the Earth as well as enhance your health and enjoyment. How does growing your own food benefit the Earth? One big reason is that fuel used to ship your food is a culprit in global warming. If you can’t grow your own food, always buy local and frequent farmers markets.

WikiHow has a great article detailing step by step how to grow your own food. Click Here.

In addition, Mastergardening.com has a large variety of worm composters, garden composters and aeration composters to get you started. They have everything you need plus great deals and free Shipping over $100.






8) Remember that we are in this together!
We all love our planet and want it to thrive. Show her some respect and Mother Earth will reciprocate by providing us with her life-sustaining bounty – but this is a partnership. Let’s all do our part!

Find A Last Minute Gift For Your Administrative Assistant.

JustFlowers.com catalog contains more than 1000 products that can help you find a last minute gift for your Administrative Assistant. Same day delivery is also available (as well as a God-send for the absent-minded among us!)

Administrative Assistant Day

Just the other day as I was spending my precious day off running around like a chicken without a head I exclaimed, "I need an assistant!" We all need a little help at time, and those who are lucky enough to have an assistant (also known as a secretary) get one official day a year to express their gratitude.

According to Wikipedia, Administrative Professionals Day formerly known as Secretary's Day is an unofficial secular holiday observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April (i.e. April 25, 2007; April 23, 2008; April 22, 2009; April 21, 2010), to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals.

Judging by the fact that the term "Administrative Assistant Day" and "Secretary's Day" are both trending "Spicy" in the Google Trend Lab, it is safe to assume that many lucky bosses plan to honor their assistant's with a token of their appreciation this coming week.