People complain all the time about how busy they are with work, school, and activities. Family time seems to come in last place or is completely forgotten as the family becomes consumed with its responsibilities and activities.

Rather than becoming a family of strangers, simply take 30 minutes a day to reconnect. It doesn’t have to be a big event; in fact, being spontaneous with your activity will invite some giggles and everyone will be more relaxed.

Here are some simple tips for spending more family time together:

Television is one of the biggest distractions in our modern homes. The bigger the screen, the more entranced we become. Make a habit of turning off the television, especially during family dinner time, and spend time talking and listening to your family members.

Remember the “good ol’ days” by taking a walk down memory lane. Pull out the old family photo albums and share funny stories or remember a beloved relative who has passed away.

Praying or meditating together can help soothe your bodies and minds and helps us become more compassionate toward others. Making a ritual of worshipping together builds your social community and helps us to understand that life is precious.

The kitchen is the “heart of the home” and children can learn that early on by helping prepare meals. Assign each family member a job and allow the older children to plan the dinner menu and/or prepare the actual meal.

Eating dinner together (without the tv on!) is a wonderful time to discuss everyone’s day and to hear about any struggles or worries that may be festering. A supportive family who can converse openly about any subject helps strengthen the children’s self-esteem and confidence level.

Plan an adventure. Head off for parts unknown with a map, a picnic lunch and a full tank of gas. Laugh when you make a wrong turn and hand off the map to see if another sibling can find their way home.

One-on-one time with each individual child is just as important as whole family time. Make a date with each child and do something special together. Listen carefully to your child as this is their chance to be heard without interruption.

Enjoy the great outdoors. Taking the dog for a walk or riding your bikes around the park will give your family extra time to talk as well as keep the family healthy. To keep the activities new and fresh, let each family member choose an activity.

Exercising together will help each family member reach a common health goal. Having this support system will make those goals more attainable. Teaching your children at an early age about the benefits of daily exercise will also help prevent them from becoming “couch potatoes.”

Plan a family fun night at home. Entertainment and quality family fun does not have to cost anything. Pull out some dusty board games, teach the kids a new card game or have dinner and a movie.

Time goes by so quickly and our kids will only be young once. Enjoy this family time now, despite the arguing and fighting that may occur, because someday you will wake up and your kids will be grown and you will only have distant memories of their youth.

About the Author: Are you a mom looking or a little support? Aurelia Williams is a certified life coach and owner of Real Life Guidance. Visit today and get the support and guidance that you need.

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How To Reconnect With Your Family

Search Engine Optimization or SEO, is a term that is not relatively new, but it is not well understood either. People get confused between keyword phrases, spiders, and algorithms. However, it is not a hard concept once you grasp it and begin to utilize the principles of Search Engine Optimization.

To put it plainly, SEO is the process of improving traffic to a website from search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Dog Pile via natural search results for targeted key words. What one does, in essence, when it comes to Search Engine Optimization, is optimize a web site by improving certain aspects of the site in order to boost the traffic received from search engines.

Bottom line, Search Engine Optimization is all about creating a quality site so that people locate you on the web.

There are many techniques that can be used for your SEO efforts to be successful. You will want to consider the use of keywords in your content, on your navigation bar, and other prominent places on your site. Another thing that is very important is quality content that is original and makes use of keyword terms. Building relevant links is yet another important aspect as well as making sure there are no bumps in your site that may cause a search engine to falter as it searches, or crawls, your site. If you apply the principles such as those mentioned and others, then you should do fairly well in your Search Engine Optimization endeavors.

One very important key to successful SEO is to make sure that your site is presented early in the search results so that those searching find you faster. Usually the first three pages is where a searcher is able to locate what they are seeking. So again, the proper application of Search Engine Optimization principles is key to victory.

If you feel that you cannot accomplish the task of Search Engine Optimization, there are SEO experts available to help you create a site that will draw valuable traffic and increase you ROI (Return on Investment). Most of these experts will come from marketing standpoint and help you to understand your bottom line what must be done to optimize your site.

The concept of Search Engine Optimization can be a daunting to comprehend when you first get started. But once you learn the important terms and how to implement the principles the road towards traffic that will return again and again is definitely on the horizon.

About the Author: Elizabeth Ashe is a work at home mom that teaches internet marketing and how to make a living online. To learn more about internet marketing strategies and ideas to get your business started visit Internet Marketing Strategy Diva and Make Money Online Diva for more information.

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What Exactly is Search Engine Optimization?

We’ve been homeschooling for 14 years now, and up until recently we relied solely on a single income. With 5 children to feed (2 in college) it’s been nothing short of miraculous that we’ve been able to make it this far! My husband’s a hard worker, but the construction/remodeling business certainly has its ups and downs. As prices have soared and his industry continues to plunge to new depths, I’ve taken to building a home business as well. I’ve also spent some time talking and emailing other homeschoolers I know with their own businesses, and have come up with this (non-definitive, I’m sure!) list.

5. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: having the kids home all day…every day…365/24/7!

Now, for most homeschoolers, that’s really not a bad thing. After all, we have chosen this lifestyle. I know quite a few non-homeschooling WAHMs who say summer is their “downtime” and they punch it during the school year! We, however, don’t have that luxury. Therefore, in order to have a successful venture it is imperative to handle the next “hurdle”, which is…

4. Having to balance between work and work.

No, that’s not a typo. As you progress in homeschooling, it quickly becomes obvious that even if your kids are fairly independent learners “school time” becomes somewhat consuming; this is especially true if you have young and middle-school children. School-related activities take up much of the time that a “day job” would: if we’re not researching, comparing and analyzing curriculum choices (times the number of children you have), then we’re teaching, helping them complete lessons, testing, correcting their work or keeping up with whatever administrative requirements we have to fulfill legally. Oh, yeah, then there’s the housework… and whatever happened to that order I was supposed to fill?…when am I supposed to meet that new customer?… and what’s the deadline for that article again?…. Get the picture ;-)?

3. Budgeting

This is especially difficult, because, although there are ways to homeschool for free or with a limited budget, there is a financial cost. And, yes, for the most part, we’re operating on a single income to start with, so…It requires a fine balancing act to fit in start-up expenses into an already possibly-tight household budget. Down the line, or course, hard work and diligence allow the business to support itself, but this is definitely an issue for a fledgling business.

2. Overcoming the “what could I do” blues?

I can’t tell you how many homeschoolers I talk to that double over with laughter at the thought of starting their own business. Or at least look at me like I’m crazy. “What can I do?”, they ask “I’m just a homeschooling mom.” I have to admit, I was there once myself. Until I learned 2 things. First, people buy solutions, not products. (And boy do homeschoolers come up with some creative solutions!) Second, in this cyber-age we live in, it is possible to turn hobbies and interests into a business ~ I’m coming across it all the time!

But possibly the biggest hurdle homeschoolers need to overcome is

1. Guilt

Huh? Yes, it takes time to build a business. It takes time to build a website. It takes time to build a network. Get-rich-quick schemes do usually work ~ for the guy who got your money! And in the process of taking this time away from the kids to build the foundation for financial success, homeschoolers go through tremendous guilt. It’s imperative to keep your eyes on the big picture. In another post, I will talk about the top 3 reasons homeschoolers should consider a home business ~ check it out for encouragement and some thoughts (and real live examples) on how to handle these hurdles!

About the Author: Pat Fenner has 5 children and has been homeschooling for 14 years. She has a home business selling nutrition and weight-loss products. Her passion is to encourage and mentor other homeschooling moms seeking to build a unique home business, using attraction marketing principles and social networking. You can find her writing and mentoring at her blog, Network From Home.

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The Top 5 Challenges Homeschoolers Working at Home Face

I don’t know about you, but as someone who suffered with prolonged, severe morning sickness (which I affectionately call morning noon and night sickness), When I hear someone say this, I just want to slug them!

If you’re suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you’re not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. If you’re one of the unfortunate few whose symptoms last longer than the typical 6-12 weeks, I empathize. I’ve had the same experience with all 4 of my pregnancies. I have learned a few things that helped however, and I hope you can get some relief from your morning sickness with these tips.

1. Getting your blood sugar regulated is priority #1.

One theory about why morning sickness is worse in the morning (and for some women only occurs then) is because when you wake up from sleep, you have low blood sugar. For some pregnant woman, going 8 hours without food is just a bad idea.

You might find it helpful to eat a high protein snack before bed, and even to eat a bite each time you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. (Which in the beginning may be quite frequent!)

Personally, I found that what I did first thing in the morning was of paramount importance. I had to eat a few bites of food *while still lying down*. So I either put some food on a plate beside my bed or asked my husband bring me a snack first thing in the morning.

Don’t jump out of bed. Eat your snack slowly and lie still for a few minutes afterwards. Then slowly get up and immediately go to the kitchen and eat another bite. Again, emphasize protein.

2. Avoid foods that cause rapid blood sugar shifts.

Fruit juice, sugary snacks, processed cereal (the kind that comes in a box), anything made with white flour, etc…these types of foods cause your blood sugar to rapidly rise then come crashing down, triggering nausea and vomiting. Eat protein foods and whole foods.

Meat, cheese, yogurt (be careful here- try plain yogurt with frozen berries mixed in. Most yogurt has way too much sugar in it.), eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies, and whole grains should be your staples.

Even if eating doesn’t appeal to you, coaxing yourself to eat a little bit of a protein food every 2 hours will help prevent vomiting. Don’t leave the house without carrying a snack with you.

3. If drinking water makes you sicker, try these alternatives.

It’s very important that you stay hydrated. You’re going to need extra fluids to support the pregnancy, but many women find that drinking water makes them more nauseated. Some things to try:

• Smoothies made with fruit, ice and plain yogurt or kefir. The tangy flavor of these two dairy products really hit the spot for me. They also sneak in some extra protein.
• Water served VERY cold with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
• Carbonated water with a small amount of fruit juice for flavor.
• Weakly brewed iced or hot tea with lemon. The small bit of caffeine won’t harm your baby. Something about the bitter tannins in tea may help ease nausea.
• Citrus fruits and melons.

4. Avoid nausea triggers as much as possible.

Your nose is on hyperdrive during early pregnancy! Stinky smells like poopy diapers, kitchen trash, even morning breath may be impossible to totally avoid, but try your best to avoid smelly situations.

Have someone else take out the trash. Have hubby change your toddler when he’s home. It’s the least he can do!

And don’t be shy about telling someone who has bad breath, noxious perfume or cigarette smells on them that you’re in a delicate condition and need some fresh air. During my pregnancies, my husband had to switch to unscented deodorant and soap, otherwise I couldn’t hug him!

If cooking smells make you ill, take a break from your usual garlic and onion specialties. Don’t be a martyr. Hubby will understand that you can’t make his favorite sausage and peppers for a while.

Prepare meals that won’t stink up the kitchen. Green main dish salads with cold, cut up chicken, steak or hard boiled eggs. Sandwiches are good too.

5. Try Aromatherapy for Morning Sickness Relief

Put a couple of drops of lavender, mint or lemon essential oil (these oils are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy) on cotton balls and keep these in various locations… the kitchen, bathroom, your purse and in the car. Take a whiff when you feel sick. Put a few drops on your pillow.

6. Take it easy- but don’t forget exercise

I know, I know… exercise is the last thing you want to do when you can hardly get your face out of the toilet! But if you force yourself to take even a ten minute walk outside every day, it WILL help.

But do try to take it easy, avoid stress as much as possible, and rest as much as you can. You’re doing the very important job of growing a baby. Explain to your other children why you’re feeling poorly and that it won’t last forever. Call in favors and ask friends to come over to play with your 2 year old for an hour so you can sleep, or ask them to cook extra when they make dinner tonight and bring you a dish.

When you feel a bout of nausea coming on, try to lay down for a few minutes in a dark room with your eyes closed. Sometimes if you do this the episode will pass.

7. Focus on the positive

Sometimes when you’re so miserable it’s easy to forget what’s making you so sick! Remember that statistically, women who experience nausea and vomiting of pregnancy are more likely to carry the pregnancy to term.

One of my midwives told me that she always worries when a Mom comes in for her first prenatal feeling wonderful…the chances of her miscarrying are higher.

So rejoice in your strong hormones! Read pregnancy magazines, birth stories on the Internet, look through maternity clothing catalogs, do whatever you need to do to cheer yourself up and get yourself in the mood for a new baby.

8. More Misc. Morning Sickness Relief Tips

• Try eating candied ginger or sipping ginger tea. I found ginger in capsules to be too harsh and they hurt terribly if they did come back up.
• Brewer’s yeast capsules work for some Moms.
• Try sucking on lemon slices when you’re feeling a wave of nausea.
• Sip mint tea or chew mint gum to help dry up excessive salivating that may trigger nausea.
• If you have trouble brushing your teeth due to an overactive gag reflex, switch to using baking soda for awhile. The foaming of regular toothpaste may be too much. And brush your teeth in shifts if you need to… first the top teeth, then a few minutes later the bottom teeth, then your tongue, etc.
• Avoid getting overheated or chilled. Extremes in temperature can trigger vomiting.
• Try Sea-Bands, available at large drug stores. They’re designed for motion sickness but helps some pregnant women.
• Go with your cravings, within reason. For some reason, pizza and Taco Bell always hit the spot during my pregnancies.
• Clean the toilet daily, even if it’s the only household chore you can do right now. Better yet, have someone else do it.
• Wear your hair up for awhile. If you’re going to be throwing up, at least you will have your hair out of the way and a clean bowl to hug!

Are you a Mom who likes doing things the natural way? Come visit Natural-Moms for articles, resources and products that complement your natural mothering style.

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Morning Sickness Survival Tips

It all began when I made an online purchase at just under $100. I allowed three days for my echeck to clear. In the meantime, I emailed the seller.

He didn’t return my email.

(Strike One)

Once I received notice that my e-check had cleared, I waited an extra day, then emailed him again. He didn’t write back. At this point, I still didn’t have my purchase.

(Strike Two)

I dug up another email address from his site, sent him my receipt and proof of purchase, and asked him to send my product.

Later in the week, he wrote back with an apology. He also explained that his original email address was no longer valid. So, he was totally oblivious to my purchase.

Fair enough. These things happen. Right? But, then…

He suggested I check with my bank regarding my check going through. (My check had already processed, my money had been deducted from my account, and I had sent him all the info he needed.)

His reply ended with the words, “Let me know how I can help.”

(S-t-r-i-k-e Three) He’s out!

But, you know what? So was I.

- The seller had put it back on my shoulders to *fix* the problem. (He had my money but couldn’t access it until he fixed his email problem. His email address was tied into his merchant account.)

- He chose not to send my product, even though he had proof of my purchase.

- He chose not to call his merchant account to get the help he needed - so he could retrieve my money.

You know what I did, don’t you? I cancelled my order and immediately received my money back from the merchant account (not the seller).

Now, my intention is not to make you weary of online purchases. I’ve been buying online for many years now, and this is the first time I’ve run into this problem. I also offer my own two ebooks online and have had no such problem.

No, this situation was an exception to the rule. And as a customer, I resent being treated this way.

But… someone had to step up to the plate!

That *someone* was me.

You, too, have probably experienced situations in which you’ve had to *take back* the responsibility. Yes, even though you *shouldn’t have to.*

Can you recall an instance in your life recently? One which gave you pause?

- A family member overcharging on the credit card (which has your name on it.)

- The person who writes the checks paying the household bills late again (and sometimes forgetting to pay them at all.)

- A coworker, friend or relative taking advantage of your kindness? You place a catalog order for your friend, along with yours. When it arrives, she doesn’t have the money to pay you back (or no longer wants the product.) And this has happened more than once…

It’s true that none of these situations should become your problem. Yet, sometimes they do.

Today, take a look around you. Is it time for *you* to step up to the plate? To take back the responsibility? Yes, you may need to do the deed.

And here’s why.

Because your money is involved. And that’s a real problem. You see, another person will never respect your money the way you do. That person has not stood in your shoes and performed your particular work duties to earn that money.

That same person can’t appreciate that it might have taken you ten to twenty hours of labor to earn that bit of money. And if you dislike your job, it makes it even worse, doesn’t it? Those hours can seem like a hundred sometimes.

So, step up to the plate and do what you must to protect it. Prevent others from disrespecting your hard-earned money.

It’s your money. You earned it.

Darlene Arechederra leads the delightful series, “Coming Home: A Woman’s Journey to One-Income Living.” Women of two-income households who want to find their way back home from the workplace will enjoy this gentle, energizing jumpstart. Visit with Darlene at Afford To Stay Home.

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Your Money: Stepping Up to the Plate

Do you make certain demands on your husband because that’s the way your mother treated your father? Do you use the same phrases in speaking to your wife that your dad uttered to your mom? Would you treat your friend in the same manner? My guess is no.

Here are five things married couples do to each other that they’d never do to their friends.

1. Disrespect their partner in the company of others.

When was the last time you poked fun, rolled your eyes at, vehemently disagreed with or nitpicked the way your spouse chose to phrase a story in public? Would you behave the same way if you were out with a friend? For married people, being out in public together often means open ego warfare. This is as painful to watch as it is to be a direct participant. Next time your wife or husband is “being themselves” out with friends, just smile and remember that it is really not a big deal.

2. Regularly break plans.

If you decide to get together with a friend for lunch or dinner, do you back out last-minute? Why would you do such a thing to your husband or wife? Sure, having the rest of your lives to spend every day together may seem like a good reason to be lax about social outings, but think about the message this sends out. Do you really want your partner to think that you take him or her for granted? Do something good for your marriage; call them right now, make dinner plans and stick to them.

3. Nag, nag, nag.

Do you call up your friends and make demands on them? Why would you do this to your husband or wife? Harping, fussing, nagging and nitpicking are all really unappealing behaviors that escalate into open psychological warfare. Once they’ve begun, they’re a tough pattern to break. What would make you happier: telling your partner what to do and watching them do it begrudgingly, or giving them a chance to do something for you because they simply WANTED to do it?

4. Sabotage the holidays.

Unhappy spouses often make their misery known around the holidays. This can mean picking fights, taking it out on the in-laws, or even being unhelpful or uncooperative during the family festivities as “subtle revenge.” If our friends were to suddenly show up during an unpleasant Thanksgiving scene, how ashamed would we feel? Sweep those resentful feelings under the rug and remember to be thankful for your husband or wife, faults and all.

5. Forget your manners.

Please, thank-you, excuse me, and I’m sorry are no less important at home than they are when in the company of your friends and colleagues. Treat your spouse with kindness, don’t behave boorishly, correct your mistakes, remember your manners, apologize, forgive and forget. Little things really do mean a lot.

Sure, you vowed to stay together “for better or for worse,” but why make it worse when it can easily be so much better.

Article by: Are you an online relationship therapist, personal coach, or advisor? Let Dina Giolitto create your website, newsletter, blog and article content while you do what you do best - coach your clients! Want to learn copywriting and marketing techniques that will convert you website visitors to paying customers? Visit Wordfeeder.

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Friends and Lovers: Treat Your Partner as Both

With all of the ads in the media bombarding us with quick fixes to everything that ails you, many people fall prey to the lure of pills and other concoctions that make promises that few actually keep.

Natural supplements and healthy foods is your first line of defense against germs or viruses that will inevitably try and attack you on the inside. It is never late to start making improvements to your lifestyle. These changes will make you feel better inside as well as looking better on the outside. Natural health is one of the best ways to keep your body going and to keep it in good working shape.

When faced with an illness that requires some form of medication to alter symptoms or cure a disease, make sure to do research and become well informed on all of the alternatives that are available to you. Discuss these with your physician, and do not eliminate the idea of going with a natural alternative if at all possible. Rather then taking some form of drug that will probably make you well, but severely destroy your body’s immune system in the process, seek instead a healthy alternative to bypass the forced chemical reaction you will get with traditional medicine–and instead facilitate your body’s healing at its own pace.

In general, however, these natural supplements will not instantly eliminate all of your symptoms, as chemical medicines do; instead, they will facilitate the healing process and at the same time infuse you with essential vitamins to fortify your body against future attacks. Natural health alternatives are not a quick fix all.

What about your everyday life and making improvements naturally that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle; preventing potentially life altering diseases and symptoms? Natural vitamin and mineral supplements are a great alternative if you are not getting enough of the required amounts in your daily food. Remember to follow the recommended guidelines as overdosing is a waste and possibly hazardous to your health.

There is always room for improvement in our lives, and making positive changes in your health is one of the best places to start, and where you can take charge and feel results.

Article by: Sherry Frewerd publishes websites on various subjects from recipes to mineral makeup to toddler learning. A nature girl at heart, Sherry believes in the benefits of natural mineral makeup and skincare. Stop over to Natural You Mineral Makeup for some helpful and fun natural remedies, tips and product suggestions. Forget the Botox, talk to Mother Nature today!

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Improve Your Life Naturally

Now bring yourself back to today. You still have time before the end of the year to get on a track to achieving what you want. Imagine starting the New Year knowing that you’ve been consistently moving in the right direction and will continue to take the necessary actions.

Lack of planning is one of the reasons why many people get to the end of the year and feel they haven’t achieved what they want. Planning often isn’t seen as a priority or much fun. Hold on! If it’s not fun, that’s the way you’ve chosen it to be. Instead you can choose to have fun with your planning and perhaps even make it into a game. If planning isn’t a priority for you, then have you considered the messages that you’re giving to yourself. Messages such as, “I’m not that important in my life”, “I don’t deserve these things” or “I’m not likely to do what I say I will”.

However, the people who do have plans often make them too rigid. Their plan is stuck to word for word, without any room for flexibility. A plan that you set today needs to be open to regular reviewing and changing. A clue that your plan needs changing is when you find it difficult to follow through with the actions and don’t feel inspired.

You’ve now got an opportunity to end this year with a feeling of achievement. Seize the opportunity and make the most of it.

Start by defining for yourself your vision, dreams and desires. Make this specific and exciting so that you feel inspired to follow through with action. You may need to break this down into smaller pieces. For instance, if you want to grow your business, there may be a number of different opportunities that you choose to explore. Now define the strategies that you’ll use, how you’re going to do it. In the example of growing your business, your strategies may include research, sales and marketing, increasing employee numbers or finance. Now go through each strategy and brainstorm possible action steps. Go for as many as you can, being open to different and creative action steps, rather than sticking with what you would normally do. Sometimes the most outrageous actions steps turn out to be the best and most productive.

Then at least once a day visualize your dream; the achievement that you want to make and see what you feel is the next thing to do. Visualizing keeps your plan alive and you inspired, and allows you to see the right actions to take. Taking committed and inspired actions every day moves you towards your desires. At the same time give yourself the opportunity to step back and review what you want and what it will take to get it. Time spent regularly stepping back and re-evaluating your plans can save you a lot of time as you see what no longer needs doing, doesn’t serve you or needs to be done differently.

What I want for you is to be achieving and on the right track to your dreams by the end of the year.

Article by: Wendy Hearn works with business owners to be more effective and successful, achieving a more profitable business in less time. Click through to her site and read more of Wendy’s articles and about how small business coaching can take your business to the next level.

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What Are You Planning to Achieve by The End of The Year?

Most boutique stores will not stock any clothes larger than size 12, which frustrates larger women who seek to keep up with the latest fashions. Fortunately, plus size clothing stores have opened that provide the latest styles to larger women. These outlets make it clear that their goal is to keep larger women looking fashionable. Many such stores not only have the same clothes as other stores, but also carry designs of clothing that are available only for larger women.

Department stores usually have a plus size area of the store, devoted to the more full figured woman, just look for the sign that says plus size clothing department. In some of these areas the same styles of clothing that are being sold in smaller sizes will be available here, just made to fit the more full figured woman, and costing a little more. There will always be sales to look forward to in the plus size area as well as anywhere else in the store, so keep watching for it.

A few extra pounds are often a large source of needless stress for brides. Instead of letting worry that they won’t be able to fit into their dream gown cause them to starve and take other drastic measures, it would be better to visit the bridal store and find dresses that actually fit. Plus size dresses are available at most stores. You will be able to find something that fits well and looks great, no matter if you’re the bride, bridesmaid, or the mother of the bride.

Lingerie is available in larger sizes, so no woman needs to hide her figure at night. Plus size lingerie is typically available along with all other lingerie. While it may be somewhat uncomfortable to try on at the store, you should always try it on before you purchase it. Finding the perfect lingerie can transform your figure, so take a deep breath, grab a piece of negligee and head off to the dressing room. You can and will look fantastic in plus size lingerie.

Even though it can be discouraging sometimes, don’t give up when it comes to finding plus size clothing that fits you and your style. Stores are increasingly focusing on the plus size range and many now offer entire fashion lines just for this group.

Article by: Andrea Morris writes about Plus Size Clothing. Visit us for plus size deals on a Plus Size Bra.

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Plus Size Clothing Is Easier To Find Than Ever

* Freeze the fruit ahead of time. It doesn’t matter whether your smoothie recipe tells you to do this or not, this little trick will make for a thicker smoothie. Wash your fruit, cut in bite size pieces (slice bananas), spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. When your fruit is frozen, you can pack it together in a storage bag or container in the freezer. For best results, use within 2 weeks.

* Use fresh ripe fruit for the best flavor.

* When the recipe calls for ice, crushed ice is best. If you don’t have crushed ice, you can always place ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag on a cutting board and “crush” the cubes with a hammer, rolling pin, frying pan, etc.

* The blending order is important. First add the cold liquid, then the fruit, and last add the frozen yogurt (or ice cream) or the ice.

* Considering using a Smoothie Maker. They really work! Unless you have a powerful blender, it will labor when pulverizing ice.

How to Fix a Less Than Perfect Recipe

Making smoothies and frozen drinks is not an exact science. You can start with a recipe and always change and improve it. Here are some basic tips to adapt any smoothie recipe to your own tastes and requirements.

To make it thicker: Add more ice, frozen fruit (especially a banana), frozen yogurt, ice cream or sherbet

If it’s too thick: Add milk, water, or juice and blend again. Be careful when adding a lot of juice, because it will change the flavor of the frozen drink.

To make it creamier: Use ice cream, frozen yogurt or vanilla yogurt instead of the ice.

To reduce calories: Replace whole milk with skim milk. Use frozen yogurt or sorbet instead of ice cream. Add fresh fruit instead of sweetened frozen fruit. Use a sugar substitute. Choose nonfat yogurt over regular yogurt.

To make it sweeter: Add honey, maple syrup, a little sugar (superfine or confectioner’s sugar blends best) or Splenda.

If it’s too sweet: add a little lemon juice or even lemonade.

To make it healthier: Add protein power or brewer’s yeast available from the health food or vitamin store (and some supermarkets).

To add fiber: Add ground flax seed, wheat bran, wheat germ, and leave the skin on the fruit.

To make a frozen drink with alcohol: Substitute rum, vodka, or a fruit liqueur for an equal part of the juice or other liquid called for in the recipe. Pour into a margarita or hurricane glass and garnish with fresh fruit. However, if a frozen drink calls for alcohol and you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, simply substitute juice, milk or water for the spirits.

To add extra flavor: Use very ripe, quality fresh fruit. A little cocoa powder gives it a chocolatey flavor. Try a few drops of almond extract or some of the other fruit extracts sold in the baking section of the supermarket. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Recipes to get you started:
(Blend each of these as directed above)

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
8 oz. vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, frozen
1 whole banana
1 tablespoon honey

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup milk
2 cups orange sherbet
3/4 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

Peach Smoothie
2 cups peach nectar (juice)
1 cup peach yogurt
1/2 banana
1 1/2 cups frozen peach slices
1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

Cantaloupe Smoothie
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups cantaloupe, cut in chunks, frozen
heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt
ice cubes to thicken

Cappuccino Smoothie
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vanilla ice cream
2 cups crushed ice or ice cubes
Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Article by: Linda Kling is the owner of Photo Party Favors, which offers personalized photo favors and custom photo cards, photo announcements and photo invitations. Visit her website for lots of free party recipes, party tips, free printable candy bar wrappers, more.

Post from: Moms Talk Network Join us on our Moms Forum.

Smoothies and Frozen Drinks - Secrets to Making the Perfect Frosty Summer Drink