2. Exercise – Even if you’re not a gym diva, you should try to have 20-30 minutes of physical activities 3-4 times a week. This could be something as simple as taking a walk or going for a swim. You could even try riding your bike to work, getting a workout DVD from the library or Netflix, or meeting up with a friend to go jogging. What’s important is that you get your body moving.

3. Brush… and Floss – If you’re an average girl, you probably brush less than you’re supposed to and rarely floss – except right before your dentist appointment! Brushing and flossing your teeth once or twice every day can keep your teeth healthy and clean. It will keep you from developing gum disease and other problems later in life, and the dentist won’t scold you at your next appointment!

4. Drink More Water – Water keeps us hydrated, flushes toxins from our system, and keep our metabolisms regulated. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks like soda and juice is also an easy way to cut calories from your diet, since water has 0 calories and no mysterious chemical additives.

5. Get Enough Sleep – It’s fine to stay out late every once in a while, but if you consistently deprive your body of the sleep it needs you’ll wear yourself out. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day. It also helps to relax yourself before bed – don’t watch the TV, go on the computer, or exercise, as these will stimulate your brain and keep you from getting restful sleep.

6. Wash Your Face – Going to bed with makeup on your face is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. One way to make washing your face easier is to buy moist wipes especially designed for make- up removal. You should also wash your face after working out if you don’t shower immediately afterwards.

7. Take a Multivitamin – It’s hard to get all the vitamins and minerals we need, even with a healthy balanced diet. Taking a multivitamin each day can help you ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. It’s best to take them with food at the same time each day.

8. Poop Once a Day – This isn’t a topic most of us enjoy talking about, but doing this once a day is a sign that you’re eating a healthy diet. Make sure you’re eating fiber-rich foods so that you avoid colon and digestive problems later in life.

9. Check Your Breasts – Checking your breasts on a regular basis for anything unusual can possibly save you from getting breast cancer. Inspect your breasts once a month for anything out of the ordinary.

10. Relax – Most of us have stressful lives these days. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety can lead to a number of health conditions if we just ignore them and keep going. Find a way to take at least 10 minutes each day to relax. This could be through exercise, meditating, reading, taking a nap, or doing a hobby that you love. Whatever you do, find a way to ease yourself of daily stress so that you can enjoy life!

This article was written by Erin McKinney, who is a licensed nurse practitioner. Erin also owns the site Masters of Nursing for students interested in getting an advanced degree in the nursing field.

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10 Things Every Girl Should Do to Stay Healthy is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

But, making time in your busy schedule to volunteer and give back to the community could be just what you need to de-stress.

Why It Matters

Volunteering for a worthy cause is the best of both worlds, an advantage for both parties. By volunteering your time, you’re bettering the lives of others. Whether you’re working directly with people, serving in a shelter or helping to re-build a community, the work that you do goes farther than you might think and reaches more people than you could imagine. Additionally, you get a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from knowing you’ve spent your time on a worthy cause. Volunteering is an activity that benefits both the giver and receiver.

What You Can Do

Choose to volunteer for a project or cause for which you’re truly passionate. The more you care about the work you’re doing, the more enjoyable it is and the more fulfillment you feel afterwards. You’ll be more likely to stay fully involved and interested in a cause you care about.

Sometimes figuring out what you can do to help requires a little creativity. There are many different ways to help out that you may not have thought of. For instance, those who are interested in volunteering in a hospital or rehabilitation facility may not be able to work directly with patients due to medical reasons. But, there are other ways to help out without working directly with patients. Other possibilities include working in the facility, assisting with transportation in accessible vans for special trips, or providing entertainment. The organization will be more than happy to work with you and find just the right opportunity.

How to Get Involved

There is no shortage of opportunities in any given city. Decide what interests you, what you care about changing or the type of cause to which you want to contribute. Most organizations need volunteers on a rolling basis, meaning that anytime is a good time to reach out. Go online and search for opportunities in your area, ask friends and take the initiative sooner rather than later. Stay up to date on what’s happening in your area and look for special community events that may require volunteer help.

Getting involved and making a difference starts with you. The satisfaction and fulfillment of knowing you’re spending your time helping others is an irreplaceable feeling. Volunteering means creating lifelong friendships, strengthening the community and learning to focus on the needs of others.

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Volunteering for the Average Gal is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Wicker Park is an entertaining part of the city where you can spend many hours. If you are as big into eco-friendly stores and restaurants as I am you will definitely want to check out Prasino.

The owners of Prasino describe themselves as an “eco-chic neighborhood restaurant serving scratch-made breakfast, lunch and dinner.” The word Prasino is Greek for “green” and the restaurant is environmentally conscious but they don’t lose out on great taste and first class appearance at all.

The wooden floors and tabletops were all made from reclaimed wood to add to the green effect. The reclaimed wood can come from a number of different places; an old home, warehouses, and factories.  The lights in the restaurant are made from recycled cardboard and old wine bottles to make an impressive design. Back in the kitchen they try to recycle as much as possible and use Eco-friendly cleaning supplies. The “green” initiative doesn’t just stop with the cleaning supplies and the decor of the restaurant.

The menu is determined by what is fresh locally and the produce is all organic. Meats are braised and grilled and there are usually some great fresh, seafood options available. One of the most popular parts of the restaurant and a customer favorite feature is the organic-espresso-juice-smoothie bar. The smoothies are an all-natural boost made from colorful fresh fruit and they taste great.

After you get some delicious meals and shopping and in you will want to relax in a nice hotel room and downtown Chicago has plenty to offer. Hotel Allegro is an award-winning (Corporate Citizen of the Year Award) green focused establishment. There a lot of features that make that green movement work.

• Organic coffee is used.
• In room recycling bins provided so guest can dispose of their recyclables the right way.
• Ceramic mugs replace paper cups.
• Energy efficient lighting used around the hotel to conserve energy.
• Low flow sinks, showers and toilets limit the amount of water wasted.
• Partially used and unused soaps, shampoos and toothpastes products and amenities get donated to community programs. This is big for shelters and different programs in the community because they can help others in need.

Getting a room at Hotel Allegro is the perfect end to a night after exploring downtown Chicago. You will get a great night rest while doing your part to assist in the green movement. There are plenty of other green-friendly restaurants and shops to visit while exploring downtown Chicago. When you come across some other nice spots that offer great food and an Eco-friendly environment share them with us here so we can check them out and help spread the word.

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Sustainable Travel is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

For couples that feel they’re in a position to move in together, it’s sometimes hard to determine whether you’re truly ready to make that commitment or not. Everyone’s experience is different, and asking friends or family members can sometimes lead to confusing results.

Making the decision that’s right for you as a couple really depends on both of you, not on what other people have to say. Before you call the movers, consider these fundamental talking points and lifestyle preferences, then make a decision based on what’s right for both of you.

1)     When You’re Considering Marriage: Though moving in together isn’t necessarily a precursor for marriage, nor does it suggest that you’re absolutely ready to be married, some couples do prefer to live together if they’re considering tying the knot. Learning to live with someone takes some adjusting, and living together as a dating couple can help you to understand your partner’s quirks, habits, lifestyle and schedule. Of course, many couples have been married for years and didn’t live together until saying, “I do,” so it’s not always necessary. If you’re considering marriage and both realize that lifestyle is a big deal, living together is probably the best solution.

2)     When You’re Both Financially Stable: Moving in with a boyfriend or girlfriend before you’re financially stable on your own is probably not the best idea. Unless one partner is honestly willing to pull the weight, having your own finances under control can help eliminate a lot of possible arguments. Or, if the relationship doesn’t work out, you don’t want to be out on your own without money to support yourself. Plus, if the time comes to merge your assets, money and bank accounts, you’ll both have something to bring to the table!

3)     When You’re Together Most Of The Time Anyways: For couples that spend a lot of time together, getting a place you can both call home will probably be a cheaper, more efficient option. If one of you is spending nearly all your time at your significant other’s apartment or home, it makes much more sense to pay only one rent instead of two. And, while this shouldn’t be the number one reason to cohabitate, it’s a definite perk!

4)     When You’ve Been Dating A Long Time: Moving in after you’ve only been dating for a month or two is not the best decision. Living with another person is a huge commitment. It puts a lot of excess strain a relationship, and can make a new relationship difficult to sustain. Once you’ve been together for a while, you’ll know each other better and can make a much more informed decision about what your next steps should be.

5)     When You’ve Talked It All Through: There are a lot of little things to think about before making a decision. Even the minutest of details can turn out to be a big deal when you live with someone for the first time. Be sure to discuss details like cleanliness, sleeping patterns, household chores, groceries, bills, laundry and house guest preferences.

Once you’ve talked everything over, big and small, you can make the decision that’s right for you. Take your time and weigh the pros and cons before committing and be honest about what’s best for your relationship.

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When To Move In With Your Significant Other is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

But, we all know just how expensive traveling can be. Between buying a plane ticket or playing for gas, paying for a hotel, buying two or three meals a day, shopping and spending money to see the sights, your pocket is noticeably lighter after a vacation.

Learning to vacation on a budget means you’ll not only save money when you travel, but you can do it more often since you’ll have extra cash to spare. Check out these few tips for ways to be a penny pinching traveler!

• Travel During the Off-Season: Traveling during Spring Break weeks, federal holidays or the summertime means you’ll probably have to pay higher rates for just about everything. If you can manage to sneak away from work or school and travel at an off-peak time, you’ll save a lot of money. Weekend trips to a close destination during an off-peak time are great ways to save money. Businesses like Chicago hotels still need to make money year-round, so they’ll be willing to offer you rooms at lower rates!

• Find Travel Packages: If you’re going on a bigger trip, something of a farther destination or a longer duration, using the services offered by websites like Kayak or Travelocity will be your best bet. You can book a flight, rental car and hotel all in one, saving you both time and money. Groupon Getaways also offers amazing deals on trips all over the world.

• Coupons, Discounts, Promotions: Before you leave, do your research and find discounts for any attractions you might be interested in. Find out if there is a ticket booklet or city pass you can buy, to see everything for one price. Beware of any tourist traps, and only spend money on things you surely want to do or see. Also, if you’re willing to go early or late, many museums or parks will offer discounted fees early in the morning or right before close. If you don’t want to spend all day at one spot, taking advantage of a time sensitive discount can save you almost half.

• Eat Out Less: A lot of dollars are spent on buying food during vacations. While most hotels offer free breakfast, you’re still on your own for the other two meals, and you’re probably going to enjoy a sit-down dinner for at least one. For longer vacations, these meals can really add up. If you’re staying in a hotel with a kitchen, cooking meals can be a great alternative to eating out. You can also packs snacks to munch on throughout the day, to avoid buying food or spending and eating less if you decide to purchase a meal.

Traveling and having a great vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. Being smart about where and how you spend your money, taking time to plan and saving bucks here and there can mean even more vacations will be in your future! Bon voyage!

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Vacay on a Budget for the Average Gal is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

We’ve got a lot to do, with our workload only to increase as life throws husbands and children at us. We’re left to juggle everything plus some, all while looking good and treading around in four-inch heels.

With so much to do, it’s easy to forget about safety, especially in our younger years when we’re invincible twenty-somethings with a bright future, fewer responsibilities than true “grown-ups” and no kids to support. Safety and well-being are an important and sometime overlooked concern of busy young adults, especially females.

Have a look at these tips to help you stay safe and sensible!

• Home Security: A home without a security system is about three times more likely to be burglarized than a home with a security system. And, with a burglary occurring every 14.6 seconds in the United States, having a system installed is key for your safety. Find out which security providers in your city are the best at what they do, and ask for their recommendations for the utmost safety based on your specific locations. For instance, the representatives at adt home security Indianapolis are knowledgeable about the area, and will know just what you need to stay safe in your hometown. If you re-locate to a new area, finding out about the crime rates is also a good idea.

• Follow Your Instincts: Your body has its own natural way of letting you know when something is wrong—chills, hairs standing on end and an increased heart rate. Don’t ignore your natural warning signs. They’re there for a reason. Take time to get in tune with your body and surroundings and you can avoid bad situations all together. Following your instincts means doing your best to avoid potentially dangerous situations, exercising common sense and not pushing away warning signs from your mind when they enter.

• Enjoy Nights Out Wisely: Enjoying a night out on the town with the girls is exactly what being a young woman is all about! Unfortunately, these nights can turn dangerous quickly. Women are typically targeted and can become victims of drugged drinks and kidnapping. To avoid becoming ensnarled in any disasters, never accept a drink from a stranger if you didn’t see the bartender make it and give it directly to you. Keep your drink right next to you at all times and don’t separate from your friends. Staying together, keeping drinks to a minimum and avoiding risky situations with strangers will mean that you have fun and stay safe all at once!

• Learn Self Defense: Though self-defense is often touted as a joke, it’s not. Learning a few basic self-defense moves can easily be the difference between danger and safety. Self-defense classes are not hard to find and are usually offered at gyms, community centers, campuses and even in day-long workshops. Take a few girlfriends with you too!

• Keep Information Private: In the same line as self-defense, Lifetime movies tend to make a joke out of women being stalked, when, in reality, it does happen. And, when it does happen, it’s not funny at all. Stalking is a legitimate concern and can turn dangerous, even deadly, very quickly. Keeping your information private will discourage stalkers. In the age of the Internet, privacy is a real concern. Don’t add people you don’t know on Facebook and keep the information on your page as minimal as possible. Do not put your private information like phone number or address anywhere on the web, and request to be removed from address services like the phone book. You can get a post-office box for mail, subscriptions and deliveries.

Remember, being safe does not being paranoid. Safety is something we take for granted until we no longer have it—and you want to make sure you’re never in that place.

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Safety for the Average Gal is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Enough is enough, right?

Life is short, so why not at least try to live it to the fullest? Check out these tips for ways to save time and more for the things you want to do!

1)     Grocery Delivery: Grocery shopping takes a lot of time. You have to make the list, drive to the store, park, push the cart around, search for the items you need, stand in line, drive home and then put everything away. Not to mention you haven’t even cooked yet. Also, what about that feeling you get when you realize you forgot the sage?

To avoid the time and hassle of grocery shopping, signing up for grocery delivery might be just the time saver you need. With every item you could possibly need and find in a grocery store, plus some, grocery delivery is the perfect way for busy gals to keep their refrigerators full and pantries stocked! Just be sure to plan ahead, make a list, budget for delivery expenses and schedule a convenient delivery time.

2)     Designate An “Errand Day” And Keep A Running List: Errands eat up more time than you might think. Whether you’re running to the bank, mailing bills, renewing license plates or having your car serviced, it’s easy to spend hours running errands. Do your best to schedule your errands to fit into one day, if possible. Make a list of errands that need to be completed, along with a deadline. Then, schedule a Saturday or day off work devoted to taking care of all your errands, all at once. Doing it in one day will save you more time than spreading it out over different days, and you won’t have to have those pesky tasks hanging over your head for weeks on end. Schedule 1-2 errand days per month, or however many you need, and try to get everything done on those days.

3)     Schedule Certain Tasks: Much in the same mode as scheduling an errand day, picking out certain days and times for certain tasks can save you a lot of time in the long run. A lot of times, we get hung up on deciding whether to go to the gym or grocery shop, and end up wasting time choosing a task to complete. Have a fairly strict schedule of what should be done when and you won’t have to question what to do and when to do it. For instance, maybe Mondays and Thursdays are gym night, Friday is re-stock paper goods day or Sunday is the day for getting gas. You’ll feel more organized and you won’t waste time stressing over all that needs to get done!

Hopefully these few tips will help you plan, prioritize and organize your time so you can take care of all of life’s obligations, with plenty of time leftover for what really matters: having a great time with friends and family!

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Time Saving Tips for the Single Girl is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

So what can singletons do to make dollars stretch, but still enjoy life? With a few key changes, you’ll be surprised just how far your money can go!

1)    Save Money on Food

The money you spend on food adds up quicker than you realize. Say you eat out with friends three or four nights a week. That’s $50 you’ve spent. What about lunch? If you forget to bring a lunch three or four days a week and just grab something quick, you’re probably still spending almost ten dollars a meal. That’s another $30 or $40. By the time it’s all said and done, you easily spend $100 a week just on eating out.

Heading to the supermarket once a week with a well thought out list, a grocery coupon or two and a few recipes in mind can save you more money than you might imagine. First things first, look up a few recipes that use many of the same, simple ingredients. If you have specific coupons, find recipes that incorporate the items for which you have a coupon. Choose enough recipes to get you through the week, and factor in the possibility of leftovers for lunch. Make a list of the ingredients you’ll need for each recipe and only buy the items on your list. Be sure to do yourself a favor and have at least one treat or midnight snack on your shopping list! You’ll be glad later! Shopping once a week keeps your costs low, and keeps you from buying too much at once and throwing away spoiled food later.

Budget for eating out once or twice a week, or organize pitch-in dinners with friends where everyone can cook together or bring a dish. You’ll find that this alternative to eating out is much cheaper, and even more fun!

2)    Avoid Window Shopping

Window shopping always seems like a good idea, until two hours later – after you’ve made an armful of impulse purchases. It’s fun to browse boutiques with your friends, but it’s also dangerous territory. Instead of window shopping every weekend and coming away with $30-$40 of impulse buys, save that amount each week and go on a designated shopping trip. Plan your trip around good sales, and have a specific plan for where you want to go, what you need and how much you’re willing to spend per location. You’ll come away with items you really need at a price you can afford!

3)    Budget for Entertainment

Along with eating out often and window shopping, entertainment eats up a big portion of your money. From going to the movies, to heading out for a night on the town, spending time with friends can get expensive. Using budgeting sites can help you create a monthly spending plan. You can see where your money is going, designate money for specific purposes (i.e. entertainment) and figure out where you can cut costs. With a clear budget, you can easily save up for a fun night out, an evening film or a swanky dinner here and there. Keeping your other entertainment costs cheap or free will mean you’ll have money to spend at the end of the month.

4)    Discover the Magic of Thrift Stores

Last but not least, you might be surprised at how many treasures and gems are awaiting you at thrift stores. You’ll need a bit of patience to dig through the bad and get to the good, but if you have the dedication to do it, you can score amazing deals on unique vintage items! You can even find great housewares at some thrift shops if you look hard enough.

With these few tips, you can live your single life to the fullest, take control of your finances and have a great time! Being a singleton never felt better!

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Budget Tips for the Single Girl is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

But, winter is also a cheap time to move. Like traveling in the off-season at more affordable rates, moving in the dead of winter means cheaper deposits and move in fees from apartments, fewer buyers, less competition and good deals on moving companies.

So, if you’re up for a winter move to save a little cash, but you’re worried about any slippery complications, check out these few tips and tricks for a hassle free February move!

Use Daylight Hours and Give Yourself Plenty of Time

In winter more so than any other time, we’re at the mercy of the weather. While we can anticipate cold, we usually don’t know what else to expect. Unfortunately, you have to book your move pretty far in advance and probably don’t have the skill of  perfectly predicting the weather. Despite the conditions on your actual moving day, you should get an early start since winter days are short. If you think you can move in one day, plan for two in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Hire Pros and Be Nice to Your Friends

Your move will be much easier with the help of trained professionals. By hiring a moving company, you can eliminate a lot of the hassle of carrying appliances or large furniture items up the stairs or through icy parking lots. With the money you save from moving in winter, you’ll also have extra to invest in a team of movers to do the grunt work. You should also spend winter being especially nice to your friends, just in case you need a little extra help. The more hands you have to help you out on moving day, the better and the less time you spend out in the cold.

Cover Floors, Carpets and Stairs, Keep Snow Removal Tools Handy

You’ll be in and out of your new and old place all day during the move, so you should cover your floors, stairs and carpets with something durable and waterproof. Choose a covering that won’t bunch and become a tripping hazard and be sure to secure the covering to the floor with heavy items to keep it from riding up. You’ll also want to keep snow removal tools close by to clean off cars, trucks and furniture.

Clear Sidewalks, Parking Spaces and Walkways

If it’s snowing on your moving day, or you anticipate snow plan ahead and give yourself time to shovel the walkway, sidewalk or parking spaces you’ll need. Kicking snow out of the way and shuffling around with snowy feet will make your move more complicated than it needs to be. Planning ahead and taking care of excess snow may take some time, but will be worth it in the end.

Stay Warm

Lastly, be sure to dress warm on your big day. Go for the whole nine yards: hats, thick gloves, coats, boots, double layers and warm socks. Keep your whole crew warm with coffee or hot chocolate and light a fire in your fireplace if you have one. Braving the cold weather and saving a few bucks on your move will prove to be a great decision!

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Tips for Moving in the winter is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

That being said, no one wants to emerge from the depths of winter sometime in early April feeling great but looking like one of the undead from I Am Legend or like a bottle of Elmer’s Glue. We just don’t.

However, at the same time, we don’t want to go through winter looking unnaturally tan like Wayne Newton or the cast of Jerseylicious.

I decided there had to be a middle ground somewhere. There had to be a way to avoid looking like a pasty zombie/vampire combo but to also avoid looking like a walking caramelized carrot all winter long.

I’ve found a few easy, realistic ways to go through winter with that healthy, bronzed, sun-kissed glow our skin radiates during the summer months.

Diet and Exercise

Eating a balanced diet during winter can help your skin stay in good health and retain a positive glow. We are what we eat, and if we stuff ourselves with junk food all winter long, our skin will show it. Easier said than done, I know.

Try to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants. Red, orange and yellow colored produce contain plenty of antioxidants and carotenoids that help make your skin look visibly brighter. Drink plenty of water as well to help make up the difference in moisture both in the air and in your body.

Exercising at least three times a week will help keep your body functioning at its best, ward off those extra winter pounds and give your skin a healthy summer glow that also says “Sorry I’m a little flushed and sanguine! I just left the gym, you know.”

Tanning

Believe it or not, spending a few minutes in a tanning bed during the winter can do wonders for both your skin and your mood. During the winter, we see less sunlight and our bodies miss out on the vital dosage of Vitamin D we require to retain a healthy glow and stay positive.

Vitamin D is proven to lift our mood and give our skin the boost it needs to get through a few more weeks or months of winter. Tanning for 10-15 minutes once a week will give your body the nutrients it needs.

Skin and Face Products

Continuing to use your typical skin care products may not be enough for the winter. You might want to consider making a few small changes to adjust to the way your skin reacts to cold weather and lessened sunlight.

Choose a foundation that better matches the tone your skin takes in winter. You might have to go lighter and more opaque shade or try something that includes moisturizer.

You should also use a bronzer to help your skin appear warmer. Don’t go too dark, or you’ll start to look like that caramelized carrot. Use a bronzer that matches your skin and apply it in small amounts to the areas of your face that are naturally bronzed by the sun: forehead, cheekbones and collarbone. Use a long-lasting moisturizer to keep your skin from chapping over as badly as your lips and continue to use sunscreen if you anticipate being out in the sun.

Even though it’s cold and dark all winter, a healthy glow can make us look happy, positive and upbeat even if we feel more like a dead-inside zombie. Keep hope alive.

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Maintaining a Healthy Glow throughout Winter is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Sweat the Small Stuff
Before tackling larger projects, take an assessment of all of your winter paraphernalia. Are your space heaters in working order? Do you have a good shovel, window scraper and anything else that may be necessary to unearth your house and car from under mountains of snow? Where will your pets go if it is too cold for them to stay outdoors? By planning ahead, you can be confident that your home will be snug and comfortable, regardless of what Mother Nature has up her sleeve.

Weatherize Your Little Heart Out
For all you DIYers out there, there are simple things that you can do to weatherize your home against the cold. Caulking is an easy to way to prevent drafts and leaks. Weather strips can also be added to doors and windows to ensure a snug fit. Finally, adding insulation to your walls and attic will keep the cold out and the heat in, thus decreasing your bills and creating a warm haven for the winter.

Stock Up and Batten Down the Hatches
Be sure to stock up on nonperishable groceries and water, in the event that you are unable to navigate treacherous roads to make it to the grocery store. When shopping for your food items, be sure to pick up some winter favorites, such as hot cocoa, hearty soups, and sandwich fixings. In addition to this, be sure to have plenty of rock salt on hand, to melt ice and make sidewalks passable.

Be Prepared
FEMA has created a checklist for a disaster emergency kit, and suggests that you have one for your home, work, and car. At home, be sure to have food, water and supplies for at least three days (if you’re able, try stocking up for two weeks), and keep it in a designated spot in your home. Additionally, be sure to have plenty of candles and matches, blankets, pet food (if applicable), and several flashlights with extra batteries. Finally, keep telephone numbers for your utility companies handy, and have a stocked first aid kit.

When in Doubt…
…call in the professionals! Prior to winter, be sure that your roof and gutters are in good repair, have your furnace and fireplace inspected, and prepare your landscape as much as possible by trimming branches and sealing driveways and decks (if applicable). Check the exterior of your home for cracks, and insulate water pipes to decrease the likelihood of them bursting in freezing temperatures.
Winter can be a beautiful season, even if you’re inundated with snow and chilly temperatures. Instead of dreading the cold, why not prepare for it now, so you can relax and enjoy it later?

Ashley Spade, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys spending her time keeping up with the latest innovations in home appliances.

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Prepping Your Home for Winter is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Having a regular gathering place gives people a space to enjoy life and unwind. And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours at a coffee shop to have a fun place for everyone to gather up after work. You can make your own apartment or living room into a legitimate gathering space. Even if it’s small.

1) Have Plenty of Seating

First things first, no one’s going to hang out at your place for hours on end if there’s no place to sit. You and your friends want to relax, sink into a big comfy sofa and talk until the sun comes up– or at least until bedtime.

Sofas can be expensive, and you may not want to spend a ton. You might consider re-using an older sofa or chair from your parents or family members. Older sofas are extra comfortable since they’re already broken in, cost little to nothing and can be cleaned and given a new look with a nice slipcover. Sectional sofas are especially great for small spaces. They wrap around with the corners of the wall, provide plenty of seating and can be taken apart and made into separates for special occasions.

2) A Focal Point of Common Interest

Once your friends are settled in, their eyes will probably drift to the nearest focal point. I found that TV’s are a great focal point. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t stifle conversation. I got a great deal on a new TV from hhgregg and placed it on the wall as a focal point. We love watching movies or TV shows together, talking, laughing and adding our own commentary. We also use the TV to play slideshows of pictures we’ve taken together, or pictures that someone wants to share from a trip.

3) Make the Most of Your Space

Even if you’re like me and live in a small space, you can be smart about using every inch to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to take a risk in your small space by using patterns, bright colors and funky accessories.

Strategically placed mirrors make a small room appear larger by reflecting light while clever storage solutions and items that function for multiple purposes allow you to squeeze all the value out of your entire room.

4) Encourage Conversation and Interaction

Board and Card games are the perfect way to get your friends talking–and sometimes even shouting. Games like Catch Phrase or Taboo require constant speaking and interaction while games like Apples to Apples inspire laughter.

You can also strike up conversation, whether serious or light-hearted. Movies or music are great for light-hearted conversation while topics like health, education or even the effect of social media and technology can lead to a more weighty conversation.

5) Best for Last: Food

Obviously, food is the jump off point for any great gathering. People want something to eat while chatting, playing games or watching TV. Even if your house is the gathering place, ask friends to contribute snacks or drinks too and don’t feel bad about asking them to help clean up afterwards.

Turning your apartment into the number one hang out spot is only a few steps away. Ask your friends for their ideas and contributions to get help with décor and save money as well. Soon, your apartment will be cooler than the Friends coffee shop. You may never get them to leave.

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Make Your Apartment a Gathering Place is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

I was like, what? We pack up our boxes of clothes, cosmetics, books, jewelry, Tupperware or whatever and get to work. It’s not hard.

And, while I fully maintain that I’m capable of moving on my own, there’s a difference between moving into a dorm and moving cross-country.

I’m an independent type of girl, but I’m not trying to haul a sofa 1,500 miles and then up seven flights of stairs, you know?

When I moved from New York to Chicago after undergrad to attend law school, I knew I’d finally have to enlist the help of professional, real-life movers to safely get my belongings from point A to B.

So, what do you need to know for your move? I’ll key you in to the best tips and tricks for moving without a boyfriend.

Step 1: Packing

The first step to a super successful move is proper packing. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been able to slide by with packing the night before–shoving things into trash bags, or down into the nooks and crannies of storage tubs. That packing technique totally works for a quick move back to school, but if you’re re-locating cross-country with a ton of furniture, you’re going to have to do a little better than that.

Many movers offer great packing advice on their websites along with what to pack, what to leave behind and what types of supplies you’ll need.

If you have major items to bring along like furniture or appliances, you’ll want to invest in stretch wrap or double wall cartons to ensure that your belongings arrive safely. You can also find convenient items like wardrobe boxes, mirror cartons, or dish pack that make moving fragile items and clothes in bulk much easier.

Step 2: Finding the Right Movers

Moving is a pretty big deal and you definitely don’t want just any guys off the street to pack up and haul your life 2,000 miles away.

You’ll want to read up on the movers you plan to hire by checking out websites like Angie’s List, Kudzu or the Better Business Bureau.

Get recommendations from friends, check out the American Moving and Storage Association to see which movers are members, get several in-home estimates and stay organized. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website provides a list of fully insured and licensed movers.

Step 3: Unloading

Here’s my favorite moving fact: unloading is always easier than loading. Always. Sure, your sofa still has six flights of stairs to conquer before it’s truly home, but that’s what movers are for, right? Plus, the hard part is already over.

If you plan on doing some heavy lifting too, just to help out, keep these few tips in mind. Lesson one: dollies are essential. Why pick something up when you can roll it? Most apartments and movers have one they wouldn’t mind letting you use to speed up the unloading process. I also invested in moving gloves to help myself get a grip. On boxes, that is.

Step 4: Nesting!

And, my favorite part of the moving process, the best for last: nesting. I love getting settled and making a new space feel like home. Once the moving is all done and you’ve successfully relocated, putting your personal stamp of style on your new place is the cherry on top!

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Single Girl Moving Tips is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

In order to maximize success as a work from home employee, having a functional workspace is important. Make sure you have all the tools and equipment you need to do your job efficiently and minimize the distractions around you. Having a separate space, preferably a room with a door, just for work will help you to stay focused. Invest in a dependable computer if you don’t already have one. It doesn’t need to be super fast or fancy, but reliability is of utmost importance. Find a chair that is comfortable, otherwise you won’t want to sit for long periods of time which will severely limit your productivity. If you feel the need for a few decorations, go for it. But don’t go overboard; simplicity is best. Keep household items like children’s toys out of your office and don’t take your work into the rest of your home.

If you have children, be sure to arrange for childcare during your work hours. It’s difficult to get work done with little ones tugging on your pant legs and needing you every two minutes. Ask friends or family members that live nearby to help watch your kids if you can’t afford or don’t want to send your children to daycare. Even if someone only comes for an hour or two, it can make a huge difference in the amount of work you are able to get done. If you’re only working for a couple hours a day and don’t have anyone to help out, try getting up before your children if you’re a morning person or doing your work after bedtime if you’re a night owl.

Even though you are working from home, having a daily routine is still very important. While some people can work and be productive in their pajamas each day, most people need an extra boost. Take a shower and get dressed and ready for the day as if you were going into the office. Then you will be in the proper mindset to get work done. Do something to set your work hours apart. Some people choose to take a walk around the block to ‘go to work’ and another walk to ‘go home’.

Managing your time effectively is one of the most difficult things to do when working from home. Working online can quickly turn to browsing non work-related sites, channel surfing, or even laundry day if you do not have the proper mindset. Take one day a week to thoroughly clean your house and give family members a list of chores to do that will help you out so that you won’t be distracted during your work hours. Make sure your family knows what you expect of them and don’t allow for non-emergency interruptions. Be sure to give yourself breaks throughout the day. Keep a professional mindset regarding your work and remember that your home based job deserves the same attention and dedication as any other office position. And make sure others respect your job as well. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you are free at the drop of a hat.

Olivia Nicholas is a writer, blogger and mom.  She manages her home business of  http://plugincandles.com and in her spare time loves to read, write and travel.

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Creating an Efficient Home Workspace is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Drinks are the biggest culprits when it comes to sneaky calories that add up fast. Cut the whipping cream out of your morning mocha, or opt for skim milk instead of whole milk. Juices, even those that are all natural, are a quick way to tack on unnecessary calories. But natural juices are infinitely better choices than soda. Cut out soda to save on calories and your overall health as well. If you absolutely must have some soda, buy a smaller size. And be sure to check the serving sizes on your bottles. Many cans and bottles contain two or more servings.

Preparing meals at home allows you to know exactly what goes into your body. Stay away from boxed options, as they are high in preservatives, sodium, and other undesirable ingredients. Make a meal plan and stick to it as best you can. Having a plan will help keep you from grabbing the easiest frozen or boxed meal. Cut and prep fruits and vegetables at the beginning of the week, that way they will always be available for you to grab. Use salad plates instead of large dinner-sized plates. You will help to trick your mind into thinking you’ve eaten more than you have. And remember that you don’t always have to clean your plate. Don’t be wasteful, but also don’t force yourself to continue eating when you are no longer hungry.

Even the most prepared and organized family enjoys a meal out now and then. It is fun to get out of the house and allow someone else to do the cooking and cleaning every once in a while. But restaurant portion sizes are often big enough to feed a small army. Start with a light salad or soup, avoiding cream of anything soups or creamy dressings. If they serve bread, limit yourself to just one reasonably-sized piece. Just because it’s unlimited doesn’t mean you have to keep eating as much as possible. As soon as your entrée comes, ask for half to be placed in a to-go container. And if you feel the need for dessert, order a single option for the family to share.

Snacks are great for helping keep energy levels from dropping throughout the day, but they can easily add a lot of calories to your daily diet. If you buy snacks in bulk, be sure to separate into serving-sized portions. Then you will not be tempted to just keep eating mindlessly. Try frozen fruit in exchange for ice cream or raw vegetables for a satisfying crunchy snack. If you can’t get rid of the potato chips, try baked varieties instead of regular. Add a handful of nuts to your daily intake; they are full of protein and healthy fats. Curb chocolate cravings with a square or two of dark chocolate instead of a whole milk chocolate bar. If you know your weaknesses, be sure to keep those snacks out of the house as much as possible.

Olivia Nicholas is a writer, blogger and mom.  She manages her home business of http://herbalifereviews.com/ and in her spare time loves to read, write and travel.

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Average Girl : http://www.averagegal.com/

Simple Ways to Cut Unnecessary Calories is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Before the release of Windows 7, Sinofsky opened a blog on the OS for discussion between the general public and the engineers and developers behind the project. This blog was a huge success for Microsoft, creating a streamlined conversation about the operating system between the experts and the consumers. No doubt, this is what Sinofsky hopes to create with the Building Windows 8 blog. However, to date, very little information has truly been shared on the operating system or its design. So, that leaves us to speculation and piecing together information.

So far, what we do know about Windows 8 comes from the presentation given by Julie Larson-Green at the All Things Digital D9 conference in May. In June, something named the “Milestone 3″ build of Windows 8 leaked. Of course, this leak provided the curious with very little information on the details of the operating system. The only real information that this leak provided was the alluring possibility that Windows 8 will have a Hyper V option. However, this too is not completely certain. Besides these points of solid evidence, most other discussion of the Windows 8 operating system is guessing, speculation, and rumors.

Dolby revealed that it will not provide DVD support for Windows 8 and it is rumored that Kinect support will be built into the OS, but that too is uncertain. On August 9, Motorola CEO discussed the possibility of using Windows 8 as a platform. But this too has been blown somewhat out of proportion. The Motorola CEO stated that he was “open” to the possibility of using Windows 8. However, he made it very clear that there were no definitive plans concerning Motorola and Windows 8. Motorola will keep a look out on Windows 8 and try to determine if it is a suitable ecosystem for their devices. With several popular Android phones and the Xoom tablet all running Google’s Android operating system, supporting a Windows operating system would be a huge (and serious) leap for Motorola to make.

With so little actual knowledge on the Windows 8 operating system available, it’s difficult to say what is to come. Now that the Windows 8 blog is up and running, techies eager to learn more about the Windows operating system know where to go. But, don’t expect any significant information about the OS anytime too soon.

Author Bio:
Stella Walker is a freelance writer of free credit score where she writes about topics including credit, debt, investment, bankruptcy.

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Windows 8 Operating System Facts and Rumors is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

If you have an immaculate home that appears as if it has not been touched in years, it might feel cold and too perfect for a potential buyer. However, if the home appears sloppy, dirty, or as if you did not take care of it at all, statistically, potential buyers are less likely to purchase it for the asking price, if at all.

For this reason, you might want to make some quick changes well in advance of the Open House including:

• Keep the interior clean: Vacuum, using a carpet powder, steam clean the carpets, mop the floors, and dust.
• Spruce up with a fresh, bright coat of paint. Fix holes in the walls, and cover any that are not fixable before with a nice family photo in a frame that matches the décor.
• Make sure the décor is not harsh to the eyes and that the lighting is soft, not glaring.
• If you traditionally use dark colored curtains, then use brighter ones that match the furniture
• Speaking of furniture, make sure the sofa and the loveseat has no holes and the tables and lamps are not broken or excessively dirty. If there are holes in the sofa, purchase a slipcover that matches the décor. Clean the dirty items, and replace the broken ones with new, fresh looking ones.
• After cleaning, make sure the magazine ranks are full, with one or two magazines open on the coffee table, strategically placed.
• Make sure to put some dishes in the drain so it looks as if someone lives in the home. Maybe even a dish or two in the sink as well, just do not overdo it.
• Make sure there is food in the refrigerator and that the inside is clean.
• Strew some toys around the living room and the children’ rooms
• If you have pets, clean their area, making sure no visible excrement and no food is lying around.
• Make sure all smoking and pet odors are masked and the home smells clean. Use an anti-bacterial spray to do this as they can get rid of odors in the air without overdoing the fragrance.
• Speaking of smoking, hide the ashtrays! Some people are reluctant to purchase a home when they know the previous owners smoked. Nicotine can do some nasty things such as ruin a paint job. Even if the walls have been cleaned, the nicotine can cause bubbling in the paint, and it can flake off eventually.

While it is simple to quickly change a light bulb or add personal touches to a home, it is not as simple to change a buyer’s first impression thoughts after he or she sees a home they do not like the first time they see it. That is why if you as a homeowner can make these simple, but viable changes and stay in between that fine line between lived in and not, you will have better luck selling for your asking price.

Olivia is a freelance writer and blogger for MyWedding Austin; she is also a mom to twin boys and loves to read and travel.  It’s through her writing that she shares her passion and knowledge on an array of topics.

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Prepping Your Homes Interior for an Open House Prior to Sale is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

To notify all of your family and friends of your newborn’s baptism, you will want to pick out some wonderful christening invitations that you should send out at least 3 to 4 weeks before the ceremony. You may even want to send them out earlier if the ceremony is held during a busy holiday season, such as around Christmas or Easter. A christening is usually held at the church and is often performed in front of the church’s congregation during a Sunday service. However, the people involved in the family are typically just the family of the child and his or her godparents. The invitations to the baptism are usually sent out to close family and friends by the parents of the baby, however the godparents may also be the ones sending out the invitations.

How to Word Christening Invitations

Wording the christening invitations should be rather easy, as it is similar to wording other types of invitations. However, many people choose to also include a bible verse, since this is typically a Christian ceremony that takes place within the church. Oftentimes, the invitations will start out with a line, such as “You are invited to join with family and friends to the christening of [name].” Another option is to say that [The parents' names] invite you to the baptism of their [daughter/son] [name].” After the opening line, you will want to include the date, time, and location, as well as an invitation to the gathering afterward, if you are choosing to have one, with the time and location for the party listed, as well. It may also be helpful to include instructions to the location of the christening and the gathering to make it easier for your guests. If you want the invitations to be more formal, avoid abbreviations. However, if you plan on having a more informal ceremony and reception, feel free to use invitations for the date, time, and so forth.

Choosing the Christening Invitations

You have several different options for baptism invitations, some of which include:

1. You can make your own christening invitations. If you are crafty and have enough time, consider making the invitations on your own, choosing out the perfect paper, ink, and designs.
2. You can also choose printable invitations. These are very simple to find online and there are many different designs out there to choose from.
3. You may also want to consider choosing formal invitations from a printing company that are elegant and well crafted.
4. Buying your own invitations and filling them out is another easy option. You can either look for invitations online or in stores.

AUTHOR BIO:
Andrea Boley is a writer and blogger with http://www.storkie.com/ .  She has been writing articles and blogging for over 10 years and is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work.  Her educational backgrounds in psychology and journalism have given her a solid foundation from which to draw experience and expertise in an array of topics.

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Average Girls : http://www.AverageGal.com/

Christening is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Camping can be very relaxing and therapeutic. It is an excellent way to spend time away from ordinary tasks of everyday life. In the world we live there is so much to do and little time to clear your mind. The escape of camping is simple and is very affordable. Next time you head to the store you should pick up a canopy tent .

Before you know it camping will win your heart over if you can allow yourself the opportunity to just enjoy the experience for what it is. Maybe to you it will be a new insight, or just the time spent in the fresh air.

While camping at night you can relax as you listen to the new sounds of wind rustling through the trees branches. The stars will be brighter than ever in the dark night. And not only is camping a true pleasure for your sight and sounds you can also smell the aromas of nature, so fresh.

Although a camping vacation can be enjoyable and you are supposed to be relaxing, sometimes vacations can turn fairly stressful.

Next time you go, plan ahead! Too many times families end up trying so hard to have a good time that they are drained by the end of the trip. Consider these tips for reducing the stress of your next vacation camping:

Prepare before leaving
Get all the information you need before you leave so you aren’t getting stressed by directions.

Don’t over pack
Some unfortunate travelers realize once they have to carry their pack for awhile they have packed too much. Stop the over packing before it starts!

Arrive on time
A big stress can be the rushing around that is done before leaving for vacation. Instead of rushing around and adding stress to the trip, get to the destination on time by planning ahead.

Limit your activities
Decide what is reasonable. Sometimes over scheduling events can cause more stress. If you don’t allow for de-stress time, it’s not really a vacation.

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To have Your next article appear here in our Guest Blog please touch base with us.

Camping for relaxation is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

If your career goals are not in the environmental field, but being ‘green’ is still important, online degrees can help save the environment in at least nine other ways:

1. Reducing or eliminating commuting to a land based university. Saves gas, time and money, especially now
2. Reduced physical footprint. Online universities usually have a smaller physical base than traditional universities, saving building and construction related resources
3. Associated reduction in need for infrastructure such as water and sewer services, campus based services, etc.
4. Online study resources, i.e. textbooks, exams etc., reducing use of paper and inks.
5. Opportunity to use environmental information learned in one’s community, in local schools or in volunteer environmental activities
6. Changing practices used at home, i.e. increased recycling, choice of household cleaners and lawn care products, etc.
7. Influencing change to ‘greener’ practices at work. Increased recycling, reduction in paper use, elimination of bottled water, carpooling, etc.
8. Creating, or contributing to, an environmental blog.
9. Reevaluating your investment strategies to redirect to ‘greener’ investment opportunities.

An associated benefit may be for your kids. If Mom or Dad have homework, or a paper due, kids can relate to that in a more peer oriented way. If education is valuable to Mom or Dad, this may influence your kids to get better grades. Who knows, they may even decide to study environmental science! Online degree programs can change your life. Check it out.

To visit the original Writer please visit : Eat Breath Blog at http://www.eatbreatheblog.com/

Brought to you by : Average Girls at http://www.averagegal.com/

10 Ways to save the environment with an online degree is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Taking measures today could stop heart problems tomorrow.

I am not saying that you need to avoid your entire favorite foods. Learning the real difference in the kinds of fat that people eat and where these fats come from in our food is important to manipulate the levels of cholesterol within our blood.

Here are 10 of the most frequent truth and lies and facts that you ought to know.

1) Misconception: The healthiest weight loss program is the one that limits all fats.
You need 25-35 per cent of your total calories from fats since your body can’t create some fatty acids it requires for adequate functioning.

2) Misconception: All fat molecules are basically the same.
You’ll find different varieties of fats. Mono unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats could possibly reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol while saturated and trans fat tend to be more closely related to high LDL.

Types of foods that contain each variety include:

• Mono saturated: extra virgin olive oil, peanut butter and avocados.
• Polyunsaturated: salmon, nuts and vegetable oils including corn, soybean and safflower.
• Saturated: unhealthy red beefs, bacon, real butter, and tropical oils for example palm oil and coconut oil.
• Trans fat: fast food Chips, and a lot of commercially manufactured foods for example donuts, crackers and cookies.

3) Misconception: Products which are labeled “low fat” are usually also low-calorie options.

Some food manufacturers replace fat with substances that might have equally many calories.

4) Misconception: Foods labeled “trans fat free” are often healthy solutions.

Food companies may replace trans fat with saturated fats, which often can also raise the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

5) Misconception: I’m able to obtain a sufficient volume of plant sterols from the foods I consume to get benefit of the plant sterols.
While plant sterols are found in many vegetable fats and whole grains to vegetables and fruits, you’d must eat about 100 pounds of vegetables and fruits daily to have the total daily intake of 0.8 grams necessary for plant sterols to take down cholesterol.

6) Misconception: Plant sterols cut down cholesterol levels within the blood by dissolving it inside the digestive tract.

Plant sterols work by lowering the absorption of cholesterol from your colon, which often decreases the higher level of LDL (bad) cholesterol inside you. Cholesterol which is not absorbed is eliminated from the body.

7) Misconception: Individuals with normal cholesterol levels won’t reap the benefits of eating products prepared with plant sterols.

Plant sterols lower Cholesterol levels in those with both normal and elevated blood levels of cholesterol. Plant sterols can appreciably lower Cholesterol levels levels no matter what is the starting point.

Misconception: Children and expectant women shouldn’t have huge doses of plant sterols.

While plant sterols are often acknowledged as safe food components, they’re generally considered a bad idea for pregnant or breast-feeding women, and children under five-years old, since these consumers typically will not have nutritional necessities for a reduction of cholesterol.

9) Misconception: If you’re looking to decrease your cholesterol, you should attempt to remove it from the diet almost entirely.

For many individuals, it’s perfectly safe to get around 300 mg of cholesterol everyday which can be the suggested daily limit.

10) Misconception: Shellfish including shrimp have a reasonably large quantities of cholesterol and may be avoided on the cholesterol-lowering diet program.

While shrimp is higher in cholesterol than various other animal products, it’s still very lean and low in saturated fats.

So you Still reading this article? Move out and reduce your bad cholesterol!

The author: Lisa Wilson writes for the cholesterol lowering diets site, her personal hobby blog that shares tips to help individuals to lower high cholesterol and help spread the consciousness on healthy eating.

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Average Gal : http://www.averagegal.com/

Do You Recognise These 10 Common Myths About Bad Cholesterol, Foods and Fats ? is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

When Rachel asked me guest post here I was a little daunted, I hadn’t written a guest post before and couldn’t come up with any ideas. Then the other night I was lying in bed and had one of those lightbulb moments…5 posts came to me at once, and this one fit in perfectly with AverageGal.com, so here it is.

Top 5 Blog Widgets for increasing your comments and building your Blog Community

So, you have a blog, but do you have regular commentors?  The best way to get regular commentors on your blog is to build up a community around your blog and encourage your readers to leave comments by giving them an incentive. These 5 widgets will help you to build up a community and give them an incentive to Comment.

No.1 – Twitter for WordPress

This ingenious widget lets you display your latest tweets on your Blog for your readers to see.  Get more twitter followers with this widget and keep them coming back to your blog.  Download Twitter for WordPress here

No. 2 – My BlogLog

The My BlogLog Widget shows pictures and details of your most recent visitors and links to their BlogLog. It also helps to build your community and allows your readers ease of access to be your social stalker.  When you sign into MyBlogLog you can also get statistics from your site by installing some HTML code very easily.  Get your My BlogLog community up and running and create your widget at http://www.mybloglog.com/.

No. 3 – Top Commentors Widget

Show off your regular commentors with this great widget. It gives your commentors a reason to comment on your site, the more they comment, the higher they get on the list. Personally, I love commenting on sites that have this installed, because I feel very important when I see my name on that list, and I make sure that I keep going back.  Download the Top Commentors Widget here

No. 4 – CommentLuv

Entice your readers to leave a comment by giving them CommentLuv. This ingenious widget sources their latest post from their blog and add’s it’s title and a link to it for other readers to see. Everyone will want to leave comments on your blog with ComentLuv because it might just increase their traffic.Download CommentLuv here.

No. 5 – No Follow Free

The No Follow Free Widget allows your commentors links to be followed by Searchbots and therefore index their sites faster. Download it for free here.

All of these widgets are easy to install, either by installing some simple HTML or installing the download into your Wp-admin/wp-plugins folder and clicking the activate button.

Simple and fast, these easy steps are guaranteed to increase your Blogs Community and Comments.  What are you still doing here? Go get them and start building!

If you have any trouble with these widgets contact me at http://wds.webdsignservers.com

Top 5 Blog Widgets is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace

Well, the country just elected someone as President who, among other things, billed himself as a community organizer. All rhetoric aside, my question for you is simple:

Are you a community organizer or a community participant?

Nearly every blog post these days that mentions traffic also includes a section about building a community around your blog. The advice is always pretty much the same with suggestions to Tweet, Digg and Stumble until your fingers bleed. Go post comments on blogs. You get the idea.

I would not argue against any of these suggestions. My own experience is that they do work, and for some folks they work exceptionally well. What I’ll put out here is that the blogs who are doing well are the ones whose bloggers are community organizers, not just community participants.

It’s all about attitude and approach. When I’m stumbling across the web, or posting comments on my feed-read sites, if I find something that really stands out I take a proactive approach. I don’t just comment and hope for the best. I take the time to post a thoughtful comment and then if they’ve really resonated with me I’ll contact the blogger directly through email. I’ll ask or offer to guest post and I’ll let them know what an exceptional job they’ve done.

I try and let my circle of influence know about my new discovery and I’ll encourage them to go see for themselves.

I’ve found that by attempting to organize my community, I’ve become a better blogger and my analytics show that it’s working.

Don’t make stumbling and commenting a rote task. Approach it with the enthusiasm of a child coming downstairs Christmas morning, eyes bright with the anticipation of what might be in those colorful and shiny packages under the tree.

Believe in yourself. Believe that you CAN organize. You CAN lead.

With the right attitude you’ll find that your community will become strong, and all of its members will benefit from your hard work.

The Blogging Community… What’s Your Role? is a post from: Average Girls and Women Marketplace