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Country Home Accessories
by: Lisa French

Country home d?cor is the most sought after home interior and it?s no wonder since country d?cor invites a casual friendly lifestyle.

Make sure you carefully study the specific style, and color scheme then carefully coordinate the colors of each element of your country d?cor.

Although the kitchen is primarily a working area little touches can make a big difference:

Pie safes or glass door cabinets can be used for displaying antique china.

Hanging potted plants from the ceiling or placing them in the window.

You can also display:

* Cookbooks
* Wooden spoons
* Bowls or baskets of fruits or vegetables
* Vases of fresh flowers
* Pottery
* Old tin canister:

Pot racks are great for hanging:

* Copper pots
* Baskets
* Dried herbs

You can add a touch of country to your bathroom simply by adding:

Old glass jars, which are great, for holding cotton balls, Q-tips, or a fresh flower.

Decorative baskets, a galvanized pot, or a wine rack used in the bathroom are good for holding towels.

Baskets and pots can hold magazines, books, towels, oils, soaps, shampoos, sponges, and lotions.

Shelves can be used to display a collection of:

* Knickknacks
* Candles
* Potpourri

Don?t forget you can hang pictures or display your kid?s artwork, in the bathroom.

You will want your living room to have a comfortable lived in look that will always make your friends and family feel welcome.

Some charming accents can be displaying:

* Beautiful hand made quilts
* Throw pillows
* Rugs

In your living room you can also arrange:

* Candles
* Potpourri
* Plants
* Flowers

Be consistent in your choice of home interior color, styles and materials so as to avoid a patchwork look that is indicative of bad planning.

About the Author: Author: Lisa French is a freelance writer specializing in home decor.Use of this article requires a link tohttp://www.decorating-country-home.com

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Most people experience some degree of shyness from time to time in certain situations. In fact, only about 7% of the population claims that they never feel shy. For the rest of us, shyness can range from being an occasional, minor inconvenience, to being a major problem.

Some people however, are afflicted with a degree of shyness so severe that it is almost disabling. This type of acute shyness is not only very painful to experience, but it can have devastating effects on a person?s social life, happiness, and career.

Severe shyness is a complex mix of biology, upbringing, traumatic experiences, and negative self-talk. Severe shyness can co-exist with other debilitating psychological conditions such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, depression and anxiety.

Extreme shyness can take many forms, and can show up differently in different people. Some very shy people have problems being in large gatherings, yet feel comfortable in small groups. Some shy people only feel acute discomfort with persons they have just met, while others are never comfortable around people, even those they have known a long time.

Psychiatrists and psychologists use the term ?social anxiety disorder (SAD)? to describe extremely debilitating shyness. There isn?t complete agreement about whether severe, disabling social anxiety disorder is simply a more severe type of shyness, or whether it is another type of disorder altogether.

Some very shy people are able to overcome their fears by learning social skills and practicing them frequently in social situations. Many also find it useful to gain some measure of control over their uncomfortable physical reactions such as sweating and trembling, by using special relaxation techniques and bio-feedback training.

Many very shy people deal with their extreme anxiety by simply avoiding any social situations that might trigger their discomfort. This may mean turning down invitations to parties and other social events, crossing the street in order to avoid running into someone they know, and even turning down promotions at work.

Although avoiding the feared situation may seem to the shy person like the perfect solution, it actually makes the problem worse in the long run. Every time a shy person chooses to avoid social interaction, he reinforces in his mind how much he fears dealing with other people.

By choosing the short-term benefit of avoiding his anxious feelings, he reinforces the power that his fear holds over him

Psychologists who specialize in the treatment of shyness disorders have discovered that avoiding social situations can actually make the problem worse. Many psychologists who treat people aflicted by shyness recommend a program of repeated and gradually increasing exposure to the feared situation, combined with helping the client learn new ways of thinking.

Various psychological therapies have been used to treat extreme shyness, most of them with limited success. The most successful approaches use some variation of cognitive therapy, or behavioral therapy, or both of these, combined with graduated and increasing exposure to the feared situation.

In cognitive therapy, the patient is taught to notice the thoughts he is thinking while he is in the feared situation. The client learns to challenge his thoughts to see if they fit reality. If these thoughts do not match the reality, the client is taught to substitute more realistic thoughts in their place.

Behavioral therapy aims to change the client?s behavior using a program of positive reinforcement of the desired behavior, and negative reinforcement of the undesired behavior.

Both cognitive therapy and behavior therapy focus on teaching the client to deal with situations and symptoms in the present. Neither form of therapy delves into situations in the client?s distant past. Those forms of psychotherapy that attempt to deal with shyness by delving into the client?s past history have not been shown to be effective. in cognitive therapy techniques.

There are many books that can teach the reader to effectively use cognitive therapy techniques for both depression and loneliness. If your case is not particularly severe, you can often learn enough from reading a book and doing the recommended exercises to greatly relieve your symptoms of shyness or depression. Dr. David Burns, one of the pioneers in bringing cognitive therapy to a wider audience, has written several very useful books and workbooks for the general public, including ?Intimate Connections? and ?Feeling Good–the New Mood Therapy.?

In the past decade, researchers have discovered that some anti-depressant medications, particularly the so-called SSRI?s (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), can also be very helpful in the treatment of extreme shyness. One of these SSRI drugs, Paxil, was the first to receive American F.D.A. approval as an effective treatment for social anxiety. In fact, ads for Paxil as a treatment for social anxiety have been marketed directly to the public, not just to doctors. Other anti-depressant drugs in the SSRI group are also believed to help in reliving social anxiety.

Does drug treatment for shyness really work? Some very socially anxious people have tried everything that regular psychotherapy has to offer, including cognitive therapy, yet they still suffer debilitating symptoms of shyness until they try SSRI drugs. In some cases, the improvement in sociability after taking SSRI drugs can be swift and profound. This class of drugs seems to help the socially anxious person turn down the excessive volume of their inner judgmental thoughts.

About the Author: This article is taken from the new downloadable book by Royane Real titled “How You Can Have All the Friends You Want - Your Complete Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends, and Keeping Friends” available at www.royanereal.com

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Have you ever wondered why the phones aren’t ringing the waythey should? Or maybe sales are flat and you’re not achievingthe revenue and profit targets you set for your business.There’s one sure-fire way to uncover the problems to get yourcompany back on track. The answers are right in front of yournose.

> > > Why Your Ads May Say Nothing & Everything About YourBusiness! < < <

Many business owners rely on platitudes and ego gratificationwhen promoting their businesses. They think customers willflock to their establishments to buy products and services justbecause they’re there or just because they’re “nice folks”.Their ads extol the same drearily predictable phrases: “We’vebeen in business umpteen years!”, or “We’re family owned andoperated!”, or “We sell the best for less!”. Trite andcommonplace position statements such as these have been used somuch, by so many advertisers, they simply have no meaning andno impact.

> > > Your Customers Are A Goldmine Of Information < < <

When it comes to your industry, your customers represent awealth of experience. Why not tap into that knowledge-baseto see how you can increase your bottom line profits? Have youever taken an extensive customer survey and asked why peoplebuy from you? If you haven’t, you’re missing vital feedbackthat can tell you exactly how to craft your marketing messagefor maximum impact. Try it and you’ll learn the best way tospeak to your target audience. Their responses will guide youin developing your irresistible marketing message. You’lluncover all the customer “Hot Buttons”, the problems,frustrations, and annoying situations your target audienceexperiences before and when doing business in your industry.When you know what “makes your target market tick” and what”ticks them off”, your approach will be more confident andinformed.

This will cause people to be more receptive, becauseprospects can now see that you completely understand them andtheir situation.

In addition, you can learn just as much from prospects whodecided not to buy from you as you can from those who do. Why?When prospects fail to buy from you, there’s a good chance thatthe issue was not “price”. Knowing why allows you to look atways of innovating your company, products, or your services.You know precisely how to make your business more attractive.

> > > Customer Survey Types < < <

Conduct your surveys and direct them toward:

1) Current Prospects2) Prospects who are still stuck in the buying process3) Current Customers4) Former Customers5) Unhappy Customers

According to Jim Rohn, renowned business philosopher, the keycomponents to powerful communication are: first having somethinggood to say, then saying it well, and finally saying it often,using the appropriate mediums. Your customer surveys will giveyou plenty of good things to say. Pay attention, because yourcustomers may even say it for you, in the form of testimonials!

Get a FREE Customer Survey Template entitled, “Everything YouShould Ask Your Customers And How!” Simply email your requestto mailto:surveytemplate@aweber.com and learn how to get yourcustomers to tell you everything you need to know about whatmakes them “tick” and what “ticks them off”.

Learn more about this innovative and convenient way to helpbuild your business by viewing a short video clipat: http://www.mymondemand.info/page/page/1685007.htm

May your marketing efforts be profitable.

About the Author: James Bell, the author, teaches business owners, entrepreneurs,and professionals how to acheive bigger, bottom line results from their advertising & marketing efforts without spending moretime, effort, or money. Learn marketing strategies and tactics to separate yourself from your competition and become the obvious choice to do business with. To learn more about how to improve your own Marketing Efforts and Achieve Better Results, visit: http://www.MYMOnDemand.com. Email: mailto:jbell@mymondemand.com

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In the ten years that I’ve taught people how to get on withtheir books and creative projects, I’ve noticed a phenomenonthat I’ll call “Author’s Block.” Would-be writers can, indeed,sit down and work when pressed to it. The problem is thatthey’re not so sure they want the pressure of being an author.But they do want it. But they don’t. And so on.

Ah, the agony of getting on with your book.

Well, I’m here to diffuse that situation with a list of the keyreasons we have trouble sticking to our writing or othercreative projects. Perhaps this will help the next time you findyourself polishing doorknobs instead of sitting down to work.

Check all that apply to you:

You Lie To Yourself About Why You Can’t Write The Book

You think your stalling is about lack of time, or too muchpressure at work, or not enough solitude in the evening. Butguess what? Chances are a deeper, darker reason may be at play,like ‘I’m not supposed to be bigger than Mom’ or ‘What if thisthing really takes off?’

You Fear The Impact Your Book Could Have

Sometimes when I coach writers in my Self-Help Author’s CrashCourse I’ll ask them what’s impeding their progress. And aftersome probing, it will come out that they’re afraid of the bigexposure a book can have if it takes off. I’m here to assure youthat should that happen, (and chances are your book will notunleash wild mobs of millions) you will be able to handle it.How do I know? On that deep level where psyche meets karma, youwon’t create a single reader more than you’re ready to receive.

You Think Your Book Doesn’t Matter, So Why Bother?

One writer I know put this succinctly: “I’ve tried getting up at5AM to write, or staying up late, or even leaving my home, butnone of it works. I have this tired feeling that none of myeffort is going to amount to a hill of beans.” In fact, writingand publication can be an entirely self-determined activitythese days. If the publishing pundits don’t go for your book,there’s always the option of self-publishing paperback editionsor e-books and selling them on online booksellers or yourwebsite. In other words, your book DOES matter, and you reallyhave no excuse. (Acid test: if the book keeps on patientlyurging you to sit down and write it for months and even years,chances are you’d better do it.)

You Think You Don’t Know How To Write A Book

Guess what? Neither does any other first time writer. And thatmay be a wonderful thing. As a beginner, you don’t approach yourbook project with a carload of professional expectations anddemands from your process. You can just be open, like? well, anice blank book. All you really need is your intuition to guideyou, and the will to write your book as honestly as you can.

You Have No Support

You need someone in your corner, cheering you on, to get throughthe long and somewhat tiring process of birthing a book.

Becausewriters need a way to show up and be accountable for theirprogress. They need someone to keep saying, ‘Yes, you really cando this,” or even “How’s it going?” Minds can be tricky anddifficult when fully challenged by something like a book. Andsteady external support is the best way around that.

You’re Afraid You’ll Run Out Of Material

There isn’t a writer out there who hasn’t had this fear. And I’mhere to say that if you just stay loose and open, and willing toreceive the ideas, they will show up. All you have to do iscommit - really sit down, and begin to bring that book intobeing - and the work will magically appear. Sometimes it won’tflow that easily, and sometimes it will scare you with its speedand power. But it will, indeed, show up.

You Think ‘Who Am I to Write a Book?’

And yet, you are the perfect person to write your book, becauseyou’re the one chosen to receive this material. (You don’t haveto be spiritually inclined to believe this.) I personallybelieve that books are given to us when we’re ready to receivethem? and when we do, our lives are changed by that process.

You Fear Uncomfortable Moments

Ah, but that’s the most exciting thing about writing your book.You will be given challenges and lessons that just seemuntenable along the way. And if you’re committed enough, you’llrise above them and so become stronger in the process. This isespecially true for self-help books: we naturally write what weneed to learn.

Got a few categories checked off from the list above? Good!Awareness is the first step to diffusing your fears. Meanwhile,PLEASE do get on with your book ? despite your misgivings. Notonly do you deserve this work - so do we.

About the Author: Suzanne Falter-Barns co-leads The Writer’s Spa, a week-long,nurturing retreat for anyone with a book on their mind. Taos,NM, August, 2005. Learn more athttp://www.howmuchjoy.com/writerspa.html. ?2005 Suzanne Falter-Barns LLC. You may reprint this, butit must be complete and include all contact informationabove.

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College students receive billions of dollars in scholarship money every year. How can you get some of this money to fund your college education?

Start looking early
Start looking for scholarships at least by your sophomore or junior year in high school. Some scholarships are even awarded as early as junior high. Where to look? Your first stop should be your high school counseling office, followed by your college financial aid office. Other places to look include

-Civic and community organizations
-Cultural institutions
-Your parents? place of employment
-Your state Department of Education
-The internet

Keep looking
Keep searching for new scholarships and renewing existing scholarships even after you begin college. Many scholarships need to be renewed annually, and you may qualify for new loans throughout your college years.

Develop your interests
While some scholarships are based on financial need or academic achievement, others are based on particular interests, extracurricular achievements, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.

Meet deadlines
Pay attention to the scholarship requirements ? meet them in as creative a way as possible, and always be on time!

Diversify
Apply for every scholarship that you qualify for. Even small scholarships can add up to big money if you win enough of them.

Beware of scams
As you search for scholarships, especially on the internet, look out for scam artists who

-Charge application fees
-Guarantee you will receive a scholarship
-Ask for unnecessary personal information, such as your bank account number

There are plenty of free scholarship search sites on the web, so don?t pay for this service.

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about how to maximize your scholarship search at http://www.NextStudent.com .

About the Author: My goal is to help every student succeed - education is one of hte most important things a person can have, so I have made it my personal mission to help every student pay for their education. Aside from that, I am just a pretty average girl from SD.

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Once upon a time, I harbored a quaint notion of child development.

In the my imaginary world, children eventually transmogrified into those horror-movie monsters called teenagers. They would overrun the house for a few years, scorching and pillaging along the way…but leaving no lasting damage that a new mortgage and a five-year Caribbean cruise couldn’t fix. They would then transmogrify into wistful longings and fond memories of when they were just babies ? when the parents were still in control.

My innocent notions have been sliced, diced and fed to that green creature so loyally following Captain Hook across the seven seas. My daughters are still both toddlers, and already their mutiny is almost complete.

Little Lady is just three-and-a-half. Two days ago, she took over the kitchen.

“No. Don’t sit there. That’s Lulu’s chair.”

“Lulu?” my wife asked?

“She’s my imaginary friend.”

“Well I have a real sandwich and real hunger and I’m going to sit my real bottom down on this real chair,” my wife responded.

That’s when the revolution began. Little Lady kicked up a fuss, wailing about how her imaginary friends had knocked on the door and how she had let them in and how could Mommy be so cruel as to sit on one of them.

“Your imaginary friend can sit on an imaginary chair,” my wife finally said.

“Nooooooooo…”

“Do you want me to leave?” my wife asked.

“Yes. Go away.” And with those words, the kitchen was formally occupied by the rebel insurgent army ? one toddler and a handful of her imaginary friends.

Editor’s note. The wailing eventually stopped. I was able to squeeze an apology out of Little Lady. And my wife did return to the kitchen. But Lulu was keeping an eye on us.

This morning I was taking a business call. Nobody important, just Lady Banker. Yes, the same Lady Banker who technically owns at least half of our home and can at any moment shake the rug and send us tumbling into the winter snow.

As I was trying to explain a delicate detail to her, Barney suddenly came blaring through the ear piece.

“What?!” Lady Banker and I cried in unison.

It took me a moment, but it slowly dawned on me that the living room had fallen to the enemy. “Please excuse me a moment. I think this is the work of foreign cannibals breaking through the basement foundation again.” I didn’t know if Lady Banker would buy my story, but I figured it would buy me some time while she considered it.

I rushed to the living room, and there was Little Sister, grinning in the full splendor of her 14 months and holding up the handset.

“I was on the phone with Lady Banker, Little Sister.

She holds the mortgage to our house, you know.”

The look on Little Sister’s face said it all: “You think that’s your biggest problem?”

I tried a few negotiation tactics, finally trading the handset for a limited edition huggy doll.

I returned to the phone. “The rebels are gaining ground, eh?” Lady Banker asked. I sighed.

It was true. Just yesterday, Little Sister scurried up the back staircase to the second floor. She had been playing right beside me, and I was certain she had just headed in the other direction to where her big sister was holding her mother hostage the living room.

But I had to make sure. I peaked my head around the corner toward the back staircase. Nobody. Then I saw it. Her little blankie lying at the foot of the stairs. I heard a thump above, and Little Sister’s lifeless body flashed before my eyes where the blankie lay. I raced to the staircase, up the stairs and around the corner.

There she stood, grinning at me with her “You think that’s your biggest problem?” expression again.

The revolution is gaining momentum. They hold the kitchen. They won the living room. Now they have a toehold on the upstairs landing. It won’t be long until the toddlers and their imaginary friends have overrun the house and declared it a free country. Bedtimes will be banned and candy will be the national currency.

When they leave home, I’ll need more than a five-year cruise to de-stress. Maybe ten years will be enough.

About the Author: David Leonhardt runs a personal growth happiness website. He is author of one of the best self-help books and many personal growth articles to reprint. Visit also his liquid vitamins website.

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Today Norm Goldman, Editor of www.Sketchandtravel and www.bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as a guest Dan Austin, Director of Operations of AUSTIN LEHMAN ADVENTURES. Dan is an expert on travel to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands.

Good Day Dan and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

Thanks Norm, it is a pleasure to have this opportunity.

NORM:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands.

Dan:

Norm, my ?title? is Director for Austin Lehman Adventures. As Director I am responsible for the day- to- day operations of the company. I have been at this a little over 10 years now and love it. For the last 10 years I have had the incredible opportunity to spend endless hours with our guests and have really honed in on what it is that makes a great adventure vacation. I have taken these key learning?s and built trips all over the Americas, most recently a new trip in the Galapagos and Ecuador. After years of research and development I spent a good part of this last summer in South America with my family putting the final touches on this great new program. My kids are often my guinea pigs for testing a new program.

Norm:

Where is Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and how easy is it to travel from the United States, Canada or Europe to this country?

Dan:

Ecuador is relatively small country (about the size of Colorado) bordered by Columbia (to the North), Peru (to the South and East) and the Pacific Ocean to the West. It straddles the Equator. The Galapagos Islands are located approximately 600 miles to the west in the Pacific. I need to emphasize that Ecuador is a lot more than just the launching spot for the Galapagos; it is a truly amazing country in itself. Rich with history and culture.

It really is quite easy to get to, in the same time zone as the Rocky Mountain States. You can fly non- stop to Quito (The capitol and 2nd largest city) from several US Airports, including Houston and Miami. Planes depart Quito for the Galapagos, scheduled to rendezvous with the ships that support the island tourist trade.

Quito is centrally located at about 9,000 ft and is the gateway to the jungles, the Andes and the Galapagos. It is a city worth spending some time in, one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Walk the cobblestone streets and visit the 16th century churches and you will feel like you stepped back in time.

NORM:

Would you consider Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?

Dan:

Norm, I found the Haciendas of the highlands of Ecuador amazing. People still live much as they did centuries ago. The locals were so friendly and accommodating. Riding horseback high into the Andes is sure to set off the romantic in any of us.

I am sure anyone would agree that sunset on a yacht; sailing off the coast of exotic and remote islands is as romantic as it gets. Spending the day swimming, snorkelling and hiking amongst the wildlife and then returning to the luxurious comfort of a small yacht for a nice sunset dinner, a little wine and relaxation, one forgets about the day- to- day grind back home. Then there is the unlimited stargazing on deck as you relax in the moonlight. Well you get the picture.

NORM:

When is the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?

Dan:

Since Ecuador and the Galapagos straddle the Equator, anytime of year is fine. There are very slight differences in the seasons, all having their pros and cons. The ?Peak? season has nothing to do with weather; it is from June through September, as this is when most Americans and Europeans have vacation time.

As for weather in the Galapagos, June through September the air and water are a bit chillier and the winds will be present on most days. From October through May, the weather will be a bit warmer, but you can expect light showers almost daily.

In the jungles it rains year round, but especially hard from December through April. Temperatures average 80-90 degrees by day with cooler nights. Humidity hovers between 75-100%.

Around Quito and the highlands, you need to remember you?re starting out at about 9,000ft. June through September is considered the dry season, and the days are the coolest of the year. Last August we encountered a snow- storm at 11,000 ft while hiking in the highlands.

The temperature really only varies a few degrees year round, with day time highs in the high 60?s and night time lows in the high 50?s.

Norm:

How safe is it to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos?

Dan:

Quito is like any Third World big city, one just needs to be aware of their surroundings and not put themselves in a dubious situation that can be avoided. That said, I traveled throughout the area with my teenage children and never once felt threatened or concerned. Traveling with a guide is always the best answer, these are professionals (some of the best I have ever met) and they know their way around. Due to the remoteness of the Galapagos it is basically crime free.

NORM:

Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA or Canada?

Dan:

Norm, traveling to South America is so unique in that you can travel at any expense level you desire. If you want to travel on a budget, you can stay in hostels and low budget rooms for dollars a day or you can go the Four Seasons route and experience South America in the lap of luxury or any place in between. The Galapagos of course is a bit different in that there really is limited access and the best way to see the islands is by yacht and the best yachts are not cheap.

Airfare from the US is like airfare anywhere, it varies up and down, based on time of year and demand. You can expect to pay in the neighbourhood of $600-$800 to get to Quito from most major cities and another $390.00 to get to the Galapagos from there.

For a first class experience encompassing the best of Ecuador and the Galapagos I would allow upwards of $400.00 a day.

NORM:

If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Ecuador and the Galapagos for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

Dan:

That?s a tough one. I think I would start with Quito and the Swiss Hotel. The service is exceptional, the rooms comfortable and the location to Colonial Quito excellent.

I would then say a trip to the highlands and one of the historic Haciendas would be next in line, example: Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui. A charming hacienda constructed in 1790 as a textile workshop. Located just outside Otavalo, makes a trip to the famous Otavalo Indian Market Place an easy must do.

Then of course it would have to be a week aboard a yacht (like the M/S Alta a 125ft motor yacht). Sailing the islands of the Galapagos by night and exploring the variety of islands by day.

An extension into the Amazon jungles and a few nights at a ?tent camp? would be an incredible experience and a chance to ?really get away?.

I would also suggest that as long as one is as far south as Ecuador an extension into Peru would be quite worthwhile. Depending on the time available, heading to Cusco and the heart of the Incan Empire and staying at places as romantic as the Hotel Montasterio (a five star museum hotel, once a 16th century monastery) would make anyone?s vacation highlight reel.

NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in Ecuador and the Galapagos from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc.

Dan:

I would first suggest they work with a good ground operator like Austin-Lehman or one of the others. Work with someone with contacts ?in country? and that knows the lay of the land. There are several good books on the market; one of my favourites is Frommer?s South America. This book is filled with resources and good quality tourist information. Any of the many 5 star hotels would also be a good source of information and all too happy to assist.

Since things change constantly in South America as a general rule of thumb, checking with the Ministerio de Turismo is a good ?plan?. But don?t expect too much. Also check with the Tourist Information Center, a center put together by a group of hotels and tour operators. They can be found on the web at the TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER, unfortunately it is in Spanish, but you can get to some ?great? links from there. Another one (In English) is ECUATORIANISIMO

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in Ecuador and the Galapagos?

Dan:

Since the Galapagos has such limited access the farther out one can plan the better. Six months would be a good target to have your plans in place. That is not to say that one should give up if they do not have that much lead- time, there is often last minute space, and it is always worth a call.

NORM:

What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in Ecuador and the Galapagos?

Dan:

Again, I think I would start with the Tour Operators, they really know how to put these things together best. If you?re determined to go it alone, start with the

Tourism Information Center at TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER. From there you will find endless links to other great websites and resources. Probably the best site I have found is Exploring Ecuador there really is a lot of good information and links on this site. And of course your readers can just go to AUSTIN LEHMAN ADVENTURES and let us do all the work.

Thanks Dan. You can find a great deal of more information on Dan?s site: AUSTIN LEHMAN ADVENTURES - http://www.austinlehman.com/

No, Thank you Norm, it is easy to get excited talking about Ecuador and the Galapagos. Feel free to contact me anytime.

About the Author: Norm Goldman is editor of the travel site, www.sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing site, www.bookpleasures.com. Norm and his artist wife, Lily, are a unique husband and wife team who meld words with art focusing on romantic and wedding destinations.They are always open to invitations to romantic destinations in the New England states and Florida.To find out more about them click on www.sketchandtravel.com

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Because most college students are using loans to finance their college education, the debt level of recent graduates is rising rapidly. On average, students graduate owing $12,000-$16,000 in student loans and another $2,000 in credit card debt. Is this the price you have to pay for higher education, or can you avoid college debt in the first place?

The secret to avoiding college debt is to plan wisely and take advantage of the many opportunities to reduce college costs before and during your college years.

Planning ahead
You can avoid college debt by making wise high school decisions:

Take advanced placement classes
Take all the advanced placement classes you can in high school–every AP exam you pass means one less class you need to take in college.

Keep your grades up
Scholarships can be competitive, and even the grades you make early in your high school years can mean the difference in winning or losing. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can save the hard work for your junior and senior years!

Stay involved
Scholarships also may depend on community and school involvement.

Search for scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants are the best money source for college because it is money that doesn’t have to be repaid. To find out about grants and scholarships, visit your high school career counselor and the Financial Aid Office of your intended college. You can also search the internet for scholarships and grants.

Investigate public service options
The United States Military, National Health Service Corps, and Americorps will give you money for your education in exchange for your signing up for a ?tour of duty.? The time commitment ranges from 10-12 months to 8 years.

Living wisely
The chances to make wise decisions and avoid debt continue into your college years.

Start out in a community college
Most towns and cities have two-year community colleges where you can take your basic courses at less cost than at a four-year college or university. Just investigate to make sure your community college credits will transfer.

Take advantage of Work-Study programs
If you qualify for the federal work-study program, take advantage of it! You will have an on-campus job, possibly in your field of study.

Or work for the school
Many colleges give discounted or free tuition to employees and their family members.

There are lots of non-teaching jobs on campus that you can apply for.

Live frugally
Live at home or get a roommate. Avoid expensive spring break trips. Buy used textbooks, and sell your books at the end of the semester.

I already have a loan. Now what?
If you have a federal student loan, it is possible to have your loan debt discharged (canceled) or reduced, under certain specific circumstances:

You die or become totally and permanently disabled
Your school closed before you could complete your program
You work in certain designated public school service professions (such as teaching in a low-income school)
You file for bankruptcy (only if the bankruptcy court rules that repayment would cause undue hardship.)
As you can see, there are many steps to avoiding or relieving college debt. To best manage your debt it is wise to implement a combination of the strategies listed above that work best for you.

This article is distributed by NextStudent www.NextStudent.com.

About the Author: My goal is to help every student succeed - education is one of hte most important things a person can have, so I have made it my personal mission to help every student pay for their education. Aside from that, I am just a pretty average girl from SD.

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Dont be afraid you really can make money on the internet! Learning to develope consistant traffic for your products and services on the internet can be a daunting task for the internet “NEWBIE”. Getting those all important first sales to keep you going is crucial! People tend to quit real easy because they never receive any results or belief that what they are doing will work!

Please excuse my English, I am not very educated and I am not very good on the computer. My name is Richard weberg and this is my personal experience.

I started building my internet business about a year ago, it was really confusing! Every website would tell me somthing else, like if you dont use enzines or have a massive list you wont make any money! Every site I went to had some different philosophy, on how to make money on the internet. What I have found out from my experience is, it dosnt matter what you sell on the internet, you can sell anything! What matters is learning to develope a consistant flow of non stop traffic. Your traffic should come from many different advertising avenues.

I have used just about every kind of traffic program out their free and paid ones. Here is a list: auto traffic exchanges, manual traffic exchanges, start pages, pay per click search engines, I submitted my urls manually to all the search engines I could find, banner exchanges, link exchanges, viral traffic programs, posted to business forums, safelist. I tried to use every free traffic program I could find. I had a limited budget and couldnt afford alot for paid advertising. I did is much low cost paid advertising as I could! This may surprise some of you but I dont own my own website and I have never used an enzine and I dont have a massive list! This is exactly what I do

I started with a url rotator, and every day I will login by dial up and add 2 income urls plus 2 traffic producing urls to my rotator. Every Day I would do this, 7 Days a week for 3 months. I Never, Never considered I would fail.

I refuse to think I can fail at this. I was totally determined to earn an income on the internet. You see …I was unemployed, in the process of getting evicted from my apartment, my wife was on the brink of leaving me and I needed to build some form of personal wealth, to send my 3 sons to college. At this time, I was personally in debt and dead broke. I was motivated, but I am not one to whine about my financial difficulties.It took 3 months, but I had a whole bunch of urls on my Rotator, some for income and some to generate traffic.

Two Months Later …

In my mailbox, I received 22 CHECKS, each averaging $120.00. That’s $2,640.00 For That day. Every day after that I was receiving checks in the mail and in my paypal account, Now also my Stormpay account.
My Franchise Website is now earning over $25,000 a Month, My Supermall earns me about $8,000 a month all stores combined, and all my other income producing urls earn me another $14,000 a month.I do not judge the programs, I have no opinions, I simply placed it there, send traffic to it and allow it to earn me income. It’s building and growing now by leaps and bounds. Some are dead, but most is alive and that’s all I care about. The real trick I beleive to this internet thing is NOT GIVING UP AND POUNDING AS MUCH TRAFFIC TO YOUR URLS AS YOU CAN, I DONT CARE WETHER IT IS FREE OR PAID! It will pay off if you dont give up! You will learn as you go.

Here are two great traffic resources to get you started.
http://nehoma.com/rwmy206/
http://10000hits.net/default.aspx?userid=1285334

Sincerely,
Richard Weberg

About the Author: Richard WebergPOB 801Hibbing, MN 55746webergenterprises@msn.com http://nehoma.com/rwmy206/

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Today Norm Goldman, Editor of www.sketchandtravel.com and www.bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as a guest Joshua Berman,(http://www.stonegrooves.net/contact.htmlco) author of Moon Handbooks Belize (http://www.moon.com/catalog/belize.html.

Joshua is an expert on traveling in Belize, and recently chose this tiny Central American country for his own honeymoon; he has also lived in and written extensively about Nicaragua and Honduras.

Welcome to Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com Joshua and thanks for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

NORM:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to Belize.

Joshua:

I have been living, working, teaching, and traveling in Central America since the U.S. Peace Corps sent me to Nicaragua in 1998. I have been returning to the region ever since to write guidebooks, lead service trips, and visit friends and adopted families. Last year, I was asked by Avalon Travel Publishing to take over Chicki Mallan’s Moon Handbooks Belize, which, when it first appeared 15 years ago, was the first and most acclaimed guidebook to the country. I gladly accepted and proceeded to research and write the sixth edition, which was released in early 2005.

NORM:

Where is Belize?

Joshua:

Belize is tucked into the northeast corner of Central America, bordering Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula to the north, Guatemala’s Pet?n wilderness to the west, and the Caribbean Ocean to the east. Culturally however, Belize and its hundreds of cayes (islands, pronounced keys ) is more Caribbean than Latin. English is spoken everywhere (along with seven other languages). The diversity is astounding, especially considering there are only 260,000 people in the entire country.

NORM:

Would you consider Belize a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?

Joshua:

?They can rent their very own waterfall for the day at Hidden Valley Inn.
?Couples can get Mood Mud Massages at Maruba Resort Jungle Spa.

? They can rappel into a vertical cave shaft together, at the bottom of which they’ll find a flower strewn bed next to a subterranean spring at Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch. The list goes on and on.

Belize’s size (smaller than Massachusetts), easy access (only a two-hour flight from Miami or Houston), and astonishing selection of small, intimate resorts and lodges seal the deal. In order to solidify my endorsement of Belize as a romantic destination, I even took my own bride here on our honeymoon (ah, the work never stops)

NORM:

When is the best time to visit Belize from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?

Joshua:

Some resorts distinguish holiday season from the normal high season, with even higher prices and lower availability around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter be sure to make reservations during these periods. High season (re: more tourists and hiked prices) is generally mid-December through April; this is also the dry season during most years, although December, January, and even February can play to host to cool fronts that either blow right through or sit around for days.

Your best bet-be prepared, both with clothing and attitude! A week of stormy weather may ruin a vacation planned solely around snorkelling, but it could also provide the perfect setting for exploring the rainforests or enjoying a hot tub and fireplace in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

June, July, and August technically fall in the rainy season, and travelers during this time are rewarded with significantly discounted prices at most accommodations rain during these months may mean just a quick shower each afternoon, or it may go on for days. August is the big month for European backpackers and travelers, while December and February are dominated by North Americans. Some tourism businesses shut down completely during the months of September and October, the peak of hurricane season.

NORM:

Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia?

Joshua:

Conventional traveler wisdom calls Belize the cheapest Caribbean vacation spot and one of the most expensive Central American. There are plenty of mid-range and upscale accommodations throughout the country, running from US$25 to hundreds of dollars per night. Exact hotel rates are an elusive thing in Belize; seasonal fluctuations are compounded by various taxes and service charges, sometimes by as much as 25 percent additional. Always make sure the rate you are quoted is actually the same amount you will be asked to pay. And, of course, great deals are abundant in the low season (May through November), when room rates plummet across the board.

?For food, budget travelers can get by on less than US$20 per day, but you’re on vacation, right? Entr?es run from US$5 to US$25, depending on where you are; at the trendiest restaurants in San Pedro, a fancy dinner can cost up to US$75 per person. A few resorts include meal prices in their nightly rates, which can be a good deal.

?Don’t forget to budget an extra US$40-80 per person per day for activities like scuba diving, sailing trips, and guided tours of Belize’s rainforests, ruins, and fascinating cave systems. Experienced, independent travelers can get around for less, but transport can be a hassle.

?US$10 per person per night is the bottom line for budget lodging, and it’ll get you anything from a cramped, stuffy concrete box in most towns to a generous wooden cabin at the Trek Stop (in Cayo) and other backpacker hotspots.

NORM:

If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Belize for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

Joshua:

First of all, remember that selecting a place to stay has a lot to do with where you want to be and what activities you would like to do during your stay: beach or rainforest? Diving or hiking? Reef or ruins? Do you want to get pampered with massages or get sweaty and muddy with your loved one on a jungle trek? Get an idea of what kind of trip you and your honey are looking for, then dive in and book it. Following are only a few of Belize’s upscale romantic accommodations that stick out in my mind for quality and intimacy. For more on Belize’s ample budget options, flip through a copy of my book, Moon Handbooks Belize.

?Starting on swanky Ambergris Caye, just inshore from Belize’s famous barrier reef and three miles north of San Pedro village, you will find Capricorn Resort, offering intimate beachfront seclusion in one of three bright and tasteful cabanas. Capricorn’s restaurant is one of the best (considered the best by many) on the island.

?Situated on 7,200 acres of private property in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Hidden Valley Inn is a quiet paradise for hikers and birders who will have a blast exploring the resort’s 90-plus miles of walking trails and old logging roads and then cozying up in front of their cottage’s fireplace, listening to the birdsong outside (especially nice during the cool, misty, rainy season). The property encompasses lush broadleaf forest and pine tree habitat. The two diverse ecosystems are divided by a geological fault line, which marks the edge of a towering 1,000-foot escarpment. Numerous watercourses spring from the mountain and then cascade down the steep slopes, often into deep, inviting pools; Hidden Valley’s trail system runs through it all.

?On Placencia Peninsula, Kitty’s Place is one of the best and most unpretentious resorts on this long strip of beach resorts call it “low-key luxury,” and check your shoes at the front desk. Be sure to schedule a day trip or overnight on Kitty’s private isle, French Louis Caye, 12 miles offshore with great snorkelling and upscale accommodations.

?Two of Belize’s most romantic, beautiful, and expensive options are Francis Ford Coppola’s gorgeous pair of resorts: Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge, located on the Placencia Peninsula and Mountain Pine Ridge, respectively, and offering a number of collective packages. Both places feature breathtaking architecture and artwork from all over the world, and top-notch service and facilities.

?Located about an hour north of Belize City, Maruba Resort Jungle Spa pampers the body and soul, as evidenced by its acclaimed spa treatments and unique focal points spread around the grounds: A tiny, glass-decorated chapel; a palapa-covered stone chess table; two pools that seem to spring from the jungle complete with waterfalls. The rooms are spread out for privacy and are addressed by name Moon, Fertility, and Bondage, to name a few. All boast an eclectic neo-primitive motif carved masks, mosaic tile floors, standing candles, cement fountains, tiled tubs, screened shuttered windows and fresh flowers on the massive feather beds and in the bathrooms.

NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in Belize from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc.

Joshua:

Belize is gaining quite the reputation as the perfect place to tie the knot. A growing number of resorts cater to weddings of all sizes, some quite creatively (such as ceremonies underwater or atop Maya pyramids). If eloping, you must be in Belize three business days before submitting your marriage application to the Registrar General’s Office (tel. 501/227-7377, not open on weekends or local holidays). You get the paperwork back the following business day for your ceremony. If you have been divorced or widowed, bring a photocopy of the death certificate or divorce decree. The Government of Belize charges US$100 for the license and you’ll need a birth certificate or passport.

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in Belize?

Joshua:

Honeymoons and getaways are easy and do not need much advance time when booking, except around the holidays and at the more popular resorts. If you are planning a wedding during the high season that will require numerous rooms for guests, book a year in advance if possible. Otherwise, a few months are usually sufficient.

NORM:

What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in Belize?

Joshua:

Several wedding specialists can facilitate paperwork, ministers, flowers, book hotels, celebrations, etc. including Katie Valk for anywhere in the country, Iraida Gonzales on San Pedro, and Lee Nyhus in Placencia.

NORM:

Is there anything else you wish to tell our readers that we have not covered?

Joshua:

Yes, keep an eye on my WEBSITE for new links and developments regarding romance in Belize and beyond; I have the most popular Belize forums and news posted on my links page. Also, MY PUBLISHER’S SITE will soon feature sample itineraries and other excerpts from my book, to make planning your Belize trip even easier. Lastly, remember the words of Kurt Vonnegut’s prophet, Bokon: Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.

Happy trails, everyone, Joshua

About the Author: Norm Goldman is editor of: www.sketchandtravel.com & www.bookpleasures.com. The former is a travel site and the latter is a book reviewing site.Norm and his artist wife, Lily, meld words with art and focus their travel articles on romantic and wedding destinations.They are always open to invitations pertaining to properties and destinations located in New England, New York, Florida and California.

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