Colonial wrote a post about her broken china awhile back.  I decided to try the site she recommended to help me find a missing saucer from a gorgeous tea set I picked up at a flea market (what a fabulous find, by the way!).  Much to my astonishment, they actually found the matching china piece needed to complete the set.  And I didn’t have to pay out the ear for the piece; it was very affordable!   If you need to find a china replacement piece to complete your set, check out eDish.com!

I have a friend who recently started on online store using drop shipping services. Apparently, so far so good. She has started making substantial profits with minimal time and effort required to bring in those profits. Another good friend, being arguably the best baker I have ever come across, started a wedding cake business right out of her home. Already, she is booked for the next three months, all by word of mouth referrals. For something as beautiful and traditional as a wedding cake, she is able to charge a considerable amount more than what it costs to make it. And yet, another friend is making bank by simply babysitting a good friend’s son while she is at work. Not only does that (also) provide a respectable income, it provides a built-in playmate for her only son. My sister, an English major and student paper president, has started free lancing writing press releases for companies looking for contract writers.

So what’s to be said for at home or on the side businesses such as these? Who knew one could make so much money with a side business that utilizes the skills one already has? I need to find my “forte” and start making money! Need some ideas?

As the days and nights grow colder as fall turns into winter, I have to say good-bye to my garden and fun outdoor activities like hiking and barbequing.

Although I will definitely put away some of my summer clothes until next year, I am not packing away everything quite yet. I planned a trip to Machu Picchu this November so I will still have use for my shorts, my mosquito hat, and my swimsuit. The warm, sunny weather in South America will be a nice break from the snow this winter.

Although I am an adult, my Dad still worries about me. He calls me and urges me to drive safely frequently, or advises me to get a flu vaccine before I catch the epidemic going around.

Recently, his home computer just crashed and he wanted to warn me to get online backup before mine did too. Although I sometimes heed his warnings (and sometimes not), I decided to get online backup before I lost all my valuable pictures and information on my computer too. I guess Dad knows best.

I remember hearing about Zantrex a couple of years ago when Britney Spears had a bottle of it fall out of her bag at London’s Heathrow airport, however, I guess I didn’t really pay that much attention to it. Now, it seems, Zantrex is making a comeback. There seems to be a lot of buzz about the energy/weight loss supplement - it’s everywhere!

Dustin Diamond (remember Screech from Saved by the Bell?) used it to lose weight on a reality TV celebrity weight loss show. Apparently, the other contestants accused him of cheating because he took Zantrex, and lost weight. Apparently the stuff works!

I’ve been taking Zantrex to help get rid of the last few pounds after my pregnancy. It also helps me with my energy levels, since I’ve been so exhausted trying to take care of our two little ones.

At any rate, to me, Zantrex is as American as apple pie, with Britney and Dustin Diamond getting good results with it. Maybe if more Americans would take it, we’d become a bit more like the slim Europeans, and we’d have less health problems that are related to obesity. Americans need to do something to get their weight problems under control, and Zantrex may be the thing they need to kick start their weight loss program.

In a society saturated with skinny (anorexic?) models and a pervasive “image is everything” mentality, it can be extremely tough and demoralizing if you are at all overweight. And it’s not just women suffering from this epidemic; men are starting to feel the pressure and difficulties of keeping up with society’s demand.  But it is important to remember that what society considers “good-looking” is often a warped and unrealistic vision.  A healthy, fit body does not necessarily mean a size 0 or a seriously tiny waist.  You have to realize for yourself what your healthy body image and weight is and work towards that.  To begin your successful road to weight loss, consider trying some of the following tips:

-         Change Your Eating Habits – There is no way around this one.  You will not experience the weight loss results you are looking for without doing so.  Start to cut out the unnecessary fats and sugars you so freely consume.  The biggest contributor?  Fast food!  If you are forced to eat out, choose healthier options, such as a salad or sandwich without all the fattening dressings.  This also means a cut-back on your daily sodas and sugary drinks.  Replace them with water to ensure you are getting the daily recommendation of eight glasses.

-         Read the Labels – Yeah, this one sucks, but it is one sure way to help you pull off the first tip.  Plus, if you don’t know exactly what you are eating, you are flying blind and could be consuming countless calories. 

-         Exercise – It’s not as bad as you think.  You need to identify what “your” exercise is.  Do you enjoy running, tennis, or playing soccer?  Pick an activity you enjoy doing; if you don’t enjoy your exercise routine you surely will not stick with it.

-         Try a Supplement – I only put this because a weight loss pill can be a huge aid in losing weight, if taken properly and used in conjunction with a healthy diet and adequate exercise.

-         Join a Support Group – Whether in person or online, a support group can be a huge motivation and make losing the weight easier.  Sharing your experience with others who can empathize will not only help you get support you need but can also help hold you accountable for your weight loss.

-         Take Before and After Photos – I know, I know…who wants to see themselves in a “before” shot?  But doing this can be a huge motivation and you will be able to see first hand just how much your weight loss endeavors are paying off.

A quick note of advice for small business owners: invest in a quality and reputable communications system, such as the Avaya IP 500.  Doing so may cost more initially but it is definitely worth it given the features and capabilities it provides.  The IP 500 can scale as your business grows and has features such as fire-wall protected internet, integral security, and high-speed dial-up access, all with standards based telephony. 

Although a pregnancy can be viewed as a happy time for some couples who are anticipating parenthood, for young teenagers it can be shocking and frightening to face a pregnancy.

If you find that you are a pregnant teenager, you are not on your own. There are many resources available to you through your community. Read books about pregnancy or look into education classes through your community. Many pregnancy centers can offer support and information at this time.

As you consider whether to keep the baby, look into all your available options, including an abortion alternative.

Talk to an adoption center to gain more information about the process. They can offer you valuable resources, including counseling and the ability to talk with others who are or have been in your situation.

Accept the situation and determine what is best for you and your baby. Although it can be a scary time, a pregnancy may become a blessing in disguise.