TRENDY VS COMFY

I wrote an article previously to say that heels were definitely made by men which made many smile.One of my friends however as we exchanged banter and I often made jest of her height, (shes just about 5ft 3inch) would say "O Elly, with those super high, sexy shoes I dont look as short you know lol! On the train back from work however as I flipped through the pages of the daily mail, I stumbled on this write up, which made me pause for a while as I took in the contents and when I was done, I said to myself that it was worth sharing with you my readers. But come to think of it, its quite amazing how we base our views on someones elses creativity even at the expense of our comfort, do the designers really have to determine, what we wear, how we wear it or when we wear it? But really I think the real question to ask should be, "who are you influencing and in what way"?? Changing the world starts with one changed life! Yes! *THINK LONGTERM*

I wrote an article previously to say that heels were definitely made by men which made many smile.One of my friends however as we exchanged banter and I often made jest of her height, (shes just about 5ft 3inch) would say "O Elly, with those super high, sexy shoes I dont look as short you know lol! On the train back from work however as I flipped through the pages of the daily mail, I stumbled on this write up, which made me pause for a while as I took in the contents and when I was done, I said to myself that it was worth sharing with you my readers. But come to think of it, its quite amazing how we base our views on someones elses creativity even at the expense of our comfort, do the designers really have to determine, what we wear, how we wear it or when we wear it? But really I think the real question to ask should be, "who are you influencing and in what way"?? Changing the world starts with one changed life! Yes! *THINK LONGTERM*

Say goodbye to teetering in stilettos, ladies... flats are finally in fashion

• Designers swap stilettos and platform heels for more comfortable footwear
• Catwalk trend already reaches the high street, with sales of flats rocketing
• Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn are seen sporting micro-low wedges
• At Kurt Geiger, lower heels now account for about 60 per cent of sales
• Sales of comfortable shoes at John Lewis have doubled in the past year

Fashion being the fickle beast it is, there's no guarantee this will last for ever.
So, ladies, if you're fed up of wobbling along on perilously high heels, grab your chance to ditch them while you can – because flats are finally in vogue.
Designers are swapping stilettos and platform heels for more comfortable footwear, according to industry insiders.

Changing fashions: Industry insiders say designers are swapping stilettos and platform heels for flats

And the catwalk trend has already reached the high street, where sales of flats and trainers have rocketed over the past few months.

The likes of Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn were seen sporting Burberry's micro-low wedges and Christopher Kane's flat shiny boots during London Fashion Week.

Cool Britannia: Roberto Cavalli said the influence is coming from London

And at his Milan fashion show, Italian designer Roberto Cavalli said: 'Women are wearing trainers now and lower heels. It's the street influence. It's cool and it's all coming from London.'
At Kurt Geiger, lower heels now account for about 60 per cent of sales, while at Debenhams sales of flat or low-heeled shoes have risen by 25 per cent in the past six months.
Sales of comfortable shoes at John Lewis have doubled in the past year, and last week's figures were up by 153 per cent on the same period in 2011.
Rebecca Farrar-Hockley, creative director at Kurt Geiger, said: 'There's definitely a radical shift towards lower heels. Sneakers are really on trend.
'Sneakers are really on trend. Girls are getting used to being able to run about and I don't think they are going back to the big high heels.'
Helen Attwood, footwear buying manager for Selfridges, added: 'It's a revolution. Out of all our footwear categories we are repeating orders mostly on flats and trainers. They are selling out across every price point.'
Kate Ormrod, a fashion analyst at retail analyst Verdict, said the Royal Wedding may have influenced the new trend.
She said: 'Low platforms and wedges and nude finishes are on trend, particularly due to high interest in the styles worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.
'There has been a move towards more comfortable styles and catwalk trends are quicker to filter down to the high street.'

Trend-setters: The shift is partly down to the likes of Cara Delevingne being seen out and about in trainers

Even Victoria Beckham, who is often seen pioneering the latest towering heels, was photographed in New York this winter wearing monk-strap flat shoes.
She also dressed the models in her spring 13 catwalk show in Manolo Blahnik monks.
And students at the London College of Fashion are also cottoning on to the new craze with designs for their degree projects.
According to course leader Sue Sanders, students are increasingly ditching heels for flat designs with 'strappy, complicated constructions'.
Francesca Burns, fashion editor of Vogue magazine, told the Sunday Times said the trend of teaming 'casual trainers with posh frocks'began last year and had been adopted by well-known figures such as Agyness Deyn, the model, and Kristen Stewart, the actress.
She said: 'It's a rebellion - it's about mixing high and low together.'

                                                                              (extracted from the daily mail 25th of feb 2013)

BEE INSPIRED!

Over the years, I have done away with taking cough syrups, cold caplets and all that the pharmacist has to offer over the counter. And that was when I realised that a combination of honey and warm water in which fresh lemon has been boiled(along with its skin) did good like magic. For me I always get instant relief from having this whenever common colds and even fluish conditions set in.
For severe sore throats, a couple tablespoons of natural honey(not a mixture of syrup) soothes the throat, like a conditioner does to the hair. In the next couple articles, I am going to be stresssing the benefits of honey, not just in health, but in beauty also as well as entire well being. Dont miss out! It might be just what you need for that condition.

Health Benefits of Honey

The 3 key health benefits of honey are related to the fact that: 1. Honey is nature's energy booster

2. Honey is a great immunity system builder

3. Honey is a natural remedy for many ailments

Read below for details.

Nature's Energy Booster

The benefits of honey go beyond its great taste. A great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important role in preventing fatigue during exercise. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. It is known that honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant compared to other types of sugar. So, to experience these health benefits of honey, here are a few tips for you:
1. Next time before you go for a workout, take a spoon of honey to enable you to go for the extra mile.
2. If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning, instead of reaching out for a can of carbonated energy drink , try honey. Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in yourtea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.


3. If your kids are finding hard to cope with the physical strain from the buzzing activities at school, prepare them some sandwiches with honey, butter and ham to make sure they have enough energy to sustain through the day.

Immunity System Builder

Amongst the many health benefits of honey, what is most impressive to me is that honey can be a powerful immune system booster. It's antioxidant and anti-bacterial propertiescan help improve digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease. Start every brand new day with this cleansing tonic if you want to see this health benefit of honey: before breakfast, mix a spoonful of honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it.

Honey is Anti-Cancer!

Honey does not cure cancer but what many people don't think enough of or have overlooked is - honey possesses carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties!

Honey Remedy for Ailments

FOR CUTS AND BURNS:
For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints including yeast infection , athlete foot , and arthritis pain. Its antiseptic properties inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. Honey has been used as a natural cure in first aid treatment for wounds, burns and cuts as it is able to absorb moisture from the air and promote healing. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring. It is widely believed that UMF Manuka is the preferred honey for wound dressing due to its strong antibacterial property.

FOR HANGOVERS:
When you get a hangover from drinking too much alcohol, combat its effects by applying honey remedy. Honey is gentle on the stomach and contains a mix of natural sugars such fructose which is known to speed up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver, acting as a 'sobering' agent. Follow this recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth.

FOR SORE THROATS:
One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it is able to help treat sore throats. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, honey not only soothes throats but can also kill certain bacteria that causes the infection. Professional singers commonly use honey to soothe their throats before performances. The Chinese believe that excess "heatiness" in the body causes sore throat and taking honey drink can be helpful. Direction: Take a spoonful of honey to soothe the inflammation or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Personally, whenever I have a sore throat or cough, I especially like to take warm water mixed with Manuka UMF honey which is well-known for its anti-bacterial healing properties.

SLEEPLESSNESS:
Use the famous Milk and Honey Remedy. Take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey to calm the soul and induce sleep. Or, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip.
                                                                                                  source: benefit of honey.com

God Knows......

Yesterdays sorrows, todays worries and tomorrows fears. It goes on and on, there is always something we want, something yet to be achieved, a hurdle to jump, a vision to actualise, a fear to battle, a sickness that torments, a job that dosent satisfy, a position we desperately need, a relationship we need/ need to savage, a challenging child, a difficult spouse, dwindling economy, a difficult marriage and the list is actually endless. But the bible says Jesus is our high priest, not only that, but He is a high priest who understands Heb 4:15. Because He has been through our present circumstances and has come out victorious. If we recall, there were problems we faced yesterday that somehow sorted themselves out due to Gods intervention, so why worry, when we can pray. Knowing that worries rub us of the joy of the present as well as the peace of the moment. We should always be encouraged, cos the bible says faithful is He who has called us, who also will do it. 1Thess 5:24 Pray about everything, cos He hears, sees, understands, Is compassionate, and most importantly He loves you more than you can ever imagine. Yes! The cross says it all. Hold on! Help is on the way!

PRAYER NOT PRESSURE, CHANGES PEOPLE-UCB

‘But we all…are changed…by the Spirit of the Lord.’

2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus asked the question, ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3 NIV). Expecting more out of people than they’re able to give will hurt your relationships, not help them. People need the freedom to be who they are. That doesn’t mean they don’t need or want to change. But nobody appreciates being given the message, even subtly, that they must change in order to be loved and accepted. We’re more likely to change for those who are willing to accept us with our shortcomings, than for those who demand we live by their rules. One thing is certain: God won’t change the people we’re trying to change until we adopt a ‘hands off’ policy. We must get out of His way and let Him work! Even when we think we’re hiding our disapproval, people still feel it. It’s in our voice and body language. Prayer is the greatest agent for change, not pressure. If we truly love people we’ll pray for them and allow God to work on them His way, on His schedule, and for His glory. Many of those who irritate us are simply being themselves; their personality just doesn’t mesh with ours. Sometimes we want them to change when we need to change. Often the things we require in other people are already available for us to enjoy, if we’ll just stop judging them. For change to be lasting, it must come from the inside out. And only the Spirit of God can bring that kind of change.

Why Breastfeeding in the First Hour of Life is Important

Yea theres been so much talk about the importance of breastfeeding, but actually most importantly, studies have shown that breastfeeding in the first hour of the childs life, could make a huge difference between death and life of the child.Below is an extract I got from the journal of pediatrics.

Feeding the 1st Hour -- Save One Million Babies,this emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding during the newborn’s first hour of life.

Breastfeeding in the first hour, according to a 2006 study published in the journal Pediatrics, could save 41 percent of newborns who would otherwise die in their first month of life.

Breastfeeding right away increases the likelihood that babies will continue to breastfeed, and also gives them colostrum, a mother’s first milk. Colostrum, often called the “perfect food for every newborn,” is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients.

Mothers also benefit from early breastfeeding through improved lactation and less loss of blood.

Also this "Welcomes Baby Softly." It encourages protecting the first hour between a mother and baby, so they’re able to bond naturally. One of the best ways to do this is by placing the newborn on the mother’s chest, skin-to-skin. During this time, babies actually feel less pain and it’s not uncommon for the baby to intuitively latch onto the boobs to feed.

Breastfeeding is the least expensive and most effective way to improve the health of both yourself and your baby. It offers your child lifelong health benefits, including added protection against:

• Heart disease
• Bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease
• Asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Eczema

Breast milk boosts your child’s immune system naturally, promoting greater resilience against most common childhood illnesses and diseases. Many mothers who breastfed their babies have reported that their children were completely free of illness for the first several years, and have maintained unusually good health even as they’ve grown older.

Several studies have also shown that breastfeeding can improve your child’s IQ, with breastfed children scoring an average of three to five points higher than formula-fed babies. The reason for this is that breast milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including animal based omega 3 fats like DHA and AA, which appear to support brain development.

These nutrients have recently been added to some infant formulas sold in the United States, however the DHA added to formula is inferior to that in breast milk, as it may be highly oxidized. Meanwhile, breast milk contains other important fat constituents beyond DHA and AA that your baby simply won't get from formula.

Encouraging breastfeeding and initiating skin-to-skin contact shortly after birth can make a huge difference in the future health of your child. It can also improve your own experience with parenting, since breastfeeding stimulates the release of the oxytocin hormone, which is known to promote maternal behavior. (journal of pediatrics 2006) 

5 surprising health boosters for men

 

Unexpected things that improve male health

Hmmm who would have thought that nagging did wonders to male health lol!I came across this article while doing some research online and some of the suggestions made me smile and I thought to share it with you all. Hope it improves not only the health, but lifestyle/relationships of our men. And most importantly we really do need a hand with those house chores *smiles*
While maintaining a healthy routine of diet and exercise is the best route to better health, there are also many surprising things that can help you to feel better and boost your wellbeing. Check out these unexpected things that improve male health.

Surprising health booster 1: Chocolate

Guys, we’ve got good news you – research has revealed that one of the world’s most popular treats is also great for your health! A Swedish study led by Susanna Larsson of the Karolinska Institute has found that eating a standard chocolate bar each week could lower stroke risk for men by 17 per cent.
It is believed that these benefits are derived from the health-boosting flavonoids found in chocolate, which can help reduce clot formation and also lower blood pressure. Not only this, dark chocolate is also a great source of antioxidants which can help to fight disease and keep wrinkles at bay. While chocolate can be great for your health, it is worth bearing in mind that it should still be consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Surprising health booster 2: Marriage

While men may complain about nagging wives, research has found that marriage – and a little bit of nagging – could actually do wonders for your health. Various studies have shown that married men are healthier than those who have never married or have been widowed or divorced. They are also more likely to lead healthier lifestyles, indulging less in alcohol and cigarettes and exercising more often.
In fact, a 10 year study of over 3,000 adults showed that married men had a 46 per cent lower death rate over the course of the study than those who were unmarried. It is thought that these health benefits may be partly due to the social support gained through marriage, but also may stem from the nagging married men receive to go to the doctor when required.

Surprising health booster 3: T-shirts

While T-shirts themselves may not miraculously improve your health, swapping restrictive shirts and ties for more comfortable tops could give your wellbeing a boost. Wearing tight shirt collars and ties can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye), causing symptoms such as headaches, tingly ears and blurred vision.
The restrictive items of clothing can also limit neck movement and lead to muscle tension in the back and shoulders. To reduce these symptoms, make sure you buy shirts with the correct collar size and loosen your tie for work, and swap to less restrictive t-shirts as often as you can.

Surprising health booster 4: Muscles

While many men hit the gym in order to improve their appearance, research has found that having a muscular body can also help you to live longer. A Swedish study tracked more than one million male adolescents over the course of 24 years, and found that those with stronger muscles lived longer than weaker males, even if they later became overweight. Experts stress that this is a reflection of general fitness though and should not encourage excessive weight training.
Lifting weights in moderation, however, does have its health benefits. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal of over 32,000 men found that 30 minutes of weights a day, five times a week, could reduce the risk of diabetes by 34 per cent.

Surprising health booster 5: Housework

According to research, men are not only happier when they do housework, they also experience better health. A study by researchers at Cambridge University suggests that men feel guilty when they don’t do their fair share around the home, and also enjoy the peace and quiet gained from having a contented partner when they help out. According to a study conducted by researchers at Umea University in Sweden, men who avoid doing their fair share of housework are more likely to suffer from psychological problems and heart palpitations.

ARE YOU LONELY?-UCB

‘…We’re all connected to each other…’

Ephesians 4:25
In the first chapters of Genesis we read, ‘And God saw that it was good.’ That is, until He created Adam. Then God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone…’ (Genesis 2:18 NIV). Adam was enjoying a great relationship with God, but because he didn’t have a human companion, God said it wasn’t a good thing. God designed you with two voids. One is a void only He Himself can fill. The other is a void only the right people can fill. And you can’t fill either void with things like jobs, houses, cars or money. You say, ‘What should I do?’ 1) Keep your eyes open. Today one in five relationships begins on the Internet. But there’s a built-in danger there; you can be anybody you want to be on the Internet, yet not be known and loved for the person you really are. Furthermore, loneliness can blind you to your own true needs and another person’s lack of character. 2) Pray about it. When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, was sent to find a wife for Isaac he prayed, ‘O Lord…give me success today…’ (Genesis 24 NIV). And God did. Isaac and Rebekah became one of the great love stories of the Bible. 3) Reach out to others. That may mean taking down the wall you’ve been hiding behind and building a bridge. The Bible says, ‘Do not be interested only in your own life…be interested in…others’ (Philippians 2:4 NCV). There are no perfect relationships, or risk-free ones. It’s in finding an unmet need and pouring yourself into it that you conquer loneliness and discover a new joy in living

The Tears Birth The Praise

"Success has many friends but failure is an orphan" in the words of my dad. And how easy it is to share our joy/success with friends/foes/acquaintances and all and sundry but our weaknesses/shortcomings are shared only with our close knit dependable allies. You know why? Because everyone can share in your victory, but not everyone is required during the transition from insignificance to significance. And most times we get to learn this the hard way and look at individuals to have disappointed us, while in actual fact they were not meant to be involved at that stage.

God will use people, circumstances/situations, tough times and good times to bring us to that place of purpose and until we come to that realisation, we keep whining and crying over the same issues.
Maturity is coming to terms with the realisation that no situation is forever. Are you going through rough seasons? Hang on! You ask me how long and I say one more day and even the next, until your change comes. Is the situation beautiful? enjoy it and dont forget when you look over your shoulder that someone might be hurting, and when you identify such people, do all you can, to bring them through, not forgetting where you have come from.

In 37th chapter of genesis up to the 50th chapter, we read the account of Joseph and see how His dreams seem to come to an abrupt end, when he was callously sold into slavery by his brothers. But even in an unpleasant situation, he chose to do right. How quick we are to blame the government, our families and people for our misbehaviours. Everyone doing the wrong thing, dosent make wrong right, it only exacerbates the already pathetic state of affairs. Even when it was pay back time for Joseph, like most of us love karma, he chose rather to forgive than take laws into his hands as we see in Gen 50 vs 19-20 "But Joseph said to them, dont be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended evil for me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Becoming a successful person requires much more than the extrinsic factors, it largely depends rather on the intrinsic. Our attitude to life, our approach to life, our values, our passion, our motivation, discipline and perception of ourselves play a major impact in what we achieve,how we achieve, when we achieve, and what happens when we are no more.
If you dont know the value of you, the danger is that you will either sell yourself cheap or give yourself away for free. Dont allow that situation define you, because amidst the tears, the praise is just around the corner. We have a loving father not a vindictive God, who wants to give us all good things, according to His riches in glory.

Contentment is daily reminscing on where we have come from, where we are now, and realising where God is able to take us, because Success isnt a destination but a Journey.
                                             *THINK LONGTERM*
 

11 Simple Concepts to Become a Better Leader

By:Dave Kerpen

CEO, Likeable Local, NY Times Best-Selling Author & Keynote Speaker

Being likeable will help you in your job, business, relationships, and life. I interviewed dozens of successful business leaders for my last book, to determine what made them so likeable and their companies so successful. All of the concepts are simple, and yet, perhaps in the name of revenues or the bottom line, we often lose sight of the simple things - things that not only make us human, but can actually help us become more successful. Below are the eleven most important principles to integrate to become a better leader:

1. Listening
"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen." - Ernest Hemingway
Listening is the foundation of any good relationship. Great leaders listen to what their customers and prospects want and need, and they listen to the challenges those customers face. They listen to colleagues and are open to new ideas. They listen to shareholders, investors, and competitors.
2. Storytelling
"Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today." -Robert McAfee Brown
After listening, leaders need to tell great stories in order to sell their products, but more important, in order to sell their ideas. Storytelling is what captivates people and drives them to take action. Whether you're telling a story to one prospect over lunch, a boardroom full of people, or thousands of people through an online video -
3. Authenticity
"I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I've become. If I had, I'd have done it a lot earlier." -Oprah Winfrey
Great leaders are who they say they are, and they have integrity beyond compare. Vulnerability and humility are hallmarks of the authentic leader and create a positive, attractive energy. Customers, employees, and media all want to help an authentic person to succeed. There used to be a divide between one’s public self and private self, but the social internet has blurred that line. Tomorrow's leaders are transparent about who they are online, merging their personal and professional lives together.
4. Transparency
"As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth." -John Whittier
There is nowhere to hide anymore, and businesspeople who attempt to keep secrets will eventually be exposed. Openness and honesty lead to happier staff and customers and colleagues. More important, transparency makes it a lot easier to sleep at night - unworried about what you said to whom, a happier leader is a more productive one.
5. Team Playing
"Individuals play the game, but teams beat the odds." -SEAL Team Saying
No matter how small your organization, you interact with others every day. Letting others shine, encouraging innovative ideas, practicing humility, and following other rules for working in teams will help you become a more likeable leader. You’ll need a culture of success within your organization, one that includes out-of-the-box thinking.
6. Responsiveness
"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." -Charles Swindoll
The best leaders are responsive to their customers, staff, investors, and prospects. Every stakeholder today is a potential viral sparkplug, for better or for worse, and the winning leader is one who recognizes this and insists upon a culture of responsiveness. Whether the communication is email, voice mail, a note or a a tweet, responding shows you care and gives your customers and colleagues a say, allowing them to make a positive impact on the organization.
7. Adaptability
"When you're finished changing, you're finished." -Ben Franklin
There has never been a faster-changing marketplace than the one we live in today. Leaders must be flexible in managing changing opportunities and challenges and nimble enough to pivot at the right moment. Stubbornness is no longer desirable to most organizations. Instead, humility and the willingness to adapt mark a great leader.
8. Passion
"The only way to do great work is to love the work you do." -Steve Jobs
Those who love what they do don’t have to work a day in their lives. People who are able to bring passion to their business have a remarkable advantage, as that passion is contagious to customers and colleagues alike. Finding and increasing your passion will absolutely affect your bottom line.
9. Surprise and Delight
"A true leader always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless." -Charles de Gaulle
Most people like surprises in their day-to-day lives. Likeable leaders underpromise and overdeliver, assuring that customers and staff are surprised in a positive way. There are a plethora of ways to surprise without spending extra money - a smile, We all like to be delighted — surprise and delight create incredible word-of-mouth marketing opportunities.
10. Simplicity
"Less isn't more; just enough is more." -Milton Glaser
The world is more complex than ever before, and yet what customers often respond to best is simplicity — in design, form, and function. Taking complex projects, challenges, and ideas and distilling them to their simplest components allows customers, staff, and other stakeholders to better understand and buy into your vision. We humans all crave simplicity, and so today's leader must be focused and deliver simplicity.
11. Gratefulness
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." -Gilbert Chesterton
Likeable leaders are ever grateful for the people who contribute to their opportunities and success. Being appreciative and saying thank you to mentors, customers, colleagues, and other stakeholders keeps leaders humble, appreciated, and well received. It also makes you feel great! Donor's Choose studied the value of a hand-written thank-you note, and actually found donors were 38% more likely to give a 2nd time if they got a hand-written note!

The Golden Rule: Above all else, treat others as you’d like to be treated
By showing others the same courtesy you expect from them, you will gain more respect from coworkers, customers, and business partners. Holding others in high regard demonstrates your company’s likeability and motivates others to work with you. This seems so simple, as do so many of these principles — and yet many people, too concerned with making money or getting by, fail to truly adopt these key concepts.
Which of these principles are most important to you — what makes you likeable?

Dave Kerpen is the New York Times bestselling author of two books, Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business.

Top 10 worst female health habits

 

Wearing heels

More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimise damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.

Women wearing high heels

Carrying a heavy handbag

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Sleeping in makeup

Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day – is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.

Matching men drink for drink

From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimise the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.

Wearing the wrong bra size

It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. However, wearing a badly fitted bra can not only affect the look of your clothes, but research suggests it can cause a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.

Worrying and harbouring regrets

Stress is damaging to both our physical and mental health, and women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related disorders, as well as having higher rates of depression and anxiety. While it is thought there may be biological reasons for this, worrying about the future and dwelling on regrets can also add to our problems, with research suggesting that women are more than twice as likely as men to harbour regrets over lost loves and broken relationships.

Obsessing over appearance

While both genders suffer from body insecurity, many women tend to overly obsess over their idea of the “perfect” body. Research findings published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 16 per cent of the normal or underweight women studied believed themselves to be overweight, while a study commissioned by Dove found that 90 per of women wanted to change at least one aspect of their appearance. Body insecurity not only affects our mental health, but it can also lead to physical damage caused by extreme diets, yo-yo dieting, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery.

Woman looking in the mirror

Emotional eating

While comfort eating affects both genders, research has suggested that men are more likely to reinforce positive emotions with food, while women comfort eat when they’re sad. Women are also more likely to satisfy their cravings with sweet, high-calorie foods. Rather than letting your waistline suffer next time you’re feeling blue, try distracting yourself from cravings by doing something you enjoy, or boost your endorphins and health with an uplifting workout.

Not getting enough sleep

Not only can lack of sleep make us look and feel at our worst, but insufficient shut-eye can also lead to increased accidents, calorie consumption and heart disease risk. Unluckily for women, statistics suggest that sleep problems affect more women than men, while a study by the University of Michigan found that women are more than twice as likely to give up sleep to care for others. Unfortunately, sleep has been found to affect women’s blood pressure and mood more than men’s, making it imperative that you do your best to get a good night’s sleep.

Putting themselves last

Not only are women more likely to compromise their sleeping habits to care for children and others, they are also prone to putting their own wants and needs at the bottom of a hectic to-do list of chores and obligations. To avoid running yourself into the ground, learn to sometimes say no to those requests and commitments that are less than essential, and make sure you set aside some “me” time each week to do something enjoyable just for you.
                                                        -adapted from realbuzz.com

LIVING FEARLESSLY-UCB

 

‘…You are my servant; I have chosen you…’

Isaiah 41:9

Have you ever wondered how animal trainers used to control a five-tonne elephant and keep it from running away? They did it by controlling the animal’s thinking. When a baby elephant was being trained, a rope was put around its leg and then tied to a wooden post secured in the ground. The elephant, which was not yet very strong, pulled at the rope but was unable to break it or to pull up the post. Eventually it gave up. From that point forward when the elephant’s leg was secured it believed it couldn’t get away—even though it was fully capable of escaping, and had been for a long time. It remembered its struggle. That’s one reason it’s said, ‘Elephants never forget.’ And we are like that too. Our thinking limits us, just as an elephant’s does. Usually it’s because of fear. The truth is fear can steal your dreams. You may be afraid of failure. You may be afraid of rejection. You may not want to make a fool of yourself. You may be afraid of trying because you believe you can’t succeed. If you give in to these thoughts and believe that you can’t achieve your dream, you’ll be right—and therefore unable to achieve your dream. Often what we fear has no connection to reality. But here’s the good news: Fear can be overcome. The first step to overcoming it is to believe God when He says about you: ‘…You are my servant; I have chosen you…do not fear, for I am with you…I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’ (vv. 9-10 NIV).

Lessons from My Bosses-Sallie Krawcheck

Sallie Krawcheck

Past President of Merrill Lynch, US Trust, Smith Barney

 

 

I’ve worked directly for 7 financial services CEOs (don’t ask…..it’s a really long story) and covered many more during my days as a research analyst. Each of them worked very, very hard; each of them was incredibly smart; and each of them was human. They each taught me a lot as I saw them work under great stress….both “what to do’s” and (unintentionally) “what to don’ts.”
The best really understood the concept of NPV (net present value). By that, I mean they were willing to forgo earnings today, to invest smartly for more earnings tomorrow. For example, at Sanford Bernstein, we pulled our research analysts out of the underwriting business, with the view that an unconflicted business model, focused on just one set of clients, would be a winning one. (It was, eventually, but it sometimes hurt along the way.) In contrast, others tried to maximize every quarter’s earnings, cutting investments halfway through the year (or quarter) like clockwork in order to reach consensus analyst estimates. Even worse, a number consistently under-invested in technology, mostly because it was hard to quantify the return. The end results ranged from poor customer and employee experiences, to devastating mistakes in managing risk.
The best set the company’s course, communicated it broadly and were ok if some shareholders chose to sell the stock. In contrast, there was one who set the company’s annual budget based on meeting sell-side earnings estimates. Here the cart was firmly before the horse.
The best: one of my bosses was insatiably (almost obnoxiously) curious; he would stop people in the hall to ask about some detail of their business, or some tidbit he had heard in his travels. He peppered nearly everyone he met with questions, including unsuspecting taxi drivers. His business reviews were exhausting, detailed affairs, akin to mental marathons, in which explanations were not taken at face value. The result was that everyone operated at a higher standard.
On the other hand, I once sat through an entire business review in which the CEO didn’t ask his managers a single substantive question. Instead, he opined on his view of the business to (or at) the assembled businesspeople.
The best: at one firm, the culture was to hire unconventionally, bringing in people with a broad range of backgrounds. The talent we uncovered, where others weren’t looking, could be amazing. In contrast, a couple of CEOs surrounded themselves with a long-tenured “inner circle” and filtered information through them. One of the many reasons for the financial melt-down was the unexamined groupthink that pervaded Wall Street, enabled by senior managers “breathing the same air.”
The best didn’t just say he cared about employees in the Corporate Value statement. He actually did. And he demonstrated it, in one case using his Board contacts to find a top specialist physician for the dying girlfriend of one of our employees (an employee he had never met, by the way). This rippled through the company like wildfire and was a source of pride. At another company, while the Corporate Value statement said about the same things, one long-time senior executive was fired while he was on vacation with his family (!)…..and was given the responsibility of announcing it to his management team in a conference call scheduled for 30 minutes later (!!) Oh, and it was a reorganization; the guy was not fired for cause. This too rippled through the company like wildfire, but in a very different way.
The best CEOs gave thoughtful, detailed performance feedback to his directs on a regular basis. In contrast, I worked in one business that coupled forced stack rankings of employees with anonymous 360 degree performance reviews. What those reviews lacked in pettiness, they made up for in nastiness, as employees tried to improve their own relative standing by anonymously criticizing their peers. Lovely.
The best CEO was highly visible during the financial crisis; even if he was saying the same thing again and again, you had no doubt that he was captaining the ship. In contrast, one leader hunkered down and nearly stopped returning phone calls as he worked through the issues. The work and mental effort were admirable, but the lack of visibility fed enormous anxiety at the company.

 

Heat And Its Effect On Men

 

Many men enjoying soaking in the tub, but for all those trying to conceive it may be time to swap those long baths for showers. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found through their three-year study that having hot baths can significantly reduce male fertility. As sperm develop best in cool surroundings, men should avoid any activity that leads to overheating this area, including sitting in hot tubs or Jacuzzis and regular, prolonged use of laptops.

CONTENTMENT-UCB

‘…with these we shall be content.’

1Timothy 6:8
Contentment isn’t something you find at a particular destination, it’s something you practice every day on your way to it. And even if you miss the right path from time to time, you still enjoy the scenery along the detour. Paul said, ‘Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content’ (Philippians 4:11 NKJV). Paul learned not to let what he didn’t have, overshadow what he did. How do you find contentment? By doing these three things: 1) Seek it. Make it a daily choice. Come to the place where you believe that having more materially, won’t make you happier. Sometimes contentment calls for simplifying your life. Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Contentment makes poor men rich, and discontent makes rich men poor.’ 2) Say it. Cultivate the ability to say, ‘I have enough.’ Push back from life’s table and say, ‘I’ve had enough.’ Stand with the surprise bonus in your hand considering what you might buy, and say, ‘I have enough, Lord. How can I use this for You?’ 3) Settle it. ‘…If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them’ (Psalms 62:10 NAS). If all the grains of sand on all the beaches of the world represented eternity, you could say that one grain represents your lifespan. Now think: You are over here grinding your one grain day and night to get everything you can out of it, while ignoring all the beaches of eternity that God has in store for you. Not very clever, is it? To be content, focus on eternity. Let enough be enough. Let your lifestyle be biblically-based; make it eternally focused!

Count Down To The 14th of Feb!

As we count down to the 14th of february, gift stores,malls, shopping sites and even small to large scale businesses have all laid out strategies aimed at encouraging individuals to willingly part with their money whilst making us believe that it is our creativity in the selection of gifts/flowers and dinners et al that adds the spark and re-ignites the fire in our relationships. Unfortunately the 14th of feb will come and go, and what next? Business as usual??
   Connecting to the ones we love takes more than the 14th of feb and theres never a count down to the day we should express our love to the people who matter to us, and if we do, the relationship becomes really rustic.
   God is the author of relationships and until we experience the connect which comes from healthy relationships, the joy of relationships eludes us. Every Individual is born with the capacity to be taught and trained to become a person of character, creativity and integrity. Men and women however are created to fulfill different needs in each others life.
   In the euphoria of valentines day, I recommend a book I am reading at the moment by Carlos L Marlone Sr. which has really inspired me- The Rib Connection
      
In his book Carlos Marlone, identifies the need of men and women, compromise,  prayer and I could go on and on.
 I will just include a few excerpts..
Needs of a Man 
"Sisters, please cut the brothers some slack and understand that you cannot program them into being what you want them to be. They have already been programmed by their creator, and your interference is just that --interference. Men are driven by their ego and a healthy ego can be an enhancing tool for a mans progress. Whatever you do ladies do not attack or defame your mans ego."

Needs of a Woman
"Family is precious to a woman and the security of her family is of paramount importance. A wife must know that her relationship with her husband is secure and that she is the highest priority in his life (next to God). No woman wants to go through life wondering if she is in competition with another woman for her husbands affection and devotion. No wife should ever be made to feel that she has to compete for her husband. She should feel secure in the knowledge that she already has him. It is however the husbands responsibility to do whatever is needed for her to arrive and remain at that place of security."
I recommend this book as the book of the month as we count down not just to the 14th but every day of our beautiful lives.
However I dont dispute the fact that we should have a special day to express our love, any amazing ideas/plans to wow that special one? Do share, variety is the spice of life.

Does the male menopause exist?

The myths and realities surrounding male menopause

The male menopause has long been a subject of scientific debate. But does the condition — which is said to reduce sex drive, self-esteem and physical strength — truly have any medical grounding or is it merely a symptom of middle-age? We take a look at the myths and truths surrounding the causes of the male menopause.

If you’re feeling tired and moody and your sex drive is low, you might be wondering if there’s something inherently wrong with you. So what’s going on? It could be that you’re going through the male menopause ...

Falling testosterone in middle-age

The question of whether a male menopause actually exists has long been a source of scientific discussion. Technically, men can’t experience the menopause per se, as this condition specifically relates to the moment when women of a certain age stop having their periods. Nevertheless, many of the side-effects associated with the female menopause are equally apparent amongst aging men. Depression, achy muscles and even increased body weight can prove highly troubling to males in their mid-40s onwards.Scientists have dubbed male menopause the ‘andropause’. The feelings of malaise, physical weakness and low self-esteem stemming from this condition are caused by a gradual drop in testosterone levels, similar to the fall in hormones experienced by menopausal women. Though the majority of middle-aged men remain unaffected, the andropause can exacerbate a mid-life crisis in a variety of troubling ways.

Symptoms of the andropause

As men grow older, their testosterone levels gradually fall, potentially causing symptoms of the andropause. These problems can include everything from a weakened sex drive through to full-blown periods of depression ...

• Low sex drive and infertility — It won’t be the news that your partner wants to hear, but a fall in testosterone can really dampen your sexual appetite. If you’ve been struggling to raise your enthusiasm in the bedroom (so to speak), or are unable to conceive, it might be time to see your doctor and assess whether the andropause is to blame. Sadly, the damage to your sex drive doesn’t stop there; the male menopause has also been blamed for shrinking testes and loss of pubic hair amongst aging men who are low in testosterone.
• Depleted energy and low motivation — Back in the day, you might have leaped out of bed in the morning, throwing open the curtains before greeting the world with a cocky spring in your step. Nowadays things have changed ... you sleep through your alarm clock, lethargically crawl out from under the sheets and then lope into the kitchen to eat another bowl of soggy muesli. Sound familiar? Sadly, your reduced energy and crumbling joie de vivre could be down to the andropause.

   And finally whats your stake on the male menopause, anything you think we all should know?