Costa Rica Property ? 4 Reasons It Will Continue To Soar In Value

Costa Rica property prices continue to soar in value and many investors have been doubling their investments annually. Can this continue? The answer is yes and this can make you some great profits with low risk and we all want that!

Costa Rica property investment does have rivals such as Honduras, Belize and Nicaragua but these markets simply dot offer the same risk reward.

Lets look at why Costa Rica property prices will continue to soar in value.

1. Its an established market

Costa Rica property prices have been soaring for 10 years and it has become a mature market. While many investors think that prices can?t go higher, they can.

Why?

Quite simply, there is a track record of growth and all the factors that were present 10 years ago driving prices higher are still there, in fact their set to accelerate.

Investment is at record highs and rising and this will continue to drive prices higher.

2. Rewards are high and risk is low

The major attraction of Costa Rica property is the opportunity to buy property that is 70% less than in the southern US states in a beautiful and stable country.

Many investors however are thinking well if Costa Rica has taken off, maybe they should buy one of its neighbours like Nicaragua.

Prices are cheaper so upside will be higher.

This is totally incorrect. A new emerging market may take off but most don?t, you can buy property cheap but it?s cheap for a reason!

When buying property you don?t want to buy the cheapest, this is a mugs game.

You want to buy competitively prized property, with low downside risk and great upside potential and that?s exactly what Costa Rica property offers you.

If you want double digit annual gains with low downside risk then Costa Rica property can give it to you.

3. It has an established expat community

If people are looking at buying for investment, second or retirement property, they will look for who else is investing and living in the country from their own nation.

Once an expat community starts to establish and grow it attracts other expats. Many people like living in country where they are the only ones, but most don't.

Americans and Canadians in particular come to Costa Rica because the locals are friendly and they have their own community as well, to make them feel at home.

4. Outside Factors ? The major one to drive prices

Consider this

The baby boomer generation is coming to retirement age and are faced with this scenario:

Most will not be able to have the same standard of living their used to now. State support is less medical care costs are high, their living longer and they haven?t saved enough!

So what will they do? Many are already seeing Costa Rica as a way to maintain and improve their standard of living (just 3 hours from the US) and their buying Costa Rica property in ever increasing numbers

The baby boomers as they retire now will accelerate the upward trend in Costa Rica property prices and this is an opportunity for some double digit profits with low risk.

More FREE info and A FREE guide on Costa Rica property as well as video's features and articles go to http://www.costaricalandlots.com

The Axioms Of Investment Probability

Whether you are an experienced investor or a Buyer who is beginning now to explore the ever-evolving world of real estate, or even if you are merely a cyberspace vagrant who stumbled across this Article by pure coincidence, chances are high that you will agree with my statement that eating chocolate cake every night for dinner does not go a long way towards meeting the generally accepted objective of health and nutrition. If you agree with this statement, however, by implication you also agree on the fact that eating chocolate cake every night for dinner does go some way towards meeting the generally accepted objective of health and nutrition - albeit minimally.

And this is the whole point: some people live to 100 years while smoking, drinking and eating chocolate cake every night throughout their entire lives. Likewise, some lazy people with no education whatsoever get rich, and they do not even have to win the lottery. But those are the exceptions that prove the rule. There are times when one can win by fighting the odds rather than playing with them, but the chances of success are greatly reduced - albeit they still exist. Hence, to maximize returns, there are probabilities that most investors need to put in their favour.

Here is a pleasant surprise. Unlike many of life's other challenges, putting investment odds in one's favour requires very little incremental effort. One doesn't necessarily have to study harder, work harder or eat better. In fact, the less you do, the better off you will be.

But there is also a catch. In real estate investing our natural psychology can sometimes pull us away from doing the right thing. The unique challenge of successful investing is that many real estate investors do not quite really understand how investment probabilities work, so they are not able to put them to use. Furthermore, many investors are unaware of how their own psychology leads them away from basic investment principles. Successful real estate investing is in direct function of putting the Axioms of Investment Probability in one's favour. These Axioms are:

[ In the short-term, real estate markets move randomly and are, therefore, unpredictable.

[ In the long-term, real estate markets are predictable and invariably tend to move upwards.

[ Risk is largely absorbed by holding many fractional smaller investments instead of a large single investment.

Let's now examine these Axioms closely, beginning with the first. Why are real estate markets unpredictable in the short-run?

In real estate, of course, no value is more important than market value - and no other factor is of a more ephemeral nature. This is so because real estate is an imperfect market. Although commonly and somewhat misleadingly referred to or otherwise thought of as one market, real estate consists of several, smaller markets, each one of which is constantly subjected to and shaped in accordance to external influences and in direct function of economic variables. Externalities the likes of demographic variations, income fluctuations, trends and social preferences, technological progress and government policies - all have a bearing on the desirability of a certain real product and all are proximate factors affecting demand and, conversely, supply at any given time. As such, the numerical determination of market value is also shifting in the short run to follow and reflect the impact of externalities.

This leads us to the second Axiom, that is in the long run real estate markets are more predictable in that many of the above-mentioned externalities have settled already into and have become part of what we, in real estate, refer to as ?established markets'. Sure, it is tempting to invest into newly-developed neighbourhoods, or even into sprawling new towns, but fact of the matter is that real capital assets hold their values better in established neighbourhoods in the long run. New subdivisions and developments are invariably more exposed to the conditions of the moment, whether the developer is lowering prices because he is pressured by his own financial commitments, or merely because the market turns ?soft'. In hindsight what may look as a ?good deal' today may not be a good deal at all tomorrow.

By contrast, values in established neighbourhoods tend to be more stable, since housing supply is produced using land, labour, and various inputs such as electricity and building materials. And, clearly, in older neighbourhoods the value of land typically skyrockets, since supply of land is exhausted. As real estate is a fixed and durable commodity and the land underneath is practically indestructible, in Economics real estate markets are modeled as a stock-over-flow market. About 98 percent of supply consists of the stock of existing houses, while about 2 percent consists of the flow of new development.

And why is it the prices of real capital assets invariably tend to increase in the long-term? The production of real estate output requires a constant supply of a labour force which can conserve and add value to inputs and capital assets, and thus create a higher value. The rationale behind this is that labour adds value by satisfying demand through production, since when people acquire income they tend to invest it, and the more people that acquire income the more people that tend to invest it. Therefore, there is a correlation between capital and employment in real estate or, if you will, between income and labour. An increase in levels of consumption sets forth an increase in prices caused by a corresponding increase in demand, in itself generated by a commensurate increase in the income-employment factor. It follows, therefore, that growth is derived by the equilibrium of capital and investment with labour and employment. This is specifically the reason why many economic analysts keep their eyes on interest rates and levels of employment, when it comes to forecasting and anticipating the future performance of real estate markets.

As to the third Axiom of Investment Probability, it is a recognized concept in modern economic investment theory that the risk of investing in several real capital assets is not equal to the sum of the risk of each asset but that, rather, it is lower than the sum of all risks. The reason is that the risk of each real capital investment is offset, to a certain extent, by the risk of other real capital investments. The lure of a single high-yield investment is tempting and capturing but, all other variables being constant, many fractional smaller investments add up to the same yield over the same capital investment with a much lower degree of risk.

Luigi Frascati

Luigi Frascati is a Real Estate Agent based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and maintains a weblog entitled the Real Estate Chronicle at http://wwwrealestatechronicle.blogspot.com where you can find the full collection of his articles on Real Estate Economics and Finance. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Luigi is very proud to be an EzineArticles Platinum Expert Author. Your rating at the footer of this Article is very much appreciated. Thank you.

DIY Public Relations

Ever felt aggrieved that other entrepreneurs make the headlines but you don?t? Louise Third, founder of Integra Communications, the enterprise PR specialists, says it?s not as tough as it looks; it just requires planning and the application of some basic rules.

Kevin and Dawn Hartley, the owners of Mozart?s Restaurant in Nottingham have tangible evidence that a planned use of PR can significantly improve sales. The couple, who opened the 40-seat restaurant in November 2002, decided to take every opportunity to contact their local press and radio with ?news? and comment. Their opening was marked on Radio Trent FM with champagne and canap?s and was followed a month later by a 2 hour Christmas Show broadcast live from the restaurant. BBC Radio Nottingham carried a Valentine?s recipe on the website and 50,000 listeners enjoyed a live cooking session in association with the Nottingham Restaurant Awards.

?Our biggest media coverage success came on National No-Smoking Day in 2004 when we took the decision to announce that Mozart?s had become Nottingham?s first totally non-smoking restaurant,? says Head Chef Kevin. ?Not only did BBC Radio Nottingham interview us then, but when the government White Paper on smoking was published last November, we were bombarded with requests for interviews.? Kevin and Dawn found themselves on several local radio stations, and in front of regional TV cameras. Although the media requests were quite demanding, the couple made themselves available for interview, thus helping the journalists complete their work and gaining a profile for the restaurant. As a direct result of their PR efforts, the Hartleys have enjoyed a 15% rise in trade.

Inside every small business is a story bursting to get out. Start with that positive attitude and you will get thinking creatively about possible media coverage. A clever use of public relations will help people to understand what you offer, will gradually build your reputation and keep you at the forefront of people?s minds ? ahead of the competition!

Basic rules
The fact that Kevin and Dawn planned a media campaign as part of their overall sales strategy brings us to the first rule of sound public relations:

1. Use PR as an integral part of your marketing plan: once you have decided the level of sales you need to breakeven and then to make a profit, identify those who need to know about you and what you offer. If you have opened a new shop, customers may be very local but if you specialise they may travel from much further away. Perhaps you coach senior executives to cope in stressful conditions: then your potential clients may be the UK?s FTSE 100 companies or large public corporations. You may decide to use a combination of direct mail, networking so you get referrals/recommendations and publicity.

2. Identify what your target customers read, watch and listen to. This is likely to be a mixture of local, regional and national papers, trade or professional magazines, local and national radio stations and TV, not to mention all the ?New Media? options. If it is practical, ask them; if you are visiting their premises, what publications can you see in reception? Make a list, find the name of the most relevant editor or feature writer and call them to see how they would like to receive your news. The fax machine used to be widely used to issue press releases; this was then overtaken by email, but ironically many PR firms are reverting to fax; it can?t be erased or ignored and is still cheaper than post. Then there?s the direct call to the journalist or news desk??.if you have a very strong story. However, be realistic. Don?t set your sights on regular television coverage, but equally don?t rule it out (at least regionally).

3. Find the ?news?. Be ruthless and think like a journalist, otherwise your release will get tossed in the bin. The journalist will be looking for things their readers will find interesting, amusing or useful. Here are a few ideas, but there are as many permutations as there are businesses:

? a significant new contract
? launch of a survey / report
? a new appointment
? sponsorship of a local charity / event
? welcome or condemn new policy/proposals
? claim first/last/biggest/latest (but avoid best!)
? launch a campaign / involve a celebrity
? letters to the Editor

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I helped a client, Linda Russell, to launch a new shop in north-Nottinghamshire. Not that newsworthy you may think, but this was no ordinary shop and Linda is no ordinary lady. Having recovered from breast cancer and reconstructive surgery at the age of 31, Linda launched ?Perfect Fit?, an online service selling the latest designs and styles of lingerie for women with post-operative needs. The shop would allow Linda to display her stock, provide a professional fitting service and offer a sanctuary for women to meet and talk. We issued a pre-opening media release with the headline, ?Linda?s Perfect Fit helps Breast Cancer ?blues?? and linked the launch to Breast Cancer Awareness month by including a quote and useful statistics from the regional Cancer Research UK representative. This small campaign had all the necessary ?hooks? for media coverage and gave the journalists what they needed. As a result Linda received full page and editorial coverage in the main regional press, feature and interview slots on local radio and a phone-in on BBC Radio Nottingham. Timing, planning and sensitive delivery was all it took.

4. Write the media release. Although you want to encourage the journalists to use your story, this is not a sales pitch, so avoid gushing praise of yourself and your product. Here are some basic guidelines:

? Cover the facts in the first paragraph including who, what, why, when, where and how as clearly as you can.

? The second paragraph should build on the first and carry any significant facts

? Include a quote; this adds personality and endorsement to the story

? Use Notes at the end to carry background information which reporters can use for research. Remember to include a contact name and number.

? Choose a simple, attention-grabbing headline which re-enforces the overall message

? Type MEDIA RELEASE at the top, date it and indicate when the information can be published.

? Use A4 paper, 1.5 line-spacing, wide margins and type

? ENDS to indicate you have finished.

? Limit your release to one page if possible, two at the most. Short, informative and interesting goes down well with busy reporters.

? A well constructed, high resolution (300 dpi) photo can turn a mediocre story into the one that gets coverage.

? Proof-read the release before it goes out. Then get someone else to do it again. It?s amazzing what you can misss??

5. The follow-up. So far so good, but now comes the tricky bit: you need to check that the right person has got your release and if so, talk to them about the chances of it being used. Always assume the journalist or editor is busy and ask if they are free to talk. Be prepared as they may have additional questions and may need convincing of the strength of your story. Don?t say anything you wouldn?t want reported if it sounds as though they are interviewing you. Radio stations will either pre-record an interview in person or over the phone, or ask you into the studio, again to pre-record or go live. Check that you know exactly what to expect; it is not unreasonable to ask what the questions might be.

Kevin Hartley of Mozart?s Restaurant has learned a great deal from the experience and has no doubt that working with the media is good for business. ?You need to make yourself media-friendly; that means being very flexible so they can meet their deadlines. You need to build a list of contacts at the local radio, press and TV offices and be bold enough to pick up the phone when you have some news. We now seem to be in their database, so journalists wanting a restaurateur to comment on something seem to ring me.? It just goes to show how even the smallest business can make headlines .

Finally, as media relations is a commercial activity you should try to measure the effect any exposure has had. It can be as simple as monitoring phones calls and website hits in the period immediately following the coverage. If you convert these into sales, all the better. If people are more aware of you, introductions become that much easier. Stick at it and you will be amazed how a little effort can go along way.

Mozart?s Restaurant: www.mozarts.co.uk
Perfect Fit: www.perfectfit-online.co.uk

About the Author:

Louise Third is a Partner in Integra Communications http://www.integracommunications.co.uk Alongside the agency, Louise provides a coaching service, giving PR guidance to smaller businesses who might not be able to afford an agency but are prepared to do the legwork themselves.

Real Estate Investing Strategies for Flipping Houses

If you're like most real estate investment wannabes, you've taken seminars, read books, watched infomercials and DVDs, and have spent considerable amounts of money to learn about the ins and outs of the field. If you're still struggling with how to get started, here are some of successful investors favorite ways to make money in real estate.

The first has become popular with the advent of several television programs. It's popularly known as flipping houses, which just means buying, fixing up, and reselling a property for a profit. It sounds simple enough. Find a rundown house, spend what can be a considerable amount of time and money to upgrade and repair it, and then recoup that investment, along with a sizable profit, when you resell the property.

Other investors like to buy homes that are in need of the repairs and upgrades you see so often portrayed on television and sell them WITHOUT doing the repairs. It's not as crazy as it sounds. All it involves is buying a property by contract, structuring that contract so that you have the right to sell the underlying to a building contractor or other investor who will have the means to be able to subcontract out the work.

This process is sometimes called bird dogging or wholesaling. Investors don't make as much per transaction, but the turnaround time is much faster. You don't have to deal with the 101 things that can and do go wrong, as you well know if you're a fan of the various television shows that follow the ups and downs of investors as they try to flip their homes.

Real estate investors have always looked for houses that have the potential to be fixed up and upgraded and then resold at a profit. That's partly because, depending upon how hot your local real estate may be, the potential profits can be in the five-digit range for each transaction.

There are dangers, of course, since many projects have at least one hidden problem that throws a giant monkey wrench into the process, reducing profits and lengthening the time to finish. Therefore, it's important for you to know your market and how much things will cost to repair before you start working this popular investment strategy.

Lease options can also be a profitable way to get into a rundown house, bring it up to standard, and then either resell or rent it, depending upon your taste. This allows you to generally get into a house without the real estate agent's fees, which can be considerable. Once you've got the property up to standard, you can then sell the home on a lease option to someone else, which is generally good, because they'll have more incentive to keep it nice.

There are many other ways to make money in real estate, of course, but these are some investors favorites. The main thing is to pick a strategy you're comfortable with and stick to it until you're an expert at it!

Copyright ? 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Free ebook, The Truth about Making Money Flipping Houses at doghousetodollhousefordollars.com. Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, teaches interior design secrets for fixing houses to make money in any real estate market: Fixing and Flipping Houses

Intellectual Property Engaging With China On Cultural And Legal Fronts

China is well entrenched in the global marketplace, but with Chinese piracy reported at 90 percent, it's the third least friendly country for protecting intellectual property (IP).

China's accession into the World Trade Organization started four years ago. With this commitment to regulatory and economic restructuring, China has indeed been a country of economic opportunity for multinational corporations.

In theory, WTO accession means that WTO members can enjoy IP protections. In China, secure those patent protections carefully. Dot the i's, cross those t's and 'watch your language.' Also, anticipate litigation.

According to attorneys A. Jason Mirabito and Carol Peters, in a March 2005 article published in Chip Scale Review: In the past there was little enforcement of IP in China. However, in 2002, Chinese courts litigated more than 6,000 civil cases involving IP issues. About 2,000 cases involved patent suits. The rest were trademark and copyright actions.

Those 2002 statistics pale compared to recent figures reported by the International Herald Tribune: In 2005, Chinese courts dealt with 12,205 civil intellectual property cases, an increase of 32 percent from 2003 and a few dozen two decades ago.

Consider one recent case, which demonstrates that China's legal savvy is climbing with its growing stake in US markets and the global economy. The case also demonstrates the role of US courts in patent and IP protection, along with the perseverant or 'energized' stance required by US companies threatened by counterfeit goods or the prospect of piracy.

Energizer & Eveready vs. Just about Everybody

The dispute started in the spring of 2003, when Energizer Holdings, a US company, and its subsidiary Eveready filed a lawsuit with the International Trade Commission (ITC). The complaint addressed a signature product, a long-lasting battery design--affecting in particular a line of zero mercury-added alkaline batteries that Energizer has held a patent on for three decades. Also mentioned in the suit are games, toys, and other products manufactured with batteries whose designs are protected.

Energizer asked the ITC to issue a cease-and-desist order and to ban US imports of these products, claiming the batteries exported to the United States by the 26 manufacturers, affiliates or distributors named in the suit had infringed on Energizer's US patent. Among the multiple respondents named in the complaint, nine were Chinese manufacturers, including Fujian Nanping Nanfu. Nanfu Battery is one of China's largest alkaline battery manufacturers and suppliers. Energizer requested the ITC investigation under Section 337 of the US Tariff Act.

At the time of the original filing, China was considered the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of this specific battery with an estimated 75-80 percent of its goods being exported to overseas markets. According to a China press report, Chinese batteries usually cost between a 10th and a third less than US-made ones, making them very popular in overseas markets.

The ITC handed down a preliminary ruling in 2004, deciding that nine manufacturers from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong infringed upon Energizer's patent, and recommended banning imports of the batteries. But four months later, the ITC closed its investigation, and ruled that Energizer's patent was invalid because it was ...indefinite as a matter of law.... Or, in the legalese: The Commission held that Eveready's proffer of alternative constructions of 'said zinc anode' was an admission of indefiniteness.

In plain terms, the main patent claim, or its language, was incorrectly written. Attorneys Mirabito and Peters reported that the Commission determined here was no infringement of the Energizer Holdings patents, and the continued importation of Chinese batteries was permitted.

It Just Keeps on Going and Going...

True to the brand as he battery that never quits, Energizer kept on going and going, and appealed the ITC's final decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In the suit, Energizer named the ITC as defendants. Energizer's main contention was that the issue regarding language was not substantial enough to invalidate the patent.

The Court's January 25, 2006 ruling, and a follow-up March 20 mandate reversed the earlier ITC opinion, finding that the ITC erred and the patent draft was written correctly enough.

In that regard, we conclude that 'anode gel' is by implication the antecedent basis for 'said zinc anode.' The Commission's holding of invalidity on the ground of indefiniteness is reversed.

In the unanimous ruling, the Court directed the Commission to proceed in accordance with the Administrative Law Judge's prior ruling that the Energizer patent is valid, according to Legal Times analyst, Emma Shwartz.

It was a happy day at Energizer headquarters in St. Louis. We are pleased that this case has been sent back to the ITC for review, said Michael Pophal, Senior Patent Counsel at Energizer, quoted in a company press release. By issuing this mandate, the appeals court has cleared the way for additional inquiry into whether those companies that import mercury-free alkaline batteries into the United States are doing so illegally. If it is indeed determined that they are doing so illegally, the ITC will then determine the appropriate remedy for that illegal activity.

As before, Energizer will seek the general exclusion remedy in the ITC. If the ITC upholds the company's claim, this remedy will bar infringing batteries, including those made or sold by the remaining respondents from importation or sale in the US, and will permit sanction enforcement by US Customs.

What's Next? A Changing Landscape?

Energizer expects a favorable outcome from the ITC. But even as they await the ITC review, the Internet-surfing public has been reading about the recent ITC mandate in starkly opposite terms: in China, recent press accounts erroneously have been reporting that the Court ruled in favor of Chinese manufacturers. They fail to report that the jury, with respect to the ITC, is still out.

It appears that a gentle, collaboratively toned communication between Energizer and China has helped the situation. Many of the erroneous reports have been pulled from news sites.

While Energizer seems to be battling questionable imports the longest and hardest, they aren't the only company doing battle with Chinese manufacturers and companies alleging technology violations of patents, trademarks and IP infringements. The litigious ranks include Hitachi-IBM and Cisco, who won its patent battle over the Shenzhen-based Huawei in 2003. Cisco eventually proved that Huawei, arguably the top Chinese provider of switches and wireless infrastructure, had copied the U.S. companies' firmware code line for line into its products. Huawei settled.

Still, other recent cases are coming to favorable conclusions for plaintiffs defending goods in China courtrooms, an indicator that China is serious about its place in the WTO and in the global economy.

-- In late 2005, java giant Starbucks Coffee won its two-year-old case against 'Xingbake' (translation Star Bucks), for trademark and logo infringement. The case was decided in Shanghai No. 2 Intermediate People's Court, and was considered a landmark judgment and litmus test of China's amended trademark laws. Xingbake has filed an appeal.

-- In 2004, Swiss agribusiness and agricultural chemical maker Syngenta was awarded an apology and compensation after its patent infringement lawsuit was successfully concluded against a Chinese business group. The case was heard in a Nanjing court, one known for its expertise in intellectual property.

There is little doubt that China's government will quickly improve its IP stance, but this analyst believes the most effective pressure will come from its own domestic companies, particularly as they evolve from a heavily manufacturing-depending economy to a service and integrated products economy. This more sophisticated economic profile makes IP rights even more critical, because more Chinese companies will have more at stake when IP is violated.

Recent positive announcements make it clear that rule of law increasingly will be guiding China's economy. In the meantime, keep your intellectual property under a close watch, and build trust with your Chinese partners. Good contracts, good guanxi, and good sense will prove invaluable.

Sources: Chip Scale Review, International Herald Tribune, China Daily, China.org, Legal Times, Syngenta, Energizer Holdings / Eveready Battery, Starbucks, Energizer Court of Appeals Ruling: http://www.ll.georgetown.edu/federal/judicial/fed/opinions/05opinions/05-1018.pdf
About the Author

YuGiOh! The King Of Games

How Do You Find the Best Car Seat to Protect Your Child

Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is a prime consideration for any new parent. To give your child the best chance of escaping injury in the event of a collision, you'll need to a car seat suited to your child's age and weight.

To choose a proper car seat, you'll need to understand that there are three main types of car seats for children. These are: infant car seats, infant / toddler (convertible) car seats, and booster seats.

Infant Car Seats

If you have a newborn baby, or your child is under a year old, he needs to ride in a rear-facing car seat. You'll need to decide on buy a rear-facing infant car seat, or you can buy an infant / toddler car seat (also called a convertible car seat). The difference between the two is that the infant car seat is designed for babies around 20 pounds and under, while the convertible car seat be used facing the rear until your child is a year old and at least 20 pounds, before turning it to face forward. If you purchase an infant car seat, rest assured that the new models have a five-point harness to keep your baby strapped in securely. The disadvantage, of course, is that you'll need to buy a convertible car seat later when your child grows older.

Infant / toddler (convertible)

Car Seats These car seats are larger than infant-only car seats and more expensive. However, they can be used for your child from the newborn stage (when he is less than a year old and under 20 pounds) right up to the toddler stage (when he is at least a year old and at least 20 pounds). It depends on your choice. Some parents choose to use convertible car seats as their primary car seat from day one. Others only switch to an infant/toddler convertible seat when their baby outgrows the infant car seat.

Booster Car Seats

Booster car seats are meant for children age 3 and older who weigh at least 40 pounds. What's the function of these seats? What they do is to boost your child into a position that makes it safe to use the car's existing seat belt system. Booster seats will cost of (they're pretty expensive) but they'll give your grown toddler a sense of 'adulthood' since most of the models are ergonomic, plush and cool.

About The Author

Gary Hendricks is the editor of http://www.baby-product-guide.com, a hobby website offering articles on parenting, baby care and baby products.

By Gary Hendricks

Scenario Of Intimatewear Market

The journey of lingerie from 'cotte' to trendy intimatewear

The existence of lingerie is as old as the existence of women who wear it. In the middle ages things were easygoing as women wore various corset-like alternatives like the cotte, the bliaunt and the surcot, which move on easily over their dresses and hold the breasts firmly. Wearing underwear/corsets has been practiced since the ancient civilization of Egypt and Greece, where women wore corsets to support their breasts. Bras have been worn in all ages to support women's breasts and give them a fashionable look.

18th Century: It is believed that the history of underwear started in the 18th century. The padded silhouette with a flat stomach, slim waist and cone-shaped bust was a style. The corset, a vital part of any woman's clothing at that time, gave the body a typical shape, squeezing the internal organs and making them feel comfortable. Extreme usage of satin, silk and damask decorated with embroidery, ribbons and laces gave the effect of artistry.

19th Century: Women wore corsets, crinolines and bustles. The S-shaped silhouette trend started at that time. Women wore underwear like knickers, corset, camisole and waist slip.

20th Century: Lingerie turned out to be simpler and more practical. Corsets were replaced by a more flexible girdle modern bra. Pastel colours for lingerie came into existence. In 1910 boyish silhouette became a trend. The first brassiere to have a patent, which was accepted largely, was a bra invented by a young New York socialite named Mary Phelps Jacob in 1910. In the 1930s femininity became a fashion trend. A woman was covered by the one-piece garments known as corsets including a curved and bust-emphasizing brassiere and girdle with garters. But one-piece corsets were accepted largely and panties were reduced in size and finally gained the shape of bikini briefs.

21st century-the era of intimacy-intimatewear: In this era the fashion is pushing women to exhibit the underwear as outerwear which is worn for the sensitive pleasure of a partner. Lingerie is considered as the second skin by many women. In the present era, women have more choices than ever in terms of style, design, fabrics etc. Since many centuries fashion in connection to lingerie styles was toggling between the feminine and masculine, painful and practical. In the recent time, lingerie is the most attractive, luxurious and feminine clothing that is worn intimately and respected for its practicality and comfort.

Worldwide Market Growth Forecast of Lingerie

Today, the main concern about marketing the lingerie products is the fight for share between global brands and retailers' local labels worldwide. It is also about consumers' choice and acceptance of brand. With its matchless combination of fashion and function, lingerie is a product category that crosses the fine line between necessity and luxury. Besides these features, it has increased into about a US$30 billion-a-year industry and placed itself for further growth over the next five years.

To know the global lingerie market, it is essential to check out not only the competition between brands, but also the separate bra-wars taking place between brands and local retail labels. The leading player among lingerie brands worldwide is United States-based manufacturer Sara Lee, which has a major market share in its home country as well as the European market. After Sara Lee there exist companies like Warnaco, Fruit of the Loom, VF and Maidenform, in Europe Triumph also possess a major market share. The more comfy La Perla, meanwhile, is atop the high end of the world lingerie market.

In the retail sector, US chain Victoria's Secret, the UK's Knickerbox and northern European retailer Hunkemoller provide to the specialist market, but the huge quantity of lingerie is traded by clothing retailers like Marks & Spencer and hypermarkets like Wal-Mart and Carrefour. Though, the tendency is to be robust on briefs than bras, and repeatedly sell these items in multiple packs. While the leading retailers and brands keep up to propel the market, the nature of uniqueness demands that there is also a push of smaller, more up market labels that offer to a few niche.

Of the total world lingerie market, amounted to US$29.5 billion annually in 2003, bras calculated to 56 per cent of total sales, while briefs and the body wear/daywear/shape wear category add 32 per cent and 12 per cent in that order. Of about 6.4 billion bras and briefs were procured worldwide in 2003. The report shows that the average woman buys two bras and five pairs of briefs per year. Lingerie sales in the developed world are observed to be basic fashion-driven, with the average woman having six bras and eight pairs of briefs in her wardrobe - more than she usually requires.

The buying of these products is normally determined by style factors, like as what styles (g-string, padded bra) look best under certain types of clothing, or what colors appear best. In the past, this picture has not been right for developing countries where lingerie is bought more out of need than desire. Though, population growth, unstable demographics and the appearance of consumers with more disposable income is changing purchasing habits in these regions, and the lingerie market is projected to gain advantage from this opportunity.

According to a research report, the global lingerie market was calculated to be $29.15-billion (U.S.) in 2004 and is projected to increase (at the rate of about 9 per cent) to $31.6-billion in 2012. And the product category that will have the quickest growth is odywear, daywear and shapewear.

Despite this noteworthy growth, demand for lingerie in the developed world has been observed to be rising at about five per cent (based on low population growth, ageing demographics and product saturation), while that of the rest of the world is projected to increase by almost 20 per cent.

While this turns out to be a fairly steady 7 per cent raise in world volume to 6.8 billion units, it also amounts to massive growth in developing nations. This will go together by a noteworthy push towards offshore manufacturing in countries like China and India, as continuing enhancement in technology and communications make such alternatives far more cost effective than the domestic alternative. Markets that are expected to develop in the future include the Indian sub-continent, China and Southeast Asia. India and China are projected to increase their international market share by about US$100 million each, while Southeast Asia, already a leading market for lingerie, will increase by US$350 million in value.

Given that price points in these sub-regions are somewhat low; this expected growth shows an opportunity in huge quantity for lingerie companies. Products which shape the body and offer smooth curves are observed as a key growth sector for baby boomer lingerie buyers. New and innovative fabrics like Lycra and microfibers will keep on featuring a lot in this segment.

Prices to keep steady

With downward price emphasis at a retail level compensating any attempts at increasing manufacturers' costs, prices are not anticipated to have any noteworthy impact on lingerie market growth in the developed world till 2010. Though, value growth in the developing world is more complicated to estimate, due to the extensive trading in the gray or black markets and, hence, not at normal retail prices. Nonetheless, Sara Lee is anticipated to keep on its dominance of the developed world market and formulate sizable inroads into other markets over the next five years - even in the challenge of financial problems faced by competitors such as Warnaco and Maidenform. Along with it the low profile and hence low debt European companies like Triumph and Wolford will keep surviving. It is understandable that high-volume growth for lingerie's leasing players will come from emerging markets, while, in a sector where discrimination is important, beneficial business will also be held by niche marketers. Fortunately for all matter, lingerie is pushed by female consumers' loyalty to brand, fit and comfort, making it as one of the more financially strong segment in the apparel market.

China

China exported 4.2 billion pieces of women's undergarments in 2004, a 30 percent raise from 2003. In China, Shantou is one of the leading manufacturing hubs for women's undergarments with well-set up and good factory management systems, offering prompt service and efficient supply chain system. This harbor city in Guangdong province exported women's underwear worth $650 million in 2004, accounting to be the third of China's outbound shipments of the product. Shantou possesses more than 1,500 suppliers, about 150 of who export directly. Shantou's associated towns of Gurao, Xiashan, Chendian and Liangying are the leading manufacturing areas. Gurao, the biggest center, has more than 440 undergarment makers. Annual sales reach $260 million, including 564 million brassieres and 180 million pairs of underpants. Shantou is renowned across China as a major producer of knitted underwear. Xiashan and Chendian each produce more than $100 million worth of women's undergarments per year.

Suppliers in Shantou vary from small companies with 50 workers to big manufacturers with 1,500 employees. Though, small and midsize suppliers constitute the major companies. Many suppliers possess vertically integrated production with in-house fabric knitting, dyeing, finishing and printing, and garment sewing, embroidery and packing capability. The city's bra and panty suppliers target on midrange models, but high-end designs are also made by them. Approximately 90 per cent of output is for OEM orders.

Seamless bras and panties are trendy designs which are more preferable now a days. Hanzina Underwear Co. Ltd, a leading supplier of such products, has invested a huge amount in 20 Santoni circular knitting machines from Italy, two warp knitting systems and 350 sewing machines. The company makes 200,000 pieces per month. The use of lace and embroidered fabrics is also well-liked among Shantou suppliers. Chengtai Underwear Knitting Factory makes bra and panty sets with lace trimmings, embroidery or prints.

The midsize company makes undergarments for Wal-Mart and donna l'oren. Hongjie Underwear Industrial Co. is also a leading producer with 1,500 workers and fully integrated production that covers fabric knitting and sewing. The company provides fancy bras and panties in crocheted fabrics, intricate prints and embroidery. The company also produces items like push-up and convertible brassieres.

Many companies are making efforts to decrease their lead and delivery times. Shantou's port, one of the 20 leading harbors in China, transports cargo to many countries and regions. This facilitates suppliers to provide convenient shipping to foreign buyers and supports in continuation in transportation at cheaper rates.

India

The lingerie market in India is still in its infant stage and, until in recent times, the accessibility of high quality intimate apparel was limited to irregular or grey imports sold under the counter. Because of the limited products and lack of enough specialized and organized retail atmosphere, the fashion realization and quality awareness of the Indian consumer for intimate apparel is yet to be realized.

India is also one of the most scattered retail markets in the world. The products, so far, have been mainly marketed as a commodity and are price and margin oriented. Till today huge quantities of bras are sold to end users by male salespersons in mom-and-pop shops. Majorities of the stores do not even provide a trial room.

As a consequence, large consumer base are not sure of the functional features of a bra or even their own sizes. When Gokaldas Intimatewear began developing Enamor, their first aim was good fit. Across India Enamor surveyed and measured 4,000 women. They noticed that 80 per cent of Indian women wore a uncomfortable fitting underwear. In India, bras were made only in B and C cup sizes, though Enamor's research found that most Indian women required A or D cup sizes. In India Triumph, Lovable Lingerie, Enamor, VIP, Juliet, Amul etc are major players in lingerie market. Today 70 per cent of the lingerie market of India is unorganised. But that can be replaced with the increase in the number of malls and quality-conscious consumers. For example, Lovable's growth of 20 per cent last year was sustained by new retail space.

The joint market contribution of the leading five retailers in India totals less than two per cent. Though, Lingerie sales have increased by 12 per cent in the past five years because of a new awareness of intimatewear. Women's innerwear industry in India is worth Rs. 2,000 crore and is growing at an average rate of 12 per cent.

Turkey and Bangladesh have already observed the potential and are aggressively promoting its innerwear industry. Many Asian countries are defeating India in the US, the world's biggest clothing importer. According to the US office of Textiles and Apparel, in 2002 the country imported 198,094,426 dozen pieces of cotton underwear. India's contribution in this was a paltry 2.36 per cent. In bras using manmade material, the US imported 37,676,800 dozen pieces. While China constituted 32 per cent of these, Indonesia had 10.5 per cent. Even Bangladesh had 1 per cent. However, India exported a meager 0.65 per cent. Though, there is a great potential to be taped if approached in an organized manner with a proper set up.

Womenswear: the most profitable segment

The Rs.28,375-crore womenswear apparel segment covers 32.1 percent share of the Indian apparel market in value terms. In volume terms, market share of womenswear is one percent greater than that of menswear but in value terms its share is five percent less than that of menswear due to branded segment in womenswear was practically non-existent till a few years back. At present, it is the most profitable segment for investment. During 2005, volumes increased by 5.5 percent while value appreciation was as high as 15 percent.

Women's trousers and skirts category observed a highest growth during 2005, volumes growing nine percent and value appreciating more than 23 percent over 2004 levels. Western wear like suits and blazers and Lingerie are the two other categories where progress was excellent, volume and value growth being 10 and 21 percent respectively in the Western wear and 6.8 and 18.1 percent in lingerie.

In early days the Indian women mostly trusted foreign products or directed their friendly corner tailors to stitch form-fitting bodice, which were worn under dresses. But now the scenario is different. The first trendy movement for both men and women was seen when Associated Apparels Pvt Ltd, producers of Liberty shirts, introduced the world famous Maiden Form bras, Jockey men's underwear and Jantzen swimwear in 1962 in India.

It was a lanky period for Liberty shirts with complexity in imports and the export market initiation, so the late Bhawandas Wadhwani approached the lingerie business with technical knowhow from the USA. The brands got an achievement of optimum level with their styles and quality. But due to the government's restrictions for foreign brands, Wadhwani discontinued the overseas tie-up and changed the names to Libertina for lingerie and Liberty for men's underwear in the late 70s. From 80s to 90s the company focused on undergarments. Even today Libertina and Liberty are still one of the major players in the lingerie market.

With the great triumph of Libertina and Liberty, other Indian companies also shifted into the lingerie markets. In the 70s Peter Pan from Dawn Mills entered in the market with lingerie styles of the West. The brand was popular amongst the Indian women, but two decades later it vanished from the market.

In 1971, VIP entered the men's underwear market with a big-bang and became the most talked about brand due to its advertisement featuring model Dalip Tahil. Since then VIP is a leading player in the men's and women's underwear market. VIP launched Petals, a Lycra moulded cup bra with motifs, which was accepted well at that time, but was later discontinued. But introducing Loveable in 1996 was a huge success as they brought in a foreign brand, but it was made in India. Lovable was followed by Feelings, VIP's domestic products and Daisy Dee another foreign brand. The very ultra Vanity Fair was introduced in 2004 and lastly a Korean Brand Try for men and women in 2004. VIP's fashionable new men's innerwear called Frenchie X was targeted to meet the challenges thrown by the foreign brands.

Another leading brand in the lingerie market is Rupa & Co established in 1985. Its variety of men's, women's and children's underwear put together makes it India's biggest innerwear manufacturer and seller. Besides these two brands there are other labels produced by them. Amul, Lux Cozi, Dollar are some of the brands catering to a particular segment of the men's underwear market, while the lingerie segment has its own local offerings like Neva, Bodycare, Softy, Lady Care, Little Lacy, Red Rose, Sonari, Feather Line and many more.

In the 90s Jockey re-entered the Indian market followed by Calida and Liberti Blu. Then the very high fashion Gossard existed for a limited time. In the 21st century, Enamor, another foreign brand entered the Indian market through Gokaldas Exports and the very chic French brand Aubade started its only outlet in Mumbai. La Senza is the next foreign brand that is set to enter the market while Hanes has already set with a very unconventional ad campaign targeted to comfort for the Indian male.

One of the leading foreign players in the Indian lingerie market is Triumph. They have a presence in 150 countries around the world and a turnover of US $2 billion with a production of over 200 million units annually, producing 6000 new fashion styles per year designed by 200 designers in 11 countries. Triumph started its operation in India in six metros, and is now spread in 45 cities. As far as lingerie is concerned, India is still in its initial stage. India has to wait to become a matured market as compared to the other Asian markets like Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Vietnam. In the last three years there has been a great growth in the business but the retailing of lingerie and distribution channels are limited. Triumph markets through retailers, MBOs, and two franchisees in Mumbai and Kolkata, and further more they are going to increase in the near future. From 300 outlets in India they target to cross 1,000 outlets in three-five years. With all raw materials imported from Europe, Triumph is produced in Chennai and has gained a 50 per cent raise in sales since it came into the country. Though, Triumph is the only internationally managed brand, it also aims to satisfy Indian buyers and has the capability to source intelligent fabrics not offered in India. Triumph was the first to introduce moisturising fabrics with Aloe Vera and the one-piece bra which is produced by one piece of fabric. The sizes and styles are very particular to Indian consumers. Triumph which begun production in India in 1998 has been exporting to the USA before it came into the local market. With 80 per cent exports and 20 per cent local sales in India, Triumph adds new products and concepts for 5-10 styles each year.

Lately, well-known international lingerie brands - Aubade - from the fashion capital of France has entered in Indian market.

While the international lingerie outlook is as exciting and bright as the outerwear one, India's growth in the former segment can be called just about negligible. Body and beach fashion shows are showcased twice a year around the world showing the latest trends in innerwear fashion. New underwear fabrics with 'anti' treatment like anti-stress, anti-smog, anti-static, anti-allergic, anti- bacterial, anti-moisture and anti-odour pamper the body. Top European products like Bruno Banani, Excellent, Schneider, Louis Feraud, Calvin Klein, Gianfranco Ferre, DKNY, La Perla, Gossard, and Schiesser are some of the brands that set their inspiration to the ultimate test. Thanks to the new outerwear performance made by designers around the world and India, lingerie is seemed with renewed fascination in India too.

It may be shocking that there are 1000 Indian brands in the market but only 200 are nationally active. The others cater to markets in the vicinity of their production. Many of these brands have so far continued the advent of MNC labels for the last decade and should continue to do so.

The Indian lingerie Industry is growing because of the increasing domestic demand coupled with huge export potential. It will soon receive an upfront position. From a cottage industry it can be transformed into a growing trade. Indian brands have experienced that they have to be more quality conscious and work harder in branding, promotion, packaging and innovation. Only the mindset to make world class lingerie is lacking. Smaller countries like Sri Lanka, Turkey and Bangladesh are major producers in this segment. Indian companies have recognized the significance of innerwear for men and women and the competition is just boiling as new and more players arrive to offer Indians that much required fashionable lift.

To read full please visit http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article

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Copyright ? 2006

Free Play vs. Real Money Online Backgammon

Why Ultralight Backpacking?

Want Safer, More Comfortable Backpacking?

Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just about the freedom to hike more miles or to take your whole pack up the mountain with you. It is also about comfort and safety. Backpackers with heavy loads work too hard and threaten their joints too much. Challenges may add to the experience, but why suffer more than is necessary?


The Disadvantages Of Traditional Backpacking


Lack Of Freedom

You can't easily take a side trip up that hill, just to see what is there. If you do it without your pack, you have to go back the same way to get your pack.


It's A Hassle

Putting on and taking off your heavy pack quickly becomes a chore. You start leaving it on even during rest stops, just so you don't have to deal with it.


It's Tiring

Backpacking is clearly more tiring with a heavy pack, and you probably won't enjoy yourself as much when you are tired.


More Injuries

Sprained ankles, blistered feet, sore muscles, and back and knee problems are just some of the common consequences of too much weight on your back.


Slowness

More weight equals slower progress, which means less access to wild places (you can't go as far on your four-day trip), or it means less time to for enjoyable activities, like a swim in a mountain lake, or a relaxing evening in camp.


More Dangerous

More injuries, and the inability to move quickly when a storm is coming or an emergency requires you to get to a road, means that backpacking can actually be more dangerous with a heavy load. Add to that the possibility of bad decisions due to tiredness.


The Ultralight Backpacking Alternative

Done the right way, ultralight backpacking gives you more freedom, more comfort, more safety, more enjoyment and less suffering than traditional backpacking. It allows you to move faster, but notice that I say allows. It doesn't require it. It just gives you the option. That's more freedom.

I have yet to meet or hear about a person who has tried lightweight backpacking for a while, and then gone back to a heavy load. I'm not saying it is for everyone. Bad ankles may require heavy hiking boots, and bad habits may require a big pack to satisfy them. But even a backpacker who needs a pillow and big rectangular sleeping bag, can find these in lighter forms.

You just can't understand the sense of liberation felt by a convert to ultralight backpacking, until you try it yourself. When I, with my eleven-pound pack, walk past overloaded backpackers struggling up steep trails, I remembered being in their place, and I know I am enjoying myself more now.


Misconceptions About Ultralight Backpacking


Lighweight Backpacking Means Sacrifice

Not so. Bring your favorite camera! A lighter load means you can stop to use it more easily. If you leave behind the things you don't need, and bring a lighter backpack, tent, and sleeping bag, you can more easily bring that telephoto lense or whatever is really important to you.


Lighweight Backpacking Is Less Safe

The opposite! Bring all the safety items; a sleeping bag, first aid kit, shelter, water purification, etc. Just bring lighter versions. A light load makes you less likely to lose your balance and fall, or to otherwise injure yourself. It also means faster response to iffy situations.

A note about safety:

It is lagely a matter of knowledge and experience. A trained survivalist will always be safer backpacking with no shelter than a neophyte with the best tent. Learn a little about how to use you equipment properly, or to read the sky for comimg storms, and you can go lighter and safer.


Lightweight Backpacking Is Less Comfortable

Is it less comfortable to have 18 pounds on your back than 50? Is it less comfortable to have an ultralight sleeping bag if it keeps you just as warm? I stopped getting blisters (totally) when I started using running shoes instead of hiking boots. Cut the weight on your back by twenty-five pounds, and you can add back a heavier coat, if that is what you need to be comfortable.


Lightweight Backpacking Is Expensive

Ultralight sleeping bags are expensive. Almost everything else needed for ultralight backpacking can be found for the same price or cheaper than traditional gear. There are many sub-three-pound backpacks under a hundred dollars, for example.


Bottom Line:

Try it. The first time you are fifteen miles into the day, and you realize that you can easily run up that hill-just to see what is there, you'll know you made the right decision.


About the author:

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of going light. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

Baby Car Seat: Protecting Precious Passenger On Board

The numerous car accidents each year that are resulting to deaths and injuries of young children necessitated the use of another car safety device: baby car seat.

The most common dilemma of most parents is choosing the best baby car seat from among the so many variations (each with its own safety feature) that is being sold in the market. The answer to this is whatever fits the baby comfortable, fits in your car snugly and is within the budget is the best baby car seat that anyone can find.

All baby car seats, and for that matter everything that has to do with vehicular safety, has to pass. The same federal crash testing and safety measures. Baby car seats that are approved by the government has the assurance of safety, the standards is set has to be passed by all manufacturers. Needless to say, even the cheapest baby car seat sold in the market has gone through the same crash tests and will always protect the young against crashes provided these are properly installed.

Extra features are fine but these add up to the cost of the baby car seat. Higher prices do not always mean the best, as there are no ?best? car baby seats. Some extra features will only be meaningful if it can be used but the car seat must fit the baby first.

Once you have chosen a baby car seat that you like, the next item on your list is to read the manufacturer instruction manual. The most expensive and multiple featured baby car seat will not be of any use if the manufacturers manual is read thoroughly as those may have special requirements about special fitting and use.

In any event, the same rule will apply. Children and infants that weigh below 20 lbs. should be seated facing the rear of the car. If the child is already one year old and still below the required weight limits the appropriate car baby seat must be the convertible type but the child still has to be seated facing the rear. The convertibles can be fitted to face the front, which could be a good preparation when he/she exceeds the weight limit.

Infant-only seats are small portable seats that often are a part of a stroller system. It has three to five point harnesses and can be used for children up to 22 lbs. The seat usually comes with a detachable base for convenience as it means that you do not have to install the seat every time it is used.

Bigger baby car seats are used for older and bigger babies and are forward facing. Like the infant only car baby seat, this also comes with a five-point harness. Added feature is a padded T-Shield that is attached to the shoulder straps and a padded tray like overhead shields that that swing down around the child.

Baby car seats, no matter what the type is have one thing in common: they are all designed to protect the baby from any untoward accidents that may happen during the trip. And like safety belt that are attached on the seat of the cars to harness adult passengers, baby car seats provide security to the little ones on board.

About the Author:

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides baby car seat resources on www.about-baby-car-seats.info.

Real Estate Broker Courses

In the same way that real estate agents and real estate appraisers have to get a license to be able to practice their profession, real estate brokers also need to get accredited by the government through a license that brokers need to get by taking classes and taking a state exam. Doing so will enable the brokers to own their own real estate or property management office, specialize in commercial, investment or industrial real estate, or become a franchisee for a national or international brokerage firm. Apart from the traditional sources of classes to be able to get a real estate broker license, the Internet provides an alternative source of online courses that can help brokers get their license.

Courses offered

Most of the online courses offer services that are tailor-fit to the requirements of the state in which the broker wishes to locate. The usual areas of study offered to brokers include topics on Property Ownership, Contracts, Agency, Real Estate Contracts, Titles, Leases, Taxes, Appraisal Construction, Escrow Real Estate Law, Real Estate Math, and other required topics that different states may require. In some cases states even require the specific subjects that brokers should take for them to be able to qualify to take the state exam. For example, in the State of California, the required subjects that brokers should take include Real Estate Practice, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Appraisal, and Real Estate Economics or General Accounting. Apart from these, brokers are also made to choose three elective courses from a list which include Real Estate Principles, Business Law, Property Management, Escrows, Real Estate Office Administration, Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending, Advanced Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Advanced Real Estate Finance, and Advanced Real Estate Appraisal.

Renewal of license

Real estate brokers are also required to renew their licenses. Online schools also offer help in this process by helping the brokers upgrade their skill by offering review classes to their students. Being a real estate broker requires a deep level of study and technical skill on the part of the broker, which he can conveniently access by enrolling in online courses on the Internet.

Real Estate Courses provides detailed information on Online Real Estate Courses, Real Estate Agent Courses, Real Estate Appraisal Courses, Real Estate Broker Courses and more. Real Estate Courses is affiliated with Phoenix Real Estate Schools.

Promotional Bags

Bags of all kinds are one of the leading promotional items today. Messenger bags, backpacks, tote bags, sports bags, conference bags, laptop bags and duffel bags all have wide-ranging appeal and are easily imprinted with your company logo to create a long-lasting reminder of your business. Other You?ll almost always purchase your promotional bags from a distributor. Distributors work with multiple manufacturers to offer a range of bags (and other promotional products) that will appeal to any client. They can also help you plan your campaign, from choosing the bags to distribution. options include conference bags, Duffle bags, rucksacks, insulated lunch bags, drawstring bags, document bags and computer bags. Although you may be choosing distributors to create a specific promotional bag, chances are that if you?re satisfied with the work they do, you?ll go back to them for future promotional products of other kinds.

As with any bulk order, your per-item price for promotional bags gets lower as your quantity increases. These discounts are tiered at pre-set levels, so be sure to ask what quantity you?d need to order to get the next price break: you can always distribute a few more bags. distributors also get better discounts from manufacturers based on their overall volume. You can expect to pay ?1 to 2 for eynesford drawstring bags and ?3 to ?10 each for basic totes, insulated bags, and duffel bags, or ?12 to ?45 for backpacks and computer bags. Deluxe promotional bags ? leather briefcases or rolling backpacks ? can run ?50 to ?80 or more.

Giving away personalised promotional bags and totes will create walking billboards everywhere your product goes. Selecting the right personalised bag to carry your message requires attention to detail and following the ABC's of successful merchandising and branding.

Consider who will use promotional bags- Great bag?but will they use it? It's hard to go wrong with a promotional bag, especially at trade shows and conventions. And imprinted bags are available in almost every variety from plastic to canvas, including cotton. But customers are choosy; they want a business bag with all the features you can offer. Consider custom bags with quick access pockets for phones or laptops and separate compartments for cords, wires and water bottles.

FT Promotions Promotional gifts and corporate gifts supplier. http://www.ftpromotions.co.uk

What to Look for in the Person You Marry

The Biggest Tagline Mistake And How To Avoid Making It

Taglines work. I remember several great ones from marketing generations past. I bet you do, too. Decades later, you can probably still name the brands these taglines represented:

* Where's the beef?
* Let your fingers do the walkin'.
* Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.
* Don't leave home without it.
* We try harder.

How did you do? Chances are, if you're at least thirty years old, you knew them all. Why? What makes these taglines great?

Well, for one thing, they're succinct. No long-winded proverbs or mission statements here. The average number of words in the taglines above is five. Five words! According to most marketing surveys, you definitely want a tagline to be less than ten words long, with five to seven words being ideal.

So, what else set these taglines apart?

Of the five listed above, at least three directly reflect how the company positioned itself against its competition. A good tagline communicates to the world the value of your brand. It lets everyone know why your company is unique.

Now, lets take a look at a few embarrassing ones from my personal Tagline Hall of Shame.

* An auto manufacturer once ran with We put people in front of cars.
* Playtex tampons tried out Is that a Playtex under there?
* And Jimmy Dean sausages used Eat Jimmy Dean for a while.

These taglines seem obviously bad. How did the taglines make it out of the marketing departments of these companies and into the world marketplace?

They succumbed to the biggest tagline mistake you can make: they forced it. In my years as a marketer and copywriter, I've given this a lot of thought. The biggest temptation a new company or a company seeking to re-brand itself makes is to rush. Companies feel they must have a tagline before launching their new radio or magazine ad.

May I please set the record straight?

It's okay to wait for a good tagline to happen. And, yes, they do happen. Good taglines have a life of their own, and they seem to know when they'll be created. The greatest taglines happen by accident and not in a agline brainstorming session.

You know it's true. So, relax. Instead of hitting the PANIC button and forcing the birth of a bad tagline, take a deep breath and run that ad. Perhaps hearing some of the responses to your ad can get the creative juices flowing.

A freelance copywriter and editor, Kristen Michaelis publishes the popular monthly e-zine The Wonderworking Minute. Each edition of The Wonderworking Minute contains valuable hints and tips for helping you become a better marketer, communicator, and person. Sign up today for your free subscription to the e-zine and receive a FREE copy of her report How To Gain And Keep Clients Through Strategic Partnering. She and her husband Steve have partnered to create Wonderworking Words, a freelance copywriting services company. For more articles and tips like this one, check out http://wwwblog>The Wonderworking Words Blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KristenMichaelis

By Kristen Michaelis

Home Ownership in Palo Alto California

Trying to buy a home in Palo Alto California is a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. That's because Palo Alto homes are in great demand, and there are a lot of potential buyers. The challenge is that few people can afford a home in Palo Alto. To overcome this, you have to be willing to make some sacrifices to find a home that you want.

First, choose your price range. Palo Alto is known for its wonderful schools, proximity to Stanford University, and easy access to major freeways and transit lines. While there are many expensive homes in Palo Alto, there are also numerous less expensive homes as well, homes that may need some work but can provide the basis for a wonderful living experience.

To find a home that will meet your needs, you may have to wait a while, but no wait will go un-rewarded. That's because Palo Alto has so many unique homes, and by unique, we mean that these houses will not work for everyone. Some houses aren't setup right for today's modern families, while other houses just don't have a workable layout.

One thing you should not compromise on is location. There are many neighborhoods in Palo Alto and one way to become familiar with them is to spend time on weekends either driving or walking around these neighborgoods. By doing this, you can find neighborhoods with likely future home purchase candidates; these are homes that have something wrong with them other than location - they need work, the yards are over-grown, the insides are outdated, and so on. If you can find a bunch of these houses, you then develop a strategy of waiting for one of these houses to go on the market. Once one of them does, you proceed to make an offer. This strategy may take patience, but it's worth the wait, because owning a home in Palo Alto is a truly wonderful experience.

Amy Morris writes for the home ownership community site http://www.homeownershiponline.com, which has an active community for Palo Alto homeowners.

Massage Therapy Schools in Nebraska

Good massage therapy schools in Nebraska endeavor to promote a solid and thorough education in this healthcare field through courses in both academics and bodywork. By providing the courses and by teaching the various specialized methods of massage therapy, Nebraska massage therapy schools can help you obtain an exciting career as a healthcare professional in this growing and lucrative field.

Massage schools and massage therapy training can be found in vocational and technical schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities around the state of Nebraska. There are accredited and reputable schools devoted wholly to developing skills of massage therapy in Lincoln, Omaha, and South Sioux City.

Students in accredited massage therapy schools will learn the structure and functions of the human body with courses in kinesiology, biology, anatomy, and physiology. Additional subjects may include nutrition, psychology, massage skills and techniques, communications, and even business courses to prepare students for massage therapy business operations. Students will also gain extensive practical experience through the intensive performance of massage techniques under the supervision of trained professional massage therapists.

Oftentimes, the student who is gaining a massage education will develop an interest in other, more advanced forms of natural healing, such as acupuncture or chiropractic. It is not unusual for the massage student to branch out into other fields of holistic medicine.

There are generally considered to be two broad styles of massage: Eastern and Western. Both may be learned in massage therapy schools in Nebraska. Western styles of massage therapy focus on physical aspects of health and wellness, while Eastern styles reflect total health and wellbeing of the client - mind, body, and spirit. Both Eastern and Western forms of massage are used for physical therapy, sports and orthopedic therapies, and chiropractic therapies. Massage school graduates are qualified for positions in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, spas, and resorts, and others.

Licensure as a massage therapist is required to practice massage in Nebraska. Aspiring massage therapists will need to understand laws and regulations of the state before setting up a practice in massage therapy.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Schools in Nebraska and even Online Massage Therapy Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Massage Therapy Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, Chiropractic Schools and other Alternative Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Polyamory

Real Estate Agents

When one uses the words ?real estate ?it brings to mind a person whose business is selling land or property. To go a step further, it includes buying, selling or leasing of residential homes, apartments and houses, or office premises, retail outlets?. the list goes on. He finds buyers for sellers and vice versa and in order to conduct this line of business must be in possession of the necessary license or licenses. Once he gains the required experience, he can go on to being a real estate broker or a full service agent. A real estate agent must, as a matter of routine, be one who is presentable in attire, attitude and knowledge of his profession.

When a person decides to sell his property through a particular broker, he gets himself listed with them. A contract is then signed under which the broker represents the listed party, though that does not necessarily mean that he gets the power of attorney. The broker?s job is then to effectively advertise for the said property, ensure that people are aware that such a place is up for sale, and show the prospective buyers around. Many times one broker can represent both buyer and seller. The broker must have sound negotiation and financing skills to ensure that everyone concerned is satisfied with the deal.

Most agents earn a commission on their deals and they can make anywhere from

$10,000 and above depending on the size, location and the selling price of the property. Most real estate agents double up as insurance, securities, commodities, financial and travel agents to boost their income.

A good broker would be one who has a keen eye for securing deals, a valid license holder and one who evokes a feeling of trust in the person interested in contracting him for the job.

Real Estate Agents provides detailed information on Real Estate Agents, Find A Real Estate Agent, Las Vegas Real Estate Agents, Commercial Real Estate Agents and more. Real Estate Agents is affiliated with How To Get A Real Estate License.

Finance Broker's Scripts for You to Use

Scripts to use with your finance brokers. When you need to talk to your finance broker or lender about your real estate investing , here is an actual script of mine you may want to look over to familiarise your self with some of the type of questions you will be asked.

Thanks for following up with me today!!

As discussed given the size of your portfolio it would be beneficial for me to be able to do some research on lending options prior to our meeting.

This would obviously maximise our time together.

Could you please outline the following to me for each real estate investing property:

Address of property

Value of property

Debt on property

Lender name

Interest rate

Monthly repayment

Current rental income

I will also need to know the following:

Marital status

Dependents

Employment for self (and spouse if applicable) - PAYE or self employed

If PAYE your income

If self employed how long for and net taxable income on tax returns for

2003-2004 and 2004-2005

Credit cards (limit if applicable)

Details of car lease or personal loans if applicable

Credit rating (clear or blemishes)

As mentioned I can then run some figures on your borrowing capacity with

all the lenders we deal with (which is approx 30). It will also allow me

to look at your current structuring to see if you are maximising your

ability to borrow.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Karla XYZZZ

As you can see the detail you need to know is huge. It pays to keep a file of all your different transactions and documents in a safe and easy place to locate. This will save a lot of time and frustration later. And also make the Real Estate investing more enjoyable as it should be. To your investing success Leo Love www.therealestateinvester.com If any of your family or friends is interested please pass this on to them.

http://www.therealestateinvester.com

I am an experienced and passionate investor. I buy typical mum and dad type houses that give me cash flow and capital growth. My website offers helpful tips and ideas for any type of investor to help you with your wealth creation. Using my site will help to prevent you falling into the traps the inexperienced investors do.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Breast Augmentation Sizes

Whether it?s the beaches in Florida, the Caribbean islands, or the suburbs of Orange County, women are flaunting a surgical procedure that has been gaining increasing popularity by the minute. Breast augmentation (also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty) has been enhancing the size and shapes of the female breast since the official practice made headlines in the 1960s.

When breast augmentation was in its early stages, the subject of plastic surgery was kept under wraps for fear that one would be accused of displaying an unnatural look. Instead of being proud and open to discuss their breast changes, many denied any claims regarding surgical enhancements. The concept of these noticeable physical changes was also set aside for the celebrities in Hollywood, who are often looked upon as needing to keep up appearances in order to land that ?perfect role.?

In the beginning, the procedure of breast augmentation also cost a ton of money, making it an exclusive practice that mostly wealthy individuals were able to partake in. Today, this form of cosmetic enhancement is actually quite affordable where even college students can save up enough money to have these services. Breast augmentation is now a popular practice that is seen all over the world, represented by many Americans and Europeans.

To many, the process of augmenting the breast is a procedure that is favored over the current alternatives offered on the market. Push-up bras, gel inserts, herbal remedies, chest exercises, and an array of steroid creams and lotions may produce changes in the breast without surgery. The permanency of breast augmentation has become the most popular approach to enhancing this part of the body. This is why selecting the proper size implant is an important decision to make.

When breast augmentation first hit the scene, curves were in and a large bust was a desirable feature to possess. As time lingered on, models began to exhibit an extremely thin look, which meant breasts appeared smaller throughout the pages of magazines. Today, when women approach their late 20s to early 30s, a break from the celebrity thin look is seen, as females prefer a larger breast size and shape. In an attempt to recapture a more youthful look, the bulk of breast augmentation surgeries occurred in patients ranging from the ages of 35 to 40.

The decision on how large to increase your breast size is not only a personal choice, but should also exercise respect for additional factors, such as health and emotional stability. Most doctors recommend that women stick to increasing their breasts no more than two cup sizes beyond their original volume. This tends to avoid the risk of muscle loss, appearing misshapen, and suffering from back and neck problems.

Also, if breasts are made too large for a smaller frame, adverse reactions may arise, such as decreased respect from the opposite sex. Choosing a larger breast size for the body may also demand future operations in order to correct any complications that may have developed over time.

This is why following the ?two-cup? rule of thumb, as well as viewing medical morphing software to get an idea of before and after changes will help make the best decision.

Get more information on plastic surgery at the website of Andrew Klapper M.D http://www.outer-beauty.com

Holiday Survival Guide for Singles 5 Ways to Enjoy the Season

How will you survive the holidays single? Very well if you put our mind to it! According to the Boston's TV show Chronicle, there are now more singles than married people. That's an amazing statistic. So how does that tidbit really impact you? Let's think about it.

Singles Set the Trends

As a single adult, you are now the majority! In the past, stigmas were associated with those who veered from the traditional path. But as of right now, you ARE the path. In other words ? enjoy the holidays anyway you like because at this point in time, finally, you are the trend setters! In fact, being single is actually in vogue. Good stuff right?

Five Ways to Ensure the Season Is Festive

Even though you have probably heard it all before, pick at least one or two and actually DO them.

1) Celebrate Single-Style

Get together with other single friends and celebrate the holidays single-style what ever that looks like for you! Throw a big dinner party, go out with a group, or get together with just your close buddies.

2) Focus on Charity

Donate some time to your favorite holiday charity. You might wrap presents for the United Way, collect gifts for Toys for Tots, or sing Christmas carols at nursing homes and assisted living centers. As you open your heart to give, you'll receive as well.

3) Through a Child's Eyes

Spend time with the children in your life. If you seek the magic of the season, hang out with kids who still elieve. Visit Santa, decorate cookies, tell holiday stories. Watching the celebration through the eyes of a child is refreshing and fun.

4) Don't Be a Party Pooper

Attend the parties you're invited to! Even though you rather stay home, go. You'll never meet anyone watching Miracle on 34th Street for the hundredth time. Put on something great, spiff yourself up and get out there. Holiday parties are only a drag when you are ? so do your best to get in the mood and have fun. Who knows ? you might be the life of the party or even meet an exciting new prospect. And maybe you'll have a chance to hang out under the mistletoe

5) Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude

Be grateful that you've made it to another holiday season. My Dad always says, another year older is better than the alternative. (Yes, Dad's quite a character.) Look back on the year with just one thing in mind ? what are you grateful for? What went well, made you happy, fell into place, took you by surprise, was a lot of fun, or added to your life in a good way? When you think about life from this perspective, you are bound to see the glass half full ? and that is a fabulous attitude with which to enter the New Year.

Be conscious of the choices you make and actively choose things that serve you and contribute to your happiness and joy. I'm rooting for you to have the most enjoyable holiday season ever.

To get f*r*e*e advice on 10 Reasons Why Women Should Never Pay on the First Date, visit http://www.NeverTooLate.biz Check out the book MANifesting Mr. Right: It?s Never Too Late to Find the Love You Want by Dating Coach and expert Ronnie Ann Ryan at http://www.ManifestingMrRight.com

Backgammon Instructions

Backgammon is one of those games that people are afraid to learn. They think that because it's such an old game, it must be hard to learn or frightfully dull to play. Nothing could be further from the truth

Backgammon has been a popular game for many years, because anyone can learn the rules and everyone has fun playing it. The game involves rolling the dice and moving your pieces from one side of the game board to the next. There is an element of strategy involved, but the basic rules make it a relaxing and enjoyable game for beginners and advanced players. When you purchase the game, you will likely receive a book of backgammon instructions to help you learn the rules and strategies of the game.

Your main objective in the game of backgammon is to move your game pieces to the opposite side of the playing board, then remove those pieces from the game. This needs to be done before your opponent clears his or her playing pieces. It's basically a race to the finish. The first player to clear all of his or her pieces is the winner.

Begin the game by deciding who will go first. This is usually determined by rolling the dice. The person with the highest roll plays first. You and your opponent will alternate turns, each rolling the dice and moving game pieces around the board. Before you make a move you must roll two dice. The numbers that you roll determine how many spaces you will move along the game board. For example, if you roll a 3-4, you will move three spaces and four spaces. This is where options come into play: you may either move one game piece seven spaces, or you can split your roll to move one piece three spaces, and the other piece four spaces. Roll the dice, and move the piece(s) accordingly. That's pretty much it. Backgammon instructions are very basic and quite easy to learn.

The game can get tricky, for instance if you roll doubles. If the same number appears on both dice, then the roller is allowed to double the numbers. For example, if you roll a 5-5, you may take four moves of five, instead of two. Don't worry; your game set will have a backgammon instruction booklet that you may refer to when you need help with the hard plays.

The spaces on the game board (those long triangles) are called points. You gain control over a point by having two or more of your game pieces on it. Once this occurs, your opponent cannot come to rest on that point, even if he or she is counting out on a combination roll. If on the other hand, you have only one game piece on any one point, you are at risk of being ousted by your opponent.

These are the very basic backgammon instructions. There are more terms to learn and circumstances to understand during the course of the game. You'll likely come into situations when you don't know what to do, so just refer to your backgammon instruction booklet.

If you are playing for the first time and you have an experienced opponent, you will easily learn the rules and pick up pointers as you go along. Before you know it, you will be a seasoned pro, ready to teach another newbie all about backgammon instructions.

About the Author:

Charles Jackson is a writer for several well-known web sites, on recreation and sports and games topics.

Oregon Home Buying

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Oregon, or perhaps you?re relocating to Oregon from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Oregon home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Oregon:

The median price of a home in Oregon is $152,000, and homes in Oregon have appreciation rates higher than the national average. The rate of job growth in Oregon is among the top five states in the nation. Additionally, mortgage interest rates have recently been lower than the national average, and many Oregon residents have been refinancing their adjustable rate mortgages.

Home prices in Oregon can vary greatly between zip codes. For example, in Portland, Oregon, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $262,000; however, in Beaverton, Oregon, the median price of a home was $187,000.

The Homeowner Education Collaborative of Oregon offers a training course, The ABC?s of Homebuying, to Oregon residents planning to buy a home. This course covers the basic information a homebuyer needs to know about housing decisions, financial preparation, mortgages, shopping for a home, closing your loan, and protecting your investment.

If you?re buying a home in the state of Oregon, you qualify for both federal and state FHA and VA loans. First-time home buyers qualify for Oregon FHA loans with below-market interest rates, and, depending on their income, may also qualify for down payment assistance. The Residential Loan Program offers below-market interest rates to first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes, and the Downpayment Assistance Program offers down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who meet certain income requirements. The income requirements vary from county to county.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Oregon Mortgage Rates and Loans.

UK Land for Sale Market All Set for a Shakeup

UK land for sale market has witnessed exponential growth in last few years with value of properties showing manifold increase.

It has resulted in rapid expansion of the land banking industry and sprouting up of numerous firms selling land in UK , but all this is about to change with a perceptible slowdown in world economy and a dip in customer confidence levels which threatens to cause a pause in money spending decisions.

A shakeup in UK Land Banking industry is thus on cards which could result in the way this business have been conducted as well as closing down or mergers of many small firms with larger players.

In recent times there have been complaints about unscrupulous players selling land in UK to unsuspecting populace without adequately informing them of pros and cons of such decisions and willfully withholding certain important information. This has led to a renewed thrust by both UK Government as well as established players in the industry for fixing certain guidelines which could ensure that only genuine players are allowed in players are allowed in UK Land for Sale business.

Liberal Democrat MP George Mulholland recently raised this question in the parliament. Excerpts of his speech can be seen at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/community/house-of-commons-westminster-hall-land-banking120706.html

FSA have been active in trying to root out rouge players which are not only trying to swindle general public by promising them guaranteed planning permission but also damaging the reputation of this nascent industry.

Thus a combination of gradual tightening of laws as well as tightening of easy money available for investments in UK land for sale markets is sure to drive out non-serious players.

While investing in UK Land for sale is surely a highly attractive investment avenue but owing to above mentioned factors it is surely advisable for common investors to practice discretion and using only established players for such investments.

Stephen Brewood
Land For Sale in the UK

Spring Fashion Freshness

Its a whole new season so why not kick start it with some fabulous fashion finds, a change in fragrance, and maybe even a new hairdo, and dont forget to lighten up your makeup.

Its a whole new season so why not kick start it with some fabulous fashion finds, a change in fragrance, and maybe even a new hairdo, and dont forget to lighten up your makeup.

This season is full of wonderful fabrics and styles, from ultra feminine to the boldness of the ethnic prints. From short to long dress and skirt styles. From halters to cap sleeves. From tweed to pastel shades. Shoe styles vary from flip flops to wedges to stiletto heels. And be sure to check out the fabulous styles in casual and sporting sandal wear.

When choosing items for your spring wardrobe, first analyze your body shape and determine what styles will look best on you. Next decide what your favorite colors are for this season and determine what colors flatter you the most and which flatter you the least. Stay away from the colors and styles that don't flatter. Choose clothing that is most flattering, but also be sure to step out on the limb a little bit and choose a few items that are not a traditional style or color choices you would make. Dare to experiment a little bit. Its always nice to add a little spice to your wardrobe.

This season there truly is something for everyone. We see skirts that go from mini to ankle length. Full skirts, pencil skirts, flared skirts - they are all in style. We've got great selection in summer tops from open back, to halter, to baby tee's, to strapless. And shorts are arriving on the scene in a variety of lengths from short shorts to knee length.

Your color choices are truly endless! The full spectrum of pastel shades is at your fingertips. But wait, so are the vibrant bright shades such as yellow, chartreuse, turquoise, and pink. Traditional white is still in the running and is very easy to dress up or down.
This seasons jewelry is also large with something for everyone. We've got long dangles, full chandeliers, fun studs, large hoops, and more. There are plenty of rhinestones and crystals on the scene this season. And wait! Pearls have had a whole new facelift - now faux pearls are available in a wide variety of color and they don't just belong with your formal wear. This season pearls are ever so chic with your fave pair of jeans. Now that's progress!

Bangles are on the top of the fashion radar this season. Load your arm from top to bottom, wear a single, mix and match materials, sizes and styles.

Wood jewelry is the top pick to go with the ethnic prints of the season. There's some wonderful vintage pieces to be had for a reasonable price. The beauty about vintage is the exotic woods you can find which are no longer used today because of cost.

While you are busy uplifting your wardrobe and jewelry, why not uplift your body? Perhaps a new fragrance, a new hair cut or color, add some lighter shades to your makeup.

Remember to make your fashion statement you have to pamper the whole you! Spring is a time to rejuvenate, so take some time to rejuvenate not only your wardrobe but yourself.

Make your fashion statement!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing estate jewely & costume jewelry for all occasions, as well as a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/