Beldames’ Saloon

Girls loved stroking and pull my hair, I used to enjoy it. However, one morning while I was brushing my teeth, I soon saw the first telltale signs of hair loss: there was hair in the sink and the top of my head was noticeably less full than the crown and sides of my head. I would never have thought that I would sustain from hair loss: All of the men in my family have full heads of hair past their 50s. .

Once I noticed the thinning strands, I felt my confidence shake. I was very self conscious, I no longer wanted to comb my hair and wore caps as much as possible. My girlfriend and I weren’t as intimate as we were because I was anxious about her finding the thinning patch on top of my head. I was suffering from anxiousness and my performance at work worsened due to the inability to concentrate.

Thankfully, I found Advanced Hair Studio. One of my friends mentioned it in passing. As far as I remembered, he has been bald ever since I knew him. However, one day at the gym, I observed his hair looked full and fresh. He told me that Advanced Hair Studio was to thank.

I was convinced that it is the solution for me, I ordered my first Advanced Hair Studio products and had them delivered overnight. The results were immediate: my hair felt stronger and thicker in just a few days. A month later and the thinning patch that caused me to worry myself sick was full of hair. I’d never before trusted anti-balding products worked. However, after my experience with Advanced Hair Studio, I now know that there are products out there that can save men a lot of stress, grief, and worrying.

Comments Off

If you are reading this, you’re probably going through slight financial stress and looking for a way to gain control of your finances. Preparing and sticking to a monthly budget has always been one of the best ways to do this. A sound budget is an essential tool for managing money, one that has allowed me to survive even on limited funds. One of the most critical things that I do every month is outlining my monthly budget, this has allowed me to systematically meet all expenditures, grow my savings, and control debt.

I normally map out my budget for the coming month towards the end of the month. That gives me a heads up about what’s down the road. It’s not a good idea to develop a budget after getting paid because, too often, that flush feeling of having a paycheck results to nonessential and impulsive spending before the paycheck ever reaches the bank.

Start your personal budget by listing all the things that must be paid that month like rent, electricity bills, insurance policies, loan repayments and telephone bills. These are the crucial things that I must pay to keep a comfortable roof over my head. I like to pad these necessities to make “money back” after paying the bills and, if costs increase out of the blue, I’m always covered.

Next, my budget is subjected to a list of discretionary things I need to cover but could live without if absolutely needed. An example are monthly savings deposits, credit card repayments and donations. These things are also essential, but in case of emergency I could put them off for a short time. By giving credit card companies the maximum instead of the minimum, I keep my credit score high and my debt low.

My budget will not include the cost of food, clothing, or entertainment. Ultimately, these items get covered by what’s left in the budget. Some months involve lots of beans and rice, slow-cooker meals, free or cheap entertainment, and only one inexpensive piece of clothing . This strategy of handling my monthly budget has worked out very well over the long term as long as I observe it religiously.

Comments Off

Never in my life would I have imagined that I would suffer from hair loss. My hairline began receding shortly before my thirtieth birthday. I could not believe I was losing my hair. I was also starting to lose hair on the back of my head.

For the first time in my life, I felt that age has eventually caught up. I felt like the best years of my life were behind me. I even stopped seeing girls. My love life was non-existent. There was one girl I had been seeing casually and even though I liked her, I just stopped returning her phone calls. I realised that I hadn’t found the woman of my dreams with a full head of hair so there was no way I was going to find somebody with my growing bald spot. I was too dismayed to even try having a loving relationship.

Hair loss affected me tremendously, it changed me from a confident person to a dismayed loner. I’veI have never been one to just sit back and let problems overcome me. I tried plenty of hair loss treatments that are accessible in the counter. Nothing that I got from the drug store worked and trust me, I tried them all. After spend lots of money on products, I stopped trying for a while. It was a real low point in my life. I even stopped going out with my friends, I was so deflated.

Fortuitously, one night a good friend of mine took me out for a few beverages. The first thing he found out about me was my mood, he knew that the hair loss has affected how I felt. He mentioned to me about the hair loss studio in the city. My friend had gone there for hair loss treatments and had been impressed with the results. I was even more impressed. My friend had a full head of hair and there was no sign of hair loss. He made me promise to give them a try and I agreed.

I could not have been happier with the hair loss studio recommended to me. After just a few hair loss treatments, I had a full head of hair again. The hair loss studio not only helped me regained my hair but also my self-assurance.

Comments Off

Managing my family budget can often be very challenging, not managing it properly can put me in to further debt before I realize it. The benefits from looking after my budget correctly not only save me money but help to relieve some tension I have concerning my debt.

I have many things in life that regulate me financially, my family budget is the deepest influence. There are not a lot of individuals these days who have learned how to budget and this can cause many financial problems, including debt. Many of us think that creating a budget was too complicated, this is the main reason why people get in to trouble. Actually, creating a budget does not have to be challenging at all; it is as easy as recording down what we spend and updating it each month. By doing this, we do not spend more than we have.

It is crucial for me to keep in mind that my budget is only my plan for my monthly spending. Just like any programme, my budget does call for me to manage it to keep it operating correctly. The first step in creating my budget is preparing the information that I need in it. I keep track of expenses like car loan repayments, utilities, car insurance policy, living expenses, etc. If I do not coordinate my budget, I can easy find myself in debt. It is vital for me to know how much I need on expenditures each month.

I see two benefits with keeping up with my finances through my budget. Firstly, it eliminates uncalled-for spending. Secondly, I can keep myself from going into unnecessary debt. When I spend my money wisely, I buy only things that are unavoidable and I free up money that I can use on something that I want or can save it. With the surplus money I am able to save, I have the option of putting it aside and investing.

Comments Off

Hair loss and baldness can often affect self esteem, causing depression and lack of confidence. There can be many reasons causing hair loss such as genetics, age and hormonal instabilities. Nevertheless, those suffering from baldness or thinning hair, have many hair loss solutions to choose from.

For men, the doctor-prescribed drug, Propecia (generic name Finasteride) is an option. Baldness is caused by a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and this drug reduces the levels of this hormone. Propecia can reduce DHT levels by 60%, when consumed daily. Roughly half of all men who take Propecia regrow hair on their scalps.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment for males and females. Research shows Minoxidil works in about one out of every three men who apply the product twice daily. While the five-percent strength is not recommended for women, some physicians will prescribe the higher concentration. Patients applying the higher dose enhanced their hair growth.

Natural supplements are also favourable hair loss treatments. Supplements such as flaxseed and primrose oils contain important fatty acids that make hair look lusher and healthier. Vitamin B3, B5, and B6 also promote hair growth. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 stimulate hair follicles to improve scalp circulation. Zinc, Kelp and Copper boost immune functions, aiding hair growth.

Another hair loss treatment that is available is laser hair therapy. This procedure uses low-light lasers to repair damaged hair cells. Research suggest that approximately 90 percent of patients regrow hair. Laser hair therapy also prevents additional hair thinning and loss.

Currently, more hair loss treatments are available to treat male-pattern baldness. However, researchers are conducting studies to further understand which hair loss treatments work best for women. While many options exist, early intervention is the key to improving hair loss and regaining self confidence.

Comments Off

Many of us frequently get worried about their monthly budget, not handling your budget can can position you in to further in debt if you are not mindful. The benefits that come from handling your budget properly not only saves you money but help ease some of your tension over debt. Always keep in mind that a budget is primarily a program for your monthly expenditure. A budget, like any program, involves some degree of management to make it work. The way I manage my budget, for instance, is by concentrating on maintaining information organised and controlling my expenditure.

My main focus is on organising the information in my budget. For example, I keep track of recurring expenses like utilities, car and mortgage repayments, insurance, and the like. Consider that without monitoring my budget, I can very easily lose track of my spending. By being conscious of what expenditures repeat every month, I have an approximate hold on the minimum amount of money I have to put aside each month before I spend on other things I can monitor a little more such as entertainment, apparel, and vacations.

To make a financial progress, I make sure that I supervise my expenditure tightly in my budget. A good measure of progress is placing money into a savings account or paying down debt. However, if I over spend, the opposite is true because instead of saving money I will use debt to help me cover the monthly expenses in my budget. Distinctly, giving in to the tensions of budgeting can have costly consequences for my finances, specially if I am not able to pay down my debt.

There are two gains for moderating and coordinating my budget: First, I save money by fending off unnecessary expenditure. Second, my finances are directed at accomplishing financial goals. Essentially, by spending wisely and buying only things that are important, I am actually freeing up money that I can either use for something else or save. The spare money can also be useful in paying off debt or keeping it for a vacation. In addition to having extra money, I am able to make longer term financial goals like saving and investing for retirement or paying off my mortgage or student loans. With my budget being organised and controlled, not only does my financial situation become more balanced but successfully managing my budget reduces the stress that often comes with being in debt.

Comments Off

As we grow up during our childhood we can probably remember a time when we forgave someone. It might have been tough to do, but we did it and once it was done we moved on to other things. A lot of parents teach children about forgiveness and how it is best for everyone. Sometimes you have to just forgive and move on and then life becomes so great and rewarding. When you can get in to something and really work on it and not think about any of that other drama stuff, it becomes fun. It really does work the best when you just forgive and move on; at least it does for a whole lot of people. The truth of the matter is that whatever has happened has happened because of some type of something that is going on in life, who really knows what it is or why it is, but there is stuff going on. The best strategy is to just forgive and move on and focus in on creating and loving others. Yes, this is kind of sounding like your mom talking to you when you were a kid, but hey, moms know best. Sometimes it is best to go back to what mom said and live by it, she is the smartest person in the whole entire world.

Comments Off

Sometimes I eschew drama, because I didn’t always have Great Expectations for my dating life. Here’s the scoup, last night I ate a whole bag of Oreos. During my birthday party while being single, of course. Don’t judge me (j/k!). Am I crazy? Honestly, that’s the moment when I initially looked into joining a dating service in my new hometown.

I already knew the solution. Figured I’d boost my dating life thru a matchmaking service like Great Expectations Dallas. That turned out to be my golden ticket. The reason I mention my dating woes: While eating corn on the cob at George’s graduation at Oak Park last night, great aunt Judy wanted to know if I’ve bumped into my one and only. They always bring this up, every year. Anyway, I looked up at them and yelled, “I’m eating here, and no.”

Even Gramps kept pressing me along the lines of my personal matters. I quipped to all of them: “I’ll be fine, you would bring that up.”

Can you believe this? Each one of them scoffed. Immediately, I emailed my astrologist just to get some perspective. Why can’t I stop thinking about this! I would have learned more by asking my son. My cousin, who recently moved to Italy offered his opinion that I browse the singles profiles at Great Expectations. I said, “That’s what I was going to do.” Should have thought of it myself. I will never regret joining this Dallas dating service.

When I started, singles events and mixers were a novel thing to me. This was all really foreign to me, that I spilled a glass of wine on my blazer. That emotional anxiety couldn’t bring an end to a great time. The evening was a happy hour not to forget. The one cool thing that really struck me were the honest, desirable singles.

I started going to these glorious Great Expectations Dallas singles events and mixers, I rubbed elbows with a collection of dynamite friends who clearly have similar ideas when it comes to dating. Can’t imagine why I used to let so many people give me a hard time about living the bachelor’s life after all these years. Amazingly enough, dating right in Dallas with Great Expectations is enjoyable and care-free social experience.

Denny

Lonely No More

Comments Off

Research shows that at any one time more than half of us are dreaming of a new life overseas, but few actually succeed in making the transition from fantasy to reality.

To completely turn everything on its head and start your life all over again in a foreign country is an incredible undertaking and one that many dream of but most ultimately shy away from.

If you would like to make your dream a reality this article will help you find the courage and strength you need to: -

- Define your new life

- Find your motivation for making your new life a reality

- Overcome any fears or uncertainty

- Practically work to find your ideal destination

- And avoid some of the more common pitfalls

What is it about your current life that you would like to change?

This will be the most important step on your road to getting a new life - finding out whether you really do want a new life or whether you simply need to make adjustments to your current life - it’s all about finding your motivation!

Take a look at the following areas of your life. Write down honestly and exactly why you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with them, or how you would like to change them. Then write down if and how moving abroad will bring you closer to satisfaction in these areas.

Hopefully there are areas of your life that you are perfectly happy with, if that’s the case, make a note of how these areas of your life will be affected if you move overseas - either positively or negatively.

a) Your work/job/career.

b) Your living environment/your home/your home town.

c) Your personal/family life.

d) Your social life.

The point of this exercise is getting a reality check and ultimately defining your motivation for seeking a new life.

You can keep coming back to what’s important to keep and what’s important to change as you progress with your planning. This will make sure you stay on track and aren’t running away from something negative only for it to follow you, and you aren’t leaving behind something important.

Once you have your motivation defined this will guide the rest of your journey.

Step Two - Stop thinking “what have I got to lose” - instead, start asking yourself “what have I got to gain?”

Time to be utterly selfish - and time for another list!

You and your important people - i.e., anyone else you want to move overseas with (partner, children) - need to sit down and make a ‘life wish list.’

What is it you want out of life…?

Write down everything, no matter how trivial or how incredible…
Now compare lists!

Find common ground, find compromise and ultimately see how the dreams you’ve all now defined will be reconciled with the reality of a new life abroad.

Again, as you progress with your planning you can keep these dreams in mind and make sure you’re progressing in the right direction to achieve them.

Step Three - Honesty and self knowledge.

You and your family now need to be honest with yourselves about the type of people you are.

Are new beginnings a thrill and challenge for you or does the thought truly scare you?

If you go into a blind panic at the thought, are you certain that you want to uproot yourself and go through the stress that does go with any new start?

Yes, the rewards are there but you do have to battle through some stresses to get there.

If you know that as a family unit you will survive, or you’re considering making the move alone and you know that you’re strong enough to keep going through the unknown to establish a life for yourself, then all you now need to do is go back to your motivation for choosing a new life abroad and hold on to that…it will get you through.

Step Four - Choosing the right country.

You may already have a country in mind; somewhere you’ve holidayed and fallen in love with, somewhere you already have family or friends or somewhere you’ve seen on the TV or in movies and where you dream of making a new life…

Some people do have very definite plans about where in the world they’d like to be this time next year, but it seems that just as many people are a little overwhelmed at the choice and have yet to make a final destination decision.

So, how do you decide?

Well, everyone has different desires but as a general guide, the following are some of the main areas you should consider and research before you make your ultimate choice. They’ll help your head keep your heart in check when you visit and fall in love with a property or pace of life!

Demographics
Population statistics
Immigration policy
Cost of living
School rankings & quality of education
Career & job prospects
Law & order
Accessibility & transportation
Health care services
Weather & climate
Ease of relocation
Lifestyle & entertainment

Step Five - Visit the countries you’ve short listed as dream destinations.

This may sound so obvious to many people, but unfortunately in my time as an expatriate in 5 very different countries I’ve met many people who have made the move based on house prices or photographs alone and seriously regret their decision.

You have to get a feel for a country before you make a commitment to it.

First impressions do count but they are not the be all and end all - when you spend longer in a place you begin to see both the cracks and the hidden treasures.

Step Six - Remember that you can’t run away from your problems or who you are.

Problems, issues, debts and emotional baggage will follow you around the world!

You’ll still react to upsets the same way whether you’re at home or abroad.

Self knowledge is the key to success in life. Problems always crop up, but if you can learn to live or deal with them before you go, you are far more likely to survive life abroad.

Step Seven - Ready, steadily, go!

If you’ve done your homework, covered all the considerations and suggestions I’ve made, and researched all your options you will have found your motivation, found the inner stoicism to see this through, and you will ultimately have your new life mapped out in your mind.

You are now ready to make the whole thing happen!

It’s time to move steadily through the practicalities of sorting out your old life and preparing your new life.

And if you spend time dealing with the necessary organisation and arrangements, the time to go will come around so quickly, you’ll soon find you’re living your new life abroad and never looking back.

Rhiannon Williamson is a publisher with specialist knowledge covering literally every single aspect of moving & living abroad.
From offshore investment and offshore banking to international living and buying property abroad.

Check out her site Shelter Offshore to find out how you can escape from the rat race, relocate overseas, and profit from your move!

Comments Off

“When you live the life you were meant to live, doing the work you were meant to do, enjoying what pleases you, instead of collecting meaningless lifestyles trophies, you will be full of joy and energy. ”
Thomas Leonard, Coach University

Life or Lifestyle?

What is a lifestyle and how is that different from a life? A lifestyle is about brand names and buying identity or prestige. Lifestyle gives a false sense of peace and acceptability that comes from others recognizing what you’ve bought into (as well as bought). If your car, clothes, and home are expensive, you’re sophisticated and stylish. If you have the right kind of job or go to the right social gatherings, then you receive the superficial approval of others. This means that your self-esteem is always at the mercy of others, with no appreciation of you as an individual.

A life, on the other hand, is very different. A life is what you lead when you know what matters most to you. It is very simple and comes from being connected to what you know is important and being willing to put that first, not matter what others may think. When you create a life vs. a lifestyle, your self-esteem comes from what’s inside you, not what others think about you.

How many times have you seen someone (this used to be me!) work long hours in a job that they do not enjoy just to be able to maintain an expensive lifestyle? There was a recent commercial on TV that showed a man laughing in his yard saying: “I drive an expensive car, have a 5 bedroom home, a country club membership, a swimming pool and I’m in debt up to my eyeballs!” Every time I see this commercial I think about the book - The Millionaire Next Door. The book says that most of the people living in the largest homes are exactly like the man in the commercial and that the real millionaires are the ones you would never guess, because their focus is on creating a life vs. a lifestyle.

Lifestyle is expensive monetarily and personally, because it costs a great deal to keep up appearances and do what you think is socially acceptable. A Life is not expensive. Rather than draining personal or financial resources, a life generates energy and staying power. If we focus on what we wear, or what kind of car we drive, or where we live, then we are saying that how others see us is more important than what we think of ourselves. If we find out what our true beliefs and values are and choose to live by these, then the opinions of others don’t drive our lives. This is not an issue of avoiding luxury for its own sake; it’s about liberating yourself from the mindless consumption that society dictates. It is about making the choices that are in line with your values, instead of draining your bank account or energy for no heart-driven reason.

How can you make the change? Understand the difference between a Life (being directed from within) and a Lifestyle (being directed from outside). Analyze your current lifestyle to see what it is costing you in money, time, stress, and energy to maintain it. Let go and make room for what is really important to you, what sustains you and brings you joy. Remember that who you are comes from within, not what you own!

Copyright May 2004 by Vicki Miller

As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what’s most important to them and prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com

Comments Off