How to Prepare Essential Oils

How to Prepare Essential Oils



Essential oils smell wonderful and can be used for so many different things. The most popular things that people use essential oils in are bath and
beauty
products. Depending on what type of essential oils you are purchasing it can be very expensive. However, if you have the time, and not to mention patience, then you can prepare your own essential oils. In this article you will learn how to prepare your own essential oils.







Things You'll Need:





Any fresh herb of your choice




Vegetable oil




Plain vinegar




Quart container









1


Crush 3 tbsp. of any fresh herb of your choice. Pour a pint of vegetable oil into a quart container.





2


Add the crushed herbs and 1 tbsp. of plain vinegar to the vegetable oil. Put the lid on the quart container and then place it in the sun. If you are doing this during the winter then choose the warmest spot possible.





3


Allow the ingredients to steep for 1 week, then strain them and add extra dried herbs. Be sure to use the same type of herb as you used before.





4


Repeat this process for 2 more weeks. After the last 2 weeks are up strain the ingredients and then bottle your essential oil. Be sure to store it in a dark place.








Tips & Warnings










Do not take essential oils internally.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2176304_prepare-essential-oils.html

How to Prepare a Home Remedy for a Sore Throat

How to Prepare a Home Remedy for a Sore Throat



There are many home remedies for a sore throat depending on what part of the world you come from. While some people may not believe that home remedies work, there are many others who swear by these symptom-relieving techniques. Here are three home remedies for soothing a sore throat.









1


Mix a teaspoon of cayenne or African bird pepper with a few ounces of warm water. Gargle with the mixture for a few minutes before bed and at the first sign of pain. The pepper will be hot to the taste buds but is antimicrobial. With the last few amounts that you gargle with, swallow the mixture. Cayenne and African bird pepper is a great cough remedy as well. To remove the burning sensation on the tongue, eat a spoonful of yogurt or peanut butter to remove the hotness of the pepper.





2


Prepare an herbal tea from licorice root, fenugreek and horehound. Bring water to a full boil and then pour it into a cup. Place the herbs into a steeping ball and cover. Allow the tea to steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink it while it is still warm. Take this tea as often as needed to relieve throat soreness and pain.





3


Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to a tablespoon of pure raw honey. Mix well and then eat it. You may spread it on a piece of soft bread if you like. The cinnamon is a natural antibiotic and the honey will sooth the throat and serves to coat it. Take every few hours as needed.


http://www.ehow.com/how_4393001_prepare-home-remedy-sore-throat.html

How to Prepare a Client for a Massage

How to Prepare a Client for a Massage



When a client makes an appointment for a first massage they have many questions and might feel apprehensive. A well-prepared introduction to massage will go a long way in helping them feel comfortable with your touching their head and their body. To prepare a client for a massage have your "Intake Forms," massage oils and cream and massage room ready before they arrive.







Things You'll Need:





Intake form









1


Shake hands with the client first. This first physical contact puts the subtler energy levels of their body at ease.





2


Ask them to fill out a simple "Intake Form." This form requests name, address, whether they take any medications, whether they have experienced massage before or the
date
of their last massage. They must also list any physical pains or problems they might feel at this time.





3


Discuss the information on the form. Conversation at this point also helps the client feel more at ease.





4


Show the client the massage room and discuss the level of music and light they might enjoy.





5


Explain how you use draping over the body and that you do not touch or see their private parts.





6


Tell them whether to lie face up or face down and to cover their body with the sheet. Ask them to disrobe to their own comfort level.





7


Leave the room for three to four minutes so they can look around, undress and get comfortable on the massage table.








Tips & Warnings










Make your first physical contact with their feet upon re-entering the room. This eases any apprehension they might still feel.








Ask if they have any questions. Listen carefully to what they say.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2215632_prepare-client-massage.html

How to Practice Self Reflexology

How to Practice Self Reflexology



Reflexology is a healing art which involves applying pressure on the feet, hands, and ears in order to ameliorate pain and stress. The practice of reflexology
dates
back nearly 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Today, reflexology is heralded for a multitude of health benefits including, but not limited to, reduced stress, improved circulation and enhanced energy. You can practice self reflexology at home using a few simple techniques.









1


Place your left foot over your right knee. Interlace your fingers between your toes then rotate at the ankle in clockwise motion. Reverse the direction and rotate in counter-clockwise motion. Repeat this exercise with the right foot.





2


Keep your fingers interlaced between your toes and stretch your Achilles tendon by stretching the foot forwards and backwards.





3


Put the ball of your foot between your hands like a sandwich. Move your foot backwards and forwards. Repeat this exercise with your other foot.





4


Use your thumb to apply pressure to the inner edge of the ball of your foot. Use your other hand to hold the toes of the foot and provide support as you apply pressure. Repeat this activity with the other foot.





5


Set one hand on top of your foot and the other underneath your foot. Knead your foot between your two hands as if you were rolling dough.





6


Create a fist with your right hand and press the fist against the bottom of your left foot. Line your knuckles up with the base of your toes. Place your left hand on the other side of your foot so that the foot is sandwiched between your right and left hands. Push your hands together, squeezing your foot between your hands. Reverse with the right foot.





7


Rest both hands at the sides of your foot and then slide your hands up and down. The friction will warm your foot and relieve stress. Then, hack the foot by hitting the bottom of the foot with the side of your hand. Repeat with the other foot. Close your session by running the knuckle of one finger vertically along the base of each foot.








Tips & Warnings










Clean your hands and feet thoroughly before commencing with a self reflexology session. You may apply essential oils to your hands and feet to enhance the benefits of the session.








Rest in a chair or on the floor in a comfortable position. Rub your hands back and forth against one another vigorously. You'll feel heat emanate from your hands.








Stretch toes and fingers by pulling on each and then twisting them back and forth.








Don't assume that this represents a comprehensive reflexology session. Additional techniques are used for specific ailments.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2106948_practice-self-reflexology.html

How to Practice Polarity Therapy

How to Practice Polarity Therapy



Polarity therapy is a holistic approach that covers diet, exercise, touch and mental-emotional processes. While there are many practitioners of polarity therapy, you must practice the concepts of balancing and healing the body's energy in your own home to get the full benefits of the therapy.









1


Cleanse the body through regular detoxification and purification diets to keep the body free of impurities that may block the flow of energy. Eliminate refined sugars, fats and grains from your meals. Eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water and healing herbal teas.





2


Exercise regularly to balance energy, a key part of polarity therapy. Regular exercise helps to keep your body fit and strong, eliminates toxins that can block energy and increases the overall flow of energy within your body. Mind-body exercise, such as yoga or tai chi, is particularly beneficial as it helps you to incorporate the energetic principles of polarity therapy and increases the awareness and control you have over your own body's energy flow.





3


Balance your body's internal energy with regular bodywork. Massage, acupuncture or Pilates are examples of polarity therapy practices that involve gentle, healing touch. Gentle touch helps to rebalance the body's essential energies and eliminate blockages in the energy field which manifest in the body's tissues and muscles.





4


Practice self-awareness techniques that stimulate the mental-emotional process. Meditation, breathing exercises or even the act of writing poetry can help you to identify and release sources of tension and increase your awareness of your body's energy patterns. In polarity therapy, a practitioner is only a catalyst. While their expertise can help guide you in your self-healing, you will be your best practitioner if you learn to listen to your inner-self and increase your self-awareness.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2145596_practice-polarity-therapy.html

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation



Learning to deal with everyday stressers can be challenging. If you work out on a regular basis, eat healthy, and get enough rest that will go a long way to good health. However it is also just as important to mange stress and this is an often neglected part of people's routines. There are many different forms and approaches to meditation and it is good to experiment to find the one that works best for you. The instructions below are for a mindfulness meditation exercise.







Things You'll Need:





A quiet room




A straight backed chair, meditation bench, or cushions to help you sit comfortably and with good posture









1


Prepare.
Find a comfortable seated position you can remain in for fifteen to twenty minutes where you will not be disturbed. You can sit in a chair with the back straight and feet flat on the floor. You can also sit on the floor with the legs crossed if comfortable. When sitting on the floor it is better for your back and posture if you sit on a bench or cushion so that your hips are slightly higher then your knees. This will automatically put you into a comfortable position where you will not have to work at holding your back straight.





2


While you want to be relaxed keep in mind that when meditating you are attempting to learn a skill to help you deal with stressful situations and you do not want to fall asleep. Practicing meditation will help you to learn to stay calm in situations which is more helpful since you can not always just fall asleep wherever you are.





3


Turn off
phones
and find as calm of an atmosphere as possible to practice in. It is also important to pick a time of day that will work. Some people like to start their day with meditation while others use it to unwind in the middle or at the end of their day.





4


Begin your practice.
The goal of mindfulness meditation is not to distract your mind away from stressful thoughts but rather to just observe the thoughts without reacting to them. So for the duration of your practice you are working at being a dispassionate witness to your thoughts.





5


During your mindfulness practice whenever thoughts come into your consciousness whether they are internal thoughts or reactions to outside events happening, you are to simply acknowledge the thought but not react or attach emotions to it. For example if during your meditation a noise (such as a car horn) distracts you, you name the noise (car horn) but then let it go. You attempt to not react to the noise by thinking about how it stopped you from meditating or getting agitated or curious about it. You simply name it and go back to observing your thoughts. This type of practice helps you develop a skill to not react to everyday stresses but rather let them pass as events.





6


Complete your meditation practice.
When ready gently and slowly bring yourself out of the meditation. Allow yourself a few moments to just sit and feel the effects of your practice. It is important to not try to rate or compare how you did and refrain from labeling it as a good or bad practice, Just allow it to be what it is.





7


Mindfulness meditation is based on the Buddhist philosophy that much of our suffering comes from the need to grasp onto things and to change what is. So regardless of what occurred during your meditation, the important part is that you took time from your day to take care of your health and to manage your stress.








Tips & Warnings










Remember that learning to meditate is like learning any other skill. It takes time and practice. Mindfulness meditation can be very challenging at first but the more you practice the easier it becomes to do.








Make sure you use a seated position that is relatively comfortable and allows for good posture. Avoid position that cause or increase back or knee pain.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2109668_practice-mindfulness-meditation.html

How to Practice Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

How to Practice Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy



Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy or MBCT is a therapy designed to help people combat depression on an ongoing basis and is based on a mindfulness stress reduction program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. This process involves learning ways to deal with destructive thoughts by acknowledging them and not allowing the thoughts to spiral into depression. Follow these steps to learn how you can practice mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.







Things You'll Need:





Classes on MBCT




Books on MBCT




CDs on MBCT









1


Begin by researching more details on the mindfulness cognitive therapy process. Do this by attending the eight weekly classes provided by its creator, using the CDs created to practice the methods at home or buying books on the topic.





2


Understand the signs and symptoms of depression and know that if you have suffered from it in the past you have a greater chance of getting into that cycle again. Negative thoughts, fatigue, moodiness are all signs of depression when they occur over a period of time.





3


Prevent the return or onset of depression by using a combination of meditation, yoga and looking at things in a different way. Remain in the present instead of dwelling on things that happened in the past or worrying about what may or may not happen in the future. Pay attention to your body and feelings at that moment.





4


Recognize when your mood may be going down so that you can break that line of thought before it escalates. Identify the thought you're having, understand how you feel about it and why without making a judgment about yourself and move on.





5


Accept negative feelings as they come to you without pushing them away. Respond appropriately by thinking about whether this is something you can do anything about, and if so take action. When you cannot do anything to help the situation respond by not dwelling instead of reacting without thinking.








Tips & Warnings










Use mindfulness in addition to the treatment or therapy you're currently receiving for depression, not instead of those things as it is meant to prevent a relapse.








Be aware that while nothing can prevent bad things from happening, you're in control of how you handle those situations.








Don't try to ignore negative thoughts because they will eventually build up to a point that puts you into a depression.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2154554_practice-mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy.html

How to Practice Emotional Freedom Techniques

How to Practice Emotional Freedom Techniques



Emotional Freedom Techniques are growing in recognition and popularity. EFT is much like acupuncture, but without the needles, and involves tapping on specific pressure points on the body.







Things You'll Need:





Fingers







Hoe to Practice EFT




1


Prepare the setup. Choose the issue you are trying to resolve and repeat it in an affirmation such as, "Even though I have this craving for alcohol, I deeply and completely accept myself." Tap lightly on the Karate Chop Point or Sore Spot.





2


Begin the sequence. Tap about 7 times on each of the points all the way down the body.





3


Complete the 9 Gamut Procedure. Next, you must perform 9 different actions while tapping the Gamut point continuously. The 9 Gamut actions are:
1. Eyes closed.
2. Eyes open.
3. Eyes hard down right while holding the head
steady.
4. Eyes hard down left while holding the head
steady.
5. Roll eyes in a circle as though your nose was at
the center of a clock and you were trying to see
all the numbers in order.
6. Same as #5 only reverse the direction in which
you roll your eyes.
7. Hum 2 seconds of a song (suggest Happy
Birthday).
8. Count rapidly from 1 to 5.
9. Hum 2 seconds of a song again.





4


Go through the setup phase once again, changing the affirmation phrase to "Even though I still have some of this __________, I deeply and completely accept myself."








Tips & Warnings










Tap with the index and middle finger








The entire technique must be done several times before it begins to show.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2136777_practice-emotional-freedom-techniques.html

How to Practice Buddhist Walking Meditation

How to Practice Buddhist Walking Meditation



While Buddhist walking meditation may seem, and often is, as simple as taking a stroll in nature while opening your consciousness to all the wonder around you, there is a general guide to the practice and tips that can help to enhance your spiritual experience.









1


Start your walking meditation with a standing posture to help center your mind and body and connect you more deeply to the world around you. Join your hands together in front of your body, close your eyes and simply stand while breathing deeply. Take note of every muscle in your body working to hold you upright. Notice the smells and sounds that surround you. Breathe as you allow all tension and careless thought to drift away.





2


Begin walking. You walk normally during this Buddhist meditation, but with greater awareness of yourself and the world around you. Settle into a smooth pace and take note of all the subtle motions and feelings of your body as you never have before. Become aware of how your feet roll, your hips sway, your chest lifts, your arms swing and of course, how you breathe.





3


Take note of thoughts and emotions during your walking meditation. Treat them as an observation only. If you feel impatience, boredom, sadness, joy or exuberance, simply notice the emotion without passing judgment. Don't ask why or cling to the feeling. Allow your feelings to flow naturally, as if apart from you.





4


Practice this simple Buddhist walking meditation for as long as you like, allowing yourself to know yourself and your world on a deeper level. When you feel ready, come to a natural stop and either complete the standing meditation once again, or rest in a seated meditation posture. Feel the lightness of your physical and spiritual being and clear your mind, releasing the meditation when you are ready.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2316710_practice-buddhist-walking-meditation.html

How to Practice Buddhist Loving-Kindness Meditation

How to Practice Buddhist Loving-Kindness Meditation



Practice of the Buddhist loving-kindness meditation
dates
back more than 2,500 years. It is a way to cultivate positive energy in the world and create healthy emotions both within ourselves and in others. With the practice of loving-kindness meditation, you are sure to become a more compassionate, kind, accepting and patient individual. As your energy touches those whom you meditate upon, their lives, too, will improve.









1


Begin the meditative practice with yourself as the receiver of the meditation so that you might developing acceptance and self-love. Only once you fully love yourself can you truly love and respect others.
The first step is visualization. Create a mental image of yourself and picture yourself smiling, laughing or simply being filled with joy.





2


Hold the image as you reflect upon all of your wonderful qualities and characteristics, the kind things you have done and your positive contribution to the world.





3


Vocalize your meditation and positive sentiments with a positive statement about yourself. Throughout the entire meditation, you should repeat a personal mantra, either out loud or internally, that is written in your own words and helps to summon love and understanding, such as kind love, loving kindness, peace and joy or whatever works for you.





4


Complete the self-meditation and them move one by one through four more people. Move through each person individually, completing the three steps of the Buddhist loving-kindness meditation before moving on.
The first should be a respected individual, such as a spiritual leader or mentor, the second a person near and dear to your heart, such as a member of your family or close friend. The third should be someone you know, but harbor neither negative nor positive feelings for, and the final person should be someone whom you have difficulty with or who is hostile towards you. Focus on what each person has brought to your life.





5


Practice the loving-kindness Buddhist meditation as often and for as long as you like. It can be performed virtually anywhere and anytime to fill yourself and your world with positive energy.





6


Vocalize your meditation and positive sentiments with a positive statement about yourself and the presence of the person in your life before you move onto the next person. Throughout the entire meditation, you should repeat a personal mantra, either out loud or internally, that is written in your own words and helps to summon love and understanding, such as kind love, loving kindness, peace and joy or whatever works for you.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2316709_practice-buddhist-lovingkindness-meditation.html

How to Practice Autogenic Training

How to Practice Autogenic Training



This form of meditation trains the body-mind to become quiet and relaxed by utilizing self-suggestions. These self-suggestions attempt to change the thoughts present in the mind by suggesting to the body-mind that certain events are occurring. These events can include a slower heartbeat, increased blood flow and less muscle tension. Advocates of AT suggest that we can utilize positive thoughts to enhance the efficiency of the systems of the body.









1


Find a comfortable position either sitting up or lying down. If lying down, make sure you do not fall asleep. The goal is to teach yourself a skill to help manage stress during everyday activities--and falling asleep while relaxing is not something you can do during everyday activities. Make sure you find a spot that is quiet where you will not be disturbed for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.





2


Begin to focus on your breath and allow your body to relax. Slowly and silently count down from four to one. When you reach the number one you will be completely relaxed.





3


Concentrate on your arms. Slowly and silently say to yourself six times "my arms are heavy." Turn your attention away from your arms, and silently say to yourself just once, "I am very quiet, and I enjoy feeling relaxed for a while."





4


Concentrate on your legs. Slowly and silently say to yourself six times "my legs are very heavy." Turn your attention away from your legs, and silently say to yourself just once, "I am very quiet, and I enjoy feeling relaxed for a while."





5


Concentrate on the beating of your heart. Slowly and silently say to yourself six times, "my heartbeat is calm and strong." Turn your attention away from your heartbeat, and silently say to yourself just once, "I am very quiet and I enjoy feeling relaxed for a while."





6


Concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing. Slowly and silently say to yourself six times, "my breathing is slow and deep." Turn your attention away from your breath and silently say to yourself just once, "I am very quiet and I enjoy feeling relaxed for a while."





7


Bring your attention back to your breath. Slowly and silently count down from four to one. By the time you reach the number one, you will be alert and awake, yet relaxed.





8


When you are ready slowly bring yourself out of the meditation. Take time to deepen your breathing and to gently stretch your body. Try for at least fifteen minutes of meditation each day.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2165215_practice-autogenic-training.html

How to Relax and reduce stress

How to Relax and reduce stress



There are easy ways to relax, and regardless of whether you are at work or home, use some of these simple ideas to reduce stress on a daily basis.









1


Take a deep breath or two. Taking a few slow deep breaths helps release the stress in the body. It helps to turn off the stress. When stressed you tend to breathe in short and rapid breaths. It evens out your breathing and returns you to a calm state.





2


Thinking of good things is a simple way to lower your immediate stress. Think of how happy it makes you to feel to be loved, how wonderful your kids are, a great vacation you went on, how pretty a beach is. Simple pleasures produce a simple smile.





3


Change your attitude; think more positive about situations and outcomes. Instead of being worried about what you didn't get done today, think about what you did accomplish. Try to get out of the habit of thinking about how bad things might be, and think that "this too shall pass". You will get through tough situations with less stress if you don't let it consume your mind and energy.





4


Let it go - sometimes you just have to recognize you cannot change a bad situation or you have no control on the outcome. In those cases, just let it go.





5


Get up and walk over to talk to someone instead of sending an email or picking up the phone. The small break will remove you from the environment, allow for a bit of exercise, and give you a moment of person to person interaction.





6


Remember to eat healthy foods with a lot of nutrients. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods. Include fish in your meals. Snack on nuts.





7


Get a little bit of exercise every day, even ten minutes of stretches and deep breathing is better than nothing at all. Try to get three good workouts each week to release the endorphins in your brain (30 minutes or more) and contribute to your overall heart healthy experience. If you hate the gym, find other activities like basketball, bowling, dancing, jazzercise or yoga where you can have fun, meet people, and exercise.





8


Find time for your hobbies...whether that is golf,
gardening
, crafts, reading, playing a musical instrument, or genealogy. Find time to turn off work, turn off the kids, get away from bills and household chores - do something for yourself that relaxes your mind.





9


Laugh. Be sure to include heavy dose of laughter in your life. Whether it's from someone telling a joke, watching a funny movie, listening to a comedian, or even laughing at "stupid reality show"...laughter releases pent up stress.





10


Slow down, just a little. Even when you multi-task, like talking on a cell phone and driving at the same time, your mind and body require more energy. Even getting up from your desk a bit slower can help ease the tension and relax your mind and body.








Tips & Warnings










To read more on this topic by a professional, there are many good books out there. Some of the above were gleaned from "Stress Free for Good: 10 Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness" and ""Forgive for Good", by Frederic Luskin, Ph.D.








Some foods and exercise programs may not be suitable for all people. Please consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise plans if in doubt of what will work for you.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2000066_relax-reduce-stress.html

How to reduce moodiness during your period, naturally

How to reduce moodiness during your period, naturally



Here are some natural ways to get off that emotional roller coaster.







Things You'll Need:





walnuts, almonds, and soy









1


Exercise. If you don't want to do strenuous aerobics, just take a 30 minute walk and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel. Add a little bit of your favorite music on a walkman, and you're even more sure to feel relaxed and in a good mood.





2


Stabilize your blood sugar by avoiding refined sugars.





3


Snack on walnuts and almonds, and eat plenty of soy products. Aside from being good sources of protein, they are high in tryptophen, an amino acid that contributes to the mood-boosting hormone serotonin. Grab yourself a handful of nuts or pour soymilk on your cereal.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2001013_reduce-moodiness-during-period-naturally.html

How to Reduce Cold Sores Naturally

How to Reduce Cold Sores Naturally



No cure exists for herpes simplex type I virus, which causes cold sores, but here are some natural ways to stimulate blisters to heal quickly.







Things You'll Need:





The amino acid L-lysine




Antioxidant vitamins




Zinc




Vitamin C




Echinacea and goldenseal




Zinc




Goldenseal




Tea Tree Oils




L-lysine




Echinacea




Vitamin C









1


Take supplements that inhibit viral growth at the first sign of an outbreak. Try 500 to 1,000 mg daily of the amino acid L-lysine. Antioxidant vitamins and 50 to 100 mg of zinc per day may also help.





2


Boost your immune system. Take echinacea and goldenseal and get 5,000 mg vitamin C daily. Get plenty of rest and reduce stress.





3


Treat the cold sore topically. Dab tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, at either full or half strength directly on blisters several times a day.





4


Promote healing by avoiding foods that contain arginine, another amino acid that suppresses lysine; nuts, dairy products, meat, seeds, oats, peanuts and corn all contain arginine. Limit citrus and other acidic fruits because they can irritate blisters.








Tips & Warnings










Over-the-counter preparations for topical use on cold sores are available.








L-lysine also comes in a cream.








Limit use of goldenseal to one week or less, and avoid it entirely if you are allergic to ragweed.








Avoid things that can provoke outbreaks, like overexposure to wind and sun.








See a doctor immediately if you think the infection has spread to your eyes.








Cut back or divide up the daily dosage of vitamin C if it causes diarrhea.








If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2197_reduce-cold-sores.html

How to Prepare Your Body for a Fast

How to Prepare Your Body for a Fast



Properly preparing your body for a fast not only makes the fast itself easier, but also improves the results.









1


Educate yourself as much as you can about the fasting technique you are going to use.





2


Write down all the instructions for your fast and organize a plan and schedule on paper before you begin. This is important because once the fast begins, you might try to convince yourself to quit. The schedule can then act as a contract you have made with the fast that you must keep. Remind youself why you are doing the fast and remember that it is important.





3


Taper off your addictions in the days prior to your fast. Cut down on caffeine, salt, sugar etc. If you cut them off all of a sudden, expect to experience headaches, stomachaches and a general feeling of discomfort.





4


Begin eating smaller meals prior to your fast. Resist the temptation to eat a big "last supper" the night before the fast. Cutting down your meals a few days before signals your mind, stomach, and appetite for the fast.





5


Gather everything you need for your fast before you begin.








Tips & Warnings










Plan activities during your fast. Time passes more quickly when you are busy.








Avoid heavy exercising while fasting. Light yoga, walking and
gardening
are excellent ways to stimulate your metabolism without straining your body.








Pregnant women and
children
should not fast.








Consult your doctor before you begin your fast; especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, or epilepsy; if you are under 18 or underweight; if you are on medications. Understand that many traditional doctors might be hesitant to recommend a fast.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12684_prepare-body-fast.html

How to Meditate

How to Meditate



Meditation can be calming, rejuvenating and restorative. When practiced regularly, it can aid in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and increasing personal awareness.







Things You'll Need:





Music For Zen Meditation




Soothing Music









1


Choose a tranquil location - one free from distractions.





2


Decide whether you'd like to have meditation music in the background.





3


Select a comfortable chair or place to sit, and assume a sitting position with your spine relatively straight.





4


Close your eyes.





5


Breathe in, allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale.





6


Exhale slowly.





7


Concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of each breath and the feelings of deeper relaxation.





8


Allow thoughts and feelings to enter your mind. Acknowledge them, allow them to pass, and refocus on your breathing.





9


Open your eyes after you feel more relaxed and centered.








Tips & Warnings










There are many forms and variations of meditation, so if one particular form doesn't work for you, try another. Look into some books on meditation to discover which type is best for you.








Begin with 5 to 10 minutes of meditation each day and increase to 20 minutes or more twice each day.








Practice meditation before eating.








Recent studies have shown that meditation may decrease the risk of heart disease, possibly because the resulting stress relief may promote the body's self-repair system to thin the fatty buildup on artery walls.



http://www.ehow.com/how_5750_meditate.html

How to Have a Clothing Swap Party

How to Have a Clothing Swap Party



Often admire what your friends are wearing? Wonder where they purchased those trendy items? You'll find out, once you host a clothing swap and make the entire event about eco-friendly, beautifying choices.







Things You'll Need:





A few high-quality items that you're ready to trade in!







Swap and You Shall Receive




Step
1



First, pick items you're ready to swap away. Choose the best quality items you have that you are not, for some reason (size or style) going to wear again. If everyone brings a high quality item, everyone will walk away with a high quality item! Once you've chosen your item(s), prepare for your swap party.




Step
2



Aim at inviting 10 to 15 people, all shapes and sizes. Suggest that each invite bring the same amount of items as you've chosen. If you chose three items to swap, suggest that each person bring three items. This can include shoes, accessories--as long as each item is in

mint


condition. This party is about equality, so if three's a charm, each attendee better have three draped over her arm.




Step
3



Make sure you have at least two full-length mirrors and that there is a room or two for changing.




Step
4



If two people want the same item, flip a coin or play rock, paper, scissors. Make it fair and make sure there are no hard feelings. If someone, at the last minute, decides she cannot part with her item, make sure there is an open door policy. What's yours is yours until you walk out the door.




Step
5



Make the event about eco-friendly choices. Have local foods displayed on bamboo trays, a local saxophone player or your child playing the piano. The event is about community--and also about what you're going to swap.




Step
6



No matter what you do, bring your OWN reusable bag!







Tips & Warnings









Invite fun, generous frieinds! Don't just invite those looking to steal your favorite garments.








Be honest about your size. You don't want to go home and find that you lied to squeeze into a size 0.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2282673_have-clothing-swap-party.html

How to Have 1940s Style

How to Have 1940s Style



It's classic and cool but it can be hard to recreate the perfect 1940's look in our modern world. Try following these steps.







Things You'll Need:





1940's movies



<br>Curling iron



<br>Red lipstick



<br>Hats



<br>Pocket watch



<br>Handkerchief



<br>1940's clothing









Step
1



Watch a 1940s movie. Get style clues from the actors and actresses of the day.




Step
2



Style your hair differently. Both men and women in the 1940s often wore hats when they went out. Women also used pin curls to set their hair in tight face-framing curls.




Step
3



Dress up. Going out wasn’t the same then as it is now. No matter where they were going, both men and women were well dressed and groomed at all times. Men usually wore suits and ties while women were in skirts or dresses.




Step
4



Ladies, start pouting. Women in the 1940s often sported dark red lipstick with otherwise minimal makeup.




Step
5



What time is it, Men? Part of dressing the part for men in the 1940s was accessories like handkerchiefs and pocket watches.




Step
6



It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing. The most important aspect of having 1940s style is feeling a “1940s vibe.” Hold your head high and dress with a sense of importance and purpose. The 1940s wasn’t a time for shrinking violets.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2278197_have-1940s-style.html

How to Harden Leather Using Wax

How to Harden Leather Using Wax



There are multiple ways of hardening leather. One of the easiest ways is using wax. Hardened leather is often used to make shoes and

jackets


as well as armor and costumes. Listed below are the few easy steps required to harden leather with wax.







Things You'll Need:





Boiling pan



Wax



Hardener



Dye (optional)



Leather



Wax paper









Step
1



Put your wax in the designated boiling pot. For the sake of your pan it is safest if you use a
double
boiler


. This will prevent the bottom of the pan from getting too hot and burning the wax.




Step
2



Add the hardener. The container will offer the ratio for wax-to-hardener most desirable for the specific product you use.




Step
3



Dye it. It is not necessary to dye the leather, but if you want to, add the dye after the hardener.




Step
4



Drop the pieces of leather in the wax. Multiple pieces can be put in together depending on the size of each piece.




Step
5



Wait for the bubbles. The leather will begin to bubble. These bubbles can last up to 10 minutes depending on the chosen leather. When the bubbles stop remove the leather.




Step
6



Place the leather smooth side up on wax paper and wait for it to dry.







Tips & Warnings









If you are hardening the leather for wearing then use half of the hardener more than the container recommends.








When dying the leather make sure you can do all of it in one sitting. Matching the color will be very tricky if you have to go back and try again.








If you are going to shape the leather place it between two pieces of wax paper and secure it to a shape you would like. This can be done by strapping it to something else with the same shape or by holding it in place until it dries.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2062855_harden-leather-using-wax.html

How to Grade Gold

How to Grade Gold



Gold coins are evaluated for collecting and resale purposes by a set standard or grade, by rarity, or by overall quality and demand. A standard for grading was established in the late 1950s so that all traders could identify the quality of gold by the same criteria.







Determine the Grade of Gold Coins




Step
1



Look for coins with no sign of wear to be classified as MS (Mint State), followed by numbers between 60 and 70. An MS-70 indicates an absolutely unblemished coin with perfect color. Some dealers use Unc (uncirculated) to identify the grade.




Step
2



Find the category for almost uncirculated (AU) coins, a difficult category for inexperienced collectors to identify. The AU categories are AU-50, AU-55 and AU-58. The wear on the high points of a coin is used to determine the category of almost uncirculated coins.




Step
3



Expect a grade of XF or EF for extremely fine coins, with a minimal amount of wear on the high points. The two identifications are XF-40 and XF-50 for specifying the amount of light wear.




Step
4



Examine the major feature of coins for sharpness and clarity. Very-fine (VF) grade coins have slightly worn features on the finer details while the major features are detailed. VF-20, VF-25 and VF-30 are the most common grades.




Step
5



Select the fine (F) grade to locate coins with moderate to heavy wear. F-12 is a typical grade given to coins like the 1965 quarter. It is worn, but still retains enough of the design to be easily identified.




Step
6



Determine the difference in a very-good (VG) grade and a good (G) grade of coins. The VG-8 rating requires a full rim, even though the design is weak. A G grade does not require a full rim, but the
date
and mint mark must be clearly defined.




Step
7



Choose almost good (AG) and fair (Fair) coin conditions if you need a coin to fill in a missing date. You may not be able to read all of the date on an AG coin, and the "Fair" condition may not be readable at all.







Tips & Warnings









Check on rarity, a key to investing in gold coins. The amount of coin survival and the grade rating are all considered in determining the rarity of a coin.








Avoid flawed investments. Coins that have been retooled, have scratches, are pitted or have artificial colors are not a good investment. They will be downgraded considerably by a dealer.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095332_grade-gold.html

How to Grade a Diamond

How to Grade a Diamond



Often when first-time buyers shop for diamonds that have been set as jewelry, they simply take the dealer's word for the stone's quality and value. While you might not need to grade diamonds for the market, learning the aspects of diamond grading can help inform your investment decision. The 4C's criteria--color, cut, clarity and carat weight--can teach you about your preferences and how to secure the best stone for the money.







Things You'll Need:





Unmounted diamonds for viewing







Grade Diamonds for Color and Clarity




Step
1



Evaluate your first impression of a diamond's color and clarity. Note whether it caught your eye with flashes of light or sat "quietly" with limited brilliance.




Step
2



Examine color further. Even "colorless" diamonds have black, gray or brown streaks or specks that may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Note where your diamond falls on a scale from D to Z, with D being the most perfectly colorless and Z having pale yellow shading. D is the preferred standard.




Step
3



Examine fancy, or brightly colored, diamonds. These colors pick up where the colorless "Z"-graded stones left off, at pale yellow.




Step
4



Grade clarity from "flawless" to "imperfect." Flawlessness equals a clean look to the eye, with clear, even color throughout the stone. Imperfections refer to occlusions, or tiny natural fissures that diminish brilliance.


Grade Diamonds for Cut and Carat Weight




Step
1



Evaluate the cut and size, or carat weight, of a diamond. Note whether the size compelements the shape and faceting.




Step
2



Evaluate the cut in relation to the stone's color and clarity. Note whether a shallow cut makes the stone appear transparent, which detracts from brilliance. Note whether clarity is sufficient to support the shape of the cut.




Step
3



Gauge price per carat weight by the rarity of a diamond, generally determined by where it lands on the color scale, and by the percentage of flaws the stone contains.




Step
4



Consider your impression of the diamond as a whole, that is, how color and clarity are informed by cut and carat weight to produce the overall effect.







Tips & Warnings









When learning about diamond grading, try to view loose stones rather than jewelry. Looking at loose stones will allow you to see and compare overall brilliance versus transparency much more easily.








Know your limits. Casual grading by the untrained observer or buyer is worthwhile in establishing personal preferences, but only a professional diamond grader has the broad-based knowledge to determine a particular stone's market value.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2102781_grade-diamond.html

How to Go to the Paris Fashion Week

How to Go to the Paris Fashion Week



For many designers, Paris Fashion Week is the premier week of the year. It is where they showcase their designs for the upcoming season. People in the industry go to see those designs and network. If you want to be in the fashion industry, it is the week you dream of attending. Read on to learn how to go the Paris Fashion Week.









Step
1



Find out when the fashion week is scheduled. The
dates
vary from year to year. Check their website (see Resources) for actual dates. There are usually spring/summer and fall/winter, and separate weeks for male and female designs as well.




Step
2



Get your tickets to the fashion show. There will be many shows during fashion week. They feature different designers and fashion houses. The Paris Fashion Show site has information on press passes and other types of tickets.




Step
3



Make your travel plans. The earlier you book your trip, the better your chances of finding lodging in the city. Ensure you have a current passport.




Step
4



Attend and enjoy the show. There will be entertainment and parties. Meet others with similar interest and goals, so make connections and network.




Step
5



Learn from your experience. Attending Paris Fashion Week is educational. Take back all that you learn about fashion and designers.







Tips & Warnings









If attending the Paris Fashion week is out of the question for you, consider an alternate city such as New York or Milan.








Make friends with celebrities. They often get tickets for Paris Fashion Week. Making friends with someone who will take you along may be your ticket to great shows.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2156785_go-paris-fashion-week.html

How to Go to New York Fashion Week

How to Go to New York Fashion Week



Fashion Week is known around the world as the place to be for anyone in the fashion industry or for anyone who wants to be there. It is a week of designer revelations, models, celebrities, parties and socializing with the best of the fashion world. New York, one stop on this extravaganza, is much like a dream to those who attend.









Step
1



Be in the industry. All of the major and minor players of the fashion industry attend and they usually bring a couple of people on their staffs, especially their assistants. If you work in the fashion industry, you will probably be attending, but if you are not planning on attending, ask you boss to go. You will need a good reason, so think fast.




Step
2



Win a contest. Many magazines and television shows offer contests to attend fashion week in New York. One such contest is hosted by the Humane Society of the Unites States in a promotion to get their employees to recruit people to sign their Fur-Free Pledge. See their website for more information on the pledge and the contest.




Step
3



Volunteer. Network at least a year in advance with designers,
fashion
magazines


or other press to see if they need a volunteer for anything. Contact the New York Chamber of Commerce for event coordinator information to offer your services also. Consider asking fashion schools in New York if they are involved and how you can help.




Step
4



Attend an exposition. During fashion week, there are a number of expos to showcase the latest in fashion and other surrounding areas to the industry. Some of them are open to the public, such as the Fashion Career Expo which is held in February. This is a huge opportunity for those who want to work in the fashion industry, as it is a chance to have months' worth of interviews packed into one day.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2126486_go-new-yorks-fashion-week.html