Sometimes simplicity breeds creativity. If you think about architecture, some of the most beloved buildings in the history of mankind have their roots in simplistic design. While the glass pyramid at the Louvre might seem like some type of avant-guard experiment in architecture by someone who worships at the post-modern alter, the pyramid is a simplistic design that has been around for tens of thousands of years. In fact, post-modernism relies on simplicity in its design; it just likes to push the envelope a bit further.

Before I get off on too much of a tangent, as much as we love creativity, we also love to balance it with a comforting simplicity which we hold near to our heats. Take the personalized baby toys that we grew up with as a child. For as much as technology has made its way into our lives, the toys we remember from our youth are usually of the simplistic breed. For as much as we loved Transformers and dream houses with moving parts, we also yearn for Lego’s, Barbies and My Little Pony’s which use simple designs to give a more specialized, personalized feel.

Today’s personalized baby toys, blankets and plushes tend to follow the traditional idea of simplicity that continue to be commonplace after generations. As stuffed animals never seem to go out of style, one of the most popular of the personalized baby toys continues to be designer stuffed animals. While teddy bears continue to be a popular item, different animals have begun to pop up in the plush world. If it’s a cute animal chances are you can find a plush of it out there: frogs, bunnies, penguins and especially hippos brings delight to the face of babies and small children.

Heck, you can even find “ugly” animals such as platypus’ and manatees (though, manatees are very huggable, if you think about it). Plus, with these plushes being personalized, each of the dolls (some of them handmade) come with the child’s name embroidered on them. Call it human nature, but if something is personalized with an embroidered name we tend to hang out to it longer then if it is just another anonymous belonging.

Some of the cutest push animal dolls I’ve seen in recent years have come from the North American Bear Co. This company not only offers a full line of personalized plush stuffed animals, but also stuffed animal cozys are designed as blankets so a child can use them for both sleep and play time. These cozys feature such animals as hippos (or, as they call them “Flatopotamus”), a “sleepytime” rabbit complete with stripped night cap, a frog (“Flatofrog”) as well as a “Flatodeer”, “Flatophant” and, of course, a “Flatobearius”. All these are simplistic in nature yet sophisticated and subtle and are sure to become some of those simple and beloved toys that your child will keep as a keepsake into their adult years.

Going out and buying printers ink cartridges or printer inks will probably not be the highlight of your day. However, it’s a very good thing to do well before you run out of ink. That’s because there’s nothing more annoying than having to stop in the middle of a work project or hobby because you have to go out and buy more ink jet cartridges.

There are a number of ways to save both time and money the next time you buy inkjet cartridges. First of all, you can get your best prices online. Second, choose any of the following options and you will save money on printer inks.

Refilled Printers Ink Cartridges

You can buy printers ink in bulk and refill your own cartridges. This is the most affordable way to go. However it can be quite messy and time consuming. At home, refilling ink cartridges could be a very good idea. In an office environment, though, it’s an entirely other matter.

Buy Recycled Cartridges

Although it will be more expensive than refilling cartridges, a viable money saving alternative to OEM cartridges is purchasing recycled printer ink cartridges. Quite a few companies first clean then refill used cartridges. Then they test them to ensure the quality before offering them for sale to the public.

Use Generic Ink Jet Cartridges

Instead of using OEM cartridges your third alternative is buying a generic inkjet cartridge. These cartridges should work identically to brand name cartridges. Just make sure you buy the right cartridge for your printer. When you do you will be hard pressed telling the difference between documents printed with generic cartridges and original equipment manufacturer cartridges. In most cases the results will look identical.

Buy Your Inkjet Cartridges Online

When you buy your printers ink cartridges the Internet you can save money and time as well. There are many websites that offer OEM cartridges, recycled and refilled cartridges, generic cartridges, and printers ink in bulk at greatly reduced prices. When choosing the company to buy from one of the best things you can do is to purchase from a well established company with a track record of exceptional service.

Your choice of inkjet cartridges and where you buy them are not the only things to consider for you to get the best results when you print your documents. One of your most important choices you can make is the quality of the paper you use.

Printing Paper

Cheap paper can actually reduce the quality of your printing. Now, you don’t have to buy the most expensive printing paper but you shouldn’t go overboard on the low end paper either.

Although the cheapest printing paper could work well, like most things, it’s best to test your results before buying in bulk.

Sick of the same old dinner parties? Tired of playing the same music, serving the same food, and drinking the same wine? Here are seven ideas to spice up the next adult gathering at your place. Leave the kids with the babysitter, because some of these ideas are more than a little naughty!

Drinking games. No, we’re not talking about the old university staples of flip-cup and beer-pong. We’re adults now, and we’re a bit more sophisticated than that. Try Wine Knot–a drinking game based on nautical games played by Portuguese sailors to occupy their time at sea. Or how about the Vodka Party Game, a strategic board game with a Cold War espionage theme? There are plenty of board games based around different drinks, from tequila to beer, wine to vodka–each with a different theme. So choose your drink of choice, gather a few friends around the dining room table, and enjoy.

Saucy games. If you’re up for it, there are plenty of ways to have a little “adult” fun while the kids are away–and with this type of fun, it’s better if you invite friends. Try Tarts and Vicars, a sexy board game with a drinking theme. If you and your friends are very open-minded, there’s always Postman’s Promise–a board game based on the kissing game, Postman’s Knock. You’re sure to have an exciting evening with this one!

Costumes. Just for a little something different, host a costume party. Costumes can be incorporated creatively into themes. For instance, if you regularly gather your friends together to watch a favorite television show, throw a party and ask each of your guests to come dressed as a character. Throw a birthday party for your boyfriend–and ask each of his guy friends to come dressed as one of his exes. If you’re throwing a party with a slightly naughty theme, ask for “sexy” dress. There are plenty of ways to dress up and have fun at your next party.

Entertainment. If you’re sick of the same old list from your Ipod, hire a DJ to spice things up. If you have a space to dance, so much the better–dancing is sure to add fun and excitement to any evening. A live band can be a great way to bring new music to your evening. For the adventurous, there’s always live “adult” entertainment for men and women as well!

Card games. You’d be amazed at the fun you can have with a deck of cards. You can play traditional drinking games, place bets and let the winner buy the next round, or even play a little strip poker, if you’re up for it. Cards are a fun and inexpensive way to turn your next party into an interesting–and maybe even an unforgettable–night.

Challenges. Can your guests identify different liquors by smell alone when they’re blindfolded? Can they complete a video scavenger hunt during the evening? Fun challenges can definitely make any party more exciting–especially if there’s a prize for the person who wins.

Group storytelling. Have all your guests sit in a circle. Using a piece of lined paper, write two lines of a story on the paper, then fold the paper so that only the second line shows. The next guest will add two lines to the story, then fold the paper so that only the second line of their addition shows. When everyone’s done, read the story aloud. When passed around a large group of people, this game can be hilarious–especially if there’s alcohol involved.

Truth or dare. The original party game–and it’s still going strong. People love truth or dare because it’s unpredictable. You could wind up getting off by telling an obvious truth, or you might have to run down the street naked! This game is particularly fun when the truth or dare options are written out on cards, and guests draw options.

Next time you throw a party, you won’t need to have a boring, predictable night. Bring in one of these ideas, and let the fun begin. Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to get a bit naughty, and your guests are sure to talk about the evening for years to come!

The process of preparing for a special Brunch with family and friends will include preparing the food, gathering decorations and having a variety of Brunch Party Games and Printable Activities games and planned for the guests. More often than not, a Brunch is a very special party and the addition of Brunch party games and printable activities will add to the occasion. Most people will find that games and printable activities for a Brunch should be designed around the interests of the guests invited to the party; therefore making the Brunch a gathering of friends that is very special indeed.

For the most part a Brunch is the perfect time for having a variety of interactive games and printable activities for everyone to play. Most hosts will find that playing great interactive games such as Charades and Two Truths and a Lie will bring a great deal of laughter to the room. Both of these Brunch party games are designed to have your guests working together and having fun while enjoying the party. Games such as Charades and Two Truths are considered great games for a Brunch and will add to the party like atmosphere. Furthermore, since a brunch is a very special type of party, most hosts will want to prepare a variety of sit down games and printable activities to keep their friends entertained. These games are ideal additions to any party and will have the guests thoroughly involved in the activities.

A great printable activity for a Brunch is the game, I Have You Have. This game can be made quite easily and is very easy to play. The hostess prepares a variety of cards that go together using different associations. For instance, I have a glass, may be on one card and then another card may say, I have wine, therefore making a combination. However, the trick to this game is to have specific answers in mind for each card so the game plays all the way through with the guests’ pop corning their answers off each other to complete the I Have You Have game. Nearly everyone will enjoy having interactive Brunch party games such as charades and I Have You Have, but they will also find that having an assortment of printable activities will add to the event. Printable activities such as Brunch word search, Brunch mazes and Brunch crossword puzzles will add to the Brunch and have the guests involved for quite some time. These Brunch party games along with other similar games and printable activities are perfect to play while enjoying the company of friends and family.

More often than not, a Brunch is held for a special occasion and the printable activities should be designed around the specific event therefore adding to the party’s theme. For instance, having Brunch party word searches that center around a Baby shower or Bachelorette party will be great additions to the printable games and activities.

Before you choose any diet, you have to research to ensure that it is safe and that is has rules that you can abide by long-term.

Then you might want to ask:

There are dozens of diets on the market. Why should I choose a diet that is low in carbohydrates?

The diet market is indeed huge, but there actually are only three general diet groups:

1. Diets limiting calories

2. Diets limiting fat

3. Diets limiting carbohydrates

1. Diets that limit low-fat can be good for a long-term regimen for athletes, those with only a few extra pounds to lose, or those who need only to maintain their healthy weight. This type of diet can also be used to improve blood cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but recent clinical data questioned this approach.

2. Low-calorie diets require self-discipline, support and guidance. Possibly the best known is the Weight Watchers weight-loss program, which has attracted millions of dieters over decades. An interesting note: Before the low-fat boom, Weight Watchers offered carb-limiting and not fat-limiting programs.

3. Lastly low carb diets are used to curb your appetite which makes it easier to adhere to over time. The diets opponents often stress that the foods that you are required to eat are not considered balanced. Dieters are usually advised to take supplements to ensure an adequate nutrient intake.

Growing in popularity is the especially strict Ketogenic diet, which not only requires limiting carbs, but also protein and even water.

Ketogenic Diets

Is a diet that, when followed conscientiously, produces a by-product called ketones. Most dieters can reach ketosis (a condition associated with increased amounts of ketones in the blood) by limiting their carb intake to less than 60 grams a day.

The state of ketosis is what makes a ketogenic diet metabolically so similar to fasting that it is often being referred to as a controlled fast.

This diet is a mathematically calculated diet that is high in fat and low not only in carbohydrates but also in protein. It also limits water intake to avoid ketones’ dilution and carefully controls calorie intake. The diet has been in existence since the 1920s, when it was considered to be a breakthrough in the treatment of childhood epilepsy, but was usurped by synthetic medications in the 1950s. Now it is used in neurological treatments.

The clinics that prescribed the Ketogenic Diet followed their patients’ progress for decades, collecting and documenting many cases. None reported any serious side effects and none concluded the diet to be unsafe.

Does a Low Carb Diet Work?

Many people are successful for the simple reason that they are easier to stick to than conventional diets. You do not get the hunger cravings that you get when on a diet that limits fats and calories.

The first thing that the body burns off as a source of energy is carbohydrates. However, if the body has no carbohydrates to burn, it looks for another energy source – fat. Therefore, by reducing your carbohydrate intake your body naturally burns fat and you lose weight. Remember, anyone beginning a new weight loss program, or dramatic change in their diet or health routine should consult their physician beforehand.

An increasing body of clinical evidence supports what you should consider a basic principle of fat reduction: if you’re in relatively good shape and you’re looking to get leaner, then the #1 dietary change you should make is to drop your carbohydrate intake and up your protein immediately.

For some reason, people still don’t want to understand and accept that dietary fat is NOT the issue for most people who are active. It’s the intake of excess carbohydrates that is largely responsible for adding adipose tissue to your body. Cut the carbs significantly and you’ll drop the fat.

Here’s the evidence. In a recent study, two groups were monitored. Both groups consumed 30% of their daily calorie intake in fats. The only significant dietary difference was that one group consumed only 12% of their calories from protein (58% carbohydrates), while the other group consumed 25% protein (45% carbohydrates). Even with consistent fat intake and a relatively minor reduction in carbs (from 58% to 45%), the results were clear. After six months, the higher protein, lower carb group lost a full 50% more fat than the higher carb group.

I would expect results to be even more dramatic if the carbohydrate intake was dropped down closer to 40%, as in the popular 40-30-30 fat loss programs.

It’s important to realize that we’re not suggesting cutting out carbohydrates altogether-this is ultimately counter-productive-but rather a gradual reduction in carbs to balance out the diet. There’s no doubt that most people, and Americans in particular, over-eat carbohydrates.

For years, the baby boomer generation has dominated and dictated how hotels behaved and marketed themselves. But now, as more and more Gen Y’s and Gen X’s are traveling, hotels will need to become more sensitive to their needs and their travel habits. And with the emergence of social media as a major marketing platform, hotels will need to refocus their energies on this exciting new medium-a medium dictated by ‘young, forward’ thinking.

Tackling this shift change in outlook won’t be easy for hoteliers. It represents radical, even somewhat zany ideas and requests. For instance, in the past, hotels have always left the lights on for their guests at all times. There’s even a major hotel chain that uses that concept as its tagline. But this isn’t always what this younger generation desires: in a greener, more environmentally conscious atmosphere, these younger travelers would actually rather you left it dark. These young’uns would rather relish the dark, save the Earth and turn the light on themselves than have you waste all those kilowatts each and every night. This fact is a small taste of the larger shift change that hoteliers face worldwide. Changing not only the way they market their business, but their very business model to boot.

There are a host of other issues and changes the younger traveler brings to redefining the luxury hotel experience. Technology is, quite obviously, at the forefront. And not just cutting edge technology but mobile cutting edge technology. Booking, watching virtual tours, finding rates (and discounts) from not only the host hotel but competitors, viewing room layouts, checking in to checking out all from their handheld electronic device.

If that wasn’t enough, all that tech needs to happen before the guest even steps foot into your hotel. Once that boot is on the carpet, you’d better greet them with wireless (free and high speed) Internet, full service business/ fax center, electronic keys (that delete themselves), flatscreen TV’s, satellite TV, Tivo, mobile DVD players, iPads, iPod music centers, and electronic self-closing drapes. Of course, make sure all of this technology is always off when not in use! Continuing the green theme, make sure beds, towels and sheets are not changed gratuitously and that any laundry or dry cleaning service is as green as possible.

From a design standpoint, hotels are becoming sleeker with furnishings to boot. Modern, next century design taste dominates. If your hotel doesn’t look like it belongs in the 21st century, than you won’t get 21st century bookings. More and more younger travelers and travelers with younger tastes dictated by the dominance of social media will create a shift change for your hotel. From design, to tech, to booking methods and marketing, the future of the hotel will be found in the eyes of the next generation.

When speaking about cultures or business etiquette, Asian countries are often grouped together. However, it is not necessarily true that cultures or ethnicities in the same area of the world share the same traditions or values. While there are some similarities in history and culture across Asian countries, each country and the way its people conduct business is unique.

The most important thing to remember is to be respectful of everyone you meet. If you don’t know the right thing to say or do in a business or casual setting, ask rather than make an inaccurate assumption and offend your hosts.

Demonstrating that you are interested in learning and abiding by their norms is one way to show respect. However, even if you cannot learn or adapt to all the traditions of these many countries, here are a few key things to remember when traveling for business.

Japan

In Japan, it is common to bow when meeting someone new. However, your hosts may be familiar with Western traditions and offer to shake your hand. Be prepared for either or both forms of greeting and follow the lead of your host. To bow properly, keep your back straight and hands down at your sides. Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets or crossing your arms. As is true in American culture, this is a sign of boredom or disinterest.

Business cards are a bigger deal in Japan than in the United States. When presented with a card, accept it with both hands and read the card. This shows respect and care for the card and person who handed it to you. If you are seated, leave the card out on the table or on your card case. Do not shove the card into you pocket or bag. It’s best to keep your own cards in a nice case so they are not bent or dirty when you hand them out.

Avoid:

• pointing with your fingers or any objects, such as chopsticks or pens.
• It’s not customary and can be considered rude.
• pointing out someone’s mistake. Always be respectful of your hosts and business partners.
• being late. In fact, be 15 minutes early.

China

Just as you would in America, offer a firm handshake when meeting someone for business. Similar to Japanese culture, business cards are a big deal. Offer and receive cards with both hands. If possible, print your information in Chinese on one side and English on the other.

Patience and appropriately following up are very important in Chinese business culture. No big decisions are made quickly and you should prepare for longer meetings and speeches. You may be asked to speak as well but keep your remarks short and avoid “taking over” the conversation. Follow up after a meeting with an email highlighting the positive points and decisions, but don’t be too extensive with your remarks.

Business is frequently conducted over meals. Learn how to use chopsticks and where to put them when eating. It’s best to put them back onto the holder rather than placing them in or on the bowl or plate. If a second meal or meeting is requested, offer to host.

Avoid:

• being late. Be on time, early if possible.
• speaking too loudly or quickly. Match the tone of your host.
• interrupting holidays or being ignorant of superstitions. Respect for tradition is important.
• pointing with your figures or other objects.

India

Lucky for Americans, the most common business language in India is English, though Hindu is widely spoken in other areas of the country. Greet your host by saying “Namaste” with your palms together in front of your chest. Offer a slight bow or nod of the head.

Nodding is often a sign of understanding rather than agreement. Be careful not to confuse the two when speaking in business meetings.

Just as is true in China, be aware and respectful of holidays. In the Hindu religion, holidays can last longer than a day or two, so plan your trip accordingly.

Avoid:

• shaking hands, especially with women, unless the host offers his or her hand first.
• declining food or drink in a meeting. Accept what is offered so you don’t cause offense.

Do you have your own Medical Billing Business? Is it doing as well as you would like it to be? Do you want to grow but not sure how to get started? Maybe you’ve been cruising along now at the same place for a while and you’re ready for a change. Whatever your situation is, if you are ready to Take Your Medical Billing Business to the Next Level then you will need a plan.

Many people want to grow their business but they just sit and wait for it to happen on its own. If you want your business to grow then you need to act first. Don’t sit around waiting and wondering when. If you do that you will have no control over how fast you grow and what direction you grow in. You need a plan.

First, sit down and figure out exactly what it is you want. How much do you want to grow? Do you want to just pick up a few more clients? Do you want to double? Are you ready to hire an employee or two? Maybe you are ready to quit your full time job and work at your medical billing business full time. After you figure out how much you want to grow you need to figure out what it will take to get you there.

Your plan for getting there will involve many things. You will need to plan a marketing strategy. You will need to consider many new things if you need to hire and train an employee. Your work space must be taken into consideration. You will need to consider the costs of expansion. And you will need to learn to put many systems in place.

After you decide how much you want to grow you need to give yourself a time frame and a set of steps to reach your goal. A goal without a deadline is just a dream. Set specific dates that you want to reach certain parts of your goal. They can be flexible. If you don’t reach a goal by the set date, you can move it a little. It doesn’t mean you have to give up. A time frame makes sure you are keeping on track to reach your goal. If you don’t meet a deadline maybe you need to rethink how you are trying to get there and make some changes.

The important thing is that you take control of your business. If you want growth, prepare for it, decide what you want, and when you want to be there. Then go for it! Good luck.

Copyright 2008 – Michele Redmond

This article will show you how makiwara training can bring your punching techniques to the next level. Using a makiwara board is one of the best ways to develop a lightning-fast punch and fists that feel like cinder blocks when you get hit with them.

The makiwara board is your ultimate training partner. It doesn’t punch back, but it lets you know exactly when you are doing something wrong. Using a makiwara to aid your punching power and technique can bring your training to an entirely new level.

The makiwara is a traditional training tool developed by Okinawan farmers practicing Karate. Their makiwaras were entirely made by hand with materials they had available. Due to this tradition, there is no reason that you can’t create your own makiwara from parts you have at home. Store-purchase makiwaras can be very expensive and you can make a makiwara yourself in just a few hours.

By combining makiwara drills on a routine basis, along with heavy bag practice, shadow boxing, and controlled sparring with a partner, you can become the ultimate punching machine in a fairly short period of time. The makiwara training needs to be correct. If you use a makiwara without full knowledge of what you are doing, you could really end up hurting yourself.

The makiwara can increase your punching power up to the limits of the human fist. Using a bag or something soft, does not give the full benefit of the hard impact on your fist. If you are careful and follow a reasonable training routine, anyone who is serious about martial arts should benefit greatly from the addition of makiwara use.

Time is the only resource we all have, and we all have equal time each day. Time is precious because unlike other resources it’s limited.

We’re all juggling countless work projects, personal care, and family responsibilities. And often it feels like there are not enough hours in a day to get everything done. However, if you want to accomplish more than others in a shorter amount of time, you must manage your time effectively.

Develop a Sense of Urgency

The most fundamental measure of time is speed. And the best quality you can develop regarding time management is a “sense of urgency.” A sense of urgency is the practice of moving fast when a new opportunity arises. Build a base for action. Moving fast is crucial for success. All successful entrepreneurs not only work hard, but they also work fast.

Stop Procrastinating

Procrastination is the biggest thief of time; it’s the thief of life. Develop the habit of moving quickly when something needs to be done; build a reputation for speed and dependability.

As a general rule, do small tasks immediately and as soon as they appear. The habit of taking action fast will help you get through a huge amount of work in a day.

Delegate Tasks

It’s common to take on more work than our desired potential. This can lead to stress and burnout.

Delegating is not running away from your responsibilities. Rather, it’s a crucial function of management. Learn to delegate work to your employees as per their abilities and skills. This will enable you to get more tasks completed in less time.

Prioritize Work

Before you start your day, note down all the tasks that need your immediate attention, because unimportant things can take a lot of time. Complete urgent tasks that day and complete unimportant tasks the next day.

Set Up Deadlines

When you have projects at hand, give yourself a realistic deadline and stick to it. Set the deadline a few days before the actual deadline so you can tackle other tasks that may get in the way. Challenge yourself to meet the deadline and reward yourself when you meet a difficult deadline.

Avoid Multitasking

Many of us feel multitasking is a good way to get things done, but it’s better to focus and concentrate on one thing. Multitasking reduces productivity. Create to-do lists and set deadlines to help you stay focused. Single-tasking will help you do what you’re doing better.

Avoid Distractions Like Social Media and Email

Checking your phone in the morning makes it easier to get off track. It starts with one email and before you realize it, you’ve used several hours of your day and still you haven’t done your first task.

Make Your To-Do List the Night Before

The ability to make good plans before you act is a measure of your overall competence. The better plans you have, the easier it becomes to avoid procrastination; it becomes easier to get started and keep moving.