Monday, December 26, 2011

Ancient Egyptian Dwarves and Fashion

 Announcing my latest Ancient Egyptian Fashion blog post.

During the reign of Khufu, during ancient Egypt's Old Kingdom, dwarves carried out the work of designing and making the royal wardrobe. You heard it here first. Check it out.


Ancient Egyptian Dwarves Made the Royal Wardrobe
http://ancient-egyptian-clothing.blogspot.com/2011/12/ancient-egyptian-dwarves-made-royal.html

Friday, December 2, 2011

Amber Jewelry -- Amber Secrets: Top Gifts for Her

Amber exerts a mystical force -- it travels the world and has been a treasured item of trade since the Iron Age. Prehistoric people carved amber into animals. Many cultures make protective talismans out of amber and it has a reputation as a healing stone.

For a few years I imported and sold jewelry made of silver and natural stones. When I was a kid, I learned about fossils and minerals -- and I never stopped noticing and finding out about stones and natural things that inspire me. Amber gripped my imagination years ago -- and hasn't let go. The power of this resin to take captives and preserve them through time -- beetles, spiders -- even lizards and other small animals.

Amber is fossilized resin. People have been writing about amber since the 17th century. Countries along the Baltic sea collect and export it, and it's found in many other areas as well. The deposits sometimes occur with coal, and sometimes come in ring forms, at the base of where an ancient tree stood. Although some amber resembles sap, it's actually a resin. The resin comes from ancient plant material. It can be clear or cloudy. Certain pieces of amber contain bubbles, when air is trapped in it. It's often pale amber and shades of honey, but it also comes in yellow, deep orange and dark brown. It sometimes has dark flecks in it, and some pieces contain plant material.

The challenge in choosing amber jewelry is in locating genuine amber. Some vendors offer certified genuine amber, so that you can have quality assurance. There are many suppliers of fake amber. Although some are honest about it, selling insects in amber colored plastic, others are deceptive, selling faux amber at the prices of genuine amber.

Amber makes glowing earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and rings. It's prized by women and men for its rich appearance. It's lightweight, luminous and appears as magical as the legends say.

Here's my article and shopping guide for amber Christmas gifts: Jewelry -- Amber Secrets: Best Gifts for Her








Sunday, November 13, 2011

Make Money Online I: Writing, Selling & Productivity

Whether you're just starting to sell your writing online, beginning to diversify post-Panda, or looking for ways to become more proficient and efficient with your current writing and blogging ventures, learning ways to boost your productivity and make more money can help you.

Tips on finding legitimate online writing opportunities, writing faster and submitting clean copy, productivity software and links to resources.

The faster you can write -- and produce quality copy -- the more money you can make.


Make Money Online I: Writing, Selling & Productivity

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits and Nutrition: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipes

When you're making pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, save the seeds and roast them for a snack. Pumpkin seeds supply vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These tasty treats give you protein and quality nutrition to sustain the energy you need during the colder weather and time-consuming holiday tasks. By snacking on pumpkin seeds instead of processed snacks such as sweets, potato chips and other devitalized foods, you give your body and brain a nutritional boost to support your work -- whether you're a freelancer, blogger, busy parent, student or employee.

Roasting pumpkin seeds doesn't take long, makes the house smell great and can become another holiday tradition to add to the savory memories of the season.

If you remember toasted pumpkin seeds from your childhood and aren't sure how to make them, or you want to check out some variations for roasted pumpkin seeds and learn more about their nutritional value and healthful properties, check out my article:

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits and Nutrition: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipes

Enjoy the season and remember to take time to relax and include good nutrition in your busy days.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Costume-Making: Ancient Egyptian Clothing

If you've ever wanted to dress up as Cleopatra, Nefertiti, King Tut, Ramses the Great, Cheops or any other figure looming out of ancient Egyptian history, here's some historical background and costume-making tips. Create a simple or elaborate fashion statement or costume based on ancient Egyptian clothing. Ideas for materials, jewelry and completing your ancient Egyptian look are included for women and men. Find out what Egyptian men wore under their kilts. Learn what to use to make an Egyptian collar. Compare an artist's rendering of the famous bust of Cleopatra with the damaged original. Take the 'Walk Like an Egyptian' poll.

This article includes authoritative resources to learn more about ancient garments, ancient Egypt and the clothing of ancient Egyptians. Consider your costume options, whether you want to dress as a dancing girl in bead work, a common working man -- or one of the most powerful women in the world. You can even learn the secret to creating an authentic-looking shambling mummy costume.

Costume-Making: Ancient Egyptian Clothing

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Power of Happiness

“When I have been unhappy, I have heard an opera... and it seemed the shrieking of winds; when I am happy, a sparrow's chirp is delicious to me. But it is not the chirp that makes me happy, but I that make it sweet.” |
-John Ruskin

Attitude has a major impact on our efforts, our results and our interactions with others. Lately, I've been taking time to focus on happiness daily. To notice and celebrate the things that make me happy, to connect with people who add to my happiness, to share things that I hope bring happiness to others. 

During setbacks and difficult times cultivating happiness is even more important than when it's easy to be happy. Creating a positive attitude and a healthy routine in life changes everything. I've been exploring using a routine to improve my productivity. Staying active helps to keep things in perspective and nourish a sense of accomplishment. I find my work gratifying, so even when there are distractions, I make time to write. 

Celebrating small things -- the artistry of a spider web, the diligence of a squirrel hiding nuts, an insightful comment from a reader -- each moment of joy deserves attention. It's a quality of being present with life that makes each day good, and full.

My new articles:

Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss: Quick Poblano Chiles with Fresh Mozzarella

My recipe for stuffed poblano chiles with fresh moz for a quick weight loss meal, including how to select poblano chiles, full cooking instructions, toppings, serving suggestions and weight loss menu tips. I've lost nearly all of my excess weight eating healthy, whole foods.

Make Money Online 3: Writing Basics

 How to polish your writing for success with online article writing, blogging, websites, upfront-pay articles, rev share articles, selling or running your own business online. Learn to catch common errors and improve your grammar and writing style for online readers. Make your message clear and professional -- and make a great first impression by getting the words right and correcting errors. Includes links to high-quality resources for improving your writing and grammar. This is part of my making money online series, based on freelancing full-time online.