The Win Report

Quite the opposite, sugar gliders require very little in the means of extra equipment, or renewable items. Unlike many animals where the purchase of the animal is actually only a small part of owning them, with the sugar glider the reverse is true. Once you have the initial equipment, which is also not extremely expensive as all pet housings go, there is very little need to buy more things in the future.

It is certainly possible to buy more, and bigger items, and if you see fit to buy grand condos and expensive toys for your sugar glider that is definitely your prerogative and it’s unlikely your sugar glider will complain about it, it is not necessary.

Sugar glider’s diets are relatively simple regardless of what you may have heard to the contrary. Simple fruits and vegetables that you normally buy for your family will make up about 75 percent of your glider’s dietary needs and are not expensive or hard to find.

Since sugar gliders are relatively ‘exotic’ pets the one thing you may have to buy online is a good, well-balanced pellet to provide them with the other 25 percent of their diet which is proteins and vitamins. This is not difficult to find, however, and Pocket Pets has a great complete feed called ‘Glide-R-Chow’ that is easily shipped and stored in its bag in your home.

The average cost of owning a sugar glider including its food, bedding, and other items is about four dollars a month. This is hardly a large expense in the pet world. Of course you will hear some say how you need to buy this, or that, for your glider’s happiness, but it is simply not the case. YOU are the main ingredient in keeping your sugar glider happy, and some simple food items and sanitation practices are plenty to insure their health.

In today’s “hurry-up-want-it-now” world, making bread, rolls,
muffins, or just about anything from scratch is slowly becoming
a lost art. It’s so very convenient to run to the store and grab
a loaf of bread or a package of frozen brown-and-serve rolls.
Sure, store bought bread products can be “good” for you. But
without realizing it, we are sacrificing an opportunity to spend
quality time with our families not to mention the money you can
save by baking your own bread.

There was a time when virtually everyone made his or her own
bread, but this once common household activity has been lost,
and given way to convenience. Baking successful bread recipes
from scratch can not only give you a feeling of accomplishment,
but it can also be a fun, wholesome activity that the entire
family can enjoy! Young children are especially eager to “help
you” and you may be surprised at just how well they do!

Children love to help us do things. They seem driven to please
their parents, and they have an inborn need to feel useful. I
have three children. At twelve, eight, and five years old they
are always ready to help me whether I need it or not!
There couldn’t be a better activity for family togetherness than
baking bread (or a nice pan of cinnamon rolls for that matter.)
Baking bread is like being in a play, there is a part for
everyone. From the youngest to the oldest in the family, there
is a part that everyone can play. Just watch your little one’s
eyes light up when they tap that teaspoon of salt or baking
powder into the mixing bowl!

Children, if you give them a chance, are great helpers in the
kitchen! They can’t wait to get their little fingers sticky,
measure a teaspoon of this or a cup of that, and they are
especially good “watchers” when it comes time to pull a pan of
rolls or a loaf of bread out of the oven. Their skills at
tasting a fresh loaf of bread or a steamy cinnamon roll are
unmatched! Smiles are mandatory.

This is quality time: spending the afternoon together with your
kids (and your spouse), regardless of the accidents or the mess,
never mind the sprinkles of flour on the floor, or the argument
over who got to turn on the mixer. The point is that you were
there sharing a precious moment with your family. Your reward is
a gentle hug on the leg, a sticky kiss, and the words “I love
you”.

This world of convenience robs us daily of the activities that
were once a mainstay. How many precious moments have you lost to
convenience?

With you or without you, your baby will be learning from the
moment she is born and starts to take in her new surroundings.
Every sight and sound will be a part of her learning process;
she will observe everything you do and listen to every word you
say. And as the months pass, she will eventually start to copy.
Fully conscious teaching, with books and other articles of
learning, will come much later on; but of course, it is entirely
up to you.

With our baby daughter, Saffron, I started reading her a bed
time story at about six months old. She could not understand
fully, but it gave her exposure to books, and the comfort of a
bed time routine, with my voice and sounds, and the pictures in
the book. It did not matter that every evening it was Goldilocks
and the Three Bears, or one of the other old favourites in the
book. Here in the Philippines there are not many books of
children’s stories in the stores.

Repetition does not matter, in fact it is part of the comfort
for the baby. That routine helped to ensure that she slept
contented every night, and has only woken once since. That was
recently when she seems to have had a bad dream. A quick cuddle,
and she was back to sleep again.

One thing to always bear in mind is that your baby, whatever
age, will know and understand far more than you think. All the
while, when she is not talking, she will be picking up words and
their meanings. Those words will eventually come out verbally,
even if they don’t sound quite right to begin with.

Personally, I think it is important to speak to a baby in a
normal, adult like way and never limit your speech to what you
think she knows. A bright child especially will take in just
about everything you say when they are past 6 months, and
remember it longer than you would expect. One day they will
surprise you, and follow your instruction over something you had
no idea they could understand.

>From a very early age, it is best to “explain while you talk
while you do”. If you are feeding her potato, tell her it is
potato; if you are preparing a bottle of milk, tell her you are
making her milk. Every time you do something in front of her, it
is an opportunity to teach her about what is happening around
her. By doing so you will speed her knowledge and understanding,
expose her more to language, and also help to build your
relationship with her. By conversing with her all the time, you
are showing her respect as an individual, and that will help her
confidence and feeling of belonging. If you treat her as dumb,
she will be dumb.

There is no need to force a baby to learn anything. To be
effective and useful, it needs to be done in a natural and
relaxed way. Saffron is now 20 months, and for many months now
she has been the one to decide what she wants to do at bedtime:
a story, nursery rhymes, her new teaching cards. Respect her
choice, and you help her mature as a child; but let it be known
it is her bed time. If her demand is to get up and play again,
then you need to be firm, or you will stack up problems for
later. You should be the boss, but she should be able to make a
reasonable choice.

Sometimes she will surprise you. Saffron got bored with the bed
time stories recently, and all she wanted for a few nights was
something to hold. For a few bed times, she wanted a book to
hold as she lay down, despite the fact there was no chance of
reading it once the light was out. Then it was one of her dolls,
and next back to stories and nursery rhymes again.

All learning should be pressure free, and fun for the baby. If
she wants to learn alone, let her. If she wants your help, help
her. Teaching your baby can be a wonderfully rewarding
experience. You will probably find she will, in a way, teach you
what she wants to learn about. If you stimulate her mind, and
she is observant, she will be pointing out things from a very
young age. It is important for you to participate with her. If
she points at the moon and gets excited, explain to her what it
is; if she points to a bird, do the same.

Babies learn an enormous amount in a short time. By conversing
with them in a normal way, they will understand simple
instructions before you know it. But they do make simple
associations and follow those instructions literally. At about
15 months, Saffron often left a bit of her food at meal times
and I would finish it for her. After this went on a few weeks, I
remarked that I was her garbage bin. A few weeks more passed,
and she had finished eating an apple one day, and offered her
mum the core. Her mum said: “Put it in the garbage.” Saffron
went toddling off, not to the garbage bin, but to me. I was the
garbage bin to her, because that is what I had “taught” her a
few weeks earlier.

That brought lots of laughs, but when she was corrected the
revised knowledge stuck, and now in the same situation she
wanders off to find the real garbage bin.

Teaching your baby is a daily and ongoing activity, but one that
can just be melded in with your normal activities. It’s a fun
time for both of you, so enjoy it while you can.

Okay, let’s get something straight… I do not advocate the purchase of United States coins strictly for investment purposes. Like most traditional collectors, I believe coins are to be primarily appreciated for their artistic beauty, historical connections, and the joy of pursuing them. However, it should be no secret that a significant number of us do add to our numismatic holdings while simultaneously peeking at the payback angle, too.

In truth, there are probably substantial numbers of traditional collectors who prefer to acquire coins destined to increase in esteem and value over time; treasured heirlooms and a source of pride to be passed from one generation to the next. On the flip side of this equation, it seems implausible that anyone would buy a coin with the hope or expectation to see it stagnate or decrease in value. Indeed, any commentator who suggests the words “investment” and “coins” should never appear in close proximity to one another is ignoring a heavily populated segment of our hobby.

Now that we’ve established that it’s not numismatic heresy to seek coins with strong upside possibilities, let’s get down to basics. The guiding principle is simple: Any coin that has demonstrated solid, consistent gains over a long period of time is likely to show continued growth in the years ahead. Easily said, but as we shall soon see, not so easily put into practice.

So exactly how does a one identify coins with a potentially bullish future? The best clues are revealed by analyzing the retail value trends over a long period of time for a given coin. Observing current prices alone does not yield enough information to correctly evaluate prospective price movements. What was the coin selling for two or three years ago compared to today? Dig deeper, and find the market price for the same coin 5-10 years ago. While you’re at it, get something from 20-30 years or more in the past, too. The more good data researched, the more reliable will be your final conclusions. Now whip out your spreadsheet and chart the numbers, or compute annualized rates of return. Flat or negative trends are bad. Positive trends are good. Steep positive trends are best. Any coin displaying a proven annualized growth pattern of at least 5-10% over a span of many years qualifies as an attractive option for the collector desiring coins headed for much higher price levels a few years down the road.

During the course of my lengthy numismatic career, I’ve researched the long term value trends of most collectible US coins. Thanks to my trusty computer, I’ve calculated annualized compounded percentage return rates and honed in on a handful of coins that have consistently beaten the overall coin market averages. Unfortunately, the blue-chippers are scarcely encountered. Perhaps it is this fact that explains why so many well-intentioned hobby purists scorn the idea of blending coin collecting with the profit motive.

Individuals whose objective is to satisfy their numismatic pleasure by assembling a collection certain to be the envy of tomorrow’s collectors must do their homework today. Remember to research historic value trends and evaluate growth potential based on previous performance. One last word of advice… never loose sight of the fact that you are handling artifacts of America’s past, and that all of us are merely their temporary custodians. Respect these coins and the history they represent, and you’ll always discover new avenues of adventure not found in most other investment opportunities.

Daniel J. Goevert is the webmaster of US Coin Values Advisor (www.us-coin-values-advisor.com), specializing in US coin value trends and coin collecting advice, plus an illustrated history of the US and the Mint. Be notified when new information posted. Copy this code into your RSS reader: www.us-coin-values-advisor.com/coin-values.xml

Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for its
guests. Cute little items, items that are easily available, are
perfect for your baby shower. You have a great variety of party
favors, such as gift certificates to choose from for your baby
shower. Your party favors need not be expensive to be
appreciated.

You will have fun giving out party favors, and your party guests
will enjoy getting those party favors. Baby Shower Favors will
also be a reminder of being at the baby shower. Plus, they will
serve as a small thank you letting them know you appreciate
their attendance at the baby shower. After all, the shower
guests had a helping hand in celebrating the coming arrival of
the new baby to be.

You also might want to have some extra Baby Shower Favors on
hand. You never know if someone you didn’t expect might drop in.
Plus, there is always the possibility that you might misplace a
couple of Party Favors. It will be good to be prepared with
extra party favors, just in case.

You can give out the party favors as the guests arrive. Another
way to give out the shower favors would be to have them placed
around the table/s where the baby shower guests will be eating.
If you are not serving a meal, hand the party favors out when
you serve the appetizers. Or you could hand out the party favors
as the shower guests are leaving. This is the time to thank each
guest for coming to the baby shower. And to thank them for
giving the baby shower guest of honor a gift.

You could also choose to have baby shower favors you can make
yourself. One suggestion would be to personalize your favors.
Check out baby shower favors crafts at any crafts store and let
your imagination run wild. Your baby shower guests will love the
idea of having baby shower favors homemade by the hostess. Talk
about being unique!

Many different kinds of local stores carry items you can use to
make party favors. There also are numerous online merchants that
carry the items you need for party favors.

If you choose to make your own party favors, favors are not hard
to make. Most of the items needed for making party favors are
available locally. They are all easy items to find, so you
shouldn’t have any problems getting the items to make your baby
shower favors.

Your baby shower will be appreciated by the party guests by this
gesture. Even though baby shower favors are usually token items,
the favors show that you have put a lot of effort into the baby
shower planning. Making for a very enjoyable experience for
yourself, your baby shower guests, and your guest of honor.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

“Nurse Lazarus” Runs a Neat Newsworthy Net Business

by Nancy R. Fenn

The emphasis today is on working from home with an internet business. We’re talking today with Margaret Loris, the Sunhealer. Margaret has an international healing practice based out of Chicago. She markets and promotes her business on the internet and has for years. A successful entrepreneur and gifted healer, Loris travels around the world presenting workshops with the latest healing techniques, explaining to people how they can change their basic DNA programming to bring more success and happiness into their lives.

Fenn: Margaret, in a day and age when so many people would like to have an international business that is successful on the internet, how did you get started?

Loris: I’ve been a healer from the day I was born. Ever since I was a child I would automatically know things that would help and heal people. When I reached six years of age, I loved God so much that I wanted to be a priest and give everyone Holy Communion.

Fenn: You didn’t think about becoming a nun? You must have a clear relationship with your own power.

Loris: Yes, I’m a woman who’s not afraid of power. I use my power to help others.

Fenn: Did you find support in your childhood environment for your healing gifts?

Loris: I could see auras and thought that everyone else could too. I never really paid much attention to it, so nobody else made a big deal of it either. Later when I began studying healing techniques, that’s when everything finally started to fit together and I could use my inner talents more beneficially.

Fenn: How did you start your healing practice?

Loris: I didn’t start it right away. I was a registered nurse specializing in transplants for about twenty one years. I worked in Florida at that time. The work was demanding and satisfying in a way, I mean sometimes we could save someone’s life. But I couldn’t help thinking, what if these people could have healed themselves? What if they didn’t have to go to this extreme in the surgery room?

Fenn: You sound like a healer all right. Did the doctors and other nurses know your powers?

Loris: Yes, they certainly did. I remember as an operating room nurse in a trauma hospital, a neurosurgeon called me Nurse Lazarus, because he said I could bring back the dead. Others would comment on how easily their surgeries went and quickly their patients healed when I worked with them. This is when I knew for sure I was a healer. All my years as an operating nurse plus my healing studies have all given me a complete view of all types and methods of healing techniques. I saw an article this week about God and healing on a national magazine. The world is getting ready for breakthroughs in healing and we’re ready, too!

Fenn: What other healing techniques and methods did you study?

Loris: I graduated from Barbara Brennan’s four-year training program in 1995.

Fenn: For readers who don’t know Barbara Brennan, can you tell us a little about that?

Loris: It’s a school that teaches you how to clean, balance, repair, and center a person’s energy field.

Fenn: I know that must have been a very fulfilling experience. What else did you train in?

Loris: I’m certified in the Australian Living Flower Essences Academy and am trained as a Rapid Eye Technician.

Fenn: Tell us more!

Loris: Rapid Eye Technology is a spiritual therapy that relieves emotional stress. Flower essences are natural health elixirs derived from flowers. Australia uses flower essences in their hospitals and write about their effects in the nursing journals.

Fenn: I can see that gives you a variety of healing methods to work with.

Loris: I wanted to have a full range of abilities, so I also received a Master’s Degree in the Science of Esoteric Psychology.

Fenn: What’s that?

Loris: It’s healing through contact with your soul and becoming soul infused.

Fenn: Wow. And did you say you are ordained in Kabalah course?

Loris: Yes, I’m very proud of my ordination with the third degree of Karin Kabalah. I was ordained at Saint Thomas Christian Church in Atlanta. This gives me the ability to give Kabalistic healings and anoint the dying. I can enter hospitals now as a healing minister and perform healings there as well.

Fenn: It sounds like you’ve been all over the world. Many readers would like to build a healing practice like this and have the independence to work for themselves. Who are some of your mentors, people you admire in the healing arts?

Loris: Vianna Stibal, of course! I spend most of my time now teaching people Vianna’s DNA healing techniques. As I was saying, I hoped one day to see people heal themselves before they have serious surgeries. Vianna cured herself of cancer using the methods I now teach others.

Fenn: Why is it called DNA?

Loris: Because this technique permits us to go to the original genetic blueprint, our DNA, and reconstruct it. We remove negative energies and patterning. We replace it with positive healing energy.

Fenn: Can anyone learn this?

Loris: Oh, yes. I teach everyone from advanced healers to ordinary people who are ready to take that next step. I think that’s what the Aquarian Age is all about … we have the power to heal ourselves and the time is right now! It is also something someone could use to start their own healing practice, just like I have. In no time, you’ll be travelling all over the world, too!

Fenn: You built up a practice that is worldwide. Can you tell us a little about that?

Loris: Yes, I’d be glad to. When you have a program that really works, word gets around. Most of my workshops now are by referral but there was a time when I need a good deal of marketing on the internet. I was one of the first to have my own website and I’ve always enjoyed keeping in touch with people that way.

Fenn: In a time when many people are hesitant to travel, it doesn’t bother you to go the distance, as they say?

Loris: I feel very much in the light when I’m doing my work and I do not feel that I would be in danger of anything negative happening.

Fenn: I notice you also call yourself the Crystal Lady. What’s that all about?

Loris: I’m a person who uses all the kingdoms for healing. Crystals are really great to use on the physical body. It seems that my healings are stronger and more powerful when I use them.

Fenn: And who’s that I see sitting next to you as we’re talking?

Loris: That’s Fritzl, my power animal. Fritzl is my pet dachshund. Fritzl has inspired me to offer a whole line of natural health and healing products for pets. I also publish a monthly newsletter full of tips and techniques to keep your pet healthy, the natural way. We call it the Fritzl Flash for Fur People and it’s very popular.

Fenn: Fritzl certainly looks healthy to me! I’d like to thank you both for being here today and having the interview. When’s your next workshop?

Loris: I’m giving a workshop next month in Holland.

Fenn: How can our readers find out more?

Loris: Contact me at margaret@sunhealer.com or visit my website www.sunhealer.com

Nancy R. Fenn is an intuitive counselor in San Diego whose mission in life is to raise consciousness about the healing arts.