Why Do Women Hate Menopause?

Women fight or attempt to avoid perimenopause and menopause because our culture offers us no context from which to consider what is happening to us body, mind and soul. Our mothers' generation didn't really have a frame of reference for it either. But many years ago, some cultures honoured mid-life women as wise women. These women received and accepted the honourable name of 'Crone'.

Our society has progressed far with respect to the opportunities available to women. The roles of women and men aren't quite as clearly defined now. However, we live in a very productive society, and individuals and lifestyles who do not buy into this results-driven philosophy are held up for examination and even ridicule. So for the most part we emphasize the concrete rather than the abstract...the outer-directed physical instead of our inner emotional, psychological and spiritual life. The journey of menopause is misunderstood.

This journey is so much more than the cluster of physical symptoms addressed by many physicians and by most of the books I've come across. The physical changes are present of course, and are important to an extent. However, they are only the obvious manifestations of a profound internal metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis by definition is a change of form or structure; a transformation. We now know that women's "circuits", as Dr. Christiane Northrup calls them, are completely re-wired at this time, affecting every bodily system.

My answer to the question "Why do women hate menopause?" is that menopause is misunderstood by our society and often demeaned consequently. This demeans us as women so we try to avoid or ignore the whole menopause thing.

We all know youth is preferred to age in the western world. It is sold to us and marketed at us all the time. Menopause is interpreted as equivalent to aging, and something to be avoided at any cost. Just as some gays apparently have internalized homophobia, most women have internalized ageism, and/or menopause-phobia. It's only natural, as we are products of the culture we live in.

I know it's challenging, but let's not buy into this "party line". Let's step up and be exactly who we are, warts and all. Let's live the best life we can. And if society doesn't like it, it can lump it!

Copyright Ellen Besso 2007

Through her 'Odyssey of Change' coaching program, Ellen Besso offers Midlife Women the opportunity to navigate the midlife maze and find joy & fullness in their lives.

Personal action plans include strengthening the body-mind connection; releasing beliefs that limit growth; & specific actions to move you forward into your ideal life.

Ellen is uniquely qualified to be your guide because she has personally journeyed through perimenopause and into an inspired life as a menopausal crone! Her professional credentials include certification as a Martha Beck Coach and an M.A. in Counseling from City University.

To find out more about Ellen's work and read articles written by her contact:

http://www.ellenbesso.com or http://www.ellenbesso.com/midlifemaze
info@ellenbesso.com - 800 961 1364 - N.Am. or 604 886 1916 - Gibsons, BC

The Best Breast Enhancement Products On The Market

Breast enhancement is big business these days. Millions of women all over the world want to increase their bust size. Because of this, many frauds come into the market trying to make a quick buck promoting something that doesn't work at all. So with this article I am going to show you the 2 best breast enhancement products on the market today. These results come from a test that was performed between January 2009 to January 2010.

Both products act fast, have no side effects and produce great results.

Zoft Breast Enhancement Gum

Zoft provides a safe and effective way to increase breast size. While it is great for making your breast larger, it is not great for reducing sagging. Those who participated in the testing of this product when from a A cup to a C cup in just 30 days. Now those are amazing results. 30 days is not a long time. Zoft works by reactivating and proliferating the hormones needed to make your breast grow.

What you have to realize is that a hormonal imbalance is responsible for 80% of small or underdeveloped breast. Zoft breast enhancement gum will help correct that imbalance. Once it has been corrected, the result will be larger, firmer breasts.

Breast Success

Breast Success is also a very good breast enhancement product. Though the results were not as good as Zoft Enhancement Gum, there were still pretty impressive none the less. It works basically the same way as any other breast enhancement product works. It is all natural so that or course is a big plus. Natural products usually have no side effects. Breast Success is certified to contain all thirteen of nature's most effective breast growth botanicals. Very few products have that certification. Most women who used this product reported an increase of 1 to 2 cup sizes.

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What it Takes to Get a Zumba Certification

Zumba is an exciting dance that enables people to get fit, feel healthier all while have the time of their life. It involves different dance moves such as merengue, reggaeton, salsa and more. It is considered the best alternative to a regular fitness routine because it keeps people motivated, inspired and focused on reaching their fitness goals. Many people who have been involved with this dance become interested in teaching it. This is not uncommon and all it takes is to acquire a zumba certification. Below are the steps to do this.

The first thing you need to do is take some zumba classes. You cannot expect to teach it if you do not experience it first. Learn the basics and get familiar with different routines and different teachers styles. This will allow you to experience this dance in depth and formulate your own routine.

Once you have a basic idea of this dance there will be some requirements to follow before you can obtain a zumba certification. The requirements are that you need to be physically able to do the routines and you need to be at least 18 or over.

If you meet requirements, you can sign up for the Zumba Academy workshop either through the Basic or Gold membership. The Basic gives you an education of the foundation of zumba and its basic rhythms which include salsa, cumbia, merengue and reggaton. The Gold workshop educates people who are looking to work with beginners or adults. You can join either workshop and choose which zumba certification workshop you are interested in and simply register for it.

The cost for this ranges from $225 to $285 per workshop and includes the materials, the workshop and the certification. Early registration can buy you a cheaper cost. Once you register and complete the day long workshop you will be awarded your certification and will be able to teach zumba. You can then choose your fitness facility that you would like to teach at, set your rates, your schedules and your open for business. Passing your workshop buys you a year as a teacher. It is your responsibility to keep your zumba certification current and you will be required to take additional classes to maintain it.

Learn how to get your Zumba Certification at our Website Zumba Dance

8a Certification Financial Statements - What Are the Requirements and How Does the SBA Review Them?

8a Certification - Your firm's financial statements?

What is required to be submitted?

All firms applying for 8a Certification must submit the following:

a. A copy of the firm's current year to date balance sheet and income statement. The date of these statements cannot be any older than 90 days old when submitted to the SBA. We suggest that you provide the latest date as possible.

b. If the firm's financials are prepared on an accrual basis and the current year to date balance sheet exhibits accounts payable or accounts receivable you must provide corresponding aging statements. If the firm's financials are prepared on a cash basis, an accounts payable or accounts receivable aging statement is not required to be provided.

c. A copy of the firm's last three completed year end balance sheets and income statements or as many as they have been in business, if less than 3 years.

What basis (Cash or Accrual) should the firm's financial statements be submitted on?

I suggest that you submit the balance sheet and income statements on the same basis as you filed your firm's federal income tax returns on. If you prefer to provide your financials on a different basis than what your federal income tax returns are filed, be prepared to be support any significant increase or decrease by backup documentation should the SBA request it.

Is it ok to use the tax returns as the financial statements?

No, you must provide a balance sheet and income statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or on an accepted cash basis. If you use QuickBooks, we suggest using the standard report as the copy to be submitted.

What minimum requirements must the current year to date balance sheet and income statement exhibit to meet the basic 8a eligibility requirements?

The current year to date financials must exhibit positive net income, positive total equity and positive working capital at a minimum.

What exactly does the SBA look for when they review and screen the current year to date financial statements?

a. Is the current year to date balance sheet and income statement no older than 90 days from date of receipt?

b. Have the balance sheets and income statements been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or an accepted cash basis?

c. If the firm's financials are prepared on an accrual basis, are the aging schedules for accounts payable and receivable consistent with the current year to date balance sheet provided?

d. Are there any accounts payable or receivable that are over 90 days old? If so, the SBA may discount these amounts and it could possibly reflect negatively on your firms potential for success criteria.

e. Does the firm have fixed assets? If so, are these fixed assets recorded properly? Are the fixed assets reported with depreciation or at actual value?

f. Do the firm's fixed assets correspond with its type of business? For example, if the firm performs construction work does it have construction equipment? If you are a general contractor and your balance sheet exhibits no fixed assets (hammers, drills, construction equipment, etc.) your income statement should show leasing costs associated with the rental of equipment needed to perform its projects.

g. If the firm is a dealer, wholesaler, or supplier, does the firm maintain any inventory and is it shown on its balance sheets?

h. Are there loans or notes receivable from a shareholder, officer or partner listed on the balance sheet? If so, has a copy of the loan or promissory note been provided within the application paperwork? If the loan is from one of the applicants, has it been properly reflected on their SBA 413 form, personal financial statement?

i. Does the firm have the ability to service debts? (e.g. minimum of 90 days worth of working capital)

j. Are there any loans that are questionable or that may raise concerns regarding control? Does the firm have financing by non-disadvantaged individual(s) that would be considered critical financing? Also, is the loan payable upon demand? Do these loans reflect generally accepted repayment terms? If not, is this item over-inflating the firm's assets?

k. Do the retained earnings reported reconcile with previous financial statements?

l. Does the listed business equity match that reported on the applicant's SBA 413 Form, personal financial statement?

m. Does the profit and loss statement show revenues in the appropriate business activity (NAICS)?

n. Is "Cost of Goods Sold" included?

o. Are the line items recorded on the balance sheet and income statements consistent from year to year?

p. Does the income statement show an expense for employee salaries? Does it appear that the applicant is not the highest compensated? Are there indications that excessive withdrawals have occurred?

q. Does the income statement show an expense for insurance and if required, an expense for worker's compensation?

r. Are there any large subcontracting expenses that appear questionable? A services related firm should not subcontract out more than 50% of the loaded labor portion of a contract. If you are a construction firm this percentage is 85% and 75% for construction trade (plumbing, electrical, etc.)

What exactly does the SBA look for when they review and screen your previous year end financial statements?

a. Are the year end balance sheet and income statements provided from the beginning of the calendar or fiscal year to their fiscal year ending date?

b. Does the revenue reported on income statements appear to be in the same in the same line of business from year to year?

c. What pattern are the revenues, profits, and losses showing? Is there a need to ask for clarification, such as an explanation of the reason for a downward trend or sudden revenue drop?

d. Are there any discrepancies between the firm's tax returns and the financial statements? Are these discrepancies based on cash versus accrual? If not, is reconciliation required? Does taking into consideration cash versus accrual reconcile the accounts?

e. Do the balance sheets correspond with the tax return schedules? For example, are there shareholder loans on the tax return schedules that are not reflected on the financial statements?

f. Do the financial statements and corresponding tax returns reflect any conversions from accrual to cash accounting?

Cloveer, Inc. pre-qualifies all of its clients prior to preparing their 8a Application. Visit http://www.cloveer.com for more information.

Important: No one can guarantee that your company will get formally 8a Certified. The SBA makes the final decision. If anyone guarantees or conditionally guarantees that they can get you 8a certified look elsewhere for a more reputable service provider.

Rick Otero is the President and CEO of Cloveer, Inc. He has spent the last ten years guiding thousands of firms through the very complex Small Business Administration's 8a Application process.

Rick has intimate knowledge of the SBA 8a program rules and regulations and the SBA's Department of Program Certification Eligibility's (DPCE) Standard Operating Procedures. He is an expert on each individual element that comprises a successful 8a Certification Application which can help ensure your 8a Application has the best chance for achieving formal 8a certification.

The Diamond Certification Dilemma

AGS, EGL, GIA, or IGI? Does it impact price?

The debate over diamond certification and grading is not new, but the increasing growth of Internet diamond jewelry sales has fired up this debate and brought it to the consumer's doorstep. Diamond jewelry shoppers are overwhelmed by information, some accurate, some not, but mostly confusing.

The purpose of this article is not to settle the debate, but merely to provide a real world perspective for what I've seen evolve over the last decade from within the industry of diamond dealers, to the street for the diamond shopper.

Ten years ago buying a diamond or diamond jewelry was a magical experience requiring the consultation of an expert. Diamonds were bought and cherished. Today it is a dog-eat-dog Internet world, where diamond dealers are "perceived" not to be trusted and consumers are educated to the point of commoditizing something that was once precious and rare.

The allure is gone, trusted expertise dwindling, and the debate over diamond value rages on. In my opinion, this is not a good thing or a bad thing; it is just the result of an evolving industry. Just as in any industry there is a continuum of change and control, with the sellers at one end and the buyers at the other. Sometimes the change goes too far in one direction or the other, but over time control comes back to balance because of basic economics. The diamond industry is in the middle of this change.

The diamond certification is one way diamond dealers are differentiating their product. With so much information available on diamond education, the consumer has become a self-proclaimed expert and is in search of the perfect diamond at the cheapest price. When making an investment in a fine quality diamond it should be certified by an accredited independent gemological laboratory and of course purchased from a reputable dealer. The most popular certifications being discussed today are:

- GIA - Gemological Institute Of America (founded 1931)

- AGS - American Gem Society (founded in 1934)

- EGL - European Gemological Laboratory (founded 1974)

- EGL USA (EGL USA is not affiliated with any other EGL labs outside North America. Founded 1977)

- IGI - International Gemological Institute (founded 1975)

Let me address the most common consumer questions about certification:

1. Are all certifications created equal?

Based solely on reputation, not all certifications are created equal. This is fact in the diamond industry, there are biases in the marketplace and this also varies by what country you are in.

In the United States, GIA and AGS, are the market leaders, the most trusted sources. For that reason a diamond graded by either one of these institutions will be more expensive than like diamonds graded by their competitors, period. Conversely, expect a discount for EGL and IGI graded diamonds.

The debate is not purely about reputation, but about standards of quality. No matter how you look at it a diamond is still graded by a human and open to subjectivity. Therefore, the more standardized the tools and strict the process the more consistent the results. GIA and AGS founded the standards and have refined them over the last 75 years. This is why comparing two like diamonds with the same grade for color, clarity and cut, the EGL and/or IGI diamonds will be cheaper. It is assumed it's off by at least one grade, e.g., graded F color by EGL may be grade G or H by GIA. It's a common assumption in the industry that IGI and EGL diamond grades are softer than GIA and AGS.

For now the consumer just needs to understand that these biases exist in the marketplace and drive pricing. An important factor driving the increase of EGL and IGI certified diamonds into the market is the commoditization I mentioned earlier, when diamond grades are easier to get it increases the margin for the dealer.

2. Will my diamond be more valuable with a certification?

A diamond is not more valuable with a certification per se. A diamond can be sent to any grading lab and receive a certification at any time (note it should be un-mounted). The initial value of the certification is two fold, first it gives the credibility at time of purchase that it has been independently graded. Secondly, if you ever want to sell or trade your diamond, the certification will make this process easier.

3. How do I know the certification is for the same diamond?

This is a trickier question, and why a diamond shopper still needs trusted sources and experts. A diamond certification provides detailed criteria about the diamond, including specific measurement data. One way to know for a fact the certification goes with the diamond is the measurements, this requires specialized diamond measuring tools. If you need to verify a certification/diamond combination I suggest taking it to an independent jeweler who can provide you with a Sarin Report, a high-tech automated cut grade and diamond measuring device.

Another way a professional can verify your diamond and certification is by clarity grading. A diamond's clarity is akin to fingerprints, no two diamonds are alike. A professional jeweler can tell you the exact location of the clarity birthmarks, feathers, inclusions, etc. and verify the certification.

4. Should all diamonds be certified regardless of size?

I frequently get questions about whether or not all the diamonds in the ring are certified. It is not necessary or recommended to certify multiple small diamonds in a ring. Certification is reserved for larger center stone diamonds, .75ct and greater. While you can get all the diamonds certified, it doesn't add any value and it's expensive.

As a diamond shopper your choices are endless, what's important to take away from this article is the understanding that certification is not a guarantee of value, but merely one more decision that impacts price. A diamond shopper will need to make this decision along with color, clarity, cut, and carat, in your search for the perfect diamond at the best price.

About the Author

Jacqueline Hull is the President and CEO of Diamond Design Co (DDC), a high end jewelry company located in San Francisco. Ms. Hull has been working with jewelers and clients since early 2000 and has written numerous diamond education pieces for Beyond the 4Cs and Diamond Design Co DDC designs and manufacturs custom engagement, wedding and anniversary rings for high end clientele in the Bay Area.

Six Sigma Methodology Training And Certification

Six sigma methodology is one of the most popular business management strategies in recent years. This methodology requires that the management defines six quality states that are on the plus or minus side of average quality. The quality of a product is based on the materials, instruments used and the methods involved in the production process, and the technical skills of the manpower involved. Improvements in one or all of the above areas can improve quality. By sticking to a standard process and applying six sigma methodologies, deviations in quality standards can be avoided.

Six sigma training aims at training the management and personnel on six sigma methodology so that it can be successfully implemented in the production process. Creating pivotal roles in accordance with six sigma implementation is it's another goal.

These Crucial Roles Are Mentioned Below:

* Executive leaders, who occupy managerial positions, are responsible for creating specific strategies based on the nature of business needs. They find out the areas that need improvement and make tactics to address these improvement areas.
* Champions: these staff members undergo six sigma training and are selected by the executive leaders. They belong to the supervisory section of the organization. They need to implement the vision of progress created by executive leaders.
* The master black belts are the six sigma experts who make the rest of the staff understand the guidelines set by the upper management and supervise the black belts.
* Black belts are the action staffs who spearhead the six sigma guideline adaptation process by helping its implementation. They check progress at every step and put the right people for the job.
* Green belts and yellow belts undergo six sigma training by the black belts and work under their supervision.

A business management strategy like six sigma can boost the organizations profitability by multifold. This is because six sigma improves the performance and production; it optimizes the results and minimizes the cost. This results in major cost savings in terms of manpower, wasted material, substandard quality, and returns or reworks. Consequently, it results in significant growth in bottom line.

In order to implement six sigma methodologies, the company needs to identify executive leaders with clear visions. They should train their employees to become champions, master black belts, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

If an individual wants to become a six sigma expert out of own interest, the cost of six sigma training is only a fraction of the academic certifications. One can get trained in six sigma methodologies and accept challenging and superior career roles in various industries.

One can take up six sigma training during the evening hours or can take up online courses at a schedule suitable to their routine. One can learn management of inventory, production capacity and scheduling, organizing the business processes, and managing machinery and workspace. The six sigma concepts have become very popular in recent days due to the vast improvement it brings about. Especially in these modern days when competition is stiff, superior quality and cost-cutting measures are a must for a company to survive. Six sigma training aims at equipping the organization and individuals with the best processes and methods that can ensure continued growth and profitability.

Six Sigma training provides training on processes and methods recommended by six sigma methodology. This training can be availed by organizations for their employees or by individuals. For more information and resources, visit http://www.sixsigmatrainingguide.com.

Why Successful Women Are Starting Their Own Virtual Assistant Businesses

Virtual Assistants (VA) are very often savvy women and men who use their highly developed skills, training, and experience to assist other businesses virtually. Smart business people wishing to reduce business costs and make better use of their own time are hiring these new entrepreneurs and utilizing their professional expertise. By taking advantage of modern technology VA's perform many tasks using the internet and email, fax, telephone and courier services all from their own home offices.

Just what services can you provide as a VA?

Actually the list of what VA's can't provide is much shorter than what they can do for their clients. One very successful VA boasts that she can't make her clients coffee but can arrange to have it delivered to them every morning. Nothing is impossible. Many take care of their client's daily administrative needs such as correspondence, email management, answering inbound phone calls, book keeping and client follow-up. The list is endless ~ it just takes a little imagination and creativity. There are VA's who design web sites, logos, stationery, forms, newsletters and power point presentations. Remember all of this is done from the comfort of their home office. Each has their own unique capabilities and talents and depending upon how they market themselves is how successful they will be.

What does it take to become a Virtual Assistant?

A few of the suggested skills and experience from a potentially unlimited list are:

- Highly skilled in computers
- Secretarial or administrative experience
- Legal or paralegal experience
- Medical background
- Real estate knowledge or experience
- Bookkeeping knowledge and experience
- Insurance background
- A strong work ethic along with excellent customer service skills
- A strong attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Organizational skills

It really doesn't matter what your background. By using your skills and knowledge to assist your clients with their businesses you can develop your own special niche as a Virtual Assistant.

Training and Certification

There are some excellent courses and programs that will assist anyone who is interested in starting their own Virtual Assistant Business. Tawyna Sutherland, founder of Virtual Assistant Networking Association has developed an excellent program entitled Virtual Business Startup System (VBSS) which provides all of the tools and resources needed to start a Virtual Business within 30 days. Another excellent resource for interactive and self guided courses on social media marketing, blogging and event planning is Vaclassroom.

Where to find clients?

The client list is just as long as the list of those who are qualified to become Virtual Assistants. Clients can be found anywhere! A short list of potential VA clients is only limited by the imagination:

- Realtors
- Lawyers
- Authors
- Speakers and coaches
- Small business owners
- Accountants
- Insurance Agents

Use skills and experience to become self employed.

Why work long hours for low pay when you are more than qualified to use those same skills to operate your own successful business. Use your skills and professional experience to start your own business as a successful Virtual Assistant who offers professional expertise to other professionals. By working from home as a private contractor you determine who you take on as clients, your rate of pay, hours of work and type of work you will do. Do not limit yourself to being an employee if its' self employment you would rather have. Become a successful Virtual Assistant since it is definitely achievable.

Carol Ann Quibell is a Virtual Professional and co-owner of "Lorac Virtual Solutions ~ http://loracvs.com/uncategorized/virtual-assistants/ providing business tips and professional services to business owners and entrepreneurs world-wide. Visit her at Lorac Virtual Solutions.