What to eat for keeping your brain fit or smart

Keeping your brain fit

Did you know memory, well-being and brain power can all be influenced by what you eat? No, these are not magical foods, just sensible choices with brain benefits.  Here are a few suggestions to increase your brain activity, improve your brain power and stay smart:

Eat more Carbohydrates in diet

As Enzyme dietician Jonathan Fontaine puts it, Carbs are a unique source of energy that can directly be used by the brain, which uses up half the carbs consumed in one day.

Where to find them?

All flour-based foods contain carbs. They can also be found in fruits, honey, molasses, cereal, dairy products, beans, potatoes, green peas, corn, sweet potatoes and rice.

Eat more Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fontaine reveals that Omega 3 fatty acids, specifically the DHA (docosa-hexaenoic acid) type, are good fats used by our bodies to build and maintain the cells of our central nervous system.

 Where to find them?

 In fish like salmon,  tuna, sardines, scallops, mackerel and trout. Eggs, yogurt, bread, and cereal bars are also sources of DHA. 

More Iron

Iron transports oxygen throughout the body through our blood; and our brain needs oxygen to function properly. What’s more, it seems that in children, iron deficiency may be related to ADHD and learning disabilities. So don’t take the power of iron for granted!

 

Where to find it?

You can find in spinach, lentils, tofu, broccoli, brussel-sprout and meat. Iron can be found in most animal products. Whereas the organs are concentrated sources, all types of meat are a great source of iron. And there is no need to devour a steak when you’re craving chicken or turkey. The difference in iron content between red and white meats is minimal.

 

Coffee and Water

Caffeine has short-term benefits on the brain, offering better performance and helping to sharpen concentration. All you need is about a half-cup of coffee, so drink in moderation! Where water is concerned, dehydration actually tends to reduce the volume of water inside our brain cells. Often when we find our brain power decreasing, it could be a sign of dehydration,” concludes Fontaine. So drink water as much, and as often, as possible!

Coordination exercises

Which hand do you normally use to control your computer mouse? Whichever one it is, try holding the mouse with the opposite hand. Challenging yourself daily by trying to complete everyday tasks in a novel way creates new neural connections in your brain, and strengthens existing ones. The idea is to step out of your routine, and teach your brain a new skill in the process. Here are more examples in the same vein:

 -       Brushing your teeth using the opposite hand;

-       combing your hair using the opposite hand;

-       eating with the opposite hand.

Engaging your mind.

In the spirit of stimulating the brain through novel experiences, engaging in new activities, not only tasks or exercises, promotes mental acuity through the formation of new nerve connections. Some ways to engage your brain include:

-       Yoga;

-       chess;

-       modeling clay;

-       reading;

-       crossword puzzles;

-       bingo.

Some myths, facts and confusion about home insurance

Lowdown on home insurance in 2014

In this article you will understand the lowdown on home insurance. Home insurance can be confusing. The following are some of the most common misconceptions about home insurance in Canada to help you weed through what's fact and what's fiction

What is home insurance?

The home insurance policy is usually a term policy-a policy that is in effect for a fixed period of time. The home insurance payment the insured makes to the insurer is called a premium. The insured must pay the insurer the premium for their home insurance each term. Most insurers charge a lower premium for home insurance if it appears less likely the home will be damaged or destroyed: for example, if the house is next to a fire station, or if the house is equipped with alarms and sprinklers.

How does home insurance protect?

Your home insurance usually safeguards you in two ways: financial loss and personal liability.

Financial Loss

 Your home insurance will refund you if your home or personal effects are stolen or if any other an unforeseen situation that is specified under your property insurance policy occurs.

If an unforeseen situation, like a fire, does arise, your home and garage will likely need to be restored. You will be reimbursed for the value of items, such as furniture, cameras and computers-or the items themselves will be replaced.

If you cannot live in your home while it is being restored after a loss, your house insurance will pay for some of your extra living expenses, such as accommodations, restaurant meals and storage.

Personal Liability

If someone is injured while visiting your home, they could sue you for damages. If they win and a court awards them a significant settlement, you could be financially ruined. Your wages could be garnished and you could have a hard time getting back on solid ground. Property insurance safeguards against this kind of liability.

Tenant Insurance

If you rent your home, you may think you don't need to bother with property insurance. Unless your landlord is directly responsible for the damage to your belongings or unit improvements such as a new carpet or built-in shelving in the closets that you paid for, his insurance likely won't reimburse you. It also won't protect you if you are sued for negligence.

Condo Insurance

If your condo corporation has insurance, you may wonder why you need to purchase your own coverage. Here's why:

◦Your condo's corporation policy only covers items that are part of the building. You need your own home insurance to protect any upgrades you have made to the unit, such as carpets or an upgraded bathroom or kitchen.

◦You need to insure your personal effects like furniture, computers, and other electronics. You need to protect yourself against personal liability for injuries to visitors to your home, or for damage you accidentally cause to your neighbor’s property.

All homeowner's insurance policies are the same

False

Policies can vary significantly from one provider to another. Carefully review or ask, what's covered, what's not—this is an important one—and the policy limits (i.e. the maximum amount).

Home insurance rates will be the same, regardless of the insurer.

False

Home insurance rates vary considerably from company to company. That's why it is important to shop around and compare home insurance quotes. Not only will you find a policy that provides you with the home insurance coverage you need, but you'll get it at the best available price.

 

Jewelry is covered under your homeowner's policy

True, with a caution

Most homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for jewelry and other valuables like furs, art and electronics, however there will be a special policy limit for specific categories of contents. Limits vary from company to company. If you have valuables that are worth more than what your policy allows, consider "scheduling" these items into your policy. An item that is scheduled will have its own deductible and insured amount (limit).

A home is insured for its market value

False

A home is insured, not for its market value, but the cost to rebuild it. Market value takes into consideration things like location, land value and "comparable" (how much similar homes sell for in the neighborhood), whereas rebuild value focuses on what it would take to rebuild and duplicate your home; materials, labor, permits etc.

Damage caused by an earthquake will be covered

Maybe

Homeowner's insurance policies do not automatically include earthquake coverage. You can however, have this coverage option added to your policy. If you live in a part of Canada that is prone to earthquakes, like some areas of Quebec and British Columbia, coverage may be more expensive to purchase than other areas. In any case, you will need to speak to your agent or broker to discuss adding this coverage to your policy.

Home insurance covers maintenance to a home

False

Home insurance does not provide coverage for maintenance or upkeep. If your roof is old, and needs to be replaced, your insurance policy will not cover this expense.

If your television is stolen, the money you get back from a claim will cover the cost to replace it

It depends.

If your policy insures your contents for replacement cost, then this is likely true. However, if your policy insures your contents for actual cash value, then depreciation of the item (your TV) will be factored into the amount you get towards replacing it.

 

Damage caused by insects or rodents will be covered under your home insurance policy

Maybe

Most policies do not provide coverage for damage caused by termites, squirrels, mice, rats and even raccoons, but, like any good rule there are always exceptions. Review your policy to see what exclusions may apply.

Damage to your lawn or garden is covered under your homeowner's policy

It can be, but will depend on your insurer

 Shrub and tree coverage is common, but it varies by policy. Additionally, the reason for the damage can affect if there is coverage for a specific loss.

Home businesses are covered through your home insurance policy

Depends

Does your broker or agent know you operate a home-based business? Many people have the mistaken belief that a home-based business is automatically insured under the liability and contents coverage of a home insurance policy. It most likely isn't. You'll want to discuss a home business extension to your current policy, or a separate commercial insurance policy with your broker or agent to make sure your business is adequately protected.

The belongings of a roomer or boarder are covered under your home insurance policy

Not necessarily.

If you have people living with you like a roomer or boarder, do not assume their belongings are automatically covered under your policy. Chances are it is not. Additionally, if you do rent out a room in your house, you'll want to make sure your agent or broker knows; they can ensure you're adequately covered. Just as important, if you don't keep your agent or broker in the loop, you run the risk of having future claims refused.

The cost of installing a home security system will be entirely offset by the discount you'll get on your home insurance

Doubtful

The good news here though is that installing a home security system will likely mean you're eligible for a discount of 5 to 30 per cent. The amount you'll save on your insurance will depend on the type of system you install, level of security, and your insurer.

How home insurance prices are calculated

Calculating how much insurance you need to pay is a bit like completing a big jigsaw puzzle:

Where you live

How much coverage you have

Type of coverage

 Another consideration -- if you customize your policy with optional coverage’s, like a bicycle, plan to pay a higher premium.

Proximity to fire hydrant or fire station

Amount of your deductible

Security features

2014-New Printable SAT test Sample Questions with Answers

Free and Printable SAT test Sample Questions with Answers-2014

This is my new article for doing excellent in SAT exam. You can prepare for this exam by testing some free test questions. Make sure you first print the answers. In this part of blog you will see SAT Practice Questions in English

New AND Free SAT English practice test- 1-10

 

 

Choose the appropriate words to complete the sentences

Q1

 Regarded as the worlds ----linguistic theorist, Noam Chomsky continues to create new theories about language and language learning.

A) abundant

B) hostile

C) resentful

D) abusive

E) foremost

Q 2

Many ---- craft objects are less functional than the ones in the past.

A) repetitive

B) contemporary

C) massive

D) rational

E) sincere

 

Q 3

Unlike fossil fuels, which can be used only once, wind and solar power are ---- sources of energy.

A) renewable

B) mutual

C) random

D) virtual

E) relevant

Q 4

 With age, the mineral content of human bones decreases, thereby making them more ----.

A) Intimate

B) deliberate

C) concurrent

D) diverse

E) fragile

Q 5

 The knee is more likely to be damaged than most other joints because it is subject to tremendous forces during ---- activity.

A) vague

B) hospitable

C) vigorous

D) liable

E) vertical

Q 6

Jupiter has no solid surface and is surrounded by zones of ---- radiation.

A) intense

B) coward

C) manual

D) immoral

E) shallow

Q 7

 So me have a very ---- sense of hearing, although most do not hear sounds audible to the human ear.

A) defensive

B) sparse

C) dismissive

D) keen

E) secular

Q 8

Giant pandas resemble bears in shape and in the slow ---- way they walk.

A) clumsy

B) bitter

C) portable

D) customary

E) tender

Q 9

 Wherever there is plenty of rain during the growing season, life is ---- in various forms.

A) punctual

B) superficial

C) loose

D) irritable

E) abundant

Q 10

 Bacteria living in the soil play a(n)---- role in recycling the carbon and nitrogen needed by plants.

A) envious

B) domestic

C) mature

D) vital

E) respective

Answers Key-New AND Free SAT English practice test- 1-10

1. E

2. B

3. A

4. E

5. C

6. A

7. D

8. A

9. E

10. D

 

2014 Yearly Free Horoscope for all Zodiac signs (Detail Forecasts from Aeries to Pisces)

Free 2014 Yearly Horoscope Detail Forecasts from Aeries to Pisces

This is 4rth part of article on 2014 Free Horoscope. In this part you saw the details forecast -Libra, Scorpion and Sagittarius. . In this article you will see three more signs Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces

Free Capricorn horoscope (December 22 to January 19)

 

Capricorns haven’t had an easy time of it lately as a certain way of life is ending and old reliable structures have been breaking down. However, it does give you the platform to start building new ones up that better support the path you’re meant to take into the future. This year you’re meant to focus on your public and professional life. You can make a name for yourself in some way, and those who work before the public net positive reviews and a soaring reputation. This year you’re challenged to move to a higher level, show up and take full credit.

You may feel like the number of true friends you can count has dropped to those on one hand. This is thanks to Saturn, your ruler, which entered your solar eleventh house of friends and group activities on 6 October 2012, where he will socialise until 24 December 2014. This creates a period of clearing out the social deadwood from your life. Saturn in Scorpio will eliminate a number of pals from your life now and reduce your circle to a particularly tight-knit bunch. Only the stayers, the most loyal and the longest-term friends will remain.

Saturn has a particularly strong restrictive and reductive quality: he lets you have nothing in your life which is not good and/or useful for you, whether this is a job, lover or friends! For Capricorns, your Christmas card list has been slowly dwindling as you discover who are your fair-weather friends, some of whom you’d be better referring to as acquaintances, fellow clubbers or strangers on Facebook or even frenemies! Others have left your vicinity or sense of common purpose ie they’ve left the company, they’ve moved interstate or overseas, found a partner or become parents.

Capricorn - Jobs and Career in 2014

Intelligence, hard work, cool efficiency and organization will take them a certain distance, but will not carry them to the very top. Capricorns need to cultivate their social graces, to develop a social style, along with charm and an ability to get along with people. They need to bring beauty into their lives and to cultivate the right social contacts. They must learn to wield power gracefully, so that people love them for it – a very delicate art. They also need to learn how to bring people together in order to fulfil certain objectives. In short, Capricorns require some of the gifts – the social graces – of Libra to get to the top.

Once they have learned this, Capricorns will be successful in their careers. They are ambitious hard workers who are not afraid of putting in the required time and effort. Capricorns take their time in getting the job done – in order to do it well – and they like moving up the corporate ladder slowly but surely. Being so driven by success, Capricorns are generally liked by their bosses, who respect and trust them. Saturn in your 11th house suggests people you know and mix with socially may also be linked with your career. Some of these people will take a negative attitude to your goals or towards your current success. Don’t allow yourself to be influenced by this.You have the vitality and energy as well as the enthusiasm to follow your most cherished ambitions in 2014. Just be careful about who you discuss your future career plans with as if the wrong people get to hear what you are thinking about this could give rivals an opportunity to get in first on a project you have set your sights on.

Capricorn -Love and Relationships in 2014

Capricorns have a deep romantic nature, but they do not show it straightaway. They are cool, matter of fact and not especially emotional. They will often show their love in practical ways.It takes time for a Capricorn – male or female – to fall in love. They are not the love-at-first-sight kind. If a Capricorn is involved with a Leo or Aries, these Fire types will be totally mystified – to them the Capricorn will seem cold, unfeeling, unaffectionate and not very spontaneous. Of course none of this is true; it is just that Capricorn likes to take things slowly. They like to be sure of their ground before making any demonstrations of love or commitment.

Even in love affairs Capricorns are deliberate. They need more time to make decisions than is true of the other signs of the zodiac, but given this time they become just as passionate. Capricorns like a relationship to be structured, committed, well regulated, well defined, predictable and even routine. They prefer partners who are nurturers, and they in turn like to nurture their partners. This is their basic psychology. Whether such a relationship is good for them is another issue altogether. Capricorns have enough routine in their lives as it is. They might be better off in relationships that are a bit more stimulating, changeable and fluctuating.

Saturn in your friendship zone suggests that there is something serious about your group involvements in 2014. You might be asked to join a committee and this will involve regular meetings and helping others make some difficult decisions. Pluto in your sign could bring a degree of partnerships in your closest relationships as established emotional ties will either break up or receive a shake-up.

Capricorn-Money 2014

Capricorns generally attain wealth and they usually earn it. They are willing to work long and hard for what they want. They are quite amenable to foregoing a short-term gain in favour of long-term benefits. Financially, they come into their own later in life. However, if Capricorns are to attain their financial goals they must shed some of their strong conservatism. Perhaps this is the least desirable trait of the Capricorn. They can resist anything new merely because it is new and untried. They are afraid of experimentation. Capricorns need to be willing to take a few risks. They should be more eager to market new products or explore different managerial techniques. Otherwise, progress will leave them behind. If necessary, Capricorns must be ready to change with the times, to discard old methods that no longer work.

Very often this experimentation will mean that Capricorns have to break with existing authority. They might even consider changing their present position or starting their own ventures. If so, they should be willing to accept all the risks and just get on with it. Only then will a Capricorn be on the road to highest financial gains.

Free Aquarius Horoscope (January 20 to February 18)

This year you’re looking at your life in a larger sense. Your ideals and attitudes are changing and growing as you incorporate new belief systems, or question your old ones. Whether it’s by plane, train or armchair, you’re traveling, learning and expanding your mind. What’s it all about? This year you’re on a quest to find out.

Aquarius-Jobs and Career in 2014

In 2014 your boss and most important clients will demand one challenge after another from you. Overtime could seem standard practice now. If you apply for promotions now you’d better have all your successes ready to reel off. If you’re the boss it’s time for you to solidly grow your business, creating a stable platform for future growth. Your competitors will be watching as will the public. So much will be expected of you now that while some of you may fear failing, many more of you will be equally afraid of success: career counselling and mentoring will definitely help. But help is on the way! You may be given a raise, promotion, an increase in commission or more glamorous clients as soon as 13 November 2014. If you have your own business you may receive priceless publicity on TV or the radio.

Saturn goes retrograde from 2 March to 20 July 2014 during which time your move to a new role, company or industry could be delayed while fate could step in and remove you from a job that’s not right for you. Other Aquarius may hear from old bosses wanting to hire them again while others could research the viability of setting up their own business. You may rethink if you even want to have a career during this time!

If you’re reading this at the start of 2014, you might look back and see how your daily routine (ruled by the sixth house) has improved. Has your health improved too? Are you teaming up with others to exercise? Making a game of it to lose weight or quit smoking? Circle 18 April when Venus interact happily with Jupiter to help you land a fantastic new job, expand your business, gain influential new clients, and receive more money! If you’re interested, this would be a terrific day to book yourself into a health retreat to eat and exercise properly and learn the value of work-life balance. You could well meet an important client there but most importantly you will have the motivation to become the most gorgeous you ever! You’ll benefit from more fantastic work and health opportunities on 6 May and 8 June, too.

Then it’s time for you to get married (again)! Only joking – or am I? Jupiter enters your solar seventh house of relationships on  16 July 2014 where he’ll make it fun for you to be part of a couple. Single Aquarians who have met no-one they fancy could have friends, loved ones and strangers trying to match-make them while dating Aquarius will think keenly about settling down. Married Aquarians will enjoy a year-long opportunity to fall for their partner all over again. And you may get a business partner too. Creating closeness will be fun. You may also deal with the public now more during this period but also, become aware of those who don’t have your best interests at heart. Because Jupiter creates so much goodwill, even ex-partners will remember you fondly while business competitors may be willing to pass some work your way if it is not an area they specialise in. Products and services to do with attracting and retaining a happy partner will draw you like a magnet now and if you ever thought you’d never marry (again), well, you may change your thinking on this! You may propose, commit yourself exclusively or marry on the beautifully starred 24 July while love is irresistibly calling for a whirlwind engagement on 18 August or 14 December. Married Aquarius will thoroughly enjoy each other then. Jupiter will be retrograde from 8 December until 31 December 2014 during which time you may get some counselling to resolve outstanding differences in your relationship, hear from exes who realise they made a mistake or call off or postpone an engagement or wedding date which has happened too quickly. All will move ahead from February 2015!

Aquarius -Love and Relationships in 2014

Jupiter in your 7th house between July 16 and the end of year suggests there will be many romantic opportunities coming your way. If you are single, there will be ample chance to meet new and exciting admirers. Partners and close associations are a big feature in your life in the second half of the year and because you have an adaptable nature and you’re always willing to listen to new ideas, people will feel encouraged by your feedback. Joint activities will be both fun and worthwhile. Aquarians are good at friendships, but a bit weak when it comes to love. Of course they fall in love, but their lovers always get the impression that they are more best friends than paramours.

Like Capricorns, they are cool customers. They are not prone to displays of passion or to outward demonstrations of their affections. In fact, they feel uncomfortable when their other half hugs and touches them too much. This does not mean that they do not love their partners. They do, only they show it in other ways. Curiously enough, in relationships they tend to attract the very things that they feel uncomfortable with. They seem to attract hot, passionate, romantic, demonstrative people. Perhaps they know instinctively that these people have qualities they lack and so seek them out. In any event, these relationships do seem to work, Aquarian coolness calming the more passionate partner while the fires of passion warm the cold-blooded Aquarius. The qualities Aquarians need to develop in their love life are warmth, generosity, passion and fun. Aquarians love relationships of the mind. Here they excel. If the intellectual factor is missing in a relationship an Aquarian will soon become bored or feel unfulfilled.

Aquarius-Money in 2014

In financial matters Aquarians tend to be idealistic and humanitarian – to the point of self-sacrifice. They are usually generous contributors to social and political causes. When they contribute it differs from when a Capricorn or Taurus contributes. A Capricorn or Taurus may expect some favour or return for a gift; an Aquarian contributes selflessly.

Aquarians tend to be as cool and rational about money as they are about most things in life. Money is something they need and they set about acquiring it scientifically. No need for fuss; they get on with it in the most rational and scientific ways available. Money to the Aquarian is especially nice for what it can do, not for the status it may bring (as is the case for other signs). Aquarians are neither big spenders nor penny-pinchers and use their finances in practical ways, for example to facilitate progress for themselves, their families, or even for strangers.

However, if Aquarians want to reach their fullest financial potential they will have to explore their intuitive nature. If they follow only their financial theories – or what they believe to be theoretically correct – they may suffer some losses and disappointments. Instead, Aquarians should call on their intuition, which knows without thinking. For Aquarians, intuition is the short-cut to financial success.

Free Pisces horoscope (February 19 to March 20)

You’ve always been a visionary and you often feel inspired by different ideas and creative options. Sometimes though, the practical application of those ideas can be challenging. This year you’re more focused on getting things grounded. You’re applying single-pointed energy in one area and reaping practical results.

Pisces- Jobs and Career in 2014

With Saturn in Scorpio, in your solar ninth house of travel since 6 October 2012 (where he will be passing through until 24 December 2014), it’s quite likely that long-distance trips have been marked with obligations, delays, or cutbacks of some kind for the last two years.  If you travel at all under Saturn’s influence here – Saturn IS known after all for obligations, delays, or cutbacks – it will be to undertake a duty of some kind. You may have had to use your holidays to babysit or take care of an elderly relative who lives interstate or overseas, to work long hours far away from your friends and family, missing out on fun events, or been unable to get away. Work trips and conferences may feature such long hours that all you see is your hotel walls or they’re scheduled at such times that you’re forced to miss out on important milestones. Since the ninth house also rules legal matters, higher education and publishing, other Pisces may have been struggling to complete a diploma, degree or doctorate, been unhappy about a long-running legal issue or had a publishing project (offline or online) which has been  plagued with delays.

Jupiter has been in your solar fifth house of love and creativity since 26 June 2013 and he’s been basically forcing you to put the laptop, Blackberry and Filofax down to really enjoy life. To make sure little workaholic Pisces really get the message about taking time out, he’s going to stay on until 16 July 2014 to make you relax, enjoy life, Feel the Love and experience the joy of being loved and happy. Single Pisces is destined to meet The One in the first half of this year and many dating Pisces could be surprised – and then delighted – to discover they’re pregnant. Married Pisces will look fondly back on this time as a period which really bonded you together. Your life will seem blessed with love, fun and romance on 18 April when Venus interact happily with Jupiter to transform your life in the most amazing way. This is one of the BEST day of the whole year to revamp your looks and outfits (call in the stylists, hairdressers and beauty technicians) to regain your youthful spirit and in doing so, you may prove romantically irresistible! Look out for gorgeous and fun dating opportunities as well as great day out with the kids on 6 May and 8 June, too.

Then, since Pisces tend to feel guilty if they’ve been goofing off too much or for too long, it’s back to the grindstone. However, with Jupiter in Leo, in your solar sixth house of work and health, even THIS will be fun! You’ll enjoy hanging out with colleagues, meeting suppliers, competing with others and yourself to do the best work ever. You will be keen to gain new skills and to promote your achievements more in your company. You may receive enticing offers from head-hunters to recruit you for a better role, undertake freelance commissions, contract jobs or decide to work for yourself. You can also have fun getting fit and healthy, too. Grab a pal or a dog for regular walks, join a gym, try Zumba classes or if you’re really keen, boot camp. Other Pisces may enjoy hiking on the weekends or bike-riding while those of you in the southern hemisphere may perfect your technique on the black runs during winter. A health spa where you learn what (not) to eat could be fun, too. Some of you might have a competition with a loved one to lose weight by your birthday. You could feel bad about your working routine and/or health on 2 August but use the beautiful 24 July or 18 August to create a happy new start for yourself in either or both areas. An eccentric family member could pass some amazing work opportunities your way on 23 July. While Jupiter is retrograde from 8 December until 31 December 2014 you will need to be patient regarding a new project, role or company growth. The job you seek may not become available until February 2015 and those of you on diets may reach a plateau until then, too. Don’t give up!

Pisces -Love and Relationships in 2014

A general sense of wellbeing will be complemented by an unusually busy social calendar and this should keep you happily occupied at the start of the year and looking forward to changes for the better. With Neptune in your sign you have an aura of sex appeal about you which will attract admirers and invitations to parties and other social events throughout the year. If you are single, you could find the perfect partner for you while attending a rather strange occasion such as a ghost-hunt, fancy dress party or stage medium.

Partnerships, alliances and close relationships of all kinds are highlighted in the summer and this should be a generally happy period with a pronounced romantic chord for both the single and committed Piscean. It is not surprising that someone as ‘otherworldly’ as the Pisces would like a partner who is practical and down to earth. Pisces prefer a partner who is on top of all the details of life, because they dislike details. Pisces seek this quality in both their romantic and professional partners. More than anything else this gives Pisces a feeling of being grounded, of being in touch with reality. As expected, these kinds of relationships – though necessary – are sure to have many ups and downs. Misunderstandings will take place because the two attitudes are poles apart. If you are in love with a Pisces you will experience these fluctuations and will need a lot of patience to see things stabilize. Pisces are moody, intuitive, affectionate and difficult to get to know. Only time and the right attitude will yield Pisces’ deepest secrets. However, when in love with a Pisces you will find that riding the waves is worth it because they are good, sensitive people who need and like to give love and affection.

When in love, Pisces like to fantasize. For them fantasy is 90 per cent of the fun of a relationship. They tend to idealize their partner, which can be good and bad at the same time. It is bad in that it is difficult for anyone to live up to the high ideals their Pisces lover sets.

Pisces-Money in 2014

Income tends to be up and down this spring, thanks to unpredictable Uranus. You may have a sudden influx of funds, but they could leak out just as fast as it came in. Conflict when dealing with shared finances, inheritances or insurance requires you to compromise or co-operate in order to get what you want.

With Saturn in your 9th house your work could take you out and about. In fact you could be travelling a lot in connection with your profession. With Uranus in your income zone, you could see some up and down trends concerning money throughout the year. Sometimes it will feel as if it gushes in and won’t ever stop but then when it does stop you may wonder where your next penny is going to come from! Money is generally not that important to Pisces. Of course they need it as much as anyone else, and many of them attain great wealth. But money is not generally a primary objective. Doing good, feeling good about oneself, peace of mind, the relief of pain and suffering – these are the things that matter most to a Pisces.

Pisces earn money intuitively and instinctively. They follow their hunches rather than their logic. They tend to be generous and perhaps overly charitable. Almost any kind of misfortune is enough to move a Pisces to give. Although this is one of their greatest virtues, Pisces should be more careful with their finances. They should try to be more choosy about the people to whom they lend money, so that they are not being taken advantage of. If they give money to charities they should follow it up to see that their contributions are put to good use. Even when Pisces are not rich, they still like to spend money on helping others. In this case they should really be careful, however: they must learn to say no sometimes and help themselves first.

Good Luck to all in 2014 and 2015 and more…………………….

Cool tips for growing your business in challenging economic times

Grow your business in challenging economic times

It’s possible to build on your success even in challenging economic times. The basic principles of staying focused on delivering real customer value while remaining true to your goals become even more important. If your business is growing, or you’d like it to, here are some ideas and resources to help you.

 

1. Marketing is keys for success

Complementing your sales efforts with marketing is key to growth. It helps you get your message out to more prospects, creating demand for your products or services. It’s important to develop your branding and incorporate it in all your marketing. If you haven’t done so already, determine a look and feel (type style, graphics, colour scheme, logo) and stick with it. Always include a

2. Unique business idea

Being able to express your business’s core principles and values will help you choose appropriate growth strategies. If you haven’t done so already, create a polished 20 second “elevator speech” that summarizes your business’s products and uniqueness. This summary will help you focus branding and marketing efforts, and will provide the core for conversations with those you reach out to.

3. Sell solutions, not widgets.

Ramping up sales is easier when you focus on this reality: you’re selling a result, not a thing. Avoid “feature dumps” that emphasize the characteristics of your product rather than how it benefits your customer. The most effective sales conversation begins with questions to determine if your prospective buyer has a need for what you’re selling. The goal is to match your products and services to what your prospect needs. If you can’t make a match, move on.

 

4. Growth? Look out!

A challenge for many small business owners is shifting their perspective from inside their business—the daily details of running the business, to outside the business—developing a strategy for growth, researching markets, understanding competition and so on. Need help? Reach out for resources. Look for ways to harness the expertise and experience of others through networking. As time permits, join associations and attend meetings. It takes time, but can yield benefits without requiring capital.

5. Customers always first

Celebrate your customers and align any growth plan around protecting your existing relationships. Sustainable business growth depends on keeping your customers happy, just as it did when you started your business. Consider creating customer reward programs (discounts, extended payment terms, etc.) to ensure customer loyalty.

6. Working the numbers.

When your new business level requires expanded facilities, new equipment and increased staff, how will you pay for it all? If you’re “growing slow”, can you “self finance” these requirements through profits? If not, when you’re considering loans or mortgages, check out the Small Business Administration website in the US, or the Canada Business Network website for information on loans and grants. While you’re there, surf around. There’s a wealth of free information on a broad range of topics like writing a business plan, business law and regulations and finding local resources.

 

7. How many people does it take to create success?

As your business grows, the workload becomes more distributed, requiring more employees. Controlled growth means adding these employees slowly and deliberately. If you’re not sure you’ll have sustained revenue to support direct hire employees, consider temporary contract employees. It’s a great way to harness a skill you may only need temporarily. And “test driving” an employee is a great way to find if you have a good fit for longer term employment.

8. You’re the engine.

Everyone in your business impacts sustainability and growth. Make sure all employees understand and can implement everyday operating procedures. Keep to your organizing