The Best Exercises for Sexy Thighs and a Toned Butt

When searching for the best exercises for the thighs, you see TONS of ads promoting all of these fancy so-called inner-thigh blasters, thigh squeezers, thigh-toning machines, etc. Take my word when I say that you do NOT need any of these ridiculous "thigh-blasting" gadgets to tighten and tone-up your legs, butt, and hips for good.

As always, the best exercises for the thighs come in the form of free-weight or bodyweight exercises. You really need not look any further than various forms of exercises like lunges, squats, deadlifts, and step-ups to get those toned thighs that you want. In addition, there are plenty of variations of these basic exercises to choose from, so in reality, it is simply a waste of time messing with all of these inner-thigh gadgets and fancy thigh machines.

Here's an example of one of the most effective thigh exercises that you can do. I'm sure you have done some variation of lunges before. There's probably about 20 different versions that you can try and they all kick butt!

One of the best variations of lunges are walking lunges (and a couple ways to do these slightly different to change the emphasis). Instead of standing lunges where you either lunge forward or lunge backward for 1 step and come back, with walking lunges you keep traveling forward on each step for anywhere from 10-30 steps, and then you turn around and come back that same distance.

A couple ways to improve on these and get better results over time is to increase your distance each time or start carrying dumbbells to increase the resistance. Walking lunges done right are a real thigh-burner!

Here's a couple tips to keep in mind when performing walking lunges:

1) Step far enough forward so that your front shin stays approximately vertical and your front thigh is approximately parallel to the floor at the bottom of the lunge.

2) Your leg behind you while lunging should have a bend in the knee at the bottom but your knee should come just short of touching the floor. Try not to touch the back knee to the ground during walking lunges.

3) Pause for a second at the top of each step before you lunge forward again for your next step.

Ok, now that you've mastered the basic walking lunge, let me give you a couple ideas for lunge variations that change the emphasis a little bit for working the outer thighs, inner thighs, and buttocks in a slightly different manner.

One variety is to step at an angle outward on each forward step. A second variation is to step at a slight angle inward on each forward step. The inward stepping version of the walking lunge is also called a cross-over lunge, and it really stretches out the buttocks and hips.

Go ahead and give these lunge variations a try and I guarantee that you will be firming up those thighs in no time. Whatever you do, just please say no to the fancy thigh machines and inner thigh squeezers, and use these more effective bodyweight exercises and free weight exercises, and you'll be much better off for it.

See below for more innovative exercises for the thighs and workouts that will have you showing off your new sexy toned legs.

Get your FREE instructions and photos of more of the best exercises for the thighs at Best Butt, Hip & Thigh Exercises



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Thigh Exercises For Women

For women, shaping the muscles of the thighs is an important fitness goal. A shapely lower body is considered very feminine, and the right proportion of the waist to the hips is part of the equation. It's surprising, but true, thigh toning exercises can be done at home, without equipment and results can be seen in 4-6 weeks. Also, did you know that thigh and hip toning gadgets are not required if you know which exercises work, and how to do them. Most importantly, thigh exercises are most effective when combined with aerobic exercise and a healthy diet.

This means that women must not only do the right thigh exercises, but also include aerobic exercise and sound nutrition to get best results. The following exercises are the most effective front thigh exercises for women. The routine also includes inner thigh and rear thigh exercises.

For best results, start with 15-20 repetitions and one set. Increase gradually to 2 sets. Complete the routine at least 2 times a week for best results. This is an effective beginner to intermediate toning program. Please remember that these numbers are general guidelines only. For an optimum program tailored to your needs, please consult a certified personal trainer. If you have any injuries or medical ailments, please obtain a physicians clearance before starting any exercise program.

Wall Squat: Front Thigh Exercise.
Starting Position: – Place your upper back against a smooth wall. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Distribute your body weight equally between both feet and lean back against the wall. Movement: – Inhale, keeping your heels in contact with the floor at all times, slowly lower into a squat position while sliding down the wall. Exhale as you slowly straighten your legs, keeping your head and chest up, returning to the starting position. Repeat as required.

Standing Dumbbell Squats: Front Thigh Exercise.
Starting Position:- Hold a dumbbell in each hand and allow them to hang down at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Distribute your body weight equally between both feet. Movement:- Inhale, keeping your heels in contact with the floor at all times, slowly lower into a squat position. Exhale as you slowly straighten your legs, keeping your head and chest up, returning to the starting position. Repeat as required. 5 lb dumbbells work well, but you can start with 2 lbs and then work your way up to 5 lbs within 3-5 weeks.

Lunges: Front Thigh Exercise.
Starting Position: – Assume a standing position with your feet slightly less than shoulder width apart. Grasp a barbell with a wider than shoulder width grip and place it across your shoulders. Movement: – Inhale, keeping your back vertical and slightly arched, slowly step forward with one leg making a long stride, lowering your body down slowly until your rear knee lightly touches the floor (if you cannot go as low as this, then work your way up to it over 2-3 weeks). Exhale and shift your weight backwards, taking one step (or 2-3 small steps if that sounds difficult) to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Remember to consult your doctor before this or any other knee exercises if you have had any knee trouble!

Lying Face Down: Front Thigh Stretch.
Starting Position: Lie on your stomach on a matt with your legs together. Movement: Reach behind you and grasp your right ankle with your left hand. Pull your right heel up as far as you can. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Please remember to hold for 10 seconds for this stretch.

Seated Split Stretch: Inner Thigh Stretch.
Starting Position: Sit on an exercise matt and spread your legs as far as you can. Movement: Lean to your right side and reach for your toes. Rest your hands on your toes or at your ankle. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side.

Seated Butterfly: Inner Thigh Exercise.
Starting Position: Sit on an exercise matt with your back straight. Movement: Bring the soles of your feet together and pull them in as close to your body as you can. Allow your hands to rest on your feet or to apply light pressure to your thighs. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Hold this position for 10 seconds. You will find this most effective if you gently push your knees down using your hands, be careful not to push too much.

Seated Hip Twist: Outer Thigh And Rear Thigh Exercise.
Starting Position: Sit on an exercise matt with your legs straight out in front of you. Movement: Bend your right knee and place your right foot over your left leg. Wrap your arms around your right knee and gently pull it in towards your left shoulder. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Remember to hold for 10 seconds.

Lying Leg Pull: Total Thigh Exercise.
Starting Position: Lie on your back on an exercise matt with your knees in the air and feet flat on the floor. Movement: Bring your right heel to rest on your left thigh. Loop your hands around your left thigh and pull it towards your chest. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Repeat as required on other side. Remember to hold for 10 seconds in each set.

For more information and to register for free diet plans and grocery lists, visit weight loss

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Office Exercise

Lack of exercise causes health problems, speeds up the aging process, and decreases our lifestyle expectations. It is fairly difficult for the work at home professional to exercises. The best option is to exercise as a 'break' within the work day.

The important thing to remember is that doing laundry or dusting is not exercise. In fact, these tasks often increase stress and decrease the benefits of exercise. It is better to bring in exercise equipment, or better, install a treadmill. This will increase cardio exercise, but it also focuses on areas where people who are sedentary 'spread' such as their butt and thighs.

Carrying weight on your butt can increase the instances of back and shoulder pain, or other chronic problems which can cripple a writer's career.

6 Reasons Why Exercise Is Important

You need to get in more exercise, probably. It will improve your life in a myriad of ways. But the first step towards embarking on a fitness plan is always motivation. And to get motivated, you have to understand why you need to change your diet or invest the time into exercise. Here are just a few of many ways exercise change your life for the better.

1. Exercise Improves your Stamina

Exercise don't just improve you stamina for physical activities either. It helps you last longer on work projects, school assignments, and anything else that might require a great deal of sustained concentration. It does this by training your body to use its energy reserves more efficiently, and thereby giving more energy to do the things you do every day. Every action will feel easier and take less effort. And you will have more energy to engage in your favorite hobbies.

2. Exercise Prevents Diseases

Our bodies are actually built for exercise. A lot of it. If we don't give it the exercise it craves, a lot of its functions don't work as well as they should, and the immune system is one of them. Exercising regularly makes your body more capable of fighting of colds, flu, and infections. It also reduces your cholesterol level, which will make you less prone to suffering a heart attack or stroke.

3. Exercise Strengthens and Tones Your Body

When you look better, you feel better. And when you feel better, everything in your life improves. You get along better with better people. You feel more capable of tackling challenges. And it can even help boost your career. It will also increase your bone density, which will make your bones less prone to breaks and help keep you more active as you age.


4. Exercise Improves Flexibility

Better flexibility lead to better balance and coordination. This wont just help you engage in your favorite physical activities, but it will actually help you just get through your day more effortlessly. It's a wonderful feeling to go through every day without ever having to worry about a sprain.

5. Exercise Improves your Overall Quality of Life

Ask anyone who went form being sedentary to working out regularly: exercise helps you a thousand different ways that all add up to a happier you. If you have never experienced the joy and contentment of a fit lifestyle, you owe it to yourself to start a training routine right now. It doesn't have to start out huge. Just plan out some cardio for tomorrow, like going for a little walk. When you get used to that, add in some weight training. Eventually, as your fit life continues to develop, you will find yourself more confident, happier, and with more energy than you had ever thought possible.

6. Exercise Controls Weight

When you weight train and do cardiovascular exercise regularly, your fat inevitably drops and your muscles grow. When you do this, you burn more calories actively, and you help boost your metabolism so you burn more calories around the clock. When combined with a smart diet, this inevitably leads to significant weight loss.

Chris McCombs is known as the Personal Trainer Orange County. At one time Chris was 143 pounds overweight at which point he looked in the mirror and decided to do something about it. Chris lost the weight and started his own fitness business Positively Fit Inc. which helps people all over Orange County lose fat and get the body they want. You can learn more about Chris at http://www.socalworkout.com

Keyboard Trays: Important For Computer Users

According to OSHA, "Keyboards, pointing devices, or working surfaces that are too high or too low can lead to awkward wrist, arm, and shoulder postures. For example, when keyboards are too low you may type with your wrists bent up, and when keyboards are too high, you may need to raise your shoulders to elevate your arms. Performing keying tasks in awkward postures such as these can result in hand, wrist, and shoulder discomfort."

The safety experts go on to suggest that "a keyboard tray may be needed if the work surface or chair cannot be properly adjusted [to achieve the correct height]. The keyboard tray should be adjustable in height and tilt, provide adequate leg and foot clearance, and have adequate space for multiple input devices (for example, a keyboard and pointer/mouse)."

Versa Products, Inc., the popular manufacturer of computer desks and computer desk accessories, takes OSHA's guidelines very seriously. "There are people who sit and use a computer 8 - 12 hours every day," says Christopher Stormer, Director of Marketing at Versa. "We wanted to provide products for them that makes that work comfortable, reduces fatigue, and all but eliminates the risk of repetitive use injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome."

And it's with that sentiment that Versa offers several options in keyboard arms and trays. "Our keyboard trays and articulating keyboard arms can be added to almost any desk, so the customer doesn't need to buy one of our desks simply to upgrade his or her workstation and make it ergonomic."

Of course, as the Director of Marketing, Stormer would like customers to buy Versa's desks as well, but it's not essential. "A lot of companies force you to buy their desks because those are the only products their keyboard arms are compatible with. It's a way to force people to upgrade and spend more when they don't necessarily want to. At Versa, we don't need to do that. People who buy one product from us, tend to come back and buy more later on. We don't need to dupe them into spending as much money as they can right now. We know our products are superior and as soon as the customer buys one, they see that too."

Versa's products are superior and still affordable, especially if you're buying in quantity to furnish an entire office suite or classroom. Without the discounts, Versa's Deluxe Keyboard Drawer starts at $69 and the Basic Keyboard Arm and Tray starts at $99.

Versa's keyboard trays and arms come with Versa's lifetime warranty-as does all of their products. There are also a multitude of color options so matching with an existing color scheme is easy. Their products ship for free from their Los Angeles-based factory and warehouse, and all products are made in the U.S.A.

"We make products that fit with OSHA standards and the current ergonomic guidelines. Those guidelines are always changing and being improved as new information becomes available. We adjust our products constantly to meet those standards and that's part of the reason we have the good reputation we have."


Versatables.com specializes in selling computer furniture that is not only affordable, but meets the standards set forth by OSHA. Visit their website today to examine their large selection of products, including drafting tables and laptop carts.

Stand And Deliver: Standing Workstations Healthy Alternative To Traditional Desks

With obesity in the U.S. becoming what some would consider an epidemic, many people are beginning to look at their lifestyles and re-evaluate what's causing them to put on the pounds. While most of the unwanted weight can be attributed to lack of exercise and healthy eating habits, it's no surprised that having a desk job-where you literally sit for eight hours a day-doesn't help. People who stand and move about during their work day burn more calories than those of us who sit in front of a computer or switchboard. But you don't have to give up your career to be thin.

According to the November 2007 issue of Women's Health Magazine, stand-up desks burn one calorie more per minute than sitting. Although it might not sound like much that equates to 480 burned calories in a single eight hour workday. Considering you need to burn 3,500 calories to lose one pound of body fat, burning 480 additional calories a day means burning that one pound in eight days. It's not a substitute for portion-control and gym workouts by any means, but if you have the option to do so, why not stack the cards in your favor instead of against you? Switching to a standing workstation could be exactly what you need to help you keep weight off.

For less than $300, you can buy a Wall Mount, standing workstation from Versa Products, Inc. Their complete line of wall mount and sit-to-stand computer desks not only allow you to stand while you work, but also take up less space than a traditional desk. The work stations are completely customizable. You can add multiple monitors or writing platforms, choose the color, even adjust the height. They're perfect for households, doctor's offices, banks, schools, and other busy administrative work environments. Many of Versa's sit-to-stand options, like the popular Fusion Cart, is also mobile, so it can be pushed from room to room and the wheels can be locked in place to prevent movement when a stationary work center is needed.

For those of you not familiar with Versa, you should be. One of Los Angeles' fastest-growing furniture companies, they provide American-made, top of the line computer furniture for universities, businesses, medical institutions, and the military. Along with their fully customizable line of computer desks and office furniture, they also design furniture solutions for trade shows, mobile medical units, security hubs, and modified solutions to accommodate physically-challenged users. The company ships its products for free (important when purchasing a heavy and expensive-to-ship item like a desk) and offers a no-hassle lifetime warranty on every product it sells from keyboard trays to custom-made LAN racks.

With designs based on ergonomic principles, Versa also sells options for existing desks to make your sitting workspace more healthy and comfortable. Options like articulating keyboard trays and height-adjustable monitor arms can improve a computer workstation greatly, reducing fatigue, eye strain, and minimizing the risk of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.


Versatables supplies a large line of high-quality computer accessories ideal for increasing productivity, as well as health. Visit their website today to examine their computer tables and LAN Racks.

Studies Show Productivity Linked To Office Lighting Conditions

A recent study conducted by Cornell University concluded that proper lighting and reduced computer screen glare can enhance productivity for office employees who work on computers. The study showed that illumination levels and distribution can influence fatigue levels. Lighting that was too dim or too bright decreased productivity (measured by a variety of methods) and lighting that was evenly distributed and did not create a glare on computer monitors enhanced productivity.

Unfortunately, we can't always control the lighting situation in our work environments. So how do we provide a productive, comfortable environment for employees who are required to sit at computer desks all day?

One solution is to attach the computer monitor to an LCD arm. LCD monitor arms are devices that bolt directly to the back of a flat screen computer monitor and then again to the desk, the wall, or the workstation. LCD monitors have a hinge that allows the user to change the tilt and height of a monitor simply by touching it. It gives each individual user control over the glare and light reflected on his/her monitor without changing a lighting source which could disrupt multiple employees sharing the same space. It also allows the user to control the lighting throughout the course of the day. For example, in offices where natural light varies throughout a single workday, monitors can be tilted in a way that they do not catch the glare of the sun during peak times.

LCD monitor arms are also ideal for work or learning environments in which multiple users use the same computer monitor throughout the course of a the day. They easily adjust for the height and comfort of the user, so each user can have an ergonomic workstation, and a comfortable workstation, without the fuss.

We found a variety of high-quality LCD monitors at Versa Products, Inc. Versa Products is a well-known manufacturer and retailer of American-made, superior-quality computer desks and computer desk accessories. Their clients include top universities, Fortune 500 businesses, hospitals, and military bases. Even with such an impressive customer list, their prices are extremely competitive and they offer free shipping in the contiguous United States. All of Versa's products carry a lifetime guarantee and most can be customized to fit specific client needs for a nominal fee.

Versa's line of LCD monitor arms includes products that can be mounted to tables, desks, shelves, poles, and walls. Some are designed to support only one monitor, while others can support multiple monitors, and can be adjusted or heightened individually. With prices for one unit starting at only $99, and quantity discounts beginning with only two like products, it's easy to see why Versa has become so popular in the furniture world.

Ergonomics and comfort have been linked to productivity and decreased risk of diseases such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It's only been recently that the affect of computer monitor glare on vision and fatigue has begun to be scrutinized. Keeping employees at their highest levels of productivity throughout the course of an eight hour day can have significant impacts on the productivity of a company as a whole. These minor investments in LCD monitor arms and other computer desk accessories can make a big difference.

Versatables.com is a leading supplier of computer furniture that not only promotes safety, but increases productivity as well. Take a look at their LCD Monitor Arms to see if they are the perfect fit for your office setting.




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Book Publishing - How I Got Into Book Publishing

As a published author and creative writing teacher I often get asked how writers can get published. One of the simplest ways to answer that question is tell the story of my publishing contracts with two different publishers.

Like many other writers, I have always wanted to write a book and started scribbling stories as a child. I have also always been an avid reader. When I started my first book I did not know what I was doing. It was a learning experience and I was not sure I could even write an entire book, but at last I did have a completed manuscript. I then began my search for a publisher.

As I knew no other authors or writers I started with the only place I knew. The Writers Market book. I came up with a list of publishers and started sending out queries. I had some interest from some of the big houses but as time went on I collected a pretty impressive list of rejections. I worked my way through all the major publishing houses and then started on the smaller houses. Then came the exciting day when I got the call that a small house was willing to publish my novel.

Now in hindsight I'm not so sure I should have leaped at the offer. Small publishing houses can offer opportunities that the bigger houses cannot. They are often more willing to take a risk on an unknown author or a manuscript that does not fit cleanly into a niche. But they are riskier ventures. Many small publishing houses do not have a long life span. My first publisher did print my first book and contracted with me for my second but went out of business before the second book even came out. Smaller publishers also have lower distribution. It was up to me to arrange distribution in my regional book stores as well as arrange my own book signings and promotion. However the biggest drawback for me was the lack of editorial support and guidance. Remember, this was my first book and I wasn't even working with a critique group. I could have used more editing than I received from that publisher. While getting my first book published was a confidence booster and an education, it was not a financial boon. I received only one royalty check before the publisher went under.

After that experience, I then became even more determined to learn about publishing. I sought out writing groups, attended writers conferences, and joined a critique group. As I gained more confidence in my writing I started entering writing contests and placed in the top three in several writing competitions. One of my first place prizes included being read by a senior editor at Kensington. The editor liked my manuscript and offered me a two-book contract.

This experience was dramatically different from my first. A major publishing house meant a standard contract, a standard advance, and regular royalty payments as well as good distribution. However I also lost a great deal of control over my book. Both covers are bodice rippers and the title of the first book was chosen by the marketing department and I was not even given the right to approve it. Even worse for my writing career though was the fact that the editor who bought me quickly passed me off to another editor and then when that editor left I was handed to yet a third editor. As an orphaned author my second book received little support and I was not offered a new contract.

I would be lax if I did not mention agents during this article. Many unpublished authors ask if agents are important. Obviously as my story points out you can get published without an agent. In fact, I might have gotten published sooner the second time around if I wasn't working with an agent who did not take advantage of some of my previous contest wins. The problem is that the type of agent who is willing to take on an unproven author is not likely to do you much good. If you can make a contact with an agent through a conference or contest or the like then definitely do so but I would not recommend spending a lot of time trying to get an agent before you are published. After I had my contract with Kensington I did work with a higher quality agent for a time but nothing came of that experience although the fault probably lies with me as well as with the agent.





Author: Deanna Mascle

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Do You Support Charities?

My husband recently joined a charity. People donate cars and the men fix them up. Once they are fixed and certified, they are given to people who need help. There really isn't much regulations needed to run a legit system, insurance is the only 'problem' that these charities run into.

Many people love the idea, they can receive an income tax receipt for the black book value of the car - which is often substantually more than they would receive if they traded the car in, or tried to sell it on their own.

It is easy to check a charity and see if it is legit. All charities are regulated and organized. It only takes a phone call. Once the charity is deemed legit, the income tax statement can be used to reduce the amount of income tax a person will pay that year.

One of the most beneficial charities is those that accept car donations.

If You Knew How to Make a Million - Would You?

I've spent the last two weeks writing tutorials to help people make fast money from the stock exchange. It isn't like this is any secret, or that it is a rare occurrence. You only need to mention words such as shorting, short trading, swing trades, to make many long time investor's mouth drool.

However, as I was writing these, a small voice kept niggling in the back of my head "Money on the stock exchanged is not won or lost - just moved."

Can I make $100 000 in a year. Yea, but could I live with myself? I could ride fake bull markets until I hit 10 points and bail, leaving poor schmucks who are only investing because their pension isn't covering their bills to take the loss.... ie - I could scam innocent bystanders and pick their pockets.

I wouldn't rob a little old lady 'face to face' - but he money I win has been lost by someone else.

As the recession/depression approaches in 2008/2009 - and the stock networks are already preparing to turn swing trading into millions of dollars (and probably expediting the crash) it makes me wonder -

"If you know how to get rich - at any cost - would you?"






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Writers Online Courses

Writers Online Courses is accepting a online courses. If you have the attitude to help others succeed. Then let them know. They will train new teachers and help them succeed.

I host three courses there.


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Health Care for Elderly

I've recently seen an increasing number of web blogs that are dedicated to quesitons about elderly care. There are a lot more options available now than there were more than a decade ago. Today, people can expect to live longer. In fact, I recently read that people at 60 are now as healthy as 40 year olds were only twent years ago.

It is expected that people who are 40 now, will live to 100 and be active well into their 80s. This makes it important to learn how to take care of ourselves. I know that I need to eat better and exercise.

It also brings up some good questions. I can take my mom with no problem, but my father is becoming viloent. I am sorry, but I do not want to live with a violent person inmy house. We are not looking at care homes yet, but I am secretly looking at the options available so I can arrange the right kind of care. I've bene focusing on news and tips from care experts that manage community forums.

Blending Work at Home and Teens

It is not always easy to be the parent of a teenager, especially when you are a work at home freelance writer. I must balance my son's love of Halo and paintball guns, break dancing and piano practicing. And, of course, there are the girls.

I need to work at least 12 hours a day. This leaves little time for fun. The problem is that teens play rough. My son's friend was hit in the face with an air gun. Of course, the new ones are not as dangerous, so he only suffered a bruise, but I am not sure that I want to stand in a damp field at 8am with an air gun, waiting for some teen boys to come and use me as a giant art project.

I've become familiar with banshees and warthogs from Halo, and prayer points from rune scape, as well as the difference between Tippmann 98 Custom and spyder paintball. All while meeting my deadlines.

Is there an art to creating the balance? Yes. Is it hard? Some days. Is it worth it? 100%


This is my thoughts and my post. I appreaciate http://www.pntball.com for sponsoring my post and making it easier for me to continue to continue writing free training information

What I Love About Work At Home

I Love work at home because . . .

When I have a birthday, I have cake for breakfast for two or three days becuase I can :)
I can turn the television on and listen to my fav movies while working.
I have a good excuse to stay up until 4 am.
I can read a novel while my computer is booting up.
I am home when my kids get home from school.
None of my relatives think I have a job, so they don't ask me to do things for them.
I can read my favorite magazines and call it research.
I can play on the computer for 10 hours and call it promotion.
I need to work hard, but I do not need to put up with office gossip.
I can dress up in comfe old clothes to work.
I can get to work with other writers.
I can turn down work that I don't feel good doing.

Life is a Slice

It was kind of funny yesterday. My editor was online, but she was only hit-and-miss because it was her daughter's birthday. She still stayed in touch, and kept working, but she enjoyed her daughter's birthday at the same time. I had to laugh. The freelance world is so weird some days.

My daughter's birthday is coming up. Her most important concern is choosing kids party invitations that are better than her friends. The rest of the party is just hanging, but the invitations are seen at school and define her social status - ah, to be a kid again.

Anne slept in today, guess the party went late. I'll ask her later how she did.

Making Sure Your Family Has Enough Insurance is Tricky

I recently calculated my insurance and realized that it doesn't cover all the expenses my family will have. My kids are older now, the house is not paid for, funeral costs, six months living expenses, and our personal debts. I forgot most of these. On top of that, my husband needs high risk life insurance which makes buying insurance more difficult.

University for 2 - $100 000
pay mortgage $ 50 000
Our debts $ 22 000
6 months expenses $ 16 000
Funteral $ 15 000

However, there are other things. My son may want to get out on his own, which will take him about $20 000. My husband will need money to keep my daughter in her programs, and hire help around the house. That can easily add up to $8 000 a year, and she is only 11 years old, so the total is $25 000. I will also need to calculate the cost of having a solicitor see to the estate, that in itself can cost $30 000 over 10 years.

In total, I need $300 000 - about $100 000 more than I have. I am still young enough that term life insurance can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Funny thing is, we calculated it right for my husband's death, but not mine. That is another major mistake people make. The husband only does half of the jobs at home. Without enough money to pay for laundry, maid service, and even taxis to drive kids to piano lessons - it is the children who will suffer.

How Do You Sleep?

One of the hardest parts of the freelance writer's life is finding enough 'quality' sleep. Face it, the job is stressfull. Not only must a writer balance family life, and meet her family's demands, but they are always faced by clients who don't know what they really want until after a price is agreed upon and the writer 'thought' the project was finished. The last thing you want is to find 2 hours to sleep only to loose it because street noise keeps waking you up.

I have garbage bags pasted over my bedroom windows to keep out the light. I also started to use earplugs. It may sound extreme, but with everyone crying that they need a 30 hour day, why not just reduce the sleep needed by improving the quality of sleep?

A person who normall sleeps for 9 hours can get a good night's sleep in 7 if they use soft earplugs and keep the room dark. It is important to pick the right earplug. Don't buy dollar store plugs. Instead, get something comfortable.

Work At Home Survival

The last post brought up the issue of family respect for the work at home professional. I've talked about this before, but Merryone brought up a good point.
She reads articles for WHAMs that have helped her.
This is something I have neglected. WHAM, is a community. There is no university to teach us how to survive and thrive. We must teach other, and learn through trial and error.

A blogging community like writingup can help us meet people who can teach us. I have learned, and I have taught, over my 11 months at writingup.
I am still learning.

The most important thing I've learned is not to neglect my physical or emotional state for the sake of a deadline.

Sometimes, it is better to go to bed for a couple of days and rest, even if it means missing a deadline. A couple days rest can make the difference between health and spending weeks suffering from symptoms.

This was the hardest lesson for me to learn. I always saw resting, waiting, or just needing a break as procrastination or wasting time.

Now, I consider my health as an asset to the business.

Balancing Parenthood and Work At Home

It can be hard. I work about 12 hours a day, but my children don't think I work. Still, they want to do things like go to the water park,