Insurance groups and cheap car insurance

The theory of buying a new car is always straightforward. You watch Top Gear, see something spectacular, toddle off to the nearest dealer's showroom, plonk down cash and drive away contented. Well, if that's your approach, you're either a company director who gets one of these eye-watering bonuses, or you've never tried to buy and insure a car before. Let's go back to Jeremy Clarkson and his happy band of cartoon-like presenters who often sacrifice intelligent comment for humour. Many of the cars shown are expensive to own and repair. Before you even begin dreaming of buying one of these often sleek speedsters, check which insurance group it belongs to. Remember, you're looking for cheap car insurance...

Until 2010, there were only 20 groups. This reflected a general feeling that insurers could predict the costs of repair with enough accuracy to set premiums. However, following work done by Thatcham, the motor insurance repair research centre, the groupings were expanded to 50. This is now adopted as standard by the Association of British Insurers and Lloyds Market Association. For each group, there's now an estimate of the cost of parts and labour following a crash test at 15 mph. The other factor influenced by Thatcham is vehicle security. This takes account of the locks and any other security features fitted as standard. So the car you would like to buy may be allocated to Group 18 and have an A for an adequate level of security (E shows the security provided exceeds the group expectation, i.e. the car would be shown as a 17E). For obvious reasons, it's unwise to buy a vehicle which has a D or U security classification.

The rule is that you get cheap car insurance when the car is in a low group. The majority of newly manufactured cars intended for the mass market are within the range 1-20. But do not assume that small underpowered cars will belong to a low group. Some of the Fiat Bravo range are in Group 17, the HGT is in Group 29.

How to Make the Most of Couture Wedding Gowns

Nothing looks quite as elegant as couture wedding gowns when they come out just right. If planned and executed carefully and perfectly, a custom made dress can look and feel like the dress of your dreams! There are several ways to make sure your couture bridal dress looks great and makes you look even better!

Here are a few of the things that help make couture wedding gowns look the best that they can be!

Styles and Fabrics That Fit the Occasion

A comfortable bride is a beautiful bride, which is why it is necessary to make sure that the fabric and styles used in couture wedding gowns suit the season, occasion and location as much as possible. Obviously, if the wedding is to be held outdoors in the summertime, it makes no sense to buy a heavy wedding dress with heavy fabrics that will be quite uncomfortable in hot weather. On the other hand, it is equally uncomfortable to be wearing cotton, gauzy, lightweight gowns in the middle of a cold snap. Be practical.

Detailing

Lace or embroidery? Seed pearls or rhinestones? How about sequins? Boning? Petticoats? Silk flowers? Hand beading? These are the details that add to the magic of the designs - but only when done right. Too little, and they're of no help, while too much is just tacky. A good designer will help you decide on just the right amount of detailing added at just the right places to flatter you most.

Undergarments

Wearing the proper underclothes go a long way in making sure that whatever couture wedding gown you might have chosen, it will look good on you! Undergarments certainly affect how a dress fits, and how smoothly it hangs on a figure. Don't skimp when investing in good undergarments.

Shoes

Having the right height, design and material for your shoes can go a long way in making the most out of your couture wedding gowns. The height of the shoe affects the hemline and how the skirt falls, and there's a right shoe height for every design. Short tea-length dresses, for instance will do best with high heels that flatter the legs, while tall brides in streamlined gowns might do well with ballet flats or jewelled sandals. When it comes to shoes, choosing the right ones will spell the difference between looking good and looking great.

Accessories

Flowers in your hair or a pearl hair band (or tiara) holding the veil in place may just be the finishing touch you need, but that truly depends on the designs. Carefully choosing the right accessories to match the different designs for couture wedding gowns is the key to the perfect look. Less is usually more.

Can a Woman Row Across The Pacific? She Already Did

What if I told you that it was possible to row a boat across the Pacific Ocean? And what if I told you that it has been done before? And what if I told you that a woman has also accomplish this task? Indeed, there was a woman who rowed the Kon-Tiki Route - from Lima Peru to the Polynesian Islands across the Pacific Ocean. Can you even imagine that? This same woman braved the Atlantic Ocean as well, yes, in a rowboat. If that wasn't enough, a few years later she decided to sail around the world.

Now then, I don't know about you, but this sure sounds like a life well lived to me. Someone refusing to live in mediocrity, take the easy route, or succumb to fear. She was determined, dedicated, and committed to the cause, her cause. When she left Lima Peru they thought she was crazy, but no one thought she was crazy when she rowed ashore on that Polynesian island after accomplishing something seemingly impossible.

Okay so, I'd like to recommend a very good book to you, one which I personally own, and one which has given me motivation to do something great myself someday. The name of the book is;

"Challenging the Pacific - The First Woman to Row the Kon-Tiki Route," by Maud Fontenoy (also author of Across the Savage Sea), Arcade Publishing, New York, NY, 2005, 155 pages, ISBN: 978-1-55970-818-0.

Her story is incredible, as she battled the weather, the unknown, the mighty currents, and lived to tell about it. A lesser woman would not have been able to accomplish this, and would have drowned along the route. Of course, Maud is no ordinary woman. What I'd like to say is; there is no reason to live in mediocrity or become an ordinary person. You should live your life for the moment, and enjoy the experience, and never be stifled by society's norms, or the fear which fills the hearts of lesser men, or women.

After reading her account of what happened, it doesn't sound like something that I would want to do, but I am humbled by her incredible success, vision, and perseverance. This shows the true essence of the human spirit, what's possible, and why you should never give up on your dreams and goals. Far too many people do, and then they grow old and wonder what happened, they lived an ordinary life, but they also did so by choice. This is your life to live, so live it full-tilt, make it count.

Honoring Friendships As Great American Women

It's a late Friday afternoon in early August when they start to arrive at the cash bar. Within a few minutes, the lounge is full of laughter and cheer as old friends reunite and newcomers are warmly welcomed.

The atmosphere is enthusiastic and expectant. No wonder.

These twenty-some women have much to look forward to. They have left their usual chores behind for a weekend of good wining, dining and camaraderie at a very hospitable conference center near Minneapolis.

Every year since 1995, this getaway has brought dozens of American women together from several different states, and even as far away as Scandinavia.

How did it all get started?

Many years ago, an executive member of a large, nationwide scholarship organization was nearing retirement age. The thought of losing contact with her network of interesting, professional women got her thinking.

"I must find way to keep in touch with this amazing group of women!"

Brainstorming this thought resulted in the idea of collecting women friends, relatives and friends-of-friends once a year for a weekend of open-hearted sharing and studying topics of interest to all. In this way her network would not only flourish, but could even expand.

She decided to call the event "The Great American Women Getaway" as it would allow American women to get away from life's usual demands and enjoy spending truly quality time together.

How is it organized?

Each year, the theme of the coming year is decided on during that Getaway. Everyone has a chance to contribute ideas. A few months later, all attendees receive a copy of the "Getaway Gazette" with a short article about each session that took place. In February, it is high time for the planning committee for the next Getaway to start finalizing ideas for the up-coming event. Everyone on the mailing list is contacted and volunteers are recruited to lead the various presentations.

The committee also researches possible women authors who might be interested in speaking about a recent book they have written. This is always a very inspirational highlight for the women.

As plans finalize, the committee sends out a description of the various sessions to encourage everyone interested to register as soon as possible. Those already on the mailing list are welcome to suggest new names of women who might be interested in the event. Everyone is always made warmly welcome.

As all preparation and planning is done by volunteers, there is only a small registration fee. Room and board at the conference center is provided at a reduced rate.

About a month or so before the start of the Getaway, final information is sent out.

Needless to say, this information boosts excitement even further.

Then, on a late Friday afternoon in early August, a gang of cheerful, enthusiastic gals of all ages gather at the conference center's cash bar and the fun begins!

What sort of topics are covered?

During the years, innumerable subjects have been explored during this weekend of fun discovery.

A complete list would require several pages, but here are a few topics from recent years:

Pioneer women on the trail West, Women and the Arts, being mothers and daughters, how the brain works, the history of the English language, reducing pollution, getting to know Annie Liebovitz, experiencing a labyrinth, sharing worldviews, making dream catchers, the art of patchwork quilting, the luxury of fragrant oils, drawing on the right side of the brain, hospice care, adoption.

An event that enriches women's lives year after year

The goal of the Great American Women Getaway is to connect interesting women with great ideas and good books. Strong and meaningful relationships are the result.

Perhaps you have been wondering about how to keep in touch with friends and family. Why not consider organizing a yearly retreat that gets everyone talking, sharing and learning together?

Sexual Wellness As a Path to Freedom

Sexual Wellness as a path to freedom

My hope is that this phrase will make you stop and think. Hmmm...how is this possible?

How does a healthy sex life give you a feeling of freedom?

First of all, let's define what is meant by sexual wellness or healthy sex. Sexual wellness is a return to the inner wisdom and truth about BEing a sexual person. It is a place that lives inside of you where you feel safe and have the power to enjoy sex without restraint, and have full permission to express your sexuality. This does not mean that you have to hang yourself upside down and create exotic gymnastics to have a fulfilling sexual experience. It actually has nothing to do with what is happening on the outside during sex. Sexual wellness is a quality of energy that pulses at a high vibration which results in vibrant health on the inside.

For every individual, the path to find sexual wellness is unique. No two orgasms look the same. You explore your personal inner most ecstatic feelings by allowing, receiving and surrendering to pleasure. Safety is the key.

Knowing you are safe is also an inside job. You experience safety when your body is very relaxed and your mind is easeful without stress and worries. How hard is this for you? According to current data, at least 60% of women are repressed sexually so I imagine many of you find it difficult to feel safe. BTW, the 60% statistic has also been noted to be low by many sexual experts. That's a WHOA Baby!

It makes me sad to report it, as I know the value of sexual wellness for you, your relationships and the entire planet. When we free ourselves from the confinement of fear around our sexuality, the joy factor on the planet will increase substantially.

Let's take a look at our key words and their definitions, and how you can use the meaning behind them to skip down the path of sexual liberation and freedom. And please do skip it gets us out of our serious minds always helpful.:)

Allow: 1) to make a possibility, 2) to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies.

Allow yourself to consider what needs to BE present in order to feel safe and experience pleasure.

Receive: 1) to come into possession of, 2) to assimilate through the mind or senses

Receive and possess pleasure by experiencing joy through your senses. Let all your senses come alive throughout your day.

Surrender: 1) to give oneself over to something (as an influence), 2) to yield to the power

Surrender to the power of pleasure and allow it influence your life.

There are obvious issues which prevent us from experiencing deep satisfaction and fulfillment with sexuality. We, as women, are awfully good at complicating most situations. Our darn brains just don't want to turn off sometimes.

Start where you are...and cultivate a knowing that sexual wellness heals you and creates freedom in every aspect of your life.

"Health is not only to be well, but to use well every power we have."

Hairstyles for 2012 for a Fashion Forward Lady

Glistening hair

Glistening hair, the most coveted one, doesn't just happen, no matter what your hair length or texture, you've to work for it! Do not expect it to happen overnight, you have to religiously follow certain steps to grow that beautiful and healthy glistening hair. The good part is that it is not hard it just requires discipline and patience.

You can use hair serum with light concentration of oils and silicone and apply it to the roots of the hair everyday. Leave it in your hair overnight for better results. To keep every strand of hair shinny and strong, go with hot hair oils. Cold rinse adds loads of luster to your hair. For that ultra shine go with professional hair treatments.

Bold colors

We all know and love Katy Perry, maybe not as mush for her music as it is for the constant change of her hairstyles with different color shades. She goes from pink, to light blue and green in a heart beat and looks fabulous in all these shades. Bold colors are big for this spring/summer season. The top of the color chart are the soft pink mixed with blond shades of orange. The contrast of bright and dark colors is the new look.

Pony tail, top knots, wrap it ups - embellished

Whether you prefer short hair or the Rapunzel look, everyone relies on a pony tail at one time or another. The pony tails are back. You can go with soft and low, sleek and high, low and parted on side with curls for longer hair. The sprout look is perfect for short hair. With this length, it's difficult to fit every last hair into an elastic band. Little pieces of short hair sticking out can give the hairstyle a playful edge. You can turn the pony tail into an embellished wrap up with chic hairpins or a top-knot if your hair is thinner to avoid the look of lifelessness.

The beach wave look

The urban wave of messy hair is back. The soft curls are the newest and hottest hairstyle trends. You can pull off this look without much effort. A simple blow-dry of hair and it's done. It looks messy and yet polished.The beach waves will give you super sultry look that will seamlessly take you from day-to-night, work-to-play. If you want to go for a more sophisticated waves than use curling iron to define the locks and then pass through the strands with a hair comb.

Voluminous bouncy blowouts

Loosely curled, Bohemian-inspired hair as seen on stars have been in high demand lately. If you want to provide your hair with sophistication and 1960s Hollywood glamour, than opt for a voluminous bouncy blowout. You can't pull out this look if your hair is thinner, but if you have thick hair than you should go for it.

Braids

Braids are enormously versatile. There are many different braided hairstyles that can be done. There's the milkmaid, the over-the-shoulder, French braids, braids tucked into buns, mini-braids interwoven into hair, French braids that give the illusion of an under-cut, the braid as a headband, fishtail braids. We could go on and on. The point is that they are huge and have the ability to provide you with the look of a Roman and Greek empress and are perfect hairstyle especially for summer and weddings.

Go for at least one of this look and you're guaranteed to be branded chic and charming

5 Simple School Fundraising Ideas

School spirit is more vivid with fundraising. To support a particular group, occasion, or campaign, schools and other non-profit organizations use successful fundraising events to keep the finances flowing.

Most of school fundraising helps varsity teams' subsidize uniforms and equipment. Provide better health care services for students as well as construction of important facilities of the school. The fund used in these improvements usually comes from parents and alumni funds.

Here are five simple tips that can make your school fundraising extra lucrative.

Art pieces

You can sell or set an auction for art pieces made by famous local artists. If you know someone from your school that is having a name in the art scene, you can invite him over together with his pieces to help raise funds and popularity at the same time.

Handicrafts

Most of handicrafts are made out of recycled and cheap materials but once done and sold, can actually cost more. You can invite groups that specialize on handicraft making. Or, those moms that are not busy can give their time to the event as well. They will surely be happy to help their children and school with this type of project.

Food

While everyone is busy with school fair, you can sell student's most favorite food. It can be cupcakes, pizza, chocolates and anything that you know they will surely like.

You can order a bulk of food to have discount. If you're a good baker or cook you can also make them yourself. Although it can be time consuming, at least you have the full control of the amount and the production of the food.

Apparels

Shirt, jacket and cap are most worn apparels of students especially during school events. You can sell personalized printed shirt or even have them design their own shirt. All you need are t-shirts of any color, painting materials, silk screen for printing and of course creative mind.

Accessories

Girls and boys will never skip your booth if you're selling hip and cool accessories. From necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other fashionable accessories such as scarf, belt and sunglasses. If you want to spread a particular message, you can engrave it on famous rubber bracelets and get people wear them wherever they go.

There are other that you can use in fundraising such as sports events, pageants and other contest. Meet with your group and gauge the pulse of the students and other potential customers to build a successful fundraising campaign.