30 year marriage

Married 30 years.
I took a look at my wife one day and said, “Honey, 30 years ago, we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, slept on the sofa and watched a 15” black and white TV. But I got to sleep with a hot 29 year-old blonde. Now we have a nice house, a nice car, a king-size bed and a plasma screen TV. But I’m sleeping every night with a 60-year old woman. It seems to be you’re not holding up your side of things.”
My wife is a reasonable woman. She told me to go out and find a hot 30-year old blonde, and she would make absolutely sure that I would be living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping on a sofa bed and watching a 15” black & white TV. I just love older women. They know how to solve a man’s problems in a hurry.

Braai Day & Other news

Welcome to NATIONAL BRAAI DAY!

What a wonderful concept to enjoy on Heritage Day. "On 24 September all South Africans will sit around the same fire. Join us in National Braai Day - a celebration of our great country and its unique national pastime. National Braai Day will allow us to get together, burn the past and cook up a succulent future. Braaing unites us all in a common purpose and transcends racial, social, cultural and language barriers. There's really no excuse not to gather your family and friends and whip up a feast - it's the start of summer and a public holiday." (Ref: http://www.braaiday.co.za/)

And whilst we all know that our Tagines can be used on the braai, even Cosmo is getting in on the act. In an article on how to keep your kitchen healthy, the following passage appears: "Swap the Roasting dish for a Tagine - roasted vegetable are healthy but you need to add oil for flavour and moisture. 'A tagine is self-basting,' says UK dietitian Nigel Denby. 'The design ensures that the steam keeps circulating, keeping food juicy without any added fat. It's also the ultimate in low-maintenance cooking - pop it in the oven [or on the stove] and let the steam do its work." Cosmopolitan, October 2007 (pg. 46 - Zest).

However, our Tagines are not limited to just vegetable dishes. For a range of Tagine recipes, view our site.
And, Eastern Gifts and Things cc is proud to launch its affiliate program. We are delighted that you can make some money with the Eastern Gifts and Things cc Affiliate Program! It is profitable, easy to sign up and easy to administer. All you have to do is link to us with your unique Affiliate Link. You can add value to your offering by linking your site to “the Best Home Décor, Kitchenware and Gifting Site Ever” – and you can generate more revenue at the same time. Why Our Affiliate Program? Well, we pay 10% commission for each sale on our site that has found our site through your link. Quality services and products to increase revenue opportunities and we offer your customers the best in home décor, kitchenware and gifting items, with direct delivery for up to five registered delivery addresses. Click here to join our Affiliate Program and link to Eastern Gifts and Things cc and start earning money with our Affiliate Program right now!

For more information, e-mail us on info@easterngifts.co.za.

And for all the women out there running their own businesses, here are two networking sites to get the word out there.

The first site is www.pages4women.com. Tania Bartrip - Owner and Editor of Pages 4 Women: Tania is the founder and editor of www.Pages4women.com - a platform where women can connect to share ideas, network and promote their business or service on a global level. She aims to Empower, Motivate, Inform and Unite women worldwide! Based, at the moment, in the South West of England, she is presently focusing her efforts on building a network where busy women can connect and find information and services on a wide range of topics from Business to Holistic Health to Interior Design, Fashion, Self-Help and Relationship issues. If you are a business owner and would like to have your personal profile featured on the site, just click the link to the Home page where you'll find full details - it's Free to join!

The second, a locally based website will add a little spice to your life. Welcome to the SPICE Philosophy: Self worth, Passion, Inspiration, Commitment and Edutainment - the tools through which we are able to embrace our womanhood and fulfil our true potential. SPICE has a very definitive goal: Connecting women with purpose in order for them to reach their full potential and spread their success and example amongst all around them, especially their families, children and community. With 7 years of hard earned experience, development of strong ethical relationships, credibility with our market & endorsement for the roles we play. We host a large interactive database, with an independent e-zine website receiving hundreds of thousands of visits from Women of South Africa. – www.spice4life.co.za.

And finally, our new products are taking off extremely well. Our pots - handmade in Peru - are exclusively available on our site. For more information on any of these news items, please e-mail us on info@easterngifts.co.za.

Competition Time And finally, don't forget our competition: One lucky subscriber will stand the chance to win a R350.00 gift voucher. So, pass the word onto all your friends, family and colleagues. You can sign up for our newsletter, without having to register as a client. However, you will need to sign up as a client in order to make a purchase on our site. To sign up for a newsletter - click here. To sign up as a client - click here. Competition closes 15 November 2007.

Here's to a wonderful spring and summer ahead - and have a fantastic NATIONAL BRAAI DAY today. And here's to seeing you online again soon:-)

Remember, we pack it, wrap it and deliver it - anywhere in South Africa.

For all your home decor, kitchenware and gifting requirements - log onto www.easterngifts.co.za.

Regards,
THE EASTERN GIFTS TEAM

Got Worry?

Hi, there

I found this interesting article on worry from Kim Allen, from HeartMaths. A little bit of motivation for a long weekend, so I thought I’d share. Oh, and have a fabulous long weekend!!!

Regards,
M.

Got Worry?

Care is a good thing. How much better we feel when someone cares for us. Care even feels good when we give it to someone else. You could say a sincere feeling of care reduces stress, whether we're on the giving or receiving end.
Yet when we look up care in the dictionary, the first definitions are not what we think of when we want to be cared for: A state of mind in which one is troubled; worry, anxiety, or concern.1

Well that makes sense. After all, aren't the people or issues you care for or about the very same things that cause you worry, anxiety or frustration? How often do you fuss or fret over something you don't care about?

If what you care about is causing you stress it could be because it's crossed the line into overcare.

We've all been on the receiving end of overcare: the micro manager, the perfectionist, and the overbearing parent who do what they do because they say (and believe!) they care. In actuality, however, they've taken their care to an inefficient extreme and turned it into overcare. Overcaring is a monumental drain on all concerned and one of the most common sources of stress. And, left unchecked, overcaring can lead to burnout. That's when we quit; we stop caring all together and that's not a healthy alternative.

Now, watch out! Don't start to overcare (worry!) because you overcare! We all do! Rather, get back to balanced care. First, disengage from the stressful feeling: Heart focus; heart breathing. Next, recall a sincere feeling of care (to have an inclination, liking, fondness, or affection1) for someone or something. Now you're ready to ask yourself, "What would be a more efficient attitude or action that would reduce my stress and get me back to balanced care?"

And follow through. This won't reduce your stress unless you take action!

1http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/care

The People's Chemist

Hi, there

I'm not sure if you've heard of Sean Ellison, the people's chemist. He has some very different views on medication, for example, he does not promote using any medication for cholesterol at all. He says its all hype created by big drug companies to make money (it does seem a little odd that every seems to have high cholesterol). Anyway, I've copied an article of his below - why not read it and comment? Would be interesting to see what everyone thinks. And by the way, he is a chemist and pharmacist himself, so he says that he speaks from "inside" information.
Here goes:

"I'm back! The People's Chemist site was hacked twice in one week. Go figure. Exploding health myths and giving out Stinky Sulfur Awards like physicians do statins - or celebrities do pharmaceutical fellatio - can piss people off. New email is service@thepeopleschemist.com. Site is at http://www.thepeopleschemist.com/.

Celebrating my triumphant return, see the free fact sheet below. I've attached it too so you can download, save, and forward to all of your friends - or enemies.

The People's Chemist Urgent Warning and ADHD Protocol
By Shane "The People's Chemist" Ellison
http://www.thepeoplesch emist.com © 2007

The popular pain killer Vioxx was touted as the safest of all time - by physicians and medical journals. After a grueling five years, Big Pharma could no longer hide their secret. The body bags were stacking up too high. By Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates, it prevented 30,000 to 40,000 American's from living out their dreams. Instead, they are now six feet under. In my book, Health Myths Exposed, I warn that our children might be facing a similar tragedy thanks to the ADHD meds Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta.

By over stimulating the central nervous system, ADHD meds put the cardiovascular system into overdrive. The hearts of our developing children simply cannot keep up. Death results - far more than Big Pharma, or anyone for that matter, wants to admit. But don't take my word for it.Commenting on the troublesome threesome, Dr. Nissen of the world renowned Cleveland Clinic stated that, "We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns. This is out-of-control use of drugs that have profound cardiovascular consequences. We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns." The Alliance for Human Research Protection shows that in 2006, the U.S. Center for Disease Control issued a report confirming that ADHD drugs send thousands to hospital emergency rooms annually. Few medical doctors or media are reporting the dangers.

Not everyone is concealing the death threat of ADHD meds. The Experimental Pharmacology Department of the American Cyanamid Company and the Merck Index reports that these meds are no less toxic or safer than amphetamine and methamphetamine. They state that with the administration of this drug, motor activity decreases. Many times, tremors and convulsions occur. Studies on amphetamine derivatives show that short-term clinical doses produce brain cell death. According to the authoritative Merck Index, long-lasting and sometimes permanent changes in the biochemistry of the brain are also a result.

Such dangers explain why the U.S. Government spends billions every year to keep them off the street. But it doesn't explain why we are pushing them to our 5th graders. The House subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations highlighted that ADHD meds are prescribed for 10% of 5th grade boys! A total of 2.5 million American children are being given street crank disguised as ADHD vitamins...

All the symptoms of ADHD are best controlled with select lifestyle habits and nutritional supplements. Replacing sugary meals with ones that are loaded with healthy source of fat such as eggs, avocado, grass fed beef, seeds and nuts is a great start. Cod liver oil and green tea supplements can enhance focus while L-tryptophan before bed ensures restful sleep and enhanced mood.

About the Author
Shane "The People's Chemist" Ellison has an MS in organic chemistry and firsthand experience in drug design and synthesis. He is an internationally recognized authority on therapeutic nutrition and author of Health Myths Exposed and The Hidden Truth about Cholesterol Lowering Drugs. Get his "Foundational Health Education" to beat obesity, heart disease, and even Type II diabetes by visiting www.thepeopleschemist.com/foundation.html
healthmyths.net

3600 Cerrillos Dr. #714C-802
Santa Fe
New Mexico 87507
United States"

Regards,
M.

A personal tragedy...

After experiencing a personal tragedy this weekend involving an elderly relative and cash flow, I've decided to remind all the ladies about these stats and encourage all women to make their own money and ensure their financial future - right into old age and retirement. I posted this a while ago, but given the situation at the moment, thought I’d post it again:

I often get asked why I decided to start my own business. Well, apart from the fact that husband got retrenched a couple of years ago that really knocked the wind out of our sales (and we’re still haven’t recovered from that), the statistics below are quite frightening and is part of my motivation in starting my own business. And next month we’re celebrating Woman’s Day (Yay!) and I thought these statistics were pretty pertinent to that as well. I’m quoting from Kim Kiyosaki’s book, Rich Woman – A Book on Investing for Women (pg 58 – 59).

“The statistics about women and money are very startling. The following are U.S. statistics, yet I find for other countries throughout the world these statistics are very similar or are trending in the same direction.
In the U.S.:

• 47% of women over the age of 50 are single. (This means they are financially responsible for themselves.)
  Women’s retirement income is less than that of men because a woman is away from the work force an average of 14.7 years as compared to 1.6 years for men. (Women are typically the primary caretaker of the home.) This, along with lower salaries, adds up to retirement benefits that are only about ¼ of those of men. (National Center for Women and Retirement Research – NCWRR)
• 50% of marriages end in divorce. (And who typically ends up with the children? The woman. So now she is solely financially responsible for herself – and her children. And what is the #1 subject couples fight about? Money.)
• In the first year after a divorce a woman’s standard of living drops an average of 73%.
• As of 2000, women are expected to live an average of 7 to 10 years longer than men, (Ann Letteersee June 12, 2000), which means they must provide for those extra years. However, married baby boomer women can expect to outlive their husbands by 15 to 20 years on average.
• The average female born between 1948 and 1964 may likely remain in the workforce until at least 74 years of age due to inadequate financial savings and pension coverage. (National Center for Women and Retirement Research, 1996)
• Of the elderly living in poverty: 3 out of 4 are women (Morningstar Fund Investor) and 80% of the women were not poor when their husbands were alive.
• Approximately 7 out of 10 women will at some time live in poverty.

What are these statistics telling us? They tell us that more and more women, especially as they become older, are not educated or prepared to take care of themselves financially. We’ve spent our entire lives taking care of our families, but have no ability to care for ourselves in this vital way. We are either depending upon someone else to do it for us – a husband or partner, a boss, a family member, or the government. Or we just figure that it will all work out. The fairy tales we grew up with were just that.

Three final statistics to consider:

• 90% of all women will have sole responsibility for their finances within their lifetimes … yet 79% of all women have not planned for this.
• 58% of female baby boomers have less than $10 000 in retirement.
• Only 20% of baby boomer women will be financially secure in their retirement (Ms. Magazine, 2002).

With all of the above, you can see why I wanted to and did start my own business.

Good luck to all the women out there! Be rich, be healthy and be wise.

Regards,

M.

Win a R350.00 gift voucher

Hi, there

http://www.easterngifts.co.za - You can also sign up to receive our monthly newsletters on the site – containing information on home décor ideas, recipes, gifts and so much more!

Register now and get R50.00 off your first purchase! Plus, sign up for our newsletter and stand a chance of winning a R350.00 gift voucher – competition closes 15 November 2007.

If there is any way in which we can assist – please do not hesitate to get hold of me.

Regards,
M.

Newsletter - Sep 2007

Good Afternoon,

As the old cliché goes - so much to do, so little time. We are, however, glad to see that spring is in the air and with summer just around the corner, there is so much to look forward to. There is also so much news to share from Eastern Gifts and Things cc.

Quote for Today: "The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all," - Jawaharial Nehru

We have a new tagine recipe on our site, which is absolutely delicious. Click here to view. It is really delicious (yes, I have tried it) and although it sounds complex, is actually quite easy to prepare. And I must say, I am very impressed with the Emile Henry tagines. Not only can you use them on the stove (gas or electric), but also in the oven or even on the braai (for that truly authentic Moroccan cooking). The best part for me, though, is that the tagines are completely dishwasher safe. I put both the base and the lid of the tagine into the dishwasher and it cleans perfectly, every time. And if you're dieting and trying to get fit for summer - then a tagine is ideal for you. Tagine recipes are extremely healthy and good for you. The larger tagines can cater for up to 8 people, depending on what you're making. I've made a chicken and almond tagine (recipe also on our website) for 8 people, and still had some leftover for lunch the next day. The smaller tagines can quite easily cater for 4 to 6 people; depending on what you're making (a vegetable tagine goes much further than a chicken or meat tagine). Why not try some of our recipes on our site and let us know what you think - all feedback received will be posted on our site and included in our next newsletter. E-mail us on info@easterngifts.co.za.

We at Eastern Gifts and Things cc are very proud to announce two new product lines available through our website.

1. The first is exclusively available on our site - you will not find these in store anywhere in South Africa. They are unique handmade pots. Each pot weighs about 3.5kg and each design is unique. To view and place your order - click here. In time, we will be adding the most beautiful handmade chess sets as well. So, watch this space.
2. The second range of products are handmade wooden candle holders. All candle holders are made to order and you can choose the stain, colour and wood. These candle holders are absolutely beautiful and ideal for any home. To view - click here.

Another exciting venture Eastern Gifts has embarked on is an affiliate program. So, if you have a website and would like to earn additional income, why not apply for our affiliate program? We pay 10% commission on all sales (excluding delivery charges and gift wrapping). If you are interested, click here to complete our application form. However, if you don't have a website, but you would still like to earn some additional income, you can register as an agent. E-mail us for an agent's application form on info@easterngifts.co.za.

I know you are going to think I'm getting ahead of myself now, but Christmas is just around the corner. With only three months to go, and plenty of end-of-year functions and planning for the holidays, it is best to start planning early. We have a beautiful range of Christmas gifts that we will deliver anywhere in South Africa. You can have up to five delivery addresses linked to your account and we accept both Visa and MasterCard. Or, if you'd prefer, you are able to pay via EFT as well (banking details will be e-mailed to you when placing an order).

Competition Time And finally, we are running a competition for our newsletters. One lucky subscriber will stand the chance to win a R350.00 gift voucher. So, pass the word onto all your friends, family and colleagues. You can sign up for our newsletter, without having to register as a client. However, you will need to sign up as a client in order to make a purchase on our site. To sign up for a newsletter - click here. To sign up as a client - click here. Competition closes 15 November 2007.

Here's to a wonderful spring and summer ahead - and here's to seeing you online again soon J Remember, we pack it, wrap it and deliver it - anywhere in South Africa.

For all your home decor, kitchenware and gifting requirements - log onto www.easterngifts.co.za.

Regards,
THE EASTERN GIFTS TEAM

Tel: 0842 366 388 / Fax: 0865 021 060 / E-Mail: info@easterngifts.co.za / Website: www.easterngifts.co.za

Tell your colleagues, family and friends about the Eastern Gifts and Things cc update newsletter. Simply e-mail subscribe@easterngifts.co.za with subscribe in the subject line or click here to register online.

Eastern Gifts and Things cc does not promote spam. If you feel that you received this communication in error, please e-mail us on subscribe@easterngifts.co.za immediately. Eastern Gifts and Things cc cannot ensure that the integrity of this communication has been maintained or that it is free from errors, computer viruses, interference or interception. If you are not the authorised recipient of this mail, please notify us immediately at info@easterngifts.co.za and delete the original from your system. Terms and conditions apply.

Giovanni's Pots

Hi, there

Just to keep you all posted - I have also just signed up a new supplier of the most beautiful handmade pots. Eastern Gifts is proud to announce its exclusive range of Giovanni Pots - only available on our site.

Each pot weights around 3.5kg's and each pot is completely unique. Pots are made as orders are placed, so the lead time is between two and three weeks. But, you will not find another pot like this in any store.

Remember, we pack it, wrap it & delivery it - anywhere in South Africa.

Regards,
M.

New Stock...

We are proud to have on our site handmade products from Woodcrafts. Beautiful handmade candle holders - stained or painted according to your specifications. Soon, we will also have Butler's Trays and so much more.

To view: http://easterngifts.co.za/martindale-woodcrafts-m-216.html

Should you have any queries on these handmade candle holders, or any of our other products, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@easterngifts.co.za.

Remember - we pack it, wrap it & deliver it - anywhere in South Africa.

Regards,
M.

Run for Life

hehe - I have finally done it! I have joined Run for Life in an attempt to get fit for summer (I cannot believe how unfit I am!!!).

I encourage everyone to join - I've been to a few sessions already and have thoroughly enjoyed it. They start you off slowly with the whole idea being to get fit without injury or exhaustion.

You can log onto their site for details, but for the PE folk who are interested - the group I'm with meets on a Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 17:15 at DF Malherbe school, next to Walmer Park.

Hope to see you there!!!

Regards,
M.

Salulah

Telecom : How may we help you?

Customer : I haff a big problem with my phone bill. My wife, she think I haffing an affair!

Telecom : Okay Sir, and how can we help you with this?

Customer : My bill haff all these calls to Salulah and my wife think I haffing an affair with this woman, but I never heard of her before. I need to trace these calls please.

Telecom : Sir, I'm sorry but the bill won't actually tell you the name of the person you're calling, just their number.

Customer : This one does.Telecom : What phone do you have, Sir?

Customer : A mobile. I tell you this.

Telecom : No, Sir, what make? What do you have in your hands?

Customer : An erection

.............................................. After a moment's silence, the gallant Telecom worker continued.

Telecom : Um, sir? Could you spell that for me?

Customer : For sure - E..R..I..C..S..S..O..N. Erection................................................Another moment's silence from Telecom, and suddenly the penny dropped.

Telecom : Sir? Can you spell Salulah for me?

Customer : For sure. C..E..L..L..U..L..A...R. Salulah.

Have you seen this?

It’s amazing. Makes me wonder how many other people with such amazing talent cannot afford - for whatever reason - to pursue their talent. Bear in mind that he sold phones for a living. http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd.html - Seriously incredible.

Some other amazing links to watch:
http://goudkuipje.web-log.nl/goudkuipje/2007/06/damon_scott_en_.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6A5WRbMseU
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=K_5W4t_CBzg
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mUyKYB4zYCQ

Regards,
M.