Starting a craft business can be a great way to make extra income. But, to turn your hobby into a business, you need to be professional.

These five tips will help you be more professional at your first craft show.

Tip One: Be Prepared

Practice setting up your booth before you actually go to the show. Where will everything go? Keep a list of everything you use, so you know you won’t forget anything. Also, take a picture so you won’t forget the layout.

Pretend you are buying something from your booth. What do you need? Be sure you have enough pens, order forms, bags, wrapping, change, etc. Go through the process - actually write the sale and bag your item. You’d be surprised what you might miss or forget.

Be prepared for the unexpected as well. Bring extra tape, display stands, tablecloths, and any duplicate items you may need more of. Sometimes, the layout may be different that you expected, or you may need thumbtacks instead of tape. Bring extras of everything you can.

Tip Two: Promote Your Business

Even if this is your first craft show, you need to look like a professional business. At the very least, you need business cards. If you have a website, include that on your cards.

Even better would be a coupon for a discount on a future purchase. This works particularly well if you have an online store. You may pick up sales after the show.

Give people a way to be notified about your future shows. This could be as simple as a sign up sheet for notifications, or a free newsletter subscription offer. You could also have a customer drawing where you collect their information.

Tip Three: Use Professional Materials

There is a big difference in quality between “professional” crafters, and beginners. Be sure your quality is in the professional category.

That means no glue guns, use professional adhesive for whatever medium you work in. Use quality canvas, quality thread, and professional adhesives. Use stitching whenever possible, instead of glue. Finish edges and seams, cut loose threads, do everything you can to make your craft look as good as possible.

Tip Four: Plan Your Display

Have you ever been to a craft show where there are hand-lettered signs, and stuff is just piled haphazardly? To be professional, you must look professional.

If you have signs, at the very least print them out on a printer. Better yet, have some of your signs made professionally. These signs can include product information, sales policies; sign up sheets and so on.

For your actual display, use tablecloths, pop displays, and other professional looking items to organize and display your space. You can group things according to item type, or price, or some artistic display pattern. The key is to plan.

Tip Five: Practice Professional Customer Service

There is nothing worse than going to a craft fair and being ignored. When someone comes into your booth, greet him or her warmly. Let them know you are there to help them decide what they want to buy. Don’t be an artisan snob, you’re working. Make the most of every customer contact.

And, if you can manage it, take credit cards. Even if you use Paypal, you at least have that option.

There are so many different brands of anti-again creams in the market today. They all come with high promises and feature some kind of new technology. Choosing which one to invest your hard earned money in can be a difficult task indeed. You don’t want to end up buying an expensive cream after reading their very convincing advertisements only to discover it does nothing for your skin.

So, how can you make an intelligent choice when shopping for an anti wrinkle cream? Here are 4 things to consider:

1. Your Age
Your skin is different at different stages of your life. If you’re in your 20s, all your skin needs is an effective moisturizer. Collagen production decrease when you’re in your 30s. Skin rejuvenation slows down too. This is when most people start to use anti-aging products. You’ll want to choose products that help your skin’s elasticity and cell rejuvenation. Sun protection is very important. Antioxidants will help too. As you hit 40s, your skin may start to develop age spots. You’ll need a cream that can improve your skin tone. Hydration will be a problem too, so find a cream that can seal in moisture.

2. Your Skin
Different people have different skin types. Is your skin dry or oily? Make sure the cream you get is suitable for your skin type. Get the wrong kind and not only will you get negative results but you may make things worse with breakouts and rashes. Don’t forget to consider your skin’s sensitivity. You might be better off using fragrant free creams.

3. What do you want the cream to do?
Different people have different skin aging problems. Are you trying to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, crows feet or blotchy skin? Most aging creams tackle only one or two specific skin aging problem. For example, cream A helps you overcome wrinkles while cream B firms up the skin.

4. What ingredients does the cream contain?
It will do you a world of good to be acquainted with ingredients that have been found to effectively fight aging. Here are a few examples:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HLA) maintains collagen levels and helps the skin stay hydrated.
- Idebenone is a good alternative to botox.
- Retinol can stimulate cell regeneration and build collagen.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) come in many forms such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and malic acid. They help to improve skin thickness, skin elasticity, skin tone and texture.
- Antioxidants help repair your skin and protect it from sun damage.

Some companies will offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product. Take advantage of that as it means you can try the product without fear of losing your money. It pays to be wise when shopping for an anti-aging cream. Don’t be blinded by advertisement hype.

First things first, exactly what are hormones? They are the very small chemical messengers that enable our bodies to perform various tasks. It is the body’s endocrine glands that produce them and these glands exist all over the body and their function is to secrete hormones that stimulate various bodily functions.

Human growth hormone or HGH is produced by the pituitary gland which is situated right in the center of the brain.

As the name would suggest, human growth hormone exists to promote physical growth in humans and HGH production is at its peak in the human body at the time of adolescence. HGH is made up of proteins called amino acids.

Adolescence, of course, is the time of many changes in the human body of both sexes, so it isn’t surprising that human growth hormone is present in maximum quantities in the body at this time. But don’t think that this particular hormone disappears altogether after this period. Human growth hormone continues to be produced, especially during periods of deep sleep.

Human growth hormone is responsible for affecting the growth of all of the body’s tissues and, indeed, the repair of tissues that have become damaged. They also help with bone strength, brain function, the function of the sexual and reproductive organs, the production of enzymes and other bodily functions.

Human growth hormone in modern times has become the focus for the anti-aging industry. It is certainly true that just about everything that goes on in your body is in some way affected by HGH and if you have artificially high levels of HGH in your body you will feel more energetic and youthful.

Before you rush off to find a source of human growth hormone to rejuvenate you, be aware that you will need to have very deep pockets, because the stuff isn’t cheap. In fact, a year’s supply of HGH can cost approximately $20,000.

Even if you have pockets deep enough to afford it, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be allowed any HGH injections, because it’s usually only available on prescription.

Ok, let’s say that, if only for reasons of personal vanity, you can afford and have been granted access to a supply of human growth hormone, are there any dangers or side-effects associated with its use?

Some research that has been carried out suggests that injecting human growth hormone can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and enlarged breasts.

More research needs to be done to verify these findings and work out whether carefully controlling the amounts of HGH injected can mitigate the side-effects in any way.

Do you suffer from a pot belly? Are you constantly gassy, bloated or nauseous? Is diarrhea or constipation the norm for you? One of the keys to overall well-being is detoxifying your system. Colon cleansing can release pounds of toxic waste from your system so you look and feel lighter.

Doesn’t Our Colon Cleanse Itself?

Our colon is designed to naturally expel waste. However, increasing toxins in our environment make it impossible for our bodies to process them quickly enough. As a result, waste builds up in the lining of your intestines.

This caked on waste does not allow all the essential nutrients from the foods you eat to be absorbed by the body. Meanwhile, the toxins from this undischarged waste build up in your system and gets released into your bloodstream. The result is a pot belly, gas, bloating, water retention, constipation and diarrhea. More serious problems from ongoing toxins in your colon include immune deficiencies and certain types of cancers.

What Is Colon Cleansing?

There are several ways to get rid of the waste built up in your colon including:

1. An old-fashioned enema such as Fleet can be inserted in the rectum to flush out bowel movements and cleanse the lower third of your colon.

2. For a quick release of bowel movements, you can move your system by drinking prune juice.

3. Colon hydrotherapy is done in a medical setting and cleanses the entire colon by using tubes with water inserted in your rectum as the technician rubs your belly until you release your bowels.

4. Natural colon cleansing through OTC remedies with herbal ingredients such as cascara sagrada, aloe, garlic extract, flax seeds and bentonite clay.

What Happens After Colon Cleansing?

When you move your bowels with a natural colon cleansing remedy, unusual stuff may come out of your body. Rubbery strings, green lumps, mucus and small worms are commonly found in bowel movements made after colon cleansing. And many people lose five to ten pounds after flushing out these toxins. Although its disgusting coming out, remember it’s far more hazardous inside your body.

How Can I Keep My Colon Clean?

A well-balanced lifestyle will help your digestive system and colon working properly. Greens, vegetables, whole grains, fish, chicken and six to eight glasses of water are a colon-friendly diet. Avoid eating fried food, fatty snacks, sugar, alcohol, processed foods and red meat more than two or three times weekly. These foods are difficult to digest and remain in your system for days, decaying in your intestines.

A key to better health, fitness and well-being is keeping your colon clean.

If you want to lose weight you have likely already heard the praise being given to the latest in natural cures - Hoodia Gordonii. So, is it as good as they say? How does it work? And most importantly - will it help you lose weight?  Is it the best weight loss supplement?

STUDY SHOWED HUNGER PAINS TURNED OFF

The most frequently reported study to promote Hoodia Gordonii as a weight loss supplement was conducted with obese individuals who were given Hoodia Gordonii and left in a room with little to distract them except TV, reading and eating. This group consumed on average 1000 less calories a day than the control group given a placebo.

The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii appears to tell the brain that the stomach is full. No hunger pains could mean less eating, which would naturally cause a loss of weight.

AFRICAN BUSHMAN USED HOODIA TO STAVE OFF HUNGER FOR LONG TRIPS

Hoodia Gordonii is an African cactus that grows naturally only in the Kalahari desert. For thousands of years the bushman of this region have eaten Hoodia Gordonii with no apparent ill side effects, like the racing heart experience of Ephedra or other supplements.

In fact, the only known side effect seems to be an overall good feeling. However, the bushman used the Hoodia Gordonii sparingly and further studies are required to examine the possible side effects of regular doses over a long period of time.

WILL THE HOODIA GORDONII HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

The molecule that has been linked to the appetite suppressing abilities of Hoodia Gordonii, now called P.57, appears to affect both humans and animals. One study showed a decrease in appetite by 30-40%. There are documented personal experiences showing the immediate effects of eating Hoodia Gordonii.

It is important to note that the molecule isolated in Hoodia Gordonii does not necessarily affect the appetite when eating high carbohydrate or sugar diets or when hunger is caused by physical exercise. While P.57 can signal to the brain that the body is full, the sugar drops and physical requirement for nourishment can counteract these effects.

As with any weight loss program it is necessary to adapt diet and lifestyle to experience the most profound changes. Suppressing the appetite should not be a replacement for good nutrition and healthy living. It is also important to note that further testing of the safety and effects of Hoodia Gordonii are sure to continue and not all products that are advertised to contain Hoodia Gordonii are prepared equally. The active ingredient in many products is not enough to produce the desired effects and should be chosen wisely.