Smart Ladies Over 40: Smart Ladies Over 40

Glamour Puss Shares Secret for Shiny, Bouncy Curls

By admin on July 27, 2011

I know the title sounds like a tabloid headline, but it really happened to me.

About 6 months ago a very glamorous friend was visiting for a few days. Glamorous ladies are fun for “practical me” to observe!

I commented on her especially beautiful hair and she showed me her Caruso steam rollers. I thought it was great that they were so easy to travel with and sure did a fabulous job for her hair. I had a fleeting thought about getting some, but nixed it. Wouldn’t work for me.

Her hair is quite long, full, straight and has really good texture. My hair is wavy, mid length, very fine, and hard for me to style into a great look. So I presumed that since her hair is so easy to style, the steam curlers did not deserve the credit. And, I wouldn’t be lured into buying yet another appliance or hair product that didn’t work for me.

My hair is in good condition since I use the best shower filter EVER. Even highlights have not made my hair dry and it stays true to color. I think filtering out the chlorine and other chemicals in the tap water has made a huge difference. But it didn’t do anything for my lack of talent in styling hair!

Recently my OLD hot roller set died. Wouldn’t even heat a little bit as I was getting ready for a meeting, so back to the pony tail for a few days. I let my fingers do the shopping on the internet and found that the Caruso molecular steam rollers had great reviews. Since I HAD to replace my rollers, I thought “Why not”, maybe magic will happen.

I ordered the PRO set with all the roller sizes. Since I change my hairstyle fairly frequently, I wanted all of the sizes. My hair is on its way back to being long right now, but any day I may decide to get a short bob and then the next week, I’ll be back to growing it out again. I know I’m not alone in this revolving practice!

The steam roller kit arrived in just a few days and I found it easy to set up for a trial. Just added some water and put the first roller on the steam post. It was ready to roll in about a less than minute. Wanting to be sure I got some curl, I wound the medium size rollers nice and tight. By the time I had them all in, I started taking the first ones out . You are probably supposed to leave them for 5 minutes, but I was impetuous.

Holy moley – the curls fairly bounced out of the sponge curlers! Springy, shiny curls all over my head! Instinctively I ran my fingers through my hair pulling downward to straighten my hair a bit. It worked and I found I was able to style my hair with just my fingers. I could position the the curls just the way I wanted them. So cute!

Now I use the large rollers on top, medium and smaller in lower areas. And I don’t wrap them so tightly unless I want the area around my face to have some extra focus. Then I’ll just use a small or medium and wrap it a bit tighter. You can do that with small sections in the back too. Voila! I’m a stylist!

Seriously, I can’t tell you the number of times that I was all dressed and feeling cute and then I had to TRY to do my hair. I had 2 choices: Either fry it up with hot curlers or fry it with the flat iron. I was never happy with the outcome, and I didn’t even feel cute anymore.

Now I have the confidence to know I can create a very current look in literally 5 minutes. It does feel magical.

So the next time you are feeling hair frustration or, like me, have to get new rollers, check out the Caruso Molecular Steam Curlers. Beautiful curls in 5 minutes. Take it from the new “glamour puss stylist”!

See them here:
Caruso C97953 SalonPro 30 Molecular Steam Hairsetter with 30 Rollers

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged hair care, shower chlorine, steam rollers | Leave a response

Pedometer to count 10,000 steps a day?

By admin on August 17, 2010

Is Dr. Oz kidding?????

We all know the importance of exercise to be, stay or get healthy. And walking is generally considered the easiest way to exercise. But, how much walking is considered enough? I was curious to know.

Dr. Oz has suggested a daily goal —- 10,000 steps! Holy mackeral, that seems like huge number of times to lift each foot and put it down again. But it provides a measurable way to know where you are on the path to personal fitness. (I saw Dr. Oz a few months ago while he was shopping at a local Publix Greenwise store. He really is thin and quite handsome, too. And he was wearing his pedometer!)

I tried counting steps on a recent shopping trip and forgot where I was as soon as I put the first in my basket. But I did realize that 10,000 steps might be achievable if you counted all of them. My curiosity won! So I began the research to find the best, most reliable and accurate pedometer.

I settled on the Omron HJ-112. It was suggested by one of Dr. Oz’s Wellness Warriors, Toni Winston. Wellness Warriors are people who were in a bad way and have achieved wellness and are willing to share their success and inspiration with others. Toni said, “It seems that every day I’m asked about my pedometer. Folks want to know what brand I use and my thoughts about it. For the record, I’m using the Omron HJ-112 and, yes, I love it.”

So off to Amazon to read the reviews before I ordered. (Reviews with 4 out of 5 stars has always been a good bet for me.) My Omron pedometer was delivered in less than a week, using standard shipping. Most importantly, it was easy to set up.

After a week of wearing the Omron pedometer, I finally reached 10,000 steps and now I reach or exceed it almost every day. It’s important to count every step! Now I put it on my waistband or on my robe as soon as I rise in the morning. It’s very easy to get a couple of hundred steps before I am dressed and out the door in the morning. When I forget something and have to race back to my bedroom, I don’t get annoyed. I’ve just added a few more steps!

Wearing the pedometer reminds me to move. The basic guideline is that 1 mile equals 2,000 steps.

I have found that if I take a walk as soon as I get up, I can get a few thousand steps in before I leave for the day. Other helpful tips include: Parking your car farther away from your destination and taking the stairs when you can. Dance around, even when you are alone! And a tip from my brother: Walk around when you are talking on the phone. We spend a lot of time communicating with others. Turn that time into steps. Every step brings you closer to your goal.

There are days that I do not reach 10,000 steps, but that just encourages me to move more the next day. And the next, and the next … For Smart Ladies Over 40, staying well is a lifelong quest. And, we can do it!

Below is the recommended pedometer. Amazon is a very safe site and they seem to sell almost everything . I even found the hard-to-find Hepa filters for my vacuum cleaner at a great price. TIP: This is a great product for teenagers. Challenge them!

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Advantage of 2 stage filters

By admin on July 12, 2010

What’s In Your Water?

Understanding Common Toxicities Found in Everyday Drinking Water

Municipal drinking water systems were designed and constructed decades ago when the primary objective of the treatment processes was to remove harmful bacteria. Much has changed in the composition of our source water over those decades. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) openly says, “the way we guarantee safe drinking water is broken and needs to be fixed.” Additional statistics support the toxic dangers we face when ingesting unfiltered water. Over 20% of US water treatment systems have violated provisions of the Safe Drinking Water. Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, and yet there are more than more than 60,000.

Water Checking

The best way to get your water tested is to contact your local health department, which is required by law to test your water for under $100. And, according to the EPA Municipalities “right to know” law, all municipalities are required to send and post an online report on the quality of water it is treating every year.

Your Right to Know

The Aquasana Difference

According to the most recent World Health Organization report, there are several health benefits to drinking water that has been selectively filtered. Unlike other products on the market, Aquasana uses a selective filtration process, versus a mechanical one, which means our technology eliminates dangerous chemicals like lead and chlorine, but keeps the good stuff like potassium and calcium. Our exclusive dual filter system uses a combination of carbon filtration, ion-exchange and sub-micron filtration to produce truly healthy, great tasting water.

Selective Filtration

The “A” cartridge filters out chlorine and turbidity (milky haze and/or floating particulate), the two most concentrated contaminants in tap water. This allows cartridge “B” to focus on the more difficult contaminants such as lead, VOCs, THMs and synthetic chemicals. (THM’s are also called DBP’s meaning disinfection by products.) The “B” Cartridge is where the final stages of filtration take place. Lead is reduced by a complex ion-exchange process that replaces harmful lead ions with healthy potassium ions. Following this is the most important stage, which involves the absorption of synthetic chemicals like herbicides, pesticides and industrial solvents. Moreover, the “B” cartridge is a 0.5 micron absolute filter that is effective in the removal of chlorine resistant organisms and cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Click here (includes a 20% discount) for the highly respected Aquasana brand

All data provided by manufacturers websites and/or product literature.
*Cost of replacement filters on the Aquasana Water for Life program.

Posted in Articles | Tagged filter chlorine, shower filter, water filter | Leave a response

How To Check Your Home Water – Legal Limits for Contaminants vs Healthy Limits – New Report

By admin on January 6, 2010

Water, water everywhere, but check your water before you drink. Smart advice! The best water filter may be the insurance you want. Read on for up to date info.

A timely report by non-profit advocacy group, Environmental Working Group, advises that the nation’s tap water has been compromised by weak federal standards and pitiful protection of our drinking water supplies. Additionally, the EWG has provided a website so you may check the amount of contaminants in your drinking water. Enter your zip code at http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/whats-in-yourwater and I bet you will be as surprised, as I was.

The info is current as it was collected from individual state agencies between 2004 and 2009. The problem appears to begin with the source water the utilities must use. It is contaminated from pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial and human and animal waste. Understand, all water is re-circulated and we can no longer dip water from an ancient, stone covered well with a pure aquifer beneath! The necessary chemicals (especially chlorine) are added to kill dangerous bacteria, before sending it down the pipe to you. The added chemicals produce their own problems. Hazardous byproducts (like chloroform) are released by chemical disinfection. And, it’s in your water.

So we are back to the question of how to have clean, pure drinking and bathing water in our homes. The obvious answer is to use the best water and shower filters manufactured, with strict standards, in the USA. It is a simple solution that is not as costly as one would think – especially when considering the value received.

The best water filters are manufactured by Aquasana (see discounted price) and are guaranteed to your satisfaction. I put their filters on my kitchen tap and my showers. I love knowing my cooking water is not tainted with chemicals I do not choose to include in our meals. And showering with a filter to remove chlorine is really nice. I’m happy not to be inhaling chemicals from the warm misty water and I love the way my hair and skin feel. I didn’t realize how drying the coating of chlorine was to my skin and hair. Even hair styling products work much better on truly clean hair. Watch the “Easy Install” Video on the site.

When you look at the Aquasana site, be sure to notice that it is a Consumer’s Digest Best Buy for all types of water filters. The filters come with detailed, and easy, instructions for installation. And, I only have “girl tools.”

Congratulations for being curious about contaminants in your water supply and seeking a simple solution. Drinking or showering in water that has chlorine is very aging to your body, and especially your hair. Nobody wants that . Cheers to you and your good health and happiness!

All data provided by manufacturers websites and/or product literature.
*Cost of replacement filters on the Aquasana Water for Life program.

You may want to review this site as well. www.Best-ShowerFilter.com.

Posted in Wellness | Tagged best shower filter, best water filter, filter chlorine, shower filter to remove chlorine, shower head filter | Leave a response

Proven and Inexpensive At Home Exercise Program

By admin on November 24, 2009

Unless you have been living under a huge rock you know that staying fit is vital to a happy, healthy life. No one knows how long they have on this beautiful earth, but we do know that we would prefer to enjoy our time here with a healthy body and mind.

Your first step is to make a decision to exercise. Take a walk and think about it. Then continue walking everyday until you can walk for 30 minutes a day. You may walk with a buddy, if chatting with another is enjoyable to you. Or, you may use your walking time to be alone and think about anything you like. It may be the only time of the day that you may have all of your thoughts for yourself!

The second and last step in a home exercise program is to find a resistance training program to strengthen and tone your muscles. Remember, more muscle fibers mean better metabolism. Your body will burn more calories to support the increase in muscle. Resistance training is also known as strength training and can be accomplished by using repetitive motions that contract your muscles, applying stress to the areas you are toning. This is an example of good stress! You can test the concept by pushing your hands together for 30 seconds. Breathe and concentrate on all of the muscle groups that are involved in this simple exercise. You should feel the tension in your hands, arms and even into the chest. This is how muscle toning takes place – little by little.

You may choose to purchase a devise to aid your whole body strength training program. Be sure to find a user-friendly system that has been in use for years and that you can see is easy to use. There is no need for anything elaborate. You want something that will provide resistance and allow you to do as many repetitions as you are able. A training DVD and workout booklet are valuable tools to insure you get the most benefit from your new “exercise buddy.” This is the toning system I use. I even do the exercises while sitting in bed, watching TV. It works for me!

Everything counts in exercise. So look for opportunities to include more movement in your life to increase your overall fitness naturally. This muscle toning system is only $36 and is appropriate for all family members.

Posted in Wellness | Tagged ThighMaster | Leave a response

Why Stop at Your Neck When You Exercise? Exercise Facial Muscles, Too

By admin on November 8, 2009

It’s annoying but the older we get, the harder it is to stay in shape. But, we don’t give up and we know that exercise is the key to a toned body. The muscles in your face can be exercised too, and you can keep a youthful appearance. Normal aging, the sun, genetics and that powerful force called gravity are always exerting a downward pull to the face. At about the wonderful age of 40 is when we usually begin to notice slight sagging, little crow’s feet and/or lines in the forehead. All is not lost. There is a remedy! It’s not surprising when we learn that there are 22 muscles of each side of the face. Many of those 44 muscles are small and attached to the skin rather than bone. Actually, this is fortunate as it makes the facial muscles more readily available to exercise. Your face tone relies on plump muscles to stay vibrant and uplifted. Slack, untoned muscles pull the face down and inwards creating wrinkles and sagging. Not the look we are going for! Take a look the face of older people and you will see that this is true. The most efficient way to stimulate muscles is to cause them to contract forcing blood into the muscles, just the way your bicep muscle contracts when you lift a weight. And, we don’t need to lift facial weights to get the same effect! Muscle stimulation of the face is accomplished with a micro-current, powered only with only a 9-volt battery. Gentle muscle contraction and relaxation is sufficient to restore the muscles to give the look of a non-surgical facelift, without cutting, anesthesia or recovery time. The delicate facial skin will be tighter, smoother and uplifted. You will look the way you feel – Great! Some dermatologists offer this type of facial rejuvenation. It is also available at upscale spas. One manufacturer had even miniaturized the concept for home use. That is what I use! And I love having the “power” to keep my face muscles toned and not just give in to gravity. A toned body and facial muscles contribute to a sleek, healthy and younger appearance. Keep that in mind while you exercise your whole body, and smile! Are you eager to be rid of sagging skin and wrinkles and ready for a facial spa system at home? Are you ready to take charge of your appearance? Do you have 20 minutes for yourself 2-3 times a week? http://www.mariejones.com/2009/04/facemaster-facial-toning-system-kit/

Here’s a clip from the Ellen Show featuring Suzanne and the famous FaceMaster.

Posted in Wellness | Tagged FaceMaster, facercise, facial toning | Leave a response

October — My Petal Pink Pashmina

By admin on November 5, 2009

I attended a luncheon in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My very dear friend is a survivor and a member of the group hosting the event. I was happy to be able to attend.

The members collected donations to be raffled from the very generous community . Each guest could purchase tickets to win any of the approximately 50 prizes.

After purchasing my tickets, I made my way to the raffle. The method used to determine the winners was similar to a silent auction. But instead of bidding, you would place a ticket in the bag by the gift you would like a chance to win. I decided to peruse all of the offerings before distributing my tickets. At the second table, I spied a beautiful, petal pink pashmina. My fingers glided over the finely loomed cashmere and I was “sold.” I confidently put all of my tickets into the bag!

Authentic pashmina yarn is woven of hand gathered wool from the underbelly of Himalayan goats. And, this was the real thing. Knowing the origin of the prize and that pink is my best color, I felt sure that I would win this beauty. Having “stuffed the ballot box” insured success!

After a delicious lunch and a heart warming speech the raffle began. Finally, the pink pashmina came up. The number was drawn. And it was not one of mine. How could that be? But, as luck would have it, that person had already left. Another number was drawn, and while it was close to one of my numbers, it wasn’t mine either. After a moment of disappointment, I reminded myself the reason for being there was for donations and support of a very good cause.

I felt good that lots of money was raised for much needed continuing research. As I was leaving, I congratulated the winner of “my pashima” and told her how pretty it would be on her. She said, “I’m going to give it to my best friend. Tomorrow is her one year anniversary of being a breast cancer survivor”.

Ohhhhhh. I was so happy to have been a loser!

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Smart Ways to Bring Bamboo into Your Home

By admin on September 3, 2009

The exotic allure of bamboo has long pleased the eyes with its towering beauty. And if you are fortunate to be near a stand of bamboo on a breezy day, you will enjoy hearing the movement of the branches make the sound of an old, creaking wooden boat.

No longer just to enjoy outdoors, highly versatile bamboo is becoming commonplace indoors, too. And you will see why it is smart to bring bamboo into your home.

Since bamboo is the fastest growing of the woody plants, it is eco friendly and highly sustainable. After harvest, new growth appears very quickly from underground rhizomes and is again ready for harvest in 5-7 years. Much quicker than the 50 – 100 years that hardwoods need!

The first smart way to use bamboo is to expand on the idea of bamboo flooring, which has been used for some time, and move into the kitchen. Bamboo is now being used for kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, cutting boards and utensils. Surprisingly, bamboo is 15% stronger than maple, and much less expensive.

Secondly, bamboo is moving into the bathroom. Bamboo is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Fibers made from this amazing plant retain those qualities. This makes them ideal for bath towels, bath mats, shower curtains, robes and even slippers.

And finally, bamboo sheets are a sprouting up on our beds and are softer and more luxurious than silk. The weave is strong, absorbent, free of irritants and long lasting. Super comfortable bed linens encourage good sleep and sweet dreams!

Bamboo fibers are also used to make clothing that wicks away moisture and adapts for winter or summer wear.

Enjoy the beauty of bamboo indoors as well as outdoors. You will be doing a good thing for yourself and our planet.

Check out these super luxe linens:

Posted in Home and Design | Tagged bamboo clothing, bamboo robes, bamboo towels, organic clothing | Leave a response

Best Shower Head Filter Removes Chlorine – Easy to Do!

By admin on August 17, 2009

On an Oprah show, Dr. Mehmet Oz began to talk about the best thing you can do for your hair. “Hmmm, let’s see what the wise and wonderful Doc has to say”, I thought as I left my computer to give the TV my full attention. His message – Buy a shower head filter to remove chlorine!! I had an instant flashback of swimming in chlorine and hating the way my hair and skin and eyes felt. Chlorine is a toxic antiseptic type chemical which is used to kill bacteria and micro-organisms in public drinking water and swimming pools. But, do we need to have chlorine absorbed into our skin and hair as we shower? No way! Much less, breathing in the warm, moist fumes of chlorine gas (chloroform) and other harmful chemicals into our lungs. The good Doc didn’t give name brands, so I researched every brand made in the USA to find the top shower head filter. And, I chose the well respected Aquasana brand. They have the highest rating for all water filters, “Best Buy” rating from Consumer’s Digest for consecutive years and have enjoyed a fine reputation for over 20 years. Made in the USA! Their home water filters and shower head filters reduce flouride and perchlorate and remove not only chlorine but THS’s, VOC’s and chloroform, which vaporize quickly into the air we breathe.

Filtering your shower water removes all harmful chemicals, leaving only pure water and healthy minerals. It is less expensive that you would imagine. A really great, lifetime value! And, an easy way to ensure your children, too, have the best bathing experience. Specifically, choose the hand held shower filter for childrens baths. You can spray off the tub easily afterwards. AND, you will notice that you no longer have pesky mildew around the tub or shower. Fungus doesn’t grow on clean surfaces. Review the details of Aquasana’s 2 stage water and shower filters here.

A by-product of chlorine is chloroform. An article in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine in 2000 reports, “Researchers recorded increases in chloroform concentration in bathers’ lungs of about 2.7 parts per billion after a 10-minute shower. Worse, warm water causes the skin to act like a sponge; and so, one will absorb and inhale more chlorine in a 10-minute shower than by drinking eight glasses of the same water.” Dr. Oz’s comment and this article convinced me to purchase the best shower head filter to remove chlorine in the most efficient way.

Under $70 (standard shower filter model, with discount below), and it arrived in just a few days. Installation was easy with step by step pictures (and I only have “girl tools”). Other than your fingers, the only tool needed is pliers to loosen the old connection and tighten the new shower head filter. These are very efficient shower heads. You will wonder why you didn’t get filters for your showers years ago.

Click and watch the “Easy Install Video.

http://www.smartladiesover40.com/wp-content/video/Aquasana-Shower-Filter.flv

Aquasana offers a 30 day 100% money back guarantee, but I won’t be needing that. After just the first shower, I could tell a difference at how much softer and cleaner my skin and hair felt. It reminds me of the way my hair felt when my mother rinsed it in rainwater! Not being stripped of its natural oil by a harsh chemicals, my hair is brighter and more lively. It’s even easier to style. Styling products bond better to chlorine free, really clean hair!

The shower head has very good water pressure even after passing through the chlorine filter. There is a luxurious massage feature option built into the shower head. And if you prefer, get the handheld shower filter with massage. Consider this style if you bathe children. This way they will not be inhaling chlorine fumes. Children contract too many respiratory illnesses as it is. So it is smart to keep noxious chemical irritants out of their little lungs. They loved being rinsed off with the massaging shower head spray! One pass around with the wand and the tub is clean.

If you have dry hair (or are losing hair), dry skin, colored hair, keratin treatment or sensitivity to chemicals, a shower filter to remove chlorine is an essential. Dry skin ages more quickly. Chlorine and the other chemicals greatly affect the color retention and condition of your hair. I’m going to take my shower filters when I move! (Supermodel Carol Alt, said on the Dr. Oz show that her good hair secret is a shower head filter. Hair products bond better to truly clean hair.)

To keep your shower water quality clean and chemical free, the filter should be put in your recycle bin after 6 months. By that time your shower filter has absorbed lots of nasty chemicals. Aquasana has a free shipping option for the new filters. That means clean water for just pennies a day. And, customer service at Aquasana is top notch, in case you have questions . Made in the USA and providing jobs for Americans.

So, since inhaling chlorine gas and absorbing it into hair and skin is NOT what you want when you shower, here’s a healthy, inexpensive solution. And, along with a heathier you, you get the bonus of much prettier hair and more supple skin.

Please click on the blue Aquasana banner below to review their offerings. When you add you item to the shopping cart, you will receive a 20% discount! They were offering free shipping when I purchased mine, so look for that, too. And, I’m sure you and your family will will enjoy showering chlorine and chemical free.

You may want to review this site, too. www.Best-ShowerFilter.com .

The gold standard for bathing, drinking, cooking and tooth brushing is a whole house water filter. Use my discount!

Posted in Wellness | Tagged best shower filter, chlorine free shower filter, dry hair, efficient shower heads, filters for shower, shower filter to remove chlorine, shower filter water | Leave a response

I Want What I Want and I’ll Know It When I See It.

By admin on August 2, 2009

Tribes by Seth Godin

Searching for something you have in your mind? A familiar sentiment, and now marketers have developed into suppliers of exactly what we want, in the time we have to purchase it.

Seth Godin, a marketing guru, developed the concept of “permission marketing.” You decide if you are the appropriate customer and “opt in” to receive more info. “Googling” for a need or interest, and/or what email newsletters you agree to receive are examples of giving your permission to receive more information to make a buying or joining decision.

His new book, Tribes, is a good overview of where we are now and the future of marketing. Not a traditional business book, this is an enlightening explanation of how the internet enhances our connections to each other.

The common desire to belong makes you a member of a tribe. Family, community, country, religion, ethnicity, political, music, book clubs, SmartLadiesOver40, philantropy, schools (past and present), medical, knitting circles and on and on and on. If you have a thought, you are a part of a tribe.

The internet is without geographical boundaries and a perfect playground for tribes to thrive. There’s no boss of the internet! New leaders will emerge. You, maybe? Social networking via email, FaceBook, Twitter, Ning, MeetUp, Craig’s List and blogs on every idea imaginable topic will continue to expand, offering more connections to everyone. Software to participate is an easy learning curve. Even a novice can tighten her grip on technology. Hop aboard and mingle – or lurk until you need to “talk.” It’s a fun ride!

It took ten years for “sliced bread” to be accepted. Now it takes 10 minutes for new information (or a You Tube video) to become viral. Seth’s latest book takes you from the loaf of bread to the present, and a look at the “potential” future. It’s a short book that explains the current social marketing impact and causes you to think about your potential. Curious? You know, we never run out of ideas. And, our interests and skills can be used in new ways. Go for it!

You can appreciate Seth Godin’s refreshing personality in this video with Dave Ramsey. Dave’s the leader of a “Debt is Dumb” tribe.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/search-results/m/23184843/keys-to-marketing-success.htm#q=Dave+Ramsey+++seth+godin

Posted in Internet | Tagged books, Internet | Leave a response

Smart Ladies Over 40