Menopause can bring on mood swings that make you not recognize yourself. You know, where the slightest request from your husband can cause you to go off. Or perhaps the cries of your child for a new Playstation game makes you lose it. For me, I would be standing in a grocery story line and see a small child and begin to weep uncontrollably. Typically mood swings can’t be explained rationally.

These kinds of lightning fast changes in how you feel play a significant role in the menopause game and are often one of the first things women notice that causes her to suspect something is not right! Sometimes it is a very circuitous route to discovering that you are in perimenopause. Characteristics of menopausal mood changes can include extreme irritability, blatant rage, concentrated anxiety, depression, indifference as well as nervousness.

Menopause and mood swings work together because changes in hormonal levels (most notably, dropping progesterone and estrogen levels) are beginning to take shape inside a woman’s body. Hormone levels affect the level of serotonin in the brain which can cause depressive symptoms. These changes may make women feel unreasonably insecure about themselves and their current role in life, which contributes to more feelings of worthlessness.

Other factors that trigger mood swings in menopause sufferers are the symptoms they face. Tinnitus (whooshing and ringing sensations in the ear due to nerve damage as a result of aging & hearing loss), incontinence (or other abnormal bladder behavior), and hot flashes also add to the overall crankiness a menopausal woman faces.

Mood swings can be significantly reduced by following a course of action such as a weekly exercise regimen. Exercise, specifically meditation, deep breathing and yoga, have been proven to relieve mood swings. Besides, exercise is the ultimate anti-aging activity - women who move their bodies consistently report looking and feeling younger. And, many women have reported the benefits of soy products as well as a natural progesterone cream to relieve symptoms.

Another healthy objective is to have a steady social support group to turn to. Menopause sufferers find that soothing words from their family and friends, some confirmation that the sky isn’t falling down and that she is certainly not alone, is a tremendous help to their overall well-being.

The third course of action is to follow the right diet. Caffeine loaded drinks like coffee and soda can lead to symptoms you want to avoid such as breast tenderness. They will only excite your body’s nervous system leading to restless sleep that can make you cranky throughout the day. Drink certain decaffeinated teas that increase serotonin levels in the brain, like passionflower and chamomile, which will also relax and help provide blissful sleep.

Here’s a tip for some that don’t have a lactose issue - grab the milk bottle in the refrigerator and warm it up. Tryptophan, a component found in warm milk, is known to increase serotonin in the brain and can help you rest better. A multivitamin and mineral supplement may also help load your body with the right nutrients, balancing things out. Be sure to check with your doctor about what types and amounts are appropriate for your body.

You can avoid menopause mayhem and eliminate mood swings and the sudden onset of crying by following the above advice - feel refreshed mentally and emotionally for a better day.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.everythingmenopause.com, www.howtoconquermenopause.com or www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

Baby Boomers. We started appearing in 1945 and the last of us was born in 1964. That puts me, born in 1955, right smack in the middle of the pack. I am one of millions of men and women who turn 50 this year…in my case, last week. So I’m not alone.

But wait…I am alone. It’s a very personal thing to turn 50. So many questions have come up.

*When did that happen?

*Where did all the years go?

*What is left in my life?

*Who am I and what does that mean?

*Am I the woman I thought I would be at 50? Who do I want to become?

*What’s next?

*Is there another membership card other than the AARP?

I’m the oldest child in my family. My mother jokingly says she’s not old enough to have a daughter who is half a century old. My brother sends me a card telling me it’s all downhill from here. At least my son thinks it’s kind of neat. The only people who really tell me that the best years are here are other women who are already 50 or older.

But what does this all mean to me? I never knew if I would reach 50. Not because of health problems or dangerous living, but because of genetics. My father died at age 47 and two of my sister before age 40. I was unable to “feel” my way here. Yet, here I am.

I’ve been trying to sort out what it feels like to have turned 50. I find that even speaking about it out loud is a bit difficult…partially because I’m still exploring what it means. It wasn’t too long ago that a woman over 29 never told her age. While I will admit to feeling a moment’s hesitation, for the most part, that has passed. On a recent trip, I was asked if I wanted the AARP discount. Huh? How did they know?

So, just what is it like to turn 50? I figure I have the entire year to find out and to grow into being 50. For now, I feel as if I have arrived. I feel more authentic. I have more autonomy and confidence than ever. While I get to be an adult now, the child in me gets to hand out and play…all with no excuses. And although there is some wisdom to be found, I’m confident I’ll discover lots more in the coming years.

In the meantime…I will celebrate and give thanks for my life, work on my list of things to do and accomplish before I leave this divine life, and continue to define and refine the woman I have become and am becoming.

Fourteen years ago, I was introduced to our marvelous FLP products by Senior Vice President, Harold Greene. He suggested that I take the FLP “Touch of Forever” Combo Pak home and try it myself. As Harold continued to talk about and show me each product, my initial response was that I needed to try the wonderful Fleur de Jouvence kit. I thought that it was the most beautiful, natural skin care package I had ever seen.

Incidentally, I was a trainer for the Shiseido cosmetic line in upscale department stores, as well as a floral manager for a large chain of supermarkets. At this point, I was completely impressed with my new, shiny black box containing six impeccable products. As I have known about and used Aloe Vera for skin care since 1963, I was so happy to find a company with products containing Aloe Vera as their number one ingredient. I went home with my treasure.

This began my love and respect for FLP’s wonderful Fleur de Jouvence kit. Little did I know at that time that I would be conducting skin care seminars several times a week during my training meetings. The great family of San Francisco Distributors were as impressed as I was with the positive results they got using this super great regimen. After only one or two seminars, our meetings grew to standing room only. Everyone was getting the results that they were looking for and for a very reasonable price! Eventually, I was spurred on by the training and using these lovely products to get a license to practice esthetics in the state of California. I now own my own ladies’ day spa. Due to the fact that I have used these wonderful products on myself and found the results desirable, positive and immediate, I have been able to, with total confidence, recommend them to everyone I meet. There have been so many ladies, both Distributors and retail customers, with whom I have shared these most wonderful products, that have thanked me for utilizing the best of the best for their beauty regimen; it makes my heart sing! To see the change in each user of the Fleur kit and to hear their steadfast intent to continue to use this great product is most gratifying. The referrals that I have received are beyond my expectations.

My advice to each of you, when you approach anyone who desires better looking skin, is to recommend the Fleur de Jouvence kit. It’s 100% guaranteed so you have nothing to lose! Display it and sell it with the utmost confidence. My sincere advice is to read the manual contained within the kit; try the products yourself. You will be most impressed with the results.

Aloe Fleur de Jouvence facial kit - Item #041

Exfoliating Cleanser is a non-greasy, non-irritating lotion that removes makeup and dirt thoroughly with just a few drops. Hypoallergenic, pH and moisture balanced.

Rehydrating Toner combines aloe, witch hazel, toning plant extracts, skin moisturizers, collagen and allantoin for a gentle, non-alcoholic toner. Removes traces of cleanser, oils and dull lifeless surface cells, reduces pore size, and leaves skin balanced.

Mask Powder is a unique combination of rich ingredients chosen for their skin conditioning and pore cleansing properties. When mixed with the pure aloe vera gel and allantoin in the Aloe Activator, the formula moisturizes and cleanses while it tightens and smoothes your skin. Aloe Activator is an exclusive moisturizing and cleansing agent formulated with stabilized aloe vera gel and allantoin. It contains enzymes, amino acids and polysaccharides.

Firming Foundation Lotion is rich in vitamins A, C, and E and emollients to firm, re-texture and tighten pores under makeup. It helps the skin retain vital moisture balance.

Recovering Night Cream minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. Polysaccharides and skin humectants lock in moisture. Natural lipids, wheat germ glycerides, jojoba, and apricot kernel oil control oil/water balance, while collagen and hydrolyzed elastin reduce fine lines.

For more information on Fleur de Jouvence kit or any of Forever’s other quality products, please visit http://foreverliving.com/. Click “Come In”, then-”Shop” and use Distributor Id # 001002251915.

Attention! With Forever Company you have an excellent opportunity to have additional income or work at home, especially if you have your own web site! Pease contact: victoriazeltov@yahoo.com.

* The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases. You should consult your family physician if you are experiencing a medical problem.

This article is copyright protected. If you want to reproduce it on your web site please ask permission:victoriazeltov@yahoo.com

Infertility is a medical problem that results in the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. A couple is usually diagnosed as infertile after one year of frequent, unprotected, sexual intercourse.

It is estimated that 10 to 15% of couples are infertile. About 35% of infertility cases can be traced to physical problems of the woman and 35% have causes in the man. In the remaining 30% of cases, infertility is either unexplained or is caused by problems in both partners.

Why Infertility Can Be Devastating

The inability to have children can be one of the greatest challenges that a person or couple will ever face. It affects people emotionally, physically, and financially. It can place tremendous stress on a couple’s relationship and on their relationships with family and friends.

On a physical level, the experience of being examined and tested monthly, weekly, or even daily is embarrassing, exhausting, and very expensive. Medications often have side effects, and daily injections may be required. Surgery is often necessary, and sometimes several procedures are needed.

As the process continues over months and years, the couple’s privacy is invaded time and again, physically and emotionally. One or both of the partners learn to put aside their feelings as they lie on the examining table, have fluids taken, or give sperm for the tenth, twentieth, or fiftieth time.

At the same time, family, friends and coworkers are waiting to see if this month will bring good news. The couple becomes used to hearing, “Anything new?” with an expectant smile. They also hear comments like, “Maybe you should take a month off and just relax,” or “A vacation would do you good” or “This sounds like a good problem. At least you can have fun trying.” To make it even worse, throughout this experience, the couple regularly hears of others who have become pregnant. In fact, it sometimes seems as if the whole world is pregnant.

These experiences often make the infertile person feel like a failure. The feelings come up each time there is a treatment failure or when yet another friend or acquaintance announces a pregnancy.

After each expensive procedure or round of treatment, when no pregnancy results, the disappointment turns to devastation. Many infertile people become depressed and anxious. The strain in the marriage and among family members sometimes becomes unbearable. The self-esteem of one or both partners plummets. They often feel lonely, sad, and angry. The long series of disappointments that many experience can cause a numbing effect, and depression can result. If one partner has the medical problem that is causing the infertility, he or she often feels guilty and may even offer the other a divorce. At the same time, the infertile person may fear that the other partner will leave the relationship. All of these changes can make people feel emotionally distant and needing to avoid intimacy.

Some people cut themselves off from friends and family. They look for ways to avoid attending social gatherings and family events, fearing that they will be subjected to discussions about pregnancy, children, or infertility. Socializing with friends and family who have children or who are pregnant is a special challenge. Sometimes these feelings are intensified, especially for women, when they are taking large doses of drugs that can affect their emotions.

Emotional Self-Care during Infertility

Almost no one expects to be infertile. Most people think they will grow up, get married, and have children, just like everyone else around them. So when a couple learns that they are infertile, they are often surprised at how devastated they feel. After all, they reason, they don’t have cancer or a deadly disease (in most cases); it’s just infertility. So why do they feel so badly? Most couples gradually come to realize that it is a distressing experience. Many eventually seek the help of a team of professionals, realizing that it is a good idea to create a support network and take advantage of the help that is available.

When one or both partners start to feel the impact of infertility, it can be a good idea to seek the services of a mental health professional, especially one who has experience working with the issues of infertility. Since these issues are so complex, it is important to find a counselor who has experience and training in dealing with the impact on individuals, couples, and families. Many couples also find relief in support groups where they can meet regularly with other infertile couples, share experiences, and support each other. Such groups are offered through organizations like RESOLVE, a national infertility support organization. RESOLVE also provides referrals to medical practitioners who specialize in infertility. Visit www.resolve.org for information.
Infertility is primarily a medical problem, but during treatment it is important to address the emotional implications of infertility. Joining a support group or seeing a qualified counselor is especially important at any of the following points:

• When you begin a new phase of your treatment

• After a course of treatment has failed

• When you are faced with difficult decisions about treatment

• When you are thinking about options such as surrogacy, egg or sperm donation

• When you are considering stopping medical treatment

• When you are thinking about adopting

• When one or both of you have troubling feelings that won’t go away

• When you experience strained relationships with your partner, friends, or family

• When you avoid being with others because of the infertility

Although a mental health professional cannot influence the outcome of the medical treatment, he or she can help the couple get through the process by helping them communicate better with each other and gain support from family and friends.

Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist. His two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Rockland County, and Manhattan. He offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through http://www.creativecounselors.com or 201-303-4303.

One day I came home from school and found my roommate relaxed on the couch with a tiny little creature bundled in her arms. Hoping it was just a stuffed animal, I soon realized it was a live kitten. Not an avid fan of cats, I reminded her of our landlord’s policy of no pets in the condo. She insisted that she would keep her kitten in her room, or out on the patio while she was out. I reluctantly gave in and tolerated the kitten’s presence, but made it known that I couldn’t stand to have a cat living in the condo.

Looking back on this unfavorable living situation, I laugh now to realize that years have passed, and only was I reminded of that cat when I came across some cat jewelry at a store showcase. When I viewed the various designs of cat jewelry in necklaces, pendants, and bracelets, I thought of my cat lover roommate. Could we have made a compromise, giving the cat a new home, and getting my roommate some cat jewelry? If I could have gone back to that situation, I would have convinced my roommate that cat jewelry is a much better alternative than taking care of a real one. Here is why.

Cat jewelry doesn’t give you allergies: Some people are just allergic to cats, or they say they are because it’s a relevant excuse to get rid of them. Some may be more partial to other animals like dogs. Especially if you’re in a roommate situation, having cats in the home is not accommodating if others are allergic. Be considerate of your roommates and resort to your love for cats by wearing jewelry.

Cat jewelry doesn’t require maintenance: Compared to most animals, cats are pretty low maintenance when it comes to taking care of them. However, when you are very busy, an extra duty to tend to your cat can be tiresome. With cat jewelry, the only maintenance appreciated, but not required, is to have a jewelry box to store all of your jewels. For college students, your living situation is mobile, which doesn’t give your cat a stable home.

Cat jewelry is a pretty accessory: Celebrating your love for cats can be displayed in various designs of necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings and rings. Wearing your cat jewelry is an expression of your love for the animal. In public places where you are prohibited from having animals around, you won’t be condoned for sporting around your cat accessories. For this reason, freely express your love for cats and make a fashion statement with your cat jewelry.

Comparing cats to cat jewelry might be like comparing apples to oranges- you can’t really compare the pros and cons, they are just different. But when it comes to the consideration of other people, like roommates, opt for cat jewelry to avoid the disagreements and confrontation.

I’ve been focusing a lot on manifestation lately after I read Neil Millar’s soon to be published book From Man To God. What I discovered is that I’m already a master of manifestation - as are you! Let me explain.

We are all manifestors. We can’t help it. By your very nature you manifest. For us not to manifest, it would be like a blade of grass not growing. ‘But’ you might say ‘I haven’t manifested all the money I want or the big house that I want or the fantastic relationship I want’. If this is true then there is a reason for this.

The key is in your thoughts and your feelings. They manifest exactly. Let me give you a couple of examples. Loosing a few pounds in weight is an issue close to a lot of our hearts. You might say to yourself ‘I want to be 9 stone’. That’s when other thoughts kick in. ‘I’m 10 stone and it’s so difficult and I’ve tried lots of times before and I’m going to find it really difficult to give up chocolate and -.’ Another example is money. If you want money and then a bill comes in and you notice all the things you’d love to buy but can’t. Look at the thoughts you’ve had there. They’ve been focusing on the negative: scarcity, lack, the where you are now.

Consider an athlete for a moment. They will see themselves winning, they run the race in their mind over and over. They see themselves up on the 1st place podium and celebrating afterwards. So by the time they actually come to run it their mind has already won the race and it’s the actual experience is familiar to them. They focus their attention on what they intend to create rather than on where they are now.

You and I, are already perfect at manifesting. And if life is not exactly how you want it to be you are most certainly focussing on the wrong things.

Here is something for you to think over.

Think about all you have manifested in your life. Accept things as simply the way they are. You want to avoid any blame, guilt or anything else you don’t want to manifest - after all you now know you get what reflects most of your thoughts and feelings.

Take time now to think about all you have manifested in your life. Now imagine what you intend to create. Enjoy the feeling of imagining having all you desire. The only other thing to do is to begin to live as though you have it. Think of some phrases or words you can use like ‘I intend to - ‘ rather than saying what you haven’t yet got.

All that remains is for you to - live it! Of course if you are in debt and intend to have a million I don’t recommend going out and spending lots of money, but imagine you have it all stashed under your mattress or that you’re taking bucket loads of change to the bank to be exchanged into large notes because they are easier to carry!

So I’m off now to make myself a hot drink. To get to the kitchen I imagine I’ll have to wade through a million bank notes! Oh what fun!

Jo Ball Unstoppable Life

Create an exciting and welcoming home for your Thanksgiving festivities.

Five “Welcome to Our Home” Holiday Decorating Tips

1. Door wreaths welcome all to your home and set the stage for celebrating. Make a simple wreath to hang on your front door with Thanksgiving colors–brown, russet, olive green. Use tree branches from your garden; attach a few gourds, nuts, raffia, and ribbons.

2. Place a gorgeous mum by your front door. You can plant it later and get flowers next Thanksgiving to use inside. It just takes one bright spot near your front door to attract the eye of arriving guests.

3. Wrap your front door with gift wrap appropriate to Thanksgiving.

4. Make a “welcome to our home” banner. Add your ribbons, raffia, and fall leaves.

5. Group vines, pumpkins, and mums for display impact near the front entrance. Adjust the vines to add height and movement.

Fall Leaves make great interior and exterior decorations. Be sure to hose off any bugs!

Five Holiday Decorating Tips for Your Home’s Interior

1. Display vegetables and mini pumpkins on a tray. Fill in any gaps with fall leaves, moss, raffia, or wheat. If orange clashes with your home’s interior, use green apples and spray paint the mini-pumpkins your colors.

2. Tie ribbons and raffia around your candle bases and around your floral arrangements.

3. Set fall-color leaves under your decorations. Safety Tip: Keep leaves separated from melting candle wax.

4. Extend your flower arrangements with fall tree branches. Just one flower package makes a huge impact when you divide and spread it around.

5. Use copper, bronze, and gold spray paint to dress up plain gourds. Fill a glass or crystal bowl with the gourds, oranges, and nuts.

Did I already mention gorgeous red, golden leaves? Here’s another way to add fall color: Place the leaves in your green potted-plants.

One beautiful way to kick off your holiday season: Wrap tiny gifts in gold foil; top off with brown and russet ribbons, and place the gifts on the dinner plate. Your table will look fabulous and your guests will love the thought.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© Jeanette Fisher

As the temperatures rise, you may begin to think of beaches, swimming pools, and the dreaded trip to the department store to pick out swimwear in plus size. More than ever, there are a multitude of different styles, colors, and fabrics that are available to full figured women. So, how do you begin your search for the right swimwear in plus size for you? Follow these five tips the next time you hit the mall in search of the right bikini, tankini, or one-piece.

Pay For Quality

Let’s face it. Swimwear in plus size can be expensive. A good quality suit can set you back $60 to $100. Yes, you can still find cheap swimwear for less than $40, but an inexpensive suit might not fit as well or be as durable. If you will be wearing a bathing suit more than three or four times, invest in one that fits well and is made to last.

Select A Style

Not too long ago, plus size women were limited to less than flattering maillots with matronly attached skirts. This was not a pretty look. These days, you can choose from sexy bikinis, flattering tankinis, sporty one-piece suits, boy shorts, and board shorts. Consider what you will be doing in your bathing suit. If you will be doing lots of swimming, you may want to choose a one piece with ample support and coverage. If sunbathing is more your speed, try the cute bikini.

Choose Your Coverage

Every woman has something about her body that she doesn’t especially like. So, don’t worry. Look for a style that plays up your best features and camouflages the less than perfect. If you are fair skinned, you may also want to look for additional coverage from the sun.

Consider Shopping Online

If you detest the fluorescent lights in the department store dressing rooms and the pesky saleswomen who are not especially helpful, you may want to shop for swimwear from the privacy of your own home. There are numerous online swimwear retailers that carry a wide range of styles and sizes. Most online stores have great customer service, but make sure you understand the return policy before you buy.

You Are Your Worst Critic

Give yourself a break when trying on swimwear. Not every suit is going to look perfect or even fit. Remember to find a suit that makes you feel comfortable. The last thing you want to be doing on the beach is tugging on your bottoms or sucking in your tummy. Go ahead and strut your stuff with confidence, and everyone else will think that you look great.

I’ll assume “him” doesn’t refer to me, but still help you out with some ideas for gifts for him. These gifts for him run from the practical to outrageous, but all make good gifts.

Gifts for Him

And here we go…

1. Brother MPrint Bluetooth Mobile Printer - A practical gadget, this mobile printer lets him print wherever he is from his Palm or PDA device. The printer is wireless and about a half inch thick and five or so inches long. This mobile printer will set you back $380, but look for rebates and specials.

2. John Cleese - Wine for the Confused DVD - A humorous take from the Monty Python veteran. Cleese takes you on an epic study of the finer and…less finer points of wine. Cleese covers how to pick, what they are, how they are grown and so on. A DVD that will teach you something and make you laugh a bit. Expect to pay $15 or so at most retailers.

3. Arcade Games - Remember when you used to sit in the mall pumping quarters into arcade games. Missile command, Pac Man, Donkey Kong…ah, all that wasted time. Well, now you can buy replicas of the actual arcade games you used to play. The consoles are the same as you used to stand in front of, but now they have loads of games on them. This is a big ticket item, so you might want to look away before reading the price range of…$3,000 to $5,000 depending on the console and number of games you order.

4. Nomad Writing Journals - If you’re buying for a person that loves the outdoors or to travel, Nomad Writing Journals make great gifts. These journals are tailored to activities such as travel, fly fishing, bird watching, backpacking, camping, rock climbing and so on. They come with or without a case and provide writing space as well as cues for writing down important information. A great keepsake to preserve their travel and outdoor experiences. The journals cost as low as $9 without waterproof case and $25 with case.

5. Bully Bag - Okay, this one is off the charts for unusual gifts. The Bully Bag is a bull scrotum mounted on a solid oak base. Don’t worry, it’s coated and sealed with polyethylene. Great conversation piece and good for keeping change and stuff in. He’ll nearly die from tears of laughter. The Bully Bag measures, on average, 6 inches by 7 inches. Hey, there bulls! Expect to pay $40 online for this hilarious gift.

Finding gifts for him isn’t that hard. Just stay away from sweaters and ties.

Estate American Indian Jewelry is fashionable, collectable, and beautiful! However, buying American Indian jewelry can be confusing. But if you learn the terms used in Native Jewelry you’ll be a much smarter shopper and you’ll get the best quality jewelry you can afford. Whether you are shopping online where there are some great deals or in a traditional brick and mortar store it pays to know what you are looking for.

You will find yourself drawn to the beauty of turquoise or coral silver jewelry. There’s a reason - It’s devine! You can purchase new or old American Indian Jewelry but the estate native jewelry that was designed before it was a commercially practiced trait can have special appeal. But whether you are buying new or used there are few unscrupulous sellers that you need to watch out for.

In 1990 the Indian Arts and Crafts Act was passed which states that any item produced after 1935 that is marketed as “Alaska Native” “Indian,” or “Native American” must have been made by a member of a state or federally-recognized tribe or a certified Indian artisan. That is a non-member Indian artisan who is certified by the governing body of an Indian tribe.

You should always buy from an established dealer who will give you written verification of the authenticity. Ask if the jewelry piece comes with certification. Not all authentic Native American Jewelry carries this certification but those registered with the Government do.

You should also obtain a receipt which has the value of your purchase and any representation or information presented verbally. For example, if you are told that the ring is genuine Native American jewelry - natural turquoise set in sterling silver have this information written on your receipt as well.

If you are attending a powwow, Native American fair, or a trade fair where Native jewelry is for sale be sure to with the organizers as to the requirements for entering the event to find out if the artists must be infact registered artists. If purchasing online be sure to contact the website and ask the same question.

Now there’s not anything wrong with buying Native Jewelry that is not from a registered artist as long as you know this and you are paying an appropriate price. There are many beautiful authentic and non authentic pieces on the market. But the golden rule is that it is illegal to advertise Native American Jewelry as authentic unless it is made by a registered artist.