Fashion magazines will obviously have lots of full-page advertisements featuring handbags. But don't forget to look at other kinds of magazines. Lifestyle, celebrity, and even home magazines may show handbags that catch your eye. You don't have to limit yourself to the most recent magazines. In fact, older magazines may have classic styles that may become popular again. If you want a chance to get some ideas in person, go to antique malls or estate sales. There's no telling what you may find, but you'll be exposed to vintage and classic styles. You may even purchase a vintage handbag to alter and improve to your own tastes. If you've been having trouble locating a bag you like and you happen to see someone with a bag that catches your eye, ask where she got it. There's a small chance that you could also purchase one, but if not, you'll at least have another place to look. Ask family members if they have any old handbags that they no longer want. You may find something you like, or could at least alter to fit your style.

Summary: Read the latest magazines. Visit antique malls or estate sales. Ask around. Talk to your family.


Pajamas are a great option. If you do not have pajamas or another change of clothes with you, make yourself more comfortable by removing items such as belts, ties, or pantyhose. Take off your shoes, jewelry, and remove eyeglasses A warm drink before bed will help you relax. Warm drinks also help prevent going to bed dehydrated. Having a glass or bottle of water near your chair will help with hydration through the night.  Dairy products contain ample amounts of amino acid tryptophan, which induces pro-sleep brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin.  Camomile, passion flower tea, and valerian teas have sedative effects. Brush your teeth and floss. Wash your face or if possible, take a shower or hot bath. Preparing for bed with your usual ritual will help you unwind and prepare to sleep. When you soak in warm water, your temperature rises. The cool down period following a bath or shower relaxes you.

Summary: Change into loose-fitting clothing. Drink a cup of herbal tea or warm milk. Complete your nighttime hygiene routine.


You may want to get ABA certified, either as an alternative to ASHA certification or as a supplement to it. Getting board certified can help give you a competitive edge when you're up for promotions or job interviews. Board certification can also help you build professional connections and improve your professional credibility.  The ABA certification is developed by practicing audiologists and designed for practicing professionals.  Once certified, you will need to get re-certified every three years. In order to do so, you will need to complete 60 hours of approved continuing education training.  You can find a list of continuing education opportunities through the ABA website. While you won't need a master's degree for ABA certification, you will need to meet certain other professional qualifications. The ABA certification is generally reserved for candidates who have already been practicing as audiologists for some time, and who have accrued a significant amount of hands-on experience on the job.  You must hold a doctoral degree from an an accredited college or university. However, unlike the ASHA certification, you are not required to hold a masters degree as well. You must currently hold a valid license to practice in your state. You'll need at least 2,000 hours of mentored professional experience, with documentation to prove the hours and experience you report. You must have some recent employment in your field. Your completed application and fees must be sent through the mail to American Board of Audiology – Certification, 11480 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 220, Reston, VA 20191. Your application packet will need to include the following:  transcripts of your educational history a copy of your (valid) state audiology license the Board Certified in Audiology Application (Form A) the Documentation of Mentored Experience (Form 1) your application fee of $100 for ABA members, or $145 for non-members (candidates applying within six months of graduation can pay a reduced fee of $35)

Summary: Consider getting certified by the American Board of Audiology (ABA). See if you qualify for ABA certification. Complete and submit your application.


Put on loose, comfortable clothing when going to a buffet. A pair of tight jeans or a form-fitting dress may get uncomfortable as you eat. Wear clothing that is made of a soft material that can easily expand and avoid pants with buttons if possible. Start with pricier foods, like steak or or shrimp. If you are vegetarian, start with gourmet foods or complicated dishes that you couldn't easily make for yourself. This way, you can ensure that you are getting what you paid for or even more than what you paid for. Dessert bowls are often small, so get more dessert by using a soup or salad bowl for desserts like ice cream. If you aren't getting ice cream, use a plate that is made for main courses to get a piece of pie or cake. Do not do this if it is forbidden by the buffet you are eating at. Staying hydrated will keep your stomach stretched, which will allow you to eat more food. However, don't drink a lot of water just before going into the buffet or you may feel full. Being too hungry can lead you to eating quickly at the beginning of your meal, which may make you feel full very fast. Eat a light snack about an hour before going to the buffet. A handful of peanuts, an apple, or a yogurt would be a good snack. Don't load up on pasta or starchy foods when you begin eating. Start with lighter foods so that you will still have room in your stomach. Begin with a salad or shrimp as an appetizer before diving into heavier food. Eating your food too fast will make you feel too full to eat as much as you would've been able to eat if you'd paced yourself. Chew slowly as you eat and take breaths between bites. Wait a minute or two before going back up for seconds. The carbonation in soda may make you feel more full than water would. Instead, go for juice or water. If you want soda, wait to have it at the end of your meal. Although you may want to get the most out of the buffet, try not to get more food than you can eat. It is better to get a lot of small plates and making multiple trips rather than wasting food. Also, keep in mind that some bargain buffets will charge for the price of the food you don't eat.
Summary: Wear loose clothing. Eat expensive foods first. Use a salad or soup bowl for dessert. Drink water the day before going to the buffet. Eat a snack before the buffet. Start with lighter foods. Eat slowly. Avoid soda. Avoid wasting food.