Saturday, April 30, 2011

Protect Yourself and Your Family from Attack or Intruders

According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), violent crime is on the rise. The FBI estimated that over 1.4 million violent crimes occurred in 2006 (the last year for which complete data are available), an increase of almost two percent over the previous year. The Bureau found that aggravated assault topped the list of violent crimes, followed by robbery (31.6 percent) and rape (6.5 percent). While these statistics are startling, those who have been victimized by violent crime and those who have had brushes with crime but managed to escape know that it's critical to protect yourself and your family from attack or intruders. According to experts, there are two primary ways to do so: Home Alarm Systems Home alarms are one of the best and easiest ways to both deter and detect crime. Even if you don't have the money to install a full system, there are products you can buy to help protect your home. Wireless home security systems, for example, can monitor windows and doors. Typically, if the system is activated and then breached, an alarm goes off, and the system's base unit will consecutively call phone numbers on your programmed list. When someone answers, he or she can choose between listening to the activity in the room, speaking through the base unit so anyone in the room can hear, or disarming the system. Similarly, motion alarms can be set to protect certain areas. You can set one up so that it covers the area near your front door, and another that covers the area near your back door. If the system picks up movement, a loud alarm goes off and it calls a series of phone numbers that you pre-set. Most of these motion alarms use infrared technology to detect intruders. Personal Security Devices There are two primary ways of defending yourself against attack: mace pepper spray and personal alarm systems. Mace pepper spray is a self defense product that is made from what are, essentially, chili peppers. The pepper is suspended in fluid and then aerosolized into a spray. You can buy pepper spray in small, easy-to-carry containers that can easily be put on a keychain or tucked into a handbag. Some states in the U.S. have restrictions regarding the legality of pepper spray, either in terms of who is authorized to buy it or the strength of the spray, so you should check your state's laws before you buy. Personal alarm systems are in some ways similar to home alarms, except they're small and easy to carry. These devices' features vary by model, but can incorporate a high-decibel alarm and a flashing light. They are usually activated by either pulling a pin or pushing a button and are effective because they draw the attention of passersby, and hopefully cause the criminal to run. Of course, there are a number of other steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from attack or intruders. For example, you should regularly review and practice the steps you will take if you are confronted by a criminal in a variety of scenarios. Experts often say that those who survive attacks are people who have trusted their intuition, planned possible escapes ahead of time, and kept a clear head throughout the crisis.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Operating a forklift

Operating a forklift is a job that requires experience and training. Forklift it a very heavy and powerful vehicle that can cause a lot of damage and injuries if an accident happens. There are certain steps that you will need to follow when operating a forklift. The first advice is to follow the security procedures at all times. You should also drive the forklift very carefully. Since the forklift is very powerful, make sure that you start and stop easily. You should also make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum speed. The slower you drive the forklift, the less dangerous it is for you and for people around you. Another suggestion for operating the forklift is to make sure that you don’t lift the load too high. The forklift becomes more unstable when you lift some object very high in the air. You should make sure that you only lift the load high enough to finish the task what you are trying to do. You should be especially careful when you are making a turn on a forklift with a lifted load. The forklift becomes even less stable, so you should make the turn slowly and carefully. The general rule that you should follow when you are driving the forklift is to keep your load raised at no more than eight inches from the floor. Also make sure to keep the object that you raised with the forklift tilted to the back. Sometimes you may need to move some object that it so tall that it doesn’t allow you to see in front of the forklift. In this case you should drive the forklift in reverse so your view is clear of all objects. At all times make sure that your brakes, horn, reverse driving (backup) alarm and warning lights are working.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Online Discount Coupon Books – A brief survey

Living a frugal life is not everyone’s cup of tea. It means giving up on things that you consumer durables. Still, there are options where you can spend some money on things of your choice and get discounts that go into your savings. Online sites offer a range of discount services related to coupon books. These sites cater to consumers who want to save small amounts on a large amount of purchases, which in the end adds up to a substantial amount of savings. The features of these sites include printable coupons, codes of coupons, links to discount offers, articles on saving money, and emails and newsletters that keep you informed on latest bargains. There are also forums where you can get tips from others. It is easy to compare prices and only some sites require membership. Given the large number of discount coupons and a big range of products, searching for the coupons is often required. Sites offering discount coupons allow users to search by stores, products, areas, product categories, brands, expiry dates, and popularity. The categories of products where discount coupons and codes are available covers the whole range of consumer goods and services. These include automobiles, baby stuff, books, clothes, electronics, cooking, restaurants, grocery, health, cosmetics, finance, entertainment, toys, sports goods, games, travel, and event tickets. In case you need to interact with the site administration for any specific requirements, it is easy to do so by email, phone, online forums, etc. Many things need to be kept in mind while going for discount coupons. The coupon may restrict you to certain stores, and certain products. So there could be a limitation on your choices. It is better to try out a few services and find out how it all works, and whether you get quality with savings. For more information on discount coupon books visit - Discount coupon books The author is a freelance writer associated with http://www.coupon-book.net

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

New Ways To Turn That Clutter Into Cash

If you've got a lot of clutter in your house, you're not alone. Millions of homeowners discover this either when they're getting ready to move or at the start of spring cleaning. In the past, clearing out homes resulted in low-revenue garage sales and multiple trips to the consignment store. But today, the latest trend in home organization is to clear out and cash in by dropping off unwanted items at eBay drop-off stores. Organizational expert Peter Walsh, from TLC's "Clean Sweep," confirms the trend. "eBay drop-off stores like iSold It are really the hot new trend in home organization," he notes. "For occasions such as that yearly cleaning, they provide an easy way for you to get that clutter out of your house and earn some extra cash." According to a recent PEW Internet and American Life Project survey, only 17 percent of online American adults have used the Internet to sell items. For the other 83 percent, eBay drop-off stores offer a fast and easy way to sell online. eBay drop-off stores professionally photograph the item, write descriptive copy, list it online, collect payment and then pack and ship the item. Once the transaction is complete, the seller receives a check in the mail. For many drop-off stores there are no up-front charges; instead, commission is charged once the item sells. Here's a typical reaction from a customer when dropping off items. "I was determined to clean out my garage-I had old car parts, a vintage train set, you name it," said Bernie Dodyk, Novi, Michigan customer. "I took the whole lot to a drop-off store and made over $5,000. Now I can park my car in the garage again." As the world's leading drop-off store, iSold It provides customers with an easy, hassle-free way to sell items online.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Minimize Injury With A First-Aid Kit

Imagine if an accident or something terrible happens to your friends or families, or children especially. You really want to save them immediately, don't you? What you must do is to give a first aid. CPR, for example. Having first-aid equipments is another essential effort. In other words, you must prepare for emergency. The first-aid kit is so important in this kind of situation. No matter where, keep the kit with you. What you need to have is a set of first-aid equipments. In general, here's your first-aid kit checklist. first-aid manual thermometer (a digital one is preferred) acetaminophen (to lower fever and relieve pain) prescription medications sterile gauze adhesive tape liquid soap (use mild type which will not endanger your children's skin) scissors (always check if they are sharp) alcohol wipes antiseptic wipes emergency phone numbers (your physician's or pediatrician's) flashlight and batteries disposable gloves blankets sunscreen lotion Have you gathered all those gears? Keep them in a durable container. Choose one that is roomy, lightweight, easy to carry, and can be opened easily. Some drug stores provide this bag, even with some of the equipments. The first-aid kit should be available at home and in the car. Put it carefully, out of reach of children, as all the equipments can be dangerous for them. Don't forget to check the kit regularly. See whether some medicines are outdated or not and make sure that the batteries of the flashlight still work well. Now, have you been trained to use the kit? You probably have seen people doing CPR or any other emergency assistance, but you've never done it all alone by yourself. The American Red Cross has programs aimed at giving anyone the confidence to act in response to an emergency situation with skills that can save a life. It's of course a great chance for you to take this program. Here's the address of the American Red Cross programs: http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/ You can bookmark this web address for your handy emergency guide.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Making Cookware Purchasing Decisions -- The Value Of Magazines

Trying to decide what cookware products are best suited for you can be a difficult and challenging task in many instances. Chances are that if you are in the market for cookware for your own home kitchen, you have found yourself scratching your head more than one time trying to decide which products and merchandise will best meet your own needs. Fortunately, there are some resources that you can utilize to assist you in the process of deciding which brands and types of cookware will best meet your needs both now and well into the future. One resource that you will want to consider when it comes to shopping for cookware products is the magazine. In the 21st century there are a number of reliable and useful magazines that can assist you in determining what types of cookware products will be best suited to your particular kitchen and to your specific needs -- both today and into the future. (When it comes to selecting and investing in cookware, you want to make certain that your purchases are such that they will be useful to you well into the future. You do not want to purchase cookware products that will not hold up to the stress of regular use or that will otherwise become obsolete in a short period of time.) There are a growing number of culinary magazines that regularly include feature stories on the latest developments in the way of cookware products. Additionally, oftentimes these culinary magazines offer independent evaluations of different cookware products. Through these evaluations, these independent reviews of cookware products, can be invaluable when it comes to trying to decide what types of cookware products you want to purchase. These different types of magazines can easily be ordered in the brick and mortar world. If you are seriously committed to cooking and baking, you might want to take out a subscription to one or another of these magazines. In addition to subscribing to these magazines in the real world, you can also readily and easily order these magazines with ease online. In addition to being able to subscribe to these magazines in the real world and in cyberspace, you can also purchase individual issues of these culinary magazines that contain vital information on cookware at any major bookseller. In addition, these magazines are available for purchase at most culinary and kitchen supply stores in the brick and mortar world and online.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Make Household Chores Easier With Softened Water

If you find yourself spending too much time on household chores and not enough time with your family, there's a simple solution that can make your life easier. The answer is to use softened water. Dreary tasks such as washing dishes, doing laundry and cleaning up the bathroom and kitchen are easier and less time-consuming with softened water-and softened water brings added benefits such as softer skin and shinier hair. Hard water forms when naturally occurring minerals enter water sources. It is also very common in this country. Eighty-five percent of the U.S. geography has hard water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. As our population grows and becomes more diverse, many homeowners may be feeling the effects of hard water without even realizing it. The naturally occurring minerals in "hard" water make it difficult for soaps, detergents and shampoos to lather, which in turn forces you to scrub harder when cleaning your home. In fact, the term "hard water" originally referred to water that was difficult or hard to work with. Installing a water softener in your home can greatly reduce the natural hard minerals found in water. Inside the water softener, salt pellets are used to charge thousands of tiny resin beads with sodium ions. As hard water moves over the resin beads, the minerals are replaced with sodium ions, creating soft water. While the joys of soft water greatly outweigh the maintenance of a water softener, one task most people dread is changing the softener pellets as instructed by the manufacturer. Carrying bags of salt to the water softener was a chore that hadn't seen much improvement in a long, long time-until now. Diamond Crystal® water-softening salt now comes in a two-handled bag. When compared to other brands' single rigid handle, the two-handled bag makes it easier and more comfortable to change the salt. Simple instructions are printed in English and Spanish, and the product works in any water softener. After all, wouldn't you rather spend more time and energy on family fun than tiresome household tasks?

Saturday, April 23, 2011

LIGHTHOUSES: A Part of Our Past, Present, and Future

Why are so many people drawn to lighthouses? There are probably a lot of different reasons. Maybe it is because lighthouses are found in some of the most beautiful places on earth, many on rugged coast lines dotted with trees, others along the sandy beaches, still others on reefs or rocks out in the ocean. To some, lighthouses appeal to their nostalgic or artistic senses since many of the lighthouses are some of the most historical structures to be found in the United States today. Yet it may be that they are drawn to the lighthouses due to the multitude of heroic rescues associated with them. It does not matter, whether warning mariners of danger or aiding them in finding safe passage into the harbor, lighthouses today as in the past, stand as beacons of safety and security. The lighthouse mystic is a part of our past, present, and future. Let their lights forever shine. Many years ago, people lived in a primitive way, hunting and growing their own food. Eventually, they decided to explore the water in a boat in search of what the sea had to offer for food. During the day it was easy for them to find their way home, maybe by a pile of rocks they had left on the shore or some other type of sign. Night was a different story since much of the shore looked the same. Friends would often help them out by building bonfires on top of a high point to guide them safely home. Sometimes, nature even helped by providing a glowing volcano as a guide in aiding the sailors to find their way home. As bigger ships were built and mariners sailed further from home, many were wrecked as the waves pushed them into rocky shores or dangerous reefs. So the need for some type of warning signal arose. The lighthouse came into being. The first lighthouse was built in Egypt around 280 BC. Records tell us that the Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt was the tallest lighthouse ever built - 450' (about the size of a 45-story skyscraper today). The source of light was an open fire at the top. Pity the poor keeper who forgot to bring the matches, or whatever they used, after climbing all the way to the top of the lighthouse. The Pharos lasted for 1500 years before it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th Century. A lighthouse is a structure with a light at the top which is located in a place which is considered to be important or dangerous to navigation. The two main purposes of a lighthouse are to serve as a navigational aid to help sailors know where they are and to warn mariners of dangerous areas. A lighthouse is to a sailor what a seeing eye dog is to a blind person. While we often think of lighthouses as a tall cone shaped tower, lighthouses come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Depending on where the lighthouse is built, it may be tall, short, or squat. Lighthouses can be square, octagonal, conical, cylindrical or even skeletal. While many lighthouses stand alone, some have a building attached where the keeper of the lighthouse stayed. As a general rule, lighthouses were built of whatever materials were readily available. This could be stones, wood, concrete, steel, cast-iron, or even a mixture of shells, lime, water, and sand. Therefore, lighthouses tended to be unique. Lighthouses are found in a variety of locations; rocky cliffs, sandy shoals on land, on a water swept reef at sea, and at entrances to bays and harbors. They are there to warn sailors of dangerous reefs under the sea, rocky coasts on land, and to guide ships to the entrances of bays and harbors. The lighthouses message has always been; STAY AWAY, DANGER, BEWARE, or COME THIS WAY. Every lighthouse, no matter where it is, tells every mariner, THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE. So, to always avoid the hazzards, navigate to a safe harbor, and to always know where you are, let your lighthouse beacon forever shine.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Housing your Canine Friend: Chose the Perfect Dog House

Title: Housing your Canine Friend: Chose the Perfect Dog House Word Count: 526 Summary: Dogs have been one of the most popular house pets from ages and taking care of a dog involves showing him proper care and attention to all of his needs and housing is one of the primary needs of every animal. Keywords: Dogs have been one of the most popular house pets from ages and taking care of a dog involves showing him proper care and attention to all of his needs and housing is one of the primary needs of every Article Body: Dogs have been one of the most popular house pets from ages and taking care of a dog involves showing him proper care and attention to all of his needs and housing is one of the primary needs of every animal. When it comes to dog houses, you can find many adequate solutions to take proper care of your dog’s housing necessities while keeping to you budget, if that is an issue. Dog houses can be interior or exterior, depending on the type of habitation you have, dog houses can be located inside your own home or outside it. They can also be all of shapes and materials. The most popular exterior dog houses are simple wooden ones, simply composed by four walls a roof and a door. Cement dog houses have been widely used as well and have been very popular means of dog housing for years as aluminium ones have but both have proven to be very inefficient dog houses since they both were not comfortable for the pet. Cement dog houses have proven to be very cold during winter while aluminium dog houses are extremely hot in the sunny weather making those two options a very cruel way to house your canine friend. Nowadays the most popular and efficient option for exterior dog houses is still wooden or, if you fancy luxury dog houses or want to make a custom one, you can build your dog a super cosy, isolated dog house, using the same architectural and design techniques as if building a mini house for yourself. This can be a costly solution, but if that is not a problem for you, custom dog houses can be the safest way to make sure your dog is properly taken care of. The idea of a custom housing for your dog is not all original and there are many different companies developing this type of products and services. You can now bring dog houses to a new level with customization. Nevertheless, if you still love your pet very much but cannot afford to build him a two story with air condition house, the market has also more modest options that will keep your dog happy and well taken care of. Interior dog houses can be exactly of the same type as the exterior ones- only they are placed inside your house- or they can be completely made out of smooth fabrics such as cotton, felt and sponge. They are very warm and comfortable dog houses, specially made for the confort of your dog without the need to think about the exterior weather conditions. Different form simple dog beds, those interior dog houses have the traditional four walls and one roof but they are made using very different materials. All efforts to keep your furry family member happy are worth it and giving him the best housing you can is an act of love and respect. With such big an offer for dog houses, whatever your lifestyle, you can provide him with a safe and proper place to live. Dog houses don’t need to fancy or expensive, just keep your dogs contort in mind. Dogs have been one of the most popular house pets from ages and taking care of a dog involves showing him proper care and attention to all of his needs and housing is one of the primary needs of every animal. When it comes to dog houses, you can find many adequate solutions to take proper care of your dog’s housing necessities while keeping to you budget, if that is an issue. Dog houses can be interior or exterior, depending on the type of habitation you have, dog houses can be located inside your own home or outside it. They can also be all of shapes and materials. The most popular exterior dog houses are simple wooden ones, simply composed by four walls a roof and a door. Cement dog houses have been widely used as well and have been very popular means of dog housing for years as aluminium ones have but both have proven to be very inefficient dog houses since they both were not comfortable for the pet. Cement dog houses have proven to be very cold during winter while aluminium dog houses are extremely hot in the sunny weather making those two options a very cruel way to house your canine friend. Nowadays the most popular and efficient option for exterior dog houses is still wooden or, if you fancy luxury dog houses or want to make a custom one, you can build your dog a super cosy, isolated dog house, using the same architectural and design techniques as if building a mini house for yourself. This can be a costly solution, but if that is not a problem for you, custom dog houses can be the safest way to make sure your dog is properly taken care of. The idea of a custom housing for your dog is not all original and there are many different companies developing this type of products and services. You can now bring dog houses to a new level with customization. Nevertheless, if you still love your pet very much but cannot afford to build him a two story with air condition house, the market has also more modest options that will keep your dog happy and well taken care of. Interior dog houses can be exactly of the same type as the exterior ones- only they are placed inside your house- or they can be completely made out of smooth fabrics such as cotton, felt and sponge. They are very warm and comfortable dog houses, specially made for the confort of your dog without the need to think about the exterior weather conditions. Different form simple dog beds, those interior dog houses have the traditional four walls and one roof but they are made using very different materials. All efforts to keep your furry family member happy are worth it and giving him the best housing you can is an act of love and respect. With such big an offer for dog houses, whatever your lifestyle, you can provide him with a safe and proper place to live. Dog houses don’t need to fancy or expensive, just keep your dogs contort in mind.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

How old should you be before buying a loft bed

A monumental time in the life of any toddler is moving from the crib or child’s bed to a real “grown up” bed. Consider choosing a loft bed for your growing youngster, especially if the room he or she occupies is small for much else than a bed or shared with a sibling. However, before you move your child to any bed other than a crib, ensure he or she is at least two years of age and no less than 35 inches tall. If your child is a late bloomer or showing no interest in moving up to a larger bed, allow him or her a certain amount of leeway in regards to switching to a “big boy” or “big girl” bed. Many parents choose to invest in a loft bed for their child because another child has arrived, is on the way, or currently occupies the house. A loft is a great way to give each child his or her space without having to sacrifice floor space for child’s play. Also, a loft bed is a great way to entice your son or daughter to leave your bed in exchange for something a great deal cooler in their eyes. One thing to keep in mind when choosing a loft bed for a young child is to avoid the ceiling scraping beds and instead choose lofts that are no taller than four feet. This is especially true if you are dealing with a youngster who may have a slight fear of heights, since everything is taller to a child. A four foot loft still allows a great amount of room underneath the bed and can be arranged to house a fantastic fort, tent, or enclosed space that is only for the child. Some children’s furniture manufacturers are even including specialized loft beds into their furniture designs that are sure to tickle your child’s imagination. Another critical aspect to keep in mind is the safety of the loft. Ensure the guard rails are stable and properly placed on the bed. Furthermore, ensure both sides of the bed come equipped with guard rails. Quite often, children can become trapped or even fall out of the bed if two guard rails are not present on the bed. Also, check out the ladder to make sure your child will be safe while entering and exiting his or her bed. Furthermore, ensure the ladder is correctly installed on the bed to prevent any accidents or injuries due to improper equipment. Once your child has made the move into a loft bed, make time to speak with your son or daughter regarding safety. Set rules for entering and exiting the bed and ensure your children will not play or roughhouse, which can call potentially cause injury.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Hire the best Contractor in town with these tips

A Contractor is defined as a person who agrees to supply materials or perform services at a specified price, especially for construction work. If you have decided to hire a contractor for any kind of work in your house you should keep in mind certain precautions in mind. How do you find the right contractor for your self? There are many ways you could do this. Gets a prescreened contractor for your area from companies offering remodeling services? Also, you could ask your friends and relatives to refer you a contractor we who have had a project done and were happy with the work done. Alternatively, search for a contractor in the local builder’s association etc. When the contractor you are hiring provides you with references, follow them up and ask the previous clients if they were happy with the work of the contractor and would they work again with him. It is also advisable that you should be explicit about what you to be done. While choosing the contractor, it is better to keep these tips in mind. For example e you would have a better choice if you have three different quotes. Don’t assume that the lowest quote may be the best quote, carefully compare the quotes, wait up for the right person and only hire that person with whom you feel you share a good rapport. Always insist on a written contract specifying the start and completion date of the project by the contractor. Additionally ensure that the contractor is insured, bonded and licensed.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Healthy Living for You and Your Children

We all want what is best for our children. In my case, it has been very important to me right from the beginning that my son live a healthy lifestyle. I didn’t exactly know back when he was first born what all that would entail, but I have learned three essential rules that I believe promote healthy living for the whole family. *Eat a nutritional and well-balanced diet. Before my son was able to eat “real” food, I never put much thought into the quality of food I was eating and/or preparing for our meals. Once he was able to join us for meal time and ask/beg for food, I realized very quickly that the food I provided for us ALL had to be healthy. I could no longer feed him the “good stuff” while my husband and I inhaled a greasy pizza. He wanted to eat what Mommy and Daddy were eating so things had to change – FAST! This wasn’t as difficult as I had expected. I simply sat down and made a list of the foods I wanted him to eat based on their nutritional content – this included lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and very little processed and sugary foods. The next time I went to the grocery store I stuck to that list. Whenever I had the urge to throw in a box of cookies or potato chips I just asked myself, “Is this something I want my son eating?” Most of the time the answer was “NO” so I would keep on walking by. I’m happy to say that my son eats a very healthy diet. Instead of begging for candy or chips, he begs for bananas, grapes, and blueberries…SERIOUSLY! The bonus to all this is that my husband and I are eating healthier and feel great. Being a good example for our son has benefited us as well! *Get moving. As with everything I’m discussing here, it’s all about being a good example for our kids. They so much want to be just like us, that they will do EXACTLY what we do, whether it’s good or bad. If we show our kids from a young age that exercise is fun and worthwhile, they will enjoy it as well. My son is now two years old and loves to dance, chase bubbles, run with his dogs, and go for walks. These are things he already enjoys doing and when we do them together, we both get a great workout! *Drink plenty of water. Some parents probably think I’m crazy but my son is over two years old and has probably only had juice 4 or 5 times. He went directly from breastfeeding to milk and water. Occasionally I will give him some watered down orange juice because, of course, he sees Mommy drinking it and wants to be just like me. But in general he only drinks water. He doesn’t beg for soda because he doesn’t know what he’s missing and that is fine with me! Plus, he sees Mommy and Daddy drinking water all day long so he knows it’s the “cool” thing to do. The most important thing I’ve learned in these 2 short years is how impressionable children are. They want nothing more than to be just like us. It’s quite an honor, actually. But also a great responsibility. I believe that by following these three simple rules my entire family will be healthier and most importantly, my son will grow up having already developed healthy living habits. I hope you find these tips helpful and I wish you and your family very healthy living!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Gift basket ideas.

Are you looking for that perfect gift for a business associate or a friend? Just think what gastronomic joy you could give when you choose that ideal gift from a wide selection of gift baskets. If you're looking for delicious fruit assortments with scrumptious pear varieties, apple varieties, cherries and more, the Premiums Fruit Company is just one of many online merchants that offer taste tempting gift basket ideas to whet anyone's palate Tasty nuts and cheeses are also available in their handcrafted gift baskets and towers. Check out all the sites for your gift giving needs. Other great gift basket ideeas for those you know with a with a hearty appetite, what could be better than a gift of delicious meats? When you do your shopping online, you can select from marvelous gift baskets featuring prime steaks and chops, or delicious cheese and sausage. When you want to send something that's not too personal, yet shows you're thinking of the recipient, a gift of food is always appropriate. Gift baskets not only offer you a wide choice of content, but also a wide price range to suit your gift giving budget. There are a number of catalogers and online merchants that also offer corporate discounts for their gift baskets, so keep that in ind as you do your company's holiday shopping. And, let's not forget nuts (also a popular item—not only at he holidays, but year ‘round.} Fresh, delicious shelled pecans and pecan treats are all available in a wide assortment of eye-pleasing baskets that would be a welcome gift for anyone on your list. And have we mentioned chocolates? No one could really resist a gift basket of mouth watering decadent goodies—including chocolate covered nuts and regional favorites from around the country—all beautifully packaged and wrapped to delight any connoisseur of fine eating. In fact, one doesn't have to be a connoisseur to enjoy a good piece of chocolate! What could be more tempting than a gift of cookies, brownies and other gourmet gifts from a famous baker? Browse through the many sites featuring unique food gift baskets and you'll also find one that specializes in exotic spices from around the world, or if a gift of cheese brings a glint to your eye, send a great cheese gift basket combining aged cheddar cheeses with other Vermont specialty foods, including pure Vermont maple syrup, chocolates, and sauces. How delicious is that! And when you're shopping, keep in mind the favorite jams and jellies and crackers that can make the ordinary extraordinary! Gift basket ideas abound with these delightful homemade temptations that will please any family. And, they'll think of your thoughtfulness when they're enjoying their morning toast and coffee. If you're shopping for yourself or for others, food is always the in thing, particularly in today's health conscious society. When you let your browser do the shopping, you'll find an interesting array of wonderful (and nutritious) goodies in health food catalogs as well as in organic food catalogs. These online purveyors of good and healthy food have an assortment of unique food gift baskets for the truly health conscious epicure devote of fine foods. In fact, you can find just about everything on line when it comes to food. Or, if you know of someone who loves the old style western jerky as a special snack, try unique food gift basket of your own combining high protein snacks like beef jerky, turkey jerky and beef sticks with selections of dried fruit and nuts, candy and sausage. Just point and click your way through the many unique food gift baskets that are available online and you'll save yourself a great deal of time and money. Many merchants and catalogers offer customization for corporate gift giving, thus ensuring your employees and clients of receiving an unforgettable present whether it's for the holidays or any other special occasion.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Personalize Any Occasion with Unusual Custom Cameras

Whether it's a wedding reception, a sports gathering, an anniversary party, or even a baby shower, these special occasions and others can be even more meaningful with custom cameras. Photos are necessary to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments. Why not let your guests capture them for you with unique custom cameras? These types of cameras are both decorative and useful. Here are some ways to make the most of every event with custom cameras. Wedding Day Moments There can be many meaningful, sad, happy, and even funny moments during a wedding reception. One wedding photographer can't possibly capture all of them. But with disposable wedding cameras, many of these moments can be captured on film by your guests. Here's how. Order customized wedding cameras in advance and place one or two cameras on each guest table. Invite your guests to take the photos as they fellowship. Be sure they get photos of all the children and grown-ups at the wedding. Ask them to capture special moments for you! They'll be glad to do it - and it's something fun for everyone. You can even order special wedding cameras with your names and wedding date printed on the cameras to add that personal touch. Disposable wedding cameras are decorative, and there are many styles to choose from, so you can easily find custom cameras to match your wedding decor. Don't Miss the Action at Parties If you're busy serving food and drinks, cleaning, answering questions, etc. - all while trying to enjoy talking with your party guests - you probably won't have time to snap pictures! This is when custom cameras really come in handy. Order several custom cameras to spread among guests and have your party guests take pictures for you. Each guest will capture unique moments that you probably would have missed. Custom cameras come in many themes so you can include them at almost any type of party. There are disposable sports-themed cameras as well as custom disposable cameras for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, proms, graduations, Bar Mitzvahs, and many other events. They are great for almost any special occasion where pictures are a must! At a sports party, for instance, you might order custom disposable cameras with the team's logo to show team spirit and to match your sports decor. There are licensed custom cameras with NFL, NBA and MLB team logos for the choosing. Where to Buy Custom Cameras You can find a variety of custom camera choices by shopping online or perhaps at a local specialty printing company. Buying online is easy because you can order any time of the day, search through many custom camera themes, and have them delivered to your doorstep. If you feel that you can use a little help getting photos of your next big event or party, choose custom cameras and let your guests do all the work. It's the easiest way to capture those special moments!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft As An Online Degree Candidate

As degree candidates in standard programs there is campus training every semester on personal safety and how to get around campus at night. As an online degree candidate you do not have those concerns but you do have identity theft. Identity theft is a huge and growing proliferating problem. What is fairly new however, is the danger is poses to online degree candidates. Yes, your records and degree are in danger of being stolen. Here's how to protect yourself. What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone steals your identity and impersonates you in order to obtain student loans or other forms of financial aid. Fraudulent credit card accounts could be opened or other criminal acts committed using your identity. You may not know when it happens. One day you may be turned down unexpectedly for a loan, get a call from a collection agency about an account you never opened or worse yet, a call from the police about a crime you didn't commit. Suddenly you are a victim of identity theft. What are the effects of identity theft? On average, identity theft is not discovered until 14 months after the crime has occurred. By this time, the thief has wreaked havoc on the victim's credit rating. Victims might spend months or even years regaining their credit worthiness. In the meantime, the victims find it difficult to obtain loans, get a job, an apartment, or even write checks. How does identity theft happen? Criminals steal personal information, such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, ATM card numbers, telephone calling card numbers and other key pieces of personal data and use them to impersonate their victims. After assuming your identity, they will quickly move to spend or borrow as much money as they can before moving on to their next victim. Methods with which criminals gain access to your identity online: Pose as your bank or utility company needing to “update their records” Grab information off Internet sites that are not secure Once the thief has this information, they may open a new credit card account or apply for financial aid using your identity and their address. Chances are, you will be unaware that any of this has taken place until the bills go unpaid. The creditor then reports the delinquency to your credit file. How do I protect myself from identity theft? Prevention is the first step in battling identity theft. To minimize the risk of someone’s stealing your identity and the hassle of cleaning up the aftermath, follow these guidelines: - Be very careful in giving out your credit card, social security number, bank accounts and other information online. - Do not give personal information or account numbers to anyone claimig to be from your degree program until you have confirmed the identity of the person requesting the information and verified that you need to provide them with the information. - Know what type of student financial aid you are applying for (e.g. loans, grants) and the amounts of the aid awarded. Make sure the amount is promptly credited to your school account. - Immediately report the suspected theft or loss of a key identification document such as a driver's license, passport or Social Security card to the issuing agency. What should I do if I become a victim of identity theft? First, contact the fraud department of each of the three major credit bureaus. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your credit file. This alert will warn creditors to be especially careful in authenticating the identity of anyone claiming to be you. This means you cannot obtain instant credit, a minor inconvenience in light of the damage identity theft can do. File a report with your local police department and make sure to get a copy. Contact each credit grantor who has opened a fraudulent account to let them know that you are not the person responsible for opening the account. Have them close these accounts. If you open new accounts, make sure to place passwords on them. Call the Identity Theft Toll-free Hotline at 1-877-438-4338. This is the central point of contact within the federal government for reporting incidents of identity theft. Remember to close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. If someone has stolen your identity and you are concerned about your AES-guaranteed loans or grants, or are suspicious about student financial aid granted under your identity, you may contact AES Investigative Services at 717-720-2740, or via email at: investigativeservices@aesSuccess.org. EQUIFAX: www.equifax.com TO ORDER YOUR REPORT, call: 1-800-685-1111 or write: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 TO REPORT FRAUD, call: 1-800-525-6285 or write: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 EXPERIAN: www.experian.com TO ORDER YOUR REPORT, call: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write: P.O. Box 2104 Allen TX 75013 TO REPORT FRAUD, call: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write: P.O. Box 9532 Allen TX 75013 TRANSUNION: www.transunion.com TO ORDER YOUR REPORT, call: 800-916-8800 or write: P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 TO REPORT FRAUD, call: 1-800-680-7289 or write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Friday, April 15, 2011

Time to think about clocks?

Who does not have a few clocks in his or her home? Everyone needs them and we all use them each and every day of our lives. There are many different kinds of and most of us own several. There are many different clocks, wall, grandfather, the ever popular alarm and, of course, my personal favorite Coldplay. Clocks are simply a part of our lives the whole world round, there is even a world clock and an atomic clock. We just cannot escape these infernal, yet useful machines. The history of clocks goes far back into the past of humans. The sun dial was an early form, it was a rather rudimentary design but it was accurate and it worked for people back then. Now of course we are even busier and we need to be more precise about everything that we do. We are always rushing off to somewhere and without clocks we would not be able to get there in time. In fact it seems as though time runs our lives these days. Wall clocks are a great addition to any room in your home. They are attractive and they do not take up any floor space. Most of us are lacking in the floor space that grandfather clocks need so we make do with wall clocks. Wall clocks are also nice because they are easy to make room for. They come in all different shapes and sizes, which make them perfect for squeezing in on even a busy and full wall. Wall clocks look great in any home with any décor. There are all kinds that are plain enough to match anywhere in any room. These are the most popular of all and thankfully the least expensive as well. You can find some pretty exciting looking clocks as well. If you like to make a statement then you will want to choose ones that are a little different from the everyday. This means looking to clocks that are perhaps bright and colorful or even large and full of fantastic art forms. Strange and unusual shaped ones are a big hit as well and your home could definitely benefit from these. Grandfather clocks are something that many people have had passed down to them from past generations in their family. Other people go searching for them. These are some of the most fantastic and glorious clocks in the whole world. They are generally large, though how large may differ from one examplt to the next. Some of the best grandfather clocks are the older generation. These can be found in antique stores or online auctions and they are generally very expensive. In fact, all of them tend to be quite expensive but they are always well worth the money that you spend on them. They make wonderful heirlooms for you to pass down in your own family. This is a clock that your great grandchildren will feel honored to receive down the line.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Online Survey: Gamers Prefer Roulette

Out of a survey conducted by Gambling Portal, 64% of all gamers prefer to play roulette and not poker, blackjack or even slots. Why? One of the truly worthy games to play at a casino is roulette. It is not just the spinning of the wheel that gives it its class, but the fact that roulette is a game for true champions. Amateurs steer away from roulette leaving it only to the true gaming enthusiasts. 1) Excitement: Gamers state that no other game they have played can match the thrill they feel after they have placed their individual bets and the wheel starts to spin and ball flies and jumps from one slot to another. They say that your heart jumps each time the ball collides with the wheel.. 2) Simplicity: In comparison to other games, roulette is simple to learn and simple to play. All you have to do is guess where the ball will come to rest when the wheel stops spinning. Even placing your bet is simple. You can either bet on a number, a row, a couple of rows, a column, a row of columns, a colour: black or red or even on odd or even numbers. To do this you do not need to memorize different hand systems like in poker, or calculate whether they will reach twenty-one like in blackjack. You pick a number or a section of numbers and if ball rests on the numbers you picked, you win. 3) Availability of Game Tables: Unlike other table games where you sometimes have to wait for hours till a seat opens up for you, roulette table seat up to seven or nine players. There are even some larger tables that seat up to ten. In addition, since roulette is a fast action game, players rotate more often than say at a Texas Holdem match. 4) The Croupier: Unlike other game tables, at roulette the croupier is an active component of the game. When they state out aloud, No More Bets, everyone sits back and waits. The croupier spins the wheel and he waits along with everyone else for the ball to roll down into the inside track and rest on a particular colour and number. Then, the croupier announces the number and hands out the winnings. 5) Coloured Chips: To make it easier for you to track your chips amidst all the other chips, your chips are of a different colour than all the rest of the players. There is no other game that allows you this option. This means that you can track your chips super easily even if they are at the other end of the table. 6) No Cheating: People try and cheat at all games. But in roulette, no one is allowed to keep his hands over the table until the croupier finishes handing out all the money won. Even the croupier himself keeps his hands away and uses a long stick to distribute the chips. Conclusion: Out of all the different games, those you can bet on at a regular or online casino or at home and those you can play for fun on your home computer, gamers seek out and play roulette for all the of the above reasons. They think it is the game that has everything in all one package. They must know what they are talking about.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Make reading fun - use personalized stories

Reading regularly from an early age has enormous benefits for a child throughout childhood and in later life: * Increased comfort with reading A comfortable reader is a confident reader. This means that the speed with which something can be read increases (useful for absorbing information, in exams, and also later on in the place of work), and the reader is also more likely to be confident and effective when reading aloud. (Presentations, the school play!) * Increased word power Coming in to contact with words more frequently means they are more likely to stick in the reader's mind, improving spelling. Reading often also enhances the chance of encountering new words, and therefore increases the range of the reader's vocabulary * Increased knowledge Whether reading for pleasure or for school, college or work, books help to broaden our horizons, increasing the general knowledge of the reader. So, how can we ensure that our children read, and read regularly? There is a simple thing to bear in mind to ensure a child wants to read - the child has to enjoy reading! And how is this achieved, I hear you say? For a child to enjoy reading, the subject matter must be one that they have some familiarity with and more importantly, that they are interested in. Now here's the real trick : There is nothing that interests any child more than themselves! Personalized stories will inspire the child to read and re-read a story, because this will be able to relate directly with the main character. (It is after all, themselves, usually taking part in some adventure akin to the kind of imaginary play the child would normally partake in.) Even if you are reading a story to an infant or toddler, the repetition of their name will generate interest and excitement in the story which will ensure that they enjoy reading the story themselves when they are older. There are many personalized stories available to buy over the Internet, ranging in price and quality. Because of the personalized nature of them, they make an ideal gift for special occasions such as birthday's and Christmas presents. Things that you should consider when looking to buy a personalized story book: - what level of personalization do you require? (Simply the child's name, or other details too i.e. friends, age etc.) - does the book promote a positive message? - how durable is the book? - what will it cost? (Don't forgot to factor in shipping costs!) - how long does it take to manufacture? (This can often be the more important factor, particularly if purchasing as a gift.)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

It's Time To Think About Comforters!

If you're thinking about buying a comforter for your bedroom, don't shop without this information! Knowing what to look for in a quality comforter can save you money in the long run by making your purchase the best quality for the money. By saving yourself from some of the common mistakes made by bedding buyers, you will be much happier with the selection you purchase. When choosing comforters, it is important to understand the materials used to construct the bedding as well as the construction methods used. Let's take a look at some of the factors you need to be aware of before making your purchase. Feathers or down are commonly used as filling material. There's a really big difference between the two, however. Down is the inner plumage of ducks or geese. It has a great many tiny, very fluffy "miniature feathers" and no long feathers or quills. Check the product information carefully to be certain of what the contents of the bedding you are considering really is. Both feathers and down are effective insulators against the cold, but down is the more efficient of the two. Down is much softer and warmer than feathers. However, people with allergies can have problems with either filler and may need to resort to allergy-proof bedding. Some down products are created to be hypoallergenic and may be used by any except the most severe allergy sufferers. Quality bedding will be made of down rather than feathers, but is very expensive when used as the only fill. So comforter manufacturers compromise abit by adding some feathers into the mix as well to add to your comforter's insulating ability. Another fill that may be found in bedding is polyester fiber. This filling is not as luxurious feeling as down but can make an effective insulator nonetheless. Preferred by allergy sufferers, a very good quality selection using polyester fiber fill can make a great bedding choice. An important factor to consider when purchasing your bed covering is fill weight. Fill weight is the amount of filling used between the top and bottom covering of your bedding. The greater the fill weight, the more filling is contained in the bedding and therefore the more body heat will be held in through the insulating factor of the bedding. If you live in a cold climate and reduce your home's thermostat at night, you'll want to purchase products with a high fill weight. If you live in a more temperate climate or want bedding for summer use, you will probably want to choose a lower fill weight or remove the top bedding from the bed at night to sleep in cool comfort. Fill power refers to the amount of space which 1 ounce of down or fill material covers. Because top quality down expands, this number is generated by taking 1 once of fill and compressing it. Once it is freed again, it will expand to cover a specific area. The fill number 575 fill power means that 1 ounce of the filler covers 575 cubic inches of space. 650 is a very high fill power. The loft of the bedding is directly related to the fill power, as is the insulating properties. If you live in a warm climate, you'll be happy with a much lower fill power. A fill power of 575 or below would be great for winters in the Mid-South. Lower numbers would be best for Southern California and Florida while the cold northern state will enjoy a fill power of 650. Thread count is a factor to consider as well. Especially with down/feather bedding, low thread count fabric can result in filling materials working their way through the fabric and escaping. Higher thread counts of 330 or more provide a more dense fabric with a close weave that will prevent filling materials from working their way out of the bedding. Higher thread count also provides a silkier, luxurious feel to the bedding. Thread count is much more important when buying bedding that contains filling than if you are buying sheets. The actual construction method of the shell of the bedding is also very important. Inexpensive bedding that contains filling will be constructed with the "sewn-through" method. This means that the bedding is divided into sections by sewing through the top and bottom and coming back through the fabric, much like the way a quilt is constructed. Top quality bedding, which is more expensive but will last much longer, uses baffle box construction. Fabric is used to create walls inside the bedding in which the fill is placed. This provides the fluffiness of true luxury bedding. The bedding fill product is allowed to expand to the maximum fluffiness and you will find no cold spots when sleeping under this type of bedding. For the very best bedding, be sure to look for the "closed baffle box" or "true baffle box" construction. Closed box construction means the filling can not move from section to section. An open box construction or partially open box construction means the filling can move and create bunches and lumpiness. Care of your bedding investment is important too! Even if a luxury bedding item that contains fill material says it may be machine washed, you will not want to wash it in your home laundry equipment. When large pieces of filled bedding get wet, they are simply too heavy for the home machine. Washing and drying can cause lumping even in good quality products. Dry cleaning is the best method to preserve your quality bedding that contains fill. For only a little more cost, you can insure that your bedding will last longer so you can enjoy it for years and years to come.

Monday, April 11, 2011

How Can You Tell If The Sunglasses Are Baseball Sunglasses?

Baseball sunglasses are the ones that major league baseball players wear to help reduce the glare of the sun when they have to look up to see the ball. Baseball sunglasses need to have certain properties to make them suitable sunglasses for baseball players. They need to significantly reduce the glare, protect the eyes from UV rays and be shatterproof. Oakley is one of the designers that makes baseball sunglasses. Oakley sun glasses have polarized lenses, but according to baseball players the Nike amber glasses for baseball are the best for clear vision on sunny days. The Nike sunglasses are not just for baseball and are suited for anyone. The word amber in the name does not mean that the lenses are amber colored. In fact the lenses in these sunglasses are either gray or brown. Some people might liken the brown colored lenses to amber glasses for baseball. The main thing to look for in baseball sunglasses is the amount of UV protection they afford. Since baseball is a sport played during the hot summer season, this is one quality that has to be included in the design of these sun glasses. Other qualities that baseball players look for is lightweight and this is what you get whether you buy the Nike amber sunglasses or the Oakley design. With the development of baseball sunglasses, you hardly ever see the professional players with black streaks under their eyes to reduce the glare. The polarized lenses help neutralize the glare of the light. With amber sunglasses for baseball and the different colors of the lenses, the tint helps to enhance the color of the ball as it flies through the air. This lets the baseball players look directly into the sun and still see where the ball is. Although these sunglasses are called baseball sunglasses, they are also popular with those who like outdoor activities in the snow. The amber sunglasses for baseball are really good at reducing the reflection off the snow and help to prevent snow blindness. Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses, amber or gray tints and those with 95% UV protection. Protecting your eyes is the most important factor in choosing sunglasses, although when it comes to fashion, these glasses do pass the test. Baseball sunglasses, because you need maximum protection when you’re playing baseball.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Gift cookie gift bags or gift baker’s basket

If you are in search of a perfect gift basket then don’t look here and there instead create a wonderful yummy and adorable gift baker’s basket to gift on the occasion of Christmas. For making cookie gift bags you need to have a piece of cute fabric, a recipe of your favorite cookies, dry ingredients, plastic zip bag or gift basket, decorative ribbon and Christmas themed cookie clutter. Once you have decided for the recipe to use, you can type it on hand or write it on a cute recipe card so that you can attach it with the copy of the recipe to the cookie bag or basket itself. Next collect all of the dry ingredients that you need for the particular recipe which you have chosen to use. When you add the ingredients into the zip bag, you need to carefully measure according to the recipe and then place each ingredient into the zip top bag. You can also use a jar or other decorative jar to put the recipe ingredients into and if you choose a jar as such, a cute twist is to layer all the ingredients into the jar into colorful rows. It looks really cute when you have added all of the ingredients into the jar. Then you can have all the ingredients measured and place them into the container you are wrapping up. Place your piece of fabric around the bag or jar and then gather it at the top. Once it is done, you can tie the top first with a rubber band to insure that it will stay put and then decorate with ribbon or colored string. Attach the recipe to the bag and then use a whole punch and punch a hole in the card and string some ribbon through it and attach to the top. For some extra fun, you can add a cute Christmas shaped cookie clutter and tie it on as you secure the top. You can also add cupcake tins and papers, measuring utensils and any other things that will help in making these delicious confections. Visit our recommended website customgiftbasket.info

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Interior Design Made Easy

When you are designing you house you need to take into account many factors. A great looking house needs to have many aspects covered. Everyone wants to have a great looking home, but not all of us know what actually works, read on to discover what important principles you need to take into account when you are designing your house. Balance is very important when designing the inside of your house. A lack of balance can show excitement and spontaneity in a room, you need to take into account colour, texture, layout, patterns and many more aspects. Formal balance creastes a mirror image effect and it is also called symmetrical balance. Informal balance uses different objects to create equilibrium in a room. This is much more subtle yet spontaneous and gives a much more casual feeling to the room. The focus of the room is another important aspect to consider. It is the focal point of the room. Whatever should be the feature of the room needs to have enough emphasis on it so that is does become the focal point of the room. As you walk into the room what you initially take in is the focus. People's eyes shift to the focus immediately and it is the first thing they take in. The focus is generally affected by proximity, colour and the layout of the area. Subtlety must also be taken into account, how restrained you are has a large effect on the design. Rhythm is another principle that is often looked over, the continuity of the design affects the rhythm. It controls how the eye will move over a room. Repetition is governed by line, colour, texture or form. Progressive rhythm is when the elements gradually increase or decrease in size. Proportion is another important principle. This includes size, weight and colour. This has a direct affect on the balance of the design as well. Similarly scale is very important. You must effectively measure dimensions of the room and the pieces. The size relationships in a room are defined by these two principles. You need to consider the harmony of the room. Though closely related to balance harmony is also important. It is essentially how each element of the room works together to be pleasing visually. Harmony encompasses all the other principles and is essentially created or destroyed by successfully juggling all the other elements and getting the right mix. So if you are looking to design you own house, you must be careful to consider all these principles of interior design. If you are not confident you can always hire an interior designer to help you out, you know you will get professional quality then! However, this can get expensive, and if you want to tackle it yourself, then you now have the right tools! Good luck!

Friday, April 8, 2011

How To Choose The Pub Table That Is Right For You

Have you just put up the home bar of your dreams and now need a pub table so you can seat down and have a drink with friends on basketball finals night? Have you just moved to your own place and want to use a space-saving pub table as your dining table? Do you prefer to eat your meals sitting high to see out the window for a better view? Pub tables have become necessary accessories in homes with the coming of home entertainment systems and home bars. Nowadays, you can easily shop online for pub tables in different sizes, diameters, materials, finishes and style. But how do you choose the pub table that is right for you? Tips on choosing the right pub table 1. How tall do you want your pub table to be? - If you want it to be the same height as your kitchen countertop, then you should get a pub table that is about 36 inches tall and a bar stool that is 24 inches. - If you want it to be the same height as your bar countertop, then you should get a pub table that is about 42 inches tall and a bar stool that is 30 inches. - If you want to have the flexibility of varying the height of your pub table and bar stool, then you should get a metal table and bar stool with adjustable height mechanism. 2. How many people are you going to seat around your pub table? - If you are going to seat 2-4 people, then you should get a table top measuring 24 inches in diameter for cozy get togethers or 30 inches if you want to comfortably fit 4. - If you are going to seat more than 4 people, and this is usually outdoors where you will have more room, then you should get a table top measuring 42 inches in diameter. Outdoor pub tables of this size can come with holes to hold an outdoor patio umbrella. 3. What would be the best location for your pub table? - If your home bar is indoors or if you want to use your pub table as a dining table, then you should put your pub table indoors in the recreation room or den. - If you often entertain outdoors, or you simply enjoy being around in your garden or covered patio, then you should put your pub table outdoors. 4. What material, style and finish do you want for your pub table to suit your taste and home décor? - If you prefer the traditional old-world style, then you may opt for bevelled, hardwood pub tables in oak finish or the graceful flowing lines of handcrafted metal or wrought iron pub tables with clear glass table tops. - If you prefer the modern contemporary look, then you may opt for black metal pub tables with clean, minimalist lines and a clear bevelled glass table tops. - If you want to create the tone for viewing an exciting ballgame, then you may opt for a pub table in the themed style which shows your favorite college team logo. 5. Do you want bar stools to accompany your pub table? - What type of back do you prefer for your bar stools: high back, low back or backless? - Do you prefer the seats upholstered in fabric or leather? - Do you want the seat to swivel or remain stationary? - Do you want the seat to be 24 or 30 inches high? - How many bar stools would you need? 6. And last but not least what is your budget? A quick browse of pub table online stores shows that: - A budget of under $300 can get you a themed NCAA pub table in polished honey wood finish and with inset leather background of your favorite college football team logo. - $400 can buy a traditional pedestal pub table in bevelled hardwood oak finish, with a heavy ball and clawed feet for that majestic look. - And for a slightly bigger budget of around $900, you can get a rustic looking outdoor pub table that will be the conversation piece of your next backyard barbeque. Set in dark wood, this pub table is fashioned by hand in the saloon style, from irregularly shaped individual South American teak. Happy browsing.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Eleven money saving tips that will extend the life of your refrigerator/freezer and lower the cost of energy in Atlanta.

To reduce the need of repairs, use the following preventative measures. Proper maintenance and care is essential in keeping your refrigerator and freezer running efficiently. Improper care will cause your unit to overwork by using more electricity to keep you clothes clean than if properly maintained. By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your refrigerator/freezer and avoid many costly repairs. Eleven money saving tips that will extend the life of your refrigerator/freezer and lower the cost of energy in Atlanta. 1. Always ship refrigerators upright. Placing the refrigerator on the side may cause a Freon leak that will prevent cooling. Placing refrigerator on its back will damage the condenser coils and cause the compressor to fail because if the unit is restarted before allowing the oil enough time to drain out of the lines and compressor back into the oil chamber. 2. Locate refrigerators away from heat sources like your range, a radiator, or a sunny window. To prevent overheating and system failure, do not locate the refrigerator near anything that can restrict the airflow to the motor, coils and compressor. Also, do not place refrigerators on top of carpeting because most condensers are located under the refrigerator and carpeting retains heat and restrict air flow. 3. To avoid burning out the compressor, always plug the refrigerator directly into the wall. If you absolutely need to run an extension chord, make sure a heavy duty, 3-pronged extensions cord. If unsure, consult the manufacturer specifications in the user guide. 4. Never run frost-free refrigerators with freezer compartments in unheated areas with air temperature below 60 degrees. When the air temperature goes below 60 F, the compressor runs less, keeping temperatures in the refrigerator compartment cold enough for fresh food but not cold enough in the freezer. At air temperatures below 40 F, the compressor stops running, so the freezer compartment rises to air temperature and food thaws and spoils. Also below 32 F, water melted during the automatic defrost cycle may freeze again and block air passages. 5. When leaving for an extended time like a vacation or other long trip discard perishable food, turn off the ice maker and leave the refrigerator on. 6. Do not over fill the refrigerator because cold air can't circulate freely to regulate the temperature food. 7. To prevent odors and food quality; cover or wrap all exposed foods. Clean up spills and remove spoiled food immediately 8. Clean the refrigerator/freezer regularly by taking out all food and removable interior parts. Wash with a mild house hold detergent or baking soda and rinse with warm water. Rinse and wipe dry. Take out removable glass shelves and plastic and repeat the procedure. Be careful not put cold glass or plastic in hot water; they may crack. Clean the door gasket with detergent solution; rinse and dry. Do not use abrasives. 9. Especially in warmer climates like Atlanta and its long hot summers, it is recommended to clean condenser coils twice a year by gently brushing off the buildup that may cause overheating. 10. Regularly clean the seals in order to maintain proper temperature control and system efficiency. Atlanta, Georgia has high humidity, to prevent mold growth, clean the seals monthly with warm water and a mild detergent 11. Sweep or vacuum dust and other debris under and around your refrigerator to promote good airflow and temperature. By following these tips, you can prolong the life of unit and avoid many costly repairs. Nonetheless, there are times when a repair is needed; in North Georgia contact Atlanta Refrigerator Repair. Atlanta Refrigerator Repair can fix most brands and models of refrigerators and freezer including Kenmore, Whirlpool, General Electric, Amana, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Insinkerator, Frigidaire, Sub Zero, Kitchen Aide, Magic Chef, and Scottsman. They repair most refrigerator problems including poor cooling, leaks, loud noises and icemakers. Attempting to repair a refrigerator or freezer without proper training and safety standards is dangerous. Refrigerators and freezers should only be repaired by skilled professionals who have the knowledge and experience to safely bring them out of disrepair. Repairs performed by unqualified people risk serious injury or even death. A relatively small outlet can easily carry 150 times the current needed to kill a person. Atlanta Refrigerator Repair can be reached at (678)-391-9243 or info@Atlantrefrigeratorrepair.com for fast, reliable professional service. They service most of Atlanta and North Georgia including Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb, Gwinnett and Cherokee Counties. Some of the municipalities serviced include Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Decatur, College Park and Duluth. Proper maintenance and care is essential in keeping your refrigerator and freezer running efficiently improper care will cause your unit to overwork By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your refrigerator/freezer and avoid many costly repairs. By Manuel Enrique Lopez "QuiQue" is Chief Marketing Officer Home Partners Associates in Atlanta.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Elementary School Fundraisers Are No Different From Others

If you are thinking of elementary school fundraisers there are many things to choose from. There are many companies willing to provide you with items to sell and they usually do this at a reasonable rate so you can walk away with a nice profit at the end of the day. The elementary school fundraisers are usually left up to the moms of the kids to get these things together. To have your fundraiser you will have to decide on what product you want to sell. There is not much difference between elementary school fundraisers than with middle school fundraisers or high school fundraisers. The bottom line is that the school needs money for various reasons, but the product you choose may have to differ from elementary to high school. Another factor is that you may get a lot more help in the middle school fundraisers than what you would verses the elementary. With the lower grades, there may be a added problem of closely watching over the kids. Whatever the grade level, elementary, middle or high school fundraisers should be fun for anyone that participates. You can choose a tried and true product or choose something that is new wave. Just keep in mind there is always a chance with a new wave product, your elementary school fundraisers may not be as successful as with a product that you know for sure is going to sell. It is best to research the product you choose before you purchase it. This will insure that your middle or high school fundraiser will be popular with the people that purchase it. It is a good idea to make sure that the product you choose for your school fundraiser is of good quality there may be another time you will have to do this all over again. You have to give a good product for the donations to your fundraisers whether it is elementary or high school fundraisers. If your elementary school fund raisers are too much for you then get professional help. Professional fund raisers will guide you through the process of how to make either your middle school fund raisers or high school fund raisers a huge success. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there is lots of it out there. Elementary school fundraisers, there’s lots of things to do. Make sure you do them well.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Electric Blankets or a Hot Water Bottle?

Winter nights can be very, very cold – so cold, in some places, that no matter how many blankets and quilts you put over yourself, you never seem to get any warmer. The solution to the problem, of course, is to snuggle yourself under an electrically heated blanket: just plug it in, and keep warm. Seems easy enough, right? Well, not really. Unfortunately, electric blankets have got something of a negative reputation. As recently as a decade ago, they had a tendency to injure their users, by causing electric shocks, burns or even fires. Older electric fires are still causing thousands of fires a year today, and people who can’t feel heat can still be burned even by safer modern electric blankets. Used carefully, however, electric blankets can be safe, as long as you make sure to buy a new one (never buy one second hand) and check that you are sensitive enough to heat to feel if it gets too hot. You may also consider simply using the electric blanket to warm the bed up before you get into it, but not actually sleeping underneath the electric blanket, instead unplugging and removing it before you go to bed. Make extra sure that the blanket never gets wet, and that you don’t use it together with any other blankets. Finally, you should replace the electric blanket every few years, or sooner if it starts to look like it is in bad condition. For many people, though, having to deal with all these risks to use such a simple thing seems too much trouble. The best and most common alternative to the electric blanket is probably the hot water bottle, as hot water bottles cool down rather than getting warmer over time, and can be fitted with special soft covers to avoid burning you. They are also much cheaper.

Monday, April 4, 2011

When It is alright to let them decide?

Yesterday I took my son to the barber shop to get his back to school hair cut. As we sat in the barber shop, I reminisced over how much my son has grown. I remember the first time I took him to the barber shop, I had to sit in the barbers chair and have him sit on my lap just so he could stop squirming and get his hair cut. And now look at him, he walks into the barber shop as if it is second nature. True, I still have my moments when I stand by the barber’s chair, and oversee him and my son as they have their “man” talk. But yesterday all that changed. As I went to the barber shop with my son, he ran over to the pictures of hair cuts on the wall and said “mommy, I want this one.” All of the guys laughed at him, jeering him “your mother is not going to let you get that son, not until your older.” But as I looked in Isaiah’s eyes, I couldn’t help it. I had to allow him to have this one decision. For once I was going to step back and let him decide on how he wanted his hair to look. As I swayed past the older men in the shop, to get a closer look at the picture, I couldn’t believe it! My son wanted to get a Mohawk with a spider man design on the side. As I turned around to tell him pick another cut, I remembered the look in his eyes and the excitement on his face as he marched up to the picture and pointed to it and said: “mommy, I want this one.” How could I turn around and tell him no. As he sat in the chair, the barber looked at me, the older men looked at me, and Isaiah looked at me as if they were all waiting for me to yell: STOP, I’m not ready for this, he’s too young to make this choice!” But I just politely smiled and stared back at them and cheered Isaiah on. As I watched him get his hair cut, I began to wonder, at what point do we let our children began to make decisions for themselves? When do we step back and let them take control? Sure this time it was something as minor as a hair cut. But later on who knows what it will be? How do we prepare them to make good decisions? Or to accept the decisions that they’ve made? As parents we always want to hold their hand, choose which path that we assume is the right path for them and watch themhappily march down it. We always want to be the ones who block the bumps, pitfalls, and cover up the spills, but when do we stop? Should we start teaching them decision making skills at at four, five, six? Or do we wait until they get older? After Isaiah got his hair cut and I brought him home, he rushed upstairs to the mirror and looked at his hair cut. I couldn’t quite figure out what he was doing, so innocently I asked “what’s up?” As he turned around to answer me, he had... (read the full article at the link below)

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Word Count:Educational Toys - Do They Help?

Most parents complain that their child does not concentrate on his/her academic pursuits, but instead whiles away the time, playing with toys. For such parents, and for all others, educational toys have come like a breath of fresh air and a ray of hope. Purpose As the name suggest, the purpose of educational toys, is to educate. They essentially make learning fun, and have helped many a child to grasp the basics of various subjects. Over a period of time, many teachers, education experts have also started prescribing the use of educational toys to increase the intellectual ability of the child. Developing a child's abilities Educational toys are instrumental in developing the child, both emotionally, physically, as well as, intellectually. While buying an educational toy, you must take into consideration the age of the child. For example, a baby needs an educational toy that will help it grasp concepts like stimulation and hand-eye coordination etc, toddlers might just enjoy toys that will help them indulge in various activities etc, older children need a different set of educational toys. Target the area of development of a child, and buy a toy accordingly. Stimulation of creativity Educational toys also stimulate the creative pursuit of a child. There are many such toys available in the market that help a child learn the basic of drawing, crafts, or any other creative activity. Look for toys that will give wings to the imagination of a child. In the modern world, be wary of toys that, in the guise of education, focus on the play, and not practical education. The best toys are those that make a child think and perform accordingly. They get rid of stress All toys de-stress children. However, these toys go one step further and not only entertain, but also mold the psychological tendencies of the child. This means that they positively affect the core of the stressful condition and try to eliminate it. Again, at the same time, they assist the mental development of the child. Enjoy the learning process Such toys are getting increasingly popular because they are vibrant mix of entertainment and learning. Children get tired of studying and learning, more so, when they are forced to do the same. With educational toys, children might never realize that they are actually gaining some valuable learning lessons from the use of educational toys. They will learn, but in a way that is natural and thus they will understand the concepts in a better way. Educational toys make learning fun. Building knowledge and interest One of the most important benefits of using educational toys is that they increase the knowledge base of the children. More importantly there are various curriculum based educational toys that are specially designed to cater to particular subjects, such as science, mathematics, language etc. If such educational toys are used at a very young age, they help in piquing the interest of the children in the subjects that they might study after a few years. Increasing intelligence As a general course of occurrence, educational toys also increase the general level of intelligence in a child. This is because they make a child think and then perform. In most educational toys, there is a set of instructions that a child has to follow. This also teaches the child a certain level of discipline. Cognition Many of the educational toys cater to the needs of children, who have not yet started kindergarten, focus on developing their cognitive skills. There are toys that focus on the use of fine motor skills, in a child, before kindergarten. This helps a child, to effectively help in learning how to hold a pencil and to write with it. Helps specially challenged children Educational toys help people with either physical or mental disability to grasp the basics of various day to day activities, which they might otherwise not be able to learn. Even at the classroom level, many teachers use educational toys to explain various subjects to disabled children. Many a dyslexic child has learnt how to read and write through the use of various educational toys that are designed specially for their use. Increases dexterity Not only do they help in increasing mental dexterity, but physical dexterity as well. This is important for people who have learning difficulties or are suffering from conditions like autism etc. Such toys, help in problem solving and at times, are so effective that even specially challenged children, learn to read better, get good test scores, and think faster then they would have done if traditional methods of teaching had been used. Extensible toys There are quite a few educational toys, available that have an extensible nature. Meaning, a child can use them through various stages of his/her development. Throughout this time, the toy does not lose its inherent educational value and the child can learn something new from it all the time. All, this answers the question in our topic. Yes, educational toys are useful and will continue to be an integral part of the educational process of a child.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

I Am More Than A Mother

Copyright 2006 Pat Brill How to balance the different roles you hold as mother, daughter, sister, soul-mate, best-friend and more… It’s easy to get so engrossed in Motherhood that your other relationships begin to suffer. It’s not intentional, but you barely even have enough time in your busy day to take a shower, let alone return phone calls or make friendly visits. You begin to feel the guilt seeping in slowly but surely, as your mother exaggerates on your voicemail that she has begun to forget what you look like! After hearing the message you retreat to your bedroom only to find your overlooked husband cuddled-up to the body pillow for intimacy. So, on top of being completely overwhelmed with a thousand things to do around the house and with the children, you now have shame resting comfortably on your shoulders for isolating your loved ones. Before you attempt an act of multiplicity, here are a few simple ways to balance your different roles without going crazy in the process. As a Busy Mom, there will be times in your life when you may grow anxious or depressed with the sudden changes in your world and feel unappreciated. This is the ideal opportunity to turn to your family and circle of friends because, 9 times out of 10, they‘ve been there, understand, and may even have some helpful tools to get you through it. You surely didn’t enter this world solo, and as a Mom you don’t have to wear yourself out trying to do everything by yourself. Moms often feel the responsibility of taking on the entire family agenda. By the time a friend or family member extends an invitation to do something fun you are completely exhausted and don’t have the time. Try planning activities and trips for your family that you can do in conjunction with others. Collaborate with your girlfriends about the children’s extra-curricular activities so you can hang out while they’re occupied. Arrange your hair appointments and weekend shopping so you get to spend time with your sister. Schedule an early bedtime once a week so you and your husband can spend some quality time alone. And no matter how busy you get, make sure you find 30 seconds to ask your spouse about their day and say “I Love You”. Technology is on Mom’s side. When you begin to feel out of touch, hop in front of the computer and send emails to let everyone know what’s going on in your world. Mom’s forgotten what you all look like? Kodak Ofoto (www.ofoto.com) and Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) have excellent free software allowing you to share digital photos and videos. Your loved ones can even order prints for themselves so they can see first-hand what everyone is up to and how much the children have grown. If you are the kind of Busy Mom that doesn’t have time to talk on the phone, send quick text messages through your cell phone when you get breaks in your busy day. It’s easy to forget the things that make Moms feel happy and complete when their focus is on everyone else. Take some time to reflect. Write down things you used to enjoy and miss doing. Add to that activities you never tried but would like to experience. Now come up with creative ways to merge them into your monthly schedule. The key factor in making time for the important people in your life is to be able to effectively communicate your needs and desires. If taking care of the children is holding you back, speak up and ask a family member or friend for help. The people who love you will want to assist you in some way. Avoid asking the same people for help repeatedly. Tap into your entire support system so you don’t take advantage of one person’s kindness and willingness to assist. Now, look in the mirror and affirm, “I am more than a mother. I am a sister, lover, daughter, and friend. Yes, I was born as a nurturer, naturally, but I have qualities that transcend social function and stigmas. I have a purpose to thrive creatively and spiritually without limitations and barriers. I am destined for greatness and I accept and welcome the positive support from my girlfriends, family, community, and soul-mate.” And celebrate the fact that you are more than a Mother and you are proud of each and every title you hold in the lives of those you love.

Friday, April 1, 2011

How to Pack for the Movers

You’ve chosen a new home, selected a mover, and now comes the task of packing for the move. There are 3 important things you should remember that will save you a lot of time and frustration later: • Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) you’ll need to pack. • Don’t put packing off until the last minute. • Stay organized! Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to pack efficiently: • Paper for wrapping your items: Many people collect old newspapers and use them. Just remember that the news ink never dries and will come off on your belongings. If you want to avoid the need to wash everything when you arrive, you can purchase packing paper from your mover. • Boxes: You can collect boxes from your local supermarket and other businesses. Select strong boxes in good condition and make sure they have covers. Divided boxes like liquor boxes are great for glasses and stemware. Your mover can also provide you with boxes especially made for moving. However, these boxes are expensive and you may want to purchase only those which are usually necessary like wardrobes for hanging clothes, mattress cartons, and cartons for large pictures, mirrors and table lamps. • Sealing Tape - Use plastic tape that’s 1½-2” wide • Magic Marker – to mark boxes for contents and special instructions like “fragile”, “this side up”, etc. Now that you have all your materials, you’re ready to start packing! Start as far ahead of time as you can. Waiting until the last minute will create a nightmare you don’t want to experience! If you begin early you can pack a few boxes a day and have everything completed without stressing yourself unnecessarily. It’s really important that you keep your packing organized; it will save a lot of confusion later. It’s best to pack a room at a time so that you can keep everything thing together that belongs together. Start in areas containing articles that aren’t used frequently such as your attic, basement, garage, etc. You can leave an extra box to hold items that can’t be packed early. Packing Up the Kitchen The hardest room to pack is probably the kitchen so let’s discuss that in detail. Remember when you’re packing fragile items to pad the bottom of the box with several sheets of paper. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and the more delicate things on top. When you pack flatware like plates, saucers, etc., wrap each item separately and then combine in groups of three. Rewrap that group in more paper and seal with the plastic tape. Each group will then be better protected. Stand them on end in the box. You can nest glasses and cups 3 or 4 together and separate with small sheets of paper. It’s best to pack them in divided containers if you have them. If the box isn’t full to the top, stuff with additional paper. If you don’t have divided containers, you can place them in other boxes where you have empty space; just be sure to fit them in toward the top of the box so they aren’t crushed. Don’t nest Goblets and stemware, wrap them individually. Try to keep small kitchen appliances like the toaster, crock pot, etc., all together rather than mixing them with other items. Wrap them individually with 2 or 3 sheets of paper and wad up paper to fill any empty space. However, if you have a lot of extra room you can add some pots and pans. You can nest pots, pans and large bowls in groups of 3 with a couple sheets of paper between each of them. When you pack boxed foods such as cereal and rice, be sure to seal the tops with plastic tape. (Remember to do this for salt and pepper shakers also!) If your things are going be stored for very long, you may want to discard these items to avoid rodents or insects. You can pack filled canisters as long as they are individually wrapped and the tops are sealed with plastic tape. Finally, here are some miscellaneous tips to remember: • Don’t pack anything that’s flammable, combustive or explosive. This includes items like aerosol spray cans, gasoline, and paint thinners. • Empty all drawers. • Pack heavy items like books and canned goods in smaller boxes. • Pack bulky and lightweight items like toys, blankets, and pillows in large boxes. • You don’t need to wrap toys, books and shoes individually. • Stand books and records on end. It isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it you don’t want to deal with packing, your moving company will be happy to pack for you ~ of course, that service comes with a very hefty price tag! Happy Moving!