Sunday, July 31, 2011

How to Clean Your Pellet Stove

Most of the time wood pellet stoves will run better and more efficient when they are clean.  The air inside can move around better and this will allow the appropriate combustion in the firebox.  You can clean your pellet stove yourself and it will not take much time or work at all.  You will have to have a few simple tools in order to get a better clean and have an easier time as well.

A few things that you will need to clean your pellet stove are a paintbrush, paper towels, cloths, shop vac and the scraping rod that usually comes along with your stove.  When you place a new bag of pellets into the hopper of the stove, it is a good idea to clean the heat exchanger.  When you are cleaning this it will allow the heat to move from the firebox to your area a lot easier.  It is best to use a good quality pellet to avoid cleaning more often. 

When you shut your pellet stove off, you can then use the paintbrush to clean the dust that the stove produces.  You can use any other type of duster or brush for this job too.  The brush will have the ability to get into the small cracks and spaces that the dust can fall into.  You will then be able to vacuum the ash out of the collection pan easily.

Doing simple cleaning each month will make it easier to do a thorough cleaning every few months or so.  You can use your brush or shop vac to clean the tough to see areas that are going to need cleaned.  Each year you should get a professional furnace cleaner check your gaskets and motors to make sure that they are running freely.  They will be able to get into the tough areas and see if there is anything that looks like it needs replaced or fixed.  Also have the firepot cleaned well wand test your battery back up system if you have one equipped on your pellet stove. 

When it is time to shut your pellet stove off for the summer, you should take out all of the pellets from the hopper.  Pellets that are left inside over the summer may accumulate moisture and not need feed properly when you turn your stove back on in the fall.  You will have to unplug your stove to protect in if there are any lightning strikes or even a power surge can harm your stove. 

You should also check your owner’s manual to see if there are any other recommended cleaning and safety tips to follow.  It is always smart to use caution and common sense when you are using a pellet stove.  When you follow the rules and the instructions, you will see that this is a great way to heat your home.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

How to Clean Leather

One of the first fabrics that man fashioned to wear or use, leather has been a popular material from its beginnings. Leather is a beautiful, longwearing, breathable, natural fabric that has multiple uses, i.e., clothing, shoes, furniture, luggage, and vehicle interiors. This valuable fabric is an investment that will last for years if it is treated with care. Owners want to know how to correctly clean leather products because leather can be quickly ruined if handled incorrectly.

Leather hides can be categorized as belonging to several types, depending on the process to preserve the hides. The piece of leather can be smooth, suede, dyed in a variety of ways, coated, or tanned naturally. The dye used to color the fabric can be of different types that demand different handling. A product that works beautifully on one type of leather can permanently stain a different type. It is important to read any manufacturer’s instructions to understand what type of finish was used to create the item.

There are general rules for how to clean leather, however. These rules apply to how to clean car upholstery, belts, purses, jackets or other clothing, as well as furniture, luggage, and leather shoes. All leather needs an environment that is not too wet, not too dry, not too hot, or not too cold. Any extremes in the atmosphere can cause irreparable harm to the hides.

Because leather is a natural fabric, it needs to breathe. Store leather in a cool area where it can have air circulating around it. Its color can also fade if it is kept in full sun. Furniture should be placed carefully in a room to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Cars with leather seats need to be stored in a garage to preserve the color and to avoid permanent marks from the sun shining through the windows in the same pattern daily.

Leather can also dry out over time. Exposure to heat or direct sun can hasten this drying process. Moisture can and should be restored to the leather by rubbing in conditioners on a regular basis. This conditioning also helps leather repel some substances that might soak into a dried-out piece.

Removing stains can be a challenge on leather goods. Only use products that are specially formulated for safe use on leather. Always test the product on an inconspicuous spot to see if its use will change the color of the item. If the garment is one of a set (for instance, one of a pair of gloves) treat both items to maintain a color match. Small spots may respond to careful application of alcohol, corn starch, or cuticle remover applied with a cotton swab. This last suggestion will work by removing a thin layer of the leather, so be careful to test in an inconspicuous spot on dyed items. A water-stained garment may be saved by wetting the entire garment to attempt to match the “new” color.

An expert may need to be consulted to discover how to clean car upholstery that has unusual or extensive stains. Following a regular maintenance schedule and wiping up any spills immediately should keep the interior of the car attractive and comfortable.

Certain natural leather finishes can be permanently stained or turn a different color if exposed to too much water or other liquids. One key rule is to clean the piece immediately, before a substance has a chance to soak in or dry onto the hide. Homeowners should not panic or look the other way when their leather furniture is spilled on or marked because they are unsure how to clean it.

Leather, because it is a natural fabric, should be maintained by washing at least twice a year. This washing should be done gently, by hand. Use a mild soap or a saddle soap. Create suds in a bowl and apply the suds to the leather surface with a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use the soapy water. Be careful to keep the cloth barely damp -- not wet. After washing, buff the leather item dry with a second soft cloth. Do not try to dry the leather item near heat, as this will cause the leather to become brittle and possibly shrink. After washing and drying the item is complete, rub a good leather conditioner into the fabric. This conditioner serves to protect the leather from spills or stains, and helps keep it soft and supple. If unsure about using a leather conditioner, the manufacturer’s directions will explain how. Clean leather by hand, gently, with the proper products, and this fabric will last for years.

Friday, July 29, 2011

How to Clean a Dirty Aquarium

A fresh water fish tank requires about 30 minutes to an hour of work a week depending on the size of the tank.

Waht you will need:
1) You will need a clean 5 gallon bucket that has never had chemicals or soap inside of it.
2) A hose or gravel cleaner
3) A bag of natural or synthetic sea salt

I have split the work into two parts the tank which needs to be cleaned ever week on the same day and the filters which can be cleaned every 2 or 3 weeks.

The very first thing you have to do before you start cleaning your fish tank is to unplug your tanks heater if you have one. The heater can not be allowed to be removed from the water while it is hot so make sure to leave it unplugged at least 20 minutes before attempting to remove it. The water help cool the glass on the heater if removed it could crack, or the glass could totally shatter. You should also remember to never stick your hand inside of any fish tank before making sure the heater is not only off but unplugged from the wall. A small crack in the heater could be more then enough to cause a shock to you that can be fatal.

After the heater has ha time to cool you can safely remove the heater from the tank or it the heater is submersible you can just push it down to the bottom of the tank.

Now take any decorations you may have placed in the tank, so all you have are the small gravel at the bottom, this will allow you to get any dirt that those decorations may have been covering up. Now if you do not have a gravel cleaner you are going to have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet. You will need to stir up the gravel to get the dirt that has settled between the gravel into the water, and start removing the water into the bucket with the hose. Do not throw out the water you will still need it to clean the filters.

If you have a gravel cleaner, push the plastic tube into the gravel until it hits the bottom of the tank, then start a siphon into the bucket, every second or 2 move the gravel cleaner over an inch or 2 and repeat this process until either you have removed 15 percent of the tanks water of you have cleaned all the gravel.

Now at this point you can clean the Aquariums filters. The insides of the filters are used to grow bacteria, that help break down the nitrites and nitrates that are in the water from fish waste and uneaten food. To make sure we don’t kill all these Aquarium friendly bacteria, we clean the filter materials and sponges in the dirty water that I also full of the bacteria. Take everything out of the filters and rinse them of in the bucket of dirty Aquarium water, then give the sponge a couple of squeezes in the bucket and reassemble the filters, and put them back on the tank.

Now before adding the water sea salt must be added to the tank. All water has some amount of salt in it and to replicate the natural habitat of the fish there must be salt in your tank as well. Add approximately 1 cup of sea salt for every 50 gallons of water.

Now you can add water to the tank, but you must make sure the water is the within a degree or two of the temperature of the water in the tank. A drastic change in the tanks temperature suddenly can throw the fish into shock and kill them or weaken their immunity and help give them a fish disease. I recommend filling the bucket with hot water and checking it regularly till it is the same as the tanks temperature, then slowly add the water to the tank, start the filters and the heater.

Cleaning the filters only needs to be done once or twice a month, but the water in the tank must be cleaned on the same day every week.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

How to Choose the Right Lift Chair

Title:
How to Choose the Right Lift Chair

Word Count:
459

Summary:
Lift chairs come in different sizes, colors and designs. The materials used are the same as those used for the ordinary couches.


Keywords:
liftchairs, lift chairs, stairlifts, stair lift, used stair lifts


Article Body:
Lift chairs come in different sizes, colors and designs. The materials used are the same as those used for the ordinary couches. The design and the colors could be chosen to match the décor of your home. These chairs are just like any other chair, but the similarities end where the technological innovation begins. Lift chairs with their mechanical device can provide people with mobility difficulties the chance to live normal lives. A lift chair’s primary function is to give people assistance in getting up and in sitting down. This contraption is considered a blessing to those who are recuperating from surgery and most especially those who are advance in age. Here are some pointers that should be considered if you are looking for that perfect lift chair to suit the need of the user.  Physique of the user. The height and weight of the user is an important consideration if you want to ensure that the lift chair will support the user effectively. If the user’s weight is from 300-450 pounds, the standard lift chair will do nicely.

Otherwise, if the user is bigger and heavier, the heavy duty lift chair is recommended. Most lift chairs are adjustable to accommodate the height of the user. For maximum comfort, choose one that offers maximum height adjustments options. Control location. Is the user left handed or rigt handed? Some ailments could cause paralysis of one side of the body. A user whose left side of the body is paralyzed due to heart stroke would naturally need a lift chair with right side controls. Position of the controls can be customized to suit the preference of the user. 

Intended use. Will the lift chair be used as a chair, a recliner or a bed? Some lift chairs can reclined fully and doubles up as a daytime bed. However, if the user will be more comfortable with only a chair function, then by all means get one for this purpose only. Lift Chair Options. Lift chairs are usually powered through electrical outlets though some are powered by battery packs. Battery packs of course would be very handy during power failures. Some higher end lift chair comes with massage and heat therapy equipment. This kind of lift chair is most suitable for a user undergoing therapy and those suffering from joint problems.

Dual motor or single motor?  A single motor lift chair is one that has one control for the footrest and the seat. The dual motor enables the user to independently adjust the back and the footrest. Whatever kind of lift chair you choose be sure that its rated capacity fits the physical profile of the user. I should be safe and one that would provide maximum functionality and comfort.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

How To Choose An Embroidery Machine

The latest technology today is sewing machines that double as embroidery machines. By using the computer integrated into the machine, you can quickly and easily add cards or downloads to embroider any pattern imaginable. Instead of spending hours on an embroidery pattern by doing the needlework by hand, create beautiful and durable machine embroidered pieces in mere seconds. If you are interested in purchasing an embroidery machine, doing the initial research will ensure you find the correct machine for your needs.

The first step to choosing an embroidery machine is to set your budget. Just like any electronic item, the price of embroidery machines can soar to the thousands of dollars. Remember, the most expensive machine is not always the best machine for your needs. Establish a maximum amount you are willing to pay for a machine and then begin your search.

Next, identify your needs. Many sewing machines have embroidery attachments, but they also serve other purposes. Do you intend to sew heavy fabrics like leather or canvas? Do you intend to piece quilts or complete the actual quilting process on the machine? Do you need a machine that can make specialty edges like rolled hems? It is quite tempting to purchase a complex machine that can perform every command under the sun, but usually this versatility comes with a hefty price tag.

Another thing to keep in mind is your technical prowess. Beginners are strongly suggested to invest in a less complicated machine that will serve as an introduction to the technology. Quite often, individuals purchase a machine that is too difficult to understand or use, so the machine sits in disuse while the payments are still being made. Remember, you can always trade up to a more advanced model once you decide your needs and wants have advanced.

If you are purchasing a machine solely for its embroidery then focus on this option and steer clear of the “all in one” machines that can do a bit of everything. Many individuals look to start their own business making customized or personalized items. If you are contemplating this option, ensure the machine you purchase can do sizable embroidery pieces, take several different colored threads at once, and have a large library of either purchasable cards or downloadable designs. Also, if you plan to do an extensive amount of embroidery on your machine, ensure the machine you purchase is well built to withstand the wear and tear that use usually brings.

Most embroidery machines come with many additions and options that can be purchased later on when the need arises. This is an excellent option, since you can purchase any additions for a great deal less that you can buy a brand new machine that meets your extended needs. Also, if you plan on trading up to a new model of embroidery machine, search for a company or store that has a policy that will allow you to do so. Many stores that specialize in sewing machines will buy back your used machine for a percentage of the original price if the machine is in working condition.

Whatever brand of embroidery machine you choose to buy, be sure you visit a store to view the machine firsthand. Most sewing shops or stores that specialize in sewing machines offer demonstrations of the different brands and machines for sale, so that you can see exactly what the machine can do. Also, many shops offer introductory classes so that new users can learn to use their new embroidery machine to its fullest.

Doing initial research before you buy is key to ensuring you do not experience buyer’s remorse at the end of the day.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How to Choose a Stroller

Title:
How to Choose a Stroller

Word Count:
630

Summary:
There are many varieties of strollers. Some are designed for specific users, such as lightweight strollers and joggers, while others are designed for more regular use. Regardless of the type of stroller you are looking to buy, here are some things to look at before purchasing a new  stroller.


Keywords:
strollers, kids, reviews, rankings


Article Body:
There are several varieties of strollers. Some are designed for specific users, such as lightweight strollers and joggers,  other strollers are intended for more everyday use. Irrespective of the type of stroller you are purchasing, here are some considerations to look at before you buy your new stroller.

Make absolutely sure the stroller comes  with a proper, and effective, restraint system. At the minimum, look for a three-point restraint that wraps the waist and comes up between the legs. The latch should be comfortable up against your child. If you are purchasing a jogging stroller, make sure you get a five-point restraint system (shoulder straps) since jogging will lead to your child being jostled about. The shoulder straps must keep them in place well even when jogging.

Be sure the stroller has a brake. For most casual strollers, this will just be a parking brake. Make sure it works reliably and is easy to use. For jogging strollers, you should also insist on a brake that can be used to brake the stroller while jogging. Be certain that the brake is easy to use and that you can lock up the tire(s) without too much effort.

Just about every stroller has a mechanism that permits the stroller to be folded up for travel. Make sure that you can easily fold the stroller up by yourself; it's not much fun to be standing in a parking lot in the foul weather desperately trying to fold your stroller. Even more critical than how easy the stroller is to fold, consider how secure it is when it is open. Be certain that when opened, there is a reliable locking mechanism that keeps the stroller from folding accidentally. If this happens when your child is in the stroller, serious injury can result.

Try out the stroller and see how comfortable it is to operate. You should be able to operate the stroller with one hand. Strollers with both front and rear swivel wheels will be easier to operate. Strollers with wheels that only move in one direction are usually more awkward to steer.

Check out the height of the handle. The stroller will be easier to operate if the handle is at waist  level. For most averaged sized people, this will not be an issue. But if you are very tall or short, you should consider a stroller with a handle that can be adjusted.

Look for features that can make your child more comfortable when riding in the stroller. These include reclining seats (makes nappy time easier); comfortable padding; canopies to protect and against sun, rain, and wind; cup holders and bins for snacks.

Be sure that the stroller has plenty of storage space for things like diaper bags, bags used when shopping, changes of clothes, etc. The more storage you have, the happier you will be with your stroller.

All kids make messes. If your kids are especially prone to spilling, try to find a stroller with removable fabric covers over the seats. Removable or not, make sure that the fabric on the stroller can  be cleaned with water and mild detergent. While a specially designed fabric may look great  new, if it can't be washed the shine will quickly fade.

Carefully check the frame of the stroller for sharp edges or things that can poke or snag. Also look for gaps that could trap small fingers and toes. Check the leg openings of the stroller; make certain that they are not wide enough for an infant to accidentally slip through them.

Before you buy a new stroller, or any other product for your child,  check the product recall finder website (http://www.babycenter.com/product-recall-finder)  to see if there is a recall against the product you are about to buy.

Monday, July 25, 2011

How To Choose A Quality Cookware Set

Title:
How To Choose A Quality Cookware Set

Word Count:
531

Summary:
If you are considering purchasing new cookware, you probably are wondering how to make the most sensible purchase and still get all the pieces and features you need. Price is always a major factor in deciding which cookware set is right for you. Choosing the perfect cookware set involves much more than color and the availability of nifty glass lids that you can see through. If you are a serious cook, or simply want the best deal for the price, you will need to be more practic...


Keywords:
cookware


Article Body:
If you are considering purchasing new cookware, you probably are wondering how to make the most sensible purchase and still get all the pieces and features you need. Price is always a major factor in deciding which cookware set is right for you. Choosing the perfect cookware set involves much more than color and the availability of nifty glass lids that you can see through. If you are a serious cook, or simply want the best deal for the price, you will need to be more practical in making your decision.

The main factor in choosing cookware is the material from which it is made. Copper is very expensive, but conducts heat better than any other material. Heat conduction allows your food to cook evenly. You will undoubtedly find cookware that is constructed from stainless steel with a copper reinforced bottom. The problem with this type of cookware is that the bottom of the food will cook faster than the rest, making it very difficult to avoiding burning and/or scorching your food. Braising is out of the question in a stainless steel pan with a copper reinforced bottom.

You need cookware that allows heat to be distributed evenly. You are probably very familiar with pans that have hot spots. Hot spots are places in the pan where the food cooks disproportionately faster than in the rest of the pan. Cookware with even heat distribution is imperative if you are serious about the food you cook. The problem with copper, cast iron, and aluminum cookware is that certain foods will absorb a metal taste and color from the pans, not to mention you will ingest some of the metal that is transferred to the food. Copper will scratch and discolors easily, but every cook should have at least one copper bowl for beating egg whites. Copper bowls will allow you to beat eggs whites to their maximum volume.

Aluminum is inexpensive, but as mentioned before, will react with certain foods in an unfavorable manner. Aluminum wears down quickly, although there are anodized pans that will cut down on reactivity and increase durability. If you opt for aluminum cookware, anodized is the best choice. Cast iron is good for searing steaks and a few other specialized cooking tasks, but you must keep your cast iron cookware seasoned to avoid sticking and pitting of the pan.

The fact is that there is no perfect cookware. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Stainless steel is probably the best compromise. Stainless steel is in the middle price range and heat conductivity. It is durable and cleans easily and will not react with any type of food you cook. Another good choice is stainless steel with an aluminum insert that goes all the way up the sides of the pan.

The conclusion would seem to be that in order to get a good set of cookware, you will have to spend some money, but it is not necessary to get the most expensive type. A good stainless steel cookware set with a few special pieces such as a non-stick frying pan, a copper bowl, and any other extras you desire will be your best choice.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

How To Choose A Hammock


What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a hammock? We probably share the same thought, relaxing and enjoying a cool breeze under a shady tree on a warm summer afternoon. Perhaps you think of a particularly comfortable hammock overlooking an island beach paradise.

Did you know there are well over 300 different styles of hammocks to choose from? Some hammocks have spreader bars, some not. Some have fringe, some not. Some have scalloped edges, some not. Some are single width, some double. From the well loved Pawleys Island rope hammocks which reminds everyone of relaxing on the beach in South Carolina, to a soft and comfortable Mayan woven hammock, to what I consider the hammock of my childhood, the pool hammock, there is a style and color for everyone.

The rope hammock will support your body firmly, but gently. They are made of durable and non mildew roping that can withstand weather on the beach.

The Mayan hammock is one that is very lightweight and thinly woven yet one that will hold up to one thousand pounds. When you climb into a Mayan hammock you are cocooned in cool comfort.

The pool hammock has come a long way. I remember ours was a green canvas. Now using waterproof and sun proof fabrics pool hammocks come in an endless choice of colors and patterns. They are known for their quick drying ability.

After you have chosen the type of hammock that suits your needs now you have to decide on what type of hammock stand you want. Hammock stands come in designs made from durable outdoor woods, such as cypress and also of high quality steel with non-rusting finishes. Most steel stands hold between 450 pounds and 600 pounds. If you plan to hang your hammock between two trees you'll want to look into hanging kits offered by the manufacturers. These kits include everything you'll need to hang your hammock, the lag and eye bolts, spring links, and rope. If you are worried about damaging your trees with metal chains there are soft hammock tree straps made of polyester which wrap around your tree preventing damage. Check with the manufacturer to make sure that you have ample space between trees to safely hang your hammock.


Saturday, July 23, 2011

How to Choose a Detroit Wedding Photographer


Detroit, Michigan offers a number of photographers for weddings and other events so finding the right one can be an exhausting task. If you're not sure of what to look for in a wedding photographer, use the criteria below to narrow your search.

Start with the Web

You can learn much about a Detroit photographer through his or her website. Most websites will include a wedding portfolio so you can actually view wedding photos they have captured at other weddings in the past. This will give you an idea of their creativity and whether they pay attention to details when photographing a wedding.

The website might also list packages and pricing so you can easily compare with your budget. To find Detroit, Michigan photographers in or near your area, go to any search engine and type in keywords such as "Michigan wedding photographer" or "Michigan event photography."

Schedule an Interview with the Wedding Photographer

Never rely completely on a wedding photographer's website, but schedule a live interview with the one you feel can do the job. The reason you'll want a live interview is so you can get a feel for the photographer's personality. If you feel comfortable with the photographer during the interview, then it's more likely that you'll feel comfortable with them at the wedding.

You can also observe their mannerisms and how they present their work and pricing. Observe what they're wearing during the interview and their level of professionalism. Also, ask what they will wear during your wedding shoot. A photographer can take the best photos in the world, but with the wrong attitude or rude mannerisms, can make your wedding photo session miserable.

Check Out the Quality of Work

Wedding photos are meant to last a lifetime. Be sure the photographer uses top quality methods of shooting and processing the photos. The type of film, processing methods, and type of camera used all affect the quality of your photos. Ask to see real photo examples of their work, and for an explanation of the development process. Luckily with digital cameras today, the photographer can know immediately if the photos are coming out right. This eliminates a lot of guesswork during the wedding.

Price, Packages, and Delivery

The old saying, "You get what you pay for" holds true in wedding photography. Don't be lured by low prices if you don't feel comfortable with the photographer's quality of work or personality. Choose the better quality even if it means going over your budget a little. Think of wedding photos as a long-term investment that will be well worth the money spent 20, 30, even 50 years down the road.

Be sure you understand exactly what you're getting in a wedding photo package. This is important because some photographers make their packages seem big when they are really only giving lots of duplicates. Ask how many original photos you will get and what sizes they will be. Also, ask about the timeframe and method of delivery you can expect for your wedding photos.

Consider required deposits and payment methods as well as the cancellation or refund policies of each photographer. Read your contract thoroughly before signing!

Ask for References

References can tell much about a wedding photographer. Ask others about the photographer's attitude, dress, methods of taking the photos, and so forth. Also, ask if they were satisfied with their final prints.

Before visiting a wedding photographer, make a list of interview questions for each of the areas above so you won't miss anything. This will equip you to choose the Detroit wedding photographer that's right for you.


Friday, July 22, 2011

How To Choose A Christian Counselor


Christian therapy as a profession is relatively new, having been practiced only over the last few decades. While many in the Christian community adhere to a strict code of Bible-based, scriptural, prayer-focused means of helping individuals, additional methods have proven beneficial. The fear many have who are consider Christian counseling is that they would jeopardize their faith or somehow be disobedient to God or contradict the Bible. Yet through the wise choosing of a Christian therapist, one can find the help they need while still maintaining a Biblical basis for faith and incorporating Scripture and prayer into their personal growth process.

Christian counseling is best done by someone with an advanced (Master's) degree trained in the principles of psychotherapy and grounded in the essentials of Christian teaching. Through this combination, they will be able to discern behavioral or relational patterns that are both consistent with the Bible and lead to healthy spiritual and emotional growth. What many Christian counselors have come to believe over time is that emotional and spiritual growth are not mutually exclusive. In other words, one cannot be spiritual growing while emotionally bankrupt or relationally out of integrity. So while much of the time spent in the therapy room discussing your particular issue will focus on how to solve the primary issue you're facing, the ultimate goal of most Christian therapists is to lead you to a greater aware of tools you can develop to increase both your spiritual and emotional health.

In order to choose the right Christian therapy professional for you, it's best to focus on:

- their education and training
- the role they believe therapy plays in the lives of their clients
- the way they plan to integrate biblical and relational truths into therapy
- their personal Statement of Faith or statement of a relationship with Christ
- whether you feel a connection with them
- how much you believe their expertise and personal character will help them in the practice of therapy

Choosing the right Christian counselor is an important consideration on your way to continued emotional and spiritual growth.


Thursday, July 21, 2011

How to Choose a Bath Lift


Having limited mobility can cause stressful situations when it comes to climbing stairs, walking great distances, or even bathing. Especially for elderly people, whose movements and flexibility just aren’t what they used to be. Living in the dawn of the technical age has helped considerably with the invention of the bath lift. Bath lifts can give security and freedom back to those who have limited mobility by allowing them to get in and out of a bathtub without help and with worrying about slipping or falling.
With the many different types of bath lifts available, it’s hard sometimes to know which one is best for your own unique situation. Knowing exactly what you need, how you will use it, and a few minor details about yourself and your tub can help you, and the representative selling you the lift, to choose the bath lift that best suits your individual needs.

You should first check the size of your tub. Bath lifts now come in many different sizes, and although the one you choose may be perfect for you in many ways, if it doesn’t fit your tub then it will be useless to you. Some bath lifts are actually manufactured in Europe, and the tubs are smaller than in the US, so be sure to take the exact measurements of your tub, so that you know you are getting exactly the lift that you need.

You can have your bath lift installed for you. Many dealers have installers that will help you to set it up. However, if you decide to install it yourself, be sure that you know exactly what is included, and make sure that you won’t have to purchase anything for the installation. Make a list of all tools that you will need before you begin, so that you can make sure you have them readily available.

Bath lifts generally run on batteries, although there are those that run on water pressure. Make sure which one you are getting. If you choose a lift that operates on batteries, make sure you ask how long the batteries will last. You don’t want to get into the tub only to realize that your batteries have run down. Be sure and keep extra batteries handy just in case this happens, and keep track of how many lifts your bath lift has done so that you have an idea of when it’s time to change the batteries.
Having a bath lift installed can give you peace of mind and security. Knowing that you, or your loved one will be safe while bathing is a good reason to proceed with the purchase of a bath lift. Being careful to choose exactly which lift you need, and making sure that you have chosen one from a reliable and reputable company can give you even more peace of mind.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

How To Buy Silk Flowers In 2 Easy Steps


I bet you are frustrated over the lack of information on how to buy silk flowers. It seems like every website that I visit either wants to sell me some silk flowers or they want to upgrade me to an even bigger sale. There are literally thousands of information sources offline and online, but it sure is hard digging through them all. So, I sat down and did the research so you don’t have to. Silk flowers are beautiful and when put in the right scene, they can really make all the difference. Here’s two tips to help you get a good deal on silk flowers.

1) Ebay is your friend for a whole lot of reasons (pun intended). Given that something like 90 million people visit the Ebay website everyday, you’ve probably done some shopping or at least browsing of Ebay to look for stuff to buy. There are tons of Ebay sellers selling everything: including silk flowers. If nothing else, it’s a great way to gauge the market. You don’t have to bid, you can just look and watch the sales happen. Just do a search for “silk flowers” and take a look at how many listings pop up. In fact, a lot of these Ebay sellers have their own Ebay stores where you can browse through everything they offer. Plenty of them sell silk flowers and other items at substantial discounts. This can be especially handy information if you are looking to buy a large wholesale quantity of silk flowers for a wedding. Big sellers have their own stores and you can really find some good deals.

2) Buy silk flowers piece by piece. Make them yourselves. Here’s a secret not everyone is gonna let you in on: making silk flowers yourself isn’t that hard. If you are handy with fabric, scissors, and thread, you might consider making some silk flowers yourself. You’ll save the extra labor charge that is incorporated into the silk flowers themselves. This is a great idea for people who have a little more time than money and are willing to use their hands to make beautiful silk flowers. Think of it like this: you are buying silk flowers, only at a substantial discount.


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

How to buy a green Fridge Freezer


Many items that we take for granted in the home have undergone major design changes in recent years. Our understanding of those changes has sometimes failed to keep pace. Take the humble fridge freezer, for example. How should you go about examining the features of the various models that are available.

To begin with, you need to understand the various features that are advertised by sales people in high street stores or described online. In the UK all fridge freezers are given an energy rating for starters but what do these ratings really mean?

Fridge freezers will probably be one of the largest users of energy in your home - possibly second only to your central heating. This may come as a surprise!

The reason why fridge freezers use so much energy is because they are switched on all the time - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Having an energy inefficient fridge freezer not only costs you money but also has an environmental impact.

Until the last 5 years or so many popular brands were extremely inefficient. The new energy ratings, however, aim to show the consumer how various machines compare. They also help to name and shame brands who do not take the environment seriously.

The ratings scheme grades every fridge freezer on the market, with an A++ rating being the most energy efficient rating available. The ratings scheme then moves down to A+, A, B and C (with C being the least environmentally friendly).

So, put simply, aim for an A++ or an A+ energy rating if you want to be kind to the environment, while also saving some money on your electricity bills.


Monday, July 18, 2011

Family - The Basic Social Unit


Family is the basic social unit. Family represents people living together by ties of marriage, blood or adaptation, thus representing a single household. According to sociology, the family has the primary function of reproducing society; biologically, socially, or both. There are various structures of a family based on the relationship shared between the parent and the children. The different types of family are patrifocal, where the family consists of a father and his child; matrifocal, where the family consists of a mother and her child. Consanguineal family is one which consists of the mother, the child and other people, mainly belonging to the family of the mother. The conjugal family consists of one or more mothers and their children, with other people and one or more spouses.

The parent-child relationship varies due to different cultures. One of the prominent forms is the nuclear family. It consists of the marital pair living with their offspring separately. The joint family is an extension of the nuclear family. Joint family occurs when children of one sex live at their parents’ house. In a joint family, the children bring along their spouse to live with them at their parents’ house after marriage. A joint family usually consists of an older man and his wife, his sons and unmarried daughters, his sons’ wives and children. Members of a joint family share all the task of trade, food gathering and preparation and child rearing.

Children who share one parent but not another are called “half–brothers” or “half–sisters”. Children who do not share parents, but whose parents are married, are called “step-brothers” or “step-sisters”. Similarly, if a person is married to the parent of a child, but is not the parent of the child themselves; they are called “stepfather” or “stepmother”.

A complex family involves more than two adults. It refers to any extended family or to polygamy of any type. A joint family is also known as a complex family. The parents and their children in a joint family live together under a single roof. In a joint family setup, the womenfolk are often housewives and cook for the entire family. The patriarch of the family is usually the oldest male member, who lays down the rules of the family. This kind of setup is fast eroding in many parts of the world. Almost all the urban families are switching over to the nuclear family society.


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Everything You Need to Know About Piano Moving


Moving can be a very stressful time in a person’s life, especially if he or she has not hired appropriate help to move their furniture.  Piano moves can be especially stressful, because the mover needs to have special knowledge and skills to safely move the piano.  In this article I have outline a few frequently asked questions about piano moving in order to help understand what is involved in moving a piano and prepare you with the information to choose the right mover.  At the end of the article, I have listed some questions that you can ask to help you choose your piano mover, as well as the information that you should have ready in order for the mover to be sufficiently prepared for your move.

Why do I need to hire a professional piano mover?

Many of you may be wondering why you would need to hire a professional piano moving company to move your piano, rather than using the household mover who is moving the rest of the contents of your house.  The main reason for hiring a professional piano mover is that many household movers do not have adequate training or equipment to properly move a piano.

The average upright piano weighs between 400 and 900 pounds.  Grand pianos can weigh between 650 and 1300 pounds.  The value of a piano can vary from a few hundred dollars to 500,000 dollars depending on the make, model, age and condition of the piano.  The majority of piano moves involve moving the instrument through a tight space such as a small door frame or staircase.  In some cases, the piano may need to be dismantled in order to get it out of your house.  Using and experienced professional piano mover will drastically minimize the risk of damage to the instrument and to your home.

As a piano mover, I have come across many cases where a customer has hired a household piano mover to move their piano and has had to make an emergency call to us because the household mover could not get the piano out of his or her house.  In other cases, I have received calls from customers who had hired a non-reliable piano mover because their price was much lower, and had to book an emergency move with us, because that piano mover did not show up to move their piano or call to explain why they were not there.

How are pianos moved?

When you hire a professional piano mover, you can expect 2-3 people to come to your home equipped with piano skids, moving pads, ramps, slings, and the knowledge of how to move your piano safely.  They will use special techniques to maneuver the piano out of your house.  When the piano is put on the truck, it will be safely secured to the vehicle in order to avoid damage during transport.  In the most difficult moves, 4-6 people may be used. Generally when a piano is moved by someone other than a professional piano mover, this equipment, knowledge and these safety precautions are not employed.  While hiring a professional piano mover does not completely eliminate the risk of damage, it will drastically reduce this risk.  Furthermore, a good piano mover will assess the situation and inform you if there is a chance of damage before he or she begins the move, and will give you the option of proceeding or not.

Are all professional piano movers equal?

Unfortunately, as in any trade, each piano moving company varies in their level of quality and experience.  Some piano movers are better equipped and more prepared than others and act with more care and integrity than others.  The best way to find a good piano mover is to call around to your local piano stores, piano technicians and piano teachers to find out which company they use.  Piano stores in particular have a high stake in ensuring that they use reliable, high quality piano movers who have the least risk of damaging their instruments and are properly insured in the event that the unforeseen does happen.

Are all piano movers similarly insured?

Sadly, the answer to this question is no. 
There are 3 types of insurance to consider when hiring a piano mover:
1.    Commercial/automotive insurance:  Is the company insured against damage to property and or vehicles?
2.    Cartage/content insurance: Is the company insured against damage to the piano?
3.    Workman’s Safety Insurance:  Is the company insuring its workers against injury?
Some piano moving companies are insured for 1 or 2 of these types of insurance, but not all 3.  It is the buyer’s responsibility to make sure that he/she is properly insured, not the moving company.  It is a good idea to ask about these 3 types of insurance when you are phoning piano moving companies, and also to ask what amount of insurance your piano will be covered for.  A properly insured moving company should provide you with a Bill of lading, which is a legal document stating what is being moved, the names of all parties involved in the move, where the piano is being moved from and to, and the full declared insured value of the instrument.  The Bill of lading should also include the moving company’s terms of cartage.  As a legal document, a proper bill of lading helps to ensure that the piano mover will repair any damages that were incurred during the move (unless a damage waiver was signed).  It is also important to note that any damage caused to your piano or your property must be noted on the bill of lading to ensure that you have proper recourse if any action is needed.

Why is worker injury important to me?

You may be wondering why it is important that you ensure that the piano mover you hire has Workman’s Safety Insurance.  When you contract a moving company, they are considered your employee for the time that they are working for you.  If you hire a moving company that is not covered for Workman’s Safety Insurance, you are accepting full liability for any employees who are injured while working for you.  Your liability will extend to medical bills, lost wages and possibly civil law suits.  A company who is covered for Workman’s Safety Insurance will take care of most of these problems for you.  Some companies do not pay their required insurance premiums and are therefore not covered for all injury insurance claims.  You may ask the company that you are hiring to provide you with an up-to-date workman’s safety insurance clearance certificate, in order to ensure that you are properly covered.  To be absolutely sure that the moving company’s coverage is up to date, you can contact your local Workman’s Compensation or Workman’s Safety Insurance board to check on the company’s status.

Does moving the piano affect the sound of my piano?

The actual move of the piano does not affect the sound or tuning of a piano.  Generally piano tuning is affected by changes in temperature and humidity which cause the wooden and steel parts of your piano to expand and contract.  You will probably need to tune your piano a few weeks after moving it, after it acclimatizes to its new location.  Other factors that may affect the sound of your piano are the size and acoustics of the room in which the piano is located.  Carpet absorbs sound, while hardwood reflects it.  Sound reinforces in small spaces, seeming louder, while in large spaces the sound gets lost, seeming quieter.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

Piano moving is generally billed in one of two ways:
1.    The household mover way – hourly rate, with a minimum number of hours (usually min. = 3 hours)
2.    The professional piano mover way – flat rate based on the following factors:
a.    Type (upright, grand) and size of piano
b.    Distance being moved
c.    Difficulty level due to stairs, grass pulls, tight turns etc.
d.    Time restraints place on the move
e.    Waiting time that might be incurred.
The advantage of a flat rate system is that, barring any unforeseen events, you be able to get an accurate idea of what the move will cost you before the movers arrive at your house and it is often less expensive than the hourly rate.

How much notice do I need to give the Piano Mover?

The amount of notice needed will depend on when and where you need the piano to be moved.  Most piano movers book their deliveries on a first come, first served basis.  If it is a high traffic time of year, you may need up to one month’s notice.  In a lower traffic time of year, you may only need one or two day’ notice.  Generally, if you need your piano moved on a specific day, you should book the delivery well in advance to make sure it’s available to you.

Below are listed some recommended questions to ask when you are looking to hire a piano mover:

1.    How long have you been moving pianos?
2.    Do you have any references?
3.    Do you have full-time, trained staff moving pianos for you?
4.    How do you charge for moving, and what are your rates?
5.    What days of the week do you move pianos, and what is your availability?
6.    Are you covered for Commercial/automotive insurance, Cartage/content insurance, and workman’s safety insurance?
7.    Will you provide me with a copy of your workman’s safety insurance clearance certificate?
8.    What amount will my piano be insured for during the move?  What does this insurance cover?
9.    What are your terms of cartage?  Will you provide me with a copy?
10.     Will I be provided will a bill of lading when my piano is moved?

Listed below is the information that you should have prepared when you book your piano move:

1.    What type of piano is it that you require to be moved? (Upright or Grand Piano)
2.    What size of piano is it? (upright pianos are measured by height [floor to lid] and grand pianos are measured by longest length [keyboard to curve in bow end])
3.    Where is it being picked up from? (Have full address including postal or zip code)
4.    Where is it being delivered to? (Have full address including postal or zip code)
5.    Are there any stairs that the piano needs to go up or down (inside and outside)?  If so, how many? Are they straight, spiraled or curved?  Based on what you tell the piano mover, he/she will tell you how many people they believe it will accomplish your move.  Missing important details or difficulties, or miss-estimating your move based on the information you have provided could mean that your piano move might not happen that day, and could incur you more charges.
6.    When are you looking to have the piano moved?
7.    Are there any time restraints involved?  (As time-restraints tend to hamper the efficiency of the mover’s day, placing a time-restraint on the mover could more than double your cost.)
8.    Inform the piano mover of any problems that you can foresee ahead of time.

The more information you can provide the piano mover, the more accurate your quote will be.  If you are vague and provide few details, do not be surprised if you incur extra charges for your move.  A good, reputable piano mover will make the process as painless as possible for you and usually be the highlight and most stress-free part of your whole moving process.  They key is ensuring that the mover meets all of your requirements and providing them with the information they need to help you properly.


Saturday, July 16, 2011

Europe: Places to Meet Pure Bred Aristocracy and Royalty


Want to meet a Duke or a true Prince and Princess? One of the easiest and most convenient places to meet pure royalty is at one of the prestigious hotel casinos. They hang out at many of the following five casinos and, once you are in, you can interact with them, play against them and if you are good enough, even beat them. Wouldn't you like to boast that you defeated a King? These five hotel casinos give you that chance.

But do not expect an all you can eat buffet or players with baseball caps and cool shades. Come dressed elegantly and only then will you be let in to share a baccarat game with pure-bred European aristocracy.

The European casinos listed here are the largest and the most luxurious casinos in Europe. Their appointed clientele is less the seasonal tourist gambler and more the upper crust. So, if you are looking for a stylish way to spend your latest lottery winning, you can shoot the dice in one of the casinos listed below while your traveling partners lie around the French Riviera beaches or go on wild shopping trips in the streets of London or Moscow.

1) Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco:
Monte Carlo has been the favorite gaming destination of Europe's rich and famous for almost 150 years with the first casino that was founded by Prince Charles III of Monaco in 1863. Casino de Monte Carlo is a complex of five posh casinos located by the seashore and decorated in French rococo style with marbled columns, golden ornaments and crystal chandeliers. The overall environment would make you feel like an extra in a French history movie.

2) Casino Metropol, Moscow:
The Russian Federation has the biggest number of casinos and slot machines in Eastern Europe. The best casinos for tourists are obviously the ones located in hotels. Casino Metropol is part of the five star Hotel Metropol, which is not only one of the most elegant casino hotels in the area but it is also conveniently located in the center of Moscow within a walking distance from the Red Square and the Kremlin. The lowest minimum table requirement is 25 dollars and a night at the presidential suite will cost you 2,000 dollars.

3) Baden Baden Casino, Baden Baden, Germany:
The veteran European casino was founded in 1809 and although it has changed several ownerships since then, its reputation as one of the finest casinos in Europe in general and in Germany in particular has not change. Nowadays, the Baden Baden Casino is one of the city's landmarks along with the famous thermal baths. If you ignore the table games and the slot machines, walking through the 32,289 square foot casino looks as similar to a visit in an European art museum with permanent exhibits of oil paintings and sculptures.

4) The Clermont Club, London, England:
If you are visiting the UK, you cannot just pop into a casino but have to apply for a membership at least a day ahead. If you plan to follow this procedure, the Clermont Club in Berkeley Square is one of the most reputable gaming clubs around. Set in a 17th century building, the Clermont Club was designed to resemble the Great Hall at Holkham. In addition to its friendly and convenient gaming room, the Clermont Club includes a bar and a clubroom where members and their guests can lounge over a banquet of a vintage bottle of champagne. Note that playing at <a href="http://www.gambling-portal.com">online casinos</a> is legal in the UK, so you can just pop into any internet cafe for online games.

5) Casino Barriere de Deauville, Deauville, France:
The elegant seaside casino resort had inspired Ian Fleming in depicting the Casino of Royale les Eaux in his first James Bond novel Casino Royale. First founded in the 1860s by the Duc de Morny, the extravagant palace is one of the most beautiful casinos in the world. In addition to its gaming facilities, Casino Barriere hosts variety of exclusive entertainment shows as well as cultural and artistic events.


Friday, July 15, 2011

Etiqueta de Poquer


Si eres un principiante en el juego, o mas bien un experto que se ha dedicado toda la vida a apuestas y partidos de Póquer, aprender las normas de conducta nunca esta de mas. Aquí te presentamos algunas reglas no tan estrictas pero importantes a la hora de demostrar tu estilo y profesionalismo.

En el Póquer:
1) No debes mirar ni intentar leer las cartas de los demás jugadores antes de que ellos mismos expongan las cartas en la mesa. No es considerado apropiado.

2) No debes revelar el contenido de tus cartas antes de terminar ese partido o mano. Si lo haces los demás jugadores sabrán si has mentido o como es tu situación. También podrán saber que otras cartas quedan en las manos de los demás jugadores.

3) No debes comenzar la jugada si todavía no llego tu turno. No lo hagas ni en broma, y si lo haces por error, pide disculpas a los demás jugadores ya que es un acto que no es aceptado en el poquer.

4) No debes amontonar las fichas del partido apiñadamente o desordenadamente. Probablemente va a molestar en la mesa a los demás jugadores, e interferir en el reparto de las cartas.

5) No debes ayudar a demás jugadores ni decir cosas que influyan sus a sus decisiones en el partido. Puede causar problemas entre todos los jugadores. Cada uno deberá tomar sus propias decisiones y equivocarse es parte del juego.

6) No debes usar el teléfono celular en el casino. Si estas en medio del partido y debes recibir una llamada urgente pide disculpas a los demás jugadores y retírate del partido hasta que termines de hablar.

7) No debes hacer trampa ni estafar. Pretender que tienes mejores cartas de las que tienes es parte del juego, pero la trapa y la estafa están prohibidos.

8) No debes maldecir o usar lenguaje obsceno en el partido de Póquer. Tampoco debes amenazar al repartidor del juego ni a cualquiera de los jugadores. Es importante mantener la calma a pesar de los resultados del juego.

9) Es importante respetar el partido sin quebrar, llorar, estropear las cartas a la mesa o a las fichas.

10) Finalmente, no traigas objetos electrónicos como cámara fotográfica o filmadora, radio, etc. Son artículos inapropiados para mantener el estado neutral en un partido de Póquer.

11) No debes fumar deliberadamente en medio del partido. En muchos casinos esta prohibido, y si juegas con amigos asegurate que no moleste a ninguno.

Todas estas normas, como mencione previamente, no están escritas en ningún reglamento del Póquer pero si son importantes de respetar y recordar a la hora que te propongas jugar. Disfruta tu juego y buena suerte!


Thursday, July 14, 2011

How to Build and Shoot a Marshmallow Gun

Marshmallow blow guns are safe and fun for boys and girls of all ages. Even dads will enjoy this toy. A marshmallow gun or shooter is a terrific Christmas, birthday, or anytime gift.

The first marshmallow blow gun I ever received was at a birthday party. We played “Capture the Flag” with marshmallow guns. After the party, we all received a marshmallow gun for a party favor.

If you want to know how to build and shoot a marshmallow gun, the plans are below. Learning how to build and shoot a Marshmallow Gun without plans can be
tricky, so we are giving the Marshmallow Gun-Shooter Plans to you for free!

Building the Marshmallow Gun

1. Buy 1/2 inch PVC pipe, 2 PVC elbows, 2 PVC T’s, 2 PVC end caps, spray paint, marshmallows (ammo)
2. Cut your PVC pipe however long you want the barrel.
3. Cut four pieces of PVC pipe 1/3 of the barrel, two for the handles and two for connecting pieces of PVC pipe together. Cut one piece 1/3 of your handles. Cut tne more piece of PVC pipe 1/2 of your barrel.
3. Get two T’s, two elbows, and two caps. Place the smallest piece of PVC pipe in between the two T’s. Now put two of the PVC pipe (1/3 size of the barrel) on top and bottom of the T’s. Place a cap on the bottom PVC pipe and an elbow on
the top PVC pipe. Put the barrel in the t that’s PVC pipe has a cap on the end of it.
4. Now, place the PVC pipe that is 1/2 of the barrel on your elbow. Put a PVC pipe (1/3 size of the barrel) in the other t. Place an elbow on the end of your PVC pipe that is 1/3 size of your barrel.
5. Place the last PVC pipe (that is 1/3 the size of the barrel) on the T. Place the last cap on the PVC pipe that is a 1/3 size of the barrel.
6. Now that the pieces are all put together start spray painting the marshmellow
gun. The marshmallow gun can have designs. If you want designs, cut shapes out on a piece of paper, and spray paint through the paper on to the marshmallow gun.
7. Let dry overnight.

As a side note, you will have leftover materials since PVC only comes in ten foot lengths. Cutting the PVC may be a hassle, as well as painting the gun which
takes awhile. Some people choose to buy these guns completely made since you can find them online at inexpensive prices.

Shooting the Marshallow Gun
First, put a marshmallow in the beginning of the nozzle, the top piece. Do not put it in the barrel. Then blow one big breath of air, not a long weak breath. The bigger and harder the breath, the farther the marshmallow will go. To have even more fun, meet your friends at the park and have a really big marshmallow gun war.

Since you know how to build and shoot a marshmallow gun or shooter, run out to the store and buy your supplies. Before you know it, you will be shooting marshmallows with your own gun.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

How To Breastfeed

When my first baby was handed to me I wasn't sure what to do. Of course I was thrilled, overwhelmed, ecstatic and emotional but I had told everyone I was going to breastfeed. Now she was here and I was expected to get on with it, put her to my breast and nourish her... Well to be quite honest I was a little bit afraid. I was lying in a room full of medical equipment and strangers and my husband had just witnessed me in a state of distress and undress such as never before. All I really wanted to do was get washed, dressed and go for a sleep. But, there was a little tiny girl in my arms looking a bit hungry and everyone was watching and waiting.

Tentatively I showed her my breast and waited. She waited. I poked at her mouth, then at her nose with my nipple. She opened her tiny mouth wide and dived forward. Amazed at this tiny wonder of nature I gazed at her as she began to suckle. I marvelled as she guzzled and swallowed... I was breastfeeding!

As the days went by it wasn't all that I expected. It was painful and burned every time she latched on. But I persevered and we made it. Sixteen months later she decided she had had enough of mummy's milk and with tears in my eyes I concluded that breastfeeding had been a wonderful experience and one which I hoped to repeat.

So how do you breastfeed? Here are some tips...

Try to have skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth, preferably before the baby has been cleaned up.

Get comfortable and hold the baby in a way that suits you both.

Gently place your nipple under baby's nose, and above her top lip. The baby should instinctively begin to root about for it.
Wait until baby opens her mouth really wide. Then put her on the breast ensuring she has as much of the areola(the area around your nipple)as possible in her mouth. In other words she should have a good mouthful of breast.

Baby will begin to suckle very quickly at first. As colostrum (pre-milk rich with antibodies) begins to flow the sucking will become much slower and you may even notice baby gulping as she swallows this pre-milk.

When baby has had enough she will let go of the breast and may even fall asleep.

Within about three days the colostrum will be replaced by mature milk.

The first feeds may last a long time or they may occur very frequently for short periods of time. Just as mum is learning how to breastfeed so too is baby. Within a few weeks a routine of sorts will have become established!

Breastfeeding is by no means easy but it does get easier after the first four weeks or so. At times it is painful but always satisfying. It's always convenient and requires no advance preparation or sterilising of bottles! Most problems occur as a result of incorrect positioning of baby at the breast. Don't let the baby suck at your nipple - she must have lots of the areola as well, otherwise you will get sore and this is when many new mums give up.

By breastfeeding your baby she will benefit tremendously and there are numerous health benefits for mum too. Persevere - it's worth every minute of it.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

How to bet on the SuperBowl

Since the SuperBowl is the last game of the season you have an advantage that you do not have during the beginning of the season.

With 2 weeks to go till the SuperBowl we know that the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears will be the ones representing their divisions in the biggest game of the year.

Many people like to bet on sports to make them more exciting, and the SuperBowl is no exception. It is common for many offices to have a SuperBowl Pool, and it is very common for friends to bet on the outcome of the game with each other, it just increases the fun of watching the game, but how do you know who to bet your money on?

There is no guaranteed way to know who will win without cheating, but comparing the states can help in making an informed decision.

There are many things to take into account:

Some teams have a great passing game; some teams are strongest on the run, so you have to look at whom are they playing and what is there defense best against. If you have a team that has a great running back, and the defense is weak against the run then that is a definite advantage to the team that likes to run the football.



The location of the game is also important the SuperBowl is always played in a Domed stadium so the weather is not usually a major factor in the SuperBowl but, if the stadium has Astroturf as apposed to real grass then that can effect a team, lets say one team has turf in their home stadium and he other team has grass, then this can be an advantage to the team who has turf.

The physical and mental state of the players must also be taken into account before placing a bet on the SuperBowl or any sporting event. Come the playoffs many teams have players on the injured list, but many players will try to come back for the playoffs to help their team, but often this backfires because they may not be playing at 100% and can re-injure themselves so that they are playing hurt during the big game. This means they will not be playing at their best, and this gives an advantage to the opposite team.

The mental state of the players can affect a players even more then an injury can. If a player is playing hurt he still has his head in the game, but a player with marriage or financial problems is not concentrating on the game, they may be thinking of their own problems. This can cause a player to drop balls or make stupid mistakes.

After researching all these issues you will start to form a picture in your head of who is the better team going into the SuperBowl, and this will allow you to make an educated guess as to who will win. Remember this guide will only help improve your odds of winning they are not a guarantee that you will pick all the winners.

Monday, July 11, 2011

How to become a Vegas Showgirl

All of the big Las Vegas casinos put on shows to attract crowds to the casino, and instead of hiring new dancers every time the change the show, they hire full time dancers and these girls are called Showgirls.

If you have ever thought about putting elaborate costumes and dancing in front of crowds every night, then becoming a Vegas Showgirl may be the job for you.

Being a Vegas Showgirl is not an easy job. You must be in top physical condition if you expect to be a professional dancer, and it is important to remember that not everyone will make it, becoming a professional dancer is a roll of the dice, you have better odds of winning an
Online Craps game then making it as a dancer.

There are several things you can do to help improve your chances of getting your carrier as a Las Vegas Casino dancer started:

Dance lessons, if you want to be a professional dancer you have to learn several different styles of dance, and dance them all well. This may be the hardest part to becoming a dancer. This part will take many years and require you to spend several hours a day every day taking dancing lessons.

Physical Conditioning, dancing requires lots of endurance and stamina. Besides the workouts you will get from all the dancing lessons you will take you will also need to work out on your own regularly. These workouts should include aerobic and some weight training.

Weight training should not be done to build muscle mass only for building strength and muscle toning. The best way to do this is by doing high repetition counts of low weights. This method will make the existing muscles stronger but will not bulk you up.

To pursue a carrier in dancing in a Vegas Casinos it is important to target the leg, stomach and back muscle groups. It is from these muscle groups that a dancer moves.

Diet, Dancers are required to be tossed around and lifted into the air, not to mention the fact that most dancers are skin tight and for these reasons dancers must always watch their weight.

Many Las Vegas Showgirls have to get on the scale every week and if they gain weight they could get thrown out of the show. Always remember there are many people that dream of dancing professionally, and the casinos will not hesitate to throw a girl out and replace her for the slightest reason.

Once you feel you are good enough you can start sending in resumes. A resume should include each different style of dance that you know and how long you have been doing it, and it should also include all prior dance experience.

A good way to get experience is to get yourself in as many different things you can. Local theater groups are a great way to gain experience. Getting a job as a dance instructor Is also a good way to gain experience and practice at the same time.

By sending your resume to all the different casinos you can greatly increase your chances of getting at least one audition. Do not expect to get hired at the more popular casinos on your first audition. The bigger Las Vegas casinos usually like to hire girls with more experience, so you will probably have to work as a showgirl at a smaller casino first.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

How to be a Coupon Queen

So you want to be a Coupon Queen ? Well to be a Coupon Queen you first have to have the right attitude. You have to learn how to think like a Coupon Queen. You have to be willing to work hard and think outside the box. "It's not Impossible to save 75 to 80% off you grocery bill "

For starters you cannot be brand loyal. Be open to try new things.You will find that you can get alot of the top name brands for free or almost free by just simply watching for sales and clipping your coupons. Store brands are not always cheaper than name brands when you are using coupons. .Also buying in bulk is not always cheaper especially when you can catch a sale Now that you have the right mind set lets tell you how to get started!!!


Where To get coupons:
You need to start by subscribing to your local newspaper!
Ask friends and neighbors for their coupons.
Check local coffee shops and book stores for newspapers that people leave.
Check local recycle bins for papers there too!! Look for coupons in your grocery store! Email companies tell them how you like or dislike products and they will send you coupons! We have a page provided for you with a list of companies to write to on my website at http://www.morestealsanddeals.com .


Organizing your coupons:


Start with a small $1 coupon organizer until you've mastered your own system and you want to get serious then you can go to a 3 ring binder with divders and clear baseball card sheets! Label your dividers like:

Canned/Frozen

Dairy/Meat

Produce

Breakfast/Breads

Baking

Pasta/Rice

Boxed helpers

Condiments

Snacks/Drinks

Cleaning

Hba

Baby/kids

Pets

Household

*You can even divide them out further the more coupons you get!!



For multiple inserts:


Start by tearing out pages from your coupon inserts and laying them out on the floor. Continue doing this and matching up identical pages from the rest of your inserts. then staple each stack of like coupons together so you can cut them all out at once and that also keeps your coupons together as well! Invest in an electric stapler and good pair of kitchen sheers!!


Don't forget to save money on gas ,you can take competitors ads and price match at some stores! You can also get extra discounts by shopping at a store that offers a club card or catalina coupons! What is a "Catalina Coupon" you may ask? A catalina coupon is a coupon that spits out at the register when you buy certain items. Sometimes they will apit out for buying certain products.These coupons say manufacturer coupon on them BUT..... Most people have no problems using them with the coupons you get from the sunday paper etc. So more savings for you!!!!

Don't forget about online coupons as well! Many sites like ours offer coupons that you can print out online and take to the store to maximize your savings! Check out at http://www.morestealsanddeals.com

Saturday, July 9, 2011

How To Be A Closer Family

Family should always be first, but it's easy to forget what matters most in today's hectic world. The greatest gift we can give our children is being part of a healthy, loving family as it is their foundation and security especially in times of need. Children will always need a safe haven and the home should provide that for them. Creating a happy and safe environment is easier than most people think. I hope the following will help get you started.

Give your children the opportunity to speak openly and freely about their concerns and troubles. This is a sure-fire way to increase your family's closeness. Maintain honesty and you will find that problems get solved quickly and easily. Instilling open communication in your children will also help them in all aspects of their lives later on. "Listen" with an open heart and a willing spirit. Don't judge the thoughts and feelings of other family members. Instead, try to understand where they are coming from and figure out solutions to ease their problems.

Spend quality time together each week. Many parents have full-time jobs and it's difficult to fit in time for relaxation and leisure, however, it's very important you make time for your family. Discuss what things the family would like to do together. Try to pick activities that encourage talking and interaction like bowling for example will enhance relations better than silently watching a movie in a theater. Try to keep the activity lighthearted and fun. Laughter bonds better than anything and its affects will ripple throughout your life.

Chores doesn't sound like it will bring a family closer, but one would be amazed to see what it can do. Having a clearly defined list of responsibilities for each member of the family will ease frustration and resentment. It will also encourage family members to get involved with household responsibilities and teach them that teamwork is important. Be sure to put the list up in a place that everyone will see easily and make a point of congratulating people when they do something well.

There are many ways to gain closeness within your family. These three steps are designed to give you a head start and help you create the family life you have always wanted. Initiate conversation with your family and get their ideas and suggestions for gaining a closer relationship. Always be open and willing to listen and work together. It won't always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Friday, July 8, 2011

How to Avoid Tantrums in Kids of All Ages

Let’s face it, kids will be kids and they can’t possibly always be happy with every single decision that is made for them. Even from a very young age a child realizes that he/she is, in fact, a REAL person, with feelings, thoughts and emotions. This often leads to them wanting to do things their own way, making their own choices, or just not wanting to do as they’re told.

Here’s a scenario: your child is sitting happily playing with building bricks, or maybe playing on a games console, totally engulfed in his or her own world, and it’s time for dinner. You ask your child to drop what they’re doing there and then, to tidy up quickly, to leave their ‘happy place’ and come eat. Your child refuses to do as asked, wondering within why on earth you’re being mean and spoiling their fun.

You, on the other hand may think the child is being naughty or obstinate. You remove the toys/games abruptly and the volcano erupts! Your child is throwing a full-blown tantrum!

Now, let’s re-create the scenario: As before, your child is sitting happily playing and you’re about to start making dinner. You give the child fair warning that playtime will be ending soon, in say 5-10 minutes, and that they will then need to put their things away so that they can help you make dinner.

Stick to your time-frame and get the things put away (help if you’re needed), and involve your child in the dinner-making. Depending on your child’s age this could be anything from wiping the table to boiling potatoes or even carving the meat. (Ok, so we may not have huge set meals every day, but you get the idea).

Wow! You just avoided a MAJOR tantrum! Your child is involved and happy, you are happy and non-stressed! Well Done You!

You can do this sort of thing with just about any scenario. Turn it around from something negative i.e. removing child from ‘happy place’ and replacing in ‘upset place’, to moving child from one happy place to another. You just have to make sure that your child knows beforehand that something other than what they are doing at the moment will soon be happening.

Let your child get involved and make sure you tell him/her how much you appreciate their help and co-operation. This way you will avoid the horrid confusion that ultimately leads to those dreadful tantrums.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

How To Avoid Auto Repair and Service Scams

Copyright 2006 David Maillie

There’s a reason why auto service stations have one of the largest numbers of complaints with state attorney generals in every state. Some uphold good business practices and ethics, but most, unfortunately are all about profit and don’t care if they have to lie and cheat to get it. To prove this all one has to do is go to several dealers with the same problem or question. You will get many different answers, price ranges and estimates all for the same problem(s) and almost all recommending unnecessary and unneeded services or repairs.

Just ask the dealer the question of routine maintenance and what is recommended at each service. If you open your owners manual it will tell you what is recommended for normal driving habits and some may give you recommendations for harsh conditions. Regardless of your climate and weather most service advisors will tell you that the area of your country qualifies for harsh and extreme weather – they are trained to do this as it requires more services and makes them more money. Its not whether your car needs it – most people will qualify as normal conditions and require a lot less servicing per the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and AAA. The manufacturer made those owners manuals after millions of dollars were spent on design, research, and testing – I think I would listen to the manual.

On calling several dealers as to recommended mileage intervals between oil changes we got a range of 3,000 – 3,500. It didn’t matter what area of the country we called. The answer was the same. Upon reading the owners manual of several cars it says 4,000 – 5,000 for normal driving habits. We then called asking about the correct mileage to change a timing belt 60,000 to 70,000 was the answer range we got. The owners manuals gave a range of 90,000 -100,000. This is proof positive that profit hungry dealers are pushing up more expensive services, requiring additional and unnecessary services, and basically scamming and ripping off customers. We could not find an honest new car dealer in the bunch, but we did find one service and repair shop that did not require anything over the manufactures recommendations.

Our recommendations:

1) Read your owners manual and take it with you for servicing. Let the service advisor try and argue with you over when an actual service is really recommended. Don’t pay attention to his fancy charts and recommendations.

2) Check and see if your warranty covers the item and if it is really necessary.

3) Oil changes are only $14.95 at Walmart – why pay more at your dealer (dealer average is $26). The oil is the same and you can get synthetic, the best, for the price the dealer charges for regular. As an added bonus, Walmart won’t push unnecessary repairs or services on you. Walmart is also much cheaper for tires – so is BJ’s, and Discount Tire.

4) Do minor items your self. Windshield wipers cost only $4 for a set of two of the same original equipment quality. Just guess what dealers charge. We only asked a few as we could quickly see, just like with oil changes, that the dealer wants to make a lot of money - $54 including installation for the same $4 wipers. Buy then at most Auto parts stores and they will install them for free.

5) If you must use a dealer for repair, always call around. Don’t just take their word for it. Before you go to the dealer, check them out with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Find out what their customers are saying.

The most important thing to remember here is to not get scammed. Some services are needed, just check it out and make sure the dealer isn’t just trying to get a high priced and unnecessary service out of you. Get your owners manual and read the section on required services – it will save you money nest time you visit your dealer. Remember their service advisors are constantly trained just like car salespeople to get you to buy regardless of whether you may need it.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

How To Adjustable Bed Quickly And Easily

Add more support and comfort to your adjustable bed with an adjustable mattress. The Regency adjustable bed has a pocket sprung mattress without a steel frame to allow it to bend as necessary. Tempur pedic adjustable bed mattress! Choosing right adjustable bed mattress is as important as choosing the right bed. Now it is time to choose your adjustable bed mattress. Our Optima adjustable bed frames are massage beds and so you don't want a mattress with too high a profile for that reason also. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for adjustable bed frames and especially a memory foam mattress with a profile of 12 inches or less.

It is very important to get the right sized Tempur mattress to fit your Tempur adjustable bed base. If you have chosen a single adjustable bed base you'll need one 90cm by 200cm mattress. An adjustable bed will only benefit you if the base and mattress are designed to work in unison. And unlike other adjustable bed companies, Flex-A-Bed builds every bed, even the mattress. Mattresses mold to shape of adjustable bed base and are available in dual or single mattress configurations. This universal bed lift, exclusive transforms your mattress into an adjustable bed for a fraction of the cost of a mechanical adjustable bed. According to e-adjustablebeds.com, adjustable airbeds are adjustable beds for which the firmness of the mattress can be adjusted. The Electromatic adjustable bed has a pocket sprung mattress for extra comfort.

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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

How Secure is Your Neighborhood?

Before you go out and spend thousands of dollars on a new home security system, it's a good idea to find out how secure your neighborhood is. Or to put it in blunt terms, find out how many crimes are being committed where you live. This information can have a big impact on what steps you take on the home security front.

This may sound like information you can't get without going door-to-door and interviewing everyone within a four-block radius. Have you been robbed in the last year? Has anyone broken into your car? Has anyone stolen mail from your mailbox? It sounds like a pain, doesn't it?

Fortunately, you don't have to do this. Chances are the police station has this information already. As you might or might not have suspected, most police agencies keep detailed statistics of these things. They have records of crimes committed, and can often narrow down the statistics to the block level.

As a resident, you're entitled to this information.

So, head down to your local police station (the one closest to your home), and ask to talk to the public affairs officer (or whoever is in charge of public relations). Request the crime statistics for your neighborhood. You might not get a list of who committed the crime, but you should be able to get information on how many break-ins, auto thefts, rapes, etc. have taken place over the last few years. Sometimes the records go back for decades.

This is the best way to find out how safe your neighborhood is. Do remember that the crimes that have been committed on your street in the past aren't always perfect indicators of what will happen in the future. Just because no one has been robbed on your street this year doesn't mean someone won't be burglarized tomorrow. However, if there have been a lot of crimes committed in the past, this is a pretty good indicator that a similar trend will continue.

If there have been quite a few home break-ins in your area, you may want to consider an aggressive home security plan, such as a whole home security system that can protect your house and your family by sending the police if someone tries to get in. On the other hand, if there hasn't been a break-in for years, you may feel safe with a less aggressive approach. Maybe you'll feel it's enough to install common sense home security items (i.e. replacing weak door and window locks) and adopt good security practices (i.e. don't leave doors unlocked, don't leave garages doors up, and don't leave tools in the yard burglars could use to break in, etc.).

Remember, the first step to protecting yourself and your family is to find out how secure your neighborhood is.

Monday, July 4, 2011

How Safe Is Your Gun? A 12 Year Old Can Open Most Gun Safes.

A safe is essential if you have a gun at home. It is also essential that your safe is easy for you to use but difficult to access without your authorization.

Safes are made from tough, heavy gauge steel, typically half an inch thick. The safe may have two sheets of hard steel, with ball bearings sandwiched between the two layers. The ball bearings make drilling through the door or sides very difficult.

The door and lock are inherently the weakest points of any safe. Locking the safe door should operate hardened steel or titanium bolts on all four sides. Hinges are internal so that they do not present a weakness to an intruder.

Locks may be key, combination or fingerprint operated. The best safes have combinations of different types of lock and time delays before a lock will open.

Key locks can be picked, even the most complex key operated lock can be picked by an expert. An expert can find a combination code on a rotary combination dials fairly easily. A keypad combination is the best if you have a combination lock. There are no moving parts to go wrong, or to give clues to a safe cracker who is listening to the lock as he or she operates it.

It is important to keep the keypad clean. Dirty or clean keys give clues to anyone trying to get into your safe. Make sure the combination you choose bears no relationship to phone numbers, birth dates or any other data that can be guessed.

The best option is a fingerprint-operated lock. Then you can have absolute confidence that while your fingers are attached to your body that nobody will be able to open your safe without your knowledge.

A fingerprint operated lock combined with a keypad combination lock, or a second fingerprint operated lock set up for a second person provides the best security for guns or valuables

Fire protection is usually built into home safes, with layers of insulating material and expanding door seals that exclude oxygen and prevent combustion of the safe contents.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

How Not to Lose 10000 Dollars in the

For the last several years one Saturday of each month some friends and I would get in the car and drive to Atlantic City for a night of gambling, and it has always been one of the best days of the month.

We have never really been big gamblers we usually just stayed with the slots or the roulette table, until six months ago when someone decided we should learn to play poker because that’s where you can win lots of money fast.

So we all started playing poker in a weekly Friday night game together till we were good enough to play in the casinos. For practice I would play Online Poker in some free multiplayer poker rooms and eventually I felt confident enough to join an online casino poker room for real money.

At first I was losing hand after hand but the more hands I played the better of an understanding I was getting for the game, and every night I started making less and less mistakes and I actually started to win a few hands.
After about 2 or 3 months of this we decided it was time and we all drove to the casino to play some Poker.

We did ok for first timers, no one got rich but no one came home broke either. We decided that instead of our monthly trips we should start going every Saturday, and soon we would be leaving every Friday after work and coming back late Sunday night


Last month we decided to join this small tournament, the buy inn was only a few hundred each and the prize was 10,000 dollars, so we all decided to go for it and to try to start making real money playing poker, and in the end it paid off, I am still not sure how but I won the poker tournament and the 10,000 dollars grand prize.

Before the tournament we had all agreed that if one of us won it we would go out and have a big party with the money, but I had a much better idea


I decided that I could turn this money into a much larger amount and since it was easy to win the first time it should be easy to do it again.

Now from my personal experience I know that the Roulette table is a great way to double your money fast, there were many nights id have 20 dollars in my poker before leaving the casino and I would manage to double it on one spin of the roulette wheel, and now I had ten thousand dollars and could walk away with twenty thousand in just minutes.

So against the advice of all my friends I looked for a roulette table where the same color had won three times in a row. Once I finally found a roulette table that had come up red 3 times in a row it I place all my winnings on black and what luck it came out red again and I nearly passed out on the casino floor.

Ever since that night I have not won anything I have played. The best piece of advice I can give anyone out there is to not let winning go to your head. If you are up in the casino, go home and enjoy the money. It is important to remember that gambling in a casino or an online casino is supposed to be fun and relaxing and if it is not go read a book or something.