Essential Supplies to Begin Scrapbooking

Everyone is doing it – scrapbooking that is – and you think you’d like to give it a try, too. However, you’re really not sure what the difference is between a scrapbook and a traditional photo album. You’re also not sure what supplies you’ll need. A quick lesson on the essentials of scrapbooking will bring you right up to speed. Modern scrapbooks are different from traditional photo albums in a few respects. They hold both photographs and memorabilia. For that reason they are sometimes referred to as memory books. There is also an emphasis on writing, or journaling, in scrapbooking. Each scrapbook should tell a story. Scrapbooks are also more aesthetically pleasing than traditional photo albums. Attention is paid to the layout of the pages. Often, pages are decorated with colorful paper and stickers, although this is not necessary. The biggest distinction between a modern scrapbook and a traditional photo album is the emphasis on the preservation of the photos and memories. The albums, papers, pens, and adhesives should all be photo safe. Photo safe is a term that means that the materials used in creating a scrapbook are designed to do the least amount of long term damage on your photos and memorabilia. Damage includes fading, yellowing, and a degradation of the paper the photos or memorabilia are printed on. Because of this emphasis on preservation, specific, specialized supplies are required when scrapbooking. These supplies can be purchased at many art supply stores, specialty scrapbooking stores or from many online retailers. The supplies you will need to create your first scrapbook are: Photos and memorabilia – Before beginning any album you should have its contents organized. You may want to do a themed album (baby, wedding, vacation, etc.) or a chronological family album. Either way, having the album’s contents collected before you begin will help you complete your album more efficiently. A photo safe album – The album you purchase should be free from acid and lignin (a substance in wood that will turn paper unstable and cause it to yellow). It should also be the correct size for the project you are tackling. This is where having your photos and memorabilia organized beforehand comes in handy. If you’re creating a brag book for grandma of her new grandchild, a small album that has only one or two photos per page may be appropriate. If you’re chronicling your child’s athletic career and have large newspaper clippings, a larger album would be the appropriate choice. A photo trimmer – Photo trimmers come in handy to crop out any unwanted parts of a photograph or to trim decorative paper. They do the job quickly and neatly. A good pair of scissors – There are some jobs the photo trimmer just can’t do. A good, sharp pair of scissors will come in handy. Photo safe pens – Special pens are sold that are created to be photo safe. Look for pens that say “acid free”, “photo safe” or “archival quality” on them. A photo safe adhesive – Special tape and other adhesives that are photo safe should be purchased. Page protectors – Page protectors are photo safe plastic covers that slip over completed pages. Some albums come with them. If yours does not, buy them. Decorative papers and stickers – These are not essential to creating an album, but many people involved in scrapbooking like to embellish their pages with them. Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, you are ready to get to work. If you need a little inspiration, you can find ideas for your scrapbook on internet sites, in scrapbooking magazines, and from other scrap-bookers.

Everyone Loves Children's Wooden Toys

For many years children have enjoyed playing with wooden toys. Long before video games, and other modern toys, that rely on batteries and cords that plug into the wall were invented, the old-fashioned, traditional wooden toys have amused and entertained children of all ages. Even though wooden toys were first invented in the early 19th century, these types of toys can be seen in many households today. Surprisingly enough, children do not seem to be the only ones interested in these toys anymore. An increasing number of adults have been buying wooden toys for themselves. I recall the day I visited a friend at his home, and I was surprised to see on his coffee table a wooden hamburger. The hamburger actually had the buns, lettuce, cheese, tomato, mayonnaise, and the patty. I thought this was pretty cool! Naturally, I told him that was a cute little toy he bought for his child. He said that even though his child likes to play with the toy, he bought it for himself. He explained to me that he simply bought the toy as a decorative item for his home and that he normally receives many comments similar to mine about the toy. He chuckled as he told me that most adults like to play with the toy. Also, I have a friend who owns a boutique. One day I went to visit her, and I was surprised to see a wooden rocking horse in her place of business. I became very curious, so I asked her why she had this rocking horse at work, and she replied that her child loved the one at home so much that she wanted to buy an extra one for her shop. She said that she occasionally brings her child to work, and that the toy will keep him busy while she takes care of the customers. Also, she told me her customers' children like to play on the horse. Despite these other reasons, she said the main reason she bought the horse is it's a nice conversation piece that looks good in her shop. Yet another example comes to mind: I have a relative who is a cosmetologist. Many times during her day on the job, she must reach for supplies in an overhead supply cupboard. She is not tall enough to reach the supplies, so she came up with an idea: She had bought a small, wooden step-stool several years earlier for her child to use at home. Since her child had started to outgrow the step-stool, she simply took the item with her to work, and she was able to use it to step on to reach her supplies. If you think about practical uses for children's toys, that definitely is one! Speaking of practical uses for children's step-stools, I recall from my childhood days that several times a year my family and I would take the train to visit relatives. As we boarded and deboarded the train, we stepped on a wooden step-stool that was very sturdy. No matter how many people stepped on the stool, it would not break. I remembered this fact, and later in life, I bought a similar step-stool for my child. I know that if he ever gets tired of it, I can probably think of some practical uses for the item around the home. Maybe these wooden toys bring back the kid in us, or maybe they just remind us of great memories. Whatever the case, don't be surprised if you see an increase in adults purchasing these types of toys for themselves.

Fathers Day Gift Baskets

Father's Day is fast approaching. It will be here before you know it! Give your father, or other special man in your life, a truly unique and appreciated gift. This year, surprise the recipient with a gift basket designed especially for him.

Father's Day gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailored to fit any budget. You have the option of purchasing them off the shelf or as a custom made gift. Whether Dad is a fishing nut, racecar fan or a lover of gourmet goodies, you can easily find a basket that he will enjoy. (And, not take up room in his sock drawer.)

If the special guy in your life is a movie buff, request a Father's Day gift basket created around this theme. Imagine his surprise when he receives a basket filled with a variety of treasures such as his favorite DVD (or movie rental gift card), gourmet popcorn, plenty of concession-stand type candy, movie trivia guide and a collectible movie tin.

If Dad is a "golf junkie", there are many Father's Day golf-related gift

baskets that will fit him to a t. or in this case, tee. Choose small themed items. maybe a book filled with great golf tips, a handy notepad or a perpetual calendar. Add to that, a bucket of chocolate golf balls, Dad's favorite nuts, snack mix and a golfer's coffee mug, filled with a variety of gourmet coffee singles.

Does your Dad claim to be the "master of the grill"? If so, BBQ-related, Father's Day gift baskets are an option worth your consideration. Start with a wicker tray-type basket filled with a variety of sauces and marinades. Add items such as a small chopping board, BBQ mitts and/or utensils, smoky cheeses, a themed cookbook and a gift card for Dad's favorite grocery store.

There really are Father's Day gift baskets appropriate for everyone on your list, regardless of their interests. This year, take the time to have your favorite gift basket vendor create a special basket that won't end up in the back of the closet, collecting dust!

Energy Management: Cutting Costs Across The Board

Energy management is quite a hot topic these days. With fuel costs soaring and the average person not making a whole lot more, you can expect more and more people to be looking at ways to lower their utility bills. Energy management is a necessary thing to consider no matter who you are or where you are from. But, how can you lower your rates effectively? Here are some helpful hints and tips about energy management that you can take to the bank. • Make sure that your equipment is in tip top shape. In fact, have a professional come and find out if your air conditioner as well as your furnace are working at the highest quality out there. You will find that having an efficient piece of equipment can really cut down on costs. If you do end up replacing your units, make sure that you take the time to find the best energy management option available; even if it costs more, it won’t in the long run. • Proper maintenance of your air conditioners, stoves, washers and dryers as well as your furnace can save you a good amount of money as well. • Consider using the least amounts of energy possible. By using energy management consciously, you can save your money for something more valuable in the long run. Lower your heater, raise your air conditioner and turn off equipment, appliances as well as the lights and end up saving money! By taking care of your energy needs, people can realize much more efficient use that can lower your energy bill as well as help to save natural resources. When every penny counts, take the time to find other solutions for energy management as well as these. You will find outstanding ways of lowering your energy uses throughout the web.

Environmental Issue: Wood Burning Fireplaces

Environmental Psychology considers two issues with wood burning fireplaces. What's important to you? Your home environment for emotional support or saving the environment? If you plan to move to a new home or to build a home, you may draw a line through a fireplace as a necessity. Although people love the warmth, comforting crackling sounds, aromas, and moving light a wood burning fire provides, fireplaces can emit polluted air into your home and into your neighborhood. Most home shoppers request a fireplace. Home buyers desire a hearth, which symbolizes home. Families gather around the fireplace during holiday celebrations and quiet conversations. Book lovers enjoy curling up next to a fire on a cool afternoon. Many new homes feature fireplaces in the main bedroom. After all, what’s more romantic than a fire? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wood-burning fireplaces emit nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, organic gases, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause serious health problems for children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory problems. Like cigarette smoke, some of these elements contain cancer-causing properties. Some urban cities have considered banning wood-burning fireplaces altogether to stem the flow of pollutants in the smog-filled air. Some California cities and counties have enacted local ordinances to limit the growing wood smoke problem. Mammoth Lakes, Squaw Valley, Cloverdale, Fresno, and many cities and counties in the Bay Area permit installation of only U.S.EPA certified wood-fired appliances in all new construction. Since 1991, the Bay Area AQMD has issued advisories for a voluntary no-burn program on poor air quality nights, "Spare the Air Tonight." But wait! Solutions exist so you can enjoy your fire. To keep pollutants from entering your room air, you can install a certified clean-burning fireplace insert and a glass screen. Buy a carbon monoxide monitor and an oxygen-depletion sensor to ensure safe air. The new fireplace systems keep pollutants from leaving your chimney. Other considerations for you to ponder include the source of heating for your home. What happens when natural gas demand outpaces production? Prices skyrocket. And if your heat comes from a coal-burning electrical plant, doesn't the burning coal produce toxins that pollute the air? If you're building a new home, consider installing a Pellet Stove, the most efficient and least polluting of the new stove designs. Pellet Stoves provide less than 1 gram per hour of particulate emissions. Most of these stoves s require electricity and burn compressed wood waste formed into pellets. Be kind to yourself and to the environment. Consider these environmental issues when you light up your fire. Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

Establishing Communication To Promote Online Safety For Children

Allowing your children to surf the Internet is a great learning experience. Children online have access to resources from all over the world as no generation before them has. Unfortunately, they are also exposed to people all over the world – both good and bad. What can parents do to protect children from online dangers? Keeping an open line of communication with children is the most important step towards online safety. By talking to your children, you establish yourself as a trustworthy confidant and children feel they can come to you with anything. You’ve probably already cautioned your children against talking to strangers. Remind them that the same rule applies to the Internet as well. Calmly remind them to not give out their full name, address or telephone number over the Internet. If they already have given out information, ask them about the situation. Is it someone from a nearby school or out of state? Ask them if the person has mentioned meeting, calling or sent pictures? If you have good communication with your child and they trust you, they should be willing to share this information if you ask with genuine interest. Think of what you are going to ask and how before you do it to avoid asking in a confrontational way. Also, don’t be afraid to discuss with your children dangers they may encounter on the Internet. Children like to be treated with respect just like adults, so be open and honest with them about the possible Internet dangers. Respectable news sources, such as Dateline and People magazine, have done features on Internet predators that form online relationships with children. Don’t be afraid to share these resources with your children, especially teens. Tell them, in an age appropriate way, that there are adults who prey on children online and often send them to inappropriate web site addresses or even send them pornography. Listen to how your children respond. They may already know more about online safety than you think they do. Many children are exposed to computer usage at a young age now, but some don’t know the full potential of the Internet. Many think it is simply a place to meet and chat with others. While that can be one rewarding aspect, you can also teach your children about other online resources. If they are interested in history, show them the Smithsonian home page. If you have a teen looking to attend college, point out that sites such as Yahoo have an extensive listing of colleges all around the country that they can visit online. If they love sports, look up the URL to their favorite team’s home page. Make the Internet fun for your children and share in these experiences with them. Online crimes may be impossible to eliminate completely, but parental involvement in their children’s online activities can help decrease them.

Fathers Day Tribute - Scarred For Life By A Special Dad

Always remember to say what you feel while they are here because remorse you will carry forever.

The story we all loved to hear as kids was the one about dad that would explain why his face was covered in what we as kids saw as millions and millions and millions of tiny dents and scars of which I will tell you all about nearer to the end of my tribute to the greatest dad a daughter could ever have had. His death at the early age of fifty four came as a shock especially when his appointment for the hospital was to have a plaster cast removed only to have him drop dead in the waiting room.

Even though the parting of the ways was sudden the fondest of memories has still held a strong presence in my thoughts over the twenty six years where I was proud to call him my dad. If I could turn the clock back - I would tell him how sorry I was for the times I took him for granted but unfortunately that remorse will be carried to my grave where I know being the good man that he was will be waiting for me at the pearly gates with open arms full of forgiveness.

They say the good die young and that is what has helped to ease  the resentment I felt towards the man up above for taking dad so soon.
Why are dads special - why is my dad more special than all other dads, simple because people see the word special in many different ways. So what do I see different in dad that makes him so special.

Dad served 34 years in the army but trouble was brewing up on communist day in Hong Kong where dad was stationed. It was the sound of alarm bells that set the evacuation into motion for the families living outside the barracks to return to the camp immediately.

Eight of us were bundled into the back of a 3 ton army wagon with pillows for protection and ordered to keep our heads down of which we obeyed - the Chinese riot mobs were appearing up from the trenches that lined the road back to the barracks fully armed with allsorts of killing tools - twenty one rocks entered the wagon on the journey back to camp.

The convoy of trucks that followed behind and stopped - now stood burning wrecks.
If a barrage of boulders were hurtled into  the back of the wagon - just what kind of state was the front of that vehicle in and that of the driver. There were no medals of bravery awarded to the driver when recognition was delivered by the army superiors for his act of heroism. The reason why was because he should not have been driving at the time, so all the pats on the back went to the wrong man sitting up front.

I often wonder today this day would we all have got out alive if the boot was on the other foot if those drivers did not break the rules.

The result of that fearful day was a truck with no windscreen a driver with no face and eight living bodies that lived to tell the tale - so now you have the ending to my story why those millions and millions and millions of dents and scars, scarred us for life with special memories of dear old dad.