So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Pregnancy and Weight Loss, How to Lose Those Extra Pounds

By Ricardo d Argence

It is common for pregnant women to be concerned about loosing pregnancy weight. It's especially hard when you're trying to care for a brand new baby. You really can't expect weight to melt away in 9 days when it took 9 whole months to gain it in the first place.

But, our society tells us otherwise. Celebrities are shown in magazines with a very slim figure just a month after giving birth to a child. The give them very positive feedback like it is something everyone wants to do. However, healthy weight loss takes time. If you lose weight too quickly, your body may not be healthy and you main gain the weight back.

A good way to lose pounds is to breastfeed. The purpose of gaining weight during pregnancy is to store calories, nutrients and vitamins for your baby to use even after birth. Breastfeeding burns 200-500 extra calories a day. Helping you get back to your pre-baby weight is one of the ways nature can play a part. Breastfeeding is not the only way to get back your shape, and thankfully there are alternatives for women who simply are not able to nurse their babies.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important; but eating right is especially crucial when you are breastfeeding. Your baby should be provided with the best meal with all possible nutrients in it. While breast feeding, you should eat properly or else you will lose all the vitamins from your body as it would go to the breast milk. To give your metabolism a boost and to keep from feeling hungry, eat 4 or 5 small meals in a day instead of 3 big meals.

Drinking a lot of water is very important, even more so in women who are breastfeeding. Drink 8-10 glasses a day. This way, you can get rid of the toxins accumulated on your body during pregnancy. You will most likely eat less when more water is drank.

Exercising after giving birth is important for several reasons. First of all, it won't interfere with breastfeeding, unlike dieting. Secondly, it will help prevent postpartum depression because exercise boosts endorphins, which in turn give your mood a boost as well.

Most mothers find that even after they have achieved their pre-pregnancy weight, their bodies have taken on a slightly different shape than before. Your skin might sag and the muscles in the stomach area and thighs may look flabby due to all the unbelievable stretching that took place over the past few months. These muscles can be strengthened by exersize, giving you a firm and fit physique.

When you are starting a exercise regimen, it is important to start out very slowly. After giving birth, take the time to rest and heal,and take the time to become close with your baby. When you begin exercising, begin slowly with ten minutes of exertion, and then slowly increase the time as you feel more able.

Pregnancy has a powerful impact on your body. Don't allow your worries about your weight to cloud this precious time with your new baby. You can lose weight any time but babies aren't babies forever.

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The Basics of Car Servicing

By Hugh Roberts

Proper car servicing is important if a person intends to benefit from an excellent car performance over the span of many years. As the cost of buying a vehicle continues to increase, paying attention to appropriate car service maintenance will permit longer car ownership. As the years go by, this extended ownership period will help decrease the costs of car loan expenses and interest charges. It's important to understand how to locate a superior car servicing shop, as well as how to avoid getting suckered by crooked repair shops.

When trying to discover a worthy car service repair place, be sure to pay attention to time-tested considerations on the area. First of all, don't wait to come across an honest car servicing place until one is immediately needed. The worst thing is to have an accident and then be stuck going to the nearest repair shop. Family and friends are a great means to be introduced to a possible repair establishment. If they've experienced superior repairs, chances are the repair shop provides the equal service to every last one of their regulars. Before formulating a final choice, though, be sure to ask for a few additional references and then ask those folks about their thoughts.

Correct car servicing calls for knowledge of a few necessary maintenance keys. Costly car service repairs can be evaded by keeping to a maintenance calendar. Be vigilant and check the oil level at least once a week. Let the vehicle idle for about thirty seconds, turn off, and then hang around for about two minutes or so. Then draw out the oil measuring stick, wipe it off, put it back in, and then draw it out once more. This will register a correct reading of the oil level.

There are a multitude of car service timeframes to be aware of. A few crucial timeframes are as follows: at every 3 months or 3000 miles, change the oil. Change the spark plugs every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles or so. It used to be required that a timing belt could be replaced every 60,000 miles, but now some have differing intervals and owner's instructions should also be read. Tires should be aligned every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. Replace the fuel filter every 35,000 to 40,000 miles. Following car servicing periods such as those described above will help make certain that a vehicle lasts for the long haul.

Purchasers of Volvo cars ought to always take notice of the already discussed car service periods as well as consulting their manuals for proper Volvo service on their auto. All Volvos should be looked at at the acceptable service intervals that are discussed in Volvo Service Records booklets or at all Volvo dealerships. By focusing on all car servicing requirements under the hood and on the body, Volvo drivers can keep their vehicles in excellent condition and take pleasure in their driving experience for a lot of years.

One more characteristic to car servicing to be conscious of are car service repair cons. A grouping of people who are time and again victims of this kind of fraud are the elderly. One such trick happens when a seemingly helpful citizen flags an elderly person down. This person tells the driver that it seems to be that the car is in need of repairs. The rip-off artist then puts the vehicle up on the jack and untightens the tire so it will appear loosened. The aged human being is fooled into giving the rip-off artist money to mend the issue.

When transporting an automobile in for car servicing, recognize that there exist repair establishments will add falsely needed repairs to the work form in order to boost profits. Transporting the auto to another car service repair place can help to figure out whether the additional repairs are really needed or not.

Having a vehicle requires much more than only adding gas when the reservoir gets low. By being aware of the fundamentals of car servicing, a vehicle can be made to endure much longer than the average person realizes. The majority of repair shops, such as those located at many Volvo service shops, are made up of honest people. However, it's always a great idea to invest the time to recognize the car service process.

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Blond Beers from Belguim

By Patrick Anthony

Blond beers are also known as gold ales and the color they have varies greatly. There are some whose color is a very pale straw like color and others it is golden blond. What you will notice with them all is that they are clear, crisp and dry, with a slightly bitter taste. Also although they do have some fruitiness to them this is not something that detracts from the beers aroma or taste.

These particular varieties of Belgian beer in fact will have a far higher alcohol content than the more traditional pilsners that the breweries produce. However, these have actually only been produced since the beginning of the 20th Century but their popularity has steadily increased.

The most well known and popular of the various different varieties of Blond beer produced in Belgium today is that called Duvel. When translated into English it means devil and this particular beer is produced by the Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat (Duvel Moortgat Brewery) which was founded in 1871.

This particular beer when first produced to commemorate the end of the First World War was named the Victory Ale. However, during the 1920?s its name changed after an avid drinker of the beer described it as ?a real devil?. This was believed to be in reference to the alcohol content of the beer which is 8.5% and the name was then changed to what it is known as today.

The Duvel beer is considered to be the definitive version of all Blond beers and contains pilsner malt, white sugar and both the hops from the Saaz and Syrian Goldings plants. It is these ingredients along with the brewing method that provide this beer with its very distinctive full flavor.

Another of the blond beers which is sold not only in Belgium but France also is the Leffe Blonde. Again it comes with its own distinctive flavor that has a slight almond taste to it. Although for many centuries it was brewed at the Leffe Monastery for the monks but during the French Revolution the monks were forced to abandon it and their brewery was destroyed.

The Canons finally returned to Leffe Abbey in 1902 however production of this beer did not commence again until 1952. This time it was to be done on a commercial basis as the Abbey went into partnership with the Flemish brewery of Lootvoet based in Overijse. Although the beer is no longer produced by this brewery but by the Stella Artois one in Leuven the agreement originally set up in 1952 is still in place and the Abbey continues to receive royalties from the sales of this beer.

As previously mentioned the major difference between Blond beers and more traditional kinds of ales and beers is not just the color and taste but its alcohol content. On average most beers and ales will have around 4.5% of alcohol but the Blond beers far exceed this.

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Find Great 1st Year Birthday Parties Gifts

By Terry Stanfield

If you were invited to a 1st year birthday party and you are trying to figure out what to buy, you should consider toddler boy clothes. Clothes are something you really can never have too much of and toys might not be the practical thing either.

When you go to a first year birthday party there are usually so many toddler boy gifts including toys. No one ever really considers buying toddler boy clothes. It is important to remember that toddlers are still in diapers and going through quite a few at age one. Plus, they are still on formula and have many other expenses. Babies are expensive. Clothing is expensive. Moms love to dress their babies in cool outfits but they don't often have much money due to the other expenses.

When you buy gifts for a baby's 1st year birthday you are really buying for mom. This is your chance to help out mom with some of the expenses. When you consider gifts for boys it is best to think about things you can help her for the baby.

These things include shoes, clothes, more diapers, and more. You might even consider a toddler bed if the baby is almost ready to transition out of the crib and more. Practical gifts are the most important.

A one year old is going to play with the wrapping paper more than he will the toddler boy gifts themselves. Babies are intrigued by the different colors in the wrapping papers. The cake is fun and the party with all of the attention is a great day. The birthday will be fantastic no matter what. However, the best thing you can do is help mom out with something practical.

First year birthday parties are a lot of fun when you have to buy toddler boy gifts. You should consider toddler boy clothes to help out mom. This is because the expenses of a baby can be outrageous and it will be more appreciated if you can help with practical items. When you buy gifts for boys that are toys at the age of one, the baby won't even know what it is.

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A Massage Chair Saves Thousands on Massage Therapy

By James Knolan

It may seem like a contradiction. How do you save money when you have to spend money? Most people look at massage chairs as luxury items. They certainly are luxury items if you really do not need the massage therapy that they can provide. On the other hand, if you do need the massage therapy that they then massage chairs can save you a significant amount of money. Many people suffer from back pain or other conditions that require medical or chiropractic treatment. We all know that health care costs continue to rise. How do you save money buying a massage chair?

If you are already receiving massage therapy, then you know that there is a lot of expense involved. You have to make an appointment. You need to drive to and from the office of the massage therapist. You need to take the time from work or other activities. You need to pay per hour of massage therapist time plus their tip. If you go to a massage therapist a few times a month, the bill could be hundreds of dollars per month. This is thousands of dollars per year.

Some people need to go physical therapy or perhaps a chiropractor. The health care providers help to set you back on the right path of healing your condition. They help you get started with some basic techniques and treatments to help correct the situation. Many of these providers make use or recommend massage therapy as a compliment to your healing process. If you have started a path to recovery then these visits start to add up until you can take over on your own.

Traditional massage therapy has been delivered by humans for centuries. Certainly this is a fantastic method to receive massage therapy. However, massage chairs now provide an alternative that delivers effective massage therapy. These therapeutic recliners range in price from $1,000 to $7,000.

People like to look at sticker prices and judge massage chairs as expensive. Of course anything that costs over a thousand dollars is expensive. On the other hand, they see seventy five dollars per hour for a masseuse and think that is cheap. But let us dig into the real economics of a masseuse versus a massage chair. If we pay $75 with a gratuity of ten dollars then each hours runs us $85.00. Now a good midrange massage chair runs $3,000. Let us suppose we get a weekly massage. How many weeks until we pay for the massage chair? It will take 35 weeks. The thirty five weeks means we received 35 hours of massage therapy.

When we look at the cost of the masseuse on an hourly basis and we a paying $85 dollars. It would take us 35 hours of masseuse hours to purchase a $3,000 massage chair. If we were to buy a massage chair for this price, how much massage therapy would we get. A massage chair in the midrange level of $3,000 would have a machine life of 1,000 hours. That means the massage chair is rated to last 1,000 hours under the warranty period. How much does it cost for an hour of massage therapy? To calculate this, divide the cost of the chair of $3,000 by the 1,000 hour rating and you are paying $3.00 per hour for massage therapy!

The real economics of the massage recliner is that it is a vastly superior value to traditional massage therapy. Obviously, getting a massage from a masseuse has its advantages beyond just the economics. But massage chairs also have some major advantages of availability and accessibility. Not to mention the overwhelming economic advantage. There certainly is tremendous value over the long run with a massage chair.

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All You Need To Know About HGH

By Andrew John

What is HGH? HGH stands for Human Growth Hormone. Human Growth Hormone is the naturally occurring substance from the human pituitary gland that plays a key role in young, active function of body, brain and sex organs. Levels of Human Growth Hormone decrease as we age. By middle age and beyond, HGH levels have plummeted to a tiny fraction of their youthful levels -- and science shows that there is a direct correlation between lost HGH and the typical signs of aging, such as weight gain, loss of interest in sex, sagging skin and muscles, wrinkled skin that lacks good tone and texture, flagging memory.

However if we somehow raise the HGH level in our bodies, the effects are visible almost in a blink of an eye. Our bodies stop gaining weight and fat will be quickly replaced by the muscles. Our brain will get back to its "younger self" and all memory problems will be gone. As HGH is also partially responsible for our bone structure, its high levels may be even able to reverse osteoporosis. But that's not nearly the end: HGH is also known to get rid of insomnia, improve mood and helps to cope with depression and chronic fatigue.

Originally, Human Growth Hormone treatments were incredibly expensive. As it was impossible to synthesize HGH, it was taken from pituitary glands taken from dead bodies. Then, in order for the treatment to be effective, HGH had to be injected directly into the bloodstream as its molecules are unable to pass the walls of the bowels and stomach. Recently however, new scientific breakthroughs changed the method of treatment completely. While we still can't synthesize Human Growth Hormone, we have learnt to stimulate our own pituitary glands through a food supplement in a form of a pill. From this point, everything goes 100% naturally and soon your HGH level will start growing to match that of a 20-year old person.

Initially, it's recommended that you take the product for about 6 months to bring your body's HGH production levels up. At this time, you may wish to take a "pause" of up to 1 year, while you continue to enjoy the benefits of increased HGH. Your body's new HGH production levels won't drop dramatically during this time. Then you can repeat the process to enhance HGH production in the long term. If you are having trouble finding a product that outlines these specifications, we recommend GenF20 as a product you can't go wrong with.

You should plan to stay on the HGH supplement for at least 3 months when you begin your program. Results vary depending on your existing level of HGH when you begin, so for instance, people who have very low levels of HGH have more immediate results. Most people, regardless of current HGH level, report feeling better, sleeping better and having more energy right away, with improvement in appearance and muscle tone and other benefits generally becoming more pronounced over the first couple months.

Another good thing about HGH treatments: they are just as beneficial for seniors as for any younger adults. Of course, the effects will be visible in case of seniors first as their HGH levels are much lower than in case of everyone else, but sooner or later every adult who takes them will notice the positive and long-term change in its attitude and body condition.

HGH supplement is also extremely safe because there aren't any overdose side-effects. It is recommended though to stay within the dose recommended by the manufacturer. For one, taking more pills than ti is prescribed will result in wasting the product - it won't have a chance to affect the glands and will be just washed over from the organism.

I heard HGH was a very expensive treatment to obtain. Why are HGH tablets so affordable? Advances in the engineering of amino acids that comprise this product mean the costs are only a small fraction of what HGH injections would cost. Originally, HGH injections could run as much as $15,000! Now you can obtain quality HGH supplementation affordably thanks to new scientific breakthroughs in understanding HGH and manufacturing effective releasers of HGH. We recommend GenF20 HGH as the best value around.

HGH - are there any downsides?: The good thing is that despite numerous researches, no negative or side effects of taking HGH releasers were found. The tests were performed in all age groups, but no one has ever experienced anything that could be described as a side effect. Unless of course he or she has used HGH releasers from unknown sources - that's why before you take anything, make sure that the HGH releaser has been created in a laboratory with an GMP certification.

If you have ever heard of any problems related to HGH treatments, their only possible reason is using HGH releasers made by an unknown producer. You have to remember that the danger of buying fakes are all-time real unless you go only for the well-known and praised products such as GenF20. Make sure to ask your physician about everything related to HGH before starting the treatment.

If you have any second thoughts about keeping your HGH private, order the supplements online. However, remember to take a few precautions in order to avoid getting fakes instead of real things. First, order your products in plain packaging to make the possible return procedure easier (most warranties are void if you open the package). Then, read the guarantee carefully and make sure you understand everything - especially the small print. More decent products such as GenF20 have fine guarantees. If a guarantee seems to be less-than-honest, do not buy the product - the chances are that this is a fake. Taking part in the HGH treatment is perfectly ok.

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Cyprus Travel - 3 Great Places to visit in Cyprus

By Tim Martins

Paphos Harbour and Castle - The harbour at Paphos attracts visitors all year round, who take the opportunity to walk along the quay and maybe visit one of the fish restaurants, tavernas or cafes. The view is superb, with lots of colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour. The castle is in fact all that remains of a much earlier castle dating from 1391, which was demolished by the Venetians.

The Ottomans used it as dungeons and the British as a warehouse for salt! It can be reached via a small bridge over a moat and is worth a visit for the view from the top. Opening hours - winter daily 9am to 5pm - summer daily 9am to 6pm - tel 26932841 (Paphos Tourism Office). The harbour is also a good place to take a boat tour of the surrounding beaches and coastline.

Kourion/Kolossi Castle - Ancient Kourion and the castle in Kolossi are both found in the Limassol area and can be visited in a day. They are just two sectors of the wealth of history found in North Cyprus - the Kourion sites dating back to the 2nd century AD and Kolossi from the 13th century.

The ruins at Kourion are to be found in breathtaking scenery overlooking the Mediterranean - this is probably the most spectacular archaeological site in Cyprus. There are actually two sites, the ancient city of Kolossi and the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates - they are just a few kilometers apart. There is also a museum in the neighboring village of Episkopi. As it is one of the most popular Cyprus tourist attractions, it's worth arriving early in high Mediterranean.

Kolossi castle was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers - the name later given to the Commanderia dessert wine. Despite changing owners a number of times, the castle is inextricably linked with both the Hospitallers and wine making. Both Kourion and Kolossi are signposted from the Limassol-Paphos highway. Kourion is close to Episkopi village, Kolossi to the village of the same name.

Opening hours Ancient Kourion winter daily 8am to 5pm - summer 8am to 7.30pm - tel 25995048. Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates October to April daily 9am to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25995049. Kourion Museum September to June Monday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm - Thursday only 3pm to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25934907.

Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke - For those of you arriving at Larnaca airport, one of Cyprus' most impressive places to visit is right under your noses! As you turn left out of the airport you will find the road running along a causeway. On either side you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on the time of year - this is the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan.

Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. If you are visiting Cyprus in lat winter or early spring, look out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds. Another salt lake can be found further along the coast of Akrotiri. Peer across the lake and you will see the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque surrounded by palm trees. This is a wonderful place to visit. Opening hours Hala Sultan Tekke winter 9am - 5pm - summer 7.30am to 7.30pm.

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Cyprus Travel - 3 Great Places to visit in Cyprus

By Tim Martins

Paphos Harbour and Castle - The harbour at Paphos attracts visitors all year round, who take the opportunity to walk along the quay and maybe visit one of the fish restaurants, tavernas or cafes. The view is superb, with lots of colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour. The castle is in fact all that remains of a much earlier castle dating from 1391, which was demolished by the Venetians.

The Ottomans used it as dungeons and the British as a warehouse for salt! It is accessible via a small bridge over a moat and is well worth a visit just for the view from the top. Opening hours - winter daily 9am to 5pm - summer daily 9am to 6pm - tel 26932841 (Paphos Tourism Office) Cyprus. The Paphos Harbour is also an excellent place to take a boat tour of the surrounding Cyprus beaches and coastline.

Kourion/Kolossi Castle - Ancient Kourion and the castle at Kolossi are both situated in the Limassol area and can be visited together in a day. They are just two examples of the wealth of history to be found in Cyprus - the Kourion sites dating back to the 2nd century AD and Kolossi from the 13th century.

The ruins at Kourion are to be found in breathtaking scenery overlooking the sea - this is probably the most spectacular archaeological site in Cyprus. There are actually two sites, the old city of Kolossi and the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates - they are a few kilometers apart. There is also a museum in the nearby village of Episkopi. As it is one of Cyprus' most popular tourist attractions, it's worth arriving early in high season.

Kolossi castle was the fortified headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers - This name was later given to the Commanderia dessert wine and it is absolutely delicious and well worth a glass before dinner. Although they have been a number of changes of ownership, the castle is inseparable from both the Hospitallers and the wine making industry. Both Kourion and Kolossi are well signposted from the Limassol-Paphos main road. Kourion borders the Episkopi village, Kolossi to the village of the same name.

Opening hours Ancient Kourion winter daily 8am to 5pm - summer 8am to 7.30pm - tel 25995048. Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates October to April daily 9am to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25995049. Kourion Museum September to June Monday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm - Thursday only 3pm to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25934907.

Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke - For those of you arriving at Larnaca airport, one of Cyprus' most impressive places to visit is right under your noses! As you turn left out of the airport you will find the road running along a causeway. On either side you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on the time of year - this is the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan.

Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. If you are visiting Cyprus in lat winter or early spring, look out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds. Another salt lake can be found further along the coast of Akrotiri. Peer across the lake and you will see the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque surrounded by palm trees. This is a wonderful place to visit. Opening hours Hala Sultan Tekke winter 9am - 5pm - summer 7.30am to 7.30pm.

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If You Are Unable To Be There But Want To Show You Love Them Then Send -