Educational Gift Ideas For Children

By Judy Turner

Whether it is Christmas time, birthdays or another upcoming event, there are so many toys on the market that children are constantly asking for. While it is nice to surprise them with the latest "must have" toy, how about introducing them to a nice educational gift such as as an educational toy, board games or book. If your child has shown interest in one particular area, such as science or reading, an educational gift will be a lot of fun to the child as well as a great way to make learning fun.

One idea for children who show an interest in science is the microscope. Since this educational gift will be used for several years, you might want to splurge on a good, high quality microscope that will last for years. You can often find a good microscope online for less than you might pay in your local retail shops, as well.

Chemistry sets are another classic educational gift for kids who love science. Most chemistry sets are relatively inexpensive, and can be found at your local retailer as well as online.

Books for kids are also a wonderful way to add learning to the holidays. You can find many books inexpensively online and you can even plan to open the seasonal books on Christmas Eve so that you can celebrate the night before with a nice story. The great thing about buying books to mark the holidays is that the stories that you read will become a family tradition passed on to the next generation.

If you are choosing a book for a young reader but you aren't really sure of their reading level, just choose a book that is meant for their age range. Even if they are unable to read the book now they will be able to eventually. In the meantime they will enjoy having it read to them.

Educational board games are also a great choice for an educational gift for kids, especially those who are just learning about sportsmanship. Kids can learn by playing all kinds of board games, but those that are meant for their age level are the best choices for grade school children. Children who are preschool age should be given board games that teach basic skills, such as taking turns, colors and counting. Educational board games are also a nice way to start a weekly game night tradition.

About the Author:

Teach a child to love reading.. Visit Buy Children's Books for information and reviews on award winning children's books. Save money onselect books for children

The American Baby Shower - A Family Tradition Continues On

By Edie Mindell

The American baby shower is a celebration in which a new-coming child is welcomed into the world by family and friends, and is traditionally "showered" with baby gifts. Baby showers have become increasingly popular in the United States, and the custom of hosting a baby shower is a wonderful way of helping expectant parents get essential items for the infant, such as baby bedding, strollers, clothes, and diapers. In America, baby showers are generally held about one to two months before the baby's arrival. By having the baby shower a while before the baby is born, parents can be better prepared and have all the necessary articles, furniture, and appliances that a new baby will call for.

Although historians are not completely clear on exactly when the baby shower custom began in the world, there is evidence that shows the previous existence of what we would call today, a baby shower, in several ancient cultures. During the Roman, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese eras, for example, newborn babies and their mothers were presented with a variety of hand-made gifts by family and friends, during beautiful feasts for the little girl that would celebrate their life. Historians believe that the American baby shower draws its origins from these ancient cultural traditions.

Baby showers did not become popular in North America until the baby boom era after World War II. They were actually held when the baby was presented after birth, and coincided with christenings and baptisms in the case of a religious family. These first baby showers were considered a women's event, and by no means allow men as guests. The original post-birth American baby showers also served the purpose of giving the new mother and baby some company while they were at home for the first month of the infant's life.

Today, the modern baby shower is usually held one to two months before the baby's due date, not after the newborn's birth, like it was originally held. There has also been a recent trend in which families are breaking social paradigms and constraints, and therefore, co-ed baby showers are becoming increasingly popular. It is now common that friends and relatives of both the mommy-to-be and the daddy-to-be are invited to celebrate the coming of a new member of the family, regardless of their gender.

The gift-giving process has definitely evolved since ancient times when guests would bring handmade gifts to "shower" the baby. In modern society, the expectant parents usually register with a department store or a baby specialty store in order to create a wish list. Friends and relatives would then go to the store that the parents are registered in, look them up in the registries by name, and print out the wish list. This is a great way for guests to know what the parents need or desire as gifts the new baby boy.

The modern American baby shower is a wonderful way of welcoming a new baby into this world. Baby showers are enjoyable and fun for both parents and guests, and they are the perfect occasion to celebrate life and help parents prepare for the new coming baby.

About the Author:

Understanding all there is to know about baby presents is not always easy. Luckily you can get everything you need right here at http://www.simplyuniquebabygifts.com for your personalized newborn baby gifts. You will love the personalized baby gift basket.

Our Coffee Maker is not as Efficient as it used

By Cliff Eppalton

Need a New Coffee Maker - Do Your Shopping Comparisons Online

You arise after waking and automatically head for your coffee maker to traditionally start your day with your favorite brew only to find that your coffee maker needs replacing. It was not that long ago, that you would have to personally visit your local shopping centre and compare brands, features and prices and you would find replacing your coffee maker a time consuming and tedious exercise.

However, today things are a lot simpler and all you need to do is log on to your computer and utilize the Internet to comparison shop on-line. On line comparison shopping is so comprehensive - you can review the different brands of coffee maker complete with its individual features and prices and more importantly you can access customer reviews on all the different brands of coffee makers available. Time-wise, it sure beats personally trudging from store to store and the customer reviews are a bonus.

Carafes - Thermal or Glass?

Coffee makers with thermal carafes is the way to go if you like to keep your coffee hot for a longer period of time. If you are the first to arise out of bed and need a cup of coffee and you want to keep the coffee hot for when other family members arise - the thermal carafes keeps the coffee insulated and hot for hours without affecting the quality of the coffee. As the thermal carafe does not need a burner per se to keep the coffee hot, the fact that it is portable is a bonus and you can pour yourself a hot cup of coffee all day long.

However, glass carafes need to be returned to a hot plate or other type of heating device for the coffee to remain hot over a long period. All the coffee maker reviews point out the most advantageous benefits of the coffee makers available. Should you be looking at glass carafes with their ease of viewing you will be know when the coffee has finished brewing and also be aware of exactly how much coffee remains in the carafe. Some brands of coffee makers feature automatic start and shut down features plus adjustable heating temperatures.

Do the added benefits of a coffee maker make it a viable option where cost is concerned?

Having checked consumer comparison reviews you will agree that most models of coffee makers produce a good quality cup of coffee. Where money and expense is concerned when purchasing a new coffee maker - the more expensive the coffee maker the fancier styling and design and the models with more features are going to cost you more. There are coffee makers available that feature integrated grinders and customized brewing and these feature will naturally be more expensive. It is the quality of the coffee that you put into any coffee maker that determines the quality and taste of the coffee.

The majority of coffee maker reviews will have the consumer believe that coffee drinkers in the U.S. alone buy 14 million automatic-drip coffee makers each year. This fact alone will predetermine the fact that you will most probably choose an automatic-drip coffee maker.

A Point of Interest Whenever a consumer buys any quality product like a coffee maker it would be wise to select a coffee maker from one of the largest manufacturers with the best known brands. The biggest manufacturers in the coffee maker industry are Mr. coffee, Black and Decker and Braun.

Whichever brand of coffee maker you eventually decide to buy - we wish you Happy Sipping!

About the Author:

Cliff Eppalton writes mainly for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com , an internet site with information about under counter coffee makers and cabinet mounted espresso machines. On his site one can come across his abstracts on under counter coffee makers and under cabinet coffee maker.

Power Log Splitter - An Investment In Time

By Nash Wendin

Everyone who has a fireplace or a wood stove has heard the age-old saying, "Firewood warms you twice; once when you cut it and once when you burn it." This was true for decades, as men and women used sledgehammers, mallets and wedges when splitting firewood. But in the last few years hydraulic, gasoline and electric log splitters have replaced much of the manual labor. The result: people spend more time relaxing by the fire than before.

What is important when shopping for a quality log splitter? The first question to ask would be: Will this be used for personal firewood only or will it be used to split wood that will be sold to others? If the wood is going to be used in a home stove or fireplace, then smaller equipment is sufficient (beginning in the 2 to 5 ton range). But for commercial log splitting, it will be necessary to purchase equipment that exerts up to 20 tons of pressure. Purchasing a splitter that is much too small is an invitation to trouble, as the engine will overheat or be damaged because it is overtaxed.

Some individuals have found that the quality log splitter is excellent for uses beyond the simple task of providing wood for the stove or fireplace. Some have incorporated their splitter into a furniture-making process, creating excellent chairs, tables and other items from rough wood that is initially split with the hydraulic or electric splitter. Commercial-grade splitters are used by forest-product suppliers to create rough-cut planking, prepare large trees for transport to the mill and so on. In every case, the modern log splitter has become an important tool for both private and commercial use. All of this translates into time saved and money saved.

Log splitters of sufficient strength and quality to last for years may cost hundreds of dollars. While it is possible to purchase an electric splitter for personal use, the larger hydraulic splitters can generally be more powerful and are good for commercial and heavy-duty use. These high-end items may cost thousands, rather than hundreds, of dollars.

If the log splitter is to be used only for home firewood, when the stove or fireplace is more a luxury item than a necessity, the smaller splitter should be sufficient. If the splitter will be used in a firewood business, even on a part time scale, it may be wise to figure out how much wood can be split per hour or per day, to get some idea about cost. Hydraulic log splitters can also be a tool for creating log furniture. In this case, it is also very important to get a splitter that is powerful enough and durable enough. It would be wise to take a bit of extra time to learn more about splitters, their capabilities and their costs, before choosing one that is too small.

With any power equipment, there is the issue of safety. While many new models of log splitter are self-lubricating and require very little maintenance, the more the individual learns about the equipment the safer it will be when in use. Tip: Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.

About the Author:

Nash Wendin writes articles normally for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a web publication about log splitter hydraulic system and hydraulic wood splitter. One might come across his publications on log splitter hydraulic system and hydraulic log splitter here.

Landscaping On A Dime

By Kent Higgins

Having landscaping and maintaining it, can be a costly endeavor. Even the most perfect yard can end up being a source of aggravation instead of being pleasurable-if it is more expensive than you can maintain and upkeep.

Knowing a few helpful tips, can save you time and headache without sacrificing the beauty and look of your landscaping.

Make A Plan

As with any major purchase, you should plan a budget before you spend any money on landscaping. You could end up with things you do not want or need,and this mistake can be costly.

Start by making a rough sketch of what type of landscape you would like to have. The next thing you need to find out is what you need to make it possible. When you need advice about landscaping, you can look on the Internet for various websites which can give you a host of ideas. Gardening stores and home improvement warehouses have people on hand who can point you in the right direction as well.

Once you have thoroughly researched your ideas, and know what you want, you can begin spending, and not have to worry about wasting money on things you do not want or need.

Buying Things A Little At A Time

Your plan should allow for a time frame, which is needed when you install each phase of your landscape. Many people cannot afford to spend all the money needed at one time. Making a plan, will allow you to work on your project in phases and buy what you need a bit at a time, when you need it. Having the finances worked out in phases lets you avoid make home improvements and purchasing things on credit.

Quality First

It is good to keep in mind that although something may be cheaper, it is not always better. If the quality is not compromised, then buying a cheaper item is a better idea. However, some stores are staffed with experts who will share their knowledge for free. So, it is very important for you to ask a lot of questions. If you are not experienced at landscaping, you can save money over time by spending extra effort getting better service, help and good advice.

Check Your Plants

If you are purchasing your plants at a bigger "box" store, you just need to be especially careful to check your plants. You need to be wary of diseases and insect problems. These stores really do not take notice of their plants and provide the same care as a nursery would. If your plant is diseased, you will have to make another purchase if it dies and that is money you do not need to spend. Furthermore, when diseases or pests are present, they can invade your other landscape plants. Many reputable nurseries will offer a warranty and exchange plants free of charge if you have any problems.

Buy During A Sale

When you plan ahead for your landscaping ahead of time, you can determine which phase needs to be accomplished first. You can get lumber in the wintertime when it is less expensive and store it until you are ready to use it. But as many trees, shrubs, plants and mulch as you can in season, when the prices are lower. In many places if you wait until October, you can make maintenance purchases and still have extra time to winter proof your landscape. Watch out for sales at local nurseries and find great plants at lower prices this way.

Other Alternatives

It can also be a worthwhile endeavor to pursue alternative sources. Stores are not the only place that sell plants and landscaping items. You can order from a catalog service or search online as well. You can even join a gardening club and get a great price on many items and some useful advice in the process.

Try to make a plant exchange in your neighborhood. Certain cities also offer lower priced or free mulch and compost. Check with local construction or demolition sites that may have free stones and bricks available.

Cost Sharing Approach

Your neighbor may also be interested in sharing the costs of making landscaping improvements. If you both network and pool resources, you can find some great deals on items by buying in bulk, and everyone can benefit from the cost savings. At the same time, you can share or split the rental fees for machinery like tillers, chippers and soil aerators. Everyone can chip in a few bucks, and work out a schedule so that everyone has a chance to use the machinery. These are just a few tips to help save money on your landscaping project.

By being creative in your landscaping plan and learning a few money saving tips, you can maintain your costs at a bearable level and create a wonderful, enjoyable, and affordable landscape for your backyard.

About the Author:

Knowledge is power - get more power and find out more about landscape backyard. Visit us at http://www.plant-care.com/1523-backyard-landscaping.html.

Avoiding Pests and Choosing the Right Soil When Growing Herbs

By Thomas Fryd

Whether you are growing herbs outdoors or in a container garden, good soil is one of the most fundamental conditions for encouraging healthy plants. While the sun is important for the energy they need for growth and reproduction, these chemical reactions can only occur with components from the soil. For this reason, it is important to grow your herbs in soil which provides all the necessary nutrients.

Water content, nitrogen and phosphorus content, alkalinity, and acidity, are all factors controlled by the soil in which your herbs are planted. Keeping all of these at the right level is one of the most important things you can do to help your herbs thrive. You should do some research on your herbs to find out the necessary soil levels.

In container gardens, all of these levels are up to you to completely control. In outdoor settings, nature provides some help, but you should still monitor these levels to ensure optimum herb growth.

Different herbs have different requirements. For example, lavender grows best in dry, alkaline soil with good drainage. Sage can get root rot if you keep the soil too moist. Nurseries or garden centers can help you determine your herbs' needs and find soil that will help your herbs achieve maximum growth.

Soil is usually categorized as sandy, clay-like, or somewhere in between. Soil with a clay component retains water, while sandy soil provides good drainage. Most herbs require something in the middle of these two extremes. The addition of good compost can help you achieve the right balance, but you should understand your herbs' specific requirements to choose the right soil.

When growing herbs, you also need to watch for pests. These include flying bugs as well as bugs in the soil, which is yet another reason to monitor your soil conditions. However, herbs can also help keep some pests from attacking your other plants. For example, planting herbs can help deter aphids that may be attracted to the scent of roses and certain vegetables. Chives, mint, basil, and cilantro also help control pests. For example, basil can keep tomato hornworm from ruining your tomatoes.

However, you should be aware that some herbs attract pests. Dill and yarrow can attract wasps, but keep some species of beetles away. Tomato hornworms attack dill, but this can keep them away from your tomatoes.

If you are growing herbs but want to avoid pests, you may want to consider a neem oil as a natural pesticide or insecticide. However, keep in mind that if you plan to use your herbs for culinary uses, you should avoid pesticides if possible.

Growing herbs does not have to be difficult. However, if you want healthy plants, watch for pests and provide the right soil type for your herbs.

About the Author:

Fyi there is lots more on the topic of neem oil insecticide. Click on the link to visit http://www.plant-care.com/pest-control-without-pesticides.html.

Uses for Upholstery Leather

By Ethan O. Tanner

Leather is the best ever durable and most long-lasting upholstery material you can find. It is a perfect fit for any room of your home or office the strongest upholstery material known to man will withstand the rigors of daily life, including children and pets. Although the initial outlay of quality leather may be more than fabric upholstery, leather is actually your best investment in the long run

All leather must be tanned before it is suitable for use as upholstery leather. Depending on the end use, tanning may enhance strength, suppleness, resilience or resistance to wear. That means your piece of leather upholstery is built to last inside and out. Because leather is a wonderful, natural unique material, each hide will have unique characteristics. Several hides are used to upholster each item, so variations in color, grain and natural markings can be expected.

Leather is one of the most durable upholstery materials, proper care is vital to maintain its appearance and performance Unprotected leathers will absorb spills and stains; they will develop a patina over time as they absorb hair and body oils and soil. Protected leathers will resist spills; blot them quickly to prevent stains.

Fully clean leather upholstery every two to three months or as needed using Leather Cleaner. You can protect the fabric from stains and spots, which will also lengthen the life of the fabric. Name brand products such as Scotch guard, Suede and fabric coat, and Teflon are topical applications and give protection for anywhere from 6 to 12 months

Car leather requires occasional and simple care. Use a cloth soaked in a mild soap/water solution or clear warm water to remove dust and dirt. Dirt is abrasive and under extreme circumstances it can cause the damage of the protective coating. Then lightly polish using a dry, soft cloth.

Leather will last a lifetime if given the care it deserves; upholstery leather is made from the full hide of a cow. It is usually sold by the entire hide which is a whole hide. The average hide ranges in size from approximately 45-55 square feet.

Upholstery leather is normally tanned in two types. Furniture upholstery leather is softer in tannage, and this leather may also be used for handbags, chaps, jackets, pouches, garments and other accessories in addition to furniture.

Upholstery leather is also tanned for automotive use. This leather is of medium temper, and it may be used for chaps, saddle seats, handbags and other upholstery uses. Automotive upholstery usually has protective finishes, and this makes the leather very stain and puncture resistant. Upholstery leather is quality leather with many uses, and it will outlast many fabric materials on the market.

About the Author:

Leather expert and Knowledgeable Ethan O. Tanner shares his understanding of the uniqueness of Upholstery Leather the many triats ofleatherand leather products care.

What Are Tortillas - A Brief Tortilla History

By KC Kudra

Tortillas got its name from the Spaniards. The word "tortillas" comes from the Spanish word "torta" with the meaning being round cake. Tortillas are eaten everyday not just in Mexico but also in America. Americans put just about anything they can in the tortilla from meat and beans to apples and brown sugar. Ever try peanut butter and jelly in a tortilla? Many eat it that way; also, the tortillas are used with hot dogs, casseroles, and sandwiches.

Tortillas have been enjoyed for many centuries, but not with all the fillings that are used these days.

Aztecs made tortillas more than 10,000 years before Christ. Aztecs ate a lot of corn, some right from the cob, and others they would save and use later. They would ground it into corn meal and later make into masa, which is corn dough. The masa is added with water. If the water is not the right temperature, the consistency will not be enough to make the tortilla. Once the masa is ready, it is placed in a ball size in the maker's hands. It takes awhile to go through the process of making the masa flat. It is patted into what looks like a think pancake. Once it is the right size, it is placed on a hot griddle. It does not take long to cook.

Modern tortillas are made the same way as those in tortillas history. A lot of tortillas are mass-produced in factories with machinery these days since the demand for them is very high. You can get tortillas in various flavors or even make your own homemade version and experiment with the flavors. Various Mexican foods use tortillas. One example is enchiladas, where the tortilla is filled and rolled up and then cooked. Tacos use tortillas for the shell. Tortillas are used as turnovers when making quesadillas, before being filled and fried.

Did you know that tortillas are not just for eating? "Tortilla art" is when tortillas are used as a canvas. They are baked before being covered with acrylic. Then they are painted. Tortilla art represents the culture of Latino artists.

Tortillas are also, what are used to make the tortilla chips. The tortilla is cut into wedges and fried. Corn tortillas are made from corn, vegetable oil, salt, and water. The chips first became popular in the 1940s in Los Angeles, California where the chips were mass-produced, but it is still considered a Mexican food.

Americans like to use tortillas in a lot of different foods and recipes. Tortillas are used in burritos, which originated in northern Mexico. Native Mexican tribes in the southwestern United States and people from the northern states of Mexico enjoy tortillas as a staple food. A lot of Mexican and non-Mexican restaurants have tortillas on the menu or use them as an ingredient in their dishes. You can buy them at the grocery store and even make homemade tortillas.

There are many different recipes available to search, so join in on a tasty convenient food that many Americans have already discovered.

About the Author:

Looking for traditional Mexican recipes with a real authentic Mexican recipes flare try our selection of classically inspired Mexican dishes. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.