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

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Canvas Print : Spruce Up Your Home Interior With This

By Jonathan Roman

When the term "canvas prints" is mentioned, what come to mind first are mounted artworks. The amazing blend of vivid and lively colours of pop-art and abstract paintings brings a burst of life and style even to the dullest room. Not much into art? Try photography. Imagine your favourite photo - of your child, your best friend, your weeding day - mounted on a glossy canvas for everyone to see and admire. You can practically put into canvas anything you want - your child's doodle, a caricature of yourself, a photo of your favourite college basketball team, your first artwork - it's your call.

Canvas prints are the newest fashion in home decoration today. Cheaper than a commissioned painting, but still with elegant look, canvas prints becomes even popular in the interior design world. Options include using digitally-printed canvas prints or traditional offset-based canvas prints. Printing companies provides various mediums for canvases, including water-resistant, cotton, matte and glossy canvases.

A canvas print refers to the reproduction or re-printing of an artwork or a photograph on a canvas. This can be done either through wide-format inkjet printers or dry sublimation. When the ink dries, experts paint on protective coating to keep the photos from fading and scratches. Then the print out is stretched by hand to fit a customized frame. While this is a complicated process, many printing companies offer canvas printing services at a very affordable price. Just send them your photo or artwork, and they'll do the complete works for you, from fixing red-eyes and blurs to the actual framing. Digital editing and photo enhancements can also provide special options like colour posterization, sepia tint, and can even turn your photo in a pop art style. You'll have a personalized canvas print in no time.

Photographers and artists especially prefer to use canvas prints, as canvas is the perfect material to mount their works in. Canvas-printed pictures are resilient, capable of producing high-resolution images with vivid colours, and come in different artistic designs. These can even last longer than regularly printed pictures.

If you're into marketing and tired of using the same old posters and brochures to advertise your product, you might want to use canvas prints. Know your target audience, come up with a unique and interesting campaign and put it on canvas. Eye-catching and refreshingly different, it will sure attract people's attention.

Picture canvas prints are also perfect as gifts. Custom-made gifts are much appreciated so why not give out a dazzling portrait of your friends on their next birthday?

Keep your canvas prints looking shiny and brand new for a long time by following these simple tips: avoid getting your canvas wet; avoid using acidic materials; don't place your prints in direct sunlight; and use brush or soft cloth to remove dust and lint in your canvas.

From home decors, to gallery-worthy art or photo collection, to marketing tools, to all-occasion gift, the potential of canvas prints are truly infinite.

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The Freedom to Choose/Find Car Insurance Online

By Amy Nutt

Online shopping has changed the way we do things as Americans, Christmas shopping sprees that took hour upon hour, day after day can now be reduced down to a mere fraction of the time they used to take. A few points and clicks and your family's entire wish list shows up at your door. No wasting gas on travel, no freezing your rear end off out in the cold and no Christmas Eve fights with someone twice your size who is looking for the exact same toy for their child that you are for yours when the store only has one left.

Online shopping has also allowed us to find the absolute best price on a particular item within minutes, with none of the trekking from store to store in search of the ultimate sale or bargain.

One of the biggest benefits of online shopping occurred when Auto Insurance entered itself into the picture.

What's so great about buying auto insurance online?

Auto insurance is no longer an option, it's a requirement and it's often a very expensive requirement. Some drivers pay thousands and thousands of dollars a year to keep their cars on the road, so any savings available could be crucial in how they live the rest of their lives.

In the past, if you were considering switching from one insurance company to another it could take weeks to just get a quote. You had to mail out (or take into the local insurers office) all of your pertinent information regarding your automobiles and your driving record and it could take any number of days before they put together the information and generated a quote for you (if they were willing to take you at all based on your driving record.)

Many people just renewed the insurance policy they had, perhaps costing them hundreds of dollars a year, just so they didn't have to go through the colossal hassle of trying to make the switch.

The ability to shop for auto insurance online has taken virtually all of the hassle out of making that switch, making it easy for Americans to save money by choosing the best policy through the best provider for them.

Who's doing it?Who's doing it?

Companies like ING, Belairdirect, and CAA where pioneers in the field of online auto insurance shopping. Making it super simple for drivers to get a fast (same day) quote and often allowing them to purchase the policy as soon as the quote is issued and print out a temporary card, allowing them to have immediate coverage until their permanent cards arrive in the mail.

Not to be outdone, many of the major auto insurance providers jumped on the wagon and now allow for online quotes and online purchasing of tailor-made policies. Some insurance companies even have a price comparison feature, where they give you a direct quote based on your information and also give you an idea of what some competitors would charge you based on your information. This let's the consumer "shop around" without even having to visit more than one website, that is true convenience.

Even New Jersey, the state with the most horrible auto insurance rates nationwide now allows drivers the ability to choose to purchase their car insurance online through agencies like the Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange, or CURE, which has allowed drivers statewide to save upwards of thousands of dollars a year depending upon how many vehicles they insure.

As technology advances, it seems that almost everything in our lives is becoming easier to handle. In most cases, this is a good thing, but in the case of choosing a new auto insurance plan - it's an incredible thing.

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A Blackberry and a Raspberry Walk Into A Bar

By KC Kudra

What happens when you put a blackberry and a raspberry together? Thanks to Scottish botanists, we now know that the answer is the tayberry. This berry is a very large, dark reddish to purple berry.

The tayberry was first developed in Invergowrie (right by the Tay River, thus the name) by David Jennings and David Mason, botanists at the Scottish Crops Institute. This raspberry-blackberry cross produces its fruit in July and August; and the berries are wonderful eaten fresh or cooked into a variety of foods.

It both tastes and smells just like a blackberry. Taking a bite into one, you may notice that there is a slight tart flavor to it. There is more then one way that you can enjoy this wonderful meticulously merged fruit.

A tayberry makes a great pie, which is a wonderful change of pace and is welcome at any late summer picnic. You can make tayberries into a deliciously tart-sweet jam, which makes a great sandwich or toast topping.

Tayberries are great in a bowl of ice cream or yogurt and are equally good in a fruit salad or mixed into jell-o. You can use tayberries just as you would use blackberries or raspberries. Even eaten as they are, they are a treat. Try them in cereal, scattered on top of a cheesecake or freeze them and add them to smoothies! No matter how you use tayberries, you are certain to enjoy them.

Tayberries also make a delicious dessert wine. With a beautiful red color not unlike that of pinot noir, the wine has a sweet and sour taste which is very appealing and pairs well with meats, especially red meats and game. It also goes well with strong cheeses and is quite reasonable, usually costing about $15 a bottle.

Besides it's one of a kind flavor, the tayberry also contains a lot of nutritional value. Tayberries are a good source of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, folate, and fiber. The tayberry fruit and leaves are also employed as a home remedy for diarrhea.

Another home remedy using tayberry leaves (originally raspberry or blackberry leaves, but tayberry works equally well) is to chew the leaves as a cure for bleeding gums. The Scots have been using this home remedy for 2,000 years!

Tayberry is a versatile fruit indeed, with applications from food to wine to home remedies. This is a new and different fruit, which you can use in many dishes. Tart, sweet, and absolutely delicious, the tayberry's uses are limited only by your imagination.

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How to Dye Leather

By Ethan O. Tanner

Dyeing of Leather is easy with some basic knowledge of Leather and Leather Dye.

Different leathers have characteristics all their own. No two leathers will give the same results when dyed. It is suggested that you experiment with colors and techniques on a scrap piece.

For Block Dyeing Wrap a folded piece of cloth around a small block of wood and Fasten the cloth in place. Dip a wool dauber into dye and apply to the cloth on the block. Some good effects can be achieved on embossed or plain leather goods by rubbing lightly in long strokes.

Wrap a piece of cloth (cotton works well) around your index finger and Dip your finger into some dye and apply. By blotting out excess dye on another piece of cloth you can control the amount of dye and produce a shading effect. This technique works well for dyeing embossed blanks because you can apply dye to smaller areas.

Spraying - This requires some equipment: Spray gun, compressor, hoses, etc. Spraying gives good results for shading and overall even application of dye. It is suggested that you wear rubber gloves to prevent the dye from getting on your skin.

Highlighting of belt can be achieved by applying lacquer (Neat-Lac, Lac-Kote) to the belt before applying dye. Carefully avoid lacquered area when applying dye. Lacquer will resist antique finish but not the leather dye and after dyeing the belt a coating of antique finish will bring out the highlights.

Final protective finished for the belt include many substances including lacquer, acrylics, neatsfoot oil and waxes. Depending on what type of finish you want on the belt (glossy, semi-gloss, satin, etc.), it is suggested that you experiment with some of these finishes. Possible finishes for the edge of belts include edge enamel, wax and edge dye.

These dyeing tips have been directed primarily at belts. These basic principals may be used in dyeing any other leather tooled or embossed items. Experimenting with different dyes and finishes will give your project a unique custom look.

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Tips - The Travails of Collecting Sports Cars

By Arcol Mertin

The exact definition and classification of a sports car is sometimes difficult to tell the difference. Some people think they already know how to determine whether a car is a sports car because most think they should be flashy, expensive, fast, and certainly built for action on the road.

Sad to say, this is not the absolute description of sports cars. With everyone's minds artistic geniuses of the car these days, they can develop something that does not resemble a sports car, but it is a sports car into reality.

For this reason, more and more and people are fascinated by the way in which most sports cars retain their value evaluation. No wonder that the percentage of buyers of sports car has increased by nearly 30% of all car buyers compared to the last poll taken.

Many people find buying and collection sports cars not only a gratifying hobby but a lucrative one as well. This is because sports cars are absolutely remarkable investments. However, one cannot dismiss the fact that collecting sports cars can be as expensive as their value in the market. There are instances where collecting the cars for a hobby can drain your financial resources if not managed properly.

Still there are many collectors of sports cars that are merely dreamers or sports fanatics. The average collector cars can be a maximum of 10 to 15 cars in his collection. One of the best-known collectors of sports cars is Ralph Lauren. Most people think that Ralph Lauren is just about perfumes and clothes for men. What they do not know is that Lauren also enjoys the satisfaction derived from its own collection of sports cars.

Many of the cars as Lauren collection contend that the collection of cars or sports cars is not just a hobby luxury, but also get something of value in return. For example, Lauren often comes into their cars in a big race in many countries. Very often wins the race, as well as senior monetary prize for the victory.

Therefore, if anyone is thinking that sports car is just a collection of fashion, think again. With the growth rate of sales of sports cars - and buyers, collection of sports cars has come to stay. The rich can afford the rising trend of collecting these beautiful cars. After all, for the rich and wealthy, after these big toys is an absolute value for their money.

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Complete Review of LionelManuals - Lionel Model Trains

By John Rivers

Being an avid Lionel Enthusiast for many years, needless to say, has added up to a vast collection of these trains. Some of my replicas go back a good many years. I would have to say my only frustration with this hobby, has been the lack of good material regarding the trains themselves, that is available. I am not referring to the History of the specific trains, but to the maintenance and repair of the various pieces. For years I have always had to find a good Lionel technician to do my technical work for me.

Unfortunately there are fewer and fewer reliable repairmen around, and they are getting harder to find, not to mention the cost involved. After having a very valuable piece of my Lionel collection in need of repair, out of desperation I began to search the internet for any help possible. That's when I found the "Lionel Trains Service & Operational Manual CD". I had not come across this before and with reservations I began to review it a little closer.

What I Like About It
Over the years I had stumbled upon various instructions and guides concerning the repairs but they were always incomplete. They would offer the very basics but there just never seemed to be enough to complete the job I needed to do. The very first thing on this advertisement that impressed me was, that first it was the same one the technicians were using. Those guys I was telling you about that are hard to find.

Secondly, it covered the periods right from 1902-1986. This covered my complete collection. The real bonus was, it was all on two CDs. Not a separate package for each year which would have ended up being very costly. An additional bonus was it came with Parts and Accessories manuals as well.

Thirdly, I love for the fact that it also provides vintage classic catalogs. I'm a collector and I would love to print them out for my collection.

There really wasn't anything that was left out that I would need. I was really impressed with the completeness of what The Lionel Manuals were offering.

What I Didn't Like About It.
The overall information in the advertisement was not over done. It explained exactly what was being offered. I was a bit concerned about the few spelling errors that were found in the content of the advertisement. Would this also be reflected in the manuals, hurting their accuracy? Then I realized that it was most unlikely that the authors of the manual wrote their own advertisements. So I didn't give it much more thought.

Conclusion:
After reading all that the Lionel Manuals had to offer I was convinced that I wanted to purchase them. It is a great investment and a small price to pay to learn how to repair and restore my own model trains

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Baby Backpack Carriers

By Carol J Pearson

If you have been wondering about baby carriers and if they can help you, then let me tell you they absolutely can! The alternatives are seemingly endless as you start your search, from the conventional front carriers readily available to the fashion slings being made vogue by actresses. By doing a little research, you can find the perfect carrier for your lifestyle.

Before you buy a baby carrier try one on first. Without trying one on, you can't actually get a feel for what is going to work best for you, so ask other moms what they have used, and what has worked for them. Once you get a great review, ask if you can try it with your baby.

The front and back carriers leave babies in an vertical position, so may not be suitable for newborn infants, but they are good when you are going through the food store and your toddler gets the grab-its. It keeps your baby safe and happy since they can't run off because you are carrying them, and your hands are free. If you go with a front carrier, look for one that you can convert to a backpack when your child gets older, as most children love the backpack until the age 3 or 4. It also makes it fun and safe for introducing your child to hiking, or any other activity where a pram may not endure the terrain.

Baby slings are versatile, and can be used for any age baby. Some convert for a sitting position to help you have your arms free if that is your child's preferred method of being carried. Slings are my personal preference, but you do have to tweak them a little to get them adjusted and to be comfortable. The only downside I can think of with a sling is that one hand needs to be available if an active baby tries to make a run for it.

Sling carriers are popular for some very good reasons. As well as the practical aspects of having your hands free, being next to your baby increases bonding. It also comforts baby, and the rhythm of moving with you is comforting to your child. Being at eye level with you (such as when they are in a backpack) gives the baby or toddler an opportunity to see things from a another perspective. This is good stimulation and can help with brain development.

When you find a carrier you like, make sure you give yourself a little time to adjust to it. Sometimes you are using muscles you hadn't used before; but once you get used to having your baby next to you, safe and happy, you wont want them anywhere else. Your carrier may well become your most important piece of baby equipment.

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Antique Lionel Trains - How To Repair and Service

By Fernando Martin

Say you are a Lionel trains enthusiast, repairing and servicing your Lionel trains is a regular division of your hobby. You desire to maintain your trains reckoning sharp and working well for the most enjoyment. If you intend to sell your trains, so keeping them at their best is a key to getting a great price. Most Lionel train restores can be complete decently there in your individual home. Say you do the fixes yourself, you can save money on fixing bills, and relish the gratification of preserving those knockouts looking fantastic!

Here are numerous tips for some of the most common Lionel train fixtures :

Say your train looks to be jugging, the reason is in all likelihood because there is some grease, rust, or oil build on either the path or the wheels of the train. These build ups can affect the link between the track and the train. If there is not a good connection, and then it doesn't operate as well.

Cleaning Debris From The Track and Wheels

If you see numerous rust, apply several sand paper to get rid of it. Say there is serious build up, you can use a substitute knife to scrape off the widest part of it. Instead, you can use rust remover. After you remove the rust, saturate a soft cloth with light oil spray, and rub the track with it. Then buff it with a clean portion of the fabric.

If you see whatever greenish or crusty white build up, this is oxidization. Simply soak your track in oxidisation remover for a few min, and then carry through with the light oil spray and buffing.

Be reliable you do not ever apply steel wool on your tracks. Small particles of the steel wool will come off and then get to the track. These particles will get found by your railway locomotive, and could get plenty damage to ruin it.

Say you have numerous stubborn stains of dirt, a hard eraser will eliminate them.

Take After the identical function for the wheels, but a Q-Tip loaded with the oil spray works best for cleaning the soil from them.

Fixing The Track Sections So They Fit Unitedly Snugly

Different 1 of your ordinary Lionel train repairs is acquiring the divisions of your track to fit tightly as one. Over time, the connecters tend to become slightly bent, loosening up the connections. When you encounter this problem, use needle nose pliers to cautiously bend the connections back into place. When you have them back where they should be, your track bits will fit snugly together over again.

Repairing The Cars

Maintaining your cars in tip top work is as well important. Soil and oil can build up in these likewise. Practice the light oil sprayer to clean them. Say you need to apply some oil to small moving parts, use a toothpick to transfer a reasonable drop of oil to where you need it. You don't want to overdo it in practicing the oil.

At One Time your car is clean, check it for bent or broken bits. Say something is bent, you may be efficient to use needle-nose pliers to softly guide it back.

Most of the time you can replace any parts that need replacing yourself. Commonly they are affiliated with small screws. Plainly unscrew the section and screw the new division into place.

Where Do You Find Replacement Parts?

You can find replacement parts to complete your Lionel train repairs at your local hobby shop or specialty Lionel stores.

One excellent resource for your Lionel train repairs is LionelManuals.com.

They sell a 2 CD set that includes extensive illustrated repair instructions, blueprints, parts lists, and a parts and accessories catalog. They cover all Lionel trains manufactured from 1906 to 1986. These manuals make do-it-yourself Lionel train repairs easy, no matter which model you need to repair. You can become a pro in repairing your Lionel trains yourself with LionelManuals.com.

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