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

Sunday, December 28, 2008

How Does Aging Affect Your Hair?

By Jennifer Summers

At any age grey hair can materialize. It's not always an indication of aging, it's caused by a dropping off in pigmentation (grey hair) or a complete lack of pigment (white hair), and the basis for it is not fully known. The most obvious symbol of aging is the changing colour of our hair. As we age our hair produces less melanin, the same melanin that gives our skin its colour. This is the reason our hair turns grey.

Aging also affects our hair in other ways. As we age our hair is prone to becoming drier, and so requires more moisture than ever before. Older hair also loses some of its elasticity and the texture changes. Some women will notice that their hair becomes thinner and lacks life, for others it appears dry and coarse. This happens because as we age, the size of the hair follicles diminish and hair growth slows. As a result there is not so much new growth to replace what we lose.

Sebum (oil produced naturally by our skin) diminishes as our body ages, and so our hair, therefore, loses its natural shine and smoothness. Plus, during the menopause our making of keratin slows. This protein fibre is vital to keeping our hair healthy and strong. For all you guys, there is the subject of going bald, thinning hair and coarse hair, especially the facial hair. Opt for the right type of hair colour to disguise your grey hair, but don't go more than a couple of shades darker or lighter than your own hair colour. If you use a dark colour it can accentuate a dull complexion.

If you wish to keep your grey, try to use a hair shampoo and conditioner that is targeted specially for grey hair. Grey hair can look yellow or greenish on a number of people. To neutralize the yellow colour and leave your hair shiny and good-looking, try using a greying shampoo that has a violet based colour, instead of your usual shampoo. Highlights or lowlights can camouflage any grey you want to mask by blending them into the rest of your hair. The same with hair colourants, keep away from going more than a couple of shades lighter than your own hair colour to steer clear of looking older than you really are.

Moisturizing (conditioning) is a must for older hair. Use a weekly deep conditioning treatment - recommended for aging hair. This will help to maintain the moisture levels in your hair. With aging your hair loses its elasticity and this makes it harder to style, so try using a protein treatment at least once a month to help your hair along. For men and women, thinning hair can be given a more voluminous appearance by using volumizing products such as conditioners and mousses.

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How to Buy a New Motorcycle Helmet

By Frank Medley

If you're buying a new motorcycle helmet for the first time, or for the first time in years, you may be surprised at how many choices you have available. How will you know what the best helmet is for you?

One of the first things you need to decide in order to buy a new motorcycle helmet is what style is right for you. Are you interested in the safest helmet available, or do you want more freedom?

If you are interested in safety above all else, a full face design is right for you in buying a new motorcycle helmet. These are specifically designed to protect your chin and face as well as your head in an accident.

For those who like the freedom and feel of having the wind in their face, and open face helmet is right for you. These protect the top and sides or your head, while leaving your face open to the wind.

Once you've decided on a helmet design, you need to decide how you'd like it to look. There are many different colors to choose from, including metallic, and a lot of cool and customizable graphics.

After you've decided on a style and design for your helmet, it's time to find what safety certification is right for you. A DOT certified helmet means it has been tested by its manufacturer, and meets minimum government set safety standards.

If you are looking for a helmet that has been tested in many different ways and conditions, try a Snell certified helmet. These are independently lab tested, but are also often expensive.

If it's time to buy a new motorcycle helmet, don't be intimidated. You can find them at your local bike shop, or by searching online. Just keep in mind what you're looking for in your new helmet.

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How To Make Carp Fishing Baits And Save Money With Homemade Bait

By Tim Richardson

We fishermen pay lots of money for readymade fishing baits! The fact is that if they were so wonderful, companies would not have to keep on offering new baits all the time! Just the same number of fish or more, can be caught as a result of making your own unique baits and this will save you bags of money too!

Every time I have used a homemade bait that is different to the popular baits on a water, big fish have appeared and this is one of those definite points about carp which you can exploit using homemade baits. Fish learn by association and will find your new baits much harder to resist than popular readymades that already have been exploited. This difference is often the factor that decides if you get a run of big fish, or just average results, or series of memorable personal best fish sessions or lots of blanks!

Now I'm not saying that you will produce a wonder bait which fish simply jump straight into your net and beg for! Even with the very best baits, all the usual skills of fish location, bait application and skilfully playing your big fish are still required. But on your own homemade baits, the rewards and joys of catching your personal life time best fish on your personal secret bait formula is just incredible. This is why it is so important to exploit the massive fish catching factor of making your baits very unique.

This is a point lost on most readymade bait users! The great edge of bait is being different to ones fish wary of already as a result of previous hooking and captures on it. So make your baits as unique as possible as frequently as you think your results indicate you may need to.

Popular baits in many ways do have a shelf life in terms of longevity of effectiveness. Top bait manufacturers will tell you that even in a stock pond which has never been fished, when a new bait has been fished intensively by a number of anglers successfully, their results can slow right up even literally to the point of no more fish being caught on that bait. (This is no exaggeration, for example Gary Bayes of the international bait company Nashbaits told me of his experience of this!) Many baits exploit highly concentrated flavors in order to affect bait pH to stimulate fish. Others use the biological nutritional value approach and call their baits food baits for this reason.

I could not believe how easy and simple it was for me to make baits that hooked big fish straight away literally while still hot, even using the most basic of ingredients. Homemade baits can be just amazingly instant and fill you will so much confidence. I do not even bother to make baits that have a round or barrel shape or an even skin at all and I most often do not even boil them to make them resilient boilies either. This is because your greatest edge with bait is their difference. Therefore if you bait feels different, has a different shape, colour, texture, buoyancy, density, firmness or softness or permeability or solubility for example, then it is far more likely to out-fish readymades with ease! That is why making homemade baits is so easy.

You do not have to make individual baits in round shapes. Why not roll out a bait paste made of eggs, liquid additives and dry powders made into a dough and simply cut this into little odd shaped pieces? You could pop these into a pan of boiling water for about a minute or so to make boilies.

Making homemade bait is as hard as finding a bowl a mixing spoon or knife, a few eggs and some flours or other dry ingredients. Many flours about the house will bind to form a bait, from semolina and soya to maize and corn flour, and dried rice flour. For example, crack 5 or 6 eggs into a bowl and whisk them adding any flavouring or liquids additives you might choose, like ketchup or a flavoring from the baking aisle of your local store. Take 8 ounces of semolina and the same of soya flour and slowly add to your eggs until a dough the feel of putty is made. It is very easy and quick and with practice you can do this at lightening speed!

When your dough is ready you can use it immediately, or put it labelled plastic bags for later use. Store baits in the fridge or freeze them. It is best to make a note of the ingredients and levels in each individual bait mix. To make around a kilogram of bait it takes about 6 eggs with your dry powders. But this is a very rough guide and every mix can vary widely depending on ingredients, their solubility etc.

Considering you can easily make very economical baits even with better food nutrition value than just carbohydrate baits like the one described, it is still shocking to work out just how much money you can save. You can produce very effective big fish baits for 2 or 3 pounds or about 6 dollars per kilogram compared to shop prices of 5 or 6 times this cost. The total cost of 10 kilograms of readymade baits can be 80 to 120 pounds, while your homemade bait can cost you just 20 or 30 pounds, saving you 60 to 100 pounds for every 10 kilograms of readymade bait!

The best advantage of all is you can make your baits as different to normal as you like. Remember, being different is what really counts. Most frequently it is the most different and alternative homemade baits which tempt the very biggest and wariest of fish. You can start off with the simple bait here, but you might like to find out more if you really want to get cracking and hit the big-time!

By Tim Richardson.

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American Crew Shampoo: The Best in Men's Hair Care American Crew

By Jennifer Summers

American Crew Shampoo... some of the finest shampoos available for men's hair. Using very high quality natural ingredients, American Crew Shampoo delivers first rate cleansing, conditioning and treatment while promoting a classic style for men's grooming products. There are 6 shampoos in the American Crew Shampoo range.

American Crew Tea Tree Shampoo is an ideal moisturizing cleanser for the hair and scalp. Using a blend of herbs and natural oils, this Tea Tree shampoo cleanses and treats both the scalp and the hair. With American Crew Tea Tree Shampoo your hair is gently restored and conditioned. Irish Moss Extract - Soothes irritations and nourishes hair and scalp. Black Tea Extract - A protective antioxidant that has topical anti-inflammatory benefits. Tea Tree Oil - Serves as an antiseptic and cleansing agent and helps to heal scalp issues. Nettle Extract - A nourishing tonic that stimulates circulation of the scalp.

American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo naturally tones and moisturizes the hair and scalp. This moisturising shampoo contains Hydrolized Wheat Protein, Sage Extract and Rice Bran oil to moisturize and condition the hair without weighing it down. American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo soothes and replenishes, leaving the scalp healthy and refreshed. This shampoo is ideal for dry hair. Rice Bran Oil - Adds sheen, elasticity and moisture. Quillaja (Panama Bark) - Gentle, natural cleanser that doesn't strip natural oils from the hair. Chamomile Extract - Soothing, softening and moisturizing agent. Rosemary Thyme Extracts - Naturally tones and moisturizes the scalp.

American Crew Peppermint Cleanse Shampoo Liberate your hair and scalp with American Crew Peppermint Cleanse Shampoo. Formulated with Peppermint and Tea Tree Oils, this deep cleansing shampoo removes build-up of styling product, excessive dirt and oil and environmental pollutants that weigh hair down. Peppermint Oil - Stimulates the scalp and helps to break down residue in the hair. Hops - A natural astringent with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Tea Tree Oil - Natural antiseptic that promotes healing, penetrates quickly and is beneficial for problematic skin. Ginseng Root Extract - Nourishes and tones the scalp without over drying. Rosemary Extract - Naturally moisturizes and conditions hair and scalp.

American Crew Daily Shampoo contains Panama Bark extract, a natural cleanser that gently cleanses and conditions the hair and scalp, and doesn't strip natural oils from the hair. This popular shampoo also contains Wheat Protein which adds shine and strength while Rosemary and Thyme extracts naturally tone and moisturize the scalp. American Crew Daily Shampoo is suitable for normal to dry hair. Quillaja (Panama Bark) - Gentle, natural cleanser that doesn't strip natural oils from the hair. Wheat Protein - Adds shine and strength. Rosemary Thyme Extracts - Naturally tones and moisturizes the scalp. pH Balanced - Avoids drying the hair and scalp.

American Crew Citrus Mint Active Shampoo is a balancing shampoo for everyday use. Citrus Mint Shampoo contains a balancing blend of natural citrus cleansers that work to gently remove dirt without stripping the hair of essential oils. Peppermint and Spearmint stimulate the scalp. This citrus shampoo is excellent for all hair types and is also safe for color treated hair. Wheat Protein - Increases hair strength and sheen. Color Safe - Excellent on color treated hair - will not cause color fading. All Natural Oils (a blend of Lime, Orange, Peppermint and Spearmint) - No synthetic fragrances. Natural, gentle cleansers that won't strip hair of essential oils. Natural fragrance that cleanses, soothes and awakens the senses. Certified organic grapefruit extract. Polyquaterium-10 - A complex conditioning agent that provides volume and improves hair texture and imparts natural shine.

American Crew Anti Dandruff Shampoo is formulated for problem scalps, effectively promoting healthy looking hair and scalp. The active ingredient, Zinc Pyrithione, helps prevent the itching and flaking associated with dandruff. This dandruff shampoo gently cleanses conditions and moisturizes leaving hair feeling great. Methylisothiazolinone - Antimicrobial and antifungal agent. Zinc Pyrithione - Helps prevent itching and flaking associated with dandruff. Menthol - Cools and refreshes the scalp.

American crew provide shampoos that cover all the needs a man could have for his hair, whether it is problem hair, colored hair, or even just a normal shampoo to be used in a daily basis.

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Causes of greasy hair, and best products/shampoo for greasy hair

By Jennifer Summers

Greasy hair can look oily and dull, and have a lank and lifeless appearance. It can look flat and heavy, and it never seems to stay clean and fresh. It takes on a stringy appearance within a few hours of shampooing and refuses to stay full and fluffy. Does this describe your hair? Do you ask the question, why is my hair greasy? Greasy hair can cause social embarrassment as others may judge that the sufferer has poor hygiene and does not wash their hair frequently enough, even if they actually wash it every day.

The grease found in hair is called sebum and is oil that is produced natural by the body. Each of the hairs on your head has a gland called the sebaceous gland immediately under the skin, this gland produces sebum. Oil in greasy hair protects each strand form split ends and dryness, and is in fact a sign of healthy hair. Sebum is made as lubrication for the skin and hair, providing a protective barrier and preventing drying. Sebum is the body's own natural moisturizer.

Hormones called androgens can cause greasy hair by stimulating sebaceous glands, causing them to become over active and begin over producing sebum leading to an excess of sebum in the hair. Androgens are male hormones, and although they are present in both men and women, they are higher in men. Androgens make two things happen: First, they enlarge sebaceous glands. Second, they cause the increase of oil production from the sebaceous glands.

As hormones have a role in sebum production, fluctuating hormone levels can be one of the causes of greasy hair. Greasy hair can most commonly be found in older women experiencing the menopause, teenagers in puberty, and women in general because of their monthly cycle or pregnancy. Stress can also be a cause of greasy hair as it can affect hormone levels. People who have fine hair can sometimes suffer form greasy hair because they have more hair follicles and more hair follicles means more sebum producing glands on the scalp.

There are several external causes of greasy hair. Washing your hair too frequently can cause more sebum to be produced as frequent washing can strip the hair of oils, to combat this sebaceous glands excrete sebum. Sebaceous glands can be stimulated through vigorous scrubbing of the hair and scalp while washing. Touching your hair can also stimulate sebaceous glands, along with vigorous hair brushing which carries oil throughout the hair. The over-use of styling products can cause hair to look greasy as the products can build-up at the roots. Everyday environmental pollutants can also cause hair to look greasy.

There are also many internal causes of greasy too. I have already mentioned fluctuating hormone levels, but one of the main culprits when it comes to internal causes of greasy hair is diet. Western diets that tend to be greasy, high in fat and sugar, processed and containing additives which can be a major cause of greasy hair as the high fat content increases oil levels in and on the skin. Hormones can be found in meat in the western, adding to the unbalanced hormone levels. A diet lacking in vitamin B can also contribute towards greasy hair.

The best way of avoiding, preventing, treating and getting rid of greasy hair is to treat it from the outside and the inside. On the outside: steer clear of brushing your hair too frequently, and too vigorously. Avoid using a moisturizing shampoo as this can leave some oil in the hair. An extra cleansing or clarifying shampoo that has a mild-ph is the best shampoo to use for greasy hair. When shampooing, massage you hair and scalp lightly and do not scrub your hair and scalp.

For a more thorough cleanse, leave the shampoo in for about 5 minutes. You can always rinse your hair and shampoo a second time. How often you need to wash your hair is down to you. Ideally you should wash your hair 1-2 times per week. To find what is right for you, begin washing daily and then reduce the frequency to find your ideal balance of oil production and washing. If you plan to use a conditioner on your hair, apply the conditioner to the mid and ends of you hair only, and be sure to use a conditioner made for greasy hair. If you are using a hairdryer for hair styling don't let the dryer get too hot, heat can cause the production of more oil.

With the inside: do all that you can to reduce and eliminate any and all stress. In your diet, consider using a vitamin B supplement. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, seeds, nuts, leafy green vegetables, salads and fresh fish. Reduce the amount of fatty foods that you eat, avoiding greasy, fried and fatty foods as much as possible. Reduce the number of white flour based foods in your diet, foods like pastries, pasta and bread. Lastly, avoid sugar and sugary foods like biscuits, cakes and soft drinks.

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Tips For Parents, Teach Your Kids Responsibility

By Alix Montoya

We all have our problems but a problem that millions and millions of parents out there share with you are irresponsible kids. There are many aspects when it comes to responsibility but what I'm talking about is financial responsibility. Believe or not, more and more kids nowadays are trigger happy when it comes to swiping credit cards and capitalists are just too happy to hear that news.

As parents, you have to make your children understand the value of money, especially these days when people are really struggling to keep up. Luckily, here are a few ideas to get you started on your penny pinching lessons for you and your whole family.

Teach your kids the real value of money. The best way you can make them understand this is by letting them experience the hard work that's needed to earn money. If your kids are a little older, it won't hurt them to get a job or start their own business, maybe even open up shop with their hobbies in Oregon craft shows. Kids tend to appreciate money more if they work hard for it.

Open up an account at a local savings bank. Nothing teaches kids the virtue of saving more than being able to do it themselves. Discuss with them if they want to start saving some of their allowance money or salaries today and make sure that you point out all the benefits of having some money set aside for the future. You can even suggest starting up a college fund today for them.

You also have to teach them how plan out their expenses and what better way to do that than by teaching them how to keep a budget of their very own. You can show them how it's done by letting them sit with you when you're planning up your own household budget. Again, don't forget to show them the advantages of having one.

The rewards of having children who handle money responsibly is a lifetime of confidence that they would always find this necessary aspect of life as something that they don't have to worry about. There's no problem in being able to save up, especially if it teaches your kids responsibility.

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Amanda's Amazing Hot Chocolate Recipe

By Betty Ignante

When you think of great hot chocolate, you generally think of New England, the upper Midwest, and other cold weather areas.

Maybe so, but do not overlook Louisiana. Specifically, South Louisiana, where food and drink are taken very seriously.

In fact, my very favorite hot chocolate recipe belongs to a university administrator, wife, and mother who grew up in Abbeville, where nearly everyone is an accomplished cook, even the men. Here is Amanda's recipe.

Start with 10 cups of dry powdered milk.

Add 2 1/2 cups of Coffee-Mate or a similar product.

Add eighteen ounces of Nestle's cocoa mix.

Add 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, and mix everything together thoroughly.

When the mixture is completed, add two heaping teaspoons to a cup of hot water to try it, and add a bit more of any ingredient to suit your taste. It is great as is, but I generally add a bit more cocoa.

You'll love it.

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How To Stop Overspending In Kids Today

By Alix Montoya

You may or may not know it, but more and more kids these days are oblivious to the global economic dilemma we're going through and are spending their money, or rather their parents money, on useless and expensive junk. There's an increasing number of kids out there who are falling for marketing tactics designed especially for the youth, who seem to be more gullible when it comes to buying stuff.

Parents are the best teachers when it comes to lessons outside of the classroom and one of the best things that we can teach our kids is the value of money and how we should handle it responsibly. Here are a few ideas to put you on the right track.

Teach them that money is the product of hard work and must not be taken for granted. If you have older kids, try and convince them to work or start their business in North Dakota craft shows. If your kids are a little younger, try giving them simple household responsibilities and then reward them for a job well done. Believe it or not, children tend to value money the worked hard for more than money they receive for doing nothing.

Save up. Why don't you try and discuss to your kids what it's like to have a bank account. Tell them all about the benefits like how the bank's interests make their money bigger while being able to save for something they might want for the future. You can also try and have them begin their own college fund as early as today, as well.

Budget. Budget. Budget. There really is no underestimating the value of a great plan and a budget is just what your kids need to put all their spending in perspective. You can teach them how to do it, or join them in doing it by doing your household budget together with them. It's not the best family bonding idea, but you'll never know, right?

You should teach your kids the real deal on money today, before they start eating off their college allowance on expensive lattes and excessive shopping sprees. It's always never too late to start out money matter lessons, until of course, it is completely too late.

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