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, February 28, 2009

Why Car Accidents Happen?

By David Halbert

Everyday there are a large number of people around the world who meet car accidents. In USA only, there are more than 6 million car accidents annually! Approximately 3 million people are injured as a result. Mostly, the reason of the accident is some sort of negligence of the driver. Distractions also divert the attention of the driver leading to an accident.

There are various things which can distract your attention when driving. Currently, cell phones and other gadgets tend to distract the driver's attention while driving. Either they are cell phones, laptops, or CD player, they allure the driver or he takes his eyes off the road and hence at times ends up in encountering an accident. The nature of accidents can be grave or mild. However, no matter what the intensity of an accident may be, it may cause financial as well as physical threat.

In order to minimize road accidents and their consequences, we need to drive vigilantly without being distracted. Because of extensive use of gadgets while driving, many countries have banned the use of cell phones while driving. Alternately, hands free ear buds are being encouraged to use while driving.

Besides gadgets, there can be many other distractions as well. One may even get distracted while talking to a friend or family member in the car. You can also get out of focus if you are involved in deep thinking. All these and many more contribute to diverting the attention of the driver and lead to a car accident.

Another very common cause of car accidents is alcohol. Many people end up in serious road accidents as they are drunk and cannot drive properly. Alcohol does not let you remain in your senses, and can thus create serious issues while driving. You may feel drowsiness, lack of focus, and the failure to judge distances when you are drunk.

Rubbernecking and tailgating are other known causes of car accidents. Rubbernecking refers to slowing your car to have a look at something while driving like a road accident, or some interesting view on the road. When you slow down your car rapidly, the car that is behind you often knocks into your car because the other driver does not get adequate time to slow his car as suddenly and abruptly. This leads to serious accidents involving a large number of cars sometimes.

Many times, the cause of a car accident is mechanical failure or road conditions. As far as mechanical problems in your car are concerned, this cause can be minimized by maintaining your car and checking its mechanism frequently. For road condition as well, you can take alternate route or travel with more care while driving on bad roads.

You can also reduce the other causes of car accidents by avoiding use of cell phones, laptops, or other gadgets when you are driving. You should also tend to be less enquiring while driving, so that you do not have to slow the car all of a sudden which could be a reason for an accident. For alcohol lovers as well, they can drink as much as they like, but when they have to drive they should avoid drinking.

About the Author:

Design women clothes

By reklicom

Seven Wholesales wholesale womens clothing sells some of the most popular clothing line in world such as the steve madden, seven7, mudd, apple bottoms, L.E.I, rocawear, makaveli for ladies, 9.8 jeans and many more wholesale womens clothing.Seven Wholesale also guarantees that all of wholesale womens clothing merchandize are all authenticated and up-to-date with the latest trends the fashion world has to offer.

Nowadays women clothing is a mirror of her confidence which makes her more glamorous and stylish. Now discover all the basic rules and information about women clothing regarding to their styles.Simple but stylish look:Wear up stylish and elegant clothing does not mean shorts or micro mini clothes. You can try something sassy classy look. You can try long and loose skirts, not gripping. Full-skirted dress will boost your height. Don't be afraid to show up. Tall and Skinny women will look good on belted dresses.

One of the most common items which are bought in bulk orders is wholesale fashion clothing. For clothing retailers or boutique owners, they choose to shop for clothing supplies wholesale because of the discount that they will be able to get. There are a lot of clothing suppliers all throughout the world.

They offer various designs and styles of clothing. If you are into the fashion sense of Florida, you can shop Florida cloth wholesale. If you are interested in Asian fashion wholesale, you can buy clothing from Korea fashion wholesalers. You will be able to find several manufacturers of women clothes wholesale within Asia. One of these is Causeway Mall, which is a wholesale online shopping mall. When you purchase clothes from this Hong Kong clothing wholesaler, you will be provided with Japan and Korea fashion clothing.

Causeway Mall is a fashion wholesale company which sells its apparel internationally. Whether your clothing boutique is based from within the continent or located at other countries like Canada or the United States, you can still shop at Causeway Mall. This manufacturer exports its wholesale women clothing to wholesalers and retailers from all throughout the globe.

You will be able to attract more customers when you provide your store with the hottest style of clothing. What is more, your stocks should consist of garments which are in for the moment. This means that the design and style of the clothes are of the latest fashion. You will be able to know more about this when you read fashion magazines or watch television fashion programs.

Personality: The attitude you possess essentially defines your clothing sense and overall appearance. Do not be afraid to try out different styles that you like even if they are not today's hottest trends. Being fashionable means being able to express your individuality in the clothes you wear. If you are loving what you are wearing, then people would see it through your clothes.

Shopping for plus size apparel which would really fit and would look fabulous is very easy today compared to before. This is because a lot of clothing merchants and designers have been finally able to discover the market of women who wear plus size clothing. Their customers usually look for clothing, which would be stylish yet, comfortable.

The Seven Wholesale is an online wholesale clothing shop that sells different kinds of wholesale clothing such as the wholesale clothing for men, wholesale womens clothing, wholesale clothing for kids, wholesale clothing for street wear, wholesale clothing for urban wear, wholesale clothing for Sean john, and wholesale clothing for Rocawear.

Sizing Charts: You would be able to find a lot of websites that specialize in plus size fashions for ladies. And before you click and click away into your shopping cart, it would be advisable to check their online sizing chart so that you would be able to have a clear idea as to what would fit your measurements.

About the Author:

Leapster 2 Learning Game System - a Review

By Linda Jenkins

Leapster 2 Learning Game System is a handheld toy that connects to the LeapFrog Learning Path and is designed to help preschoolers learn online. They'll be able to play games on the go or they can log on to get more options and some great rewards. There's a library of over thirty games, full of characters kids love.

They Will Learn Without Realizing They Are Learning

Basic setup is relatively easy. Just install the batteries and navigate through a few screens to create users profiles. Then, use the menu screen to play pre-loaded games, insert a cartridge, or go online. Unfortunately, online options for the Leapster 2 Learning Game System were initially delayed by a month, frustrating many parents. However, they're now functional, offering all the games and rewards that were promised. Just make sure you have a little time to deal with the website and network.

When the children play the Leapster 2 Learning Game System they will learn many of the same things they learn in school. Playing the games which are combined with educational exercises provided on this handheld game is a great learning experience for kids from 4 to 8 years old.

Here are a few of the skills they will learn when they use the Leapster 2.

1) The alphabet - Since most children learn the 'abc song' before they start to pre-school or kindergarten this helps them to recognize the letters about which they are singing.

2) Adding Numbers - By knowing which numbers mean what amount they can learn to count certain sets of objects to know how many are in the group.

3)Music - This is important in the learning process as a form of self-expression as well. Learning music will help them to learn about the different types of poetry later.

This system is ready to go when purchased with starter games which are built in to the system. The 'Dragons to the Rescue! Learning Game', for example, is a type of video game featuring four levels of action. This game helps children to learn to recognize letters and numbers. The more advanced level coaches them on spelling and multiplication. By maneuvering a dragon around huge storm clouds and collecting magic crystals they learn how to distinguish how many crystals they have accumulated.

The Leapster 2 Learning Game System has had many great reviews from parents whose children have been using these games. They have expressed amazement at how quickly their children learn while playing the games on Leapster 2. The part that really amazes them is they are learning without even realizing they are learning.

About the Author:

Fifteen Grand and Fifteen Miles does not make you a Biker.

By LJ James

Fifteen Grand and Fifteen Miles does not make you a Biker

Some Motorcycles these days Cost Thousands to Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars. After the Craze of the past Ten years of hit shows like American Choppers, It seems every American has fallen in love with these works of art! Now there is nothing wrong with owning one of these incredible show pieces that costs more then some Bikers homes! There is also nothing wrong with only Riding that Motorcycle 5 Miles on a sunny weekend to your corner Bar to show it off , hey I always enjoy looking at them and If that is your thing then that is very cool !

But lets remember a Motorcycle is made for Riding and there is something wrong with sitting on your 150 Thousand dollar Motorcycle with 15 miles on the odometer and cutting down the Hardcore Rider on a dirty, rusty and patched together Motorcycle with over 10 Thousand Miles on it from just the past riding Season!

The New Custom over 100 Thousand Dollar Motorcycle maybe a work of art with all its fancy features, shiny chrome and great paint work! But that Biker in front of you with his dirty, rusty Bike has a work of art in front of him too and he has earned every scratch, dent and ding on his Bike!

The 100 thousand Dollar Bike may be a joy for the eye to behold, but that Old dirty Bike tells a different story to the Soul of every True Biker out there! If you do not hear a Story, Well you are either not listening or you just do not get it! If you do not get it then just sit there and be quiet because when you speak negatively and put down the Character or Brand of that old Motorcycle, Well it shows everyone around you just how much that you do not get it!

There is a difference between a Motorcycle Enthusiast and a Biker, but only the Biker knows the difference !!!

If you would like to be a guest on this show or any other Biker Lowdown Radio Show or you have a Comment or Show idea to add please email me at AmericanBikerX@yahoo.com

This topic is for Biker Lowdown Radio Show Date 3/4/2009 all shows are archived and are Available 24 hours a Day 7 days a week. Listen or call in for Live shows every Wednesday at 8:00PM New York time Call-in Number: (347) 237-4874 Go to BikerLowdown.com To listen to Shows and So much more!!!

Motorcycle Riders are a Dime a Dozen, But a True Biker is a Rare Breed!

I am Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com

About the Author:

Trees that Have Honey Locusts

By Charlie Reese

Also known as Honeyshuck, Sweet Locust and Sweet Bean tree, the highly adaptable Honey Locust tree is a popular and useful ornamental. It tolerates the poorest of soil conditions, including salt, while also withstanding heat and drought. The honey locust grows quickly, reaching a height of 60 to 100 feet with an average 50 foot width. It roots deeply and is long lived, commonly attaining an age well over a hundred years. It may be transplanted with ease. All of these characteristics make it a valuable windbreak, as well as providing needed shade in a relatively short time.

The honey locust tree, with its stiff thorns, planted and trimmed as a hedge, makes an impenetrable screen against intruders and also serves as an excellent privacy screen. The thorns are so hard, they've been used as nails in times past.

The Honey locust tree is deciduous, with small bright green leaves and sweetly scented cream-colored flowers appearing in late spring. Bees find the nectar appealing, which can help draw bees to your garden. Leaves turn a luminous yellow in fall and compost quickly after falling.

Native Americans found the fruit of the tree, a pod filled with a sweet pulp to be a source of food. The wood of this tree was also a favored material for bows. The pulp inside the pods has been fermented to make a beer, while the seeds may be roasted as a coffee beverage. Native American lore says that the Thunder Spirit's son was known by his ability to comfortably lounge in the branches " and thorns - of the Honey Locust tree.

The wood of the honey locust is tough and durable and makes excellent furniture pieces, although due to its limited supply, you'll not readily find it in lumber yards or furniture shops. Being rot-resistant, it works well for posts and fencing.

With careful management, a stand of honey locust trees can yield a continuous supply of good firewood. Honey locust also provides good fodder to a variety of wildlife as well as domesticated farm animals.

All things considered, the honey locust tree has many virtues besides its use as a windbreak or privacy hedge. This tree is resistant to Gypsy moths. Check with your nursery for its resistance to other pests in your region, as it varies.

About the Author:

Tips on Growing Grapes

By Daniel Country

After planting the vine is allowed to grow naturally for two seasons. One should then find that two quite long rods have been produced, together with some side growths or laterals. In January the laterals are cut back to within one bud of their base, while the smaller of the two canes is cut back to within two buds of its base.

The methods must inevitably vary, depending on the climate, the method of culture and training, and to a certain extent on the individual varieties. Thus pruning on the shores of the Mediterranean is bound to differ enormously from that done, say, in Devonshire. As my friend Mr. Edward Hyams points out, however, in his book The Vineyards of England, published by Messrs. Faber and Faber, there are certain general rules which must be borne in mind.

The object now is to let this cane produce young laterals on which the fruit will be borne. These laterals will be tied to the wires provided and will be pruned in the summer once a month or so to keep them under control. This is usually known as stopping.

Meanwhile a strong growth will be developing froth the base of the vine rod that was cut back hard in January. This should be allowed to grow upright and should be tied to the stake or wires. Any side growths that develop will be pruned back to one leaf, and if any flower trusses are seen, these will be pinched up.

In all cases it is most important to spread the roots out evenly and only to plant them about 4 inches below the surface of the soil. The earth must he trodden in firmly-this is important and it does mean, therefore, that one can only plant when the soil is not too sticky. After the planting, when the soil is raked down level, the bone meal is applied.

In France, where, large acreage is planted, they cut off all the roots to within a couple of inches of their base and then they plant with a steel-pointed dibber about 9 inches deep. The planter then stamps the soil to make certain that it is really firm. The vines should be planted in late October while the soil is still warm and friable. The vines should be planted when they are one year old.

About the Author:

Furnish Your Living Room Cheap and Chic

By Silvia Jens

There is one truth that not so many homeowners have found out about yet. It's that you can furnish your living room beautifully with the use of cheap furniture. Some people shy away with the mere mention of the word 'cheap', but what they should understand is that cheap can also be grand. It all depends on the decorating taste of the homeowner.

Let's talk more about the living room. It's usually the first part of the house that visitors come into whenever they visit. And for this, hosts would normally want to have a living room that is inviting, beautiful and comfortable. It's usually to serve as our bragging rights knowing that our visitors think we have a lovely living room. There's no sin in bragging. It's just clean and healthy fun. A human satisfaction based on beauty.

So how can we create a living room worthy of discerning eyes that will not burn a big hole in our wallet? Going cheap, would be the right way. Cheap is the popular word nowadays especially whenever the economy is fluctuating. Suddenly the idea of 'why spend more when you can have more with less' becomes all so true.

You can furnish your living room cheaply by using cheap materials. For one thing, instead of an elegant sofa, why not use a futon instead? Futon mattresses are very cheap compared to sofa cushions or mattresses. Futons are extremely flexible and can be used as a mattress replacement for beds and sofas. For the living room, you can simply buy a futon that comes with a sofa frame. The frame is usually made of wood, which is again, quite cheap. A futon in the living room is both elegant and practical, a perfect combination that you can't usually find in other furnishings.

Another way that you can go cheap when decorating your living room is by buying second hand furniture sets. You can find beautiful and in perfect condition second hand sofa sets, chairs, tables, and other living room furniture at very affordable prices. The choices are actually varied that you can shop at your leisure while finding the perfect sets that will match your ideas on what your living room should look and feel like.

Where can you find second hand living room furniture? You can go to flea markets. I'm quite sure that there are flea markets happening almost every week in your area or at least some place that is just within a short drive. You can also try searching online as there are online retailers that specialize in second hand furniture. You can also try your luck in online auctions where you can buy a great set on much lower price. That is if you are lucky enough during the bidding.

There are still many ways in creating the perfect living room of your dreams. While you can find furniture that are cheap but still highly elegant and in wonderful condition, there are various means you can use to meet your desires. The beauty of the living room relies solely on the creativity and ingenuity of the person designing it. And with a creative mind, the limit is actually and truthfully endless.

About the Author:

Hot Tub Maintenance

By Hot Tub Dan

So you are thinking about buying your first hot tub. Many people question how much maintenance is involved in keeping a hot tub clean and safe for everyone to use. Just like with anything new in little experience goes a long way.

Whether you're buying a hot tub long line, or from a retail hot tub store, the person helping you with your purchase should be able to fill you in with the basics of how to keep your hot tub clean and clear. However once you walk out the door and no one is there to answer questions maintaining a hot tub can't seem to be a little tricky side.

The absolute best way that you can ensure that your hot will stay clean and clear is by starting off with clear fresh water, and a hot tub shell that has been cleaned already. After hot tub is full one of the ways you can keep it clean and clear is by adding chemicals such as, chlorine, bromine, scum out, star bright, and stained and scale defense.

Once you have filled your hot tub, and added the required chemicals, you cannot just walk away and expect your hot to stay clear on its own. Routine maintenance must be done to your hot tub at least once a week. Doing this routine maintenance will ensure that your hot tub chemicals do not get out of balance so far that you cannot get it back into balance without having to empty your hot tub.

If you do not like the smell of chlorine, there is ways around using it. There is another chemical on the market called bromine that comes in a cartridge format will self dispense itself into your hot tub for up to 60 days. If your hot tub does not have the option for a bromine cartridge, you can buy it and tablets and in a granule form as well. Remember only to use one of the other only chlorine or bromine there is no need to use them both. If neither one of these chemicals works for you, there are organic ways of keeping your hot tub clean and clear also

About the Author:

Friday, February 27, 2009

Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast With These Neat Tricks

By Sapphire Rylee

Time is certainly ticking away. With vacation season coming up, some of you cannot wait to hit the beach donning your new bikinis while some of you are mesmerized and cringing in front of the mirror as you examine the new stretch marks marring your thighs. Do not despair and do not rush to your local plastic surgeon just yet for there are now revolutionary skin care lines that are very effective against these stretch marks.

If you have a few weeks to spare before enjoying the sun and sand please do try:

- Retinols. Products containing retinol, a close chemical relative of vitamin A, fixes your stretch mark problems by restoring the normal structure of collagen, the protein fiber making up the bulk material of your skin. As an added bonus, retinol also smoothes out irregular textures and lines.

- Vitamins C and E. Whether taken orally or applied topically, these vitamins are certified antioxidants as they target damaging free radicals. Many of these antioxidants are combined with corticosteroids, the latter are anti-inflammatory substances that effectively calms skin swelling. So go grab one of these combination formulated creams to hit two birds with one stone!

- Hydroxy Acids. These substances remove the dead and damaged top layer of your stretch mark to reveal the younger skin cells underneath.

- Lactic Acids Ingredients. Stronger than hydroxy acids use lactic acids with great caution. Start off with the lowest dose then check for any abnormal reactions. If none proceed with use.

- Mineral Crystals. Think of mineral crystals as performing a do-it-yourself microdermabrasion on your skin. Mineral crystals work similarly as hyrdoxy and lactic acids as the crystal granules scrape off the scarred skin cells from your stretch marks.

- Collagen for Stretch Marks. Stretch mark infested skin may at times appear indented and depressed. Topical collagens are not absorbed by the skin but can temporarily plump up the indented areas so as to smoothen the skin surface.

If you already have your flippers and snorkel on here are some really fast tricks to cleverly hide those marks:

- Tanning Lotions. What you cannot get rid off you cover it up with a darker skin tone. Not only will your stretch marks be invisible, you will also impart a healthy glow any beach bum would be proud of. Make sure to always lather up with a strong sunblock while frolicking down the shores.

- Body make-up. Concealers and foundations also work in hiding stretch marks. Just do not go into the water to make sure the make-up does not come of.

- Swimsuit strategy. Wear suits that cover your stretch marks. Opt for a tankini if you are conscious that about the stretch marks across your tummy and hips or don a sarong over your bikini bottom to hide those thighs.

- Divert your attention and have fun. Hello! Youre at the beach so try to forget about your body issues and focus your attention in other activities such as swimming, playing volleyball, and catching up with your friends.

About the Author:

Advance Wellness Research Offer Info

By Linda Kemp

Keeping yourself at optimal health can be a challenge with a hectic lifestyle. With all you have to do during the course of the day it's not easy to get to the health store or pharmacy to pick up supplements that contribute to better health.

Think of how much easier life would be if you could have supplements for better living delivered right to your door without having to worry about placing an order every few weeks.

Advanced Wellness Research is a company that will take the hassle out of getting the best supplements and products for your good health.

The Advanced Wellness Research team strives to find the best supplements, and then deliver them to you risk free. Supplements like: Pure Acai Berry and the Bright Teeth Whitening System are proven effective and safe.

In fact, the people at Advanced Wellness Research promise never to sell any product they wouldn't give to their families. They seek out the best health products and then put them through rigorous testing to ensure their safety and high quality.

Every product that Advanced Wellness Research markets is available for you to try, free of charge, before you commit to buying.

Convenient Auto Shipping - With many companies that sell health supplements you have to remember to order additional supplies, or make a trip to the store. But with Advanced Wellness Research, you will receive automatic shipments of your favorite supplement at intervals convenient for you.

You can choose to receive an order every month, every other month, once a year, or whatever suits your needs with the freedom to cancel at any time.

If you're tired of missing doses because you forgot to order, or just can't make it to the store, then you owe it to your health to try Advanced Wellness Research. With their risk-free policy and cancel-at-any-time shipping, you have only superior health to gain.

About the Author:

Treating Nail Fungus: How To Do It Right

By Rashel Dan

Toe nail fungus infection is a common occurrence in people. Studies show that 3 to 11 percent of the population has them, and up to 50 percent has had this at some point in their life. In the United States alone, the figures state around 35 million are infected with nail fungus. Treating Nail Fungus is possible, but most treatments may take some time as well as a regular schedule.

If you are to treat nail fungus effectively, it's important to know where it comes from and how it develops. Toe nail fungi thrive in a warm, moist environment and they do not need sunlight in order to live. The space under the nails is one of their favorite places to breed in, since this has the requirements that they need to live and multiply. One can contract this fungus in public baths, swimming pools, gyms and even at home. So one has to take preventive measures in order to avoid nail fungus.

A person having nail fungus will find his nails quite unsightly as well as odorous. It is also an embarrassing sight to deal with, especially if one is in a public place. It one does not act on it, it will cause more damage to the toe, making walking a painful ordeal. One may have to resort to surgical removal to correct this. There are medicines that are available for treating nail fungus. Examples are:

1. Itraconazole (Sporonox) 2. Fluconazole (Diflucan) 3. Griseofulvin (Fulvicin) 4. Terfinabine (Lamisil)

These medications may cost quite a lot and there are some side effects that one should be concerned about. This will include stomaches, headaches, kidney and liver damage, to death in some rare cases. So people are quite weary of these internal medications.

Treating nail fungus can also be done naturally. These might include the following:

1. Oils - Using tea tree oil and lavender oil and spreading it around the affected nail. Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic, and lavender oil can help ease the swelling. This a very effective way in treating nail fungus. However it doesn't cure it immediately. It may take some days or weeks to see the results, and even months to completely be rid of nail fungus.

2. Zetaclear - One can also opt to get this in all-natural products such as zetaclear which not only contains the above mentioned ingredients, but also more. It also has jojoba oil as well as clove oil as its key ingredients, which are also proven to be effective in treating nail fungus. These natural medications can speed up the curing process.

3. Vinegar - Home remedies such as soaking in Listerine or vinegar have some positive effects on the infected nails. But these are 50-50 chances of effectiveness.

The Role of Prevention - It is also important to take preventive steps so that the fungi will not spread and get any worse. Wearing breathable, good-fitting shoes, absorbent socks are good practices to be maintained. Avoiding walking barefoot in public places is also needed. One it is contained, it will be easier job in treating nail fungus.

About the Author:

Beauty - How to Find a Beauty Supply Store

By Claudia Mahrer

Are you looking to improve the way that you look? Although you may think that you need to start an exercise plan or go under the knife, you don?t necessarily have to. With recent developments in technology, there are now a number of beauty products that can help you improve your appearance, beauty wise. For instance, you can choose to color your hair if you wish to change the color of it, buy eye makeup to bring out the beautiful color of your eyes and so forth. However, if you are interested in turning to beauty products for assistance, you will need to find a beauty supply store to shop at.

When it comes to finding a beauty supply store to shop at, you will find that you have a number of different options. One of those options involves visiting your local shopping mall or shopping plaza. A large number of beauty supply stores are located inside these types of shopping centers. What is nice about beauty stores being located inside a shopping mall is that you can save buying your beauty products until you have to make a mall trip; there is no need to make a special trip. This is nice if you don?t have a mall located in the same town or city as you live in.

Beauty supply stores can often be found under the headings of ?beauty shops,? ?beauty stores,? or even ?department stores.? What is nice about using your local phone book is that you will be able to get the name, address, and telephone number of a beauty supply store. If you are just interested in going to get what you need and then returning home, having the exact location of local beauty supply store is very helpful. Also, with having the telephone number of a beauty supply store, you can call the store in question to see if they have what you are looking for, if you happen to know what it is you are looking for.

Asking those that you know for recommendations is another great way for you to go about finding a beauty supply store to shop at. Asking those that you know for beauty supply store recommendations is nice because you won?t just get the study on any ole beauty supply store, but you will likely get the study and location of one that comes highly rated and recommend. By receiving positive feedback about a beauty supply store, you know that you won?t be wasting your time by visiting a store that likely wouldn?t even have what you were looking for. For that reason, you may want to think about asking your friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers for beauty supply store recommendations.

In addition to asking your friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors for beauty store recommendations, you may also want to think about asking your hair stylist or the other workers that work at a hair salon or a beauty salon that you visit. When working in the beauty and fashion industry, many employees get inside information; information that may be helpful to you in your search for a beauty supply store. Also, many hair salons and beauty salons are now starting to carry their own selection of beauty products and supplies, so you might not even have to look very far.

Although many people prefer shopping for beauty supplies and beauty products locally, as it is often easier to examine and compare products and product labels, there are also online beauty stores that you may want to examine. To find an online beauty store, you may want to think about performing a standard internet search. That standard internet search should get you to the online websites of online beauty supply stores.

As a reminder, you may want to take a few minutes to examine each beauty supply store that you come across to make sure that they have what you looking for. Doing so may be able to save you a considerable amount of time and possibly even money.

About the Author:

Get Rich the American Way - Real Estate

By Mark English

Owning Private Property has always been a dream of all the "Huddle Masses" that have come to our shores. A place of Your own is not just a home to live in, but can also be a means of production. In 1862 we passed the Homestead Act which gave, FREE of charge, 160 acres to any settler who would live on and cultivate the land for a minimum of five years. The total net worth of many westerners today has its foundation in the land granted their ancestors by the Homestead Act. Fathers, Mothers, Grand Fathers, and Grand Mothers have worked their land for the last 150 years. As the railroads galloped across the plains and mountains, many profited by developing the land or selling it. Real Estate was, and is, the foundation upon which our land, our families, our society, and our economy are built on. Real Estate is still the best investment for a solid financial future. Please, call us at 303-674-0148, Email us at markenglishrealestate@msn.com , or visit us on the web at www.evergreencoloradoliving.com ; and we will find You, Your piece of America here in the Rocky Mountains, by purchasing EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE. We can also finance it with an EVERGREEN COLORADO MORTGAGE or a CONIFER COLORADO HOME LOAN.

We all remember the warm story about Kunta Kinta in Alex Haley's account of his fore father's journey and life in America. Our children also need Roots of their own. Perhaps, you don't know where Your ancestors lived a century or more ago, but today You are establishing new Roots for Your family. When you buy EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE you are joining a dynamic community that will welcome Your Family's contribution, and give You "Roots" as You become a modern day pioneer on Your new Rocky Mountain Homestead.

Buying EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE establishes You and your family as a vital part of a social network. This vibrant social community will become a part of You, and You will become a part of it. You and your family will enter into relationships that will reward you for a life time. Friendships you make will endure, and perhaps the kids will marry into another Evergreen Family and create lasting bonds. You can hire MARK ENGLISH BUILDERS an EVERGREEN COLORADO CUSTOM HOME BUILDER to build Your dream home. A home that will become the Family homestead: for this and the next generation. And why not? Evergreen is located in one of the most beautiful and convenient location in the country.

EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE is located just 30 miles from the middle of downtown Denver. We have all the amenities of city living without the congestion, hassle, and crime of the big city. You will be living with the eagle, high in the majestic Rockies, and still only 45 minutes from Broadway. DIA international airport is an hour away, and skiing in the Colorado champagne powder is only an hour in the opposite direction. Give us a call at MARK ENGLISH REAL ESTATE and we will show you how to live in this mountain paradise and we will find you an EVERGREEN COLORADO HOME LOAN or a CONIFER COLORADO HOME LOAN to finance you new mountain mansion. In these uncertain economic times, your own home is still the best investment you can make.

With the stock market slipping into the doldrums, and CD's-Bonds- and T-Bill at less than 2%, EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE is still the best long term investment for accumulating a life time of financial wealth. We all want something for nothing, a return on investment for no labor or productivity, but recent financial woes have taught us that this is unrealistic. We are going to have to make money for our retirement, and the kid's college, the old fashioned way: we will need to earn it. Let us show you how to make money by investing in real estate. We will find You the property, and we can finance it with an EVERGREEN COLORADO MORTGAGE or a CONIFER COLORADO MORTGAGE through DISCOUNT MORTGAGE SERVICES. Real Estate can still give you a 5-6 % solid return on investment.

The best economic stimulus package for you retirement investment is to start to depend on profits and not dividends. When investing in EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE you are producing a valuable product that has worth in the marketplace. If you do not need the money right now, or the increased tax liability, then you can reinvest the money into your new business. By taking your 401k money and paying down the principal on you rental property investment, you will be accumulating equity in your property. We will show you how to finance your investment. If you need cash to get started we can get you an EVERGREEN COLORADO MORTGAGE REFINANCE or a CONIFER COLORADO MORTGAGE REFINANCE or really a refinance any where in the State of Colorado. Be bold and give us a cal, and let's set a plan in motion to establish your financial security for the rest of your life.

For the bold you can take it a step further and invest in rental property. Prices are at 20 year lows, and you can get an instant equity position in many desirable properties. You can leverage your investment property so that your tenant will pay your mortgage and You will profit through rents, equity build up, and favorable income tax treatment. If you put down enough money, so that the rents will cover the expense, then it will cost you nothing out of pocket each month, but you will benefit from all the tax benefits and long term equity. We can even look into an EVERGREEN COLORADO REFINANCE of you current home to free up the cash to get you started.

If you bought EVERGREEN COLORADO REAL ESTATE for $300,000 as a rental investment, and if you put down $60,000.00 or 20%, you would owe $1840.00 a month for principal, interest, taxes and insurance, and management. If the rents were $1500.00 a month and your expenses are1840.00 a month the negative cost is $340.00 a month. But you can deduct the $340.00 or $4080.00 per annuim ($340.00 X 12 = 4080). If the land was worth 40,000, you could depreciate the investment by $9630.00 each year plus your taxable loss of $4080.00. Now we have a deduction for $13,710.00 ($9630.00 + $4080.00 = $13710.00 0. If you are in the 27 % tax bracket you will save $3838.00 or $320.00 a month on your taxes. So the investment house will cost you $20.00 a month. Now, as the rents increase over time, and the tenants pay off your $240,000.00 EVERGREEN COLORADO MORTGAGE, your will own the house in 30 years, and can either sell it for retirement cash, or keep it as a mortgage free home, and use the rent income for spending money. In a stock market where most people lost not only their dividends, but also all or most of their principal, Real Estate is still the number one long term investment.

About the Author:

The chicken the egg or the Plasma. Which one arrived first?

By Ron Macfairnlane

Its difficult to choose a Plasma TV stand that compliment your sense of style especially when you are in a position to buy the plasma TV stands and you may not quite have the TV in your sights, consequently what you think is the right plasma TV stand may not look so good when it arrives home.

If you've already bought your plasma TV then here are some easy to follow tips to help your purchase go smoothly. Just write down these notes before you leave the house.

1)Where the TV is going to be located. This will determine the shape of the stand . For example if its going to be in the corner then you will require corner TV stands

2) Think about the weight of your TV.not enough people take this matter seriously enough. The retailer can always advice you in most cases. Generally the bigger the TV screen the stronger the plasma TV stand has to be therefore the more it's probably going to weight.

3) The color of the Plasma TV. Black on glass plasma TV stands look absolutely fantastic. However Grey plasma TV's on a glass TV stand look a little bland. This obviously depends on the color of the decor of the room. Grey plasma T.V.s on a wooden plasma TV stand look a bit odd also.

4)Is the stand just going to support the television or will you require space for other items also? If you need space for other items such as DVD etc then don't forget to take into consideration the color of the other items.At the end of the day its all about what you like best. Maybe you prefer completely different colors for all items just to spice up your viewing.

5)Have you consulted the rest of the family regarding the color and design of TV and stand? Remember that your home entertainment system is for all the family to enjoy. Wouldn't it be sad if the plasma TV stand actually stood in the way of a good film?

Sometimes the simple decision is always the hardest one. Which one to buy first can be a hard choice. The best way to make the shopping process easier , is to simply buy both items at the same time hopefully from the same dealer. By buying the TV stand and the television at the same time solves all problems as you can instantly math them up.

About the Author:

Fairs and Festivals in a Financial Recession

By Geoffrey Higgins

The financial recession that happened, recently took my life for a sharp turn. Along the hundred other people, I got laid off and found myself jobless. Fortunately for me, I have several things going on for me: I already have a car of my own, a house I've inherited, and a part-time business I manage alongside my girlfriend.

My girlfriend and I have been selling her crafts at various craft fairs for a couple of years now. Back then, it represented partial income that we are able to invest together, but at this point, we've decided to use it for the time being for our everyday use. Until the financial recession blows away, we should be content with what we currently have in our favor.

The cheapness of the material my girlfriend used to make her handcrafted jewelry ensures that people will continue to purchase from us even though the financial recession means that a thrifty attitude has been adopted by most people. Our selling location near the beaches of Florida also helps; the areas have a laid-back aura that reduces the fear of spending.

Until I am well assured that I can get back to working in an office again, I am pretty content with the business of selling my girlfriend's handmade crafts. This way, we bond almost everyday, and our relationship is thus strengthened. We get the work done efficiently; she sees to making the crafts, whilst I see to it that we have good relations with the other booths, as well as talking and arranging everything with the event organizers.

The challenges of life do not cause me to stop; rather, it inspires me to move forward. Whereas some of my officemates that were similarly laid off now sit back and relax, I'm back out there, doing what I can.

About the Author:

Advance Wellness Research Offers Info

By Linda Kemp

Congratulations! You come to the right place. Advanced Wellness Research, Inc. is dedicated to bringing you, our customer, a wide array of innovative and pioneering wellness products that will both enrich and extend your healthy years of living.

We do this by searching the globe for hidden jewels in personal wellness to find revolutionary products. We then conduct extensive research to determine the products effectiveness and safety.

Only after this lengthy process, will Advanced Wellness Research bring the item to you for consumption. It's your body and your life... we won't ever carry a product that we wouldn't give to our own families.

Testing - our products are thoroughly tested for effectiveness and safety. Unlike other "snake-oil" products on the market today, our products have actually shown measurable results.

Free Trials - most of Advanced Wellness Research products come with a Free Trial. Don't just take our word for it, try our products for free before you commit to bring them into your daily lives.

Convenient Auto Delivery - once you have tried one or more of our products and determined it's for you, we will enroll you in our monthly reorder program designed to ensure that you always have our products available for consumption.

Before we bring you any product and make certain promises about products, we make sure that these products are thoroughly researched and proven effective for most user. While we do not claim to have created each and every product we sell, we can assure you that a lot of thought and analyzing went into selecting the product among many others.

At the present time, Advanced Wellness Research, Inc. is researching some products in weight loss, detoxification, skin care and general wellness. Provided that these items pass the stringent tests we require, we will begin introducing these products in 2009.

You owe it to your health to try Advanced Wellness Research. With the risk-free policy and cancel-at-any-time shipping, you have only superior health to gain.

About the Author:

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Daily Disposable Contact lenses - How Nice!

By Dr. Gerald Vision

Daily disposable contact lenses are the most convenient and affordable lenses. Daily disposable lenses can be used in the day and can be thrown away at night before you go to sleep. A daily disposable lens does not cost much and there is no cleaning and maintaining of lenses on a daily basis. These are the healthiest contact lenses a person could wear and are ideal for people who have allergies. A daily disposable lens costs USD 1 or above. It is very cheap and could save people a lot of time daily. It is perfect for busy people. There are other types of disposable contact lenses such as weekly and monthly disposable lenses. Nowadays there are some weekly and monthly contact lenses available, which can even be worn at night, but it is advisable not to use such contact lenses. Many Ophthalmologists suggest not using any contact lenses while you sleep. Disposable contact lenses are the most common type of lenses today. Normal or standard contact lenses are usually used for a period of six months to a year.

Tears in the eyes contain lipids, proteins and calcium, which can build up on the contact lenses. These deposits on the lenses could make the person feel uncomfortable and sometimes could lead to allergies or infections. Even before disposable lenses were introduced the doctors used to suggest people to change their lenses frequently as it was a healthy thing to do. But contacts were very expensive and many lens cleaners were introduced to increase the life of the lens. Later on contact lens manufacturers started manufacturing contact lenses using latest technology and manufacturing methods to produce quality lenses at low prices. It is also said that because of increasing competition among the contact lens manufacturers it has lead to the cheap disposable contact lenses. Disposable contact lenses are affordable for a common man and can be replaced quite often. Most of the disposable lenses today are made from the same material as traditional lenses.

Bifocal contact lenses are for people who have a condition called presbyopia. In the case of presbyopia, the person has to hold any reading material away from the eyes to read it clearly. Bifocal contact lenses are available in soft and rigid gas permeable materials and nowadays are also available in disposable form. Disposable bifocal contact lenses were first available in the year 1999. Even daily disposable bifocal contact lenses, which can be used throughout the day and discarded at night, are available. Bifocal lenses may not suit every ones eyes. It also takes some time for people to adjust to the contact lenses. Bifocal contact lenses do work like the bifocal eyeglasses.

Nowadays we have seen many movies where the use of theatrical contact lenses designed in various colors and styles providing special effects. These contact lenses are normally used to match the costumes and create a great look. There are various contact lenses designed like football, flags of different countries, animals etc. These are the craze with today's younger generation. Many crazy contact lenses are manufactured and available in various brand names.

There are different websites providing great offers for contact lenses. Many websites promise to provide free shipping. You just have to mention your eye prescription and the contact lenses are shipped to your doorstep. Most of the online providers accept credit cards. Some of the main brands for contact lenses are Acuvue, Biomedics, Focus, Optima, Proclear, Soflens, Sureview and Versaflex.

There are various types of contact lenses like vial lenses, toric lenses, colored contact lenses bifocal lenses and gas permeable lenses. All these lenses are normally available online. It is advisable to contact a licensed eye care professional before you purchase any contact lenses. The ophthalmologist is the right person who can suggest the use of a particular type of lens. If you have shortsightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia contact lenses could suit you. It is recommended to follow his suggestions. The doctor's prescription should always be shown to the contact lens retailer before you purchase it.

A contact lens is a soft, thin and oval or round in shape. They are of a size of a small button. They are placed between the natural tears and the eye. Just like a normal eyeglass these contact lenses are placed in the eye and not far from the eye like the old styled eyeglasses. The younger generations do prefer contact lenses than eyeglasses. The introduction of new manufacturing techniques and cutthroat competition has made the contact lenses affordable to a common man. It is advised to consult an eye doctor before you purchase any contact lens, whether disposable or regular one. Disposable contact lenses have many positive effects on your eyes than that of a normal one. Whether you are a person who commutes daily to office, a sportsperson, architect etc disposable contact lenses would be the perfect choice. Just wear it in the morning and before you go to bed remove it, that's all. No cleaning or any other time wasting. Many websites do provide discounts on daily disposable contact lenses and you could also get a better deal if you purchase contact lenses for a certain period of time.

Always get a prescription for your contact lenses before buying it. It is prohibited to sell and purchase lenses without a prescription from the eye doctor in the United States. Even if you buy contact lenses online, find out if the website is registered and also note whether they ask for your prescription. Buy contact lenses only from reputed dealers.

About the Author:

When Does A Hobby Turn Serious - Lionel Model and Toy Trains

By Mira Rosher

One other way you can know a real model train hobbyist is by the way he relates to his collection. He will never address it a toy train, it will always be a model train. To actually refer to a collector's train set as a toy, is a little bit of an insult, and they will not be long in correcting you.

Toy trains are simplex replications made for for small children. They are not near as detailed or as complicated as the model trains are. And also, they are not nearly as costly.

Once you see some of the costs attached to these trains, you will no doubt agree that they are not for kids. Toy trains are good for kids who have an interest in trains. As a matter of fact, they can be a stepping-stone for alot more serious engagement in the future. The toy trains have no where near the detail that the model trains do. The model trains are the accurate replicas of the real thing.

In the first place, the first toy trains were functioned by winding them up, Then some were in reality operate by steam. This is referring to the 19th century period where they were famous in America and United Kingdom. As time goes by, they became more high-tech in that they could change direction, and still puff smoke. They were quickly turning like the real thing.

The realism and detail found in the model trains of today is exquisite. There are many gauges and scales of these model trains available. And also, there is no shortage on scenery and add-ons. The hobby has got to the point where the model trains can nowadays be run by computers and set on a time table.

There is no need to be alone when it gets to this hobby too. There is a large meeting of clubs and associations in almost all the city constantly looking for new members.

About the Author:

How Would You Fix Pastel Paintings?...

By Anna Meenaghan

You may not know what fixing is? Really it is just a way of keeping your painting in good condition.

There are various thoughts on this subject. Some people use a fixative - others do not like to use one at all. Possibly with the thought that it might stop the Maybe others fix a bit at a time as they go along, but then do not fix the completed picture. As far as others go they only fix at the end.

Should you want to fix your painting without spraying, there is something you can do. A good alternative, perhaps is, to cover the painting with a sheet of cellophane paper or even tissue, then place a board on top of this and press hard. Your pressure then makes the pastel specks go more definately into the grain of your paper. Do not apply too much pressure or this could change the texture surface of your painting.

However, it is also possible to fix your painting from the back of it. This eliminates the chance of you, in actual fact, over spraying it. This does not affect your surface. Your art stays in position, because it is damp from the spray which peters through. Some of the paper you buy is very absorbent, so this is a great aid to your fixing as you are not left with skin on pastels that have not settled.

Diffusers too, are another way of doing your fixing - although sometimes you may find that these clog up. It is possible to put through thin wire after using, which then cleans them ready for the next time. Perfect fixing is not always achieved. Ideally you need to stand about 2 feet away from the painting and start spraying from the outside of the picture.

You will need a steady hand and spray backwards and forwards across your work slowly. Past the edges, but don't ever make a stop in the middle. The aim is to keep your arm moving, but you also only want a fine spray. It is horrible if the spray sticks somewhere and ends up dripping all the way down, most probably giving you nasty dark patches.

So now what happens? You have decided you want your painting to keep the bright colours, and yes, you really want to fix it. My suggestion would be to spray it on as you paint various parts. This needs to be done before you put on any last layer of colour or do any retouching. And this way it should keep its freshness.

This is a good way to alleviate colour mixing problems from earlier. When colours mix, your work can be spoilt and this is depressing and you also don't want your colours dull.

All I can advice is, do not fix the final layer of colour if you want nice fresh colour. Fixing can be a difficult process, so I can only wish you the best of luck with it!

About the Author:

How to Play Bakugan Toys Game Rules

By Kevin Lane

If you're a worried parent and feel that most popular computer games today are inappropriate for the kids, then welcome to the club. Some computer games depicts pictures and situations (including zombies, headless corpses and many more blood-related sagas) that is too brutal for the younger market and though responsible restrictions and warning have been labeled in the products, case is it will find its way into your children's hands and that will likely to happen if you don't act now.

Why not play Bakugan with your kids? It's simple for an adult to decipher and that's not all. Spending quality time with your kids will improve your relationship. Excited to get started? Just follow the instructions below (Note: tendency is you'll like it and eventually will be addicted so don't get carried away)

First stop is this game is a 2 player game with each player has a team of 3 Bakugan. Your main goal is to be the first to capture 3 Gate cards. Next is the set up; each player needs 3 Bakugan, 3 Gate cards: one of each color and 3 Ability cards: one of each color. (Ask your kid questions if confusions start to materialize and you'll see how intelligent they are). Players should sit about 2-1/2 feet from each other. The play area should be a smooth, flat surface (living room floor or the Masters bedroom). The space between the two players is called the Field. When ready, each player says, Field - Open!(Don't feel foolish because this is a kid's game).

When playing, each player places one of their Gate cards face down (i.e., Bakugan logo is face up) in front of the opponent, so that they barely touch each other at their top, while saying, Gate Card - Set!. Again the youngest player goes first. Players then take turns. The player whose turn it is chooses a Bakugan and says, Bakugan - Brawl! The player then rolls one of his unused Bakugan at the Gate cards in the field.

Battle is one Bakugan vs. one Bakugan and happens whenever Bakugan from two different players end up on the same Gate card. Detach the two Bakugan from the Gate card and read each Bakugan G-Power. Gate Reveal: Flip the Gate card over and do what it says. Ability Cards: Play Ability cards " first, by the player whose turn it is. Each Ability card says when it can be played. Tell your opponent that you are playing the card, do what the card says and then put the card in your used pile.

Gate Card G-Power Boost: After both players are finished playing Ability cards, each Bakugan gets to add the Gate Card G-Power boost. Simply match the color of a Bakugan to the color symbol on the Gate card and add that number to the Bakugan G-Power. The battle is won by the Bakugan that now has the higher G-Power. The player who wins the battle puts the Gate card in their used pile. In the event of a tie: Each player rolls an unused Bakugan. First Bakugan to stand on a Gate card wins.

About the Author:

Pimp Your Ride With DUB Wheels

By Ben Pate

Dub wheels are undoubtedly the most in demand nowadays. They are made in all different designs and sizes. Some are fairly plain, others are more elaborate. You can find a style that's just right for you. These much-loved rims are found on the automobiles of the rich and famous throughout the nation.

Dub wheels include traditional rims and spinners. Spinners can be manufactured with the spinners built into the rim as an integrated element or as rims with spinners bolted on later. The spinner on these rims is tucked inside the wheel, making it very stable.

One of the coolest new Dub wheels is the Pimpstar. The Pimpstar is a rim with unlimited possibilities. The rims have a full set of built-in LED display lights - right on the rims-controlled by a microprocessor and managed through a wireless modem. The owner can use the included software to create virtually any image they want and send the image to the rims. Images can be anything from logos to graphics, text, and even digital photos.

Images may be transmitted both prior to getting behind the wheel or as you drive, actually switching them while you cruise. Owners may transmit images to as many rims as they choose, even showing separate images on each rim simultaneously. These messages may be altered while driving, either at your command or based on what you previously programmed.

Custom wheels are totally sealed, which means that going through the car wash won't ruin the rims' ability to display graphics. The whole system is fueled by the car's own electrical system, letting the system remain reasonably low-maintenance.

Dub wheels are available from a broad array of makers, either on the web or in geographically-located shops. Among the dimensions are wheels from 16 up to 28 inches, with many in between. Among the hues offered are chrome, black, and mixtures of the two. These rims are prohibitively priced, however a lot of sellers provide the opportunity for financing.

There is such a wide variety of Dubs on the market today that any vehicle can be outfitted in the perfect size, style, and color. Look in almost any pop culture magazine that shows celebrities in their rides, and you can see some of the coolest Dubs made today.

About the Author:

Lousiana Crafts Through the Medium of Seashells

By Myke Oswald

Sometimes, I get to thinking about why people are so drawn to the sea. What is the attraction for us, whose ancestors were tree-dwellers? We are so fascinated by the sun, sand and surf, but what draws us to beaches?

If you want my two cents on the matter, I think we're drawn to the water because of a basic human nature: Curiosity. We have long been fascinated by the mysterious, and we have always been looked at the strange. It's only natural that we are mesmerized by the ocean waves that beckon to us.

Likewise, we have always been fascinated by the natural wonders that the sea holds. If you'll notice, every culture in the world that lives near a large body of water will have tales of mermaids. We also find many jewels in the sea, too; shells of varying shapes and sizes, dried up starfish, bits of coral and driftwood, and of course, pearls.

Other than jewelry, other individuals such as myself find use in the sea's beautiful accessories. We are able to practice some craftsmanship with them; even something as simple as a picture frame becomes exquisite when adorned with shells. It also helps give the feeling that you are attuned to the beauty of the sea. Although we do not dwell in water ourselves, these crafts make us feel a certain attachment to it somehow.

With these crafts readied, these people then proceed to spread it to the populace. This is done via the many craft shows held in Louisiana State. Whether you're an aspiring craftsperson yourself, and would want to try showcasing your crafts there, or if you're just someone who wants to see the sights, then you should consider searching for craft shows in your area as well. Just look for the appropriate show in the Internet, and you'll be well on your way.

About the Author:

Make Healthy Restaurant Recipes at Home

By Chef Pablo

For some reason McDonalds is a huge motivator for eight year old little girls. I love to give my daughter a nice treat every once in a while. We're not a family that eats out more than once a week and usually it's something other than fast food. But, this time, my daughter wanted a Happy Meal and I was happy to take her. I've been doing very well with my eating lately, so I planned on making something at home.

As I pulled up to the menu board, I started thinking about how much I love some of the items they offer. I looked and saw "Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese." Mmmm, that used to be one of my favorites, but now that I'm working out and eating right I had to pass. That's when it struck me

What if I made that exact same burger at home, but I substituted some healthy alternatives? I've been doing up restaurant recipes for quite some time and I always try to duplicate exactly what the restaurants make. What if I reduced the cream in Outback Steakhouse's Walkabout Soup? What if I replaced the Italian sausage in Olive Gardens Zuppa Toscana Soup with turkey sausage? Could I make it into something healthy?

Of course, I know it's probably not going to taste EXACTLY the same, but I'm willing to sacrifice a little to save on the scale each morning. I also know Splenda isn't a duplicate for sugar and low fat cheese doesn't always melt exactly the same way regular cheese does, but that's OK.

I've put together a list of things you can do to change up your favorite top secret recipes to help them fit into a healthier lifestyle.

Drop the Fat - The next time you're buying eggs, look around the shelf and you'll probably see a low fat real egg substitute you can use for cook and baking. You'll find the same thing in the cheese section and the other parts of the dairy aisle.

Turkey Everything - It does seem like every kind of meat imaginable has a turkey based alternative these days. I don't know if anyone loves bacon as much as I do, but I've made the switch to turkey bacon. It's not exactly the same, but the payoff in my waistline is worth the sacrifice. Sausage, patties, bacon, ham and more is all available and make great replacements.

Low Fat Oil? - Well, it's not really low fat oil, but it does reduce the amount of oil you use. What is it? Spray on oil. It's the same oil you pour into a pan, but when you spray it you can coat a pan with considerably less oil than you would pouring. It can even be sprayed on food you would normally deep fry, but want to bake instead. It puts a nice crispy coating on the food.

Sugar Substitutes - Splenda is one of my favorite substitutes. Consider using it instead of sugar anytime you need it. It measures one for one with sugar, so you don't have to do any of the math. It's simple, easy and tastes pretty good.

Low fat cheese on the top of your copy cat Pizza Hut pizza isn't going to taste exactly the same. It's not. But, if staying in shape is important to you, it's worth a few minor modifications. If you follow the rest of the recipe correctly, you'll end up with a good substitute.

I have plenty of top secret recipes on my website that are waiting for your modifications. Don't be afraid to experiment a little and see what you come up with. You never know, you might end up liking the new healthy version better than the one at the restaurant.

About the Author:

Clinique Cosmetics - Easy Removing Makeup Tips

By Kathy Summer

Women make up the most percentage in the buying market; ranging from fitness, hair, fashion, jewels, and of course, the make-up. Their physical appearance seems to be the ultimate manufacturers dream because of so many products to market and sell. Just the woman's face shows multitude of product potentials to offer; eye coloring, lipstick, blush-on, and many more, thus giving birth to the Makeup.

It is an important part of a woman's life which is almost like an important component of daily routine for other people. There are times that women ornament themselves in a much better manner during some special occasion like the wedding and parties and while there is no denying the importance of makeup, you should also remember to remove makeup in a safe way to keep your skin soft, supple and healthy.

It is necessary to remove makeup before going to bed so that your skin does not lose its natural charm. However, removing makeup is an art too and you need to follow some basic tips for it. Usually women indulge in a lot of eye makeup for that smoky, bold and captivating eye look. However, removing eye makeup is not as simple as it seem.

Think Mascaras are hard to remove? Then consider using Baby shampoo because unlike other removers which mascara usually resist, it is effective. Extra virgin olive oil is also helpful. Apply few drops on a cotton ball and softly massage the eye region to let go off waterproof mascaras. Never use harsh remover or solutions as most of them can dry out your skin. Instead go in for mild makeup removers and there are facial cleansers according to skin types. Baby oil is an effective way of removing all kinds of makeup in a safe and healthy way and its very easy to do.

Rule of the thumb: never go to bed with your makeup on as that can hamper your skins quality, softness and health; eventually making you look older than your age. Others claim that it made their skin rough and dull mainly due to the remnants of the chemicals that come with applying makeup. Scary isn't it?

About the Author:

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Opening Newborn Baby Gifts is Not the Only Activity - Add Games

By Edie Mindell

Although traditional baby shower games never fail and are always a success, new baby shower games are emerging and spreading across the United States. These cool, unconventional activities are different than the classics but with all the fun and more. If you are aiming for a hip, edgier baby shower with a twist from the classic, all-American baby shower, include a few of these new, trendy games that are sure to be a hit at your shower.

The "Dirty Diaper" game is one of the most clever and unusual, yet surprisingly sweet games out there. For this game, fold white cloth napkins or square pieces of white fabric into small diapers. Inside one of these mini diapers, place an unwrapped Hersheys kiss or any other chocolate bonbon. Fasten all the diapers with a baby diaper safety pin.

When guests arrive to the baby shower, hand one mini baby diaper to each person. Tell the guests to keep them closed and to not open them until instructed to do so. Then, when the time comes for all your games and activities, tell your guests that one of them has a dirty diaper. Tell them to open the diapers all at once, and whoever has the "dirty diaper," or the chocolate bonbon inside of their diaper, wins a prize.

Another game with a meaning is the "umbilical cord." For this game, you will need two spools of string or yarn, and two spoons. Choose volunteers and set up two or more teams of about eight to ten people. Attach each spoon to the tip of each string or yarn. The point of the game is to pass the "umbilical cord" through all the members of each team, by passing the string in through the neck seam and out through the opening of the skirt of each team player. This is very humorous, as you can imagine. The first team that passes the cord through all of the members wins.

A game that is becoming increasingly popular among baby showers is "Guess Whos Baby Picture?" For this game, make sure to tell guests on the invitations, and remind them before the shower, to bring in a baby picture of themselves when they were infants. Number each picture and put them up on a big bulletin board. During the games and activities session of your baby shower, give each guest a paper and pens or pencils. Have each paper numbered with the amount of pictures posted on the bulletin board.

When the game begins, tell the guests to fill in the numbers on the paper with the names of the people who they believe correspond to the baby picture. For example, if I think that baby picture #1 corresponds to Katie, I would write "Katie" after the number one on my paper. The guest that has highest number of right answers wins the challenge. If there is more than one guest with the same highest number of right answers, issue a tiebreaker.

Remember, all of these new games started as an idea. Try to come up with a few clever, never before used games. Who knows, they could potentially become a hit by the end of the year!

About the Author:

Unique Baby Gifts are Fun to Open at a Retro-themed Baby Shower

By Edie Mindell

A common trend today is to have different era-inspired, retro baby showers. These themes work great regardless of whether the baby is a boy, girl, or if the parents choose to not know the gender of the baby until the date of birth. Great decades from which to base your shower on are the roaring twenties, the rock-n-roll fifties, the hippie sixties, and of course, the unforgettable eighties. Do some research on each decade, and pick the one that you love the most, and that you think you can be the most creative with.

The twenties were a blast, and a twenties-themed shower will definitely be a blast, too. The music alone will have people dancing and smiling. Specify in the invitations for the gals to wear their most twenties-like dresses, and for the gents to wear a tidy suit. The more the outfits match what people wore in the twenties, the better. Award the person with the best costume. Decorate the room with big band and swing decorations. You can have toy musical instruments as centerpieces, and provide hats for the gents and twenties headbands for the ladies. Put on some great music, and make everyone get up and dance the Charleston!

The fifties is a great decade to pick for any party theme. On the invitations, tell the ladies to wear poodle skirts, and tell the guys to wear leather jackets, and tell all your guests to get ready for the best ice cream social ever! Play classic rock-n-roll in the background to set the mood to your fifties celebration, and decorate your party room with fifties inspired pictures and dcor.

Serve different types of ice cream with a variety of toppings, and have your guests each make their own sundaes! For a twist, also serve bananas for those that want to make their own banana split. Make or buy fun mini jukeboxes for centerpieces. For a fun game, have your guests partner up for a dance off, and award the best pair.

If you or any of your family members was a hippie back in the sixties, that might be the era of your choice. This theme is fun and easy to assemble. Decorate the whole area with hearts, happy faces, and music notes. Tell your guests to wear their bell-bottom jeans, and psychedelic tie-dye shirts. If you have an Afro wig in your closet, pull it out, because this sixties party is going to be groovy! Buy toy school buses and decorate them as they did in the sixties; these make great centerpieces. Dont forget to play some groovy tunes and dance, dance, dance!

For a cool eighties-themed baby shower, send out a funky invitation and tell your guests to wear their favorite retro outfits. For an easy outfit, wear leggings or tight jeans, and cut off the neckline of an old T-shirt. Wear a headband and pull your hair up to a side ponytail.

Cool eighties movies or old music records make great centerpiece bases. Decorate them with colorful dcor and candy, and youve got great, inexpensive pieces. For a fun activity, put on a Richard Simmons dance workout video, and award the best dancer. Remember, regardless of which era you pick for your baby shower, do your research and be as creative as you can!

About the Author:

Dress Up Games For Your Kids: Fun And Free

By Vlad Stivenson

As everyone knows, while having a computer at home can be very useful, interesting, and fun, its only when you have internet connection that your computer really shines. An Internet connection gives you access to news, information, encyclopedias, social networks, jobs, and of course, games. If you have children and would like to give them something fun and safe to play with, why dont you try letting them play with some dress up games? Theyre free and widely available.

Children of both genders can enjoy these games. Girls will prefer characters such as Hanna Montana, or even Japanese ones, like Sakura Card Captors. On the other hand, boys tend to be more interested in the Power Rangers or the Dragon Ball characters. There are even games that appeal to both boys and girls. These games feature famous characters from popular shows, such as Drake and Josh, or Zack and Cody.

For parents who want a more educating experience for their children, there are some games that involve a bit of culture, such as dressing a virtual doll with typical attire from a specific region or country. If youre looking for something a bit more original, you can try those that involve dressing up a pet or animal. Many different dress up games are available online, like anime dress up games, barbie dress up games, bratz dress up games, celebrity games, baby dress up and many others. You can also find games related to cooking, if you dont like dress up and fashion games. All these dress up and cooking games are usually written in Flash and are completely free, so you can access them with your internet browser.

Of course, who says you cant play these games yourself? When video games came out, most people thought they were only meant for children, but nowadays people from all ages enjoy them. Maybe one of these games is what you need to distract your mind from day to day monotony. These games are very quick to load and play, so you can easily take a 5 or 10 minute break between a report and an e-mail to have fun changing Elvis Presleys clothing and instruments, or maybe giving Britney Spears the soul look that you think she desperately needs. And if you have a child, they will help you spend some quality time with him or her. Small children can practice forms, colors and hand to eye coordination, while older ones can pretend theyre stylists or fashion designers, at the same time that they develop their creativity and imagination.

How much does it cost? Nothing, its free. But most importantly, its safe. Your child will be playing something that doesnt have anything to do with shooting, killing, or any kind of violence, something very common in todays video games. There isnt any sex or risqu material either. On the other had, you wont have to give your credit card information over the Internet. With so many expensive and violent games out there, its nice to find something fun, safe, and free for you child to play with.

About the Author:

A Coffee Bean Grinder Guarantees Freshness

By Ned Dagostino

Coffee will always taste better when it is freshly ground. And having your own coffee bean grinder will guarantee that you can have a fresh cup whenever you desire.

But there's more to it than just freshness. If you grind your own beans you can make the grind as fine as you desire. This is very important to a true coffee lover. With this in mind, perhaps you are now at least a little curious about trying this on your own.

First let's dispel some myths. Grinding your own beans is neither difficult or messy. Those who make that argument are simply wrong.

Sure it's easier to just break out the can opener and start brewing, but the difference in taste is remarkable. And once you grind your own beans for the first time, you may never purchase canned coffee again.

The reason there's such a difference is because ground beans begin to deteriorate almost immediately. That means they quickly lose some of their taste and smell. Grinding your own beans will naturally result in a better tasting and better smelling cup. Just grind up your beans right before you brew, and the result will be a flavorful and aroma full cup every time.

So let's talk about the different grinders available. There are two that are popular. One is the blade grinder, the other is called a burr grinder.

Blade grinders are less expensive. Basically they function like a blender, only smaller. They use the blades inside to do the grinding. And while these are still better than buying your coffee in a can, they do not produce the best results. When you grind coffee beans you want to get a large surface that can be exposed to the hot water. The greater the surface exposure, the more oils and flavor will be extracted. Blade grinders do not produce an even grind, especially the less expensive models. The result is that most coffee experts consider them inferior.

Burr grinders meanwhile are typically used in high quality coffee houses because they give a much better grind. The burrs, or metal discs, are spaced to precise specifications, giving you a grind that is more even. A more even grind means a better cup. And it doesn't matter what type of coffee you like best because these grinders are adjustable. So if you like Turkish drip or automatic drip, you can set your burr grinder to give you the grind you like best.

One thing about coffee is that everybody likes theirs a little different. What I may like best is probably different than what you prefer. But we can all agree that when it is fresh ground, it will taste better. That's why if you choose a burr or blade coffee bean grinder, you'll still get a cup that is better than anything you buy from a can. I can only suggest you try it. You may never buy a can from the grocery store again.

And just think how much easier it will be to get up when the alarm goes off, knowing you will have a great tasting, fresh cup of coffee available in just minutes.

About the Author:

Night Deep Sea Fishing Tips

By Dr Corey Fisher

Deep sea fishing is an enjoyed activity by many. The sun, sea and the adrenaline of adventure makes a perfect day for such kind of activity. However, for very experienced fishermen, they would advice you that if you really want to get a good catch, it would be best for you to start fishing 2 hours after sunset or 2 hours even before sunrise.

This is why most experienced fishermen would rather have a night trip than a day trip. However, due to the difference of environment during night fishing, if you are new to this kind of setting, then there are certain things that you should know to make your night trip a successful one.

Getting Started

Although it may seem difficult, waking up in the wee hours of the day is still possible. Additionally, you can always get the help of an alarm clock to be your wake-up call. There are some other preparations too that should be done other than being able to wake up, like preparing your bait.

It would be the best if you have already set up everything you need and have some wet-bait ready even half an hour before sun rise. It is important to remember that anchoring and cooking the bait should be finished by the time sunset arrives. This is due to the reason that cooking through your night fishing could be very dangerous. Plus, your bait should be able to cool off before you can use it.

The Logic Behind It

The logic behind all these waking up early and preparations is that fish usually feed shallower around times like this. Thus, they are easier to catch, since they're only about 30 feet below the water's surface. In fact, according to experts, twilight minutes are very productive especially if you're fishing for a living.

Where's The Light At?

If you really want to have good results at the fastest time possible, whether it be you are fishing in fresh or salt water, try fishing around piers, which have some lights. This is because fish are very attracted to light beams that pass through the water surface in different sea depths. In general, fishing excursions usually have a very happy ending when held around lights on piers or buoys.

Use Something Large

It is also important that you use very large dry or wet flies, nymphs, and oversized streamers, if you are really interested in getting a lot of catch of those active feeders out there.

In fact, night-feeding can be easier for you when your bait is that large enough for the fish to locate. Additionally, you should remember to draw your baits gradually along the surface of the water with a jerking motion. Doing this would help attract some trout. Nevertheless, you should also bring some extra live bait and always keep the lure inside your water or boat, safely contained.

See The Signs

During night fishing, you should always try to be on guard for some signs that feeding fish are in the area. Take note that at this time, you'll be able to hear them feeding themselves even before you see their splashes or swirls in the water. Don't forget to chuck in your lure, as soon as possible and once you hear them breaking the surface, into the spot that you think they are in.

Additionally, you should try making repeated casts anywhere that you think they may be circulating, since fish have some trouble in locating lures during the night.

About the Author:

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