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

Friday, February 13, 2009

Choosing a Good Roofer

By Craig K. Albrecht

If you are in the market to re-shingle your home, whether you are just looking to update, fix minor damages or do a complete hail based re-do, keep one thing in mind: you need a good contractor. It is such a simple concept we apply to other facets of our lives, for instance: I need surgery so I will interview surgeons or I need a daycare provider so I will interview and scope out different locations. However, when it comes to home repair people all too often will hire the first contractor that shows up on their door step. Don't let this mistake happen to you, interview your contractor in the following four areas to find out if he is right for you:

Customer Service - Returned phone calls, being treated with respect and courteous interactions are a must. You would quick banking at an institution that treated you poorly, so why would you tolerate it from someone working on your home? Expect your house to be treated the same way they treat you.

Free Estimates - You shouldn't have to pay for something that will give a contractor business. If he wants the job he will come to you, do the measurements, ask the questions and give you a free and competitive estimate. It's okay to get several estimates from different companies to select the best contractor for you.

Landscaping -Your contractor should be working on the roof, not the azaleas. When he comes to do the estimate watch how he maneuvers around your landscaping. If he doesn't seem to care, then don't expect much to be intact after a new roof is in place.

Insurance - When your adjuster comes to your house he is the middle man between you and the company, with the goal of saving the company money. Do not let him skimp. The best way to insure you will get the money you need to repair you home is to have your contractor there, working with the adjuster to point out the necessary repairs. The interaction needs to be positive to insure a good outcome.

For a good roof repair experience, do your research before you hire. Deal with local companies that you know will be there in the future if you have any problems or follow-up needs. Local companies know that their business next year comes from doing well by their customers this year. They know that you are the reason they are in business and you need to come first.

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Be Elegant on a Budget: Shop for Purses at Coach

By Jane Carpenter

Each and every modern woman loves to own at least a few designer purses. Too bad that most of the times such bags come with a very high price tag, so some ladies cannot afford buying at least one.

When it comes to dressing up on a budget, you have to be smart and creative. It is perfectly possible to obtain a fabulous look with a not at all fabulous budget. Cheaper does not need to mean uglier or worse quality, be it in purses, shoes or any other clothing accessories. For example, Coach bags cleaning can help them look like new for a long time.

Remember, you don't need to jump into buying any purse from the new collections Coach and other bags designers launch once or twice a year. Usually you can wait to buy them at less than half their initial price, about 6 months after launch. I think it is worth waiting, as the discounts are important and you can save a lot of money this way.

A good way of getting cheap Coach handbags is to buy the winter models in summer and the summer models in winter. Of course, you can look at bags as of an investment. Bags are an investment in you, in the way others perceive you, in your public image.

Bags need to be outstanding, as they are one of the most important clothing accessories for a woman. A bag for a woman is the equivalent of a tie for a man. Everybody notices a beautiful purse, as well as they always notice a very ugly or cheap looking one. You'd better be good in your bag choices. If you are not sure what fits you, watch the celebrities and try to match their style with yours.

Get yourself a matching wallet, each time you buy a new purse. This creates a stylish effect on the viewers, thus helping them label you as one fashionable lady.

Cleaning of your bags should be done with great care. Sometimes water may ruin your purses, so you need to keep them away from water, if the manufacturer so indicates. Your Coach bags are amongst the luckiest ever, because you can buy special maintenance kits which help your bags look like new for longer time.

MMatch your handbags with your size. Overweight and short women should not wear their bags across body. This style rather fits taller ladies, who are slim.

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Portland Flower Delivery In Time For Valentine's Day

By Dan Davy

If you are seeking flower delivery to Portland, Oregon for Valentines Day, why not get something other than roses? While roses are an eternal favorite and are well liked by those who receive them, perhaps this is the year that you do something a bit more daring. Why not choose other flowers this year when you are getting flower delivery to Portland, Oregon?

Tulips. Tulips are symbols of spring time. Every year, these flowers mark the arrival of the season of blooms. It is now possible to include tulips in the Valentine's Day favorites as hothouses make it possible to grow this flower even in the middle of winter. Replace red roses with red tulips and arrange these romantic flowers to add more beauty.

You can send tulips in various containers. You may choose to send a bouquet of loose tulips or you can choose from vases and other options. There are more choices now than ever, especially if you shop for flower delivery to Portland online.

Orchids. Orchids are real chameleons. With their lavender and white colors, they can be easily mixed with other flowers to create a lavish bouquet. Orchids are elegant looking, perfect for a special flower delivery to Portland, Oregon to surprise your loved one. Orchids are commonly associated with corsages. Arranging them as a gift will for a change, give it a more sophisticated look fit to make your loved one feel extra remarkable on the Day of Hearts.

Daffodils. Another kind of spring flowers cultivated in many hothouses, choosing daffodils for Valentine's Day is not only a safe choice but a really cheery one! These blooms are perfect for friends, acquaintances, colleagues and basically anyone you're not particularly close with but would want to know more. Daffodils reflect so much enthusiasm and amicability that your friends will surely be happy to receive them on Valentine's Day or on other special occasions.

Instead of sending the usual roses this Valentines Day when you look for flower delivery to Portland, why not do something different and send flowers such as daffodils, tulips and orchids. There are many blooms available in colors as well as in arrangements when you go online and shop for flower delivery to Portland, Oregon.

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Top Crafts Choices

By Anne Durrell

Martha Stewart has built her industry on teaching people the joy of crafts. The truth is that there are so many types of crafts out there that entire superstores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby that are dedicated to providing the consumer with all of the supplies that they could possibly need to attempt any type of craft.

A craft is generally a project which one makes with their own hands. There are many different crafts for people to work on in existence. For instance, one of the most well-known types of crafts out there is needlecrafts.

Along with needlework, you can create something beautiful for your home or to give as a gift. Among the needlework style, you shall discover crafts like crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery, and quilt making. Each of these is very different, but each will take you with a beautiful handiwork of the time that you have spent crafting.

There really are tons of crafts out there which can excite everyone enthusiasm such as decoupage (the art of screening a surface within images and paper), or woodcarving. Crafting has become a remarkably large industry as there is something therapeutic about creating a project with your own two hands that you may be proud of and either show off in your home or offer as a gift.

Seeing that you spent time on it makes it even more special than something that you might have otherwise bought. Even a child can get into making crafts as the skills which you need to make them encourage the development of creativity and achieve motor skills. Crafts are generally quite cheap to do as well, but shall provide lots of pleasure for a tiny price.

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How to choose a lawn care company

By Andrew Caxton

In today's concrete world, a lawn is a beautiful deviation and so great importance is attached to it. Also, positive environmental factors of a lawn make it even more desirable. In addition to increasing the property value, a good lawn takes the heat away from the atmosphere and prevents soil erosion. Since maintaining a lawn is an arduous task, many people prefer to hire lawn care companies even though choosing the right company based on your needs is not very easy.

Before deciding which lawn care company you should choose, you have to make up your mind about the kind of quality you want for your lawn. You also have to make a budget plan for lawn care. If you do not want to spend too much money and are satisfied with a mediocre lawn, then choosing a lawn care company will not be very difficult as there are many companies out there that can do an okay-okay job for you. However, if you want your lawn to stand out from the rest, you have to go for a very good lawn company that will give you the results you want, but at a higher cost and more time.

Some more tips on the selection criteria will help you in this direction. To begin with, you have to have a very clear idea of the kind of lawn you want and the changes you want to bring about in your lawn. This is of great help as you can articulate your plans to the lawn care company. Since they know what you are looking for, they will also be able to give you a correct estimate of the money involved.

To make doubly sure that you have opted for the best company for your lawn, go in for a discussion with them about your lawn and its needs. Only if they have the courtesy to pay careful attention to your landscaping and lawn needs and only if they come up with sensible solutions without overlooking the vital points, should you trust any lawn care company. Try and get some information about the kind of experience and training the people of the company have with respect to your lawn. This will ensure that you have no qualms about the lawn care company.

While choosing a lawn care company, never do it through the phone. This could land you in future troubles. The best thing to do is to ask some person from the company to visit you personally so that you can talk about the budget, what kind of maintenance you want and also the specific problems you are facing with your lawn. Be sure to get a written agreement once a decision has been made regarding the pricing and the services required. Inquire into the renewal process of the agreement clause and make sure that that the company does not levy penalty charges if you cancel your service plan before the due date.

Doing some study on the company on the net is the right thing to do before finalizing on the company. You have to find out if the company is insured and licensed. Usually, a company is high on commitment and is equipped with recent news on technical matters and relevant machines like tru-cut lawnmowers, if they belong to a trade association, so check up on the status of your particular company. Also find out if they have the right to use pesticides and what possible consequences it could have for you and your family.

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Hair Loss & Thinning Hair Information

By Jennifer Summers

A concern not only experienced by men but by a growing number of women is Alopecia, or the excessive and abnormal loss of healthy hair. Disturbing situations and genetics can be the cause of hair thinning and loss and also by hormonal ups and downs, too much physical force or lack of good nutrition. An important first step is discussing hair loss with your doctor. There is a selection of treatments on offer these days that make hair loss or thinning hair more bearable. For thousands of people globally, everyday is a "bad hair" day because of the dilemma of thinning hair or baldness. These factors affect both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually occurs for:

Men A thinning crown or receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Hair loss occurs due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink the hair follicles and has a greater effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. Some types of male hair loss are:Acute diffuse alopecia - occurs from physical or psychological factors such as hormones, nutritional deficiencies or medications.Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - can occur due to nutritional, metabolic or endocrine issues. Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs due to genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This rarely affects women.

Women Hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of contraception can result in hair thinning and loss. Also experienced by females: Traction alopecia - this is caused by harsh hair styles, for example ponytails that are pulled too tight, cornrows, braiding or too frequent use of hair extensions. These actions pull at your hair over time but loss can be helped if recognized and dealt with early on. Anagen effluvium - this is due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes broken and results in the hair shaft narrowing, eventually splintering.

Males and females can reduce or even halt hair loss or thinning, if found early enough, by using various over-the-counter treatments like: a). A shampoo that describes itself as "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing". These will nurture and guard existing hair while removing oils that can obstruct the follicles and stop re-growth. b). A daily vitamin supplement. Look for supplements labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin). These defend the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off harm from free radicals. c). Weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment prepared with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to encourage growth, regulate oil production and sustain cell repair. Results will vary, as with any treatment, and may possibly need to be continued on a regular basis. Also, allow around 6-8 weeks before expecting to see results.

Disguising hair loss techniques: Maybe it's time to consider some techniques to disguise your hair loss if you are dissatisfied with your thinning hair. Whether you're male or female losing hair due to genetics, stress, medication or a medical circumstance you can use these methods to help you cope. Using a Thickening Hair Shampoo or Conditioner Use a thickening hair shampoo and conditioner intended to camouflage hair loss by making the hair seem to be thicker. Brush your hair lightly after you have shampooed and conditioned to prevent losing even more hair, and let your hair dry completely before you comb or brush it.

Hair Styling Methods for Thicker Looking Hair Here are a few methods and styling products that can be used, if your head of hair is not as thick as it once was, to keep your hair looking its best. Blow drying thin hair for a fuller appearance. For thinning hair, try blow drying your hair after you have washed and conditioned it and then comb your hair in front all the way back. Use a light hairspray or a mousse to keep your style in place. The blow drying will prevent your hair from matting and make it appear thicker than it is. Opt for hair texturizing lotions and creams that will provide you with abundance and volume. Use a leave-in hair conditioner as they can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Pass up on hair gels as they matte your hair together and exaggerate your hair loss.

Extending your Hair Hair extensions are a quick and simple method for men and women with long thick hair to disguise the fact that they are losing some hair. Employ a salon for adding natural human hair to your head. This option can last for several weeks to several months.

Blow-drying your Hair Think about blow drying your hair if it is thinning on top to give it more texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush your hair into a quiff by brushing it from the forehead up. Preserve your hair style with a touch of hairspray. If your hair is thinning all over, this is a good and effective technique to make your hair look fuller. Get a Buzz Cut - Guys Actors, sports stars, and businessmen all employ the buzz cut as a method of hiding the fact that they are thinning on top. It is a trendy, popular style that is easy to keep up. Purchase a wet-dry electric razor to groom your scalp every day and to remove the hairs you have remaining for a fresh look. If you're worried about losing your hair or if your hair is beginning to thin, pay a visit to your barber or stylist and ask for suggestions for a new hair style. There are plenty of hairstyles to choose from that will permit you to look your very best.

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Where To Buy UGGs

By Abigail Madisson

UGGs can be so in style and in fashion these days that there may be no need for you to ask where to buy UGGs. The question is not about where you can buy it rather than if you're buying it from the right store. Of course many online and non online stores sell UGGs but part of being a wise shopper is to know exactly where you should go for the authentic UGGs.

A lot of people are trying to ride the wave and cash in on UGGs popularity. Many boots that are labeled as authentic UGGs are actually just plain knock offs that look good. You might wonder what the real difference is if the fakes look just as good as the real ones. Time will actually tell you how different fake ones are from real UGGs.

Authentic UGGs have interiors that are very soft. The soft fleece is one of the reasons why real UGGs are comfortable to wear. The sheepskin which is the crucial main component of UGGs also regulates the temperature, thus adding more comfort. Your feet get warmed up during winter but stay cool in the summer.

The soles of the boots have proper traction but are flexible enough for the wearer to move comfortably in. An entire ugg boot itself is so light that you won't feel burdened carrying your boots along. UGG boots also fit snugly around your feet, making you feel like you are just wearing a pair of wool socks.

Knowing where to buy UGGs can lead you to authentic ones. You could end up with boots that look a lot like UGGs but will not have the same flexibility, durability, lightness and thermostatic properties as real UGGs. Depending on the kind of fakes you are wearing, you could get a pair that isn't comfortable or even painful to wear. You could even get sweaty feet because of faux materials that don't allow your feet to breathe as well as sheepskin.

The most logical place to head to if you want to buy a pair of authentic UGGs is to go to well known department stores and shoe stores that also sell other quality shoe brands. These stores are the least likely to sell knock offs because they would naturally be interested in preserving their good names. After all, patronizing knock offs is really a way of supporting something illegal.

Online stops is another place where you can get UGGs. The first websites to drop by are those that are officially owned by legitimate UGGs manufacturers. In the U.S., the premiere sheepskin boot brand is UGG Australia. There are however, quite a number of other manufacturers who also make sheepskin boots.

Online auction blocks is another place where you can look for hard-to-find UGG boots. A similar shopping venue is online personal ads. Be ready though. You are more likely to encounter a lot of knock offs here. If you are able to get authentic ones, then you would probably have to settle for used ones.

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Hardwood Floors Add Value

By Adam Peters

Hardwood flooring is one of the best investments you can make in your home. The beautiful classic look of hardwood floors is very desirable in the real estate market because of the warm look that is created and because of its long lasting qualities. Here is what to look for when you are choosing hardwood floors so that you will get the best value for your home.

There are a lot of different types of hardwood floors, and it is advisable to learn about all of them in order to make the choice for yours. It will be well worth the time and effort you put into the research. Prices can differ not only on different products, but even on the same products, so shopping around is a good idea. Some of the factors that affect price are the origination place of the wood, since imported woods cost more and are subject to import duty and shipping charges, and also volume discounts from some manufacturers.

When you are deciding upon the hardwood floor of your choice, it is important to recognize how much you can spend. Design your entire budget to include the cost of the hardwood flooring, and be realistic about what you need. Go for quality, not quantity. This is an investment in your home, so you want to choose a flooring that will last a long time.

Your hardwood floors are designed to last a long time, but to insure this, you have to give them proper care. That means using the proper cleaning products, taking care that water does not sit on them too long (this means you cannot use a traditional mopping method on your hardwood floors), address cracks and breaks in the surface immediately. Taking proper care of the wood, and repairing any inevitable damage as quickly as possible will guarantee you a long life for your floors.

If any of the problems you encounter are beyond your area of knowledge, contact the manufacturer, and they will advise you as to the best course to protect your valuable floors.

Hardwood flooring is not cheap, so you may want to consider a home equity loan in order to put it in. It may be as wise an investment as an addition or a new bathroom or kitchen. But once you have put the money into it, make sure to protect this investment by keeping it in excellent condition.

Beautiful flooring will add a special touch of warmth and beauty to your home, but it will also add value to it. It may be one of the best investments you can make in your home, so it pays to take care of it.

Read more resources about penetrating stain and wax and home ideas information available here at this web.

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