Helpful Tips for Planning a Memorable Baby Shower for Mom-To-Be

By Edie Mindell

Today, baby shower etiquette has evolved from a set of rules and procedures to a few flexible guidelines from which to base the structure of your shower on. Although there are no specific rules on how to host your baby shower, there are some basic rules of thumb that will help you have an amazing shower that will be comfortable and enjoyable for you and your guests. This article will answer all of the questions that you may have in mind and will address the issues at hand that matter when planning a baby shower.

Who should host the baby shower?

Years ago, the tradition was for non-related friends or co-workers to host the shower. However, today, many expectant mothers like for their own mothers and sisters to plan and host the event. The decision of who should host of the shower is completely up to you. In todays society, anyone from the mommys sister, to her mom, to her best friend, to her co-worker, is acceptable. There is no right or wrong host. The important part here is that whoever decides to host the baby shower be close to the mother and know her very well, in order to plan and execute the event according to her taste and preferences.

When is it appropriate to have the baby shower?

Typically, a baby shower is held about one to two months before the babys due date. This is a good time because the mother will know the gender of the baby by this date, and it will be easier to shop for gifts knowing if the baby will be a boy or a girl. One or two months before the babys birth date also gives the mother time to buy the items that she did not receive or that she is missing, before the babys arrival. Some people prefer to have the shower a few weeks after the baby is born. This is also perfectly acceptable, and completely up to you.

Where should the shower take place?

Depending on the number of guests, hosts can choose to have the shower at a house, a restaurant, or a banquet hall. The location of the baby shower is the hosts decision, and is dependant on the budget, too. When choosing the place for the celebration, consider the size of your audience, the mommys preferences, and the total costs.

Can I invite men to the baby shower?

Whether you decide to have an all-women baby shower or a co-ed baby shower is up to you. Years ago, most women had women-only showers, but today, co-ed baby showers have become increasingly popular. This gives the daddy-to-be, his friends, and male members of the family a chance to participate in the celebration.

When making decisions about the baby shower, it is critical to cater to the mommy-to-be and her preferences. There are no set dos and donts in todays society. More and more taboos have been broken, and many things have become appropriate and acceptable, as long as the expectant parents are happy with the celebration.

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Using Flower Delivery To Los Angeles

By Julie Spencer

When you consider flower delivery to Los Angeles there are several things to keep in mind. Unlike other parts of the United States, Los Angeles usually maintains a hot climate throughout the year so growing flowers is usually one of the easiest things to do in this area. Local florists spend a lot of time growing flowers in hothouses all across the states but often you can get a discount on flower delivery to Los Angeles because flower growing is more common.

You have many choices when it comes to flower delivery to Los Angeles. You can choose to order your flowers directly by calling the florist or stopping in, ordering by telephone with a telephone floral system, calling your own florist and asking for flower delivery to Los Angeles or ordering your flowers online.

Ordering your flowers directly. When you are looking for flower delivery to Los Angeles, you can order your flowers directly by either calling the florist or stopping in. The plus side of this is that you can see the flowers that you want to purchase if you stop in. The negative aspect of ordering flowers this way is that you have to know which florist you are using as well as the phone number. If you do not live in the Los Angeles area, you are really taking your chances.

If you order your floral arrangement by phone you may run into some problems with your flower delivery to Los Angeles. It is convenient to use the phone to order you do not get to view the flowers that you plan to order.

Calling your own florist. When you call your own florist in your area for flower delivery to Los Angeles and you do not live in the area, they will contact a florist in Los Angeles to send the flowers to your intended recipient. However, although you may love your local florist, you have no idea who they are using on the Los Angeles end. You also have to go in to make the purchase if you want to see what you are sending

Online delivery. Online floral delivery is rising in popularity because it enables the giver to see the flowers as they will appear, choose the arrangement, bouquet or flowers that they want and also see the price. People can order flowers from anywhere in the world for flower delivery to Los Angeles using an online flower service.

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What Are The Most Popular Brands Of Contact Lenses?

By Amy Nutt

Contact lenses have become the most desired form of vision correction available today. This is largely due to the fact that they are not as obtrusive as glasses and can be fairly easy to use with training. Individuals who are looking at purchasing a pair for the first time may be a bit perplexed as to what to expect. Thankfully, many optometrists and ophthalmologist as well as their assistants know how to teach people how to apply and remove contacts.

Another consideration for new users is what brand to use and for what purpose. For instance, if a person has astigmatism, what company should they investigate in order to find the best contacts available? Also, if one wants contacts for mere aesthetic purposes (i.e. to change your eye color), who has the best color hues and prices?

There are numerous companies that make both hard and soft contact lenses, so what you choose could merely be a matter of pricing and selection. For instance, some companies do not make contact lenses for astigmatism, which may narrow you options. Others steer clear of color contact manufacturing.

Below is a list of the top contact lens companies and the kinds of lenses they offer. Which one you choose will be based on your prescription and preferences during the time of purchase.

Focus

Focus contacts offer a variety of styles and choices for any one who is looking to procure contact lenses. Not only do they offer a color line called soft colors, they have lenses designed for daily, weekly and even monthly wear. Focus also offers Toric lenses which are designed for people with astigmatism. You can buy Focus contact lenses in packs of 30 or 90.

Acuvue

Like Focus, Acuvue offers a wide variety of lenses for daily and weekly wear but they also have lenses for those with bifocal prescriptions. Their color lenses, which are said to be easier to wear than most, have a two color grid that makes them appear more natural. These colored lenses come in opaque, for a complete color change, or in enhancers, which highlight the natural color of the eye.

Freshlook

Freshlook contacts are well known for their shades and have the most natural looking color lenses in the industry. Their color brands include Colorblends, Dimensions and Freshlook colors. Freshlook Colorblends are the most popular because they offer a 3 in 1 technology that blends three different shades for a more realistic look. Dimensions by Freshlook on the other hand, are used to enhance your natural eye color while Freshlook colors are opaques that can alter the eye significantly. Freshlooks are often the most referred contacts for those who wish to use lenses for cosmetic purposes.

PureVision

Pure Vision is actually a line by the well know manufacturer Bausch and Lomb. It includes contacts that can be worn for up to 30 days. Pure vision comes in Toric and multifocal styles for people with special vision correction needs.

If you truly desire to learn more about your choices and options ask you doctor as he can most likely recommend a brand that will best suit your needs.

Caring for and cleaning lenses

One of the most important aspects of buying lenses is buying the essentials necessary to keep them clean. Lenses that are not properly kept up can cause eye infections that, if left untreated, can further damage your sight.

When in doubt, ask your eye doctor about the proper solutions and methods you need to keep your contacts in tip top shape. If you follow your doctors advice, your contact lenses should last for their duration of implied wear keeping you and your vision healthy and vibrant.

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Diving Regulators

By Ed J Price

The best scuba regulator is needed for diving whether you are new to scuba diving or an experienced. There are different regulators for different diving conditions. For instance, warm water regulators and cold water ones.

Update on Regulators

The technologically advanced carbon fiber regulator that was lightweight was introduced in the year 2008. It was compact, yet was able to perform. The second stage case came in sixty five percent lighter than its metal cousins.

The Sherwood Gemini model became a star in the alternate inflator category and scored points with its ease for its breathing features and well designed and placed controls. Beyond the weight-it's light, nitrox-ready, and rated "excellent" at moderate breathing rates at both 132 and 165 feet.

What to Look for in Regulators

Most divers look for durability when it comes to regulators. The Sherwood Oasis is a good warm-water regulator. Many of its models were tested for durability, service hours, annual servicing, corrosion issues, and peak performance. Along with the innovation of diving regulators, most were durable. But like any other fine piece of equipment, following the manufacturers recommendation.

The Blizzard is another regulator that is able to keep out moisture and icing. This was only a small part of this regulators feature. Apart from this model, a bubble deflector exhaust tee reduced the bubble size increasing the line of vision.

A top pick for 2008, the SR1 by Sherwood boasts a 360-degree swivel which works with both a yoke and DIN attachment. With its astonishing two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports, it is excellent for all-weathering diving. This scuba regulator has it all but the 360-degree swivel was remarkable and is a must to us all.

Alternative Dive Regulators

Alternate inflation regulators exceedingly functional and are integrated into the power inflator, removing the traditional octopus hose. Due to its small housings geared at keeping them ergonomically correct, they were challenging to make. Experts have given the nod to many of these inflation regulators on todays market, leaving expectations for more advancement in these dive regulator models.

What to Expect

After taking a look at many different models of dive regulators that were mostly connected to the Sherwood range, many questions have been answered on which best suits you. The scuba regulator is key to the aqua lung when diving so be sure you take the time to do some more proper research on the type of regulator that you need.

About the Author:

Ed J Price has had a keen interest in Scuba Diving for many years. For more pointers and guidelines on the best Scuba Regulator, in particular the Sherwood Regulator, check out his online resource site now.

Replica Jewelry Gives You Fashion for Less

By Elvin Retinz

If you have designer jewelry tastes without the budget to match, you can still enjoy the styles of your favorite designers at a price you can afford. The answer for you is designer replica jewelry. Designer jewelry is replicated by many other jewelry companies, and some of these replicas look so real and convincing that only you will know that it is not really the real thing. However, before you buy the jewelry, it is helpful to understand how you can tell a real piece of jewelry from a fake piece of designer jewelry and how to shop for the best piece of replica jewelry you can find.

The Hallmarks of a Great Product

Most high quality replica jewelry makers mimic the designer brands exactly in the product design but keep the costs down by using cheaper materials. That is why a replica ring that looks like a Tiffany diamond ring can be a quarter of the price or less - it looks the same, but the diamond is not real and instead of platinum, the ring setting may be sterling silver or some other less expensive material.

If you want to spot the real thing however, all you have to do is look for the hallmark. When a jewelry designer uses a so called precious metal when creating their piece of jewelry, they are required by federal law in the United States to mark their jewelry with a hallmark - a company logo or insignia that shows where that piece of jewelry came from. When a hallmark has to be used is dictated by how much of the metal is used in the setting. Replica makers do not use enough of the metal to require a hallmark, while high end jewelry designers always do.

One thing to watch out for, however - some replica jewelry makers try to convince their customers that they are using precious metals, so they can try to charge a higher price. Simply look for the hallmark on the product. If you don't see one, the jewelry maker is trying to scam you.

Let the Experts Weigh In

Many replica jewelry makers do things like replacing precious stones with semi precious stones in their jewelry designs to cut down on production costs. However, semi precious stones are not necessarily cheap, and there is another level of stones - imitations made from plastics - that some replica designers use instead. These are used on necklaces, earrings and even celtic engagement rings.

Whereas jewelry made with semi precious stones may cost a few hundred dollars, jewelry made from plastics can cost less than $10. However, some replica jewelry makers attempt to sell plastics at semi precious prices. Get your jewelry checked out by an appraiser even when buying semi precious stones to make sure you are not getting taken to the cleaners.

About the Author:

Elvin Retinz often publishes online reports on ideas relating to irish wedding and celtic engagement rings. You can come across his writings on celtic engagement ring and celtic engagement rings on his site.

Give Your Son a Bedroom Makeover with These Paint Ideas

By Debra That Painter Lady Conrad

Most children like their bedroom to reflect their own personality and interests. With a bit of imagination and a few pots of paint a plain boy's room can be turned into a place of their very own. By all means surprise him - but it won't harm to get some ideas and feedback from the intended resident.

Themed Rooms for Boys

Paint can recreate whole environments, from outer space to underwater and there's bound to be a way to adapt a room to suit your son's interests. Many boys will be thrilled with a bedroom that recreates cowboy country, outdoor activities, sporting themes or cars - but you may want to beware of excess gender-stereotyping. Identify some key motifs or visual effects that can be replicated in paint. You could go for themed and coordinated accents rather than recreating a total fantasy world.

If Harry Potter is your boy's passion, you could recreate a castle bedroom, complete with stenciled masonry work. For a futuristic look, metallic and luminous paint can create a room straight out of the Starship Enterprise. On a budget, or for a more restrained look, clever use of selected motifs and color can endow rooms with the required atmosphere without a total makeover. A favorite sports team's colors and logo can be the basis of a themed room.

Imaginative ways to use paint in themed rooms are legion. A young car fanatic might be amused by road markings painted on the floor or faux tire tracks stenciled on the walls. You don't have to stick to murals or borders depicting cars. If the theme is the Wild West or a castle, you can use faux painting techniques to simulate a distressed or antique look. Metallic paints can be used to simulate chrome, bronze and metal features appropriate to a particular theme.

How far you go when decorating your boy's room depends on his age and his fascination. Children's interests can change as crazes come and go.

Color Schemes and Paints

Themed rooms often invite particular color schemes and treatments. If you're not going for a theme, consider a color scheme that doesn't show the dirt that many small boys seem to attract. Washable, scuff-resistant paints are recommended for active boy's rooms.

Special Paints

A variety of novelty paints on the market can be used to add fun to your boy's room. Chalkboard paint comes in black and green (or makes your own in other colors). You can paint it on walls or cupboards, creating an instant, reusable canvas that will provide hours of entertainment. Magnetic paint can be used to create a notice board or a place to pin pictures with magnets. Using luminous paint you can create a tranquil starry sky for your child to contemplate before falling asleep.

About the Author:

Getting your boy's room ready? Visit ThatPainterLady.com for tons of decorating ideas and find popular nursery theme ideas for boys too.

Online dating scams on the rise

By Tracy Anderson

Looking for your true love on the Internet in time for Valentine's Day? Interested in meeting the girl of your dreams? Searching far and wide on your computer for that sexy lady you've always wanted?

Before you listen to your heart and start a relationship online, keep an open mind and be on the lookout for con artists who are after your money. The Internet is full of swindlers and you may be their next victim!

Sweetheart scams are on the rise and no dating site is immune to them, according to Julie Ferguson, executive director of the Merchant Risk Council, which tracks scams for online retailers.

Dale Miskell, supervisory special agent in charge of an FBI cybercrime squad in Birmingham, Alabama, said scam artists usually post fake profiles to online dating sites or hang out in chat rooms, preying on lonely souls looking for love.

They use colorful pseudonyms like "single and available", "seeking my soul mate", or "searching for someone." After finding the perfect victim, they befriend that person, offering love and companionship and often lure the unsuspecting victim with flowers or candy purchased with a stolen credit card.

Once you're hooked, they ask you to do favors for them at your expense of course! This usually involves sending money to Nigeria or another country using an irreversible method like a wire transfer.

The UK Office of Fair Trading said scam artists may give the following reasons why they need your help --- and your money:

"I want to meet you but I don't have enough money to travel to see you."

"I have been robbed and beaten. I require urgent surgery or treatment for a serious illness or me or my family member has been a victim of a serious or fatal accident and you are the only person who can help."

"I am stranded abroad and I don't have money for travel or visa costs."

The U.S. Secret Service and other agencies have repeatedly issued warnings about these so-called Nigerian scams (also known as "419" or "advance-fee" frauds), But as American showman P.T. Barnum once said, "there's a sucker born every minute" and many more are suckers for love.

If you've found a new love interest on the Web, be wary if that person asks for money for whatever reason. Don't get sweet-talked into parting with your hard-earned cash and be suspicious if your new found love looks like a model or a movie star. Chances are the scammer has grabbed that picture elsewhere and pasted it on her profile.

About the Author:

To make your meeting memorable, don't forget to give your date a bouquet of beautiful red roses or other special flowers professionally designed and hand delivered by your local florist. This is a classic expression of love that will surely captivate anyone's heart. For details, visit http://www.discountflowerdeliverytroy.info.

A Few Touches Can Transform Your Bathroom

By Adam Peters

It has been shown that upgrading your bathroom is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Besides that, it will make your early morning personal chores so much easier and more enjoyable with an updated bathroom. There are so many new and wonderful designs for bathrooms that are available today, that you will have no problem finding the right look and design for your taste. Here are some of the features that can make your bathroom a pleasure for you and the envy of your friends.

New construction and design combined with old fashioned aesthetics make pedestal sinks an attractive addition to modern bathrooms. Many people love the clean look of a sink resting on a pedestal instead of on top of a vanity cabinet. The pipes of the sink are hidden in the pedestal and all you see is a graceful column under the sink. Of course, all that great storage space in the cabinet is sacrificed, so you have to decide which is more important, looks or storage. You can always add a shelf unit for additional storage.

Tubs have also changed recently, with the strict lines of the rectangular tub giving way to longer, deeper and other types of over sized tubs. Perhaps you have never been a "bath" person, preferring showers, but if you had a big comfortable tub to soak in, it might change your outlook.

A new shower will also add immensely to your bathroom area. If you replace a tub with a shower, you will gain space, and the new showers have great features such as multiple shower heads from different angles, flexible hose shower heads, massaging shower heads and built in seats.

One of the easiest ways to add a new look to the bath is to replace the flooring. If you have older flooring, this may be a great idea anyway since the new floor materials are so much better at repelling water. Stone and ceramic floor tiles have become very popular for this reason. You can also add some additional luxury by installing a heated floor so your tootsies won't be cold when you come out of the tub or shower.

There are so many new innovations when it comes to bathroom design, and because they are becoming more and more popular, they are reasonably available to most people today. The stress of everyday life can disappear when you have a comfortable, modern bathroom.

Read more articles about bathroom wall cabinets and bathroom vanities information available here.

About the Author:

Adam Peters contributes adding content to magazines.Read more about bathroom wall cabinets at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/BathroomVanities.html