So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Mountain Top Rodeo at Dahlonega

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

Would you like to be the great hero just like in the movies? Rodeo- a fierce game consisting of horse and man is an adventure that Georgians would not miss for the world to see. Being part of a rodeo show is like partaking into the most challenging adventure of a lifetime. Then hop in that horse and join the Rodeo show. You are sure to garner legions of fans from the spectators.

Spectators likewise can take part of the gorgeous scenery and have fun taking pictures and images of the perfect surroundings. The mountain top is a great choice for this year's Rodeo Show at Dalonega, Georgia. The air is breezy and cool, the atmosphere is crisp. It is the perfect venue for an action packed scene. Horses are well-bred and cared for and will surely enjoy and be at their prime health in the midst of the mountain air.

We often see this scene in the movies, the horse bearing the hero. Rodeo is a sport that is a classic crowd favorite. It involves riding a horse and catching a small buck or small cow through the use of a rope. The hero usually uses the rope to catch the girl of his dreams. Rodeo looks easier in the movies and in cartoons but harder in real life.

A day of watching Rodeo truly makes the heart skip a beat and sends chills down the spine. It is a heart stomping and nerve wracking action. Rodeo heroes ought to observe proper decorum especially in attire so as to avoid accidents and emergencies.

Vote for your most favorite rider, take a bet and hope to win large on the winnings. Come to the Mountain Top rodeo at Dahlonega, Georgia and bring your favorite camera. Also, don't forget to bring your friends along for a guaranteed fun!

About the Author:

Rogers Farmers Market at Rogers, Arkansas

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

To start with, let us further review the advantages of Farmers Markets over traditional grocery style stores. Many people get bogged down as to where they can find the best and freshest fruits and vegetables in the vicinity. With this kind of dilemna one is faced with the possibility of buying from Farmers Markets, a place where the ingredients are fresh and cultivated in a safe way. In Farmer's Markets, the produces are always in a good condition and fruits are always in season.

*Produces (i.e. vegetables and fruits) are always fresh, fruits are sold in season- Farmers do not pick fruits that are not in season to be able to preserve the freshness. In farmers markets the produces are guaranteed fresh because they are often handpicked by the farmers on the wee hours of the morning because it is sold. That is farmers markets usually open from 8-12 noon and prices usually goes down before noon because the vegetables ar enot fresh anymore.

*Guaranteed lower prices- this is because at Farmers Markets there are no rental fees and middlemen fees that is why you only get to pay for the exact price of your commodity.

*You get to know what you're eating- at Farmers Market you can ask the farmers on the process that they used in cultivating their crop. You can have first hand information that what you eat is being processed from the freshest and safest process of culitvation.

*Farmers usually belong in an association that caters to the needs of their fellow farmers and their chosen charities. You get to help the farmers' community and support their endeavors.

*Farmers Markets are fun ways to go out and bond with your friends nad bask in the exciting crowd. It is a place where you can meet your future favorite supplier.

About the Author:

Women's Shoes of the 50's

By Ocianne Lambert

Shoes in the 50's really completed the get-up for ladies. Still today, if you are dressing up for a Halloween party or local Sock Hop themed dance, you need the right shoes and socks to get your outfit just right.

Although heals and flats were popular during this period, saddle oxfords were the staple an any girls wardrobe. With the comfort of your oxfords and the flair of a poodle skirt- the perfect outfit was complete with the right shoes. Worn on dates, to school, football games and dances, black and white oxfords (complete with white shoe laces) were a necessity for any girl in the 1950's.

Flats were also popular. The 'ballet' shoe was a common flat worn by girs to school and church. Often they would be worn with white socks with lace that was folded over at the ankle.

Also, the penny loafer was really popular during this time. Both men and women wore loafers. Much like the loafers we see today, they had a slit that was on the tongue of the shoe, by the ankle that one could put a penny in (hence the name). If the shoes were really hot, you could put a quarter in it.

Many believe that the most popular shoe of the 1950's was the stiletto-healed shoe. Some being as high as 5 inches, they came in both open and closed (and pointy) toed variaties. They were first seen at the Dior Fashion Show in 1952 and really made a splash for the next decade or so.

Saddle oxfords and oxfords are different. These were also worn by both men and women. Many referred to these as Balmorals, and they came in the same style as saddle shoes, but didn't necessarily have to be black and white, but all kinds of colors.

A popular type of high heel was Mary Janes. These came in all different heights and colors. They typically had strap that went over the top of the foot. These were worn almost anywhere: church, parties, dates, sock hops and shopping.

Shoes would never be complete without the right socks and bobby socks were some of the most popular. Starting in the late 40's, these socks were usually folded over at the ankle. Often, these socks were used for school uniforms, during this period- but became popular with saddle shoes, loafers and/or oxfords.

About the Author:

Insuring An Imported Car

By Tom Martens

If you are planning to purchase, or if you have already purchased, an imported car, getting the vehicle insured so you can get it on the road is a top priority. However, finding coverage for your import can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive. But it's not impossible. Just be ready to ask questions and possibly contact several insurance agents to get the coverage you need.

While you can often get a good deal on the purchase of an imported car, you may lose the money you save on the purchase price by having to pay higher insurance premiums. That's why you should shop around and get several quotes to find the most competitive rate. If you are importing a sports care, you almost certainly will pay more for coverage. That's because sports cars are more prone to crashes.

Most insurers will cover an imported car as long as they locate the VIN numbers. If they cannot locate this registration number, then it is up to you to see if they can find the exact model your car in their look-up table. If that doesn't work, you will have to see an agent for another company.

Some companies only insure the most popular models of imports. They may only insure them for market value, not replacement cost. Other companies will write policies for modified vehicles, but only as long as the modifications are not significant. If you make substantial modifications to your imported car, then you will have to find a carrier that specializes in import cars. "Substantial" means different things to different companies, and sometimes small differences in the work on your car can make big differences in the price you are quoted. That's why it is important to ask around and to ask lots of questions as you get your insurance quotes.

In addition, some insurance providers will not insure imports that are European versions of a UK car, but with left hand drive. This is something to keep in mind when importing a car and trying to obtain an insurance quote.

It is also very important to check your security fittings. These could have a great impact on your vehicle's eligibility for coverage, not to mention the cost of the policy. Not having the right security fittings will either raise your premiums dramatically, or cause the company to reject your car for coverage altogether. Make sure you get detailed information on security fittings before you import your car.

It's true that finding the right policy for your imported car is usually a chore, but it is not impossible. Research, and ask questions. Get your dealer to give you advice. Ask your insurance provider if joining a club or organization of imported car owners will get you a lower rate?often times insurance companies may special deals with organizations of imported car owners. Make sure you get all the breaks that due to you. Finally, make sure you purchase comprehensive insurance for your vehicle. It's an expensive investment, and you want it fully covered.

About the Author:

EA Sports Active - The Virtual Gym

By Carl Ferguson

Wii Fit started the fitness craze, and EA Sports Active definitely picks up on that with this game. This game, EA Sports Active, provides what so many people really wanted with the Wii Fit. It provides an entire program for working out, complete with various exercises you can use. No, it is not like having a personal trainer or heading to the gym, but for a game, it definitely provides a great way to work out and get fit.

Because of the mass appeal it has, there is no doubt that EA Sports Active will be a huge hit. Whether you enjoy sports, you like doing cardio, strength training is your thing, or you want to focus on flexibility, there are exercises for you included in this exciting game. After all, this is what has made these types of games so popular. No matter whether you are a kid or a bit older, you can still play this since there are no restrictions on age for the game.

It makes a movement in the opposite direction of most gaming consoles. With other consoles, you grab a soda and a snack and sit down in your favorite chair for hours of laziness. With the Wii (and this game in particular) you're up off the couch burning calories. If you're not in shape, this game will probably make you wish you would have stayed in shape. The introductory workout will definitely leave you in a pool of sweat in most cases.

The big draw of this game is the vast variety of exercises that you can utilize. The big problem with most workout programs in real life is that you get tired of them. Whenever you saw that workout machine on the infomercial, it looked great. You swore that you were going to be able to use it every day religiously for the next 10 years. Then after a month, you started making up excuses to get out of it. The same thing goes for the gym membership that you bought on January 2nd. You'll never run into that problem with EA Sports Active.

Once you get tired of an exercise, you can pick one of the many others available. If you want to work on the speed bag, you can do it. Then maybe you can go on to work on a jump serve playing volleyball. You can go and start jogging on track right away as well. Maybe you aren't into sports. There are strength training workouts you can use too. There are particular groups of exercises too, such as for your lower or upper body.

You can actually customize EA Sports Active, which is one of the great benefits to the game. You are able to choose various exercises that will be developed into a workout that is unique for you. You can turn on the game each day and it knows what you have done in the past few days and keeps track of calories burned too.

You can also just do one exercise if that is what you want to do. Of course the 30 day workout program is one of the big values you get with this game. It can give you a workout you can stick with that is easy, difficult, or medium difficulty.

Overall, EA Sports Active is a great tool to get in shape or maintain your health. It gives you variety, which is something that real workouts can't always offer. This is a great tool for everyone to use.

About the Author:

June Is Enjoy The Garden Month With Lights

By Kent Higgins

Spring Flowering Bulbs

The last of the late flowering bulbs made their exit in May. Many inexperienced gardeners remove the yellowing or unsightly foliage. The bulbs from which these plants grow are specialized organs that store the food manufactured by the leaves. If the foliage is removed this important function is lost. Not only is this food important to next years flower production, but without it the exhausted bulb cannot produce new bulbs through division.

Foliage should be left on the plants until it dries up of its own accord. Even after flowers are through, watering is essential if the bulbs are to cure properly.

Plant Labels

In this day of plant specialization the identification of plants is very important. There are many different kinds of labels available. The label should be as permanent as possible and be lettered lightly. The method of attachment should be such that there can be no mistake as to what plant is meant. Information other than just names may be put on the labels. For instance in labeling roses it would be wise to indicate the color class (dark red, red blend, etc.). This helps immeasurably when hurriedly cutting for a show as it will save a great deal of time getting the specimens entered. If you visit other gardens to observe new varieties being tested, the labels will prove invaluable. In this gardening world today practically no one is interested in plants unless they know the name of the variety. There is no time like the present to begin labeling the plants in your garden.

Summer Bulbs

June is the last call for many summer bulbs such as canna, caladium, tigridias, nerine lilies, and gladiolus. If these can be obtained as potted or pre-started plants, particularly canna and caladium, the chances for success are better. These plants actually are all semi-tropical and grow better after the soil and air are evenly warm. Continue to plant dahlias for a source of late color in the garden. It is still possible to get dahlia flowers from seeds started this month. Many gardeners prefer the new hybrids because their smaller size makes them much more in scale for indoor use.

Insects Control

The bag worms will make their annual bid for the garden in June. These pests devour the foliage from many plants and trees, mostly conifers, and especially arbor-vitae. The control is Sevin or natural neem oil in spray form with soap or a sticker to make it adhere to the plant. Bagworms appear as small black worms (caterpillars) carrying a webby pouch with them. As they mature the bag is fastened to a twig and the life cycle is completed as the pupa inside this bag. Another pest appearing now is the lace wing bug, especially on pyracantha. They are rather small winged bugs with a very decorative wing pattern. As they are sucking insects, a contact insecticide is required. Malathion will do the trick on them.

Garden Lights

June is the first month when evenings are warm enough to enjoy the garden landscape at night. Check into installing solar landscape lights to dramatize your garden. In lighting, select only certain areas to light completely and subdue other areas with partial lighting. If permanent lights are not possible there are many styles of portable lights that can be used. Do not overlook the value of these for working in the garden in late evening.

About the Author:

Crafts to Business

By Ian Kleine

Sure, you have the tools and the finances needed to start your very own business, but what business will you start? You often hear the terms "You should do what you love and do what you do best" or "Be in the know with what you're doing, and do it for the sake of craft, and not for money". Well, let me tell you something, the world is a bit more complicated than that which can be explained by a few quotes.

With the argument of doing something you like versus it's profitability; let us take the universal truth, most people do not need trinkets and baubles. Perhaps if they have the money to spare, of if they have something they truly love; then they will spend money on it.

Unless your craft includes valued stones and gems (which are all good investments for the future), most people will not give in their money for something that would be seldom used or moderately valuable stuff. In any case, think as to the value and what your product can give to people. Educate and elucidate the use and practicality of your item in order to coax them to buy.

Belief and practicality are different. Your terms of people will buy this, is different from what actual people need. If the mass doesn't need, or doesn't like your product, don't force it. Simply look for other markets that will readily accept your products. Forcing it will merely provoke reports of unintentional harassment in their part and yours.

When you do find your calling, give it your very best, like your business depends on it. Because it does! Improve upon your trade and give people the aura that it's a good investment. And prove that it is a very good business to settle on. Create networks and socialize to enforce your craft.

About the Author:

Craft Business

By Ian Kleine

Ever wondered what makes a person successful in business? It's not about having a good market, or having a good niche, or having a good amount of clients (although that would help quite a lot).

It is about having a good relationship with your work. Yes, your relationship with your business. After all, how would one succeed with something you would disagree with? To make good with business, you must like your business; and I'd daresay, you must enjoy and make your business a part of your life.

If you have a hobby of crafting, then why not venture out in to the business world armed with your doohickeys and crockery? In these days, it is not strange for small business enterprises to brave the outdoors and come back big or even bigger than before. It is in the matter of the entrepreneur's initiative, motivation and creativy to bevel competition and use it as an inclination to push one's business up the ladder of today's society.

If you want to make money out of your hobby, it is wise that you INVEST first in your craft. With technique and equipment comes efficiency and reliability, and with efficiency and reliability comes a strong market base and profit.

The rule of business is to make one coin higher than what you had spent. Using your hobby as a foundation of your business is a most-agreed upon idea even ages before. But of course, one has to consider the market and the environment too. It is not impossible that you only have one craft or hobby. Think about what your community wants, and from there, exploit that need. If your place is a naturally cold place, wouldn't scarves be a profitable venture? Hot as the desert sun? A refreshment stand is sure to be a hit.

Festivals are good places to let your community know, that another entrepreneur has entered the market.

About the Author:

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