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, July 10, 2009

Engagement Rings And Unique Diamond Shapes

By George Baycan

There are almost as many different styles and types of engagement rings as there are couples planning to get married. Finding the right types of engagement rings is an important step along the path to marriage. Looking beyond the common, traditional types of diamond engagement rings may be just the opportunity you have been searching for to find a really unique style.

A popular twist on the traditional engagement rings and wedding band sets is to use unique types of metals and gems. Engagement rings can now be made of the standard gold and silver, but platinum, titanium and palladium are also becoming more popular. There is also the option to use pink gold or combine different colors of gold and silver or other types of metals.

Bands can also be different shapes, although many engagement rings feature a relatively simple flat or round band. Other options can include curved bands, bands that interlock with the wedding ring or bands that are uniquely shaped as a combination engagement and wedding style set.

Heart, oval or round shaped diamonds can be used on an original type of band to make engagement rings less traditional, however changing the shape of the diamond can really make an impact.

Princess cut engagement rings have always been popular but continue to seen as a great option for any style of ring. The princess cut diamond is square in shape rather than round, but they are also tapered to a point on the underside. The cut increases the amount of light reflected through the ring. This gives a lot of fire and sparkle to a diamond, adding to the overall appearance of the ring.

For women that have longer fingers engagement rings that flow with the length of the hand is very flattering. A marquis cut diamond does just that as it is a very elongated oval with two pointed ends. This is an outstanding shape to make a smaller diamond look larger or to add an original look to a more traditional ring band.

Three stone engagement rings are a great way to combine other gems and traditional shaped diamonds with marquis, princess cut or Ascher cut diamonds. Baguette style diamonds will add to the beauty of either of these shapes without making the ring look heavy or bulky. Of course the more traditional diamond shapes also look terrific in groups of three, either all the same cut or featuring one or more shapes of diamonds.

Engagement rings are a symbol of love and unity, so choosing the right one is important. It is always best to learn as much as you can about diamonds and engagement rings before shopping so you are sure you are getting the quality she deserves.

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Womens Shoe Features And New Styles

By Otto Stapleton

Treating yourself to the best womans shoes bargains is the sign of a smart shopper. Scouting around and by shopping discount shoes from various online shoe store sources will generally snatch the best bargain. You'll find a variety of colors and styles including sneakers, boots and sandals by scouting online, making it easy to maintain your color-coordinated wardrobe.

A soothing summer nautical trend in tailored clothes that carries over into nautically inspired footwear. Embellishments, together with prints and toggles are used to bring more statement into the style.

Brazen colors and cocky designs may be exactly what you need to flavor you wardrobe. New styles, such as gladiator shoe, can add a knack and dash of adventure that will catch an approving eye. By searching various sources, one is usually able to get a great bargain in the process.

Jewel bedecked sandals and womans dress shoe designs on the gaudy edge always get a second look. If they are in good taste and stand up to the fashionista's glare, you're in vogue. Something edgy and fashion forward designs will be your wear experience.

Womans dress shoes with thick chunky high heels and wedge heels and tapered heels are also very popular as well as the peep-toe look. Gladiator shoes are the rage. A high-heeled or flat, strappy snake-print gladiator shoes is a very versatile style. It's all about balance and the person wearing them to pull off the look.

Don't buy cheaply made women shoes. It compromises quality and does hold up to inspection for the long run. You'll not be happy and onlooker will spot the deception. A shoe is an investment in style and you want to catch the brunt of the trend while being practical to your pocketbook.

What's popular now may go by the way tomorrow. By just paying attention to the clothing and footwear styles in magazine ads that do not sell clothes and shoes, you'll be on target. Advertising campaigns cost millions and every womens work shoes detail is carefully choreographed.

Tasteful womens dress shoes styles sometimes take center stage and grab the fashion spotlight. Sometimes actors opt for crazy horrendous styles. Be your own boss and choose well

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Compost Bin Designs You Should Consider

By Ferdinand Emy

Many people who live in urban areas and who are concerned about the smell of their compost disturbing their neighbors choose an enclosed compost bin design.

One of the most popular types of enclosed compost bin designs is the compost tumbler. In order to mix the materials, all you have to do is to turn the tumbler using a crank that is attached to the structure. You may notice that there is not a surplus of wooden compost bin designs. This is because of a very important reason. The waste materials are placed inside and the lid is closed.

As the waste materials break down, they have a tendency to also cause most woods to rot. When considering the purchase of a wooden compost bin always check to make sure that the wood is either naturally resistant to rot or treated. Some woods, such as cedar, are more resistant to rot and as a result can be used in compost bin designs. This type of compost bin design is an excellent choice if you do not have a lot of space.

This is a very simple and space saving way to benefit from composting. First, think of whether you need an enclosed compost bin. Of course, if you have more space available to you then you may wish to choose a larger compost bin design. Only limited types of wood can be efficiently used to make compost bins. Compost bins can be produced from a variety of different materials.

These are great if your home produces a lot of yard and kitchen waste and you want to make use of it by turning it into compost. This will help you to avoid having to replace your compost bin in the near future because of rot. There are many different types of compost bin designs available today. If you have never composed before trying to decide among the many different types of compost bin designs can certainly be quite confusing. While an enclosed compost bin is certainly not an essential, you may find it more convenient depending upon your needs.

You will find metal as well as plastic compost bin designs. This is why it is essential that you never place your compost bin directly next to a wooden structure. There are enclosed bins as well as open bins. It can be easily placed anywhere you wish.

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Advanced Basement Remodeling Ideas

By Casey Torren

So you have started working on your basement remodeling project a long time ago and have simply put it off for some time now. Perhaps your basement is being utilized as some sort of storage space, where somewhat worthless things are accumulated there for no particular reason. The good news is, you do not have to be stuck with that type of basement. Continue your project with some of these advanced tips.

Basement dimensions differ from one home to the next, so planning is really important. Carefully considering the many factors involving your basement remodeling project will end up with a fresh new space, which will be fun, comfortable and livable for many years to come.

Some of the challenges with basement remodeling include inadequate or zero natural light, musky smell, exposed ductwork, low ceilings and concrete structural beams. Regardless of these challenges, think of the more positive side. Imagine, a basement offers lots of raw space to work with. For instance, ductword can be concealed with hollow beams or drywall, generating an interesting soffited or coffered ceiling. A little bit of creativity will go a long way and make your basement remodeling tasks a bit simpler.

From the very beginning of the project, the purpose of your basement should already be established. This will give you a good head start on your remodeling project. What activities would you like to cater to? While you are thinking about this, also consider the available features your basement already has. Use these features to your advantage instead of working against them. For instance, basements are naturally cold and dark, so you may want to transform the space into a movie room, entertainment space or home gym.

Form and Function

Some basements are remodeled for the purpose of entertaining guests with a wet bar. If you are planning to incorporate a bathroom or wet bar, you need to focus on plumbing since pipes need to be placed underneath the cement floor. Once all plumbing has been incorporated, ascertain to fill in all cracks in the walls and flooring. If your basement does not already come with glass block windows, do employ them.

For the lighting, glass block windows are ideal. Glass block windows offer a variety of purposes: decorative appeal, light transmission and security. Next, make sure to employ an adequate number of electrical outlets and telephone lines to cater to thinks like lamps, computer modems, TVs and cable lines. To conceal cement walls, use drywall. Use acoustical tiles for your ceilings, as they are both appealing as well as offer easy access to utilities. Finally, employ a subfloor between the concrete and floor surface so that your basement will be dryer and warmer.

Basement Remodeling Secrets

Before installing the drywall, you can highlight essential areas by stretching a tape measure across your studs and snapping a digital photo. The picture can later be enlarged to establish precise measurements. If your home is quite new, and you have detachable basement windows, ascertain your framing is employed so the window is still detachable when the basement remodeling project is done.

Always hold your exterior wall frames approximately an inch off the walls. After you are done sanding your freshly drywalled walls, ready a container of water and a sponge. Dampen the sponge and clean the walls. This will eliminate dust as well as trace the outline of the mud compound on the wallboard to feather the materials well.

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Neckties For Men

By Pri Vag

No matter what style dilemma you've recently been beleaguered by, chances are there's an accessory that will solve it. Having a bad hair day? Sort it out with the latest must-have hat and get compliments all day long. Going away and need some new luggage? Check out our latest picks for every kind of holiday or business trip imaginable. In short, whether you need new shades, cufflinks, neckwear or gloves, or you want to learn all about the rules for wearing socks, turn here to stay on top of what's hot in the world of accessories.

Men's Accessories Fact:

Though in ancient times neckwear often signaled social status, it was during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) that neckties became a thing of fashion. When Serbian mercenaries in the French service of the Military Frontier wore traditional knotted neckerchiefs, the Parisians went crazy for them. Soon afterward, men and women across Europe started sporting fabric around their necks.

There is formal wear and there is black tie. If the invitation says "black tie," you better wear a tuxedo and make sure the tie is indeed black. If, however, it is a formal affair, a tailored dark suit in black or dark blue is appropriate. You may try a pinstriped suit if the stripe is very light, but you're better off with a solid color without a pattern or stripe.

The difficulty here, however, is how to complete your formal wear wardrobe with the right accessories. Choose your formal wear accessories poorly and you'll look like the new hire at his first office party.

Choose your formal wear accessories wisely and you'll have everyone's attention when you enter the room. The most important rules to remember for formal wear accessories are to go dark with subtle flashes of color, if any at all, and to delicately use patterns and stripes.

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Cars for Sale Philippines - How to Pull Off a Successful Deal

By Carla Carl

Have you finally found the cars for sale Philippines of your dreams? If you did, then you are indeed one of the luckier ones! All that is left standing between you and your car is its owner or the care agent. But do you know how you can bag the greatest deal in town? Here's how!

Always be in control. Finding the car of your dreams, even if it's a used one at that, is exiting and overwhelming but don't let anticipation rule over you. Let the salesman or car agent make the first offer. If you're lucky, he might even give you a discount right away! Anyway, you'll have your turn to make an offer, too.

Look for the negatives. Feel free to express any concerns you have with the car. Enumerate its many flaws. It can persuade the seller to give you the best deal they can offer, just to keep your interest.

Close the deal in style. Now that you've agreed about the price, it's time to settle the payment. If you're buying directly from the owner, long discussions are no longer needed. It's a straightforward process. But if you're buying from a car dealership, it's best to know the rates they are offering especially if you're already secured with your bank or credit union.

Seal the deal. Now that you've settled on the price, you need to discuss the payment terms next. If you're buying from a car dealership, know their rate offers, especially if you've secured a good interest with your bank or credit union. But if you're buying a secondhand car from its owner, the process will be more straightforward, since you'll be paying in cold cash.

Also ask for the written, not verbal, warranty and its terms for a more secured and binding agreement. It should include what the warranty covers, its expiration date, and other relevant facts. But it may be difficult to secure if you're directly buying from the owner.

After signing the contract and executing the payment as per your agreement, you need to secure that you have a copy of the car's documents. A complete copy of the papers should be given to you as well as to your bank, if you are financing it, as proof of ownership.

So, there you have it. An easy and fool-proof way to successfully pull off a great deal! Happy driving!

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How To Enhance Hardwood Floor With Decors

By Francis Sheldon

I love hardwood flooring. I think it looks elegant and timeless. Ancestral homes are usually in hardwood flooring and they look so classy. I like the sound of the click clacking of shoes on the floor. So posh!

When decorating a home with dark hardwood floors, consider buying either lighter colored furniture or just a shade different. For example, you don't want dark brown or black leather furniture on dark hardwood floor. The room will be unnoticeable and hard to discern its decor. You do not have to go to extremes but just add subtle color changes. For example, using a white or eggshell colored couch on dark brown floors offers the perfect contrast to your space. Vary your colors by just a few shades and add in interesting textures with throw pillows. A beautiful decorative throw is another way to add a punch of color when you have dark, hardwood floors.

Bright colors are often seen in the accessories. It's not uncommon to find a lamp, vase, throw pillows or chair in a bold color. The difference in color scheme breaks monotony in the room and enhances the hardwood floor even more.

Hardwood floor looks best with an area rug, especially one that goes well with the room's color scheme. The shape of the rug does wonders too. This is mostly the case when the rug is used as a focal point. A favorite is the round shape. If you're unlike me and prefers the quiet swoosh of feet on the floor, an area rug can help tame the sounds of shoes on the hardwood. Scratches too, a common wood damage, can be kept at bay with such a floor covering, particularly in high traffic zones.

For wintertime, runner rugs become a savior. These rugs are easy to put down and stash away as well. A runner rug in the bedroom will help keep your feet warm. I especially like putting one beside the bed so that whenever I wake up, I put down my feet on something warm and soft. I just have to refrain the urge to go back to bed. THAT is difficult every time.

Hardwood floor they say is the ideal material to display area rugs. Without hiding the gleam of the wood, you still get to shield it from damage. Rugs enhance the wood material and makes the living space more attractive. Finally, the room even with a formal looking flooring will still have that warm and inviting ambiance with area rugs around. I think it's just perfect!

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Buying New Baby Gifts: Unique Baby Gifts for a Baby Shower

By Edie Mindell

Sometimes choosing gifts for baby showers is not as simple as going to the store in which the expectant mother is registered, and picking an item on the list. Sometimes, mothers choose not to register with a specific store, and sometimes, they register with a store but when you print out the list, there are no items that were picked that fall in your budget.

There are even times when parents decide not to find out the gender of the baby until the date of birth. So you ask yourself, "What do I do in this circumstance? What kind of gift can I buy? What kind of gift would be suitable for any baby, whether they be a boy or a girl?" When it comes to deciding on a unisex gift for a baby shower, choosing general items that are essential for every baby is key.

Today, there are tons of unisex baby clothes available in the market. Go to your local baby department store, or check the infants clothing department of any major department store. You are bound to find different types and styles of unisex clothing for babies from 0 to 24 months. If you are technology savvy and an avid online shopper, unisex baby clothes can also be found online. There are some great online deals for unisex baby clothes, so be sure to surf the web for competitive prices.

Many baby accessories like baby blankets, baby bottles, pacifiers, and diaper bags usually come in unisex styles. A light green color or a soft yellow are common colors used for both buys and girls. A lot of diaper bags and blankets are already unisex, so finding one should not be difficult. Baby bottles and pacifiers are general items that all babies use, and come in standard, unisex styles most of the time.

Infant and toddler toys are another great idea when it comes to choosing a unisex present for a baby shower. Mobiles, plush toys, teething toys, bath toys, and plastic baby-safe books are good general toys. Learning and activity toys are becoming more and more popular, and are great for developing the little ones mind and intellect.

Baby Einstein, Leapfrog, Fisher Price, and Little Tikes make toys for infants and toddlers that are amazing for teaching babies the basics before preschool. Some of the most popular games include those that teach babies the alphabet, numbers, basic language, shapes, and the most primary fundamentals of science and geography. Toys that develop a childs musical ear and that deal with identifying sounds are also very popular today.

A classic unisex gift idea for a baby shower that never fails is to create a gift basket with all the essentials. Here you can include diapers, baby bottles, pacifiers, small toys, and you can throw in some candy for the mommy-to-be. Add your own flair by decorating it, again, in colors that are not directly associated with either the male or female gender (like blue or pink). Baby baskets are a fun gift and are very useful for the babys parents. Dont forget to make it cute and creative!

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