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

Sunday, August 23, 2009

A Men's Watch Is His Most Important Accessory

By Samantha Whittel

I've said it before, a men's watch is the single most important accessory a man can own--it is an essential style element. As you might imagine, I am acutely aware of these kinds of details. I've simply noticed too many casual watches making their way into office, work and formal settings. It screams sloppy. I urge all of you who wear your multi-function sport watches with your suits and other dressier attire to pick up something a little more sophisticated.

First Consider Your Lifestyle. I do suggest having a couple of different watches for both work and play if your lifestyle merits it or you simply like having variety. When buying a dressier watch however, you should choose something that is classic; really lasting. I'm not as concerned about sporty/technical watches since they have a tendency to be less expensive--such as those made by Nike, Casio and the like. And let me be honest, there's nothing stylish about them anyway - they are just about function. Now if you have a sporty watch like the Omega Seamaster, that's a different story. Can we say James Bond 007?

And just to clarify, if your watch has a night-vision feature, measures distances, calculates altitude, has a compass, has a rubber strap, and/or has a digital display, it is the absolute wrong wristwatch to wear to a more formal occasion be it the office, a more formal gathering, etc.

Here is a list of things to consider when looking for your watch. A Stainless-Steel Bracelet: Stainless steel is more practical than leather and is certainly more durable. It's dressy enough to be worn with a business suit yet casual enough for other events and occasions. Not only is it versatile, but it's waterproof to boot. You could always go for gold if you wanted to drop some serious cash, but be careful since it might give an unfavorable impression.

The Face: Another thing that gets me when it comes to watches is the size of the watch face relative to the wrist that's wearing it. On bigger men a standard watch face can end up looking like a ladies watch. Watch makers are continually coming out with watches that have larger than standard faces. In fact, it has become quite a trend. I personally love bigger watch faces whether you're a big guy or not, it's a great look. On another note, even Paris Hilton has been spotted wearing an oversize 47MM Jacob & Co. watch, so it's even a great look for women as long as the watch has some pink, yellow, white or diamonds on it.

Water Resistance: It's a great feature if you shower or swim with your watch on, but let's be honest, who really does that? I like Because if you get caught in the rain or get your watch accidentally wet, you don't have to worry. And by the way, water resistant can mean several things so be sure to ask to what degree the watch really is resistant. Some watches will resist moisture from accidental splashing, rain, sweat, etc. which everyone would agree at least that level of moisture resistance is most definitely needed. Others will resist moisture up to certain depths of water such as 50 or 100 meters which is great for divers. An example of this is the Graham Chronofighter Diver's watch.

The Color of the Face and Strap: There is a trend to have dials and straps in exciting colors. Take for example the Jacob & Co. brand watches. There is no end to the amount of colors on the face band and casing. When building a classic wardrobe stick to the neutral colors that you know will blend and look appropriate in a business or formal setting. Save the trendy colors for a second or third watch for pleasure events or travel if you must.

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Colleges for Interior Design

By Michael James

Do you have an aptitude for interior design? Are you always rearranging your room, or telling your friends and family that that piece of pottery they bought yesterday would look great over there? Then, the best place you could be to utilise your skills is one of the many interior design colleges or design schools that there are about these days.

With help and encouragement from your friends and family, you could find yourself well on your way to establishing your own interior designing firm. Then you'd be where everyone wants to be, ie doing a job that they really enjoy doing. So, just what are interior design colleges and what can you expect them to offer you?

Well, to begin with, the number of interior design colleges that you will come across in your search will be large and, at times, even overwhelming. If you do a search on the Internet or even just ring up the colleges and ask for a catalogue of courses, you can then take an well-informed decision about which of the interior design colleges you would like to study at.

If your life is too busy at the moment but you still want to fit in a course or two, you always have the option of going for any of the Internet interior design colleges that seem to abound these days. Or perhaps you could even try a night course or correspondence course in your pursuit of interior design knowledge.

All of these interior design colleges teach basically the same things and will enhance your own natural abilities. You'll learn everything from the basics up and will be given an insight into why certain colours match well next to each other and why other colours don't.

You'll learn when to use the rules that you're given and when you can break them. But above all, you'll learn how to use your natural design abilities with the knowledge that you've gathered at the college and blend it into a mix that is vastly pleasing to the eye.

Moreover, if interior design colleges are what you want, then you can be guaranteed of coming away with a lot more than only the knowledge of how to place which colour next to which colour to get a pleasing effect. By studying at least one or two courses, or even by doing the whole range of courses offered to you, you'll be multiplying your natural interior design abilities at least a hundred fold.

There's nothing quite like having a confidence boost to stave up your own natural skills and to be able to tell someone with absolute confidence that you are a bona fide interior designer.

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Crafting What You Craft Best in Connecticut

By Ellaine Towers

Hobbies are a great way to relax oneself. Some enjoy being in the kitchen and coming up with various ways to improve on dishes and such. Some prefer knitting and sewing as a way to pass the time peacefully. And some, too, enjoy working with wood, creating all sorts of sculptures that can be featured in and around the house. But why not take it a step further and make it profitable by joining a crafts and trade fair or festival? Besides sharing your talents with others, you would be able to earn a bit from it, too.

So, how do you join such an event? You would need to find out how to go about this first by asking questions like what fairs and festivals are open for you to join or when would the next one be held so you could have enough time to prepare. You would need a reliable source of information if you wanted to get questions like these answered. One that is able to understand your query and answer your question in a snap.

One excellent source of that information is people. Networking efficiently with many people who know their way through participating in events such as those would definitely be a must-do to get the information you need. But that requires legwork and much hassle on your part. What if you can't afford to take pains to do that?

Thankfully, there are databases available for you to make use of. There are databases of crafts and trade fairs and festivals available for every state in the country. And for Connecticut, there is even a handy calendar for your use. Joining in crafting fairs and festivals is a wonderful way to share your passion. And it also doubles as a profitable little business. Surely everyone would appreciate good home-grown talent in various crafts, whether it reveals itself in the comfort of a handmade sweater or the beauty of crocheted handiwork. Who knows, maybe because of your work, you could be known at your local community.

Joining a service that helps you keep track of all these events would surely make everything easier. Being able to plan months ahead of time for whatever fair you're planning to participate would be a great asset to you. Your hobby will still stay as relaxing as it always should be when all runs well.

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Panasonic TX-L37S10B A Brief Look

By Abby Cardin

If you want to get a new TV you might be confused as to which one to get. There are so many different ones on the market today and you will have to check out all the features, sizes and specifications to see which one you need. Depending on the size of room you have and what you want to use your TV for mainly, you will then be able to use reviews of different products to find the perfect one for you. You can look at various reviews like that of the Panasonic TX-L37S10.

What you will need to do, before you go out and buy any type of TV, is to look for a few sites that offer you reviews on the Panasonic TX-L37S10 TV, or anything else you have your eye one. This will come in handy to see how other people like the TV. It is always a good idea to get different opinions before making a big purchase like this.

When you search for reliable reviews, you should try to find consumer websites or websites where you can purchase all kinds of electronic equipment. A review done by a professional in the industry will offer you more valuable information that just your average consumer anyway.

When you are out looking for review make sure that they come from a reputable site, or a few reputable sites. Also, make sure that there are real people writing them. You need to be careful here, as some of the reviews on site today are written by writers who are paid to give a good review of a product, even if they know nothing about it.

Once you are sure that you have looked at enough reviews, and you feel satisfied that you are happy with the product you have looked at, it is off to the shops with you. Now, you will need to decide if you are going to shop online or if you are going to shop offline.

Before you decide, or at least to help you decide, you should start you search offline. This will help you get a good idea of offline prices - do not make a purchase yet, do not be in a hurry. Once you have gone to a good few stores, bring the prices home and then start searching online.

Contact the cheapest store, whether it is online or offline, and make your purchase. Now all that is left for you to do is to find a place for that huge beast you have just bought.

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Herbal And Organic Gardening: How To Start Growing

By Susan Honeywell

It can seem daunting to begin with an organic vegetable or herbal garden for the first time, but there are few better ways to be good to the planet while also being good to yourself and enjoying yourself.

If you already eat some organic herbs and vegetables, you will surely appreciate the better taste, the health benefits and also the lack of harmful residual substances. Imagine how great it would be if you had an organic garden that would furnish you wit a plentiful supply!

Te first thing that you should do, as it will take a little while for this to be ready, is to separate your kitchen waste from the rest and build a compost heap. This can also be done indoors. Compost will prove a great boon as it is the best natural fertilizer for an organic garden and its vegetables and herbs.

Besides eliminating the need for fertilizer, compost retains moisture and therefore allows you to use less water on your organic garden. You can put all kind of kitchen refuse and garden cuttings on your compost heap, just make sure to avoid big quantities of meat or fish, and don't add human or pet dung! These are too acidic and also the wrong kind of bacteria.

The second step will be to get organic seeds so that you can start to grow vegetable and herbs in your organic garden. Don't take any seeds, the vast majority are industrially and not organically grown.

Try purchasing your organic garden seeds online. There are plenty of retailers, you will have a bigger choice, the purchase will be delivered to your home and you will be protected by a postal return guarantee.

Once you have the organic seeds, don't plant them outdoors right away but let them sprout inside the house, using organic soil in small pots. There isn't much that can go wrong at this stage, but avoid giving your seedlings them too much water or they will drown.

Once your little plants have grown two leaves, you should repot them into biodegradable pots and later bury these in your garden. You can of course also go for an indoor window garden for your herbs. These make additions to windowsills and beautify the house.

Now that you have compost and grown seedlings, you will also need good organic soil. This earth is much better as it acts as a natural pest controller, and will let your plants grow more vigorous. If you had a on-organic garden or flower bed where your organic garden is going to be planted, we recommend removing and substituting a layer of old soil altogether.

Fill your windowsill pots with organic soil, or put a layer of at least six centimeters in your outdoors organic garden as topsoil. Ass compost and you will be on the right track to grow delicious and healthy organic herbs and vegetables.

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Halloween Safety: Trick or Treat Alternatives

By Occiane Lambert

A lot more people have been turning from the traditional trick or treating to alternatives that can be just as fun and is a lot safer. If you are thinking about doing that, here are some good ideas for you and your family to try this Halloween season.

The first thing you need to do is go to your community website. There you will be able to see all of the different activities that the community is organizing. You can even volunteer to help for free items or discounts.

If the community bulletin board doesn't have activities that interest your family, consider organizing your own, such as a pumpkin carving contest or trunk or treating.

If you are unfamiliar with trunk or treats, they are a fun alternative for children. A group of friends park their cars in a neighborhood or parking lot, open up their trunks and allow children to go from trunk to trunk for candy. Many people decorate their trucks and fun is had by all.

Trunk or tricks are a great way for church communities to celebrate Halloween. Instead of focusing on the negative side of it, you can show how fun and safe it can be for your children. You also wont have to spend hours walking around the neighborhood with your children because you can simply watch them from your own car trunk as you hand out candy as well.

Another good way to keep in the activity of trick or treating is to check out local mall listings that offer it. Many mall stores hand out candy to young children dressed up on Halloween. It is another way to save time and energy and still allow your children to go around and get candy that you know is safe.

Local radio and media outlets also sponsor Halloween events for children. Usually, they involve free candy and give away prizes.

These tips were presented by Hip Hop 50's Shop. We understand the need for safety during the Halloween season. We also offer fun and safe Halloween costumes for both children and adults. Visit our website for more information.

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Ironman Timex Review: T5G971 Monitor

By Ed J Price

The Timex T5G971 heart rate monitor is quickly becoming very popular because it is part of the Timex Ironman series. These series of heart rate monitors carry a reputation of being extremely durable. It also works extremely well in very rough conditions. In addition to its durability, this heart rate monitor comes with a plethora of functions and features. As such, this article will discuss the functions, features, and benefits of the Timex T5G971 heart rate monitor.

Features and Functions of the Timex Ironman T5G971

As earlier mentioned, one of the biggest draw cards for this Timex heart rate monitor is its functions and features. For instance, the Timex T5G971 fits both sexes giving it more flexibility. There are not that many heart rate monitors that fit both men and women. This is what makes this Timex heart rate monitor so unique. This Timex Ironman monitor also comes with a chest strap. This works in conjunction with the T5G971 to keep target heart rate zones and display time spent in those fitness zones.

The Timex T5G971 heart rate monitor also reviews workouts by recalling the workout time and heart rate averages and peaks. This allows the user to analyze their workout and see where improvements can be made. This Timex heart monitor also doubles as a great everyday watch since it has features such as time (12/12 hour) and date (Day/Month/Year) display. It is also able to go down to a depth of 165 feet or 30 meters. The battery life on this Timex Ironman is approximately 2 years.

Shortfalls and Overall Assessment

The Timex heart rate monitor always works well. In a few cases, there have been some difficulties with reception and accuracy of heart rate data from the chest strap to the heart monitor watch, but for the most part this problem is very rare and the issue has been rectified. The simple design of the T5G971 Timex monitor is an issue to some not accustomed with its design. This is where that saying, Looks Can Be Deceiving, comes in.

Overall, this Timex Heart Rate Monitor is a genuine great all rounder. It helps people monitor and evaluate workouts while at the same time showing them the time. It works well both in and out of the water and is priced really well. If you are looking for a heart rate monitor to assist you take the next step in your workouts, check out the Timex T5G971 Fitness Heart Rate Watch. You will be surprised.

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Filter Pur, An Excellent Filtration System, Water That Tastes Great

By Zachus J Winestone

Water is a natural resource that cleanses and hydrates the body, keeping organs and muscles working their best. A Filter Pur filtration system, water provided in the purest form, keeps the body free from chemicals and impurities while maintaining good health. A filtration system, water transformed in a pristine form, helps you fight off unwanted germs and bacteria while eliminating harmful toxins. Filter Pur is a recommended solution by many in the health-conscience field.

This amazing company was introduced in 1986 with a desalinated that turned seawater into fresh drinking water. A hand operated filtration system, water pure as from a spring, was instantly available to those on the sea. Life rafts today carry Filter Pure as a standard piece of equipment.-After much scientific research and testing, portable water purifiers were presented in 1990 for hikers and visitors to areas where water might be questionable. This Filter Pure line of carry-on purifiers was the answered to the Peace Corps and African missionaries that longed for a filtration system, water that would not cause illness.

Technology proved detrimental fumes could not be stopped, and with that knowledge, Filter Pur created the first in-home water filtration line of products to address that fact. Its Automatic Safety Monitor Gauge protects consumers from faulty filters and the system can be equipped to any faucet for anytime usage. It has a toggle switch turn maneuverability for the unit on or off, and its lifecycle indicator lets consumers know when the filter needs to be replaced based on its current depletion.

Toxins can enter your drinking supply through the ground, if you have well water, or not be totally removed from city water. The percentage of impurities allowed the municipal drinking water is so high that you always get a certain amount of poisons right out of your faucet! Traces of drugs, bacteria and other impurities have been found when tested in most city water systems.-The Filter Pur has been certified and in 2005, earned the Stockholm Industry Water Award, not an easy mark to achieve, for outstanding quality and innovation. A five year limited warranty accompanies each unit assuring each filtration system, water pure from the start, will give you the purest form of water available anywhere.

Up to one hundred gallons of quality water is provided to last an average of two to three months and unlike many filtration systems, is interchangeable with any faucet mounted system so there is never any additional costs for parts.-The Filter Pur filtration system, water that you can count on no matter where you are, is a must in today's world of travel or at home. With the petroleum-based products used today, pesticides and new strains of bacteria, why wouldn't you want to protect your body and family from danger? Filter Pur is simple and inexpensive, a great guard against harmful everyday impurities. A filtration system, water now purified, is now as easy as turning on your faucet.

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