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

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Window Covering Shopping - Cutting Costs

By Colin Rolando

In these financially troubling times, purchasing blinds can be a daunting task, but you can save a lot of money by shopping online. Online stores are always a lot cheaper than a normal retail shop, even when you add on the extra expense of shipping. I urge you to compare the prices of blinds in the shops against the prices online, and you will see that shopping online is a much more cost effective choice.

It's incredible that so many people don't even consider buying their window treatments online. Online stores have a lot less overheads than your traditional retail shop, and range of choice is a hundred times better than what you will find at any store.

Of course, if you are going to use the Internet to purchase your blinds, you're going to need to install them yourself. You needn't be put off by this prospect, however. Blinds are very easy to install, and you probably already have all the tools you will need to get the job done.

Most online stores will supply all the brackets, screws and other bits and bobs that you need to get up and running. Along with these items, you should be given a set of instructions that you can easily follow to get the job done. Measuring your windows before purchasing is of great importance, and many of the online stores will also provide you with instructions on how to do this properly, to ensure that you end up with a blind that is going to fit properly.

The type of blind you choose will depend on a few different factors. The most important factor, is of course your own personal tastes. If you are not happy with your purchase, then you are not going to be comfortable in your own home. Make sure that the blinds you choose match the decor of your house.

The dimensions of your window also play an important role in your choice. The size of your blinds should be directly proportionate to the size of your window. Sliding glass doors and larger windows will usually benefit from having a thicker style slat covering them.

For the little windows that you find in bathrooms and kitchens, you would be better off choosing a mini blind solution, otherwise known as venetian blinds. There are a few different mechanisms available for operating your blinds, such as cords, poles or motorized mechanisms, and this is something else you will need to decide upon.

Another important decision is the material that you will choose for your blind, as there are quite a few different types you can choose. Out of all the materials out there, wood is the one that has stood the test of time, but a little care needs to be taken with wood. Your wooden blinds should be properly treated to ensure that they are able to withstand moist or extremely dry conditions.

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Dog Training Tips To Train Any Pet Dog

By Richard Brown

You should train your dog to eat anywhere. You should train him to eat indoors, outdoors and in any room. Doing this will help you in future when you take the dog with you anywhere.

An important part of dog training is to train him to use the crate. Then you can carry the crate anywhere. The puppy should be trained to sit in the crate. As far as potty training is concerned, you should buy a flexi leash and train the dog to go potty there.

You should train your dog to be quiet in the car. He should stay quiet when you ask him to. You can encourage him to follow your order by rewarding him every time he agrees to what you say. So he can become obedient and accept all your orders.

Dog training sessions can help train your dog to respect you and even love you. If you have trained him well, you will be able to control him in any situation when he seems out of control.

You should never beat or kick your puppy. This will have a bad effect on him and he will not accept your orders. You can warn the dog by saying "No". Also teach him to use the toilet every time and clean the spot where he urinates sometimes.

Dogs often chew furniture and other things. You can stop them from doing so by giving them nice chewing toys that they can chew. This will also prevent them from getting bored and you will be able to remove their habit of chewing furniture.

You can paint some objects with foul tasting substances. This will prevent your dog to stop chewing that thing. Such substances are available at pet stores. The Aversion therapy is also very helpful in such cases.

You should obedience training an important part of dog training. Do not train your dog for long hours otherwise he will be bored and not learn anything. Try to teach your dog to follow simple commands and never slap or kick him.

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FitFlops - The Perfect Solution for Losing Weight and Getting Fit

By Fred Fibbet

Do you wish to lose weight without too much difficulty?

Exercising is good for weight loss. But people who don't have to this habit find it very difficult to exercise regularly.

What is a better way to burn calories?

A new product in the market now makes it easy to get exercise for your legs as you do everyday work. This product can help you in getting your legs in wonderful shape.

The product I am talking about is called fitflop footwear. They are walking shoes which provide more muscle activity to your leg and calf musles. This will result in making the legs stronger and firm.

Just put on a pair of fitflops and carry on your work. As you walk in these shoes, your legs keep getting exercised. Other benefits of using fitflops are that they help in improving posture and reducing back pain.

Now, losing weight and getting nicely toned legs has become easier. You don't need to spend lot of time at the gym to achieve this. You can get the same workout while walking and doing your routine work.

Fitflops have become a rage in Europe and America. They have been endorsed by famous personalities like Oprah Winfrey. People are eagerly trying out these shoes in order to enjoy their fitness benefits.

They are very comfortable to wear and come in a lot of trendy designs and colors. They are also very attractive to look at, and are so comfortable when you have to do a lot of walking.

They are so much more than mere walking sandals - they are extremely stylish and good looking. You can wear them with any sort of dress, and they are appropriate for all occasions. Fitflops are indeed a stylish way to stay fit and get lean.

However remember not to give up exercising totally just because you are wearing fitflops. These shoes ease the process for you but they cannot help you all the weight by themselves.

Note that success in any endeavor will not come without some kind of hard work. So is the case with losing weight. You can make the task a little bit easier by wearing fitflops. So better try them out soon.

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Tungsten Wedding Bands - Bands With Permanent Polish And Finish That Will Endure Forever

By Fred Gagnon

Tungsten wedding bands are symbolic gifts of everlasting love and loyalty that could stand the coldness and warmth of times. Embedded in each tungsten ring the couple's promise to each other to be one in sickness or in health, for richer or for poorer. With its heavy weight and enduring finish, tungsten wedding bands perfectly symbolize commitment, security and an everlasting bond. Tungsten wedding bands have the ability to maintain its everlasting, beautiful and shiny finish.

Tungsten wedding bands are preferred for its elegance and durability. With the hardness that they possess, tungsten wedding bands do not easily deform, thus, maintaining their shape for a long period of time. One amazing characteristic of tungsten jewelry is that they do not need regular polishing especially if done with intricate designs and brushed finish. Like titanium rings, tungsten rings are hypoallergenic, making them very comfortable to wear.

Tungsten is the only exotic and rare metal that can keep a permanent finish and polish that will last a lifetime. It maintains its shape for a long time and does not easily deform, because it is 5x harder than steel. This metal could actually stand the warmth and coldness of weather, making it symbolically perfect for the couple's vows to be one in sickness and in health, for poorer or for richer.

Tungsten has amazing features that makes it different from other metals. Because of these qualities tungsten jewelry is the fastest and hottest craze in men's jewelry today. Like titanium, tungsten is considered by the jewelry industry the new and modern metal.

Why prefer tungsten wedding bands?

1. Tungsten wedding bands are meticulously crafted. To fabricate, refine and polish tungsten, one has to do the 40 separate, labor intensive processes. Tungsten plus some other elements, like carbon, are ground into powder and sintered. In the sintering process, the powdered elements are compressed with high heat to form a ring blank. The ring blank is fired in an oxygen free furnace at 6,200*F.

Using diamond tools, the ring blank is cut and shaped, which requires up to 40 total separate steps for completion. Then, the ring is skillfully polished with diamond polishing tools and wheels. This process creates a permanent luster and polish not possible with other metals.

2. Tungsten wedding bands remain polished forever. Tungsten rings possess high gloss mirror-like finish that remains. That is why it is referred to a "Permanently Polished Rings".

3. Tungsten wedding bands are scratch-resistant. Tungsten does not bend or scratch easily, it has between 8 and 9 hardness on Mohs scale. Tungsten is 4 times harder than titanium, 5 times harder than steel and about 10 times harder than 18k Gold. It has the capacity to hold their shine and shape longer than any ring on the market because of its hardness. Also, in the event of an emergency, the ring can be removed by a medical professional, since tungsten wedding bands do not bend.

4. Tungsten has that same luxurious precious metal feel of heavier rings because it is heavy enough.

Here are some tips to consider when buying tungsten wedding bands:

1. Make sure that your future spouse would like tungsten for your wedding band. Tungsten amazing characteristic will attract your spouse to buy one. Tungsten wedding bands are not a traditional type of wedding band.

2. Choose a tungsten wedding band that reflects your personality and lifestyle. Tungsten wedding rings come in different styles and materials, so try to find the perfect ring that will show who you are.

3. Decide whether to have your tungsten wedding band plain or something more ornate. Tungsten wedding bands are available plain and with gemstones. But, whichever way you prefer it, you can be sure that they are beautifully crafted.

tungsten-weddingbands.com offers a wide variety of one of a kind tungsten wedding bands that will surely last forever. Celebrate the union of your marriage with our inexpensive and chic tungsten wedding bands.

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How To Find Cheap Cruises On The Internet

By Todd Gillam

The following paragraphs summarize the work of cruise to nowhere and cheap cruise experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of cheap cruises. Heed their advice to avoid any nasty surprises.

Cheap cruises are not necessarily for those who can ill afford a cruise but also for those who planned cleverly to save considerable amount on vacation but still would want to enjoy it fully. Choosing cheap cruises have no taboo attached; it is just about prices being cheap for the same trip others have paid a fortune on. Cheap cruises are always in demand for business travellers. With state-of-the-art facilities, a cheap cruise is capable in catering to people of various needs for travelling.

Are you looking forward to travelling to some of the world's best destinations, including the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and the Mediterranean? You can get the complete low-down here in an online community. Other cruisers post up personal reviews and photos, or help each other out in our Answers forum. Travel Agents 2U have recently re-designed their whole website, including the cruise section. It's a very attractive and useable site, where everything seems to be right at your fingertips or only 1 click away. Travel Agents 2U is a premier cruise deal agency offering 70+ cruise lines with live pricing and incredible savings on all cruise vacations. The experts have a minimum 5 years experience and are eager to assist you in planning any type of cruise imaginable.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following cruise to nowhere and cheap cruise issues:

Cheap cruises tend to be shabby; they come with no entertainment whatsoever. Children get easily bored, and what is worse, they also get seasick. Cheap cruises challenge the idea that cruises are always very expensive vacation getaways, which usually end up being merely a dream to ordinary people. A lot of people want to have a cheap cruise or honeymoon holiday, but they also want the romantic feel to be there. Cheap cruises are the perfect vacation for families, as well. Taking children anywhere can be expensive but many cruise lines offer discounts for kids.

Everyone dreams of boarding a cruise liner for the holiday of a lifetime. Some dream of Mediterranean Cruises, others dream of the Caribbean cruise of their dreams and some dream of a 6 month world cruise. Prices are still low so getting around India is a very viable option. Prices for cruises vary greatly depending on what time of year you choose to take your cruise. School breaks and Holidays are usually the most expensive time for a cruise.

Cheap cruises seem like an alternative for those who wish to have an elegant and classy holiday without spending too much. But it is important that you remember that cruise companies will not give away trips for free. Travel Agents 2U offers its customers one of the lowest prices on some of the best tourist destinations in the world. Even if you are going for a business trip, call us for our discounted business class airfare to Japan and Europe.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about a cruise to nowhere and cheap cruises.

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How To Choose The Best Rug

By Karlie Henson

A rug can give your room a fresh new look. You can create the best look without costing you a fortune. Rugs are the best look for any room and can mean immediate results.

If your decor is Victorian or traditional English you will want to look for an area rug that appears to be antique. A faded out Oriental rug will add a touch of old world elegance to a Victorian room. You can choose from authentic antique Persian Oriental rugs, kilims, dhurris or high quality manufactured copies. Aubussons, and hooked Victorian rugs also offer the antique look. Designers say that floral area rug patterns are the best choice to match this dcor style.

Keep in mind that Aubussons rugs and Antique Oriental rugs is a great selection for any style you go with. Choosing an old world style of design is a great way to complement all the best of an Oriental rug. Popular looks include the French country so if you go with this look you can use an antique area rug as your focal point.

Some styles work better in homes with a more modern look. This modern design includes a minimal amount of furniture and just a few must have accessories. Geometric shapes are what is seen the most. You can also find an area rug like shag rugs, flat carpet style rugs, sisal rugs, and more. Try using solid colors or patterns that are bright in color so the attention will center to that part of the room.

High tech rooms also can also benefit from shag, sisal or carpet style rugs. These manufactured rugs are precise which is what is needed in a high tech room.

You may want to place an American country design into your room. This is sometimes called garden design or cottage design. This is a soft elegant look and sometimes chic. The hook rugs, rag rugs, sailcloth rugs that are hand painted are also used for rooms to give it a country look. You may want to add a pattern to compliment the style; floral, pastel solid colors, or trompe l'oeil.

Arts and craft design may be incorporated by adding a spare William Morris type of rug. The elements found are abstract and in style. They complement the wood angles of the arts and crafts style found.

Ethnic and eclectic dcor is one way to intertwine the style already in your room with a wild look that you normally refrain from. This includes zebra or leopard print that can match almost any color theme you want.

When you use a textured rug that has a design it really speaks to your guests. Sisal, coir, or nubby dhurries are all rugs that you can place in the room in order to get a great look with a modern style.

A lot of homes are going with a Mexican design or South American design. This is using earth tones as well as geometric and striped patterns

Remember that it is your room and you need to express yourself in the design. What you put down now does not need to be permanent, change your look on occasion so you don't get tired of it.

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Save Money Traveling to Melbourne with a Self Contained Apartment

By Jasmine Zahara

Melbourne hotels offer some of the finest accommodation services and facilities in Australia. But as the economy falters and people begin looking for accommodation more in keeping with their budgets serviced apartments and self contained apartments are becoming increasingly popular. These self contained apartments offer all the luxuries of home with the joy and fun of being on holiday. Melbourne accommodation is conveniently located to all that Melbourne is famous for with fashion, culture, art exhibitions, business and commerce, festivals, education and of course tourism and attractions. There are vast shopping stores offering extended opening hours and popular and boutique labels to suit all tastes. Melbourne is also a hub of Australian commerce and industry with many domestic and international visitors arriving each week to discuss business deals.

There are many reasons to choose serviced apartments over hotels. Serviced apartments are a cost effective option when compared to staying at hotels or resorts. The tariffs of these self contained apartments is often significantly less in comparison to an overnight stay at hotels or resorts. If you are planning to stay in Melbourne for an extended period, there is no better option than to book a serviced apartment near the business centre or city centre. Serviced and self contained apartments can start from as little as $99 per night.

The serviced apartments in Melbourne offer many of the same luxuries and amenities as the cities hotels or resorts. The apartments are well furnished to make for peaceful and comfortable living conditions. The decor of the apartments is amazing, contemporary and modern. The wooden floorboards and superior wood work will surely add your holiday comfort and experience. Apartments will nearly always feature a kitchen which is well equipped with all the essential utensils. For entertainment you will also find DVD, LCD television and good collections of books and CD's. Some apartments even feature a fitness room, swimming pool and games room to keep guests entertained during their stays.

By staying in Melbourne self-contained apartments guests can enjoy home-cooked meals and the convenience and affordabilty of being able to eat in and not having to spend each meal at a cafe or restaurant. As these apartments feature kitchen and all essential utensils you can cook food of your taste. You will also usually find a microwave, refrigerator and dish washer inclusive in these apartments. For people with special dietary requirements this accommodation is ideal as they can prepare their own food accordingly. Apartments are also ideal for family stays with children being easily catered for.

For people arriving in Melbourne as a part of a group, be it business or leisure, self contained and serviced apartments offer the opportunity for social interaction and team bonding. Business travelers may find sharing an apartment a great way to invest more time in business activities and discussions, and holiday travelers have the opportunity to discuss their days and discoveries at the end of each day over a shared meal. There are plenty of self contained and serviced apartments available which can be viewed online to see images and comprehensive descriptions and inclusions. What ever your decision be sure to book early as Melbourne is a city full of festivals, celebrations, sporting events, businesses conferences and industry seminars and rooms are often booked out.

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The Divine Experience of a Sydney Hotels

By Howard Rudd

Sydney Australia has a bustling nightlife for residents and tourists visitors alike and includes plush clubs, pubs and bars in and around the city centre. There is also the stunning beauty of the Sydney beaches and tourists can discover the momentous Sydney buildings that are creating the history of tomorrow such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and the architectural wonders form the early convicts that settled the region. Sydney is Australia's oldest city and was founded in 1778. Today it has become one of the world's iconic tourism destinations. Sydney has all that a visitor and tourist could hope to see including family based attractions, tours, high rise observation decks and natural wonders including the many beaches that form the long Sydney coastline.

The Sydney markets run throughout the week in various locations and give tourists and visitors the opportunity to enjoy some serious shopping intermingled with new found sights, sounds and historical buildings. The markets around the Rocks in Sydney are home to vendors offering an eclectic mix of indigenous paintings, didgeridoos, boomerangs, contemporary clothing, books and much more. The shear diversity of Sydney lets visitors choose from the iconic Australian sun and sand beach experience through to extravagant shopping experiences and sight seeing some of the world's most recognisable locations. Sydney also offers a wide choice of restaurants, art galleries, museums and cafes.

Sydney offers a broad range of hotels including Three Star, Four Star and the luxurious Five Star hotels. Many of the well known international hotel 'brands' are represented including the Four Seasons, Intercontinental, Hilton, Radisson and Shangri-la. Darling Harbour, Central Station and Potts Point are also home to an increasing selection of mid range hotels and self contained apartments. Sydney hotels offer luxurious and home-like accommodations for visitors and tourists who are looking for more than just a bed for the night. Sydney accommodation offers visitors reasonable prices for some excellent services and facilities in a modern and vibrant city. The hotels offer all the standard facilities including comfortable bedding, television, DVD, entertainment systems and in-room air-conditioning. Sydney hotels are ideally located for convenience to the cities attractions, restaurants and entertainment precincts.

Central Sydney hotels are situated within easy reach of some of Australia's most famous beaches which allows visitors to Sydney to enjoy the famous sights of the city and the iconic Australian coastline. Five Star Sydney hotels often offer private limousine tour services to popular sights and these can generally be arranged with the in-house tour desks of the reception foyers. Sydney visitors enjoying the 5 Star luxuries of Sydney hotels will experience some of the finest decor and hotel facilities of any major city. There are massive oversized bathrooms, the finest fixtures and fittings, fully stocked private bath, the latest entertainment systems and all the best technology. Access to safety deposit boxes is standard and fully equipped kitchens offer an added flexibility for meals.

Serviced apartments and Self contained apartments in Sydney provide guests with the privacy and comfort of extended living spaces and facilities with dishwashers, laundry, and kitchens. These are ideal for people not wanting to eat out every meal and for families looking to save a few dollars after having spent up on Sydney accommodation, tours and shopping.

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