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, December 11, 2009

Gorgeous Counter Tops That Are Environment Friendly

By Jessica Hendrich

A counter top is a horizontal work area in kitchens and food preparation areas. Commonly, cabinets are installed above & below. Several different materials, ranging from stone, to wood, to plastic, to tiles, and even steel, among numerous others, can be used in creating counter tops.

But because of the growing awareness for the environment, there are now materials for counter tops that are not only durable, but also great looking & eco friendly. So if you're searching for a new countertop & are leaning to materials that's a little gentler on the environment than laminate or stone, there are now plenty of choices available that are made from recycled products, can be recycled at end-of-life -- or are both recycled and recyclable -- or are made from renewable resources.

Here are some of the greener counter top choices:

1. Stainless steel - Stainless steel counter tops consist of, on the average, 75% recycled steel & can contain up to 100% recycled content. They are non-porous and antibacterial, and emit no VOCs. However, they do show fingerprints & scratch easily.

2. Recycled glass - These days, there are many recycled glass counter tops on the market. Each of them has their own special charm.

3. BioGlass - This item is of 100% recyclable & recycled glass. It is available in 6 natural colors and can be used for backsplashes or counter tops.

4. Alkemi - Alkemi counter tops are made from 35% "fine flake aluminum milling scrap" a post-industrial waste products. It is available in 12 colours & 3 different surface treatments (textured, classic & honed).

5. Paperstone - Paperstone counter tops are created from either 100% post-consumer office paper or 100% post-consumer cardboard fused with a non-petroleum based resin. It can be used for as kitchen and bathroom counter tops & comes in a variety of colors.

6. IceStone - This is made in Brooklyn, New York. The product uses 100% glass which is otherwise bound for landfill, mixed with concrete to create a surface that is twice as durable as marble. Like a stone product, it has to be sealed on a regular basis. You can get it in several colours.

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A Little Info On Some Washer And Dryer Units

By Melvin Sentrovski

We try to settle for nothing less than the best. Washers and Dryers are no different. Our clothes are important and expensive, so you have to get the best laundry equipment.

Fortunately, you can use our handy guides to determine the best washers and dryers that are high quality and affordable.

The LG WM3431HS All-In-One Washer and Dryer

LG's technology is very apparent with this model. They have a very solid reputation for carefully thought out technology integrated into anything that they make. This model is not disappointing.

Both washing and drying functions can be used independently, or the machine can be programmed to do both jobs sequentially, and you'll never have to do a thing. You can choose between nine different wash presets and five different temperatures to suit heavy duty clothes to delicate fabrics. These machines are perfect due to their nearly silent functionality. This is because they have very few moving parts in their motors.

The Maytag Front Load Washer and Dryer (Performance Series)

Maytag listened to the needs of consumers, and carefully designed a reliable washing machine that meets those needs. This machine is so thorough and does such an amazing job that the NSF has certified it's sanitation cycles. It is also very quiet without the vibrations and spinning noises associated with the typical, top-loading washing machine.

The Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer

The industry of appliances is led by Whirlpool. This particular model incorporates 'Sixth Sense' technology, effectively allowing the machine to operate by itself. It is capable of moisture and soap detection on your clothing, and sill adjust both water consumption and drying times accordingly. This washer and dryer combo also functions very quietly.

Bosch Nexxt Series

This particular model treats clothes very gently. You'll also find less lint on your clothing in many cases. It's water and energy efficiency is top notch. You'll save money on the electric and water bills too. The 6th sense technology has also transferred to the Bosch Nexxt, with moisture and "sud" sensors to reduce drying and washing times.

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Terry Cloth Bathrobes Are Your First Choice For Style and Comfort

By Teresa Formers

Although they have been around for a long time, Terry cloth bathrobes remain one of the best choices for style and comfort on the market today. Terry cloth fabric itself has been around for a long time, which makes these bathrobes among the most popular bathrobe type purchased -- in fact, more popular than any other type of material used in bathrobes.

Most of us remember terrycloth from childhood. Children's clothes use terrycloth often, and terrycloth's comfort is not lost on adults, either. That's why terrycloth bathrobes remain so popular with all age groups.

It does not matter where you are, you will be able to find a great terrycloth bathrobe that is perfect for you waiting to be purchased. As a matter of fact that is why these are the leading bathrobes out of any other.

These types of robes remain highly in demand because they are comfortable and smooth against your skin, although of course different bathrobes have different qualities, such that you will probably desire one over the other.

The reason for this is because different manufacturers may have different levels of quality which will actually raise are even lower the overall quality that may be in their designs. A better high-quality terry cloth bathrobe usually will cost you more than one that is lower quality.

You will find that using this type of material to make bathrobes will make them heavier than most and are usually a better quality which results in a higher price.

Terrycloth bathrobes come in a number of designs, with special features and colors, too. For example, you can have a shawl collar with your bathrobe, or you may be able to roll the cuffs up. These are two of the most popular designs. When you're trying to determine the quality and style of the bathrobe you're looking at, take a look at where the bathrobe itself was made.

For example, bathrobes made in Turkey or Brazil are usually of higher quality than those made in India or Pakistan. The quality comes not in better workmanship, but because a better quality of cloth itself is used to make the bathrobe.

If you'd like to find a specific bathrobe, just look in any department store, or even online. They come in all sizes, including for children, men and women. They can make perfect gifts for anyone, whether for Christmas or birthdays, or other special holidays.

Another thing that you may want to try to add an extra special flair is to get your bathrobe and have it monogrammed with initials. This makes it more personalized of being your own. Another benefit of monograms is it will give the bathrobe of very classy and distinguished overall look.

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The Four Basic Rules of Seadoo Safety

By Matt Allan

Imagine: blue sky, warm waters, a bunch of family and friends and a few PWC Seadoos. Sounds like the setting to s perfect summer day at the cottage. Personal watercrafts of all sorts provide for a lot of fun and laughs. The whole family can get in on the fun. If approached properly watercraft activities can be very safe. However, if proper care is not taken then something safe can turn into something dangerous. If you can keep four important tips in mind, you can increase your safety and the safety of your family.

Rule 1: Always wear a lifejacket or PFD and always means always. Make sure you have a proper fitting good quality lifejacket that has been certified by the proper authorities. You can check the inside of the lifejacket for proof of certification. If the lifejacket is indeed certified, it will be so stated.

Rule 2: Do not mix drinking with any type of personal watercraft. Period. Drinking and operating a motorized recreational vehicle is reckless and against the law. Meet your friends for a drink after the Seadoo has been put away.

Rule 3: Never allow children to drive the Seadoo by themselves. It may seem innocent to allow an 8 year to take a little solo spin on the lake. It may, in fact, be harmless but it is very dangerous. A child can get him or herself into trouble very quickly. It is a serious mistake to allow children to be on the Seadoo on their own.

Rule 4: Towing someone behind a Seadoo is good fun. However, without a spotter towing is unsafe. The spotter must be an adult or an older child that is capable of watching the person being towed at all times. It is impossible for a driver to watch where he or she is going plus tow someone at the same time. That would be a terrible mistake. Always have a spotter when you wish to tow someone.

Being with friends and family during the summer months is a lot of fun. Mix it that some sunshine and some water and a Seadoo then you are sure to have a fabulous time. Many fabulous memories can be made this way. All water activities carry with them some element of risk. If you follow some simple and common sense rules, you and your family should be able to enjoy a safe Seadoo experience

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Simple Tips For A Stress Free Holiday Meal

By Jamie Gibbs

To prep, make, and execute a tasty meal at the exact moment you get your whole family to the table can be tiring. And that doesn't even take into account the clean up! Dinner can be a disorderly, tedious occasion.... but it doesn't have to be. As with anything, forward planning and preparation can lead to greater success.

Utilize these simple suggestions to help organize your meals. You'll surprise yourself with how promptly you can get a meal on (and off) the table. You'll also find that you're better able to maintain a tidy and organized kitchen.

1. Plan ahead. However big or small the meal required is, the more you plan for it, the less stress you'll cause yourself.

2. Organize your kitchen. Just because you've always kept particular items in a certain place, doesn't mean you should. Move your most often used items to spots nearest where you most often stand and give away any utensils or appliances that no longer get used.

3. Keep a plastic grocery bag on the counter where you cook. All the garbage will end up in there without a second thought. Then make one trip to the garbage can when you're done.

4. Put your ingredients back in the cupboard straight after you finish with them. Use some time to clean up while you cook, and you will be amazed at how much more manageable the state of your kitchen is when you're done.

5. Buy in bulk. Keep dry goods in stock that you know you will use regularly in order to minimize the likelihood of last minute grocery store trips.

6. Clean a dish here or there. Sure there will be dishes to wash after everyone is done eating, but by cleaning at least of few of the prep dishes in between simmers and stirs, then you'll be cutting down the workload later on.

7. Set the table as early as possible. If this is done an hour or so earlier it is one less thing competing for your attention at mealtime.

8. Delegate tasks to others. Ensure that members of your family know beforehand what their job is i.e. doing the dishes, clearing their plates etc.

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Really Cheap Car Insurance Is Available for Everyone

By Andy Darwinson

That's right. Many of the individuals who have really cheap car insurance have the exact same policy you do. How is that possible? After all, you've been paying out the ying-yang for years, and thought you had a pretty good deal. Could you imagine seeing a friend and they pay half of what you do for the same policy? You would be irate right?

While there are differences in customer service, different amounts of coverage and different deductibles, basic car insurance is pretty much the same no matter who sells it to you. Most companies have you call a toll free number if you have a claim and the days of the agent helping you negotiate through wrangling with adjusters is finished. You and a voice on the phone solve the problems faced when you need service.

If by chance you have a claim, you normally have to call a toll free number. Over the phone you will solve all your issues with the individual on the other end. It's the same whether you pay the high price or the really cheap car insurance. So why not get the most for your money?

What it comes down to is when you're dealing with the individuals from insurance companies, they still have to sell. If you want to get rid of this issue all together, then you need to take a different course of action. The way to do this is by securing a quote online. Just make sure the company you do it with is reputable.

Probably the most important thing to do is input all the same details of your same policy. Even the slightest difference can turn what would be cheap auto insurance, into a huge premium. This means liabilities, deductibles, injury benefits, and everything else involved. In the end you will be able to do the appropriate comparisons for your automobile insurance.

We understand you might be sitting there thinking, "What if I have an accident and they send me a cancellation notice?" Well, unfortunately it won't matter. You could be with them for 10 years and still get one. However, it definitely doesn't hurt to go with a company that has a huge claims pool in case something happens.

Some people worry that if they have an accident with a new company, they'll receive a cancellation notice from the company because they have no history with that company. Longevity won't help you and it might even be detrimental. Companies count other types of claims besides accidents. No matter how long you've been with a company, if you have one year where nothing seemed to go right and required towing several times, then had the accident, you'll be cancelled for too many claims. New companies don't have records of your towing claims and don't ask for them.

Once you find how easy it is to buy really cheap auto insurance, you'll want to compare rates more frequently, but normally every two years is enough. You don't have to wait for your next premium to find out if you're paying too much. Find a site and put in your information, you'll be amazed at how much money you can save.

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HFL Solutions Presents A Low Fat Low Cholesterol Diet

By Dr. Sam Robbins

You can find many low fat low cholesterol diets. However, before you start one of these diets you should consult your doctor.

You don't have to be sick of living on a low fat low cholesterol diet. It is hard for some people to exist daily on beans, rice, fish, oatmeal and veggies. A low fat low cholesterol diet consists of lots of fruits and vegetables because they are full of vitamins and low in calories. Saturated fats increase cholesterol.

Your cholesterol will be increased by trans fats which are found in partially hydrogenated products. Trans fats are found in some vegetable shortenings and margarines. Stick to organic low fat milks and yogurts if you cannot avoid dairy products.

People who live in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea use the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating lean meats, olive oil, red wine, whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This diet lowers cholesterol by lowing LDL and raising HDL.

A vegetarian diet provides many healthy benefits to you. Typically high in antioxidants and low in fats, some studies are suggesting that a vegetarian diet is heart-healthy.

The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet, or TLC diet, is a low fat, low cholesterol diet designed by the National Cholesterol Education Program as a part of therapeutic lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol and encourage a healthy heart.

Normally when you think of a healthy diet to lower cholesterol, the first thing that comes to your mind is eating low fat. However, studies suggest that carbohydrate intake is also vital to control your cholesterol.

In thirty days, CholesLo will lower your cholesterol. You can see a change in cholesterol levels as soon as 7 days. In those 7 days you do not have to change your diet. This is a natural supplement and is made from the finest and safest ingredients.

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