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, July 19, 2009

Vegetable Gardening - Container Gardening

By Dave Truman

If you are looking for an easier way to control the process of growing vegetables, then perhaps you should move your garden into a container. The advantages of planting in containers are many, including easier control of pests, maintenance of soil, and adjustment of light and temperature.

Most vegetables that can be grown outdoors will do well in containers. Pumpkins and cucumbers, both of which take considerable space, might not be great choices. But tomatoes, peas, peppers, carrots and many others will do just as well (sometimes better) in a container.

Be sure to select a container that is large enough to accommodate the full grown plant at harvesting time. Use weed free soil and add the right amount of fertilizer even before you plant. Synthetic soil-like media are an option. Mixtures of peat moss, perlite, wood chips and others can be a good choice for a variety of species.

For easiest water control, prepare the soil before planting, or use a synthetic medium. To grow the healthiest plants possible, it is necessary that there is the right balance of drainage and moisture retention. If the soil is full of clay particles, they can be broken up by using commercial soil. In addition, putting marbles at the bottom of the container allows the water to drain out through the bottom by not letting the holes be blocked by soil.

The key to growing a healthy plant is by carefully watching its water intake. If a plant is placed near a window, the soil can dry out quickly. Over hydrating can cause root rot, and forgetting if they have even watered the plants that day so it is best to keep a soil tester on hand to ensure proper moisture levels.

When trying to decide which soil to use, many think that regular outdoor dirt is a good choice, but in all reality it isn't. It is believed that the clay-like soil will better retain water, but in such a small space, the retention is exaggerated, and water will not drain properly. In the case of the soil being too sandy, it will need to be fortified. Basically, much effort is needed to properly adjust outdoor soil for containers, and therefore it is often best to just use soil that has been professionally prepared.

A good long day of sunlight is what most vegetables usually thrive under. Tomatoes, for example, do best in windows that face south, and they handle the heat well. More delicate vegetables, such as lettuce, need to be places where there is less direct sunlight and more shade. If you need a little more or less sun, all you have to do is pick up the pot and go!

The need for pest control is vital in container gardening. Many think that as long as their plants are not outside, that they are safe; However, this is not the truth. Insects can get in through small cracks, screen doors, or even in the soil itself. For that reason it is important to use insecticide soap, or other commercial mixtures. This keeps the plants, the crops, and you safe.

Vegetable gardening in containers requires some effort. But the rewards are great. Having fresh vegetables on hand provides a tasty and healthy component to a good diet.

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Express The Gen Y-Not Attitude With Twisted Soul Clothing

By Jeniffer Andeson

Some people say we've moved beyond Gen Y to Gen Y-Not! Twisted Soul is at the vanguard of the new youth revolution. Who cares what people think or say - wear your heart on your sleeve. When unrest with the status quo is justified, it's only natural to rebel. That's how Twisted Soul clothing became the voice of a generation.

The popular Twisted Soul Sex Drugs and Sausage Rolls Tshirt is not just a statement on a t-shirt. It's who we are and what we do - and we're proud of it. Reality without shame. Are you with us? Of course, you don't have to wear your soul on your sleeve. You could go the understated expression of the Twisted Soul bag instead. It's the perfect accessory for the young revolutionary. Forget "hip". Gen Y-Not isn't a group of placard waving protesters - we're a living, breathing wave of protest. We're not trying to be that - we just are.

It's urban mystique that drives this clique. If you don't understand the Twisted Soul message then it's not for you. Leave us alone. When we hit the street in our Hidden Lace Trainers, it's the powerful that gets the groove. And we're on the move - no doubt about it. Evenly matched with a Twisted Soul bag, you can put away whatever you need to keep discreet, until the time is right to impress yourself upon the scene. Will she keep your secret? That depends, on how much she's invested in the mystery message hidden within Gen Y-Not.

If you're pumped and ready for action get into the Velcro Scratch Trainers. They're pumped so they're a perfect match for a man of action. They won't tolerate being shoved to the back of the wardrobe. They have to be seen. They need action to survive and they've got the staying power to keep up with you.

Want to have your say? Speak only to those who understand with the Raw State 33 T Shirt. Change what you can and don't waste your efforts on the things you can't change. Get back to being real. Strip it all back to basics - get naked if that's your thing.

When you're wearing revolutionary Kaiden Men's Jeans, all bases are covered. It's not about what you're saying, it's about what you mean. And when a young man of action wears these, the right message is seen. He's keen, he's lean, like a lean, mean drinking machine.

You don't have to be dressed in military greens and boots to be a Gen Y-Not revolutionary. Revolutions have no rules. March to the beat of your own drum. Make your steps count by stepping out with the Brown Sandles and Small Pinstripe Bag. You might not look like Che Guevara or Ghandi - but who'd want to? You have to admit they both had a certain look going - but this is your revolution and you can do it your way.

Gen Y-Not doesn't need a revolution. They are the revolution. The old school don't get it - but do you care? No. Twisted Soul gets you - the question is do you get Twisted Soul?

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Choosing The Right Tv Stand

By Andrew Miller

In as much as the television revolution is fast evolving, so are TV stands. As Tech Craft aptly puts it, "There's more to presentation than just the screen". Today's sleek plasmas and flat screens command the kind of attention once reserved for works of art. Like all masterpieces, these TV ought to be well-framed.

Well now that we are in that frame of mind, a question comes along your mind : How do I choose the right kind of TV stand for my fabulous, stylish and high-tech TV? Here is a list of things that you must keep in mind while shopping around for a TV stand:

1. Space - Introducing the fine art of high tech entertainment. For some, a TV is not complete without a home theater. In this case, you might want to look at the components or other equipment that you will have to store. Make sure that you have ample spaces for some of the speakers, sub-woofers or other what-might-have-you. It is necessary that you know the length and depth of your TV and other equipment. Otherwise, it would just look like a clutter.

2. Design - There is a wide range of TV stand designs that are out in the market. You have to complement that stylish and elegant TV that you bought. It doesn't need to be as expensive as your TV but it has to match the kind of TV that you have.

3. Functionality - Yes, we all know that a TV stand is for TV. However, it may well serve other purpose if you know how to find a good one. There are several kinds of TV stands to choose from.

4. Material - Should you buy something that is made of fiberboard, also referred to as engineered wood? TV stand made of fiberboard material looks like real wood although lighter. It is cheaper and can be shipped conveniently.

How about laminates? They don't fade, very durable and easy to care for.

Another kind of material is the wood veneers which is also inexpensive.

The most common type of material is the solid wood furniture. Considered the best material for quality furniture which are are crafted with attention to detail.

Indeed, there are several different TV stands that are created appropriate to your specific needs. Regardless of your intention, whether to display, organize, decorate, or maximize space, there is a TV Stand out there for you!

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The Most Inexpensive Cars To Insure

By Amy Nutt

With many concerns about the economy and the like, people are desperately looking for more ways for them to save as much money as possible. Especially with rising gas prices, and just about everything else, there is a dire need for people to save just about every red cent. Food is getting more expensive, and there are also things to think about such as healthcare, and the like.

Cars are something that we all need, and insurance is another thing that we need to legally to keep our cars on the road, and us out of trouble. The thing is that many of these cars are pretty expensive to insure, and since we have a lot of other expenses in our everyday lives, it can be quite troublesome to balance everything and still keep us on the road. The car is something that is invaluable, as it takes it to and from work. So, for those who need the knowledge of some of the most inexpensive cars to insure, this may come in handy.

Hyundai Sante Fe. This vehicle is something that is quite popular in a lot of the countries in the world, and it is probably one of the least expensive cars to keep on the road, as far as insurance goes. On average, this sport utility vehicle comes in at about $830 a year.

Saturn Vue. This is a car that is also quite popular and affordable. With its sleek design that is gaining more and more attention, it's no wonder why people are finding that this is a great choice in a car. On average, this vehicle is about $910 a year to insure.

Kia Sportage. This vehicle is something that is quite trendy; it's another one of the smaller sports utility vehicles. At around $840 a year, it only ranks second to the Santa Fe in the realm of the smaller SUVs.

Saturn Ion. The Ion is also an amazing car to insure, and one that also looks quite attractive. Although this may be a little more than the other cars on the list, people are also finding out that this is also quite affordable in most cases. At around $1,120 as its annual premium along with attractive looks, this is definitely one still to consider.

Mazda 3. As the owner of a Mazda will tell you, the company really does make some impressive looking cars. They are also some of the cheapest as well, and that also goes for the insurance rates as well. With an annual premium of about $1,150, it is also one of the more expensive vehicles on the list, but it is still something that is quite affordable for this sleekly designed vehicle.

There are many cars that are quite cheap to insure, and these are definitely some of the cheapest that are available. People that are looking to save a little money should really look into purchasing some of these vehicles, as they are some of the best on the road, as well. With their sleek designs and new age technology, it makes them something that many people should really not pass up.

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Reducing Risks: Antique Car Insurance

By Margaret Nufflemeyer

Many antique car owners invest countless hours and dollars into restoring and maintaining their cherished car. For most, this is an investment that needs security. Antique car insurance provides these owners with the peace of mind they need. If you too are interested in antique car insurance then take the time to understand the details of potential policies.

Getting Your Antique Car Insured

Before you sign up for new car insurance, take the necessary time to assess the reputation of the various agencies. Not all insurance agencies are created equal and you can learn a lot about a company by the experiences of other customers. Try checking out websites that have information on various agencies or ask around. There might be antique care groups in your area that have a wealth of knowledge available.

Each company will have different restrictions on their antique car insurance policies. Some policies aren't for everyone. It is good to know the history of your car and be aware that the types of replacement parts might affect your eligibility.

If you have a car that has many new parts then you may have to shop around for insurance. Luckily it is common to replace upholstery and glass in antique cars and many agencies understand this. If you have a good understanding of your car's history then you should be able to find the right insurance.

Companies have additional requirements worth considering. Some antique car insurance policies will require you to store your car in a locked garage that protects the car from the elements. This isn't feasible for everyone so it might restrict your options. Other companies will have restrictions on the kind of driving you do with the car and even on the number of miles you are allowed to drive the car. All of these factors must be considered when shopping for antique car insurance.

Other restrictions worth considering are that you may need to have your car appraised and photographed for the insurance company. Some companies will also demand that the driver be at least twenty five years of age and have clean driving record.

Although it may seem a daunting task to get your antique car insured there is probably an ideal antique car insurance company out there for you particular case. The important thing is to understand the policy entirely so that you will be able to follow the company guidelines. This way if you ever do need to make a claim you won't have any problems.

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Hot Tubs Are Great Fun For This Time Of Year And They're Simple To Find.

By Tilly H Higgins

If you want a luxurious and stylish garden then having a look at hot tubs could be the way to go. Everyone wants a beautiful garden and although these items can be expensive - they're totally worth it.

You can find a variety of different styles and sizes on today's market so you shouldn't have too many problems finding what you need. However, if you want to buy a hot tub for your garden then you'll have a few things to think about before you go shopping.

It can be a huge mistake to simply go straight to the shops. It's important that you do some research before you go shopping because it'll be easy to miss out on great deals if you don't shop around first. Have a good look around on the web to find what's available.

It's easy to overspend on a luxury like this so it's important that you consider a budget before you go shopping. Firstly, work out how much you are able to spend and do some price comparison so that you can figure out an average for what you want.

Usually you can expect to spend in excess of 2000 GBP on a decent hot tub. You will also have to choose between a permanent one and a portable one. The portable ones are usually cheaper but there are still a good range of options available.

You can usually find hot tubs with a wooden surround which make them more attractive but if you're not too bothered about that then you can buy ones which are simply inflatable pools with jet systems. The larger and permanent ones will need to be installed by a professional.

However, the portable ones are more popular because they're easier to have installed and they also mean that you can take it with you if you move regularly. If you live in rented accommodation then a portable hot tub will definitely be more suitable.

You will certainly need to do your research so that you understand what sort of options are available. You will then be able to figure out which options are more suited to your needs. Price comparison is also important to ensure you don't overspend.

It's a good idea to make a note of the styles you like so that you can see what different stores are charging for these. Hot tubs are usually very easy to find so you certainly won't have trouble in that department.

A lot of UK stores stock the same ranges of hot tubs so you should find that price comparison is easy. Just make sure that you note down every price so that you can see the differences among UK stores and your local stockist.

As long as you have done some research and had a good look around online, as well as at your local stockist you should be able to see that there are enough options to choose from in the UK. However, it may be worth taking your time over this sort of purchase.

Overall, hot tubs are certainly a good investment. A lot of people enjoy them on a regular basis. They're good for parties as well as your health and can really improve your relaxation. You shouldn't have any problems finding what you need.

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Finding Good New Car Deals Is Hard - Some Great Tips With Online Auto Loans

By Sharon Lorn

We all like the Internet. We love the ease of online shopping because it's fast and simple to buy anything, including large purchases like automobiles. Just going to Ebay Automotive will give you thousands of selections to offer on when purchasing an automobile.

There are many other websites that will also sell you a car. Every auto dealership in the world seems to have their own website, and then there are the generic sites. So it's simple to buy an automobile on the internet, but what about my auto insurance?

That you will find just as easy, if not easier than locating a place to buy an automobile on the internet. Every auto insurance company has their own site and then again, there are a lot of generic auto loan brokers with web sites as well. Some will claim to insure you the smallest interest rate anyplace and will tell you how easy it is to buy insurance with them.

But, something numerous individuals do not know is that interest rates for online loans incline to have higher interest rates than loans you get in person.

That's right. Online car loans will be more expensive than you might get from somebody you can reach by phone or by visiting their local office.

Why would online auto loans cost more? I'm happy you asked. The individuals that apply for loans online are more probable to have bad credit according to almost all the studies done by the auto insurance industry.

Because of this, online auto loans have a higher interest rate to cancel the risk taken by the insurance company. That is not to say that you cannot discover an inexpensive rate for your car loan online, but you are more likely to get a better rate from a local broker.

Your local Credit Union, Bank, or even the auto dealer's preferred loan company are all likely to give you a better rate on your auto loan. Surfing around on the web, then going to your local options to compare financing options is invariably suggested.

Recall that purchasing a car is one of the larger purchases you make. The loan you have for your car is one you will be bound to for at least a few years, so shop for the greatest deal before investing to anyone.

You will learn such a wide variety of alternatives it will amaze you. One lender may be offering interest rates that are around 7.5% while others are proposing 2% or even 0% auto loan financing. Why are other lenders proposing such different terms for auto loans?

Once More, I'm glad you inquired. Competition is just one of the elements needed in what a company provides you for your auto loan. One of the other factors are studies made by each private company as to what is a high risk or low risk loan. For example: If you purchase a black car in Pennsylvania, you will pay more for your automobile insurance than you would if you had bought a grey or purple car.

They have completed reports there that say they pay out more claims to individuals who own red cars than they do to individuals who own cars of some other colors. Perhaps they get more tickets, one agent I spoke with indicated. The police forces note the red cars more often.

Whatever the conclusion, it goes to show that there are many components that determine what you will pay for your car loan. The fact that a higher share of people who apply for online auto loans have worse credit than those who apply for their loan offline determines the rates you will pay for an online loan.

I hope this article has been instrumental to you and will encourage you to shop before you purchase when it comes time to find your car insurance. Make sure you are getting the greatest deal achievable. Also, ask the insurance broker what factors are determining the rate of your loan. It may make you change your mind about the type or color of car you are buying.

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Make Sure You Are On Track For An Extreme Deal

By Jrg Schweitzer

Countries around the world are facing the major impacts of the economic slow down with almost extra impetus given that they are facing the pressure of trying to put together budgets with severe under resourcing. When one is faced with a situation like this, you need to find an extreme deal

They are finding that the lack of money is having a severe impact and nowhere is this more true than for state authorities in the United States.

An example of an extreme deal would for instances be a reduced price sale in which the prices of items are dramatically decreased. Whereas previously we would have been impressed with a fifty percent price cut, this is now small compared to the decreases that some retailers have opted for. Some retailers have decreased their prices by as much as eighty five percent.

We are not used to seeing sales such as this, so there is little wonder that many of us thing that there is bound to be some sort of catch. This is the case in some instances and one has to watch out for it, so make sure that you have read all the fine print. This is more applicable to items of more value, say over a hundred dollars or for something that you either are going to rent, or you enter into a rent to buy agreement. In a simple transaction where you just go to the clothing store for instance, there is normally nothing to worry about here.

Some of the most extreme deals that one can find are on cars and houses. These should be investigated as there are some fantastic options available on the market at present. Items that would previously have cost a premium are now available at a sizeable discount. This is especially true for houses, it is a buyer's market at the moment and if you can afford to make the investment, you are encouraged to do so. There is no doubt that the housing market will eventually recover, it is really just a question of when.

If you do decide to consider a house purchase then it is advisable that you are knowledgeable on issues such as the cost of transfer, installment terms and the interest rates offered. Acceptable market levels are easy to find and knowing this will assist in the negotiation of the best agreement for you.

There is no doubt that there is an extreme deal out there to suit you. Take the advice that's given here and you could be feeling the recession far less.

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