Stamp collecting doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can enjoy collecting stamps with limited financial resources. Here are 10 really low-cost ways to start stamp collecting.
1. Ask your friends to use commemorative stamps on their mail when they write to you. Commemorative stamps are generally larger than regular stamps and are issued to honor famous people, places, or events. Because commemorative stamps are usually issued in lesser quantities than common smaller stamps, they are of much more interest to collectors. Tell your friends that you are a stamp collector and ask them to request commemorative stamps at the post office.
2. When you send away for offers that require postage or self-addressed, stamped envelopes, use commemorative stamps. You’ll get them back when the envelopes are returned to you.
3. Ask your neighbors, friends, and relatives to save their used stamps for you. You’ll find that most people will be happy to save their stamps for you when they learn that you are a collector.
4. If you know someone who gets letters from other countries, ask them to save those stamps. Always be on the lookout for potentially good stamp contacts, and don't be afraid to ask them to go through their mail for you before they throw away all the envelopes.
5. Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from their office mail for you. Many businesses get a lot of foreign mail and regularly throw away stamps that have interest and value to a collector.
6. Ask your parents if they have any old letters with stamps on the envelopes. Don’t peel the stamp off the envelope. This will cause thin spots or tears, both of which ruin a stamp's appearance and lessen its value to collectors. Always tear off the envelope corner so that there is paper all around the stamp, and make sure that all of the perforations are undamaged.
7. If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if they have duplicates that they are willing to give or sell to you. Many collectors have thousands of duplicates and they are often willing to help get new philatelists get started by giving them stamps or by selling them packets of stamps much more cheaply than can be purchased in stores or by mail.
8. Look for free stamps advertised by stamp companies. Free stamps are often offered along with “approvals,” an assortment of other stamps that you must either buy or return. This can be a convenient way to buy stamps. Note, however, that you usually have to pay the return postage if you return the approval stamps.
9. Check out stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may offer stamps as prizes, or have inexpensive stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs the local community center, YMCA, or schools.
10. Consider starting a stamp club if one doesn’t already exist in your area. It only takes four or five other stamp collectors who are interested in getting together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas.
With free stamps and a few inexpensive accessories, such as a small album and a package of stamp hinges, even collectors with little money can have a great time.
So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting stamps today!
maandag 5 oktober 2009
woensdag 30 september 2009
5 Must Haves For Setting Up A Basement Bar
When setting up a basement bar there are some must have items you must have around or your basement bar won’t really be a bar but just a basement pretending to be. Of course, there are some extras like a jukebox and pool table that will really set the bar off. However, consider the following 5 must haves in order to set up your very own basement bar to enjoy a night with your friends, parties, game days and then add the extras when you can afford to.
Must Have #1 A Basement
This might seem obvious, but to have the best basement bar ever you really need a traditional basement. There are many benefits to this that include being on a completely different level than the rest of the house so noise won’t be transmitted and bother those above you. Of course, you can make a basement bar in whatever space you call the basement, but a true basement bar needs a basement.
Must Have #2 A Bar
Ok, obvious requirement number two is a bar. A basement bar needs a bar that is set up to serve beer and give the appearance that your basement bar is really authentic. You can buy a ready made bar, hire a carpenter to build you one, or give it a go yourself by buying the lumber and downloading step by step instructions from the Internet. As long as you have a basement and a bar your basement bar just needs some accessories.
Must Have #3 A Kegerator
A kegeraotr is a refrigerated keg that will keep your beer cold at all times and be ready to serve anytime the basement bar is open. You don’t want to have to buy six packs and litter your bar with bottled beer when you can serve beer straight from the keg. Keg beer is special and will make your basement bar even more so.
Must Have #4 A Big TV
No, you don’t have to have the biggest screen television on the market, but it will help. Buy the largest screen television you can afford for your basement bar, or one that fits the space well if your basement is really small. This will allow for great game watching like the Superbowl, Basketball National Championship, and other great games.
Must Have #5 Seating
This might seem generic, but it really is a must have for your basement bar. If your friends are joining you for a night of poker or Monday night Football they need a place to sit back and relax while drinking some of your keg beer. So, be sure to have some bar stools around the bar as well as comfy couches and chairs surrounding the TV, with your poker table nearby so there is plenty of seating wherever the action is taking place.
Must Have #1 A Basement
This might seem obvious, but to have the best basement bar ever you really need a traditional basement. There are many benefits to this that include being on a completely different level than the rest of the house so noise won’t be transmitted and bother those above you. Of course, you can make a basement bar in whatever space you call the basement, but a true basement bar needs a basement.
Must Have #2 A Bar
Ok, obvious requirement number two is a bar. A basement bar needs a bar that is set up to serve beer and give the appearance that your basement bar is really authentic. You can buy a ready made bar, hire a carpenter to build you one, or give it a go yourself by buying the lumber and downloading step by step instructions from the Internet. As long as you have a basement and a bar your basement bar just needs some accessories.
Must Have #3 A Kegerator
A kegeraotr is a refrigerated keg that will keep your beer cold at all times and be ready to serve anytime the basement bar is open. You don’t want to have to buy six packs and litter your bar with bottled beer when you can serve beer straight from the keg. Keg beer is special and will make your basement bar even more so.
Must Have #4 A Big TV
No, you don’t have to have the biggest screen television on the market, but it will help. Buy the largest screen television you can afford for your basement bar, or one that fits the space well if your basement is really small. This will allow for great game watching like the Superbowl, Basketball National Championship, and other great games.
Must Have #5 Seating
This might seem generic, but it really is a must have for your basement bar. If your friends are joining you for a night of poker or Monday night Football they need a place to sit back and relax while drinking some of your keg beer. So, be sure to have some bar stools around the bar as well as comfy couches and chairs surrounding the TV, with your poker table nearby so there is plenty of seating wherever the action is taking place.
maandag 21 september 2009
4 Things to Think About Before Declawing your Cat
Declawing is a major surgery known as onychectomy, performed under anesthesia, that removes the tip of each digit (from the first knuckle out) of the cat's forepaws. There is a slight chance of death in the surgery, and a declawed cat may have an increased risk of infection and life-long discomfort in its paws. This surgery is not recommended for an adult animal and is considered an act of animal cruelty in some countries (see below).
People generally have cats declawed to prevent them from hunting and from damaging furniture. Rarely, vicious cats are declawed. In the United States, some landlords require that tenants' cats be declawed.
Veterinarians are generally critical of the procedure and some refuse to perform it because the absence of claws in a cat:
1. Deprives it of its main defense abilities, including escaping from predators by climbing trees;
2. Impairs its stretching and exercise habits, leading to muscle atrophy;
3. Compromises its ability to balance on thin surfaces such as railings and fence tops, leading to injury from falls;
4. Can cause insecurity and a subsequent tendency to bite.
This operation is rare outside of North America. In Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, declawing is forbidden by the laws against cruelty to animals.[17] In many other European countries, it is forbidden under the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, unless "a veterinarian considers [such] non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of (the) animal". [18] In Britain, animal shelters find it difficult to place imported cats that have been declawed and subsequently most are euthanized.
An alternative to declawing is the application of blunt, vinyl nail caps that are affixed to the claws with nontoxic glue, requiring periodic replacement when the cat sheds its claw sheaths (about every four to six weeks). However, the cat will still experience difficulties because the capped nails are not as effective as claws.
People generally have cats declawed to prevent them from hunting and from damaging furniture. Rarely, vicious cats are declawed. In the United States, some landlords require that tenants' cats be declawed.
Veterinarians are generally critical of the procedure and some refuse to perform it because the absence of claws in a cat:
1. Deprives it of its main defense abilities, including escaping from predators by climbing trees;
2. Impairs its stretching and exercise habits, leading to muscle atrophy;
3. Compromises its ability to balance on thin surfaces such as railings and fence tops, leading to injury from falls;
4. Can cause insecurity and a subsequent tendency to bite.
This operation is rare outside of North America. In Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, declawing is forbidden by the laws against cruelty to animals.[17] In many other European countries, it is forbidden under the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, unless "a veterinarian considers [such] non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of (the) animal". [18] In Britain, animal shelters find it difficult to place imported cats that have been declawed and subsequently most are euthanized.
An alternative to declawing is the application of blunt, vinyl nail caps that are affixed to the claws with nontoxic glue, requiring periodic replacement when the cat sheds its claw sheaths (about every four to six weeks). However, the cat will still experience difficulties because the capped nails are not as effective as claws.
vrijdag 18 september 2009
7 Budget Kitchen Decorating Ideas
Despite what you may read in the trendiest kitchen design magazines, updating the look of your kitchen really does not require that your spend a lot of time and money. There are some simple and inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a brand new look.
Some small change here and there that you can make in your kitchen can still create a big effect on how your kitchen looks. You can get ideas about what you would like incorporate into your kitchen decorating and remodeling project from books, magazines, and internet sites dealing with kitchen design ideas.
There are 7 relatively low cost kitchen-decorating ideas to create a beautiful kitchen:
1. Replacing the cabinet doors and fronts. Then you can reface the remaining fixtures. This will greatly change the whole look and feel of your kitchen.
2. Painting your cabinets white and changing the hardware, such as knobs, handles, or pulls.
3. Using solid core MFD doors, which are medium density fiberboard or timber. They can be fitted to a solid door base. This type of door can be painted to create any look you may want.
4. Using color to renovate the kitchen is another example of inexpensive kitchen decorating. You can paint your walls and cabinets. When it comes to painting your existing cabinetry, you can use decorative finishes. Some examples are creating a distressed finish to add an aged look, and faux and glazed finishes. These are all simple to do and cost effective.
5. Another area of the kitchen you can easily update is the faucet and sink. It is possible to locate moderately priced sinks that can cost from $50 $300. They are also available in many colors, and styles. Porcelain, stainless steel, and acrylic are the materials that are available for sinks. For faucets, you will find that they are available in many styles and finishes, and depending on the type of faucet can range in price from $50 to$750.
6. Another great affordable idea in kitchen decorating is to add a kitchen island. Kitchen islands are great for adding more counter space to the kitchen and provide a gathering place. If you do not have enough money or space to add a permanent kitchen island, but would like to have the advantages of one, you might consider as an alternative getting a kitchen cart. A kitchen cart can have wheels for rolling around, as well as have drawers, shelves, and places to hang utensils. Because they are on wheels they can be cleared out the way.
7. If your kitchen-decorating budget is so small that you can only afford to remodel a small area of your kitchen you might consider adding a kitchen backsplash. A new kitchen backsplash can really dress up a drab, uninspiring kitchen. Kitchen backsplashes are available in so many different styles, colors, and materials. The materials used for backsplashes can include, wood, porcelain, natural stone, glass, stainless steel, and even wallpaper. The costs vary depending on the material you select.
So you can see that redecorating your kitchen can be a simple thing like changing the hardware on your existing cabinetry or painting the walls. Just one small change can do a lot to make your kitchen look brand new.
Some small change here and there that you can make in your kitchen can still create a big effect on how your kitchen looks. You can get ideas about what you would like incorporate into your kitchen decorating and remodeling project from books, magazines, and internet sites dealing with kitchen design ideas.
There are 7 relatively low cost kitchen-decorating ideas to create a beautiful kitchen:
1. Replacing the cabinet doors and fronts. Then you can reface the remaining fixtures. This will greatly change the whole look and feel of your kitchen.
2. Painting your cabinets white and changing the hardware, such as knobs, handles, or pulls.
3. Using solid core MFD doors, which are medium density fiberboard or timber. They can be fitted to a solid door base. This type of door can be painted to create any look you may want.
4. Using color to renovate the kitchen is another example of inexpensive kitchen decorating. You can paint your walls and cabinets. When it comes to painting your existing cabinetry, you can use decorative finishes. Some examples are creating a distressed finish to add an aged look, and faux and glazed finishes. These are all simple to do and cost effective.
5. Another area of the kitchen you can easily update is the faucet and sink. It is possible to locate moderately priced sinks that can cost from $50 $300. They are also available in many colors, and styles. Porcelain, stainless steel, and acrylic are the materials that are available for sinks. For faucets, you will find that they are available in many styles and finishes, and depending on the type of faucet can range in price from $50 to$750.
6. Another great affordable idea in kitchen decorating is to add a kitchen island. Kitchen islands are great for adding more counter space to the kitchen and provide a gathering place. If you do not have enough money or space to add a permanent kitchen island, but would like to have the advantages of one, you might consider as an alternative getting a kitchen cart. A kitchen cart can have wheels for rolling around, as well as have drawers, shelves, and places to hang utensils. Because they are on wheels they can be cleared out the way.
7. If your kitchen-decorating budget is so small that you can only afford to remodel a small area of your kitchen you might consider adding a kitchen backsplash. A new kitchen backsplash can really dress up a drab, uninspiring kitchen. Kitchen backsplashes are available in so many different styles, colors, and materials. The materials used for backsplashes can include, wood, porcelain, natural stone, glass, stainless steel, and even wallpaper. The costs vary depending on the material you select.
So you can see that redecorating your kitchen can be a simple thing like changing the hardware on your existing cabinetry or painting the walls. Just one small change can do a lot to make your kitchen look brand new.
woensdag 16 september 2009
Helpful Hints for the Elderly
The elderly need a lot of help around the house, but it is not often that each and every member of the family will be around to help. A typical household will not have a hired nurse, and so it becomes the duty of the homeowner to assist their aged parents or grandparents. Assistance may range from simple walking, to getting a hard to reach item. The wisdom comes in the form of self-assistance; that is, in the ability for the elderly to help themselves. This can easily be made possible with proper planning and slight adjustment to your daily routine.
Eliminate obstacles around the house. What may seem like a trifle to an agile twenty-year-old may be a gauntlet for a seventy-year-old. These daily obstacles pose threats ranging from mild to critical. For example, glassware and tile pose a very serious threat, while polycarbonate and carpet virtually eliminates any concern. Problems like that can be remedied by practical thinking: eliminate the obstacle, not the object. Outfitting the house to meet the needs of the elderly, while at the same time preserving the homeowner's comfort of living, can be a much simpler task than perceived.
Solutions can be entirely within the realm of practicality, while others involve expenses. The most obvious and time-honored solution is to leave all of their personal affects downstairs, assuming they live inside a house with more than a single story. Doing so will sidestep the most frightening scenario: falling down the stairs. If at all possible, ensure that plenty of necessities remain accessible on the first level, especially a bathroom. As a tip, lay out a non-slip surface inside the tub and showers, as well as bath mats on the outside. Inexpensive and easy to install, they deter the most hazardous of daily household injuries.
By way of expenses, outfit the television with a wireless headset. This way, the volume can be turned up to suit their needs without disrupting the rest of the household. Another measure would be to enable subtitles and captions for movies and television. Other gadgets to consider are audio reminders, which will remind a person of certain tasks via pre-recorded messages. In short, gadgets of all kinds can aid in everyday life just as well as practical decisions. In times of boredom, say, handheld portable gaming systems integrate very well into the lives of the elderly. For example, crossword puzzles and other games that aid in critical thinking and coordination are easily accessible on Nintendo's own DS Lite.
With these tips in mind, use your home to their advantage, all without necessitating too much change. Too often can discomfort and accidents happen at the smallest detail. Sometimes the elderly may be at home for hours at a time, alone. The best option would be to organize a lifestyle alongside your aged parents or grandparents, a lifestyle that suits them. This makes it easier for everyone involved, as self-assistance is the most ideal way to retain their freedom and their dignity.
Eliminate obstacles around the house. What may seem like a trifle to an agile twenty-year-old may be a gauntlet for a seventy-year-old. These daily obstacles pose threats ranging from mild to critical. For example, glassware and tile pose a very serious threat, while polycarbonate and carpet virtually eliminates any concern. Problems like that can be remedied by practical thinking: eliminate the obstacle, not the object. Outfitting the house to meet the needs of the elderly, while at the same time preserving the homeowner's comfort of living, can be a much simpler task than perceived.
Solutions can be entirely within the realm of practicality, while others involve expenses. The most obvious and time-honored solution is to leave all of their personal affects downstairs, assuming they live inside a house with more than a single story. Doing so will sidestep the most frightening scenario: falling down the stairs. If at all possible, ensure that plenty of necessities remain accessible on the first level, especially a bathroom. As a tip, lay out a non-slip surface inside the tub and showers, as well as bath mats on the outside. Inexpensive and easy to install, they deter the most hazardous of daily household injuries.
By way of expenses, outfit the television with a wireless headset. This way, the volume can be turned up to suit their needs without disrupting the rest of the household. Another measure would be to enable subtitles and captions for movies and television. Other gadgets to consider are audio reminders, which will remind a person of certain tasks via pre-recorded messages. In short, gadgets of all kinds can aid in everyday life just as well as practical decisions. In times of boredom, say, handheld portable gaming systems integrate very well into the lives of the elderly. For example, crossword puzzles and other games that aid in critical thinking and coordination are easily accessible on Nintendo's own DS Lite.
With these tips in mind, use your home to their advantage, all without necessitating too much change. Too often can discomfort and accidents happen at the smallest detail. Sometimes the elderly may be at home for hours at a time, alone. The best option would be to organize a lifestyle alongside your aged parents or grandparents, a lifestyle that suits them. This makes it easier for everyone involved, as self-assistance is the most ideal way to retain their freedom and their dignity.
vrijdag 11 september 2009
6 Easy Tips On How To Care For Your Plants
Many people worry a lot when it comes to caring for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no need to worry. There are just a few things you need to consider.
1. Watering
A watering can is a must-have in every garden. It is recommended that you purchase the one with a narrow spout to ensure adequate watering. But that does not always apply, so the finger test may come in handy. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If you feel that the soil is damp, don't water it. Otherwise, do.
2. Feeding
With foliage plants, they always need to be high in nitrogen. For flowering plants, on the other hand, K2O is needed. Fertilizers such as the slow release ones can be mixed with the compost. However, some plants like cacti and orchids need special feeds. Feed plants on the height of their active growth.
3. Lighting
Plants like Sanseveria and Aspidistra require no shade. They can be placed away from a window. Spider plants need semi-shade. You can put plants like these near a window that does or does not get sunlight. Others need sun or no sun at all like cheeseplants.
4. Temperature
With houseplants, they can survive in temperatures a little bit higher than 15 - 250 C or 55 - 750 F. But drastic fluctuations of temperature may not be good for them.
5. Humidity
Some houseplants require a humid environment. One tip to maximize humidity is to put the pot inside a larger pot and fill in the gaps with stones or compost to keep in the moisture. The compost will not dry out. Plants are capable of creating their own climate if grouped together. This tip can also be used for keeping the soil moist. If you want, you can spray them with water once or twice a day depending on the day's temperature.
6. Repotting
Other plants require repotting for optimum growth but some plants may not be suitable for this idea. They would not want their roots to be disturbed or other plants' root system is small. One way to check if your plant needs repotting is to turn it upside down. Tap the pot to release the plant and check its roots. If roots are all you see, then repot.
You just need to have a little care for your plants and in turn, you'll reap its benefits. You don't only have a garden that can add to your house's beauty you can also learn how to respect and nurture life in its varied forms.
1. Watering
A watering can is a must-have in every garden. It is recommended that you purchase the one with a narrow spout to ensure adequate watering. But that does not always apply, so the finger test may come in handy. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If you feel that the soil is damp, don't water it. Otherwise, do.
2. Feeding
With foliage plants, they always need to be high in nitrogen. For flowering plants, on the other hand, K2O is needed. Fertilizers such as the slow release ones can be mixed with the compost. However, some plants like cacti and orchids need special feeds. Feed plants on the height of their active growth.
3. Lighting
Plants like Sanseveria and Aspidistra require no shade. They can be placed away from a window. Spider plants need semi-shade. You can put plants like these near a window that does or does not get sunlight. Others need sun or no sun at all like cheeseplants.
4. Temperature
With houseplants, they can survive in temperatures a little bit higher than 15 - 250 C or 55 - 750 F. But drastic fluctuations of temperature may not be good for them.
5. Humidity
Some houseplants require a humid environment. One tip to maximize humidity is to put the pot inside a larger pot and fill in the gaps with stones or compost to keep in the moisture. The compost will not dry out. Plants are capable of creating their own climate if grouped together. This tip can also be used for keeping the soil moist. If you want, you can spray them with water once or twice a day depending on the day's temperature.
6. Repotting
Other plants require repotting for optimum growth but some plants may not be suitable for this idea. They would not want their roots to be disturbed or other plants' root system is small. One way to check if your plant needs repotting is to turn it upside down. Tap the pot to release the plant and check its roots. If roots are all you see, then repot.
You just need to have a little care for your plants and in turn, you'll reap its benefits. You don't only have a garden that can add to your house's beauty you can also learn how to respect and nurture life in its varied forms.
dinsdag 8 september 2009
15 Tips For What To Do With Your Sewing Pattern
What to do with a sewing pattern once you take it out of the envelope.
You have searched the pattern books, found the perfect pattern for your material and now you are off home to make it up.
What is the first thing you need to do?
You will have selected a pattern for your size, when you open the envelope, everything is folded neatly.
1. Take the instruction sheet and it will show you how to set out the pattern on your fabric, there will be the lay-outs for the different widths of fabric, and for with or without nap. Some fabrics you can cut out your pattern pieces in opposite directions others you will have to lay the pattern pieces all going the same way or else the fabric will show a different shade, velvets and corduroys are a good example.
2. Cut around the edge of the seam allowances with paper scissors, not the scissors you will be cutting the fabric with.
3. Always check the pattern pieces against you, you can pin the various pieces together and try it on to see if there needs to be any adjustments before you start cutting the fabric.
4. With your fabric right side out, place and pin the pattern pieces according to the layout for your fabric width and cut your fabric pattern pieces out.
5. You will see triangles known as notches. circles, arrows, broken lines, unbroken lines. On some patterns you will also see on the seam stitching lines arrows. This is according to the pattern maker the direction to stitch that seam.
6. Once you have cut out all the pieces, get your tracing carbon. Fold the tracing carbon so that when you place it between the fabric and trace, you will have the pattern marked on the inside of your fabric.
7. If possible get a plastic tracing wheel, it will not cut into your pattern tissue. some metal tracing wheels will cut the pattern and make it hard to re-use that pattern again.
8. Transfer all the pattern markings to the inside of your fabric, use a rule to guide along the long seam lines.
9. Now you are ready to start sewing your garment and everything you had on your pattern is now on the inside of your fabric.
10. Once again, check the pieces against you to make sure the fit is right.
11. Pin, tack, baste where necessary, press as you go, fit as you go and follow the instructions, take it step by step.
12. As a general guide when deciding on what length of fabric to purchase you need twice your length plus the length of the sleeve if you are making something with a sleeve. For skirts or pants you will need twice your length.
13. When looking for fabrics, anything that feels stiff will have a lot of what is called sizing and when it is laundered could go very limp and not hold its shape.
14. A good test for crushing is to scrunch the fabric in your hand and see if the creases will fall out. If they stay, then this will always crush no matter how carefully your press it.
15. Purchase your notions when you purchase your fabric, thread, zipper, bias binding, interfacing, lining, check the pattern envelope for what you will need to complete your garment.
Well that’s the main points for getting your pattern tight and happier sewing.
You have searched the pattern books, found the perfect pattern for your material and now you are off home to make it up.
What is the first thing you need to do?
You will have selected a pattern for your size, when you open the envelope, everything is folded neatly.
1. Take the instruction sheet and it will show you how to set out the pattern on your fabric, there will be the lay-outs for the different widths of fabric, and for with or without nap. Some fabrics you can cut out your pattern pieces in opposite directions others you will have to lay the pattern pieces all going the same way or else the fabric will show a different shade, velvets and corduroys are a good example.
2. Cut around the edge of the seam allowances with paper scissors, not the scissors you will be cutting the fabric with.
3. Always check the pattern pieces against you, you can pin the various pieces together and try it on to see if there needs to be any adjustments before you start cutting the fabric.
4. With your fabric right side out, place and pin the pattern pieces according to the layout for your fabric width and cut your fabric pattern pieces out.
5. You will see triangles known as notches. circles, arrows, broken lines, unbroken lines. On some patterns you will also see on the seam stitching lines arrows. This is according to the pattern maker the direction to stitch that seam.
6. Once you have cut out all the pieces, get your tracing carbon. Fold the tracing carbon so that when you place it between the fabric and trace, you will have the pattern marked on the inside of your fabric.
7. If possible get a plastic tracing wheel, it will not cut into your pattern tissue. some metal tracing wheels will cut the pattern and make it hard to re-use that pattern again.
8. Transfer all the pattern markings to the inside of your fabric, use a rule to guide along the long seam lines.
9. Now you are ready to start sewing your garment and everything you had on your pattern is now on the inside of your fabric.
10. Once again, check the pieces against you to make sure the fit is right.
11. Pin, tack, baste where necessary, press as you go, fit as you go and follow the instructions, take it step by step.
12. As a general guide when deciding on what length of fabric to purchase you need twice your length plus the length of the sleeve if you are making something with a sleeve. For skirts or pants you will need twice your length.
13. When looking for fabrics, anything that feels stiff will have a lot of what is called sizing and when it is laundered could go very limp and not hold its shape.
14. A good test for crushing is to scrunch the fabric in your hand and see if the creases will fall out. If they stay, then this will always crush no matter how carefully your press it.
15. Purchase your notions when you purchase your fabric, thread, zipper, bias binding, interfacing, lining, check the pattern envelope for what you will need to complete your garment.
Well that’s the main points for getting your pattern tight and happier sewing.
dinsdag 18 augustus 2009
6 Simple Steps to Becoming A HOT Guitar Player!
Learning how to play guitar well is not easy. There are so
many methods and so many conflicting opinions, it makes
it difficult to know what to do.
But the simple fact is, if you want to be the best you can,
as soon as you can, then all you need to do is - copy what
the pro's do...
Master the Basics!
Mastering the basics means being able to play in all keys.
Being able to transpose any song to any other key - on
the spot preferably.
Did you know that 95% of guitarists DON'T master the
basics. Oh yes, they mean to get around to it, but they
hardly ever do.
Why is that? Well, it's because they think it's boring,
complicated and too much hard work. And most of all - no
fun! And mostly they were right. Well, it needn't be that
way. Mastering the basics can be a lot of fun if you go
about it in a methodical set-by-step way.
What does mastering the basics entail?
There are 6 basic steps you need to follow:
1. Learn the names of all notes on all strings, one string at
a time.
2. Learn how to construct a C Major scale.
Basic must-know guitar theory. Easy stuff.
3. Learn how the chords of the major scale are made and
what they are... their names etc. C Dm Em F G Am Bdim.
Basic chord construction knowledge.
4. Learn the triad patterns for the C major scale all over
the fret board.
Triads are simple 3-note chords. Easy and fun to learn and
play.
5. Learn to play those triads with common chord
progressions.
Learn to play and apply the triads to the most common
chord progressions that fit thousands and thousands of
songs.
6. Learn to do step 5 in all keys.
Once you can do steps one to five in the key of C, it's real
easy to learn it for the other 11 major keys.
Hint: It's much easier than you think. All the patterns are
exactly the same as what you learn for C major. You don't
have to learn any new patterns. Cookie cutter stuff.
It really is not hard at all. All you need is a methodical
step-by-step method that makes sense and is easy and
fun to use.
many methods and so many conflicting opinions, it makes
it difficult to know what to do.
But the simple fact is, if you want to be the best you can,
as soon as you can, then all you need to do is - copy what
the pro's do...
Master the Basics!
Mastering the basics means being able to play in all keys.
Being able to transpose any song to any other key - on
the spot preferably.
Did you know that 95% of guitarists DON'T master the
basics. Oh yes, they mean to get around to it, but they
hardly ever do.
Why is that? Well, it's because they think it's boring,
complicated and too much hard work. And most of all - no
fun! And mostly they were right. Well, it needn't be that
way. Mastering the basics can be a lot of fun if you go
about it in a methodical set-by-step way.
What does mastering the basics entail?
There are 6 basic steps you need to follow:
1. Learn the names of all notes on all strings, one string at
a time.
2. Learn how to construct a C Major scale.
Basic must-know guitar theory. Easy stuff.
3. Learn how the chords of the major scale are made and
what they are... their names etc. C Dm Em F G Am Bdim.
Basic chord construction knowledge.
4. Learn the triad patterns for the C major scale all over
the fret board.
Triads are simple 3-note chords. Easy and fun to learn and
play.
5. Learn to play those triads with common chord
progressions.
Learn to play and apply the triads to the most common
chord progressions that fit thousands and thousands of
songs.
6. Learn to do step 5 in all keys.
Once you can do steps one to five in the key of C, it's real
easy to learn it for the other 11 major keys.
Hint: It's much easier than you think. All the patterns are
exactly the same as what you learn for C major. You don't
have to learn any new patterns. Cookie cutter stuff.
It really is not hard at all. All you need is a methodical
step-by-step method that makes sense and is easy and
fun to use.
vrijdag 14 augustus 2009
8 Tips For Crochet Beginners
Dear Friend,
Thanks for visiting and finding my article. What follows is information that I have pulled together from many different sources. The secrets, tips, and techniques you read here are from my book "Crocheting Made Simple". I hope you find it both interesting and helpful.
Many imagine that knitted and crochet items survived in the youthful period of imperialism. A lot of communities in this era used this type of trade as their main resource of income. The crocheted and knitted goods are typically purchased by the middle class citizens.
The History of Crochet
Crochet was known to specify the status symbol of an individual from the early account. This accommodating refinement was practiced by the royalties who were capable to afford buying extravagant lace-work goods and set up the value of crochet commodities to devalue.
Numerous have alleged that knitting and crocheting was developed be means of the old practices of persons living in countries like China, Middle Eastern countries, and in South America. Many individuals find credible that crochet may have been practiced by early cultures to flex the muscles of the forefinger rather than a fashion hook. This belief was accepted by uncountable craft historians because of the absence of artifact crochet goods as evidence of its established practices.
Crochet vs. Lace
In the early 1800's, numberless European communities have used crochet goods in place of the immensely expensive lace made materials. Crocheting just requires fewer materials, and it is also extensively accepted by contrasting social classes. From these periods, crochet was done mainly on thread. The most common universally made products from crochet were filet crochet made in rows either open or close mesh to construct a certain pattern. While in the 1900's, the huge production of steel hooks has introduced numerous products which are made from thread.
In today's stretch, crocheting and knitting is the enjoyment of numberless individuals. It has recently evolved the attentiveness of many persons that made it so popular with the high quality of yarns and threads used. The delight of making a crochet article is working it with different yarn textures and colors.
8 Basic Tips for Crochet Beginners
As a novice, a person should understand the procedure of making a pattern row and a single stitch crocheting. Here are several fundamental steps that will help a person find out how to make a crochet product.
1. Foremost, the person may need the use of crochet mechanism like a size G crochet hook, small scissors, worsted-weight yarn with any colors, and a big-eyed yarn needle.
2. He may begin by holding the crochet hook in his right hand if he is right-handed. Then he may produce a slipped knot on the hook.
3. He may glide the hooked yarn to the slipknot of the hook. This procedure will produce a continuous stitch or a chained like stitches. He will then continue to bringing back the yarn on top of the hook making the thread go into the hook and grabbing the slip knot into the hook.
4. He can pass by on the first chain stitch permitting the knot to be properly hooked on the knot of the thread. This will allow the thread to be properly in place so that it will not loosen. A much tighter knot would be better to form a chain stitch.
5. He may insert the hook to the hole of on the next chain stitch, and then glide the yarn passing through the center of the second chain stitch going to the upper part of the hook. He may have now created two loops on the hook of the threads.
6. He may fetch the yarn back on the hook from back to front and slide the knot in the center of the loops that he had created on the hook.
7. From the second loop, form another one chain stitch to construct a counter clock wise loop. This allows the hook to remain in the chain stitches. He may set in motion again in creating the accompanying rows, creating the exact loops on the previous rows.
8. He may form a single crochet stitch in the first loop tightened going to the following loops of the previous rows. He should be precisely certain to produce the hook on the last stitch to retain the stitches on their places.
Completing the Crochet Item
To conclude the work, he may cut the surplus yarn on the skin. He should not forget to keep at minimum 6 inches of the thread on the last chain stitch. This will allow him to slip the hook up to the upper part of the loops and bringing the thread into the last loops of the hook. As a greenhorn, he may discover it tough to do especially on more detailed crochet products. He may begin doing these fundamental steps to help him get used to the techniques.
Thanks for visiting and finding my article. What follows is information that I have pulled together from many different sources. The secrets, tips, and techniques you read here are from my book "Crocheting Made Simple". I hope you find it both interesting and helpful.
Many imagine that knitted and crochet items survived in the youthful period of imperialism. A lot of communities in this era used this type of trade as their main resource of income. The crocheted and knitted goods are typically purchased by the middle class citizens.
The History of Crochet
Crochet was known to specify the status symbol of an individual from the early account. This accommodating refinement was practiced by the royalties who were capable to afford buying extravagant lace-work goods and set up the value of crochet commodities to devalue.
Numerous have alleged that knitting and crocheting was developed be means of the old practices of persons living in countries like China, Middle Eastern countries, and in South America. Many individuals find credible that crochet may have been practiced by early cultures to flex the muscles of the forefinger rather than a fashion hook. This belief was accepted by uncountable craft historians because of the absence of artifact crochet goods as evidence of its established practices.
Crochet vs. Lace
In the early 1800's, numberless European communities have used crochet goods in place of the immensely expensive lace made materials. Crocheting just requires fewer materials, and it is also extensively accepted by contrasting social classes. From these periods, crochet was done mainly on thread. The most common universally made products from crochet were filet crochet made in rows either open or close mesh to construct a certain pattern. While in the 1900's, the huge production of steel hooks has introduced numerous products which are made from thread.
In today's stretch, crocheting and knitting is the enjoyment of numberless individuals. It has recently evolved the attentiveness of many persons that made it so popular with the high quality of yarns and threads used. The delight of making a crochet article is working it with different yarn textures and colors.
8 Basic Tips for Crochet Beginners
As a novice, a person should understand the procedure of making a pattern row and a single stitch crocheting. Here are several fundamental steps that will help a person find out how to make a crochet product.
1. Foremost, the person may need the use of crochet mechanism like a size G crochet hook, small scissors, worsted-weight yarn with any colors, and a big-eyed yarn needle.
2. He may begin by holding the crochet hook in his right hand if he is right-handed. Then he may produce a slipped knot on the hook.
3. He may glide the hooked yarn to the slipknot of the hook. This procedure will produce a continuous stitch or a chained like stitches. He will then continue to bringing back the yarn on top of the hook making the thread go into the hook and grabbing the slip knot into the hook.
4. He can pass by on the first chain stitch permitting the knot to be properly hooked on the knot of the thread. This will allow the thread to be properly in place so that it will not loosen. A much tighter knot would be better to form a chain stitch.
5. He may insert the hook to the hole of on the next chain stitch, and then glide the yarn passing through the center of the second chain stitch going to the upper part of the hook. He may have now created two loops on the hook of the threads.
6. He may fetch the yarn back on the hook from back to front and slide the knot in the center of the loops that he had created on the hook.
7. From the second loop, form another one chain stitch to construct a counter clock wise loop. This allows the hook to remain in the chain stitches. He may set in motion again in creating the accompanying rows, creating the exact loops on the previous rows.
8. He may form a single crochet stitch in the first loop tightened going to the following loops of the previous rows. He should be precisely certain to produce the hook on the last stitch to retain the stitches on their places.
Completing the Crochet Item
To conclude the work, he may cut the surplus yarn on the skin. He should not forget to keep at minimum 6 inches of the thread on the last chain stitch. This will allow him to slip the hook up to the upper part of the loops and bringing the thread into the last loops of the hook. As a greenhorn, he may discover it tough to do especially on more detailed crochet products. He may begin doing these fundamental steps to help him get used to the techniques.
dinsdag 11 augustus 2009
5 Steps to a Balanced Monday Morning
It’s Monday morning (again). You glance at the kitchen clock and gulp down a cup of coffee while attempting to put on your clothes at the same time and realize that you only have 5 minutes to get your 5 year old dressed and ready for school, not to mention you still need to pack her lunch. Not soon enough do you remember that you were warned the previous Thursday by your easy-going boss (not!) for being late the third day in a row.
Sound all-too familiar? Hey, no one said being a working mom would be easy, but here are 5 steps to help you achieve that delicate Monday morning balance:
- - First and foremost, be prepared. If need be, pack your child’s lunch the night before. Give your child a bath the night before as well. Do your washing and ironing on the weekend so that all clothes are hung and ready to go; prepare at least 5 outfits for each member of the family over the weekend and have your husband and children assist you in the process.
- - Set your alarm clock 10-15 minutes earlier to allow yourself more time in the morning. If need be, go to bed 10-15 minutes earlier to make up for the time difference. Wake up before your kids to shower and dress.
-- Keep breakfast simple and healthy. If you feel that you just don’t have the time for breakfast, try keeping bananas (and other easy to eat fruit) and vitamin fortified cereal bars handy and ready to grab and go.
- - Set a routine for you and your family and stick with it. Our bodies crave routine and that’s a fact. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Sticking with a schedule will make it easier to effectively manage that Monday morning balancing act.
- - Divide your morning into phases. For example, phase 1: Eat Breakfast, phase 2: Get Dressed, etc. Set the phases in 15-30 minute time increments (phasing increments can vary, depending on the overall time you give yourself). Attempting to accomplish everything at once will only lead to chaos and confusion. Help your family stay within the proper phase and ask them to also pitch in and help. Encourage your family to stick to the morning phases to keep things running smoothly.
The key to achieving any balance, especially that Monday morning balance, is being prepared. Try a more organized approach to your Monday mornings and you will find that they turn out to be a lot smoother and less stressful for everyone.
Sound all-too familiar? Hey, no one said being a working mom would be easy, but here are 5 steps to help you achieve that delicate Monday morning balance:
- - First and foremost, be prepared. If need be, pack your child’s lunch the night before. Give your child a bath the night before as well. Do your washing and ironing on the weekend so that all clothes are hung and ready to go; prepare at least 5 outfits for each member of the family over the weekend and have your husband and children assist you in the process.
- - Set your alarm clock 10-15 minutes earlier to allow yourself more time in the morning. If need be, go to bed 10-15 minutes earlier to make up for the time difference. Wake up before your kids to shower and dress.
-- Keep breakfast simple and healthy. If you feel that you just don’t have the time for breakfast, try keeping bananas (and other easy to eat fruit) and vitamin fortified cereal bars handy and ready to grab and go.
- - Set a routine for you and your family and stick with it. Our bodies crave routine and that’s a fact. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Sticking with a schedule will make it easier to effectively manage that Monday morning balancing act.
- - Divide your morning into phases. For example, phase 1: Eat Breakfast, phase 2: Get Dressed, etc. Set the phases in 15-30 minute time increments (phasing increments can vary, depending on the overall time you give yourself). Attempting to accomplish everything at once will only lead to chaos and confusion. Help your family stay within the proper phase and ask them to also pitch in and help. Encourage your family to stick to the morning phases to keep things running smoothly.
The key to achieving any balance, especially that Monday morning balance, is being prepared. Try a more organized approach to your Monday mornings and you will find that they turn out to be a lot smoother and less stressful for everyone.
woensdag 29 juli 2009
Hubby Not Helping Out At Home? Send Him To School
Are American husbands a washout at cleaning the house? Better at watching the game than watching the kids? Spark-free at igniting romance?
The sad but true answer to all the above questions is "yes": In a new survey, 60 percent of women said husbands could use some lessons at helping out around the house. Hearing their plight prompted a leading consumer brand to find a way to help.
Eight husbands were recently sent to Brawny Academy-a training camp for husbands who require domestic guidance-where their lessons in the ABC's of pitching in at home will be captured in a reality show produced exclusively for the Web.
"My husband gave me his credit card for my birthday and told me to go pick out my own gift," said Andrea Kiley, wife of Brawny Academy participant Michael Kiley. "He is a terrific guy in many ways, but he needs some basic training in taking care of the kids, the house-and me!"
The eight men's experiences will be captured in an entertaining series of "webisodes." In each segment, the husbands-chosen from across the country-learn tools and techniques they can use to be more helpful around the house. The intensive nuts-and-bolts training covers key chores, giving the guys a better clue about cooking, cleaning, caring for children and fixing things around the house.
The husbands' stay at the academy also includes some fine-tuning of their personal skills, showing them how to communicate better and spark romance with their wives.
"American wives are fed up with their spouses falling down on the job at home, so Brawny decided to help out by teaching a few of them how to be like the Brawny Man: strong and versatile," said Steven Sage, Georgia-Pacific Vice President of Marketing, Towel and Napkin Categories.
The sad but true answer to all the above questions is "yes": In a new survey, 60 percent of women said husbands could use some lessons at helping out around the house. Hearing their plight prompted a leading consumer brand to find a way to help.
Eight husbands were recently sent to Brawny Academy-a training camp for husbands who require domestic guidance-where their lessons in the ABC's of pitching in at home will be captured in a reality show produced exclusively for the Web.
"My husband gave me his credit card for my birthday and told me to go pick out my own gift," said Andrea Kiley, wife of Brawny Academy participant Michael Kiley. "He is a terrific guy in many ways, but he needs some basic training in taking care of the kids, the house-and me!"
The eight men's experiences will be captured in an entertaining series of "webisodes." In each segment, the husbands-chosen from across the country-learn tools and techniques they can use to be more helpful around the house. The intensive nuts-and-bolts training covers key chores, giving the guys a better clue about cooking, cleaning, caring for children and fixing things around the house.
The husbands' stay at the academy also includes some fine-tuning of their personal skills, showing them how to communicate better and spark romance with their wives.
"American wives are fed up with their spouses falling down on the job at home, so Brawny decided to help out by teaching a few of them how to be like the Brawny Man: strong and versatile," said Steven Sage, Georgia-Pacific Vice President of Marketing, Towel and Napkin Categories.
dinsdag 28 juli 2009
Congratulate To Spread Joy
Congratulating everyone for any achievement has become a norm. You pass graduation congratulations will pour in. Get a new child, same story repeated. Get engaged, get married, get a job, a new house, promotion, what ever, congratulations will come in avalanche if you have a big circle of friends and family.
What is the effect of such a message on the sender and the recipient? Let us consider.
In our life, whenever we achieve anything, we need acknowledgement. If no body acknowledges our achievements, we feel useless. For example, consider that you are the only person left on the earth and you get a very large diamond. There is no body else to congratulate you. What will you do with the diamond?
We need acknowledgment. We want to share our joy. We want people to celebrate with us. Without that all is useless. That is why people who have a very small circle of friends and family feel lonely. Similarly those who congratulate feel good. They are sharing some body else’s joy. That is a selfless act. Such acts always give us joy. Whenever you send a congratulatory message, examine your feelings carefully. You will find that you feel good.
Sharing others joy and grief, both connect us. We are all social animals and our satisfaction comes out of that connection. Please send as many Congratulation ecards as you can to make the recipients happy.
What is the effect of such a message on the sender and the recipient? Let us consider.
In our life, whenever we achieve anything, we need acknowledgement. If no body acknowledges our achievements, we feel useless. For example, consider that you are the only person left on the earth and you get a very large diamond. There is no body else to congratulate you. What will you do with the diamond?
We need acknowledgment. We want to share our joy. We want people to celebrate with us. Without that all is useless. That is why people who have a very small circle of friends and family feel lonely. Similarly those who congratulate feel good. They are sharing some body else’s joy. That is a selfless act. Such acts always give us joy. Whenever you send a congratulatory message, examine your feelings carefully. You will find that you feel good.
Sharing others joy and grief, both connect us. We are all social animals and our satisfaction comes out of that connection. Please send as many Congratulation ecards as you can to make the recipients happy.
maandag 27 juli 2009
My Dryer is Tearing My Clothes – The Inside Scoop
I took some clothes out of the dryer the other day and noticed that one of my shirts was torn and my favorite t-shirt had a hole in it. Since the shirts were fine when they went in the dryer and ruined when they came out, I figured it must have something to do with the dryer. I called a service technician to find out why my dryer was damaging my clothes.
What I found out was surprising, and if I knew then what I know now, I could have diagnosed and repaired the problem myself. So here's the inside scoop if you have the same problem and would like to save your clothes and a few dollars.
If your dryer is tearing your clothes, you need to check three parts; the drum glides, the drum seals, and the drum support rollers. To check these parts, open the dryer's cabinet by removing the front or rear panel. Remember to disconnect the power to your dryer before beginning any repairs.
The glides support the drum and are located at the top or bottom of the bulkhead (the bulkhead is located at the front of the drum). When the glides wear, the drum tilts to the front of the dryer creating a pinch point between the top of the drum and the dryer wall. Your clothes can be torn if they get caught in this pinch point.
Glides are not difficult to replace. They are held in place by screws, rivets, or grooves. It's best to replace all of the glides - they can be worn out even though they look fine.
Having checked the glides, now check the drum seals. They are located around the circumference of the drum and keep clothes from getting trapped between the drum and the dryer wall. Your clothes can be torn if they get caught between the spinning drum and the dryer wall.
Not all dryers have two drum seals. Some dryers have one seal.
Examine the seal for signs of wear or damage. You don't need to remove the drum to check the entire seal, but you do need to remove the drum belt to relieve the tension on the drum. After removing the belt, turn the drum and examine the seal.
If the seal is worn it's not difficult to remove, but it takes some effort. The seal is secured to the drum with an adhesive. Before you replace the seal, make sure you have the adhesive you need – not all seals come with adhesive.
To replace the seal, remove the drum from the dryer's cabinet. With the drum removed, peel back the seal and scrape off the old adhesive. Scrape off as much adhesive as you can because the new seal bonds better to a clean surface.
Place the new seal, stitch side down, in the same position as the one you scraped off. Apply a small amount of adhesive under the entire edge of the seal. Allow the adhesive to dry for a few hours before reinstalling the drum.
While waiting for the adhesive to dry, check the rollers located at the back of the dryer, underneath the drum. If the rollers are worn, you dryer's drum will tilt, creating a pinch point between the drum and the dryer wall. Your clothes can be torn if they get caught in this pinch point.
The left roller tends to wear more than the right one but you need to replace both to keep the drum from tilting. It's easy to replace a roller because you only have to remove a screw or clip. Your new rollers may come with lubricating oil. Apply one drop of oil to the hub (center of the roller). Too much oil will only attract dust and lint and limit the life of your rollers.
Now that you have the inside scoop, you can prevent your dryer from ruining your clothes. Save your clothes and your money with these simple repairs.
What I found out was surprising, and if I knew then what I know now, I could have diagnosed and repaired the problem myself. So here's the inside scoop if you have the same problem and would like to save your clothes and a few dollars.
If your dryer is tearing your clothes, you need to check three parts; the drum glides, the drum seals, and the drum support rollers. To check these parts, open the dryer's cabinet by removing the front or rear panel. Remember to disconnect the power to your dryer before beginning any repairs.
The glides support the drum and are located at the top or bottom of the bulkhead (the bulkhead is located at the front of the drum). When the glides wear, the drum tilts to the front of the dryer creating a pinch point between the top of the drum and the dryer wall. Your clothes can be torn if they get caught in this pinch point.
Glides are not difficult to replace. They are held in place by screws, rivets, or grooves. It's best to replace all of the glides - they can be worn out even though they look fine.
Having checked the glides, now check the drum seals. They are located around the circumference of the drum and keep clothes from getting trapped between the drum and the dryer wall. Your clothes can be torn if they get caught between the spinning drum and the dryer wall.
Not all dryers have two drum seals. Some dryers have one seal.
Examine the seal for signs of wear or damage. You don't need to remove the drum to check the entire seal, but you do need to remove the drum belt to relieve the tension on the drum. After removing the belt, turn the drum and examine the seal.
If the seal is worn it's not difficult to remove, but it takes some effort. The seal is secured to the drum with an adhesive. Before you replace the seal, make sure you have the adhesive you need – not all seals come with adhesive.
To replace the seal, remove the drum from the dryer's cabinet. With the drum removed, peel back the seal and scrape off the old adhesive. Scrape off as much adhesive as you can because the new seal bonds better to a clean surface.
Place the new seal, stitch side down, in the same position as the one you scraped off. Apply a small amount of adhesive under the entire edge of the seal. Allow the adhesive to dry for a few hours before reinstalling the drum.
While waiting for the adhesive to dry, check the rollers located at the back of the dryer, underneath the drum. If the rollers are worn, you dryer's drum will tilt, creating a pinch point between the drum and the dryer wall. Your clothes can be torn if they get caught in this pinch point.
The left roller tends to wear more than the right one but you need to replace both to keep the drum from tilting. It's easy to replace a roller because you only have to remove a screw or clip. Your new rollers may come with lubricating oil. Apply one drop of oil to the hub (center of the roller). Too much oil will only attract dust and lint and limit the life of your rollers.
Now that you have the inside scoop, you can prevent your dryer from ruining your clothes. Save your clothes and your money with these simple repairs.
zondag 26 juli 2009
5 Simple Tips on Preparing your Family Pets for a Disaster
Disasters can happen anywhere at any time. The public doesn’t usually get a lot of notice before a disaster strikes, so you must be prepared in advance and know what to do quickly if there is an emergency.
Here are 5 simple steps that you can take to prepare your pets and reduce the level of stress and worry for your entire family to a minimum.
Tip #1. Get a Pet Emergency Supplies Kit.
Have it readily accessible and make sure it consists of at least the following items:
Tip #2. Pack a picture of your pets in case you get separated.
It will help rescue workers to identify and reunite you with your pets faster.
Tip #3. Get your pets familiar with their carriers or crates.
Usually, pets associate them with visits to the vet and become stressed at the first site of them. Let your pets play in the carrier or get them some treats to make the transition easier when the time comes.
Tip #4. Know your pets hiding places in and out of the house.
At the first warning of a disaster, you might consider putting them in one room in case you have to leave in a hurry.
Tip #5. Have a Family Emergency Plan Ready:
Here are 5 simple steps that you can take to prepare your pets and reduce the level of stress and worry for your entire family to a minimum.
Tip #1. Get a Pet Emergency Supplies Kit.
Have it readily accessible and make sure it consists of at least the following items:
- Pet first aid kit that will cover your pets’ emergency medical needs. If your pets take any medications, add some extra supplies.
- Food (in water proof container) and water, 3-day ration.
- Collars with ID tags - make sure the information is current and updated. You might consider microchipping as permanent identification as collars get lost.
- Safety harness and leash.
- Sanitation Items.
- Rescue Pet Decals – to alert rescue teams to save your pets inside the house.
- Comfort toys and blankets to take with your pets if you have to evacuate.
Tip #2. Pack a picture of your pets in case you get separated.
It will help rescue workers to identify and reunite you with your pets faster.
Tip #3. Get your pets familiar with their carriers or crates.
Usually, pets associate them with visits to the vet and become stressed at the first site of them. Let your pets play in the carrier or get them some treats to make the transition easier when the time comes.
Tip #4. Know your pets hiding places in and out of the house.
At the first warning of a disaster, you might consider putting them in one room in case you have to leave in a hurry.
Tip #5. Have a Family Emergency Plan Ready:
- Map out a get-away plan: how you pack your pets, where you go.
- Check with the nearby shelters, veterinary hospitals, and hotels to see if they would take your pets in an emergency.
- Develop a pet care buddy system – arrange for friends or extended family to take your pets in if you must evacuate in a shelter that doesn’t allow pets for health issues. Instruct your caretakers on the location of the emergency supplies kit and anything else you might find useful.
- Learn about various disasters that could strike your particular area. You might have to wait home longer before getting an order to evacuate, so get some extra supplies of food and water.
- If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you if possible.
zaterdag 25 juli 2009
5 Movies From Your Childhood To Share With Your Kids
Brand new movies are great! It’s so much fun standing in line at the theater, breathing in the buttery popcorn smell, giddy with anticipation when a new movie is released.
My children love watching the latest and greatest movies, but I just grin when I hear my children singing the songs I used to sing as a kid – “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” or “Tomorrow”. Hearing their little off-key renditions is the best music to my ears.
Have you introduced your children to the movies you enjoyed when you were younger?
Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
The Robinson family gets shipwrecked near an island. With hard work and togetherness, they build a majestic tree house. They are faced with many trials - wild animals, weather, and pirates, but their ingenuity carries them through. Great family values!
The Parent Trap (1961)
Twin daughters are raised not knowing about each other, each living with one parent. They unexpectedly bump into each other at summer camp, put two and two together, and work out a scheme to get their parents back together again. This movie is just plain good fun.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Mr. and Mrs. Banks are both so preoccupied with their own interests that their children, Jane and Michael are unhappy. When the magical nanny, Mary Poppins enters their lives, she brings the family closer. Between the penguin scene, the chimney sweep dance, and the magic, your children will be entranced.
The Sound of Music (1965)
The hills are alive with the sound of music. Your home will be alive with the sound of music once your kids watch this one.
Annie (1982)
Oh, how we love Annie! The music, the dancing, the wealthy Mr. Warbucks, and a happy ending. It doesn’t get much better than that!
These five movies are a must in every family library. Share the memories, and sing the tunes. It’s ok if you’re a little off-key. I won’t tell.
My children love watching the latest and greatest movies, but I just grin when I hear my children singing the songs I used to sing as a kid – “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” or “Tomorrow”. Hearing their little off-key renditions is the best music to my ears.
Have you introduced your children to the movies you enjoyed when you were younger?
Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
The Robinson family gets shipwrecked near an island. With hard work and togetherness, they build a majestic tree house. They are faced with many trials - wild animals, weather, and pirates, but their ingenuity carries them through. Great family values!
The Parent Trap (1961)
Twin daughters are raised not knowing about each other, each living with one parent. They unexpectedly bump into each other at summer camp, put two and two together, and work out a scheme to get their parents back together again. This movie is just plain good fun.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Mr. and Mrs. Banks are both so preoccupied with their own interests that their children, Jane and Michael are unhappy. When the magical nanny, Mary Poppins enters their lives, she brings the family closer. Between the penguin scene, the chimney sweep dance, and the magic, your children will be entranced.
The Sound of Music (1965)
The hills are alive with the sound of music. Your home will be alive with the sound of music once your kids watch this one.
Annie (1982)
Oh, how we love Annie! The music, the dancing, the wealthy Mr. Warbucks, and a happy ending. It doesn’t get much better than that!
These five movies are a must in every family library. Share the memories, and sing the tunes. It’s ok if you’re a little off-key. I won’t tell.
vrijdag 24 juli 2009
"Pushy" Deaf Kid's Mom
There are some things that we as persons, born on this planet, have no control over. Our own birth defects are included in that scenario. While there are those who believe that we ourselves choose what obstacles we must face and overcome in this life, prior to our earthly birth, I am not one who buys that. I did not choose to be born deaf.
Be that what it may, I was entered this world with a 70% hearing loss in both ears. It didn’t take my Mother long to recognize my hearing deficiency. She had been born a hearing impaired person too. My Mother determined that her child would not hide his deficiency, as she had been allowed to do.
Mom, as a child, had many siblings. Most of her sisters were older than she so hers were hand-me-down clothes. Poor, nearly deaf, she had taken a back seat in classrooms in an effort to not call attention to herself and her perceived inadequacies. Always, when called upon by a teacher, Mother would say, “I don’t know…” As she later told me, “The alternative answer would have been even more humiliating, I didn’t hear!”
I would never be allowed to make such an unwise determination. Every year, the first day of grammar school, Mother would march me before the teachers and tell them, in no uncertain terms, “This boy can not hear. I want him in a front desk, and I don’t want him moved around the room!”
As any otherwise normal kid would, I hated it. I asked her, “Why do you have to make such a big thing about this? I hear alright,” I insisted.
“Of course you do,” was her reply. “Because, I love you, I want you to hear what your teachers say and not have the articulation problems that I’ve had learning to form your own words correctly.
I didn’t really comprehend, until later, the significance of the second part of Mother’s answer. But yeah, I knew that she did love me. Even though I often resented the seating restriction, I was ever to be found occupying a front desk.
As a direct result of my “Pushy Mother’s intervention,” I was not distracted by classroom conversations which were not part of the curriculum. I couldn’t get away with anything because the teachers would catch me. And, I learned to properly pronounce most words because I “Heard” them. Mother’s vocabulary was excellent, her speech clear, as she had invested many childhood hours in a dictionary, looking up words that she felt she might need with emphasis on pronunciation. In grade school, I was spared that responsibility which I would not have taken upon myself anyway.
It wasn’t until high school that I learned to be stupid in my selection of where to sit. I never even considered that perhaps misunderstanding assignments, or not hearing what instructors actually said, had something to do with how hard I had to struggle.
Later, I was witness to what might have happened to me if not for having a “Pushy Mom.” A cousin inherited the same type of hearing loss I was born with. His mother didn’t bother to be pushy on this issue. He was shuffled along through school and treated like someone with a learning impairment. No wonder, for when he spoke he sounded retarded.
For a while, as an adult, I sold hearing aids. When I checked my cousin’s hearing, it was virtually identical to my own. Only then, did I fully comprehend and appreciate the wonderful gift my mother had given me by being “Pushy.”
If you have a child that doesn’t have excellent hearing, consider becoming a “Pushy Parent,” if only on this one issue. It is one thing that you can do for your child ~ on this planet ~ to level the playing field while he or she is too young to appreciate it.
Be that what it may, I was entered this world with a 70% hearing loss in both ears. It didn’t take my Mother long to recognize my hearing deficiency. She had been born a hearing impaired person too. My Mother determined that her child would not hide his deficiency, as she had been allowed to do.
Mom, as a child, had many siblings. Most of her sisters were older than she so hers were hand-me-down clothes. Poor, nearly deaf, she had taken a back seat in classrooms in an effort to not call attention to herself and her perceived inadequacies. Always, when called upon by a teacher, Mother would say, “I don’t know…” As she later told me, “The alternative answer would have been even more humiliating, I didn’t hear!”
I would never be allowed to make such an unwise determination. Every year, the first day of grammar school, Mother would march me before the teachers and tell them, in no uncertain terms, “This boy can not hear. I want him in a front desk, and I don’t want him moved around the room!”
As any otherwise normal kid would, I hated it. I asked her, “Why do you have to make such a big thing about this? I hear alright,” I insisted.
“Of course you do,” was her reply. “Because, I love you, I want you to hear what your teachers say and not have the articulation problems that I’ve had learning to form your own words correctly.
I didn’t really comprehend, until later, the significance of the second part of Mother’s answer. But yeah, I knew that she did love me. Even though I often resented the seating restriction, I was ever to be found occupying a front desk.
As a direct result of my “Pushy Mother’s intervention,” I was not distracted by classroom conversations which were not part of the curriculum. I couldn’t get away with anything because the teachers would catch me. And, I learned to properly pronounce most words because I “Heard” them. Mother’s vocabulary was excellent, her speech clear, as she had invested many childhood hours in a dictionary, looking up words that she felt she might need with emphasis on pronunciation. In grade school, I was spared that responsibility which I would not have taken upon myself anyway.
It wasn’t until high school that I learned to be stupid in my selection of where to sit. I never even considered that perhaps misunderstanding assignments, or not hearing what instructors actually said, had something to do with how hard I had to struggle.
Later, I was witness to what might have happened to me if not for having a “Pushy Mom.” A cousin inherited the same type of hearing loss I was born with. His mother didn’t bother to be pushy on this issue. He was shuffled along through school and treated like someone with a learning impairment. No wonder, for when he spoke he sounded retarded.
For a while, as an adult, I sold hearing aids. When I checked my cousin’s hearing, it was virtually identical to my own. Only then, did I fully comprehend and appreciate the wonderful gift my mother had given me by being “Pushy.”
If you have a child that doesn’t have excellent hearing, consider becoming a “Pushy Parent,” if only on this one issue. It is one thing that you can do for your child ~ on this planet ~ to level the playing field while he or she is too young to appreciate it.
donderdag 23 juli 2009
Online shopping tips
Online shopping has become very common among people who know that it saves their time and money both. It doesn’t means that you start searching endlessly for bargains online because there are many other easy ways too.
It may be anything for which you shop online ranging from clothes, gifts, computers or electronics you will always look for some bargain or sort of reasonable discount. A discount coupon is indeed a smart way to save money at the same time it is also available easily. Gone are the day’s when you had to wait for the Sunday newspapers and magazines to clip these coupons. Now you can get discount coupons from various online websites and entertainment coupon books.
Online discount coupon sites provide great rebates, offers and bargains to the shoppers however you need to take the following safety tips if you are a beginner:
1. You should stay away from online coupon websites that ask you for your personal information so as to print your discount coupon. Because you have a chance to get 100 of spam mails fro each discount coupon they give.
2. Keep away from discount coupon sites that have too many pop ups attached to it since they are annoying and can download viruses to freeze your computer.
3. Online printable coupons and coupon codes are free, so do not think of paying to any of the online coupon sites who provide you with these coupons.
4. Many websites offer freebies or deals which you may find irresistible but remember that there is nothing wrong in freebies but you should be vigilant and not naive. Don’t waste your time in idiotic scams.
5. Never complete online surveys to get free stuff or discount coupon codes unless they are from any of the reputable companies.
It may be anything for which you shop online ranging from clothes, gifts, computers or electronics you will always look for some bargain or sort of reasonable discount. A discount coupon is indeed a smart way to save money at the same time it is also available easily. Gone are the day’s when you had to wait for the Sunday newspapers and magazines to clip these coupons. Now you can get discount coupons from various online websites and entertainment coupon books.
Online discount coupon sites provide great rebates, offers and bargains to the shoppers however you need to take the following safety tips if you are a beginner:
1. You should stay away from online coupon websites that ask you for your personal information so as to print your discount coupon. Because you have a chance to get 100 of spam mails fro each discount coupon they give.
2. Keep away from discount coupon sites that have too many pop ups attached to it since they are annoying and can download viruses to freeze your computer.
3. Online printable coupons and coupon codes are free, so do not think of paying to any of the online coupon sites who provide you with these coupons.
4. Many websites offer freebies or deals which you may find irresistible but remember that there is nothing wrong in freebies but you should be vigilant and not naive. Don’t waste your time in idiotic scams.
5. Never complete online surveys to get free stuff or discount coupon codes unless they are from any of the reputable companies.
woensdag 22 juli 2009
Vertical Platform Lifts in Homes
Vertical platform lifts are primarily used by individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They are used to transport a mobility device and its rider up and down the stairs. They are often found in residential settings, but many businesses also use them. This includes places like churches and schools.
A vertical platform lift is designed to support the weight of a mobility device, such as a mobility scooter, and its rider. Most do not support less than 500 pounds and many can support as much as 750 pounds. In many cases a 2 people will ride the vertical platform lift at one time. This is common among husbands and wives, as well as caregivers. Some models are able to travel distances up to 12 feet.
Since most vertical platform lifts are intended for outside use they are water resistant and weather proof. Many also feature a battery backup to make sure that even if the power goes out that the device can still be used. If you intend to install the vertical platform lift in a public area or if you are worried about young children playing on it, it is a good idea to invest in a keyed lock. Most distributors can outfit the porch lifts with locks if they do not already come with one. They are controlled by use of either a set of call buttons or a remote control.
Vertical platform lifts are used by many millions of people. They are like having your own personal elevator and can also be used to transport goods up and down the stairs.
A vertical platform lift is designed to support the weight of a mobility device, such as a mobility scooter, and its rider. Most do not support less than 500 pounds and many can support as much as 750 pounds. In many cases a 2 people will ride the vertical platform lift at one time. This is common among husbands and wives, as well as caregivers. Some models are able to travel distances up to 12 feet.
Since most vertical platform lifts are intended for outside use they are water resistant and weather proof. Many also feature a battery backup to make sure that even if the power goes out that the device can still be used. If you intend to install the vertical platform lift in a public area or if you are worried about young children playing on it, it is a good idea to invest in a keyed lock. Most distributors can outfit the porch lifts with locks if they do not already come with one. They are controlled by use of either a set of call buttons or a remote control.
Vertical platform lifts are used by many millions of people. They are like having your own personal elevator and can also be used to transport goods up and down the stairs.
dinsdag 21 juli 2009
People In Glass Houses
Predominantly glazed room additions and incorporations into house design will prove to be the most significant development in domestic architecture since we moved out of caves and into living spaces built out of logs and bricks and mortar!
Although at a time when so many homes in the UK has a conservatory (1 in 4 is the latest estimate) is it not inevitable that a downturn is likely if not already taking place? As the rate of order intake decreases across the UK what are the real trends?
The industry has become enormous. It is the biggest ever in terms of home improvements, easily outstripping its rivals in terms of expenditure. It is the average family's third highest spend after the house and the motor car! Additionally there are all the purchases that take place after the conservatory is built such as furnishings, blinds, and conservatory plants. Acquiring these items is a continual process of buy and replace with what is fashionable and what has worn out. I would suggest that the same is the case with the main 'conservatory' itself. The glazed conservatory frames can be replaced (the part above the base and walls) with, in many cases, something more visually appealing and technically worthwhile.
Can we really expect conservatory replacements to prevent a downturn? Or, can we expect that in a couple of years time 1 in 2 homes will have a conservatory. For expectations such as these to achieve reality the industry must take a long look at itself, and re-examine it's past attitudes. The product must be more fully understood in it's technicalities. Visual qualities must be addressed to make these structures far more appealing and to create new looks. To have a conservatory has become highly fashionable but fashions wain without some sort of re-invention. Most suppliers have lost sight of their real potential, concentrating too much on the 'bottom line' for the ever increasing number of repetitive installations.
Over the last 10 - 15 years we have seen the creation of a this new product and of it's industry. Estimates vary greatly as to it's size but £15 billion per annum in the UK ($25billion) over the last year alone wouldn't seem far off the mark. The amazing thing is, is that the product is in it's infancy! Why? Are these structures not just live in greenhouses, a combination of frames and glass. Isn't a window a window at the end of the day, no matter how many you place side by side?
Quite frankly the conservatory AND their integration into domestic buildings and architecture will prove to be the most significant development since we moved out of caves and into living spaces built out of logs and bricks and mortar! The point here is that we are now learning to create and control, beautiful light, warm and airy spaces. We are only now beginning to move out of our cave like existences!
Technically, the most powerful developments so far have been in glass and glazing technology. Then there has been the advent of multi-wall translucent polycarbonate sheets and the development of roof and window frame glazing profiles.
The achievment of transparency without enormous heat loss has been one of the greatest challenges - at least at economical cost. It has been the same problem even in warmer climates except the challenge was to keep the heat out.The end result is naturally light and far healthier living spaces.
Most of the work required to achieve growth in the industry is to be ultimately far more professional in it's attitude to the product and to it's customers.
What can we expect from future developments. It is now possible to flick a switch and a glazed area will immediately become blackened out, or greyed out or any other colour for that matter. The technology is called 'smart glass' and the cost is falling. Not only will we be able to create privacy as required, but a further control on heat energy flow is introduced.
The public is becoming more aware of the benefits and the potential downfalls in having a conservatory built. Some of the so called conservatory structures built on homes to date leave a great deal to be desired. They are a long long way from environmental control technology. Many suffer from uncontrollable over heating when the sun comes out. Suppliers who continue to offer a product which is sub-standard on the false ill-advised premise of being cheaper (you don't need roof ventilation attitude) will bring themselves down and put the whole industry at risk.
You might say that I am bound to say it, but including real design capability within conservatory supplies will add real perceived value. Just offering design drawings for customer approval and a copy for the customer to hang on to, properly presented, will ensure that friends and neighbours will benefit from your design knowledge and expertise.
Although at a time when so many homes in the UK has a conservatory (1 in 4 is the latest estimate) is it not inevitable that a downturn is likely if not already taking place? As the rate of order intake decreases across the UK what are the real trends?
The industry has become enormous. It is the biggest ever in terms of home improvements, easily outstripping its rivals in terms of expenditure. It is the average family's third highest spend after the house and the motor car! Additionally there are all the purchases that take place after the conservatory is built such as furnishings, blinds, and conservatory plants. Acquiring these items is a continual process of buy and replace with what is fashionable and what has worn out. I would suggest that the same is the case with the main 'conservatory' itself. The glazed conservatory frames can be replaced (the part above the base and walls) with, in many cases, something more visually appealing and technically worthwhile.
Can we really expect conservatory replacements to prevent a downturn? Or, can we expect that in a couple of years time 1 in 2 homes will have a conservatory. For expectations such as these to achieve reality the industry must take a long look at itself, and re-examine it's past attitudes. The product must be more fully understood in it's technicalities. Visual qualities must be addressed to make these structures far more appealing and to create new looks. To have a conservatory has become highly fashionable but fashions wain without some sort of re-invention. Most suppliers have lost sight of their real potential, concentrating too much on the 'bottom line' for the ever increasing number of repetitive installations.
Over the last 10 - 15 years we have seen the creation of a this new product and of it's industry. Estimates vary greatly as to it's size but £15 billion per annum in the UK ($25billion) over the last year alone wouldn't seem far off the mark. The amazing thing is, is that the product is in it's infancy! Why? Are these structures not just live in greenhouses, a combination of frames and glass. Isn't a window a window at the end of the day, no matter how many you place side by side?
Quite frankly the conservatory AND their integration into domestic buildings and architecture will prove to be the most significant development since we moved out of caves and into living spaces built out of logs and bricks and mortar! The point here is that we are now learning to create and control, beautiful light, warm and airy spaces. We are only now beginning to move out of our cave like existences!
Technically, the most powerful developments so far have been in glass and glazing technology. Then there has been the advent of multi-wall translucent polycarbonate sheets and the development of roof and window frame glazing profiles.
The achievment of transparency without enormous heat loss has been one of the greatest challenges - at least at economical cost. It has been the same problem even in warmer climates except the challenge was to keep the heat out.The end result is naturally light and far healthier living spaces.
Most of the work required to achieve growth in the industry is to be ultimately far more professional in it's attitude to the product and to it's customers.
What can we expect from future developments. It is now possible to flick a switch and a glazed area will immediately become blackened out, or greyed out or any other colour for that matter. The technology is called 'smart glass' and the cost is falling. Not only will we be able to create privacy as required, but a further control on heat energy flow is introduced.
The public is becoming more aware of the benefits and the potential downfalls in having a conservatory built. Some of the so called conservatory structures built on homes to date leave a great deal to be desired. They are a long long way from environmental control technology. Many suffer from uncontrollable over heating when the sun comes out. Suppliers who continue to offer a product which is sub-standard on the false ill-advised premise of being cheaper (you don't need roof ventilation attitude) will bring themselves down and put the whole industry at risk.
You might say that I am bound to say it, but including real design capability within conservatory supplies will add real perceived value. Just offering design drawings for customer approval and a copy for the customer to hang on to, properly presented, will ensure that friends and neighbours will benefit from your design knowledge and expertise.
maandag 20 juli 2009
Need To Get Information About Your Biological Parents?
Sooner or later, adopted individuals – whether in their younger years or during adulthood – would have the tendency to feel the need to search for information about their identities and to search biological parents.
Although finding biological parents can be a really challenging process, most adopted individuals would persist in getting information for many important reasons. For once, these persons may be interested to trace their siblings and relatives. Most adopted persons feel enormous emptiness in their hearts that can not be filled in any other way than getting in touch with their biological parents, siblings, and relatives. On the other hand, their parents may have also been longing to get in touch with them and get information about them. Most of the time, a meeting of an adopted individual and the biological parents could answer many questions that may have been lingering in their minds for many, many years.
Besides the emotional reasons, another good motivation for adopted individuals to trace their biological parents is to know their genetic and medical history. This is important for people to discover, especially if there are disorders and diseases within the family that the person can possibly inherit. For example, a woman who has a mother or a sister that has been diagnosed with breast cancer faces the inevitable possibility that that person could also get the disease. Finding accurate information then is vital for that person to take precautionary measures. Extreme cases such as the need to find a genetic match for a bone marrow, tissue or organ transplant is another important matter to consider why some people do search biological parents.
Allow PublicRecords.com to shed some light in your difficult pursuit of searching information about your biological parents. By visiting PublicRecords.com, you wouldn’t have to visit different public offices or hire expensive private investigators anymore. No, you wouldn’t even need to experience searching through several government and commercial databases and get nothing but irrelevant results.
And since PublicRecords.com has a huge, comprehensive database that holds more than 2 billion US public records, you can easily perform people search and find public records at the same time by using our services. Important public records – such as birth records, marriage records, divorce records, death records, phone records, and address records - are unbelievably very accessible at PublicRecords.com.
Although finding biological parents can be a really challenging process, most adopted individuals would persist in getting information for many important reasons. For once, these persons may be interested to trace their siblings and relatives. Most adopted persons feel enormous emptiness in their hearts that can not be filled in any other way than getting in touch with their biological parents, siblings, and relatives. On the other hand, their parents may have also been longing to get in touch with them and get information about them. Most of the time, a meeting of an adopted individual and the biological parents could answer many questions that may have been lingering in their minds for many, many years.
Besides the emotional reasons, another good motivation for adopted individuals to trace their biological parents is to know their genetic and medical history. This is important for people to discover, especially if there are disorders and diseases within the family that the person can possibly inherit. For example, a woman who has a mother or a sister that has been diagnosed with breast cancer faces the inevitable possibility that that person could also get the disease. Finding accurate information then is vital for that person to take precautionary measures. Extreme cases such as the need to find a genetic match for a bone marrow, tissue or organ transplant is another important matter to consider why some people do search biological parents.
Allow PublicRecords.com to shed some light in your difficult pursuit of searching information about your biological parents. By visiting PublicRecords.com, you wouldn’t have to visit different public offices or hire expensive private investigators anymore. No, you wouldn’t even need to experience searching through several government and commercial databases and get nothing but irrelevant results.
And since PublicRecords.com has a huge, comprehensive database that holds more than 2 billion US public records, you can easily perform people search and find public records at the same time by using our services. Important public records – such as birth records, marriage records, divorce records, death records, phone records, and address records - are unbelievably very accessible at PublicRecords.com.
zondag 19 juli 2009
What are Gift Baskets?
Gift Baskets are a popular gift option especially during the holiday season. The basic purpose of a gift basket is to give your fellow friend number of small gifts instead of giving a larger one. Every item in the gift basket is arranged in a container and the entire package is attractively wrapped in cellophane. Each gift basket is designed to create a complete and personal moment for the recipient. The small gifts present in the gift basket are carefully chosen and blended to make a cohesive whole.
Gift Baskets are available in different themes. For instance, if you want to gift a gift basket to writer then you can tailor the basket as per the recipient’s interest. You can fill the basket with books, paper, pens, pencils, and dictionary and so on. Similarly if you want to gift the basket to a beautician you can arrange the basket with nail polishes, lipsticks, combs and shampoos, dryer and so on.
Gift baskets are not just good ideas for Christmas but also for any other occasion. They create a personalized feeling that anyone would enjoy receiving them. There are three main types of gift basket mainly
•Pre-made Gift Basket: A pre made gift basket are attractively wrapped and ready to purchase. This is gift giving at its best.
•Create din Store: There are many stores that allow you to decide what gift items should be wrapped in the gift basket. This gives the basket a personal touch while still allowing for a more professional presentation. This is a perfect choice especially when you want to gift a friend with a professional gift.
•Homemade Gift Basket: if you want to have a total control over what to put in the gift basket and how it is presented then a home made gift basket would be a perfect choice. Homemade gift basket gives you an opportunity to buy the contents and wrap the basket yourself.
Gift Baskets are available in different themes. For instance, if you want to gift a gift basket to writer then you can tailor the basket as per the recipient’s interest. You can fill the basket with books, paper, pens, pencils, and dictionary and so on. Similarly if you want to gift the basket to a beautician you can arrange the basket with nail polishes, lipsticks, combs and shampoos, dryer and so on.
Gift baskets are not just good ideas for Christmas but also for any other occasion. They create a personalized feeling that anyone would enjoy receiving them. There are three main types of gift basket mainly
•Pre-made Gift Basket: A pre made gift basket are attractively wrapped and ready to purchase. This is gift giving at its best.
•Create din Store: There are many stores that allow you to decide what gift items should be wrapped in the gift basket. This gives the basket a personal touch while still allowing for a more professional presentation. This is a perfect choice especially when you want to gift a friend with a professional gift.
•Homemade Gift Basket: if you want to have a total control over what to put in the gift basket and how it is presented then a home made gift basket would be a perfect choice. Homemade gift basket gives you an opportunity to buy the contents and wrap the basket yourself.
zaterdag 18 juli 2009
How to Get More Space in the Garage
It doesn't seem to matter how big your garage is: you can always fill it up with stuff. Sure, you can hire some professional organizer to come help you clear a path to the car doors, but that costs money. How about I just give you some tips instead? You don't even need to pay me $100 an hour, or whatever it is de-clutter-ganizers are making these days. So, without further ado, here are five ways to clear up space in the garage:
1. Hang things from the ceiling.
Garages usually have plenty of headroom, so that leaves many cubic feet of space you can exploit. Is your family full of sports fanatics? You can buy ceiling-mounted racks designed specifically for outdoor recreational equipment, everything from snowboards and bicycles to canoes and kayaks. You can also get platforms that go up and down with a crank of a lever. These allow you to tuck hundreds of pounds of junk--er, valuable family heirlooms--up amongst the rafters.
2. Make use of wall space.
You've probably got at least one pegboard in the tool area of your garage, but there's no reason to limit yourself. You can attach your own homemade brackets, nails, and pegboards, or you can buy special panels designed to support hooks, baskets, and shelves.
3. Cabinets are for garages too.
Most garages have enough room on the sides or in the back to accommodate banks of cabinets, while still leaving enough space to get in and out of the car. Even if there's only enough room for 12" deep cabinets, that's still a lot of extra storage if you run them from floor to ceiling. Also, cabinets look nice--all your clutter gets hidden behind the doors, where you don't have to look at it every time you drive inside.
4. If you have too many vehicles, try a car lift.
You've got a good 10-12 feet of height in your garage, right? And the average car is less than five feet high, right? Well, there are systems out there that let you stack them. Granted, these are pricey, and raising and lowering the top car can be a hassle if the vehicle is driven every day, but if there's a car you don't drive that often but that takes up space, it might be something to look into. Car lifts can make a lot of sense in houses with one-car garages.
5. Think garage sale.
If you've tried your hardest to find storage space for everything, but you're still tripping over stuff, it may be time to clean the garage out. Chances are you have toys, boxes, tools, etc. that you bought many moons ago (and which your family probably hasn't used in almost as many moons) that you don't need to keep around. So, clean it out and throw it out, or better yet, have a garage sale. At least then you make some money and are rewarded for your efforts.
vrijdag 17 juli 2009
5 Tips To Maximize Your Child’s Wardrobe During Seasonal Change
While the northern hemisphere prepares to put away their winter wear in preparation for the warmer summer months, we here in the southern hemisphere are doing the exact opposite.
Living here in southern Queensland, Australia, we experience relatively stable seasons. Therefore it’s not uncommon that particular clothes worn for one season are not needed again until the following year.
As adults, the uncomplicated approach to a new season can simply involve resurrecting the previous year’s items, and rearranging these items to the front of your wardrobe. Any changes to particular items are generally dictated more by fashion or personal preference than by ‘fit’ (unless of course we have gained or lost a few kilos!).
Now when it comes to growing children, the change of season often dictates a totally different approach. Depending on the individual child and their age, they’ll grow at different rates from one year to the next. The impact of this growth on an existing wardrobe, can range anything from the requirement for a ‘part’ modification (where most items still ‘fit’), up to, and including the situation where a ‘complete overhaul’ is in order (where virtually everything has been outgrown).
Particularly where the latter situation is the case, one of the first reactions to this sudden realization can be panic and stress (especially if you’re the parent who’s responsible for finding, and financing these ‘modifications’).
So ‘BEFORE’ pulling out your credit card, and rushing out on a panic shopping spree with your child / children, here are 5 practical tips to consider to save both your purse and your sanity:
1. INVEST THE TIME to go through each child’s existing wardrobe. If the idea of this task is stressful for either party, consider breaking it down into smaller manageable parts. (I.e. concentrate on one child’s wardrobe at a time, and/or break the exercise up over several sessions or days. E.g. Spend 15-30 minutes per session going through a particular section. Perhaps jumpers 1 session, and long pants the next etc.)
2. AVOID GUESSING whether an item fits or not. This includes ‘calculated guesswork’ which is the exercise of ‘holding an item’ up against the body. If it’s been several months since a child has worn an article of clothing, take the time to physically get them to TRY EACH ITEM ON. You’ll be amazed at how much more accurate your assessment will be by basing your judgments on practical testing and not calculated guesswork.
3. If you have children of the same sex, consider WORKING THROUGH THEIR WARDROBES FROM OLDEST TO YOUNGEST. Working in this manner means that ‘pre-loved’ or outgrown items from an older sibling can be passed down to the younger siblings and included in the items they will try on, along with their existing wardrobe. The benefits of this exercise are two-fold: 1. Younger siblings can find themselves with an ‘instant brand new’ (to them) wardrobe. 2. Minimizing the requirements for any one child’s wardrobe can result in a significant saving in time and money.
4. KEEP ONLY THOSE ITEMS you (and particularly your child), feel confident your child will wear. Depending on the age, personality and maturity of your child, if your child appears uncomfortable wearing a particular item, ask ‘them’ to consider if they feel they will wear it or not. If the answer is a resounding ‘no’, or their body language relays the same message, seriously consider removing that item from their wardrobe. No matter how much attachment another person may have to an article of clothing, if the person to whom it belongs is not going to wear it, the truthful fact is, it’s likely to end up taking space and energy in a cupboard. Learning to respect your child’s preferences and choices is an exercise that long term will not only save you heartache, but save your well-earned money as well.
5. SELL OR DONATE items of clothing that can’t be used by immediate family members or relatives. Occasionally there may be an article that has particular sentimental value that you may wish to retain as a ‘keepsake’. However for the most part, clothing serves its purpose when it is being worn and used. If an article is no longer being used within its current location, why not allow another individual to experience this pleasure. Not only is it a wonderful feeling to be able to give something to someone else, -- it can be also be an extremely liberating feeling to not only clear your physical space, but also clear the emotional energy attached to holding onto something that is not fulfilling its purpose.
Although the above tips require an investment of your time and energy at the outset, you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts in both the short and long term. Armed with accurate information about your child’s existing wardrobe well before you part with a single cent, will help to ensure that when you ‘do’ shop, you’re investing your time and money into the most appropriate and needed items for that particular child.
And as an added bonus, remember our children are children for such a short time. So why not take advantage of this opportunity when going through their wardrobes –- celebrate the fit of your child’s clothes as a measure of their growth from the previous year!
donderdag 16 juli 2009
Aging and Mid Life Crisis
Isn’t it time to put into action all the things you dream about? Have you not spent the first 20 years of your life being trained and conditioned as someone’s child or student? Following all the instructions and rules set forth before you. Remember those that ended up rebellious always paying the task masters for that small taste of self expression?
Along comes the next 20 years where we believe that we are putting into reality our own ideas and life desires. We become someone’s mate, parent, employee and still keep our place that society has molded for us. We seem to be performing that wonderful balancing act of keeping everyone in our lives happy with our choices. Time is passing and something inside tells us that we aren’t fulfilled where we are in life. That all these choices have been for everyone else in our lives and not for us. There must be something more out there! Will someone think you’re selfish? It sits in the back of our mind and starts showing up in our dreams. We try to ignore it and yet we become dissatisfied with the choices we made. Yet, we have no idea what we would do instead!
Along comes our forties and with it a new found confidence. The ability to assert ourselves comes to the surface. It’s not always a pretty site and can be somewhat frightening at first but hang in there because maturity blossoms. They call it a “Mid Life Crisis” but I like to think of it as a time frame to create and express who you really are. The truth and nothing but the truth will free up your mind, heart and soul. You’re no longer looking for approval. You want real friends, loving partners and people in your life to know that you’re living life and not just existing. Don’t just become Aging Baby Boomers.
How do you do this? How do you explore yet meet all the realistic goals of this aging process? Many of us have no one to ask or to even bounce ideas off of. The generation gaps are to large and the concepts of what is necessary for a solid future definitely do not match. We have to learn to share and outsource our ideas and information. Taking stock of where we are and the directions we want to take can get that excitement back in our lives. Set those goals for yourself and share goals with those you love and share lives with. Skip over the depression stage and take those thoughts and dreams and find someone to help you turn them into reality.
There are life coaches, financial advisors, therapists, friends and loved ones who will be able to help guide you and encourage you on your journey. Have the desire to enjoy everyday of your life.
Along comes the next 20 years where we believe that we are putting into reality our own ideas and life desires. We become someone’s mate, parent, employee and still keep our place that society has molded for us. We seem to be performing that wonderful balancing act of keeping everyone in our lives happy with our choices. Time is passing and something inside tells us that we aren’t fulfilled where we are in life. That all these choices have been for everyone else in our lives and not for us. There must be something more out there! Will someone think you’re selfish? It sits in the back of our mind and starts showing up in our dreams. We try to ignore it and yet we become dissatisfied with the choices we made. Yet, we have no idea what we would do instead!
Along comes our forties and with it a new found confidence. The ability to assert ourselves comes to the surface. It’s not always a pretty site and can be somewhat frightening at first but hang in there because maturity blossoms. They call it a “Mid Life Crisis” but I like to think of it as a time frame to create and express who you really are. The truth and nothing but the truth will free up your mind, heart and soul. You’re no longer looking for approval. You want real friends, loving partners and people in your life to know that you’re living life and not just existing. Don’t just become Aging Baby Boomers.
How do you do this? How do you explore yet meet all the realistic goals of this aging process? Many of us have no one to ask or to even bounce ideas off of. The generation gaps are to large and the concepts of what is necessary for a solid future definitely do not match. We have to learn to share and outsource our ideas and information. Taking stock of where we are and the directions we want to take can get that excitement back in our lives. Set those goals for yourself and share goals with those you love and share lives with. Skip over the depression stage and take those thoughts and dreams and find someone to help you turn them into reality.
There are life coaches, financial advisors, therapists, friends and loved ones who will be able to help guide you and encourage you on your journey. Have the desire to enjoy everyday of your life.
woensdag 15 juli 2009
Every Mom Needs A Break Before The Breaking Point
It’s probably no secret to you that today’s mom is busier than ever. It doesn’t matter if you’re a career mom trying to balance work and family or a stay-at-home mom trying to run the household and manage the many activities your children are involved in. This hectic pace often translates to isolation and leaves you little time for anything else.
I’ve been working closely with stay-at-home mothers since 2002 and it’s no secret that most moms will do everything they can to provide the best for their families, often at the sacrifice of their own happiness. We lose contact with friends, don’t take care of ourselves like we used to and seemingly lose our true sense of self.
Still, it’s not easy when we have heavy demands on our time and sometimes the only spare moments we have are when everyone is finally in bed and the house is silent. When the house if finally silent, take the time to read a good book, call an old friend or put in that exercise DVD you’ve been promising yourself you’d try.
And never be afraid to ask for a break. Ask a trusted friend or family member to watch the kids for a while and go do something fun for a few hours. The kids will be just fine and you’ll be a much happier mama when you return. That’s good for the whole family!
Recently, I spoke to Life Coach Aurelia Williams of RealLifeCoaching.net and she told me, “Being a busy mom, it can become so easy to fall into the mommy guilt trap where you start to neglect yourself. Many moms feel guilty if they take time for themselves and end up taking care of everyone else around them and pushing their own needs aside. This ultimately will leave you feeling burnt out, stressed out, truly unhappy and sometimes resentful. During the journey of motherhood, it is easy to lose ourselves along the way and inadvertently cut off or not seek out the support and camaraderie of other mothers.”
Aurelia also urges you to give yourself “time to unwind, socialize and bond with others, especially other moms.” This allows you to truly rediscover yourself – you know the woman you were before all those wonderful kids came into your life? When you socialize with other moms, you can gain support, ideas and tips to help you with deal with certain parenting and relationship concerns from others who feel just like you do or have dealt with the same issues.
Even when you’re busy, you can always connect with other moms during your children’s activities. Start chatting with other moms at your child’s soccer practice or after her piano recital. Social opportunities are available to you many times in the day – you may just not notice it.
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