Cheap Ideas For Garden Landscaping

The following information in this article should be exactly what you are looking for and I hope it helps you.

Garden landscaping is a great method to bring up to date a backyard. Giving your garden a makeover will definitely improve your homes look and add value at the same time. Planting new vegetation and updating your landscape will add good looks to your home and make a better place for you and your family to spend time in.

*Fixing up the hard stuff

There is a way to keep the old stuff and still have a new and improved look. Adding features to your landscape is a good way to update and combine the old with the new. Give you patio or sidewalk a facelift. You can add extensions to your patio or deck. Clean up a fence or repaint it. Add fresh colors and new designs to focal points in your garden. Adding statues and ornaments is an inexpensive way to bring a new looks to a landscape.

*Adding flowers and plants to your garden

When it comes to a great garden, it is all about the flowers and plants. Choosing these items is the best part about creating a garden landscape. Pick plants that compliment your home and your personality. There are many different types of flowers that you may want to consider far and away the best is to choose something you love.

*Choosing the right flowers

Keep in mind to think about a few things before you purchase the flowers for your garden. Think about your location and what types of soil you have. You want to make sure that is you do not have good, fertile soil then you will either pick flowers and plants that will do well in these conditions or help the existing soil. You can add soil and compost to any soil to make it better for growing certain plants and flowers.

*Adding Shrubs

Shrubs are the perfect fit to any garden landscaping idea. You can use them for bordering your lot or separating one feature from another. Shrubs come in special varieties and shapes. You can get shrubs that blossom with flowers or berries. There are also shrubs that stay green with the warm months and change colors with the seasons.

*Finishing touches

Make sure that you add comfortable furniture to your garden. This is a place that you will want to enjoy and sit in to take in all the beauty of you new garden sanctuary. Add in any feature that makes you feel more at home and peaceful. If your garden has a covered roof, think about adding candles or accent pieces like throw rugs, or pillows. This will give any atmosphere a soft, warm feeling and make anyone feel welcome.

Now wasn?t that a good article? If you?re disappointed that it?s come to an end, don?t worry. There are plenty of other articles on our website, equally interesting and well researched. There?s so much more you can learn! Everything you need to know about landscaping is right here.

You can visit our landscaping site for more information about contractor and landscaping in Fort Worth.

Rose Buying Tips Find Out the Facts and Guidelines Before Buying Roses

Have you ever wondered what separates a quality rose from a cheap rose? Well, let me start by saying we have been florists for 18 years, and have learned a thing or two from first hand experience.

First, start with where the rose is grown. We have found the best quality roses from our experience have been grown in Ecuador. They have larger heads, are more fragrant, and have longer, straighter, and more sturdy stems.

There are so many varieties of roses it is mind boggling. Generally, the longer lasting roses are in the red and pink colors. The shortest vase life in roses, in our experience has typically been the yellow and purple varieties.

Further complicating the process, you can choose between long and short stem lengths. Over the years the roses have been sorted by stem length and head size. The higher quality roses always have a longer, straighter, stem and a good head size.

How you choose to arrange your roses or intend to use the roses are what should determine what to buy, (i.e. short, long etc.). For instance, if you are making corsages or a small vase, short roses work fine. However, if you wish to show off a little and go with a dozen roses in a large vase or something more impressive such as a funeral spray or a large corporate arrangement, then of course you will want to use the longer, nicer ones.

So, just what is a long rose?

Well, let's start with the grades and sizes.

The short roses, or what I would call a market rose, (like you see on the corners and in grocery stores and mass merchandisers)are usually 40cm long or approximately 15 inches long. These roses generally don't last as long, and usually aren't as pretty and shapely as the larger roses and tend to have lower petal counts.

The more standard size of 50cm, or about 19 inches are generally a fair sized rose and more like what you'll find in a smaller rose arrangement at a florist or used for corsages. The 50 cm roses are generally a bigger head with a larger bloom and prettier shape to them. Now for the higher quality roses, or what is known as florist quality. These are 60 - 70 cm or 23 - 27 inches long. This is what is really considered a long stemmed rose by florists. Typically this size has an excellent shaped head and a high petal count, giving the roses a very firm feel to them, and the blooms tend to open more fully. The stems are generally straighter, and thicker so the rose is fairly sturdy and will hold up longer in a vase with the proper care.

On occasion, you can find the premium roses that are 80 cm long or 31 inches or longer. These are mostly available in the red varieties. Known for the characteristics of having very long, straight and really thick stems (1/4 of an inch or a little better). Renowned for a superb and shapely head with a higher petal count, and generally a better fragrance. Of course, these are going to be available at a premium price.

Author Byron Pittser, over 18 years experience as a retail florist owner and operator and top quality floral designer. 3rd generation family owned florist http://tipsonroses.blogspot.com

http://chosenflowers.com

Beginning Interior Design

Beginning interior design is a challenging, exciting adventure that one must be willing to endure sacrifices and even at times costly mistakes in order to complete this learning successfully.

If interior design is an activity that you are thinking about as a potential career, you owe it to yourself to invest the proper amount of time and energy into educating yourself in the field of creative design. If you are interested in learning about creative design for other reasons, such as designing your own space or home, it is better that you focus your attention on the particular area of design that is pleasing to you.

This being said, if you have the time and energy and would like to learn more about overall designing, then hey, go for it! You might become so good at it that it might be a potential career for you as well!

In any case, beginning interior design is not for the ?curious? entrepreneur who does not possess the patience to learn the essential elements and makeup of nicely formed design. It is instead, an employment that is mainly composed of educated, prestigious professionals who care greatly about their work and are passionate with their creativity.

A good starting point for beginning interior design is the object of much controversy in the industry. Many professionals moan and groan that there are too many ill-qualified persons out there representing themselves to the consumer as legitimate designers when they do not have a formal education in the subject.

I agree that many people represent themselves as having a grasp or an understanding of the field, while they are clearly incompetent. However, I do not agree that formal education shapes and molds the best designers. The best designers possess the ability to design before they are even able to understand the concept of interior design.

Beginning interior design for these candidates is basically giving them the tools to do what they naturally understand how to do already. These people are blessed with an internal sense of creative design. Beginning interior design to them is a natural process. These are the designers that seem to outperform and outshine all other designers.

If you feel as if you are not part of this group of gifted individuals and still have a yearning or driving force to learn about this growing industry, then beginning interior design is a very doable activity as long as you are open minded and dedicated to improving your knowledge and understanding of design.

Begin with the basics and propel yourself upwards on the journey to understanding the creative process.

A very bad reason for beginning interior design are money related motivations. I have heard countless people comment on their interest in interior design due to the income potential associated with the industry.

Remember, if you?re not good at something, the likelihood of getting paid well to do it is not very high. The higher salaries in this business are almost always associated with talented, well-established designers who have made interior design their life?s work. Talent and knowledge are keys to success in any industry and one should apply these rules when considering interior design as an income earning activity.

Interior designers come in many forms, backgrounds, and experience levels. Hard work, dedication, and creativity are values that you will find in any successful interior designer. Keep this in mind when beginning interior design work of any kind and it will aid in your ability. Work of any kind is exactly as described?work. Finding something that you enjoy and love to do is what makes work rewarding.

Rosemary Leake is an Independent Consultant with Southern Living at Home. Inspired by Southern Living magazine, our exclusive home d?cor line brings warmth and style to every room of your home! Visit Rosemary's Interior Design website for more articles and resources - http://www.interiordesignprofits.com. Also get your FREE Mini-Report: A Complete Guide To Interior Design.

Happy Families Make Happy Soldiers

Making the Most of Your Military Lifestyle

We?ve all been there, standing in a group of civilians talking about their families, they ask what you do and you smile, ?We?re military?. You see the look, you know what I?m talking about, yes, that look. They respond, ?Oh I just don?t think I could do it.? This always cracks me up one side and down the other. What do they think? You are a glutton for punishment? They act like it?s a physical choice of yours to be a part of this lifestyle. Any true military wife knows, it?s not that you like to move around fifteen billion times in your life, that you enjoy having the movers trash your new armoire, or even that you enjoy living most of your life as a geographical bachelorette, better known as a single, married person. Or maybe you enjoy the single parenting life of a married person? You don?t choose it, sometimes it chose you, and sometimes it just is. It?s what you do. So here are some tips to help you do it with grace, do it with style, and hey in the end you might end up actually liking it after all (well except for that being alone and armoire trashing action).

Seek out friends & support
?Join OSC/ESC
?Volunteer
?Attend neighborhood functions
?Participate in your Unit?s FRG
?Attend Unit events
?Network

Remember, some of your best friends and contacts you will make in the most unlikely places. Never stop growing, and never stop seeking new contacts.

Don?t be afraid to seek help
?Chaplain
?Counselors
?Friends & neighbors

Look, everyone has issues, and if they say they don?t, then that is an issue in and of itself. Do not be afraid to seek help and talk to someone about your life. Even the happiest person or couple has things that they need to talk about once and awhile.

Be positive
?No negative attitudes allowed
?Make yourself the ?glass half full? kind of gal

Remaining positive about your lifestyle choice is almost always a sanity-saving endeavor. At least it has been for me. Sure there are times when life throws you curveballs (more so than normal in a military career because SURPRISE you?re not in control).

Focus on what you want ? and go for it
?It?s your life too
?Empower yourself

Just because you are a military spouse doesn?t mean you can?t have your own life and career outside of being married to the military. Sure, it is more common that military spouses remain at home given their family?s career choice, however that doesn?t mean that you have to. Choose work or a volunteer position outside of the home if that is what makes you feel ?complete?. You might even consider entrepreneurship, and build a mobile career.

Communicate & Share
?Talk to your spouse
?Share everything (that includes your feelings, but also, the wash, paying the bills, and feeding the dog)
?Become experts at parenting together, even if you?re apart
?Develop a loving relationship full of touch and expression

I know, I had to get mushy on you, didn?t I? It?s so true though. This is the key to a successful marriage in the military. There will be times when you will be on your own without your spouse. That doesn?t mean that you will be doing it all alone, unless you make it that way. Make a conscience effort, in presence or not, to communicate openly with your spouse about everything. Parent together, do finances together, be a ?team?.

Publishing Guidelines: Thank you for publishing this article in its entirety, including the resource box. Please make all links clickable within the text. Please notify me of publication by sending either a website link or a copy of the syndication upon publication via email info@armywifetalkradio.com.

? 2006 Army Wife Talk Radio

Tara Crooks, or ?Household 6″ in the Crooks? family, is best known for her ability to motivate and empower others. Tara?s journey with the military began in 1998 when she and her husband PCS?d to their first duty station, Ft Hood. She currently owns and operates two highly successful websites, http://www.ArmyWifeTalkRadio.com and http://www.AdvertisingMoms.com. Featured in Military Spouse Magazine, Stars & Stripes Newspaper, Military.com, Army.com and more, Army Wife Talk Radio is the original internet talk radio program for military wives. The tagline, Our Life, Our Family, Our Soldier, says it all. Tara does a weekly internet talk radio broadcast from the website that features up to date information, tips, and empowerment for spouses. Advertising Moms is a network of work from home business owners that Tara mentors and coaches on a daily basis.

How to Create the Best Garden Pond

A Garden Pond is an asset to your Garden as well as your Home. The Garden Pond will add value and beauty to your Home. When Completed as per your idea and the Plant and Animal life thrive on it, you have a small wonder World within your Garden Pond..

Building your Garden Pond needs careful planning and perfect execution. A well built Garden Pond can change your Garden in many ways. If you know anybody who has a Garden Pond they will tell you how much the Pond has changed their Gardens. It not only provides a focal point for relaxing and enjoying your Garden, but it will also be a heaven for wonderful local Wildlife.

The first and foremost thing in setting up a Garden Pond is to plan well, don?t try to take any step before planning. That is never rushing to buy materials before the plan is perfect. The next step is to plan the best position within your Garden for the Pond. Point to consider include the amount of Sunlight the Pond will receive during the year, distance from the House and household Members such as Children and Pets, position in relation to Trees, because if the Pond is subjected to strong Sunlight, Algae may be encouraged to grow. Constantly clearing out leaves is not an easy job.

Next will be the materials required for building the Pond. Ranging from UPVC to Concrete there are several different types of Material which you may choose to create your Garden Pond. You can discuss few things like where to set up your pond, what you expect your Pond to be like with a specialist Garden Pond provider company who will help you to use the best materials.

Before digging out your Garden Pond you have to check whether any Pipes or Wires go underneath it. If you are sure there is nothing to disturb your plan you start digging as per your plan. Create shallower areas for Wildlife and specific Plants, and remove any sharp Stones or foreign debris which is found around the place.

Filling a Garden Pond with Tap Water is risky because it may encourage the growth of Algae since Tap Water contains Minerals in it. So it is better to discuss this with a Garden Pond specialist who may help you out on specific Products to prevent this problem. The best way to fill the pond is to use Rainwater.

John Gibb is the owner of garden pond resources , For more information on garden ponds check out http://www.GardenPond-guidance1k.info

Mother's Day Selecting The Right Ecard

Mother's Day is coming nearer. We all will be trying to make this day a memorable day for our Mothers. Giving her gifts, taking her out for dinner and making her happy in all the possible ways. It is also the time to send the right ecard to Mother. This is a day to thank Mother for bringing us up. Only the Mother knows how many nights she stayed awake to feed us and pamper us when we were infants. After that it was school, helping in home work, getting the right dresses and most of all giving us a sense of total care and protection.

What kind of ecard should be sent to Mother to make her feel good? Any ecard essentially has three components- design, colors and text. If all of these combine properly, the greeting card can make a big impact on your Mother and make her happy. You will find Mother's day ecards on most of the ecard websites. Some of them are paid and some come totally free. Why not to chose free if the quality is equally good? Look around for free ecard sites and select the ecard for your Mother.

Talking of the card design, avoid using animated cartoons. Younger people may like those designs. But they don't evoke the feeling of warmth, love and gratitude. Try cards with video shots of nature - flowers, birds, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, clouds etc. These will make your Mother feel good. Next is the choice of colors on the Mothers Day ecards. Select the ones with muted colors. Colors that are warm and soothing. You know the choice of your Mother. Try to get one in the colors she loves. A Mother's Day ecard with the right text can make your Mother very happy. Chose one with text that is full of memories, warmth and thanks to express gratitude.

Getting the right ecard for your Mother is very important. She is the one mostly responsible for bringing you up. You are here largely because of her. Invest enough time and select the right Mother's Day ecard to make your Mother happy on Mothers day.

CD Mohatta writes for mother's day greeting cards and fun tests and fun quizzes. The topics of his writings include love, inspiration, holidays, birthdays, nature, religion and spirituality, success etc. You can have his writings on your desktop with free screensavers. These are video screensavers with beautiful background music. Read the messages and get inspired all day.

Embroidery Around the World and Through the Ages

From the earliest times man has appreciated delicate and beautiful things. In fact, it is evidenced that as early as 3000 BC man began to decorate and embellish personal belongings using intricate needlework or embroidery.

While today needlework is usually associated with the fairer of the sexes, needlework and embroidery were originally a man's accomplishment. Many ancient cultures, both Eastern and Western, relegated these tasks to the men folk who had to study under a master as an apprentice for nearly a decade before being considered a master himself.

Interestingly, embroidery evolved in different parts of the world at approximately the same time, but each area developed techniques that were unique to their culture and the materials they had access to.

For example: Western Europe produced an embroidery technique called crewel which is still popular today. This type of embroidery uses two-ply wool stitching on linen twill to produce intricate artwork for bedcovers, wall hangings, chair coverings and draperies.

Egyptians, on the other hand, practiced white embroidery using only white thread on a white canvas. These stitches were so detailed and intricate that few can mimic them today even with the added advantage of new technology and the use of embroidery machines. China perfected the amazing art of two-sided embroidery. Using fine silk, this embroidery is extremely intricate and can take years to complete.

Through the years, talented embroiderers passed on their trade to the next generation, and each generation made the work a little more intricate, a little more detailed, and a little more elaborate.

Take for instance the ?raised? embroidery which evolved in the 16th century. Also called Elizabethan embroidery, this type of embroidery incorporates the use of wool, leather or wood padding to create three-dimensional motifs of butterflies, leaves and other decorative elements.

Today, advanced technology such as computer software and high-tech sewing machines have made it possible for even the most inexperienced novice to create beautiful embroidery.

While this may be the case, there are still those individuals that patiently ply their craft without the aid of modern technology. It is with these long-suffering and talented souls where one can find the true embroidered art of today's age.

The bottom line is that there are just some things that technology cannot produce as elegantly or as accurately as man, and the fine art of hand embroidery is one of them.

By Debra F.

Get more great embroidery tips and articles at Debra's website:
One Embroidery

http://www.oneembroidery.com

Golden Retriever a Loving Large Family Dog

Golden Retrievers are a medium to medium/large dog breed. They reach a height between 20? to 24?. If a Golden Retriever could speak, they might say, ?What can I do for you?? They are born people pleasers from hunting to tricks to family pet.

The Golden Retriever is AKC recognized with a coat color in varying shades of golden or cream with golden throughout the coat. They get their name, of course, from the color of their coat. They have a medium length, water repellent outer coat and a dense undercoat. Their coat is feathered. They require a daily brushing to prevent knots and they only need an occasional dry shampoo. You should only give them a wet bath if necessary.

Exercise and playful outside and calm indoors, the Golden Retriever is considered to be one of the best large dog breeds to have as a family pet. They are great with children and other dogs. Early socialization is recommended for birds and small non-canine pets because of their hunting history but they tend to get along with other animals as well. They are extremely easy to train, even for the dog novice. They love to learn and they are fast learners. They are best for active families as they need daily time to run and roam outdoors. If you are looking for an excellent hunting companion, the Golden Retriever is an awesome hunting dog.

Originating in the mid 1800s, some sources state England as their country of origin and others state Scotland as their county of origin. Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland is said to have extensive records that show he developed the breed. Their ancestry includes the Water Spaniel, Retrievers, Setters and a Bloodhound. They were mainly used for hunting and retrieving and have an excellent sense of smell. They also make excellent therapy and guide dogs.

If you are in search of a large dog that is sweet, calm and affectionate and will be good with families that include other dogs or small children, it is hard to find a more pleasing, gentle large family dog. Exercise and play are important in their daily activities, but they will be just as happy relaxing inside with you at night.

Learn more about the Golden Retriever or visit us online to talk about Dogs or to see Dog Pictures.

Alarm Clock The Noise From Hell!

Whether we are going to work or planning a journey where time management is important, we tend to rely on the use of an alarm clock. A history of this accursed timepiece is probably not worth delving into, but maybe looking at the way we react to them is.

Most people's morning starts with a buzz, ring, radio or any other loud and intrusive noise that awakens us from a perfect slumber. Doesn't it drive you crazy when this sadistic instrument ends what maybe a peaceful and pleasant dream that has made your night's sleep more relaxing?

Here is my first question: Do you agree that alarm clocks nowadays and by that I mean the digital variety, always have a snooze button? I call this a cheat device because I thought the whole object of an alarm clock was to awaken you - to rise from your bed - at the point of the alarm being set off. You may say that we have that extra seven minutes or so to finally wake up, gather our thoughts and then face the day's tasks in a more refreshed way.

This may be so but, if it is the case, cast your minds back a few years, and think about the last generation of alarm clocks. The two-bell clockwork variety! The bells were situated on top of the clock itself. The principle was the same, but in fact, when the alarm sounded by means of a monstrous little hammer clattering noisily between the two bells, the only way to turn it off was to move a swivelling little hook, that caught the hammer and stopped its vile noise.

Now, unpleasant as it may have been to hear this fire engine type noise on a dark winter's morning, it was nevertheless an indication to you that you simply had to get up. No extra snoozes, no thought-gathering, up and out of it fella, get your body into gear!

Has technology improved the alarm clock? I am not so sure. True we have digital equipment now that can have all manner of liquid crystal displays, features that wouldn't be out of place on a Moon orbiter, yet they all do the same thing - get us to move from one of most comfortable and comforting positions of the day.

I think the alarm clock manufacturers have bowed to public pressure with the snooze button. I don't think the human alarm clock, like an RSM in the army, would expect to come back after seven minutes to gently re-awaken his charges.

It is the same with the alarm clock. It is my considered opinion that once the thing starts making a noise, we should get up. Why you may ask?

I find the answer not only simple but very practical. Today's alarm clocks are generally powered by electricity and most of them have a battery alarm back-up. Before my final conclusion, ask yourself honestly, how often do you make sure the battery is kept up to date for the efficient use of this back-up feature? My whole point is that most places in the world are susceptible to power failure at some time or other and, you can pretty well guarantee that the power will fail when you have set the alarm to go off for a critical appointment or journey.

My answer is: use the two-bell variety - if you can find one. At least you may reassure yourself that once you have wound it up -it will not fail. I trust with this lighthearted look at an everyday nightmare, you feel that you may sleep a little more easily.

Sweet dreams!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Alarm Clocks

Senior Care for Alzheimer's

As a person ages, a certain amount of memory loss and confusion is quite normal. Personally, I?ve been known to invoke the clich?, ?The older I get, the better I was!? Unfortunately, Alzheimer?s disease represents a more serious loss of mental sharpness and calls for special care for seniors.

Alzheimer?s Disease

Alzheimer?s Disease is a progressive form of pre-senile dementia. Symptoms are typically first noted in a person?s late forties or early fifties. As the disease takes effect, it will first impact memory. Impaired thought and speech will follow with the patient eventually becoming helpless.

Alzheimer?s is a truly horrible disease because it robs a person of their ability to function. The disease is also damaging to family and friends as it is very difficult to watch a parent, brother, sister or friend progress to the point where they don?t recognize anyone. The burden of caring for a person suffering from Alzheimer?s is significant. At some point in time, a family will have to look for assistance with the care.

Most ?board and care? and ?assisted living facilities? are willing and capable of providing for a person suffering from Alzheimer?s. These facilities are similar to nursing homes, but with less of an institutional atmosphere. If, however, a senior becomes increasingly disoriented, perhaps even occasionally wandering away, they may require a facility with a dementia waiver.

Despite the name, a ?dementia waiver? is an indication that a facility and staff have additional training and licensing for the care of patients with dementia. On top of the additional training, the actual facility may be secured with a perimeter to keep patients on the grounds.

Alzheimer?s disease leaves a mark on family and friends as well as the victim. There are, however, facility options that can at least take the care burden off of you.

Alex Jensen is with http://www.careplacement.com - a free placement service for seniors in need of assisted living, board and care or skilled nursing facilities in San Diego and Southern California.

Designer Shower Curtains: a Classy Way to Enhance Your Bathroom

With the increasing popularity of new decorating styles and exciting, fun new ways of enhancing the look and feel of a house, designer shower curtains are gaining more and more traction everyday. Recently, a wide variety of design professionals have made an incursion into the world of bathroom d?cor by offering you the possibility to have your very own designer shower curtains to transform your bathroom into a unique fashion statement that defines your tastes.

Today you can find designer shower curtains made of a great number of different fabrics, including nylon-coated cotton or polyester. They also come in a lot of styles to choose from, ranging from elegant and sophisticated to informal and fun. But no matter what your taste is, there is always a designer shower curtain that will suit your needs and, if you have some more money to spend, you can always ask a designer to make one exclusively for you.

Among the most famous designers that jumped into the bathroom shower curtain universe, you can find brands like Liz Claiborne, Regent, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Laurent. Designer shower curtains are offered by these designing giants in a variety of styles and, of course, prices. Most of these designers also have made available a great line of bathroom accessories to match your curtain and help you set up the bathroom of your dreams. For instance, Liz Claiborne's Ivory Cable Knit shower curtain can be matched with the exclusive line of towels, lotion pump and wastebasket.

Designer shower curtains are available in a wide range of prices, from tens of dollars to hundreds of them, which ensures that there will be not only a shower curtain that caters to your taste, but also one that will fit your budget.

If you are planning to redecorate your entire home and not just the bathroom you should consider taking advantage of the great line of matching accessories for the rest of your house. You can match your designer shower curtains to your bedroom's sheets, or your living room curtains! I especially like matching the couch pillows to the shower curtain. Or you can even get a matching robe so you yourself can be a living part of your home theme. The d?cor choices are virtually endless.

I highly recommend that, after you have decided which style to apply to your home, you take the time to carefully look through several designer shower curtains catalogs and, when you see that special curtain that you love, go ahead and buy it. It is also a great idea to purchase not only that one, but also a cheaper one in the same or similar color. That way, in the event that your shower curtain gets somehow damaged, you just switch curtains until you find another designer shower curtain that matches your expectations.

It is great to see that designers are not limiting themselves to bedroom and living room. Designer shower curtains may seem a little more expensive than non-designer ones, but they are really the best way to go. Besides, many of the finest stores (like Macy's) often have designer shower curtains for discounted prices.

Copyright ? Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Visit Shower Curtains Showcase to receive a variety of free bathroom design ideas as well as view a wide assortment of the shower curtain possibilities ranging from animal print shower curtains to tropical shower curtains. http://www.shower-curtains-showcase.com.

Creative Approaches to Family Gatherings

Do you find yourself dreading family gatherings? Is the family situation trying and very draining on your emotional state?

Staying centered when others around us are spinning in excitement, anticipation or agitation is never easy. It is challenging to hold our own position at times. The energy encountered in your family can be overwhelming. When you have to be at a family gathering, remember to take a few simple steps before getting out of your car:

1.Take three deep breaths.

2.Pull in your energetic field closer to your body (this contains your energy so it is not so porous and expanded- keeping you from picking up other?s energies). You can also do this by crossing your arms over your heart, hugging yourself tightly and feeling very contained.

3.Focus your energy on your feet- feeling how rooted you are to the earth.

4.Clear your mind and focus on the task at hand, knowing you are centered within yourself and nothing can truly harm you or hurt you.

These few simple methods will help you have a better experience. They seem like very simple concepts, but each has a specific purpose and work together to bring you into a state of conscious awareness. This awareness is the most powerful tool we possess. If you have conscious awareness you are remaining empowered in your personal space. This can assist you in holding your own energy rather than being drained by the swirling energy around you.

It?s easy to get caught up in family tension, experiencing undue demands on yourself and the guilt that comes with living according to old feelings of expectation and duty. Simply because something has been unchanged for years, does it mean it is the only way it can be done? Think about the ramifications of some of these expectations that have been passed down through the family for generations.

Do the family expectations make you uncomfortable? Do you visit members of the family out of duty rather than out of excitement and joy? Are you weighed down by the expectations placed upon you? Is there a sense of loyalty that is defining your every move? What would happen if you created a new way of responding? Would it be more fulfilling to you personally? Would you feel guilt? Would it bring you joy? Would it be exciting? Would it be too uncomfortable?

Only you would know inside yourself what your response would be.

Is it worth finding out? Step out on your own and do things differently the next time you are at a family gathering. Why not take the risk to change? Change is the healthiest thing we can ever do for ourselves. Being caught in a routine is stifling and can cause our energies to stagnate.

Samsara is a Sanskrit word that means to me, ?the only thing that never changes, is the fact that everything changes.? Samsara is about flow. Energy in flowing motion is free and openly being expressed. Energy held in expectation and tradition can be stagnant and unmoving.

Which do you prefer? Which do you choose? Take the leap and make a change! And most of all, remember it?s about your wellbeing. Do what brings you joy. Allow that to be the guiding force within you.

? 2005 Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is an Intuitive Counselor who assists clients to create extraordinary transformations in their daily lives. Her work is uplifting, empowering and success-oriented. You can visit Jodie?s website at http://www.illuminationsnetwork.com for further information and to schedule a private intuitive session. You can also look for weekly updates to her blog at: http://intuitiveinnovations.blogspot.com.

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Why Geography Is Important For Children

Did you realize that most children have absolutely no idea where they live? They could not pick out their state on a map, or even America on a globe. They can't tell you what language is spoken in Paris, or what continent Brazil is on.

Did you realize that many high school students can't either?

Most people agree that the fundamental building blocks to a child's education are reading, writing, and mathematics. But I would like to add one more to that list: geography. Just as reading and mathematics open the doors to literature and science, geography opens the door to understanding history, culture, and current events.

Educators are constantly telling us that our high-schoolers are failing to grasp the basics of American history. But how could they possibly understand the history of our nation if they cannot identify the 50 states on a blank map or know where Jamestown was settled? How could they understand the heritage of their diverse classmates, or indeed their own heritage, if they do not even know what part of the world their ancestors came from?

The problem is this: most children never have a class in geography until seventh grade at the earliest. Because of this, everything they learned before that point in time is left completely out of context. The Jungle Book makes little sense if you do not know where India is or what a tropical rainforest is like. Hearing about our soldiers (often including a friend or relative) fighting in Iraq is a total mystery if you know nothing about the people who live there or why the Middle East is a particularly important and turbulent part of our world.

That is why geography needs to be learned from the very beginning, just like the alphabet and simple addition. That way, everything a child learns is immediately put into its proper context in their minds. Otherwise, if you tell them you are sending money to help feed hungry children in Ethiopia, they might think that's somewhere near grandma's house rather than in eastern Africa.

The power of understanding the world is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child. And it is you who needs to give it to them, because the schools will not. Buy a globe and an atlas, as well as books that describe the histories, cultures, and religions of the people living in other countries.

Teach your children about the world outside their everyday experience, and watch the horizons of their imagination and intellect explode.

And start with the forgotten basics of geography.

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Copyright, Paul Martin, Noss Galen Baby LLC 2006

Paul and Alison Martin are the owners of Noss Galen Baby LLC, a small online business dedicated to offering innovative, hard-to-find products for babies and toddlers at affordable prices.

To subscribe or to see previous issues of Paul's Live and Learn newsletter, please visit http://www.NossGalenBaby.com/newsletter.html.

Kitchen Sink Manufacturers: Where To Find The Very Best

If you are looking for the very best in kitchen sink manufacturers then you need go any further than the very accessible Internet. You will find just about every reputable company and manufacturer that makes and sells these sinks from almost every country in the world. That is one of the great things about the Internet, being able to do your own research and purchase what ever you are looking for conveniently and efficiently with the added bonus of affordability. Yes that is right there will be something to suit every budget.

Most kitchen sink manufacturers will make and sell a variety of quality sinks to suit every household?s individual needs. You may be very surprised at what you will find on offer. There are ceramic, enamel, plastic, granite and of course the most popular of all the stainless steel varieties. If you need to match a color then you can almost purchase any color you wish when ordering a sink that is of course not stainless steel. What better way to dress up your kitchen than by having a color theme?

Kitchen sink manufactures around the world such as Franke, Kohler, Blanco, El Kay, Kindred and Carron just to mention a few can offer you a range of styles and designs as well. These styles may include single, double or even triple sinks. Perhaps you would prefer a deep, wide or narrow version to fit into your kitchen. There really is something out there for everyone.

And of course don't forget the added accessories that you can purchase to enhance your sink such as made to fit chopping boards and colanders. How handy is that? And what about the very popular disposable waste units that are becoming common place in every fashionable kitchen. You will find these and much more when you take the time to look and do some all-important research right here online.

Susan Dean is the webmaster and publisher of http://www.bargain-repo-buys.com/sinks Visit her site for a huge range of discount office chairs.

Using An Extension Ladder for Rooftop Repair and More

Sometimes a ladder that is twelve feet tall or less will not be tall enough to reach the top of a roof or an overhang. Extension ladders can give people an extra couple of feet so that they can get onto the roof to fix issues that may be causing leaks, loose shingles, or fireplace repair and maintenance. There are also animal issues that people will need to fix. Whatever the reasons, having a ladder that is secure and will not fall is a huge priority. Buying an extension ladder if this type of home improvement may be the only way to solve any problems on the roof or overhang on a porch.

Many people will hire contractors or chimney inspectors to handle issues on the roof. These companies will also use extension ladders to climb up there to inspect and find answers to these home improvement problems. Many times, hiring a person to for home improvement issues like this one is safer for everyone. Even though it may cost the homeowner more money, knowing that the problem will be corrected and that no one was injured is worth it. Extension ladders are very tall but safe to use as long as the people make sure that it is locked in place before beginning to climb. These ladders are used by many contractors, builders, and repair personnel who need to climb rooftops and other structures to inspect and repair problems.

Extensions for home use are available online and in most home improvement stores. People who buy these ladders usually have garages and sheds where they can be stored. Since they are taller than standard ladders and are heavier, people who own them usually need them for work purposes. Transporting an extension ladder requires a person to have a truck. Those who live in small houses with limited storage space should find other types of ladders as an extension ladder will probably not fit very easily. For more complex home improvement projects, an extension ladder may be the answer.

From cutting down trees to repairing shingles on the roof, this ladder will make getting up there a lot easier. Home improvement projects can take many forms. Homeowners should be aware that some projects will need professional care. Minor home repair includes cleaning out gutters, but major home repair is putting on a new roof. Using a contractor for more complicated jobs is a good decision.

For vital information on all things concerned with DIY and Ladders visit Ladders.

Train Your Brain For New Years

It?s that time again when people start thinking about their New Years Resolutions. Usually they involve, losing weight, quitting smoking, and joining a gym, just to mention a few.

What about you? What News Year Resolution have you planned for this year?

Have you considered the benefits of improving your mind? Usually, this is the last thing people consider, but in reality it?s one of the best things you can do for yourself and those around you.

People who want to build their muscles know that it takes time to work on specific areas in order for the muscles to develop properly and these same people will pay big bucks to join the local gym to work on these areas and yet they forget to invest in things that will enrich their minds.

By enriching your mind and building yourself up mentally you will be able to challenge yourself to take on other areas of your life that need improvement. Your life is influenced by your thought processes.

You can learn to build up the muscles in your mind, so to speak, and strengthen your inner man with positive goal producing thoughts.

Most New Year Resolutions fail, mainly because people do not have the proper mind set to set proper goals and lack the ability to make a roadmap that will lead them to success.

What is it you want for you and your family next year? Doesn?t investing in yourself by improving your mind make sense.

You don?t need to spend thousands of dollars in order to benefit from the great motivators of the world. People such as Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy and Les Brown can be heard via your computer for about the cost of a cup of coffee per day!

What are you waiting for?

Make this year the best year ever by investing in your mind!

This article is bought to you by Sharron Myers
Sharron Myers has been a teacher of Spiritual Truth for over 30 years. She also is a Certified Aromatherapist and Personal Development Consultant. Be sure to check out her site: http://www.sharron-myers.com

To Live the Life You Want, Learn the Skills You Need http://www.sharron-myers.com