By: Stefi Branston
Are you making vacation plans? If so, you are probably taking a look at common destinations like Las Vegas, Disneryworld, and California. These are typical choices because you have pretty good idea ahead of time of what you are getting yourself into. The only problem with chosing these vacation spots is that everyone else does as well. Therefore you will be spending your time in crowded areas.
You have more important things to do during your vacation then losing your time and energy struggling with the crowds. Why be around thousands of other loud and hungry tourists? When there is a greater demand from tourists, the costs of the hotel and rental car increase and can become quite expensive.
Why not save you and your family from dealing with the large crowds? Why not spend your vacation days relaxing by on a nice beach overlooking a pristin lake? You can have all the services that a big city has to offer without any set backs. Does this place exist? Yes! Head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a vacation? Yes, absolutely. Milwaukee is Wisconsin's biggest city. It is on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. There are festivals in the summer that bring in tourists, great food, and loads of fun activities.
One highlight of the festival activities is Cathedral Square. This square is close to Lake Michigan. There are several tasty, fun restauarants to dine in around this area. There is active night life and great shopping as well. You can take in the local culture by attending a free concert in the summer and eat out for a reasonable price. There is plenty to do in the winter, such as witness the breathtaking lights in Cathedral Square.
Do you like animals? Check out the Milwaukee County Zoo. Upwards of 3,000 animals call the zoo their home. It is a spectacular adventure for children and the entire family. There is a petting zoo and educational activities. Adults can partake in the cross-country skiing trail.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is a favorite for people with even the most discerning of tastes. Situated near the lakefront, the museum offers a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, and photography for visitors to admire. There is a lower level cafe so you need not go anywhere to find great food at reasonable prices. The museum also allows a number of dancers and performers to display their talents on weekends and some week days.
Milwaukee may not seem like the most exciting destination for your vacation. But isn't a vacation supposed to be relaxing? Too many times we find ourselves lured in by the glitz and glamour of some of the other more popular destinations simply because they have larger advertising budgets. But when we get there, we are confronted with hassle after hassle to the point that we cannot wait to get home. Milwaukee offers a great alternative to all of the bells and whistles of the other hot vacation spots and may just be the place to go if you actually want to sit back and unwind from a hectic year at work.
Article Source: http://www.articlecritic.net
3/13/2008
Many People Love Coffee In The Morning
By: DMF
People who have gone out and purchased a coffee maker on price alone and thought the higher the price the better the machine would be, this is not the case, there are many systems out there that are very good and the price tag is not astronomical. Ask yourself some questions where will the machine be permanently placed, how many people will be utilizing it, as well as how much space is available for the machine. What kind of machine do you have at the moment?
Portable coffee makers are very adaptable allowing you to move it all around the kitchen and which makes it nice if you have guests or you reorganize your kitchen, make sure there is an outlet where you are moving it. Many modern kitchens have every amenity imaginable; they have the double ovens, the professional cook tops, refrigerators and microwaves it would be foolish to think that these modern kitchens would not have an automatic coffee maker. Most modern kitchens today have professional coffee system built into the counter and they have water piped to them.
There are basically three styles of coffee makers to consider: manual, semi automatic and totally automatic. Many of today’s coffee makers come with grinders built into the machine , there are also others that have a built in computer system that make all every task automated, your coffee can be ready to go in the morning it can re-warm your coffee, make 1 or many cups at a time. There are so many coffee makers out their today, so no matter what coffee tastes you have you should be able to automatic coffee maker that fits your life style.
There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee. You can brew a pot at a time, rather than just a cup or two. That first cup sets the mood for your entire day. When you stop at the convenience store or at a local coffee shop for your morning cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee came about? Whenever you want to have it, enough time should be set aside just to prepare a good cup of brewed coffee.
There are two types of filter systems cone shaped and basket type; there are some differences between the two. The basket type filter the coffee more evenly while the cone shape is more concentrated. The grounds are placed in the filter and the dripping water extracts the flavor.
To get the best tasting coffee do not use heat directly from a hotplate or a heating element if possible. A sealed or closed container slows the loss of essential aromas that influence coffee flavor.
Article Source: http://www.articlecritic.net
People who have gone out and purchased a coffee maker on price alone and thought the higher the price the better the machine would be, this is not the case, there are many systems out there that are very good and the price tag is not astronomical. Ask yourself some questions where will the machine be permanently placed, how many people will be utilizing it, as well as how much space is available for the machine. What kind of machine do you have at the moment?
Portable coffee makers are very adaptable allowing you to move it all around the kitchen and which makes it nice if you have guests or you reorganize your kitchen, make sure there is an outlet where you are moving it. Many modern kitchens have every amenity imaginable; they have the double ovens, the professional cook tops, refrigerators and microwaves it would be foolish to think that these modern kitchens would not have an automatic coffee maker. Most modern kitchens today have professional coffee system built into the counter and they have water piped to them.
There are basically three styles of coffee makers to consider: manual, semi automatic and totally automatic. Many of today’s coffee makers come with grinders built into the machine , there are also others that have a built in computer system that make all every task automated, your coffee can be ready to go in the morning it can re-warm your coffee, make 1 or many cups at a time. There are so many coffee makers out their today, so no matter what coffee tastes you have you should be able to automatic coffee maker that fits your life style.
There are some basic features to look for when choosing a coffee maker and some luxury features that may give you a better tasting cup of coffee. You can brew a pot at a time, rather than just a cup or two. That first cup sets the mood for your entire day. When you stop at the convenience store or at a local coffee shop for your morning cup of coffee have you ever wondered how your cup of coffee came about? Whenever you want to have it, enough time should be set aside just to prepare a good cup of brewed coffee.
There are two types of filter systems cone shaped and basket type; there are some differences between the two. The basket type filter the coffee more evenly while the cone shape is more concentrated. The grounds are placed in the filter and the dripping water extracts the flavor.
To get the best tasting coffee do not use heat directly from a hotplate or a heating element if possible. A sealed or closed container slows the loss of essential aromas that influence coffee flavor.
Article Source: http://www.articlecritic.net
3/11/2008
How To Get Finances To Fix Up Your Home
Here's a rundown of options available to those looking to afford home improvements
What's a person to do when faced with the daunting task of getting the funds to renovate a home?
If you are a risk taker and you have decided that you want to start fixing up homes to flip then you need to know where to get the money. Money is a much needed resource that you have to have at your disposal if you want to be able to fix the home up right and make tons of cash on it at closing time. Keep in mind that you need a lot and it needs to be enough to get the whole job done. You do not want to run out halfway through the remodeling. You want to be able to finish and still hopefully have some left over. So where can this magical money come from?
Here are some of the more common ways that people use to fund their fixer upper home project:
Savings and investments
If you have been thinking about taking this step for a long time then perhaps you started saving. If you have you can use any savings and investments that you have to pay for the remodel of this home. If we are talking about your life savings, the money you have socked away for retirement then you should probably move onto a different solution. It is better to not risk your future in such a big way as to spend all of your retirement money.
Bank loan
Most people try to get a bank loan to pay for their new project. If you have good credit and some equity in your home then you will probably not have too much of a problem getting this kind of loan. The interest can be high and it can take a long time for the loan to come through though. It is worth checking out other types of loans as well before you sign anything.
Online loan
Online loans are getting to be more and more popular all of the time. These loans are easier to get than bank loans as the guidelines are much less strict. You can also get these loans quickly, often within three days or less. When shopping for an online loan you can also find many companies willing to offer you instant quotes.
Before you buy the home in question find out how much it is going to cost you in terms of repairs. Get an expert in if you have to. This way you will know just how much you can afford to spend on the purchase of the house. Planning your finances carefully like this is going to mean the difference between getting an amazing return on your money and getting diddly squat. So prepare and make sure that you have all of your bases covered.
Article Source: Articuli.com - Articles and Content
What's a person to do when faced with the daunting task of getting the funds to renovate a home?
If you are a risk taker and you have decided that you want to start fixing up homes to flip then you need to know where to get the money. Money is a much needed resource that you have to have at your disposal if you want to be able to fix the home up right and make tons of cash on it at closing time. Keep in mind that you need a lot and it needs to be enough to get the whole job done. You do not want to run out halfway through the remodeling. You want to be able to finish and still hopefully have some left over. So where can this magical money come from?
Here are some of the more common ways that people use to fund their fixer upper home project:
Savings and investments
If you have been thinking about taking this step for a long time then perhaps you started saving. If you have you can use any savings and investments that you have to pay for the remodel of this home. If we are talking about your life savings, the money you have socked away for retirement then you should probably move onto a different solution. It is better to not risk your future in such a big way as to spend all of your retirement money.
Bank loan
Most people try to get a bank loan to pay for their new project. If you have good credit and some equity in your home then you will probably not have too much of a problem getting this kind of loan. The interest can be high and it can take a long time for the loan to come through though. It is worth checking out other types of loans as well before you sign anything.
Online loan
Online loans are getting to be more and more popular all of the time. These loans are easier to get than bank loans as the guidelines are much less strict. You can also get these loans quickly, often within three days or less. When shopping for an online loan you can also find many companies willing to offer you instant quotes.
Before you buy the home in question find out how much it is going to cost you in terms of repairs. Get an expert in if you have to. This way you will know just how much you can afford to spend on the purchase of the house. Planning your finances carefully like this is going to mean the difference between getting an amazing return on your money and getting diddly squat. So prepare and make sure that you have all of your bases covered.
Article Source: Articuli.com - Articles and Content
3/10/2008
Thumb Sucking - A Common Problem For Children
Thumb sucking is a very common problem faced by many children. Many infants develop this habit even before they are born. It provides a level of comfort to the child. It helps the child to settle down as sucking denotes the idea of nutrition.
Thumb sucking is a very common problem faced by many children. Many infants develop this habit even before they are born. It provides a level of comfort to the child. It helps the child to settle down as sucking denotes the idea of nutrition. Many a times mother' milk is more than enough to get through this phase of thumb sucking. Thumb sucking can be a very serious problem if not nipped in the butt at the right time. It becomes a habit which continues in your adolescent age. It turns into an addiction which is hard to let go. If this habit continues at the age of five or six it may prove to be very serious. The child can develop problem with teeth as well as fingers.
Thumb sucking is a safety net for the children. Sucking the thumb is very reassuring to the kids. It is being used most of times when the kids are bored, scared, and sick as well as during bed time. Nagging them and scarring them at a tender age of two won't help. When the child reaches an understandable age, the parents should use all the tactics to avoid the escalation of this habit. A toy or a finger puppet can be used to keep the child engaged. By involving the child in various activities you can keep the child focused and busy. Watching TV cannot be termed as an activity.
Due to the continuous thumb sucking the front teeth level is raised. This has to be treated by putting on the braces. This behavior can be easily changed by the initiative taken by the parents and doctors. Keeping the child active is a very important process of discarding this habit. It becomes very important to use and imply different methods and techniques to get rid of this habit. This act is usually given up when they do something interesting and comfortable.
Home Remedy
Applying lemon juice on your child’s finger may help to discard this habit once and for all.
You can also apply bitter gourd on the thumb which is not likeable by many adults.
A Band-Aid wrapped in castor oil and baking soda may also help to get rid of this habit.
Tying socks on your child's hand may also work.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Article Source: Articuli.com - Articles and Content
Kevin Pederson can guide you through the importance about home remedies through his website. Home Remedies for Thumb Sucking. Read here
Thumb sucking is a very common problem faced by many children. Many infants develop this habit even before they are born. It provides a level of comfort to the child. It helps the child to settle down as sucking denotes the idea of nutrition. Many a times mother' milk is more than enough to get through this phase of thumb sucking. Thumb sucking can be a very serious problem if not nipped in the butt at the right time. It becomes a habit which continues in your adolescent age. It turns into an addiction which is hard to let go. If this habit continues at the age of five or six it may prove to be very serious. The child can develop problem with teeth as well as fingers.
Thumb sucking is a safety net for the children. Sucking the thumb is very reassuring to the kids. It is being used most of times when the kids are bored, scared, and sick as well as during bed time. Nagging them and scarring them at a tender age of two won't help. When the child reaches an understandable age, the parents should use all the tactics to avoid the escalation of this habit. A toy or a finger puppet can be used to keep the child engaged. By involving the child in various activities you can keep the child focused and busy. Watching TV cannot be termed as an activity.
Due to the continuous thumb sucking the front teeth level is raised. This has to be treated by putting on the braces. This behavior can be easily changed by the initiative taken by the parents and doctors. Keeping the child active is a very important process of discarding this habit. It becomes very important to use and imply different methods and techniques to get rid of this habit. This act is usually given up when they do something interesting and comfortable.
Home Remedy
Applying lemon juice on your child’s finger may help to discard this habit once and for all.
You can also apply bitter gourd on the thumb which is not likeable by many adults.
A Band-Aid wrapped in castor oil and baking soda may also help to get rid of this habit.
Tying socks on your child's hand may also work.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Article Source: Articuli.com - Articles and Content
Kevin Pederson can guide you through the importance about home remedies through his website. Home Remedies for Thumb Sucking. Read here
3/08/2008
How to Teach Children Right From Wrong
By: Dr. Noel Swanson
A common situation that many parents face is dealing with their children's behaviors. For example, let's say you had a five year old child that has just entered school. She was a polite, considerate, and helpful young lady at home and in front of her teachers. However, her behavior has recently changed at home and it involves talking back, swearing, and discussing sex in general terms. She learned these behaviors from other kids at school.
You might not sure how I should teach her to make the right choices about right vs. wrong. She has already missed school at the insistence of her 5 year old friend. HOw can you help her when she is not under your watchful eye at school? How do I ensure she will make the right choice on her own?
That is a great question. First we should discuss the fundamentals regarding this issue.
Kids, like you and me, are doing their best to succeed in life. So their behaviors are their attempts to get good results for themselves, as they themselves would define them. Those "good results" might be to satisfy basic urges such as hunger and warmth, they might be to get approval and love - from their parents, or from their friends, or they might be simply to have fun and excitement.
Whatever their priority need at the time, the behavior they use is their best attempt to meet the need.
They will find that their behaviors don't always result in success. They learn from this and experiment with other behaviors until they find the ones that yield the desired result. When deciding what behavior to have we rely on experience, direction for our parents, and our skills and abilities. We create a group of behaviors that we hope will serve our needs effectively.
After experimenting we will find the behaviors that meet our needs. We will use these behaviors to get what we want. The more we achieve a good result with a behavior, the more we demonstrate that behavior.
Back to your 5 year old daughter. Her behavior signals that she is in the process of trial and error. She is in a new situation at school and this has expanded her world. She is not sure how to react and is excited and nervous at the same time. She is testing different behaviors to determine which behaviors will yield a successful result.
Your daughter will most likely try a range of behaviors. Many of which will not occur ever again as they didn't work. Some behaviors will become a part of her usual behavior. Which behaviors will your daughter stick to? It really depends on the results of each experience. She is at an age where having your approval and love is very important to her. She needs to see your reaction to her behaviors. Outside reactions from others also play a role. For example, punishments and rewards can be a big influence on her behavior. She will seek the approval of you, her teachers, and her friends.
You have a significant affect on her as her parent. She young so she will listen to you. When she is a teenager things will change. Your influence can show in two ways.
1. Your emotional response - your approval or otherwise of her behaviors.
2. Your manipulation of her environment. You have the power to choose her school, neighbors, and people she will be in contact with. You are the one who can give her punishments and rewards.
Integrating what he discussed together and looking at this logically, you need to answer the following questions:
Do you think your daughter is just experimenting with her behaviors and that it will pass? If you do, then don't worry about it at all as she will move on to better behavior. Kids tend to do mischievous things at this age and still end up to be productive adults.
Bear in mind that if you over-react to things like her swearing that may, in itself, actually make the behavior seems MORE exciting rather than less. Generally, "chilling out" is the better way to go.
If you think that her bad behavior is escalating too much then you need to do something to thwart it.
At this point you will need to rely on your judgement of the situation. Are you doing all the things you can as a parent? Make sure that you are a positive role model. Remember, you have a significant influence on her.
Check out the school and your neighborhood. How have the children who were raised in this neighborhood do when they grew up? Do they become productive adults or do most of the kids spend their days being in trouble for most of their teenage years?
Take the time to talk with parents and teachers at school. Each school has a culture and perhaps your daughter is trying to fit into this culture. How concerned are the teachers? Does the behavior of most kids at the school improve as they grow up out their phases?
You cannot control every factor in their lives. You cannot guarantee that they will learn right from wrong. But you can increase the chances. And, as ever, you do that by being as good, and strategic, a parent as you can.
Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com
Read more of Dr. Noel Swanson's excellent free parenting articles on his website. Make sure you also subscribe to his free newsletter: www.good-child-guide.com/
A common situation that many parents face is dealing with their children's behaviors. For example, let's say you had a five year old child that has just entered school. She was a polite, considerate, and helpful young lady at home and in front of her teachers. However, her behavior has recently changed at home and it involves talking back, swearing, and discussing sex in general terms. She learned these behaviors from other kids at school.
You might not sure how I should teach her to make the right choices about right vs. wrong. She has already missed school at the insistence of her 5 year old friend. HOw can you help her when she is not under your watchful eye at school? How do I ensure she will make the right choice on her own?
That is a great question. First we should discuss the fundamentals regarding this issue.
Kids, like you and me, are doing their best to succeed in life. So their behaviors are their attempts to get good results for themselves, as they themselves would define them. Those "good results" might be to satisfy basic urges such as hunger and warmth, they might be to get approval and love - from their parents, or from their friends, or they might be simply to have fun and excitement.
Whatever their priority need at the time, the behavior they use is their best attempt to meet the need.
They will find that their behaviors don't always result in success. They learn from this and experiment with other behaviors until they find the ones that yield the desired result. When deciding what behavior to have we rely on experience, direction for our parents, and our skills and abilities. We create a group of behaviors that we hope will serve our needs effectively.
After experimenting we will find the behaviors that meet our needs. We will use these behaviors to get what we want. The more we achieve a good result with a behavior, the more we demonstrate that behavior.
Back to your 5 year old daughter. Her behavior signals that she is in the process of trial and error. She is in a new situation at school and this has expanded her world. She is not sure how to react and is excited and nervous at the same time. She is testing different behaviors to determine which behaviors will yield a successful result.
Your daughter will most likely try a range of behaviors. Many of which will not occur ever again as they didn't work. Some behaviors will become a part of her usual behavior. Which behaviors will your daughter stick to? It really depends on the results of each experience. She is at an age where having your approval and love is very important to her. She needs to see your reaction to her behaviors. Outside reactions from others also play a role. For example, punishments and rewards can be a big influence on her behavior. She will seek the approval of you, her teachers, and her friends.
You have a significant affect on her as her parent. She young so she will listen to you. When she is a teenager things will change. Your influence can show in two ways.
1. Your emotional response - your approval or otherwise of her behaviors.
2. Your manipulation of her environment. You have the power to choose her school, neighbors, and people she will be in contact with. You are the one who can give her punishments and rewards.
Integrating what he discussed together and looking at this logically, you need to answer the following questions:
Do you think your daughter is just experimenting with her behaviors and that it will pass? If you do, then don't worry about it at all as she will move on to better behavior. Kids tend to do mischievous things at this age and still end up to be productive adults.
Bear in mind that if you over-react to things like her swearing that may, in itself, actually make the behavior seems MORE exciting rather than less. Generally, "chilling out" is the better way to go.
If you think that her bad behavior is escalating too much then you need to do something to thwart it.
At this point you will need to rely on your judgement of the situation. Are you doing all the things you can as a parent? Make sure that you are a positive role model. Remember, you have a significant influence on her.
Check out the school and your neighborhood. How have the children who were raised in this neighborhood do when they grew up? Do they become productive adults or do most of the kids spend their days being in trouble for most of their teenage years?
Take the time to talk with parents and teachers at school. Each school has a culture and perhaps your daughter is trying to fit into this culture. How concerned are the teachers? Does the behavior of most kids at the school improve as they grow up out their phases?
You cannot control every factor in their lives. You cannot guarantee that they will learn right from wrong. But you can increase the chances. And, as ever, you do that by being as good, and strategic, a parent as you can.
Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com
Read more of Dr. Noel Swanson's excellent free parenting articles on his website. Make sure you also subscribe to his free newsletter: www.good-child-guide.com/
3/06/2008
Candlemaking for Everyone
By: Jenniffer Jensen
(Please note, some web sites and candle companies offer starter kits that include all of the supplies listed below. )
To begin, melt wax at 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a double boiler. Stir the wax while it is heating. Add color and/or fragrance if you'd like. Add two teaspoons of translucent crystals per one pound of melted wax, if you want the candle to be slightly translucent. Remember, since this is your candle, you can change these steps as you wish.
Tie wick to a metal rod or a pencil lying on top of the mold. The wick should be long enough to reach the bottom of the candle. Thread the wick through the mold, pulling it through the hole in the bottom of the mold (this will be the top of the candle, so make the wick long). Make sure the wick is taut the entire time. A mold sealer will assist with this.
Once the wax and the crystals are melted, pour wax into the mold you desire (round, square, heart). Note: before pouring the wax into the mold, a small amount of vegetable oil on the mold walls will help with removal. Next, tap the sides of the mold to release air bubbles from the wax. Lower the mold into cool (not ice cold) water.
Leave the mold in the water for about six minutes. Takeout the insert and make sure the wick doesn't fall into the wax. Remove the mold from the water and leave it at room temperature for at least two hours (placing it in the refrigerator will speed the process). Once the wax is completely cooled, slide the wax out from the mold. Refill wax around the wick if needed and let it cool.
These steps can be altered by using different colors, fragrances, and molds. Follow the same steps if you'd like to fill a glass container (jar, martini glass) or a pottery piece (coffee mug, bowl) to make a candle.
Candles make creative gifts, especially when you make them on your own. Customize them for friends and family by using their favorite colors, scents, and containers. Consider mixing flowers or shells into the wax for a more personal touch.
Article Source: http://ArticleCrux.com -- Free Articles, Free Web Content
Jenniffer Jensen is an owner of At Wix End, a candle making and soap making supplies company.
(Please note, some web sites and candle companies offer starter kits that include all of the supplies listed below. )
To begin, melt wax at 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a double boiler. Stir the wax while it is heating. Add color and/or fragrance if you'd like. Add two teaspoons of translucent crystals per one pound of melted wax, if you want the candle to be slightly translucent. Remember, since this is your candle, you can change these steps as you wish.
Tie wick to a metal rod or a pencil lying on top of the mold. The wick should be long enough to reach the bottom of the candle. Thread the wick through the mold, pulling it through the hole in the bottom of the mold (this will be the top of the candle, so make the wick long). Make sure the wick is taut the entire time. A mold sealer will assist with this.
Once the wax and the crystals are melted, pour wax into the mold you desire (round, square, heart). Note: before pouring the wax into the mold, a small amount of vegetable oil on the mold walls will help with removal. Next, tap the sides of the mold to release air bubbles from the wax. Lower the mold into cool (not ice cold) water.
Leave the mold in the water for about six minutes. Takeout the insert and make sure the wick doesn't fall into the wax. Remove the mold from the water and leave it at room temperature for at least two hours (placing it in the refrigerator will speed the process). Once the wax is completely cooled, slide the wax out from the mold. Refill wax around the wick if needed and let it cool.
These steps can be altered by using different colors, fragrances, and molds. Follow the same steps if you'd like to fill a glass container (jar, martini glass) or a pottery piece (coffee mug, bowl) to make a candle.
Candles make creative gifts, especially when you make them on your own. Customize them for friends and family by using their favorite colors, scents, and containers. Consider mixing flowers or shells into the wax for a more personal touch.
Article Source: http://ArticleCrux.com -- Free Articles, Free Web Content
Jenniffer Jensen is an owner of At Wix End, a candle making and soap making supplies company.
3/05/2008
Shopping with Kids
By: ChaFish
Did you read the title of this article correctly? You might want to go back and double check to make sure you understand what this article is going to be about. The most significant word in this title is the word with. Had we used the word for in the title instead this would be a completely different article but the use of the word with indicates this article will be about shopping while your children accompany you to the stores which is a totally different subject. An article on shopping for children would cover subjects such as buying age appropriate toys and choosing toys which will meet the parent’s approval. This article, however, will focus on how to have a successful shopping trip with children in tow.
While it is certainly true that shopping with kids can be difficult at times, it is also possible to have an effective, efficient and fun shopping expedition with children. It does take a little advanced planning and cooperation on the children’s?behalf but it can be done. This article will cover a few of the basic tips for having a successful Christmas shopping trip with kids. Some of these tips include ensuring the children are well rested, taking frequent breaks, incorporating activities appropriate for children into the adventure and being prepared for any situation.
Depending on the age of the children, it might be critical to ensure the children are well rested at the start of the shopping trip and that the trip does not last so long that the child will be tired out before the end of the trip. This is very important especially in the case of young children who still take daily naps. If you plan on Christmas shopping with a child who still takes daily naps, it might be worthwhile to plan your shopping trip after the child’s nap. This will ensure the child has had sufficient rest and will not run out of energy or become cranky during the shopping trip as a result of exhaustion. It might be possible to plan a shopping trip for the time before a child’s nap if the child takes an afternoon late in the day but in this case care should be taken to end the Christmas shopping trip well before the regularly schedule nap time.
It is also important to take frequent breaks when Christmas shopping with a child. This is important because children categorically have short attention spans and are not likely to be able to be able to shop for hours on end without short diversions. A few examples of breaks which may be appropriate may include stopping for a small snack, taking a lunch break or visiting a play area in the mall or shopping center. Each of these breaks will give the child an opportunity to enjoy a break from the monotony of shopping and will also help to distract the child if they become frustrated with the shopping.
Christmas shopping with children can also be made easier by incorporating activities appropriate for children into the schedule of the shopping trip. This may include visiting stores which may be of interest to the child. For example a trip to a toy store or a store which offers the opportunity to test out gadgets might be interesting for a child. It might even be worthwhile to promise the child a small toy as a reward for cooperating during the trip. This would be most effective if you schedule this trip for late in the shopping trip. This will help to ensure the child behaves for the majority of the trip. It will also help to make the remainder of the trip easier because the child will be interested in his new toy and too distracted to complain about visiting more stores.
Finally, it is important to be prepared for a variety of situations when Christmas shopping with kids. If your children are not yet potty trained, be sure to bring a supply of diapers and a change of clothes. Bringing along small toys and snacks is also helpful. The toys can be used to distract the child while standing in lines. Snacks will be helpful if the child complains of hunger or as a distraction if the child starts to become bored with the shopping trip.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Did you read the title of this article correctly? You might want to go back and double check to make sure you understand what this article is going to be about. The most significant word in this title is the word with. Had we used the word for in the title instead this would be a completely different article but the use of the word with indicates this article will be about shopping while your children accompany you to the stores which is a totally different subject. An article on shopping for children would cover subjects such as buying age appropriate toys and choosing toys which will meet the parent’s approval. This article, however, will focus on how to have a successful shopping trip with children in tow.
While it is certainly true that shopping with kids can be difficult at times, it is also possible to have an effective, efficient and fun shopping expedition with children. It does take a little advanced planning and cooperation on the children’s?behalf but it can be done. This article will cover a few of the basic tips for having a successful Christmas shopping trip with kids. Some of these tips include ensuring the children are well rested, taking frequent breaks, incorporating activities appropriate for children into the adventure and being prepared for any situation.
Depending on the age of the children, it might be critical to ensure the children are well rested at the start of the shopping trip and that the trip does not last so long that the child will be tired out before the end of the trip. This is very important especially in the case of young children who still take daily naps. If you plan on Christmas shopping with a child who still takes daily naps, it might be worthwhile to plan your shopping trip after the child’s nap. This will ensure the child has had sufficient rest and will not run out of energy or become cranky during the shopping trip as a result of exhaustion. It might be possible to plan a shopping trip for the time before a child’s nap if the child takes an afternoon late in the day but in this case care should be taken to end the Christmas shopping trip well before the regularly schedule nap time.
It is also important to take frequent breaks when Christmas shopping with a child. This is important because children categorically have short attention spans and are not likely to be able to be able to shop for hours on end without short diversions. A few examples of breaks which may be appropriate may include stopping for a small snack, taking a lunch break or visiting a play area in the mall or shopping center. Each of these breaks will give the child an opportunity to enjoy a break from the monotony of shopping and will also help to distract the child if they become frustrated with the shopping.
Christmas shopping with children can also be made easier by incorporating activities appropriate for children into the schedule of the shopping trip. This may include visiting stores which may be of interest to the child. For example a trip to a toy store or a store which offers the opportunity to test out gadgets might be interesting for a child. It might even be worthwhile to promise the child a small toy as a reward for cooperating during the trip. This would be most effective if you schedule this trip for late in the shopping trip. This will help to ensure the child behaves for the majority of the trip. It will also help to make the remainder of the trip easier because the child will be interested in his new toy and too distracted to complain about visiting more stores.
Finally, it is important to be prepared for a variety of situations when Christmas shopping with kids. If your children are not yet potty trained, be sure to bring a supply of diapers and a change of clothes. Bringing along small toys and snacks is also helpful. The toys can be used to distract the child while standing in lines. Snacks will be helpful if the child complains of hunger or as a distraction if the child starts to become bored with the shopping trip.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
3/04/2008
Easy Fixes for Common House Problems
By: Gary Ashton
Here are some practical tips inspired by the gang at ThisOldHouse.com to fix up some of the most common house ailments.
Squeaky floors and stairs are more of a nuisance than anything else. We put up with the annoying squeaking, and then suddenly one day, it's just time to fix it. The easiest fix is to purchase Squeeeeek-No-More screws, commonly available in home centers and hardware stores. Use them to tighten flooring to joists, or stair treads to stringers, and once tightened, their heads fall off leaving a 1/2 inch wide hole on the surface. These just disappear in carpeting, but for wood floors, the holes can be filled with wax filler.
When unclogging a bathroom sink, sometimes a plunger just doesn't do the trick. For those tough jobs, you'll need to remove the P-trap, get rid of the clog and reinstall the trap.
Important - Turn off the main water source. Then begin by unscrewing the ball-and-socket connection that holds the assembly together in the back of the sink (you may need a wrench); slide out the rod and remove the pop-up stopper. Usually whatever is clogging the trap will come out on the end of the stopper. Just clean it off and replace and tighten the ball-and-socket nut.
Shine up those stainless steel appliances and keep them that way. But, whatever you do, don't use stainless steel cleaners. Most of those specialty cleaners leave a thin oily film on the appliances that smear and attract dust and dirt. Instead, try using a glass cleaner that doesn't contain ammonia or alcohol. Try dissolving 2 tbsp. of baking soda in 1 quart of water for an effective, natural stainless steel or chrome cleaner. Make a paste of baking soda and water for those tough spots. A combination of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water works well also.
Scratches in woodwork can be hidden with little effort. For small jobs, get wax filler crayons in a slightly darker stain than the wood you are repairing. Rub the crayon over the scratch and lightly smooth over it with a spatula to leave a flat surface. For bigger jobs you can purchase a pigmented wax product such as Briwax, apply a thin coat and buff.
Odor control for the whole house can be accomplished without the use of dozens of scented air fresheners. This works if you have forced-air heating. Place a couple drops (the operative word here is a couple, too much and you will be overwhelmed) of vanilla extract on the filter. The blower will send the scent of vanilla throughout the entire house.
Make that noisy bathroom fan a thing of the past. Vent fans aren't supposed to be loud, so when they are, chances are some of the parts have loosened. The most common problem is the constant rattling of a loose cover. Simply remove the cover, bend the spring-loaded attachment brackets slightly so they grip a little tighter against the ceiling. While you're there, turn off the breaker (for your own safety) and vacuum the inside of the unit to remove any dust that may be inhibiting the fan blades and causing the motor to work harder than it needs to.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
This article was written on behalf of Gary Ashton and his team at NashvilleBuyers.com. NashvilleBuyers.com makes searching for Nashville real estate a breeze, with user-friendly maps, community information, and access to Nashville MLS listings.
Here are some practical tips inspired by the gang at ThisOldHouse.com to fix up some of the most common house ailments.
Squeaky floors and stairs are more of a nuisance than anything else. We put up with the annoying squeaking, and then suddenly one day, it's just time to fix it. The easiest fix is to purchase Squeeeeek-No-More screws, commonly available in home centers and hardware stores. Use them to tighten flooring to joists, or stair treads to stringers, and once tightened, their heads fall off leaving a 1/2 inch wide hole on the surface. These just disappear in carpeting, but for wood floors, the holes can be filled with wax filler.
When unclogging a bathroom sink, sometimes a plunger just doesn't do the trick. For those tough jobs, you'll need to remove the P-trap, get rid of the clog and reinstall the trap.
Important - Turn off the main water source. Then begin by unscrewing the ball-and-socket connection that holds the assembly together in the back of the sink (you may need a wrench); slide out the rod and remove the pop-up stopper. Usually whatever is clogging the trap will come out on the end of the stopper. Just clean it off and replace and tighten the ball-and-socket nut.
Shine up those stainless steel appliances and keep them that way. But, whatever you do, don't use stainless steel cleaners. Most of those specialty cleaners leave a thin oily film on the appliances that smear and attract dust and dirt. Instead, try using a glass cleaner that doesn't contain ammonia or alcohol. Try dissolving 2 tbsp. of baking soda in 1 quart of water for an effective, natural stainless steel or chrome cleaner. Make a paste of baking soda and water for those tough spots. A combination of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water works well also.
Scratches in woodwork can be hidden with little effort. For small jobs, get wax filler crayons in a slightly darker stain than the wood you are repairing. Rub the crayon over the scratch and lightly smooth over it with a spatula to leave a flat surface. For bigger jobs you can purchase a pigmented wax product such as Briwax, apply a thin coat and buff.
Odor control for the whole house can be accomplished without the use of dozens of scented air fresheners. This works if you have forced-air heating. Place a couple drops (the operative word here is a couple, too much and you will be overwhelmed) of vanilla extract on the filter. The blower will send the scent of vanilla throughout the entire house.
Make that noisy bathroom fan a thing of the past. Vent fans aren't supposed to be loud, so when they are, chances are some of the parts have loosened. The most common problem is the constant rattling of a loose cover. Simply remove the cover, bend the spring-loaded attachment brackets slightly so they grip a little tighter against the ceiling. While you're there, turn off the breaker (for your own safety) and vacuum the inside of the unit to remove any dust that may be inhibiting the fan blades and causing the motor to work harder than it needs to.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
This article was written on behalf of Gary Ashton and his team at NashvilleBuyers.com. NashvilleBuyers.com makes searching for Nashville real estate a breeze, with user-friendly maps, community information, and access to Nashville MLS listings.
3/03/2008
What Is A Golden Mattress?
By: Ella Morgan
Choosing a mattress can be a difficult thing. The difficulty is heightened when you decide to do your purchasing online. That is why you must always buy from reputable companies that offer good warranty and service. The golden mattress is the right choice for those of us who are looking for a discount product. Great product for an attractive price is the hallmark of this particular mattress.
With high quality and durability these mattresses will serve your purpose to perfection. The product is designed with comfort mind. The selection of golden mattresses can satisfy any customer with any problems. At an attractive price, this is hard to beat.
These mattresses are designed with highly flexible springs that ensure comfort while sleeping. The Orthopedic products are suitable for those who have problems with their back. Un like some of the competition, golden mattresses do not compromise on quality for the cost.
You will find these products a delight to use and your sleep will be undisturbed through the night. Thinking of buying one of the golden products? If you buy from certain stores, you can even arrange for financing options! While browsing the Internet for a good place to purchases these mattresses, I came across Coleman Furniture, a reliable company offering you excellent mattresses. You can visit them at colemanfurniture.com to find out if the golden is right for you. The price starts at only $6 per month for a mattress.
Be careful though. Frauds are prevalent and that makes it risky buying online. It even does not allow you to test the product and find out if it meets your needs. Go for a reputable company that has been in business a long time. If the company offers you a money back option, it would be the best.
The golden mattress can provide satisfaction to the pickiest of sleepers. With excellent therapeutic designs, you will find it hard to find another product in it's price range who offers the same feature set.
When it comes to buying new mattresses and beds comfort is the name of the game, without that you might as well be sleeping on the floor. Start shopping for a good bed today and you will see that there are all kinds of great options out there for everyone and every taste. A golden mattress is only one of the many options out there, it is one of the best but it is just one among many. Take a tour of the mattress stores in your area and see what other kinds of mattresses are on the market, this will give you a solid comparison that you can build your decision on. This is a lot of money, you want to make sure that you put it down on the right mattress.
Ella Morgan is a publisher of ArticleClick.com. To submit articles and find free articles for your websites visit www.ArticleClick.com.
Choosing a mattress can be a difficult thing. The difficulty is heightened when you decide to do your purchasing online. That is why you must always buy from reputable companies that offer good warranty and service. The golden mattress is the right choice for those of us who are looking for a discount product. Great product for an attractive price is the hallmark of this particular mattress.
With high quality and durability these mattresses will serve your purpose to perfection. The product is designed with comfort mind. The selection of golden mattresses can satisfy any customer with any problems. At an attractive price, this is hard to beat.
These mattresses are designed with highly flexible springs that ensure comfort while sleeping. The Orthopedic products are suitable for those who have problems with their back. Un like some of the competition, golden mattresses do not compromise on quality for the cost.
You will find these products a delight to use and your sleep will be undisturbed through the night. Thinking of buying one of the golden products? If you buy from certain stores, you can even arrange for financing options! While browsing the Internet for a good place to purchases these mattresses, I came across Coleman Furniture, a reliable company offering you excellent mattresses. You can visit them at colemanfurniture.com to find out if the golden is right for you. The price starts at only $6 per month for a mattress.
Be careful though. Frauds are prevalent and that makes it risky buying online. It even does not allow you to test the product and find out if it meets your needs. Go for a reputable company that has been in business a long time. If the company offers you a money back option, it would be the best.
The golden mattress can provide satisfaction to the pickiest of sleepers. With excellent therapeutic designs, you will find it hard to find another product in it's price range who offers the same feature set.
When it comes to buying new mattresses and beds comfort is the name of the game, without that you might as well be sleeping on the floor. Start shopping for a good bed today and you will see that there are all kinds of great options out there for everyone and every taste. A golden mattress is only one of the many options out there, it is one of the best but it is just one among many. Take a tour of the mattress stores in your area and see what other kinds of mattresses are on the market, this will give you a solid comparison that you can build your decision on. This is a lot of money, you want to make sure that you put it down on the right mattress.
Ella Morgan is a publisher of ArticleClick.com. To submit articles and find free articles for your websites visit www.ArticleClick.com.
3/01/2008
Stay At Home Moms vs. Working Moms
By Linda Allen
Sometimes it can seem as though stay at home moms and working moms are battling against each other. The truth is, there are lots of women who stay at home with their children, and there are some moms who work. The other truth is, one of them is not better than the other. As moms, we all love our children, and we all want them to be happy. There are many advantages and disadvantages to both staying at home, and working outside of the home.
Staying at home with your children is great because you are able to be with them all day. You are able to bond more with your children, and instill more of your values and what you feel is important into your children. It also gives you a great feeling to be able to be with your children all the time. However, staying home with your children can also make them more dependent on you than most other children are toward their moms. It can make them fear leaving you, whether you're leaving them at school, or with the babysitter for a night off. The disadvantages to you are being on call all the time. It can make you feel like you want to tear your hair out! Also, although you have one of the hardest jobs, you're not actually bringing in an income. Although, today many moms are working over the internet, or with home businesses.
Mothers who work outside the home get their chance to be someone else other than 'mom.' They can concentrate on what they are trying to do much better than a mother who works at home. The only 'kids' they have in their hair are the ones they work with! Also, being away from your children more will foster a greater sense of independence in them. Disadvantages to working outside the home are obvious. You don't get as much time to spend with your children, and this can make you feel guilty or neglectful. Also, you have to know that whoever may be your children's caretakers will have an impact on what your children grow to believe.
Whether we work outside the home, or stay at home with our kids, we are all mothers. We all want the same things for our children. Happiness, opportunities, and we want to give them all we can. Being a mother is hard enough today. We need to stick together as moms, whatever kind of mom we are. Supporting each other in motherhood and in life is what is important. Support each other's decisions and be proud of the decision that you have made. Let's end the war!
About the author:
Linda Allen is the co-founder of GirlfriendsCafe - a social network for women in the U.S. and Canada.
For further information, visit
http://www.girlfriendscafe.com
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Sometimes it can seem as though stay at home moms and working moms are battling against each other. The truth is, there are lots of women who stay at home with their children, and there are some moms who work. The other truth is, one of them is not better than the other. As moms, we all love our children, and we all want them to be happy. There are many advantages and disadvantages to both staying at home, and working outside of the home.
Staying at home with your children is great because you are able to be with them all day. You are able to bond more with your children, and instill more of your values and what you feel is important into your children. It also gives you a great feeling to be able to be with your children all the time. However, staying home with your children can also make them more dependent on you than most other children are toward their moms. It can make them fear leaving you, whether you're leaving them at school, or with the babysitter for a night off. The disadvantages to you are being on call all the time. It can make you feel like you want to tear your hair out! Also, although you have one of the hardest jobs, you're not actually bringing in an income. Although, today many moms are working over the internet, or with home businesses.
Mothers who work outside the home get their chance to be someone else other than 'mom.' They can concentrate on what they are trying to do much better than a mother who works at home. The only 'kids' they have in their hair are the ones they work with! Also, being away from your children more will foster a greater sense of independence in them. Disadvantages to working outside the home are obvious. You don't get as much time to spend with your children, and this can make you feel guilty or neglectful. Also, you have to know that whoever may be your children's caretakers will have an impact on what your children grow to believe.
Whether we work outside the home, or stay at home with our kids, we are all mothers. We all want the same things for our children. Happiness, opportunities, and we want to give them all we can. Being a mother is hard enough today. We need to stick together as moms, whatever kind of mom we are. Supporting each other in motherhood and in life is what is important. Support each other's decisions and be proud of the decision that you have made. Let's end the war!
About the author:
Linda Allen is the co-founder of GirlfriendsCafe - a social network for women in the U.S. and Canada.
For further information, visit
http://www.girlfriendscafe.com
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
2/23/2008
Eight Time-Saving Cooking Tips
by Rachel Paxton
1. Plan meals at least a week in advance to incorporate the use of leftovers. For example, have baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy for dinner Sunday, and then use the leftover gravy as the base of beef stroganoff Monday.
2. If you know you're not going to have time to cook one evening, prepare two dinners the night before and just reheat one the next night.
3. When preparing a meal using grated cheese, chopped onions, etc., prepare more than the recipe calls for and refrigerate the rest for another meal.
4. Clean your kitchen workspace as you go. When you're done there will be little left to clean.
5. On grocery shopping day, have your children help individually wrap their cookies, snacks, etc., for their lunches. Makes lunch preparation for the rest of the week a breeze and snacks don't disappear before lunches are made.
6. Don't hide your cookbooks away. Organize them where you can get to them easily, and you will use them a lot more.
7. Keep a notepad on the front of the refrigerator for your shopping list. When you run out of something write it on the list right away. Encourage family members to do the same.
8. Prepare favorite beverages like lemonade, tea, or Kool Aid in gallon-sized pitchers, and you won't have to make them as often.
Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com
1. Plan meals at least a week in advance to incorporate the use of leftovers. For example, have baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy for dinner Sunday, and then use the leftover gravy as the base of beef stroganoff Monday.
2. If you know you're not going to have time to cook one evening, prepare two dinners the night before and just reheat one the next night.
3. When preparing a meal using grated cheese, chopped onions, etc., prepare more than the recipe calls for and refrigerate the rest for another meal.
4. Clean your kitchen workspace as you go. When you're done there will be little left to clean.
5. On grocery shopping day, have your children help individually wrap their cookies, snacks, etc., for their lunches. Makes lunch preparation for the rest of the week a breeze and snacks don't disappear before lunches are made.
6. Don't hide your cookbooks away. Organize them where you can get to them easily, and you will use them a lot more.
7. Keep a notepad on the front of the refrigerator for your shopping list. When you run out of something write it on the list right away. Encourage family members to do the same.
8. Prepare favorite beverages like lemonade, tea, or Kool Aid in gallon-sized pitchers, and you won't have to make them as often.
Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com
2/19/2008
Building Your Dream Game Room
By: Steven Cancel
When deciding to remodel or add an addition to your home, many people would like to include a game room. Whether it is in the basement or first floor of your home, a game room adds a place to unwind and have a good time. It can be used for guys or girls nights, family time, holiday gatherings or just any night of the week.
Once you have decided to create a game room in your home, you must decide what types of games you would like to include in it. There are a variety of gaming tables you can buy including poker, blackjack and roulette. You can find any of these items and their accessories online or in a store in your own area. If you order these items online, some sites will even let you customize the tables or accessories with your name or phrases.
Another item you can add to your game room is a pool table. Pool tables come in three sizes, starting at 7 feet and going to 9 feet. You should pick a table that best fits the size and needs of your game room. Once you decided on your pool table, you can then purchase your table accessories such as billiard balls, ball rack and pool cues. A pool table is fun for people of all ages.
Another gaming room item that is fun for people of all ages is a dart board. You can either get your standard cork dart board or an electronic one. You can get standard dart boards complete with wood cabinet and chalk board score board. This keeps up the appearance of your game room when the game is not in play. You can purchase dart boards online or at your local store. For the casino lover, you can add some slot machines. There are a variety of slot machines available for purchase online or at your local store. You can choose from a variety of themes and types of slot machine you would like to purchase.
Once you have chosen all the games you would like to include in your game room, you should decide if you would like to include a bar. If you choose to include a bar, you can either have a custom one built and installed or you can purchase one from your local home store. You can include game themed glasses, dishes and bottles to make your bar game room friendly. Now that you have all your games and maybe a bar, you can now decorate the room. You can choose from gamed themed pictures and signs. If you have a bar you can decorate with signs of your favorite beer or liquor. You can buy your signs and pictures online or in the store. If you buy your signs online, most sites will let you customize them with your name, picture or phrase that you like.
Now that you have everything that needs to go in your game room, all you need to do is set up, decorate and enjoy!
Article Source http://www.freearticalepro.com/Article/Building Your Dream Game Room/33558
When deciding to remodel or add an addition to your home, many people would like to include a game room. Whether it is in the basement or first floor of your home, a game room adds a place to unwind and have a good time. It can be used for guys or girls nights, family time, holiday gatherings or just any night of the week.
Once you have decided to create a game room in your home, you must decide what types of games you would like to include in it. There are a variety of gaming tables you can buy including poker, blackjack and roulette. You can find any of these items and their accessories online or in a store in your own area. If you order these items online, some sites will even let you customize the tables or accessories with your name or phrases.
Another item you can add to your game room is a pool table. Pool tables come in three sizes, starting at 7 feet and going to 9 feet. You should pick a table that best fits the size and needs of your game room. Once you decided on your pool table, you can then purchase your table accessories such as billiard balls, ball rack and pool cues. A pool table is fun for people of all ages.
Another gaming room item that is fun for people of all ages is a dart board. You can either get your standard cork dart board or an electronic one. You can get standard dart boards complete with wood cabinet and chalk board score board. This keeps up the appearance of your game room when the game is not in play. You can purchase dart boards online or at your local store. For the casino lover, you can add some slot machines. There are a variety of slot machines available for purchase online or at your local store. You can choose from a variety of themes and types of slot machine you would like to purchase.
Once you have chosen all the games you would like to include in your game room, you should decide if you would like to include a bar. If you choose to include a bar, you can either have a custom one built and installed or you can purchase one from your local home store. You can include game themed glasses, dishes and bottles to make your bar game room friendly. Now that you have all your games and maybe a bar, you can now decorate the room. You can choose from gamed themed pictures and signs. If you have a bar you can decorate with signs of your favorite beer or liquor. You can buy your signs and pictures online or in the store. If you buy your signs online, most sites will let you customize them with your name, picture or phrase that you like.
Now that you have everything that needs to go in your game room, all you need to do is set up, decorate and enjoy!
Article Source http://www.freearticalepro.com/Article/Building Your Dream Game Room/33558
2/09/2008
4 Steps to A Balanced Life for Your Kids Using a Sandwich
Author: Len Stauffenger
Did you know that Life Itself involves using a mental sandwich to maintain balance and that you can use this to promote balance in your kids lives? The four parts of this mental sandwich are: part work, part play, part serious thinking, and part restful enjoyment. You can teach it to them with great benefit!
Although having a balanced life is splendid for kids, it also extends to all they do in their lives. Back in the 1980s, I worked for a man who started a business in his basement. Over the course of his working life, he built that business up to the point where he eventually sold the business for over $220 million dollars. After all his business success, he ended up selling it because none of his five children had been taught to run it after he retired. As a matter of fact, not one of his kids had been taught to work as he did. The suffered the misfortune of having too much bounty simply handed out to them.
Having money is great. Can you have too much? It's a trick question. Having too much isn't the issue. Although the family was blessed with an abundance of money, that ended up being a problem, with the underlying issue being an inability to balance life's challenges. The family was all about money and not much of anything else. What if, with all that money, he would have made them get jobs, earn things, work hard? A more balanced life for each of them would have resulted.
Another example of an unbalanced life follows: I used to work with a successful lawyer who, when he hit 50, became depressed. He had three children who were all off to college, and he told me he really didn't know them because the entire time they were growing up, he had been in meetings. He would work Monday through Friday until 9:00 at night. He would often work on Saturdays and Sundays. Being a success in your career is not a sin, but my friend lacked the skill of creating balance between his life and his work. His career was all that mattered. He would never agree with that, and his actions spoke louder than his words.
Whatever your children like to do, whether it's swimming, soccer or science projects, encourage them to work really hard at it, but then, teach them to walk away from it. If you teach your kids to take a break after they push really hard, they'll gain a long-distance perspective on it.
When you teach your kids the four parts of the mental sandwich of life, they can then use those laws to govern balance in their work for school, in the careers they'll end up in, and in their relationships - ultimately all the things that make their lives healthy, filled with joy, success and satisfaction. The key to a balanced life is using all four parts of the mental sandwich.
------
Len Stauffenger's parents taught him life's simple wisdom. As a divorced dad, he wanted to share that simple wisdom with his girls. "Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents", his book, is the solution. Len is a Reiki Master, an author, a Success Coach and an Attorney. http://www.wisdomfordivorcedparents.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_470793_27.html
Did you know that Life Itself involves using a mental sandwich to maintain balance and that you can use this to promote balance in your kids lives? The four parts of this mental sandwich are: part work, part play, part serious thinking, and part restful enjoyment. You can teach it to them with great benefit!
Although having a balanced life is splendid for kids, it also extends to all they do in their lives. Back in the 1980s, I worked for a man who started a business in his basement. Over the course of his working life, he built that business up to the point where he eventually sold the business for over $220 million dollars. After all his business success, he ended up selling it because none of his five children had been taught to run it after he retired. As a matter of fact, not one of his kids had been taught to work as he did. The suffered the misfortune of having too much bounty simply handed out to them.
Having money is great. Can you have too much? It's a trick question. Having too much isn't the issue. Although the family was blessed with an abundance of money, that ended up being a problem, with the underlying issue being an inability to balance life's challenges. The family was all about money and not much of anything else. What if, with all that money, he would have made them get jobs, earn things, work hard? A more balanced life for each of them would have resulted.
Another example of an unbalanced life follows: I used to work with a successful lawyer who, when he hit 50, became depressed. He had three children who were all off to college, and he told me he really didn't know them because the entire time they were growing up, he had been in meetings. He would work Monday through Friday until 9:00 at night. He would often work on Saturdays and Sundays. Being a success in your career is not a sin, but my friend lacked the skill of creating balance between his life and his work. His career was all that mattered. He would never agree with that, and his actions spoke louder than his words.
Whatever your children like to do, whether it's swimming, soccer or science projects, encourage them to work really hard at it, but then, teach them to walk away from it. If you teach your kids to take a break after they push really hard, they'll gain a long-distance perspective on it.
When you teach your kids the four parts of the mental sandwich of life, they can then use those laws to govern balance in their work for school, in the careers they'll end up in, and in their relationships - ultimately all the things that make their lives healthy, filled with joy, success and satisfaction. The key to a balanced life is using all four parts of the mental sandwich.
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Len Stauffenger's parents taught him life's simple wisdom. As a divorced dad, he wanted to share that simple wisdom with his girls. "Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents", his book, is the solution. Len is a Reiki Master, an author, a Success Coach and an Attorney. http://www.wisdomfordivorcedparents.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_470793_27.html
Valentine's Day Is
By: John Foley
Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. Today, Valentine's Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in all the world. Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Valentine's Day is a special holiday and the main focus of that day is and should be to express romantic love to that one special person. The most usual way of expressing love on Valentine's Day is through exchanging cards, flowers and chocolates.
The romantic festival of Valentine's Day is said to have originated in pagan times in Rome when people celebrated annual fertility festival called Feast of Lupercalia in mid-February. In present times, Valentine's Day is the second biggest Valentine's Day card-giving holiday after Christmas. Valentine's Day is celebrated in a big way in several countries across the globe.
Valentine's Day is now a day for sweethearts. Both men and women desire a romantic, private setting for their special Valentine's Day. Valentines can be sentimental, romantic and heartfelt or they can be funny and friendly. Valentine's day is a time to share your love to anyone not only your sweet heart but to anyone or everyone. Valentine's Day should be about spending time with loved ones and being grateful for what you have.
The most interesting and romantic gifts are often the ones that involve the most thought and planning. Among the most preferred romantic gift ideas are personalized Valentines gifts. In front of a fire or in bed, a romantic location is always preferred to present a sweet treat to your Valentine. Candy is a romantic classic, and can be very personal, reflecting the individual tastes of the person you love. Red roses still is the tops for those consumers looking to make a grand, romantic gesture, long-stemmed red roses are definitely the way to go.
Today's most popular Valentine gifts include chocolates, flowers, candies, jewelry and of course, greeting cards. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. Many men purchase expensive bouquets of roses and other flowers for their sweethearts on these days.
When asked to select the sexiest Valentine's Day candy, men were more likely than women. Men were also more likely to select dark chocolate, whereas women felt milk chocolate was the sexiest candy to give a spouse or significant other. Both men and women felt that waking up with a sexy sweet is the best way to start Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day is not about lovers, it's about love. Remember that Valentine's Day isn't just about giving and receiving gifts. Love the person you are with, appreciate them for their differences and take the time to really let them know how much they add to your life, how much they mean to you. The greatest gift you can offer loved ones is your true presence. In all things, love is the greatest and most powerful emotion that we have. Whether you make a big deal out of Valentine's Day or not, it is important that the two of you share your expectations of Valentine's Day with each other. Whether it is a dinner for two people just starting to get to know one another, flowers for mom, a special family dinner with candles and good food, or sending a good friend a card, it is an opportunity to pause and celebrate affection whatever form it takes.
Article Written By J. Foley
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Just The Simple Expression "I Love You" Will Go A Long Way On Valentine's Day. And For Some Great Ideas, Here Is A Free Report Entitled "101 Amazing Ways To Say "I Love You
Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. Today, Valentine's Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in all the world. Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Valentine's Day is a special holiday and the main focus of that day is and should be to express romantic love to that one special person. The most usual way of expressing love on Valentine's Day is through exchanging cards, flowers and chocolates.
The romantic festival of Valentine's Day is said to have originated in pagan times in Rome when people celebrated annual fertility festival called Feast of Lupercalia in mid-February. In present times, Valentine's Day is the second biggest Valentine's Day card-giving holiday after Christmas. Valentine's Day is celebrated in a big way in several countries across the globe.
Valentine's Day is now a day for sweethearts. Both men and women desire a romantic, private setting for their special Valentine's Day. Valentines can be sentimental, romantic and heartfelt or they can be funny and friendly. Valentine's day is a time to share your love to anyone not only your sweet heart but to anyone or everyone. Valentine's Day should be about spending time with loved ones and being grateful for what you have.
The most interesting and romantic gifts are often the ones that involve the most thought and planning. Among the most preferred romantic gift ideas are personalized Valentines gifts. In front of a fire or in bed, a romantic location is always preferred to present a sweet treat to your Valentine. Candy is a romantic classic, and can be very personal, reflecting the individual tastes of the person you love. Red roses still is the tops for those consumers looking to make a grand, romantic gesture, long-stemmed red roses are definitely the way to go.
Today's most popular Valentine gifts include chocolates, flowers, candies, jewelry and of course, greeting cards. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. Many men purchase expensive bouquets of roses and other flowers for their sweethearts on these days.
When asked to select the sexiest Valentine's Day candy, men were more likely than women. Men were also more likely to select dark chocolate, whereas women felt milk chocolate was the sexiest candy to give a spouse or significant other. Both men and women felt that waking up with a sexy sweet is the best way to start Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day is not about lovers, it's about love. Remember that Valentine's Day isn't just about giving and receiving gifts. Love the person you are with, appreciate them for their differences and take the time to really let them know how much they add to your life, how much they mean to you. The greatest gift you can offer loved ones is your true presence. In all things, love is the greatest and most powerful emotion that we have. Whether you make a big deal out of Valentine's Day or not, it is important that the two of you share your expectations of Valentine's Day with each other. Whether it is a dinner for two people just starting to get to know one another, flowers for mom, a special family dinner with candles and good food, or sending a good friend a card, it is an opportunity to pause and celebrate affection whatever form it takes.
Article Written By J. Foley
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Just The Simple Expression "I Love You" Will Go A Long Way On Valentine's Day. And For Some Great Ideas, Here Is A Free Report Entitled "101 Amazing Ways To Say "I Love You
2/05/2008
Health Care For All Americans NOW
By: Kate Loving Shenk
Much press is given aging Baby Boomers who send their children to college and in many cases, take care of their aging parents at the same time.
In my own case, my mother died after a stroke after a two month decline in 1987. I just graduated from my Nurse Practitioner program and came home on Father's Day.
This was the same day my mother had her stroke.
My father's gradual decline spanned over thirteen years. He had Alzheimer's Disease and was in and out of consciousness for most of that time. I dealt with Nursing Home administrators, and had to move him from one nursing home to another when he "ran out of money."
These kinds of experiences where you feel powerless to help the one person whom you love deeply from earliest memory, can teach lessons of surrender and a giving up of all past memory for a simple acceptance of that which is seen and unseen in this very moment.
My dad died seven years ago. I am reconciled with everything that ever happened between us, and all members of my family.
Enter Marybeth Kuznik, Executive Director of Vote Pa. She is dedicated to bringing voting (machine) reform to the state of Pennsylvania. She was one of the people who went to Ohio for the final vote count in Ohio in the 2004 election.
She verified what I have known since that time: G.W. Bush stole that election.
Marybeth and I met at the State Democratic Committee Meeting where our group, Progressives For Pennsylvania, held our health care reform conference in order to educate the State Democratic Party about HB 1660 and SB 300: The best state single payer plan in the country, at this time.
The conference was a success! People are excited by the Bill. As Michael Moore said in a recent conference call I was privileged to attend, the people are ready for it. Getting it through the legislative process is the challenge.
We were collecting health care delivery nightmare stories, and Marybeth gave us the most wrenching story I have ever heard, one that will soon be on You Tube and on our website, Progressives 4 Pennsylvania, as well as our P4P blog.
Merle Kuznik, Marybeth's 89 year old mother, broke her right hip after suffering a major stroke on her left side. The nursing home she was in, Wood Haven Care Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, insisted that Merle Kuznik apply for Medicaid to pay for expenses not paid by Medicare.
When the paperwork was not completed in a timely fashion, local Constables showed up to her nursing home room, with guns visible but in their holsters, and told her she would have to go to jail for 3 days, if she did not pay.
Marybeth, the savvy person that she is, went to KDKA TV and told the story.
Our bill, HB 1660 and SB 300 pays for long term care.
If our bill was in place NOW, Marybeth and Merle wouldn't be going through this degrading experience.
The question is, how many other of our elderly are experiencing similar experiences that are the worst kind of abuses in what we know is NOT a civil society until we get a single payer system instituted in our country?
How many suffer silently because, like Merle Kuznic, they cannot speak, or move because they are paralyzed? or worse, because they are mentally incapacitated?
This story underscores the reason why I fight tirelessly for a single payer health care delivery system.
Kate Loving Shenk is a writer, healer, musician and the creator of the e-book called "Transform Your Nursing Career and Discover Your Calling and Destiny." Click here to find out how to order the e-book: http://www.nursingcareertransformation.com Check Out Kate's Blog: http://www.nursehealers.typepad.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Much press is given aging Baby Boomers who send their children to college and in many cases, take care of their aging parents at the same time.
In my own case, my mother died after a stroke after a two month decline in 1987. I just graduated from my Nurse Practitioner program and came home on Father's Day.
This was the same day my mother had her stroke.
My father's gradual decline spanned over thirteen years. He had Alzheimer's Disease and was in and out of consciousness for most of that time. I dealt with Nursing Home administrators, and had to move him from one nursing home to another when he "ran out of money."
These kinds of experiences where you feel powerless to help the one person whom you love deeply from earliest memory, can teach lessons of surrender and a giving up of all past memory for a simple acceptance of that which is seen and unseen in this very moment.
My dad died seven years ago. I am reconciled with everything that ever happened between us, and all members of my family.
Enter Marybeth Kuznik, Executive Director of Vote Pa. She is dedicated to bringing voting (machine) reform to the state of Pennsylvania. She was one of the people who went to Ohio for the final vote count in Ohio in the 2004 election.
She verified what I have known since that time: G.W. Bush stole that election.
Marybeth and I met at the State Democratic Committee Meeting where our group, Progressives For Pennsylvania, held our health care reform conference in order to educate the State Democratic Party about HB 1660 and SB 300: The best state single payer plan in the country, at this time.
The conference was a success! People are excited by the Bill. As Michael Moore said in a recent conference call I was privileged to attend, the people are ready for it. Getting it through the legislative process is the challenge.
We were collecting health care delivery nightmare stories, and Marybeth gave us the most wrenching story I have ever heard, one that will soon be on You Tube and on our website, Progressives 4 Pennsylvania, as well as our P4P blog.
Merle Kuznik, Marybeth's 89 year old mother, broke her right hip after suffering a major stroke on her left side. The nursing home she was in, Wood Haven Care Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, insisted that Merle Kuznik apply for Medicaid to pay for expenses not paid by Medicare.
When the paperwork was not completed in a timely fashion, local Constables showed up to her nursing home room, with guns visible but in their holsters, and told her she would have to go to jail for 3 days, if she did not pay.
Marybeth, the savvy person that she is, went to KDKA TV and told the story.
Our bill, HB 1660 and SB 300 pays for long term care.
If our bill was in place NOW, Marybeth and Merle wouldn't be going through this degrading experience.
The question is, how many other of our elderly are experiencing similar experiences that are the worst kind of abuses in what we know is NOT a civil society until we get a single payer system instituted in our country?
How many suffer silently because, like Merle Kuznic, they cannot speak, or move because they are paralyzed? or worse, because they are mentally incapacitated?
This story underscores the reason why I fight tirelessly for a single payer health care delivery system.
Kate Loving Shenk is a writer, healer, musician and the creator of the e-book called "Transform Your Nursing Career and Discover Your Calling and Destiny." Click here to find out how to order the e-book: http://www.nursingcareertransformation.com Check Out Kate's Blog: http://www.nursehealers.typepad.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
2/02/2008
Home Theater Seating
Author: Andrew Robinson
Buy the finest Home Theater Furniture form Boston Tables. It has a large variety of designs and colors in Home Theater Seating so that you can find the perfect set for your Home Theater Rooms
Now that you have your very own home theater system, how about completing and complementing it with the right furniture
That’s right! Get your very own home theater seating arrangement and get the complete movie experience right there in your home. Get the complete movie experience with the right furniture and enjoy the pleasures of a great movie on the cozy couch at your home.
Boston Tables present to you the finest home theater furniture in the best of designs. Claim your rights to fun and get more out of movies with the ultimate word in luxury. Soft, cozy and lustrous home theater seats that are just the right ones for your home are available in the leading online web store Boston Tables.
We have the largest variety of designs and colors in home theater seating so that you can find the perfect set for your home and for your movie room. Brighten up your home with your very own home theater furniture from Boston Tables.
When it comes to home furniture for luxury living, Boston Tables is the preferred store. This is due to the reason that we offer stylish and luxurious furniture that are available at half the price from what you get at other places.
These seats have strength and durability that will last you a lifetime. Just browse through our online website and select for yourself the perfect one that not only compliments your new home Theater but also gels well with your interior decorations.
You can also see the prices along with each piece so that it is easy for you to make your decision.
For instance,
You can choose from our Custom Design Theater Seats. Basically there are 3 varieties in it
Brando – available at the price of $699.99
Eastwood – available at the price of $749.99
And Rodeo – available at the price of $999.99
You can also opt for Leather Home Seating and Theater Sectional Seats
Like the 2 Seat Black Leather Home Theater Seating, 2 Seat Taupe Leather Home Theater Seating or the 2 Seat Black Leather Home Theater Seating- Straight with the original price of $1,099.99 is available at $999.99 only at Boston Tables.
We give you immediate shipping on select theater sets.
About the Author:
View Author Profile »
Andrew is a well known author who writes for www.bostontables.com
Article Source: www.article99.com/view-authors/track.php?bio=2964&author=Andrew-Robinson
Date Submitted: [ 2007-11-01 ]
Buy the finest Home Theater Furniture form Boston Tables. It has a large variety of designs and colors in Home Theater Seating so that you can find the perfect set for your Home Theater Rooms
Now that you have your very own home theater system, how about completing and complementing it with the right furniture
That’s right! Get your very own home theater seating arrangement and get the complete movie experience right there in your home. Get the complete movie experience with the right furniture and enjoy the pleasures of a great movie on the cozy couch at your home.
Boston Tables present to you the finest home theater furniture in the best of designs. Claim your rights to fun and get more out of movies with the ultimate word in luxury. Soft, cozy and lustrous home theater seats that are just the right ones for your home are available in the leading online web store Boston Tables.
We have the largest variety of designs and colors in home theater seating so that you can find the perfect set for your home and for your movie room. Brighten up your home with your very own home theater furniture from Boston Tables.
When it comes to home furniture for luxury living, Boston Tables is the preferred store. This is due to the reason that we offer stylish and luxurious furniture that are available at half the price from what you get at other places.
These seats have strength and durability that will last you a lifetime. Just browse through our online website and select for yourself the perfect one that not only compliments your new home Theater but also gels well with your interior decorations.
You can also see the prices along with each piece so that it is easy for you to make your decision.
For instance,
You can choose from our Custom Design Theater Seats. Basically there are 3 varieties in it
Brando – available at the price of $699.99
Eastwood – available at the price of $749.99
And Rodeo – available at the price of $999.99
You can also opt for Leather Home Seating and Theater Sectional Seats
Like the 2 Seat Black Leather Home Theater Seating, 2 Seat Taupe Leather Home Theater Seating or the 2 Seat Black Leather Home Theater Seating- Straight with the original price of $1,099.99 is available at $999.99 only at Boston Tables.
We give you immediate shipping on select theater sets.
About the Author:
View Author Profile »
Andrew is a well known author who writes for www.bostontables.com
Article Source: www.article99.com/view-authors/track.php?bio=2964&author=Andrew-Robinson
Date Submitted: [ 2007-11-01 ]
1/31/2008
Finding Pet Related Services Close to Home
By: Chris Robertson
The truth be told, our pets are like members of our family - only better. They never second-guess us, their love is unconditional, their companionship sees us through lonely times, and they're with us through thick and thin. Unlike our human families, though, our pets are unable to take care of themselves. It's up to us to find the pet related services that they need in order to live long and healthy lives.
An Online Pet Directory
Thanks to the Internet, it's possible to find a wealth of pet related services close to wherever you may be. If you live in New South Wales, for example, you can easily use an online pet services directory to find a breeder, a pet shop, or a vet in your area. If you're on holiday with your pet and he or she gets sick or is injured, you can quickly go online to find a nearby vet.
More than Pet Supplies
An online directory of pet related services can be much more than a source for pet supplies, or a tool to find a listing for a pet store near your home. It can also provide pet lovers and would-be pet owners with an abundance of information about all kinds of pet-related topics. For example, if you're considering setting up an aquarium, the dizzying array of tanks and supplies can be paralyzing. You need sound advice on the differences between freshwater and saltwater aquariums, which among the hundreds of varieties of fish you should choose, and the steps you can take to ensure that your fish thrive.
Likewise, you might be considering adopting a dog, but aren't sure if your lifestyle is one that's compatible with dog ownership. A comprehensive pet related services site will discuss the issues involved with adopting and caring for a dog, as well as offer guidelines for finding reputable organizations from which to adopt a dog.
Or, perhaps you have rabbits and would like to add a guinea pig to your family. You may not know that rabbits and guinea pigs aren't compatible because the species tend to fight, or that feeding guinea pigs food made for rabbits could lead to a vitamin C deficiency in the guinea pigs. Whether you have a cat, bird, horse, or reptile, a good website will give you the information and support you need to ensure that your pets lead long, happy lives.
An Online Community
People who love their pets - and who doesn't? - love to talk about them, learn more about their favorite breeds, and find new sources of pet products. There are websites offering pet related services that also enable you to post and read pet classified ads, let you sign up for free newsletters, and offer you the latest in pet supplies.
Finding an informative pet related services site will provide you with everything from vets and breeders to articles and products designed to keep you up to date and your beloved pets with the best owners they could wish for.
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: Pet Related Services
Visit Majon's Pets and Supplies directory.
The truth be told, our pets are like members of our family - only better. They never second-guess us, their love is unconditional, their companionship sees us through lonely times, and they're with us through thick and thin. Unlike our human families, though, our pets are unable to take care of themselves. It's up to us to find the pet related services that they need in order to live long and healthy lives.
An Online Pet Directory
Thanks to the Internet, it's possible to find a wealth of pet related services close to wherever you may be. If you live in New South Wales, for example, you can easily use an online pet services directory to find a breeder, a pet shop, or a vet in your area. If you're on holiday with your pet and he or she gets sick or is injured, you can quickly go online to find a nearby vet.
More than Pet Supplies
An online directory of pet related services can be much more than a source for pet supplies, or a tool to find a listing for a pet store near your home. It can also provide pet lovers and would-be pet owners with an abundance of information about all kinds of pet-related topics. For example, if you're considering setting up an aquarium, the dizzying array of tanks and supplies can be paralyzing. You need sound advice on the differences between freshwater and saltwater aquariums, which among the hundreds of varieties of fish you should choose, and the steps you can take to ensure that your fish thrive.
Likewise, you might be considering adopting a dog, but aren't sure if your lifestyle is one that's compatible with dog ownership. A comprehensive pet related services site will discuss the issues involved with adopting and caring for a dog, as well as offer guidelines for finding reputable organizations from which to adopt a dog.
Or, perhaps you have rabbits and would like to add a guinea pig to your family. You may not know that rabbits and guinea pigs aren't compatible because the species tend to fight, or that feeding guinea pigs food made for rabbits could lead to a vitamin C deficiency in the guinea pigs. Whether you have a cat, bird, horse, or reptile, a good website will give you the information and support you need to ensure that your pets lead long, happy lives.
An Online Community
People who love their pets - and who doesn't? - love to talk about them, learn more about their favorite breeds, and find new sources of pet products. There are websites offering pet related services that also enable you to post and read pet classified ads, let you sign up for free newsletters, and offer you the latest in pet supplies.
Finding an informative pet related services site will provide you with everything from vets and breeders to articles and products designed to keep you up to date and your beloved pets with the best owners they could wish for.
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: Pet Related Services
Visit Majon's Pets and Supplies directory.
1/28/2008
Family Fun Activities: Why Family Entertainment Is Important For Your Family
Submitted By: Deanna Mascle
Do you spend much time considering the issue of family entertainment? When parents compare notes and questions about parenting, the issue of entertainment rarely comes up. After all, how can family fun compare with such important issues as health, safety, values, nutrition, and education? But family fun is an important issue for parents for three reasons.
First, it is important to remember that family bonds are not born in the delivery room. Family bonds have to be forged and strengthened over time. Family fun is a great way to build family bonds by spending time together. While you cannot plan an activity specifically just to create a better relationship with your children you can improve your relationship through a family fun activity.
Second, the best way to teach your children something new or help them master a new skill is through fun. No one, and especially not kids, likes learning by listening to a boring lecture but if you can take your children to a location that allows you to teach them something about science, history, or the world then you will be increasing their knowledge based. Fun can be educational as well as entertaining. Remember, that there are all kinds of fun scientific concepts as well as world knowledge that can be learned outside of museums.
Family fun activities are also important for building those lasting memories of their childhood that children will carry into adulthood and out of your home. What stories do you want your children to be able to tell their children? What memories do you want your children to have? Happy childhood memories can help children with self esteem and overcome challenges in the future. Giving your children those happy childhood memories will help provide a solid foundation to become the people you want them to be as adults.
Spending time, energy and money focusing on family fun activities is a worthwhile activity for every parent because it helps strengthen family bonds, provides opportunities for learning, and creates lasting memories. Keep that in mind the next time you decide family entertainment is not a high priority.
About the Author:
Deanna Mascle shares more Family Fun Activities and Family Entertainment Tips at http://familyfunforyou.com
Article Tags: family, fun, memories
Read more articles by: Deanna Mascle
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=144032&ca=Family+Concerns
Article published on April 20, 2007 at iSnare.com
Do you spend much time considering the issue of family entertainment? When parents compare notes and questions about parenting, the issue of entertainment rarely comes up. After all, how can family fun compare with such important issues as health, safety, values, nutrition, and education? But family fun is an important issue for parents for three reasons.
First, it is important to remember that family bonds are not born in the delivery room. Family bonds have to be forged and strengthened over time. Family fun is a great way to build family bonds by spending time together. While you cannot plan an activity specifically just to create a better relationship with your children you can improve your relationship through a family fun activity.
Second, the best way to teach your children something new or help them master a new skill is through fun. No one, and especially not kids, likes learning by listening to a boring lecture but if you can take your children to a location that allows you to teach them something about science, history, or the world then you will be increasing their knowledge based. Fun can be educational as well as entertaining. Remember, that there are all kinds of fun scientific concepts as well as world knowledge that can be learned outside of museums.
Family fun activities are also important for building those lasting memories of their childhood that children will carry into adulthood and out of your home. What stories do you want your children to be able to tell their children? What memories do you want your children to have? Happy childhood memories can help children with self esteem and overcome challenges in the future. Giving your children those happy childhood memories will help provide a solid foundation to become the people you want them to be as adults.
Spending time, energy and money focusing on family fun activities is a worthwhile activity for every parent because it helps strengthen family bonds, provides opportunities for learning, and creates lasting memories. Keep that in mind the next time you decide family entertainment is not a high priority.
About the Author:
Deanna Mascle shares more Family Fun Activities and Family Entertainment Tips at http://familyfunforyou.com
Article Tags: family, fun, memories
Read more articles by: Deanna Mascle
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=144032&ca=Family+Concerns
Article published on April 20, 2007 at iSnare.com
1/27/2008
Tips for Choosing a Bathroom Vanity for Your Home
Author: Quy Le
Replacing the sink with a chic and stylish vanity can breathe new life into your bathroom. However, since there are so many types to choose from, as a consumer, you may be unsure as to which one you should purchase for your home. This article outlines a few things to keep in mind before investing in a bathroom vanity.
Replacing the sink with a chic and stylish vanity can breathe new life into your bathroom. Available in a wide variety of styles and materials ranging from the traditional to contemporary, a vanity can determine the tone of the bathroom’s decor. Bathroom vanities usually combine a sink with a cabinet, providing a functional and practical place to get ready in the morning. However, since there are so many types to choose from, you may be unsure as to which one you should purchase for your home. Before making a final decision, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a bathroom vanity.
Determine who will be using the vanity on a regular basis. You may admire the bathroom vanity with a marble sink, but if children will also be using it, perhaps a porcelain one will be more practical for the whole family. At the same time same, if you currently have a single sink vanity, consider upgrading to a double sink one. Double sink vanities make your bathroom more functional and can conveniently divide the space into “his” and “hers” or “parents” and “children.”
The vanity will be the focal point of the bathroom. The style of vanity that you select will set the ambience of the room. Inspired by the fashions, trends and social customs of the past, traditional style is recognizable by silk finishes, cabriole legs, inset panels, hand-carved details and antiqued hardware. Typically, transitional style contrasts austere lines with intricate curves, and natural wood finishes with lustrous metal accents. Contemporary bathroom vanities are recognizable by simple lines, shapes and forms. Country style combines formal traditional conventions with rustic charm and display distinctive regional characteristics like French country or Colonial.
Bathroom vanity sinks are made from a wide variety of materials. They are usually constructed of ceramic or porcelain, stone, marble and glass, but can also include metals such as copper and steel. When selecting the type of sink you want for your vanity, consider durability, practicality and if it will be easy to keep clean. Depending on the style and model, the sink or a sink/faucet combination may or may not be included with the bathroom vanity.
Bathroom vanity countertops should be practical, durable and resistant to water, moisture and humidity. Plastic laminate countertops for vanities are popular because they are generally durable, relatively stain-resistant and economical. Granite countertops are beautiful to look at and are strong and durable, while marble countertops are elegant and long-lasting.
Vanity cabinets are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes and materials, from the beautifully elaborate to the elegantly simple. No matter the style, wood vanities tend to make the room inviting. They may include drawers, enclosed shelving, open shelves and a pull-out stool for younger children. Metal vanities are decorative and enchanting, characterized by scrollwork and metalwork motifs. Because a metal bathroom vanity typically does not have enclosed storage, it would be an ideal choice for decorating smaller spaces, since it will make the space appear more open.
Like cabinets made of wood, painted bathroom vanities make a room look warm and inviting. They have the standard features of wood vanities in addition to details like hand-painted vine motifs, embossed floral patterns, gold highlights and distressed finishes. They create visual interest and can give a bathroom the luxurious feeling of a resort spa.
If you are redecorating a smaller bathroom and feel you don’t have the room for a traditional vanity, consider installing a more compact style such as a pedestal sink or a vessel sink, which tend to take up less floor space. A pedestal sink is comprised of a basin and a freestanding vertical base. Typically, it does not include storage cabinets or shelving. Since it uses less space, it can make a small bathroom appear larger. Vessel sinks sit either directly on top of the counter or are partially recessed. They can be as simple as a glass bowl or so elaborate that they resemble works of art. The appeal of the vessel sink is that it appears to float above the counter, especially when constructed of glass or other reflective materials like stainless steel.
If the most-used room in your home needs updating, it doesn’t have to mean a major renovation. Replace your old sink and countertop with a new vanity to give your bathroom a fresh, new look.
About the Author:
For more information on bathroom vanities, please visit www.MoreVanities.com
Heather E. Brown is a contract writer, currently working as a Marketing Associate for online furniture distributor CymaxStores Inc.
Article Source: www.article99.com/view-authors/track.php?bio=13660&author=Quy-Le
Date Submitted: [ 2007-11-15 ]
Replacing the sink with a chic and stylish vanity can breathe new life into your bathroom. However, since there are so many types to choose from, as a consumer, you may be unsure as to which one you should purchase for your home. This article outlines a few things to keep in mind before investing in a bathroom vanity.
Replacing the sink with a chic and stylish vanity can breathe new life into your bathroom. Available in a wide variety of styles and materials ranging from the traditional to contemporary, a vanity can determine the tone of the bathroom’s decor. Bathroom vanities usually combine a sink with a cabinet, providing a functional and practical place to get ready in the morning. However, since there are so many types to choose from, you may be unsure as to which one you should purchase for your home. Before making a final decision, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a bathroom vanity.
Determine who will be using the vanity on a regular basis. You may admire the bathroom vanity with a marble sink, but if children will also be using it, perhaps a porcelain one will be more practical for the whole family. At the same time same, if you currently have a single sink vanity, consider upgrading to a double sink one. Double sink vanities make your bathroom more functional and can conveniently divide the space into “his” and “hers” or “parents” and “children.”
The vanity will be the focal point of the bathroom. The style of vanity that you select will set the ambience of the room. Inspired by the fashions, trends and social customs of the past, traditional style is recognizable by silk finishes, cabriole legs, inset panels, hand-carved details and antiqued hardware. Typically, transitional style contrasts austere lines with intricate curves, and natural wood finishes with lustrous metal accents. Contemporary bathroom vanities are recognizable by simple lines, shapes and forms. Country style combines formal traditional conventions with rustic charm and display distinctive regional characteristics like French country or Colonial.
Bathroom vanity sinks are made from a wide variety of materials. They are usually constructed of ceramic or porcelain, stone, marble and glass, but can also include metals such as copper and steel. When selecting the type of sink you want for your vanity, consider durability, practicality and if it will be easy to keep clean. Depending on the style and model, the sink or a sink/faucet combination may or may not be included with the bathroom vanity.
Bathroom vanity countertops should be practical, durable and resistant to water, moisture and humidity. Plastic laminate countertops for vanities are popular because they are generally durable, relatively stain-resistant and economical. Granite countertops are beautiful to look at and are strong and durable, while marble countertops are elegant and long-lasting.
Vanity cabinets are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes and materials, from the beautifully elaborate to the elegantly simple. No matter the style, wood vanities tend to make the room inviting. They may include drawers, enclosed shelving, open shelves and a pull-out stool for younger children. Metal vanities are decorative and enchanting, characterized by scrollwork and metalwork motifs. Because a metal bathroom vanity typically does not have enclosed storage, it would be an ideal choice for decorating smaller spaces, since it will make the space appear more open.
Like cabinets made of wood, painted bathroom vanities make a room look warm and inviting. They have the standard features of wood vanities in addition to details like hand-painted vine motifs, embossed floral patterns, gold highlights and distressed finishes. They create visual interest and can give a bathroom the luxurious feeling of a resort spa.
If you are redecorating a smaller bathroom and feel you don’t have the room for a traditional vanity, consider installing a more compact style such as a pedestal sink or a vessel sink, which tend to take up less floor space. A pedestal sink is comprised of a basin and a freestanding vertical base. Typically, it does not include storage cabinets or shelving. Since it uses less space, it can make a small bathroom appear larger. Vessel sinks sit either directly on top of the counter or are partially recessed. They can be as simple as a glass bowl or so elaborate that they resemble works of art. The appeal of the vessel sink is that it appears to float above the counter, especially when constructed of glass or other reflective materials like stainless steel.
If the most-used room in your home needs updating, it doesn’t have to mean a major renovation. Replace your old sink and countertop with a new vanity to give your bathroom a fresh, new look.
About the Author:
For more information on bathroom vanities, please visit www.MoreVanities.com
Heather E. Brown is a contract writer, currently working as a Marketing Associate for online furniture distributor CymaxStores Inc.
Article Source: www.article99.com/view-authors/track.php?bio=13660&author=Quy-Le
Date Submitted: [ 2007-11-15 ]
1/23/2008
Modern Kitchen Rugs
By: Aretha Rudford
A kitchen can be modern, country, classic, or traditional. Regardless of you're your kitchen is decorated, it must be comfortable. That's why contemporary kitchen rugs are so popular with today's cooks, decorators and homemakers.
Whether to have a kitchen rug is largely a matter of your personal preference. Some people just can't deal with the thought of having a rug in a room where people are cooking and eating. Even the smallest spill can result in a lifelong stain, or a sticky mess that can take forever to clean. Those folks might be persuaded to change their ways, however, if they could see just how pretty the right rug can be in a kitchen.
Kitchen rugs are no longer the frail floor coverings that they once were. Today's rug materials are more durable and made of easy to clean fibers. Spills are easily wiped up and stains don't penetrate as deeply or quickly as with those cotton rugs of the past.
With all of the different kinds of kitchen rugs that are available on today's market, it's easy to find one that will suit your both your family's lifestyle, and your kitchen's personality. From fruity themes to classic country decor to sleek, modern styles, there is bound to be a rug out there that will complement the design and color palette of your kitchen.
Even if your kitchen is in transition, you'll likely find a rug that will tie in to both the current theme, and your upcoming decor. If you currently have a parade of country-blue cows and ducks bordering your cabinetry, but have visions of a sleek modern culinary oasis, you might choose a rug with a simple geometric design, highlighted with splashes of blue. The rug will look fine with today's barnyard theme, and will be a great accent for your upcoming renovation.
Kitchen rugs are, for the most part, relatively inexpensive. There's really no reason why you shouldn't treat yourself to a new rug today, and then buy another after you redecorate. The kitchen rug that you have now will still be in good shape, so you can use it as a shoe mat on the porch or by the door.
Regardless of your decorating taste, a kitchen rug can easily create warmth and add a little character to your room. Look for a fun theme to jazz up your kitchen, or to provide the perfect finishing touch to your recent renovation. If your home is on the market, the right kitchen rug is an inexpensive way to make your house more appealing to buyers seeking warmth and comfort.
If you're one of those people who stress about spills and stains in the kitchen, stop worrying. The warmth of a kitchen rug on a chilly morning is certainly worth the effort. Your toes will thank you!
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Aretha Rudford writes for numerous web sites, on discount shopping and products issues.
A kitchen can be modern, country, classic, or traditional. Regardless of you're your kitchen is decorated, it must be comfortable. That's why contemporary kitchen rugs are so popular with today's cooks, decorators and homemakers.
Whether to have a kitchen rug is largely a matter of your personal preference. Some people just can't deal with the thought of having a rug in a room where people are cooking and eating. Even the smallest spill can result in a lifelong stain, or a sticky mess that can take forever to clean. Those folks might be persuaded to change their ways, however, if they could see just how pretty the right rug can be in a kitchen.
Kitchen rugs are no longer the frail floor coverings that they once were. Today's rug materials are more durable and made of easy to clean fibers. Spills are easily wiped up and stains don't penetrate as deeply or quickly as with those cotton rugs of the past.
With all of the different kinds of kitchen rugs that are available on today's market, it's easy to find one that will suit your both your family's lifestyle, and your kitchen's personality. From fruity themes to classic country decor to sleek, modern styles, there is bound to be a rug out there that will complement the design and color palette of your kitchen.
Even if your kitchen is in transition, you'll likely find a rug that will tie in to both the current theme, and your upcoming decor. If you currently have a parade of country-blue cows and ducks bordering your cabinetry, but have visions of a sleek modern culinary oasis, you might choose a rug with a simple geometric design, highlighted with splashes of blue. The rug will look fine with today's barnyard theme, and will be a great accent for your upcoming renovation.
Kitchen rugs are, for the most part, relatively inexpensive. There's really no reason why you shouldn't treat yourself to a new rug today, and then buy another after you redecorate. The kitchen rug that you have now will still be in good shape, so you can use it as a shoe mat on the porch or by the door.
Regardless of your decorating taste, a kitchen rug can easily create warmth and add a little character to your room. Look for a fun theme to jazz up your kitchen, or to provide the perfect finishing touch to your recent renovation. If your home is on the market, the right kitchen rug is an inexpensive way to make your house more appealing to buyers seeking warmth and comfort.
If you're one of those people who stress about spills and stains in the kitchen, stop worrying. The warmth of a kitchen rug on a chilly morning is certainly worth the effort. Your toes will thank you!
Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com
About The Author
Aretha Rudford writes for numerous web sites, on discount shopping and products issues.
1/21/2008
Home Cooking
By: Christine Steendahl
Suggestions For Great Homemade Meals ---------- Home cooking is a favorite past time of most. Most everyone has their favorite home cooked recipe. And while more and more Americans eat out every year, there truly is no substitute for home cooked meals.
Home cooked meals are treasured to almost everyone for lots of reasons. First off, no one cares more about your food than your own family. For instance, your mother will only serve you the very best food available. A fast food restaurant or casual dining restaurant will usually serve you something cheap or processed. Most restaurants can’t compare to the TLC in every home cooked meal.
Additionally, with home cooked meals, you can quickly create meals that fit your specific preferences. Don’t like salt, not a problem, any other spice you like can be added to accommodate your taste preferences. If you are trying to eat healthy, you can choose the specific types of food and the amounts of each food in your dish. Some of today’s meals served at restaurants include so many preservatives food colorings, etc, you would probably run out of the restaurant if you saw the list of ingredients in a single meal.
For those that love home cooking, here are two of my favorite comfort foods; Grilled Cheese and Savory Meatloaf.
Homemade Grill Cheese 4 Slices of thick cut white bread 4 slices of American Cheese (I prefer Kraft yellow singles) ½ stick of butter Salt to taste
In a non-stick frying pan, melt the butter slowly and heat the frying pan on a low to medium flame. Place two slices of bread onto the butter and gently toast a bit. Now set two slices of cheese on one slice of bread and cover with the other slice. Turn over the grilled cheese sandwich several times until its nice and golden brown. Serve hot. This recipe yields two sandwiches.
Savory Meatloaf Meatloaf is one of my favorite dishes. Not only is it a hearty dish that easily satisfies an entire family, but it also tastes awesome. There are many ways to create the ideal home cooked meatloaf, such as adding diced onions, chili, etc. Below is an easy, yet yummy recipe for Savory Meatloaf which is sure to please your loved ones and is simple to prepare.
Ingredients: 2 pounds of ground hamburger beef ½ cup of Italian bread crumbs 1 egg beaten 1 can of French onion soup Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, mix the beef with the bread crumbs, egg and can of soup. Mold into a loaf. Bake in an oven for about 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Once complete you can top with ketchup, chili or even barbecue sauce. One tip is to prepare a Meatloaf Mashed Potato Pie. Make mashed potatoes, cook the meatloaf thoroughly and then layer the mashed potatoes over the loaf and continue baking for about 10 to 15 minutes baking the mashed potatoes.
For a large collection of family friendly home cooking recipes visit http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/archives-august-2006.htm
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Suggestions For Great Homemade Meals ---------- Home cooking is a favorite past time of most. Most everyone has their favorite home cooked recipe. And while more and more Americans eat out every year, there truly is no substitute for home cooked meals.
Home cooked meals are treasured to almost everyone for lots of reasons. First off, no one cares more about your food than your own family. For instance, your mother will only serve you the very best food available. A fast food restaurant or casual dining restaurant will usually serve you something cheap or processed. Most restaurants can’t compare to the TLC in every home cooked meal.
Additionally, with home cooked meals, you can quickly create meals that fit your specific preferences. Don’t like salt, not a problem, any other spice you like can be added to accommodate your taste preferences. If you are trying to eat healthy, you can choose the specific types of food and the amounts of each food in your dish. Some of today’s meals served at restaurants include so many preservatives food colorings, etc, you would probably run out of the restaurant if you saw the list of ingredients in a single meal.
For those that love home cooking, here are two of my favorite comfort foods; Grilled Cheese and Savory Meatloaf.
Homemade Grill Cheese 4 Slices of thick cut white bread 4 slices of American Cheese (I prefer Kraft yellow singles) ½ stick of butter Salt to taste
In a non-stick frying pan, melt the butter slowly and heat the frying pan on a low to medium flame. Place two slices of bread onto the butter and gently toast a bit. Now set two slices of cheese on one slice of bread and cover with the other slice. Turn over the grilled cheese sandwich several times until its nice and golden brown. Serve hot. This recipe yields two sandwiches.
Savory Meatloaf Meatloaf is one of my favorite dishes. Not only is it a hearty dish that easily satisfies an entire family, but it also tastes awesome. There are many ways to create the ideal home cooked meatloaf, such as adding diced onions, chili, etc. Below is an easy, yet yummy recipe for Savory Meatloaf which is sure to please your loved ones and is simple to prepare.
Ingredients: 2 pounds of ground hamburger beef ½ cup of Italian bread crumbs 1 egg beaten 1 can of French onion soup Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: In a large bowl, mix the beef with the bread crumbs, egg and can of soup. Mold into a loaf. Bake in an oven for about 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Once complete you can top with ketchup, chili or even barbecue sauce. One tip is to prepare a Meatloaf Mashed Potato Pie. Make mashed potatoes, cook the meatloaf thoroughly and then layer the mashed potatoes over the loaf and continue baking for about 10 to 15 minutes baking the mashed potatoes.
For a large collection of family friendly home cooking recipes visit http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/archives-august-2006.htm
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
1/19/2008
Preparing Your Home For Caregiving
by: Maria Sandella
When you decide to become a caregiver one of the first steps you need to take before moving someone into your home is to prepare your home for their arrival. Preparing your home for a disabled or ill adult is much the same as childproofing your home for a toddler. Each room must be gone through, reorganized if needed and made as accident proof as possible.
Here is a room by room checklist to use as a guideline.
Common Living Areas
• Are all electrical and telephone chords secured or out of the way to avoid being tripped over? Don't run your chords under rugs or furniture, they can become damaged or frayed and don’t use tacks or nails to secure them down.
• Will your loved one be able to turn lights on and off easily? If not you can try touchable lamps or lamps that react to sound.
• Do the doors and windows open easily and lock securely?
• Are walking pathways free of clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get up and down from your sofa and chairs safely and easily? If not, straight back chairs with armrests and firm seats may be a wise investment. You can also add a firm cushion to your existing chairs since adding a bit of height will make it easier for them to sit down on and get up from.
• If your loved one is still able to use the phone you may want to purchase a telephone with large push buttons which will make dialing easy. Program all emergency numbers into speed dial, you can also write the numbers down and tape them to the wall by the phone. Another great idea is to obtain an emergency call system in case of fall or injury.
• Obtain a wireless intercom system so you can be easily reached if the person needs assistance.
• Make sure a television with remote control is accessible.
Kitchen
• Are your appliances in working order?
• Are your pots and pans, utensils and food easily accessible?
• Are all flammable materials away from the stove?
• Are sharp objects stored in a safe place?
• Is there adequate space to work?
• Call all kitchen outlets be reached safely?
• Is it easy to transfer food from the cooking area to the eating area?
• Are the sink faucets easy to turn on and off and easy to reach?
Bathroom
• Is the entrance to the bathroom easily accessed and free from clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get in and out of the shower and bathtub safely on their own? If they can't you will have to install grab bars on both the inside and outside of the bath and shower. Remember that towel racks are not sturdy enough or meant to be used as grab handles.
• Make sure the shower or bathtub has a waterproof wireless intercom so assistance can be summoned if needed.
• Can your loved one shower safely standing up or is a chair needed? If you do need a chair, purchase one with non-skid pads.
• Have you placed non-skid strip pads and a bath mat in place?
• Have you installed a raised seat, a safety frame or a grab bar so your loved one can safely transfer to the toilet?
• Can the outlets, and light switches be easily reached?
• Do you have a nightlight for those midnight bathroom trips?
Bedroom
• You will have to consider purchasing an electric bed if your loved one has problems getting in and out of a regular bed safely.
• Can the bedside light be reached from bed?
• Is there a phone that can be reached from bed?
• Is there a wireless intercom that can be used to reach you in case of emergencies?
• Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom?
• If your loved one has difficulty getting in and out of bed you can install a trapeze bar for them to use.
• Do you have guardrails on the bed to ensure your loved one does not fall out during the night?
General Safety
• Do you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers throughout your home? It is always a good idea to periodically check to make sure they are working properly.
• Do you have emergency numbers such as the hospital, fire, and 911 by the phone, as well as any other emergency contact number?
• Have you placed night lights in every room of the house if your loved one is a night wanderer? The little bit of light they do give off will help to prevent tripping and falling.
Special Equipment That You May Need
• A hospital bed
• A cane and or walker
• A wheelchair
• A bedside commode
• A transfer lift – to help get in and out of bed
• Oxygen
• Wireless intercom system
While this may seem like a lot of work on your part in order to get your home ready it really isn’t. Go through each room one at a time and make a list of things that need to be done, based on your loved ones disability or illness. You may find you are more prepared to be a caregiver than you thought you were.
About The Author
Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for her grandmother for 2 years until her passing. She also worked summers in a long-term care facility while attending college. She now works as an Application Specialist for http://IntercomsOnline.com, which provides wireless intercom systems that caregivers use.
When you decide to become a caregiver one of the first steps you need to take before moving someone into your home is to prepare your home for their arrival. Preparing your home for a disabled or ill adult is much the same as childproofing your home for a toddler. Each room must be gone through, reorganized if needed and made as accident proof as possible.
Here is a room by room checklist to use as a guideline.
Common Living Areas
• Are all electrical and telephone chords secured or out of the way to avoid being tripped over? Don't run your chords under rugs or furniture, they can become damaged or frayed and don’t use tacks or nails to secure them down.
• Will your loved one be able to turn lights on and off easily? If not you can try touchable lamps or lamps that react to sound.
• Do the doors and windows open easily and lock securely?
• Are walking pathways free of clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get up and down from your sofa and chairs safely and easily? If not, straight back chairs with armrests and firm seats may be a wise investment. You can also add a firm cushion to your existing chairs since adding a bit of height will make it easier for them to sit down on and get up from.
• If your loved one is still able to use the phone you may want to purchase a telephone with large push buttons which will make dialing easy. Program all emergency numbers into speed dial, you can also write the numbers down and tape them to the wall by the phone. Another great idea is to obtain an emergency call system in case of fall or injury.
• Obtain a wireless intercom system so you can be easily reached if the person needs assistance.
• Make sure a television with remote control is accessible.
Kitchen
• Are your appliances in working order?
• Are your pots and pans, utensils and food easily accessible?
• Are all flammable materials away from the stove?
• Are sharp objects stored in a safe place?
• Is there adequate space to work?
• Call all kitchen outlets be reached safely?
• Is it easy to transfer food from the cooking area to the eating area?
• Are the sink faucets easy to turn on and off and easy to reach?
Bathroom
• Is the entrance to the bathroom easily accessed and free from clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get in and out of the shower and bathtub safely on their own? If they can't you will have to install grab bars on both the inside and outside of the bath and shower. Remember that towel racks are not sturdy enough or meant to be used as grab handles.
• Make sure the shower or bathtub has a waterproof wireless intercom so assistance can be summoned if needed.
• Can your loved one shower safely standing up or is a chair needed? If you do need a chair, purchase one with non-skid pads.
• Have you placed non-skid strip pads and a bath mat in place?
• Have you installed a raised seat, a safety frame or a grab bar so your loved one can safely transfer to the toilet?
• Can the outlets, and light switches be easily reached?
• Do you have a nightlight for those midnight bathroom trips?
Bedroom
• You will have to consider purchasing an electric bed if your loved one has problems getting in and out of a regular bed safely.
• Can the bedside light be reached from bed?
• Is there a phone that can be reached from bed?
• Is there a wireless intercom that can be used to reach you in case of emergencies?
• Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom?
• If your loved one has difficulty getting in and out of bed you can install a trapeze bar for them to use.
• Do you have guardrails on the bed to ensure your loved one does not fall out during the night?
General Safety
• Do you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers throughout your home? It is always a good idea to periodically check to make sure they are working properly.
• Do you have emergency numbers such as the hospital, fire, and 911 by the phone, as well as any other emergency contact number?
• Have you placed night lights in every room of the house if your loved one is a night wanderer? The little bit of light they do give off will help to prevent tripping and falling.
Special Equipment That You May Need
• A hospital bed
• A cane and or walker
• A wheelchair
• A bedside commode
• A transfer lift – to help get in and out of bed
• Oxygen
• Wireless intercom system
While this may seem like a lot of work on your part in order to get your home ready it really isn’t. Go through each room one at a time and make a list of things that need to be done, based on your loved ones disability or illness. You may find you are more prepared to be a caregiver than you thought you were.
About The Author
Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for her grandmother for 2 years until her passing. She also worked summers in a long-term care facility while attending college. She now works as an Application Specialist for http://IntercomsOnline.com, which provides wireless intercom systems that caregivers use.
1/14/2008
8 Tips For A Stress-Less Holiday To Make
I think GPS systems are the greatest. (Global Position System) I know a few people who definitely need them. A few years ago we had guests driving from California to our home in Utah to stay over night. It was about a ten hour drive. I gave what I thought was excellent instructions and directions so they would not get lost. The night (early morning) my guests were to arrive I woke up at 3:00 a.m. with a start as Maggie hadn’t arrived. (She didn’t follow my directions, instead made up her own). From our place they were driving back to Washington D.C.. Her sister said she was afraid to take a nap because she was afraid she would wake up in Mexico. A GPS in her car will save her hours of frustration and time.
With the holidays arriving GPS is a great idea for all of us to have. The GPS I am talking about is: Great Planning System. By planning ahead we can have a happy stress free, joyous holiday season. Christmas can be one of the most stressful holidays. But with forethought and organization it can be fun and a holiday to look forward to instead of dreading.
First of all we need to decide what it is we want to get from the holidays. Do we want to have big dinners, entertain friends, and attend every function we are invited to, decorate, bake, spend time with family, send out Christmas cards, exchange neighbor gifts, establish traditions, give to charity or do something unique this year?
Once we have our goals in mind then we can move forward.
•Take some time and decide what is important for you to do this year for the holiday. Then write it down, map it out.
•Establish a time frame to accomplish each task. If it isn’t accomplished in the time we thought it would be, no beating up on ourselves or negative self talk. And if it doesn’t get done ask yourself what is the worst that can happen?
•Cook food ahead of time and freeze it. Some pies freeze well as do cookies. Check your recipes to see what else you can make and freeze.
•Plan on delegating. Who can put up the outdoor lights? Who can do the food shopping? Who can help decorate? Get a crew together to share in the fun.
•Plan a specific time to decorate, another to bake, another to deliver gifts—whatever you plan break it up into little jobs, a little at a time.
•If you send out Christmas cards, organize a basket with the cards, addresses and stamps, and then while watching a T.V. show address the envelopes on the commercials. Do cards in November to save time in December. OR Instead of sending cards, call your friends to wish them a Merry Christmas. Long distance calls have become so reasonable it may cost less than sending a card.
•Keep a notebook with the names of those you are giving gifts to. Check off the gift as it is purchased and make a note when it is wrapped and sent. You could do this on a spread sheet if you use the computer.
•If your family will let you mix up your traditions, try a new one, customize to your own personal preference.
Through all the planning remember this is to be a joyous season; don’t get sucked into thinking you have to do it all. Actually you don’t have to do any of it so have fun with what you decide you really want to do.
About The Author
Marilyn Bohn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.
Go to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing.
With the holidays arriving GPS is a great idea for all of us to have. The GPS I am talking about is: Great Planning System. By planning ahead we can have a happy stress free, joyous holiday season. Christmas can be one of the most stressful holidays. But with forethought and organization it can be fun and a holiday to look forward to instead of dreading.
First of all we need to decide what it is we want to get from the holidays. Do we want to have big dinners, entertain friends, and attend every function we are invited to, decorate, bake, spend time with family, send out Christmas cards, exchange neighbor gifts, establish traditions, give to charity or do something unique this year?
Once we have our goals in mind then we can move forward.
•Take some time and decide what is important for you to do this year for the holiday. Then write it down, map it out.
•Establish a time frame to accomplish each task. If it isn’t accomplished in the time we thought it would be, no beating up on ourselves or negative self talk. And if it doesn’t get done ask yourself what is the worst that can happen?
•Cook food ahead of time and freeze it. Some pies freeze well as do cookies. Check your recipes to see what else you can make and freeze.
•Plan on delegating. Who can put up the outdoor lights? Who can do the food shopping? Who can help decorate? Get a crew together to share in the fun.
•Plan a specific time to decorate, another to bake, another to deliver gifts—whatever you plan break it up into little jobs, a little at a time.
•If you send out Christmas cards, organize a basket with the cards, addresses and stamps, and then while watching a T.V. show address the envelopes on the commercials. Do cards in November to save time in December. OR Instead of sending cards, call your friends to wish them a Merry Christmas. Long distance calls have become so reasonable it may cost less than sending a card.
•Keep a notebook with the names of those you are giving gifts to. Check off the gift as it is purchased and make a note when it is wrapped and sent. You could do this on a spread sheet if you use the computer.
•If your family will let you mix up your traditions, try a new one, customize to your own personal preference.
Through all the planning remember this is to be a joyous season; don’t get sucked into thinking you have to do it all. Actually you don’t have to do any of it so have fun with what you decide you really want to do.
About The Author
Marilyn Bohn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.
Go to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing.
1/10/2008
Preparing Your Home For Caregiving
When you decide to become a caregiver one of the first steps you need to take before moving someone into your home is to prepare your home for their arrival. Preparing your home for a disabled or ill adult is much the same as childproofing your home for a toddler. Each room must be gone through, reorganized if needed and made as accident proof as possible.
Here is a room by room checklist to use as a guideline.
Common Living Areas
• Are all electrical and telephone chords secured or out of the way to avoid being tripped over? Don't run your chords under rugs or furniture, they can become damaged or frayed and don’t use tacks or nails to secure them down.
• Will your loved one be able to turn lights on and off easily? If not you can try touchable lamps or lamps that react to sound.
• Do the doors and windows open easily and lock securely?
• Are walking pathways free of clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get up and down from your sofa and chairs safely and easily? If not, straight back chairs with armrests and firm seats may be a wise investment. You can also add a firm cushion to your existing chairs since adding a bit of height will make it easier for them to sit down on and get up from.
• If your loved one is still able to use the phone you may want to purchase a telephone with large push buttons which will make dialing easy. Program all emergency numbers into speed dial, you can also write the numbers down and tape them to the wall by the phone. Another great idea is to obtain an emergency call system in case of fall or injury.
• Obtain a wireless intercom system so you can be easily reached if the person needs assistance.
• Make sure a television with remote control is accessible.
Kitchen
• Are your appliances in working order?
• Are your pots and pans, utensils and food easily accessible?
• Are all flammable materials away from the stove?
• Are sharp objects stored in a safe place?
• Is there adequate space to work?
• Call all kitchen outlets be reached safely?
• Is it easy to transfer food from the cooking area to the eating area?
• Are the sink faucets easy to turn on and off and easy to reach?
Bathroom
• Is the entrance to the bathroom easily accessed and free from clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get in and out of the shower and bathtub safely on their own? If they can't you will have to install grab bars on both the inside and outside of the bath and shower. Remember that towel racks are not sturdy enough or meant to be used as grab handles.
• Make sure the shower or bathtub has a waterproof wireless intercom so assistance can be summoned if needed.
• Can your loved one shower safely standing up or is a chair needed? If you do need a chair, purchase one with non-skid pads.
• Have you placed non-skid strip pads and a bath mat in place?
• Have you installed a raised seat, a safety frame or a grab bar so your loved one can safely transfer to the toilet?
• Can the outlets, and light switches be easily reached?
• Do you have a nightlight for those midnight bathroom trips?
Bedroom
• You will have to consider purchasing an electric bed if your loved one has problems getting in and out of a regular bed safely.
• Can the bedside light be reached from bed?
• Is there a phone that can be reached from bed?
• Is there a wireless intercom that can be used to reach you in case of emergencies?
• Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom?
• If your loved one has difficulty getting in and out of bed you can install a trapeze bar for them to use.
• Do you have guardrails on the bed to ensure your loved one does not fall out during the night?
General Safety
• Do you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers throughout your home? It is always a good idea to periodically check to make sure they are working properly.
• Do you have emergency numbers such as the hospital, fire, and 911 by the phone, as well as any other emergency contact number?
• Have you placed night lights in every room of the house if your loved one is a night wanderer? The little bit of light they do give off will help to prevent tripping and falling.
Special Equipment That You May Need
• A hospital bed
• A cane and or walker
• A wheelchair
• A bedside commode
• A transfer lift – to help get in and out of bed
• Oxygen
• Wireless intercom system
While this may seem like a lot of work on your part in order to get your home ready it really isn’t. Go through each room one at a time and make a list of things that need to be done, based on your loved ones disability or illness. You may find you are more prepared to be a caregiver than you thought you were.
About The Author
Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for her grandmother for 2 years until her passing. She also worked summers in a long-term care facility while attending college. She now works as an Application Specialist for http://IntercomsOnline.com, which provides wireless intercom systems that caregivers
Here is a room by room checklist to use as a guideline.
Common Living Areas
• Are all electrical and telephone chords secured or out of the way to avoid being tripped over? Don't run your chords under rugs or furniture, they can become damaged or frayed and don’t use tacks or nails to secure them down.
• Will your loved one be able to turn lights on and off easily? If not you can try touchable lamps or lamps that react to sound.
• Do the doors and windows open easily and lock securely?
• Are walking pathways free of clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get up and down from your sofa and chairs safely and easily? If not, straight back chairs with armrests and firm seats may be a wise investment. You can also add a firm cushion to your existing chairs since adding a bit of height will make it easier for them to sit down on and get up from.
• If your loved one is still able to use the phone you may want to purchase a telephone with large push buttons which will make dialing easy. Program all emergency numbers into speed dial, you can also write the numbers down and tape them to the wall by the phone. Another great idea is to obtain an emergency call system in case of fall or injury.
• Obtain a wireless intercom system so you can be easily reached if the person needs assistance.
• Make sure a television with remote control is accessible.
Kitchen
• Are your appliances in working order?
• Are your pots and pans, utensils and food easily accessible?
• Are all flammable materials away from the stove?
• Are sharp objects stored in a safe place?
• Is there adequate space to work?
• Call all kitchen outlets be reached safely?
• Is it easy to transfer food from the cooking area to the eating area?
• Are the sink faucets easy to turn on and off and easy to reach?
Bathroom
• Is the entrance to the bathroom easily accessed and free from clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get in and out of the shower and bathtub safely on their own? If they can't you will have to install grab bars on both the inside and outside of the bath and shower. Remember that towel racks are not sturdy enough or meant to be used as grab handles.
• Make sure the shower or bathtub has a waterproof wireless intercom so assistance can be summoned if needed.
• Can your loved one shower safely standing up or is a chair needed? If you do need a chair, purchase one with non-skid pads.
• Have you placed non-skid strip pads and a bath mat in place?
• Have you installed a raised seat, a safety frame or a grab bar so your loved one can safely transfer to the toilet?
• Can the outlets, and light switches be easily reached?
• Do you have a nightlight for those midnight bathroom trips?
Bedroom
• You will have to consider purchasing an electric bed if your loved one has problems getting in and out of a regular bed safely.
• Can the bedside light be reached from bed?
• Is there a phone that can be reached from bed?
• Is there a wireless intercom that can be used to reach you in case of emergencies?
• Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom?
• If your loved one has difficulty getting in and out of bed you can install a trapeze bar for them to use.
• Do you have guardrails on the bed to ensure your loved one does not fall out during the night?
General Safety
• Do you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers throughout your home? It is always a good idea to periodically check to make sure they are working properly.
• Do you have emergency numbers such as the hospital, fire, and 911 by the phone, as well as any other emergency contact number?
• Have you placed night lights in every room of the house if your loved one is a night wanderer? The little bit of light they do give off will help to prevent tripping and falling.
Special Equipment That You May Need
• A hospital bed
• A cane and or walker
• A wheelchair
• A bedside commode
• A transfer lift – to help get in and out of bed
• Oxygen
• Wireless intercom system
While this may seem like a lot of work on your part in order to get your home ready it really isn’t. Go through each room one at a time and make a list of things that need to be done, based on your loved ones disability or illness. You may find you are more prepared to be a caregiver than you thought you were.
About The Author
Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for her grandmother for 2 years until her passing. She also worked summers in a long-term care facility while attending college. She now works as an Application Specialist for http://IntercomsOnline.com, which provides wireless intercom systems that caregivers
1/09/2008
7 Home Security Tips To Protect Your Home And Family During The Holiday Season
The holiday season is ripe with festivities, goodwill and goodies. The season also comes with criminals and scam artists who want to enjoy and celebrate the holidays too. But they want to do it with your stuff and money. And it only takes you letting down your home security and holiday safety defenses one time for this type of scrooge to strike your home or family successfully.
Just one time!
Don't get so giddy with goodwill toward all mankind this season that you overlook sensible home security precautions and holiday safety tips. Here are seven home security tips to help you and your home stay safe and secure year-round but particularly during the holidays. Read these home security tips and see how many you practice
1.) Lock doors and windows when you leave your home (upstairs too)--no matter the length of time you'll be gone. Do this even if you're only going next door for a minute. It only takes a minute for someone watching your departure to enter your home and swipe your gifts or other belongings in easy reach and sight (like your holiday gifts under the tree).
2.) Everybody loves to see a pile of gifts under the Christmas tree, including potential burglars. Don't leave piles of gifts in clear view of glass doors and windows with open blinds, especially when you go out. Your gifts may not be there when you return. In their place may be shattered glass.
3.) Find out who is at the door before you open it. Be wary of couriers you don't know delivering unexpected items or door-to-door solicitors asking for your money. Ask for identification. Ask questions. Don't make hasty decisions when it comes to donating your money. And don't invite these strangers into your home or entryway. You step outside to speak with them. If it's after dark and you're alone, don't feel obligated to open the door at all. In fact, you don't even need to open your door to deliveries after dark. Most couriers are allowed by their companies to leave packages under a certain value at your doorstep (in typically low crime neighborhoods) without requesting your signature and they will do so. Or you can call to make arrangements to pick up packages yourself at the delivery center.
4.) When you're planning to be away on extended visits to relatives and friends, ask neighbors who will be home to collect your newspapers and mail. If you don't want to do that, ask your carriers to hold or stop the deliveries. They will. Also, some home security experts recommend that you utilize automatic timers to work your indoor and outdoor lighting, radio and televisions to give the appearance that someone is home. But they suggest you try to change the pattern of when and where these items turn on and off so someone watching your home doesn't see this pattern (a clear indication that no one is really home).
5.) If you're having a holiday party, move and secure your valuables in the common areas of your home. While you may know who you've invited to your home for a party, you may not know their date or friend very well. If guests have to walk through your bedroom to get to a bathroom, don't leave tempting items like expensive (or even sentimental) jewelry in plain sight.
6.) Don't leave extra house keys under flower pots, loose bricks, fake rocks or on or attached under the rims of your doors and windows. Don't leave spare house keys in your automobiles not secured in garages. Also, don't buy those awful "labeled" container gadgets in the store to "hide-a-key". If you can't give your spare key to a "trusted" relative and you must leave one outside for whatever reason when you're away from your home, try to be a bit more creative with its hiding spot. And make sure nobody is watching when you hide the key.
7.) Do a home security checkup. Put on your black hat and walk through your home, inside and out, with the eye of criminal. How would you break into your home if you had to do so and how long would it take you to do so? That's how long it will take a thief. An experienced thief with the right tools may take less time. You may want to have every member of your family do this home security walk-through including the children. Multiple minds will come up with more ideas. And what a perfect opportunity to talk about home security tips with your children.
The holiday season is a good time to decide which places and items in your home can be more secure and then how to make them more secure for you and your family. Treat yourself this holiday season to the gift of home security and holiday safety by checking out some of the many home security products available to the average person like home safes, house alarm systems, doorway monitors or intercom systems and more. These days everyone likes electronic gadgets--not just James Bond types. Shop for fun electronic gadgets that can help secure your home and possessions in various ways as well as for the less glamorous but effective items like deadbolts and window pins. You've got everything to gain by doing so and everything to lose by not practicing home security tips year-round and holiday safety tips as needed at these special times of the year.
About the Author:
Karen Fritscher-Porter publishes http://www.easy-home-security.com --- an informational site where you can read more home security tips and holiday safety tips as well as browse stores selling home security.
Read more articles by: Karen Fritscher-Porter
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=91887&ca=Home+Management
Article published on July 06, 2007 at iSnare.com
Just one time!
Don't get so giddy with goodwill toward all mankind this season that you overlook sensible home security precautions and holiday safety tips. Here are seven home security tips to help you and your home stay safe and secure year-round but particularly during the holidays. Read these home security tips and see how many you practice
1.) Lock doors and windows when you leave your home (upstairs too)--no matter the length of time you'll be gone. Do this even if you're only going next door for a minute. It only takes a minute for someone watching your departure to enter your home and swipe your gifts or other belongings in easy reach and sight (like your holiday gifts under the tree).
2.) Everybody loves to see a pile of gifts under the Christmas tree, including potential burglars. Don't leave piles of gifts in clear view of glass doors and windows with open blinds, especially when you go out. Your gifts may not be there when you return. In their place may be shattered glass.
3.) Find out who is at the door before you open it. Be wary of couriers you don't know delivering unexpected items or door-to-door solicitors asking for your money. Ask for identification. Ask questions. Don't make hasty decisions when it comes to donating your money. And don't invite these strangers into your home or entryway. You step outside to speak with them. If it's after dark and you're alone, don't feel obligated to open the door at all. In fact, you don't even need to open your door to deliveries after dark. Most couriers are allowed by their companies to leave packages under a certain value at your doorstep (in typically low crime neighborhoods) without requesting your signature and they will do so. Or you can call to make arrangements to pick up packages yourself at the delivery center.
4.) When you're planning to be away on extended visits to relatives and friends, ask neighbors who will be home to collect your newspapers and mail. If you don't want to do that, ask your carriers to hold or stop the deliveries. They will. Also, some home security experts recommend that you utilize automatic timers to work your indoor and outdoor lighting, radio and televisions to give the appearance that someone is home. But they suggest you try to change the pattern of when and where these items turn on and off so someone watching your home doesn't see this pattern (a clear indication that no one is really home).
5.) If you're having a holiday party, move and secure your valuables in the common areas of your home. While you may know who you've invited to your home for a party, you may not know their date or friend very well. If guests have to walk through your bedroom to get to a bathroom, don't leave tempting items like expensive (or even sentimental) jewelry in plain sight.
6.) Don't leave extra house keys under flower pots, loose bricks, fake rocks or on or attached under the rims of your doors and windows. Don't leave spare house keys in your automobiles not secured in garages. Also, don't buy those awful "labeled" container gadgets in the store to "hide-a-key". If you can't give your spare key to a "trusted" relative and you must leave one outside for whatever reason when you're away from your home, try to be a bit more creative with its hiding spot. And make sure nobody is watching when you hide the key.
7.) Do a home security checkup. Put on your black hat and walk through your home, inside and out, with the eye of criminal. How would you break into your home if you had to do so and how long would it take you to do so? That's how long it will take a thief. An experienced thief with the right tools may take less time. You may want to have every member of your family do this home security walk-through including the children. Multiple minds will come up with more ideas. And what a perfect opportunity to talk about home security tips with your children.
The holiday season is a good time to decide which places and items in your home can be more secure and then how to make them more secure for you and your family. Treat yourself this holiday season to the gift of home security and holiday safety by checking out some of the many home security products available to the average person like home safes, house alarm systems, doorway monitors or intercom systems and more. These days everyone likes electronic gadgets--not just James Bond types. Shop for fun electronic gadgets that can help secure your home and possessions in various ways as well as for the less glamorous but effective items like deadbolts and window pins. You've got everything to gain by doing so and everything to lose by not practicing home security tips year-round and holiday safety tips as needed at these special times of the year.
About the Author:
Karen Fritscher-Porter publishes http://www.easy-home-security.com --- an informational site where you can read more home security tips and holiday safety tips as well as browse stores selling home security.
Read more articles by: Karen Fritscher-Porter
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=91887&ca=Home+Management
Article published on July 06, 2007 at iSnare.com
1/05/2008
Camcorder Techniques: How To Make Home Movies Your Family And Friends Will Be Excited To Watch
It's all got to start somewhere, so before you even charge your batteries, rewind those tapes or pack the car, take a seat and have a good think about what you are planning to shoot with your camcorder. 'Planning is the key' to a good production even if you're just shooting a small home movie.
It may sound like overkill if you head out the door to film your children at a sporting event or a family birthday party, but if you are planning to display the video to family and friends or even review it yourself for extended lengths of time, you will want AND need it to be as compelling as possible.
Now if you're filming a longer feature or being paid for a project, pre-production planning is essential. Both in streamlining the production phase of the project and displaying a professional image for your business. This is done by using basic filming techniques.
This may consist of sketching up a storyboard (to download a sample go to www.kmsvideo.com/Resources.htm), detailed notes or an interview/information session with the client.
"But I just want to shoot a home movie, not a production of Ben Hur!" I hear you say. OK then, let's bring it back to basics shall we?
First of all any video you take needs to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Simple as that!
Now, say you were to tell people at work on Monday morning an interesting event that happened on the weekend. How would you go about it? A bit of background information, then the main 'body' of the event and close it off with a punchline or resolution. You're telling a STORY.
Now go out with your video camera and- "Tell a Story on Film". Still unclear?
Here's a practical example... Timmy's first soccer final is on Saturday. It's a big occasion so you are going to capture it on video. Using our basic formula lets make it into a compelling story-
Beginning:
Open with a shot of the alarm clock, Timmy packing his bag, having breakfast then climbing into the car. All less than 5 seconds duration and if your camera has the function, set it to fade in and out to black.
Middle:
The team runs onto the field. Shots of Timmy chasing, dribbling and passing the ball at warm-up. Get the opening whistle and kick off, then move around the field for various angles and shots of Timmy. Film the coaches address to his players at half time followed by more game footage.
End:
Ref blows the full-time whistle and you video the teams shaking hands and walking off the field. Finally, close the video with a shot of our star and maybe a few words.
That's it! A very simplified version so here's a few tips to remember-
-Don't just keep the camera rolling in the hope that something interesting will happen
-move around so you're not always filming from the one spot
-use close-ups and wide shots alternatively
-don't talk over the footage, let the pictures tell the story
Now with a bit of pre-planning and good camcorder and filming techniques, you'll Have friends and family lining up to watch your home movies!
About The Author
Mark Sturge is the owner of KMS Productions and webmaster at http://www.video-production-mastery.com, a site where visitors can find digital camcorder reviews such as the panasonic pv-gs400 3 ccd camcorder as well as useful hints and tips to better their filming techniques.
It may sound like overkill if you head out the door to film your children at a sporting event or a family birthday party, but if you are planning to display the video to family and friends or even review it yourself for extended lengths of time, you will want AND need it to be as compelling as possible.
Now if you're filming a longer feature or being paid for a project, pre-production planning is essential. Both in streamlining the production phase of the project and displaying a professional image for your business. This is done by using basic filming techniques.
This may consist of sketching up a storyboard (to download a sample go to www.kmsvideo.com/Resources.htm), detailed notes or an interview/information session with the client.
"But I just want to shoot a home movie, not a production of Ben Hur!" I hear you say. OK then, let's bring it back to basics shall we?
First of all any video you take needs to have a beginning, a middle and an end. Simple as that!
Now, say you were to tell people at work on Monday morning an interesting event that happened on the weekend. How would you go about it? A bit of background information, then the main 'body' of the event and close it off with a punchline or resolution. You're telling a STORY.
Now go out with your video camera and- "Tell a Story on Film". Still unclear?
Here's a practical example... Timmy's first soccer final is on Saturday. It's a big occasion so you are going to capture it on video. Using our basic formula lets make it into a compelling story-
Beginning:
Open with a shot of the alarm clock, Timmy packing his bag, having breakfast then climbing into the car. All less than 5 seconds duration and if your camera has the function, set it to fade in and out to black.
Middle:
The team runs onto the field. Shots of Timmy chasing, dribbling and passing the ball at warm-up. Get the opening whistle and kick off, then move around the field for various angles and shots of Timmy. Film the coaches address to his players at half time followed by more game footage.
End:
Ref blows the full-time whistle and you video the teams shaking hands and walking off the field. Finally, close the video with a shot of our star and maybe a few words.
That's it! A very simplified version so here's a few tips to remember-
-Don't just keep the camera rolling in the hope that something interesting will happen
-move around so you're not always filming from the one spot
-use close-ups and wide shots alternatively
-don't talk over the footage, let the pictures tell the story
Now with a bit of pre-planning and good camcorder and filming techniques, you'll Have friends and family lining up to watch your home movies!
About The Author
Mark Sturge is the owner of KMS Productions and webmaster at http://www.video-production-mastery.com, a site where visitors can find digital camcorder reviews such as the panasonic pv-gs400 3 ccd camcorder as well as useful hints and tips to better their filming techniques.
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