Bridal Jewelry

We all know that when a bride to be has already spent practically twenty years planning her wedding before she even knows who the groom is, the image that she dreams of is how she will look on her wedding day. Every little detail counts and is carefully pondered upon before making the all important wedding decisions.

The first part of the dream is The Dress, the wedding gown, her day, her style. The selection of the wedding gown is one of the most important items a bride to be must decide upon. The dress no matter what the style should always be a selection that the bride to be feels elegant and beautiful in. Whether a bride envisions herself in a simple white gown, a lacy gown or a bright pink gown, the bride's attitude in the dress is what makes that bride an individual and beautiful bride on her wedding day. The selection of the wedding gown should always remain fun and as stress free as possible, buy what makes you feel beautiful.

Now that the dress has been chosen, you have been measured and the all important deposit has been made, you are committed to The Dress, you need to finish off your bridal look for your wedding day. This is where all of the little details that you hem and haw about for hours come together to make a magnificent and magical combination of the perfect bride! The shoes, the garter, the something old something new and last but certainly not least, the bridal jewelry!

The bridal jewelry that the bride to be decides upon should coordinate with the wedding gown she has selected to wear for the big wedding day. Keeping in mind the style of your dress, the bridal jewelry selection must be made with as careful of attention to detail as when choosing your wedding gown. The bridal jewelry chosen by the bride should finish off your look and bring the entire ensemble together.

Some suggestions to follow as to the style of dress you are wearing to match the style of the bridal jewelry you will wear follows.

Open Backed Dress - When wearing an open back dress, adding a bridal jewelry lariat is a great way to add the final detail to show off your beautiful wedding gown. A bridal lariat is a piece of bridal jewelry that the bride wears around her neck like a normal necklace; however; the back of the neck will have a longer dangling piece of jewelry to finish off the look. Depending upon the piece of bridal jewelry, lariats can be purchased that are adjustable, which will be a better fit for any bride with a backless dress. Another great way to show off a backless dress is a bridal jewelry choker or bridal jewelry collar with a hanging jewel embellishment in the back. Bridal chokers have become a very modern and popular choice for brides that want an edgier bridal look and feel that still embraces the classic and elegant bride.

V Neck Dress - When a bride is wearing a v neck style wedding gown, Y- drop necklaces are a very nice touch for bridal necklace jewelry. The Y- drop necklace takes the same angles as the v neck wedding gown line. Bridal chokers are also a great selection for the bride that is wearing a v line dress. The choker gives clean lines and does not distract from the v neck style of dress. Regular simple and double strand necklaces also work very nicely for this style of wedding gown, as they provide a simple but elegant style that compliments the v neck.

Square Top Dress - For the brides that select a very traditional square top wedding gown, simple single strand and double strand bridal jewelry necklaces are a great way to finish off the neckline. They bring contrast and attract the eye towards the cut of the dress. For a very clean lined look, bridal jewelry chokers are the most perfect style of bridal jewelry necklines for the square top dress. The bridal choker has become more and more popular as the years pass, now with so many options available; brides are finding it easier to select the perfect bridal jewelry choker that fits the style of their gowns.

The Sweetheart Gown - The sweetheart gown style of wedding gown is accessorized nicely with a y - drop necklace, as it follows the line of the top of the wedding gown. Also with this style of gown, bridal chokers go nicely, as well as pendant necklace and simple round necklaces. The sweetheart gown is such a nice choice; the bridal jewelry that you select to wear with the gown should always compliment that neckline.

Strapless Dress - When a bride wears a strapless gown, there are many options for the bridal jewelry necklace. A bridal jewelry choker is such a great way to compliment the line of the top of the dress. A choker brings a symmetrical and parallel line, and adding a sparkly pearl or swarovski crystal bridal jewelry choker or collar with a strapless gown is so elegant and sophisticated. In addition to the bridal choker, simple pendant necklaces as well as single strand and multi-strand necklaces make great choices for the strapless style wedding gown. Wearing a strapless gown draws much attention to the shoulders and neck region, so wearing the perfect bridal jewelry that looks spectacular with that line of dress is very important for your bridal look.

Halter Top Dress - The halter top dress calls for a certain type of bridal jewelry. A dangle backed necklace or lariat are perfect for this line of wedding gown. The attention is drawn on the front and the back, making use of the entire wedding gown to compliment your bridal jewelry. A halter dress also looks beautifully pulled together with a y drop necklace or pendant necklace. The y drop necklace was just about made for this style of wedding gown; the y drop centers the entire look and feel of this type of gown.

Off The Shoulder Dress - When wearing an off of the shoulder dress, any style of bridal jewelry necklace works. A regular single or double strand necklace can frame out your entire bridal look with simplicity. If you choose to wear a bridal jewelry choker, that brings the eyes up to the face with ease as it finished off your bridal look. Y drop and lariats work great with the off the shoulder dress. Depending upon how much of your back shows, a lariat can look elegant from behind when standing at the alter, and a y drop necklace really brings focus to the bride with this gown. What ever style you choose for this line of dress, you cannot go wrong.

One Shoulder Dress or Asymmetric Dress - With the asymmetric gown, it is best to choose a great bracelet and pair of earrings, as a necklace will look unbalanced and unnatural. The one shoulder dress is a bold move; wear a bold bracelet and glamorous earrings.

Scoop Necked Gown - When wearing the scooped neck gown a simple one or multi-strand necklace is perfect. A necklace such as the simple one to five strand bridal necklaces will frame out the top of your wedding gown perfectly. A bridal jewelry choker is also a really nice selection for this style of dress. It is a simple and even topper to the scoop neckline, a great selection.

Whatever your dress selection, choose bridal jewelry that makes you feel gorgeous when you put it on. Your bridal jewelry is your icing on the cake and the selection of the bridal jewelry is just as important as the selection of the gown. Your bridal jewelry will be bridal accessories that you cherish for a life time. You will never wear your wedding gown after the big day, but you can wear your bridal jewelry when ever you want to. Wearing your bridal jewelry is your memory to the most special day in your life. What ever your bridal jewelry selection, look spectacular on your wedding day because you waited for this special moment for a lifetime!
About the Author

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888-526-4479

Consumer Reports Backpacks for Kids

Most kids' backpacks can fulfill the basic job requirements: holding books and other school supplies. But construction details can make a difference--to parents if not always to kids.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Traditional backpacks for kids are sold by Eastpak, EMS, JanSport, Kelty, L.L. Bean, REI, and other companies. Timbuk2, among others, makes messenger bags. Some companies, such as L.L. Bean, state age recommendations for their various models.

Price range: $25 to $65.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Contoured and padded shoulder straps soften the load. A waist belt stabilizes the pack and transfers weight to the hips. A padded or quilted back panel or one with mesh fabric will reathe easier on hot days, making it more comfortable and less sweaty against a kid's back. Compression straps on the sides can take up the slack of a partially filled backpack. Also look for multiple pockets; small ones are good for a calculator, cell phone, or for holding keys. Make sure there's a concealed interior pocket for cash.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Performance differences. All backpacks Consumer Reports tested were sturdy enough to withstand daily abuse or a tug-of-war at the bus stop. Water-resistance varies. Most did a good job of withstanding the test-lab equivalent of a 5-minute shower.

Recommendations. The middle-school boys and girls who checked out packs for Consumer Reports didn't favor one backpack over another, but they preferred a traditional backpack over the messenger bag's single shoulder straps design. When choosing a pack for your child, look for one in your price range with the features mentioned above. Something to keep in mind after you've chosen a bag: according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a loaded backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child's total weight. So make sure the backpack is the right size--and not oversized, which might tempt a kid to overload it.

Copyright ? 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

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Baby backpack with Easy Deal at
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Unraveling Real Estate Jargon

Homeowners have a seemingly insatiable appetite for information about the housing markets. Are prices going up? How's the market? Is now a good time to sell? they ask. Research reports and newspaper articles provide useful answers, but the information is usually buried in economic jargon. What is a median price anyway? What does seasonally adjusted mean? Does anyone understand unsold inventory index?

To help you follow the numbers, here are some helpful definitions:

Median price. An oft-cited indicator of the strength and direction of a housing market, a median price is the midpoint of all the prices of homes sold in a given area during a specified period. Midpoint means half the homes sold for higher prices and half the homes sold for lower prices. The median isn't the same as the average, which would be calculated by totaling all the prices and dividing by the number of prices. The median price can be affected over time by the characteristics and sizes of homes sold as well as price trends. For example, if the market shifts from starter homes to luxury mansions, the median price will increase even if homes are not appreciating in value.

Seasonally adjusted. Housing markets are naturally more active in the spring and summer months because people prefer to move during the longer warmer days and between school years. That pattern means it's difficult to make meaningful comparisons between results for different months or quarters of the same year. To overcome this hazard, economists statistically tweak the reported number of homes sold during various periods to reflect seasonal variations. The tweaked numbers are denoted as seasonally adjusted.

Price discount. The price discount is the percentage difference between the seller's initial asking price and the actual purchase price of the same home. For example, if a home were priced at $200,000 and sold for $190,000, the discount would be 5 percent. Price discounts are usually reported as an average for a set of home sale transactions. A small percentage, on average, means the market favors sellers, while a large average discount signals a buyer's market. Unsold inventory index. This index, which indicates the pace of the market, is calculated by measuring how long it would take for all the homes currently on the market to be sold at the current rate of sales. A smaller index is a positive sign for sellers, while a higher number is good news for buyers.

Affordability index. An affordability index measures whether a typical family can qualify for a standard mortgage to purchase a typical home. A typical family is defined as one that earns the median income in a given area, and a typical home is defined as a median-priced single-family house in the same area. An index value of 100 means a median-income family has exactly the amount of income needed to purchase a median-priced home. A number higher than 100 means the family's income is more than adequate, while a number less than 100 means the typical family can't afford to buy the typical home.

Knowing these real estate terms will give you a better measure for evaluation the value of a home.

To learn more about home valuation and other real estate topics, visit my website at www.fordrealty.net

John Ford is the found Ford Realty Inc., a Boston are real estate agency. He's participated in hundreds of real estate deals in the Boston area. He maintains a real estate blog at www.fordrealty.org/blogs

Colorado Real Estate

Many people not only love to spend their vacations in Colorado, they also buy real estate there in all its forms, whether it is a vacation home, rental real estate, or a permanent residence. There are many different reasons why people want to live in Colorado. From outdoor activities to world-class shopping and entertainment venues, Colorado has a lot to offer to everyone.

If you are a property owner in Colorado, it is not that difficult to sell your property; the Colorado real estate has a great market. Colorado is known as a state with a healthy economy, so it is not hard to start a new life there if you decide to relocate. The real estate also appreciates in a few years? time, which is why many people are enticed to buy property there. If you have Colorado real estate to sell, just post its details with a real estate listing agent so that more clients will know about it. You will have a bigger chance to sell it quickly.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for Colorado real estate, you can begin your search by going through the Colorado real estate listings. Here, you can find quite a few choices such as luxury real estates in Vail and prime pieces of land in Colorado?s fastest-growing city, Denver. However, if you want to be away from the big city atmosphere, you can check out Colorado Springs real estate. If you want to be near the University of Colorado, you can look at Boulder real estate listings.

Whether you are selling or buying a real estate in Colorado, you can certainly rely on real estate listings. You can even go online since many real estate companies have now taken advantage of the Internet for easy access and convenience.

Colorado Real Estate provides detailed information on Colorado Real Estate, Boulder Colorado Real Estate, Colorado Springs Real Estate, Colorado Luxury Real Estate and more. Colorado Real Estate is affiliated with Colorado Vacation Rentals.

How To Avoid Getting Lost While Backpacking

If you?ve decided to go backpacking, hiking, and camping somewhere fairly close to home but in the ?back country? (out in the wild), there are a few tips and guidelines you should follow in order to avoid getting lost. Getting lost may seem like a mere inconvenience, but you really can put yourself in a life-threatening situation.

First, while some avid backpackers prefer to go alone to just enjoy nature and solitude, it?s best to take somebody with you in case you run into trouble and need help?or if you do happen to get lost, you can work together to avoid panic, and keep warm, fed, safe, and sheltered.

Second, make sure somebody (a close relative or friend) back home knows where you?re going and for how long you?ll be gone. Even just a general guideline of the area in which you?ll be backpacking and your estimated time of return (?We should be back by the end of the weekend,? for example), will make a big difference for your rescuers in being able to locate you faster should you get lost.

Next, take along a detailed map of the area. An updated topographical map of the area in which you?ll be backpacking, and specifically the trails you?ll be hiking and the sites in which you may decide to camp, will make a big difference in ensuring you don?t get lost. However, make sure you can understand and properly read the map before you embark on your backpacking-in-the-wild adventure. If the area and trails are fairly established, you can easily find maps at park services, ranger stations, and likely on the trails themselves. Maps can also be located online, and use Google Earth to locate a particularly ?wild? patch of land.

Just as important as a detailed map of the area is a compass. You must make sure you know how to use one though. It will not be much good to you if you happen to get yourself lost out in the wild. However, make sure you use your compass right from the moment you enter the wild back country, as it will help you to stay on course and help you avoid getting lost in the first place. A GPS can also come in handy?if you can afford it, that is. However, like a compass, a GPS is only effective if you use it as you go, rather than just pulling it out as soon as you happen to think you might be lost. Don?t forget back-up batteries!

Finally, as you?re backpacking, take keen notice of your surroundings?watch for specific landmarks you can use as a guide if you happen to go off trail or get lost, and you need to backtrack.

Mark Hammond is the marketing manager for National Hotels - a UK Hotel Directory and Travel Resource

Are You As Strong As A U.S. Army Ranger Or Is It All Show Muscles??

As a former Army Ranger I know the benefits of weight training, but many gym rats look upon weight lifting as the holy grail of muscle building.The reality is that while weights can play an important part in your conditioning program it is not the end all be all.

So the question that pops in my mind is how useful are your weight trained muscle?

Let's put them to the test...

Here's a taste of the physical requirements of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger.Try them out test yourself and see if you really are in shape. See if you're fit enough to wear the beret.

<strong>Army Rangers-Lead The Way</strong>

Ever wanted to put on the Army Ranger Tab on your uniform? Here is what you have to do to become a Ranger. The training is broken up into three phases: Fort Benning Phase, Mountain Phase, and Florida Phase. The Benning Phase is executed in two parts and lasts for a total of 20 days.

As with most Special Operations units, the first phase is very physical.

You will be required to perform an Army Ranger PFT consisting of the following:

Push-ups - 49+
Sit-ups - 59+
Chin ups - 6+
2 mile run in running shoes in 15:12 minutes or less
Other physical requirements and tests:
Combat water survival test
5-mile runs
3-mile runs with an obstacle course
16-mile foot march
Night and day land navigation tests

The most important pre-training exercise to do prior to Ranger school is walking fast in your boots with 50 pounds of weight on your back.

You will do this everyday you are at Ranger School. Running at least 5 miles, 3-4 times a week and swimming in uniform 2-3 times a week is recommended as well.

Pack on a 5-10 pounds of body weight prior to going so you have a little to lose when you are consuming fewer calories a day.
Also known as forced marches or humps, these events are basically walking at a fast pace over rough terrain with a back pack at least 45 lbs in weight. When you take the ruck march test, you will also carry a weapon, wear boots, BDU (Battle Dress Uniform - fatigues pants/blouse), LBE (Load Bearing Equipment - shoulder harness with canteens with water), and a helmet.

If you break it down, you need to train the major muscle groups of the body - legs and back. Sure your upper body (shoulders and arms) come into play carrying the backpack and weapon, but you will get most of your exhaustion from the legs and lower back. S
o, training your legs in running, leg PT, and rucking will build stamina and endurance you need for any type of Army or land navigation training.

The Run and Leg PT Workout:
Repeat 4-5 times
Run 1 mile at your goal pace (6-8:00/mile) (no ruck sack)
Squats - 30
Lunges - 20 / leg
Calves (heel raises)- 30 per leg
The Non-impact version of Leg PT:
Bike and Leg PT:
Repeat 4-5 times
Bike 5:00 at increasing levels per minute on a Life Cycle type stationary bike
Squats - 30
Lunges - 20 / leg
Calves - 30 per leg

Long Distance Bike / Leg Workout:
Life Cycle Pyramid:
On a stationary bike with manual mode and levels of resistance:
Start at level 1 for 1 minute, increase resistance level by 1 level each minute until you can no longer pedal in between the 80-90 RPM zone. Typically, people will do this workout for 20-30 minutes depending on the bike they have. Some bike will max out at level 12 and some will go to at least 20 levels. Both are tough to get to the top of the pyramid levels. Once at the top, repeat all levels in reverse order and work yourself down the other side of the pyramid. Usually by the end of the pyramid, there is a puddle under you and your legs will be exhausted.

And, of course, there are long distance ruck marches for 10-20 miles with at least 45 lbs in a ruck sack you must train for prior to some of the advanced Army courses. The best way to train for these to move out with a ruck sack for 1-4 hours at a time combined with smart foot care

.
Interesting stuff huh? Try it see if you're fit enough.

About the Author

Frank Sherrill, is a former U.S. Army Ranger and Martial Arts expert. After surviving a horrific weight training accident, he spent years researching and finally discovering an exercise program and home gym that was as effective as free weights but, without all the RISK. To learn more about the Bullworker Bully Xtreme got to: http://www.BullyXtreme.net

Shops of New York Manhattan

For tourists, it is always a great fun to read in a booklet that the city they are going to is he best shopping venue, as any city will call itself the best one. However, you may be sure that Manhattan, New York is like a shopping paradise.
Most of the Manhattan grocery stores are quite typical with standard choice of goods. But, if you live at yappi district there are two places worth visiting: Zabar's and Fairway. The first one is famous all over the world for its rare products such as all sorts of caviar, nightingale tongues and so on. The second looks like a rebuilt hangar with its glass walls. Anything can be found here: hundreds nut sorts, dozens of sausages kinds, cheese, salads, pre-prepared food, Syrian pitas, fruits, vegetables, Italian ham and what not. If you plan to buy products for a week here, mind that they will be eaten in three days.
Manhattan boasts all kinds of food stores. For instance, lets have a look at the Macy's food boutique. The variety of products is overwhelming - home food from Italian villages packed in designer package, bottles of high-quality olive oil as small as perfume bottles, and expensive as well..
Deli or delicatessens are the mixture of restaurants and shops. The centre of the room is full of all kinds of sauces, shrimps, crabs and what not - all for one price. But it is better to buy food at highly visited delis, where food is not spoilt.
Vitamin Shops might be of special surprise to you. There is a wide choice of vitamins - note that Americans take them daily. There are vitamins for pregnant women in their middle thirties, for schoolchildren that do not study well, for those who win Olympic games... The choice is amazing.
If you have a sense of humour, jokes shops is something that you will be keen on. There are no banal things here - only the most curious ones.
But the best shops are, of course, Clothing and shoe stores. The most popular ones are huge DAFFY'S, TJ MAXX'S, SYM'S and Century 21 shops with their excellent choice of clothes for reasonable prices. For instance, you will find a lot of high-quality clothes made by unknown Italian brands here. Also, there are famous designer clothes that were produced in different years - the assortment is changing constantly so you will definitely be satisfied. If you do not like the thing you have already bought, you may return it back for a 8, 25 % tax.
Boutiques are also represented here with their latest collections, great variety, but sky-high prices as well. Those who are determined to come in will be welcomed by model boys dressed in expensive costumes.
Clothes that is most convenient and pleasant to wear is found at the casuals shops, like Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic и Eddie Bauer. Gaps can be found all over the place and offer high quality goods that does not look cheap. Old Navy - the giant's junior line with more than 200 huge shops all around the USA; Banana Republic offers more expensive and exquisite clothes with black colours dominating in polished shoes, shirts and costumes.
Eddie Bauer assortment is almost the same as in gap. Clothes can be ordered by catalogue and the choice is really good.
Gant is on top of this list. Things are rather expensive here, but its really worth it.
All in all, to choose your most favourite shopping place, you have to come to New York first and see it all for yourself!
About the Author

To book a room at New York hotel, visit New York City hotels

Baby Furniture Buyers Guide

Baby furniture is one of the most popular types of gifts given at a baby shower. Gift shopping for nursery furniture can be made easier if the new parents have a gift registry at some popular stores in your area. However, this is often not the case. Be sure to always enclose a gift receipt with your gift so it can be returned if the new parents get duplicates.

Baby furniture is one of the most popular types of gifts given at a baby shower. Gift shopping for nursery furniture can be made easier if the new parents have a gift registry at some popular stores in your area. However, this is often not the case. Be sure to always enclose a gift receipt with your gift so it can be returned if the new parents get duplicates.

Communication between the guests would be wise to prevent any duplicate gifts. The guests could also choose to get together on something more expensive such as a piece of nursery furniture. The parents need items that will hold up well for their newborn, so check to make certain the item you choose is sturdy and built for safety.

Purchasing an expensive gift such as a piece of furniture for the nursery would help the new parents tremendously as they are probably strapped for cash at this point. What with the pre-natel care and the upcoming hospital and doctor expenses that come with any childbirth.

Baby Cribs

Cribs will be the most important piece of furniture the new parent will need for the baby. They come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to match any nursery theme or color scheme the parents might have for the nursery. They come as standard cribs, canopy, convertible, sleigh and various other types. Some of the more common features available would be adjustable mattress heights, metal mattress supports, one of three different kinds of release mechanism, rolling casters and/or a teething rail. A baby can use the crib from birth until around the age of 3. A safe and sturdy crib will cost from $150 to over $1000 depending on the quality of the wood and the features provided.

Crib Mattresses

A crib mattress is a very important item for the baby as she/he will be spending over 50% of his time on the mattress until he/she is around 3 years of age. Mattresses come in basically two types: foam or innerspring/coil. Foam weighs less while the innerspring/coil will last a much longer time. Accessories include bedding, crib sheets, crib wedges and waterproof mattress pads. High quality foam mattresses will cost between $80 to $100, while an innerspring/coil mattress will cost from $75 to $200.

Bedding-Bumpers-Sheets-Quilts-Shams

Most standard, canopy and convertible cribs will use standard size crib bedding. A round crib, porta crib, cradle and bassinet will all need special bedding to fit the size of the particular item. A bumper is a necessary item that is needed to keep the baby safe by keeping the baby's arms and legs from getting stuck in the slats. A quilt or comforter should not be used in the crib, but rather as a play mat for the baby. A diaper stacker is used to store your diapers and to keep the nursery more organized. Pillows are a safety hazard for the baby and should never be used in the crib. Most bedding sets can cost from $50 to as high as $700 for a set with better quality fabrics etc.

Changing Tables

A changing table should be well padded, have guardrails and include safety straps for the baby. They come in several types such as the combination sytle, dresser drawer and one with open shelves. Accessories include changing pads, oraganizers and wipe warmers. A changing table can be used from birth until about two years of age. They range in price from $90 to $200 depending on the accessories and storage space they have.

Rocking Chairs

A rocking chair would be a welcome addition to the baby nursery or living room. The rocking chair would give the mom-to-be lots of quality time with her newborn baby.

Moses Baskets

Moses baskets are a rather unique piece of furniture. A moses basket would be an unexpected but welcome baby shower gift. Also something the mother could pass on for a heirloom. This is an item that could be passed from generation to generation.

Child's Rocking Chair

A children's rocking chair would make a great gift. One that most people wouldn't think of giving. You wouldn't need to worry about duplicating your gift with some other guest with this gift.

Playpen & Play Yard

Play yards come in 3 different types. The basic which can be used as a playpen or a crib. One that has a bassinet built in for the newborn. A canopy style to keep you infant shielded from the sun and to keep in cooler in the outdoors. Accessories you can purchase seperately include a changing station, netting for outdoor use and sheets. A play yard can be used from birth until about 2 years of age. Good quality play yards cost between $60 to more than $200.

Portable Travel Crib

A portable travel crib would be great for those over-night trips out of town or state to family or friends.

Cradles

A cradle is used from birth until 4 months or the baby is able to roll from side to side. Cradles usually include a padded bumper, fitted sheet and a quilt or comforter. One of the advantages of a cradle is that you can rock it and it is lower than a crib.

Baby Dresser

Every nursery needs a chest of drawers for the newborn. You can buy them with a theme, in different styles, shapes and colors. If you know how the new parents will be decorating the nursery, you can match the baby dresser to the theme.

High Chair

All new parents need this very essential piece of furniture. There are several types of high chairs: Adjustable, conventional, booster and wooden. The high chair should have an adjustable tray, locking mechanism, some kind of restraint system and possibly rolling casters which are allowed to be locked easily. Parents can use the high chair as soon as the baby is born for bottle feeding if it is capable of fully reclining.

Bassinets

A traditional piece of nursery furniture would be a bassinet. The baby can use the bassinet from birth until about 4 month of age. Bassinet sets usually include a hood cover, fitted sheet, plain sheet and a bumper.

Car Seats

A car seat is a necessity because every state requires the baby be restrained while in a car. Newborns must travel in the back seat in a car seat that faces the rear of the car. After the baby is a year old you change to a forward facing car seat. Car seats come in several different types. An infant car seat, convertible and booster seats. Infant and convertible car seats cost between $60 and $300.

Strollers

Strollers come as a standard stroller, single, umbrella, double strooler or as a travel system which is a combination stroller and car seat. Most strollers have a canopy, front bar, harness, reliner and a storage space. Accessories available include accessory bars, attachable toy and activity bars, infant headrests, rain sheilds and stroller connectors for attaching two strollers together. A stroller can be used from around 4 months of age until about 3 or 4 years old. Depending on the style and quality strollers can be purchased for as little as $15 to as much as $1,000.

Baby Monitor

A monitor may be a luxery item, but it can give the parents added reassurance that their baby is safe. There are several types: audio, audio/movement and audio/video monitors. Monitors can be used from newborn to toddler. Depending on the type of monitor, you can buy them for as little as $20 on up to $400, with the audio/video monitor being the most expensive.

Bouncer Seat

A very useful item is a bouncer seat. They can come with an accessory toy bar, canopy, restraint and variable speeds. A bouncer seat can be used from newborn until the baby is 9 months old. The standard non-battery operated bouncer seats cost between $40 and $75 while the battery operated seats tend to cost a bit more.

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy is owner of Profitable Home Businesses, How to Plan a Baby Shower and Las Vegas Weddings.

Recipe South African Buttermilk Rusks

Rusks in South Africa are part of the cultural identity ? one of the things that exiles in a foreign land long for. Children are brought up on Rooibos tea (a herbal bush tea) and rusks. These aren?t the pallid soggy affairs that pass for rusks in the UK - Farleys rusks given to teething infants and guaranteed to coat your entire house with a paste of gooey gloop. South African rusks are of a texture somewhere between bread and cake, with extra bits of raisin or nuts, baked hard so that they must be dunked in tea or else gnawed slowly. They last a long time in an airtight tin, so are baked in big batches but even so they don?t last long in our house.

As an Englishwoman married to a South African living in London, I came across rusks on our visits to his family and was instantly converted. ?Ouma?s Rusks? are the famous ones that come in several varieties and we always came home with a few packs in our suitcase. On a longer visit in a cottage in Philadelphia, near Cape Town, I found a recipe to bake my own rusks, tried it and have been baking them every two weeks pretty much ever since.

When our son was a toddler waking at 5.30 every morning, the only thing that made the morning bearable was the thought of tea and rusks. Our son started off on them early and our sofa became a nest of cushions and crumbs. The first thing he ever helped bake was rusks and I always had my patience tried, as the mix became the scene of excavations with diggers or a castle with a moat. The girls also joined in when they were old enough, so for a time I had three children all wrestling to get their hands in the dough. Now the youngest is adept at making balls the right size and I have a band of useful helpers. So rusks have become part of our family culture too, my children may have missed out on the rooibos tea tradition ? (I love it, they hate it) but at least they were brought up properly as regards rusks!

Several friends in London were smitten, asked for the recipe and started baking and it has since been dispersed as far afield as Pakistan and the USA.

The recipe:

South African Buttermilk Rusks

1.240kg / 2lb12oz flour (I use 1kg wholemeal and the rest white)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons of salt
250g / 9oz butter
? cup raisins (optional)
2 eggs
1 ? cups brown sugar
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup oil

(1 cup=250ml)
Preheat the oven to 190C/380F
Grease three loaf tins of base measurement 20cmx10cm / 8?x 4? approx or any combination of deep baking dish that adds up to about the same.

In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and rub into the flour. Add the raisins if you are using them. You can experiment with various nuts and seeds as well, though the rusks are equally good plain.

In another bowl mix together the buttermilk, sugar, eggs and oil and beat until well combined. Stir liquid into dry ingredients and mix then knead to a firm dough.

Form the dough into balls about the size of a ping-pong ball and pack them tightly in one layer into the loaf tins. I usually get six rows of three into each of my tins. Bake for 45 minutes.

Turn out onto a rack and leave to cool for 30 minutes before breaking up into individual rusks along the joins of the balls. Dry in a low oven 100C/200F for 4-5 hours until the centre is completely dry. These can be kept for ages in an airtight container.

Warning: crumbs guaranteed on the sofa, in the bed, over the carpet and the car seats!

Copyright 2006 Kit Heathcock

About the Author:

Kit Heathcock - worked and travelled in Italy for many years, is passionate about food and loves being a fulltime mother. Co-creator of http://www.aflowergallery.com home of original flower pictures and http://www.food-and-family.com

The Misconceptions Of Buying Overseas Property

We left off at that part of our continuing story about Janet and John when they decided to look around the local area having placed an offer on their first dream home in Spain.

They found a street caf? in a village just north of Gandia. John ordered refreshing drinks in his best Spanish, and they settled in their chairs as the thoughts and dreams jumbled in their heads. It had been a very long day and a state of confusion was certainly in the air. Janet was just starting to realise that John had actually bid on a Spanish Property! She had definitely wanted it and had even suggested he used his Amex card to secure a reserve with the owner. Now the logic began to creep back into her well ordered life as the Tonic and Gin seeped into her bloodstream and she became quite pleased with John. The latter was an unusual feeling, poor John. Her husband was not normally well known for making snap decisions and turning the tables on enthusiastic salesmen; but he had done it, he had made a counter offer which was serious enough to stop both the owner and the agent in their tracks.

?Where did that all come from? Janet asked John, John replied eagerly giving Janet details of a website he had been relying on for information where he had found so much useful information for buyers that he had now become an expert himself! He explained that the website was one of many he had looked at from Home but this was his real favourite as it appeared to act as an independent source of information and had formed its agents all over Europe into an Association. In fact Jose Miguel had also been introduced by the same website and was an accredited agent to their association. He had one regret, and that was he had found the site late and could have saved them both a lot of problems. However here they were, the potential owners of their place in the sun.

?How will we afford it John? the Villa was 55K over their original 200K budget. John had offered 225K. ?Well I can probably arrange a top up mortgage with a local Spanish bank?.

With the amount of savings John had allocated any reputable local lender would be happy to offer them a up to 80% of the bank valuation which allowing for valuers to be miserable in their valuations for bank purposes, then as a rule of thumb Janet and John could expect a mortgage for up to 50% of their purchase price. John was now considering the added costs which he had been advised could be an additional 10% on top of the purchase price. Then there were the improvements he might undertake to the property. Furniture to be bought, a re-wiring project might be necessary and moving costs. As his Gin seeped quietly into his system he calculated that an additional 75K mortgage would be comfortable and affordable at the low rate he could achieve in Spain. Now they felt more relaxed.

Janet and John drove around their potential home village and surrounding environs and discovered to their delight a Doctor?s surgery, a pharmacy a railway station and a sign for a local hospital. So far so good.

The next morning the agent called. Jose Miguel had secured an agreement with the owner and 225K would be acceptable. Janet and John were delighted and a big hug ensued. Jose Miguel offered the services of a local English speaking solicitor and asked John to come into the office as soon as possible with the 6000 reserve to finally clinch the deal. Aah! Here comes that word Reserve again.

John consulted his favourite website where he had seen previously that there were Property Pals to help and guide you through the potentially painful learning curve of purchasing overseas property. He clicked through to the Pal page and sent an email to the local Pal in Gandia.

Dear Andy, this is my situation??.what shall I do now?

Janet and John went to see the solicitor who acted independently from a different office to the agent. He spelt out all the legal implications and costs that were involved and promised to look into the legality of the property as soon as possible. John was advised to apply for his NIE number (Spanish National Insurance identity number) and to go and open a bank account. The solicitor Raphael said he was happy to help in that respect but John wisely decided to paddle his own canoe for a while.

When he returned to the Hotel after an excellent lunch he was delighted to have received an answer from Andy his local Property Pal. Andy confirmed that the agent was accredited to the MyPropertyPal Association of Overseas Property Agents and that the solicitor he had recommended was known to Andy and could be trusted. Phew! What a relief, Andy also mentioned that he could give the reserve to the solicitor who would confirm to the agent that he had received it and subject to the searches being successfully carried out it would be released to the agent or solicitor acting for the owner. In this way Janet and John would be acting in accordance with acceptable Spanish process and could secure their property. Once the deposit had been paid, Andy had said owners rarely de-faulted on the deal done as by law they would have to return a double deposit to the purchaser as compensation!

Janet and John decided to go back to the property for a long hard look in the cooler light of the next morning.

All in all another good day for our intrepid pair until the phone rang whilst John was in the shower. Janet took the call. When John came out of the shower he found a crestfallen Janet. What was the problem? Apparently the agent had rung to confirm that the owner needed to be paid 150K in hard cash (Under the bed money) and this needed to be brought to the Notary?s office on the completion date. How could they arrange this? Did they have the money? Was this the fly in the ointment? Did John have the answer to this problem or could Andy help?

Well, what Janet did not know was that this is fairly normal in many Mediterranean countries where owners seek to mitigate capital gains tax. However there are ways for buyers to solve the associated problems of paying in part cash.

Read part 5 and find out how Janet and John cope with this new development

Hugo Raymond
Founder of http://www.mypropertypal.com

What Is The Right Amount Of Computer Time?

In a country that settles each night in front of the television, it just seems strange that more and more people are finding the allure of the computer screen sometimes more important. There is no doubt that children do as their parents do. They enjoy exploring the vast world of the Internet. They are excited to get that new computer game. But, how much time in front of the computer screen is the right amount of time?

There is no doubt going to be a number of people that come out and say that children are spending far too much time in front of the computer. They may end up telling us that their eyes will go back or something. Regardless of what they will say, we know now that it is important to limit the amount of time children use the computer. We know this because we know that it just makes sense that children who play on the computer too much loose the physical aspects of life along with the elements of pretend play that actually teach them quite a bit.

As parents, it is up to us to limit what the child is doing. It is up to us to provide for them something worthwhile to do while they are on the web as well. In this, we mean that you, Mom or Dad, need to commit to knowing which games they are playing and which websites they plan to visit. Here's a great way to limit what they are actually doing.

Instead of allowing them to surf and end up on some bad website out there, go ahead and download a game or two for them. Games that are available on the web are fun, but when the parent gets to do the picking, they can be fun and educational at the same time. Does your child need math help? Then go ahead and give them a fun math game that teaches what they need in an easy to get along with manner. This can be done for a number of subjects like spelling, science, history and language. By giving them a computer game like these, they can make their computer time, well, worth it in your eyes.

You would be surprised by how many parents simply say, Yes, you can play on the internet. Many of them do not know what their child is doing let alone know that he or she is playing an educational game! Yeah right! Most kids are going to find and play a game that interests them with flashing colors and graphics. That doesn't mean that they won't like games that don't provide this element. But, the websites they tend to visit are full of advertisements that lure them in. Your job is to point them in the right direction.

So, back to our question; how much is the right amount of time for computer time for your child? Well, inside that question is the word, your and that means that it is at your discretion that you should consider their need. Balance their day with physical, emotional, pretend and all those other important educational elements then add in a little time for computer play. Believe it or not, they are building skills that they will need later in life too.
About the Author

Is Socializing Emerging From Online Gaming!

As technology evolved, the online games also went forward for the better. Single player games progressively gave company to two-player games, followed by multi-player games, rendering the environs with the element of virtual competition and fertile with potential of socializing.

Sites that offer free online games generally require the prospects to sign up with their own username, password and general details. This sign up practice allows the users to camouflage their true identity. It has been observed that players tend to submit false information about their gender to explore relationships or to be treated in a better manner in the virtual world.

Dedicated observations of the websites catering online games with over hundreds of thousands of subscribers reveal a striking pattern amongst signups. It has been rumored that male gamers generally sign up as female gamers so as to be treated in a better manner and hence escape competition from fellow male members.

The virtual world of online games has been found extensively male-dominated. Aggressive male players are suspected to behave better or differently in case they know that the competitor is a female. It is believed that the male contenders are lenient with the female gamers, rendering them a little laid back and less aggressive while playing. Thus the female disguise helps in brightening the chances of a win, or to put it in different words? escape competition. It is also rumored that female disguise in the virtual world secures the male gamer a better treatment.

Another striking feature that has been observed amongst the online gamers include social developments. It has been gathered that multi-player games can be very social. For example, in the shooter genre, players have been seen bonding with each other through clans or groups they form to fight another group. They fight as a group against another group! They socialize beyond the game and bond with each other as friends/mentors/well-wishers. They extend moral support to each other during hardships and even find each other jobs!

Another example of how online game communities evolve social environments is WW2 flight simulation called ?Air Warrior?. The players of this game have been found ardent social groups who even hold periodical get-together!

Besides, massive multi-player role-playing games have also found to be famous for the strength of their communities. In simpler terms, sometimes gamers assume the gender of the fellow player with his/ her username, while actually it could be a mere false play in order to explore a different experience. As a result, the players find themselves interested in their fellow players socially speaking and interact with each other in a friendlier manner. This sort of enriches the fun element in the online game involving many players.

On the other hand, when it comes to single player games, socializing depends upon the nature of the game, which may require special skills or understanding, for example, a game of chess.

To conclude, the Internet is proving to be a connecting point on a global scale, surpassing all individual differences related to caste, creed, religion and region. Websites catering flash or shockwave based online games to its thousands of subscribers, free of cost, are actually contributing to the cause of social harmony and wider social networks that defy boundaries of geography, economy, culture, degrees of education and family traditions. Communities are playing fields for social interaction. When gamers send messages to other gamers, they are free to exchange email addresses and meet beyond the game community. Communities have become an extension, a new medium of human touch.

About the Author:

Jonathan White, owner of SimplySearch4it - Free Online Games , Entertainment Portal

A Fresh Line Of Baby Strollers From Maclaren

Why Do You Need Help Buying Or Selling Your Home In The New Market

Since the latter part of 2005, it seems like Real Estate signs are popping up in yards like weeds. As of July 31, 2006 there were 15,743 listings on the market for Pinellas County (9,549 Single Family Homes and 6,194 Condos). With this many homes on the market, it begs the question ? Why Do You Need Help Buying Or Selling Your Home In The New Market?

As anyone who has been in the market for a home recently knows, there are A LOT of homes to choose from. If a buyer is not specific with their criteria the number of possibilities can be overwhelming. By sitting down with an agent, the homebuyer can discover what is truly important to them and only look at homes that meet their exact requirements, including location, price or features.

Once a property has been selected, the buyer?s agent can also help negotiate the best possible price for that home and also make sure that the buyers financing needs are all met. Most agents have a good working relationship with a lender who can facilitate a smooth financial transaction for the buyer. In addition, more buyers are able to take advantage of seller assisted closing costs and other creative financing options which their agent will help them to negotiate during the offer.

Having an agent on their side in this market is also vital for home sellers. With all of the local competition it is not enough to just put a house in the MLS system and hope it sells. Agents are now utilizing every avenue available to market their listings including direct mail, the internet, homes magazines and on-site events like Broker?s Open Houses and Public Open Houses. Additional ideas like increasing the buyer?s agent commission, offering bonuses and assisting with buyer?s closing costs are also methods that can generate buyer interest.

The current absorption rate (the percentage of the homes on the market that sold in any given month) is a good indicator of the challenges faced when working to getting a home sold. The rate has dropped from 51.5% in July of 2005 to 8.6% in July of 2006 for Single Family Homes and from 43.6% in July of 2005 to 4.8% in July of 2006 (meaning that less than 10% of the Single Family homes and less than 5% of the Condos on the market sold last month). Having a dedicated Realtor? working full time to get your home in front of any available buyers is imperative!

Once an offer is received, the challenge is to negotiate an offer that is win-win for BOTH the seller and the buyer. Because of the tight market, buyers are more savvy when negotiating a deal and so having an agent on your side can ensure that you get the highest price possible for your home.

Visit realestatemarketingpro.blogspot.com for free real estate marketing tips or see these tips and tricks in action at www.ComeToClearwater.com

Realtors and mortgage bankers/brokers, please feel free to use this article provided this reference is included and all links remain active.

Mind Your Own Business Harjinder Sidhu Pick of the Week

I, Harjinder Sidhu, have chosen this book summary entitled,
Mind Your Own Business. This is all about A Maverick's
Guide to Business, Leadership and Life. Another great book
from Sidney Harman. Doubleday & Company, Inc., 2003; ISBN
0-385-50959-6; 208 page

Now, let's begin our article....


A maverick is an independent person who will not go along
with the other members of a group (Oxford ESL Dictionary).
This book provides priceless stories and insights from a
maverick of the business world; an exemplary business leader
who prefers not to follow orthodox beliefs in business, nor
be eaten by the hyped up ideas of the present. Instead, he
chooses the course of action that is appropriate for the
changing times.




The Maverick's Way: New Old Thing


What is effective? This is the question answered by the
maverick. He reconciles the good things from both the Old
and New times, and focuses on what is really effective in
confronting the challenges of 21st century business dealings.




A maverick thinks outside of the bed, knows that it pays to
be daring, does not allow technology to tyrannize, finds
strength in diversity, maintains balance and harmony among
people, sets leadership by example, has a strong ethical
base, and values employees and customers. A maverick knows
his customers and believes strongly in his products.




To a maverick, a company is a not just a big candy store. It
is a living instrument with living human beings. It should
have a HEART.




Keys to Leadership


The leader leads. He exercises critical judgment, which will
have a great impact on his people.




The leader defines the company. The leader's responsibility
is to explicitly present and advocate the company's purposes
and goals.




The leader inspires. He gives sense and meaning to the job.
He makes his people realize, that beyond profit there is an
underlying meaning, value, and deeper reason for the work
they do.




The leader should be the evangelist. He should be able to
exercise his influence, to sell the values of ethical
conduct.




The leader must see the company as a coherent whole. He
should be aware of the diversity in the company and bring
this together to promote the whole.




The leader must know that there is no better way to create
a family in the workplace than to encourage the family at
home. Harman International introduced the anti-domestic
violence program in the company, which reinforces the idea
that the company cares.




The leader should never underestimate the value of
disciplined hard work.




The leader empowers subordinates to do their jobs. He
should institute programs for the guidance and training
of his people. He should always keep the lines of
communication open.




The leader promotes closure. He should know the right
time to get things done.




The leader knows what he doesn't know. The leader is not
afraid to ask clarifications, if he does not understand a
particular subject.




The leader knows the meaning of two minutes. He should
respect the time of others and that of his own.




The leader teaches.




Above all, the leader develops others. As Lao Tzu advanced:
he leader having accomplished great things, the people
all feel they did it themselves...




The very best leaders go beyond the mere setting of example.
He should be able to cause a leap of imagination and faith
in his people.




The leader recognizes that people are often at their very
best the moment they have been let go. There are times
when an employee doesn't like the work anymore, or he is
unable to appreciate how the whole enterprise works- this
is the time to set him free.




A Company Must Be Profitable


1) A solid financial base is fundamental.




2) Debt should not exceed equity. A debt to equity ratio
of 1 to 1 or better should be the goal, so that a company's
leader and key executives do not spend all their time on
mere survival -paying bills, meeting the payroll, and
keeping the banks happy- but moving forward and meeting
bigger challenges and doing more visionary work.




3) There should be a regular process for annual strategic
planning and budget-planning.




The Fundamentals of Profit and Loss


1) Manage expectations, not the profits. Keep the
shareholders informed, to eliminate doubts of manipulating
numbers.




2) The Chairman and CEO should be financially literate.
They should know what the numbers really mean.




3) Good growth and profitability requires the exercise
of critical judgment. The leader should make certain that
the budget is one the company can live with.




4) In repurchasing the company's own stocks, make sure that
it will add to the company's earnings.




5) Look into the availability of funds so that the balance
sheet will not be compromised.




Make an Edge in the Business World


1) Writing. It is a unique and powerful skill you can use
for clarity and persuasion.




2) Public Speaking and Story-telling. Speak directly, and
without notes, to your audience. Individuals respond to a
well-told story.




3) Thinking. People do not respect sloppy thinking in a
leader. Thoughts should be carefully considered then
expressed directly, crisply, and clearly.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Sidney Harman


Dr. Sidney Harman's brilliance in the audio field can be
heard throughout the world. Whether on New York's Broadway
or in London's Millennium Dome (or nearly anywhere else where
sound quality is required), the same passion and commitment
to music that Dr. Harman has made his life's work is evident.
Tiny body mics on stage actors and miles of fiber optic cable
in the Dome's sound etwork, along with thousands of other
products, all come from Harman International, which grew out
of a small hi-fi company founded in the 1950's by Dr. Harman
and Bernard Kardon. In his role as Chairman, Sidney Harman
still demands that the company continue its unstinting
commitment to excellence.Dr. Harman has written extensively
on productivity, quality of working life and economic policy
in Newsweek magazine, the Washington Post, the Christian
Science Monitor, etc. He is the co-author, with Daniel
Yankelovich, of Starting With The People. He and his work
have been written about in many newspaper and magazine articles and
in a number of widely-read books, which include: Michael Maccoby's The Gamesman, Daniel Zwerling's Democracy at Work, Justin Jerome's Education Out of Anarchy, and Ronald Muller's The Revitalizing of America.

By: Harjinder Sidhu
About the Author

Triple Net Lease: Own A Property? Get The Maximum Out Of It

A triple net lease designates the tenant or lessee as being solely responsible for bearing all the costs related to the asset being leased. The landlord and the tenant come to an agreement where the tenant agrees to pay all taxes, insurance and miscellaneous expenses on the property in addition to any normal fees that are expected under the agreement. The concept of Triple Net Lease has been very popular in commercial building leasing because it reduces the owner's need to worry about spending time and money for monitoring property conditions and providing maintenance.

The basic idea of a net-net-net lease is for the lessee to assume responsibility for all property's expenses, both fixed and operating. The concept is well accepted and employed in all traditional sale-leaseback transactions for long-term lease of larger properties. Both the owner and the lessee agree upon a lease document stipulating that the tenant bears the operating responsibility for the property. In recent years the triple net lease has become increasingly popular for leases of smaller properties. While there are many versions, triple net typically includes Taxes, Insurance, and Maintenance (TIM).

In a triple net lease, the rental component is separately identifiable in the lease, making the actual net investment return clear for property owners and investors. Unfortunately there are several pitfalls for the smaller property owner in regards to leaving the insurance of their building to the tenant. The tenant may willfully damage the property in order to claim insurance while experiencing financial troubles. In such a situation the owner will lose all claim to the insurance and has no fall back to claim losses against the tenant.

Most triple net leases require the lessee or tenant to cover costs to maintain the roofing, heating, etc.- practically anything related to the building that can wear out or be damaged during the lease period. If you are in a triple net lease agreement you will be excused of all property taxes and property insurance liabilities. You will be responsible for paying your utilities directly. You can budget your personnel expenses and costs for routine maintenance and secure a quote for a maintenance contract.

There are a number of important issues to be considered before entering into a triple net lease agreement, including cost of capital, future operating performance and relationship with the building. All parties in a triple net lease arrangement need protection against surprise expenses that can occur as the facility ages and components wear, requiring maintenance and eventual replacement. Some owners reduce their risk by establishing a reserve fund into which each tenant makes regular payments. The owner then covers property maintenance costs as needed from this fund. As tenants come and go, the maintenance fund is constantly replenished?with no surprise burdens for a single tenant or for the owner.

A triple-net lease via a 1031 exchange allows the investor to get even higher returns by deferring his/her taxes and thus increasing the overall internal rate of return. Various companies provide you with a quality selection of triple-net leased properties that are ideal for 1031 like-kind exchange investments. It is believed all interests are best served by regular inspections performed by independent professionals with extensive experience and expertise in evaluating and reporting on building conditions.

Christine is an expert Internet marketing professional with years of experience in various industries such as: Business, Finance, Real Estate, Web-Design and many more.
1031 exchange resources

How Travel Board Games Make The Journey A Little Easier

Ever go on a family vacation that no one enjoyed because of the tedious travel time? Your next vacation doesn't have to be that way. Travel board games can keep the kids busy in the back seat while the the miles quietly disappear.



Board games have always been a wonderful way to get family and friends to spend time together. They encourage communication, imagination, and teach children about winning and losing. In today's world of video games and online games, board games make for a breath of fresh air.



We all need a vacation once in a while, but the traveling can be quite a horror story, especially for families with young children. In the past, board games have been more trouble than they were worth, due to the lack of space and the ease with which pieces go missing. But with the arrival of travel board games, children can enjoy their favorite games, whether in the car, on a plane or riding the rails.



Classic Games



The Scrabble Travel edition is always popular, with a board recessed to hold the pieces in place. This way you can stop midway and resume your game after a lunch break. It also has a compact board and carrying case, which doesn't take too much space in your luggage. Scrabble is one of the classic board games, appealing to the intellect of every age. When your children are busy engrossed in making words, the miles will appear to pass in no time.



For the younger age group, there's travel versions of Hungry Hippos, Connect 4, Guess Who and many others. Each game comes in a compact, convenient case, for easy use and storage.



Manufacturers are recognizing the need for travel board games, especially since they've gradually become more popular. With this in mind, they've also developed combination games. For instance, you may have Chinese checkers on one side of the board or box, and a Chess game on the flip side. Or Snakes and Ladders on one side, and Trouble on the flip side. These travel editions always come with magnetic counters and roll-o-matic dices. So, even if the ride is a little bumpy, your game can continue smoothly.



Other board games are available in the electronic version, including the popular Battleship and Connect Four. Though they're often better suited for single players, they're also often criticized for their small screens which may strain a child's eyes.



You can also easily find pocket size and miniature games on the market today. Try your local toy store or hobby shop, or check out the travel games that are available online before you take that next vacation.



Many families may not have the luxury of dedicating a weeknight for family game night, but when they're all 'confined' in a car for five hours, travel board games can help create wonderful memories for the future - even if it is just until the next McDonalds.

Bags

Bags, which we use so often for carrying every essential thing, are an integral part of our lives. And to produce and create such useful products in various designs, shapes, sizes, colors, and types, numerous companies flood the market.



We also get to choose between pre-designed or pre-made and customized bags; tote bags made up of canvas, cotton, or leather; even plastic bags, diaper bags, and many others.



Tote bags are widely available. Choices exist as to the type, size, design, and color of the tote bags. Open-top totes, zippered totes, large totes, mini totes, canvas totes, cotton totes, leather totes, and much more are all available in the market.



Hundreds of companies flood the market today, creating customized or pre-designed plastic bags for customers. Associated Bag Company, Bradley?s Plastic Bag Company, Clear Bags, Packaging Graphics, Universal Plastic, Big Barn, Freedom Plastic Bags, Command Packaging, Fetpak, Uline, and Plastic Bags for You among several others offer pre-designed and customized plastic bags.



Different ways exist in which we can customize our bags. For example, we can print our own logo or message on them. Some companies require a minimum number for ordering such as a hundred bags or more, but some do accept orders on fewer numbers too. We can choose among different types of plastic bags such as ?polyester plastic bags for toughness?, ?polyethylene plastic bags to act as moisture barrier?, and much more.



Diaper Bags are extremely convenient in carrying babies? belongings and essentials. Research shows that some brands are particularly popular among customers. Some such brands include Timi and Leslie, Oi Oi, J. P. Lizzy, Reese Li, Fleurville, Samsonite Juvenile, Jirro, Dante Beatrix, Diaper Dude, Holy Aiken, Baby Bjorn, Eddie Bauer, and Land?s End among others.



They are available in different types and style, having numerous color options too. Apart from the traditional diaper bags, others like the backpack style, handbag style, shoulder bag style and much more are also provided by numerous companies.



Companies like Tutti Bella, Baby Catalog, Ebags, Dreamtime Baby, Amazon.com, Baby Style, Zappos.com, My Brown Eyed Baby, Pokkadots, Baby Center Store, Baby Bag Boutique, Baby Sherpa, Netkidswear, and Graco deal with diaper bags and other types of bags.

Who Is Man Enough To Be A Nurse?

Introduction

Nursing is a well respected and noble profession. Candidates undergo the long and arduous test of nursing school, gain experience through trained professionals, and must constantly learn of new developments in the field while nurturing patients and vigilantly watching their health. Nursing appears to grant those working in the field a job that is both challenging and rewarding. So, where are all the males in the profession?

Men in the profession

The proportion of men to women nurses remains to be very unbalanced. In 1980, 2.7% of RNs were men and that percent rose to only 5.4% by 2000. The medical field has seen the increase in women doctors, yet the number of male nurses does not come close to that of women.

This was not always the case. Up until the 20th century, more than half of the people providing nursing services to the ill and injured were male. A dramatic shift occurred during the course of the early 20th century making the percentage of male RNs to be below 1% by the 1930s.

Flawed perceptions

Many laypeople and those with experience in the field attribute the lack of men in the field to the public image and misconceptions of being a nurse. Billboards, commercials, textbooks, and the gender of nursing teachers all aid in promoting ?feminine? image. Add fallacies about salaries, poor working conditions, and a limited amount of male role models, and we begin to see where the root of the diversion lies. The lexicon even seems to ameliorate the lopsidedness: A women is referred to as a ?nurse,? but a man is a ?male nurse.?

A new image?

The answer may be to reconstruct the image of a ?nurse.? People view nurses as caring, nurturing, and sensitive. These are exceptional attributes, but are generally referred to as being feminine. Some suggest altering the public perception with advertisements and suggestions that nursing is challenging, action-oriented, and fast-paced.

Still, others suggest that the compassionate, sensitive, and caring traits should be embraced by all people and not be misconstrued to describe one gender. Proponents believe it does take a certain person to become a nurse, but developing and exhibiting the nurturing side of one?s personality should not deter men from the field. Some feel these characteristics are ?positive? and to be revered, and not stereotyped as being ?feminine.?

Conclusion

Nurses (women and men alike) state nursing affords them a flexible schedule, good pay and benefits, job security, and an intrinsically rewarding feeling that you can not place a price upon. Those in the field believe that projecting all of the positive aspects of being a nurse should be more than enough to attract all people to the profession. It is not the profession that needs to change, but the outside perception of how important and noble the position is for everyone.

About the Author:

With over 25 years of experience in the Nursing Education field, Western Schools has now sold over 1 million ANCC accredited courses to nursing students across America. All courses are held up to strict, professional standards.

An Introduction To Car Seat Covers

This article is An Introduction To Car Seat Covers.

Car seat covers are essential upholstery for the car if one wishes to maintain their car in impeccable condition. These covers can be put over the seats and they protect the seats from undesirable external and internal elements of the car.

These covers are tailored to fit over the seats of the cars. They can be custom made to make a perfect fit. They are held in place by zippers or Velcro fasteners or buttons. Velcro fasteners are the most popular as they do not cause any discomfort to the person sitting on the seat. They can be made of cloth, leather or any synthetic material and are washable. Dustproof and stain-proof materials such as neoprene are selected to make better quality car seat covers.

Though some covers are custom designed to fit particular car seats, most of them available in the market are of standard sizes and can fit all types of seats in all kinds of vehicles. They are marginally cheaper than custom designed covers. Covers are made with a foam lining, which may be three to eight inches thick to provide added comfort for the person sitting on the seat. The foam lining also provides insulation to the person.

The basic function of car seat covers is to protect the seats from spoilage. Expensive seats of cars can be saved from animal marks, food marks, sweat stains, etc. by using car seat covers. Car seat covers are a small investment considering they protect precious car seats. It is necessary to wash car seat covers frequently especially after long drives and after the car has been kept in the garage for a long time with the covers on. While buying a car seat cover, it must be checked if the covers are easy to remove and put on so that they can be washed regularly.

Each car seat cover may cost about $30 to $70 depending on the finish and the material with which it has been made. Car seat covers are now available in several patterns and colors. It becomes aesthetically important to match the car seat cover with the rest of the interiors of the car. Car seat covers are today not just a matter of security, but also a matter of vehicle enhancement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Infant Car Seat Covers provides detailed information on Car Seat Covers, Infant Car Seat Covers, Custom Car Seat Covers, Dog Car Seat Covers and more. Infant Car Seat Covers is affiliated with Dog Car Seats.

Ten Wilderness Survival Backpacking Tips

Why should you learn wilderness survival skills just for backpacking? They may save your life someday, and for ultralight enthusiasts like myself, skills replace gear, and therefore weight. The best reason, however, may be that it's just a good feeling to know you can deal with whatever comes up. It makes you feel more at home.

To survive means to stay warm and dry, hydrated, uninjured, and to find your way out of the survival situation. Eating is nice too, but not crucial if the situation is for a few days. Below are some more or less random survival tips, just to get you interested.

Wilderness Survival Tips

1. Warmth: Sleep with your head slightly downhill to stay warmer. This may take some getting used to, but it works.

2. Food: In North America, there is no berry that looks like a blueberry, strawberry, or rasberry, that can hurt you from one taste. Just spit it out if it doesn't taste right. If it looks and tastes like a blueberry - it is.

3. Fire starter: If you put dried moss or milkweed fuzz in your pocket as you walk, you'll have dry tinder to start a fire, just in case it's raining later. Experiment with different materials.

4. Direction-finding: Mark the tip of the shadow of a stick, and mark it again fifteen minutes later. The line between the the first and second marks points east. A few techniques like this can save you when your compass is lost.

5. Weather: In the Rocky Mountains you can see the clouds forming just before the afternoon storms. Being able to read the sky can keep you out of trouble. Lightning kills hikers in Colorado regularly.

6. Staying dry: Hypothermia is the biggest wilderness killer, and getting wet is the biggest cause. Watch for ledges or large fir trees to stand under if you see the rain coming.

7. Shelter: A pile of dry leaves and dead grass can keep you very warm in an emergency.

8. Hydration: Fill water bottles every chance you get, and you won't have such a hard time with any long dry stretches of trail.

9. Injury: Pop a lister on the trunk of a small spruce or fir tree, and you can use the sap that oozes out as an good antiseptic dressing for small cuts.

10. Fire starter: White birch bark will usually light even when wet.

These are just a few of the wilderness survival tips and techniques you can easily learn. Why not practice one or two on your next backpacking trip?


About the author:
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Infant Car Seats What to Look for

Infant car seats should be purchased for any baby who weighs less than 20 pounds. It can be more cost efficient to purchase an infant-toddler car seat that can be converted when the baby weighs more than 20 pounds. But all experts will agree that babies are safer in infant car seat because they are designed for the smaller baby to give support in all the necessary places. Your baby should be comfortable. You should get a car seat that has lots of cushioning and plenty of head support. The Graco infant car seat is one of the most popular car seats for infants and range in price from $80 to $170.

These are some things to look for when you are shopping for a car seat for your infant.

It should be easy to install. It is very important that the car seat is installed properly and according to the manufacturers specifications. When buying a car seat, remember that simpler is better. If a car seat looks like it will be difficult to install, it probably is.

A smaller baby needs more adequate restraints to hold him in the seat. Look for infant seats that have a five point harness. These will have one strap for each of the babys shoulders, one strap for each of his thighs, and one between his legs. These straps are safer for an infant since they are more adjustable than plastic shields or T-bar restraints.

Avoid car seats that require you to fasten the seatbelt in the rear of the seat. The seatbelt adjustment should be easy to reach.

It must have the right anchors. Starting in September 2002, all new infant safety seats had to be compatible with the LATCH system (LATCH is short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Rather than using a seatbelt to hold the infant seat in place, this system uses two anchors for the bottom of the seat and a one tether for the top of the seat. This makes installation of the seat easier and safer because the seat is attached directly to the car.

Babies are always a mess. Consider purchasing a seat with a removable infant car seat cover so that you can keep the car seat clean. It may be tough to find this feature because many car seats do not come with removable infant car seat covers. Be sure to check the car seat you are purchasing to see if the car seat cover can be removed.

The most important thing to consider what buying a car seat for your infant is safety. Remember, the car seat should be easy to install, have adequate restraints, and have the correct anchors for attaching it to the car.

About the Author

LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Graco Infant Car Seats including an extensive line of Infant Car Seats for infants and children.

By LynnMarie S

Home Organization: How to Organize a Disorganized Family Member at Home

Does your spouse keep his magazines and newspapers spread across the floors of your home? Is he constantly asking you if you've seen his keys or eyeglasses? Are you tripping over your child's toys? Is his or her disorganization driving you mad? You can stop the chaotic madness in your home. Heed this simple home organization advice to get your home or family member in order.

ASK WHY

Why do you want this family member to be more organized? Is this person's disorganization affecting you in a way that you can literally describe? For instance, perhaps you're tripping over your spouse's shoes. That's a safety hazard. Or maybe you have to drive your children to school a few days too many because they miss the school bus---because they can't find their report, clothes, lunch, etc. in a timely manner. That affects your schedule (and your gas tank!). Or maybe your husband (or wife) buys duplicate items because they forgot where they put (or that they already owned) the last one. That affects your family budget.

Those are all valid and good reasons to help a family member to be more organized around your home. And there are plenty more examples that you can add to that list. But if your reason to organize your spouse, kids, parents or even roommate is because YOU think it will help them function better in life or YOU think they'll appreciate having a more organized room (because you always do), you're just complicating your life. And home organization is about simplifying your life, not complicating it. Make sure you're helping someone to get organized at home because it helps them in some way THAT THEY WANT or because it helps you both with a shared goal that you express to them (e.g. You don't break your neck tripping over your husband's shoes in the future or you can find the shared car keys when you're ready to go to your appointment.)

NOW WHAT

In order to organize a function or task of a disorganized family member, you have to think like them. So that means you have to keep an open mind. For instance, you know your spouse or kids come in every day and automatically flip their shoes off the first moment they get. They're not doing this to annoy you. It's just them. Maybe their feet are hot! So make organization convenient for them. Put a shoe bench near the foyer. They can still immediately take their shoes off but they can put them right away there in the shoe bench. A shoe bench is cool because it's a piece of furniture that's part of your home decor. Yet you can't see the dirty shoes (You might want to throw a stick-on odor eater in the shoe compartment too.).

The same goes for items like keys, notebooks, backpacks, sunglasses, etc. Set up baskets, bins, tins, containers, etc. in convenient places where family members have a habit of laying things. It's convenient for them. Your home looks neater (and you can blend these organizational helpers into the decor). Everyone knows where these items are located when they need them because these items now have an official home (and a convenient home).

Or let's say a family member has a hobby or collection of different items they use regularly. You often find these items on the floor. You know this person well so you know they'll never replace these items neatly in closed bins and put them back on that one assigned closet shelf (like you would). That'll never work for him or her. Instead, think like that person. What that person needs is open bins or baskets (no lids) on an open vertical shelving system. That way they can see exactly what is where at a glance without dumping everything onto the floor. And they can easily (even haphazardly) throw items back into the bins. And that's because there are no lids on them---the contents are viewable at a glance--and this is an organizational system for a person who wants to use their stuff not an organized person who wants their stuff to all look pretty. See the difference.

Think like the end user to create home organizational systems for your disorganized family members. You devise or buy organizational bins, baskets and shelving systems that are pretty and neat for your home while also buying ones that are functional for the intended user of the organizational item.

THE REST OF YOUR HOME

If you have less organized family members who can't or aren't going to follow your detailed organization system, keep making it easy on them throughout your entire home. Give them something they can handle like a basket or container system. They don't have to organize and sort their toys, dirty laundry or other items. They just have to keep each set of different items in its designated container when not in use. It's up to them to dig through the stack in each container if they need something.

No alphabetizing. No categorizing the items in each container. No color coding. Just put each group of items in a different basket, bin or container. A contained stack is much neater and still more organized than having things spread around the floor or counter. If it bothers you, put a lid on it, literally. And if you still find the occasional item on the floor when you're vacuuming, just toss it in the container (don't straighten it, fold it or try to put it just so in the container---just toss it in and move on).

Try these tips with Mr. or Ms. Messy in your home and watch your home organization plan take shape quicker than you ever thought possible. And remember, you cannot transform a disorganized person into an organized person. But you can work their habits and personality into your home organization scheme with a little creative thinking and compromise (by both parties) as suggested in this home organization article.
About the Author

Karen Fritscher-Porter publishes http://www.EasyHomeOrganizing.com where you can read hundreds of free tips with home organization solutions, shop for home organization products and subscribe to two free home organization newsletters.

Planning the Perfect Maternity Wardrobe for Breastfeeding

?I have nothing to wear!? Heard this before from a new mother?

After putting in much time and effort into planning their maternity wardrobe, many new mums suddenly discover they have nothing to wear after their baby arrives!

It is important to plan ahead while pregnant to ensure your maternity wardrobe will make the smooth transition from pregnancy to breastfeeding.

With a few simple tips planning the perfect maternity and breastfeeding wardrobe is easy and won?t break the budget either!

Start with the basics

Look at the basics in your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and replace these with the maternity versions. Maternity tanks tops with built-in nursing bras are fantastic and are easy to mix and match. Black, white and a print or brighter colour are great to start with and will go with most colours.

Tank tops will also take you through all seasons ? perfect to wear on their own in the warmer months and great for layering in winter.

Think Dresses

Dresses in flowing stretchy fabrics are fantastic for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. With the right cut, dresses are very flattering on a baby bump and also great for the post-baby figure.

Make sure you have at least one or two dresses in your wardrobe that will take you from work, play and important functions such as your baby?s christening or naming day! Again you can?t go past classic black for classic style and slimming effect.

New styles of maternity dresses also include a built-in nursing bra, which is fantastic when you have to attend a function and breastfeed your baby at the same time.

Tops to take you everywhere

Once you have a baby you suddenly need clothing for all those outings ? mother?s group, coffee, shopping, trips to the doctor, the list goes on? Unless you want to spend your life in baby rooms, you need tops that allow you to breastfeed discreetly in public and look good too!

Again look for tops that allow for easy breastfeeding access and are flattering on your changing shape. Style features such as crossover fronts and side gathering are very good at hiding extra kilos. Many tops designed for breastfeeding are also suitable for pregnancy.

Look for quality

As a mum of two small boys, I know how tempting it is to go for cheap and cheerful when buying clothes. However, often these items are here for ?a good time not a long time? and won?t last the distance.

When you think about it, your maternity and breastfeeding wardrobe needs to last you for at least two years depending on how long you breastfeed and how many children you have. So in the long run it is better value for money to look for quality fabrics and styles that will last the distance.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who manages online store Nuvo Maternity (http://www.nuvomaternity.com.au) while also caring for her two small boys. Nuvo Maternity specialises in nursing wear and breastfeeding clothes.

Safety precautions for boating and hunting

Boating and hunting are certainly two of the most popular outdoor activities. In the following article we will take a look at each of them and discuss some of the safety risk involved.

Boating
The term boating usually refers to the recreational use of a pleasure craft. Fishing and waterskiing are two common boating activities along with many other sports. Millions of boaters can be found all around the world as it is an incredibly popular activity.

Boating Safety
For most people when they go out boating on the water the last thing on their mind is emergency preparation. This is a mistake which over time has cost many people their lives. Being prepared for an emergency is absolutely vital if you are going to go out boating. Common boating emergencies include someone falling overboard, boat breakdowns, boat leaks and capsizing.

Proper safety equipment is not only recommended but is mandatory in most places. Boating safety equipment includes life buoys, life jackets and ladders. A horn and bailer are also recommended and/or required in most areas. Survival suits are also recommended especially when boating in cold water where the risk of hypothermia is greater.

Proper maintenance of your boat is essential to ensuring a safe trip. Without proper maintenance your boat has a much greater risk of breaking down which will put the lives of everyone on board including yourself at risk.

Hunting
Hunting can be defined as the practise of pursuing some type of animal while attempting to capture or kill it. Hunting dates back many, many years and is a very celebrated pastime.

Hunting Safety
Unload all firearms when not in use. Although you may know that your firearm is loaded, the people around you may not. Never hop over a fence or climb into your tree stand with a gun that is loaded. When travelling on an ATV or other vehicle unload the gun as well.

Be sure that not only do you know what is in front of your target before shooting but also be aware of what is behind it. Many hunters leave this part out as they assume that they will not miss. That however is not the case.

The most important safety tip that we can offer you is to use common sense at ALL times. While hunting, do not at any time allow your emotions to override common sense.

Taking a compass and map with you will aid if you get lost. Even a flashlight is a good idea in case you become lost in the dark. The flashlight will also help in avoiding snakes and other potentially dangerous animals.

Following these tips will allow you a much better chance of having a safe and enjoyable time boating or hunting.
About the Author

Hunting Source provides information about hunting. Boating information can be found at the Boating Source.

All About Peg Perego

A Successful Backgammon Strategy

Board Games The Best Selling Board Games Of All Time

It must have been a crushing blow. It was 1934, the depths of the Great Depression. Charles Darrow was unemployed. But, he had an idea. Actually, he had a board game. He called the game Monopoly. He liked the board game and felt it was his ticket to financial success and out of the desperation of the depression. Darrow had taken his game to the famous Parker Brothers game company to publish and help him sell.

The Parker Brothers had agreed to look at the board game for Darrow. They were not impressed. Formed in 1883, by 16-year-old George Parker, the game publishing company had been making and selling games and puzzles for 51 years. During that time they had seen success and failure. Parker Brothers knew the game business. They knew what worked and what didnt. They knew what sold and what didnt. Representatives of the giant game company found 59 reasons why they did not think Darrows game could be successful.

Charles Darrow simply didnt agree. He believed. He decided to publish Monopoly himself and market it through department stores. He had 5,000 copies of the board game printed.

Hope was scarce during that harsh Christmas of 1934. Money was even scarcer. And, Monopoly was a hit. Nearly all 5,000 copies of the board game sold. Within a year Parker Brothers was publishing the game. It was the best selling game in America by 1936.

Monopoly is now published in 89 languages and over 200 million copies of the board game have been sold. More than 500 million people have played the game. It has also been adapted as an electronic game. Monopoly is firmly entrenched as the best selling board game of all time.

Monopoly is a relative upstart compared to other popular board games.

The oldest known board game is called The Royal Game of Ur or the Game of 20 Squares. This game was discovered in a 4,500-year-old tomb in southern Iraq. This game was played throughout the Middle East for perhaps 1,000 years or more. In fact, the rules of the game have been found in cuneiform tablets. Game aficionados can play this ancient game yet today, even though it has long ago faded from popularity.

Perhaps the oldest board game still popular today is chess, which first appeared in India by the sixth century A.D. By the year 1,000 it was being played throughout the Middle East and in Europe. The rules and game board design have evolved somewhat over the centuries, but the game is still very much the same as the ancient Indians played it. They could hardly have dreamed, however, of the world-class chess match play or the electronic versions of the game we enjoy today.

Another very old, yet immensely popular board game is checkers, also known as draughts. A form of checkers was being played by the Egyptian Pharaohs as early as 1600 B.C. This game has also evolved over the centuries. By the 12th century the game was adapted to the 64-square chessboard. Four hundred years later the rules involving capture were added, yielding essentially the same game we play today.

There is simply no way to tell how many copies of chess or checkers have been sold or how many people have played these games. If the numbers were known, they would have to be truly staggering.

Popular Board Games Share Common Traits

Other top selling board games include Yahtzee, Scrabble, Mahjong, Trivial Pursuit, Battleship and the Risk game. Most of these games were developed during the 20th century and all are still big sellers and tremendously popular.

These popular board games share some similar traits. Most of them involve specific strategies of play. When these strategies are employed successfully, the games are fun, challenging and intensely rewarding as players attempt to capture portions of the board and/or each other. Another common element in most of these board games is chance, or luck. Luck is introduced usually by drawing cards or rolling dice. The element of chance opens up possibilities for even more strategies of play. A final important trait of these games is that in one way or another they reflect the lessons of life. They teach competition and sportsmanship. They teach strategy and the lesson of never giving up.

Perhaps that is why Charles Darrow was so attracted to Monopoly. He believed that success comes by employing sound strategies to following a dream and never giving up. We are glad that Darrow didnt give up. We are glad he didnt throw the board game with 59 things wrong in the trash bin as he left the Parker Brothers plant in 1934.

About the author: Royce Armstrong is a successful freelance writer with a business and banking background who believes consumers should get the best value for their money when shopping for board games, family games and learning games.