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Minggu, 27 Desember 2009

CREATE A BLOG

Not so many years ago, "blog" was not a household word. Today, blogging is almost an international hobby, with literally millions of bloggers, posting their thoughts on everything from global warming to tips on pet care. Some have huge followings, while others don't fare so well. Let's take a look at how you can create a blog that stands out in the crowd.

If you want to create a blog, the process is simple, quick and free with any of the many blog hosting services. When you create a blog page, give your topic and writing style a bit - quite a bit - of thought before simply jumping in and hoping for the best.

Most important in the planning phase is your topic. Passion for your subject is what ultimately breeds success with your readership. When you create a blog, select a subject that fills you with excitement, curiosity and a desire to share with others. This makes words flow easily and nurtures an untiring commitment, so necessary to long-term success.

Once you've nailed down your topic, your primary job is to tweak reader's interest with knowledge, perspective and provocative commentary. This causes readers to reflect on your posts and contribute thoughts, questions and perhaps new information that sets off a flurry of responses from yet other readers.

When you create a blog that meets this criteria, you're halfway there. Another key point to consider: know your topic and be willing to research and learn more. You've heard it said, the more you know, the more you realize what you don't know. This is what makes an expert in any field.

Readers may pose a situation or difference of opinion that requires that you do additional research before you can make an educated response. This only fuels your own enthusiasm and gains you further credibility. You'll learn new facts or ideas and have even more interesting material to offer. The usual result is a wider readership.

Word-of-mouth is an excellent way to promote your blog. However, a little active marketing never hurts.

Many bloggers swear by spreading word of their blog through personal profile sites such as myspace, where you can highlight your cyberspace presence with an infusion of your personality and lifestyle that will pique the interest of individuals who might otherwise not ever have come across your blog. Submit some of your best entries to article directories in the appropriate category. Search out newsletters that focus on your topic and then offer your most provocative pieces to the editor, in exchange for a byline that links to your blog. Just these three simple efforts will do wonders for your exposure to new readers.

Go for it! Create a blog! Choose your subject carefully, respect and encourage comments from others and learn all you can. Blogging is a satisfying activity. You may just change the world for the better!
There are a plethora of crafts for children available online. These projects are real lifesavers for a mom who needs some downtime and they also serve as great creative outlets for the kids. All you really need to do is keep a good stock of crafting supplies on hand.

Finding arts and crafts supplies for kids is a pretty simple task. That is, if you shop online. Why go through the hassle of running around looking for the best deals in your local stores when you can browse for crafts for children online? Price comparison is at your fingertips and you can use this resource to help you get a good list of items to buy.

We all know the basics when it comes to crafts for children. There are certain supplies that are must-haves. I like to keep the essential kids crafting supplies in a special containers that I call the art bins. It’s a good idea to have more than one, especially if you plan on doing a lot of activities.

Craft kits are easy to stock at home. Make sure that you keep a nice stock of extra baby jars, empty toilet paper rolls and paper towels in the collection. Add any other reusable items in your kit and prompt the kids to come up with crafts for children on their own.

This is a great way to teach children about art but it is a very important lesson about recycling. The empty toilet paper roll can turn into a cute doll with the right accessories and a little imagination. Why not inspire your kids to make their own designs before getting into your stock of crafting supplies for kids.

Once you open the supply box, the kids will go crazy with creativity. They will discover that crafts for children don’t have to be set in stone. In fact, they can actually spend time looking online for great crafting ideas that they can use to create some wonderful projects on their own.

In no time at all, you kids will find that your little ones are working independently on various crafts for children that they have designed or found online. This is a wonderful time-filler and a great learning tool.

Try checking out the different options in supplies available in crafts for children. You will soon find the inspiration you need to get the items ordered and organized. There is a lot of fun on the horizon.
What could be better than a convection oven? This product has graced the kitchens of fine chefs and it has become an item of envy for the everyday cook. However, I have found something even better; a convection oven with rotisserie. This item is a real treat for any gourmet cook.

When I first saw the convection oven with rotisserie my knees buckled. I fell deeply in love with this kitchen appliance. This handsome cooking unit offers everything a cook could want and more. It also promises to last for years and years to come.

There are six general cooking functions available on the kitchen appliance. You can use the convection oven with rotisserie for a cooking task as simple as toasting and defrosting or for more complex tasks like broiling and rotisserie. This unit will also serve as a great way to bake your favorites or just keep your food warm.

Accessories are important to many cooks, too. There are plenty of great gadgets that come with the convection oven with rotisserie. Of course, the rotisserie is on the top of the list. In addition, there is a wire rack and a broil insert with drip pan. Pizza lovers will enjoy the pizza rack and pizza pan that comes with the unit. There is also a bake pan that is crucial for most baking projects.

The interior of the convection oven with rotisserie is a dream, too. The insides offer a non-stick surface that is simple to clean. There is room for a 10 pound ham or even a 12 inch hoagie. You can cook these larger products without worry about clean up. There is also a removable glass door that can be cleaned in no time at all.

Those of us that don’t have a lot of time to devote to cooking really appreciate the cooking speed that the convection oven with rotisserie offers. You can have dinner done in record time but everyone will think that you spent an entire day in the kitchen. This product is ideal for any busy (or impatient) cook.

Many of us are willing to make a sound investment in a product like this. The convection oven with rotisserie is surprisingly affordable. I was thrilled that the price tag on my unit was shockingly low. Knowing that I have a quality product at a reasonable price makes all of my cooking more enjoyable.
There is one fun and eventful occasion that college students across America look forward to like no other. This is when the sun finally appears after three months of cold weather and heavy clothing. Nope, it's not summer time just yet. I'm referring to the one and only college spring break. Ideas for this week of R&R fill the air as we speak. Countless students are booking hotel rooms by the beach and figuring out who they're catching a ride with. There's no doubt that this is one occasion designed for young adults.

While I've heard plenty of college spring break stories that almost sound too good to be true, I've listened to a few doosies as well. This reminds me of how dangerous college spring break can be if not approached in the right manner. So, what I'm saying is; there are some basic rules that every college kid should know in order to survive their spring break getaway. Number one; travel in your own vehicle or with friends you truly trust. I'm talking about the friends that care about you more than their social life for a night. Although they're few and far between, they do indeed exist. Number two; never invite people you don't know back to your room. This is a terrible idea. You could possibly be getting into a mess you can't even fathom. Plus, it's dangerous! Number three; avoid getting drunk and wasted out in public. If you are the legal age to drink, then do so responsibly. You never know who might take advantage of your situation when plastered out in public. You could get raped, mugged, or even worse. I realize college spring break is supposed to be a time to cut loose, but it's up to you to be responsible and safe at the same time.

People always head for the beaches on college spring break. I suppose there's just something about the warm sand between your toes and the ocean waves crashing against the shore. It's definitely a beautiful place to kick-back and forget about the chaos of school. Just be certain you know the local laws/rules before starting and beach bonfires or beer fests. The last thing you want is for your college spring break bash to become a criminal offense. Party wisely on spring break this year.

circle of friends

As we go through life, we learn that friendships are perhaps some of the most important relationships that we will ever have. We love our family and our spouses, but there are times when our friends are all we have. We also learn the hard way that our circle of friends will always be changing, and even though that is painful, that is the way that it is and has been for a very long time. Even the best of friends fade away at some point. Life is always changing, and rarely does it change at the same time for everyone.

The good news is that when you say goodbye to one circle of friends, you open the door for new ones. The friends we have in our lives often have lives that reflect our own. If you have a lot of single friends, and you marry and have children, you are going to find that your circle of friends will change to reflect that. You may soon find out that your single friends don’t understand your new life, and that you need to find new friends that do. You don’t have to ditch your old friends, but you will find the need to find some who are living a life much like your own.

In many ways, your circle of friend reflects who you are. If you look at your closest friends, you can tell a lot about yourself from who they are. They are usually in the same type of work position as you. That does not mean that they have the same job as you, but they may have positions that are similar to yours along a career path. They usually have the same marital status as you do, and if you have children, they probably do too. Even better, this circle of friends is like you, but also, helps you grow.

There are other friends that you may run into as well. There is an autism support program called Circle of Friends. You may not want to think about your child having this problem, but if they do, this is one of the best things you can do for you and your child. You can find those who understand you and what you are going through, and you can all share information on the latest research and support methods. This group actually helps children meet other children, but it can be a great network for the parents. Even though this type of circle of friends is not what you ever imagined for yourself, you may find they end up being some of the best friends you have ever had.
Most individuals residing in this country should consider themselves lucky. Unfortunately there are a number of children who do not have the lives that most of us take for granted. They are sadly struggling to get by. Many of these minors lack the proper parenting and care that all children deserve. Instead of growing up happily in a fine home with two wonderful parents that love them more than life, they're forced to fend for themselves or take up residence in some sort of children's shelter. These are the countless children in need! You may not devote much thought to these individuals, but they're suffering nonetheless. It's time that more people cared.

When you think of children in need, you may start to ponder under-developed countries, which are commonly filled with underprivileged children. These are the children in need that you see on television ads and infomercials. Generally a spokes person comes out and asks you to donate a certain amount of money so that these children can get what they need to survive. While this is no doubt touching, and is likely to tug at the heart strings of countless viewers, there is one major aspect of this issue to remember. There are also oodles of children in need, which are located right here at home in our country. As a country, we should strive to help them first. It makes sense to deal with our own dilemmas and burdens prior to tackling those around the globe.

A great way to get in touch with some of these children in need organizations is via the Internet. Hop online and take a gander at websites such as www.SOS-USA.org or www.GKTW.org. These well-known websites will get you on the right track toward learning more about the numerous children in need across the country. There are ways you can assist these kids and help them attain the food and possessions they need. Even if you do not have a great deal of money to donate to children in need, the smallest amount will still make a difference for someone. Furthermore, it's always great to donate used and new possessions to local charities in your neck of the woods. Let's begin by helping the children that reside here in the US of A.
One thing that most people don’t think to buy for their children is a chess set. Many think that chess is an old game that no one plays any longer, and there really aren’t many that are interested. Truthfully though, if you were to buy one for your child, and if you take the time to play with them, there are benefits for the both of you that you might not realize right away.

A chess set is more than a game. It takes a lot of thinking to get through a game and actually win. It is something like checkers, but much more complicated. In fact, some might say that the only thing similar between the two is that they have the same look about their playing board. Whatever the case, a chess set will require more time and patience than learning to play chess. However, the benefits of this game far exceed anything that checkers could ever do.

Playing with a chess set requires the players to think far in advance of the present move they are going to make. That means they have to use the power of reasoning and logic to make any move. This is something that we all learn in time, but some learn earlier than others. Those who grow up with a chess set might indeed have an advantage. The reason so many teenagers get into trouble is not because they are bad kids, but because they have not learned to think about beyond what they are doing. Learning chess could help change that in some kids. Thinking beyond the moment may become automatic, and they can then begin to make better choices.

A chess set certainly won’t keep teens from making mistakes, but learning to think ahead might keep them out of some problems. It’s an abstract thought, but there is certainly no harm in teaching a child to play. There are other great things they can get from a chess set as well. They learn to play and take turns, and they learn to win or lose with grace. They will also learn that they mean a lot to you if you take time out of your week to play with them. It’s funny to think about some of the things that have lasted through the centuries. Usually there is more to them than just the obvious, as is the case with the game of chess.
Have you ever noticed how people will pick and choose what they are going to spend top dollar for and what they are going to scrimp on? We are all different in what we are going to pay for and what we are not. I tend to be this way with grocery items. I do not care what brand name the item is as long as it is a good value. I have never been so impressed with one brand or another that I need to buy one over the other.

There are other things that I have tried to save on, but have found that the cheapest is not always the best. We were looking for better rates on our car insurance. We felt that the amount we were paying was too high. We found cheap car insurance through an internet quote. The savings were substantial. We were careful to enter all the information requested on the forms for the quote so that we would maintain the same coverage. Even though the company for the cheap car insurance did not want to send it out prior to us signing up, we did get a full copy of the general policy. There were some things that we were giving up going with the cheap car insurance, but it seemed worth it. The main thing we were letting go of was a free rental car in case our car was in for repairs. We reasoned that we have an extra vehicle that we use for recreational purposes, so we could use that one if one of the vehicles we use daily is in the shop.

We were all set to sign up for the cheap car insurance when we were contacted by the company and were told that they rate would be higher than we were originally quoted. The initial quote was for the three vehicles that we wanted to insure, however our driving history was not taken into account. I had received a speeding ticket thirty-two months prior to the quote and my husband had received on eight months prior to the quote. The speeding tickets remain on your record for three years and affected the premium by over six hundred dollars a year. Two things really surprised me. One was the fact that the two tickets had that large of an affect and two that the company would send out papers to sign us up and give us a quote prior to having our driving history in front of them. This experience taught us to ask many more questions when being given a quote. The main question to ask is if the cheap car insurance quote is specifically for your driving record and your automobiles or if is a general listing based on the automobile only.
Lighting a room can be hard if you don’t know what you are doing. There are many different types of lighting ideas out there, and some people simply go with a single light in the center of the ceiling because they don’t want to bother, or they aren’t aware of other options. Lamps can give a different look, but there are many different types of ceiling lights that many fall in love with once they have them installed in their home. This is because they can do great things with a room that was once just blah.

Ceiling lights come in many different varieties. Some of the most popular are track lights. These have a track, as you may have guessed, and that track can be put anywhere on the ceiling. There are lights that go on this track that can be moved and focused on different parts of the room. This type of ceiling lights allows a homeowner to have light where it is needed the most, and the flexibility to change them around when needed. They can even be used to highlight great art in a room, or to build a focal point.

There are other types of great ceiling lights as well. These are often recessed right into the ceiling and can also be focused on any point in the room. These often are not moveable like track lighting, but can be just as wonderful if you have enough in the room. They tend to be a bit less in intensity, but that is a great look in many rooms. If you have a lot of glass and metal in your décor, these lights will highlight those things in a very attractive way. These, like track lights, can also be used to highlight other things in the room that you may want guests to notice when they walk into your home or a certain room.

No matter what type of ceiling lights you may want to try, you should always shop around for the best price. You can always get great deals in home improvement stores, but don’t forget to look around online to see what you can find. Deal with sites that have a good reputation, and make sure they use secure methods of shipping for your ceiling lights don’t arrive broken and unusable. Most are good at this though, as it is what they do every day. You may save money on shipping if you buy a few things and have them shipped together.
I am a cat lover. I have had a pet cat for as long as I can remember. I grew up on a farm so there were several cats that lived in the barn. They were friendly and let you pet them, but they were not allowed to come in the house. We had one female house cat. She was a calico. Each spring she would have a litter of kittens in the basement. She would nurse them and care for them until they were weaned and then she would take off for the summer. We would not see her for several weeks and then she would show up again. She would be skinning and her fur would be matted. During the time she would be gone we would transition the kittens out to the barn, or would give them to people for pets.

I often wondered where she went on her cat getaways. It would take her a few weeks to fatten back up and get the tangles out of her fur. She was quite independent, yet she loved to sit on your lap to be petted and every night she would lie at the foot of my bed. The best thing about her was that we did not have to change a cat litter box very often. She preferred to go outside. We kept a cat litter box in the basement area for her, but she would go and meow at the door to be let out. She would cry at the door when she wanted to come back in. The only time she used the cat litter box was in the winter when it was extremely cold outside.

After I was married I convince my husband that we should have a cat in the house. We lived out in the country. We owned twenty acres of land and a house and garage. The cat we found was all black. He was a great hunter. He would roam at night and sleep in the house all day during the warm months. In the winter he stayed in the house most of the time. He preferred going outside rather than using a cat litter box. Now that we live in a neighborhood with a busy street in front of our house our present cat uses the litter box all the time. We were not used to having to clean the cat litter box as often as we have to now. We have tried different litters and we found one that the cats like and that covers the odor very well. We keep the litter box in the laundry room of the basement. We keep the door propped open so the cats are able to get to the litter box whenever they need to. We make sure that we clean the box out a couple times a week to keep the smell down and for the health of the cats.
Everyone is very busy these days, juggling home life and work. It's very tempting to pop a ready meal into the microwave at the end of a long day. Cooking skills are declining but there is a way of eating healthy, nutritious meals without spending ages in the kitchen. Traditional casserole recipes can be found in many countries and usually called for food to be cooked slowly in earthenware pots.

Kitchen equipment has moved on but there is still a demand for casseroles. Slow cooking is tastier but preparation can be made quicker with the right ingredients. Easily cooked casserole recipes are tasty too and can still be achieved on a budget. After the casserole dish is put into the oven, it can be left whilst other chores are attended to.

Anything goes with a casserole, whether it's cooking a fresh meal or using up leftovers. It's fun to experiment with different casserole recipes, adapting them to personal taste. Cheap cuts of meat are ideal for casseroles as they need slow cooking to tenderize and bring out the flavor. Poultry, fish and vegetables all benefit from this cooking method.

Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish, made from ground beef. A quick version uses a can of cream of mushroom soup and egg noodles. Corned Beef Casserole is an inexpensive meal, using canned corned beef, egg noodles, cheese and a can of cream of chicken soup.

Casserole cooking brings out the flavor of root vegetables. Carrots and swede go well with sweet potatoes and squash. Peppers and mushrooms are also suited to this sort of cooking. Corn and Broccoli Casserole can be made with a can of condensed corn soup, cheddar cheese, milk and broccoli. Broccoli Cheese Casserole uses onion, broccoli, rice, cheese and a can of cream of chicken soup.

There are several ways of including chicken and turkey into casserole recipes. One of the most useful ways of using turkey leftovers after Thanksgiving is Turkey Casserole with egg noodles, peas, sweet red peppers, milk and a can of condensed celery soup. The turkey should be cut into cubes and margarine and bread crumbs are required for the topping.

Seafood is also very tasty in casseroles. Tuna Casserole is a popular dish with numerous versions. For something more unusual, Crab Casserole uses Snow Crab with rice, peppers, onions, cheddar, mushrooms and a can of shrimp soup. A quick Italian inspired dish involves sausage, zucchini and spaghetti sauce.

Get Your Free Career Assessment Test

When you're still in school and living with the folks, you naturally don't think much about careers and the future. Okay, maybe you ponder the future, but probably without financial worries. Regardless of how you think and dream, nothing truly prepares you for what the world has in store. Once you enter college or the workforce, it can be more than a little difficult to pinpoint that field of employment you truly enjoy. Hey, no worries! While life can be tricky and tough at times, there are remedies for issues that involve employment and future career paths. Take the career assessment test for example. Anyone can take one of these to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. In fact, this is a great way to find out what job field you'll enjoy.

The web is one of your greatest allies in this day and age. There is just so much great information and assistance at your disposal when you have a computer with Internet access. For example, you can hop online and check out websites such as careerexplorer.net, questcareer.com and careerpath.com. Each of these websites offer career assessment testing to assist you with finding and choosing a job that not only suits your interests, but your strong points as well. Simply heading off to college doesn't always do the trick. Sure, you can select a major, get great marks and graduate; but the real question is; will you enjoy the career path you're headed down? It's sadly tough to say. I've definitely known folks who didn't. Suddenly they have a degree, but no drive to do the work they studied for. They should have taken a free career assessment test in college.

After you complete high school or in your first couple years of college, it's wise to indulge in a career assessment test of some sort. More than likely you can take one of these free of charge in your school. Just head over to the career center located at your university or community college and ask about career assessment tests. These can naturally help you choose your major and better prepare for the real world that lies in the near distance. Remember, it's better to take the test before you acquire the college degree.
I always thought camp hammocks makes were cool, but assumed that they were sort of a novelty. Portable hammocks, or so I figured, would just like folding camp chairs – something to make you a little bit more comfortable while you are hanging around your campsite, but far from a necessity. I am a pretty serious camper, and when I go out into the woods I don't take much in the way of comfort items. All I tale when I camp is my tent, my bag, some food, and some clothing. That is about it. Sometimes I'll take a good book to read or a harmonica along to play as we sit by the campfire, but never anything particularly large and bulky. I figure that camping hammocks, no matter how comfortable, were not for me.

I did not realize what a useful thing a camping hammock could be. Camping hammocks, after all, don't really go along with the traditional approach to camping. Traditionally, you get tents, sleeping bags, and maybe a sleeping pad. You sleep on the ground and use the sleeping bag to insulate you. Camping hammocks, however, greatly simplify the process. The really cool thing about them is that they insulate you from the ground. You may not believe this, but an all weather camping hammock is going to be more comfortable than all but the warmest looking bags. This is because you are surrounded by air. Ground quickly takes heat away from you, but the air does not.

By insulating you from the ground, camping hammocks allow you to stay warmer with less gear. They are thinner than comparable sleeping bags, and unless the weather is really wretched, you don't need a tent or a rain fly. You can camp elevated above the ground in complete comfort in practically any weather. From fall rain storms to tropical nights, there are camping hammocks designed for whatever weather you happen to be living through.

Of course, there are some situations where the old school tents and sleeping bag accommodations works better. If, for example, you're going to be dealing with snow, you want a tent. You want to be able to keep it off of you and your gear, and a camp hammock just doesn't quite do the trick. Nonetheless, for less severe situations – particularly if you are camping somewhere with good trees - camping hammocks will work quite well and take care of your needs for shelter and comfort.
When you listen to the news and hear the stock market reports as well as the economist reports it sounds like no one is buying anything. Yet you also hear stories about the huge credit card debts many people have. More and more people are finding that it is very easy to get credit, however it is much more difficult to pay off the bills if you let them accumulate and have to pay interest on top of the charges. We will use our credit cars to earn points as well as for convenience, however we always pay the balance at the end of each billing period.

A year ago we decided to buy a computer system for the house. The store we went to was offering a special buy now pay later campaign on a complete package that included a printer upgrade as well as a flat screen monitor upgrade. We decided that we would purchase the system, even though it was more money than we had originally intended to pay. With the buy now pay later promotion he you had twelve months to pay off the bill, without any interest accumulating. We decided we could afford the upgrades as long as we had the extended period to pay for it.

We made small monthly payments on the computer and at the end of the twelve months paid the rest off. We did not have to pay any interest. Two weeks ago our lawn mower broke down. The repairs would have cost us more than the lawnmower was worth. We looked at a few cheaper models of mowers. We mow over an acre of lawn so we need to have a machine that is dependable. We also looked at a brand name top of the line mower. It cost double of the cheaper brand, however the clerk assured us it would be the last mower we would ever need to buy. We had not planned on the mower breaking down so we had not saved for the expense. We had decided that we would take the money out of our savings account. The mower dealer told us that there was a special buy now pay later promotion on the lawn mower. The promotion included no money down, no payments and no interest for twelve months. We decided we might as well leave the money in our savings account earning interest and pay for the mower next year. As long as you pay the items off within the specified period of time the buy now pay later promotions are a great way to upgrade on what you want to purchase.
One of my favorite things to do is to curl up with a good book on a Thursday night and pass the evening away. Although my work week is not technically over, my Fridays are always easy. I can sort of coast through the last day of my work week, leaving me plenty of time to stay up really late on Thursday night. Everything has to be in perfect order. Sometimes, I will have a nice glass of scotch to drink. Other times, I simply have a cup of tea. I dim the room lights, put on some mellow classical music in the background, and relax. Above all, the room has to look right. You want a warm, diffuse lighting – not bright, but bright enough to see without any eye strain. Having the perfect book light is crucial.

Like most people, the first book light I ever had was my flashlight. I was a kid, and my parents would always make me go to bed before I was finished reading I suppose that staying up late and reading under the covers by flashlight is one of the healthiest forms of rebellion. I wasn't sneaking out and doing drugs, and the girls didn't want anything to do with me. Instead, I was staying up to all hours of the night, reading fascinating fantasy literature. Flashlights are the book lamps of childhood. The sense of sneaking around, getting away with something, and hiding out in an impromptu cave made of your bedsheets is irresistible for a kid.

I actually made my own book light when I was in high school. We had an assignment to make a table lamp in shop class. When I first found out that I had to enroll in shop, I was terrified. I assumed that would be awful at it, but to my surprise, I was actually pretty good. I had a knack for building things, although I had never had time to figure it out until then. Anyway, I made the book light of an old statue that I got at a flea market. I hollowed it out, cleaned it up, and even painted it. Then I attached everything together, and turned it on. It worked perfectly, and I was able to enjoy it that very night.

As I get older and my eyes continue to degrade, I need a little more from my book light than I used to. Nowadays, I use one of those itty bitty book lights that attaches directly onto the book. It may look less elegant than the Tiffany lamp I used to use, but it certainly provides all the light that I need to read.
Have you ever thought about wanting to do a certain hobby, but were too intimidated to start it? I have seen many different creative crafts and skills that I think would be fun to learn how to do, but fear of not being able to do it holds me back. I have completed some community education classes on different sewing techniques, but these were to enhance skills that I already had. It took my friend to help me face the challenge of learning something new.
 
My friend and I were looking through the community education classes that were being offered for the winter. There was a class for black and white photography. This is something that I have been interested in for several years. I loved looking at the photographs that professionals take in color, but I am always drawn to the black and white photography the most. I am not very skilled at taking photographs, so I have never attempted to experiment with black and white film. The class for black and white photography stated that you would learn about focusing, lighting and film speed. There would be indoor and outdoor photos to take. You could bring your own camera or use one from the photography class. My friend was very interested in taking the class also, so we decided to take it together.
 
I live in a house on a lake. There have been many times when I have wished that I had the skills to take pictures of ducks or loons on the water, or to capture the waves when the wind is blowing. When we started the class we each had to write what we were most interested in accomplishing. I included taking pictures of nature and especially the lake. This class was wonderful. Not only did I learn about shadows and distances, but also about timing. I was really glad that I had the chance to use the cameras from the photography class. There were several different kinds so I could experiment with them to find what I was comfortable with. My instructor told me that I have an eye for what makes a good picture. On one of our field trips I captured a great picture of a pelican on the water. It was a cloudy day so the lighting on the water using the black and white film was perfect. The bright white of the pelican against the gray water and sky was fantastic. I had an enlargement done of the photo and have it hanging in our living room. I am so glad that I took the risk to learn black and white photography.
A home just isn’t complete without a bird house feeder in the yard. This useful item not only helps to feed beautiful flying creatures, it also serves to beautify your outdoor living space. Finding the right birdhouse feeder can be a little challenging considering the many options available but once you know what to look for the process will be much easier.

Many people opt for an old fashioned wooden bird house feeder that attaches right to a tree or pole in the yard. I have one of these kinds of birdhouses myself but I can tell you that this isn’t the best choice, especially if you live in squirrel country. Raccoons are a problem, too.

The birds may not get to eat any of the seeds that are housed in the unit. The raccoons and squirrels are really good at getting into the wooden bird house feeder that hangs on a tree or pole. I have watched these critters empty out a full unit in record time a number of times.

I also hate when the birds make nests in the wide open unit. I worry that a raccoon will reach in and snatch an egg or two out of the nest that is resting in the bird house feeder. Sadly, this item has become more of a treat factory for raccoons and squirrels than as an attractive place for feathered creatures to visit and eat.

Many manufacturers understand this dilemma and there are plenty of different designs in many different materials to consider for your property. I like a wooden bird house feeder because of its rustic look and natural appeal for birds. However, there has to be some modifications that make this kind of feeder work well.

Other items are made of different materials. A pricier bird house feeder will be made of quality material like copper. The many designs promise to be squirrel and raccoon proof but few really stand up to the claim. Try reading product reviews that are objective and unbiased to make sure that you find a bird house feeder that really works.

Plastic is the material of choice for many manufacturers, but don’t fret. This durable material is ideal for the outdoors and it is also very easy to clean. Some models offer wonderful detailing as well as copper colors that make the items look like they are really made of metal.

No matter which you prefer there are plenty of items available. There is at least one bird house feeder that is right for you.
There are many things that people do to feel closer to family, friends, community, and God. Though most who want these feelings go to church each week, for some, that is not enough for them. When seeking such a connection with others through God, you may want to sign up for Bible study somewhere. You may meet new friends, and learn a lot you didn’t know about the Bible, and even those who are already in your life. Even better, this is something that you can do at home with your own family if you wish.

Some people are natural speakers, and they have no trouble interpreting what is in the Bible, and others need someone to guide them. If you think you have a knack for understanding what you are reading, and putting it into context with modern life, you may want to run your own Bible study. If you are planning to do this with just your family, that might be your role anyway. However, if you want to have a larger group within your community, you may want to decide if you can run the Bible study, or if you might know someone else who would be better for the position.

If you do choose to run any type of Bible study, don’t worry, you are not alone. You might even want to talk with your own clergyperson to see what they would recommend to get you started. Once you are moving along, you may have no trouble deciding where to go next. Even better, you can always take what you have studied in church that week, and then expand on that subject during your weekly Bible study sessions. There is only so much time in church each week, and that means something has been left out. This is the perfect time to get more information and do more talking.

You can also look online for resources to help you with your Bible study. Some resources are free for the taking, and some have a price tag. However, you probably will be happy no matter which way you go. You can usually get more direction when you take something for a fee, and that is simply because that information is usually more in-depth and useful. Either will work though, and that depends on you. You may even as your fellow students what they think, and you may find that everyone is willing to pitch in to get what you need for your Bible study.
It is always a good idea to think about what goes on in your bathroom before you remodel it. One of the most important things to remember is that you use a lot of water, and it might go everywhere, especially if you have kids. This is why tiles are very popular for the bathroom. They are water resistant, and they are easy to clean and install. Bathroom tiles do not have to be boring, but they are an exceptionally good idea to protect your walls and floors from water damage.

You can go with the basic white bathroom tiles if you wish, and these can be a great look. Some like to have an all white bathroom, and that can look fresh and clean. Many more, however, love to have some color. You can get your bathroom tiles in many colors, or you can save the color for your shower curtains, window curtains, towels, and wash clothes. There are endless ways to add color, so it’s quite alright to get white tiles if that is what you want to have.

Installing your bathroom tiles can be something you do yourself, though some prefer to have someone else do it for them. If you don’t think you are very handy, or you simply don’t have the time to do it on your own, there are many qualified people who can do the job for you, and they can usually do it very quickly. When it comes to laying tile, you may have to cut some to get the room to look right, and many fear doing this wrong. However, if you want to do it on your own, find somewhere to learn. It won’t be that hard if you have instruction.

When choosing bathroom tiles, remember that you are making an investment that will last a long time. Tiles are generally durable, and you won’t have to worry about replacing them. That makes them a bargain. They are also easier to clean, even for those who might have hard water. Concentrate on finding the right colors and patterns, and choose something you know you can live with for years to come. Some like to remodel quite often, but most can’t afford to do so. That is why choosing something you love is important, but following trends might not be. Trends will come and go, but your bathroom will remain the same.

Kamis, 24 Desember 2009

Bathroom rugs

One of the most important things in my bathroom is my set of bathroom rugs. Of course the tub, sink, and toilet are important, but those are obvious. When it comes to my floors, I can’t stand to go without the rugs. Getting out of a hot shower is shocking enough in the winter without having to stand on a cold floor while soaking wet. Even in the summer they are important, because wet feet and a slippery floor can be a recipe for disaster.

I have gone through many sets of bathroom rugs because they seem to wear out so fast, and I am always moving around. Some get lost, and others fall apart from too many washing, even the expensive types. If I change the colors around, that also means that I might need to get new bathroom rugs. This is a huge difference from the ones my mom has had since I was a teenager. For some reason, they are still in good shape and they look good. Maybe I should ask her where they bought them, but it’s been so long, she won’t remember anyway.

One thing I can’t stand are the bathroom rugs that cover the entire bathroom floor, much like wall to wall carpeting in other parts of the house. They often look really good, but it doesn’t seem that the bathroom is the place for carpeting. We all know what goes on in there, and if you have men in your home, you know why permanent carpets are not such a great idea. Not all men are sloppy, but there are still times when accidents happen. Children can have the same accidents. You can’t get this type of bathroom rugs up to clean them.

The small bathroom rugs, however, are my favorites, and I am glad they are there to cushion and warm my feet, and to stop me from slipping when I get out of the shower. They often give a warm look to a bathroom too, and they can be thrown in the washer any time they need cleaning. If you are like me, and you like to wash yours quite often, spend a little more for quality rugs so they aren’t falling apart on you after only a few washes. The color can also fade dramatically though washes with inexpensive rugs, so keep that in mind when you buy. If you are looking for a hard to find color, you may have to look online, but you can pretty much find any color you need to go with your bathroom décor.

Bathroom remodeling ideas

I love the idea of remodeling rooms in my home, but when it comes to choosing things, I either can’t afford what I like, or I can’t decide what I like in the first place. I guess I was not blessed with the home design gene, and I often have to get my bathroom remodeling ideas from other places, and then I have to make them my own. Perhaps that is what most people do, I’m not really sure. I do know that I have a friend who can’t seem to match his pants and shirt, yet he comes up with the most beautiful bathrooms in the homes that he builds. I just don’t get it.

Perhaps the best place to find bathroom remodeling ideas is to have a look around. Look at other bathrooms in magazines, watch home improvement shows on television, and even look at bathrooms of friends and families that you love. You probably don’t want to copy someone, but you can find things you like in many different places and pull them together into your own bathroom remodeling ideas. It doesn’t even have to be about replacing major parts of the bathroom. It can be about paint, wallpaper, and color schemes as well.

You can also find bathroom remodeling ideas by looking at displays in different stores. I am always amazed by what I see, but most of what I like I can not afford. I guess my tastes run much higher than what is in my checking account, but that’s okay. Perhaps someday I can get what I love. Until then, I am partially content to dream about it. I can afford to change colors and paper, which I tend to do a lot. My husband often jokes that he never knows what the house will look like when he comes home on any given day.

If you are like me, and you know you can’t afford a remodel at the moment, but you still want to think about it, you can easily find ways to save your bathroom remodeling ideas for the future. If you find something that you like, tear it out of the magazine or even take a pictures of it. Save it in a scrapbook for later. When the time comes for you to use your bathroom remodeling ideas, you can then look back to see what you liked, decide what to use, and then you will have all you need to have the bathroom you have always dreamed of having.

How to Stop Bad Dog Behaviors

Many families take a lot of joy out of having a pet. Dogs are often viewed as the ideal pet because you can interact so much with them. You can teach a dog tricks, take it for a walk, and it will always be a loyal companion. Some dogs like to test their owner’s patience by acting out. This may be in the form of barking non-stop, biting things around the house, or digging holes in the back yard. No pet owner wants to have to deal with bad dog behaviors like this. It’s not only frustrating, but it’s time consuming as well, if you don’t know how to effectively correct the problem.

Adopting an animal when it is very young usually helps to initiate a lasting bond. Once a small puppy is taken from its mother, it relies on its owner for direction. It is at this stage that you want to start reinforcing certain things. One of the most troublesome bad dog behaviors is playing with items the animal shouldn’t be. Typically this is slippers, or small kids’ toys, it can even be expensive purses or shoes. The dog has no idea what is and isn’t a toy, so it just assumes everything is. The owner should be mindful of what it left within the dog’s reach and if he or she notices the dog picking up something it shouldn’t be, a firm “no” always helps. Repetition is often necessary to ensure the dog understands the rule and to correct this type of dog behavior problems.

Accidents in the home sometimes occur and if they aren’t dealt with swiftly, the problem can be a persistent one. Many puppies relieve themselves wherever and whenever the mood strikes them. This is one of the bad dog behaviors that can really impact your life. It’s important for the owner to take the dog outside at regular intervals when it is young so it becomes accustomed to not going inside the house. If that’s not possible, you can paper train the dog, which is also very helpful.

Biting is another issue that some dog owners find themselves facing. Typically it’s not that the dog is meaning to bite anyone. It’s more that the dog is playing and nips at the person. This is especially troubling if you have young children in the home. Correcting bad dog behaviors like this is really important. You don’t want to end up having a dog that bites people who are at your home visiting. This could have very serious results so you need to work with the dog, by scolding it when it does attempt to play in this fashion.

It’s so nice to have a pet for the entire family to enjoy. With a little work and commitment you can train your dog to be a wonderful and loving companion for years to come. Dog behavior problems can always be corrected if you take the right approach.

Golf Tips Involving Golf Equipment

Blaming your moves, shots and swings for your golf mishits and mishaps? Well, no matter how much time and effort you have been spending over practicing your moves to perfect your game, you still won't achieve your goal if you use unsuitable or defective types of golf equipment, will you?

Now is high time for you to consider the following golf tips that involve checking on your equipment's quality.

If you plan to choose used golfclubs as beginner's tools, scrutinizing before purchasing is a must. The clubheads, the shafts, and the grips are golfclub parts that should pass inspection first before landing a decent spot in your golf equipment cabinet. Another excellent golf tip that will get you through the game is making sure that the set of used golfclubs you're eyeing have set consistency. It will also help a lot if you check first the price of new clubs vs. used.

A golf tip for a golfer that plans to regrip his clubs: Be cautious. This is because the grips are the only contact points one can access to affect the shot. Before carrying out the regripping, know the core grip of the club and your hands grip size. To determine your core size grip, measure the diameter of the butt of the shaft you're going to re-grip. The shaft's diameter should match the grip's core diameter. In determining your hands grip, the available size grips are regular, mid-size, oversize and jumbo. Use only the best re-gripping materials that will provide optimum performance for your golf clubs.

Another golf tip or advice is that using ill-fitted clubs will be an obstacle to your golf playing success. A golfer must consider his or her body type in choosing the best-fitting equipment to support and deliver his backswings efficiently. Too steep angles in carrying out backswings may be avoided if one selects the perfect fitting equipment available.

Custom golfclub fitting makes a better option than just buying new golf clubs. Getting custom fitting golfclubs is a golf tip that translates to a very worthy investment. The uniqueness of each person is attributed to the need of this way of buying new golf clubs. A custom fitting produces golfclubs that specifically suit the height, strength, swing characteristics and clubhead speed of the golfer.

The type of club shaft also helps in predicting whether you'll do good in a game or you won't. There's a choice between a steel club shaft and a graphite-made club shaft. This golf tip aims to make you realize which type of golfclub shaft will benefit your game. Observations tell that the steel club shafts are more preferred by professional golfers while graphite shafts become more popular with women, senior players and beginners. Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite shafts though.

One more golf tip that could help you is that the golf clubs that must be the main content of your bag must suit your skill level. Since various skill levels need various golf clubs, it won't be wise to just use or bring a golf club that is just lying around. And, don't ever forget about the maximum golfclub load your bag is allowed to hold. You can only bring 14 golf clubs in your bag. No more. No less. Aside from your skill level contemplation, your mastery of a certain golfclub and your being comfortable with using it must also be put into consideration in deciding which golfclub to hit.

A good combination of the right moves and good choice of equipment will better arm you to become the best golfer you could ever be.