What You Must Know About Buying Antique Lionel Trains

By Tony Jenkins

Are you in the market for a used antique Lionel train? If so, here are some simple and surefire tips that can assist you source for a good antique train, and save you quite a sum of money if you know how to do your work

To start off, recognizing how collectors of used Lionel trains put a value on them will aid you to get your best deal. In addition, lets say you are thinking to sell your train. You need to start recognizing what affects the resale value.

There are 2 accomplished guides that will aid you check a average price for whatsoever original train:

Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide to Lionel Trains

TM's Lionel Price and Rarity Guide - 2 Volumes

These points are just that - guides. They give you a opening point for your dialogues. It's sort of identical in the moving-picture show "The Pirates of The Caribbean" where they speak about the Pirate Code being more like a guide rather than challenging and fast rules. Then the prices named in the guides are a ordinary valuation rather than a decided cost.

What is purely watched by collectors, though, is the Train Collectors Association Grading Standards. These criteria classify practiced Lionel trains as going to 1 of seven categories, getting with Mint Condition, meaning unused and in perfect condition, and ending with Poor Condition, meaning the train is pretty much a piece of debris, with possibly a few operational parts. You will most likely want to buy a train that is someplace in 'tween these extremes.

An understanding of these categories can save you whatever money, and make you some money. For illustration, if someone is charging you a price for a train in Mint Condition, it really might be in Like New or Excellent condition, rather than Mint. Say you can assure that the train has been used at all, then it is not Mint condition, and you do not ask to pay the Mint condition cost. You can get several nice profit by purchasing a used Lionel train in 1 category, cleaning it up and making some minor fixtures, and then trading it for a respectable gain in one of the advisable classes.

There is an supreme guide to repairing and reestablishing your train over at LionelManuals.com. They have an low-budget set of CDs with all the instructions, blueprints, plots, sections lists, and catalogs you will need to get your train looking like new once again!

At One Time you have a deal on how to see for an appropriate cost, you are set up to go browsing for your used Lionel Train. You will find whatever of your advisable deals at garage sales, flea markets, in the For Sale departments of papers (especially the small community newspapers), at estate sales, and sometimes on Ebay. Most of the people trading their used Lionel Trains through these methods do not visualise the proper value of their trains. To them, they are simply whatsoever old stuff. You can find whatsoever really big bargains if you maintain tabloids on these markets.

You can find some truly nice used Lionel trains at collectors clubs. You may not get such a good bargain on your train, but you will get a fair price. You can see about your local clubs through hobby stores that deal or repair used Lionel trains, or sell supplements for them. A lot of these collectors are their better customers, and the shop owner can put you in touch with them.

So whether you are searching for a essential deal on a used Lionel train, or a big train at a fair price, watching these hints will help you become a bright customer, and the astonishing owner of an astonishing Lionel train!

About the Author:

Download your free 1965 vintage lionel train catalog and learn how to repair lionel trains easily and quickly with over 2000 pages of diagrams and blueprints from LionelManuals

Be Better, Be Cleverer

By Simon M Skinner

It seems all you hear today is about living a greener lifestyle. You need to reduce your carbon footprint and your environmental impact. We all know that this is important, but it can feel like being lectured at times.

By eating healthy, organic foods you are not only helping your body by giving it fresh food, you are saving the earth from being contaminated by pesticides. Organic meats help by keeping the environment free of antibiotics and growth hormones. Plus you're avoiding all those nasty things from going inside of you! By eating fresh, organic foods, you are avoiding all the processed foods that do a better job of clogging your arteries than they do of providing nutrition.

Try to drive less. By combining your errands, you not only save fuel and reduce the traffic on the roads; you are giving yourself less stress from dealing with traffic jams and other drivers. Carpool or use public transit when you can. If you choose to ride a bike or walk for some of your errands, you also get needed exercise. This will help keep your heart healthy and keep you limber and toned.

Composting your food scraps can save you money in garbage waste and provide you with great soil next season for your own garden. It also keeps a lot of good stuff out of the landfills. Just keep adding your fruit and vegetable wastes, egg shells, coffee grounds, and grains to the compost pile. You can add your raked leaves and lawn clippings as well. Don't add meat or bones? they will attract insects like flies and will take longer to compost. Water the compost down once in awhile to get the enzymes activated. Come spring, you'll have some nice compost soil to add to your own vegetable garden for more healthy eating.

Other things you can do will just make your home more comfortable. Larger windows can help let in more natural light so you don't need to turn your lights on early. Using compact fluorescent bulbs can save you money and will save energy. Use energy-efficient appliances and don't leave your air conditioner on when you're not at home. You'll be amazed at how much this impacts your energy usage.

Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic packaging helps lower your garbage bills and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Use cloth bags when you shop instead of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even knock off a few cents when you use your own bags. All of this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you because you'll be breathing cleaner air.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is easy to be green and even easier too go green. It saves you money while doing something good for the environment. Before you know it, living green will be second nature and you'll be looking for ways to add some more green living to your lifestyle.

About the Author:

Simon Skinner is the owner of green-base.com. Green-base.com is your base for all things green, providing news and views as well as advice and services to assist you in your new eco-friendly lifestyle! Bookmark www.green-base.com for all of your eco-friendly advice.

Creating An Apartment Garden

By Keith Markensen

Even if you live in a small apartment, you can grow a garden for fresh vegetables and herbs. In fact, many plants can be grown in an apartment, some in a window box and others on a patio. There are hundreds of plants, vegetables, and flowers that you can grow in containers. You can even buy containers to match any dcor.

If you are lucky enough to have a patio off your apartment, this will lend itself well to gardening. If you don't have a patio to use, you can still place plants near the window to give them sunlight, or choose plants that grow well in the shade. If you lack floor space or a patio, you can also grow plants on trellises to use vertical space. Or, try hanging baskets. Even strawberry plants can be grown in this manner.

If you wish to grow flowers in your apartment, annuals are probably the best choice. You won't have to worry about what to do with your perennials during the winter months. Be aware that some flowers can attract certain flying insect. For your apartment, choose flowers such as magnolias that repel insects and rodents.

Once you've chosen the plants, you'll also need to select a container in which to grow them. Choosing the right container from the beginning can help your plants grow successfully. You can grow many vegetables from seeds, but if they are replanted too often, they will not thrive. Typically, plants grown in vegetable gardens, like tomatoes, can handle one replanting just fine. However, especially once they start to bear fruit, you should leave them alone in their container.

When you're buying a container for your plants, imagine what they will look like when full-grown. Consider the size of the mature plant, and whether you will have enough room to let it grow in the apartment or on your patio unrestricted. For example, a hanging basket can be a great choice to hang outside your apartment, but if it is too small for the plant to grow freely, its growth will be stifled.

There are many varieties of plants that can be grown in small areas. You can have beautiful orchids, or potted plants, or palms like the bamboo palm plant. So be sure to choose these when shopping for plants to grow in your apartment. You can grow everything from herbs and vegetables to foliage and even beautiful flowers in your apartment, if you consider the plants' requirements before purchasing them.

About the Author:

Find out for yourself why so many people are interested in bamboo palm plant. Visit us for lots of free information at http://www.plant-care.com/bamboo-palm-chamaedorea-seifrizii.html.

Anti Aging Supplement

By Donny Yu

The search for a way to stop aging has been going on for centuries. The obvious most notable example was the alleged discovery of the fountain of youth. But a month doesn't go by that you don't see an advertisement for some drug or procedure that will reverse the effects of aging and give you back your youthful vigor as well as the looks you had when you were a youngster. We can only conclude that the desire to avoid the effects of aging is a worldwide desire.

Small wonder that diet supplements to slow, stop or reverse the effects of aging revel great success in the marketplace. Of course, we as a people have always had a failing for the idea that we can take a pill to make everything better. So when you see a lozenge on sale in the drug store or advertised on TV that says it can make you young again, that is a pretty hard offer to refuse.

Obviously, many of these miracle drugs are no more able to make you a youth again than the fountain of youth could do centuries ago. Much of the "hype" of these drugs is the autosuggestion influence that makes us believe we are looking younger after buying and taking these drugs because that is what we want to believe. But when we finally determine that there is really no change to our look in the way the drugs make us feel inside, we get discouraged because yet another false fountain of youth let us down.

There are some successful supplements that attempt the challenge of slowing aging scientifically. The idea is not to try to keep you looking 25 for the rest of your life but to provide a supplement that gives you the vitamins and nutrients that the body naturally begins to lose because of aging. If we can return our bodies to a youth level of healthy vitamin consumption that can give us more get-up-and-go which is what we familiar with youth. But what we are really doing is just getting more healthy overall. We could accomplish the same thing with proper dieting but that is difficult in the busy world we live in.

Healthy life is without a question the most powerful fountain of youth there is. Of the three basic effects of aging, wrinkles, gray haircloth and weight gain, two can be effected by levelheaded living. Through nutrition and avoiding extra sun and never smoking, you can hold back a healthy skin look much later on in life than if you abuse your skin when you are young. You can also fight the personal effects of weight gain through a regimen of healthy eating and exercise.

The diet supplements that help you keep a good balance of vitamins for sure won't hurt you and can help you stay physical and vital. But the best formula for intuitive feeling young is to stay active, workout and live right. That will keep you feeling and acting young for many decades to come.

About the Author:

Visit my website for more free information on vitamins and supplements for you. Click here for Article Submissions.

Shopping idea to buy cheap bunk beds

By Todd Martin

Children absolutely love bunk beds. They make having sleepovers easier for children who have their own bedroom. For children who share a bedroom, bunk beds is a great way to save space. Have your children recently been begging you for bunk beds? If so, you may be interested in learning more about where to look for cheap bunk beds. Luckily, you've come to the right place.

While you can find bunk beds like twin over full bunk beds at discounted rates in large department stores, this is rare. Theres an explanation to it, given that nearly all department stores buy their bunk beds in bulk from other stores and then resell them at a lot higher price. If you want to find real cheap bunk beds, then you should look someplace besides large department stores.

Lesser known stores are a great place to check out for cheap bunk beds. The explanation is because these stores focus more on selling you furniture that is less costly, mainly to draw more consumers. There are additional benefits to shopping at lesser known stores than just finding cheap bedding and furniture. You will also be more likely to find exclusive designs for the discount bunk beds like twin over full bunk beds that you do find at stores which are not all that popular.

Nowadays, your best bet though is to check out for discount bunk beds or other furniture for the bed room is online stores. Stores that only offer their products online are a really great place to shop for bunk beds in particular. The explanation is most of these stores offer real cheap bunk beds. These beds are usually sold at a price you won't find offline. As you havent heard of some of the different online stores out there which sell discount bunk beds, you wouldnt have worried to check.

One question though is why are bunk beds cheaper online? Simple, its all about overheads. There is no costly store to pay for situated on costly real estate, no monthly utility bills to pay, also no monthly salaries for employees. Lower overheads means they can sell at lower prices and still manage to make a decent profit. So shop online for cheap bunk beds, you won't regret it.

About the Author:

Before you buy any bunk beds, do visit Todd Martin's excellent site for all your Bunk Beds, and Twin Bunk Beds needs. When you take any bunk beds online, make sure you avail the great options available at Todd Martin's site for all your Bunk Beds, and Futon Bunk Beds wants

Plan A Great Las Vegas Golf Trip

By Charles Davis

Golfing in Las Vegas can be an experience of a lifetime with exotic views, fantastic greens, and challenging courses. When you plan a golfing trip in Las Vegas you should plan a trip of a lifetime. Take into consideration a few factors before booking your trip.

Now first thing I usually consider is the budget. Is this going to be a luxury trip or are we shopping for discount golf in Las Vegas. Discount golf in Las Vegas is easy to come by and offers a variety of amenities.

One way to avoid paying more than you have to would be to refrain from traveling during peak times. If you travel during peak travel times then everything from hotel room to airfare will cost more. You will also want to look into the events and activities occurring in Vegas when you want to visit. The more events going on the higher volume of people which means the hotel rates will be higher.

Las Vegas is not only known for the casinos, lights, and gambling but it is also known for its great weather. There is hardly ever a day where it is not hot and sunny which makes for perfect golf weather. Even though it may be one hundred degrees outside, the green will still look great.

If you want to take your family with you to Vegas, then do not hesitate. There are many activities for children and teens as well as adults. Theme parks, circuses, exhibits, and roller coasters are scattered all throughout the strip of Las Vegas.

Some resort packages in the city will include a golfing in your itinerary. This however limits you to their selection of courses. That said, it does not mean that the courses are below standard by any means. A returning golfer might want some variety.

If you want to be treated like a star in Vegas then you should tip the service workers. A good tip would be fifteen percent of the total but you could tip more or less based on their service. If you are playing golf do not forget about tipping your caddy. Taxi drivers, room service, valet drivers and bell boys are other people you may want to tip.

Golfing in Las Vegas could be a great trip with the family or with your fellow golfers. Keep your budget in mind when selecting a course and remember to go during the off peak season. Select a course that you feel comfortable with since there are so many to choose from. Lastly, enjoy the trip and golfing in Vegas.

About the Author:

Before you decide on a golf vacation, make sure you check out a Las Vegas golf vacation, and the incredible Las Vegas golf courses

Rod Bending Carp Baits And Irresistible Fishing Ingredients!

By Tim Richardson

New baits are the key to consistently catching big carp because they will be treated with far less caution than any baits they have been hooked on previously! You might favor particle baits like peanuts or tiger nuts, or instant baits high in concentrated flavors or nutritionally stimulating baits. But whatever it is you can be sure that keeping them different to what has been used before is absolutely essential for consistent catches.

The purpose of a fishing bait is not to smell like a banana, nor be an eye-catching colour, nor shine in the dark like a beacon, or taste like a banquet. It is merely to get your hook in the fishs mouths for the split second it tasks to have the slightest chance of hooking a fish. Everything else is secondary. But many fishermen seriously cut their chances by using baits many others have caught fish on before, not realising how much harder fish on such baits unfortunately can be to catch; having been hooked on them previously! (So many overlook this top priority warning!) It should therefore make absolute sense that making your bait different to previously successful baits is a big key to consistent big fish success.

To prolong the life of a readymade bait or produce a new homemade one, you have an amazingly diverse fishing bait industry offering decades of experience and field tested products proven to catch fish. So finding new products and combinations of them you can trust is easy. But there are literally thousands of products which can be exploited which are not usually used by carp anglers and theses often have potent competitive edges over the most popular proprietary ones on pressured carp waters.

It has been said that even changing to a new flavor can improve results and this is true. Flavors are probably the most famous and popular but least understood fishing bait ingredients for thousands of fish species. They can be exceptionally varied in their contents and effects upon fish senses and how they work is often shrouded in theories and tank tests with little in common with real fishing conditions.

The smell and taste of a bait can simply originate from innate flavors in the base mix and most carp anglers forget that even soya flour, semolina, maize meal, wheat flour or rice flour all have unique tastes and smells which even humans can appreciate with our blunted senses compared to acutely sharp carp ones. Once the stronger more highly soluble flavor substances have leached out of a bait you are left with those possibly less concentrated ones which still tempt fish. At this stage you are dependant upon the more nutritional stimulatory substances naturally within your bait ingredients to induce a bite.

Big carp can come from any bait from highly flavored ones to ones with zero added flavor including plastic and rubber baits and even artificial lures and live baits. Carp do go predatory at times and are programmed to detect exploit any potential suitable new food source. Various anglers argue the cases for using rubber and plastic baits and others recommend highly flavored instant attractor baits or balanced profile biologically beneficial food baits.

It is obvious that nearly any bait will catch a carp once. Much of the reason fake plastic and rubber baits catch carp is the lack of suspicion aroused by them, compared to conventional round boilies for example. This often because they do not contain the concentrated substances carp can recognise and relate to previous experiences of getting caught, but even these baits are far from sterile, having natural and human hand added attraction too like butyric acid.

Out of the potential millions of substances you can exploit to make your bait different, new and totally unique consistently over time there are those which have been proven very successful, especially for the bigger fish and many are well known ingredients and flavors offered by bait companies. But there are of course many ingredients and substances not known by the majority of anglers which are either quietly being used by bait companies or not at all and many have yet to be discovered. We can use our own food ingredients as useful guides to what to use to enhance and differentiate our baits to improve results, as we share similar senses and essential needs as fish (albeit in very specific areas.)

Fish and humans share many of the same vital processes and body chemicals we need to survive. A familiar and popular bait additive today is betaine which fish and we use in digestive juices which is also significantly used to remove harmful products in the body. Betaine is one of those substances which is found naturally abundant in nature and which our and fish bodies extract from natural foods for a balanced healthy body. So it makes sense being abundant in our natural foods that our bodies can instinctively senses its need for it and our food detection senses code for this substance strongly.

Not surprisingly carp are highly stimulated by betaine as it has essential parts to play within its body and its feed triggering effects upon carp sensory mechanisms are is well recommended; especially with amino acids in your baits! The needs of carp for betaine are so high that it beats the intensity of feeding response to a range of well known stimulatory amino acids, the essential building blocks of proteins for growth for example. In fact betaine plays a great role in the formation of digestive juices especially for the digestion of proteins; human and carp digestion and enzymes are significantly similar in very many ways which we can exploit in our baits!

From the active enzymes in hemp seeds, peptides in milk powder ingredients, theobromine and polyphenols in coco, sugars, flavonoids, ketones, acids, esters and enzymes etc in real fruit juices, even salts and acids in mature cheese; these are all potent feeding triggers and attractors. Next time look at the ingredients list of a readymade meal and count how many stimulate you and how and might be fish attractors and feeding triggers to exploit in your baits. These ingredients are often included for powerful bioactive and habit-forming reasons to get you and your body to crave for more... Whether your first priority is the fishing, hunting camping or just pursuing hobbies outdoors for recreation and sport, your bait will make all the difference; so the more you know the better your results will be for life!

By Tim Richardson.

About the Author:

These will help you: "BIG CATFISH AND CARP BAIT SECRETS!" And: "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" And "FLAVORS, FEEDING TRIGGERS and CHEMORECEPTION SECRETS!" SEE: homemade bait These books are even used as reference by members of the British Carp Study Group so are well worth a look!

Trendy Maternity Jeans

By Jane Bear

Pregnancy should be one of the happiest times in a woman's life; but it's hard to be happy and glowing when you feel like nothing fits or looks good on you. But with the many new fashions today, there are many flattering maternity clothes available to purchase.

One of the most important pieces of maternity clothing is a maternity jean. A good pair of jeans is perfect for your lovely pregnant figure. They are made for the pregnant woman's comfort as they let women feel in control of their maternity clothing when their bodies are increasing in size.

Jeans are such a great clothing item for women while being pregnant as they can be worn casually, or dressed up with a nice maternity blouse or shirt. The versatility of maternity jeans allows a woman to have a couple of pairs of jeans and many different maternity blouses and tops to match, making her have more than enough maternity clothes.

The styles of the motherhood jeans are as varied as any other types of jeans in the clothing market. You can find maternity jeans that are dark and light washed, ink finished, rock finished, vintage, stretch, boot cut, wide leg, Capri and almost any other style you may like.

Jeans for pregnant women also come in many different fits. There are jeans that will either fit over your bump, on it (where your natural waist should be), or under your bump. Those that fit over and on the bump can be found with elastic waists allowing room to grow for expecting mothers.

Some jeans styles may fit better at different stages of pregnancy. Consider getting two different styles so that you'll have at least one pair that is comfortable or stays up when your bump is at its biggest.

Look through sales racks, garage sales, consignment shops and the Internet for good deals. You will only be wearing these jeans for a few months at the most so you don't have to spend a lot of money on them. But if you are willing to spend more money, buy yourself some great maternity jeans that can be worn right through the pregnancy and afterwards.

Motherhood is to be celebrated and dressing up is one way of doing it. In fact, expectant mothers are looking more attractive, more beautiful and more fashionable than ever in their trendy maternity jeans. Check out the Internet stores for amazing styles, colors, and prices.

About the Author:

Doctor Jane Bear is the best writer since Shakespeare. See more of her stuff at Free Maternity Clothing Guide Get your free report on Maternity Clothes and Apparel

A Few Good Ideas For Building A Simple Wine Rack Online

By Serge Lefleur

Today, anything you would like to know can usually be found online. Similarly, you can find what you want easily when you are searching for good ideas for building a simple wine rack. If you would like to make a wine rack, or even if you would simply like to give building one a try, then you most definitely will get lots of ideas for building a simple wine rack when you search the Web.

You will need tools, materials and the required time and patience, but when you are done you will have a rack to store your wine that you can be proud of. Then, whenever company comes to visit and asks you where you got that beautiful wine rack, you can let them know that you got the ideas for building a simple wine rack online, or you can keep it a secret, that's completely up to you!

Some Necessary Tools

If you seek to find some ideas for building a simple wine rack, you will need to have all the tools required to build it. For sure you will need a hand saw to cut wood, and a common hammer to do the nailing.

Also make sure that you have a tape measure, the most common screwdrivers, and whatever else that these ideas for building a simple wine rack tell you you need. In addition to your tools you need to purchase some materials.

Some Necessary Materials

If you're looking for ideas for building a simple wine rack, you'll want to start out with the ideas that seem the easiest. That means building the wine rack from wood as opposed to metal. If you're not used to building things, the wood wine rack will be easy but it will still be challenging.

Just remember that when you get all your materials that you measure twice and cut once. It's easy to rush through when you think you know what you're doing but you'd rather do it right the first time than to finish only to find that the rack won't hold any of your wine bottles.

At Last, The Finished Product

When you're done with your wine rack, you can display it proudly in your home. When company comes over and asks where you got it, you can tell them the truth or you can lie and tell them you bought it.

It's likely, however, that once you get your ideas for building a simple wine rack, and then you complete the project, you could get the hankering to build more. It's fun, it makes you feel accomplished, and it's a great way to store your best wine bottles.

About the Author:

Meet the Author: This article about Ideas For Building A Simple Wine Rack was written by prolific writer Serge Lefleur. He also writes about a variety of other Wine Rack related topics on his website.

Alabama Homeowner insurance -- 4 Tips For Cheaper Rates

By Ebere Mmezum

It's truly very easy for you to find adequate Alabama homeowners insurance coverage for a lot less. You just need the right tips and the resolve to practice what you'll be taught to get a cheaper rate. Below is a list of steps that will help you reach this goal...

1. Ensure you don't make the mistake of not subtracting the land's value from your home's value as you apply for an Alabama home owner insurance policy. Folks do this without knowing. Insuring your home for the full price you bought it without subtracting the cost of the land it stands on is an expensive error.

For those who have mistakenly done this, meet with your agent and check your Alabama home insurance coverage again. Deduct the cost of your land and use only the cost of your house and its contents.

Your premium will be cheaper and you'll still have sufficient coverage if you do this right. Don't ever forget that insuring the land your home is standing on is plain waste of money since it does you no good whatsoever.

2. The amount you pay is affected by your credit history. You will attract higher Alabama home insurance rates if you have a poor credit rating. If your credit rating is bad then you've been missing important payments. No insurer likes this as it shows a pattern you're very likely to repeat in the payment of premiums. If you are considered a potential defaulter, it makes you a bigger risk and attracts more expensive premiums than otherwise.

It will, therefore, be a smart step to do something about making your credit rating better. It makes it easier for you to get more affordable rates among other things.

3. You will pay lower premiums if you choose to pay your rates anually and not monthly. A strong reason for this is the cost an insurer incurs for posting you twelve bills instead of just one yearlly.

As if that was NOT enough expense, each check you send attracts a transaction charge as well. Twelve checks mean 12 transactions and will attract 12 separate fees.. And, if you really come to think of it, these extra overheads are ultimately added to your rates.

You will make reasonable savings if you begin to pay yearly. The actual amount you could save might differ but you may be able to save up to a month's premium worth with some insurers if you choose this option.

4. You will save much if you can shop around and do proper comparison. The range of quotes presented for a request could be as wide as $1,000 for a particular person. Notwithstanding that this is a good thing, it's advisable that you don't get too excited yet. It's not normally that easy if you want the best price/value. The lowest quote may not represent you the best price/value. Despite the fact that each of the quotes presented will definitely give you the same basic coverage, there may be a number of differences in the details of each insurer's coverage. This makes it crucial that you find out if there aren't any exclusions that won't serve your best interest. Don't forget to treat these no-obligation quotes just that way. Don't feel you have to pay unless you've had all your questions answered satisfactorily. You will prevent rude surprises down the road if you do this.

About the Author:

For more tips visit: Alabama home owner insurance savings tips and Home owner insurance Alabama.

Believe it or not you pay to go to work, what are those cost?

By Tracy Martin

This crazy world has many mothers considering leaving their jobs to be stay at home moms. Our reasons for making this decision could vary, however we do seem to arrive there the same way. It is important to take a hard look at your lifestyle and determine, can we afford this, or does our current living standard prevent this goal? Our desire to be a stay at home mom could force us to re-align our priorities, and possibly sacrifice some of the comforts we love! Interestingly though, a question many of us fail to ask ourselves is "what does it cost me to go to work each day"? Your answer to that question could be a surprise. Find a sheet of paper and get ready to some math. You could be closer to achieving this goal than you think.

There are so many factors to look at, but I think of the following are the biggest. Day care expenses can be massive, costing some as much as $12,000 per kid. Add up your weekly total. Another thing to think about is your clothes. You don't just spend money on the obvious, but how much do spend on shoes, pantyhose, nails, make-up, dry cleaning, etc.

Food can add up quick. If you are anything like I was, it was all about going out to lunch each day. I needed the mental break to get away from the office and a nice lunch did the trick, but it also hit me in the pocket book daily. How much are you spending on lunch each day? What about the gourmet coffees and the late afternoon vending machine pick me ups? How often are you picking up dinner on the way home or going out to dinner because you are to tired to fix anything after a long day at work? Now add all of those up, what is your weekly cost?

What are spending on fuel each day? Your mileage adds up daily. High mileage causes the value of your vehicle to decrease. The more you drive the more maintenance is required on your car in the form of oil changes and tires. How much more are you paying for your car insurance as a result of going to work each day? Some insurance companies provide a discount for less driving, some even have insurance policies based on miles driven.

What tax bracket are you in? You may pay more tax from your additional income because it forces you into a higher tax bracket. Additionally, you could be missing certain tax breaks from your single income household status.

Ok, now add up your expenses and subtract that from your current income. Now how much do you make? Take the standard work year of 2,080 hours and divide it by your left over amount. Now what is your hourly rate? Is it still worth it to go to work at that rate? This can be an eye opening time, it was for me. It gave me the incentive I needed to transition to a stay at home mom.

About the Author:

If staying home is your goal, it is Tracy Martin's desire to get you there. Her site is committed to showing you ways to save money and make money so you can stay home with your children.

Different Motorcycle Helmet Colors

By Frank Medley

When it's time for you to buy a new bike helmet, the shear number of colors can make your decision difficult. Should you go with a bright color for safety, or something more muted to match your personal style?

Many riders have a hard time deciding what color or pattern they should pick for their helmet. A helmet is an important safety tool, but it is also a way for a rider to show their individuality.

Some riders choose a brightly colored helmet in order to improve their safety. A bright colored helmet can help motorists to see you more clearly, either during the day or at night, which you're riding.

If safety is your primary goal, nothing beats a solid color helmet for making you stand out on the roadway. Attaching a reflective strip to you helmet can also help other drivers take notice of you.

If you want to really show your individuality through your helmet, there are many different options for motorcycle helmet color that will allow who you are to shine through while you're riding.

Say you're a rider who can't get enough of their bike. You might be able to find a helmet customized to your bikes colors. Check on the manufacturer's website, or get it custom painted at your local bike shop.

You have many different options for customization at your local bike shop. If you've got the money to spend, they'll be more than happy to give you custom graphics, or perhaps a paint job in your team colors.

If you want a customized motorcycle helmet color, there are many different options, but they can get pricey. For a rider with a smaller budget, go with something plain and simple to cut costs.

About the Author:

Hopefully you enjoyed this exceptionally good article about motorcycle safety gear. To learn more, visit Splat Hat where some very informative articles are being showcased. They are specifically about HJC Full Face Helmets which should be very informative.

Massive Honor Points in WoW and How To Obtain Them

By June Carr

I think I'm beginning to hate my little brother, not really of course, but I hate the fact that he has beat me in World of Warcraft. I may have to start hiding from my friends when they hear the news. This of course has not always been the case, since I'm the one who taught my little brother how to play the game. At the time I was his hero, and he strive to learn my secret techniques. But when he got his hands on a simple PvP guide, he is a World of Warcraft life changed forever

It's really pretty simple, if you have the right PvP guide, you can slash through the learning curve, and I know without a doubt. That's what my little brother did. That has to be the reason, since it seems that overnight. He learned things it took me months to become good at. Not only did he not me on my rear, not his name is spread across the World of Warcraft net, he's a hero, I'm simply yesterdays news.

There was one particular day, when it all came together for my brother, something changed inside of him and he made a decision to become a champion. I didn't think he'd follow through, but he proved me wrong. Here's exactly what happened, he was able to get ahold of the best PvP guide around, it's called "Warcraft Honor", and used properly it can make you a champion.

Here is what really makes me mad, I put in the hours, I paid with allies, but from one day to the next. My brother began to dominate the battlegrounds, racking up maximum honor points.

FACTOID: World of Warcraft, is an an online multiplayer role-playing game created by Blizzard Entertainment. There are millions of people who play it regularly.

If you're new to World of Warcraft, I'll give you the same few tips I gave my little brother, of course it's up to you if you want to take it to the next level, like he did. The first thing I'm going to recommend is that you search for WoW tips, mainly the ones that are centered around playing styles. Some of the best players log onto the forums, handing out tips and tricks, like presents at a party, all the while keeping the best ones a secret, "you're going to pay if you want these secrets".

That said, you can still learn a lot of great info by following some tips, then logging on playing. The fact is we all need some WoW love if we're going to survive in Azeroth (the mystical land where the game is played), I sure did, so did my little brother before getting his PvP guide. Stated simply, WoW is the most advanced and popular game in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, or MMORPGs with more than 11 million subscribers.

Anyone can log on and immediately start to play World of Warcraft, have some fun, and with a little bit of help become experienced enough to garner honor points. As you begin to play more and more however, you'll find that owning a good PvP guide can a man sleep help you through the various labyrinth of the game.

One of the many things that makes World of Warcraft so intriguiging are the million and one things you must know to excel. Anyone can play, but few become a champion, unless they have the right PvP guides. As for me, I'm waiting till my little brother falls asleep, and then I'm going to steal all his gold.

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By owning the best World of Warcraft PvP guide you'll be able to quickly and easily amass tremendous honor points.

Nutramax Cosequin Is The Joint Care Medication For Pets.

By Rocky Whithers

One of the most popular joint medications is a supplement called Nutramax Cosequin, which many consumers have purchased in the past. They have bought it to help support joint function in their dogs.

To clear up any confusion, let's discuss Cosequin DS in detail. It is important that consumers understand fully about the product they are buying so they can make an informed choice.

But let's be clear - Cosequin for dogs is not a drug; it is a supplement which has the brand name Cosequin. To put it another way, a similar supplement is called Dasuquin, it's just a name rather than a unique substance. It's like calling a vacuum cleaner a hoover, and the same thing here, both are joint supplements.

The two products mentioned before have a lot in common - both contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin. In fact that is the total sum of the active ingredients in Cosequin. What is missing from it is MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane.

So let's look at MSM, and why it's important that Cosequin does not contain it; it is noted as being crucial in pain and swelling control. For an animal with arthritis MSM is a must-have in a supplement.

So that leaves Cosequin rather less attractive if you are looking for a supplement for dogs with arthritis. It may be a perfectly valid choice for those who want a mainstream joint supplement with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

There are some advantages to Cosequin for dogs if it's the supplement for you, it comes in various strengths and you can get it as a chewable and a capsule. If MSM is a must-have, Dasuquin is the supplement for you.

It might be that your vet has told you to give your dog Cosequin with MSM on his last examination; but this might not be a literal suggestion, he might be recommending ANY premium joint product. Nutramax Cosequin may be one of many options.

Most supplements are interchangeable, but you should ask your vet exactly what supplements are required so you can choose a product that suits your dog's needs exactly. It may be that Nutramax Cosequin isn't the best product for one dog, but is for another.

The holy trinity of MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin can be found in a variety of products. Dasuquin products are created from the best ingredients and you can be sure what you get in the bottle is what is described.

This is not always the case with inferior brands so save your money and go for a brand like Dasuquin with MSM which gives you a fair deal.

About the Author:

For the most up to date Cosequin news and product reviews, check out our animal health section. For pet owners, this is a super resource for Cosequin and information about why you could be using it.

Making a Strong Statement with Wall Clocks & Mantel Clocks

By Susan West

Many homeowners make the decision to redecorate at one time or another. Whether it is to repair damages or just to make changes, the choices that you make should reflect your own unique personality.

One of the things that many people overlook when redecorating is wall decor. When you are choosing wall decor, you should seriously consider a wrought iron clock. Every room needs to have some kind of time piece, and when you decide on a wrought iron clock, you are adding a piece that will add elegance and charm to any room. For someone who owns a log cabin, adding a wrought iron clock will add a rustic warm and inviting feeling to your home. There are many different styles and types of wrought iron clocks. You can choose from animals to landscapes as a motif for your wrought iron clock.

Wrought iron is durable and strong, as well as decorative. It was extensively used in the 19th century, for tools and hinges, as well as for decorative purposes. Today, it's almost entirely been replaced by steel, but we still use wrought iron in gates, candle holders, and of course, clocks! Many wrought iron clocks are also steel, but made in the same style as wrought iron.

Wrought iron wall clocks are more likely to feature floral motifs and traditional scroll work. This lovely, antique motif is a great way of filling space and accenting a blank, boring wall. Be sure to measure the space you wish to fill before buying a clock, so you'll be able to get an idea of how it will look in your room.

Wrought iron clocks are suitable for almost all of the major rooms in your house. They'll look great in the living room, dining room, bedroom, and even the kitchen. You can also take a small wrought iron mantel clock to work for your desk or bookshelf, adding the personal touch to your office or cubicle.

You should never have to worry for the clock face or moving mechanisms incurring damage by accidental falls since wrought iron is so very sturdy and heavyweight. Wrought iron clocks as well as other wrought iron items are so durable and long lasting that they may become a tradition in your home decor theme and they may travel down as heirlooms to the younger generations.

To go with the old-fashioned look of wrought iron, nearly all the clock faces used are traditional style, rather than digital, and tend to have hands, surrounded in either gold colored metal or black. It may seem like a wrought iron wall clock or mantel clock is outside the range of your budget. However, there are lots of models available, costing little more than a good conventional clock.

You have a choice of face plates when you choose your wrought iron clock. You can either choose a traditional faceplate or a digital, each one keeps time to the second. You can also choose if you want your wrought iron clock in gold, metal or black. Many people shy away from wrought iron because they think the price is out of their range. However, wrought iron clocks are surprisingly affordable. There are many models that are within all prices ranges. Edited by Glinda Zuladra

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Make your statement with several functional wall clocks and sturdy mantel clocks to brighten up your fireplace.

Camera Information

By Jimmy Johnson

With the host of choices available, choosing a new camera can be an overwhelming experience. It is a much easier task if you break the big decision down into smaller, more manageable ones. Your first camera-related decision should be whether you are going to buy a standard analog camera, or a sleek new digital one.

Digital cameras are certainly leading the camera market, but are they really the best choice? It really depends on what you are using your camera for and what level of control you want to have over taking, developing and editing your pictures.

Only a few years ago, digital cameras were prohibitively expensive, and were virtually no good if you wanted to print pictures larger than 4x6, as the resolution was so low that enlarged pictures became pixilated. The only people who were using digital cameras were those who like to spend money on new toys, for everyone else the simple analog cameras were just fine.

Nowadays, as with everything technological, it has become difficult to even keep up on all the camera information, even if all you want to do is to know enough to make an informed choice. There are just too many options. Different digital cameras have different resolutions, different memory formats, different features such as panorama and zoom, different lenses (which requires you to look up camera lens information as well), and dozens of other features. To wade through all of the digital camera information, you practically need to be a PhD!

If you aren't up to date on today's technology, then you may want to head to a local electronics or camera store to see what the salespeople recommend, or look online to find articles about cameras. When you have the camera specifications narrowed down you can then check out stores to see who offers the best deal. Places like eBay are also great for finding deals on electronics. Finding the right camera should be a breeze, unless your specifications are very unique. If this is going to be your very first digital camera you should check to see if your local community center offers beginner's classes on using digital cameras so that you can learn to use your digital camera to its full potential. At the same time as your digital camera purchase you may also want to look for a good photo printer, unless you want to get someone else to print them.

About the Author:

Jimmy Johnson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Camera Information visit Digital Cameras for current articles and discussions.

Solar Powered Living

By Allen Strong

Appliances, gadgets and all the other electronic devices are all over the market these days. Besides the amount of use we have for these little things, they also increase something in our household: our electrical bills. If you own a business, you'll find it a smart idea to actually become even partially independent of the main power grid.

In other countries like Germany and Australia, the amount of households that actually make use of renewable sources of energy is increasing by the minute. This is because their governments have passed a law which makes them earn more than the normal going rates for electricity if they generate their own in their backyard.

Solar power is probably the fastest growing source of renewable energy that's getting a boom in popularity. More and more people are actually deciding to live independent from the grid and generate their own electricity within their own homes and it is such a good idea that there are several companies who pay the customers back for the excess electricity that they generated and put back to the grid.

In some homes, they even go as far as completely detaching themselves from the grid. They have systems large enough to support their whole electrical consumption and even probably take in a few low income homes under their wing as well. During the summer, the amount of electricity they generate gets extremely high and they won't have to worry about bills no longer.

It's not surprising that the number of people who are realizing this incredible resource is increasing by the minute. The sun is probably the most powerful force in nature and we have finally found a way to get a share of that power.

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Check your vehicle for battery sulfation and keep it in shape using the best battery desulfator found in your local mechanic shop.

A Look At the Enemy: What Does A Termite Look Like?

By Don Pellis

More than curious kids, adults and homeowners should also ask what a termite looks like. You should ask yourself the same question. Asking what a termite looks like can help save you a lot of trouble.

What Does a Termite Look Like?

Getting basic facts about termites is as important as identifying how it looks. There are surprisingly more than 2000 species of termites all over the world. Fortunately, the U.S. only has a fraction of that number at about 41-55 species. Most other species live in tropical regions which is probably the reason why there are only a few species in America. It is believed though that cold weather does not really kill termites but only causes them to reduce their speed of activity. Nonetheless, they can still cause a lot of damage to residential areas.

Since termite are social insects, they live in colonies with a queen, king, soldiers and workers. In this sense, they are much like ants. In nature and the ecology, these insects actually play an important role. Although we may think of termites as enemies, they help in nature's natural process of recycling. As plants and trees rot, termites help them become dust and humus.

Caste System

What does a termite look like? That obviously depends on what species a termite belongs to since termites from different species may have slightly different physical traits. It also depends however on what group a termite belongs to in a colony. The answer to the question, what does a termite look like can be answered by looking at a termite's role.

The termites that reproduce are also called swarmers. Depending on the species, a swarmer may be brown, yellow brown, dark brown or grayish brown. Some may have shorter legs while others may have long ones. One distinctive feature of a swarmer however, is that it has four wings that are of the same length but are longer than the body. Unlike ants with wings, these termites do not have bent antennae and no constriction in the abdomen area. These termites are responsible for spreading the termite race.

What does a termite look like if it belongs to the soldier group? Just like soldier ants, soldier termites are big with large heads and crushing mandibles. They may come in a yellowish brown color. These large insects defend the colony from other insects and invaders.

Worker termites also look different. Workers are definitely smaller than soldiers and slightly smaller than swarmers too. Most termites that we worry over are creamy white and translucent. These insects are actually blind and do not have wings but they can be the most destructive group from the human point of view. These members of the colony are primarily responsible for eating wood.

The worker termites also gather food, build nests, gather eggs and cares for its larvae. Except for the wings, they are similar to swarmers since they do not have narrow waists and they have antennae that point outward.

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Identifying what a termite looks like may be your key on how to kill termites permanently. See more.

A Healthy Dog Diet FAQ

By G D Williams

Selecting a healthy dog diet can be confusing and difficult if you let it be. The pretty packaging and marketing can blur our perception of a product. Your dogs diet is the most basic way to keep your pet healthy and happy for the years to come. It is essential that you find a diet that will furnish all the needed nutrients to allow your pet to thrive rather than just survive.

So here are some basic guidelines for you to follow when you are choosing the food for your dogs diet. you should know that each dog is different and what is the satisfactory diet for your neighbors dog may not be exactly what your pet needs.

The first step when considering your dogs diet, is to talk to your veterinary. This trusted person has your pets interest at heart, just like you. Your vets recommendations can steer you in the right direction.

Find a reputable brand of dog food to be the main part of your dogs diet. It is not impossible to stumble across a high quality dog food that you have never heard of, but a well known and prominent manufacturer furnishes an amount of safety and security about the decision to give your dog a healthy diet. Recognized and reputable dog food manufacturers take the time to research the matter of animal nutrition. Allow your pet to benefit from the company's wealth of information rather than going it alone.

Choose a dog food that is age appropriate. If your dog is aged and shows signs of aging, consider a dog diet that is especially formulated for senior dogs. Pups have different nutritional needs than do adult dogs. Find a variety of food that meets your dogs needs. Even the breed and size of your pet can make a difference in the type of diet you should feed your pet. Diets produced specifically for small dogs and larger breeds exist. You may want to keep this in mind when selecting your dogs diet.

Activity level and weight are other factors to consider when making the decision of what to feed your dog. If your dog is highly active or obese, you may need to pick a type of dog diet that accommodates such situations. When you make up one's mind on a specific diet for your dog, pay attention to the helping size. Obesity is a serious problem in pets. It can lead to hip problems and take years off your pets life.

Table scraps are definitely not a healthy diet. Your dogs diet should consist of a high quality food specially designed to meet your pets dietary needs.

Only supplement a high quality diet when recommended by a vet. Giving your pet too many supplements in your dogs diet can lead to a lower quality of health.

Your dogs diet will fuel his health, so select your dogs diet wisely. You want to choose a brand of food that is reputable and suitable to your dog. When you find the satisfactory diet for your pet it will promote good health and allow your dog to thrive for many years to come.

About the Author:

This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming authority on pets. Did you find this article on Dog Diet helpful? To find out a lot more Free information about Dogs Diets be sure to try visiting Free Dog Diet Tips.

New Jersey: The New Meaning Of Outdoor Adventure

By Alix Montoya

Thinking of an outdoor adventure near home? Why not try the Garden State? When it comes to adventures of the nature kind, New Jersey has some exciting finds to offer. It gives you and your family the same enjoyment without having to travel half way across the country. Whatever your taste for adventure is, New Jersey's diverse ecological wonders are sure to tickle your fancy.

One hundred twenty-seven miles of beach along the state coastline facing the Atlantic. Cargo ships aren't the only ones calling the beaches of New Jersey home. So does whales and dolphins. Take a boat ride and watch the whales frolic around in their natural habitat. Or why not take a snorkeling trip and swim with the dolphins while your at it. The saltwater activities also include camping out on the beach, surfing and fishing.

The animals in New Jersey's excellent wildlife are as amazing to watch as they are diverse. If you want to watch whales, there are boat tours which take you to experience these great mammals in the flesh. Or you can stop over one of the bird watching sites along the Atlantic City Flyway and take a refreshing look at herons, shore birds or the northern diamondback terrapin.

If you're itching for nature, the Garden State has plenty of protected wildlife reserves, national parks and camping grounds like Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, to give you your fix for natural activities, or just offer you a breath of fresh air. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find what they're looking for in New Jersey.

You can strap your skis for a skiing adventures in the snow counties or pedal a path through unexplred woods and mountainlands, the abundance of activities never end for both you and New Jersey. Go fishing in the rivers that flow to the Atlantic and share salmons with the bears or ride your canoe to meet the ocean. New Jersey is the ideal place to get a natural vacation.

Lying between two bustling metropolis, New Jersey is not just your average center for commerce with a great service economy. Just look a little closer and you'll find that this little state has more to offer adventurers than what meets the eye.

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Enjoy the outdoors with your friends and be sure to check more New Jersey friends Activities options to get the best out of your vacation.

Denamarin Is The Liver Support Remedy For Dogs.

By Ron Whithers

The liver is key to our very survival, and performs incredible functions in the body, making Denamarin with SAMe is a sensible investment.

Without liver function all animals die, and quickly, and Nutramax Denamarin supports liver function in pets.

In humans the liver is the biggest organ and it is vital to the body's metabolism.

Of its many functions the ridding of toxins is one of the most important.

In this way it's obvious why the liver plays such an important role in the functioning of the body, hence the priority should be trying to keep it healthy.

This goes for your pets too, of any vertebrate type.

The liver possesses amazing regenerative powers, and can heal itself if a part is removed.

But an unhealthy body can be even too much for the liver to do its incredible work, and the result scan be fatal.

Chronic disease can also afflict the liver. But let's talk about dogs in particular and how their livers can be affected.

Let's take a look specifically at dog diseases.

Dogs can suffer from a disease similar to cirrhosis, which is known as Chronic Active Hepatitis.

It is not known what sparks this disease off but the effects on the liver can be devastating.

Because a disease is present, the body is provoked into releasing antibodies which clog up the liver.

Add the build up of toxins that cannot be excreted and you will see very quickly how the liver could fail.

If you have Doberman Pinschers, Cocker Spaniels and certain terriers you should keep an eye open for signs of this illness as they are prone to it.

Of course cancers and hepatitis can also take control of the liver. How can you help keep your dog's liver healthy?

Denamarin for dogs is an oral supplement designed to support liver function.

It contains S-Adenosylmethionine SAMe and silybin, the former of which increases levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

Nutramax Denamarin is best used as an element in protective healthcare for your dog to help support the liver.

Although it will not cure disease, Denamarin for pets will help support good liver function which may help stave off disease and infection.

You need to choose the correct dosage for the size of your dog, it comes prepared for small, medium and large dogs.

Produced in doses suitable for small, medium and large dogs, Denamarin is a small expense that could end up saving you thousands of dollars and your dog's life.

Doesn't it make sense? Denamarin for pets can help, so order here are get the lowest price online. Guaranteed!

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For the current Denamarin news and product reviews, check out our pet health pages. For pet owners, this is a great resource for Denamarin for pets and information about how to use it.

Garden Tips: The Planting of Seeds and Fighting Enemies

By Gugu Martini

Any reliable seed house can be depended upon for good seeds; but even so, there is a great risk in seeds. A seed may to all appearances be all right and yet not have within it vitality enough, or power, to produce a hardy plant.

If you should happen to have the opportunity to visit a seeds man's garden, you will see here and there a blossom with a string tied around it. These are blossoms chosen for seed. If you look at the whole plant with care you will be able to see the points which the gardener held in mind when he did his work of selection.

From large seeds come the strongest plantlets. That is the reason why it is better and safer to choose the large seed. It is the same case exactly as that of weak children.

But one thing to look out for in seed is viability. We know from our testing that seeds which look to the eye to be all right may not develop at all. There are reasons. Seeds may have been picked before they were ripe or mature; they may have been frozen; and they may be too old. Seeds retain their viability or germ developing power, a given number of years and are then useless. There is a viability limit in years which differs for different seeds.

Fighting Enemies

The devices and implements used for fighting plant enemies are of two sorts: (1) those used to afford mechanical protection to the plants; (2) those used to apply insecticides and fungicides.

Simpler devices for protecting newly-set plants, such as tomatoes or cabbage, from the cut-worm, are stiff, tin, cardboard or tar paper collars, which are made several inches high and large enough to be put around the stem and penetrate an inch or so into the soil.

Still another sort of garden device is that used for supporting the plants; such as stakes, trellises, wires, etc. Altogether too little attention usually is given these, as with proper care in storing over winter they will not only last for years, but add greatly to the convenience of cultivation and to the neat appearance of the garden.

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Do you have delicious recipes? Visit:: Easy Recipes For Ground Beef and easy ground beef meals for great recipes. This and other unique content 'Home Gardening' articles are available with free reprint rights.

The Deal On Tourist Attractions In Florida

By Alix Montoya

With a significantly tropical climate and hundreds of miles of beaches to boast, there is no doubt that Florida is one of the top vacation options there is in the country. If you're planning to experience the hot tropical sun while enjoying the warm waves of the ocean, then Florida should be best for you. So while you're at it, why not give the other options a look?

When you say Orlando the first thing that jumps to my mind is Disney World. It's a fairy tale come to life and anyone, kids and adults alike can't resist the temptation of spending a few days away in magical wonderland with all of the characters straight out of the story books. The only downside is Disney World can be the most expensive vacation you'll ever have. If you're low on budget, Orlando still has plenty to offer like Universal Orlando and Sea World are also great choices.

The Florida Keys rake in millions of visitors year after year. With each island offering different activities of your choice, the Keys are surely on top of vacation lists all over. From Key Largo to the Key West, the options are endless. Snorkel, dive, hike, camp, eat out or just enjoy a day at the beach. It's great fun for the whole family.

An urban tropical paradise would be the best way to describe the seaside setting of the gorgeous city of Miami. It could easily be Florida's center of commerce and fashion, with all its chic botiques and expensive restaurants. The hotels are a great deal too not to mention the locals which are definitely a sight for sore eyes.

You could also try the more gentle waves and soft white sands of the Gulf of Mexico in Tampa Bay. The best beaches in the area would have to be the ones in Clearwater hands down. The Tampa Bay area also has waterfront attractions like The Pier in St. Petersburg and The Florida Aquarium.

Florida vacation spots still remain the best vacation choices in my book. So come on down and gulp down some tropical drinks and enjoy the best Florida has to offer.

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Thinking of your family holidays? Check out the latest updates on the best deals and more Florida events and be be prepared for anything.

The Basics of Animal Face Painting

By Rashel Dan

Getting the Basics of Animal Face Painting

If you'd like to use the most popular designs you should definitely practice animal face painting. Animal themes vary extensively in design-you can create spots, stripes, whiskers, fangs, cat's eyes, dog's "black-eye", pug nose, beaks and so much more! This article will show you the basics of animal face painting and how to further enhance your skills.

The first thing to do is to acquaint ourselves with some of the most basic animal designs. The most popular beginner's design is the butterfly and bunny. Here are other animals you can portray in your animal face painting:

- Lion -Tiger -Cheetah -Cat -Dalmatian -Cow -Chicken -Owl -Sheep -Pig

From these basic animal designs, you can already put your own twist by adding different kinds of patterns. To get started, here are basic animal details:

1. Spots - can be applied by dotting paint on the face with a round brush. With this simple animal face painting technique you can create Dalmatian spots. Try drawing a circle around one eye and filling it in with solid color to create a dog's "black eye." You can then move on to creating cheetah spots by making solid dots and then creating a circle around them.

2. Stripes - can be used for tiger or zebra designs. Create wavy lines across the face with a brush. There are many books available that can show you where to direct those lines.

3. Noses - creating noses are easy. You can simply apply a black, pink or red spot on the nose.

4. Beaks - beaks are made by the illusion of "sticking out" of the face. Find detailed instructions from books or online information on animal face painting.

5. Eyes - different animals have different eyes. Paint on a vertical line that has a thicker middle and pointed ends for cat's eyes.

6. Fur and feathers - for a step-by-step instruction of how to create the illusion of furs and feathers with paint alone, you can search for online books on face painting.

Prepare yourself for actual face painting now that you know the basics. Here is a basic procedure:

Step 1: Identify the color combination and make a palette of colors for your design. For example, a tiger is going to need a color palette of orange for the base, black for stripes, yellow for eyes and white for the lower eyelids.

Step 2: Before you begin animal face painting, ask your model if he or she would like the face to be painted entirely or partially. For those who don't want the whole face to be painted, add some animal-like features only in a small area like the eyes or part of the cheek.

Step 3: You can start painting. The typical animal face painting procedure is by first painting on the base with a moist sponge and placing the details or animal patterns with a brush last. Now that you have the basics on animal face painting, learn more about specific procedures on each animal and advanced techniques online.

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Learn your basic animal face painting design now. Find out how you can give a new twist to your basic animal face painting designs.

Eat Cherries - You Don't Need an Excuse

By KC Kudra

Many of us have great memories of eating perfectly ripe cherries when we were kids, but did you know that cherries could be a great adult treat too. Cherries are becoming known as a great source of antioxidants. Cherries are excellent when it comes to fighting diseases and with a high level of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and foliate, it is easy to see why this fruit is becoming so popular with so many people.

It is easier than you might think to get cherries into your diet; they are great to eat just the way they are, but you can use cherries in many different dishes. Try some dried cherries in your oatmeal - they are a delicious and healthy change of pace from raisins. Dried cherries also work well in muffins and other baked goods.

Dried cherries are less sweet than maple syrup or honey and are very healthy. Dried cherries are also a wonderful addition to trail mix, their color, and vitamin content being a welcome addition to the mix.

You will also find that cherries can also bring a lot of savor and sweetness to a beef dish, and the juice from the cherries can do a lot to keep the beef from drying out. You will find that the juice from one can of sweet dark cherries can be put into a saucepan with horseradish, tomato paste, shallots and some port and then brought to a boil over medium heat for about 12 to 15 minutes.

This will thicken slightly as it cooks; once thickened, remove from heat and strain, then cover. You can also sear the cherries and add them along with the sauce. If you want to create a more dramatic presentation, you can flamb the cherries.

Another great, if unexpected place for cherries is in a cherry chili! Add cup of chopped cherries (these should be fresh, but can be sweet or sour cherries depending on your preference) to your chili along with the beans. The cherries will add some of their flavor to the chili and add an interesting textural element to the chili as well. This is a great way to dress up the same old chili and make it exciting.

In addition, when it comes to jell-o, do you need to make an excuse to add cherries? Cherry jell-o is already one of the most popular flavors. You can make all sorts of desserts with your cherry-enhanced jell-o, including jell-o cake, where jell-o and white cake are layered.

You can make an exciting layer for a jell-o cake or even a dessert in its own right by mixing cherry jell-o and fresh chopped cherries, then chill and fold in whipped cream. This can be whipped into a sort of icing for your jell-o cake if you can resist eating it right out of the mixing bowl! Another great dessert idea is to add some dark cherries to a bowl of vanilla ice cream or plain or vanilla yogurt delicious!

Cherries are a delicious and healthy treat any time at all - go ahead and indulge! You can add them to your diet in many different ways, do not be afraid to experiment a little and enjoy this favorite in new ways.

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For a complete selection of jello salad recipes come to the place for jello recipes on the net JelloRecipes.net where jello comes to life. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Star Wars Vintage Toys: An Exceptional Collectible Franchise

By Jared Conley

Everyone believes "their" markets are the "coolest" collectible toy markets, but most fingers point to vintage Hot Wheels, vintage Transformers, vintage Star Wars, and vintage Pez. Out of all of these, Star Wars vintage toys are arguably among the most valuable individually, though with the many Pez prototypes and variations available, Pez are probably more valuable in aggregate.

In 1977, Kenner produced the original line of twelve Star Wars action figures, and this entire line is extremely desirable to Star Wars enthusiasts, each netting over two thousand dollars if still in good condition and in their original packaging. The most valuable vintage toy is argued to be Vlix, a short-lived character who appeared in a Braziliam cartoon. Vlix nets well over six thousand dollars if in great condition.

Contributing to the valuation of these figures is the license exclusivity. For example, Kenner Canada, located in Toronto, Ontario, was the Canadian licensee for Star Wars toys in Canada from 1977 until 1985, but only manufactured about ten percent of the figures at that time. That, in addition to the fact that the Canadian releases were packaged with bilingual packaging, adds an interesting twist to those interested in the collectible value of these toys.

Another interesting collectible item available, but incredibly hard to come by, are figure prototypes. Prototypes and test products are very common in other markets, , but much rarer in the Star Wars market.

While many current Star Wars fans are young, and because there has been a glut of new licenses on the market, these newer toys will likely never attain the valuations that existing vintage toys attained. For example, a new release features Star Wars toys that transform from characters like Darth Vader into objects like the Death Star. These Transformers figures mashups are popular right now, but supply is also high, and the law of supply and demand tells us that this will suppress valuations.

There are also other foreign releases, with the Japanese Star Wars toys being very unique, and therefore, very desirable and highly collectible. European toys are also popular and regularly confused with Canadian releases, due to their bilingual packaging. The easiest way to tell these releases apart is by viewing the address on the package, which will clearly indicate the country of origin.

With Star Wars toys, you have an excellent movie franchise, a devoted fan base, opportunities to locate unique figures, and much heavier demand than supply. These factors combine to lead many professional collectors to believe that Star Wars vintage action figures will retain their valuations for the long haul.

So dig in your attic, uncover that old AT-AT Walker or Landspeeder, and see if you have a collectible on your hands!

About the Author:

Jared is a proud collector of Star Wars vintage action figures, Pez, and Transformers. He has been obsessed with the Star Wars franchise ever since he received his first Landspeeder for Christmas nearly 30 years ago. He blogs about his collections on his Star Wars and Transformers figures blogs.

Water Filters those Frequently Asked Questions

By Dewey Finn

The water filter industry is thriving. And just so you can make an informed decision when you buy a water purification system, we've put together the top water filter questions to guide you along the way.

Why shouldn't I drink tap water? There are still many people who have enough faith in their community water filtration system to feel comfortable drinking their tap water. But that number is quickly decreasing, as public awareness increases. Water testing has shown all kinds of invisible foreign bodies in our drinking water.

If you could see what the lab technicians see under their microscopes, you'd probably run for your life. Or at least, you'd immediately stop drinking tap water. There are some major menaces lurking in there that could make you very sick, or even kill you!

You need to be aware that there are pathogens in your water. That's the name given to the three types of disease-causing microbes. Those three types are: Protozoa, which includes giardia and cryptosporidium (even the names sound scary); bacteria, like the infamous E. coli; and viruses, like hepatitis. Now do you want to be pouring that into your body? Probably not!

If I'm concerned about water purity, can't I just buy bottled water? Bottled water is a huge industry, now that it's clear that our water is anything but clear. But, like most industries, there's the good and the bad. There's a lot of bottled water available that's only partially filtered, so there could still be some contaminants in it.

If you're really concerned about safe drinking water, make sure you buy a well-known brand that proves to be pure.

Is boiling my water enough to remove contaminants? By boiling your water for a couple of minutes, you'll eliminate many of the E. coli, giardia, crypto, and other such organisms. But it won't remove any of the harmful metals. In fact, as the water evaporates, the metals become even stronger.

Your best bet is to use a in home water filter. It's much easier than constantly boiling water, and it's definitely much safer and much more effective.

How do I know what kind of water filter to buy? There are several water filtration systems available. They all do an adequate job of purifying your water. You just have to decide which one suits your water use and lifestyle the best.

You can get a water jug, with a filter, or you can get a filter that fits onto your tap. You can also get an in-line filter that's mounted on your counter. This type is connected directly to your cold water supply. Or you can get one that's installed under your sink, with its own independent tap.

Which water filtration system works the best? All Nikken water filtration systems work well. They do what they're designed to do. Again, it depends on your use and preferences. A water filtration system forces water through a material, called a media, that allows the water through, but not the impurities.

Or you can use the distillation method, which is, simply put, boiling the impurities out of the water. This is very effective, but you have to pay for the power to run them, and you also have to de-scale them periodically.

The other method, which is also very effective, is called reverse osmosis. This is a very thorough method which goes through several stages in filtering the water. The end result is very pure water, but not all the water that goes into the system comes out clean. There's a certain amount of waste - the water that carries all the impurities. That goes down the drain.

Is reverse osmosis better than other water filtrations systems? To decide if reverse osmosis is better than other methods, you have to define "better". It's probably the most efficient system as far as removing impurities. However, it does have some disadvantages.

Because the system is so thorough, it takes more time, and uses more water. So you need a holding tank - that's extra equipment, which usually means extra money. Also, it doesn't work well with hard water, so you need to be living in a soft water area. And you need to have a minimum water pressure of 50 psi to operate the system.

How long will my filters last? Obviously, some filters last longer than others. It depends on which water treatment system you're using. If you have a water filter jug, then the average use for one filter is about three months. But if you go through a lot of water, like if you have a large family, you may have to change your filter every month.

Usually, the general rule is, the larger the filter, the longer it lasts. You need to check out your owner's manual for specifics. It's important to remember that you should always change your filter within the suggested times. If you drink water that's been passed through an expired filter, you may as well not use it at all because it's full of contaminants that have already been filtered out.

What type of contaminants do water filters remove? Water filters are designed to improve the taste and odor of the water. Nobody likes to drink water that tastes of chlorine, so that's one of the most important things that are filtered out. Metals, like copper and lead, are also eliminated.

And, of course, we need to get rid of the bacteria - those giardia and cryptosporidium that can be so harmful, or even fatal.

Why would I need a whole house filtration system? Filtering your drinking water is half the battle, but it's not the whole war. Bacteria isn't transferred only by drinking - you can also pass it on by hand, with the water you use in the rest of your house for washing the dishes, washing your hands, etc.

Whole house water filters do a great job of removing the chlorine and other bad tastes and odors, along with the other impurities you don't want to come into contact with. These filters are hooked up to your main water line into the house, so nothing gets by them. Another great benefit is that you can purify about 100,000 gallons of water before you have to change the filter.

Where's the best place to buy water filters? Because water purifiers are so popular these days, there are many manufacturers and distributors vying for your business. So the best place shop for your home water filters is on the Internet.

That way, you can get all the information you need, including the best prices, and the most beneficial features, without leaving the comfort of your home.

We all want to drink water that looks clear, not cloudy, and that has no bad taste or odor. And we all want to wash with water that has no bacteria or viruses. And that's why water filters are the way to go.

We'll suggest a couple of the many distributors of fine water filters. Check out these brands: PiMag Water Systems, Aqua Gold, or Richard Simmons' Pure To Go Personal Water Filter System.

There are many more, and you can see all the online water filter merchants right there, and decide which one is best for you. I'll drink to that!

About the Author:

For your information there is much more on the topic of water purification systems. Drop by today at http://www.water-purification-filters.com

The Advantages Of Puppies From Bichon Frise Breeders

By Mary Stevenson

There are many advantages of getting your Bichon Frise puppy from a Bichon Frise breeder rather than a pet store. Bichon Frise breeders spend lots of time on only a few puppies, making sure they are healthy and properly socialized. Pet store puppies get very little attention and are stuck in cages at the time of life when they should be getting training. And, most importantly, Bichon Frise breeders are not puppy mills.

If you really have your heart set on a Bichon Frise puppy, then you can make life a lot easier for yourself and the dogs by getting in contact with a Bichon Frise breeder. You can find them through the Internet, by going to dog shows, through recommendations from other Bichon owners in your area and sometimes even your vet. If everyone stopped buying puppies from pet stores, then this inhumane practice could be stopped. What's inhumane about buying a puppy at a pet store? Plenty! First off, all puppies in all pet stores are from puppy mills.

Perhaps you once had a Bichon Frise, a Poodle-like toy dog that is becoming more and more popular. You should get your next Bichon Frise from a Bichon Frise breeder. A Bichon Frise breeder will offer a lot of little extras that no other pet store or even an all-pet animal shelter can. This is because he or she can spend a lot of time and effort on just a few dogs ? or at the most, a few dozen ? and gets to know their temperaments and quirks. In this way, you can be matched with a Bichon Frise puppy that is most compatible for your personality and lifestyle.

Pet stores that sell puppies rely on impulse purchases and do not do any background checks on what kind of person this puppy is going to. Quite often, people who have no idea what is involved in raising a puppy buy these puppies on a whim. Most puppies bought in pet stores wind up being abandoned when the puppy gets to be about nine months to one year old. Half of all dogs and cats that are surrendered to shelters are euthanized.

Always buy from a reputable Bichon Frise breeder, because buying a puppy at a pet store only helps to perpetuate the inhumane and barbaric puppy mill system. In a puppy mill, dogs are treated worse than battery hens (and there are even laws to protect battery hens, now). Dogs are never taken to a vet, as that would cut into the profit margin. They spend their lives in crates and only come out to breed. They often spend most of their lives sitting in their own excrement.

Bichon dogs need a lot of grooming, for example. If you are not sure of how best to care and train your Bichon, now is the time to ask for Bichon Frise information.Here's another way in which Bichon Frise breeders differ from pet shops. They will take the puppy back, even when full grown, if you should run into a spell of bad luck and can no longer take care of a dog. You won't get your money back, but that shouldn't matter in knowing that your friend will have a good home with people he or she likes. Check your contract carefully before signing to see if this is included.

About the Author:

Mary Stevenson is a passionate lover of the Bichon Frise and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Bichon Frise. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Bichon Frise Breeder Information plus a whole lot more.

Best Golf Destinations In Las Vegas

By Charles Davis

It's always a good day to be a golfer in Las Vegas, with over 300 days of sun and over a hundred affordable courses to choose from. Temperatures range from 58 to 100 degrees allowing any player to enjoy the scenery of the area, and more importantly, great golfing opportunities.

For $120 to $295, a golfer can play at the Reflections Bay golf club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course rated in the "Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play" by Golf Digest. Since 1998, this 7,261-yard course has amazed players with its scenery, centered around a 320-acre lake.

Additionally, ranging from $250 and up you have the Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt designed Bali Hai Golf Club. Opening in 2000, the course is known for its luxurious looks and stunning golf course design. Playing at 7,002 yards from the championship tees, this par-71 course is widely refered to as "lush" by most golfers.

In the median range of pricing you have the Painted Desert Golf Club. With greens fees from $69 to $149, this Jay Morrish designed course allows for error, with tight fairways and playable desert, you always have a chance to get the ball back in play. Opening in 1987, the Painted Desert Golf course can claim to be one of the first golf courses to open in Las Vegas. Playing at 6,781 yards, this beautiful course takes advantage of elevated tees and open desert to set up beautiful views while playing the Painted Desert Golf Course.

The Desert Pines Golf Club designed by Dye Designs International offers 6,810 yards of beauty and grace. Every fairway on the course is shaded by pine trees and water comes into play on half the holes on the course. With greens fees ranging from $35 to $160 this is a great buy for a great course.

On the cheaper side you have the Black Mountain Golf and Country Club. Greens fees range from $55 to $95 for this Bob Baldock and Gill and Associates designed course. This USGA Links qualifying site offers 27 holes of golf with varying difficulty for all golfers. The course has tree lines fairways and tree framed tee boxes on every inch of the golf course. As the trees add much difficulty to play, they also offer much needed shade during the summer months of the year. At 6,550 yards, the Black Mountain Golf and Country Club seems quite easy when looking at the score card, but the tree presence, small old-fashioned greens, and thick Bermuda rough makes for a challenging day.

Some call Arnold Palmer's Angel Park Golf Club Vegas' best; the owners themselves declare it the most complete gold experience in the world. It will set a golfer back $65 to $160 for a round of golf, but with natural grass, 36 championship holes, and nine holes lighted, this golf club has been serving players well for almost twenty years.

There is a golf course for every golfer, for every degree of difficulty and every price range. Las Vegas has it all and provides great whether to enjoy these beautiful golf courses year round. Each golf course would not disappoint and could easily qualify as "one of the best golf destinations in Las Vegas".

About the Author:

Before you decide on a golf vacation, make sure you check out a Las Vegas golf vacation, and Legacy Golf Club Las Vegas