Sunday, May 31, 2009

Celebrity Glamour Secrets Revealed


Celebrity Glamour Secrets are now available to anyone wanting to know, just how do I make myself look like a star. No, we're not talking nips and tucks here, we've found some very doable deals that can assist you in everything that it takes to slim, form, and shape your bodies into the shape you desire that will accent your body like the stars.



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Celebrities are no longer keeping their secrets. If you've longed for glamour or just want to look your absolute best, then you've got to see the whole range of products we offer.



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About the Author

Jim Wilson is an avid announcer of the latest trends on and off the web. He is a trend-setter of ideas, information, and so much more. See just what all he can offer you today: http://wealthsmith.com

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Tips for Traveling with the Tots

While many parents avoid traveling with young children, a bit of preparation can ensure a successful family vacation. By making a checklist of all your necessities and planning for any difficulties, you and your family can enjoy your vacation instead of worrying about what could go wrong. Here is a list of travel tips to help you prepare for your family vacation. By following some of these suggestions, you and your family will always remember your family vacation for all the right reasons. You certainly can?t expect your children to be perfect, so set some reasonable expectations for your family vacation. Perhaps one of the best ways to keep your children interested throughout your family vacation is to involve them in the planning process. Your children will be excited to have a hand in the itinerary and will learn about the destination before you depart. Once you arrive, you can be confident that your kids won?t complain about the chosen activities.

Regarding air travel, you might want to try securing seats in the front row of the aircraft. The front row of seats will grant your family some extra space and privacy, which are especially helpful if traveling with infants or toddlers. Your children should also be able to wander with more ease at the front of the cabin, but ask the flight attendant if you aren?t sure what is acceptable.

While non-stop flights are recommended by many for family travel, a break can sometimes be useful. If your family is traveling to the Caribbean, an hour or two in an airport can take some of the edge off a long day. Not only will your children be able to walk around and stretch, you can also stock up on snacks and any items you may have forgotten. If you are traveling with older children, you might want to consider an early morning flight to prevent any delays. When flying with infants and younger children, many families prefer late night flights as they correspond with the child?s natural sleep schedule.

When traveling to the Caribbean or any other international location, pack all the medicines your children might need ? both prescription and over-the-counter varieties. As many countries have different medicines than the U.S. and packaging may be considerably different, don?t take any chances. Check the carry-on restrictions and pack whatever you can in your carry-on baggage. It is also a good idea to pack a change of clothes, a blanket and a pillow for your young ones to ensure that they are comfortable on the airplane.

One of the greatest difficulties of family travel is the transport of large items like strollers and playpens. Before you leave for your trip, contact the concierge of your Caribbean resort regarding the availability of cribs, strollers, car seats or anything else your baby might need. If your hotel is unable to acquire any of these vacation essentials, there are a few international organizations that arrange delivery of such rental items.

Organize a selection of toys like dolls, stuffed animals and books in one of your carry-on bags. To prevent any unnecessary embarrassment, try to avoid packing noise-making toys or those with small parts ? like model kits, building blocks or board games. Portable DVD players and CD players can also keep your children occupied and entertained. It is also a good idea to pack some healthy snacks for your children, as it is often difficult to please with airline food. Your preparation should also include planning for unforeseen events, such as someone getting lost or sick. By planning all the small details ? down to what type of trail mix to eat on the airplane ? and more serious issues affecting your itinerary before you travel, you and your family won?t have to spend your family vacation worrying. You will simply enjoy every minute of it.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in the Caribbean and Mexico for the Paradise by Marriott


Friday, May 29, 2009

Making the Decision to Move to Atlanta

The decision to settle in a new city, town, or state is very difficult to make. Not only is it a hassle to pack and haul all your things to a new territory, but it is also quite inconvenient to prepare for the move. However, if you have the right reasons to transfer to a place then it is a choice you have to make. To prepare yourself to relocate, you should first learn as much as you can about the place in which you are about to move.

Making the decision to move to Atlanta can be easier than you would have imagined. This unique city in the southern state of Georgia has its own charms and appeal that make its residents love it so much. Much of the renowned Southern hospitality is still very alive in this city, despite the hustle and bustle that drives its population nowadays. This place has a good mix of excitement and coziness that makes the decision to move quite easy. Perhaps this is why a lot people refer to Atlanta as the city that is too busy for you to hate.

A major factor that entices a lot of people to move to Atlanta is that it is teeming with commercial life. The city boasts of housing among the United States? and the world?s leaders in the corporate community. Here, well-known giants have planted their headquarters. The likes of UPS, Mindspring, CNN, Delta Airlines, Southern Companies, Russell Construction, and perhaps the most famous beverage company, Coca-Cola, find solace in this commercial hub. Atlanta is also the hub for the big companies of the future as it is where many young technology, communications, and designs companies are based. This is why many people who were just visiting the city suddenly make the decision to stay permanently.

Atlanta is a cozy city that sprawls for only about 131 square miles. However, it houses more than 3.5 million people quite comfortably with various types of homes available for every need. All types of houses are available from townhouses, single-family houses to duplexes, condos and sprawling mansions. Buying a home is relatively affordable with prices starting from under $100,000. You really can get alot of house for the money.

Going to and from Atlanta is quite convenient. This relatively small city houses the Hartsfield International Airport, which is the second busiest airport in the USA. While traffic can be a hassle in the city, one can easily take advantage of MARTA, the clean and safe rapid-rail system that is conveniently integrated with bus routes that are quite efficient.

The entertainment scene is very much alive in Atlanta. Whatever type of music that moves you can be found here, whether it is jazz, rock, R&B, rap, pop, or Latin. The city also houses fabulous entertainment hubs such as the Fox Theater, the Roxy, and the Tabernacle. You might also want to see the renowned Ballethnic Dance Company and the Jomandi Productions, which are established companies. Sports fans may also be excited to see the Hawks, Falcons, Braves, and Thrashers in action, or any of the other major sporting events hosted by the city.

The best part about moving to Atlanta is that you are sure to live in a friendly and exciting place. You can easily walk around and say hi to every person you meet on the street without getting any awkward stares you might experience in other great cities. Atlanta can sure be a home to anyone and this can make the decision to move here the best choice you would make for your entire life.

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Are you thinking of relocating to the Atlanta, Georgia area but don't know where to start? Bettye Prothro is available to become your Personal Connection for Atlanta Homes and Real Estate information. Visit http://www.AtlantaHomesAdvisor.com for Atlanta Homes & Real Estate Information and Resources.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Los Angeles Real Estate Experts: Selling Your Home in All Market Conditions

Understanding the real estate market is a complicated task. Currently, there are a number of areas in the United States that are experiencing a decrease in home sales. There are many individuals who assume that this is not the time to sell their home, but those individuals may be making a life changing mistake.

If you live in or around the Los Angeles area and if you are interested in selling your home, you should. There may be a wide variety of different reasons why you would want to sell your home. Whatever your reason for wanting to sell, you are encouraged not to use the real estate market as a guide. There are a number of other factors that you should first consider.

As previously stated, not selling your home when you want to move could be a costly mistake. This mistake is most often seen with individuals who need to move to another city or state to accept a new job. How well your home sells should not be a deciding factor in whether or not you want to accept a new job.

Despite the fact that the Los Angeles area has seen a slight decrease in home sales, it is highly likely that you home will still successfully be sold. The deciding factor will all depend on the condition of your home, its location, and the individual you turn to for assistance. This assistance should come from a professional real estate agent.

Professional real estate agents are trained and experienced in the buying and selling of Los Angeles real estate. Many agents go through extensive training. This training educates them in ways to target new home buyers and teaches them how to make a traditional home more appealing. If you are concerned with the status of the current Los Angeles real estate market, an agent could provide you with valuable information and assistance.

If you are interested in finding an agent who specializes in the Los Angeles real estate market, you can do so a number of ways. Most homeowners search for a real estate agent or company by using the internet and their local phone book. Each should provide you with a large number of qualified agents in the area.

Since local phone books and the internet are both likely to produce a number of results, there are many homeowners who wonder which agent they should use. The best way to determine an agent?s experience with the Los Angeles real estate market is to speak with them directly. It may be possible to schedule a free consultation appointment with a number of real estate agents. Information can also be exchanged over the phone or online.

Taking the time to speak directly with a real estate agent will enable you to determine their experience with the Los Angeles real estate market. This experience could help you sell your Los Angles home, even at a time when home sales are on the decline.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great resource for information regarding Los Angeles Real Estate

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

How To Make Your Own Board Game

Making your own board games does not only help you save up, it also develops your resourcefulness and creativity. Making homemade board games is twice as exciting as playing the game itself. It is also very economical. So why buy them when you can create your own? You can even get a lot of benefits from making your board games yourself. Now, how do you start making them?

First of all, you have to gather your materials. It is important to take durability into consideration when selecting your raw materials. The more long-lasting the material is the more games you'll be able to play with it.

Chess, Checkers or Go

If you are making your own chess game board, you must decide what to replace your chess pieces. Stones and beads are the popular choices for board game pieces. In chess, since the king is the biggest piece, reserve the biggest stone for that. Stones, in fact, were first used as pieces in games like Go. For chess, if you are using beads, choose the largest one for the king or use a distinct color for each piece. And since the Queen symbolizes femininity, reserve the pink bead for her. Almost anything can be used to serve as playing pieces. If you have a figurine collection, you can use them as well.

If you know how to carve, you can use leftover wood to create your board pieces. Then use paint or varnish for a finishing touch. Coins can also be used as markers. The lists of possibilities are endless!

Different board games need different game pieces. Some may require a dice as well as a deck of cards and poker chips. For your convenience, it may be better to purchase these items instead to make sure they're uniform. While you're at it, you may need to purchase some permanent markers, scissors and a ruler as well to make your playing board.

Rudiments: Boards

You can make your own game board from different things. You can use an illustration board or spare plywood to draw your playing field. If you want your game board to be portable, you can even use a cloth, which you can easily fold after playing.

Just make sure that the material you use for your game board can easily be laid flat. If not, you'll be spending most of the time leveling it while playing the board game. If you love the game, it is best to invest your creativity in it, as well as some money, time and effort. A nice board for your playing pleasure will affect your mood while on the game.

Packing It Up

Now you have your board game set. However, you are not done yet. You also have to consider other important things such as the storage of your entire board game set. If the board you made is small and convenient enough to store in a portable box, you can bring it anywhere you fancy. If you made a large one, look for a cool, dry place where you can store and easily retrieve it.

If you store your board in a hot place, the markers may fade right away. If you are using cloth for your board, do not fold it when storing it. Roll it up or keep it flat in an envelope so that no crease will disturb your game pieces once you start the next game.

Making your own playing board and pieces will help you play your favorite game without spending too much. Moreover, your improvised board game set will be uniquely your own.

Visit Board Games Store A Place Where You Can Find Board Games Articles And Find Info On The World's Most Popular Board Games

By Robert Diarioti

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Wedding Lingerie Honeymoon in Paradise

There are many things to remember in preparation for your wedding day.  Of the many items you cant forget, your wedding lingerie is very important.  Getting the most out of your big day is all about taking advantage of every experience.  This includes the honeymoon.

There are many things to remember in preparation for your wedding day.  Of the many items you cant forget, your wedding lingerie is very important.  Getting the most out of your big day is all about taking advantage of every experience.  This includes the honeymoon.

Traditions create many of the reasons why we do things, especially in weddings.  Youve spent so much time selecting the right invitations and the just the right dress, so why wouldnt you do the same with your intimate apparel. 

Panties play an important role in everyday life, but a more important one under your bridal dress.  Many of the latest dress styles are more sensual and revealing than ever before.  White thong panties are the perfect answer to the panty question.  Thongs are required because there is a chance that your dress is slightly see through, and you dont want to give anything away. 

Choosing the right bra might be just as easy.  You want support, yet you dont want your wedding guests to see it.  It also has to be seductive for the alone time that follows.  There are many strapless bras that provide wonderful support, while also adding a little more in the bust.  The design choices are intricate, with lacy designs that are easily transferred to the brides chambers. 

Your stocking choice is maybe the most difficult decision to make.  There are many inexpensive options available, but they dont have the same appeal as vintage sexy stockings.  The traditional silk variety is head and shoulders above the competition.  Shiny, white legs will go a long way down the aisle and the dance floor.  Pantyhose just cant provide the appeal you are looking for in a stocking. 

Last, but not least, is the traditional wedding garter.  It is customary to give this one out to a lucky someone in the wedding party, so you dont want to spend a fortune on it.  If you want to keep one for yourself, then you can go all out.  Find something that matches your personality, and make it fun.  The removal of the garter is just as traditional as any other custom. 

Getting the most out of your wedding day shouldnt be contingent on your lingerie, but it will definitely have an impact on your memories.  Take a chance on your styles, and do it differently than all others.  Make your day more special for bride and groom with the little details that are so memorable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robb Ksiazek researches, writes, and publishes about sexy lingerie for Lingerie-4U.biz.  He feels the right apparel will allow us to be ourselves, yet someone we desire to be.


Monday, May 25, 2009

Put That Kid in a Car Seat!


Copyright 2006 Mike Patrick Jr, MD


I don't currently advocate road rage. Laying on the horn, swearing like a sailor, and swerving around the slow guy in the passing lane is not my style. Of course, tastes change over time, so I'd like to reserve the right to practice road rage in the future. But understand this: It won't be the slow guy in the passing lane that sets me off. Instead, it will be stupid parents.


You know the ones I'm talking about. You see them on interstate highways and city streets and country roads. You point them out to your spouse, and explain their poor judgment to your children. At least I hope you do. These are the parents who drive with unrestrained kids in the car, ones who let Little Bobby climb over the headrest and crouch on the floorboard and roam from window to window, pausing only to stick his tongue out at cars in the cruising lane.


Why do some parents allow their children such freedom? I think it boils down to convenience. Dad doesn't want to wear a seatbelt and he doesn't want to hear Little Bobby screaming to get out of his. So Dad lets him roam.


In every state, they're breaking the law. Not that it matters. Most states have secondary seatbelt laws, even for kids. This means police can only write a citation for an unrestrained occupant in the course of pulling a car over for another violation. But let's face it, toughening seatbelt laws into primary violations would do little to reduce the thousands of unrestrained children killed and injured in the United States each year. Why? Because you can't force common sense through legislation. Don't forget, these parents are stupid.


If you are still reading, I suspect you are either not a stupid parent or you are motivated to rise above your stupidity. And since smart parents ask lots of good questions about the appropriate use of car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts, I will review the basics for you.


The rules are pretty simple really. Until your child is a year old AND twenty pounds, use a rear-facing infant carrier in the back seat of your car. The middle of the seat is safest. Once your child is twenty pounds AND one year of age, it's safe to use a forward-facing car seat. Again, keep it in the back, and if possible, put it in the middle.


When do you graduate to a booster seat? For most kids, you can make the move when they weigh forty pounds. Start with the type that has its own restraining harness. When your child outgrows the harness (usually between 50 and 65 pounds), advance to a booster that incorporates the car's safety belt. The important thing here is to make certain the belt fits properly. The lap belt should fit over the pelvic bones and not slip up to the belly. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the upper shoulder and not the neck. Many of these boosters feature an adjustable clip to keep the shoulder belt in a good position. Never forsake the shoulder belt. Serious injury is common among children in booster seats who only use a lap belt.


For all car seats and boosters, be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines for proper positioning and securing. You'll have to pay close attention here. Some seats are rear-facing only, some only face forward, others are reversible. Also pay attention to minimum and maximum length and weight for a given seat. If your child outgrows the length recommendation of a rear-facing infant seat, but is not yet a year old AND twenty pounds, you'll need a bigger reversible seat. Keep it rear-facing until he is big enough and old enough to face forward.


When are kids ready for seat belts without a booster? When their feet reach the floor while their back is against the seat. The lap belt must fit snuggly across the pelvic bones (not the stomach), and the shoulder belt must fit snugly across the chest (not the upper shoulder or neck). The exact age varies from kid to kid. If your son or daughter is petite, he or she might be 10 or 11 years old before meeting this criteria. I realize this is much older than most people (especially children) want to believe. But I bring you the facts. Please, don't shoot the messenger.


There's much more to say about car safety. When can kids ride up front? What about air bags? How do you secure premature babies and disabled children? The American Academy of Pediatrics has an excellent resource answering these and other questions at http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm


So what do we do with the dad who won't buckle Little Bobby? It's a tough call. This is America. Parents have rights. Does Little Bobby have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Is Dad interfering with that right? Maybe. Until we sort that out, you'll do well to avoid Dad's mistake. Be a good example to your children and always wear your seat belt. Insist on your children being properly secured from day one. Always use a car seat. Make no exceptions. Little Bobby figured out that if he screams loud enough and long enough, he gets to roam the car and stick his tongue out at passing cars. If you have a Little Bobby in your car, it's not too late. Let him scream. It won't last long. Will you be interfering with his life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Maybe. But I know which choice I'd make. How about you?

About the Author

Mike is an American pediatrician. Read more at http://www.pediascribe.com
COPYRIGHT 2006 Mike Patrick Jr, MD

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Know The Pieces In Your Backgammon Set

When you are shopping for a backgammon set, it is important to know what to look for. No two backgammon sets are the same, unless they are made that way purposely, such as by the same manufacturer. Some are fancy and some are plain. Some are cheaper than others and some can be really expensive. It all depends on what you are looking for.

What is great about a backgammon set is that the board doubles as a case to carry the different pieces. The board itself can be made of several different types of materials such as magnetic, vinyl, plastic, leather, aluminum, and wood. Some backgammon sets come included in certain pieces of furniture such as an ottoman or end table. Other sets are very small with magnetic pieces for travel. With backgammon, there is something to suit every taste and a set for everyone.

Because backgammon sets vary so greatly in sizes, shapes, and materials, you can expect to pay between twenty and one-thousand dollars for a set, it all depends on how fancy or plain you want to get. Within the backgammon set itself, you will find a variety of different pieces. Again, these pieces can be made of a variety of different materials such as wood or plastic. Depending you your budget, you can buy sets that are made from the finest materials. If you are really hooked on the game, having a nice expensive set can help add to the experience of playing.

Each backgammon set comes with thirty backgammon chips. Fifteen white and fifteen black chips. Of course, this could vary as well, depending on the manufacturer; they can be of different colors such as two different shades of brown. The chips are typically made from a heavy type of plastic that feels rather nice to the touch and makes handling the pieces fun, but they can also be made from wood and other materials. Typically, most backgammon sets come with two shakers as well, one for each player. They may be of the same color or of two different colors. They too may be made out of different materials, such as wood, plastic, or even leather.

Dice are also standard with a backgammon set. This could mean two dice, which the players would have to share, or four, in which each player would have their own set. Another standard in a backgammon set is the doubling cube. The doubling cube is a six sided dice, which has the numbers 2, 4, 18, 16, 32, and 64. However, most people playing for fun avoid using the doubling cube. The doubling cube generally only comes into play when money is at stake.

So there you have it. Now you have a good idea of what pieces are involved in a backgammon set.


About the Author:

Lee Dobbins writes for http://backgammon.games-webzone.com where you can find out more about playing backgammon and backgammon sets.


Friday, May 22, 2009

Avoiding Discriminatory Real Estate Practices

Real estate agents should never say or imply that the presence of persons of a particular protected class (race, national origin, etc.) in a neighborhood could or will result in:

lower property values;

a change in the composition of the neighborhood;

a more dangerous neighborhood; or

a decline in the quality of the schools in the neighborhood.

Most real estate agents would not act in an overtly discriminatory way; for example, they wouldn?t raise the listing price because of the race of the prospective buyer. Yet some of these same agents might tell racial or ethnic jokes or make derogatory remarks about a particular group of people.

Although these jokes or remarks don?t necessarily indicate a willingness to actually discriminate in a transaction, a listener might assume that they do. Even listening or going along with inappropriate remarks can give the impression that the agent agrees with these discriminatory attitudes. Agents need to watch out for signs of such attitudes, in order to avoid helping others violate antidiscrimination laws.

Listing agents should make sure the seller is willing to follow the law, and decline to take the listing if the seller is not.Real estate agents should also provide equal service to buyers and sellers without regard to their race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, familial status, age, or disability. For example, an agent should never refuse to show a property to a potential buyer based on discriminatory reasons.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Sarasota Real Estate Marketing

With Sarasota becoming a hot spot for real estate investments, realtors use various marketing strategies to attract new clientele. Apart from the local print and media, realtors take advantage of the Internet.

Research shows that homebuyers prefer viewing details and photos of properties online. Detailed information on the description of the property, photos, maps and neighborhood information help reach thousands of buyers.

Websites offer directory listings and MLS, or multiple listing services, providing realtors the opportunity to gain maximum exposure. Virtual home tours give realtors a chance to offer a preview of a property to prospective buyers. As more buyers begin their property search online, a web tour is often their preferred introduction to their next home and to the real estate professional who?ll guide them towards closing a deal. For sellers, virtual tours help separate the serious buyers from the window shoppers. Virtual tours can be a simple series of photos and text or multimedia presentations with maps, floor plans, 360-degree panoramic images and a sound track. Many providers also offer lead capture and tour promotion services.

Property-casting is a new concept in real estate marketing. Property-casting is the filming of audio and video tours of real estate properties, for distribution over the Internet or to portable devices such as mobile phones, iPods and other multimedia devices. Full-scale audio and video tours are broadcast through different mediums. Property casting is economical and can be used in all areas of the real estate industry.

Professional marketing consultants that specialize in real estate offer a variety of marketing strategies to realtors. They are trained and experienced in project management, accounting, finance, real estate property operations, and information technology.

One of the reasons for Sarasota growing faster than many other counties in the US is the innovative approach of the real estate marketers here.

Sarasota Real Estate provides detailed information on Sarasota Real Estate, Sarasota Pre-Construction Real Estate, Sarasota Real Estate Marketing, Sarasota Real Estate For Sale By Owner and more. Sarasota Real Estate is affiliated with Minnesota Commercial Real Estate.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Definitions for Promotional Products Promotional Items Corporate Gifts and Promotional Gifts

Most people have heard and even used the terms ?Promotional Products? and ?Promotional Items?, but what is the difference? How about the difference between ?Promotional Gifts?, and ?Corporate Gifts??






Recently, the folks at InkHead Promotional Products have put forth their efforts to define the distinctions among these four important terms.? InkHead is an online Promotional Product distributor.? InkHead Promotional Products was launched in 2003 and was voted the second fastest growing distributor in the advertising specialties industry for 2007.? Their intention is to help customers to have a clear understanding and the knowledge necessary to make a best informed decision when planning their promotional marketing campaigns.



Promotional Products are defined as:imprinted products that are used to promote and/or brand businesses and special events while at the same time are functional and usable by their recipients. Some examples of Promotional Products are: pens, pencils, flashlights, USB drives, visor clips, rulers, and insulated bags. Promotional Products are given away and used by your company. No matter what you are trying to promote, you'll spread the word effectively with Promotional Products from InkHead. Browse InkHead?s online catalog today, or request a print catalog of the featured promotional products!



Promotional Items are defined as:imprinted items, often non-functional, used purely to promote and/or brand businesses and/or special events such as parties, weddings, reunions, sporting events, and more. Some examples of Promotional Items are:signs, magnets, spirit flags, stress balls, key chains, and lanyards. To compare,where Promotional Products have a clear use that is simply accompanied by a business logo, Promotional Items are meant to be seen as an advertisement. Signs and flags are the best examples of Promotional Items and are important for all organizations: corporations, small businesses, schools, not-for-profit organizations, sports teams, and charities.



Corporate Gifts are defined as:high quality imprinted or engraved gifts used to show employee appreciation or achievement while promoting and/or branding a business or event. Some examples: executive pens, laptop bags, golf items, briefcases, and wine and bar gift sets.Corporate Gifts are generally not related to the type of business giving the gift, they are simply elegant gifts meant to show appreciation or thanks to outstanding employees, faithful patrons, or prospective clients. They are usually customized with business logos as a way to gain brand recognition. When choosing Corporate Gifts to customize, try to cater to the individual and remember that everywhere your gift recipient goes, so will your logo. You will get exposure, so choose wisely!



Finally, Promotional Gifts are defined as: medium to high quality customer appreciation gifts used to promote businesses and/or special events. Some examples are:


day planners, portfolios, hats, golf shirts, backpacks, poker chips, and coffee mugs.If you?ve ever been to a trade show, you have probably received Promotional Gifts from participating businesses. They usually are not products that are particularly related to the industry, but are keepsakes that will keep the name of your business on their minds.




For more information on Promotional Products, Promotional Items, Promotional Gifts, and Corporate Gifts, click on link text to visit InkHead.


Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


J. M. Leander - Senior Editor - Prime Interactive, Inc.


http://www.PrimeInteractive.com



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

6 Tips To Buy Cheap Repossessed Homes At Government Auctions

Buying homes at foreclosures and auctions sponsored by the US national and several local governments is the in-thing when shopping for existing homes nowadays.

There are more and more people who are preferring to buy existing homes nowadays because constructing and investing to build homes would most often be troublesome considering the current labor costs and rising prices of raw materials.

Here are some useful, practical and logical tips that could help you get pull out cheap buys and deals when buying homes at US government-sponsored foreclosure and auctions.

1. Clearly define and set your preferences and style before going to the government foreclosure. This would save you the time and prevent you from wasting time looking out unnecessarily at homes, which at the first place would not meet your standards.

2. Inspect the home you are setting your eyes at and make it a thorough one. Check out for any defects or damages on the interior as well as the interiors. Check out for non-performing house furniture and old-aged amenities. Finding defects, be it small or major, could entitle you to huge discounts and mark downs.

3. Lodge a practical and low tender. Other bidders might bid higher, but you can still try to outbid them. Starting at cheap and low bids would make up for a great auction start, don?t you think?

4. Seek an expert or professional advice when buying repossessed homes at government foreclosure. Cheap homes can never be that cheap, or expensive ones must be priced cheaply, for all you know. Experts know best about the valuation of such homes.

5. Check the legal papers of the home for sale. Sometimes, though they are already offloaded by government bodies, there are assets and estates that run with complicated and uncleared legal impediments.

6. Properly arrange for the payment scheme for the transaction. As mentioned earlier, there are different modes for making the payments. It can be in the form of cash, checks or through installment schemes, ask the government representatives for more details and deal provisions.

The best tip you could be given when buying repossessed homes at government auctions would be to stay in focus. Focus, focus, focus.

For listings of government repossessed homes, please visit www.buy-cheap-houses.info.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Don't Get Scammed Buying Breast ... (Review)


Below article is copy from RadioHealth.net which i find interesting and like to share with all ladies out there



Don't Get Scammed Buying Breast Enlargement Products Online


Read this special article before you consider buying breast gain products on the Internet


From the desk of Donna Schwartz (Senior Reviewer)


Sometimes we get interesting assignments at RadioHealth.net...this one is no exception. I was asked to find and test various products that guaranteed an increase in breast size naturally. My first reaction was 'yeah, right'. I was quite skeptical of all the claims that one could increase their breast size by a 'full cup in as little as 30 days' with no surgery and no prescription medication.


Today, as I write this, I'm practically in shock. Not only did I gain a full cup size, it actually took 33 days to achieve the desired result. BUT, it took me a long time and a lot of money to find the right breast enlargement product (I was the victim of several fakes and shady operations until I found the right companies and products).


Initially, because of an error in the address that I submitted when ordering, I was left with a credit card charge and no product and I was at the mercy of a fly-by-night fulfillment operation that didn't know the first thing about customer service. On another occasion, my order was lost (or so I was told) and I never heard from that company again (they've since been put out of business by the FTC). Through all my trials, I was able to conduct extensive research regarding the many companies that sell breast enhancement products online. Needless to say, when I finally gained a full cup size after finding the 'right' product, I was overjoyed and committed to sharing what I found with as many self conscious women as possible. My hope is that you will benefit from my experiences (my list of reputable breast enhancement products appears below).


First, a little background. Over the past 6 years I had actually considered and researched several options to increase my bust (including costly and dangerous surgery...which I thankfully ruled out). I'd spoken with a dozen companies and was looking for assurances that whatever product I chose would not lead to an increase in my overall body weight, or cause me to gain additional weight associated with a lot of herbal formulas on the market. Surprisingly, it was this assignment that led me to 'the holy grail'.


Actually, I'd been self conscious about my bust size since the 8th grade so, when asked to investigate, I immediately ordered several advertised 'magic' pills and tested them methodically. It didn't hurt that I had recently seen a report on natural breast enhancement on Dateline NBC and in USA Today in the same week. Honestly, I was willing to try anyting because, for years, I would wake up every day feeling bad about my breasts (And, yes, I had tried every padded and push-up bra on the market).


With the products that I successfully tested, what you'll notice right away is that you will not increase your overall body weight AND you'll feel better about yourself.


During my months of researching the breast enhancement market online and speaking with company representatives, I came across some very important information that everyone should know before purchasing breast enhancement pills on the Internet.


When you select your breast enlargement product, choose one that has at least 12 all-natural ingredients that are rich in estrogen and human growth hormone stimulation (from plant sources called phytoestrogens; these natural estrogenic compounds help to promote the growth of healthy breast tissue). Don't be fooled by substitute products that claim to be like the products listed below -- many may only contain two to five of the necessary ingredients for guaranteed breast tissue growth.


The products we recommend are the original leaders in this category with nearly 8 years of successful use and a combined 160,000 satisfied customers worldwide.


IMPORTANT: because of the growing awareness and popularity of these miracle herbs, rip-off products that contain very little or no authentic phytoestrogens in them have flooded the marketplace. So.......


Before choosing a breast enhancement product, make sure to ask how long the company has been in business and how many successful cases the product has produced. No products have been more successful in stimulating the growth of breast tissue than those recommended below. Also, insist on no Ephedra, no Ma Huang, and no Ephedrine. And, by all means, do not settle for any company that does not provide discreet shipping and billing worldwide.


Finally, when deciding which products to recommend on RadioHealth.net, we always ask 2 questions:


1. Does the product have a successful track record? (has it worked for us AND are there documented consumer success stories?)



2. Does it come with an iron clad MONEY BACK GUARANTEE and/or free samples?


I'm happy to say that each of the products below passes our test.


All the best.


Signed,


Donna Schwartz




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About the Author

Author Info...


Annabel Cruz is a researcher that studies Natural healing by combining both Western and Eastern ways. Feel free to use this article on your website or ezine as long as the following information about author/website is included.


http://www.bestpuerariamirifica.com

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Buy Cheap Repossessed Homes From Government Auctions 5 Tips

With the proliferation of government-sponsored foreclosure auctions of repossessed homes, people could shop for already existing homes. One source or venue of such existing homes up for sale is the government auctions.

Not surprisingly, governments, be it national or local, are always possessing homes from citizens and constituents who have in one way or another screwed out resulting to the confiscation or sequestration of their homes.

Here are several useful tips that could serve as a helpful guidance for you if you are planning or are already on your way to buying repossessed homes at government-sponsored auctions.

1. Inspect the home thoroughly and carefully. If you are still not an expert at this, bring along a friend or an expert to compare and validate the valuation of the home for sale.

There might be defects and small or even major ruins in the home that should be taken into consideration, for they may significantly alter or lower the home's tag price.

2. Do a little research about the former owners of the home. This can be a little hard to do, but it would satisfy your curiosity and never ending questions about the history of the house.

3. Government auctions are just like any other forms of auctions. People tend and aim to outbid each other.

If you desperately want to buy a home, just learn to let go and accept the fact that luck must go with you for you to own that dream house you have been eyeing for sometime.

Otherwise, if you compete with higher bids, you may end up spending too much or overpaying for the unit.

4. Focus on the tag price and always be reasonable and logical in weighing the prospects, or in analyzing if the investment would be a worthwhile and practical one.

5. Finalize the payment arrangements. Urgently indicate whether the mode of payment would be in cash, in checks, or in installment terms.

Cash payments usually are imposed special discounts, while installment basis can be sometimes convenient and lighter, though computing in the long term would reveal that the total amount could be much higher.

For listings of government repossessed homes, please go to http://www.buy-cheap-houses.info/

Friday, May 15, 2009

Love and Health

The Love-Health Relationship:
Dr. Gray is the author of many books including the fabulously successful book Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus. Another of his books addresses how some people or one person in every group or organization including a family, will be what he calls a psychic drain. There are neurons that respond when a person acts a certain way and research on monkey brains in 1996 showed some monkeys respond when they see another monkey doing something. This empathic ability can be lost or damaged in human brains due to trauma such as lifelong or early life abuse. The loss of what can be called empathy can also occur with lead poisoning and there are researchers in medicine that some label environmental medical practitioners while they emphasize the mental part of the word, who say many if not most ailments are brought on or exacerbated through pollution and food additives or other things. Thus highly functional sociopaths are often becoming our leaders while the decent empaths become victims of society

The Love-Health Relationship:
Dr. Gray is the author of many books including the fabulously successful book Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus. Another of his books addresses how some people or one person in every group or organization including a family, will be what he calls a psychic drain. There are neurons that respond when a person acts a certain way and research on monkey brains in 1996 showed some monkeys respond when they see another monkey doing something. This empathic ability can be lost or damaged in human brains due to trauma such as lifelong or early life abuse. The loss of what can be called empathy can also occur with lead poisoning and there are researchers in medicine that some label environmental medical practitioners while they emphasize the mental part of the word, who say many if not most ailments are brought on or exacerbated through pollution and food additives or other things. Thus highly functional sociopaths are often becoming our leaders while the decent empaths become victims of society

Education, Nutrition and A Personal LOVE of mine:

Dave and I went together to T. G. I. Friday's at Keystone at the Crossing on Indianapolis' north side. I saw a beautiful blond woman across the bar near the antique gas pump. It seemed that she had a halo around her head. I saw no other woman and paid no attention to anything except her. Dave and I went to stand near her and her friend. I was wearing my southern climate white suit that women in Miami had thought I looked like a member of the Miami Dolphins in after I had bought it in Coral Gables. Sherry's sister had a friend named Rick Osney who years later said: So what do you do other than make cheap suits look good? He was a retail clothing specialist. Sherry was most interested in Dave; she told me for months after, and the truth is Dave looked like a model and did some modeling and writing. I was so enchanted and enthusiastic that if it weren't for the fact that Sherry had just had a partial mastectomy and needed a worshipful admirer she would have blown me off very early, if not instantly.

I nattered on about all the success we were on the verge of achieving and the triplex we owned in Toronto as well as my travels. Sherry saw that her friend was interested in Dave. Her name was Sue Ann Blackwell. Sherry wasn't impressed by money or power but I guess the fact that I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met or close to it, was a deciding factor in her agreeing to see me again. I had a policy about making love within three dates over the previous four years or I thought it wasn't likely to become a real relationship. What stupidity, eh? The limited time available in every city made this a little more justifiable than it sounds however. I remember she went to her parents in Bloomington for Thanksgiving and having her prepare a simple dinner at her place during one of our early dates. She is a Libran and over six years older than me. Libran's have the classic hourglass figure that I love and their sign is a good fit with me. I felt willing to marry her even before we made love. It was a totally ecstatic time and my infatuation was complete. With 60 hours towards her doctorate in education and a very loving family that had enabled a globally conscious person that oozed class, Sherry was my ideal.

There was a lot of conversation and I enjoyed her insights even if she didn't agree with me about whatever it was we were debating. She was open enough to hear my stories of psychic things and question the science behind them and see the possibilities. I told her that I was afraid of doing anything to cause us not to be friends but I still spoke my mind. There was no policy of three dates and I was on cloud nine. She had to make the first sexual moves. Her simple hamburger dinner was a disaster that we later laughed about for years. Yet, despite the fact that she saw I was a sweet person with all the right motivations she also feared the salesman in me. The truth became apparent in a couple of years as Dave developed a relationship with Sue Ann that he was the real 'operator' and Sherry still would keep me at arms length other than sex. I wrote poems and bought roses on may occasions. Before I left Indianapolis for Philadelphia I had made it clear I wanted to marry her.

I lost 20 pounds in 19 days while taking vitamins and eating my 1000 calorie two peanut butter sandwich diet. I was proud of my body and went back to see her. I remember meeting her at Subway Sam's and having lunch. She told me that she couldn't see me anymore if I was going to talk about marriage. Ours was to be an 'open relationship' and I felt the pangs of what other women that I had known must have felt. I adjusted and we soon were sharing talk about our other 'friends'. In a year or so, it seemed we were hurting each other. I was making more money and the business was doing well. I guess you could say I was a prime target for a lot of women who wanted wealth as part of the package. It became increasingly superficial and I trusted fewer people the richer I got.

Sherry had a couple of problems of a medical nature. Her hypoglycemia had been miss-diagnosed and she had been given massive cortisone shots that I believe had contributed to the cancer that resulted in the partial mastectomy. Women are not treated as men are when it comes to medical treatment; as well as every other aspect of misogyny in society. My studies of wholistics and hermetics were becoming quite extensive. I am going to quote authors from quite different sides of the fence.

David Depew and Bruce Weber of MIT wrote 'Darwinism Evolving' in 1995 and it says on pages 492 & 493:

They also made it harder for the scientific worldview to be received with equanimity by other sources of culture. Indeed, since the reducing impulse undermines fairly huge tracts of experience, people like Wallace, who feel deeply about protecting phenomena they regard as existentially important, frequently conclude that they have no alternative except to embrace spiritualism, and sometimes even to attack the scientific worldview itself, if that is the only way to protect important spheres of experience that have been ejected from science's confining Eden.

In response, scientists and philosophers who feel strongly about the liberating potential of a spare, materialistic worldview began to patrol the borderlands between the high-grade knowledge scientists have of natural systems and the low-grade opinions that in the view of science's most ardent defenders, dominate other spheres of culture and lead back toward the superstitious and authoritarian world of yester-year. 'Demarcating' science from other, less cognitively worthwhile forms of understanding was already a major feature of Darwin's world. A line beyond which the Newtonian paradigm could not apply was drawn at the boundary between physics and biology. We have seen how hesitant Darwin was to cross that line and what happened when he did. Twentieth-century people are sometimes prone to congratulate themselves for being above these quaint Victorian battles. They may have less reason to do so, however, than they think, for the fact is that throughout our own century, the same sort of battles with emotional overtones no less charged, have been waged at the contested line where biology meets psychology, and more generally where the natural sciences confront the human sciences. Dualisms between spirit and matter, and even between the mind and body, may have been pushed to the margins of respectable intellectual discourse. But methodological dualisms between what is covered by laws and what is to be 'hermeneutically appropriated' are still very much at the center of our cultural, or rather 'two cultural', life. Cognitive psychologists and neurophysiologists are even now busy reducing mind-states to brain-states, while interpretive or humanistic psychologists are proclaiming how meaningless the world would be if mind is nothing but brain. Interpretive anthropologists are filled with horror at what would disappear from the world if the rich cultural practices that seem to give meaning to our lives were to be shown to be little more than extremely sophisticated calculations on the part of self-interested genes. Conflicts of this sort would have given Darwin stomachaches almost as bad as the ones he endured over earlier demarcation controversies.

Hermeneuts is a new epithet for alchemists such as myself who OBSERVE and try to fit ALL the facts together and don't eject anything 'from science's confining Eden'.

The rhetorical pattern of these battles is still depressingly similar, in fact, to Huxley's confrontation with Wilberforce. Hermeneuts ridicule scientists like Hamilton, Dawkins, and Wilson when they suggest that nothing was ever known about social cooperation until biologists discovered kin selection. Reductionists in turn criticize hermeneuts, now transformed largely into 'culturists', for bringing back ghosts and gods, just as their nineteenth-century predecessors were taxed with being 'vitalists' every time they said something about the complexity of development. Humanists identify scientists with an outdated materialistic reductionism. Scientists insist that hermeneutical intentionality is little more than disguised religion.

Perhaps, a way out of this fruitless dialectic between the 'two cultures', can be found if each party could give up at least one of its cherished preconceptions. It would be a good thing, for example, if heirs of the Enlightenment Credited to Bacon, Shakespeare, Jonson and others with an alchemical background. would stop thinking that if cultural phenomena are not reduced to some sort of mechanism, religious authoritarianism will immediately flood into the breach. They should also stop assuming that nothing is really known about human beings until the spirit of reductionism gets to work. Students of the human sciences have, after all, been learning things alongside scientists ever since modernity began. Among other things they have learned that humans are individuated as persons within the bonds of cultures and cultural roles, they are bound together with others in ways no less meaningful and valuable than the ways promoted by strongly dualistic religions. By the same token, it would be helpful if advocates of the interpretive disciplines would. abandon a tacit assumption sometimes found among them that nature is so constituted that it can never accommodate the rich and meaningful cultural phenomena humanists are dedicated to protecting, and that therefore cultural 'ought never' to be allowed to slip comfortably into naturalism. Humanists seem to have internalized this belief from their reductionist enemies, whose commitment to materialism is generally inseparable from their resolve to show up large parts of culture, especially religion, as illusions. These opponents, we may safely say, take in each other's laundry.

I wonder if these authors and their reductivist buddies are aware that all humanists are not without the ability to incorporate hard physical science to an even higher factual degree than they do. The quantum physicists like Wigner (Nobel laureate), Schrdinger and Heisenberg think that humanistic richness is robbed by reductionist unspiritual thinking. The global reifying thrust of materialism (Dr. Boddy of U of T, anthropology) is hopefully, in due course, going to return to a global deifying thrust of spiritualism. The only REALITY is NATURE and it assuredly includes ALL observable facts not just the 'Toilet Philosophy'.

If I may be allowed to quote someone who tries to keep an 'open mind' and use WHATEVER WORKS even if it isn't 'modernity'. I choose to quote a wholistic doctor by the name of Zoltan Rona who has his M.D. and M. Sc. He edited the 'Encyclopedia of Natural Healing' in 1997 which says on pages 33 and 34:

It is misleading to call the natural health movement alternative medicine as is often done. Natural Medicine is considered the founder of contemporary Western medicine. What we now call modern medicine is actually an aberration, the result of social change at the dawn of industrialization in the eighteenth century.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Columnist in The ES Press Magazine
Author of Diverse Druids
Many books available at World-Mysteries.com include one this is an excerpt from called Integrating Soul and Science


Thursday, May 14, 2009

TEFL and ESL Board Games For the Classroom

Classroom board games are probably one of the most effective teaching tools available. Here we see how to stimulate and motivate students, and provide a welcome change to more standard classroom teaching approaches, giving students a refreshing new focus to practice their spoken English.
A few important points to bear in mind when using board games, which will increase their effectiveness and get the students speaking in English are:

1. The first rule to establish is that the game is to be played in English. Give some input vocabulary such as 'Whose turn is it?', 'Pass the dice please' or for a bit of fun 'Hey, stop cheating!'. Then as the game progresses and you see other linguistic requirements, supply them, drill them briefly, and continue to play. I often have students keep a separate booklet for game playing vocabulary. The students motivation is strong, so take advantage of it!
2. Encourage students to speak in only English by establishing the second rule: not speaking in the target language forfeits a turn. This sounds a little dramatic and harsh, but you'll be amazed how well it works. It also creates an enormous amount of spontaneity of language, resulting in increased fluency and a reduction in response times.
3. Teachers usually think in terms of one-class time slots, whereby the material to be used is to be finished by the end of the allotted time. This can lead to unnecessarily self-imposed restrictions on the choice of materials. I often let a game run for 3 or 4 lessons in order to let the students become highly familiar with the vocabulary fields as well as letting them build up a sense of momentum to the outcome.
4. Students should 'earn' the right to take a turn to generate the motive for speaking. This would mean, for example, asking a team to answer a question before being allowed to take a turn. Depending on the the theme of the board game, you may also use relevant video clips, story reconstructions with visuals or maybe role play situations in parallel, which allow students to score points which in turn allow them to throw the dice.
5. Don't just limit yourself to the rules in the game. Feel free to 'play God' and adjust the rules as you find convenient to make the game move more slowly or faster. It's amazing how our knee-jerk reaction to a game's set of rules sometimes leaves us feeling powerless over how to play the game! Such changes may include giving new consequences to the value of a throw on the dice e.g. 'if a player throws a 5, then they get to throw again'. Wham! You've got a new dimension to the game.
6. Keep teacher talking time down! Let the students run the game - you just police it from a distance, supplying language as required. Because a board game generates spontaneous situations within a defined linguistic area, this is the perfect opportunity for the teacher to take back stage, and just give 'hot correction' when required. Error feed back and remedial work can be given at intervals as appropriate.

Adrian Allen is one of the co-founders of http://www.findateacher.es This is a bilingual search tool for private teachers to advertise themselves to students. It can be used either for free, or by paying a small subscription fee for better ranking in the database.

By Adrian Allen

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Florida Housing Market: Optimistic Perspectives Of Local Homeowners

A recent survey reveals that 58 % of home owners across Florida place positive views regarding the continual rise of the value of their homes over the subsequent 12 months. The general perspective holds regardless of indications that the five-year boom in the Florida housing market is declining. This online survey, which is conducted every year by Florida-based Attorneys? Title Insurance Fund?s Consumer Education Campaign, samples a poll of more than a thousand home owners throughout the state within the period of May 30 to June 6, 2006. The survey focused on dynamic Florida housing markets such as Broward, Miami-Dade County, Tampa, Sarasota County, Fort Myers-Naples, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The respondents are aged 18 and above. The survey puts forward that home owners have been vigilant about the condition of the Florida housing market, in spite of the fact that affordability remains to be the major obstacle to purchasing a home (71 % of respondents? opinions). Homeowners in Miami-Dade and Fort Myers-Naples are even more likely to say that ?affordability? is a considerable purchasing obstacle (both 83 %). With nearly a 30 % rise from 2005 figures, Tampa witnesses the biggest increase in percent citing ?affordability? as the primary obstacle to home ownership compared to other areas in Florida.

The interesting facet of the result reveals that the views of home owners across Florida are split about whether the year 2006 is a good or bad time to purchase Florida real estate (amounting to 42 % for both views). However, by examining samples for select regions such as Sarasota County (53 %), West Palm Beach (49 %), and Orlando (43 %), statistics reveal a slightly higher chance to believe that now is a good time to buy a home as compared to regions like Tampa (42 %), Broward County (39 %), and Miami-Dade (34 %).

Nonetheless, hurricanes still linger within the minds of home owners. Nearly half of all respondents (47 %) said that they have apprehensions about being hit by a storm. Another 16 % of the respondents mention the impact of a housing bubble as their biggest worry, and even fewer cite escalating mortgage interest rates (13 %), devaluating home prices (5 %), or becoming the victim of real estate scam (1 %) as their biggest real estate anxiety in Florida. What is surprising about these figures is that Florida home owners do not rank high in terms of the concern of being the victim of real estate fraud, especially for the fact that Florida was recently branded as the top state across the nation with regards to prevalence of mortgage frauds.

The survey also reveals that the most confusing part of purchasing a property in the Florida housing market is the understanding real estate laws, which is evident in 41 % of the respondents citing such. In point of fact, about a third of Florida home owners found that understanding Florida real estate law is extremely confusing. Other aspects in the process of buying Florida real estate that are considered confusing includes understanding settlement/closing process with 24 % of the respondents saying that it is extremely confusing.

About half of home owners of Florida (48 %) have consulted with a real estate attorney in the past. This aspect of the survey shows that residents in South Florida consult real estate attorneys more frequently compared to residents in other parts of the state. For instance, 67 % of residents in Miami-Dade County, 61 % in Broward and 60 % of residents in West Palm Beach cite that they have been consulting with real estate attorneys, whereas only 37 % of residents in Tampa and 44 % in Orlando have done so.

Dranreb Earl Juanico

http://florida-mortgage.xon.us

Monday, May 11, 2009

Residential Real Estate Appraisal

An appraisal is simply an opinion of value. Some appraisals are a professional appraiser's opinion, others are guesses. Still others are based upon the sometimes harsh reality of the marketplace. The most important factors for appraisers are figures of recent real estate sales involving comparable properties. Basically, there are only two opinions that matter.

(1) The list price is a wishful-thinking value, merely a hopeful estimate. It is set by the seller. The sale price is the real value. It is determined by you, the buyer. Of course, the price you finally agree to pay is partially determined by the seller through the negotiation process. But you and only you decide how much you are willing to pay.

The lender's is the second opinion that truly matters. The bank usually employs appraisers, although sometimes it uses third party fee appraisers. A value of the property is determined, and the lender will then make a mortgage loan based on this figure.

If the lender's appraisal comes in lower than your agreed-upon sale price, you may not be able to buy the home. The lender bases its lending decision upon this professional opinion of value. It will only loan a percentage of this figure. Therefore, if you are counting on using the lender's funds in a certain amount to finance the purchase of your home, a low appraisal from the bank can seriously damage your first time home buying efforts.

The lender's opinion of value can be disputed. The appraisal department at a bank will usually welcome previously overlooked comparable sales data (comps) and other factors which might affect their appraisal. Sometimes there were sales in the area of which the appraiser was unaware. You and/or your real estate agent often know about non-MLS sales of which the bank appraiser has no knowledge.

Perhaps you decided to buy this house because the seller spent thousands on structural and mechanical system upgrades. The lender is not to aware of these value-enhancing improvements. When you bring them to the appraiser's attention, you quite possibly will induce the appraisal department to raise the appraisal figure. The critical point to remember about this is: If the lender produces a low appraisal, you can always contest it.

You might hear complaints when the lender's appraisers express a low opinion of value - Why don't they just appraise at sales price? After all, THESE buyers are willing to pay that much. Surely others would, too. Ah, but that's NOT necessarily true. Some buyers (hopefully not you) do agree to pay too much. The lender needs to protect itself from these lovestruck buyers who must have that home. If the bank eventually has to become the owner, by having to foreclose, it must have reasonable expectations of being able to recover all or most of its investment.

When negotiating the purchase of your home, be sure you are always being prepared to walk away from the transaction if the seller is too unreasonable. There are plenty of other homes available. If you do this, the lender's real estate appraisal will almost certainly come in at or above your sales price and thus cause you no problem.

Keep the Golden Rule in mind: The banks have the gold, so they make the rules.

Paul Anderberg
http://www.first-time-home-buying.net

Mr. Anderberg is the author of many helpful articles about home buying. Visit his website to read more. Several others are also available on this site.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Twins: Getting Out and About


One of the most frustrating things I've found about being the mother of twins is that getting out of the house alone with them can be very difficult. I've often longingly thought back to my leisurely outings with my first child and wished life were still that easy now! Nonetheless, however challenging it may be to get out and about with two babies, with a little planning and flexibility, it is entirely possible to go do errands, visit with family and friends, or just get outside for some fresh air.


Getting Ready


Things go much more smoothly when you've got everything you need organized before you start getting your twins ready to go. So while they are either napping or playing on their own, get going by making sure the diaper bag is stocked and ready with the necessary supplies, including food, drinks and a change of clothes. Next, get out their coats, shoes, hats or snowsuits, and put them where you will be dressing the babies. If they still travel in infant car seats, put these ready to go by the door or have your stroller just outside. Don't forget about supplies that you'll need to keep yourself happy too, such as a coffee or something to munch on later.


Getting Out


After you change the babies' diapers, get them dressed and into the car seat or stroller, beginning with the twin who is likely to be the most agreeable at that time (the less crying, the better!). If they are out of their infant car seats, you either carry both of them out to your vehicle at the same time (not an easy feat), or leave one in a safe place in the house while you put the other one in the vehicle or stroller first. Be ready for either one or both babies to be madly crying while you do this!


Getting About


Most times you will be using a stroller to transport your twins. There are many types of twin strollers or double strollers on the market to suit the different needs of your lifestyle. If your main activity will be going for walks or jogs with your babies, you'll need to have either a good double all-terrain stroller or a double jogging stroller. If you will often have to take them along for errands and shopping, then a regular mall double stroller is all you need. With infants, a double universal car seat carrier (stroller frame) is invaluable, since they can remain comfortably in their infant car seats while you transfer them from the house or vehicle to the wheeled frame. There are lots of options out there, so make sure you research what your lifestyle needs are before purchasing a double stroller, since they are more expensive and will need to take double the abuse of single strollers. It will make your outings much more pleasant if your stroller has all the features you really need and want.


Getting Help


If you can, plan to have someone come along and help you from time to time when you go out with your twins. Schedule a relaxed afternoon of shopping with your mom or a trip to the zoo with a friend. Having an extra pair of hands makes the outing a lot easier and it gives you the opportunity to have some adult conversation for a change!


Getting Real


Unfortunately, there will be some days when you really want to get out of the house with your twins and it just won't be possible without you having a nervous breakdown. Either one baby or both will wake up cranky from their nap and won't settle down, or a feeding might take longer than you thought it would, and so on. With twins, as with all babies, you have to be flexible and accept that some days, your plans to get out and about need to be scrapped, or at least modified in some way. Perhaps a doctor's appointment can't be missed, but a short trip to grandma's can be rescheduled for another day. Take heart by realizing that as your twins get older, this, as well as everything else, will get a lot easier.


Copyright 2005 by Anik Giguere-Biollo. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in electronic newsletters or on websites provided that it is not edited in any way, all the links are left active, and that neither the copyright declaration nor this license are removed. This article was originally published at http://www.stroller-advisor.com/twins-getting-out-and-about.html.

About the Author

Anik Giguere-Biollo is the mother of a three year-old girl and one year-old twin boys and is a former grade school teacher. She offers a great deal of detailed information about choosing and purchasing double strollers and twin strollers (see http://www.stroller-advisor.com/double-strollers.html), as well as all other types of strollers, on her website at http://www.Stroller-Advisor.com.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Short Sales: How to Deal with Rejection

Buying houses by means of a short sale can be a great way to make significant amounts of money, but they're not for everyone. You have to find a seller who will work with you to persuade the lender to sell the home rather than allowing the foreclosure process to continue. Then you have to submit an offer that's low enough to make a profit, yet not so low as to be rejected altogether.

If a lender does reject your offer, all isn't lost. The first thing to do is to try to determine why your offer was rejected. There are many possible reasons, and if you want the sale to go through, you must job find out exactly what the lender wants in order to make the sale happen. Here are possible reasons.

First, your offer may simply have been too low, which meant the lender would be taking too big of a hit by accepting it. They also may believe they can do better once the foreclosure has been completed, or since loans are often sold to investors, it's also possible that the holder of the note wouldn't accept the loss.

Perhaps the borrower's financial difficulty wasn't stated strongly enough to make a persuasive case for a short sale. If that's the case, the lender might want to work out an alternative payment schedule with the homeowners rather than entering into a short sale.

Since most lenders will require a broker's price opinion (BPO), make sure your offer is somewhere near that figure. Otherwise, a lender will be convinced that they can do better on the open market once the foreclosure is complete.

There may be other reasons, but the number one reason short sale offers are rejected is simply because they're too low. After all, lenders are in business to make a profit, and even when appears there's no profit to be made in a particular home; they want to cut their losses as much as possible. So don't get greedy. You'll rarely be able to steal a home, but you can often get a substantially lower price than you would on the open market.

One of the best ways to avoid coming in too low is simply to ask the lender how much they hope to net from a short sale. They may not tell you, but you'll never know if you don't ask. Even if you don't get an answer in the beginning, you'll have another chance to ask before they make a counteroffer. Be courteous, but emphasize that you're really hoping to make the sale happen. Again, you may be surprised by the figure you receive, and if it's acceptable, jump on it. Don't kill your sale by being too greedy.

If your short sale offer is rejected, don't give up. Probe for more information about why your offer didn't fly and then try to satisfy whatever they ask for before making your counteroffer. You won't be stealing the home, but there's often plenty of profit to be made.

Copyright ? 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Learn how to fix houses for flipping or higher rent with the Design Psychology edge.

Author Jeanette Fisher teaches interior design psychology, home staging, and real estate investing.

http://www.doghousetodollhouse.com

Friday, May 8, 2009

Designer Car Interiors Car Seats & Covers


Custom Seat Covers


Why choose to use a seat cover? Designer seat covers are available from various suppliers, they all have significant modifications in fit, construction, style and price


Caring for your car seats by using a cover is probably the most overlooked aspect of maintaining your cars appearance, not to mention the value.


Most of us will simply run the hoover over the interior once a month if that, and before long the wear and tear will undoubtedly begin to show. This will rapidly devalue the vehicles worth.


Applying seat covers will keep your seats in mint condition, saving them from unnecessary accidental damage and long term wear.


Many companies offer designer car interiors which incorporate bespoke seat covers.


You can choose from a huge range of materials including denim, sheep skin & silk. The ideal seat cover will fit so well to the vehicles original seats it will be mistaken for the original upholstery.


Not only is the seat cover used as protection, but it can be modified for comfort and style. Furthermore there are companies that will offer designer embroidery enabling you to promote your business, dedicate to your loved one, or create your own wacky art design!


If you are an intrepid outdoors man you can purchase heavy duty waterproof seat covers and boot liners to protect your upholstery so those fishing and camping trips wont end with you spending the whole of the next day scrubbing your seats clean. Simply pull the covers off and throw them into the washing machine.


Many seat covers are stain resistance, machine washable and waterproof and also make allowances for arm rests and recliner wheels, what ever your requirement or style is you will be able to find a car seat cover for your needs.


Making the right choice when buying a child seat


The first thing to consider when buying a baby car seat is safety! The seat must be appropriate for your babies size and weight. It must also fit correctly into your car. Most retailers are more than happy to give a demonstration and test the seat in your car before you buy.


Even children up to the age of eleven who are not five feet tall must use a child seat of some sort.


Once you have decided on a particular car seat make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Always allow enough time as fitting a child seat can be very frustrating. Also when it comes to strapping your child in the straps are tight enough to stop the child wriggling free but not too tight to cause the child injury or discomfort. Always give the straps a tug to make sure the seatbelt has locked.


Child Seat Age and Weight Guide


Baby Seats


Babies weighing up to 13kgs and from birth up to one year should be fitted with a baby seat. Baby seats must face backwards and can be installed in either the front or back seats providing the front is not fitted with an airbag.


Child Car Seats


Child car seats are for children aged 9 months to four years. The child must be able to support their own head and weigh between 9 and 18kgs. They face forward and are normally fitted in the back seat of the car.


Booster Seats and Cushions


These types of seats are for children weighing 15 to 36kgs aged approximately 4 to 11 years old. They are primarily designed to elevate the child in order they can safely use an adult seat belt.


Finally and one of the most important aspects to remember is not to get distracted by your child whilst driving. Many accidents are caused from the parent turning round to deal with a child whilst continuing to drive. In the event the child needs attention pull over to a safe location before dealing with the situation.

About the Author

Vicki Churchill is the owner of http://www.designer-car-interiors.com, a site that specializes in designer car interiors and information on car seat safety

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Why Should You Consider Using A Breast Form Over Getting Reconstructive Surgery?

Breast forms can be useful for a number of reasons. They have been identified as an important alternative to reconstructive surgery post mastectomy surgery. Reconstructive surgery is less advantageous because it requires more surgery. Not only must a patient go through one reconstructive surgery, but further operations may be required in the future. Also, for cancer patients, if doctors find that the cancer has advanced, breast reconstruction may interfere with the treatment. Not to mention the common side effects implants may have. With some implants, most commonly saline implants, Capsular Contracture may occur (Imaginis- the Breast Cancer Resource). This is when the scar around the implant begins to tighten and squeezes down on the soft implant inside. This can have a negative effect by causing the breast to feel hard. These are just a few reasons why reconstructive surgery is sometimes frowned upon. Surgery can, however have its positive aspects. A lot of times you can have the reconstructive surgery directly following your mastectomy. This means you would not have to go under the knife twice; they would do this process while you are still under. Implants are also preferred over breast forms because they are permanent and can seem like less of a hassle.

Prosthesis, or breast forms, is an excellent alternative to surgery. They mirror the approximate movement, feel, and weight of natural tissue. It is very important to have a properly weighted breast form because it provides the balance your body needs for correct posture. Very few problems occur when using breast forms. Some have said that they feel a bit heavy at first (American Cancer Society). However, this does fade as you get used to them. Also, some forms may cause some skin irritation. This also can be resolved by putting the breast forms into a bra with a pocket.

Common questions that arise include, what kind of bra would I need to wear with a breast form? The answer is that you can wear any type of bra you prefer. You may even wear the bras you were wearing before mastectomy surgery. Many wonder whether or not others will be able to tell if they are wearing them. Breast forms are very inconspicuous. They are under your clothing and therefore look no different from natural tissue breasts. Aside from the initial heaviness at first, they aren?t even all that noticeable to you, the wearer. Questions are sometimes asked regarding the possibility of wearing the breast forms while swimming in the summer. No problem! Most breast forms do fine in the pool with chlorine. Swimming should not affect them. As far as swimsuits go, there are plenty of suits that will hide the breast forms well. A string-bikini may not be the best choice. However, a suit that covers your chest more fully, would keep them unnoticeable to others.

Overall, we see that there are answers out there. And for those who do not want to go under the knife again, there is a great alternative. Breast forms can fit practically any body type and any lifestyle. The cons of using breast forms are fewer than the cons of getting reconstructive surgery. Breast forms aren?t permanent and can always be changed to fit you. However, both of these options are out there and should be considered. What makes you happy and comfortable should come first and foremost.

Truekare is an online retailer of high quality silicone breast forms. Find out more about us at Truekare Breast Forms.


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Ten Tips to Prepare for a Backpacking Trek


1. Make a checklist. My pocket survival kit is a good start, but you need to think about what gear you plan to take including, sleeping bag, inflatable pad, tent, camp stove, fuel, food, water, clothing and other essentials.


2. Examine your gear. Unfold your tent and check the seams. Make sure there are no tears in your sleeping bag, check your backpack frame and straps, test your camp stove, sharpen your knife, and replenish first aid kit items. Make sure your clothing and shoes fit correctly.


3. Study maps and routes. Make sure you have the most updated maps. Trails may be rerouted due to changes in land ownership, severe weather or other reasons. It's not unusual for unmarked trails to be overgrown or for new unmarked trails to be created. In many areas, trails that are navigable in one season may not be navigable in another season.


4. Determine how much weight you're willing to carry. One gallon of water weights 8 pounds, almost 4 kilograms. If you do not have access to potable water, you either have to carry it or carry water purification materials. Add the weight of your gear, tools, food and items like a camera, journal, and cell phone - and it's an easy 35-50 pounds or 16-23 kilograms.


5. Leave information on your planned route with family or friends. Aron Ralston, the climber who cut off his arm to survive a fall, told interviewers that his biggest mistake was not letting anyone know where he was going. No one knew where to look for him. Cell phone signals are not always reliable, especially in mountains and canyons. Even the most experienced and careful outdoors person can get into trouble.


6. Have a contingency plan. Nature is unpredictable. Once you get out on the trail, the planning continues. Make a mental or written note of where you find patches of edible plants, accessible water, and good shelter locations as you hike. The best way to stay out of a survival situation is to practice what you'd do if you were in a survival situation. If you have access to a wooded area, practice building a debris shelter, making a hand drill fire or twisting dogbane fibers into rope. You don't have to master these skills, but knowing what is possible is often the difference between survival and disaster.


7. Check local weather conditions. This may still not be enough, as I discovered on October 4, 1987, when the weather forecast for rain turned out to be 12-15 inches of snow. I had the right gear, but it was still a 3-hour hike down a mountain to safety. The danger in that situation was the snow-ladened trees had not dropped their leaves and when branches broke, the weight could cause injury.


8. Check and recheck every item you plan to take. Lighters and flashlight batteries are light-weight; it's a good idea to pack extras. Larabars have no refined sugar, last up to 9 months, and are an excellent alternative when you cannot prepare food.


9. Become familiar with local flora and fauna. Study field guides and well-organized websites, so you have an idea of what lives where you will be backpacking. Wild edibles in season make a delicious supplement to purchased foods. In a survival situation insects and small animals that are easy to catch could be the survival difference. Again, you don't have to eat them, but knowing what is and is not edible and having a general idea of how to prepare wild foods is valuable. I have fun discovering new foods.


10. Carry an appropriate garbage container. In the back country you need to carry out what you carry in, so make sure you have a container that you can seal to avoid contaminating the other items in your pack. Biodegradable toilet paper is an alternative, but you will still have food wrappers and other products that cannot ethically be left behind.


Happy Trails.
About the Author

JJ Murphy, is a nature writer, blogging hiker, curriculum creator and tree-hugger currently based in Harriman, NY. Visit http://www.writerbynature.com for more information, including JJ's favorite places for gear and supplies.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Real Estate for Sale in Arizona

If you are looking for real estate for sale in Arizona, you may want to check the Internet for listings or consult with a real estate broker.

If you are looking for a top custom builder of homes, the Dalton Ross Homes may just be what you?re looking for. On the other hand, La Costa Homes is a premium property found in Kingsman, Arizona. Its builders put a premium on quality. Additionally, Esmay Construction showcases quality properties. They has open floor plans and customized features with a flair for architecture. They have new homes in Kingsman, Arizona, and in Lake Havasu City along with the popular Valley Vista Gold Course.

If you are interested in a family-focused Scottsdale community, there is a modern and luxurious estate in Paradise Valley. Perhaps you are looking for a quaint ranch in Carefree or a custom house with a creatively designed golf course or even a downtown loft. You can search for these homes online with the help of agents.

Some online real estate firms offer first timers and veteran home purchasers valuable knowledge to guide them in their decision-making process. They provide real estate reports online, articles on available properties and a monthly newsletter with informative features on the Arizona real estate environment.

If you are the seller, remember not to utilize traditional methods of selling properties such as open houses and advertisements in magazines. Make sure that the agent maximizes exposure of your home to command a good price.

Since the selling strategies of properties have undergone dramatic changes, a proactive approach is necessary. These include agent-to-agent selling, marketing through the Internet, and other new techniques so your property will fetch a handsome amount.

So keep these things in mind to guide you in your search for estates in Arizona.

Arizona Real Estate provides detailed information on Arizona Real Estate, Tucson Arizona Real Estate, Phoenix Arizona Real Estate, Arizona Real Estate Agents and more. Arizona Real Estate is affiliated with Arizona Vacation Rentals.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Bridesmaid Dresses Visited

When a woman has the honor of being asked to be an attendant at a wedding, probably the first thing that pops into her head is the bridesmaid dresses. There are a whole bunch of horror stories about nasty looking dresses that were chosen as bridesmaid dresses. I have seen tons of awful looking gowns, the ones from the 80s seem to be especially hideous. There are still plenty of fine looking bridesmaid dresses out there, so be warned bridal attendants.

I had the honor of paying the maid of honor for my best friend?s wedding and we recently checked out a bridal store to try on our gowns. The bride chose a few bridal gowns and she chose a few bridesmaid dresses in advance. It's always a smart thing to do when you can take care of everything in advance because you never know it's going to come up that it's really great to have time to adjust for those surprises.

I tried on three bridesmaid dresses and I was relieved and impressed with the bride?s excellent fashion sense. When she told me that she wanted the bridesmaids to wear pink, strapless gowns, my heart may have stopped. I imagined a shocking pink flamingo look, form-fitting dress, that would point out every single flaw on my frame - yuck. We'll actually found or three lovely bridesmaid dresses that were complementary to any type of figure and you can't beat that.

The tough thing was actually willing down my choices to just one. The bride and I agreed which bridesmaid dress looked the best on the Internet, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that her number two choice, we liked even better. When I tried it on it felt comfortable and I felt at ease with that particular bridesmaid dress.

The bridesmaid dresses or a whitish-pink, and though they are strapless, not my favorite choice, the bride decided to incorporate short jackets as an accessory for those of us who prefer not to attend church looking like Madonna. The jacket is clean and elegant, just as the lovely pink gown was. I think that I will be very happy with the bride?s choice.

This choice was really a no-brainer for the bride and I was relieved that I only had to try on three bridesmaid dresses. You won't believe this but sometimes I have tried and dozens of dresses for a single wedding. I actually think that she knew which one I preferred and chose that one. I tried to keep my opinion to myself until after she made her choice. It was after all her wedding and her decision and I didn?t want to influence her in any way just to please me. She may have regretted being swayed and it's really not worth doing that. Fortunately for both of us she chose a great gown.

I saw many other gowns that were nothing short of horrendous. There were bridesmaid dresses that ballooned at the bottom like something out of Cinderella. There were bright orange dresses that made us look like the great pumpkin. I actually saw a gown, and I'm not making this up, that was strikingly similar to a ballerina?s tutu and I thanked the stars above that the bride in the wedding I?m attending or smart enough not to go for a number like this. Although the final decision has back treatment may get and she hasn't ordered the bridesmaid dresses yet so you never know...


About the Author:

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding wedding. You can get interesting and informative information here at http://www.weddingsparks.com/weddings/weddings/bridesmaid-dresses.html




Saturday, May 2, 2009

Whitewater Rafting Natural Hot Springs and Backpacking are Just a Few Adventures in Ouray CO

Colorado offers the traveler a panorama of activities and delights for all ages and to suit all tastes. That is not an exaggeration! There?s not another small town in Colorado that offers the variety of things to see and to do and one-day trips through the most spectacular mountain scenery. Whether you?re a single person looking for the physically challenging activity or the mom and dad wanting to share age-appropriate recreation and excitement with your children, Ouray, Colorado, meets those needs. A week is not too long to schedule for this ?Gem of the Rockies.?

You may discover your greatest challenge is to do all you want to do in a week. So, what will it be today? For certain, it will begin early. If only once in your lifetime you take a brisk jog or a meandering stroll just as the sun rises over the surrounding peaks, you?ll know that the next few days in Ouray will begin early. Then indulge in one of the finest breakfasts available anywhere. What next? Take a walk down to the Natural Hot Springs Pool for the morning, or reserve that for later to soak out the knots in our legs from backpacking one of the many hiking trails? Or take a Jeep tour over Imogene Pass at 13,000 plus elevation, have a snowball fight, and then tour the gift and rock shops? OK, get the picture? Ouray is the center for fun and excitement for all.

Granted, the majority of activities are outdoors, but the rock and gift shops offer gems and art, and it?s never very far to a hot tub or nature slide show. Even though this mountain hamlet with a population of approximately 800 swells to a few thousand visitors a day during the peak summer days, that doesn?t mean that there?s no quiet and solitude for the weary of body and soul looking for some healing. Quiet aspen and spruce groves and cascading waterfalls provide a wonderful balm and escape from the stresses of our hectic lifestyle. And again, the natural hot springs work wonders!

This is one little town of Western Colorado, tucked back in a box canyon, that is just plain hard to beat. Do your research first (http://www.cedarviewresources.com in the articles section) Check the calendar of events. Look over the providers of jeep trips and gold mine tours. If you?re really adventurous, rent your own Jeep. Don?t overlook the neighboring communities that provide interesting day trips into the past gold and silver booms, legendary ski resorts, first-class Indian ruins of Mesa Verde, and the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge train.

Is camping your thing? KOA hosts a beautiful camp north of town along the Uncompahgre River and the US Forest Service provides camp sites south of town with a bird?s eye view of the valley below and canyon walls surrounding the valley. Now there?s just no excuse! Plan a week, or at least 3 or 4 days to savor the beauty of Ouray. This is one place you will want to revisit, guaranteed!

Donald Pyle is a husband, father, and grandpa with experience in education and interpersonal relations. He specializes in helping others plan and realize their travel needs and their dream vacations. He is a certified referring travel agent, association specialist, and CLIA certified http://www.CedarViewTravelResources.com