Winston Salem North Carolina



Listed as the fourth largest city in the state, Winston Salem North Carolina has an interesting past and a bright future. Much of its economic success stems from the tobacco industry. However, the Wachovia Corporation, one of the world's leading banks, has its headquarters in the city in the tallest building in the region. The Wachovia Center is also the only skyscraper in the world with a dome constructed in granite.

The city began as a settlement of Moravians, Protestant exiles from Europe who came in the 15th century. They are remembered today in the Old Salem district as part of a living history museum. Their way of life is re-enacted by museum staff in a series of re-constructed and original buildings, showing life in the 18th and 19th centuries in Winston Salem North Carolina. Trades such as gun making, carpentry, baking and the skills of blacksmiths are on show, along with a toy museum and exhibits of arts and crafts.

Many visitors enjoy the botanical garden at Reynolda Gardens, part of the shopping and business district of Reynolda Village. There are a variety of features and admission is free. There are four informal gardens, including a rose garden, a fruit garden, vines, vegetable plots and woodlands and wetlands. The gardens are further enhanced by quaint tea houses and fountains. The residents of Winston Salem North Carolina also like to support the arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art is very popular. Exhibits range from work from colonial times until the present day.

Tanglewood Park is a golf course and park, most famous for its hosting of the annual Tanglewood Festival of Lights. This is an important event on the calendar for the people of Winston Salem North Carolina. The drive through lights display brightens everyone's mood in winter. Visitors can also enjoy the Tanglewood Park Arboretum and Rose Garden.

The city is fortunate in having extensive facilities to present sporting and entertainment events. The Winston Salem Entertainment-Sports Complex is a series of venues, including the Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, a large arena for the staging of sports and concerts by world renowned performers. There is also a football stadium, baseball stadium, football field and racetrack. The Dixie Classic Fairgrounds holds an annual fair. There really is something for everyone in this city, a fact that will continue its economic growth, attracting more business and securing its future prosperity.

There are many stages that we go through in our lives that call for adjustments

Starting as a child we need to adjust to the different spaces that we are put in. We go from a crib to a toddler bed to a twin bed. We adjust to sharing our bedroom spaces to having a space of our own. When we go on to college we often have to adjust to once again sharing out space with others in dorm rooms or shared housing. Fro some people this is not an issue, but for others it is a difficult transition. When we marry or move in with our partner we need to adjust to them. My mother is going through one of the hardest adjustments that we need to make in life. She is adjusting to not only being alone after fifty-one years of marriage, but also moving to a much smaller space.

After my father died it became obvious that my mother could not take care of the five-bedroom farmhouse that she and dad had shared for over forty years. The house was large and old and she was not safe trying to go up and down stairs to do laundry and to get to the upstairs bedroom area. We considered remodeling the house, but we were also concerned about her living out in the country by herself with a large yard and the need for snow removal services in the winter. She agreed to move into a senior high rise building in the small town that was located close to the farm. Moving from a five-bedroom house in the country to a one-bedroom apartment in town was quite an undertaking. She needed to get rid of many belongings. My mother loved being outdoors so the biggest thing for her to get used to was opening her door and being in a hallway. We wanted to give her some reminders of being of the farm so we bought window bird feeders for her to have in the living room and bedroom. She had always fed the birds at home so this was something that she could still enjoy.

The window bird feeders were shaped like a small house. They are made of clear plastic so they are lightweight and they suction cup to the windows. The roof of the house keeps the seeds dry. At first we were concerned that the window bird feeders would not stay on the windows, but the instructions that came with them worked. We were instructed to clean the space on the window where the suction cup would be with rubbing alcohol. We then put a very thin layer of vegetable oil on the suction cup and stuck it on the window. The suction cup fit very firmly. We filled the dishes with food and within a day the birds were coming to eat. We kept the bag of food in the closet and each time someone visited we would put more in the feeders. Mom gets a great deal of enjoyment watching the birds come to her window bird feeders.

Wall Speaker



A very long time ago my husband bought a surround sound system. Weve had the same system for a long time because it works so well. To this day he is happy with what we have, so we have made no plans to upgrade, but something that happened the other day has made me think otherwise. Because these speakers are so old they are very bulky. As I was sitting on my couch the other day the wall speaker above me fell down and missed my head by a few inches. Its not a large speaker, but its heavy enough cause some damage.

I did not put the wall speaker back up after that. It is sitting on the back of my sofa now. Im afraid that if I put it back up I will get knocked in the head the next time. This speaker is one of the two back speakers that fills in the background noise when watching a movie in surround sound. Its not essential, but without it, you might as well be watching with stereo sound. Even though each wall speaker we have right now works, I do think we might want to upgrade so that we have speakers that are not only lighter, but they will also be able to be hung more securely.

If you go out and buy a good wall speaker today, it will probably weight half as much as the one that almost knocked me out the other day. They will have more options for secure hanging, and will probably sound much better. Though the system we have sounds good and still functions well, Im sure a new wall speaker in any position would sound better. Just dont tell my husband this, as I am not quite ready to invest in a new system just yet.

If you want to upgrade your system, you might want to talk to a professional. You do have to be careful because you dont want someone to sell you something you dont need. You may be able to replace a specific wall speaker or two without replacing the entire set. Each speaker has a unique function in producing sound, so it stands to reason that you might not have to replace them all if you are having a problem. Remember that a good wall speaker is worth its weight in gold, but a room full of them might cost you just as much.

Walk In Closet Organizer

I have only been lucky enough to have a walk in closet once in my life, but when I get my own house I will insist that I have one. I am tried of not having enough closet space in my life, and even more tired of not having enough room for my clothes. I will have one of these closets, and I will have it built if I must. One other thing I will insist upon is that there is a walk in closet organizer in there to help keep things in order. If I dont have one of these things, I know that space will quickly become a mess.

There are many different types of walk in closet organizer out there, and what you need will depend on what you have. I have a lot of shoes, and I know the chances of keeping them all neat and lined up against the wall are low. I just dont have the patience for it. If I have some sort of walk in closet organizer that can help me with my shoes, things are going to be a lot neater for me. I will also want the usual things, like places to hang shirts and also storage spaces for those things that I do not want to hang up.

If you get a walk in closet organizer, remember that they can be good for more than just your shoes and clothing. There are many other things you may want to keep in your closet, and you can always find a walk in closet organizer that will deal with these items. You may have ties, belts, nylons, and other clothing accessories that you want to contain. If you love hats, you need a place to keep them. You might also want to consider keeping winter and summer jackets in there as well as other clothing items that you may not use very often.

You can go to almost any home improvement store to find a great walk in closet organizer. You can find units that are made for everything, and ones that are made for just one specific problem. You can also find a walk in closet organizer that you can customize to your own needs. These might be the best deal, as you can get what you need and leave the rest in the store. If you have someone helping you organize your house, this might be what they recommend you get.

The holiday season is strongly connected to fond memories of

The holiday season is strongly connected to fond memories of years gone by. Consumers can embrace the spirit of years past by integrating antique ornaments into their collection of holiday decorations. A vintage Christmas ornament is not only an attractive addition it is also a lovely reminder of Christmases that have gone by.

Anyone who grew up during the 1960s knows how popular the outer space theme was back then. People embraced all things futuristic. These elements emerged even during the holiday season. You can find plenty of wonderful Christmas ornaments in this theme including cosmonauts, space ships and iridescent orbs.

Some may find the irony in collecting antique holiday decorations that revolve around a futuristic theme to be intriguing. These interesting elements make for wonderful conversation and they serve as wonderful prompts for stories that kids really enjoy. You might want to look to the future for a vintage Christmas ornament.

There are plenty who find the futuristic theme to be intriguing but others might prefer to stick to a more traditional theme. You simply cant go wrong by choosing a Father Christmas theme. There are so many holiday decorations that are inspired by Santa Clause that you are certain to find many different styles to suit your theme.

The benefit of choosing a Santa inspired theme is that you can choose from among many unique holiday antiques. If a Victorian holiday theme is appealing to you then you can look for the traditional Father Christmas decorations from the Victorian era. These Santa decorations are easy to spot with their long robes and antique colors.

Kris Kringle is a character that is strongly tied to this holiday and there have been countless representations of him produced over the years. Some of these representations have really stood the test of time. We commonly think of the burly white-bearded man in the red suit when we think of Santa. Many prefer to collect holiday decorations that stay true to this image.

Santa is a great representation of the holiday season. However, there are some of us who really love to bring a little nature into our homes during this festive time of year. I commonly look for an animal-inspired vintage Christmas ornament. Of course, I have my fair share of Santa decorations around but I really love the animal characters.

The animal theme is another great choice for a collection of antique holiday decorations. There are plenty of wonderful nature images that can be incorporated beautifully into any homes dcor. Children love animals, too, so this makes for a perfect choice that will have the kids browsing through the trees decorations with awe.

The best place to start looking for the right vintage Christmas ornament collection for you is in your heart. Try browsing online for some inspiration. You may find a theme that sparks some warm holiday memories for you.

In this day and age, it feels like the focus

In this day and age, it feels like the focus is on making everything bigger and brighter. This is never more apparent than around the Christmas season. Walking around the neighborhood, I can already see all of the different lights going up in front of all of the different houses. Although the designs change from house to house, it is obvious that everyone wants to be as impressive as possible. Animated Christmas lights, life-sized Santa Claus figures, snowmen that wave at passers by, and elaborate designs of outdoor Christmas lighting are some of the many things you can see around my neighborhood.

I don't mind these Christmas decorations, but it is not really my style. I'm definitely a big fan of vintage Christmas decoration. I love the classicism of old designs, and my home is a testament to this fact. I have iron forged chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, hand blown glass vases, and mission style furniture in all of my rooms. I believe that good design is timeless and should not change with fashion. That is why I am such a huge collector of vintage Christmas decoration.

My vintage Christmas ornaments are the pride of my collection. Some of them date back to before my own childhood. My grandmother is very fond of me, and is always giving me vintage Christmas decorations from her own collection. Almost every year I get a new one. Sometimes it is a bauble, other times a Christmas candle holder or old style lighted Christmas decoration. As you can imagine, over the years I have accumulated quite a number of them.

My very favorite ones, however, are the ones that I owned as a kid. I have a little tin toy train that I used to always love to put up on the tree. I also have a small nutcracker, and a little globe filled with water and a fairy castle. It is enough to make me nostalgic just thinking about it.

I don't simply wait for my grandmother to send me more vintage Christmas decoration ornaments. Sometimes, I like to go out and expand my collection. There are quite a few ways to do that. You can buy vintage Christmas ornaments at antique stores, of course, but sometimes you can find the same ornaments for far cheaper at thrift stores. There are also commercial outlets that sell some quite convincing facsimiles, if you value the look of a vintage Christmas decoration more than the collectibility. To me it doesn't matter, just so long as it has that old time look that I have come to know and love.

One of the most popular themes in holiday decorating ideas

One of the most popular themes in holiday decorating ideas stems from the Victorian era. This time in history is filled with beautiful images of holiday style that include vivid colors, lace and glowing candles among other things. You can embrace this timeless classic in holiday fare by adding a Victorian Christmas ornament collection into your decorating theme.

The idea of bringing the past back to life during the holiday season is quite romantic and very important. This time of year is for celebrating love, family and sharing as well as taking a moment to remember generations past. A Victorian Christmas ornament collection can help you bring some of the past into your home during this special time of year.

There are a few approaches that you can take to find the ideal collection of vintage holiday decorations for your home. Typically, people used to shop for an antique Christmas ornament at local antique stores and resale shops. Yard sales and flea markets are great places to find these holiday accents as well.

Todays savvy shopper knows that he can find everything he needs on the World Wide Web. Vintage Christmas ornaments are available on many online stores. This is a great approach for finding exactly what you want in relatively little time. Online shopping is a time saving approach to getting the right Victorian Christmas ornament collection for your home.

While many of us are quite taken by the notion of including vintage holiday decorations into our holiday theme, many of us like an element of the present in the mix as well. There are a couple options to consider if you are shopping for Christmas decorations in a Victorian theme.

Reproductions are lovely, cost-effective items that can help you get this eras look and feel without investing in antique holiday decorations. The options are abundant, especially if you browse on the Internet for various Victorian holiday accents. This is a nice place to find great ideas as well.

You can also opt to make your own Victorian Christmas ornament. There are plenty of online sites that offer detailed instructions as well as links to find the supplies necessary to make your own holiday decorations. This is a wonderful arts and crafts activity for the family to share.

Each of these options is wonderful but I have a personal favorite approach that I really love. You can have a Victorian Christmas ornament made for you. This is a fantastic approach that truly merges the past with the present. Find a site that offers to create the ornaments out of real vintage materials for the perfect start to your antique holiday collection.

Some companies use scraps from this era to hand craft new holiday decorations that are truly one-of-a-kind. Of all the options available in the quest to find a Victorian Christmas ornament, I find this to be the most appealing.

Valentine's Day is a tricky holiday. You never really know

Valentine's Day is a tricky holiday. You never really know how it is going to go until you have been dating someone for a while. You see, a lot of people don't like Valentine's Day, but no one doesn't want to celebrate it. For some people, it is important that they show that they aren't too involved in a Hallmark holiday. If you are dating one of these, you need to come up with just the right Valentines day ideas. Thee valentines gift ideas can neither be too extravagant nor too cheap. They can neither be too enthusiastic nor too dry and ironic. In short, you need to play it just right.

If you are dating someone who isn't so excited about Valentine's Day, I recommend Valentine gift ideas that don't have that much to do with the holiday. When most people think about valentines day ideas, they think about Valentine chocolate. Of course, giving Valentines Day candy can be a great thing if you're dating a complete cheese ball, but if you are dating someone a little bit more sophisticated, you should forget it all together. You should consider Valentines Day ideas with candy only if they don't involve hearts. It's all right to be a little bit cheesy, but too cheesy can ruin your entire holiday.

Of course, no matter who you are dating, I've always thought that flowers make great Valentines Day ideas. Everyone loves flowers, especially when followed by dinner and a movie. Getting flowers always brightens up the house, and flowers are not so specific to Valentine's Day that they will come across as excessively silly. In short, flowers not only make a great Valentines Day idea, but a great idea for any time of year.

But the best Valentines Day ideas are the ones that come from the heart. I don't mean sappy cards, I mean things that shows how much you love the person. I've always thought books make good Valentines Day ideas. Most of the people I go out with are big readers, and readers always love getting books. There is no better way to show them that you care. Not only do books make good birthday presents, but they also make good Valentines Day ideas. I guess it all depends on who you're going out with, as I said before. If you can't figure out what Valentines Day ideas to go with, perhaps you don't know the person as well as you thought you did.

Many of us can tell from a young age whether

Many of us can tell from a young age whether or not we want to have children. I knew that I did back in high school. One day I was watching a father and his daughter and it hit me. Sure I was only 17 at the time, but something in me just knew. Others may not realize whether or not they care to try their hand at parenting until they meet the right person to do it with. That perfect significant other makes all the difference. And finally there are those out there who do NOT want children at all. There's nothing wrong with this. Being a parent is not meant for everyone. Needless to say, NO one should ever have a child if they're not prepared to accept the responsibility of being a parent. Far too many people do this now days. It's truly getting ridiculous. This brings me to another a major point. Regardless of whether or not a couple is wed, the mother's rights are the same as the unwed fathers rights. Both parents have rights to child as long as they want them. And if you helped make the child, then you'd better want them.

Back in the 80s, things were so much different. I know from personal experience. My parents split up when I was only 5 years old. This would have been in 1981. I recall my mother snatching the three of us from our own house, along with all of our clothes and toys, and bolting for a new town. A town without my father and his new girlfriend. Get the picture yet? Anyway, when this all finally went to court, my father's rights were out the window. The court system always went with the mother back in those days. If you were the mom, you had it in the bag. Now, in the current judicial system, even an unwed fathers rights are much more powerful these days. The father has just as much of a right to the child as the mother does. I think this is totally the way it should be. After all, they both made the child. It makes no sense to disregard the unwed fathers rights to the child. Providing that he wants and cares for the child like a good father should. No kid needs a dead-beat dad.

Marriage is no longer the ultimate answer. People make mistakes and sometimes the result is a child. Of course if the couple is not meant for one another, marriage is out of the question. It would only lead to more problems.

With the rising popularity of the many travel discounts online,

With the rising popularity of the many travel discounts online, many have forgotten about the tried and true source that has always been around for great travel deals. The travel agent is someone who can help you find a great deal, and you get so much more with an agent than you will with any of the sites that you can find online. Some online sites offer extras and can be helpful, but nothing beats having a real live person who can help you out whenever the need arises. The next time you want to plan a trip, think about talking with someone at a travel agency before you go online.

When you go through a travel agency, you have a person on the other end of a phone should anything happen to you or your travel plans. If you miss your flight, they can do everything they can to get you on the next one, and you normally dont have to do anything. They know what they are doing and what to say to make sure you are on your way as quickly as you can. If you find out that your reserved room was given away, your travel agency will get you another, and may even do so at a cheaper price.

The travel agency will also do all they can to find you the best deal. They may not be able to match what you can find online all of the time, but you may be surprised at what they can do. They may know about specials and packages that you cant find anywhere else, and they will be more than willing to set you up with the deal that you can afford. They can book tricky flight times and stopovers that you may not want to have to deal with when booking your own flights online. They take much of the hassle out of planning a fun and affordable trip.

Because so many have turned to the online sites for booking holidays and vacations, the travel agency has to work even harder to keep your business. This means they are going to be more attentive than ever before, and may do extras just to surprise you and keep you happy. You can always go either way, but remember that going with a travel agency might be the best choice you ever made. Vacations are about relaxing, and the last thing you should have to worry about is making your own arrangements and trying to fix things when something goes wrong. Let someone else do the worrying for you.

Toy shopping



Here it comes that time of the year. The time of the year when all kids are starting to make their Christmas lists and making sure their parents are up to date on all of the newest technologies and toys. It is also the time of the year when stores put more emphasis on advertising and making sure that everyone knows that their prices and sales are better than their competitors.

For some parents, such as myself, it is the season for toy shopping. I dont enjoy it. My daughter has already started noticing all of the toys that the TV stations are advertising. She cant write very well yet, but shes made sure that I have already started a Christmas list for her. So it begins, toy shopping. Some parents will do it solely online. Some parents will wait in huge lines when the stores announce that a brand new, ever so popular toy hits the shelves. I have several friends who start doing their toy shopping the second that Halloween decorations disappear from the stores. Usually, theyre completely done with everything by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

Toy shopping can become rather competitive too. Those who have camped out on sidewalks in the rain and wind just to get one of the few toys that the stores have on the shelves for a few seconds, know exactly what that means. Friendly banter that takes place while waiting in line disappears the moment those stores open their doors. Suddenly, it is every man for himself and people are diving across the aisles for the last toy on the shelf. Toy shopping can become a total nightmare. If youre lucky enough to get the great deals and hot toys online, toy shopping can be a piece of cake. Thats how I tend to do my shopping. On Black Friday, I can be sitting happily in my house, wearing my comfortable pajamas and getting all of my presents delivered right to my doorstep. I usually get the same sales that people in the stores are getting, I just dont have the advantage of examining the toys in my hand. However, I also dont have to carry around heavy packages, fight for parking spaces and spend entirely too much
time waiting in lines.

So, when my daughter adds a few more things to her Christmas list every time she watches TV and circles some new toys in the flyers that the stores place in local newspapers, Ill be able to scope them out on the internet. And all of my toy shopping will be done online.

In the family I grew up in, we did not

In the family I grew up in, we did not really put a premium on presentation. As a matter of fact, we tended to neglect it altogether. For a holiday like Thanksgiving, for example, we would go pretty all out with the food. We would have two or three different kinds of relish, turkey, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, a salad, and plenty of other gourmet grub, but we would never bother to go all the way and make a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Even simple to make Thanksgiving table centerpieces were beyond our limited holiday preparations. I can not say why exactly, but for some reason or other, it did not seem important to us. That is why I was so surprised and impressed the first time I went over to my girlfriends family for the holidays.

They had an absolutely gorgeous Thanksgiving center piece. It was the perfect expression of the joy that the autumn season brings. The table was decorated with gourds, stocks of maize, and woven straw scarecrows holding little Hersheys kisses in their hands. It was kind of silly, but it was also adorable.

What really amazed me about that meal was how much having a festive dcor really added to everything. It really made it a much better day for all of us. The room was bright and cheerful, with little gourds scattered around to symbolize natures bounty, and because of that, we were bright and cheerful as well.

The next year, I decided that I would make my own homemade Thanksgiving centerpiece. I thought it would be hard, but it really was not. In general, Thanksgiving centerpieces are just a matter of assembling a few different elements. You dont really have to make anything at all - all you have to do is to arrange a few things. I decided that a pile of gourds was a must have. Inside of that, I put a bouquet of flowers mixed in with a few stalks of corn. It was not quite as polished as the Thanksgiving centerpiece at my girlfriends home the year before, but it still looked pretty good. All in all, it was quite nice for a first try.

Since then, I tried to have table center pieces at all of my holiday events. Im going to make a Thanksgiving centerpiece this year, but I think Im going to go a step farther. I can hardly wait to assemble a nice Christmas centerpiece for the first time. Im already coming up with some really great ideas.

Weve all had nightmares about arriving to class with the

Weve all had nightmares about arriving to class with the sudden realization that an impending exam was on our heels. This kind of a nightmare can wake a person out of a deep sleep and the disturbing dream can be difficult to shake. A person who has test anxiety lives this nightmare every time he takes an exam.

Test anxiety is very frustrating for students, teachers and parents for many reasons. Teachers work hard to develop fair methods of evaluating a students progress. The exams are a big part of this process. When a student has test anxiety, the evaluation approach is not a very reliable measurement of the students understanding and progress.

The major problem with this troublesome condition is that it interferes with the students ability to demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the materials covered in class. Test anxiety is a significant obstacle that a student has to face and it can have severe ramifications if unrecognized and untreated.

Parents may become frustrated about their childs test anxiety because they see that he conveys understanding at home while he is studying but he is unable to perform well on exams. The frustration goes doubly for the student who feels incredibly nervous and unable to think while taking tests.

So what can be done about test anxiety? The first step is to identify the problem. This isnt quite as easy as it may seem. It is easy to misinterpret a lack of confidence with a lack of knowledge. The student may think that he really doesnt deserve a good grade simply because he doesnt perform well on tests.

Once you have determined that the problem is test anxiety, you can begin taking steps to dealing with the problem. Mental preparation and relaxation techniques are ideal strategies for dealing with this condition. The specific activities that can be used vary greatly and you may find that one works better than another.

One consistent approach is to eat a healthy snack before taking the exam. Hunger can be a great distraction and it can be a source of anxiety on a subconscious level. In order to assure that the student will do well on the exam, his primary needs should be met. Skip the sweets. Sugar and caffeine can make test anxiety.

Getting over test anxiety isnt easy. There is no quick fix but if everyone recognizes the condition they can take the proper steps to recovery.

Tammy Wynette



Country music has a handful of female stars that could be described as icons and Tammy Wynette is one of them. Known as the First Lady of Country Music, she had a career as a best selling artist and was respected by her fellow performers. She wrote many songs, including the one most associated with her, Stand By Your Man. Born in 1942 in Tremont, Mississippi, she learnt to play piano and guitar as a young child and grew up listening to her favorite gospel and country singers.

Following graduation from High School and marriage to her first husband, she embarked on a series of jobs before becoming a qualified hairdresser. She then began performing her music as a sideline to gain additional income. Tammy Wynette made an important decision in leaving her marriage and moving, with her three daughters, to the capital of the country music scene, Nashville. She eventually got a record contract with Epic Records and her first single was released in 1966, reaching the top 40 in the country charts. She was to have three Top 10 country hits a year later and three number one country hits the following year. These were for Take Me To Your World, D-I-V-O-R-C-E and Stand By Your Man.

The late 1960s and early 1970s brought continued success in the album and singles charts. Tammy Wynette was a true superstar, a familiar household name even to those who were not country fans. Director Bob Rafelson brought her to another audience when he chose some of her songs for the soundtrack of his movie, Five Easy Pieces. By the 1980s however, the sales started to decline. Nevertheless, she remained a popular live performer and released a final album in 1993. Following numerous medical problems, she died of a cardiac arrhythmia in 1998, aged fifty-five.

The singer's own private life could have been the subject of many dramatic country songs. She had married five times, her third husband being the country music star, George Jones. They remained friends and recorded duets when together and after they divorced. Her fourth marriage only lasted six weeks. Tammy Wynette received the most publicity for her romances when she had a relationship with actor, Burt Reynolds during the 1970s. She had four children and her final marriage lasted until her death.

Perhaps only Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynne and Patsy Cline can be said to be in the same league as Tammy Wynette. She has been parodied, as country stars tend to be and Stand By Your Man is a regular victim of tortured renditions at karaoke. Her reputation as an artist rises above this and fans remember her fondly.


Table top christmas tree



Until I had my own apartment, I had the idea that a table top Christmas tree was just for old people who didnt have the energy to deal with a full sized tree. However, my very first apartment was barely big enough for my cat and I, so I had some issues when it came to the holidays. There was no way that I was going to not decorate for my favorite holiday; I just had to be a little bit creative. So, when my mother showed up with a three foot table top Christmas tree, I was determined to make it work for me. So, I set up the little tree on my coffee table and decorated it as best as possible. By the time that I was done with my decorating, I was pretty happy with everything. The candles in my windows looked wonderful and I positioned my coffee table so that my brightly lit table top Christmas tree was very visible from the outside. Quite a few neighbors complimented it.

A table top Christmas tree can solve a lot of decorating issues for small spaces and for people who simply dont have the energy or means to go all out with decorating. Sure, old people will appreciate the little decorated trees in their retirement homes. There are lots of people who will spend their holidays in a hospital and wont be able to enjoy the freedom of their own home traditions and dcor. A table top Christmas tree would do wonders to cheer them up and fit nicely into any size hospital room.

As the years have gone on, Ive known more and more people who have decided that decorating has become too much of a burden for them. Instead of getting a live and full sized tree, theyve decided to get an artificial table top Christmas tree. They still decorate the rest of their houses; they simply dont have to deal with the rearranging of furniture to accommodate a huge tree for one month of the year. They dont have to deal with little pine needles being dragged into every room of the house. And, they dont have to deal with dragging it out to the curb after the holiday season is over. Nope, an artificial table top tree can simply be stored in a closet, basement or attic. In fact, you might not even bother taking the decorations off of it from year to year. Think about how much simpler parts of your holidays could be.

When a mom is responsible for keeping her floors clean

When a mom is responsible for keeping her floors clean shes going to look for a product that is both easy to use and inexpensive. Trying to mop up after small childrens spills or pet accidents can be burdensome and time-consuming if you are working with a pail and a mop. Its also unsanitary. With a Swiffer Wet Jet whether its a wet spot clean-up or washing the entire floor the job is done in a flash with little effort.

Most of us who are adults can remember being a child and being delegated to the floor washing chore. This usually meant filling a bucket with soapy water, getting either a string mop or a foam mop, rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. With the Swiffer Wet Jet system, its much simpler and after the job is done theres no bucket to rinse or mop to wring out.

There are three main components to this cleaning system. The first is the handle. The handle can be purchased alone or in a Swiffer Wet Jet starter kit. The latter is perfect for someone just new to the Swiffer experience. In addition to the handle, youll also receive a bottle of the cleaning solution as well as a supply of Swiffer Wet Jet cleaning cloths.

The cloths are disposable and are designed to be discarded after one use. Some people may view this as wasteful but its important to bear in mind that a Swiffer Wet Jet cloth collects all of the dust and dirt from the surface of the floor. This contains bacteria and germs that you dont want to come in contact with again. In the case of a regular mop you are simply reusing the same device to wash and rewash your floor. There is no way you are going to achieve the same deep down clean you would with a Swiffer Wet Jet.

Using it is very simple and dont be surprised if your kids want a chance at cleaning the floor. All that is required is that you attach a Swiffer Wet Jet cloth to the handle, then spray the solution and start cleaning. The solution is attached to the handle so its an all-in-one operation. Once you are done, remove the cloth, toss it and store the Swiffer Wet Jet until its time to use it again.

You can wash any floor with it including the bathroom and kitchen floors. All that is required once you are done washing it is a few minutes drying time. After that, enjoy your spotless floor until the next grape juice spill or puppy accident.

Many people fail to realize the importance of securing their

Many people fail to realize the importance of securing their home. While you may assume your subdivision is "safe" and that your home in particular could never be the target of a burglary, armed robbery or home invasion, you're sadly mistaken. In reality this can happen to anyone, rich, middle class or poor. Therefore your best defense is to plan ahead. Take necessary precautions before anything bad has occurred. This means quality door locks, flood lights and surveillance cameras to name a few of the basics. The better you secure your home, the better off you'll be.

Generally when folks think about surveillance cameras, they picture businesses and banks. While these are common places that can be targeted by criminals, your home is not so different. Which would you rather rob; a well-secured bank with countless surveillance cameras and armed guards or a middle class home in the suburbs while everyone is away at work and school? I think the latter sounds like a much safer bet. So, your goal should be to deter criminals from choosing your home. This is where advanced door locks, window alarms and surveillance cameras come into play. Every door that leads into your home should have a well-secured deadbolt that requires a key on both sides. This makes it much more difficult for criminals to penetrate. Simple window alarms will only cost you around 20 bucks, but scream accordingly if someone attempts to open a window in your home. Outdoor flood lights are ideal for catching potential crooks and intruders. If they enter your yard or driveway, the motion detector sets off the bright lights, illuminating your entire lot. This will not only assist you when arriving home at night, but it is sure to deter criminals from approaching your house after dark. Oh, and what about those handy surveillance cameras? These are a wonderful security addition to any home. Not only will they keep an eye out for you at night, but they also guard your home during the day. You can even wire them to a laptop and spy on your house while at work. This keeps you on top of the situation at all times.

Find an awesome array of surveillance cameras on the web. Sites such as cctvcamerapros.com, 4hiddenspycameras.com, and securitycameraworld.com offer plenty to all home owners seeking security for their abode and family. Get busy arming your house with the right security devices today!

Everyone has seen Christmas lights at one point or another,

Everyone has seen Christmas lights at one point or another, and many people have put them up themselves, but few people understand all of the possible uses of string lights. Although the summer is winding down right now, it is still far from over. You don't have to wait until Christmas to enjoy a string of lights. You can start on this very day if you want to. They have many possible uses, and all of them will brighten your day and create a warmer, more festive atmosphere.

Personally, I have always loved patio string lights. Putting up light in winter is pretty nice because it brightens an otherwise desolate atmosphere. Nevertheless, summer is really the time for partying. A string light display helps make the perfect atmosphere to make sure you get off to a good start. You don't have to use icicle lights or other Christmas themed decorations either. You can use cactuses, pumpkins, smiley faces, chili peppers basically anything you want. There are many summer themed string lights out there, so you can tailor your celebration to the season if you want to. They are also good if you have kids running around wild. After all, they are much safer than having big Tiki torches everywhere. Remember, Christmas lights rarely cause fires!

String lights have gone through quite a few improvements since back in the day. They used to be big, high energy bulbs that were always burning out. They also made a lot of heat, meaning that they could be pretty dangerous if not set up properly. When one bulb would go out, the entire strand would go out. It could take hours and hours to find one bulb, replace it, and get the lights going again. Nowadays, however, high-quality light strings are much better than that. The use small bulbs that are low-energy, And are wired in parallel. This means that, if one light goes out, the rest of them can keep blinking on and off.

Some of the newer string lights are even powered by LEDs. An LED string light is superior to the old style in every way. It has a longer lifetime, much higher energy efficiency, lower heat production, and a greater degree of safety. On the downside, they can be a little bit more expensive, but this is worth it. After all, you will use your string lights year after year, so why not invest a little bit of money and get good ones?

Still Life Painting



Different art movements and styles go in and out of fashion. Art critics do not consider Still Life painting trendy at the present time but it is recognized as an influential form of art. It's still popular with the public and many amateur artists find this sort of art to be useful in teaching composition and perspective. Artists have always struggled to get models or to have enough light to paint landscapes. Setting up inanimate objects is convenient by comparison.

Common subjects to be painted are dishes of fruit, vases of flowers or a bottle of wine and a platter of cheese or meats. Still Life painting may have a hunting or fishing theme. It was popular in western art from the 17th century, especially in France, Italy and Holland. Dutch artists were especially proficient in this art form, being banned from painting religious iconography.

The 19th century was a golden age for artists who wanted to experiment with Still Life painting. Traditionalists may have been horrified at the time but the artists who pushed the boundaries with color and form were to inspire future generations. It seems tame to modern gallery visitors today, but the work of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists shocked both the public and critics when they were first exhibited.

Vincent Van Gogh used bold color and broad brushwork in paintings such as Sunflowers, probably the most famous Still Life painting in history. Sadly, he didn't see success in his lifetime but the painting set new records when it was sold at auction and is now considered to be a masterpiece. Paul Czanne was another artist who had a very individual style and is often referred to as the godfather of modern art. His still life's were experiments in perspective and the artist distorted perspective to suit his artistic vision.

These earlier artists laid the foundations for what would be known as Cubism. Invented by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, this way of looking at the world through geometry often used Still Life painting as a means of expression. Juan Gris was another exponent of the form. Again, purists threw their arms up in disbelief as the style was given a make over.

The Pop Artists of the 1960s also took to the form, resulting in cultural landmarks such as Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans. Artists painted Coca Cola bottles and other everyday items, arguing that it was no different from an Old Master depicting a bottle of wine.


Steve Prefontaine



The great interest in track athletics during the 1970s was largely inspired by Steve Prefontaine. He died tragically young, aged twenty-four but his legend lives on and he is cited as the best runner that America ever produced. Fans loved his go for it style, sitting back was not for him and he preferred to lead the race from the front.

He was born in Coos Bay, Oregon in 1951 and started his running career participating in cross-country events at High School. He continued cross-country at the University of Oregon and ran track races too. The results were impressive and Steve Prefontaine found himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated at the young age of nineteen.

A record run in the 5,000 meters resulted in his selection for the US team to go to the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. He came very close to winning a medal and finished a respectable fourth in the final. After graduation from University, his next goal was to take part in the 1976 Olympics at Montreal. He trained hard and achieved an incredible feat, setting the US record for every event from the 2,000 meters to the 10,000 meters. It appeared that Prefontaine was an astounding athlete, even in events outside of his specialty.

Sadly, his full potential was never realized and he never made it to his second Olympic Games. He was involved in a car accident in his home state, and died whilst he was trapped underneath his overturned vehicle in May 1975. It was reported that Fontaine may have been drinking over the limit and that a second car was involved. The driver of this vehicle was interviewed but no charges were made against him. There are many memorial sites to honor his memory. One of these is called Pre's Rock, a reference to his nickname. It is a plaque placed at the location of the crash, containing his picture and a dedication. Runners who admire him leave mementos at the memorial in remembrance. A race meeting, known as the Pre Classic is organized every year to honor Steve Prefontaine.

Interest in the athlete has carried on ever since his death and he has been the subject of two feature films and a documentary. In 1997, the movie Prefontaine was released, starring Jared Leto as the runner. Billy Crudup played Steve Prefontaine in the 1998 film, Without Limits. The documentary is aptly titled, Fire On the Track.

Growing up a sailing family, I had a rather negative

Growing up a sailing family, I had a rather negative view of speed boats. speedboats and yachts have a traditional rivalry. To sailboat hobbyists, motor boats are a hazard and a menace. They kick up a lot of wake which causes sailboats to rock back and forth, spilling their wind. They go very fast, and occasionally collide with other boats. In short, speed boat racers are the ones who are ruining the lake for everyone. From the other side, people in motor boats see sailors as stuffy and stuck up. They are out there to have fun zooming across the lake, and they don't see why everyone else can not do the same.

If it weren't for a used boats sale, I never would have tried speed boats in the first place. I had actually wanted to get a sail boat for a few years, but I had not had enough money. After saving up a little bit of cash, I went off to a boat show to take a look around. Although I didn't find any sailboats that I liked, I did find a speed boat vendor who was willing to take potential customers out on test drives. By coincidence, I know him pretty well. He had actually sold me my used car, and I knew he was an honest businessman. I felt that there was no harm in trying out speed boats, and that I actually might like what I found. We set up a meeting the very next day for me to try one of his offshore boats.

If you have never tried speed boats or jet skis, you have never lived! It is as simple as that. What looks like a calm lake actually feels very rough once you start skimming across it at high speeds. The boat planes, jumping up and down, as the wind whips through your hair and the spray flies into your face. The speed felt almost unreal, and I was instantly hooked.

Speed boats haven't totally replaced my love of sailing, of course. I still like to go out on a sailboat now and then, if for no other reason than to reminisce about my childhood. Nonetheless, I have to say this: I have a need for speed. Once you fly across the lake at nearly the speed of sound, it seems pointless to drift across on the breeze. I'd rather have the thrills!

Do you have someone on your gift list that is

Do you have someone on your gift list that is impossible to buy for? It seems that everyone has a person or two that is difficult to please or who has everything that they need. I have three sisters that I exchange holiday as well as birthday gifts with. I am the youngest in the family. My sister that is closest to me in age is easy to buy for because we have similar tastes and I know her well. My oldest sister is eighteen years older than I am. We never lived in the same house together. She has spent most of her adult life acquiring as much wealth as possible. She is difficult to buy for because she if she wants or needs something she goes out and buys it for herself.

Recently my oldest sister started experiencing some lower back pain as well as knee pain. The doctor told her that she has arthritis in these locations. My sister has a large Jacuzzi tub in her master bedroom so I decided to look at spa gift baskets for her as a gift. There is a nice spa not far from my home. The message therapists there are very helpful at suggesting products as well as answering questions. I knew that they had several spa gift baskets ton display and I have also seen them make up spa gift baskets for customers to include what every the price range is. Many of the baskets include different procedures including massages, pedicures, manicures and other treatments, but I wanted to concentrate on products because my sister lives a distance away and would not be using this local spa for procedures.

I explained to one of the owners of the spa the problems that my sister had been experiencing with her knee and lower back. She went and found one of the therapist and we all discussed what she could do at home. I explained that she had access to her own Jacuzzi. They suggested several different herbal soaks. They blend their own at the spa. The herbs help the muscles to relax and also the fragrances help relax the entire body so that she would be able to get more restful sleep. They also gave me an ointment that is be help when messaged into the effected area. I had them arrange the herbal soaks and ointment into a basket and then I drove the products to my sisters house.

She was very appreciative of the gift basket. I have never seen her so excite about receiving a present before. After a nice visit I left so she could soak in the tub with the herbs. I realized on the way home that because she is so hard to buy for she does not get what I call happy day gifts. Tokens that are given because you are thinking about the person.

Have you ever wanted to try a different life? You

Have you ever wanted to try a different life? You know, maybe one with a bit more espionage, intrigue and danger. If nothing else, maybe just for a day. I think movies and television alone make us curious. We view films like "The Professional" and then proceed to scour the net for a quality sniper scope. Not that it really matters when we're wielding a spring-loaded Red Ryder BB rifle. You can literally watch the BBs eject off into the near distance with these advanced sniper scopes. Not that I've ever tried such a lame thing. I simply heard from a friend about a friend. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with acquiring the REAL equipment and doing a little target practice, if you know what I mean. I'm talking paper-punching here folks. It's a safe and fun way to test your high-tech artillery.

I got used to all sorts of firearms, knives, impact devices and weapons while growing up. With a father in law enforcement and a older brother in special forces, I saw a nice assault rifle with an expensive sniper scope on occasion. In fact, there was one particular occasion when my father, three brothers and I headed to the loft of our barn to test out a 308 H&K assault rifle. This was a blast! Any firearms such as this require a quality sniper scope. Fortunately for us we had over a mile of cornfield before us and targets set up all over the place. This right here is why living out in the middle of nowhere, ROCKS! You can basically do as you please and enjoy all toys, big and small. With no neighbor for miles, we enjoyed that 308 rifle with sniper scope for hours.

You don't have to be Mr. or Mrs. Smith to live it up with a sniper scope and variety of firearms. All you need is the artillery, maybe a license, a shooting range and some ammo. Just be certain you know what you're doing before engaging in target practice. Although guns are not dangerous on their own, people who have no clue how to use them properly are. Furthermore, you can purchase a fine sniper scope for high-powered pellet rifles now days. This is a great place to start.

Dolly Parton has always made it known that she loves

Dolly Parton has always made it known that she loves where she comes from. The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are where she grew up and in addition to the creation of the Dollywood Amusement Park there have been a lot of other changes. One noticeable change has been the number of tourists flocking to this beautiful location. Given that the mountains are spectacular and the area residents so friendly its really no surprise that more and more people are discovering this hidden oasis each year. If you are considering a trip to Tennessee consider staying in a Smoky Mountain cabin.

With the introduction of the theme park many new hotels have popped up. Although this is certainly a comfortable way to soak in the local culture, it pales in comparison to staying in a Smoky Mountain cabin. In a cabin visitors can enjoy their own home away from home and can stay just one night or weeks at a time. Its their choice.

Another appealing aspect of this type of accommodations is that you have much more room than any standard hotel can provide. In a cabin youll typically find a large kitchen, a sitting room, more than one bathroom and several bedrooms. Everyone in the family can have their own special space to enjoy. This makes staying a week or even two much more enjoyable.

It may be surprising to learn that youre not going to be paying much more than youd expect to pay for a hotel room. In fact, in many instances its less expensive to rent a Smoky Mountain cabin than a hotel if you have several people in your party. An example would be a family with several children. Most major hotel chains add a nightly surcharge for each additional person in the room. A rustic cabin simply works out to be a much better deal.

Honeymooners should also consider the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee region when they are looking for a post wedding getaway location. You can stay in a luxury one bedroom Smoky Mountain cabin with a spectacular view, a hot tub and a fireplace. Considering the beauty of the majestic mountains that seem to envelop you when you are there, its easy to see why its considered a premier honeymoon location.

Once you visit youll be drawn back. Not just because of the charm of the region but also because of the welcoming nature of the locals. People in Tennessee are sunny and friendly and enjoy meeting folks from all corners of the globe. Book your Smoky Mountain cabin today and start soaking in this regions natural warmth.


Slow Cooker Recipes



I have been on the hunt for good slow cooker recipes for a long time, and I cant seem to find anything that I like. I guess it is because I am very picky about what I like to eat, and many of the recipes that I come upon have something in them that I just cant stomach. I am still searching though, and I hope to come up with at least ten of them that are really good and really easy to throw together. There are just days when I know I have a lot of work to do and I would rather spend my free time with my little girl than by cooking a meal.

Slow cooker recipes are everywhere, and you can find them with a simple search online. The most common type are recipes for stew, but they all seem to have the same ingredients. The problem that I have is that I do not like cooked onions, and if a recipe calls for them, I wont make it. My husband thinks Im being silly, but I just cant eat them. I like them raw on a burger or hotdog, but I cannot stand to have them in slow cooker recipes. Unfortunately, this cuts down my options quite substantially.

You may not be as picky as I am, and if that is the case, you should have no problem finding slow cooker recipes that you will love to make for your family. For the most part, you simply add the ingredients to your cooker, turn it on and let it go all day. You shouldnt even have to stir it. You can even find great slow cooker recipes in your local grocery store. They have kits that are already put together and you usually find them in the freezer section. All you have to do is dump the contents into your crock-pot and turn it on. It doesnt get much easier than that.

I may end up having to find slow cooker recipes that I can alter. Though this might take some doing, Im sure there is something I can do. I am not a chef, but I do know how to experiment, even if it means ordering pizza a few nights when a few of my creations have not worked out like I had hoped they did. In the mean time, I will continue to search for slow cooker recipes that might be able to be used, and perhaps try a few from the grocery store.

One of the biggest problems among couples is the inability

One of the biggest problems among couples is the inability of one or both to fall asleep or stay asleep. It may sound trivial, but if you can not get a full night of sleep, nothing else will work out. Your job performance will go downhill, your social skills will start to degrade, you will become irritated with each other, and in general just not get along very well. People will try everything to sleep. They take drugs such as serotonin, melatonin, or even pharmaceuticals, they exercise in the morning or at night, they take walks, they read books but nothing seems to work. Sometimes, however, couples miss out on some of the most obvious solution. A simple sleep mask, combined with some earplugs, can do wonders to help you live with a partner who is a restless midnight riser.

Not every sleep eye mask is the same. It took me and my girlfriend quite a while to finally get it right. I wake up in the middle of the night all the time, and it used to drive her crazy. It seemed like, almost every day, I would wake her up when I was getting up to go to the bathroom, read a book, or get a midnight snack.. When we got a sleep mask, however, things began to change. The first one we used was just a bandanna. It blocked out the light adequately, but it wasn't very comfortable. She said that it was a little bit too scratchy, and it didn't stay in place very well. The next one we got was too heavy although it was soft. Finally, we found the perfect sleeping mask. It was made out of a lightweight cotton covered with a dark, light blocking coating. It was whisper soft, featherlight, and as comfortable as a dream. She get to sleep immediately with the aid of some ear plugs.

When I have to wear sleep masks, I have different tastes altogether. I like a sleep mask that feels substantial. Something heavy but soft on your eyes can actually be quite comforting. Lightweight sleeping masks can slip around, causing you to accidentally see the light. With a heavy one, however, you can be sure that it will stay in place all night. The most important thing, however, is to see what works for you. I have never seen a sleep mask that costs more than 10 dollars, so you can definitely afford to experiment a little bit. Once you find the right solution, you'll be glad that you took the time. After all, there is nothing more precious than a good Nights rest.


You would think that pirates would get old after awhile,

You would think that pirates would get old after awhile, but they never do. After all, for decades they have been in the limelight. From Hollywood movie producers to costume manufacturers, everyone loves a pirate. You can see skulls and crossbones everywhere on Halloween, and some people have been known to even fly pirate flags from their houses nowadays. To think a symbol that is as sinister as the skull and crossbones has become a lighthearted sign of rebellion and free-spirited playfulness really shows how funny and strange modern trends can be. You just never know what people will go for!

Pirate flags are one of the places you are most likely to see the skull and cross bones. The pirate flag or Jolly Roger as it is known is not just an invention of Hollywood. Back in the day, of course, there used to be more variation among skulls and crossbones. There were many different sort of skull and crossbones flags each pirate had one. One famous one showed the captain drinking with death, while another one showed crossed swords instead of bones. Although some of these have disappeared from popular imagination, they live on in the historical record, as does their spirit.

The really funny thing is how little the skull and crossbones has to do with modern pirates. Nowadays, it is just a fantasy for kids on Halloween, or for adults at pirate theme parties. Their costumes are everywhere, but the reality of pirates is much different from the fantasies that we all hold onto. Pirates still exist, but they are not the romantic swashbucklers of former years. They are cold, calculating, and thoroughly modern kidnappers and smugglers. They don't have the proud defiance of earlier pirates either. They keep secret, knowing that they could never go to war against the powerful navies of the world. They are the last people you'd expect to have skull and crossbones flags.

Of course, part of the reason for the popularity of the skull and crossbones has nothing to do with pirates at all. The skull and bones has been used for many different purposes throughout history because it is such a compelling symbol. It says it all: death awaits you here. This is also why it make such a great Halloween decoration. Skulls powered by electric blinking lights with funny sound effects are exactly the right combination of terrifying, sinister, silly, and hokey for the Halloween holiday. They create the perfect ambiance!

Vacation destinations come in many different shapes and forms. There

Vacation destinations come in many different shapes and forms. There are many that appeal to the outdoorsy type and others appeal to the hotel and room service type. Sioux Falls South Dakota is one of the rare choices that appeal to both. Whether you love the beauty of scenic nature or whether you like a great meal in a nice hotel suite, Sioux Falls South Dakota has exactly what you want.

My husband and I have difficulty agreeing on vacation spots. This is due to the fact that he could practically live in a camping tent while I love a luxury suite in a nice hotel. This is not to suggest that I dont like nature. I love nature. I just think that it belongs outdoors. Little things like showers mean a lot to me.

Most of the nature-inspired vacations that my husband dreams of taking involve a lot of hiking as well as lots of trips on water. I concur. The spectacular adventure of being in a natural marvel of a setting is ideal for both of us. I just like to sleep in a nice, soft bed. Well, in Sioux Falls South Dakota, you can have your nature and sleep well, too.

This area offers the perfect balance between a campers dream getaway and the shoppers paradise. Downtown Sioux Falls South Dakota is beautiful, opening its streets to a harbor of quaint shops and lovely restaurants. This town is a real treat for anyone who wants a relaxing getaway but still wants to be part of society.

The recluse in all of us may not find this appealing at first, but consider the balance that Sioux Falls South Dakota offers. You can still opt for a quiet retreat far away from cities and stress while taking in the entire splendor that nature has to give. You can do all of this while visiting an area that is mere miles away from civilization.

Its like getting two vacations in one. You can enjoy nature all day and in no time at all, youre ready to take in some entertainment at night. What could be better? Sioux Falls South Dakota has become a favorite vacation destination for my little family. Im sure that you will love this location if you give it a chance.

The great news is that a Sioux Falls South Dakota vacation is very reasonably priced. There are many wonderful sites to see and the trip wont break the bank.

Shirley Temple Dolls



If youre asking yourself, Shirley Temple Dolls?, then you undoubtedly dont know who Shirley Temple is, but you will by the time you finish reading this article! Shirley Temple Black is one of the most famous child actors since the invention of television. Shirley Temple made her way into the hearts of millions of people of all ages with her first movie "Stand Up and Cheer" in 1934; she was the most popular movie star of the Depression era as she captivated the nation with her singing, dancing, dimples, and charm. Some of her best known films are Little Miss Marker in 1934, Heidi in 1937, and the Little Princess in 1939. Many more movies followed, and Shirley Temple continued onward in her success until her teenage years. Even though Shirley Temple Black no longer appears on screen, she is alive and well, and continues to be an inspiration to her fans.

The Shirley Temple doll was marketed soon after the success of Stand Up and Cheer, and soon became the most successful dolls made up to that time. The first Shirley Temple dolls were first made by the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company during the 1930s, and are highly sought after by doll collectors around the world. There are many sites dedicated to Shirley Temple dolls and collectibles, like www.allmydolls.com, featuring a comprehensive doll reference section, a biography of Shirley Temple Black, games, memorabilia, photos, and a nice selection of Shirley Temple dolls, accessories, and other items that were produced during the height of her popularity.

All Shirley Temple dolls and accessories including dresses and jewelry are highly collectible today. To learn more about doll collecting and especially Shirley Temple dolls, visit www.collectdolls.about.com featuring a detailed history of composition and vinyl-made dolls made from the 1930s to the 1950s, in addition to desired characteristics and pricing information for collectors. Mint and complete 1930s composition dolls and dolls in their original boxes can easily top $1000 in price. Also be sure to stop by www.shirleytempledolls.com to view a wide variety of affordable, quality Shirley Temple dolls and collectibles. Rare editions of the doll in original dresses can be quite pricey, upwards of $2000, and original packaging is available for some. All these dolls come to you pre-loved, and youll soon see why every little girl wanted one! Maybe you were one of them? Well want no more! Choose your favorite and give her a place in your heart!

Self Storage Units



When I moved from a larger home into a rather small apartment, I was grateful for self storage units. I didnt have a lot of stuff that I needed to put into storage, but there were some things that I had to save. There is no way to get these things in my new place without having to pile them into a corner, so storage was my only option. There are things that I have to get into on occasion though, so I had to have a place nearby where I could store them and get into the unit whenever I wanted to. The self storage units that are less than a mile from me were the perfect answer to my problem.

The very best feature of having self storage units is that you can store your things your way, and you can have access any time you want. If you have someone else store it for you, you are at his or her mercy. They can stack or store them any way they want to, and you have to wait until they are around to get to your stuff. If you cant get to your stuff when you need to, you are going to end up feeling rather frustrated. Self storage units take care of that frustration for you.

Even better, self storage units come in all sorts of sizes. You can get something the size of a closet if thats all the space you need, or you can get something that is the size of a garage if you have more to store. The larger self storage units are great if you have furniture or other large items to store, and some of them are even heated. Over estimate the space you need when you choose self storage units. Its better to over estimate than to under estimate.

There are other uses for self storage units that you may not have thought of. Though you will need permission for this, you can use them for things you may not have considered. When my husband was in a band in Pittsburgh, he and his band rented on of the largest self storage units they could find for a band rehearsal space. They had to pay extra for use of electricity, but it was the cheapest place they could find. Not all people who own self storage units will let this go on, but if you look around you may find one.

Martial arts have come so far since the old days

Martial arts have come so far since the old days of traditional forms and kung fu hoopla. I can still recall when everyone referred to every martial art as either karate, kung fu or judo. Wow, was it ever sad. Well, things have changed; or evolved actually. Countless styles of self-defense are put to the test in modern times, and many have been proven insufficient. Actually all of them have in one way or another. What we have to realize is that all styles are not created equal, all self defense moves are not high percentage, and mastering a martial art will not make you invulnerable to attack. In reality anyone can lose in a physical confrontation.

Your mind is so much more powerful than most folks give it credit for. Would you be shocked to discover that great self defense moves are not the key to surviving the streets? Sure, they play a part in defending yourself from attackers, but they're not the main factor. Knowing your environment, being aware of your surroundings, and knowing where not to venture at certain times are crucial. And furthermore, it's imperative to follow your gut. If your intuition steers you in one direction, pay attention. It's there to assist you in staying safe.

If you are a woman, and seeking effective self defense moves for potential attacks on the street, I strongly urge you to take a women's self-defense program, as opposed to a traditional martial arts class. While martial arts training is great in some respects, it's not what you're looking for. Unless you're training for competitions or MMA events, turn to something a bit less drawn-out and involved. A basic women's self-defense course will be fairly brief so you can absorb it. The qualified instructor will teach you practical self defense moves that can definitely save your life on the street. He/she will go over potential weapons that you already have on your person, how to escape dangerous situations, when to fight back and when to run screaming. Staying safe on the street doesn't mean infinite years of kung fu training. It means basic knowledge, a few high percentage self defense moves, and trusting your intuition. Anyone who takes the time to learn can stay safe from potential attackers and dangerous situations.

Seafood Recipes



Whether you live near the coast or in the Mid-West, explore the bounty of the sea with seafood recipes youll fall for hook, line, and sinker! Go online to find delicious recipes complete with ratings, reviews, and cooking tips. Check out the Catch of the Day on Allrecipes.com, which features a large collection of seafood recipes brimming with classic techniques and innovative flavor combinations like these mouth-watering selections: Sesame Seared Tuna, Coconut Shrimp, Cathies Clam Chowder, New Orleans Jambalaya, and lots more. Find everything from fish to shellfish, appetizers, pasta, salad, soups and chowders, in addition to grilling and barbecuing techniques. If youre a fan of mussels and down-home clam bakes, youre sure to find a recipe you just have to try. And lets not forget salmon, the king of seafood; its so versatile and flavorful its perfect every time. Get the family busy in the kitchen with fun and fabulous shrimp recipes, or whipping up a new marinade for skewers.

Thanks to the internet an abundance of great seafood recipes are at our fingertips anytime. An assortment of recipes for different types of seafood organized by species, including preparation, storage, and nutritional information can be found at Sea-Ex.com, offering retail and wholesale seafood sales. Sea-Ex has delicious seafood recipes for all types of fish, shellfish and other seafood, including abalone, barramundi, catfish, clams, cod, crab, crayfish, lobster, mahi-mahi, fish fillets, mussels, octopus, oysters, orange roughy, prawns and shrimp, salmon, sardines, scallops, shark, perch, snapper, squid, swordfish, tilapia, trout, tuna, and great bear batter recipes for fish; a simple version and a beer batter with herbs and spices. It doesnt matter what type seafood recipe your palate is craving, Sea-Ex has it. Popular wine pairings are also suggested for wines from Pinot Grigio to Zinfandel, in addition to great cookbooks, fish photos and general seafood information.

While on your internet search for delicious seafood recipes, be sure to stop by www.seafoodfish.com, which has an interesting collection of recipes for catfish, flounder, halibut, walleye, lobster, salmon, sea bass, and others from cookbooks published between the years of 1747 and 1903, with additional seafood recipes from Key West, Florida. Also featured in this cookbook, is a bibliography containing a complete list of the cookbooks used, as well as the general information about cooking fish and seafood that was included in these cookbooks. If you want to know how to broil live lobsters, open a lobster, or how to dress and roast lobsters or serve cold its here, or maybe youre in the mood for a warm lobster bisque or chowder?! If youre crazy for shrimp go to EatShrimp.com for shrimp scampi or other seafood recipes, including nutrition, health and dietary information. Seafood is a great way to keep your diet healthy. Did you know that eating seafood twice a week is good for your heart, brain, and entire body? Well now you do!

The South Korean company of Samsung has a very successful

The South Korean company of Samsung has a very successful electronics department, selling products all over the world. The Samsung digital camera range is particularly popular and has a reputation for offering quality performance and stylish presentation. The line divides into a different series, each with its distinctive features and user-friendly functions. The company has major retail outlets in America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia and intends to expand its product line in keeping with new technological advances.

The S Series contains the S850, an 8.1 megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom. The camera comes in a black case and has Advanced Shake Reduction and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The high sensitivity setting of ISO 1600 gives sharp images indoors and in the dark with no blurring. The video recording comes with a movies stabilizer function and built in movie editing.

The L Series has the L83T with 8.2 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. The slim camera is available in silver, red or black and can be charged up on a power point for a laptop or desktop computer with a single charge cable. This Samsung digital camera is particularly suitable for portrait photography as it has a Face Recognition function. This focuses on faces in the frame and adjusts the brightness accordingly. The movie recording facility records in wider images than other cameras.

The NV Series offers advanced products, such as the NV11, operating on 10.1 megapixels and 5x optical zoom. It uses a Schneider Kreuznach lens and a large, 2.7 LCD screen. The menu is easy to navigate, using a smart touch system and there is a user-friendly photo gallery for playback. There is an ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting and an anti-shake function that runs with or without flash. Red eye is eliminated and there are advanced movie shooting features. There are twelve scene modes on this Samsung digital camera, including portrait, children, beach, night, landscape and fireworks.

Digital SLRs have become very popular, especially with professional photographers and those who treat photography as a serious hobby. The GX-10 has an impressive 10.2 megapixels and 11 point auto focus. The weatherproof body on this Samsung digital camera is sealed, keeping out rain, dust and sand, making it the ideal camera for any environment. The viewfinder has a 95% field of view and the multi exposure shooting mode is good for capturing fast moving sporting moments. The anti-shake function works well in poor light conditions and the continuous shooting feature produces up to nine shots per second.

There are some that love to exercise, and there are

There are some that love to exercise, and there are others that simply can not get in the mood to give their body a workout. There are many things you can do to get moving, but there is always one way that anyone can get some good cardio action. No matter where you live, you can always go outside and run. You may think you live in a bad neighborhood, but that shouldnt stop you. Just make sure you dont run at night. When you undertake this type of exercise, you should make sure you get the right running gear.

The first thing you should think about when getting good running gear is your shoes. You may not realize it, but your shoes will make all the difference in whether you continue to use running as a form of exercise or not. Go into a shoe store (or shop online) and look for running shoes that are made just for that reason. You want something supportive, comfortable, and something that will not break down right away. If you need arch support, make sure you get it in your running shoes. Keeping your feet comfortable and happy is a good first move.

Your running gear might not consist of much more than that, but you do have some things you may want to buy. When running at any time of the day, you want to be sure that cars and pedestrians alike can see you along side of the road. Not everyone runs on roads, but many find that they will do so on occasion. If you run at night or near dawn or dusk, you also have to be seen. This means your running gear should consist of shirts and jackets that are light in color, and if you can find it, you want something that reflects light. This will keep you safer when you are out on a jog no matter when you go.

There are other items that you may not think of as running gear, but they will be quite helpful. You may want to have something that allows you to listen to music, and you want it to be light. Just remember to keep the volume low so you can still hear traffic. You also want to have a water source if going on a long run, and you want to be sure you have somewhere to keep your cellular phone. You may not want to take calls while running, but you should be reachable in the case of an emergency. Even better, itll be there if you are the one that needs help.

New Mexico has many attractions and there is a range

New Mexico has many attractions and there is a range of accommodation available. Roswell is a popular tourist destination and stay over for business people. It's well known around the world as a pilgrimage for UFO enthusiasts but it has other things to offer too. A Roswell hotel is a good base to see the Bottomless Lakes State Park, the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium.

The Best Western El Rancho Palacio Motor Lodge, part of a famous chain, is a motel with 45 guest rooms. There are handicapped accessible rooms, spaces for truck parking and a heated swimming pool. Pets are allowed and there is a complimentary breakfast and hot tub on site. Rooms contain a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board and cable TV. This accommodation is just two miles from the UFO Museum and very close to a golf course.

The Ramada Inn is, of course, part of another respected chain and this particular Roswell hotel has 58 guest rooms. Amenities include a business center, meeting room and fitness center. There is also express checkout, heated swimming pool and laundry and valet service. Rooms contain cable TV access and guests can order in room movies. There are golf and fishing facilities nearby.

The La Quinta Inn and Suites is one of the more recent additions to the Roswell hotel scene and was completed in 2005. The 89 guest rooms contain a microwave oven and cable TV. Guests are given a free newspaper and can make use of the business center, heated swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center. It is also close to the UFO Museum.

For guests on a limited budget, the Budget Inn is one of the least expensive on the Roswell hotel list and has excellent amenities, including a restaurant, hot tub and swimming pool. The staff is multi-lingual and guests have access to fax machines. The 42 rooms contain a fridge, microwave oven and kitchen. This hotel is near to the UFO Museum and the Roswell Mall.

The Roswell Inn offers accommodation in the middle price range and is one of the larger of the Roswell hotel establishments with 121 guest rooms. Services include room service and valet service and there is a restaurant and a meeting room. Some of the rooms are family rooms and guests have cable TV access and there is a swimming pool on site.

Up until recently, my retirement plans involved daydreaming and no

Up until recently, my retirement plans involved daydreaming and no serious thought. Just like anyone else, I relished the idea of one day living in some tropical paradise, but I had never seriously thought about how I was going to accomplish that goal. Retirement planning is a pretty easy thing to put off, after all. For many people, money is tight on a day-to-day basis. Why think about the future when you are having enough difficulty coping with the present? In reality, however, a little bit of extra planning can help you prepare for a secure future without making things too much more difficult in the here and now. Put away a little money here and a little bit of money there as part of a coherent retirement plan, and soon you have a fortune growing.

Of course, the first few steps of retirement planning can be pretty difficult. When it comes down to it, there is a lot more to planning your retirement than saving small change in the piggy bank! There are different long-term investment options, retirement benefits from employees, and of course health and life insurance to consider. I'm not saying that planning a retirement is one of the most difficult challenges you will face in your life, but it does require sound financial advice. Hiring a good retirement planner is well worth the cost. No matter what you think you know about investment, unless you have advanced credentials in it, you had better leave it to experts.

When I first started working on my own retirement planning, I didn't really know what I was getting into. I made some medium risk, medium-term investments with my wife. Some of them did well and others did poorly. We made a little bit of money, but we were no closer to having our futures planned out than before. There was no coherent strategy to it all.

Fortunately, we have a close friend who is a financial planner. Over drinks one day, he casually asked about our retirement planning, and we told them. He was pretty surprised that we had not been more serious about the whole thing, and offered to work as our financial advisors. We took him up on it, met formally the next week, and began to iron out the details. It took time, but eventually we were able to work out a real, viable plan for the future.

My children have been a blessing to me in many

My children have been a blessing to me in many ways. I never thought I would enjoy parenting as much as I have. Watching them mature and develop into warm intelligent adults has been a wonderful process. My oldest son is in his graduate program, my daughter is finishing with her degree in education and my youngest son is midway through his bachelor degree. They have each taken a different career path and have enjoyed their journey.

Time has passed so quickly. It seems like only yesterday when we were teaching counting and colors to the children and now we are listening to their discussion of research paper topics that they are interested in writing on. As I listen to them discuss the various research paper topics I am amazed how intelligent each of them is in their field of choice. Our oldest son has always been a great student. He excelled in high school and his under graduate degree. In his graduate work the research paper topics are getting more complex and involved. He is finding that he enjoys doing the research. He likes combing through old documents and articles to gather the background information necessary to write on the various research paper topics that he is choosing. One article was so well written that his professor told him to submit it to a professional journal. My son was reluctant, but sent the article in. The journal accepted and published the article and sent him a list of related research paper topics that they would like him to write future articles on. Being published in a respected journal in his field has gained him a fellowship which is paying for the majority of his education.

My youngest son struggles more with writing the various research paper topics. When he was in high school we would have to push him to get the papers done. He is finding that following some of his brothers research techniques is helpful to him. He knows he will not going into a career that is going to feature doing research. My daughter is also taking tips from her older brother to find ways to motivate her students into doing research. The key is to find a topic that you have an interest in so that the research material will be enjoyable to go through.

Our oldest son has been offered a job with a newsmagazine to complete articles related to news stories. He was not planning a degree in journalism, however he is going to take the job and see where it will lead. He likes the fact that he will have a great deal of material available to him that he would not be able to access without the magazines credentials behind him.

Some toys are forever. Maybe it's a doll from your

Some toys are forever. Maybe it's a doll from your childhood, or a special fire truck. For me it's not a particular toy, but rather a certain kind of toy. Who's down with the remote control hobby cars? I can't get enough of these mean little machines, and there's always more coming out. You know what it's like when you strive to collect something. The only problem is it's not like you can run all of these radio controlled vehicles at the same time. This is exactly why I search and search until I finally find the best RC car on the market with the most upgraded features. That's the one I buy. Well, as long as the price tag is not too fat.

For all the laymen out there, radio controlled vehicles can cost a ton. Then again they can cost you ten bucks as well. It all depends on what you're shopping for. If you're in the market for a quality built, fast remote control hobby car or truck; think along the line of 100-1000 dollars. This is a somewhat broad, but realistic price range. It's doubtful you will find many amazing RC vehicles for under 100 bucks. At least not if you expect them to pack a punch. Let me give you an example. I have a Traxxas off-road truck that's outstanding. It runs on a 7.2 volt battery pack and hits speeds of 35 miles per hour. That's awesome! Let me tell you, it's amazing zipping up and down the neighborhood at those speeds. People are shocked when they see it go. I found this particular remote control hobby vehicle on sale for 150. You can't beat that. Traxxas is one of the top RC brands. Not to mention HPI and Nikko. Just so you know, Nikko tends to appeal to the younger crowds. So if you're an adult and looking for a mean RC machine, I'd look into Traxxas and HPI.

Modern radio controlled vehicles hit phenomenal speeds. You can find remote control hobby cars and trucks that max out at 75 or 80 miles per hour. Generally these will cost you 350 and up. And don't expect these super-charges RC cars to run on batteries alone. Try nitro fuel. If you want the HIGH speeds for racing and such, you have to go with the gas powered remote control hobby vehicles. These are solely for outdoors, but well worth the cash.

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be quite easy to forget the true meaning of the season. People get so carried away with getting the right Christmas decorations, picking out Christmas trees and gifts for family members, and planning delicious Christmas dinners, that they sometimes do not even think about the religious meaning behind the holiday. That is why a religious Christmas gift is such a considerate present. In the grand scheme of things, your son and daughter will get by without that new videogame or movie. Religion, however, is our anchor in this life. A Christian Christmas gift can help to hold us more strongly to this anchor.

The best religious Christmas gifts are the ones that will be used. Sometimes, a personalized Christmas gift containing a favorite bible passage in a decorative setting is a really good present for a wayward relative. You can help your son, daughter, niece, or even uncle to return to the path. It is amazing how much power persistence has in this regard. Making sure to get a religious Christmas gift for the same relative every year will eventually win him or her over if you are willing to persist for long enough.

Of course, although it is less important, it can be a lot more fun to get a religious Christmas gift for someone who is actually with you in the faith. Maybe the latest installment of the exciting and exceedingly well-written Left Behind series will bring a smile to your brothers face. Perhaps a new manger scene, done with contemporary figurines, will help to show how the story of Christmas is still relevant to the modern world. And of course, a new crucifix or other religious icon will come in handy without a doubt

One of the best religious Christmas gifts that you can get for someone is a charitable donation in his or her name. Last year, I gave our church missionary a very generous check in my mothers name. She was really proud of me, and the leader of the mission was quite appreciative. There is so much work left to do, after all, and my mom was happy to know that I gave a religious Christmas gift in her name that will really make the world a better place. We both get to feel like we are helping the world. Can you think of a better way to feel on Christmas?

Real friends



It isnt always easy to make new friends when you get older. People dont just walk up to each other, stick out their hand and say, Hi, my name is such and such, be my friend? The world of friendship doesnt work that way. When youre a kid, making friends is as simple as can be. You share a toy or a snack and boom! youve bonded. Middle school and high school, making friends isnt as easy but it comes fairly naturally. You make friends with people who have the same likes and dislikes. The same thing happens in college. And someday, once youre out of school and on your own, and you wonder, were they real friends or just friends that helped get your through the temporary situations of life. Were they really there for you like real friends should be?

Once youre an adult and concentrating on making your life work out however it is meant to, finding real friends isnt always easy. If youve managed to keep some friends from the past, consider yourself lucky. A lot of times, people grow up, move away, get married, have kids and suddenly youre lucky to get a Christmas card from them each year. Thats just the way that life goes.

So, how do you make friends when you get older? And more importantly, how do you make real friends? The kind of friends who will share in lifes triumphs and heartaches with you? Where do you go to find them? Well, if youre still single you can get find some singles groups. Sure, people mainly go there to find dates but you can bond with others of the same sex as well. Get involved in the community. Thats something that you can do whether youre single, married or as a family. Your community probably always has something going on and not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends but youll end up participating in something that will make you feel good as well.

If you go to church get involved. If there are small groups that get together for Bible study or just to share life together, find a way to join. If you dont go to church, consider trying it. You may find that you get a lot more than just new friendships out of it. Join a club. If you have an interest coin collecting, exercise, dance, metal detecting find out if theres a local club and join. If you have young kids, arrange play dates and try to get to know the other parents.

Whatever method you choose to find some new friends the kind you want to call real friends, remember that you have to return the favor. Having a real friend means being a real friend. It isnt just a one-way street. Have an open mind and let yourself relax. Making new friends isnt just for kids it can be for adults too. But, only if youre willing to be a friend as well.

My son and his wife are entering the stage of

My son and his wife are entering the stage of there life where they are going to be homeowners. They have been married for three years and have been saving their money and building their credit rating so they can afford a home of their own. They have been living a very frugal life, not taking vacations and working over time hours to make this happen. Their goal is to have more money and time once they move into their house. They have also been buying nice pieces of furniture to put into their own space when they get it. They went to the bank to get prior approved for a loan so that they would be able to put money down on a house when they found one they liked.

When they felt they were ready they met with a realtor and began looking at real estate listings. The realtor tried to convince them that they could afford a home that was a higher rate than they were comfortable paying. They had discussed this with us as well as their friends. We all gave them the same message; do not pay so much for a home that you are scraping by each month to make the payments. They both have good jobs with generous salaries. We suggested that they take on a house payment that they would still be able to handle if one of them lost their job or was cut back on hours. The last thing you want to see happen is to lose your job and your home as well. This had happened to friends of theirs so they knew it was possible. They told the realtor that they only wanted to look at real estate listings in their price range.

They are looking at a good time because it is definitely a buyers market. There are several homes that have been on the market for quite a while. One house that they drove past often on their way to our house had been for sale for over a year. When they had checked the price on the real estate listings when it first went on the market is was out of their price range. The house was listed by the realty company that they were working with, so they inquired about it. The house had a huge back yard and two bedrooms upstairs and two down stairs there were three bathrooms and a formal living room as well as a family room. All the cabinets in the kitchen had been custom made by the owners father. The realtor told them that the house was one of the greatest values in the real estate listings in that price range. Even though it was higher than they wanted to spend they went and looked at the property. They loved everything about the house. They decided that they had nothing to lose by making an offer. They offered the highest amount that they had budgeted for, which was several thousand less than the owners had the property listed at. The owners were relocating to another state due to a job offer and were getting frustrated at not selling in the home. They took the offer. My son and his wife now have a beautiful home to call their own.

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