Thanksgiving and Christmas Are Not An Excuse to Get Fat! Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

By Matt Adler

It is that time of year again! Time to fill yourself on ham and turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, and don’t forget the pumpkin pie and eggnog!! Each holiday season we tend to make excuses for ourselves, and why it is ok to binge on food and overeat.

When we overeat, we stretch our stomachs until they expand. What this ultimately leads to is a larger stomach which means we need to eat more in order to feel full. This can turn into a vicious cycle as we continually consume more food to keep from feeling hungry. This especially happens during the holidays. There are simple methods to keep from punishing our bodies and gaining weight during the holidays.

Learn to eat slower. The faster we eat, the longer it takes our stomachs to catch up with our mouths. Although your stomach is getting full, it does not signal your brain that it is full until after you have overeaten. This is often the cause of stomach cramps and pain after a heavy meal. When we eat more slowly it gives our body time to realize our intake and tell us to stop eating. The food tastes good, enjoy it slowly.

Drink a glass of water before every meal. This can help us to feel full before we start eating, so we do not overeat. Likewise, wear pants that are tighter than normal which will also help you to feel full.

Keep your portions down to your normal size. If you typically only eat one plate of food, then stop yourself at one plate, and do not continue on to seconds, thirds, etc. Just remember that there are always leftovers you can enjoy later.

Do not go to sleep after eating. You may feel tired after eating which is natural for the body. When our body begins to digest food it releases hormones and chemicals that cause a reaction in the brain that makes us sleepy. When we take a nap after eating we allow our bodies to slow down and less of the calories are burned off and more turn to fat. If you begin to feel tired, take a short walk which will help get your energy back.

Continue to exercise or find alternative ways to get physical activity. During the holiday season we tend to sit around more than usual as we spend time with our friends and family. Find the time to exercise and stick with any of your routines. If you cannot make it to the gym, take a few laps around the house, or walk up and down the stairs a few times. Any activity is better than none, and as little as 15 minutes a day can help you keep from gaining weight during the holidays.

Remember these helpful tips to avoid weight gain during the holidays. Not only will it help you from needing a larger pair of pants, but it will also help keep up your energy level.

For more Health and Fitness Articles visit http://www.physical-fitness-articles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Adler

Finally Organized! Finally Free!

Dear friend,

I've got to get organized!

When did you last utter these words? Was it when you realized that you are literally drowning under piles of paper? Maybe it was when you caught a glimpse of the enormous laundry pile that you can never seem to catch up on. Perhaps it was when you looked at all of the clutter in your kitchen, basement, bedroom, garage, den, living room and every place else. You may have even contemplated tossing everything out the window!Was it when you desperately searched for those missing theater or ball game tickets?It could have been when you missed that important appointment. Or when that deadline crept up on you. Maybe it was when you realized that you had enough To Do's on your list to last you a lifetime. Or even worse, it may have happened when you found out you had no time left for yourself, your family, your friends, that needed vacation and basically everything in life that you love to do. You are not alone. Those words have been expressed over and over again by thousands of people all over the world. Disorganization can actually trap you into living a life filled with stress, frustration and chaos. It can rob you of the precious time you should be spending enjoying your life. By overcoming disorganization, you can be set free to live the kind of life you've always dreamed of.

You deserve to be organized!

My husband, Joe, and I have a house that needs to be tended to daily, a lawn that needs to be mowed in the summer and a long driveway that needs to be plowed in the winter. Just like most people, we cook our own meals, run errands, manage our paperwork and finances and sift through the pile of mail each day. Wee also have a toddler, Amanda, to take care of. She is the love of our lives and she requires lots of hugs, kisses and attention--and lots of encouragement to get her to pick up her toys. We run our own business. Believe me, we have a long list of things that need to be done, reams of paper and thousands of computer files. The phone rings pretty often and we generate an average of 200 email messages a day-- many of which require quick responses. However, besides running our home and our business, while taking care of our daughter, we still have plenty of time to keep in contact with our family and friends. We go out for romantic dinners. Vacations and mini-vacations are taken often. Long nature walks, in addition to healthy power walks, are a regular activity. We go biking. We attend festivals. We often go to the park just to feed the ducks on the spur of the moment. There’s plenty of time to watch our favorite television programs and to read interesting novels. Our meals are home-cooked and healthy. There's even time to get 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night. We don't have clutter. We don't have mail piled up. The laundry is under control. We're caught up with our email. We don't work late. Our house is ready for unexpected guests at any time. We're never late for appointments. The bills are always paid on time. We can get our daughter to pick up her toys, without raising our voices or constant nagging. We can find anything in our filing system--in seconds! We're productive, but our schedules are not packed. We have plenty of time for rest and relaxation. We have just as much time as you do--24 hours each day. The only difference is that we've discovered some very simple systems, techniques and secrets to help us stay organized each day. Being that I love to share, I'm going to disclose these organizing secrets with you. Why? Because you deserve to be organized, to be clutter-free, to be able to spend your time doing the things you love to do -- to be Finally Organized, Finally Free!

Over the years I have bought numerous books on paper clutter and how to get organized, but I really like your style of writing and presentation in your Finally Organized, Finally Free! series. It's simple, not overwhelming, and covers such a wide variety of topics. The helpful ideas and pictures add interest to the pages. AND, since I have the digital version, I feel more comfortable using a highlighter to mark certain points on my printout. Thanks so much!
--Debra Handsman, West Orange, NJ

Teeny-Tiny Tips Equal Big Changes!
For some reason, people equate being organized to achieving an enormous and impossible feat. Something that only some lucky people are capable of having. One woman once told me that she felt she'd be more likely to succeed at climbing Mount Everest than to succeed at getting rid of the clutter in her living room. In her mind, she was only half joking. She really believed that getting organized wasn't something she could ever do. If your thinking is not far from this, let me ease your mind. Being organized does not require you to perform time-consuming, complicated systems. It is not rocket science. It is not something that's going to take you years of soul-searching to start. It's not something that only some lucky people are capable of having. Just a few small organizing tips--a few little, teeny-tiny tips, applied with a positive attitude, can help you be more organized today, than you were yesterday. As you are able to apply tiny organizing tips to your life, and those teeny tips become habits that you do each day, you will be more and more organized. Your goal should never be to get totally organized--that's an overwhelming, difficult, frightening, major, impossible goal--and something I would never recommend you try to take on. There is nobody that's always totally organized. Even professional organizers are occasionally late for appointments, or sometimes even have a messy desk. Your goal should be to apply small organizing tips today that will make your life just a little more organized tomorrow. Small, teeny-tiny tips can help make big changes in your life. And you'll get all the teeny-tiny tips you need, and more, when you read Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home.

I wanted to let you know that we received your book on Saturday. It's well thought out, includes great topics, clearly written, very informative and clever!! Boy, there isn't a soul that would have any excuse to continue to be disorganized after reading it!
--Barbara Knecht, Florida, NY

You'll benefit from my organizing experience! What qualifies me to help you get organized? To start, I worked for 10 years with Dun and Bradstreet, and at Nielsen Media Research in New York City as an organizing and management specialist. Throughout my tenure, I managed the data analysis department, worked with hundreds of television stations and advertising agencies, and developed effective, productive systems for my clients and staff. In 1996, I moved to Wisconsin, and founded Get Organized Now! I have literally helped thousands of individuals and businesses get organized since then. In fact, the Get Organized Now! Web site is visited by over a million people per year, and I have close to 200,000 subscribers on my newsletter list. Just to name a few, I have appeared at, wrote for, or have been interviewed by hundreds of international, national and local media and organizations such as:

• eBay Radio
• USA Today
• The John Tesh Radio Show
• Fox 6 News WITI-TV Milwaukee
• KNEV Radio: The New Mix 95.5 Morning Show
• 11 Alive News WXIA-TV Atlanta
• Fox 6 News WOWT-TV: Discover Omaha
• WJR Radio 760 AM: The Internet Advisor
• FM 89.3 KPCC Nat'l Public Radio, Talk of the City
• WQIK-FM 99.1 Radio, Jacksonville, FL, Morning Show
• WKZK Radio, Augusta, Marilyn Joyce Motivational Talk Show
• Woman's Day Magazine
• Parenting Magazine
• Country Living Magazine
• First for Women Magazine
• Woman's World
• Kitchen and Bath Ideas Magazine
• Milwaukee Business Journal
• Barnes and Noble, Milwaukee, WI
• Staples Office Supplies Stores Business Expert
• Delta Connections Magazine
• Lifestyles Magazine of Orlando
• Venice Gulf Coast Living
• The News-Sun and The Evening Star
• Opportunity World Magazine
• Access Magazine

I don't just teach these organizing techniques. I use them myself. I guarantee you that they all work beautifully!

I cannot thank you enough for your book! I use it for inspiration and guidance as I try to organize my job, my home and my life bit by bit. I never knew getting organized could be such fun! And you know what? I think it is contagious! The other night my husband sat at the kitchen table, looking very thoughtful. When I asked him what he was thinking about he said: "I think we should move the safe into my study. That way, we can use the space under the stairs more efficiently!" So Maria, once again, many thanks for the book! I'm really getting organized now and I'm sure your wonderful book will follow me into the new millennium!
--Gunvor Andersson-Storck, Upsalla, Sweden

With Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home, you'll finally discover

• Easy effective organizing tips for every room in your home
• Dozens of secrets for clearing the clutter and the chaos
• Good news--you don't have to toss everything to get organized!
• How to avoid getting overwhelmed with your To Do list
• Yes, you can be organized, even if you're a Pack Rat
• Find hidden energy and motivation to get started on any project
• Creative and inventive storage ideas that you can apply immediately
• Short on storage space? Not a problem!
• Clean your house in half the time
• Conquer your laundry mountain and get back in control
• Snap up your routines and increase your productivity
• Never forget a birthday, event or appointment again
• Have a schedule and be spontaneous at the same time
• Slay the raging, paper beast
• Organize your computer files and email with ease
• Get twice as much done in half the time
• Take the "Keep or Toss Test" to help you decide what's clutter and what's not
• How to reduce your junk mail, both offline and online, by sixty percent or more
• The secret to getting your whole family into the organizing game
• End morning madness and start each day on the right foot
• How your computer can help you be more productive
• How to reach your goals, the SMART way
• Get everywhere . . . on time!
• How to say no and not feel bad about it
• Achieve more of what you set out to do
• Make each shopping trip productive . . . and much more!

Discover 2,175 tips and ideas inside!

I have been reading your new book, Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home, over the past couple of days and am enjoying it thoroughly. It has exceeded my expectations! You cover an incredible amount of material!
--Vinny Guida, Hampton, GA

There are no theories or difficult concepts here. Every idea, tip and technique is simple, proven-effective and ready for you to use immediately. For a limited time you can get the digital version of Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home for only $19.95 USD.

Just imagine. You can get organized for about the same amount you'd spend for a couple of movie tickets. I hope you'll agree that it could be one of the best investments you'll ever make to get your home and your life organized, once and for all.

My 9 year old daughter, has taken your new book, Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home, away from me for a while. She is totally glued to it and wants to get her room and desk organized. She only has 1 more week before school starts, so it can be hers for 7 more days. Your book is so hard to put down! I love it! My daughter, Erika wanted my attention so bad, she kept asking what I was reading. So I showed her and she then took it and disappeared.
--Valerie Rowlls, Lafayette, GA

Our No-Strings, 60 Day, Money-Back Guarantee. We're so sure you'll love Finally Organized, Finally Free! that it comes with a 60-Day Money Back guarantee. If you don't feel our package has delivered everything we promised, then we don't want to keep your money. Simply send an e-mail asking for a refund to refunds@clickbank.com Please include your order number in the email.

I've read other publications on organization. Your book, Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home is the first, however, that after reading, I said to myself, "Hey, I can do that." Many others I would laugh and say, "Yeah, right!" The layout is simply exceptional. Yours is a COMPLETE guide to organizing!
--JoAnne Horvath, Bowling Springs, PA

Quick and Easy! Finally Organized, Finally Free! for the Home contains 405 PAGES of tips and ideas! You'll receive downloading instructions for your PDF file via email within minutes. You can then read the book on your computer, or print it out on your printer. Regular Price: $34.95 USD. Special Discounted Price:Only $19.95 USD, No S&H! (Save 57%)

Click Here to Order

Problem Solving: Just Sleep On It

By Sherry Sims

Ever have a nagging problem that you cannot resolve? Can't sleep, tossing and turning with a million things in your head? Feeling under pressure and stressed out because you just don't have enough time in the day to get to every little detail? Not getting enough rest, but feel guilty about taking a nap or sleeping in?

Well, then, you need to learn to program yourself to work out the solutions to your problems while you sleep.

We all have invisible helpers out there just waiting to assist us, but in order for them to assist us we must ask for their help. By asking for them to help you right before going to sleep you may find that when you awaken you'll have the answers to problems that have been eluding you.

Whether you are getting your answers from your Subconscious, your Higher Self, your Spirit Guides, your Inner Teachers, or your Angels is not as important as getting the solutions that you seek.

Before going to sleep simply ask them all to provide you with the answers you seek. Ask humbly and then thank them in advance.

Here are some helpful steps to getting the answers you need:

1.) Get Specific.

Write down specifically what problem or problems you need to solve. Often, just by getting specific about what we need to know allows the subconscious, and our invisible helpers to bring the information to the surface for us, so that we can see things more clearly, often bringing a quick and easy resolution to the problem.

2.) Be Open to Receiving Messages.

Learn to look for guidance and information in non-logical places. For instance, if you keep noticing a pattern of numbers, or you hear a message in a movie, on the radio or on TV repeatedly in a short period of time after requesting help, then pay attention to it. What is this message trying to tell you?

3.) Write Down Your Dreams.

We often resolve situations in our lives through our dreams. If a dream seems particularly strong, or leaves an emotional impact on you that is stronger than usual, the chances are very good that this dream is trying to give you important clues to resolving your problem. Get yourself a good book on Dream Interpretation if you have difficulty understanding what your dreams are telling you.

You also need to know when to let something go. Sometimes the best solution to an unsolved problem is to try not to force it.

I have a rule that I live by that I call my "Three Times Rule". If I try to make something happen, and it just won't come together, after the third attempt I step back and ask myself, "Is this really what I want to do?" "Is there another approach that I should be taking?" "Is there a better way to spend my energy?"

When we try too hard to do anything we become willful. In energy terms this means that we are in a "dynamic" or "sending out" state.

In reality what we need to do is shift our energy into a "magnetic" or "receiving" state in order to receive the answers that we are seeking.

By programming our subconscious or by asking for assistance from our invisible helpers we open the door to receiving.

Universal Law states that "When you ask, you receive."

And so it is.

Copyright © 2006 Sherry Sims

Sherry Sims has spent the last 20 years assisting people
as a professional psychic, intuitive counselor, energy healer and teacher.
Helping people to resolve personal and relationship issues has been at the core
of her work. She gently assists her clients to accept their true power which
allows them to begin taking control of their lives through healing, awareness,
and self-love.

For more from Sherry Sims visit http://Magic-Orchid.com
and http://Mystic-Hearts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Sims

How to Find Your Niche

by Carol Slinker

OK – picture this – here you are, totally motivated to finally knuckle down and write that article or ebook. You've actually found a few hours to really get something done and then Wham! a brick wall – you're not able to write a single word – about anything! Been there?

You tell yourself, "The time is now! I've been reading everything I can find about article and ebook writing, and can't wait to get started!" You've followed all the gurus' advice to "just do it – NOW" and here you are – at the keyboard – nothing to distract you – and you are staring at the white screen. You tap your fingers on the keys – still staring. Then you realize – hey, what do I write about, anyway? You mind is spinning with all the things you could write about – after all, the gurus have given you great ideas for niche articles and ebooks, but just what is your niche?

What do you write about? "Oh, yeah", you tell yourself, "I remember, I have to have a passion." The gurus say your niche should be about your passion, but how do you figure out what your passion is?

Just like you, I wondered the same thing. Here I am, slaving away 9-5, grabbing a few hours here and there to try to get an online business started. I don't have time to "figure out" what my passion is – I just need to find a niche and go with it. OK, fine. Nevertheless, there you are, still sitting there tapping the keys trying to figure out what to write about.

That's when I started thinking about what I really enjoyed doing. What am I really good at? Is there something I can really do better than anyone else?

Here are the steps that led me to my passion. Try following these steps to release your "inner passion".

Step 1: What did you enjoy doing as a kid? I mean REALLY enjoyed, that you wanted to do all the time, for a long time, before you worried about getting laughed at because of it.

I loved to play teacher with my dog, cat & dolls as my students and I read everything I could get my hands on so I could "learn everything in the world" (I actually remember telling my parents that.) I still remember crying the first day I went to first grade because they wouldn't teach me "everything in the world" on my first day. I am sure I was a delight to my parents. Especially as I had to explain in detail to them each new thing I learned.

Step 2: Now you should be tapping out all sorts of little ditties on the keyboard about what you like to do. Just type them all out, and then type some more until you begin to see a pattern. Don't get off track with old memories, just keep typing about what you like to do. You're trying to find your niche.

For me, I could see that what I really enjoyed was helping people, with information. Yes, I did become a teacher, but that wasn't really as satisfying as I had dreamed it would be, and after several years I went into research, which has been the most satisfying work I could ever imagine. Plain and simple, I just love looking things up and telling people what I found. Now I get paid to do just that.

Step 3: Found your niche, yet? No? Then answer this question. My friends are always asking me how to _______________ (fill in the blank), or I know more about ________________ than most people I know.

Do you plan the best parties? Can you build a skate board ramp in your back yard? Are you the expert on how to balance the pH in the backyard pool? Do you have the greenest thumb in your part of the world? Do you always play bartender at parties because you have all the cool drinks memorized? or DJ because you mix the best songs? Start your article with How to ______.

Remember, we don't invent our passions or our niches, they are there, all the time, waiting for us to find them. Just like gold.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Super Nanny - A User's Guide to Watching Super Nanny

By Michael Grose

There are many things to like about the television show Super Nanny that has captured the public interest in recent weeks.

First, the nanny character is very likeable, if a little scary at times. She has that old-fashioned school-teacher demeanour that says, ‘Listen up. I know best and I am in charge here.’ Many of the families featured need someone who takes charge.

Second, if you are a parent, how can you not get involved in a show that gets you into the challenges of child rearing in such a nitty gritty, warts nÂ’all way that doesnÂ’t involve you? Okay, it is voyeuristic but it is doesnÂ’t relate to you, does it???!!! Importantly, this program has got people talking about raising kids, which is fantastic.

Third, while I donÂ’t agree with every technique presented the program gives good, solid advice and strategies about some common challenges many parents face.

Importantly, it helps parenting become a happy experience again for many people as it is the little challenges that we face that can make the job so difficult.

Following is a userÂ’s guide for watching Super Nanny to help you be discerning about what you see and to encourage you think about some of the principles that may be behind (or should be behind) the strategies presented.

1. Who owns the problem?

A crucial principle that the Super Nanny ignores is that of problem ownership. Problems in families are owned by either by parents, children or the family as a whole. Too often parents take on responsibilities that should belong to parents so issues escalate into power disputes. A simple question to ask when you see a misbehaviour presented is: Who owns this problem?

LetÂ’s give it a try:

a) Who owns the problem when a child comes into his parentsÂ’ bedroom at 3.00am? Answer: Parents, so they need to come up with a strategy to deal with it.

b) Who owns the problem when a child refuses to eat at mealtime or is fussy at mealtime? Answer: The child, so he or she needs to worry about eating, not his parents.

c) Who owns the problem when the family room is left in a mess? Answer: The family, so everyone needs to address family room tidiness.

When watching this program make sure that the owner of the problem takes responsibility and parents stay out of problems such as eating and dressing that should belong to children.

2. What is the purpose of the behaviour?

When children are less than perfect, look for the parentsÂ’ place in their behaviour. Look specifically for what the parents do to contribute to the continuing misbehaviour. The point being is that children donÂ’t misbehave in a vacuum. Misbehaviour generally has the purpose of getting attention, defeating someone else or retaliation. Children throw tantrums because they are a great way to get control back. Eating refusal is a great way to get some attention or prove a childÂ’s power over a parent. Secondary, bed-wetting is a great form of retaliation.

Ask yourself, if the parent didnÂ’t respond to the misbehaviour as they routinely do would it continue? If not, then it gives a clue to the purpose of the behaviour.

3. How does the household routine contribute to the problem?

Make no mistake, even families with no obvious routine have a routine. It is just all over the place. Kids love an orderly routine as it gives life predictability. A large percentage of challenges can be prevented by having sensible child-friendly routines; particularly around mornings, around dinnertime and at bed-time, which are the three manic times in most families. A daily routine that gives time for childrenÂ’s activities and that separates work and family is an essential in many families.

4. Do parents talk too much when children are less than perfect?

Parents often spend a great deal of their time telling children what they already know. Anyone ever said something like, “How many times do I have tell you to put your toys away before dinner?” Kids know what they are meant to do yet we remind them. It is better to put an action in place – i.e. don’t put dinner on the table until toys are packed away – so kids know you mean what you say.

5. Does the misbehaviour intensify before it is eliminated if a change strategy is used?

Notice how childrenÂ’s misbehaviour will often get worse before it is eliminated. A child who usually cries out successfully for his parents when he is put to bed will turn up the volume if his parents change their behaviour and ignore his cries for one more drink or another story. He will probably add tears and say some pretty hurtful things as a way of pressing the old guilt buttons. It may take a while but he will test his parentsÂ’ new found will and work out if they have a backbone or not.

6. Do parents have some time for them?

Many family challenges stem from the fact that parents are tired and stressed. Parents with two or more children close in age or those with children under five generally have a difficult time of it. Parents need some time each day (very hard) and each week just for them. If not, then they generally become overwhelmed and lose perspective. They say they want strategies to deal with kids, when all they need is a break.

7. Do parents work together or does lack of teamwork contribute to the problems?

A big challenge for many parents is working together and getting on the same wavelength rather than working at odds with each other. Bedtime is a typical time when parents can inadvertently work against each other. For instance, one can settle the kids down while the other is busy amping them up with a game or two.

8. How will fixing one problem impact on the family?

It is amazing how resolving one parenting issue has a snowball effect on other problems. For instance, many parents who finally solve the battle of bedtimes find it is amazing whiningr childrenÂ’s whinging disappears. Yes, it is easier to cope with children when we have plenty of sleep under our belts but often the resolve we gain from overcoming something so draining gives us energy and the will to deal with lesser issues. And kids suddenly realise that mum and dad are suddenly different.
Keep an open mind if you do catch an episode of Super Nanny and look for principles behind the strategies so that you can adapt some of the ideas presented to suit your own family.

Michael Grose, a popular parenting expert, shows you practical ways to raise happy, confident, well-behaved kids and resilient teenagers. Improve childrenÂ’s confidence and behaviour now and get Michael's free ebook,
"25 ways to speak so children will listen"
at http://www.parentingideas.com.au/ . While you are there subscribe to Happy Kids newsletter and get regular updates to build your 21st Century parenting manual.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Grose

Dog Doors Can Solve Many Problems For You and Your Indoor/Outdoor Pet

By Mike Long

Dog doors are beneficial for both dogs and the owners. When a dog is given the freedom to come and go as he pleases, he gains a new sense of security! He won’t have to ‘hold it’ while he waits for his owner to either come home or hang up the phone. He can play outside when the weather is nice and come in when it isn’t.

Dog doors have also allowed dog owners a new sense of freedom. They don’t have to leave a party early anymore because they feel guilty knowing their dog is about to pop. In addition to new freedom, they put an end to accidents, incessant door scratching, and three a.m. wake up calls from your dog. Pet doors are the best kept secret, but why?!

Many people refuse to consider pet doors because they are afraid intruders will use them to enter the house. Although a legitimate fear, there are ways around this. Possibly the best way around this is an electronic pet door. This door opens automatically from a censor device placed on the dog’s collar; preventing anything not wearing the collar from coming into the house.

Putting one on the backside of the house where intruders are less likely to be is another possibility. For the truly frightened person, a doghouse can be installed into a wall instead of a door. If you want to hide it, a dog house with a door cut in the back can be pushed against the wall covering up the pet door; no one will ever know it’s there, except of course, the dog.

I'd like dog doors in my house, but I'm a renter! Do I have any options?

Many renters are hesitant about installing pet doors in for fear of upsetting the home owners. Now a day there is even a solution for that; sliding glass pet doors! These doors are cut in an actual sliding glass door. You simply remove the existing door from its hinges and hang the one with the pet door in its place. When it is no longer needed the original door can be replaced.

Some people are very picky about their homes and don’t want to compromise the aesthetics with ugly dog doors. These people have a great alternative in wall installation. The home owner can install it into the wall of a room with very little traffic. If the idea of the door being visible from the outside bothers them, the door can be hidden by the doghouse.

There are so many new innovative products on the market these days consumers can just about make anything possible. Pet doors are an amazing product that people with inside/outside dogs don’t want to ignore! Check them out; your dog will thank you.

Mike Long runs a dog training website that focuses on educating people about the different ways of training your dog or puppy. If you would like to learn more, including additional articles, and training tips, tricks, and ideas, check out his site at http://dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Long

Your Holiday Survival Checklist

By Indra Books

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to be like the last few, but yet you are already feeling that holiday anxiety. The TO DO list even if unwritten seems to be growing by the day right along side the gift list. If the holidays are stressful and you start to wish they didn’t come each year then you are doing something wrong and you need to regroup. Not to worry...we are here to help!

If you don't have a TO DO list and are just swirling around, STOP...and make a list. Categorize your list...you know...organize it by types of tasks.

If at this point you are already overwhelmed, do not proceed to step 4.

Call ON THE GO 4 U (or a local concierge in your area) right now. Assign time limits to the tasks. Similar tasks (that's why we categorized) can probably be knocked off at one time. Make a schedule. You know your daily routines. Now add the TO DO list tasks to the routine. If at this point you see no way to schedule another thing in your day: a) refer to our November article "Don't be a Statistic", b) Call ON THE GO 4 U (or a local concierge in your area) right now and c) do not proceed to Step 7 because help is on the way.

OK, now you have the list and the schedule. Stick to it! The easiest way for things to fall apart is for you to get sidetracked.

Things for your TO DO list that you may have forgotten:

Holiday Cards

Stamps (purchase now if you want themed ones)
All mailing should be done no later than Dec 18 to avoid the rush and additional shipping costs.

Holiday Open House or Party

Consider having an after the holidays party...people need a break and some fun in Jan/Feb. Invitations should be sent 3 weeks in advance of the event.

Office/School Gifts

Wrapping Supplies (Paper, Ribbon, Tape, Labels)
Decorations

Remember to put on the tunes, stay relaxed and enjoy what is supposed to be a joyous season, not a chore.

Now that you have these holiday tips, we hope that your holiday is safe and sane.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience.

In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net.

© 2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Indra_Books

How To Buy An MP3 Player

By Gary Hendricks

Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not sure which type and model to buy? There is a wide variety of MP3 players out there, from flash memory based players to hard drive based players. Choosing a good player from the market is no easy task. What features should you look for? What are the key considerations? This article aims to answer those questions and more. Now, let’s see how we can pick the perfect MP3 player.

Types of MP3 player

There are essentially four types of MP3 players in the market today. These include flash-based players, hard-drive based players and MP3 CD players. Let’s look at them in turn.

Flash-based MP3 players

Flash-based MP3 players have a flash memory chip built-in. They tend to be very tiny, ultra-portable and have no moving parts. As a user, you can do all your sports activities without worrying about your music skipping a beat. The downside to flash players is their high cost per megabyte. These players range from 32MB to 2GB, and the most popular models tend to be those from the Creative Muvo line, the iRiver iFP series and more recently, the Apple iPod Shuffle.

Hard-drive based MP3 players

Hard-drive based MP3 players use a 1.8-inch hard disk drive to store your music. The hard disk can hold large amounts of music – we’re talking about 10GB and above. If you have a large music library and want to store tons of music, a hard-drive based MP3 player is the way to go. The cost per megabyte is very low. The downside? Well, due to the hard disk drive, which has moving parts, these players are not suited for rough physical activity or extreme sports. One of the most popular MP3 players in this category is the Apple iPod, which is selling like hot cakes out there.

Micro hard-drive based MP3 players

More recently, manufacturers have come up with micro hard-drive based MP3 players like the Apple iPod Mini, Creative Zen Micro and Rio Carbon. Featuring a smaller hard drive (which still gives ample storage space of about 4 to 5 GB), they have a much more compact design compared to full fledged hard disk players. The few models mentioned above are selling like crazy too.

MP3 CD players

MP3 CD players are another type of MP3 player. These units look and feel like regular CD players. You can burn up to 150 MP3 songs to fill one CD-R disc, then play it on the unit. The disadvantage of such players is their large size and their tendency to skip if jostled.

Key Features of MP3 Players

Having looked at the different types of MP3 players, let’s look at the key features of an MP3 player.

Size and weight: If you’re looking to bring your MP3 player on trips or on sporting activities, a small compact design is very important. In such cases, you should go for a small flash based player or one of the micro hard drive players.

Storage capacity: This is an important factor too. If you need to store your whole music library into the MP3 player, then you probably need a hard drive based player with 10GB of storage or above. If you only want a few select songs to listen to on the subway, then a flash based player would suffice. Do take note that some players offer expansion slots in the form of CompactFlash or SD cards.

Battery Life: This is often overlooked. Battery life is a very important consideration, especially if you’re out with your player and have no way to recharge. Hard disk players tend to have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries while some flash players offer AAA battery support. I personally own a Creative MuVo Micro N200 which uses AAA batteries. This is great for me because once it runs out, I can just pop in a new one – no hassles about finding some electrical socket to recharge.

Connectivity Options: The way the MP3 player connects to your computer is also an important factor. The latest models tend to support high-speed USB 2.0 transfers. The better ones like the Apple iPod also give Firewire support.

File Format Support: You will most likely be wanting to play MP3 songs on your player. However, if you want to listen to a wider variety of music files, like WMA or OGG Vorbis, then make sure you see it in the player specs.

Other Considerations

Many of the latest players also include features I’ve not covered in the above. For example, some players come with a built-in FM tuner, which is very useful if you get tired of your MP3 music. Other have a built-in voice recorder which allows you to record audio as WAV files.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many considerations to think about when purchasing an MP3 player. To get the most suitable player, you want to think about how you will use the player. Usage should drive your purchase decision. The other thing to take note of is to shop around, both online and offline – compare prices before shelling out the cash. Good luck hunting for that MP3 player!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on digital photography.
Visit his website at http://www.digital-music-guide.com for tips and tricks on selecting MP3 players, music services and music software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hendricks

Home Buying Tip: 7 Key Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

By Brandon Cornett

This home buying tip will help you ask the right questions when researching home inspectors.

A proper home inspection will give you the comfort of knowing your new home has been checked for breakage, disrepair and other problems.

But it all starts with choosing a professional home inspector who can give your home the thorough review it needs. So don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions when choosing a home inspector. Here are seven key questions to ask:

1. What all do you inspect? Different states have different rules for home inspectors. So you need to know up front what your state requires of inspectors, and then you need to make sure the inspector will actually cover those areas. Ask to see a blank copy of their inspection report or checklist. This will show you exactly what the inspector covers. If they have a problem showing you this document, find another home inspector!

2. What certifications do you have? Like other home-based industries, home inspection has its share of frauds and phonies. It's safe to assume they represent the minority, but it still pays to ask about certification. A professional home inspector will be happy to tell you about his certifications.

3. Do you specialize in residential or commercial inspections? Be sure your inspector specializes in what you want him to do. In this case, make sure they specialize in residential / home inspections (instead of commercial property inspections).

4. How long have you been inspecting homes in this area? General experience is fine, but regional or local experience gives a home inspector an extra edge. For instance, if an inspector has been working in your area for a long time, they probably know about unique conditions to watch for (radon levels, basement moisture, life expectancy of roofing, etc.).

5. How long do your home inspections usually take? * Home buying tip -- The average home inspection runs anywhere from two to four hours. If a home inspector tells you they can do it in an hour or less, you might want to dig a little deeper. Anything less than two hours is probably not a thorough inspection.

6. How much will the inspection cost? * Home buying tip -- Home inspections average between $300 and $500. This will depend on the size of the home and other factors. The cost of a home inspection is nominal when you consider the peace of mind it brings, but you still need to ask about the cost in advance. You don’t want to be surprised by an outrageously priced inspection after it has been completed.

7. Can I attend the inspection? A home inspection is a great opportunity to learn about the inner workings of your home. Many home inspectors will let you proceed through the house alongside them. That way, they can educate you about your roof, heating and cooling system, water heater, etc.

Conclusion This home buying tip will help you choose a professional, qualified home inspector. As a result, you’ll get a more thorough review of the home before buying it, and you’ll enjoy more peace of mind!

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. Learn more!
This home buying tip was brought to you by HomeBuyingInstitute.com, the Internet's largest library of home buying advice. Increase your home buying intelligence by visiting: http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Cornett

2006-2007 School Year What's a Mom To Do

By Bob Roach

The time is almost here for your child to go back to school. How can we make this year this best that it can be? In the next few paragraphs I will give you some ideas that will improve the educational experience for your child.

If this year is going to be more successful than last year, something has to change. I am going to advise you to focus on just three areas to improve your child's' attitude and aptitude in school. These are the three areas I advise you to concentrate on: Goal setting, reading, and incentives.

Goal Setting

Before the new school year starts, you as a parent, should sit down with your child and discuss the previous years progress in school. At this time you need to positively encourage and praise the accomplishments of the previous year. I know that you are creative enough to find positive feedback. Then it is important that you discuss the importance of having a written plan for the start of a new year.

This is where you introduce the idea of goal setting. Talk about the importance of knowledge and how much power it gives us over those who are not educated. Let your child know that you think education is important. Be real and sensitive with your child as you share your own educational experiences with them.

Then the two of you need to write down at least three realistic short term and two long term goals for the up coming year. If you are like most of us you are thinking... like what. That depends on the child. If you have a child that is in the second grade and they read on the fifth grade level, then you may want to challenge your child to read books of his or her choice that are at the sixth grade reading level. However if they are already a strong reader, you may want to challenge them to spend more time reading science or social studies material. Make the goal specific. (Read magazine articles about science in the first week of school for thirty minutes every other day)

Short term goals should address the weaknesses, that you are aware of, from the previous year. If spelling was a problem then set a realistic goal to be able to spell a specific number of new words each week.

Long term goals on the other hand should deal with outcomes. They should also deal with the ability to do something rather than just having knowledge. A basketball player learns to pass, dribble and shoot. A long term goal would be the ability to actually play the game. A sixth grader needs to know about the scientific method. The long term goal would be using the scientific method to either prove or disprove a theory. Post your goals on the bulletin board or refrigerator in your house.

Reading

I can not over emphasize the importance of encouraging your child to read. You can not start too early. Every one preaches about reading to your infant and that is important. But, we must get our children to transition from being read to, to reading for either knowledge or entertainment. I include entertainment because of the importance of having good early experiences in reading. Not only will this help your children comprehend more but it will also help them write better!

Incentive

I can hear you now. "How do I get my child to actually do anything? I can't even get him to make up his bed or empty the trash." It is at this point that I inform you that if they are young it is easy. All you have to do is work on their value system. Continually lead by example so that your young child will know that you value education. It is amazing how much they want to be like us when they are little. Do you remember when your child had that play lawn mower and wanted to mow just like dad. Well, let me tell you. If your child does not see you reading and leading by example then it will be very difficult to convince them that they should value education.

On the other hand, if they are already in middle school, you may have to work even harder. Because now your child will not think it is important just because you say it is. It will take a very creative parent to make fun and games into learning experiences that will enhance a child's' education. Now you have to be creative enough to make it fun. I can not over emphasize the importance of making sure that your child has a value in education. Very few people do anything if they do not believe in it.

Let's review our keys to success, If we want this school year to be a great learning experience for our child we must put a plan in place by setting short and long term goals. If we do this we will send a great message to our child. They will know that we our willing to invest our time in helping them have a productive year. We must also make reading available and fun for them. And in order for this plan to work we must make sure they have incentives to actually do the work.

Here is to you! A toast, "May you and your children have a productive, educational, and fulfilling year."

Bob Roach Father of one and middle school teacher of literally thousands over the past thirty years. To find out more parenting tips write me at: rproach@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Roach

Essential Oils How To Use - Aromatherapy Spray

By KG Stiles

Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic uses and benefits. The method applied can affect your results. In this article I will talk about how to use an aromatherapy spray to enhance the health of your living environment, as well as its ambiance.

First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

Allow Your Senses the Healing Presence of Your Own Personalized Room Spray. Scent Your Personal Space using the following recipe to create an aromatherapy room spray. Please use colored glass bottle misters.

BASIC RECIPE FOR YOUR AROMATHERAPY ROOM SPRAY:

To freshen and deodorize your personal and private space, as well as promote a germ free living environment simply add your essential oils to 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. The amount of oil used will depend upon the purpose of your aromatic mist.

Air Freshener ~ 40-60 drops essential oil in 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. Suggested oils to use: Lavender, Sweet Orange, Atlas Cedarwood

Deodorizer ~ 60-80 drops essential oil in 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. Suggested oils to use: Lavender, Lemon, Himalayan Cedarwood

Anti-microbial ~ 80-100 drops in 4 ounces of distilled water, shake well and spray. Suggested oils to use: Lemon, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Bark

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest™ system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified Aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR. USA

PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's book, “Aromatic Medicine - Pathway to Health,” and her DVD about her AromaTest System of Healing, "Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal," are scheduled for release in 2006.
Click to learn about Essential Oils Basic Kit (4 oils)
Click to learn about KG's other PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products Menu
Click to learn about Essential Oils Complete Kit (9 oils)

Contact KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles

Internet Banking - How Secure is It?

by John Gibb

The biggest concern that people have when they start using Internet banking is security. The media is full of scare stories about foreign hackers breaking into thousands of bank accounts and draining out all the money, leaving some poor old couple missing their life savings. Many people have even been scared out of signing up for Internet banking at all by these kind of stories, thinking that it somehow puts them at risk. However, as long as you take the time to learn a little about the Internet, nothing could be further from the truth.

Before we go any further, there is one thing that is absolutely the most important thing you can know about Internet banking security. It is this: there is absolutely no guarantee that emails are from who they say they’re from. E-mail was designed back before people were concerned about Internet security (that’s why you get so much spam), and if you know what you’re doing, it’s really very easy to make an email look like it came from absolutely anyone, anywhere. With this in mind, you should simply ignore any email that says it comes from your bank, and never click any links that the emails may contain.

That’s the biggest risk out of the way, but there are still a few other things to watch out for. When you go to your bank’s website, make sure that you’ve really ended up at the right place by looking for the address in the address bar towards the top of the screen – it should be the address of your bank’s website, not anything strange. Also, make sure to look for the padlock icon in the bottom-right of your screen, as this tells you that your connection is secure. If you’re ever in doubt, close your web browser and start again, copying the bank’s website address carefully from a letter they sent you.

John Gibb is the owner of Internet Banking Guidance .

For more information on internet banking check out
http://www.internet-banking-guidance.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

New Perspectives: Increasing Your Creativity and Imagination Using the Art of Reframing

By Dan Goodwin

As creative people, we can, ironically, at times be very un-creative in our ways of thinking. We may have certain ideas, habits or assumptions that are burned into our behaviours and we simply do without questioning whether there is a better way, or even if there is another way at all.

What’s Reframing?

Reframing is a way to look at situations, behaviours and motivations in different ways and finding new perspectives.

If we think literally about reframing a picture, a sleek black modern frame around an old master or landscape is likely to makes us look at the painting within rather differently.

Similarly, a decadent gilt-edged gold frame around a modern piece of abstract expressionism is likely to cause an unexpected and different reaction too.

Let’s consider two elements to reframing. Firstly, reframing a negative inner voice or critic -

Find the Positive Intention

We all are aware of negative thoughts that crop up in our minds at the most inconvenient times. Consider looking at these slightly differently though. The next time you have a negative or critical voice in your head, stop and ask what the positive intention is behind that voice or criticism.

Be open to a number of possibilities. Often, our inner critic will go into overload when we’re approaching something new or different, simply as a way of trying to protect us. Often too, the protection is from “failing”. The logic here is simple - “If you don’t try, you can’t fail”.

Keep asking your inner critical voice what the positive intention is behind the negative criticism, until you can agree. What is it exactly that you’re inner critic wants to achieve by criticising you in this way?

New method, same result

Next, use your creativity to find all the other possible ways you can achieve the same positive intention, the same outcome your inner critic wants to achieve by criticising you.

Make the assumption that there ARE different – and possibly better – ways of getting the same outcome. Pick three of the best options then imagine going through each of these in your mind, and experiencing the outcome.

Reframing situations

Another way reframing can help us exercise and increase our creativity is to look at everyday situations in new ways, and consider what the stories behind them may be.

Imagine a young man walking down the street wearing a certain pair of designer sports shoes. What could the possible reasons be that he’s wearing this particular brand and style?

Maybe it’s because they’re the latest model from this manufacturer and all his friends wear them? Maybe he worked for a rival brand and left on bad terms and is wearing them as an act of defiance?

It could be that his father works for the company and gets the sports shoes at a cheaper price? Or he has a foot injury and these are the only shoes he’s tried that he finds comfortable?

Or maybe he just liked the colour..?

This is just a simple example and of course there could be many other alternative explanations. The point is, we can look at a very simple scenario and imagine a whole host of possible ways of looking at it, or “reframing” it.

Practice this short exercise yourself and imagine the most wild and implausible background intentions and stories to everyday happenings.

Use reframing to inspire your own creative work

Both of the above methods help us look at common everyday occurrences in a different way. How can you apply the idea of reframing to your own creative works?

Whatever creative projects you’re currently working on, think of all the different ways you could look at them, the different ways ANYONE could look at them, and use this to inspire you in different directions.

Maybe that new painting you’re working on is a special commission for the King of Spain? Maybe it’s going to be a purely physical painting, the first you’ve ever painted without a story behind it? Maybe it’s going to be the quickest painting you’ve ever done? Or the slowest?

These are just possible ideas of what the piece of work might be about, they don’t have to be true even.

Sometimes a simple reframe is all we need to get us started again on a difficult project. The more imaginative you can be, and the more you can use these ideas, the easier and more spontaneous your creativity will become.

© Copyright 2006 Dan Goodwin.

Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin is the author of “Create Create!”, a FREE twice monthly ezine for people who want simple and powerful articles, tips and exercises to help them unleash their creative talents. Sign up right now and get your FREE “Explode Your Creativity!” Action Workbook, at http://www.CoachCreative.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Goodwin

What You Can do About Identity Theft

By Chet Holcomb

Identity theft is a serious problem nowadays. Almost everyone is susceptible to being a victim. As technologies advance, so does the capabilities of such crime from developing further. Identity theft happens when somebody uses your personal information in order to commit fraud and other crimes. There are many ways that criminals can get into your personal information. They can get your personal information from other businesses or institutions where have been a customer.

There are companies that may be keeping your personal information and these businesses are prime targets for identity thieves. One way they can steal these personal information records is by being former employees. Criminals may also be able to get their hands on these records by bribing other employees. More technologically advanced criminals may be able to hack these records online. They can also trick other employees to give them such valuable information that can be worth millions to those who need them.

Other ways that criminals may be able to steal your personal information is through stealing your mail as well as your bank or credit card statements. Your personal information can even be stolen from your tax records. Other criminals can simply go through your trash or that of careless companies who do not take good care of disposing of confidential but seemingly unwanted records.

Some criminals even go to the extent of using high tech gadgets in order to retrieve your personal information from computers, and other storage facilities. There are just many methods available for criminal to steal your personal information if you are not very careful with it. It can be a very costly problem for you aside from being a very inconvenient situation. Before identity theft can do further damage, you should be able to take the necessary precautions in order to stop it on its tracks.

If you feel that your personal information has been stolen in any way, there are some things that you can do in order to fight against it. One of the best ways to catch identity theft is by regularly checking your credit records and bank statements. The most costly of identity theft are those that concern your credit card. Once a criminal may have control over your credit records and information, he may be able to use it at will in your very expense. The criminal gets the money, you pay for it. That is as easy as it gets. In order to prevent it from happening to you, you must be always aware of your credit record and bank statements.

You must have a good idea of what your purchases are and how they come up in your credit records. Noticing anything out of the ordinary can mean that someone may have been using your account without you knowing it. Once you notice such discrepancies, you must report it immediately to the concerned authorities. Report it immediately to your bank or to the credit institution to which you are a member.

You can have your credit card or account blocked temporarily to prevent any further purchases by the identity thieves. Another thing that you can do is by immediately closing the accounts that you know are being tampered with. You can also file a complaint with the police and submit a copy of the complaint to your creditor as proof that you have been a victim of such crime.

Chet Holcomb of Identity Theft Assist researches and supplies information to help peoples protect their there valuable credentials from identity theft.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chet_Holcomb

How to Make Your Own Homemade Catfish Bait

By Darren Takenaga

Have you ever been fishing and witnessed someone catching all the fish? I have many times. When I see someone hauling in stringers full of fish I get very curious. On occasion, I have asked about their secret techniques pertaining to equipment and bait.

A lot of times I will get the polite smile and response such as “just lucky today” or “you know…same ol’ stuff.” I’ll ask what type of bait and that is usually when I will get the silent treatment. The typical response, “sorry, secret family recipe” or “if I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.”

Through the years, I have collected some very useful information concerning fishing baits. The most important realization was that the people who were catching the most fish were not using store bought baits. It seems that they made their own baits.

Some anglers in the past divulged some secrets pertaining to their baits. I thank them for it. I have developed my own formulas but this is not the time or place to reveal them. However, I have compiled the main ingredients found in the most potent catfish bait formulas.

I want to encourage you to develop your own formulas based on these ingredients found below. You will notice that these ingredients are easy to find. You can find the majority of the supplies at a well stocked grocer.

When developing your own formulas, do not use all the ingredients listed. Just take three or four items and see what happens. You are not bound to the items listed below. Feel free to test others.

I have found the most important aspect of making your own bait is testing. You will need to test your homemade bait several times because maybe a certain day, the fish aren’t biting, or there are no fish, or some other variable that has nothing to do with the potency of the bait. Bring several batches of your baits on your fishing outing and test several to increase your chances of success.

Another tip is to write everything down. You don’t want to develop bait and find that it is successful only to realize that you forgot how to make it. Also, you can make batches of bait for literally pennies a pound. You may store the batches in zipper plastic bags in the freezer.

Since these ingredients are for developing catfish bait, I will warn you ahead of time to do your experimenting in the garage or outdoors because some of the ingredients have a pungent smell and some create a mess.

1) Uncooked oatmeal – popular as a base (keeps all the ingredients together in a doughy mixture)
2) Baking flour – another popular base
3) Corn and wheat flakes or similar types of cereals – base to keep bait on hook
4) Water – required in most cases to help make the mixture workable
5) Garlic salt – found in most store bought baits (probably a good idea if you used it also)
6) Garlic powder – similar to salt but may alter the fish attractant properties
7) Can of tuna – found in many homemade bait recipes. Maybe the old timers know something.
8) Anise oil extract – almost a requirement for all types of fishing bait
9) meats from the meat counter (raw livers, brains, fish parts) – the more blood, the better
10) canned or packaged meats such as cat food, dog food, spam, sandwich meats, hot dogs – an alternative to the raw meats
11) cheeses – smellier the better – think limburger or rotten cheddar
12) miscellaneous – fish food pellets, cattle feed pellets, molasses, gelatin mixes, can of corn, strawberry soda, bbq sauce
13) Zipper storage bags – great for mixing your ingredients, storage, and taking to fishing hole.

Remember, if it smells, is bloody, or rotted, it might be a great addition to your catfish bait formula. I hope this will information will get you started in developing your own secret catfish bait.

The most important tip of all is to remember to have fun. Share the experience with your family and friends. Have contests on who catches the most fish with his or her bait. I guarantee you will remember the fishing stories for the rest of your life.

Darren Takenaga is an outdoor enthusiast, and avid angler.

Visit http://www.catfishbaitandtips.com/ to discover secret fish bait recipes to fill your stringer full of fish.

Email: darren.takenaga@gmail.com You may also join my Free Ezine called Fish Bait & Lure. It is a monthly publication delivered via email and contains a fish bait recipe and anything else of interest to fishing enthusiasts.

http://www.MakeYourOwnFishBait.com/subscribe.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Takenaga

Understanding the Frugal Lifestyle

By Martin Lukac

If you want to learn how to save money, you might want to consider becoming frugal. It isn't exactly what you are thinking.

Yes, some frugal people hang their laundry to dry on a clothesline. Some make their own soap and crochet plastic grocery bags into doormats. Others find joy in freezing every leftover scrap.

You will find that frugal people take great joy in creative ways to save money. One of the most amazing I've come across is saving the water that runs in the shower as you wait for it to warm up to water your plants or flush your toilet with.

The first lesson of living frugal is to do what works for you. I don't have the time to spend making soap or saving my shower water. You simply have to look at the creative ways you can save money in your own life. For example, simple ways to start include buying a less expensive soap or spending less time in the shower.

You will find that as you start practicing little frugal things, you start looking at the world a little differently. It really is addictive. My household has had a total makeover. I shop differently and use things differently.

Frugal living is an endless process. There is something always new to learn. There is one more penny you can save.

The key is in paying attention to what you spend and where you spend it. You have to track every penny you spend. Look at the trends in your shopping. Commit to not purchasing anything else until you have used up what you have.

For example, I found that I was spending $200 every two weeks for groceries. I was also throwing away food (such as salad) that I bought too much of. Now that I am shopping once a week, that spending is cut in half. And we are eating it all and eating fresher fruits and veggies.

One thing that really works for me is to focus on what is inside my home. It's not about keeping up with the neighbors. That lifestyle will land you in debt and never satisfy you. The more we stay home, the less we spend. We use what we have, not making a shopping trip whenever we feel like it. I've found that years of shopping has led me to be able to complete thousands of projects without ever buying another craft or scrapbooking item. I plan to use everything before I buy anything else.

If you save money on something, don't spend it on something that doesn't matter. You won't ever see the pennies you are saving if you don't put them away. Saving on your groceries may not matter at all if you take the savings and spend them. Put your weekly savings into a jar or savings account or investment. Pay off that debt. Contribute to an IRA. Make those pennies count.

You have to have goals. Why do you want to be frugal? If you don't have a reason to save money, you won't. Work towards your goal every day. And remember -- we are all human. We slip up and buy things we shouldn't. We make financial mistakes. But all you can do is get back on track and deal with it. And look for a new way to be frugal.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com

and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Lukac

New Driver Car Insurance - Tips to Save Money with Your New Driver

By Jessica Farrell

As a new driver, expect to pay more for your car insurance than you would if you were an older more experienced driver. All is not lost, however, there are things you can do to take the sting out of the cost of insurance and lower your rate.

1. Vehicle: Stay away from brand new, very expensive, very fast, sport cars. Expensive cars cost more to insure, the more horse power, the higher and the premium. Go for something that is older, with many safety features. Companies offer discounts for features like automatic seatbelts, airbags and anti-lock brakes.

2. Drivers Education: As a new driver, it will help your insurance rate if you take an approved drivers safety course. Chat with your insurance agent before taking the course. You want to make sure that they recognize and approve of the institution offering the class. Aside from getting good driving information, you do want to get the insurance premium discount so make sure that it is one accepted by your insurance carrier.

3. Sober Driving: This is a no brainer, but needs to be said. Driving while under the influence is not only dangerous, but costly in more ways than one. If you are stopped with a DUI, not only will your insurance rates increase, if you are under aged, it is illegal and your insurance company may void your coverage.

4. Student Drivers: If you're a new young driver that is still in school, maintaining good grades (B average or above) may earn a discount of up to 25% of your insurance premium.

5. Talk to your agent. Your insurance agent is aware of various discounts offered by the insurance company. You might qualify for some of them, but you won't know unless you ask.

6. Compare: Get quotes from more than one company. Shop around. Hang in there. You're only new once; rates will go down with driving experience.

View our Recommended Car Insurance Company for New Drivers, a simple site that has an easy to fill out application. It also has a lot of great info about Home Insurance and Health Insurance
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Farrell

Frugal Gifts for Frugal Gals

By Cheryl Johnson

A frugal gift is measured first by it's usefulness. Speaking from my own experience, I would say that my most appreciated gifts are those that I not only find useful, but that I would have had to purchase myself at some point. With that in mind, the frugal mind that is, the gift actually serves two practical purposes; It is useful and saves me money.

If you are a frugal gal, this task will be much easier for you. If great minds think alike, the same is true of frugal minds. Simply look within yourself. The frugal gal can get excited about the most ordinary of items. For the rest of you, here's a little help.

Although you may question some items on the list, remember, the frugal gal enjoys frugal things! She looks to get the best value for her money and this IS what makes her happy! It just makes sense that providing a practical frugal gift that may also save money, will make her happy. Isn't that what great gifts should do? So here's to happiness and the pursuit of the frugal lifestyle! Happy holidays, happy birthdays, happy Mother's day, etc. etc. etc....

FRUGAL GIFT BASKET IDEAS

Some of these unique gift baskets might seem odd or unusual to the average person. If you're a frugal gal, you'll completely understand. The rest of you will just have to trust me.

THE LAUNDRY GIFT BASKET

For the frugal gal who holds onto things until they fall apart (or even after they fall apart). This is the gal who has a laundry basket held together with duct tape, tied together with string or rope, or repaired several times with other various ingenious methods. Probability is, she may not even have a laundry basket. I have several produce boxes (they are extremely strong, especially banana boxes) that make wonderful laundry carriers! And, they are free. Fill a sturdy laundry basket with one or two boxes each:
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
20 Mule Team Borax
A few bars of Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

I say "sturdy" basket because it will inevitably be put to the test by a frugal gal! If your frugal gal doesn't need a new laundry basket, you can give these gifts in an appropriate size traditional gift basket or just gift bag 'em. This is a great gift for anyone who doesn't mind saving money. And, I don't know anyone who minds! I would mix up one batch and put in a tightly sealed container. (You can make a decorative container yourself i.e. - a quart mason jar and some decorative fabric banded over the top. Tie with pretty ribbon.) Place with the laundry detergent ingredients to get them to try it and started down the right path. Include the following Laundry Detergent Recipe with the Laundry Basket Gift.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

Options:
1. If budget allows, throw in some cloth napkins, utility towels, bath towels, hand towels, or washcloths.
2. Make a little book with a variety of laundry tips, tricks, and homemade recipes. This is great for a new bride.

THE CLEANING GIFT BASKET

The frugal gal makes her own cleaning solutions and is always looking for cleaning and organizing tips. The cleaning basket might include such items as, a couple of spray bottles, steel wool, a pumice stone, cream of tartar, vinegar, baking soda, gloves, scrub brushes, utility towels or cleaning rags, dusters, cloth diapers (make great cleaning rags), household cleaning and organizing tips book or recycling tips.
Top with a personalized cleaning shirt or apron or any other little cleaning gadgets you think your frugal gal might find handy. Throw in a coupon for a coffee break date, with you, at your home, her home, or a local coffee shop! Your treat of course.

THE KITCHEN GIFT BASKET

The kitchen basket contents is limited only to your imagination! This is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. Frugal gals know the importance of saving through cooking. If you're a frugal gal you can reflect on your own needs and frequent uses to spark some ideas. By the way, the "basket" doesn't have to be a basket. Did that make sense? You'll see what I mean. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Baker's Basket: Fill a large mixing bowl or basket [she'll probably get more use out of the bowl ;-)] with baking tools and/or supplies as much as will suit your budget. i.e. - Wire whisks of various sizes, wooden spoons, measuring spoons and cups, a sifter, cookie cutters, rubber spatulas (you know, those things you use to scrape every last bit of batter out of the bowl. My husband and I still argue about what these are called), a bag of bulk yeast, can of baking powder, various spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, etc.), vanilla extract, or anything else you know your frugal gal or cook will use or needs.
Top it all off with a personalized apron. Make or buy an apron and write the person's name or a personal message, poem, or saying on it, using a fabric paint pen or paints. Other contents might include a cookbook, some of your own favorite recipes printed neatly on a recipe card or made into a mini cookbook, a recipe file, cookbook stand, well I could go on and on.

2. Cook's Basket: Fill a large stock pot or basket with a variety of cooking utensils or supplies. i.e. - Most of the above items could be considered as well as, ladles, cutlery, small strainer/s, tongs, special seasonings, cooking spices (Italian seasoning, cumin, onion powder, garlic, oregano, thyme, etc) and again, top it off with a pretty apron! Throw in a cookbook if your budget allows and/or toss in some homemade recipes for taco seasoning, chicken bake coating, stuffing, whatever you can find to replace higher priced store bought mixes.
A good idea might be to actually make the mixes and give them already mixed in a tightly sealed container or jar along with the recipe. How to save money on groceries tips or book.

THE FOOD GIFT BASKET

1. Frugal Food Basket: Mix up some master baking mix, pancake mix, cookie mix, or muffin mix. Pick and choose or give them all in tightly sealed containers or jars and attach recipes for using and the mix recipe. Decorate accordingly of course. Specialty rice and rice mixes, bean mixes, bean and rice mixes, oatmeal, and couscous. A pack of herb seeds or starter plants for indoor herb gardening. Top it off with an apron, or a gift card from your local grocery store.

2. Treat Gift Basket: Now this one is great to give the frugal gal food items that her budget, or frugal mind, just won't allow. Even frugal gals have favorite gourmet items that they love but rarely treat themselves to. For instance, I love Macadamia nuts. But they are very expensive, making them cost prohibitive for my financial goals right now.

If you don't already know, ask a spouse or close relative what items the recipient enjoys. Fill a basket or other creative container with those foods and other various specialty foods, snacks, nuts, and/or cheeses. Remember to take into consideration any diet restrictions and select your contents accordingly.

3. Coffee or Tea Gift Basket: I'm a true coffee lover. But, as a frugal gal, I know that a common brand will get me through the day just as well as a gourmet brand. That doesn't change the fact that I enjoy a good cup of gourmet or specialty coffee once in a while. But, with my current financial goals, the treat comes few and far between. The coffee basket will definitely be appreciated by the frugal gal who loves a good cup of joe! Pack that basket with several different brands of gourmet or specialty coffee or a lot of the one brand you know she loves. Include a permanent coffee filter to fit the brand of coffeemaker she uses to show you haven't forgotten her practical side! You can easily adapt the contents to fit the tea lover instead. Top it off with a nice coffee cup.

THE GARDENER'S GIFT BASKET

The gardener's basket is simply a collection of any supplies a home gardener might need; A garden knee pad, gardening tools, seeds, (starter plants if it's the right time of year) Gardening books and tips. Starter pots. Containers for the container gardener. Gloves and a hat.

SEWING GIFT BASKET

Fill a basket or sewing box with a variety of sewing notions. Include some decorative fabric or a collection of scrap fabrics; Sewing patterns or instructions for home decorating sewing tasks or sewing level appropriate apparel patterns. In other words, keep it real. Not everyone is a seamstress but, most frugal gals can make a curtain or pillow cover given simple instructions. Your frugal gal might be a mender or a seamstress. Choose your gift basket contents accordingly. Include such novelties as velcro, snaps, hemming tape (or fusion tape), iron on patches, as these will be handy for most frugal gals.

Now don't worry frugal gals, I've got your back! ;-) I wouldn't want your friends and family to think you will be offended if they give you a non-frugal gift. So here's my last thought......

Although the frugal gal will love and appreciate the practical, useful, gift like no one else can, she is indeed a woman. So, if the notion strikes, you may certainly reward her with a luxury gift. The frugal gal will enjoy a luxurious treat that she would not normally consider for herself. For example, a trip to the salon for a professional manicure, pedicure, or hair style.

If you know your frugal gal has had her eye on an outfit, or other item, that she's convinced she doesn't need but secretly admires and wants, of course (if your budget allows) Get It For Her! Odds are she won't buy it for herself and she will surely be happy to receive it as a gift. She'll get to have something she wants but doesn't actually need, and still remain faithful to her lifestyle or financial commitments.
I hope these ideas help you create beautiful gifts for anyone in your life. Choosing a basket theme to suit the recipients interests or needs is always a winning gift. Personalized gifts are more appreciated and keep on giving. Each time the recipient uses the item/s they are reminded of the thoughtfulness of the giver.

Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com/ - a self-help plan, ideas, and resources for a simple proven debt elimination strategy, household budget planning, frugal living, and practical home business ideas . Money saving tips for monthly bills, home decorating, gifts, weddings, groceries, clothing and much more save money every day.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Johnson

How to Tell if a Web Site Sells Authentic Designer Handbags

by Henk Devos

There are many web sites out there claiming to sell authentic designer handbags. Unfortunately, many of these web sites, although claiming to sell authentic handbags, are in reality selling fakes. Here are some simple tips that can help you figure out whether a web site is selling authentic goods.

1. Guarantee: A web site selling authentic hand bags will always have a guarantee: Authentic or money back. If this policy is not listed on the web site, contact the web site operators to find out if they offer such a guarantee. If they don't it indicates that they are not so very much convinced that the goods they are selling are really authentic.

2. Quality: If the web site claims that the products being sold are of the best quality, or something along these lines, something is wrong. If they are selling authentic goods, then the quality is constant and is equal to the quality offered by each competitor. If they talk about offering good quality, they are really saying that they have good quality fakes.

3. Chinese connections: Companies based in China are almost always selling fakes. To find out where a company is based, go http://whois.sc and enter the domain name. You will normally see who registered this domain. If this is an address in China, stay away. The domain information will also include the IP address. Click on this IP address and see it's information. You will, amongst other things, get a location. If the location is in China, stay away.

4. Louis Vuitton: If a web site is selling Louis Vuitton goods, this is usually a very bad sign. The only web sites that sell authentic Louis Vuitton goods are eluxury.com and vuitton.com. Other web sites may have a limited choice available in limited qualities, but even that is exceptional. Some people do sell authentic Louis Vuitton on eBay. These sellers will usually be a member of MyPoupette. Look for the MyPoupette logo before buying Louis Vuitton from eBay.

5. Contact: A trust worthy web site will list a street address. If a web site does not list a street address or phone number, stay away.

6. Return policy: Stay away from web sites that will not take returns.

There is no simply formula that will determine whether a web site sells authentic designer handbags. You always have to use your own judgment. But the above rules should help you make this judgment with better confidence.

About the author:
Henk Devos is the founder of Genuine Designer
Bags, a great source for authentic handbags by Fendi, Gucci,
JP Tod's, Marc Jacobs and more.

Frugal Living--Yard Sales Buying and Selling

By Cyndi Roberts

Yard sales (or garage sales as we call them in my part of Texas) are a wonderful frugal source for almost anything you need. They can also be a wonderful, frugal source of extra money almost any time you need it.

When shopping at yard sales, it's important to remember that most things you buy are not going to be in "new" condition, although there are times when you will find items that are brand new, in the box. And at a much lower price than in the store.

Most yard sales have lots of clothes for sale. But if you are willing to take a closer look, you may find tons of treasures. The other day I found a shiny cookie sheet in a box of "freebies"! I was thrilled and so was my son, who didn't have one!

My grandchildren have tons of books, most of which have been bought at yard sales. And all were in great condition and didn't cost over 50 cents apiece. I keep a lookout for seasonal items for kids such as coloring books, little stuffed animals, etc. Then when Valentine's, Halloween or other holidays roll around, we send the grandchildren a package filled with neat stuff for very little cash.

This summer I am also watching for "new-in-the-box" toys for children of all ages. In December, I'm going to send them with my son (who is in the Texas National Guard) to their annual Toy Drive. But almost every community has some sort of toy drive at Christmas time. This way, I will already have my contributions and won't need to go out and spend more money during the holiday season.

Yard sales are a great way to make some extra money, also. Plus, you can get rid of unwanted items at the same time. My daughter and I recently held a sale and here are some of the things we learned.

Put up signs. The newspaper goofed the weekend of our sale and left out all that week's yard sales. So we had to depend on our signs. Put as many out as you can. Find out ahead of time what kind of ordinances your town has about placement.

Take the time to make your signs...we bought ours and about halfway through the first morning, we noticed that we weren't getting any customers. So we checked out our signs--and they were gone! We put out more and the customers started coming again. But it was costly.

And when you make your signs, be sure to make them sturdy enough to stand up in the wind and also be sure your lettering is large enough to be seen by people driving by in cars. I think a large arrow pointing in the direction they need to go is helpful.

Be sure to plainly mark your items. It will save you lots of time during the sale if you don't have to talk to each customer about the price of every item. If you aren't sure what prices to ask, it might help to go out to some yard sales yourself in the weeks before your sale and check out what others are asking for items.

If you really want to get rid of something, be willing to negotiate on the price. By the same token, if you really want to get a certain amount, be willing to say no when someone asks for a price reduction.

When your yard sale is over, if you are lucky, you have space to store the leftovers until next time you need to hold a sale. However, if you're not one of the "lucky" ones, consider donating your items to the local Goodwill box.

Helping you live the good life...on a budget!

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly e-newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the e-newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cyndi_Roberts

The Fastest Way to Supermarket Savings

By Shauna Hanus

Food costs are one of the biggest budget busters around. Clipping coupons and watching for sales just doesn’t seem to be enough. So what is a family to do? Well here are 10 ways to cut costs and increase savings when it comes to supermarket shopping.

1. Buy meat off season look for steaks in the winter time when it is not barbeque season and roasts in the summer when it is just too hot to cook.

2. Shop for less expensive cuts of meat. Most meat will tenderize when placed in a slow cooker.

3. Try a stir fry; top round and eye round are good less expensive cuts of beef that make wonderful stir fry. Then fill in the meal with fresh vegetables and rice and you will have a delicious inexpensive meal.

4. Buy in bulk. This is one time that sales are the best bet. Buy large family sized packages when on sale then bring them home repackage them and freeze for later.

5. Choose boneless pork loin instead of pork chops. The meat has the same flavor while saving you money per pound.

6. Marinate. Try marinating meat in bottled salad dressing or soy sauce. This will not only flavor the meat but will tenderize the meat as well.

7. Shop for whole chickens instead of chicken breasts. You will have enough meat with one whole chicken for about three meals and then you can use the carcass to make soup or broth.

8. Make your own chicken nuggets. Pre cook chicken breasts then cut them into bite sized pieces. Then coat them in crushed corn flakes and freeze. Then when the kids want a quick snack just heat straight from the freezer.

9. If fresh vegetables are a bit expensive check out the freezer isle. Frozen vegetables are often times very affordable and packed full of nutrition.

10. Go organic, it may sound strange that this can save you money but you will waste less when paying more per pound.

Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. Sign up for her newsletter and learn more about Gourmayeats Weekly Recipe Club at http://www.gourmayeats.com/recipe.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shauna_Hanus